Kilkenny Observer 11th March 2022

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Friday 11 March 2022

Ukraine Invasion Our student’s flight to freedom in setback 

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Ukraine Fallout EU to move on war’s embattled food sector  See Pages 3 & 10

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Rachel safe in dash from Ukraine war CARLOW student Racheal Diyaolu has crossed the border from war-torn Ukraine.

In a video message she filmed at a border crossing with Romania, Racheal said she was “finally at safety”.

She said she was with her friends, and showed a big queue of people at the border.

The 19-year-old from Carlow, studying medicine in Ukraine, thanked people for their support.

“Big thank you to everyone back home who has been following my story and supporting me. I can’t explain how grateful I am.”

She also paid tribute to the two men, Joe McCarthy and Gary Taylor, who came to her assistance in Sumy and drove her to the Romanian border.

The men, who work as landscape gardeners, have described their relief at safely dropping Ms Diyaolu to the Ukrainian border.

Mr McCarthy, originally from Birmingham, and Mr Taylor spoke to RTÉ News from their vehicle in Ukraine, that they have used to rescue stranded civilians.

“It’s been a long day, a long process really, to get Racheal, six others and a young child safely to the border, was a relief,”said Mr McCarthy.

They picked up the group, the

third one they have transported, in the eastern city of Sumy, describing getting there as ‘Mission Impossible 3’.

“It’s been going on since Sunday, March 6. We had to travel up there, we had to try and get in. We had a lot of problems with the Russians. They stole my phone, they shot the tyres out,”Mr McCarthy said.

Mr Taylor also described how Russians soldiers held guns against their heads, and took their food.

The men said they have been afraid during their endeavours.

“I’m not going to lie. Having 3km of Russian army staring their tank barrels at us, was not very nice. It’s just one of those things that you get through and you carry on,” said Mr McCarthy. “We weren’t in the car, they were coming to Sumy.”

Ireland’s Employment & Recruitment Federation (ERF) has welcomed EU Commission measures to activate the Temporary Protection Directive to offer quick and effective assistance to people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Ireland could also expect to take up to 100,000 refugees, ministers were told. Adults will be issued with SIM cards.

THE rationing of gas and electricity may have to be introduced into Irish households and public transport services cut, ministers have been warned as the country braces for the full impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

And consumers have been told to expect a “significant” increase in the price of bread soon.

Food shortages loom as EVERY FRIDAY

soaring fuel costs hit farmers, with big increases also in the cost of gas, oil and electricity in the short and medium term, with “spill-over effects” for jobs and public finances.

The State has already been forced to tap into the country’s 90-day reserve of crude and refined oil.

See also Page 10

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

The families of healthcare workers who died of Covid will be given €100,000 each under a new scheme agreed by Cabinet, according to the Irish Independent.

The scheme will be open to the families of 22 public and private healthcare workers who died while working on the frontline during the pandemic.

Any healthcare worker deemed “essential” during the early phases of the pandemic will be eligible for a €100,000 tax free payment. This will include GPs. Covid Update, Page 14.

Girl (15) has gone missing Gardaí have launched a public appeal to trace a teenage girl who has been missing from Carlow since March 4.

Helen McDonnell (15), was last seen in the Killeshin Road area at around 5.30pm on the Friday evening.

Helen is described as being 5’ 1” in height, with a slim build.

She has long brown hair with blond highlights and blue eyes. When last seen Helen was wearing a black jacket and multi coloured leggings.

Anyone with any information should contact Carlow Gardai on 059 913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Ukraine latest, Page 15

War to see prices soar for Irish households

€100,000 for Covid dead

Glanbia ups mark with boycott +€100k

Our neutrality ‘needs debate’

A Citizens’ Assembly could be established to discuss our military neutrality, the Taoiseach has suggested.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has fundamentally changed the rules-based and left the EU exposed in terms of security.

He said a discussion was needed but now was not the right time.

KILKENNY’S Glanbia has ceased selling to the Russian market following the invasion of Ukraine.

The company’s Chief Executive Siobhan Talbot has confirmed that the group — which owns brands such as Slimfast and Optimum Nutrition — has halted activity in both Russia and Ukraine.

She said the two countries accounted for less than 2% of Glanbia’s overall €4.2bn in revenue last year.

The company said that it was “deeply saddened” by the war in Ukraine. It has pledged €100,000 to support the humanitarian response on the ground in Ukraine and said it would also match employee contributions.

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News

A fire-rising St Patrick’s Day for this year...

ST Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny has announced two fire raising additions to their 2022 programme all in aid of St Vincent De Paul. A fireworks display will take place over the iconic Kilkenny Castle on Friday, March 18 and the Firestorm fire and dance show

by Rogu will happen outside Butler Gallery on St Patrick’s Night. Tickets for both events are on sale now via www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com These events are part of a packed six-day St Patrick’s Festival programme that promises to light up the Marble City.

On St Patrick’s night Rogu brings you Firestorm. An explosion of fire, light, skill and the ridiculous outside Butler Gallery, in the heart of Kilkenny City. As the day closes after a fun-filled St Patrick’s Day this show will light up the night and mesmerise audiences bringing them on a journey where they won’t know what comes next!

From epic showdowns to ridiculous fantasy, from intense fire choreography to the dreamlike worlds of illusion and imagination. This is a show not to be missed! All proceeds from this event will benefit the St Vincent De Paul.

Tickets are limited and are on sale now! Find out more information b y going to https://stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com/

events/firestorm-by-rogu/ .

Mayor McGuinness said: “We are delighted to again support the St Vincent De Paul and to contribute to the work they do. Rogu dance and fire shows are incredible and loved by children and adults alike! It’s a great way to round off what promises to be an epic St Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny, as we finally return to the streets. Butler Gallery is a stunning venue, and it’s great to show off yet another of the county’s cultural attractions. I’m looking forward to it already.”

Continuing with the fire theme, fireworks are finally set to “light up the sky” over the iconic Kilkenny Castle on March 18. The event which began as part of Yulefest Kilkenny has previously been cancelled twice, first due to inclement weather and subsequently as a result of high Covid rates. The organisers have not been deterred and the event now forms part of the St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny.

Festival Director Marian Flannery told The Kilkenny Observer: “It’s great that this event can finally happen.

There has been huge interest in the fireworks and we’re delighted to expand capacity for this relaunched event. We were very disappointed to

have to cancel it at Christmas but, with the lifting of restrictions, I am delighted to be able to increase capacity of the event significantly.”

Organised in association

with Kilkenny County Council, the OPW and the St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny, tickets for this relaunched event are now on sale and available from stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com.

Ticket holders from the first event have been contacted and are advised that their tickets remain valid for this relaunched event. *More information about

St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny and this year’s programme can be found at www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com or on Facebook at @StPatricksDayKilkenny.

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News

‘We’ve failed’ children and homeless All the lessons we have learned from the pandemic to help improve the lives of children and young people must be a key focus for Government in 2022, according to the Children’s Rights Alliance, which has published its Report Card 2022.

The Report Card grades the Government on the progress

it has made towards keeping its promises to children and young people made in its Programme for Government commitments.

Speaking at the launch of the Report Card today, Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, said: “Over the past two years, children and young people have been

forced to adapt to a different way of life, and now we are asking them to go back to the way things were before. The Government’s emergency response to the pandemic in 2020 had a strong focus on preventative measures and resulted in fewer families in emergency accommodation.

“There is a strong appe-

tite now after the challenges of Covid to change things for the better; we should be building on what worked well rather than simply returning to the way things were before. We can’t allow progress to reverse. While there was a welcome target of ending homelessness by 2030 and key measures in the Government’s

new Housing for All Strategy, published in 2021, there is a need to introduce additional measures to step-up efforts to tackle child and family homelessness particularly Traveller families, families with disabilities and people leaving Direct Provision.,” she said.

“This is why the Government gets an ‘E’ grade in this area,

Wicklow man €27 million fraud case trial opens

Surabhi has science set on bootcamp SURABHI SATHISH (16), a student at Loreto Secondary School Kilkenny, as been taking part in the annual BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp at UCD. The BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp at the Dublin campus was established in 2010 by BT and is delivered in partnership with Nova UCD to give students the commercialisation skills they need to develop their BT Young Scientist & Technology project ideas into viable business ventures.

A total of 30 students from eight counties, including winners of the 58th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2022, Aditya Joshi and Aditya Kumar, are taking part in the four-day event in the hopes of claiming the highly coveted titles of Best Group and Best Individual.

All those taking part in the Bootcamp this year were participants in the

down from a ‘C’ grade last year.”

In December 2021, there were 1,077 families experiencing homelessness and 2,451 children experiencing homelessness; by the end of 2021, almost one in four children living in emergency accommodation in Dublin were there for more than two years.

BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, held virtually in January, and have been selected from the pool of prize winners shortlisted from special awards, category winners and top four award recipients.

The students are working throughout the week on six projects, selected by the judges from the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2022. A member of the original project team will work with four other Bootcamp students on their project, and they will develop the idea further based on the workshops they take part in throughout the week.

The students will experience first-hand the world of technology, commercialisation, business propositions and entrepreneurship, with the culmination of the four-day programme seeing the students pitching their ideas to an expert panel of judges.

Hospital claims for negligence

Library’s garden fun walk is elephants!

NEW figures show that the number of claims against hospitals for clinical errors and other incidents has risen each year for the last five years.

Last year, 105,424 incidents were reported, including almost 50,000 relating to clinical care.

It compares with 100,930 incidents reported in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2017, there were 79,403 claims against hospitals.

The data is from the State Claims Agency which manages claims in relation to clinical negligence.

THE Slí Na Scéalta project is an outdoor, free and self-guided family reading experience that combines creativity, reading and exercise in a fun and interactive way.

Featuring author Brendan McDonalds’s story ‘Elephant On The Farm, the story is displayed across 13 story panels located around the monkey puzzle avenue in Woodstock Gardens– a distance of one kilometre.

You can follow the story from beginning to end as you walk.

The illustrations by Martin Beckett are bright and colourful and the amount of text on each page is brought to life to

spark the imagination and curiosity in children.

“I am delighted to launch this unique and exciting fam-

ily experience. It brings the story to life and I am sure it will continue to entertain and inspire young visitors in Wood-

stock and other locations,” said Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Fidelis Doherty.

County Librarian, Josephine Coyne said: “We are excited to bring the library outdoors in this novel way.

“We plan to relocate Slí Na Scéalta later in the year to other locations in the County. I urge parents and children to visit Woodstock Gardens and encourage reading for enjoyment as well as appreciating a walk outdoors.”

This project was funded by Creative Ireland and supported by Kilkenny County Council Parks Department.

FORMER solicitor Michael Lynn was described by a bank manager as “embarrassed and annoyed” about a delay in clearing a €1.9 million loan in 2007, his multi-million euro theft trial has heard.

The 53-year-old is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accused of the theft of around €27 million from seven financial institutions.

Mr Lynn, of Millbrook Court, Red Cross, Co Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft in Dublin between 23 October 2006 and 20 April 2007.

It is the prosecution case that Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance.

The financial institutions involved are Bank of Ireland Mortgages Bank Ltd, Danske Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, Ulster Bank, ACC Bank PLC, Bank of Scotland Ireland Ltd, and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS).

The court heard evidence from former Permanent TSB commercial lending manager, John O’Brien, in relation to an allegation that Mr Lynn stole €3.7 million from the institution in June 2007.

In April 2007, Mr Lynn had borrowings of €1.9m with the bank when he applied for a €4.9m loan to purchase eight residential investment properties in various locations in Dublin.

One of the conditions of this loan was for Mr Lynn to clear the outstanding balance of €1.9m, the court heard.

In an email to Mr O’Brien which was shown to the court, the then Blanchardstown branch bank manager Ciaran Farrell said: “Due to confusion in Michael’s office, this was only done last week and he is embarrassed and annoyed about it.

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News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Time again to give up your auld sins Brought up in that austere Catholic Ireland of the ‘50s and ‘60s, the 40 days of Lent was my penance enough to the world but, even in my annual endeavour to “give up sweets”, I always allowed myself a break on Sundays from my sacrifice and would gorge myself silly on GobStoppers and Lucky Lumps to the point that any notion of eating sugary fixes throughout the week would have made me violently ill.

But boy did I make up for my 40 days in the wilderness come Easter Sunday as my younger brother and I tucked into the half dozen or so Easter eggs given to us by our extended family.

Lent back then was a time of “giving up” something, in my Father’s case his packet of 10 fags a day.These were the days too when Catholics were asked, told even, to abstain

from eating meat on Fridays “as an act of penance”. The bishops, the ones who were in charge, said Fridays should be a day of penitence as it was the day on which Jesus Christ Himself was said to have died.

My brother and I would close our eyes tight and try and concentrate on poor Jesus hanging up there all alone on the Cross and He suffering for all our “auld sins”, like me kicking my brother under the table or eating them GobStoppers on a Sunday in Lent.

I could not concentrate for long and my thoughts soon wandered towards all those eggs I would be getting come Easter Sunday and besides poor Jesus had died a long, long time ago and there was nothing my brother nor I nor any one could do about that now.

According to the Census of 2016, out of our population of

4,761,865, a total of 3.7 million declared themselves as Roman Catholic and 126,400 as Church of Ireland. Islam was the third most popular religion in Ireland with a population of 63,400. I mention all this because the majority of, if not all, religions around the world have times of fasting or abstaining from meat and the like built into their practices. All denominations of Christianity – bar Jehovah Witnesses – as well as Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and most other religions observe such fasts during various periods of the year.

Now here’s an interesting, and perhaps little-known, fact: According to the Canons of the Roman Catholic Church, all Catholics over the age of 14 must abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent. Failure to “observe this is sinful” unless you have a good excuse

(sickness, pregnancy, breast feeding, extreme manual labour, take your pick).

While such a canon is still the case, I doubt if many of the acknowledged Catholics of the 2016 Census adhere to such rigid practice today.

Lent, like many Catholic traditions – eating fish on Fridays, the Sodality, Confession even – has fallen from favour.

Having said that, according to some reports, about 40% of the 2.3 Billion Christians in the world do adhere to the annual rigours of Lent.

I would argue that, for those who do observe such matters, Lent has evolved into more of a self-help programme for many who give up sweets, carbs or alcohol for the 40 days because they want to get fit. Do such selfish motives truly count as sacrifice? Is Lent for your God or merely for yourself to lose weight or get

in shape or whatever?

If anything, Lent should not be a time to boast about how well you are following your dietary restrictions or admiring your weight loss in the mirror, but rather about quiet self-reflection and discipline.

‘Do such selfish motives truly count as sacrifice?

”

While I am not among those opting for the sack-cloth and ashes, I do proffer the opinion that a little sacrifice is good for the soul.

According to my good friend the psychiatrist from Magherafelt, eating and digesting food takes a toll on the body, and taking the odd break from such can be a good thing.

“There is some collateral damage from eating. There’s also foods that contain them old free radicals and that causes some damage to your body,” he told me at the weekend over a hearty liquid lunch.

As I replenished his glass of Mayacamas Cab Sav, he continued: “Eating is not all good.

It’s necessary, but having a rest from it is probably going to give our bodies a break from those processes.”

“Do you fancy the sticky toffee pudding?” says I.

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‘Sell a cow or go to jail’ cattle dealer pays up AS reported in The Kilkenny Observer last week, a cattle dealer served with a child maintenance arrears ultimatum by a judge of “sell a cow or go to jail” has now handed €5,000 in €50 notes to the court.

At the Family Law Court, the cattle dealer told Judge Mary Larkin that a man he buys cattle for phoned him to help out on

his child maintenance arrears debt.

Judge Larkin had issued the “sell a cow or go to jail” ultimatum on the cattle dealer last month.

The cattle dealer said the friend gave him a loan of €5,000 in the form of a cheque, which he cashed and handed into court.

The cattle dealer said: “He is a well-off person and he rang to help me out.”

Judge Larkin said that after the €5,000 has been paid over, the cattle dealer owes a further €1,600 in maintenance arrears.

After the cattle dealer handed over the bundle of €50 notes, Judge Larkin told him: “It was only when I threatened you

with jail that you paid out the €5,000.”

The cattle dealer has fallen into arrears on his child maintenance payments of €100 a week as he can’t afford it due to a lot of cattle dealing now going online due to Covid-19. The man said he is currently paying €50 a week in maintenance for his two children.

In response, Judge Larkin said: “You can’t just do what you feel like — these are court orders for €100 per week. When are you going to bring it up to the correct amount?”

The man said that he receives €203 a week in social welfare and an average of €80 a week for his cattle dealing work.

Judge Larkin told the man

that if he wishes to have his weekly maintenance payments reduced, he should provide financial statements that include the amount of stock he owns.

