Kilkenny Observer 13 February 2026

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 13th February 2026

Happy St Valentine!

Love and romance, and first kisses and flowers  Pages 6 , 12 & 20

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

Stats & Statistics Behind the concerns over cholesterol pills  Special Report Page 14

2

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

EVERY FRIDAY

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

3

kilkennyobserver.ie

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

The Kilkenny

Observer

kilkennyobserver.ie

Floods ‘are avoidable’ How counties of the River Barrow could have been partially prevented

The Executive of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) are dismayed at the extensive flooding caused by the high water levels recorded across eight counties in recent days. The IWAI would like to highlight that some of the recent flooding, particularly within the regions of the River Barrow, could have been mitigated or partially prevented if overdue

Govt ‘can’t promise anything’ on man held five months

by ICE About half-a-dozen Irish citizens are being detained

by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

Mr Martin said the cases “vary in terms of status”, but the Government would do everything it could to help Seamus Culleton, who has been detained by ICE since last September.

Mr Culleton, from Glenmore, Co Kilkenny, has been living in the US for nearly 20 years and is married to Tiffany, an American citizen [pictured].

He was driving home after finishing work when he was detained by ICE agents.

Mr Culleton said he had a work permit, but was arrested and transported from Massachusetts to an ICE facility in El Paso, Texas.

He has detailed “horrible” conditions there, which he

and essential maintenance and remedial works, such as dredging, had been permitted along the course of the river, according to spokesperson Graham Bartlett.

“While IWAI sympathises with all those who have been so badly affected by the flooding, the condition of the River Barrow and the clear need for essential maintenance works have been a prime issue of

concern for us over the past two years,” he said.

“Because the Barrow runs through an SAC (Special Area of Conservation), Waterways Ireland (WI), under EU regulations, is now obliged to seek planning permission for basic maintenance works, such as had previously been carried out with regularity for decades. Ensuring that the navigation channel of

the Barrow is fit and safe to navigate will also ensure that areas which require dredging will receive this essential process,” he said.

The IWAI had previously made submissions in support of Waterways Ireland’s planning applications for maintenance works in all relevant counties — there are six counties through which the Barrow flows — as well as

to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

“The three relevant councils of Kildare, Laois and Carlow have approved Waterways Ireland’s application for maintenance works.

“Two of those applications have been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, which in turn has postponed a decision on the issue, apparently due to resource constraints — an entirely unsatisfactory

position for a state agency that is on the critical path for so many important decisions.”

Mr Bartlett said IWAI would urge people and communities to lobby their local politicians to request a final decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála on this matter, and to make basic essential maintenance works exempt from planning.

Four in10 broke at end of month

Living hell: Seamus Culleton and his wife Tiffany in happier times

Four out of 10 people in Ireland say they do not have any money left at the end of the month to put into savings, according to digital bank Monzo.

A survey commissioned by the bank found that 65% of adults plan to save more this year, but a third of those who are already savers are earning no interest on their money.

The research, conducted by Censuswide, found that 39% of respondents said they have no money left to save at the end of the month.

See also Page10

Ballyhale couple take Tirlan gong Seamus and Caroline Grace from Kiltorcan, Ballyhale won the Green Feed Wheat gong at the Tirlán Quality Grain Awards.

Farming on free‑draining land just outside Ballyhale, the Graces operate a strong crop rotation of winter wheat, winter barley and oats, with spring beans used strategically to support and promote long‑term soil health.

See picture Page10

Let your BIG LOVE Grow likened to a “modern-day concentration camp”.

The Taoiseach has said he “can’t promise anything” in relation to Mr Culleton’s case.

The consulate in Austin, Texas, was handling the mat-

ter, as was the em­bassy in Washington DC, Mr Martin said, adding: “This will not be resolved in the public domain.”

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik urged the Taoiseach to raise the matter with Donald

Trump if it is not resolved before St Patrick’s Day visit.

She accused Mr Martin of having “no sense of urgency”.

Ms Bacik had spoken directly with his sister, Caroline, and heard “more details about the appalling condi-

tions in which he is held.

“There are 72 men packed into a single tent. with filth a lack of sanitation, Conditions are so brutal that det­ ainees are gambling on who will be next to take their own life,” she said.

Grow Mental Health’s BIG LOVE Campaign this Valentine’s Day celebrates friendship, love, and the Mental Health Heroes who keep us all going. See https:// fundraise.grow.ie/virtual-rose This Valentine’s Day, help spread BIG LOVE and raise funds for their work.

See also Pages 6, 12 & 20

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

4

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

News Telecommunications provider eir has published its first Digital Ireland Report, including new county-level insights that show Co. Kilkenny is experiencing significant growth in digital connectivity and data usage, driven by rising demand for high-speed broadband, increased mobile data consumption, and sustained investment in nextgeneration networks.

The 2026 report tracks Ireland’s progress through the first half of the Digital Decade (2019–2025)* and highlights how people, businesses and communities in Kilkenny are embracing digital services.

Overall traffic on eir’s broadband network has more than doubled since 2019, driven by the rollout of 1GB fibre and explosive growth in data-hungry apps and services. Average household usage on high-speed fibre has risen by 61% in five years, from the equivalent of 6.2 hours to almost 10 hours of HD video a day, while data carried on eir’s mobile network has grown seven-fold over the same period.

Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, said: “This report shows that Ireland’s Digital Decade is real and measurable — in the way we work, learn, do business and come together at our favourite festivals and matches.

Data use has exploded, powered by our investment in fibre and 5G, and Ireland now has the opportunity to be one of the most connected, com-

We’re on a digital buzz toward best online in SE petitive and inclusive digital societies in the world.”

“Connectivity also has to mean inclusion; more work is needed in the coming years to ensure all people and businesses can participate in Ireland’s Digital Decade. eir is committed to continuing our multibillion-euro investment in fibre and 5G,

and to working with the Government and partners so that every home, every business and every community can thrive in a truly digital Ireland.”

Speaking at the launch, Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation,

said: “Ireland has a number of unique strengths and advantages, including our highly skilled workforce, which provides us with major economic and social opportunities to transform our society through technological investment.

“As minister with responsibility for infrastructure

development and digitalisation, I understand digital infrastructure is the backbone for so much innovation, connectivity, and growth in our economy, and will play a pivotal role in honing Ireland’s competitive business environment in the coming period,” he said.

“The €275bn National De-

velopment Plan places a specific focus on the key growthenabling sectors of our economy and, combined with the reforms we are making to accelerate infrastructure delivery, this approach can transform our economy and increase jobs, create opportunities and drive prosperity for our people and our country.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

5

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

6

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

News

Households €3,000 worse off With food prices continuing to grow and inflation rising, January is typically the time when shoppers reset their household budgets, and this year was no different,” said Worldpanel’s Emer Healy.

“While grocery sales continued to grow, rising inflation meant that value remained front of mind for consumers.”

Many households are €3,000 worse off over the course of a year.

Healy said a pressure group study carried out by retail analysts Worldpanel suggested that more shoppers in Ireland were finding the economic climate tough, with 31% saying they are struggling to make ends meet.

“This is no surprise, rising grocery inflation means that consumers are increasingly feeling the pinch,” Healy said.

After grocery spending hit a record high in December, shoppers have looked to rein in costs in January, a trend that would typically boost the share of own-label products.

Food spending and the

volume sold on promotion in the latest 12-week period remained at a low of just 19.6%, suggesting that shoppers are managing their budgets through everyday choices rather than increased promotional purchasing.

Own-label products accounted for 43.4% of total grocery spend, up 0.7 percent-

age points on the previous month, with shoppers spending more than €1.7 billion on own-label goods over the latest 12-week period.

While the current rate is considerably lower than the 17% that was recorded at the height of the cost-of-living crisis in the summer of 2023, the latest increases are on

top of the earlier hikes, and the combined impact will see many households worse off by in excess of €3,000 over the course of a year.

Take-home grocery sales in Ireland rose by 5% in the four weeks to January 25, with shoppers spending more than €1.2bn on groceries over the period.

Study shows the science behind why we kiss in the first place The kiss, that affectionate and often intimate and sexual physical gesture, is as old as time itself, writes Paul Hopkins.

Now researchers have reconstructed the evolutionary origins of romantic kissing. A study in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour suggests the mouth-on-mouth kiss first came into play more than 21 million years ago, and was something that our common ancestors and other great apes took a fancy to. Neanderthals may have kissed too – and humans and Neanderthals may have even ‘swapped tongues’.

The scientists studied kissing because it presents something of an evolutionary puzzle – it has no obvious survival or reproductive benefits, and yet it is something that is seen not just in many human societies, but also across the animal kingdom. Although, having said that, many subSaharan African and Amazonian people do not engage in kissing, considering it “indecent”.

To ensure that they were comparing the same behaviour across different species, the researchers had to give a very precise – and rather unromantic – definition to a ‘kiss’. They defined kissing as “non-aggressive, directed oral-oral contact with some movement of lips or mouthparts and no food transfer”.

“Humans, chimps and bonobos all kiss,” explains lead researcher Dr Matilda Brindle, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Oxford. From that, she concludes, “it’s likely that their most recent common ancestor kissed”.

Scientists found behaviour that matched their scientific definition of kissing in wolves, certain dogs and polar bears (very sloppy, lots of tongue). Previous

research also showed that modern humans and Neanderthals, who died out around 40,000 years ago, shared an oral microbe – a type of bacteria found in our saliva. “That means they must have been swapping saliva for hundreds of thousands of years after the two species split,” says Brindle.

Kissing has developed to become advantageous to us humans: if it did not serve an evolutionary purpose, we simply would not desire, nor be drawn to, this intimate act.

When we kiss, we are looking for someone who best matches our genetic make-up. A group of our genes called the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) form part of our immune system and give us our individual, natural scent. This is because when two people with different MHC genes mate, the baby they might produce would have a selection of components from each of the immune systems. A more diverse immune system has a greater ability to fight disease.

Our brain goes into overdrive as the kiss becomes passionate, creating a ‘chemical cocktail’ that can give us a natural high. This cocktail of three chemicals – dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin – is designed to make us feel really good and crave more. These three chemicals work by firing up the ‘pleasure centres’ in our brain, leading to arousal.

Non-romantic kissing is very common; children blow kisses to their parents, and we kiss on cheeks to say welcome or goodbye.

The closeness inherent in these kisses can create feelings of affection or respect, but not the feelings of euphoria and butterflies that follow a romantic kiss and urge us to go further.

See also Pages 12 & 20

Valentine, blooming great!

Where are the romantic Kilkenny men?

As Ireland loves up for Valentine’s Day, new data from AIB reveals more than €143 million was spent on Friday, February 14 last year, an increase of 45% on the previous year, when Valentine’s Day fell on a Wednesday.

Men from Kerry spent the most on flowers (€72), followed by Limerick (€68) and Sligo (€67). Seemingly less overcome by romance, men from Westmeath spent the least (€54), followed by Donegal (€55) and Cavan (€57). In-store purchases accounted for 62% of this spend, reflecting a preference for the personal touch.

Ah Kilkenny… didn’t make

the top spenders. Come on men… where are yez?

Traditionally, women dominate supermarket spending in Ireland, representing 59% of transactions in February 2025. However, on the evening of Valentine’s Day 2025, men flipped the script, accounting for just over half of supermarket spend from 5pm onwards.

The average transaction by men that evening was €25.

Meanwhile, fast food restaurants enjoyed their best day of the month on Valentine’s Day, with an average transaction of €17.

The data was compiled from 67 million card trans-

actions carried out by AIB customers in-store and online during February 2025 and has been anonymised and aggregated. Data provided by AIB features one of the most comprehensive and accurate data sets on consumer spending in Ireland.

• Cinemas: Women spent more than men at the cinema on Valentine’s Day 2025 (57%). This was also the case throughout the month of February, when spending by women at the movies outstripped men by 62% versus 38%.

• Jewellery: The best day for jewellery spend in February

2025 was Valentine’s Day, with an average transaction size of €142. Some 63% of the spend in jewellers that day was by men and the vast majority (83%) was in-store rather than online. People aged 25–44 accounted for over half of the spend on jewellery on Valentine’s Day, with only 9% by people aged 65 and over.

• Chocolates: In confectionery stores, it seems romantics buy their cards and chocolates in advance, with the peak day for spending in February 2025 falling on Thursday 13. On that day, women accounted for 54% of the spend

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

7

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

8

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

The scrambler riders who dice with death The 18-year-old man behind the horrific death of Grace Lynch, just 16, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will be back before the courts in May, presumably for sentencing. I say man, because that’s what he legally is – old enough to vote, to go into a pub, to drive a car, to join the army.

Old enough to know better.

Saying “sorry” in no way excuses this man’s reckless and deadly deed.

That the tightening up and policing of the illegal use of scrambler bikes – which have been causing problems in communities for years – is to be called Grace’s Law is of little consolation to her heart-broken family.

Too many public spaces are ridden with riders tearing around estates on these scramblers: they need to be taken off the pavements and the parks and the football pitches and everywhere where they are used, not

just to annoy but, to endanger and frighten people who have to live with the inevitable outcome of years of lax policing and absolute indifference to the safety of others.

In 2018, Ilabek Avetian (38), sunbathing in a park near Darndale, Dublin, received life-changing brain injuries and lost an eye when a 15-year-old boy scrambler ran over his head. Last year a €5.2 million settlement was reached in the High Court.

“My son Seán was 18 when he was killed,” Mags Murphy told the Irish Independent last week. “It was his first time riding a ­scrambler when he collided with a pillar outside a neighbour’s house.” In June 2023, Sean Murphy (18) of ­Tallaght died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries sustained in the single-vehicle crash. a short distance from his home.

“Seán was out with a friend

and they bumped into another friend who owned this scrambler,” his mother said. “He had never been on one before and decided he wanted to try it, so he asked could he have a go on it.

We still don’t know how the crash occurred but he ended up colliding with a pillar.”

Questions about the antisocial use of scramblers have been asked in the Dáil since 2005. In 2010, then Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern, in reply to a parliamentary question, said that Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 allowed Gardaí to seize scrambler motorbikes in breach of road traffic legislation.

It has taken the death of Grace Lynch to jolt the Government into making a meaningful response to a long-running problem for which there has been plenty of legislation but seemingly little real measures to stamp out the dangerous and illegal

use of scrambler bikes. A motion for an outright ban has been passed unanimously. Besides the ban, the motion also proposed an amnesty for scrambler users to hand in the machines; a refund scheme for those who surrendered the motorbikes; and stricter powers

“Stricter powers of seizing and impounding machines ...

of seizing and impounding machines.

Further restrictions for escooters are also planned, with it being pointed out that accidents involving their use are now the cause of “most traumatic brain injuries in children”.

Unless Gardai – and more pertinently parents – follow the letter of the proposed tightening of the law, our dangerous coddling of criminal behaviour will inevitably lead to more deaths unless a serious course of correction is meted out.

Are we raising a whole generation who are increasingly not required to take responsibility for their own actions?

Among some people, emphasis on personal responsibility above all else – and effective discipline to ensure it is fostered – is viewed as something of an anathema.

Why do so many parents allow their teenage sons access to these bikes, sons

who have neither the maturity, the sense, nor the decency not to use them as a source of deadly behaviour?

The argument that fractured families and absent fathers have a big impact on the rise of lawlessness is no excuse.

Our laws need to be tougher and reflect the crime. The maximum sentence the man who killed Grace Lynch can serve, according to Irish law, is 10 years. If sentenced to such, he will be out in seven years.

He’ll be 25. Grace was just 16, a girl with her whole life ahead of her. On the way to meet her boyfriend Harry in the afternoon. Crossing at a green light until a man on a scrambler bike went through a red one.

Said Mags Murphy: “When I saw footage of Grace’s mother Siobhán, I was sobbing. When she said her daughter was mangled … I know what she means … my Seán was mangled as well...”

Social Democrats Senator Patricia Stephenson calls for urgent improvements to the treatment options for women suffering from endometriosis Senator Stephenson raised the issue of endometriosis with the Minister for Health in the Seanad this week following extensive feedback from women living with the condition.

Senator Stephenson highlighted the impact on fertility for women suffering from endometriosis, saying that “if an endometriosis patient wants IVF, she must implant the embryo immediately because HSE guidelines only qualify a woman for egg preservation for cancer patients. This is despite the fact the most common reason for infertility is endometriosis.”