The court had heard that the man’s ex-partner and mother of their two children said she was working 65 hours a fortnight but was living in “relative poverty”.

EU big funds for farmers affected by Ukraine war RTÉ News has confirmed that the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConlogue is preparing a multi million euro package of supports to ensure farmers can grow enough animal feed and fodder this year.

The package which will be finalised before the end of the month will give supports to farmers to address increased costs they face as they ensure they have enough feed for animals this year.

This multi-million euro support package comes a day after the establishment of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee at a meeting of farm organisations with Minister Charlie McConlogue.

Following discussion at the Government meeting twhere he relayed farmers concerns to Cabinet, the minister is now formulating a multi-million euro package of supports to ensure farmers can grow enough feed and fodder.

The supports will help with increased costs growing fodder and tillage crops, supports for planting such crops and other measures to assist in accessing organic fertilisers.

The package is due to be finalised and brought to Cabinet before the end of the month.

Bakers are warning that price rises are on the way, as the bulk of baking flour used here is im-

ported from Eastern Europe. The news comes after Ukraine announced a ban on grain exports, which is set to exacerbate disruption in food markets.

Ukraine has paused exports of barley, rye, wheat and other grains with Serbia also banning exports of wheat, corn, flour and cooking oil as of tomorrow.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is threatening to have serious impacts on food and agriculture globally, with prices set to rise and possible food shortages.

President of Odlums Tony Kane said it was inevitable that the price of bread will go up over the coming months and the bakery sector is fighting for survival.

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, Mr Kane said the sector had been hit with a triple whammy of price increases in flour, ingredients, freight, and packaging.

"It's all coming into a tsunami for price price increases on flour and bread and the Irish market."

Mr Kane said the Irish Bakery Association met to discuss the costs and challenges facing the industry.

He said that Irish wheat, and therefore flour, was not really suitable for the production of the common loaf and 91% of flour is imported from central Europe.

Ukraine latest, Page 15

Vicky bows out of mountain climb with Charlie Bird KILENNY'S Vicky Phelan has confirmed she will not be in a position to undertake the journey to Croagh Patrick for the Climb with Charlie Bird next month.

The Mooncoin native, who lives in Limerick, updated her followers saying she has had a difficult few weeks with radiotherapy and has been very

unwell as a result of the treatment she’s receiving.

Ms Phelan was celebrated recently at WIT where her portrait was being hosted for International Women’s Day. Staff and students were joined by members of her family and friends for a fundraising event in aid of Solas Cancer support centre in Waterford.

Dancing queen: Sofia Khodabacksh from Bennettsbridge who was dancing in Dublin at the Leinister championships recently .

Sofia won her slipjig and jig and won the preliminary championships under 13 . Sofia dances for Kilkenny Academy and her eachers are Janine English, Sarah Murphy and Evelyn White. Well done, Sofia!

Kilkenny heritage projects receive funding boost THE Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has announced that 512 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit this year from €4m. in funding through the Built Heritage Investment

Scheme (BHIS) administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The projects are: • The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is also providing €4m in funding to be shared by 512 projects across

31 local authorities.

• 17 Projects across Kilkenny to benefit from funding.

• Announcement follows launch last week by Minister Noonan of Heritage Ireland 2030, a new national heritage plan which seeks to strengthen protection for our

heritage in all its forms and provide supports to those responsible for its care.

• Funding will leverage approximately €13m in private capital and support local Kilkenny city and county employment in traditional heritage trades.

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Opinion

Energy retrofitting grand if you can afford it AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

Look before you leap should be the watchword before getting caught up in the toils of carbon reduction on the home front. With our homes accounting for a quarter of carbon emissions from energy consumption and continuing to rise, we all want to do what we can to help reach the target of zero emissions by 2050.

But the options open to householders are very costly, complicated and take a long time before the financial cost can be justified in terms of savings.

Take solar panels: great for people working nightshift, they use the sun’s energy to replace expensive electricity, utilising daylight (not sunshine) and provide most energy at the time when you need it least, during daylight hours and in the summer time, rather than in the evenings and in winter. The cost of is relatively modest compared to other ways of reducing emissions, starting from €6,000 but that isn’t the end of it.

If you want to want to save any extra energy generated

— say you are using the panels to heat your water and don’t use up all the power — you will have to install a battery to store it and if you want the electricity to go to the national grid you won’t be paid for this yet; you will be supplying it with no recompense for your investment.

Also, it will take years

before the savings you make on electricity actually pay for the cost of installation, not such a viable option for older people, albeit carbon reduction is an investment for future generations.

Then you may have to apply for planning permission for the panels, have your energy usage surveyed and appliances running off the panels

will need special plugs. If you want to use the power for a home charger for your electric car, that costs over a grand and before you know it you will have spent a fivefigure sum.

Heat pumps sounded appealing when I first heard about them, anything to avoid the soaring cost of electricity bills. But the pumps,

using air, water or groundbased heat exchange run on electricity don’t they? And 40& of our electricity sis generated still with gas and oil where prices are rising thanks to the actions of Putin.

Before you even consider a installing a pump you have to efficient insulation which doesn’t come cheap and you may need to have your home

surveyed for heat loss using an infrared system. You can’t necessarily use a heat pump ( the most efficient of the three types is of course the most expensive) to run your existing radiators because underfloor heating is being mooted.

The temperature from a heat pump will be lower than traditional heating systems and needs to be operated in sealed spaces. How healthy is that I wonder? Before you know it the cost of retro fitting ( sounds like a nostalgic fashion fad doesn’t it ?) could be heading for six figures.

There will be Government grants (covering between a quarter and half of the spend) and there will be a system of registered installers for solar panels and retrofitting. That is supposing there are enough operatives available to do the work, a bit unlikely given there is already a shortage of builders dealing with the housing crisis.

All of which may be grand if you can afford it and most of us can’t at least certainly not the retrofit. It’s depressing feeling under pressure to do something you can’t manage especially given the latest dire warnings about climate crisis? There seems to be remarkably little debate about alternatives and less costly ways of reducing emissions.

We need to start asking those questions.

Juices for good health CLAIR WHITTY

ORGANIC freshly pressed juices are a fantastic way to support your diet and improve your health. Making the juices yourself is the ideal way to go.

But, if like me, you don’t have a juicer or you know that you just won’t do it, then freshly pressed organic juices like Biona are a great alternative.

Here are some reasons why you might like to try some juices.

Heart Health: Grapes, red grape juice, and even red wine have antioxidants or polyphenols.

These polyphenols may help the cardiovascular system.

Research indicates that they

can help relax the blood vessels and may also reduce inflammation. Biona Organic Red Grape Juice is pressed from 100% certified organic grapes. It has a crisp, rich and naturally sweet, fullbodied flavour. One glass per day is a great addition to your diet. If you prefer you can have it with some ice or with a dash of sparkling water. Or use it to add some sweetness in cooking or in baking.

Urinary Health: I think most of you will be familiar with the health benefits of cranberries and their association with urinary tract infections.

They contain proanthocyanidins, these compounds are believed to be what helps prevent UTI’s.

They work by stopping bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract.

Many people who suffer from recurring urinary tract infections find a glass of pure and organic cranberry does help to reduce the

number of infections they get. Choose a juice with no added sugar like Biona Pure Cranberry Juice. Cranberries have a tart flavour, you can mix it with sugar free pure apple juice, or to your favourite smoothie.

Eye Health: Blueberries have a strong association with eye health and are one of the most commonly used berries in eye health supplements. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help support the collagen structure in the retina and help protect vision. There is also some research suggesting that they may be useful to improve measures of cognitive performance.

Biona’s Organic Pure Blueberry juice has no preservatives or additives. It has a sweet mellow flavour and is a very nutritious juice.

You can add it to water or mix with another juice, or add it to yoghurt or porridge.

Top up your diet with organic and freshly pressed juices.

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

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Covid Update

IT IS now a given that many children who have been vaccinated nonetheless experienced breakthrough infections during the Omicron surge, though protection against hospitalisation remained stronger, a large new study has found.

The study compared the vaccination status of children ages 5 to 17 who were treated for Covid-19 symptoms in emergency departments, urgent care centres and hospitals across 10 US states between April 2021 and February 2022. Researchers reviewed records on nearly 40,000 clinic visits and 1,700 hospitalisations. The study was funded by the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and published in its Morbidity And Mortality Weekly report.

The CDC study found vaccinated children ages five to 11 -- the youngest and most recently vaccinated group -- were about 46% less likely to have Covid-19 that resulted in care at an urgent care clinic or emergency room, compared with children who were unvaccinated.

However, the new study found vaccinated primary school pupils continued to be less likely to be hospitalised for their infections than children who were unvaccinated.

Out of nearly 1,700 hospital admissions, there were 59 unvaccinated kids ages five to 11 admitted to the hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, and just two who were vaccinated. The study didn’t have enough cases to accurately estimate vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation in this age group.

The new study comes just a A NEW study, completed by Maccabi Health Services in Israel looks at the data presented by 2.5 million people from the beginning of vaccine rollout there and suggests that past coronavirus infection provides much better (and longer) protection than doe any of the vaccines.

And even though the results of this study have been known for some months now, health researcher Dr. John Campbell says many leading countries around the world appear to be ignoring it.

Results SARS-CoV-2-naïve vaccinees had a 13.06-fold (95% CI, 8.08 to 21.11) increased risk for breakthrough infection with the Delta variant compared to those previously infected, when the first event (infection or vaccination) occurred during January and February of 2021. The increased risk was significant (P<0.001) for symptomatic disease as well.

What we now know about children and that jab

day after new data from the New York State Department of Health also found vaccine protection against Covid-19 dropped substantially for children during the Omicron wave.

Please note that in the US the Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine authorised for people younger than 18.

Dr Nicola Klein, an author of the study, thinks the drop in vaccine effectiveness in

“It is a little bit disheartening, but I think we also have to keep in mind that one of the complexities here is that because children started being vaccinated late last year, that coincides with

when the Omicron variant began circulating,” says Klein, who is director of the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Centre.

Adolescents ages 12 through 17 -- who get a dose of the Pfizer vaccine that’s three times higher than the shots for younger kids -- had better protection against most circulating variants, the new study found, but that protection dropped off steeply with time and the arrival of the Omicron variant.

Five months or more after a second dose, kids in this age group had no significant protection against Omicron infections warranting a trip to the urgent care or ER. About a week after a booster shot, however, most of their protection appeared to be restored.

Boosted teens ages 16 to 18, were about 81% less likely to need to see a doctor for Covid-19.

Over the entire 11 months of the study, fully vaccinated adolescents -- those ages 12 through 15 -- were 83% less likely to be seen for Covid-19 at the emergency room or urgent care clinic and 92% less likely to be hospitalised until about five months after their second dose. After five months, vaccine protection dropped to just 38% for ER or clinic visits and 73% for hospitalisations in this age group.

Older teens, ages 16 through 17, were 76% less likely to be seen for Covid-19 in an ER or urgent care if the first five months after their second dose and 94% less likely to be hospitalised.

After 5 months, their protection dropped to 46% for clinic visits and 88% for hospitalisations.

The researchers note that the study is strong realworld data on how well the vaccines are protecting children. They say children should stay up to date on their Covid-19 vaccines, including boosters for all children who are eligible.

hospitalisations compared to those that were previously infected.

Conclusions This study demonstrated that natural

immunity confers longer lasting and stronger protection against infection, symptomatic disease and hospitalisation caused by the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, compared to the BNT162b2 two-dose vaccineinduced immunity. Individuals who were both previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and given a single dose of the vaccine gained additional protection against the Delta variant.

In his typical understating style, Dr John Campbell says these results don’t seem to be getting through to leading authorities “who are still following what I would consider to be a rather old-fashioned strategy”.

In conclusion, he says the study demonstrates that natural immunity confers longer lasting and stronger protection, against infection, symptomatic disease and hospitalisation caused by the Delta variant.

‘In US, Pfizer only vaccine for people under 18..

the younger age group wasn’t because the dose was too low or there was a big difference in response to the vaccines by age; she says this is just the rapid evolution of the virus.

Past infection provides much better (and longer) protection than vaccines When allowing the infection to occur at any time before vaccination (from March 2020 to February 2021), evidence of waning natural immunity

was demonstrated, though SARS-CoV-2 naïve vaccinees had a 5.96-fold (95% CI, 4.85 to 7.33) increased risk for breakthrough infection and a

7.13-fold (95% CI, 5.51 to 9.21) increased risk for symptomatic disease. SARS- CoV-2-naïve vaccinees were also at a greater risk for COVID-19-related-

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

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Ukraine Invasion

Meat workers home to fight

How YOU can people help Ukrainian refugees

Meat factories in Ireland are being urged to support their Ukrainian workers as many decide to return home to defend their country against the Russian invasion or bring their families to Ireland.

A number of workers in Staunton’s pig factory in Cork have decided to return to Ukraine and management in the factory is supporting them in any way it can. Other workers have said they will stay to earn money to send home to their families and volunteers fighting in Ukraine.

At least 100 Ukrainians are working in meat factories across the country and the impact of their departure could potentially have an effect on a factory’s kill line.

Clune welcomes debate on our neutrality

WITH the Government having announced the setting up of a pledge register Kilkenny people who wish to can give support to Ukrainian refugees. At least two million people have fled Ukraine, as of time of going to press, with Tanaiste Leo Varadkar predicting up to 100,000 refugees may eventually arrive on Irish soil.

The online pledge register portal, run in conjunction with the Red Cross, will include offers of accommodation.

Where do I register to accommodate Ukrain refugees?

Go on to the Irish Red Cross website on IrishRedCross. ie and look for the register of pledges. The direct link to the register is https:// registerofpledges.redcross.ie

What happens after I register?

Operators working on behalf of Red Cross will contact you in the coming weeks asking for further details, to get a sense of what is on offer, and they will explain some of the scenarios that may arise.

What kind of detail will they be looking for?

They will be looking for information about the property. Is it shared? Is there a spare bedroom?

Is there an en suite? Is it a ‘stand alone’ house. Where is the house? Is there access to public transport? Is there a family living in the house?

Will someone want to see the property?

Prospective accommodation will be vetted in the main by the Red Cross. Someone will

call to make sure it is what you have described.

Do Ukrainian people have any say regarding where they live?

The Irish Red Cross is also setting up a website for the Ukrainian people to register their interest. The accommodation pledger is then matched with the refugee.

How long should I expect to host refugees?

A commitment of six months to a year will be sought. However, in the current environment the Red Cross says many Ukrainians want to come for a shorter period and then go back home. While the Irish Red Cross says it will talk to people about a shorter period, the initial pledge is for six months to one year.

Who covers the cost?

Most people pledge free gratis. However, there are times where the Red Cross “steps in” if households need to be supported. In this situation, it says that will be shared between the Government and the Irish Red Cross.

Can I contact the Red Cross after I have taken in people?

The Irish Red Cross says it is there to offer guidance and support. They want refugees to settle as best they can and to support the pledger.

It says previous initiatives have shown “extraordinary relationships” developed with Irish families.

What does the term standalone pledge mean?

A stand-alone pledge is where you pledge a

house, or you pledge an apartment. A refugee family will typically live there by themselves.

What is the meaning of a shared pledge?

A shared pledge is where there is one room available, preferably with an en suite room and you are offering it for a period. In this case, you are inviting people to your home.

Has a register of pledges ever been created before?

There was a register of pledges when Syrians came to Ireland, but it took a long time for the Red Cross to contact people on the ground which frustrated those that were interested in helping. The Red Cross says it has learned lessons from the past and this will enable the current register to work.

Wexford man’s emotional 5,000km journey A JOURNEY of 5,000km by a Wexford man to bring a Ukrainian family to their grandmother in Ireland was “the most emotional reunion you could ever imagine”, he has told media outlets.

Trevor Geraghty’s conscience found him driving from his home in Scotland to the Medyka crossing on the Poland-Ukraine border with medical supplies last week, where he met a Ukrainian family torn apart by war.

“I was holding up a sign that

said, ‘Travelling to Scotland if anyone needs a lift’ and the next thing a phone appeared in my face with a woman on the other end in Scotland asking me, ‘Will you take care of my grandchildren?’,” Mr Geraghty said.

“I told her that I would of course and we loaded them in the car and sped out of hell. If they had been going to Finland, I’d have taken them, such was the situation, to be honest,” he told the Irish Independent.

Elizabeta Shyshorina along with her sons Oleksandr (15), Kyrylo (13) and daughter Polina (8) fled Zaporizhzhia with nothing when shelling intensified. They travelled 1,200km by any means possible and days later ended up in Medyka.

They had nobody or nothing in the world that wasn’t back in their hometown except for Galina, Elizabeta’s grandmother, who lives in Scotland.

“Their father stayed behind to fight, as pretty much all the

men are. They have relatives fighting in the forest near the nuclear plant and they have no idea if they are dead or alive.

“They are in total shock and very worried for their relatives stuck at home,” the Gorey man said.

The family spent another five days travelling across Europe.

However, they were forced to make a detour to Ireland when the UK would not permit them immediate access, despite

their grandmother being a permanent British resident with a British passport.

“The Garuda in Rosslare was angry when we got there. He was amazing with the family, but angry at the situation as he said we were not the first people having to divert here because of the UK’s policy on refugees from Ukraine.

Galina flew from Scotland to Ireland and the family were reunited in Arklow, Co Wicklow, where they stayed in a hotel.

South East MEP Clare Clune has welcome the Taoiseach’s suggestion that a Citizens’ Assembly could be established to discuss the topic of Ireland’s neutrality.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Irish Citizens’ Assembly has deliberated on a number of key issues, including providing a launch pad for the Eighth Amendment referendum.

Cryptocurrencies prices to rise?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies centerstage as people look for ways to donate funds.

There was a time when cryptocurrency was often associated with the dark side of human nature.

That’s because untrackable currency works really well for people up to no good or anyone who doesn’t want a lot of attention.

It’s a lot easier to move crypto around than it is to use gold bars or diamonds to pay for your murder for hire or complete your drug deal.

Russian debt default ‘will affect China’ A Russian debt default could spill over into emerging markets including China, according to Yale economist Stephen Roach Famed economist Stephen Roach told CNBC that a Russian debt default would reverberate across emerging markets.

He also said China would not be immune if Russia’s first major sovereign default in over 100 years happened.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

Your Money

Why we must support local business

BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

IRELAND is a favourite destination among expats, according to the website www. internationalcitizens.com.

It’s a friendly country with an excellent educational system and a high standard of living.

But they warn, if you are considering moving to Ireland to live, the cost of living should be a primary consideration.

We recognise and probably agree that Ireland is an expensive place to live. According to the economist Jim Power, in a new report for the Champion Green ‘Support Local’ initiative, there is a strong sense in Ireland that this cost-of-living squeeze is an Irish phenomenon alone.

This perception is actually not true, as nearly every country in the developed world was, and is, grappling with the highest rates of inflation in decades with costs continuing to rise globally and now exacerbated by the Russian Ukrainian war.

As discussed in previous articles, pent-up demand due to Covid restrictions rebounded strongly late last year but unfortunately im-

pacted supply, with consumer prices increasing by 5.5%, the highest since 2001.

Its normal when prices rise to look around for better deals with on-line and crossborder shopping being two favourites. But we need to remember that these same factors are at play in most developed economies, so buying online does not

equate to lower prices, especially when VAT and customs duties have to be considered.

Therefore, it is important that Irish consumers who have shopped online, still shop with local retailers online, or in person, as far as possible as it is vital Irish consumers bear in mind “the multiplier effect of supporting local, helping support

Ailbhe Reddy joins April Sounds tender vocals.

Reddy recently performed the Choice Prize nominated song of the year ‘Home’ by Elaine Mai and Mary-Kate Geraghty with guests Loah and Sinead White in Vicar Street.

Joined on the night by Kilkenny singer-songwriter Elise. Elise’s songwriting comes from a collection of personal experiences. The core of her songwriting is about love, loss and growth and finding the light in dark times.

Her music combines her folky fingerstyle guitar playing with a production of synth sounds and a heavy rhythm section of bass and drums.

and drive the recovery of our communities and economy after the Covid crisis.

Marian O’Gorman, Champion Green founder, says: “By supporting local businesses, our spend makes them stronger and able to compete.

Lower prices are possible when stores or manufacturers have more volume. So, each and every shopper in Ireland can help push down the cost of living by keeping money in circulation locally.”

If you want to become involved download the Champion Green Rewards App. This App brings digital loyalty solutions to more businesses in Ireland. Champion Green is partnering with Visa and LoyalBe offering a digital product which they believe is more efficient that the usual paper or card-based loyalty schemes.

It enables the retailers to see in real time how their customers are actually engaging with their company, making it easier for business owners to adapt to their customers behaviour. Likewise the customer once signed up starts earning rewards every time they pay with Visa.

Why not do your bit as many local businesses have already signed up?

John@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Much to learn from the more experienced ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

Ailbhe Reddy plays the Medieval Mile Museum on Sunday April 10th as part of April Sounds in aid of Ukraine emergency appeals FRESH from a sold out Button Factory, alt-folk artist Ailbhe Reddy joins April Sounds next month with support from Kilkenny’s Elise at the Medieval Mile Museum on Sunday, April 10th.

Ailbhe Reddy has an incredible talent for crafting intensely moving tunes. An artist who finds strength in sensitivity and embraces the full power of a moment. On her debut album Personal History, the Irish artist blurs the boundaries between personal and universal experiences to strike emotional chords with her relatable lyricism and uniquely

Irish jobs and regional economic and social vibrancy”.

For instance, I bought a non-fiction hardback book recently in a local bookshop.

The jacket price was €32.50 but knocked back to €23.50.

I’m enjoying the read but it has turned slightly sour when I see the same on Amazon for €9!

A missed opportunity? –

maybe for me, in the short term, but it’s important that you and I recognise and address each online purchase with an overseas vendor as an outflow of money from the Irish economy which undermines the competitiveness of Irish businesses.

Jim Power says: “Every euro spent in the domestic economy is paid out in wages and profits, which are taxed, so, in turn, they get re-circulated in the economy. Every euro results in an injection of at least €2.50 into the local economy. This is particularly important as we try to rebuild social services like healthcare and education after the damage caused by the pandemic restrictions.”

Yes, cost-of-living increases are a real threat to the recovery of Kilkenny and all local economies especially when so many shoppers have been driven online due to Covid.

But now we must remember as pre-covid normality returns jobs and prosperity relies more than ever on our actual local spending patterns.

To help with this, Champion Green, a national movement with representation from government, industry, business, and the public together are encouraging people to support each other

This runs parallel to her soft but powerful voice which has the power to draw the listeners in and immerse them into her world and her stories she needs to tell.

Proceeds from tickets go to the Red Cross and Unicef who are running emergency appeals. Tickets priced at €12 and available from Rollercoaster Records www. rollercoasterrecordskk.com April Sounds are delivered locally by Kilkenny County Council Arts Office and funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media.

CULTURAL differences are plentiful between West and East. Some things are better here, others there and a myriad of nuances exist which are neither superior nor inferior but which fit in with the ambiance of their surroundings. The world is beautiful because it’s different. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t learn from each other.

One area of learning we could benefit from in the West is how we view our older citizens. In times gone by, yet not all that long ago, people of a certain age were valued for the great deal of life experience they had. In modern parlance “they had been there, done that and bought the t-shirt”.

Nowadays, in a seemingly desperate crusade for modernisation, which has at its root the chase of money, we often dismiss the lessons and guidance those more advanced in age can offer.

Compare common perceptions of older people

in the West and East today. In cultures belonging to the former, concepts such as old-fashioned, past it and outdated proliferate. In the latter, wisdom, sound judgement and understanding are perhaps the prevailing ideas.

You name it, older people have done it.

They’ve parented, worked and built careers, fostered communities and societies, cared for others and if we think of advancements which have occurred since they were our age, it was frequently our seniors who crafted them.

We not only do them an injustice by disregarding them, we do ourselves a disservice.

If we want a glaring example from history of what can happen when we ignore our elders, contrast Roman and post-Roman society in Europe. Ancient Rome developed an early form of the newspaper, modern plumbing and sanitary management, arches to build structures, central heating, aqueducts, the first surgical tools and developed concrete for strengthening buildings.

Every modern stadium is, to a greater or lesser

degree, modelled on the Colosseum. That huge arena held up to 80,000 and was able to empty completely within 25 minutes. Were it in use today it would be approximately the ninth biggest European stadium. Following Rome’s collapse, the Dark Ages arrived and these developments were lost for several centuries. We would do well to pay attention to such occurences. As Spanish philosopher George Santayana stated “those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”.

There is a danger, of course, in becoming too nostalgic. It would be silly to suggest there was nothing bad when our elders were younger. So too to moot the idea that we haven’t improved anything. However, given that many of us bemoan the loss of things senior citizens held dear in their youth like respect, manners or a sense of community, we should make more of an effort to learn from, rather than ignore, them. Perhaps that simple act would go a long way to adding a bit of the kindness which many decry as being in short supply in today’s society.

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Science & Wellbeing THERE are significant differences between how vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplements affect our health and well-being, according to a new study.

The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, suggests that vitamin D3 may be more effective at strengthening the immune system compared to vitamin D2.

Vitamin D generally comes in two main forms: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Prior research has established vitamin D3 supplements are much more effective at raising a person’s blood levels of vitamin D. However, it is unclear whether there is any functional differences to human health between the two types of vitamin D supplements.

To help fill this gap in the knowledge the new research looked at data from a recently completed double-blind, placebo- controlled clinical trial that compared the effects of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplements in several hundred healthy women. A previously published study reported on the trial’s main results, affirming 12 weeks of vitamin D3 supplementation was more effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D. The new investigation looked at the differences between the two forms of vitamin D on gene expression. In general, the researchers detected significant differences in gene expression between the vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 groups.

“Notably, following vitamin D3 supplementation, the majority of changes in gene expression reflected a downregulation in the activity of genes, many encoding pathways of the innate and adaptive immune systems, potentially shifting the immune system to a more ‘tolerogenic’ status,” the researchers wrote in the new study.

“Surprisingly, gene expression associated with type I and type II interferon activity, critical to the innate response to bacterial and viral infections, differed following supplementation with either vitamin D2 or vitamin D3, with only vitamin PATIENTS with advanced prostate cancer may be giving back some extra years of living, more of a healthy life and have the overall risk of death reduced by a third. Following a breakthrough in treatment.

According to The Daily Mail, the regime involves two standard therapies alongside a powerful new hormone medication, darolutamide.

The new drug has already proved to be effective as a standalone treatment in the earlier stages of the disease, when given to men who have stopped responding to other medications.

But a pivotal trial has now shown that when combined with standard therapies, it also has a dramatic effect in patients whose cancer has spread throughout the body.

Although a cure isn’t possible for these men, using darolutamide, chemotherapy and other hormone medi-

Why vitamin D3 may prove more effective at bolstering our immune system D3 having a stimulatory effect.”

Colin Smith, lead author on the study, said reduced type 1 interferon signalling has been linked to increased susceptibility to viral infections. So he hypothesises vitamin D3 may be more effective than vitamin D2 at strengthening immune responses against viruses.

“We have shown that vitamin D3 appears to stimulate the type I interferon signalling system in the body - a key part of the immune system that provides a first line of defence against bacteria and viruses,”

Smith said. “Thus, a healthy vitamin D3 status may help prevent viruses and bacteria from gaining a foothold in the body.”

The study does note that these findings indicate vitamin D supplementation is likely to only have beneficial effects on viral infection if levels are bolstered prior to any viral exposure as it is unlikely there is clinical benefit in vitamin D supplementation after a viral infection takes hold. Recent studies looking at the neutral effects of vitamin D treatment

Break in treating prostate cancer

for hospitalised Covid-19 patients back up these findings.

The study also found the two forms of vitamin D resulted in opposing effects on some gene expression pathways. In some people taking vitamin D2, circulating vitamin D levels were lower than levels seen in the placebo group after the 12-week trial finished. The researchers hypothesise vitamin D2 may have the potential to deplete or counteract some beneficial effects of vitamin D3.

“Since some pathways ap-

pear to be regulated specifically by vitamin D3, or in some cases, in opposing directions by vitamin D3 and D2, future studies should investigate whether vitamin D2 supplementation might counteract some of the benefits of vitamin D3 on human health,” the researchers write.

Study co-author Susan Lanham-New is calling for urgent investigations into the functional differences between the two forms of vitamins to better clarify what is going on. But, in the immediate term, she sug-

gests vitamin D3 should be the preferred form of vitamin D supplement for most people.

“While we found that vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 do not have the same effect on gene activity within humans, the lack of impact we found when looking at vitamin D2 means that a larger study is urgently required to clarify the differences in the effects,” she said.

“However, these results show that vitamin D3 should be the favoured form for fortified foods and supplements,” said Ms Lanham-New.

cines reduced pain, slowed the progression of the disease and extended survival. The men on the trial were mostly in their late 60s, although one patient was 89.

Those given the new combination therapy went for four years before their cancer began to progress, while in patients given the standard treatments alone their cancer worsened after just six months.

Professor Alison Birtle, consultant clinical oncologist at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, called the advance “exciting”. She said: “We’ve never had the option of a triple therapy like this before.”

This study provides a compelling argument to adding darolutamide to standard chemo and hormone treatment, as it will help men with advanced prostate cancer live longer, healthier lives, with

less pain. There are roughly 52,000 new prostate cancer cases every year in the UK. For those men with earlierstage disease, surgery is typically offered to remove the prostate – and tumour within – in the hope of a cure.

If they reject surgery, which men often do as the procedure can lead to incontinence and erectile dysfunction, they are offered drugs to limit the amount of the male hormone testosterone they produce, which prostate cancers use to grow.

In 15,000 men a year the disease has already spread by the time they are diagnosed – and in many cases surgery is pointless. Instead, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone drugs shrink tumours and keep the disease at bay for as long as possible. But in incurable cases, most patients eventually become resistant to standard hormone drugs.

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Travel & Leisure FROM the Caribbean to Mexico, Belize to the Virgin Islands, the list of tropical vacation destinations covers some of the most beautiful (and not too far) places in the world.

1. RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO The Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula. It’s known for its all-inclusive resorts, yoga retreats, ancient Mayan ruins, and long, white-sand beaches.

Fairmont Mayakoba offers the ultimate tropical beach vacation and is the best way to experience what Riviera Maya has to offer. At Fairmont Mayakoba, guests can spot exotic birds, turtles, and even crocodiles from a resort boat in the mangrovefilled jungle. Marine wildlife lovers can snorkel among sea fans, giant sponges and moray eels, or take a catamaran out on the water.

Golfing, spa services, mezcal tastings, or Mexican delicacy cooking classes are also offered within this tropical paradise. If you can imagine it, they probably offer it at the resort! The private, gated 240 hectares property is surrounded by lush rainforest (that can be cycled along) lined with waterways, right on the Caribbean shoreline.

2. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS The British Virgin Islands is a British overseas territory and part of a volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean. It’s known as a haven for yachties, divers, and kiteboarders alike. Saba Rock, an island resort located within the British Virgin Islands, dates back to the 1960s. Saba Rock was put on the map

SO you arrive at your top star hotel and there on the pillow of your luxurious bed are chocolates. Ever wondered why? Why you’re greeted with a sweet treat on your pillow when you enter a nice hotel room? It turns out we have a romantic actor caught in a scandal to thank.

That actor is Cary Grant, the British-American leading man in movies from the 1930s to the 1960s, including the 1930s version of Alice in Wonderland and Arsenic and Old Lace.

According to the most widely spread legend, Grant booked the penthouse suite at the luxurious Mayfair Hotel in downtown St Louis during one of his frequent stays in the early 1950s. Grant, who was married to his third wife at the time, was trying to court a secret lover. As a romantic gesture, he decided to leave a trail of chocolates that began in the living room area all the way up to her pillow along with a letter.

A manager at the hotel had gotten wind of Grant’s gesture and decided to start leaving a chocolate on the pillow as a standard amenity in the

town of San Ignacio, and many splendid Mayan ruins.

Some travelers have claimed to have experienced nirvana from the summit of the main pyramid of Xunantunich, which offers a sweeping vista of the Mopan Valley and Guatemala.

The all-inclusive resort offers excursions such as scuba diving, fly fishing, mainland tours, bonefishing, private yacht tours, and bird watching tours. Pair that with world-class cuisine and a spa, and Cayo Espanto becomes your private oasis. All of Cayo Espanto’s premium villas are seafront and on the beach with private pools.

Five tropical places for the ideal holiday by diving pioneer Herbert Kilbride when he founded his diving base for scuba diving and launched the legendary Pirates’ Pub, which is known for being one of the best oceanfront bars in the Caribbean.

Since then, visitors have flocked to Saba Rock for a taste of the “old” Caribbean, from on-the-water adventures and breathtaking scenery to fresh-from-thesea cuisine and lively Happy Hours. The secluded resort

offers kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, diving, windsurfing, yoga, massages, and snorkeling.

3. GRENADA Grenada is a Caribbean country dubbed as the “Spice Isle” due to numerous nutmeg plantations. Whether you participate in sailing, paddle boarding, fishing, a beachside massage, or lounging away stresses on the white-sand beach with the sounds of the waves lapping

against the shore, you will have found paradise at Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club.