She continued “I’ve met patients as young as 15 who are being recommended chemical menopause, women in their lates teens and early 20s who’ve had hysterectomies – but unless they are ready to have a baby immediately, they cannot have their eggs frozen. This is devastating for them,

choosing between excruciating pain and being a mother."

Senator Stephenson asked the Minister of Health to commit to the extension of HSE funded fertility treatment for women suffering from endometriosis.

She also asked the Minister to allow GPs to make referrals for treatment abroad under the HSE’s Endometrioses Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme.

She said “restricting referrals under the interim abroad scheme to consultants is only creating an insurmountable barrier, given the length of gynecology waiting lists. GPs should be supported to make referrals for treatment abroad - this would severely reduce the wait time for women who can wait years to see a consultant.”

She continued “women have told me that they are being left in debilitating pain whilst trying to navigate a system that is overly complex.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

9

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

10

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

News

Financially, farmers face an uneven playing field Our farmers are facing unprecedented financial uncertainty following a critical review of the European Commission’s post-2027 proposals.

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has warned that the new framework for the 2028–2034 period risks leaving beneficiaries in the dark about their actual funding levels until after national plans are finalised.

The auditors highlight that, because the total amount of CAP funding will only be confirmed once National and Regional Partnership (NRP) plans are adopted, farmers will face significant unpredictability when it comes to planning for the impact of the changes on their businesses.

The ECA also noted that the radical changes to the budget’s structure make it nearly impossible to compare

future support levels with the current 2021–2027 framework.

For many farmers across the EU, the most direct impact will come from the new mandatory Degressive Area-Based Income Support (DABIS).

This system replaces previous income supports with a sliding scale of payment reductions: a 25% cut for payments over €20,000, rising to

a 75% reduction for amounts over €75,000, with a hard cap at €100,000.

The auditors estimate that degressivity could kick in for farms over 83 ha, depending on the average payment rates set by the government.

However, they warn that the actual impact on different farm categories remains “unpredictable” because the final rates and implementation details will be left to indi-

vidual EU Member States.

In a historic shift, the Commission is proposing to abolish the specific fund for agriculture for the first time since 1962.

The traditional ‘two-pillar’ structure, separating direct payments (EAGF) from rural development (EAFRD), will be scrapped.

Instead, the CAP will be integrated into a massive, multi-purpose ‘European

Fund’ covering cohesion, fisheries and security.

Despite the Commission’s rhetoric on simplification, the ECA fears the new legal architecture is actually more complex.

Agricultural rules will now be spread across three separate regulations, a move the auditors say risks creating legal uncertainty and delaying the delivery of funds to farmers.

New Carlow injury clinic is a 'big aid' for St Lukes The HSE Dublin and South East plans to have a new Injury Unit in operation in Carlow by the end of this year.

Enabling works are currently under way to facilitate the repurposing of approximately 265 square metres within the ground floor of the St Dympna’s Hospital building in Carlow. Upon completion of the €1.9 million project, the unit will operate under the auspices of St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny and will provide an alternative access for patients for the management of minor injuries, as opposed to attending an Emergency Department.

A complete episode of care for the patient can be provided at the new Carlow Injury Unit and it will be equipped to treat conditions such as: • broken bones, sprains and strains, from knees to toes, from collarbone to fingertips.

• minor facial injuries (including oral, dental and nasal injuries).

• minor scalds and burns.

• wounds, bites, cuts, grazes and scalp lacerations (cuts).

• small abscesses and boils.

• splinters and fish hooks.

• objects stuck in eyes, ears or nose.

• minor head injuries (fully conscious patients, who did not have loss of consciousness or vomit after the head injury).

The Injury Unit will be located in what was formerly known as the St Anne’s Ward and staff training room areas of St Dympna’s Hospital, which in recent decades had been converted to office accommodation and used as a non-clinical space.

The adjacent X-ray outreach facility at St Dympna’s, serving St Luke’s General Hospital,

will be remaining in place.

The new unit will include a reception and waiting area, two clinical rooms, a clinical multi-bed room, consultant’s office, support spaces and staff facilities.

The works include facilitating the relocation of office space to the former Sacred Heart Hostel and the training room to the Dolmen Centre, both of which are on the HSE’s St Dympna’s campus.

St Dympna’s Hospital, in its function as a mental health inpatient facility, ceased taking acute admissions in 2003 and a residential care centre there closed in 2008.

The St Dympna’s building continues to have a variety of uses, including mental health day services and primary care, environmental health and HSE supplies services.

Other HSE services and facilities on the campus in Carlow include the Sacred Heart Hospital residential care centre, Carlow District Hospital, Kelvin Court residences and day centre for Intellectual Disabilities Care service users, Caredoc clinic and administrative centre, Árdú substance misuse support centre, National Ambulance Service station, offices of Tusla and mental health community support residences.

St Luke’s Hospital Manager Niamh Lacey said: “The treatment of unscheduled, non-life threatening or limb-threatening injuries at the Carlow unit will assist in meeting demands on St Luke’s.

"With the Carlow unit in operation, we anticipate faster access to diagnostic and radiography services and improved patient outcomes for people in Carlow and surrounding areas.”

Outstanidng in their field: The 2025 Tirlán Quality Grain Awards ceremony took place in the Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork. From left: Tirlán Agronomist Joe Delaney; Tirlán Head of Regional Sales Brian Mullally; winner of the Green Feed Wheat category, Seamus and Caroline Grace from Kiltorcan, Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny; and Tirlán Board Member James O’Brien PHOTO: Finbarr O’Rourke

Parents warned of online fears for children More than half of children in Ireland are at risk of exposure to strangers online, with no parental restrictions around chatting and gaming with people they do not know, a new report has found.

CyberSafeKids spoke to 3,300 primary school children between the ages of eight and 12, and 1,700 parents nationwide for the survey.

Just over 93% of the children said they go online to play games or use apps, often using platforms designed for older users.

Communications Minister Patrick O’Donovan will bring

a memo to the Cabinet next month on a new age-verification system, based on a person’s PPSI number, with this information being held by a third party rather than the platforms.

Despite regulatory requirements introduced in Ireland last July, 69% of children surveyed had at least one account on a social media platform with a legal age rating of 13plus. This rose to 79% for 12-year-olds.

In terms of the content uploaded by those surveyed, just over 30% said they posted photos or videos of themselves

online, most commonly on TikTok, followed by Snapchat and YouTube. The messaging platform WhatsApp is also a popular place for sharing images.

The survey also found that girls were more likely to share images and videos than boys.

Dr Colman Noctor, a child and adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapist, said: “Young people are not emotionally, cognitively or socially mature enough to manage unlimited exposure to internet content.

“While exposure to inappropriate content is a real and

present concern, we must also be aware that spending excessive time online compromises the development of social interaction skills and emotional resilience,” he said.

Under half of the 1,700 parents surveyed said they put controls on their children’s devices.

Additionally, most parents said they set rules and limits around screen time and online activity.

However, almost half admitted “they’re not always enforced”, and nearly a quarter said they “wouldn’t know where to begin”.

Shannon Airport ‘must not be linked to ICE’ It is “deeply troubling” that Shannon Airport is being used as a refuelling stopover for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights to other countries, Stephen Bowen, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, has said.

“We are deeply troubled at these reports of ICE deportation flights refuelling at Shannon, including to states of which deportees are not

even citizens. The US Trump Administration’s cruel and inhumane mass deportation campaign must be denied any form of facilitation by Ireland to the degree that is legally possible. Our Government must do everything it can to refuse to allow such stopovers without first assessing whether any individuals on board face a real risk of serious harm if transferred.

“While we understand the

intricacies of aviation law, it is wholly unbecoming for states to hide behind these when such cruelty and rage is being deployed to weaponise immigration control. Ireland still has legal obligations under the international human rights treaties it has ratified,” he said.

There could be no doubt that serious human rights violations were taking place during ICE deportations, he said, with many detainees denied legal

due process before being deported.

“We are currently looking into this very worrying matter and will be writing to Government soon.

"However, the Government should already be looking at all possible ways to stop Ireland being a link in a chain of suffering, fear and systemic abuse,” Amnesty International executive director Stephen Bowen said.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

11

Advertisement

12

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Romance as a many splendored fiction “A fine romance with no kisses.

A fine romance my friend this is.”

There’s no doubt about it, romance is a funny business.

And it is a business, worth a billion dollars in Valentine’s Day card sales alone in the US, never mind the red roses, dinners for two and gifts. It’s odd to think that St Valentine’s Day might never have happened if the Emperor Claudius hadn’t decided that men made better soldiers if they weren’t married; all that pining to get home to the wife instead of waging war, I suppose.

Valentine did marry soldiers and, before being martyred, cured his jailer’s blind daughter and sent her a letter’ from your Valentine. The rest is history, remembered not only in cards but in books, films, operas and poems, celebrating the course of romance from the first encounter to the point when love has finally blossomed

in both hearts, or maybe not – for our love affair with the genre comes in many variations.

A classic theme is the mismatch, where an unlikely pair end up together thanks to the intervention of a fairy godmother, or an imaginative author who comes up with a plot to unite the unlikely lovers. There are fairy stories like Cinderella, where putupon little Cinders gets her Prince, after fitting into the glass slipper. Or that all-time favourite Jane Austen’s novel and subsequent films, ‘Pride And Prejudice’, where Eliza Bennet – despite her initial dislike of the aristocratic Fitzwilliam Darcy and his disdainful class consciousness – the pair end up in mutual acceptance. Proving the point of the opening line: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

Usually the leading lady

is low status, never more so than in ‘Pretty Woman,’ where Vivian (Julia Roberts) starts out as a hooker, fronting as a companion for successful businessman Edward (Richard Gere). Roberts ends up as an elegant woman who reforms Gere’s asset-stripping business practices. Hard to beat the ending where Gere climbs a fire escape, rose in mouth, to claim Roberts.

Star-crossed lovers is another theme, perhaps most heart-rending of all Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo And Juliet’ where, for a start, the teenagers’ respective families are sworn enemies. Then the subterfuge of Juliet’s feigned death is mistaken for the real thing by Romeo who poisons himself, whereupon Juliet wakes and finding him dead, stabs herself with his dagger.

The ‘Oh no, why did it have to end that way’ love story, snatches away the expected happy ending. Casablanca, is a good example where

(spoiler alert) Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), instead of boarding the plane to escape Casablanca, sends Isla (Ingrid Bergman) off with her husband Victor Laszlo and

“Which gender is the more romantic, male or female?

saying to her she may regret this “maybe not today, not tomorrow but soon and for the rest of your life”. Still there are some memorable oneliners to compensate: “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world …”

Even worse are the endings where the romance terminates in tragedy like Puccini’s La Boheme, where poet Rondolfo and seamstress Mimi’s passion is cruelly snatched away by her death from tuberculosis.

Are books and films today becoming less romantic than those in the past like Margaret Mitchell’s novel’ Gone With The Wind ‘and film with Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable (1939) or Pasternak’s novel Dr Zhivago and film with Julie Christie and Omar Sharif (1969). I still can’t hear Lara’s theme without tearing up.

Maybe so. Think of Sally Rooney’s ‘Normal People’, where despite sex scenes in

the TV adaptation which set Joe Duffy’s phone hopping with scandalised calls during the pandemic, the affair between Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar Jones) never blossoms into the real thing. Lack of commitment.

Then consider the choice of film for release on Valentine’s Day this year. It’s the latest adaptation of Emily Bronte’s hardly new 1847 novel, with its dark tale of passion and revenge between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.

Final question: which gender is the more romantic, male or female? Depends on the individual maybe, but I think women tend to watch and read more love fiction, while guys go in for real life pursuit.

A certain fellow won my heart with a bowl of snowdrops dug from his garden on our first date.

See Gerry Moran Page 20

Omega-3 fish oils: Small fats with big health benefits CLAIR WHITTY Omega-3 essential fatty acids play an important role in everyday health. The two key forms, EPA and DHA, contribute to the normal function of the heart, brain and vision, while also supporting overall wellbeing.

Because the body cannot produce EPA or DHA on its own, they must be obtained from food sources or through supplementation as part of a balanced diet.

Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout are among the richest natural sources of omega-3.

Health authorities recommend regular consumption of oily fish, yet many people struggle to meet these targets due to taste preferences, busy lifestyles or limited access. As a result, omega-3 supplementation has become an increasingly popular and practical way to support daily intake, particularly among adults focused on preventative health.

When choosing an omega-3 supplement, quality and formulation are important considerations. One

brand many consumers trust is Eskimo-3, known for its focus on purity and sourcing standards. Eskimo-3 fish oils are derived from clean, deep-sea cold-water fish and undergo advanced purification processes to help remove contaminants such as heavy metals and environmental pollutants.

Another distinguishing feature is the form of the oil itself. Eskimo-3 delivers EPA and DHA in triglyceride form, which mirrors the natural structure found in fish and is widely recognised for its high absorption and bioavailability. This allows the body to efficiently utilise the omega-3 content with consistent daily use.

Omega-3 fatty acids are best known for their role in

supporting normal heart function, including helping to maintain healthy triglyceride levels and contributing to cardiovascular wellbeing.

They also play an important part in cognitive health, supporting concentration and memory, while DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. In addition, omega-3s help support a healthy inflammatory balance, which is important for joint comfort, mobility and overall long-term health.

Eskimo-3 offers a wide range of formats to suit different preferences, including easy-to-swallow capsules and flavoured liquid options.

There are also child-friendly products designed to support healthy growth and development. As with any supplement, individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking bloodthinning medication should consult a healthcare professional before use. For most adults and families, omega-3 supplementation provides a simple and effective way to support daily nutritional needs.

Eskimo-3 is available in Natural Health Store or online at naturalhealthstore. ie, making it easy to access trusted omega-3 support.

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

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 155

"I can't listen to the news any more"

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

13

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

Kathleen Funchion MEP seeks EU intervention for Irishman held by ICE Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has written to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, demanding action which will result in the release of Irishman Seamus Culleton.

Mr Culleton has been detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for nearly five months, despite holding a valid work permit.

Speaking from Strasbourg, MEP Funchion said: “This morning I wrote to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, requesting that her office make immediate contact with the US Authorities with a view to securing the release of Mr Culleton.

“Mr Culleton, a Kilkenny native, has been living and working in the US for 20 years, and holds a valid work permit. Therefore, his detention by ICE is wholly unacceptable, and not legally sound.

“As a member of the European Parliament delegation for relations with the US, I will be raising this matter at every opportunity.”

This year's Transition Year musical production by Loreto Kilkenny & CBC Kilkenny has been an amazing success and a life changing experience for the cast and crew.

With 5 Sell out shows

in the Watergate Theatre audiences & students alike went home each evening buzzing with excitement.

It was a phenomenal effort from the cast and the crew and everyone involved.

The standard of production

was fabulous. We are indebted to the magic of Sarah Brennan, Michele Wise, Lorraine Maher, Sarah Somers and Rachel Leydon.

The show and its success is down to their amazing vision, drive, hard work and

dedication.

It has been an amazing journey. It will make memories and friendships that will last forever more.

To everybody involved we salute you and want to thank you for representing our

school and CBC Kilkenny so well.

Your legacy will be to inspire the next generation who will want to follow in your footsteps.

14

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

News In the past weeks, there have been a lot of media reports here in Ireland, and in the UK and the US, about the possible ‘harmful’ side-effects of statin drugs, used in the management of high cholesterol. However, the majority of reported side-effects commonly associated with statins – in particular atorvastatin, also the most commonly prescribed in Ireland – are not directly caused by the drugs themselves, a new study has suggested.

Following a comprehensive review of adverse reactions linked to the cholesterol-lowering medication, academics at the University of Oxford are now urging for patient information leaflets to be revised.

These drugs, of which there are four varying types, are among the most widely prescribed here in Ireland, with many using them to reduce bad cholesterol and, consequently, their risk of heart attack and stroke.

However, experts note there is “ongoing confusion and concern” surrounding the drugs’ side-effects, a situation that means many who could benefit are currently not taking them.

After the new review, academics said that for “most people, the risk of side-effects is greatly outweighed by the benefits of statins”.

The new study, published in The Lancet, looked at data from 123,940 people who took part in 19 clinical trials comparing the effects of statins to a placebo, also known as a dummy drug.

These people were followed up for an average of 4.5 years after initiating treatment.

Researchers found that there was no significant excess risk with statins for almost all of the conditions listed in the package leaflets as potential : side-effects. This inTell your GP if you’re taking icular cludes no increased • antibiotics – clarithromycin in part risk of memory loss, • antifungals depression, sleep • HIV medicines as regorafenib or problems, erectile • medicines to treat cancer, such dysfunction, weight darolutamide gain, nausea, fatigue or • indigestion remedies headache.

• the contraceptive pill Statins help lower • hepatitis C medicines icine used for thinning the level of cholesterol • warfarin, clopidogrel or any med in your blood. They are the blood affect your immune prescribed to treat and • ciclosporin or other medicines that em prevent cardiovascular syst e – treat high blood diseases (CVDs).

• verapamil, diltiazem or amlodipin lems A GP may prescribe a pressure or heart prob ular heartbeats statin if: • amiodarone – treats fast or irreg fibrate – these too feno or zil fibro gem as such • you have high choles• fibrates terol help reduce cholesterol levels mmation from gout • you have been diag• colchicine – treats pain and infla nosed with a CVD edies, vitamins or • you’re likely to Tell your GP if you take any herbal rem develop CVD and lifesupplements. style changes have not reduced this risk Statins are only available • fluvastatin (Lescol) clog up your arteries. on prescription. They come Statins also come in a mixed They also work by reducing as tablets. tablet with low-dose aspirin, other types of fat in the blood, There are different types of or with medicines for cholescalled triglycerides. statins available, including: terol or high blood pressure.

They are used to treat and • atorvastatin (Lipitor or The mixed tablets are only prevent different forms of Atorvas) available on prescription.

CVD. • rosuvastatin (Crestor or Statins work by reducThe main types of CVD are: Rosuva) ing your liver’s production • coronary heart disease – the • pravastatin (Pravachol or of low-density lipoprotein blood supply to the heart is Pravamel) (LDL), often called bad chorestricted • simvastatin (Zocor, Sivatin lesterol. Too much LDL can • angina – chest pain caused or Simtan)

The stats on statins: and the concerns over side-effects

THE DOs AND DON’Ts …

by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles • heart attacks – the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked • stroke – the blood supply to the brain is blocked Lead author of the Oxford paper, Christina Reith, Associate Professor at Oxford Population Health, said: “What we were able to show reliably

was that statins did not make these commonly experienced events occur more often.

“So, for example, the percentage of people a year suffering memory loss was similar for those taking statin therapy as for those not, equally.

“The percentage of people suffering sleep problems a year was similar for those

taking statin therapy as for those not.

“This means that we now have really good evidence that, although these may well happen to people while they take statins, statins are not the cause of these problems.”

She said: “Our study provides reassurance that, for most people, the risk of sideeffects is greatly outweighed by the benefits of statins.

“What we hope to see happen is that statin drug labels are revised alongside related information, to enable doctors and patients to make better-informed decisions going forward.”

Previous work has identified a 1% increase in muscle symptoms among people taking statins, usually in the first year of treatment.

Statins can also lead to a small increase in blood sugar levels, meaning that some people at high risk of diabetes may develop the condition sooner.

On top of these known sideeffects, researchers found that only four of 66 “undesirable outcomes” previously linked to statins were actually associated with the drug.

This included a small increased risk of around 0.1% of abnormal liver blood tests.

However, there was no increased risk of serious liver disease, they said.

They also found an increased risk of swollen legs, ankles and feet, also known as oedema, and changes to urine.

Researchers also examined data on 30,724 people taking part in four trials comparing more intensive versus less intensive statin therapy.

This part of the study only identified a small risk of abnormal liver blood tests, with no increased urinary risks or odds of oedema.

Professor Sir Rory Collins, Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Oxford Population Health and senior author of the paper, said: “Now that we know that statins do not cause the majority of side-effects listed in package leaflets, statin information requires rapid revision to help patients and doctors make betterinformed health decisions.”

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, which partfunded the study, said: “The data would suggest that around seven to eight million people are currently taking statins in the UK – in England it’s around five million.

“The prediction, based on the evidence and looking at the risk of the population, would be that at optimal treatment levels, it would be around 15 million.

“So there’s probably a shortfall close to half – around 50% of patients who would benefit from these extraordinary drugs are not receiving them, for whatever reason.”

Sources: The Lancet, NHS and HSE

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

15

Advertisement

16

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Blending the old with the new makes cents Last week, we explored gold’s enduring appeal as the world’s oldest safe-haven asset. From ancient Egypt’s ‘Flesh Of The Gods’ to its modern role in diversified portfolios, gold has shone through crises, hitting record highs around €4,200 €4,300 an ounce amid geopolitical tensions, inflation fears, and central bank buying. It crossed €3,000 early in 2025 and surged past €4,000 in October, proving its reliability when markets wobble.

Now, contrast that with Bitcoin, often dubbed ‘digital gold’. Created in 2009 as a decentralised alternative to traditional money, Bitcoin promises scarcity (capped at 21 million coins) and borderless transfers. But this year the two assets tell quite different stories.

Gold continues its steady climb. As of February 7, 2026, spot gold hovers around €4,200–€4,220 an ounce, based on current exchange rates, buoyed by safe-haven demand and a softer dollar

outlook. Central banks keep adding to reserves, and unlike volatile assets, gold rarely sees sharp daily drops.

Bitcoin, however, has faced turbulence. After Trump’s 2024 election victory and pro-crypto promises sparked a rally to over €110,000, the price has fallen sharply. It

dipped below €55,000 in early February, erasing gains, before rebounding. As of February 7, Bitcoin trades around €58,000–€59,000. That is down significantly from late-2025 peaks, hit by “leveraged liquidations, tech stock selloffs, and fading hype as regulatory momentum stalled”.

The parallels are clear. Both are scarce and produce no income. They rely on demand for value. Bitcoin enthusiasts pitch it as ‘digital gold’ for the internet age, faster, and easier to move globally. Yet the differences stand out.

Gold is tangible and proven and central banks trust it.

Bitcoin is digital, younger, and more correlated with risky assets like tech stocks during downturns. When uncertainty spikes, gold often rises while Bitcoin can plunge with equities.

Recent months highlight this split. Gold’s rally reflects flight to safety amid global worries. Bitcoin’s boom-thenbust cycle shows its sensitivity to sentiment, institutional flows (via ETFs), and events like Trump’s policies. Even as Bitcoin drops, companies like Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) remain committed. The firm holds 713,502 bitcoins (about 3.4% of total supply) bought at an average of around $76,000 per coin, and it continued adding to its portfolio in January 2026 despite the price pressure.

They view dips as buying opportunities in its long-term “Bitcoin treasury” strategy.

While Bitcoin offers explosive upside if adoption grows, think more mainstream access or potential govern-

ment reserves, it carries higher risk, including volatility and potential for severe corrections.

In a balanced portfolio, the two can work together. Gold provides stability and cushions losses in tough times, as we discussed last week.

Bitcoin adds potential for outsized gains during a bull market, appealing to those comfortable with swings.

Why consider them now?

Gold remains a timeless diversifier for protection against volatility. Bitcoin, despite its recent dip, represents a bet on technological and financial innovation and could rebound strongly with fresh catalysts. For the average investor, a modest allocation to each (perhaps 5–10% combined) spreads risk.

In uncertain 2026 markets, blending the old with the new could offer the smartest path forward. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

17

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

Kilkenny Public Participation Network hits 500 members – a powerful voice for local communities!

Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh and PPN staff Bortha Woudsma and Diane Seale with Kilkenny PPN member groups Foróige, Comhairle na nÓg, Kilkenny Older People’s Council, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, Irish Lebanese Cultural Foundation, Teac Tom, Kilkenny Access Group, Kilkenny Malayali Association, Fáilte Isteach, Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre, An Taisce and One Future Carlow Kilkenny Photo: Vicky Comerford

Kilkenny Public Participation Network (PPN) is delighted to announce a significant milestone of over 500 community, environmental, and social inclusion groups are now registered with the network.

This achievement highlights the growing commitment of local groups to actively shape policies and decisions that impact life across Kilkenny.

Kilkenny PPN serves as a vital link between Kilkenny County Council and community groups. Through the network, members can nominate and elect representatives to key decision-making committees, ensuring that community voices influence areas such as social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and local development.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh congratulated the Kilkenny PPN with this marvellous achievement, commenting “The PPN plays a vital role in bringing our community together. Its support, coordination, and encouragement empower local groups to make a real difference. We are incredibly

fortunate to have such a dedicated and growing network guiding community development.”

Shinith Ak, member of the Kilkenny PPN Secretariat mentioned “Reaching over 500 registered groups is a significant milestone for Kilkenny PPN and reflects the strength, diversity, and commitment of communities

across the county to engage in local decision-making.

The PPN plays a vital role in ensuring that diverse community voices are heard, valued, and represented in policies that shape a more inclusive and connected Kilkenny.”

Kilkenny PPN Coordinator, Bortha Woudsma added “Joining Kilkenny Public Participation Network is a fantastic way for voluntary groups to have a voice in local decision-making including housing, transport, climate action, social services and community safety. As a member, you’ll also gain access to funding opportunities, training programs, and collaborative projects, helping your group grow and make a real impact.”

Kilkenny PPN continues to make a meaningful impact through a range of initiatives.

In the recent months, PPN members played a key role in shaping the Social Inclusion Plan 2026–2029, ensuring that the voices of diverse communities and people are reflected in county policy.

In addition, member groups actively contributed to the Kilkenny County Heritage Strategy, helping to influence

priorities around conservation and cultural heritage.

To build stronger, more resilient community organisations, Kilkenny PPN also delivered a series of capacitybuilding workshops focused on governance, funding applications, and advocacy and in collaboration with other groups supported new communities and promoted inclusion across the county.

Through a partnership with Equal Ireland, members were recently invited to apply for a scholarship to pursue a degree in Business, Social Enterprise, and Community Development fostering education, leadership, and community contribution and the Autumn/Winter Plenary and Networking event in Thomastown brought members together to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and strengthen connections.

Community groups and organisations across Kilkenny are invited to join Kilkenny PPN and become part of a powerful voice for local communities. Register today at Kilkenny PPN – Kilkenny PPN, email ppnkilkenny@ kilkennycoco.ie, or call (056) 7794255 for more information.

18

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Davy Holohan

Davy Holohan

– Reflections on a life I had many interactions with Davy Holohan.

Our friendship began during innocent schooldays and remained constant as we navigated life. On a regular basis, over cups of black coffee, we would chat, discussing world affairs and the mundane frivolities of life. We occasionally disagreed but were never disagreeable.

Regularly, I would meet Davy as he strolled around the city streets. On these occasions, our casual conversations would be interrupted by a myriad of people greeting Davy with salutations and courteous interactions. He loved these humorous asides and revelled in the banter.

A view from the Ballycallan road, painted

by Daithí ( August 2022)

Exhibition Plans Prior to Christmas, he phoned and we arranged to meet for a coffee at The Butler Gallery. He was full of happiness and enthusiasm, having been informed by management at the Mayfair Library that he had been allocated a space to host his 2026 exhibition. Huge excitement permeated the room as we began to plan the launch.

Davy was enthused and inspired, consumed by the forensic details encapsulating the launch.

He mapped out the components with precision. He had chosen the person to launch the exhibition and was delighted that the local singer, John Travers, had agreed to provide music.

By early January, Davy had the guest list compiled and the invitations were prepared for the printers. Visits to the Mayfair Library became a regular event, as Davy carefully studied the layout and chose the appropriate position that best suited individual exhibits.

Awful News Then came the awful news of Davy’s unexpected passing. His accidental death was a devastating bombshell that shattered the fabric of certainty and left Kilkenny and the wider artistic community bereft.

“In spite of everything I will rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing.”

Ryans beer garden. A study of men by Daithi

Speaking at the Launch of his exhibition, Daithí expressed his love for art and people: Photo Pat Shortall

These words of Vincent van Gogh resonate across the years, showing the consistency of the artistic temperament. Today, we acknowledge that these words encapsulated the life of Daithí Ó hUallacháin, the artist.

A son of Peig O’Brien from Greenshill and of Johntown’s Eddie Holohan, Daithí has a wide and varied CV. Having attended Kilkenny CBS Primary School and CBS Secondary School, he made his first foray into employment as an apprentice goldsmith with Rudolf Heltzel.

Traditional values resonated, and he spent a

year in Connemara studying Gaelic language and culture. He did a pre-diploma course in the National College of Art and Design and then completed his studies in the Fine Art Department under the guidance of faculty head Campbell Bruce. He was awarded a scholarship to Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

He taught Life Drawing in Liberties Vocational School. Daithí’s community spirit saw him actively involved in mural projects in Bishop Birch Place, Millennium Court and Loughboy Library. His involvement as Artist in Residence with Kilkenny Collective for Arts Talent was a satisfying and emotionally rewarding experience.

Talent Daithí, often to his own detriment, was fully committed to his artistic endeavours. With a substantial body of work, recognised nationally and internationally, Daithí established himself as one of Ireland’s foremost talents. Since the 1970s, Daithí has successfully exhibited, bringing his creative work to the public.

Recently, I launched one of his exhibitions

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

19

kilkennyobserver.ie

Davy Holohan lio, Daithí has bequeathed a galaxy of dancing stars for our discernment and enjoyment.

Daithís portrai of a friend: Man in a chair

Spirituality There was a spiritual dimension to Davy that was integral to his existence. Perhaps this quality radiated from his artistic persona as he communed with nature and delved deep to deliver creativity. Allied to his spirituality, and perhaps unknown by many, Davy was a deeply religious person. He regularly attended church and was a devout Catholic. He often dropped into St John’s Church to sit quietly and connect with the sacred. Since Fr Dan Carroll inaugurated the annual St John’s Parish pilgrimage to the Knock Shrine, Davy always participated and embraced the spirit of the occasion.

Kilkenny artist Daithí Holohan with his daughter Shauna at the opening of Daithís exhibition at St Canices Community centre - Photo: Pat Shortall

and had reason to study his catalogue of work.

I was enthralled and amazed at the diversity of his art.

His still life Pipe Scissors Plant 1985 is a simple production and, to me, tells the story of a man carefully tending his favourite pot plant. But a friend viewing it saw a woman wistfully tidying the house on the morning of her husband’s death. This facet is one of Daithí’s strengths: he allows your imagination to flourish.

sive inspection. Their honesty demands our respect. The surreal images reveal the elemental battle of a tortured psyche. The portraits haunted and fascinated me.

Perusing Daithí’s work, I am reminded of one of Patrick Kavanagh’s short poems: ‘No charlatan am I With poet’s mouth and idiot’s eye: I may not be divine But what is mine is mine In naked honesty.’

Exemplary As a portrait artist, Daithí was exemplary, and was perhaps its predominant exponent. Daithí treated his subjects with humanity, highlighting its depth and subtlety. Kathleen 1994 emits calmness, thoughtfulness and serenity. Shauna 2009 exudes love, innocence and hope. But in his self-portraits, Daithí displays a spirit besieged by shadows. Through his honest introspection, he facilitates our intru-

In later years, Daithí’s work had become more fluid, and that allowed a vibrant intensity to explode from his canvas. No longer confined to a single form, the freedom engendered is celebrated in his enthusiastic labours. As he aged, had Daithí settled into a calm, controlled individual? I think not! I agree with Friedrich Nietzsche, who said, “You must have chaos within you to create a dancing star.”

With over a thousand drawings in his portfo-

A 2017 painting of Ballasalla

Understanding Perhaps it is understanding that Daithí had mastered. Speaking of his daughter Shauna’s pragmatic decision to forego her artistic leanings to pursue a career in accountancy, Daithí was relaxed: “If the art is strong, it will find a way — but I just want her to be happy.”

And that happiness manifested itself when, just two months ago, Shauna and her boyfriend David married. It was a very proud day for Davy as he walked Shauna down the aisle.

He may not have told everyone in Kilkenny about the wedding, and what a special day it was, but he told most. He was particularly amused that his son-in-law was called David.

“She chose well,” Davy said.

Observing Davy over the years, I watched as he courageously battled and subdued destructive demons. I watched his committed political position almost ignored. I watched him produce a succession of authentic work that brought him much satisfaction but little financial reward. Through all the trials and tribulations, through all the praise and acclaim, I wonder: did Daithí ever know happiness? As he speaks once more of his daughter Shauna, the austere persona relaxes and his smile radiates. Comprehension dawns. Shauna is what makes him happy.

Indeed, at the funeral Mass at St John’s, Shauna spoke of how people told her that her dad was very proud of her. “Let me say it very clearly, I was doubly proud of him,” said Shauna.