An added bonus is that Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club supports The South St. George’s Primary School through an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community. If you save just a few pounds of space in your suitcase to take supplies for the project, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives

Infidelity and that chocolate on your hotel pillow

of local children and families.

4. BELIZE Belize is a nation on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines, a dense jungle, and Mayan ruins.

Located three miles off the coast of San Pedro, Belize, Cayo Espanto is truly an unforgettable private island retreat. The Cayo region encompasses nature sanctuaries, the majestic Hidden Valley Falls, the lively

5. ANGUILLA Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean, is known for its prehistoric petroglyphs and a wildlife conservation site.

Frangipani Beach Resort, a family-owned and operated establishment, is a luxury boutique resort in Anguilla.

With just 19 rooms and suites and a four-bedroom villa, the resort allows guests an unrivalled, intimate experience. Guests have the opportunity to attend the weekly managers’ cocktail party, set sail on a sunset cruise, or dance the night away with staff at a local beach bar. Frangipani Beach Resort boasts a wide variety of activities.

Whether you’re looking for poolside relaxation, water sports, a private boat charter, or a tennis match, they’ve got you covered. In case you still need an excuse to book a trip to Anguilla, Frangipani Beach Resort is committed to giving back to the island community with opportunities for social and cultural development in Anguilla.

hotel. Soon, many hotels did the same, turning the practice into a tradition. Now you’ll find everything from expensive or locally sourced chocolates to the more generic stuff, a cookie bite, or mints.

The Mayfair was purchased

by Marriott and became the Magnolia St Louis — a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in August 2014. The hotel had ended the tradition before it was sold. When Marriott purchased the property, management brought back the tradition using chocolates from Bissinger’s, one of the finest chocolatiers in the nation.

The industry changing extra isn’t the only nod to the hotel’s past: In honou r of Grant, guests who stay at the Magnolia can dine at the Robies Restaurant and Lounge, named after Grant’s character in the film To Catch A Thief, and they can book the Cary Grant suite on the 18th floor.

So, the next time you indulge in a sweet treat you’ve found on your hotel pillow, it turns out you have infidelity to thank.

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Competition winner

COMPETITION WINNER Congratulations to Martina Foley

Thank you to all who entered the draw to win a gift voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Store sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer.

Congratulations to Martina Foley, Finnan, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny who won the €300.00 gift voucher, a great opportunity to shop from the fabulous fashion range at Connolly’s Red Mills Store, Cillin Hill, Kilkenny.

The gift voucher was presented to Martina by Lorna Fletcher, Features and Advertising Consultant with The Kilkenny Observer.

Martina Foley, Competition winner and Lorna Fletcher, Features and Advertising Consultant with The Kilkenny Observer.

Annmarie Whitty – Hairdressing tutor in Waterford College of Further Education I HAVE recently completed hair scalp and wig therapy training with Aileen Maher and continued my studies with an amazing lady Louise O’Loughlin who is the educator for Oncology Training in Ireland. Oncology Training International (OTI) teaches Hairdressers and Beauticians how to treat their clients with Cancer currently going through treatment and how to treat them long after their illness. The Aesthetics and the importance of it to many men and women while undergoing treatment is such a vital role in their lives and it’s a reason to make them smile through some of the most difficult times they may encounter in life. As a hairdresser, I found it very difficult when I would have clients come to me with hair loss needs or undergoing treatment for cancer and I had no answers for them.

I can say there was two women I came across before my studies that inspired me to do this training one has Alopecia, and another

was undergoing Treatment for cancer, and it bothered me so much that I could not help them or offer any advice. When I eventually came across this course on Image skillnet it was probably during one of the most difficult times of my life, I was just after losing my stepdad to cancer while

my mum was undergoing treatment for Bowel cancer.

It was a very emotional journey but something I am very passionate about.

My Educators and fellow peers gave me the courage to continue my training and without fail, I attended each Zoom meeting and completed all my course content. On Monday the 7th of March, Oncology Training Ireland held a boost your business seminar and awards ceremony in association with Iguazu Beauty and Repechage Ireland. I was nominated as OTI’s Student of the year but not in my wildest dreams did I think I would win it. When my name was called out as the winner there were many tears but tears of joy. I am so thankful to each person especially my mum and my wonderful son for the continued love and support. I look forward to being able to incorporate my knowledge into my classroom and hopefully helping to change the lives of others along my way.

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Feature

‘An Unconsidered People’ who laid the foundations for The Celtic Tiger Catherine Dunne is the author of ten novels, the most recent being The Years That Followed.

She has also published one work of non-fiction: a social history of Irish immigrants in London, called An Unconsidered People.

Her book gives great insight into the forthcoming production of The Kings of The Kilburn High Road being staged at Thomastown community hall.

‘I’m delighted that Lake Productions is reviving the wonderful ‘Kings of the Kilburn High Road’ by Jimmy Murphy.

It’s a play that captures the essence of an entire generation - its hopes and dreams, its growing pains and its often bitter, lasting disillusionment.

Stephen Croghan, in his seventies when I first interviewed him, still remembered the scenes at the railway station in Roscommon, some five decades earlier. Day after day, right throughout the fifties, men lined up on the platform, their cardboard cases at their feet.

‘The agent would arrive at the labour exchange,’ Stephen explained, ‘a man called Cuddy.

He’d put a tag on their coats, same as you’d tie a parcel. The name of the builder and the fellow’s destination was on the tag. There was hundreds went out of this town like that,’ he says. ‘Hundreds. And Cuddy became a millionaire out of the commissions he got for supplying labour.’± Stephen Croghan’s story – and others like it – is familiar to all who remember the fifties and the devastation caused by enforced emigration. The numbers are still hard to absorb:

the distress behind the statistics harder still.

In 1955, 48,000 people left Ireland. In 1957, it had risen to 58,000. And in 1961 ‘as many were leaving as were born’. I can still remember the sense of shock I felt the first time I read those words. Even conservative estimates would suggest that close to half a million people left this country during that bleak ten-year period.

That’s eight out of every ten children born in the period of 1931-1941. And out of those eight, six went to Britain. No matter what way you cut it, life was hard for both men and women. Alienation, culture shock, loneliness – these were the staples of the reluctant emigrant’s diet in the fifties.

Women often fared better in this regard than men: they turned to the church, to community and to friendship for solace; they kept the family ties intact. But for the young men arriving off the boat, looking for ‘a start’, life was often brutal.

Getting ‘the start’ in the first place was difficult. The men would line up, famously, outside the Crown in Cricklewood – now a luxury hotel and bar – or in Camden Town, or at the Elephant and Castle. The ganger

would arrive for the day at six in the morning and his word was law. If he liked you, you got taken on. If he didn’t – and the rules seemed to shift and change – you got nothing, or were sent home at the end of the day without pay.

The stories about these ‘hard men’ are legion. One of the most famous, ‘Elephant John’, was a ganger for John Murphy’s construction company. Also from Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry, he arrived in Britain in 1950, aged 16. A huge man – 6’2” and 17 stone, he worked for Murphy for 45 years. He, like all gangers, had absolute power.

Dan Casey from Harrow in Middlesex recalled how this power was exercised, right across the industry: ‘If [the men] could not keep up with the pacemakers and the leading hands, they were sacked on the spot, did not receive any payment and had to make their own way home, quite often many miles away and with no money.

‘These Irish contractors were used to rebuild Britain after the War. They are now competing to be among the richest families in these isles. Where is the generation of Irishmen that worked for them?’

If finding work was difficult in the fifties, finding accommodation was often even more so. ‘No cats, no dogs, no children, no Irish, no blacks.’ Anne O’Neill recalled seeing notices like this all over North London. ± Sometimes, accommodation came with

the job for those working on construction sites – at a rate that often cost the worker dearly. But huge numbers of Irish lived in private accommodation that was primitive, by any standards.

As early as 1951, F.H. Boland, then Ireland’s Ambassador to the Court of St. James, notified de Valera’s government about the appalling living conditions of the Irish emigrant which were general and widespread.

He cited one example of 150 Irishmen living in ‘three smallish houses’ because ‘the men were kept together in accommodation run by a man of good character.’ ± ‘Digs in English households’, it appears, would have posed untold danger for the souls of all these Irishmen. Nonetheless, stories of kindly, caring and compassionate English landladies abound.

Given the loneliness, the hard physical labour and the less than perfect living conditions, it is easy to see how the pub became a focus for those who felt cut adrift from home.

According to Kevin Casey, who managed a group of five pubs, men came to the pub ‘for a community of sorts’.± He, among others, is adamant that the vast majority of young Irish male immigrants did not have a problem with alcohol when they came to London: they developed one while they were living there.

And there was another, more sinister reason why this might be so. Construction workers were often paid by cheque.

Deeply mistrustful of banks, they were forced to cash their cheques in the pub. Although the cheque would be handed in to be cashed at six, the money was not handed over until midnight. Kevin Casey recalled that: ‘The men had to drink all night to get their money.’ ± And buy the ganger a drink, of course. Otherwise, you might not work the following day.

Home-sickness. Hand-tomouthness. Displacement.

Not the universal emigrant experience: but close enough for too many. Many of the men who worked in the construction industry in the fifties and sixties ended their lives in poverty. Some were cheated out of their entitlements by unscrupulous employers – some of whom were Irish. Others, who had spent years working ‘on the lump’ were entitled to almost nothing. Catherine Morris, whose MA explores the plight of marginalised construction workers explained: ‘The Irish companies did it to their own.

These men worked all their lives in the belief that they were paying their stamps.

The money was deducted

from their wages, but no contributions were ever paid on their behalf.’ She recounted the sense of bitterness that these men felt and the sense of injustice that dogged them at the end of their lives.

It is a strange irony that many men who emigrated to Britain – a boat-trip away – often suffered most precisely because of that geographical proximity. ‘I’m going home soon,’ was the mantra. ‘I’ll only be here for a while.’ Such a feeling of being ‘temporary’ had serious repercussions. The men did not put down roots or become part of a network that might help to look after them in their declining years.

On the other hand, one of their strongest motivations in staying on was looking after those left at home. Ten-shilling notes, pound notes, postal orders, cheques: the money flowed home from emigrants’ pockets, keeping the home fires burning.

In one year alone, 1961, the value of the emigrant remittances that could be recorded reached some £13.5 million. The entire primary and secondary education budget of the State that year was £14 million.

They educated an entire generation from afar. They laid the foundations for the Celtic Tiger.

It’s not their fault we blew it.

A new edition of ‘An Unconsidered People’, with new material and a Foreword

by Diarmaid Ferriter is now available. It is published by New Island.

Artwork (copyright) by kind permission of artist Bernard Canavan.

The Kings of The Kilburn High Road runs at Thomastown community hall from March 17th.

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News

One in five firms has no female boss ONE in five Irish businesses has no women in senior management roles, according to a major new survey that also shows the portion of women in the top jobs shrank during the pandemic.

Women are in 30% of the most senior jobs, down from

Time will tell of pandemic mental toll on farmers THE fallout of Covid-19 on farmers’ mental health will be revealed in the coming months and even years, Irish Rural Link (IRL) has warned.

Although most pandemic restrictions have been lifted, CEO of IRL Seamus Boland said volunteers had been “shocked” by the high level of loneliness in the farming community.

The warning comes as the Samaritans launche a new mental health campaign with Ireland’s dairy co-operatives by featuring the charity’s helpline signage on milk tankers travelling across the countryside.

The latest edition of MediaHuss Farming Independent features a special report on farmer health, with touching personal testimonies and expert advice on how farmers can mind their physical and mental well-being while going about their daily chores on farm.

Meanwhile M Boland said: “We organised a voluntary response to Covid where we mobilised champions in each county to be available to assist people with practical help during the strong lockdowns.

“In that period, they all reported back that they were surprised and, in some cases, shocked by the high level of loneliness,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we are also aware of a small but significant number of farmer suicides, but we will have to wait for the statistics on this. Farmers require specific-to-farming helplines and counselling experts knowledgeable on farming.”

No permit to convert vacant pubs into homes THE Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD, has signed planning regulations that will exempt the conversion of former pubs into residential units from requiring planning permission in Kilkenny or elsewhere.

The move has been welcomed by his Cabinet colleague, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD.

33% last year. This compares with 32% globally.

Yet, most medium-sized employers believe the health crisis has expanded opportunities for women workers, according to Grant Thornton’s Women in Business report.

The shrinking portion of

BUSINESSES from Co Kilkenny had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world as part of the recent Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2022 in the RDS in Dublin.

There were more 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses from across the country present at the event with two from Kilkenny.

Start Up Businesses Yellow Deer Designs and David Oliver Bespoke ( pictured) were exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2022 for the first time, that saw over 4,000 buyers from retailers across the globe attend the fourday event in Dublin looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead.

Kilkenny businesses also exhibiting at Showcase 2022 included among the many: • Fred O’Mahony Woodturning, • Irish Linen Shirts, • Cushendale Woollen Mills, • Jerpoint Glass, • Kilkenny Silver, • Kilkenny Crystal and • Nicholas Mosse.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Fidelis Doherty said: “It is encouraging to see the return of Showcase to give our talented designers and craftspeople the opportunity to sell their products to national and international buyers.

“It provides them with the opportunity to meet with buyers specific to their market from countries all over the world, opening doors to new export opportunities that they simply would not get anywhere else.”

The Kilkenny companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Kilkenny to take part in this year’s showcase. The LEO have been working closely with them in recent months to ensure they are in the

women in senior positions was revealed as Engineers Ireland highlighted that women were leaving the industry.

Although 23% of engineering graduates are women, it says just 12% of those actually working in the engineer-

ing sector are in fact women.

According to the Grant Thornton report, released for International Women’s Day, a total of 19% of Irish businesses have no female senior managers. In addition, 21% have just one woman in a senior management role.

This means Ireland is well behind the UK in terms of having a gender balance among its highest-paid employees.

“Ireland appears to fare worse when compared to our neighbours in the UK where 2% of businesses have no

women in senior management positions,” says Grant Thornton’s statement on the report.

The survey concludes that the portion of Irish firms without women managers is also significantly higher than the EU average of 14%.

Local business gets to rub shoulders with the global market

best possible position to maximise their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.

This was rewarded with David Oliver Bespoke being featured on RTE’s Nationwide with another Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny supported client, Fred O’Mahony Woodturning, also based in south Kilkenny. Awards were also presented to Irish Linen Shirts,

based in Inistioge, Co Kilkenny who received the Fashion Category Award for their Irish Linen Shirt Dress, while Cushendale Woollen Mills received the Home Category Award for their Silare Mohair Throw.

The show, which marked its 46th edition this year, is one of Ireland’s largest and most important international trade fairs. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council

Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.

Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Design and Craft Council Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to highlight the wealth of talent amongst emerging

creative businesses across the country, and in supporting their commercial potential through the Local Enterprise Showcase.

“For many it is their first time exhibiting and this dedicated area plays a critical role in allowing them to launch new collections, secure orders and connect with national and international trade buyers, enabling them to develop their business and expand,”

Chimps use insects to treat their wounds !

CHIMPANZEES have been filmed using insects to tend the wounds of their family and friends in a world first.

No species, apart from humans, has been seen using other creatures as a medicine before. Animals such as elephants, bears and bees have been observed self-medicating but with plants, not animals.

Researchers from Osnabruck University in Germany were studying 45 chimps at Loango National Park in Gabon with staff of the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project when the discovery was made.

Volunteer Alessandra Mascaro was filming a mother and son in the wild in November 2019 when she wit-

nessed something unusual.

Sia, an adolescent male, had a wound on its foot that its mother Suzee was inspecting.

As the older chimp diagnosed the issue, it caught an insect in mid-air, put it into its mouth, and then pasted it on to the wound. “In the video, you can see that Suzee is first looking at the foot of her son, and then it’s as if she is think-

ing, ‘What could I do?’ and then she looks up, sees the insect, and catches it for her son,’” Ms Mascaro said.

“Discussing these observations and the possible function of the behaviour with the team members, we realised that we had never seen such a behaviour and that it had also never been documented before.”

The researchers watched for similar behaviour and, over 15 months, they recorded 76 open wounds on 22 chimpanzees being treated with insects.

In 19 cases the chimp rubbed insects on itself, but on three occasions, the team saw an injured ape being tended to by a family member or friend.

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Feature WEEK FIVE Kilkenny is home to the most famous cats in the world. For over two hundred years, people everywhere have heard of the fierce Kilkenny Cats. They are part of our history; part of our DNA. They reflect Kilkenny in all its glorious past, its developing present and exciting future.

In week four, local author Donal Cadogan and illustrator Gemma Aloisi share their unique view of Kilkenny’s history and culture, as seen and told by its magnificent and ever-present Kilkenny Cats.