I was honoured and privileged to know Davy Holohan and to share a small part of his remarkable life. The French novelist Émile Zola could perhaps have been speaking of Daithí Holohan when he said, “If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you. I am here to speak out loud.” Daithí Holohan’s voice reverberates across the land, and those of us living at this time are indeed fortunate to have witnessed his genius. May Davy, who carried many burdens, now find eternal rest and peace. We also remember Davy’s brother Ned, who died recently. Sincere condolences to family and friends.

Ger Cody

Deep in your pillow Lay your head deep in your pillow, Wipe your tears from off your face, Feel the empty space there beside you and wonder who has taken your place I saw her last Friday morning, She seemed to be doing fine, Laughing and talking with a stranger, But it could have been the effects of the wine.

Lay your head deep in your pillow, Wipe your tears from off of your face Feel the empty space there beside you and wonder who has taken your place Was it just that you couldn’t hold her Did she get tired and leave There’s plenty of fish in the ocean But for the one who is leaving, you grieve.

Daffodils in a vase ( 2019) by artist Davy Holohan

Lay your head deep in your pillow, Wipe your tears from off of your face Feel the empty space there beside you and wonder who has taken your place.

From the poetry book ‘Pictures and poetry’ produced by Daithí Holohan and Jim Murray

20

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

On Valentine’s, remembering my first kiss To tell of my first kiss is to tell of miracles, devotion to our Blessed Lady and the advent of The Top 10 on Radio Eireann. It was the early Sixties and I was all of 12. A group of us boys were huddled together in an old, galvanised shed in my best friend’s back garden; this was our meeting place, our ‘headquarters’. This was where we plotted, planned and played cards.

We were busy making catapults one afternoon when word came through that the Cunninghams were here; the Cunninghams were an English family who visited the neighbourhood every summer. This year their arrival sparked off a wave of excitement hitherto unknown to us. Perhaps it was boredom or perhaps it was our hormones, marshalling themselves for more serious combat than ‘Cowboys & Indians’ and

‘Guards & Prisoners’.

There were four children in the Cunningham family, three girls and a boy.

However, as far as we were concerned there was only one: Angela, the eldest, our contemporary, our dream.

And dream she was. Angela spoke differently, dressed dif-

ferently and was, by general agreement, ‘smashing looking’.

Around the time that the Cunninghams arrived, Radio Eireann began broadcasting The Top 10 featuring Ireland’s top hit records. ‘Things’ by Bobby Darin was a big hit of the day: ‘Things like a walk

in the park/Things like a kiss in the dark’ went some of the lyrics. And things were happening in my head also. Daft, romantic things that had me peeping from my bedroom window for ages to catch a glimpse of Angela, this angel who was driving me to distraction.

In short – I was infatuated.

I was in love. Man of action that I was I decided to do something about it. I did what I knew best at that tender age – I prayed. For three days and three nights I prayed fervently to Our Blessed Lady that I might kiss Angela Cunningham. On bended knees I passionately whispered three Hail Marys to the Mother of God. Three Hail Marys that I had previously offered up for purity but now my priorities had changed.

Now I prayed for a kiss. And my prayer was answered!

Some days later, while we boys and girls played on

Daly’s Hill, that great expanse of green to the back of our houses, a note was passed from one of the girls: “Angela would like to kiss Gerry.” It was a miracle come true.

I was flummoxed yet the message went back: “Gerry would like to kiss Angela.”

At the back of Daly’s Hill, a corridor of children formed, boys to the right, girls to the left as Angela Cunningham and myself walked towards each other and innocently, oh so innocently, pressed our lips together. It was magic. We did this four or five times in the next week or so. We never spoke. Never got to know each other.

Then it ended. Soon, fellows who relied on the power of persuasion rather than the power of prayer pursued Angela Cunningham and I, who only knew how to pray and play hurling fairly well, looked helplessly on, the world of real kissing, of

dating and mating, a lifetime away.

Some kisses for you to try Kisslet: A kiss where the lips barely touch Nip Kiss: Blending a kiss with small, cautious nibbles (usually given on the lips, earlobes, neck or cheeks) The Switch Kiss: Kiss the upper lip then immediately the lower lip of your partner Clown Kiss: The woman applies heavy lipstick and then kisses the man all over his face, leaving him with smeared lipstick marks.

Chicken Kiss: The head darts forward and back dispensing a quick peck on the lips.

Good Morning Kiss: A kiss given in the morning, very often the eyes are closed, the aim is poor and the breath bad Sandpaper Kiss: A kiss with an unshaven man Emoryboard Kiss: A kiss with an unshaven woman!

Kilkenny County Council Library Service invites you to Get Lost in a Good Book for Ireland Reads Day on Saturday, February 28 Kilkenny County Council Library Service is delighted to join libraries nationwide in celebrating Ireland Reads, the annual campaign encouraging everyone to take time out to read throughout February, culminating in Ireland Reads Day on Saturday, February 28.

Part of the government’s Healthy Ireland initiative, Ireland Reads champions the power of reading to support wellbeing, reduce stress, spark imagination, and bring joy.

This year’s theme, “Get Lost in a Good Book,” invites people of all ages across Kilkenny City and county to rediscover the pleasure of reading, whether for a few minutes or a full afternoon.

Throughout February, our branches will offer a programme of free events celebrating books, stories, and creativity. Activities include an Illustration Workshop at Mayfair Library on Ireland Reads Day, Family Storytime Sessions, and Craft Workshops for children in many branches in the week leading up to the 28th. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or someone hoping to reconnect with books, there is something for everyone in Kilkenny’s libraries this February. Full event details are

available at Home - Kilkenny Library.

Encouraging everyone in Kilkenny to take part, Sophie Walsh, Executive Librarian, said: “Ireland Reads is a wonderful reminder that even a few minutes with a good book can brighten your day.

Stories can lift your spirits, calm your mind, and offer a break from the everyday rush.

This February, for Ireland Reads Day, we’re inviting everyone in Kilkenny, regular readers and newcomers alike, to get involved. Your next great read is waiting in your local library, and with so many fun, creative events happening for Ireland Reads, there’s no better time to dive back in Library membership

is free, and we’re always happy to help you find books that match your interests.

Make 2026 the year you truly get lost in a good book.”

Follow Kilkenny County Council Library Service (@ kilkennylibrary) on social media or visit Home Kilkenny Library for full details of Ireland Reads 2026 events in your local branch.

Learn more about the national campaign at IrelandReads.ie Join the conversation using #IrelandReads #TellMeToGetLost #EireAgLeamh and tag Kilkenny Library to share how you’re celebrating Ireland Reads.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

21

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

Cormac McCarthy and Aoife Ní Bhriain

St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny unveils 2026 programme Photo:Liam Murphy St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny has unveiled its programme for 2026, as organisers prepare for a vibrant celebration of Ireland’s national holiday.

The packed programme brings together more than 80 events celebrating Ireland’s rich heritage, folklore and contemporary culture. The line-up includes family

and street entertainment, walking tours and workshops, historical talks, and festival favourites such as American marching bands, live music and pop-up performances.

At the centre of the festivities is Kilkenny’s Parade Plaza and vibrant festival market, open daily from 11 am to 8 pm throughout the celebration.

It features nostalgic carnival rides, including the big wheel,

helter-skelter, and a vintage carousel, along with local food and craft stallholders.

The highlight of the festival is the grand Parade on Tuesday, March 17th, presenting over 2,000 performers, dancers, stilt walkers, puppeteers and local community groups winding through Kilkenny’s medieval streets under the theme ‘Together - Le Chéile’.

The festival runs for

four days, from 14 to 17 March 2026. Organisers expect 100,000 visitors and invite people from all over the county to join the celebrations.

Cllr. John Coonan, Mayor of Kilkenny City, says the festival still plays a key role in bringing visitors to Kilkenny.

“St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny, now a major date in the city’s calendar, offers a significant

boost to visitor numbers and the local economy during the weekend. The real value, as any local person will tell you, is in bringing people together each year to celebrate our national holiday.

The 2026 programme highlights the festival’s ambition, offering plenty for families, communities, and visitors of all ages. It’s also a great chance to show Kilkenny’s heritage, creativity, and hospitality. I encourage everyone from the county and beyond to join the celebrations in March.”

Sister festivals present Irish legends in concert Kilkenny’s St Patrick’s Festival runs alongside Kilkenny Tradfest, with more than 100 free performances on the Bulmer's Music Trail by traditional music legends and emerging artists. As part of the 2026 programme, the sister festivals have announced a series of joint concerts, including performances by

members, we are delighted to be competing against the much bigger clubs like the Waterford Vikings, the Kilkenny Stars and Carlow Basketball club, our lads continue to show that high energy and determination shows that they can compete against the bigger established clubs.

Russ also said that it was great to see two teams from County Kilkenny (presently holding first and second place positions in the South East Regional League.

The Berkeley Wolves Under 17 team will play their final league game which will be another Kilkenny local derby where they take on the Kilkenny Stars again in Grennan College at 8pm on the 26th of February in what should be another very

Berkeley Wolves Under 17 Team

Kilkenny rivals set up title showdown The final stages of the South East Boys Under 17 Basketball league is starting to heat up with 3 teams now fighting to finish in the top spot.

The Berkeley Wolves who play out of Thomastown in Kilkenny are presently the

league leaders, having won an impressive 9 of their last 10 league games with just two more games to play in the 2025/26 season. They are followed by the Kilkenny Stars and the Waterford Vikings. The Berkeley boys’ first defeat of

the season was at the hands of the Kilkenny Stars last week in what was a big Kilkenny local derby, with the Stars nipping the win with a big 3 pointer in the dying seconds of the game in what was a nail biting finish with the final score 52-49.

The Berkeley Wolves coach Russ Ryan said ‘’as the league goes into its final stages it’s all to play for with very little between the top three teams’’.

Russ said as a small and relatively new club that was set up in 2019 with approx. 60

acclaimed Irish musicians Iarla Ó Lionáird, Cormac McCarthy and Aoife Ní Bhriain.

The trio will perform a distinctive blend of classical and jazz influences, rooted in Irish traditional music, at St Canice’s Cathedral on Friday, 13 March. While Jerry Fish, one of Ireland’s most distinctive and entertaining performers, will bring his acclaimed live show to the festival stage following the Parade on St Patrick’s Day. Visitors are encouraged to book early, as capacity is limited for some performances.

Now in its 14th year, the municipal event, funded by Kilkenny County Council and Failte Ireland, St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny offers a mix of ticketed and free events across the festival weekend. The full programme is available from www. stpatricksfestivalkilkenny. com.

Berkeley Wolves U17 League leaders

22

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

The lovely love language of letters When did you last receive a handwritten letter? Are you sending any love letters or cards this Valentine’s Day? My nephew Liam, lives with his Danish family in Copenhagen and on Dec 30th 2025 the Danish postal service ceased letter delivery and became the first country to proclaim that traditional letter delivery is unviable, thus ending a 400 yr old tradition due to a 90% decline in mail volume since 2000.

Letters and writing have been modes of communication since time immemorial… scribes were important people in ancient societies as they were among the elite literate few. They were often monks, teachers or administrators. Early letters written by Egyptians were on papyrus with a reed pens back in 3000BC using plant dyes as ink. The Chinese used brushes to write on silk or bamboo.

From 600AD to 1800s quills

made from big feathers were used on parchment, paper or vellum (calf skin) which meant constant sharpening and dipping in ink. (Messy and time consuming!) From the 1820s steel nibs were invented and fountain pens and then in the 1930s Mr. Laslo Biro invented…. You guessed, the biro! (There were very early typewriters dating back to 1714 and the printing press back to 1440) Then came, felt tips, gel pens markers and eventually computer keyboards.

What happened in Denmark will surely happen here sooner than later!! Electronic communication has replaced physical mail and the Danes’ digitized society is leading the way. Wow! I wonder if I am the only person to be touched by this announcement. For me there is something very sad about this as I love writing letters, sending birthday cards and

holiday postcards. I have been a prolific letter writer since I was about 4 when I discovered that I could write mirror writing and sent my mother many such letters when she was in hospital having my brother. I have boxes of letters sent to my parents and siblings which are a kind of diary as they reflect all the things I was doing over the years. I spent an academic year in France and wrote home very regularly.

On rereading these letters I was amazed at the amount of information and how much I had forgotten of my time there.

I find there is something very visceral about writing a letter by hand with a pen. For me it’s a bodily experience much more so than hitting a keyboard. It’s a direct experience that has more feeling in it than typing. There is something special about handwriting and letter writing

which we are in danger of losing as a society. Computers with keyboards require lots of tapping which is a gross motor skill and they are machines.

A hand is very human and therefore connected to feelings and writing is a fine motor skill and is an

“Ink carries love where keyboards never can

individual art form.

When you write, it’s a complex cognitive ability that requires working memory, executive function, coordination and self regulation and it stimulates many regions of the brain responsible for thinking and language. It is an acquired skill and your handwriting also tells much about your personality.

Handwriting being slower than typing fosters deeper thought and creativity.

Sitting down with the intention of writing a letter to a friend or loved one can focus thoughts on that person and as you start to write you can literally pour out your heart!

There is something magical about sitting with a blank sheet of paper and waiting to see what it is that you really want to say to the recipient.

Letters are more likely to be keepsakes and deep reminders. They can be held and felt. Whereas a printed,

typed e mail is never the same and not a thing of beauty. We are more likely to keep a love letter than a love email.

I have letters and cards from my parents, both now deceased and it’s a joy to read their handwriting and it’s a physical link to them. I have old love letters; reminders of long ago romances, my kid’s Mother’s Day cards, special birthday and thankyou cards…. All handwritten and delivered by our trusty postman. Those magical moments will soon be gone… the personal delivery service, the delight of opening and reading a letter and the joy of hearing from loved ones.

Do something lovely… write a letter, tell someone you love them before it’s too late.

Happy Valentine’s Day! “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone….” Joni Mitchell www.judithashton.com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

23

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement Advertorial

Prague House - A place to call home As society continues to respond to the needs of an ageing population, the role of high-quality senior

living has never been more important. At Prague House, we are guided by a clear and enduring commitment: to

enhance the quality of life of older people through respectful, person-centred care delivered in a safe,

A home at the heart of our parish: St Canice’s Parish Homes

At the heart of St Canice’s parish lies a quiet but deeply meaningful service – St Canice’s Parish Homes (a.k.a. Troy’s Court), we provide 20 Independent Living Units, day centre and a meals on wheels service. Since 1990, it has been a place where older members of our community are supported to live with independence, dignity and peace of mind, surrounded by the familiarity of parish life and the comfort of good neighbours.

Troy’s Court is about far more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating a safe, secure and caring environment where residents can continue to live independently while knowing that support is there when it is needed. For many, this reassurance makes all the difference – allowing people to remain active, connected and rooted in the community they have always called home.

The services provided play a vital role in everyday life. Nutritious 4 course daily meal, laundry & ironing, assistance with light housekeeping, refuse & recycling collection and access to social activities, all help to ease the practical burdens that can come with age. The day-centre strengthens these supports, offering companionship, activities and personal care during the week; while the home dinner delivery service ensures that older persons across the city can continue to live independently in their own homes with the help of a daily meal.

Behind every service is a person.

The work of St Canice’s Parish Homes depends on the dedication of its staff, volunteers and

supportive, and homely environment.

Prague House is a supported care home that recognises ageing as a valuable stage of life, deserving of dignity, choice, and meaningful engagement. Our approach is rooted in the belief that effective care extends beyond meeting physical needs. It must also support emotional wellbeing, independence, and a continued sense of identity. Each resident is treated as an individual, with personal histories, preferences, and values that inform how care is planned and delivered.

Central to our model of care is the promotion of autonomy. Residents are supported to make choices about their daily routines, activities, and lifestyles, enabling them to maintain control and confidence in their day-to-day lives. Care plans are developed collaboratively and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain responsive to changing needs while respecting personal wishes.

Prague House places strong emphasis on community and connection. Loneliness and social isolation can significantly affect older people, and we actively foster an inclusive environment where relationships can

Community Employment (CE) Scheme participants, whose commitment and care are felt every single day by residents and clients. Their work is not just practical – it is personal, compassionate and deeply appreciated.

At present, St Canice’s Parish Homes is seeking additional CE Scheme participants, particularly in housekeeping and maintenance roles. These positions offer more than employment. They offer the chance to gain skills, work locally, and be part of something that truly matters. A friendly word, a well-

flourish. Shared activities, social gatherings, and opportunities for meaningful interaction help residents remain engaged, while family and friends are welcomed as valued partners in the care journey.