This week we meet Lady, Pebble and Roundy These are taken from their recent illustrated children’s book We are Kilkenny Cats!

A castle destroyed, and the birth of the Marble City Roundy – Cromwell’s Cat One morning in 1650 everyone in Kilkenny woke to the sound of horses, wagons and marching men. It was an army approaching the city walls. It was the Model Army of Oliver Cromwell. He had defeated the King’s army in the English Civil War and was now finishing off the rebellion in Ireland. As capital of the rebels, Kilkenny had to be captured.

He paid a traitor, called Captain Tickle, to open the gates and let him in but Tickle was found out and Cromwell found the gates still shut when he arrived. The people of Kilkenny were weak from a plague which had many of the soldiers lying sick in their beds. But they were ready to fight back and they struggled to the walls.

For three days the attackers tried to get through to the city.

Huge cannons destroyed part of the castle and knocked holes in the city walls. Eventually the army broke into the city. With it was a small orphan kitten.

While the cats of Kilkenny didn’t want an invading army here, they were happy to welcome the new arrival and called him Roundy, after Cromwell’s troops, who were called Roundheads. Where he came from, even he didn’t know, but he became a Kilkenny cat.

The soldiers had little respect for Kilkenny. They turned the cathedral into stables for their horses. They used the ancient Market Cross, which still stood, as a target for shooting practice.

They turned out many Catholic families from their homes and exiled them, with their cats, from

Kilkenny. They took the land and houses of those they had sent away and gave them to their own soldiers.

Kilkenny changed. With many old families gone and new ones replacing them, the rebel spirit was all but gone for many years.

Only the cats remained true.

Lady – The Castle Cat While Kilkenny Castle always had cats living in it since it was built, it was not the most comfortable place for a cat to live. It was dark inside, as the windows were very small and it was always filled with people.

A cat had to watch that her tail was out of harm’s way.

In 1650, one whole side of the castle was knocked down by cannon fire and a second side very badly damaged. Lord of the castle at the time was James, the 1st Duke of Ormonde. He had sided with King Charles II in the Civil War and was living in France with him at the time.

He spent many years there and it was there he found a new pet, a cat which he named Lady.

When the King was back on his throne the Duke came to Kilkenny and saw the ruined castle. While it was dark and old before, it was nowhere for a Duke, or his cat, to live. He decided to rebuild and use the opportunity to make it more

modern. He had seen French castles which were made comfortable for fine living and not for defence.

The Duke knocked more holes in the walls, into which he put large windows to let in the light. He knocked a large hole in one wall and built a massive gate into the courtyard. He cleared away the remains of the wall which had been knocked and opened up the castle to the grounds outside it.

The Castle became a pleasant place to visit, which the Duke did from time to time, while also visiting his many other homes in England. Lady, however, stayed in Kilkenny.

She liked the life of luxury that a cat could have in her new home. She added a touch of charm and sophistication to the Kilkenny cat family tree.

So now you know from where we get our charm.

Pebble – A Marble Cat While some buildings built hundreds of years ago are still in Kilkenny today, many fell down. Those that lasted were made of stone and those that fell were made from timber.

In the 18th century, the time of King George II, Kilkenny was becoming rich. It supplied shoes, blankets, whiskey and beer to faraway places and the

money came into Kilkenny pockets. People had money and wanted their houses and buildings to look good, so they started to build new modern ones. To make sure they lasted, they used stone. The best they could find was at the edge of the city.

The stone was black and when rubbed shiny, looked like marble. The new buildings went up: the Tholsel, the court house, new rows of houses on the Parade, Parliament St and Patrick St. When visitors came and saw the shiny black stone they called Kilkenny the Marble City.

The person who made the stone famous was a man called William Colles. He had a system for preparing the stone and to help him supervise it, he had a small army of cats, each called Pebble. They watched the stone being cut out of the ground at Blackquarry on the road to Bennettsbridge and went with it when it was taken to the river Nore nearby. Stone and cat were then brought across the river by boat to a new mill which was a half mile downstream. Here special saws cut the stone.

As well as making blocks to make buildings, the stone was made into fireplaces, drain pipes, floor tiles and ornaments; Mr Colles had a book filled with designs for people to buy. The business grew bigger and bigger and needed more cats. But eventually marble became less popular. The mills and quarries closed down and the cats lost their jobs. It was a black day for Kilkenny’s marble cats.

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MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre

‘The Look of the Irish Whether you’re watching the parade or enjoying food and drinks with friends this bank holiday weekend, you can find the perfect outfit with MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre.

Want a stylish yet practical look? Stay warm and dry with a cosy jumper and rain jacket from Regatta. Finish off the look with a pair of leggings and funky shoes from Skechers, the perfect parade watching outfit! Want a chicer look? Try this gorgeous Chanel inspired blue checked jacket from Carraig Donn.

Ready to step it up a notch for a night out? Have we got the perfect outfits for you!

Stay on trend for St Patrick’s weekend in this stylish ruffled dress from Carraig Donn, matched with their beautiful emerald green necklace.

This midi wrap dress with pink heels from Pamela Scott oozes elegance, why not compliment the look with a silver half pearl pendant from Fields?

Fancy a pop of colour? This statement pink and red midi dress from River Island is definitely the dress for you!

For more outfit inspiration make sure to follow MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre on Facebook and Instagram.

Regatta €54.95 u

River Island €64 u

Regatta €14.99 u

* All prices correct at time of print

t Carraig Donn €39.95

Carraig Donn €34.95 u

Pamela Scott €59.99 u

Carraig Donn €46.95 u Fields €52.50 q

Chanel Inspired

Skechers €80 q

t Pamela Scott €39.99

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Picture special Mick and Bronagh Walsh The Molloy family

Paula Hynes Marie Sheehan

Marie Sheehan and Gavin Deering

Sarah Sherratt

About Out &

WITH

Danny Lahart

Sinead Kenrick and Ciara Treacy

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Picture special Don Egan

Grace Fennelly and Katie Dillon Robbie and David Mcgee

Emma and Carys Kennedy

Martin, Michael and Liam tired after doung the parkrun

A group enjoying the family parkrun in the castle park

Andrew Smyth and David Lawlor

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Twilight Community

Twilight Communitygroup’s Internati 2022 brings timely boost to hospitality EACH YEAR The Twilight Community Group hold a major International Conference on a particular subject. As part of the Europe for Citizens fund, the community group hold a conference on March 16th 2022. It is the last of the three instalments of ‘The Stigmatisation of Migrants’ EU Programme. The 2022 conference could not have come at a more apt time as we see the Ukraine nation’s women and children on the march to the borders to their European neighbours and then in some cases onwards to Ireland.

Millions of refugees fleeing the advancing Red army. Many of these children and young adults, lives changed forever with scenes of horror etched on their minds that will bring nightmares and many sleepless nights as they try to forget the atrocities, they should never have to witness. Who, could have predicted we would see such a large exodus of refugees in Europe in 2022? The topic of the Ukraine will no doubt make its way on to this year’s agenda.

This year’s Conference has the additional tag line of ‘Block the Hate share the love’ The Twilight community group are active across the divide of many different groups and their needs. The progressive charitable organisation recently launched its LGBTQAI+ project as part of their Diversity, Awareness, Visibility Inclusion Development (DAVID). The title is part of our recognition of the great work Senator Davis Norris does continuously for the LGBTQAI+ community.

There will be a short Twilight produced Documentary about Mr Norris on the Twilight European Network Studio TEN YouTube channel as part of the DAVID Project’s Visibility module. The DAVID project will encourage all society to be accepting to others needs and desires as we strive to have a society that is welcoming to men, women, boys and girls in all their diversity.

Part of the time table is set aside for three people to share their living experiences.

Rebecca Harold Trans life Kilkenny, Michael Ibrahim Integration Helena Power KTCM. Get more information on this inspiring initiative go to https://www.twilight. ie/blog/2022/01/09/davidproject/ This year the group established Twilight Youth Inclusion (TYI) club. This is a youth club which meets in the Twilight International Cultural House every Saturday. Its Youth Leader Mikolaj Lesniak will be one of the speakers on 16th March in the New park Hotel.

As we leave the covid19 pandemic in the rear-view

mirror from April onwards Twilight’s Senior’s Community programme, Protecting and Assisting Senior Services (PASS) will see monthly friendly ‘coffee mornings’ in the city and also the PASS programme will be in the rural towns around the county. One of the group’s many aims are to ensure our seniors are treated with the respect they deserve as they are the citizens that built this country making it a place where many of the people of the world wish to live.

Helena Power is a young Traveller woman born and raised in Urlingford, County Kilkenny. Helena is a qualified beauty therapist but forgoes that career to fight against the injustice and discrimination experienced by Traveller people. Helena is a human rights activist who, through her role as Community Development Officer with Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement (KTCM), fights to break down barriers and social exclusion to ensure a brighter future for her community.

Michael Ibrahim was born in Nigeria and came to Ireland in 2001. Michael experienced the horror that was direct provision but has overcome adversity to marry and raise a family in Kilkenny. Michael is a 3rd year Applied Social Care student at WIT. Andy Neill is a member of the Kilkenny Community

poetry, or ghazals. His first book, The Crisis of Islamic Masculinities, was published with Bloomsbury Academic in January 2014. The book has been reviewed in The Times Higher Education, New Books in Islamic Studies USA and BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Sunday Morning with Amanullah is currently working on book projects relating to themes on contemporary and historical Islam and Muslim

Engagement Unit but has been on temporary attachment to the regular policing unit in Kilkenny since Covid measures were brought in during March 2020. He originally qualified as a religion teacher having studied theology in TCD. As well as regular policing duties Andy along with four other members of the Station is a Diversity Officer. He’s not shy to admit he enjoys a good laugh.

In his spare time you’ll probably find Andy under the bonnet of a car with oily hands.

The Conference this March is on the Stigmatization of Migrants and Minority Groups.

Keynote speakers are

Dr. Amanullah De Sondy is Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam at University College Cork, Ireland. Amanullah has twice been invited to lead Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament and has been a regular contributor to BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Thought for the Day’ for over ten years.

Amanullah De Sondy joined University College Cork in 2015 as Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam and is an Affiliate of the University of Glasgow’s Department of Theology and Religious Studies.

Amanullah holds a concurrent B.A in Religious Studies and Education Studies with the Diploma in Education from Stirling University.

He has studied Arabic and Islam in France, Jordan, and Syria and has particular interest in Urdu and Punjabi

Stephanie McDermott H.Dip . lectures in the field of Equality, Citizenship, Rights and Activism. As a critical educator and activist, her work centres on social action, civil engagement and the representations of minority groups. Stephanie has extensive experience of working with civil society organisations and is one of the co-founders of

Rohingya Action Ireland. In the college and in the wider Carlow/Kilkenny community, Stephanie takes an active role in raising awareness of Human Rights abuses and the wider issues of Inclusion and Interculturalism. Stephanie

also works as a facilitator in Community Development and Leadership.

Stephanie’s main interest of research is the ‘Lived experience of ethnic minority groups’ with particular reference to migration, refugees and asylum. Her work on inclusion, ‘hearing the minority voice’ and active engagement of minority groups and how, approaches to the ‘management’ of diversity can lead to community cohesion and solidarity.

Stephanie is a regular at the Twilight Group’s Activities and contributed to their feasibility study on their International Cultural House Concept, which can be seen in a smaller scale than is required but never the less welcomes all the communities in the region as equals, Her publications include,

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News Twilight Community

onal Conference sector of Kilkenny • now your values: The importance of values awareness in Social Care Education in the ‘European Journal of Social Education’ No 12/13 2007 • ‘Mary Slessors Letters; images and reflection in the ‘The Nigerian Field’, Vol 65 part 1-2: 2002

Dr. Maureen Mickus is a Gerontologist and Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University (WMU). She was awarded a PhD from Northwestern University and taught at Michigan State University medical school for ten years.

Since joining the faculty at WMU she has been extensively involved in promoting cultural affairs. She has led a study abroad program to Ireland for 15 years focused on aging.

She also co-developed a crosscultural program that was held for Guanajuato, Mexico for several summers. This program highlighted issues related to migration and was also designed to improve cultural humility among students.

She currently chairs the departmental Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee and mentors WMU Hispanic students. Her research has included ethnic minorities living in nursing homes. She is currently conducting an intervention study for Black elders.

Ms. Denise Bowen is a Physician Assistant and Associate Professor Emerita

from Western Michigan University. As the former Chair of the Physician Assistant program, she successfully led efforts to diversify the student body. Prior to her tenure at Western Michigan University, she spent over 15 years as a health care provider to the immigrant farmworker community in Michigan. Ms. Bowen also lived and worked in a Guatemalan refugee camp in Southern Mexico for several years mentoring local health promoters. She has conducted research in cross cultural communication, and deservingness of care related to immigrants. Together with Dr. Mickus, she co-led study abroad programs exploring US/Mexican migration, an initiative funded by President Obama’s Partners of the Americas. Bowen and Mickus also produced a documentary highlighting difficulty for Mexican migrants. Ms. Bowen currently leads a U.S./Mexico Border Awareness program for WMU students.

Brian Killoran is the CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Brian studied at NUI Galway, where he read a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Sociology and Politics.

He attained his Master of Arts in Globalisation from Dublin City University. In his early career, Brian worked as a facilitator on international peace building programmes in Boston, Massachusetts and as an information worker with a community development NGO working to address health inequalities among migrant communities in Dublin’s north inner city. Brian joined the Immigrant Council as an Information Officer in 2004, working directly with people from a migrant background and their families to assist them in navigating the Irish immigration system and having their rights realised. Brian went on to manage key areas within the Immigrant Council, including its Information and Referral Services and Integration related work, before becoming CEO in March 2015.

Brian has responsibility for all aspects of the Immigrant Council’s operations and priorities.

Brian as his team are very much involved in the current crisis in Ukraine as the refugee crisis escalates with young women and children fleeing the conflict as their husbands, brothers and elderly fathers and grandparents remain behind to protect their nations democracy and freedom.

Twilight’s Guests are travelling to Kilkenny from across Europe, these visitors that will give a timely boost to the hospitality economy includes groups from Hungary, Portugal, France, Poland, Italy, Lithuania, Serbia and Romania. Other delegations are from Turkey, Morocco and Malta.

The Ambassadors of Moldova, Morocco are in attendance this year. As are the first consuls of the Polish, Romanian and Turkish Embassies.

Many arrive on the 14th as they come to Kilkenny to view the medieval capital of Ireland’s historic sights. This festival now brings a welcome boost to the city’s economy. It begins the evening of the 15th with a welcoming dinner for all the delegates in Eamon Langton’s House, one of Ireland’s leading restaurants and the seminar takes place on the 16th in Newpark Hotel. This year all the countries present will show their culture to others and the Public on the day.

In a Unique show of solidarity all the nations will proudly march behind their Nations flag as we promote the Twilight Ethos of ‘Communities Are Stronger Together’ in our St Patrick Day’s parade. The 18th is a free day with some departing while others remain with us till Sunday and Tuesday.

Since the first conference in 2019 it now has become a mini festival and continues to grow year-on-year and over the past number of years with a sizeable boost to the economy annually that many nearby city and towns would welcome and support with open arms.

A spokesperson for Twilight told the Kilkenny Observer that plans have already begun for 2023.The venue is still up for discussion. “The Twilight Community wish to continue its relationship with Kilkenny as we are a Kilkenny charity and proud Kilkenny citizens, but sometimes the financial supports available has to be a consideration.” Twilights International Conference 2022 supported by the European Union begins next week.

All are welcome FREE Admission Arrive early to ensure seat Conference Newpark Hotel 10AM

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Leek and greens lasagne Prep: 35 mins Cook: 1 hr Serves: 4

Merge cheesy leeks and a classic lasagne to make our mouth-watering family-sized pasta dish. This is an easy and impressive bubbling masterpiece.

Ingredients • 3 tbsp olive oil , plus extra for the tin • 50g butter • 1 bay leaf • rosemary sprig , leaves picked and roughly chopped • 3 leeks , cleaned and rough green ends discarded, 1 finely sliced and 2 cut into medium slices • 40g plain flour • 500ml milk • fresh nutmeg , for grating • 100g cheddar , grated • 30g parmesan , grated • 2 garlic cloves , crushed • ½ green chilli , sliced • 400g mixed green leaves , such as kale, chard and spinach, roughly chopped • 100ml dry white wine • 100g walnuts • 280g jar preserved artichoke hearts in oil, drained • 100g ricotta • 6 dried lasagne sheets

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Heat 1 tbsp oil with the butter over a medium heat.

Add the bay leaf, rosemary and finely sliced leek, season and cook for a few mins until the leek has softened.

STEP 2 Add the flour and cook for 1 min more until the roux smells nutty. Take off the heat, slowly pour in the milk and whisk out any lumps.