Our staff are fundamental to the quality of life experienced at Prague House. We invest in ongoing professional development to ensure care is delivered to the highest standards and in line with best practice. Equally important is our culture of compassion, respect, and consistency. Trust is built through familiarity, attentive listening, and genuine understanding, allowing residents to feel secure and supported.

Strong governance and accountability underpin all aspects of our work. Prague House is committed to continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and transparency, ensuring that residents and families can have confidence in the care provided.

Improving the lives of older people does not always require complex interventions. Often, it is achieved through thoughtful care, respectful relationships, and attention to the details that matter most to each individual. At Prague House, we are proud to provide a standard of senior living that prioritises dignity, purpose, and wellbeing at every stage of later life.

kept home, or a small repair can have a lasting impact on someone’s quality of life.

As a parish, we have always looked after our own. By supporting St Canice’s Parish Homes – whether by joining a CE Scheme, volunteering, or simply spreading the word – we help ensure that this valued service continues to care for those who have given so much to our community. Together, we can keep St Canice’s Parish Homes a place of warmth, respect and belonging for generations to come.

Contact Ms Frances Gilligan, Nurse Manager on 0867927408 or stcanicesparishhomes@gmail. com for more information.

24

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

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

Health & Beauty

Skincare focuses on comfort

Freepik

SKINCARE Freepik

Simple steps to age well HEALTH & WELLBEING Ageing well isn’t about keeping up with anyone else - it’s about staying comfortable, confident and independent in your own daily life. More and more health experts agree that wellness in later years is less about medical interventions and more about everyday habits that support how you move, think and connect with others.

Health bodies such as the HSE and the World Health Organisation consistently

highlight regular movement, good nutrition and social connection as central to ageing well. These are not dramatic lifestyle overhauls, but practical, achievable steps that fit into everyday routines.

Being active is one of the best things you can do for your health. You do not need to do hard workouts or push yourself too much. Regular walking, gentle stretching or light strength exercises can help you stay steady, protect your joints and make daily tasks easier. Even a little move-

ment, done often, can improve your balance, flexibility and confidence.

Your mental well-being is just as important. Staying connected, whether with family, neighbours, clubs or hobbies, has a big impact on your health. Studies in public health journals show that being social can lower the risk of depression and help your memory and thinking as you get older.

Even a regular chat, a shared activity or a weekly class can make a real difference.

What you eat matters too.

As you age, your body needs enough protein, fluids, and nutrients to keep your muscles, bones, and energy strong. The HSE suggests choosing balanced, enjoyable meals instead of strict diets, and focusing on getting the nourishment you need while enjoying your food.

One of the biggest changes is how people see ageing. Wellness is now seen as a practical way to support your quality of life, not just a luxury or a trend.

It helps you stay independent, involved and feeling your best for longer.

As we get older, our skin tends to become drier and more sensitive, so it needs a bit more care. Many dermatologists now suggest focusing on comfort, hydration and protection instead of harsh “antiageing” treatments.

Using gentle cleansers, rich moisturisers and daily sun protection can help keep your skin healthy. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are often recommended to help your skin stay moisturised and strong.

A simple routine usually works best. You don’t need a lot of products; just choose a few that suit your skin and feel good to use.

Skincare isn’t just about looking younger. It’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin, no matter your age.

Strength and balance matter FITNESS prostooleh

Tech that keeps you independent SMART HEALTH You might not think of technology right away when it comes to wellbeing, but it is helping more older adults live safely and independently at home.

Studies on ageing and independent living show that simple technologies like wearables, smart home features and telehealth services can boost confidence and help prevent unnecessary hospital visits, especially when they are easy to use and well supported.

Wearable devices, such as watches that track steps or heart rate, can encourage gentle movement and let you know about changes in your health. Some can even detect falls and automatically alert a family member or emergency contact.

At home, smart lighting, heating, and voice-activated assistants can make daily

Freepik

tasks easier and help lower the risk of trips and falls. Telehealth is now more available too, so you can talk to a GP or nurse from home. This is especially useful if getting out

is difficult.

Technology can seem overwhelming at first, but studies show that with some guidance and support, many older adults soon feel confident

using digital tools. When used well, technology does not replace human care. Instead, it gives you more control and peace of mind in your daily life.

Falls are a leading cause of injury as we get older, but many can be avoided. Health experts, including the HSE, recommend strength and balance exercises to help us stay mobile as we age.

Gentle activities like tai chi, yoga, using resistance bands, or doing simple balance exercises at home can help you feel steadier. Even standing on one leg while holding a chair can help.

The goal is not to push yourself hard, but to be consistent. Doing short, regular sessions helps keep your muscles strong and your movements coordinated, so daily tasks become easier.

When you make strength and balance exercises part of your routine, you help protect your independence and boost your confidence.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

25

Advertisement

BM Stairlifts:

Independence made simple BM Stairlifts Ltd is a well-established mobility company based in Naas, Co. Kildare, with more than 20 years of experience supplying and installing stairlifts throughout Ireland.

Located in the Naas Industrial Estate, the company has built a strong reputation in the local community and across Leinster for helping people maintain independence and safety in their own homes. Their services are designed to support individuals with reduced mobility, whether due to age, injury, or disability.

The company provides a wide range of stairlift solutions to suit different types of staircases and customer needs. This includes straight stairlifts for standard staircases and curved stairlifts that are custom-built to fit stairs with bends, landings, or unique layouts. BM Stairlifts works with several leading manufacturers to ensure high-quality, reliable equipment. In addition to brandnew models, they also offer reconditioned stairlifts, providing a more cost-effective option for customers who are working within a budget. All installations are carried out by trained professionals to ensure safety and efficiency.

Beyond installation, BM Stairlifts offers comprehensive aftercare services, including maintenance, repairs, and servicing.

Regular servicing helps extend the lifespan of the equipment and ensures it continues to operate smoothly and safely. The company understands that reliability is essential, so responsive customer support is an important part of their service offering.

Another key aspect of their work in Naas and the surrounding areas is assisting cus-

tomers with grant applications. Many homeowners may qualify for housing adaptation grants to help cover the cost of installing a stairlift. BM Stairlifts can guide clients through the application process and help coordinate necessary assessments.

Overall, BM Stairlifts Ltd plays an important role in improving home accessibility in Naas, offering practical mobility solutions that enhance comfort, confidence, and independence.

26

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

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

Homes & Gardens

Get spring-ready now

ANTIQUES & MORE Set in the historic Old Woollen Mills on the Bleach Road, Kilkenny Architectural Salvage & Antiques has been a treasure trove for renovators, designers and collectors for more than 25 years. We spoke to Harry Maharaj, son of the founder Robin, about how the business began, what inspires their ever-changing collection and why salvage continues to play such an important role in Irish homes today.

GARDEN HACK

From Georgian renovation to Kilkenny landmark

KO: Can you tell us about the background of Kilkenny Architectural Salvage & Antiques?

Now is a great time to get ahead in the garden with one simple hack: start preparing your soil before the growing season begins. While beds may look bare, this is the ideal moment to improve soil structure and fertility with minimal effort.

Clear away weeds, then spread a generous layer of organic matter - well-rotted compost, leaf mould or farmyard manure - directly onto the soil surface. There’s no need to dig it in. Worms and natural processes will do the work for you, improving drainage, boosting nutrients and encouraging healthy microbial life.

This no-dig approach saves time, protects soil structure and means your beds will be ready for planting as soon as spring arrives. It also helps retain moisture during warmer months and suppresses weeds before they appear.

A little effort now pays off with stronger plants, better yields and healthier gardens all season long.

Banish smelly drains fast HOME HACK zirconicusso

HM: The business was set up in 1998 after my parents, Robin and Mairead, returned to Ireland following 20 years in London. They had renovated an old Georgian building there, which sparked their love of salvage. When they moved back to Kilkenny, that interest never left them. We were fortunate to have the Old Woollen Mills site, which has been in our family since the 1960s, and Robin began sourcing items from auctions around Ireland. Over time, people began coming directly to him to sell pieces, and the business naturally grew from there.

KO: What kinds of pieces do you specialise in?

HM: A salvage yard shouldn’t specialise in any one thing.

Our aim is to create a happy hunting ground for everyone.

We stock an eclectic mix building materials, timber beams, garden furniture, pub memorabilia, religious items and lighting. We want a homeowner renovating a single room to find something special, while a five-star hotel might discover a standout feature piece.

KO: How do you source your stock?

HM: We buy from the general public, pubs, restaurants, hotels, religious orders and

many other sources. That variety keeps our stock fresh and unpredictable - you never know what you’ll find here.

After nearly three decades, we’ve learned that trends come and go, so we’re always open to pieces that may take longer to sell.

KO: What trends are you seeing in homes right now?

HM: Rustic materials are very popular, especially timber mantels, shelving and characterful flooring. We’re also

seeing younger homeowners actively seeking salvaged pieces. They appreciate the environmental benefits, the value compared to buying new and the individuality salvage brings to a home.

KO: What’s the most unusual item you’ve had?

HM: Recently, we’ve handled a confession box, a life-size teak horse and WW2 emergency service helmets. Those unexpected finds are part of the magic of salvage.

KO: What sets you apart from others?

HM: Our online presence is a big differentiator. We’re the only salvage yard in Ireland where you can buy directly from the website and have items delivered within days.

Combined with our six-acre site, with both indoor and outdoor displays, it allows visitors to properly explore the world of salvage.

For more information visit: eurosalve.com

Gardening for wildlife GARDEN NOTES If nasty smells are coming from your sink, the culprit is usually a build-up of grease, soap residue or food particles trapped in the pipes. The good news is that a simple routine can keep drains fresh without harsh chemicals.

Start by pouring a kettle of boiling water down the drain to loosen debris. Follow with half a cup of bicarbonate of soda, then slowly add a cup of white vinegar. The fizzing action helps break down odours and residue. Leave it to work for 10-15 minutes before flushing with more hot water.

For sinks that aren’t used often, run water regularly to keep the trap full, as dry traps can allow smells to rise. In kitchens, avoid pouring fats or oils down the sink, and use a sink strainer to catch food scraps.

Regular maintenance keeps drains clean, fresh and free-flowing all year round.

Creating a garden that supports wildlife is one of the most rewarding trends in gardening today. From pollinating insects to birds and small mammals, gardens can play a vital role in protecting biodiversity - even in urban or suburban settings.

Wildlife-friendly gardening focuses on working with nature rather than against it. This includes planting nectar-rich flowers, leaving seed heads over winter, providing water sources and al-

lowing areas of the garden to grow a little wild. Native and pollinator-friendly plants help sustain bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects throughout the seasons.

Importantly, size doesn’t matter. A window box planted with pollinator-friendly flowers or a small corner left undisturbed can make a real difference. Reducing or eliminating chemical pesticides and herbicides further supports healthy ecosystems.

By making thoughtful choices and embracing a more natural approach, you

can create beautiful spaces that not only look good, but actively support wildlife year-round.

Wirestock

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

27

Advertisement

28

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Opinion

The Holy Ground once more…

Marianne Kelly reads a verse of lockes poem at the well to which it is dedicated

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Undaunted by the weather, the Kilkenny Heritage Walkers continue to explore the historic and archaeological treasures of the county.

A recent trek took them into the parish of Ballycallan for an annual walk that has become something of a pilgrimage. St. Brigid’s Well is always worth a visit, but especially around the Feast Day and National Holiday associated with the much-loved Saint/ Mother Goddess of Ireland.

The eighty walkers had as their main speaker for the day the erudite Jimmy Neary, brother of the popular and immensely competent historian, Paddy Neary.

Offering a running commentary as they went, Jimmy led the way along the mileand-a-half stretch, starting from the Church of St. Brigid at Gorteen, Ballycallan, progressing through muddy and rain-saturated terrain, over mossy stiles, and across a patchwork of soggy fields to the hallowed spot. The well nestles in a 35-acre parcel of land known as Moore’s Bog. The visit this year had a special significance for the group. It was renamed the Sean Hoyne Memorial Walk in honour of the man on whose land the well is located. Year after year Sean had welcomed the walkers, going out of his way to assist them in their act of homage.

Sean’s passing last year was an occasion of profound sadness to the walkers and

to the people of Ballycallan, who held him in the highest regard for his wisdom, community spirit, and the kind word he had for everyone.

The walkers fell silent when they gathered around the well, which is enclosed by an impeccably- preserved stone casing.

Though the well’s actual age is uncertain, it’s believed to predate the Norman Invasion, and it might even have existed during Brigid’s earthy sojourn in the sixth century.

Ailbhe Fitzgerald sang a haunting thematic hymn at the well and Marianne Kelly recited a special prayer to St. Brigid. The walkers then sampled the water, which tradition says can cure multiple ailments.

Each year, the walkers attest to a lovely tranquil atmosphere at the well. This year newcomers shared in the feelings of joy and divine reverence that permeate the site.

After the visit, the walkers congregated in Ballycallan Community Hall where refreshments and a big open fire awaited them

Three National Monuments The walkers found another blessed well in Callan, along with a wealth of historical minutiae.

Liam Rice of the local Heritage Society extended a hearty welcome to the group before introducing them to Callan’s three national monuments.

Hugh de Mapilton, Bishop of Ossory, built St. Mary’s Church in the mid-13th century, as I mentioned in last week’s article.

Liam pointed out some of the distinctive features of the Green Street building, such as the carved head of a woman with an idiosyncratic horned Tudor-era headdress on the north doorway, and a square baptismal font within the choir section.

He alluded to the revered "Trinity Stone," carved by the great Rory O'Tunny in about 1520, that once stood proudly at St Mary’s. It went missing from the site and its whereabouts remained unknown for centuries.

Thankfully, it was located again in 1974 and is now on display at the Church of the

Assumption, to which Liam led the group to versial view this “best baby The late Sean Hoyne after whom priceless in Callan” the annual walk to St Brigids jewel in the competiwell is named crown of Caltions. For the lan’s heritage. carnivals, the Moat He guided the resilfield was transformed ient walkers across damp and into a giant fun-fair, open-air squelchy ground to behold a casino, and sporting arena. second National Monument; Thanks in large part to the the historic Callan Motte (lovision and stamina of the cally called the “Moat”) built late Patrick Lydon, a walkway in about 1217 by Geoffrey around the Moat field was FitzRobert. added which, apart from its For decades it consisted recreational value, makes of “a castle on hill”, symbolit easier now for visitors to izing the power of the ruling appreciate this important classes. It had a hall made of heritage site. wood, with shingles, a stone The walkers stepped onto chamber, a kitchen and other holy ground when they rooms. It continued to shine entered the scenic meadow as an abode of the conquerencompassing the ruin of the ing Normans until the 14th town’s Augustinian abbey, century. the area’s third National A little of its former glory reMonument and one close to turned in the late 1950s and the hearts of locals. early 1960s with the “Moat Founded in the 15th cenCarnivals”, when a hilltop tury, it was both a spiritual marquee accommodated hub for the locality and a redances, show bands, beauty pository of knowledge, with contests, and the controits vast library of scholarly and sacred volumes. The friars had to flee in 1540 when King Henry VIII suppressed the monasteries, and again in 1650 when Cromwell’s troops ransacked Callan.

Newcomers to the site gaze in wonder at the long, rectangular building with its central bell-tower, but no matter how often you visit the meadow the abbey never fails to pull at the heartstrings.

Among the many attracGathering at St Brigids well Included are Jimmy Neary and Mary Hoyne on far left and Liam Rice of Callan tions of the abbey ruin are Heritage on right of picture the sedilia- a form of seating

The water of St Brigids Well is reputed to have healing properties

for officiating priests in past times. It is one of the finest of its kind in Ireland and possibly one of the most photographed.

The walkers couldn’t leave the meadow without gathering at the much-loved blessed well. In past times, locals filled their buckets there and a belief persisted that the water cured strains, swellings and sore throats.

In the days before radio, never mind TV or computers, there was a longstanding tradition of singers performing at the well The renowned 19th century Callan Fenian, John Locke, exiled from his native town, composed a poem about this cultural gem, which is located between the abbey ruin and the King’s River. 3000 miles from Callan he penned The Old Abbey Well.