The hidden gold 0f Bordeaux Part 2

STEP 3 Return to the heat and whisk slowly until thick and smooth, about 5 mins. Season well with grated nutmeg, then add 3/4 of the cheddar and parmesan, cooking until they are melted. Set aside.

STEP 4 In another pan, heat 2 tbsp oil over a medium heat and fry the garlic and chilli for a couple of mins until aromatic. Add the rest of the leeks, season and fry until softened, then add the mixed greens and season a little more.

Cook, stirring, until the greens have wilted, about 4 mins, then pour in the wine and cook until it evaporates.

STEP 5 Oil a medium roasting tin (about 20cm square) and tip half the greens into the tin.

Dot half the walnuts over the top, and nestle in a third of the artichoke hearts. Dot over half the ricotta. Remove the bay leaf from the leek bechamel and pour over a third of it. Top with three lasagne sheets to cover everything in a at layer. Repeat the process, then cover the top layer of lasagne sheets with the remaining bechamel and artichokes and scatter over the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven for 30-40 mins, until golden and bubbling. Rest for 10 mins, then serve with a sharply dressed grated carrot and beetroot salad.

Smoky chickpeas on toast Prep: 2 mins Cook: 10 mins Serves: 2

• 2 tsp red wine vinegar • 2-4 slices good crusty bread • 2 eggs

Spend a grand total of 12 minutes on this healthy, low-cal supper for two.

Our fuss-free smoky chickpeas on toast deliver two of your five-a-day.

Method STEP 1 Heat ½ tsp of the oil in a pan. Tip in the onion and cook until soft, about 5-8 mins, then add the chipotle paste, passata, chickpeas, honey and vinegar.

Season and bubble for 5 mins.

Ingredients • 1 tsp olive oil or vegetable oil, plus a drizzle • 1 small onion or banana shallot, chopped • 2 tsp chipotle paste • 250ml passata • 400g can chickpeas , drained • 2 tsp honey

STEP 2 Toast the bread. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and fry the eggs. Drizzle the toast with a little oil, then top with the chickpeas and fried eggs.

BORDEAUX expert Hugues Hardy explains that the sweet wines have the potential to age for up to 40 years and that opened bottles can keep for up two weeks in the refrigerator. He suggests trying the wines at room temperature, which enunciates their complex flavours, and he’s particularly fond of pairing the wine with Asian cuisines like Thai. On the dessert pairing front, Black Forest cake is one of the best ways to go.

As are a classic pairing, cheese might seem like an obvious one, but there are some factors to keep in mind, “With all the sugar, it’s not good to pair the wine with cheese that’s too creamy,” says Jonathan Ducourt of Vignobles Ducourt, a winemaking family since 1858.

Blue and goat cheeses are always a win, as is Mimolette, a hard, bright-orange cow milk cheese, and Époisses, a soft, aromatic cow milk cheese.

Additionally, a new generation of young winemakers, including Hardy mentioned above, are revitalising the territory and wines. Nea Berglund has overseen Château Carsin, which her family acquired in 1990, since 2015 and has since converted the estate to fully organic.

Pauline Lapierre’s family has owned Château HautRian for over 30 years, and in 2018, she purchased their neighbor’s organic land plot, which she uses to make her own wine under the estate’s label. In addition, she and her family aim to have a fully organic vineyard by 2024.

Recently, another trend from the days of yore has reemerged: sweet wine cocktails. “They were popular in the 1920s and the 1970s, and they’re making a comeback now,” says Hardy. He suggests pouring the wine over crushed ice with some lime, while Berglund, who also makes organic Cadillac tonic, sells Sweet Bordeaux and Tonic kits.

Sweet wine

Other sweet wine producers of note include Château Laurette in Sainte-Croix-du- Mont, Château de Cérons in Cérons, Château Lamothe de Haux in Cadillac, which produces sweet wine under the Château Manos label, and Château du Cros in Loupiac, owned by Catherine Boyer, one of the region’s most dynamic women winemakers.

“Up until the last century, people used to consume these wines at every meal,” concludes Hardy. “We’re starting to show the world a different side of Bordeaux.

The wines are not expensive, and they’re a part of our future.” And Sweet Bordeaux’s future looks golden indeed.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

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Make your Netflix session smoother with these tips AS one of the top streaming services in the world, Netflix doesn’t get a day off in most households. But whether you use it daily, weekly or monthly, that doesn’t mean you know all its secrets.

Take your browsing skills to new heights by digging for Netflix originals with one search term ‘Netflix’. Open the Netflix app on any device and pop the brand’s name in the search bar and it will bring up every original Netflix movie and series ever released.

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Toggle the volume with the up and down arrow keys and hit the left and right arrows to fast-forward or rewind by 10 seconds. Hit M to mute the sound.

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Netflix offers other ways to peek behind the curtain and enhance your viewing experience. With a flick of the wrist -- or remote -- you can up your streaming game using these tips at how-to-techtips-logo-badge.png

Netflix says most of its originals have Audio Description available, and it works for some other titles on the platform too. To turn it on, begin playing a video on your device. Mobile device or computer users can tap their screens, while smart TVs, Apple TV or gaming consoles will need to use the remote control.

Select the Dialogue icon box to see which languages Audio Description is available for and choose your option.

Enjoying the latest foreign title streaming on Netflix?

Dubbing nowadays is pretty goo but some viewers prefer to watch certain content like Korean dramas and anime in its original language with subtitles. You can adjust the subtitle settings for font type, size, text shadowing or background.

You’ll need to open Netflix in a web browser and select a profile from the account page. Click on Subtitle Appearance to change the settings and then click Save. This can be done for each profile on your Netflix account. You may have to reload the app on your TV for the changes to take effect. If you don’t like the new setup, simply choose ‘Reset to default’ to restore the previous subtitle settings.

Wondering what the

warming that the RussiaUkraine war was imminent for months. And many expected the Russian army to decimate Ukraine’s defences.

But Russia’s campaign failed from the start, and the Netflix Winter on Fire documentary is an eye-opener. It shows the kind of determination that motivates Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

What the world wasn’t necessarily ready for was a war that would stream live on social media. From the first day

of combat, we’ve witnessed the horrors of the war in real-time as they happened.

We saw the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian army and the regular people who took arms to defend their lands.

As we already explained, the Winter on Fire documentary details the Ukrainian revolution from late 2014 and early 2015. Also known as the Maidan Revolution, the movement represents the start of Ukraine’s fight

Based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, the fifth and final season of this historical drama series is on its way as it chronicles the reign of the Saxons against brutal Nordic invasions. Following the exciting Norse legend release last month, namely Vikings: Valhalla, the series will chronicle the Saxon resistance against the Viking excursions to England.

Starring Alexander Dreymon, Timothy Innes, Millie Brady, Emily Cox and others, the final season will indeed be bloody and gory with imminent battles and a presumably emotional ending. streaming quality is for your favourite show? Check the bit rate with Netflix’s ‘Stats for nerds’ menu. A higher bit rate equals higher video quality.

With your video open, press Ctrl + Shift + Alt + D on your laptop keyboard to check out your bit rate speed, buffering state and frame rate. On this screen, HD viewers can confirm speed and resolution.

Some smart TV models are capable of pulling up these stats too, but you’ll need a remote control with an Info button. Click it as your Netflix video plays to check the nerd stats. For Roku users, choose a show or film and before pressing play, hit the asterisk * button twice to see the numbers. Click it twice again to disable the view.

You’ll want to pause your video so you can capture the code information without missing any scenes from your favourite show. The other catch? You can’t edit any of those stats if you’re in the mood for a debugging session.

Bit rate information isn’t only interesting for the technically minded, it can help when you’re facing streaming issues or buffering. For example, it can guide you where to move your router or streaming device to improve your Wi-Fi signal

Winter On Fire all about Ukraine ON Netflix check out the documentary Winter On Fire: Ukraine’s Fight if you are interested in understanding the Russia-Ukraine war. The documentary will help you understand where Ukraine’s desire for freedom comes from and what kind of people are fighting Putin’s army.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th, hoping for a total conquest of the neighbouring country it has threatened for several years.

Western countries had been

best series to watch on Netflix now

for freedom. People took to the streets for more than 90 consecutive days, protesting against a pro- Russian government led b y thenUkrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

The protesters started gathering in Kyiv as the Yanukovych administration stopped negotiations with the European Union, choosing instead to get closer to Russia. That wasn’t the decision people wanted from the administration.

Starring Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson in prominent roles, the series is set in the fictional Summerhouse estate. It focuses on the realistic and grim representation of the street culture.

This honest and thought-provoking show ended on a cliffhanger in the third season where the mysterious gunshot put Dris’ fate on the line while the rookies actually turned out to be police officers. The second season arrives on March 18.

Intense and harrowing, the fiveepisode series upholds the sinister tales of individual people’s malevolent intentions as they plague the lives of their respective roommates. Seemingly innocent in the beginning, they gradually begin flaunting their true colours as master manipulators, conmen and serial killers.

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Based on Karin Slaughter’s thrilling novel of the same name, this upcoming thriller series will feature Tini Collette, Bella Heathcote, Joe Dempsie, David Wenham and others in prominent roles. With an intense trailer that promises an abundance of secrets, mystery, violence and shock, the film will explore the changing dynamics of a mother-daughter dynamic against a violent landscape.

After getting caught in a mass shooting incident, the daughter sees her mother deftly managing to eliminate the threat. This pricks her conscience and she begins to delve deeper into her mother’s history, stumbling upon unknown and ominous secrets that her mother desperately tried to hide.

This six-episode series will focus on the life of the legendary Andy Warhol who became a pop-cultural phenomenon with his indelible impact on the pop art movement. Produced by Ryan Murphy, the series will closely examine the luminous life and career of this trailblazing icon.

While the series mainly relies on his diaries to explore his persona and personality, it uses cutting-edge AI deep fakes to generate his voice-over for several clippings.

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News

St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny Calling all organisations in Kilkenny city & county to take part in the 2022 St. Patrick’s day parade Are you a Kilkenny based club, community group, charity, sports group, tourist organisation, school or business? Then St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny wants you to get involved!

As the world re-opens, St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny are delighted to once again host an in-person Parade in Kilkenny city. The Parade will be the centre of this year’s 6-day St. Patrick’s Festival. The live in-person Parade will feature pageantry, entertainment and the clubs, businesses and organisations of Kilkenny.

Bringing everyone together in celebration, and showcasing the creativity and community of the people of Kilkenny.

The Theme for the 2022 parade is ‘Run with the Wolves’ and groups are encouraged to incorporate the theme into their parade entry, if possible.

(It is of course optional!).

The theme has been chosen to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Kilkenny based animation studio Cartoon Saloon whose movie ‘WolfWalkers’ received an Oscar nomination in 2021. Wolfwalkers is set in Kilkenny in 1650 and tells the tale of Maebh, Robyn and the WolfWalkers.

Famous Kilkenny landmarks can be seen throughout the film and inspiration for the Woods comes from our wealth of woodland around the county. If you’re looking for inspiration Wolfwalkers the movie is available to watch on AppleTV. Those who wish to enter the

Parade are asked to complete and submit the form in this week’s paper or log on to https://stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com/paradeapplication-form-2022/ There are prizes to be won by entering the Parade with four categories of prize winners 1) Most Creative and Entertaining 2) Best Young People 3) Best Rural 4) Best School and 5) Best interpretation of the

Are you Kilkenny’s 2022 Rose

THE Kilkenny Rose Team are having a fun, information evening this Saturday from 6-7 pm in KBowl at MacDonagh Junction.

It’s an opportunity for any girls thinking about joining in this year to come along, meet some of the girls who are already entering , enjoy some bowling , food and

find out what the Kilkenny Rose experience is really like .

So if you are thinking about it, join us on Saturday and you won’t look back.

Theme. The winners will be announced on the festival stage on the day, followed by a special award ceremony with the Mayor of Kilkenny in the Town Hall later in the month.

The Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Thursday the 17th March at 1.30pm. The Parade Route will go from John Street, to Rose Inn Street, The Parade (Review stand), High Street, and finish at the Market Yard. The 2022 Grand Marshal is Paralympian Mary Fitzgerald.

For groups who want to bring the theme into their float

entry, Cartoon Saloon have created a pack of templates to create your own Wolf mask and solider armour simply out of cardboard and colours.

These templates will be available to download from www. stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com There is also a super opportunity for any group who want to join a choregraphed pageant which will form a central part of the parade.

This is a joint initiative between Kilkenny County Council’s St. Patrick’s Festival Committee, Kilkenny-Carlow ETB and Cartoon Saloon.

Kilkenny/Carlow ETB are willing to assign art tutors to any community groups interested in participating (group members must be over 18 years of age) should contact: Siobhan.

OBrien@kilkennycarlowetb.ie Cllr Joe Malone, Chairperson of the committee said: “It’s great that our St. Patrick’s Festival is getting back to full swing this year. The Parade is such a big part of it and it’s always great to see all different parts of our community come together. I’d encourage all community groups and organisations to get your groups together and get involved in Kilkenny’s first in-person St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 3 years! Be a part of the action as we reconnect and celebrate together!”

Talking about the theme Cllr Andrew McGuinness, Mayor of Kilkenny County Council commented “The Run with the Wolves theme and the continued collaboration with Cartoon Saloon is great to see.

This festival is about connecting with our community to celebrate our culture and creativity and Cartoon Saloon are exactly that! It’ll be great to see all the community collaborations and all the wolves on street during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade”.

More information about St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny and this year’s programme can be found at www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com or on Facebook at @StPatricksDayKilkenny

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Community & GAA Notes

SENIOR FOOTBALL Clara continued on their winning ways with a win over Danesfort on Friday night in Danesfort. Having beaten county champions Thomastown in their first outing Clara came into the game with confidence and were three points up after 10 minutes. During this early spurt they also missed a penalty, with James Nolan’s effort going just outside the left post. Danesfort then found their feet and kicked two in a row before Clara kicked on again. Two points from play by cousins Kevin and Peter Nolan were followed by a goal by James Nolan.

It was the second game in a row that they found the net just before the interval and left them 1-6 to 0-3 to the good.

They began the second half with two points from Liam Ryan and Alan Coleman. As the game progressed their superior physical strength became more pronounced.

Danesfort had a youthful looking side on show and did not look as battle hardened as the Clara men. They were outscored 8 points to 4 in the second half and Clara left one or two goals behind them as well. Those chances may need to be taken away to Muckalee next week. The final score was 1-14 to 0-7.

Team - Ciarán Prendergast, Paul Murphy, Jack Langton, Sean O Shea 0-1. Liam Ryan 0-2, David Langton, Conor O Shea. Killian Phelan, Alan Coleman 0-2. Peter Nolan 0-1, Kevin Nolan 0-3, Jason Byrne 0-2. James Nolan 1-1, Martin O Connell 0-2, 0-1f, Tom Ryan. Subs used Dara Glynn, Shane Staunton, James Casey, Mick McDonald, Ruairí Breen.

MINOR FOOTBALL Clara got through to the Roinn B county semi final on Sunday morning in Clara with a resounding 2-18 to 1-8 win over Galmoy/Windgap. This was a great team performance with some mighty individual displays thrown in. Galmoy/Windgap scored first through a Roman O Brien free but Ned Langton nullified this a minute later with a pointed free of his own. The next score was a sweet Conor Hoyne strike for a goal and Clara were on their way. They dominated the rest of the half and when Joe Power showed great composure to score a goal just before half timethe lead was out to 2-10 to 0-4 and the game was as good as over.

Galmoy/Windgap upped their game in the second half but the damage was done. Clara had to be alert on a few occasions but goalkeeper Luke Lawlor and his back line were equal to the task. Ben Crow drove the team forward at every opportunity and had willing accomplices in Tommy Delaney and Sean Carrigan. Behind them Philip Carrigan, Cian Kelly and captain Ben Murphy were soundness personified. The towering Zach Lawlor and Alex McDonald got through an amount of work at midfield. Conor Hoyne, Ned Langton in particular and Alex Firbank were very industrious. Dillon Cummins and Joe Power were always dangerous in the corners while Harry Boyle brought his usual appetite for workrate to the proceedings, especially when he swapped places with Ned Langton.

All of the subs contributed well and didn’t detract anything from the overall effort when they made their appearance.

The most pleasing part of the game was the great discipline shown by the team. There were no lazy fouls and the workrate never dipped, even when the game was long over as a contest. One incident that epitomised this was when Ned Langton hounded an opponent for 40 yards deep back into his own territory. He didn’t foul but with his honesty of effort he turned the ball over and you could see the lift it gave the whole team and the deflating impact it had on the opposition.

Moments like this were replicated all around the field and were inspiring to watch. Keep up the good work lads! Next up is a trip to Tullogher for the semi final.