Standing beside it, Marianne Kelly read a verse from the heart-wrenching poem: …Dear scenes, full of happiness, contentment and pleasure, The meadow, the river, and moss-covered dell; But dearest of all, and revered beyond measure, The spot where it bubbled, the old Abbey well…

(The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers will be touring and rambling again in the coming weeks and months, starting on Saturdays at 11. a.m. from the Horse Box on the Parade, near the castle, unless otherwise stated.)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

29

kilkennyobserver.ie

Obituary

The Bennettsbridge Community was saddened to hear of the passing in his 92nd year of Liam Cleere, Woodlawn, following a long illness. Liam died in the care of the staff in Castlecomer District Hospital on the 30th of January.

The family will forever remember the kindness and care shown to him during his time there.

He was the eldest of five children born to Jim and Catherine Cleere, The Ring. He worked all his life in carpentry, an exceptional man at his craft and much of his work has stood the test of time and can be seen in households in Bennettsbridge and county.

He married the former Iris Walsh, Thomastown, in the early sixties and worked for some years in Sheffield, spending time in Dublin before returning to his native village where they resided in Main Street. Fifty five years ago, the couple moved to Woodlawn Estate where they raised a family and put down their roots. Liam worked in Mahon and Mc Phillips, Kilkenny Corporation and following his retirement, in SOS Kilkenny.

Liam lived life to the full, a life which centred around his family. He was so proud of all his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren. In the eulogy compiled by his son Mark, the support received from Liam and Iris throughout their lives was detailed. Trips were made to their children in their various adopted homes, including two trips to Newfoundland, France and UK. Family holidays in Inch, Co Kerry were enjoyed for many years, and the singsongs were an important element of these occasions. One of his favourite songs, a throwback to his school hurling days, was, “Hurling Champions of 1944”.

Liam will be remembered for his sporting achievements which were many. The enormous entries in the on-line condolence section described a good neighbour, a great storyteller and a popular work colleague.

Liam lay in repose in Johnston’s Funeral Home where a steady stream of people came to pay their final respects and to support the family. Vigil prayers were recited

by Fr Jim Murphy.

The remains were removed from his home in Woodlawn and a Guard of Honour comprising, Bennettsbridge GAA, East End, neighbours and friends escorted the cortege on the final journey. The hearse paused outside the homes of Seamie and Margaret(siblings) who were unable to attend.

Fr Jim Murphy, Canon Pat Dalton and Canon Pat Duggan received the remains in St Bennett’s Church.

Requiem Mass was con-celebrated

by Fr Jim Murphy and Fr Pat Dalton PP Fr Murphy welcomed everyone to the celebration of Liam’s life and sympathised with Iris, her children and extended family. He spoke of the tremendous community spirit in the ‘Bridge and said Liam had been a valued member of this community. His religion was important to him and when he was unable to attend Sunday Mass he watched mass on television each week.

Liam Cleere RIP

The lessons were read by Roisin Cleere (Granddaughter) and Tony Cleere (Nephew ) Prayers of Faithful, Molly, Ciaran,Daniel and Ray (Family members). Offertory Gifts reflected Liam’s many main interests with narration by Ben King(Grandson), ’Bridge Jersey, Dicksboro Jersey, Kilkenny Jersey, presented by Tadgh (Grandson), Cowboy Book, carried by Niamh, Screwdriver and Ruler, PJ Cullen (Friend) Water and Wine, Jim O’Sullivan (Nephew). Soloist Martina Burke, accompanied by organist, Joy

Bibby provided music throughout the ceremony. Liam’s Eulogy, compiled by Mark Cleere (son) was read by Fr Jim Murphy “Today, we gather to honour and celebrate the life of Liam Cleere, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great‐grandfather, brother, craftsman, teammate, neighbour, and friend. Liam was the kind of man who could light up a room just by walking into it, usually with a smile, a quick remark, or a story you weren’t sure was entirely true, but you enjoyed it anyway.

Born to James and Catherine and the eldest of five, Liam learned responsibility early on. Some might say he perfected the art of being in charge, others might say he simply perfected the art of being listened to. Either way, he set the tone for his siblings with quiet strength, steady character, and the occasional bit of mischief. In the early sixties, he married Iris, the love of his life. Together they built a home full of love, warmth, and the kind of laughter that comes from truly knowing someone. Over the years, that home grew into a large and proud family,seven children, eleven grandchildren, and two great‐grandchildren. Liam loved them all dearly, and they loved him for being a storyteller, a teacher, and a man who always had time for one more yarn... even if dinner was getting cold.

After working in Dublin, Liam returned to the Main Street before settling in Woodlawn, where he spent 55 years. If you needed a hand, a bit of advice, or a good chat, Liam was always only a door‐ knock away.

Sport was one of Liam’s great loves,especially hurling, where he built a roll of honour so long it would nearly need its own storage shed: All‐Ireland Senior Championship, 1957, Ten Senior County Championships, Three Leinster Senior Championships, Two Oireachtas, Five Walsh Cups, Two Wembley medals. He played in the USA in 1958, representing his county in the Polo Grounds and Gaelic Park. For a lad from Bennettsbridge, that was a big adventure, though he probably took it all in his stride, same as everything else.

He was a dedicated GAA steward, and eventually President of Bennettsbridge GAA,a role he loved, and one he carried out with pride, fairness, and a twinkle in his eye. Liam also enjoyed handball, soccer, rugby, and had a lifelong devotion to Manchester United and Sheffield Utd while living there.

He loved cowboy books and films too, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, the whole lot.

One of Liam’s greatest joys was his holidays in Inch, Co. Kerry, where he met friends from every corner of Ireland. The days were filled with stories, laughter, and discussions about hurling that may or may not have grown more dramatic with each passing year.

And then there were the sing‐ songs,late into the night, full of life and good humour. Inch wasn’t just a holiday spot for Liam; it was a place where time slowed down and friendships deepened.

But beyond medals, beyond achievements, beyond all the places he went and the people he met, Liam will be remembered most for who he was. Kind.

Grounded. Loyal. Generous with his time and spirit. He made people feel welcome, valued, and at ease. He knew how to tell a story, how to listen, and how to make the ordinary moments feel special.

Today, we give thanks for Liam’s life, a life rich with purpose, love, friendship, and meaning. His legacy lives on in his family, in the community he shaped, in the

games he played and supported, and in the countless lives he touched. May he rest in peace reunited with his son Billy and may we always remember him with the same warmth, humour, and affection that he showed to all of us.

BENNETTSBRIDGE GAA CLUB TRIBUTE “Bennettsbridge GAA Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of club president Liam Cleere. Alongside his brothers Larry and Seamie, Liam was an integral part of the great ‘Bridge teams of the fifties and sixties and was winner of ten senior championship medals during this golden era for the club. Liam also was part of the Kilkenny AllIreland winning team of 1957 and won Leinster senior medals in 57, 58 and 59. Liam played most of his career in goal but played in the forwards for club and county when required to do so. He also served as selector and officer for the club and was our current club president” TRIBUTE FROM KILKENNY GAA “Kilkenny GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Liam Cleere, former Kilkenny hurler and proud Bennettsbridge clubman.

Liam was a key figure in a golden era for Bennettsbridge and his record of achievement stands among the finest in the club’s history. A superbly committed and versatile player, he enjoyed outstanding success with the Bridge, winning ten (10) Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship titles. At inter-county level, Liam represented Kilkenny with great distinction and was part of the county’s celebrated All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championshipwinning panel of 1957. He also won three Leinster Senior Hurling Championship medals (1957, 1958 and 1959), and his adaptability was a hallmark of his game, featuring not only as a goalkeeper but also as a forward in the Leinster Final victories in 1958 and 1959. Liam’s county honours also included two Oireachtas titles (1957 and 1959) and five Walsh Cup medals. His involvement in the GAA extended well beyond his playing days.

Liam served as a steward in UPMC Nowlan Park, and later as President of Bennettsbridge GAA”.

Prayers at the graveside were said by Fr Jim Murphy and Fr Pat Dalton. Afterwards everyone joined in the singing of the “Rose of Mooncoin”. Predeceased by his son Billy. Beloved husband of Iris and much loved father of Eamonn, Gerry, Mark, Fiona, Fintan and Jenny. Liam will be dearly missed by his loving family, brothers Larry and Seamie, sisters Carmel and Margaret, sons-in-law John and Graham, daughters-in-law Lorendana, Julie, Gill and Karen, grandchildren Shauna, Ben, Chandon, Ciarán, Roisín, Tadgh, Niamh, Amber, William, Aimee and Alannah, great grandchildren Finn and Aria, brothers-in-law, sistersin-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours, friends and the members of Bennettsbridge GAA Club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

30

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

COMPETITION TIME

WITH

The Kilkenny

Observer

Red Mills Race Day and Style Event FEBRUARY 14TH 2026

WIN a €300 voucher SPONSORED BY THE KILKENNY OBSERVER

Connolly’s Red Mills have sponsored this much loved race meeting for over 40 years, and the Style event which was added in recent years is a wonderful opportunity to get all dolled up and be in with a chance to win some pretty amazing prizes.

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

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

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

Good luck everybody.

✁ COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

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

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

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

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

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

Question: Who is the Guest Judge for RED MILLS Style Awards at RED MILLS Raceday this year, Saturday 14th February 2026 Answer..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

Competition Rules 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

This competition is sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer The prize will be a €300.00 Voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Store at Cillín Hill The closing date for entries is Friday, February 27th 2026 at 5.00pm.

The winner will be chosen by an open draw held at the office of The Kilkenny Observer on Monday 2nd March 2026.

After being notified the winner will be announced in our edition of March 6th.

The prize is non-transferable; no cash equivalents may be claimed. .

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

The winner will be advised by phone on Monday evening 2nd March. Please be available to take the call.

After being notified the name and photograph of the winner will be published in the next edition of The Kilkenny Observer.

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

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

31

Advertisement

32

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

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

What’s On

Your picks for this week TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE—OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Stream: From Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee comes How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (Netflix), an eightepisode comedy-thriller. Clever TV writer Saoirse, glamorous mother-of-three Robyn, and dependable carer Dara have been inseparable since school. When the death of their estranged fourth friend sparks a series of eerie events, the trio embarks on a darkly comic, chaotic journey across Ireland and beyond, uncovering secrets, confronting the past and navigating danger and laughter.

Passion returns to

Wuthering Heights CINEMA Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights returns to the big screen, with Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff. This new adaptation promises a darkly passionate, emotionally charged take on one of literature’s most infamous love stories.

Set against the windswept Yorkshire moors, the story of Catherine and Heathcliff’s doomed romance continues to captivate audiences. The film amplifies the gothic intensity of Brontë’s world, combining storm-lashed

landscapes, stark interiors and a palpable sense of emotional turbulence. Robbie’s Catherine is fierce, conflicted and magnetic, torn between social expectation and a love that defies convention, while Elordi’s Heathcliff is compellingly dark, embodying obsession, vengeance and passion.

Together, they bring to life the passion, heartbreak and conflict that have made Brontë’s story timeless.

Unlike more traditional period adaptations, this version is expected to feel bold and contemporary, exploring themes of love, identity and emotional inheritance in ways that connect with mod-

ern audiences. The chemistry between Robbie and Elordi is already generating excitement, offering both lovers of classic literature and new viewers a fresh, visceral take on the iconic romance.

Early reviews have been positive, with critics praising the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi. The Guardian notes that “Robbie and Elordi ignite Brontë’s classic with electric performances, capturing both the glamour and the grit of this tragic romance.” Meanwhile, Empire highlights the film’s visual storytelling, calling it “a moody, breathtaking take on the moors that makes

every emotion feel immediate.” Audiences at preview screenings have commented on the intensity of the love story, with one noting, “I felt every heartbreak and obsession - it’s raw, powerful and unforgettable.”

For Valentine’s weekend, Wuthering Heights is far from your typical romantic outing - it’s an intense journey into love at its most passionate and destructive. Whether you’re a longtime Brontë fan or discovering the story for the first time, Robbie and Elordi’s performances promise a Wuthering Heights that is both timeless and thrillingly new.

The E.L.O. Experience Kilkenny music fans are in for a treat as the highly anticipated return of “Showdown” – The E.L.O. Experience hits The Set Theatre on February 20.

This seven-piece tribute band brings the timeless music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra to life, delivering a fully live performance of classics like “Evil Woman”, “Showdown”, “Livin’ Thing” and the ever-popular “Mr. Blue Sky”.

The show isn’t just about the music - it’s a full sensory experience. Stunning visuals and videos accompany the performance, while the six-part vocal harmonies and string section recreate the lush, classical sound that made ELO legendary. Fans

can expect a faithful rendition of Lynne’s iconic arrangements, capturing the spirit of a band that not only defined a generation but also collaborated with music legends including George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison.

The talented line-up includes Shane O’Reilly on guitar and lead vocals, Dave Smyth on keyboards, Daragh Butler on electric guitar, Kevin Butler on bass, Chris Platt on drums, Joey Mullins on guitar and a string section to complete the authentic sound.

Together, they recreate the energy and precision of ELO’s studio and live performances, making this tribute a must-see for music lovers of all ages.

With a track record of soldout shows across Ireland,

“Showdown” - The E.L.O. Experience promises a night of nostalgia, brilliance and sheer musical joy. Whether

Where to Laugh: Pre-Valentine’s Comedy Show. Skip the overpriced roses this Valentine’s Eve and treat your loved one to a night of top-notch comedy at the Kilkenny Comedy Club, the Home Rule Club. Headliner Eve Darcy, a festival favourite from Vancouver to Edinburgh, returns to the stage alongside the hilarious Breda Larkin. Also performing are sharp American comic Zac Lee and Kilkenny debut Jack Dolan. Laughter, energy and unforgettable fun guaranteed.

Tickets: €15.

What to Listen To: Mitski’s I’ll Change for You is a hauntingly tender track that blends delicate piano melodies with her signature emotive vocals. The song explores themes of longing, vulnerability and the compromises we make in love, delivered with raw, understated intensity.

Mitski’s ability to capture complex emotions in such a sparse, intimate arrangement makes this track both heart-wrenching and quietly mesmerising. It’s a perfect example of her artistry at its most poignant.

THE SET THEATRE | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 | 8PM MUSIC

What to Read: From bestselling author Carmel Harrington (The Stolen Child, The Lighthouse Secret) comes The Nowhere Girls, a gripping novel of family secrets and long-buried mysteries.

In December 1995, two young sisters were abandoned on Dublin’s Pearse Station. Twenty-five years later, investigative journalist Vega digs into their story, seeking answers about their missing mother. But the deeper she goes, the more shocking truths she uncovers and the more dangerous it becomes.

you grew up with ELO or are discovering them for the first time, this is a show not to be missed.

What to Play: Styx: Blades of Greed launches on February 17, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Step into the shoes of the cunning goblin thief Styx in this stealth-action adventure. Players must navigate treacherous dungeons, outsmart guards and use clever tricks to achieve their goals. With its blend of tactical stealth, dark humour and intricate level design, Blades of Greed promises a thrilling, mischievous experience for fans of stealth games.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

33

kilkennyobserver.ie

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

Food & Drink

Namo makes the cut

Kilkenny wastes 17.5 tonnes of food annually

SHORTLISTED Freepik

Namo, the popular Mexican restaurant and burrito bar on James’s Street in Kilkenny, has been nominated in the Best Mexican category at the Just Eat Awards - a nationwide celebration of Ireland’s most loved eateries.

Since opening its first location in Kilkenny in 2021, Namo has become known for its delicious Tex-Mex menu featuring burritos, tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican classics, along with fresh bubble teas and drinks. The business has expanded beyond Kilkenny, with additional outlets in the city and elsewhere.

Regulars and visitors praise Namo for its fresh ingredients, generous portions and lively atmosphere - and its inclusion on the Just Eat shortlist highlights the growing strength of independent food businesses in the region.

Caffe500, which opened in the past year on The Parade in Kilkenny, also has a nomination for Best Pizza for their sister and original restaurant on Kennedy Street in Carlow.

In total, 105 restaurants have been shortlisted nationwide across 12 categories.

The top award, Independent Restaurant of the Year, and a cheque for €100,000 will be presented to the eatery that secures the highest number of public votes across both its individual category and overall. Winners will be announced on April 1.

Lady Helen and Campagne keep Michelin Star AWARDS Mount Juliet Estate is celebrating as Lady Helen has kept its Michelin Star for the 13th year in a row.

The Michelin Guide announced the news this week at a ceremony in Dublin, where top restaurants from Ireland and Britain gathered for this year’s awards.

Mark Dunne, General Manager, said: “To retain our Star again this year is phenomenal, 13 years is no easy feat. This award reflects our outstanding team, spearheaded by culinary visionary John Kelly who continues to push the boundaries for Irish gastronomy.”

Head Chef, John added: “It is an incredible honour to retain the Michelin Star. This is a dream for so many, and I am thrilled to be celebrating again this year with my team.”

The French cuisine inspired restaurant, Campagne in the heart of Kilkenny also retained its Michelin Star, first awarded in 2013.

Head Chef, John Kelly

Inside Food Cloud’s Tallaght warehouse

FOOD WASTE An extraordinary 17,500 tonnes of food is wasted in County Kilkenny annually. Nationally, the figure is around 835,000 tonnes. However, efforts are underway to redistribute surplus food to charitable organisations that can put it to good use.

FoodCloud is a not-for-profit organisation working with networks around the country and has recently added County Kilkenny to its list of partners. It has teamed up with Kilkenny LEADER Partner-

ship to redistribute food from its warehouse in Tallaght, Co. Dublin.

FoodCloud redistributes surplus food from retailers and food businesses to local charities. Retailers log unsold but good-quality food in FoodCloud’s system, alerting nearby charities, which can collect it at agreed times.

“Currently, we take a weekly delivery, and it’s shared among 10 charitable organisations involved in the provision of food,” explains Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership. “We have plans

to create a permanent hub in the long term, but we’re starting off on a small scale.”

The operation began in October 2025 and has already distributed enough food for 17,500 meals. The produce includes perishable food, such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips, suedes and cabbage, as well as tinned food and dried goods.

Kilkenny LEADER Partnership pays a membership fee to Food Cloud and, in turn, charges recipients a low rate to cover costs.

“It’s a non-profit operation,”

says Declan Rice. “The intention is to reduce food waste and the CO2 emissions associated with dumping food.

Our operation has already saved 2.2 tonnes of CO2 since October.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Food Cloud in this effort. We’re not able to take on any more charities, at the moment, but we look forward to expanding the operation in the future.”

Food Cloud is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Golden Jubilee Trust.

What is natural wine?

DRINK Natural wine is showing up more often on menus and in stores, but what makes it different from regular wine?

Simply put, natural wine is made with as little interference as possible, both in the vineyard and in the cellar.

Natural winemakers avoid using synthetic chemicals, pesticides and herbicides in the vineyard. They often choose organic or biodynamic methods. Grapes are left to ripen and ferment on their own, using wild yeasts from the grape skins instead of commercial ones.

In the winery, natural winemakers also take a hands-off approach. These wines are usually unfiltered and unfined, with little or no added sulphites, which are preservatives often used in regular wines. This way, the wine shows off the true character of the grapes and the

vineyard. The results can be surprising.

Natural wines often taste, smell and feel different, with some people calling them “funky” or “earthy.” They can look cloudier or more bubbly than regular wines because they aren’t filtered or treated with chemicals. Some people love the unique and unpredictable nature of each bottle, while others find it hard to get used to.

Even though natural wine is becoming more popular, there are no official rules for what counts as natural, so each producer may have a different definition. Still, most share the same idea: respect the land, interfere as little as possible, and let the grape’s true character shine.

If you want to try something new or are looking for a more eco-friendly option, natural wine can offer a fresh and sometimes unexpected experience.

pvproductions

34

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

The Weir In Conor McPherson’s play The Weir, being presented by Lake Productions, we are introduced to stories about fairies, local folklore, and the supernatural, allowing us to explore themes of isolation, tradition and modernity, and the human need for connection. The Kilkenny Observer contacted Dr Stiofán Ó Cadhla for his take on the subject “In truth we do not go to Faery, we become Fairy, and in the beating of a pulse we may live for a year or a thousand years.” ―James Stephens, Irish Fairy Tales

“Come away, O, human child!, To the woods and waters wild, With a fairy hand in hand, For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.”

W.B. Yeats, Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry

The weird world of

A reconstruction drawing of an early medieval Ring Fort near New Ross

The Weir

BY DR STIOFÁN Ó CADHLA

No-one is surprised at the cant that Ireland is overpopulated with folklore, whatever shape that takes, whether it is stories, history or mystery, an old abbey, holy well or ‘fairy’ path. In 1851, just five years after the word folklore was coined in England, renowned Kilkenny scholar John O’Donovan defended his scepticism by insisting that old traditions usurped too many of his nights and days to meet with any disrespect from him. In fact, the now familiar phrase ‘Irish folklore’ appeared a few years earlier in the Transactions of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. No doubt many people associate folklore with the past, whenever that was, another time, perhaps a generation or two or three since, perhaps before electricity, or television, or science, or history, or some other monumental benchmark. It was a time when everything was folklore or nothing was, depending on the way you look at it. In fact, the terms

folklore and modernity are the same age, the latter appearing first in French, dating to the middle of the nineteenth century. Where does that leave the Irish language, where stillcontemporary terms like seanchas are ancient, and quite a few specific terms like banshee or piseog resisted translation altogether, sealing or concealing their meaning in English orthography, like the signposts at every crossroads.

Otherworld The fairy world, what today’s folklorists prefer to refer to as the ancestral Otherworld, is coterminous with reality, a different and timeless world that haunts it somewhere between the holy and the unholy, the godly and the ungodly, the dead and the living, memory and amnesia, Irish and English, some repugning it, others sitting on the fence. The English fairy is related to the Faé, the fate of later Italy, and fée of mediaeval France; the Fatuae were immortal, living near lakes, woods, fountains or caves. The word also shares a root with fetishism, a bugbear of anthropology and ethnology worldwide. Synonymous with Perrault in France, the Grimm brothers in Germany, Andersen

in Denmark or Moe in Norway, the fairy tale, apotheosis of folklore for many, was contes de fée in French; yet this refers to the fantastic wonder tale, German Märchen, Irish seanscéal, not to be confused with our ‘fairy’ legends.

and disenchanted as nature, no longer protected by any ancestral proprietary interest, tabu or prestige.

They are often described in English as little people, good people, or even gentry, notably in Máire Mac In 1851, just five years after the word Néill’s Fairy Folklore was coined in England, Legends from Old cod or renowned Kilkenny scholar John Donegal. The not?

O’Donovan (1806-1861) defended latter word was Shabbily his skepticism by insisting that old a translation of translated, the traditions usurped too many of úasal, connoting fairy denotes his nights and days to meet sacrosanct or the síd, sióg or with any disrespect elevated status and siabhra, considered from him veneration. Applying to myth rather than places as well as people, religion in A Handbook this ancestral sacred world of Irish Folklore. These are of godlings is what often appears the ultimate Irish outsiders, not as an ‘old cod’ or story. When time just of religion but also of history, itself is malleable, where does that the ghosts of the Gaelic ancestors leave history, when there is no past living on in a parallel geographic or present or future, just the long wasteland increasingly succumbing tension of humanity interrupted to the bulldozer and developer. The occasionally by a familiar cry or spirit of the land itself, desacralised

knock at the door. Often uninvited, this breaks in upon the perfect geometric grid of progress and time, leaving the present less contemporary, less modern than we thought or like.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer newspaper, Dr Ó Cadhla wished the cast from Lake Productions the best with their presentation of Conor McPherson’s play The Weir, which runs for six nights at Thomastown Concert Hall. Stiofán also suggested that those attending do so with an open mind.

Cast includes: Gerry Cody, Niall Morrissey, Derek Dooley, Joe Murray, Ann Murray. Director is Darren Donohue.

Dr Stiofán Ó Cadhla is a Senior Lecturer in Roinn an Bhéaloidis, the Department of Folklore and Ethnology at University College Cork.

His latest book is Inventing Irish Folklore: Revivals, Survivals, and Superstitions, due for publication later this year by Cork University Press.

Shots of fairies used from Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens, and Fairy Legends from the South of Ireland by Thomas Crofton Croker.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

35

Motors

36

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA COLLEGES SUCCESS There was some notable Clara involvement for successful Kilkenny school teams at the weekend. David Barcoe captained St. Kieran’s to Leinster glory in Nowlan Park on Saturday as they easily brushed aside the challenge of city rivals CBC, Kilkenny. Davy was outstanding at full back and was later joined on the field by Joe Power, who contributed a point and was very busy.

Luke Lawlor and Philip Carrigan were also on the bench for St. Kieran’s, while Padraic Meany was prominent for the CBC when introduced.

Not to be outdone Lucy Boyd starred for Loreto, Kilkenny as they qualified for the All Ireland Colleges A final by virtue of a comprehensive 1-19 to 1-7 win over Presentation Athenry in Palmerston.

Onagh Fitzgerald was also part of a very strong Loreto panel. Well, done to all.

CLUB LOTTO The Lotto results for 3rd February were as follows, the numbers drawn were 1, 12, 27. There was no Jackpot winner. The €30 Lucky Dip went to Frances Quigley, Emma O Keeffe, Billy O Keeffe, Moyà Kelly and Catherine Langton.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS LIMERICK LEAGUE GAME Commiserations to the Kilkenny Senior Hurling team which lost out in last Sunday’s Allianz League game away to Limerick. The team which included O’Loughlin Gaels’ Mikey Butler, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy, Luke Hogan and Fionán Mackessy gave a good account of itself but found Limerick too strong in the finish. Attention will now turn to the next game against Waterford in UPMC Nowlan Park on February 22nd.

EASTER CAMP O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and Camogie Club’s Easter Camp is fast approaching and it’s not to be missed. Sign up and register now so as not to be disappointed. Easter Camp will take place from Monday 30th March to Friday 3rd April. The cost per child is €55 with reductions for families with 2 or 3 children participating. Deadline for registration is March 20th. Camp Coordinators are Stephen Murphy and Paddy Deegan. Register on Google Forms or contact Stephen at 0857181325 for details.

CLUB REGISTRATION Juvenile Registration in O’Loughlin Gaels Club is now open and can be completed on Foireann for existing members. A very successful Registration evening for new members was held on Friday night last in the Club. Contact Danny at 0872187537 or Stephen at 086-1993711 if you wish to join or have any queries.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and Camogie Club members are reminded that 2026 membership fees are now due. Payment can be made via the www.foireann.ie website. Follow the guidelines to the O’Loughlin Gaels section where the different membership categories and prices are displayed.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of the O’Loughlin Gaels Club lotto dated February 3rd. The numbers drawn were 1, 14, 15 and 17 and the bonus number was 26. Play Now at www.oloughlingaels. com. Thank you for your continued support.

The Promotors Draw winners were: 1. Padraig Leydon. 2. Eileen and Sadie c/o E Kinchella. 3.

Mark Ryan c/o N Loy. 4. Noel and Martina c/o N Tyrrell. 5. Michael Dreeling c/o P Leydon. 6.

Katrina Fitzpatrick c/o D O’Connell. 7. PJ Norton c/o JJ Cullen. 8. Ailish O’Hanlon c/o Online. 9.

Oisín Murphy c/o Online. 10. Georgina O’Shea C/o Online BOOKINGS FOR OCCASIONS O’Loughlin Gaels Club boasts the best club facilities for its members in the city. With plenty of free parking, kitchen, bar and lounge facilities available it can cater for all your party needs.

Contact 086-8919312 to book your special occasion-christening, communion, confirmation, birthdays and anniversaries, special wedding guest gatherings or any group occasion you require. The large Hall is available for larger community events and the space outside is safe and

secure for all the family.

NOTES If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to communications.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@gaa. ie FRESHFORD COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford/Threecastles Community alert remind you that membership is now due and you can contact any Committee member if you want to join the group or pay your membership.

BORD NA NOG Club membership is now due for 2026. Membership can be paid to any committee member or through Cubzap or Foireann details can be found on club’s social media page.

FOROIGE Freshford Foroige youth club is now back after its Christmas break. The club meet each Monday evening at the Community Hall. New members are very welcome, and they are also looking for leaders.

IONAD LACHTAIN St Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.00pm.

SAFETY FIRST The recent development of the car park at Freshford Cemetery was a most welcome project for people wishing to visit the graves of their loved ones. It’s now open every day and it will facilitate safe entry and exiting for all who wish to park there.

HOME FROM USA Spending a holiday with his mam and family at Woodview for the past week was Jack Doyle.

Jack returned to San Francisco this week.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Bergin family Blackwood, Freshford on the death of their cousin Paddy Delaney from Rathdowney Co Laois.

Paddy was well known in the locality and among the farming community and was champion sheaf thrower over the years. Funeral mass took place on Friday last in the church of the Most Holy trinity Rathdowney, followed by burial in Bordwell cemetery Clough.

GAA All games were cancelled again over weekend due to weather and pitch conditions. You can check the club’s social media page for upcoming fixtures.

Membership is now due for 2026 season and can be paid to any committee member or through Cubzap or Foireann and details can be found in clubs social media page.

CLOTHES COLLECTION Gatabawn will hold a clothes collection on Sat 14th March and Sat 21st March from 10am to 4 pm. They will be collecting clothes, shoes, handbags and toys. A donation from the proceeds will be given to the Laura Lynn children’s hospice.

Your support would be greatly appreciated.

NEW GARDA Freshford is to get a new Garda. Local Cllr Michael McCarthy said he is delighted that a new Garda has been assigned to Freshford.

Garda Cian O’Connor will take up his new post on 16 February. Cllr McCarthy would like to thank our previous Garda Noel Casey who was an outstanding community Garda and gave tremendous service to the village and surrounding areas over the last four years, he epitomised the importance of community policing and succeeded in improving safety in the village through reaching out to local organisations in a collaborative approach and he wished him all the best in his future career. Garda O’Connor will be very welcome in the area, and we look forward to his arrival said Cllr McCarthy and he said he would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge Supt. Sean O’Meara for his role in the appointment.

SOCCER There were no games again last weekend due to weather and pitch conditions. Meanwhile work is starting on the pitch at Woodview with lots of plans in progress including astro turf pitch.

SPLIT THE POT

This month’s Split the Pot goes to Threecastles community hall. Tickets available in all pubs and business in the village at just €2 each so be in to win.

OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941 BRIDGE Freshford Bridge club is held each week in Threecastles Hall 7.30pm. New members are very welcome. Bridge Classes are also being held for anyone interested in learning how to play bridge and you are most welcome to attend these classes. For further information contact Anne Maria on 087 2271136 if you are interested in joining PARISH NEWS Mass times for Freshford Tullaroan and Ballycallan. Saturday evening- Killaloe -6pm Tullaroan 730pm. Sunday – Ballycallan 9.30am Freshford 11am. Killaloe, Tulla and Kilmanagh will share the 6pm Mass on a 1, 2, 3 basis. Weekly masses Monday 9.30am Kilmanagh, Tuesday and Friday –Freshford -9.30am and Thursday –Tullaroan at 9.30am.

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

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

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

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

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

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

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB JUNIOR “B” FOOTBALL On Saturday afternoon the Junior Footballers let slip victory in the closing minutes of their 1st round league fixture against Muckalee to share the league points at 1-08 to 0-11. The James Stephens scorers were Padraig McCarthy (2 pointers), Cormac Connolly (0-01) and Ronan Delahunty (0-01). Both teams displayed some quality play over the first 30 minutes with James Stephens deservedly taking a 0-06 to 0-04 lead into the break. Over the third quarter James Stephens kept their noses in front at 0-08 to 0-06 courtesy of two Stephen Manogue points from frees, A pivotal moment came in the 19th minute when at the end of a fine passing movement Cathal Mulhall was hauled to the ground for a penalty award which Stephen Manogue dispatched to the net for a 1-08 to 0-06 lead but

It proved to be James Stephens’ last score of the game. With Muckalee mounting a flow of attacks on the tiring Village defence, fouls were conceded and converted by the buoyant Muckalee men bringing the score to 1-08 to 0-10 at the 28th minute. A final surge in the 30th minute won Muckalee a free from distance, a potential two pointer, which landed in the crowded goalmouth and deflected over the bar for the equalising score at 1-08 to 0-11. Notable performances were delivered by goalkeeper Padraig McCarthy with Eoin Larkin to the fore, in attack and defence throughout, while defenders James Tyrrell, Adam Butler, David Walton and midfielders Dara Behan and Paul Ryan worked tirelessly over the hour’s play.

GRUPA CUPLA FOCAL Tháinig an “Grúpa Cupla Focal” le cheile don chéad uair sa Chlub an tseachtain seo chaite.