Team - Luke Lawlor, Philip Carrigan, Cian Kelly, Ben Murphy (capt.). Tommy Delaney, Ben Crow, Sean Carrigan 0-1. Luke Lawlor, Alex McDonald. Conor Hoyne 1-2, 0-1f, Ned Langton 0-11, 0-3f, Alex Firbank.

Dillon Cummins, Harry Boyle, Joe Power 1-4. Subs John Bergin, Hugh Kelly, Daniel Ryan, Tom Boyle, Tom Murphy, Eoin Corr, Orí Phelan, Bill Kealy.

LGFA Well done to the Clara girls who have made their county panels. Danica Tervit-Kruger, Kathy Phelan and Maria Hogan represent the club on the U14 squad while Pia Langton and Lucy Boyd were both picked to start with the county U16s. They defeated Carlow on Saturday. A great honour girls!

KILKENNY BEAT DUBS Well done to Matt Kenny and Conor Phelan who were part of a very good Kilkenny performance on Saturday

in Parnell Park, as the Cats put Dublin to the sword. The team seem to be getting a handle on the new possession game that they are trying to implement and had a somewhat surprising 2-23 to 0-16 win here. Conor is a selector with the side and Matt was a substitute on the day. Well done lads!

KIERANS MAKE FINAL St. Kieran’s College qualified for the Senior All Ireland final on St. Patrick’s Day in Croke Park by beating Harty Cup champions St. Joseph’s of Tulla, Clare in Nenagh on Saturday. Kieran’s were captained by Conor Cody of Clara, who played a fine game from his number 7 position. Conor now leads the team into a decider against Árd Scoil Rís of Limerick and best wishes are extended to Conor and the team in that.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of the Club Lotto (March 1st).

The numbers drawn were 11, 14, 23, 24 and the bonus number was 6. Nior bhuaigh eínne an chrannchur cumann anocht (Márta 1) . Na úimhreacha a bhi tóghta amach ná 11, 14, 23, 24 agus an uimhir breise 6 Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,600. www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Sinead Dowling c/o Peter Dowling.

2. T&F Dowling c/o Hugh Mahon 3. Michael Kinchella c/o Eileen Kinchella. 4. Ann Massey c/o Eileen Kinchella 5. Ann Doran c/o Moxie Doran. 6. Mary Cody c/o Moxie Doran 7.Jimmy Walsh c/o Moxie Doran. 8. Annemarie Sheridan c/o online 9. Alan Brennan c/o online. 10. Rebecca Power c/o online MEDALS PRESENTATION NIGHT On Friday evening last at the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club Lounge the GAA and Camogie Clubs celebrated their teams achievements for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

It was an event that had been delayed due to Covid related restrictions. Seven hurling teams and one camogie team were celebrated: the u21, Junior B and Junior teams of 2019, the Intermediate Football Winners of 2021 and the U22 Camogie Champions of 2021. The players and their supporters were welcomed

by Games Development Chairman Eddie Buckley who invited former chairman Brian Murphy to present the medals alongside Benni Cleere to the hurlers. Camogie Chairman Eoin Lawlor credited the clubs recent success to increased numbers, improved training for coaches, and a hardworking administrating, all of which were overseen by previous chairperson Joan Galwey - inviting her to present those medals to the 2021 Champions. Further awards were presented on the night - the u21 Player if the year for 2019 went to Jordan Molloy. Conor Kelly picked up the Junior B Player of the Year for the same year, while Gary Kelly was that year’s recipient of the Junior Player if the year. For Camogie , Danielle Quigley was awarded the u22 Player of the year, Abigail Egan received Emerging Young Talent and Phil Fogarty was the overall Player of the year. Sponsoring the awards for the respective clubs were Pat Robert Carroll, Ballybought Street and MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. Club Chairman Johnny Holohan closed off the presentations with a word of congratulations to all recipients and a common wish to drive on to more successes in 2022.

The celebrations continued .likely into early Saturday morning LAOCH NA HUIMERATHA. MAITH THU O’LEATHLOBHAIR Huw Lawlor was named Man of the Match after Saturday’s Kilkenny win over Dublin in the National league.

Mikey Butler and Paddy Deegan weren’t trotting far behind him either!! In what was a busy weekend for our top players we also congratulate Alex Sheridan and Mark Holohan who head to the All-Ireland colleges final with St. Kierans College after their win over St. Joseph’s of Tulla at the weekend. Camogie player Aoife Shealy has to do it all over again as her Loreto Team were forced to a draw in their junior School camogie All-Ireland final on Saturday. The replay has to be rescheduled. If that wasn’t enough for Aoife herself and clubmate Ava O’Grady helped the Klkenny u16s Ladies Gaelic Football team to a win over Carlow in the Football championship. Brilliant work by all our players. #GaeilUíLochlainnAbú JUVENILES RETURN TO TRAINING It was great to see dozens of boys and girls from all over St. Johns Parish join the O’Loughlin Gaels ranks over Saturday and Sunday of last weekend. Training

continues every Saturday 10am (Camogie) and Sunday at 11am (Hurling) at St. Johns Park, R95 RX63. All new members welcome.

Details at www oloughlingaels.com/membership

BEST KEBAB Congratulation to our local Takeaway Brennans Sisters in the village who celebrated their 10th birthday recently. They were finalists in the Yes Chef Takeaway awards recently with the winners announced at the Gala Dinner held at Raddison Blu Hotel Athlone. The establishment won the award for Best Kebab. Well done to Rahim and his team of workers. As well as celebrating ten years in business in the village recently the award was a nice bonus to mark the special occasion.

They have run a very successful business in Freshford for the past decade and have stayed open and facilitated customers all during the pandemic. They are wished many more years of success in the village.

SYMPATHY The people of the area were saddened to hear of the death last week of Mrs. Bridie Connolly (nee Tobin) late of Acragar, Lisdowney. The deceased who was in her 80s had been unwell recently. A quiet and good living lady, she was widely known and respected in the locality. She was predeceased by her husband Michael Grace back in 1967 and John Connolly in 2017 and also by her son Liam in 2008. Her remains were removed from Kennedys Funeral Home on Saturday evening last to Lisdowney church. Funeral mass took place on Sunday with burial afterwards in St.Lachtain’s Cemetery Freshford. She is mourned by her daughter Cathleen, sons Michael and Noel, grandchildren, great grandchildren, son in law, daughters in law, nephews , nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

NO MOBILE LIBRARY Another big loss to the village is the recent withdrawal of the mobile library. The service which was running every 2nd or 3rd Tuesday for the past number of years has now been withdrawn due to declining numbers.

You can avail of other libraries or have special home delivery service if you wish by contacting Kilkenny County Library.

BAPTISM Congrats to Joanne Grace, Woodview and her partner Paschal whose baby son Odhran was Baptised at St.Lachtains Church last weekend.

SQUASH Congratulations to two local men Pat Morrissey and Noel Walsh who took part in the Munster senior Close recently. Pat finished in 3rd place in the A Section while Noel finished in 2nd place in the B section.

CAMOGIE St. Lachtain’s Camogie Club were well represented on the Kilkenny Senior and Intermediate panels recently.

Lydia Fitzpatick was on the senior team while Sinead Farrell, Emma Bergin and Chloe Dooley were part of the Intermediate panel.

St Lachtain’s Camogie Club Registration for the coming 2022 season is now open. Registration is online via Foireann. https://www.foireann.ie/. For any new members that may be unsure on how navigate the system please don’t hesitate to contact Emma Hickey (Registrar) (086) 1930214 for any assistance.

The Club look forward to seeing you all back on the pitch over the coming weeks!

COMMUNITY CAFE Freshford are to get a new Community Café. Work has already commenced on the premises at Buncrussia Street Freshford and the volunteers are making great progress. The subcommittee are so grateful for the very generous donations of building materials from local families and business and greatly appreciate all the materials, time , labour, advice been given and they say that they are well on their way to having a fabulous community café by the community and for the community.

ROAD SAFETY CLLR Michael McCarthy says that a pole is now in place to accommodate a new Feeder Speedback Sign on the Ballyragget Road at Bohergloss, Freshford. This should lead to increased safety for Road users and residents of Bohergloss. These are a welcome addition to the Road safety measures in the Village and thanks is due to the Area Engineer and his staff for their help LOTTO WINNER Local corner shop here in the village O’Sheas Newsagents had massive news recently when they learned they were the sellers of a Lotto winning quick pick for

€10,000.Congratulations to the lucky winners.

PLAYGROUND NEWS The Freshford Playground Committee got some bad news recently. Despite having got Planning permission recently, there has been an appeal lodged to An Bord Pleanala regarding the Playground and the Committee now have to wait a further six months before they know if they can proceed.

SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side took on one of the table toppers on Sunday morning last when they faced Lions of Durrow in a league tie at home. The game was level at 3-3 with just five minutes to go when the visitors got that all important winning goal.

In the schoolboys section recently the U11 boys were away to River Rangers and came out 5-0 winners. The U13 boys were at home to Evergreen and this game ended in a 2-2 draw with Cian Dalton and Paddy McCarthy scoring for Freshford Town. The U17 boys took on Bridge United at home and came out winners on a 4-3 score line. Jerry Bergin got a hat trick with Shane Culleton getting the other goal. Meanwhile the U9s side took on Callan at home.

The training sessions for U8s continue each Saturday morning (weather permitting) 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.

MACRE 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 DARTS This year’s darts leagues are back and in full swing again. In some recent games, Kavanaghs 2 beat The Valley 2 in Mackey’s,while The Valley 1 beat Farrell’s 1 in Kavanaghs.

AGM St.Lachtains Bord na nOg AGM was held recently in the Clubrooms with a good turnout (full report next week) The Clubs shop is open and 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 almost back to normal here to. Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.with Mass in Tulla Church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

This year is the 1400 year celebration of St.Lachtain and it is fast approaching beginning with a special liturgical celebration at 3pm on March 19th when we will be joining with our Church of Ireland Brother and sisters on that special day. Further details will be published nearer to that date.

The Stations of the Cross in the Church have now been completely refurbished. Help to complete this special project of restoration through donation or contribution, all is more than welcome. Yours also very welcome to sponsor a station either as a family or with a group The sum involved is €2,000 per station.

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. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie.

Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford/Threecastles Community alert group again remind you that the annual text alert scheme membership is now overdue. It cost just 10euro per phone number and you can pay membership to any

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Community & GAA Notes 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 13thMay 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, 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 Draw Results for 28th February 2022 Winning Numbers 6, 8, 27 No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x €30 L & A (Anne Hickey), Mockel (Petes), Conor Delaney (C J Delaney), Patricia Fitzpatrick (Petes),Joan Cody (Aidan Farrell) Jackpot Next week March 7th € 5,950 Venue Townsend’s Bar, Dunnamaggin at 9pm. All Welcome DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Our next Community Gathering on Sunday the 13th March at 11.30am will be followed by our AGM and the launch of the Five Year Vision for Dunnamaggin.

Everyone is welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you all there. We are encouraging everyone to come along and see the outcome of the consultations that have taken place over the last twelve months despite Covid-19. On March 27th we will be hosting a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning in aid of Ukraine. More details in next week’s Kilkenny Observer and online on our facebook page. The monthly markets will return to Madge’s Garden on Easter Sunday April 17th and will continue until December.

DUNNA DASH Last Sunday 6th March the 8th Dunna Dash 5km Family Fun Run and Walk in aid of St.Leonard’s National School took place after a year’s absence due to Covid Restrictions. Held on a beautiful sunny day there were a record number of entries with 412 participants starting the event. The first event of the day was the Kiddies 1km Dash at 11:45 and that was a super event for the children from 3rd Class down. Next up at 12:00 was the 5km and the first runner home was local Sean Connery in a time of 17min 05sec. Adele Walsh was the first female to cross the line for the fifth year in a row in a time of 19min 16 sec. First juvenile male home was Noah Gilmore and the first female juvenile was Katie O’Shea barely ahead of her sister Amy in a new juvenile female course record of 21:02. The first Parent and Primary School child to cross the line together went to Philip and Mike Fennelly. All juveniles who completed the course received a medal at the finish and to see the children’s happy faces as they crossed the line was worth everything. Everyone enjoyed refreshments afterwards outside on the school grounds.

A huge thank you to all the wonderful volunteers on the day without whom the race could not have been possible and to all who helped in anyway in making the race a success. Also to all our sponsors Derek McLoughlin of D McL Plastering, Abbey Interiors, Fallons Pharmacy, Goodwins Electricial Contractors, Sheridans Construction, O’Sheas Pharmacy, Dr.O’Dea , Highway Safety Developments, Merlyn, PM Security, Dawn Meats, Bobs Shop, Brian O’Shea Osteopath, Philly Butler, Darren Fitzpatrick Carpentry, Robby and Clare Lodge Physiotherapy, Michael Connolly & Assoc, Carroll’s Customs Cakes and Carpet Options. We also received a number of anonymous sponsorships for which we are very grateful also and to all those who

generously donated all the spot prizes.

SAINT JOSEPH’S HOME A fundraising raffle in aid of St.Joseph Care Home Kilmoganny. Tickets 3 for €5, available from Mary Moylan, Denise Kirwan, Jackie Kennelly and will also be available in local shops.

HAND BALL Kells Handball Club and Dunnamaggin National School Well done to Shauna Hayes who won the Girls U13 Singles in the Cumann na mBunscol. Shauna represented her school St Leonard’s NS Dunnamaggin and now moves forward to the Leinster series. Congrats Shauna, all the training is paying off.

5K FOR COIS NORE Run, walk or stroll 5km in Kilkenny’s Castle Park on the brand new bank holiday, Friday March 18th at 11am.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Hurry to register as the first 200 entrants will receive a beautiful free T-Shirt designed by the fabulous Cartoon Saloon!

Registration is through the Cois Nore website, http:// coisnore.ie/5k/ COMMUNITY EVENTS GRANT SCHEME 2022 Kilkenny County Council is now inviting applications for the Community Events Grant Scheme 2022. The grant scheme will assist community event organisers with the development promotion and the running of small scale community events in Kilkenny during 2022.

The emphasis of the scheme is on providing funding for Community Events/ Development with a focus on local engagement. For further details on the Community Events Grant Scheme criteria please contact cora. nolan@kilkennycoco.ie, ronan.ryan@kilkennycoco.ie, or phone 056-7794931 Closing date: Wednesday 30th March, 2022 AMENITY GRANT SCHEME 2022 Kilkenny County Council has prepared a scheme to assist voluntary bodies in the provision/improvement of amenity facilities and has accepted applications for the Amenity Grant Scheme 2022 for both Kilkenny City and County. Preference will be given to projects which are community based and which are considered to offer most benefit to the local community. Works must not commence until grant funding has been approved and will be inspected prior to issuing of funding. Application form and criteria available here Further details available form Parks Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny.

Contact Lisa Bourke 056-7794441 or e-mail - lisa. bourke@kilkennycoco.ie Closing date for receipt of full completed application forms is 5pm on Friday, 25th March, 2022

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

Jackpot €700 in 42 calls.

GOWRAN ON THE MOVE Gowran’s new playground and outdoor hub was awarded €250,000 under the Town and Village renewal scheme. The new flagship outdoor space will be an inclusive space for all ages and abilities to play, exercise and socialise in the heart of our beautiful village. Congratulations to everyone involved.

GOWRAN PARISH Lenten Station, Easter Offering and June Collection envelopes are being posted out to parishioners. Lenten Station offering are due to be collected and can be placed in the collection box at the church door or you can be dropped into the Parochial House anytime.

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 GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED The festival is taking place on Sunday, 21st August. A flash sale for tickets will run until 13th March. Tickets are priced at €7.

SPORTS ROUND UP – MICHAEL O’LEARY CAREY EXCELLS IN LANDSLIDE KILKENNY VICTORY Michael Carey continues to improve with each outing and has firmly established himself as a regular in the Kilkenny starting line-up.

He has started all four of Kilkenny’s National League outings and last Saturday, he excelled as part of an excellent team performance as Kilkenny strolled to a 2-23 to 0-16 victory away to Dublin in Parnell Park.

The win sets it up perfectly ahead of their clash at home to neighbours Waterford on Sunday March 20th,

where victory will qualify them for the League SemiFinal.

KIERANS STROLL INTO ALL-IRELAND FINAL Congratulations to the Young Irelands contingent involved for St. Kierans College in last Saturday’s 3-16 to 1-11 win against St. Josephs Secondary School of Tulla in the All-Ireland Senior Colleges Roinn A SemiFinal in Nenagh. Tommy Phelan and Patrick Langton were both introduced as substitutes and it was great to see Patrick back in action having sustained cruciate damage in Kilkenny’s 2020 Leinster Minor Final win last summer. Killian Carey, Padraig Naddy and Jimmy Lennon are also part of the panel, while Michael Walsh is part of the management Team.

St. Kierans will now play Ardscoil Ris of Limerick in the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park on St. Patricks Day. The Limerick School defeated Good Counsel of New Ross.

It was a great week for the Kierans School as their Junior Team defeated Kilkenny CBS 3-16 to 2-9 in the Leinster Junior Hurling League Final with Jim Conlon and Ben Phelan part of the Kierans winning Team. Well done to both.

LORETO REQUIRE REPLAY AFTER DRAMATIC THRILLER The Loreto Kilkenny Junior Camogie girls featuring Marie O’Keeffe, Julie Lennon and Aisling Fitzpatrick require a replay in the All-Ireland Junior Colleges Final against Ursuline Thurles, after the match finished all square 6-10 to 7-7 following an amazing dramatic thriller that produced a dramatic finish.The Loreto girls appeared certain for victory having led 6-10 to 3-7, but the Thurles School amazingly scored four goals in the final 10 minutes to force a replay.

FANTASY CHELTENHAM With the start of the Cheltenham Festival next Tuesday, Young Irelands GAA Club are once again getting involved with Fantasy Cheltenham to raise funds following a highly successive initiative last year. For further details, play online at https://www.fantasycheltenham.ie/.

YOUNG IRELAND MEMBERSHIP Many thanks to all who have paid 2022 Club Membership. For those who are still due to pay please do so by March 31st at following link member.clubforce.com/ memberships.

CLUB LOTTO LOTTO Results March 4th 2022. Nos: 25–6– 14– 15Jackpot: €8,200– not won Draw Prizes – €50: Billy Deegan c/o P and J Cody. €25 each EJ Ryan c/o Onine €25 each Gerry O’Neill c/o Gerry o Neill. €25 each Roseanne Byrne c/o Jim Murphy Co op draw ticket Charlie Phean c/o Jim McGarry

Promotors prize Paddy Maher. New weeks draw €8,350 11th of March 2022 MEDAL PRESENTATION Dicksboro hurlers photographed at the medal presentations in the clubrooms at Palmerstown on Saturday, 5th March 2022. Medals were presented for Minor Hurling Championship winners 2020, 2021; Minor Hurling League winners 2021; Under-19 Hurling Championship winners 2019, 2021; Under-21 Hurling Championship winners 2021 and Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship winners 2021. Congratulations to all winners and their management teams.

Dicksboro winning Captains photographed at the medal presentations in Dicksboro Clubhouse, Palmerstown on Saturday, 5th March 2022. From left: Robert Crotty (Junior ‘B’ HC 2021), Aran Treacy-Murphy (Under-19 HC 2021), Cillian Hackett (Minor HC 2021), Niall Rowe (Minor HC 2020), Mark Nolan (Under-21 HC 2021 TEAM NEWS Senior Football Our Senior footballers had a great win over O Loughlin Gaels on Sunday in Palmerstown.

Minor Football Our Minor footballers had a great win over James Stephens on Sunday morning in Palmerstown.

U13 Football Our u13 footballers had a great win over Glenmore on Sunday morning in James Park.

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 non-alcoholic 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 and 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.co https://mail. google.com/mail/u/1?ui=2&ik=86744ccf41&attid=0.2& permmsgid=msg-f:1726908630347319133&th=17f7363 fef68875d&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=f_l0kuo5lc1 m/membership_signup

Winning Captains

Dicksboro Hurlers

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

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Hurling matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz National Hurling League – Division 1 B Dublin 0-16 Kilkenny 2-23 @ Parnell Park

On a spring-like day in Parnell Park, Brian Cody’s team inflicted the first defeat of the year on Dublin, as the Cats put in their most complete performance of the season to date.

Majors from Walter Walsh and Mossy Keoghan in the opening quarter of the second half put an end to any thoughts the home side might have had of extending their winning run in 2022.

Kilkenny were by far and away the better team on the day. Their physicality and work-rate proved too much for Mattie Kenny’s side, who were a well off the pace throughout the contest, and actually failed to score from play in the 22 minutes leading up to the short whistle.

Dublin were dealt a huge blow before throw-in when star defender, Eoghan O’Donnell was ruled out and was replaced in the starting XV by Sean Moran.

O’Donnell is one of the top-rated full-backs in hurling, and his loss was sorely felt by the Metropolitans as they struggled to contain the Noresiders attack.

The home side registered the first score of the day inside the opening minute, as a lovely diagonal ball into corner-forward Aidan Mellett, saw the Ballyboden attacker lay-off a nice pass to the supporting Rian McBride who fired over from out on the left wing.

The visitors struck back immediately. A long ball into the Dublin defence was won by a blue shirt, but referee Paud O’Dwyer blew for some holding on a Kilkenny player, and this gave Glenmore’s Alan Murphy his first point of the day from the placed ball.

Alan started the game in and around the midfield area, while Cillian Buckley looked to be roaming much further forward.

Murphy doubled his tally moments later, when a Dublin defender was deemed to have over-carried, a decision which appeared slightly harsh on the home side.

Another searching diagonal ball into the Dublin attack saw the ball arrive with Ronan Hayes, and the Kilmacud Crokes man fired over from out on the right side to level things up.

Some loose play saw Padraig Walsh pick the ball up and find Paddy Deegan in space inside his own half. The O’Loughlin’s man arrowed a lovely pass into midfielder Cian Kenny, who’s shot split the posts to put Kilkenny back in the lead. The marginal decisions continued to go the way of the travelling team, as Dublin were blown-up for an illegal hand-pass, again somewhat harsh it appeared. Alan Murphy didn’t complain and slotted over the resulting free, for his sides fourth point of the game.

The home side then reduced the deficit, when a short sideline cut from Donal Burke saw him take the ball back from Sean Moran, CONTINUED....

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

Dublin downed in Capital clash David Blanchfield fired over 3 lovely points

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Hurling matters Cillian Buckley gets away from Andrew Dunphy

Alan Murphy - the ball whisperer

Walter hit 1-3 in 13-point win

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

Hurling matters ... CONTINUED

before firing over a well-worked score.

The game then became a little scrappy and ragged, with both sides seemingly intent on giving up possession and hitting uncharacteristic wides. Tullaroan’s Padraig Walsh, then marked his 45th National League outing in the black & amber with his first point of the day. With 20 minutes on the clock, Kilkenny were 5-3 up, having registered 4 wides to Dublin’s 6. Some nice play from Tullogher Rosbercon’s Walter Walsh saw the big man stride away from his marker, before offloading the ball to Alan Murphy, who rifled over his fourth point of the day and first from play.

It may have taken Walter 20 minutes to get up to speed in the game, but he put in a solid display for the remainder of the Parnell Park encounter, as his direct style of play caused numerous problems for the Dublin defence. One of his first gallops into the skyblue’s defence saw him register his first of the day with a fine finish.

Mattie Kenny’s men got their first score in a while when Donal Burke popped over a free.

Alan Murphy then scored from a placed ball on 29 minutes to take his tally to 5 points, but rather surprisingly, his last score of the day.

Dublin and Burke responded again via the placed ball, but that was to be the final point of a very disappointing half from the home side.

Cody’s Cats on the other hand, hit another three points before the interval, first up was Bennettsbridge clubman David Blanchfield then got on the score sheet with a nice longrange score, with what was to be the first of three might scores for the wing-back.

Next up for the away side was Mossy, who benefited from some lovely play by Walter Walsh, to give his side a double-score lead.

There would still be time for one more Kilkenny score, again big Walter was rolling back the clock in a performance echoing that of the 2012 All-Ireland final replay, when he hit 1-3 against Galway.

When Carlow whistler Paud O’Dwyer blew for the interval, Kilkenny had marched into a much deserved 6-point lead, 0-11 to 0-5.

The Dublin faithful were stunned. They had made their feelings known about some of the officiating in the opening period, with vocal responses to many of O’Dwyer’s decisions.

A good start would be needed in the second half, if Dublin were to mount any sort of a challenge to Kilkenny’s opening half of dominance. Mattie Kenny’s team ticked that box, by hitting the first 3 points of the 3rd quarter. Full-forward Ronan Hayes fired over from play, while Na Fianna’s Donal Burke registered two more from placed balls, to reduce the deficit to just 3-points.

Dublin’s resurgence seemed to awaken Kilkenny again and normal service resumed when Mossy fed Walter who rattled the net from about 14 metres out to undo the Dubs second half comeback. In fact, Cody’s men would hit 2-3 without reply, in a blistering spell that would put the result beyond any doubt. Padraig Walsh hit his second point of the day from the puck-out, before Walter hit his third point.

Then came the game set and match moment. Substitute John Donnelly collect a puck-out before bursting straight through the heart of the Dublin defence. As the Thomastown man breached the ‘D’ he laid the ball off to Mossy Keoghan, who fired past Alan Nolan in the Dublin goal, for green flag number 2! Cillian Buckley, who was a late inclusion in place of Adrian Mullen, then fired over a point to further silence the home crowd.

Donal Burke slotted over another placed ball, but as before, Kilkenny kept the scoreboard ticking over, this time via Padraig Walsh’s third point of the day. Dublin danger-man, Danny Sutcliffe, who had been kept fairly quiet by the Cats defence, and by David Blanchfield in particular, then hit his first of the day.

Young Irelands Mikey Carey then hit a point in a bid to rival fellow wing-back Blanchfield, but the latter then fired over

a second one from distance as Kilkenny’s dominance was being rewarded on the score board. St Jude’s Sutcliffe then popped over his second of the day, before GraigueBallycallan’s Billy Ryan added his name to the list of scorers as the game reached the hour mark.

Two more frees from Donal Burke followed, before the Sash’s Padraig Walsh notch his fourth score of the day. Dublin Sub Paul Crummey then fired over a nice point, but again the visitor’s replied, this time through a second score from Billy Ryan.

Wing-forward Burke continued his accuracy via the placed ball, while Danny Sutcliffe got his third of the second half, and his sides final score of the day as the game entered additional time.

Kilkenny on the other hand weren’t quite finished. The battle of the wing-backs continued as both Carey and Blanchfield registered further scores, before John Donnelly fired over the final score of the game, to signal a first defeat of 2022 for Mattie Kenny’s sky blues. Final score, Dublin 0-16, Kilkenny 2-23.

Billy Ryan battles with Cian O’Callaghan

Dublin: Alan Nolan; Andrew Dunphy, Cian O’Callaghan, John Bellew; Sean Moran, Paddy Smyth, James Madden; Chris Crummey, Conor Burke; Donal Burke (009; 6f, 1 ‘65), Riain McBride (0-01), Danny Sutcliffe (0-03); Fergal Whitely, Ronan Hayes (0-02), Aidan Mellett Subs: Eamon Dillon for Whitely (46); Jake Malone for C Burke (51); Donnacha Ryan for Moran (52); Paul Crummey (0-01) for Hayes (58); Colin Currie for Mellett (61) Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Tommy Walsh; Mikey Carey (0-02), Paddy Deegan, David Blanchfield (0-03); Cian Kenny (0-01), Alan Murphy (0-05; 0-4f ); Wally Walsh (1-03), Padraig Walsh (004), Tom Phelan; Cillian Buckley (0-01), Billy Ryan (0-02), Martin Keoghan (1-01) Subs: John Donnelly (0-01) for Phelan (36); James Maher for Kenny (45); Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow)

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Now we’re talking. Things are beginning to shape up nicely. There was an intensity about the Kilkenny performance. The Cats brought a good level of physicality to proceedings in Parnell Park.

This intensity and physicality were rewarded in the shape of a resounding victory over an unbeaten Dublin side, who many people were talking up following their impressive start to 2022.

The Captial victory means Brian Cody’s charges are in a decent position to claim a semi-final berth in this year’s competition.

A solid first half was built on in the second period. A 10-minute spell that saw the Cats hit 2-3 without reply was key to this victory on the road.

The fact that all of Kilkenny’s 2-12 registered in the second period, came from play, is in itself an impressive statistic.

Walter Walsh hit 1-3, in arguably his best performance in the county jersey since that 2012 All-Ireland Final replay.

Mossy hit 1-1, as five of the six starting forwards registered scores.

Tullaroan’s Padraig Walsh hit 0-4 in an awesome display, as he showed his worth at No.11. Can Mr. Cody really put him back to No.6?

Glenmore’s Alan Murphy was his usual dependable self from the placed ball.

O’Loughlin’s Paddy Deegan got on lots of ball and provided some lovely ball into his attackers.

Another MOTM performance from Huw Lawlor. He certainly looks right at home in the No.3 shirt.

Let’s talk about David Blanchfield. The wing- back hot 3 wonderful points from distance and looks a real prospect in the county jersey.

It’s building nicely, Waterford up next.

Walter was in fine form hitting 1-3

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Hurling matters

Who’s going to Topple Ballyhale?

SHC - It’s Ballyhale’s to lose

The draws were made for both Senior & Intermediate Hurling League’s recently, following Kilkenny’s comfortable victory over Laois at UPMC Nowlan Park.

Having claimed the last four senior county titles, Ballyhale will no doubt start the campaign as many people’s favourites for this season’s crown. Last year’s league winners, Bennettsbridge will be looking to build on that success. Glenmore’s return to the top table will be watched with interest, and they will be a difficult opponent for any.

At Intermediate level, Thomastown will again be seeking to return to senior ranks, following last year’s disappointment. Rower- Inistioge will hope to bounce back straight away, but will know that the likes of Mooncoin are on an upward trajectory, and will be dangerous opponents.

Brian Cody will have been happy with Dublin result

Who wants it - Alan Murphy has Cillian Buckley & Mossy in support

St Canices Credit Union Senior Hurling League/Championship Group A - Erins Own, Shamrocks Ballyhale, Mullinavat, Tullaroan, Clara and Lisdowney Group B - Dicksboro, Bennettsbridge, O’Loughlin Gaels, Graigue-Ballycallan, James Stephens, Glenmore Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League/Championship Group A - St. Martins, Conahy Shamrocks, Dunnamaggin, Thomastown, Carrickshock and Young Irelands Group B - Danesfort, Mooncoin, Fenians, Rower- Inistioge, St. Lachtain’s and O’Loughlin Gaels JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling Section A League/Championship Group A- Emeralds, Cloneen, John Lockes, Tullogher-Rosbercon, Galmoy, Windgap, Barrow Rangers Group B- Piltown, Graiguenamanagh, St. Patricks, Blacks and Whites, Kilmacow, Slieverue JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling Section B League/Championship Round 1: Clara v Mooncoin, Erins Own v Dicksboro, James Stephens v Shamrocks Ballyhale, Lisdowney v Rower-Inistioge.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

Motors Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 056 7726289 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

JOE PARSONS GARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE • Hedge cutting • • Grass cutting • • Power washing • • Dry rubbish removal • • Tree pruning •

CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

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Classifieds Motors

FOR SALE GOLF CLUBS FOR SALE

• Golf Driver • 5 Metal Golf Club • 6 Iron Graphite Shaft • 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 Sand Wedge • Putter Call 087 2335212

Advertise your Legal Notices/Licence Applications with us at The Kilkenny Observer.

Call: 056 7771463 / 086 2395370 or email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie for extremely competitive rates.

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements.

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Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, John & Luisa Hayes intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build an extension to the front and rear of existing dwelling house, raise the front and side boundary walls, install electric gates and all associated site development works at 3 Parkview, Freshford Road, Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application 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.permission.

TO PUBLISH PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street Telephone: 056 7771463/086 2395370 Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

News

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

JIMMY BRENNAN 1ST ANNIVERSARY

SHARON CROGHAN Young Irish Film ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In loving memory of Jimmy, late of Drakelands whose first year anniversary occurs on 19th March 2022.

Parcnagowan Co. Kilkenny.

We think about you always We talk about you still You have never been forgotten And you never will We hold you close within our hearts And there you will remain To walk and guide us through our lives Until we meet again.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by his wife Chris, son John, daughters Trish and Christine, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchild, sisters and brother-in-law.

Makers on the set of Sharon Croghan the National Youth Film school 2019 12 Hawthorn Walk,

The family of the late Sharon Croghan would like to thank everyone who attended her funeral, sent cards and flowers and for the many kind words of support.

We would especially like to thank Breda and Michael Shasby of Shasby’s Funeral Home for their professionalism but especially their care and empathy in laying our beautiful sister Sharon to rest.

Thank you both, we will never forget your kindness.

The Months Mind Mass for Sharon Croghan will be celebrated on Wednesday 16th March at 6.15pm in St Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy.

St. Anthony Prayer,

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms.

The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen M.R

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.R

Jimmy’s first anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 20th March at 11.00am in St Mary’s Cathedral.

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. A.R

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. N.R

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 March 2022