Ocáid an-taitneamhach a bhi ann le meascán do Gaeligeoiri liofa agus daoine nar usaid an Gaelige ona Leathanta scoile. Oiche an speisiuil a bhi ann agus ag deireadh na hoiche bhi tae agus brioscai ar fail agus bhain gach einne an taitneamh as an ocaid. Tiocfaidh an grupa le cheile aris an gCeadaoin 18 Feabhra agus beidh failte roimh gach einne.

COLLEGE’S HURLING FINAL Congratulations to St. Kieran’s College who won the Leinster Senior Hurling College’s title for the 60th time with an unexpected facile 2-24 to 0-11 victory over neighbours CBS Kilkenny in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday afternoon. The team was backboned by a strong James Stephens contingent including goalkeeper Cian Dermody, defenders Larry Phelan and Bill McDermott, midfielder, Diarmuid Behan and leading scorer Conor McEvoy (0-09) and substitute Conor Heffernan. The CBS team included clubmen James Bergin and Zac Scanlon in their lineup. In the upcoming All-Ireland semi-final St. Kieran’s will play the winners of the Loughrea v Athenry Qfinal fixture while the CBS will meet St. Flannan’s (Ennis) in the All-Ireland Q-final.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Clubman Cian Kenny made a welcome return, from injury, to the Kilkenny line up for their 2nd round National league fixture against Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the 1-26 to 2-16 defeat Cian made a positive contribution to the new look Kilkenny selection, working diligently around midfield and scoring 0-02 points from placed balls in a physically demanding fixture. Their next outing will be against Waterford on Sunday 22nd February in UPMC Nowlan Park.

LOTTO: (AN CRANNCHUR) Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite na: 9, 10, 11, 28. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir (No Winner).

Na mionduiseanna €40: Maura Morgan, Fiona Noonan, Keith Ruth, Mary Flynn agus Pauline Massey. Go raibh maith agaibh as bhur dtachaoicht. (Our thanks for your continuing support) BENNETTSBRIDGE BUS STOP SHELTERS Further to recent news on bus shelters, local councillor, Deirdre Cullen is delighted to say that Bennettsbridge has been granted preliminary funding for 2 new bus stops with shelters under the NTA’s Bus Stop Enhancement Programme. It is proposed to relocate the existing stops from the village centre to outside and across from the Garda Station on the Thomastown Road. The plans include new Kassel kerbs and road markings. Funding for footpath and a raised table controlled pedestrian crossing with advanced signage and belisha beacon lights has already been granted. These proposed works will go forward for public consultation in March. Further details to follow.

BENNETTSBRIDGE THROUGH THE YEARS A number of people in the community have been meeting for the past few weeks and are hoping to make a film celebrating Bennettsbridge, its history, sports, culture, the people who shaped it and would love to hear from anyone with stories to tell, photos to share or who would be prepared to get involved in any way. Please contact Michael (087 6841155 for more information or Jane (0863655314. The Bennettsbridge Film

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

37

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

East End U 9s played a super game against Highview

Project Team would love to hear from you!

JOIN THIS YEAR’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE As part of the ongoing celebrations of St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny, organisers are calling for local community groups, clubs, and charities to, “Bring your energy. Be part of the celebration.” in this year’s grand parade on March 17th. The

U15s Yellow had a 2-2 draw with Evergreen

theme is Together - Le Chéile, for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Local communities are the heart of the St Patrick’s Day parade, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase local talent. Remember, there are great prizes for the best displays! The process is quick and easy.

Simply, fill out a short online application https://

stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com/participate/ or email parade@stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com.

The deadline for submissions is, Friday, February 20th. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit.

LECTURE “Thomastown Workhouse, forgotten voices of the workhouse women”. Having retired from her

job as a language teacher, Thomastown native, Teresa Wemyss, Killarney Cross, decided to do some research on her family tree. She was shocked to discover that her great-grandfather, Paddy Minogue, was born in Thomastown Workhouse, now St. Columba’s Hospital. This led her on a voyage of discovery about the history of Thomastown Workhouse (AKA as the County Home) it’s architecture, but most importantly the story of its inmates. Shockingly, she discovered that it was home to many of the county’s unmarried mothers, some of whom never left. Shunned by society, disowned by their families and worst of all, abandoned by their lovers, these women suffered untold hardship. Referred to as ‘offenders’, these women were treated as criminals with little or no recourse to justice.

On Friday last a full house was present to hear Teresa Wemyss give a detailed talk on the subject. An appreciative audience applauded at the end. The lecture organised by Dúchas Heritage Society was dedicated to the late Walter Walsh, a valued member of the society, who passed away a few years ago. The Dúchas Heritage Society will publish the 14th Volume of “In The Shadow Of the Steeple later this year. Walter Walsh had material included in all the early editions. In The Shadow Of The Steeple was first published in 1987 and covers a catchment area loosely bounded by the villages of Gowran and Bennettsbridge, and the town of Thomastown. There is a local connection, Teresa is a sister of Anne Dobbyn, Marian Place.

ST PATRICK’S DAY IN THE ‘BRIDGE The Traditional Display of Irish Dancing will be held in The Community Hall Bennettsbridge on St Patrick’s Day after mass. Thanks to Stella Carroll and team and Ladies Club for their involvement each year. The Kathleen Conway Memorial Trophy will be presented to the winners of the dancing. The Carlow Kilkenny Homecare will benefit from the proceedings.

MASS TIMES Bennettsbridge Thursday and Friday 10.30am, Sunday 10 30am. Tullaherin 8pm OSSORY PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes for 2026 will take place on May 25th to May 30th. All bookings through Joe Walsh Tours at 01-2410800.

Or by post to JWT, 89 Harcourt Street, Dublin, 2.

DO2WY88. Special assisted/sick section pilgrims who would like to travel should apply to, Anna Colleton at a.colleton@cbskilkenney.ie. Acceptance for travel is subject to the approval of the Pilgrimage Medical Board.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Catherine Eivers (formerly Catherine Wallace, Woodlawn) on the death of her husband, Tony Eivers, Millennium Court, Hebron Road, Kilkenny and formerly of Hackney, London.

Tony passed away on 4th February 2026, peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital. Predeceased by his mother Cecelia. Beloved husband of Catherine (nee Wallace) and much loved father of Victoria, Lucy and Chelsea. Tony will be dearly missed by his loving family, mother-in-law Kathleen, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, extended family, neighbours, friends and all who knew him.

Reposed in Johnston’s Funeral Home, John’s Green. Cremation Service took place in the Garden Chapel at Mount Jerome Crematorium.

LOTTO There was no winner of Jackpot, Numbers, 7, 14, 18, 23. Consolation Prizes, Shane Egan, Paddy Moran, Johnny Dunne, Michael Burke, Noel Skehan.

MENS SHED The Men’s Shed group continues each Wednesday from 2 until 4pm with a full house every week. The group has gone from strength to strength since its formation with lots of activities and outings organised by its committee.

GATHERING There was a full house at the gathering last week and as well as the usual activities a special birthday for member Mary Cassin was celebrated.

ART GROUP Bennettsbridge Art Group sessions continue each Monday from 2 until 4pm in the Community Hall. Tutor Julie Moorhouse will be in attendance. The group is exploring some exciting new techniques with a view to producing a new element to their exhibition during Kilkenny Arts Week in August.

CAMOGIE CLOTHES COLLECTION Bennettsbridge Camogie Club is holding a clothes Collection up to Tuesday the 10th of Feb-

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

38

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Community & GAA Notes

East End Under 16 girls had a good win over Evergreen

ruary. This is a fantastic way to support our club while decluttering your home and cleaning out your wardrobes after Christmas. Drop off point GAA clubhouse.

EAST END There was a strong win at the weekend for the U16s vs Evergreen. Goals from Leah Croke, 4, Mia Rusnak, 3, Holly Meighan, 2, Alice Nelson, 1. A solid performance to secure all three points, and to top it off, some very well-deserved cake afterwards to celebrate Aoibhe Walpole’s birthday.

The Under 15s yellow played a great draw versus Evergreen, scoreline 2-2. Goals, Sean Byrne and Robbie O’Malley. Captain, Tommy Hoyne.

The under 9 girls played a super game against Highview at the weekend.

East End A Team has progressed in the McCalmont Cup after a 4 - nil win over Bridge United U23s. goals, Darren Coffey. 2. Conor Molloy. 1. Gary Geoghegan, 1.

IRISH LIFE HEALTHY CLUBS STEP CHALLENGE This year’s step challenge ends on February 11th. Thanks to all who got involved this year.

Leaders after week three were Freda Daly, Tom Fitzgearld and Elaine Denieffe.

MEMBERSHIP 2026 Membership for the coming season is now open and can be paid to any committee member or online via clubspot. For non-playing members the membership remains at €40. Adult players membership is €150, and student players is €100. Early payment would be greatly appreciated as the bills for 2026 start to come in.

COLLEGES HURLING AND DEVELOPMENT SQUADS Congratulations to Eoin Walpole who won a Leinster senior colleges medal with St Kieran’s last week. We wish the very best of luck to all ‘Bridge players trying out for Kilkenny squads and with various second and third level colleges at the moment. Best of luck also to the underage football teams who are getting the season underway in the next couple of weeks.

EASTER CAMP The 2026 Easter camp will be held from March 30th to April 2nd in the club grounds. Please see the clubs facebook page for details or contact Cormac Wafer or Enda Morrissey.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN There are still places available on our Pitch signage campaign. Many thanks to all the business owners who have supported the club so far.

If interested, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

SPLIT THE POT Well, done to Alan Flynn who won €85, Luke Dowling who won €30 and Jamie Harkin who won €20. The draw can also be entered online on the club spot app under fundraising. Thanks again for the support.

GOWRAN GOWRAN PARK Final tickets for Red Mills Day 2026 on Saturday, 14th February. Visit www.gowranpark.ie to download your 2 FREE tickets.

GOWRAN PANTO Gowran Panto presents Cinderella on February 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st at 7.30pm, Matinee February 22nd at 3pm. Book tickets now at: https:// www.gowranpanto.com/tickets DALTON HOUSE DAYCARE Please get in touch with the office for more details if you or someone you know needs any of the following services. Currently, they provide meal delivery services to the following locations six days a week, Monday through Saturday: Goresbridge, Paulstown, Clara, Dunbell, Bennettsbridge, Tullaherin, and Dungarvan. Laundry Services. Chiropodist. Social events like music nights, fitness classes, and art classes.

YOUNG IRELANDS Clothes collection taking place on Monday 16th February, all support is greatly appreciated. Drop off at the dressing rooms in aid of camogie club.

Please come out and join on Tuesdays for Ireland Lights Up - 6 Week Step Challenge at 7-8pm on the walking track. Everyone is welcome.

MOLLYS TEA ROOM Nothing says “I Love you” like a little cake! Don’t forget to order your sweet treats for Valentines Day. BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKIL DANCING ON Another frightfully good performance was delivered by Katelyn last Sunday night on Dancing with the Stars, captivating audiences once again with her talent, dedication, and infectious energy. Week after week, Katelyn continues to impress both judges and viewers alike, showcasing not only her dancing ability but also her commitment and passion for the competition.

As the contest progresses, public support is more important than ever. To vote for Katelyn, viewers can simply text her name to 53125 on

Sunday evening during the live show. Every vote counts, and the community wishes Katelyn the very best of luck as she continues her journey in the competition.

LOURDES INVALID FUND Meanwhile, the Ballyragget/Ballyouskill Lourdes Invalid Fund would like to invite worthy candidates to put their names forward, in writing, for consideration to travel on the annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. This pilgrimage offers a meaningful and spiritual experience for those who may benefit from the journey. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact a member of the local committee for further information or guidance on the application process. Committee members include John Kennedy, Mary Kennedy, and Noel Cummins from Ballyouskill, along with Catherine Quirke and Aileen McInerney from Ballyragget. Please note that the closing date for written applications is the 10th of March 2026, and applications received after this date may not be considered.

FAMILY BINGO In addition, the Parents Association are hosting a Family Bingo event this Sunday, and everyone is encouraged to come along and show their support. The bingo will take place in the CYMS Hall, beginning promptly at 2pm. Bingo sheets will be available at a cost of €2, making it an affordable and enjoyable afternoon for all ages. This promises to be a fun, social event for families while also supporting a great cause. Your presence and participation would be greatly appreciated.

KILMACOW KILMACOW ICA The local guild meets in the Community Centre (Barrow Room) at 10.30am on the first Thursday each month. It organises many activities including guest speakers and daytrips while never losing sight of the value of the social and supportive aspect of getting together. The next meeting will be held at 10.30am on Thursday, 5th March.

New members welcome.

KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 5, 14, 17 and 25. There were three Match 3 winners.

STEPS CHALLENGE Well, done to everyone involved in the Irish Life Steps Challenge. The commitment and energy shown enabled Kilmacow finish 65th of 396 registered groups. Participants could consider St. Senan’s Athletic Club’s Fit for Life Programme

as a follow up.

TABLE QUIZ The next table quiz in the monthly series in the Fox’s Den will be held at 8.00pm on Monday, 2nd March in aid of the Marfan Research Group.

The cost per table of four is €20. All support welcome.

ROSEDALE SENIOR SHED The next get-together will be at 10.00am on Thursday, 26th February in Rosedale. All welcome. Contact Claire in Rosedale on 051 885125 for details.

LOCAL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME This grant scheme is now open for applications to support community groups to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, and to purchase equipment for example tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, canopies and training equipment etc.

Facilities improvement works may also include improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs. An application form can be downloaded from the Kilkenny County Council website, by contacting Kelley Murphy at 056 779 4264 or by e-mailing communitygrants@ kilkennycoco.ie. The closing date for completed applications is Friday, 27th February.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION A follow up discussion on ideas for making Kilmacow a better place to live in will be held in the Community Centre (Library Room) from 8.00pm to 9.00pm on Tuesday, 17th February.

All welcome to attend.

MULLINAVAT CARDIAC SCREENING Mullinavat GAA club has arranged with Advanced Medical Services for Cardiac Screening to be available in the Community Centre from 9.30am to 5.00pm on Saturday, 21st February and Saturday, 28th February. It costs €80 per person.

Booking is necessary. To book please check the QR Code on the Mullinavat GAA Club webpage or ring 0818 333 120.

MULLINAVAT MATTERS A general meeting of Mullinavat Matters will be held in the Library in Mullinavat Community Centre at 8.00pm on Thursday, 26th February. All are welcome to attend.

FIRST AID COURSE Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership will

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

39

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes followed by cremation and a celebration of his life at The Island Crematorium, Co. Cork. May he rest in peace.

SPA UNITED AFC It was a busy week for Spa United AFC, with several teams in action. Results included: U17 Girls League Division 1: Spa 3, Evergreen 0.

U16 Boys League Division 1A: Lions 1, Spa 4. U14 Girls League Division 1: Thomastown 0, Spa 1.

U12 Girls League Division 1: Thomastown 3, Spa 0. U11 Doran Cup: Spa 2, Lions 6. In addition, the U8s and U9s hosted Kilkenny United, while the U10 girls travelled to play Evergreen. Well, done to all players and coaches for their continued effort and commitment.

LOTTO SPA DEVELOPMENT / FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers for the January 29th draw were 2, 14, 15, 19, with three match-three winners: Margaret Bergin, Richard Beehan, and Margaret Henderson. The February 5th draw numbers were 3, 5, 8, 15, with no jackpot winner.

The match-three winners were Paul and Paris Bowe, Carmel Neary, and Mary O’Sullivan.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

Paddy O’Shea, Liam Burke (Speaker) and Michael Power at the recent lecture A Kilkenny Man Looks Back held in Mullinavat recently

host a First Aid course on Saturday, 14th February for volunteers of sports clubs in Kilkenny in the Club House Hotel. The cost is €15 per volunteer limited to two per club. Please ring 056 779 4991 or register online at KRSP.ie RAMBLING HOUSE The Community Centre will host its monthly Rambling House at 8.00pm on Saturday, 21st February. Everyone is welcome to attend an evening of music, song, recitation, stories and dance.

TABLE QUIZ Piltown Community Centre will host a table quiz in aid of Parish Funds at 8.00pm on Friday, 27th February. The cost per table of four is €20. All support welcome.

COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL FACILITIES CAPITAL GRANT SCHEME Kilkenny County Council has opened this grant scheme for community-based projects. Grant funding is at the rate of 90% of the cost of the project subject to a maximum grant of €50,000.

Terms, Conditions and Guidelines of the Scheme can be downloaded from Kilkenny County Council website or by contacting by telephone at 056-7794920 or by e-mail at community@kilkennycoco.ie. Applicants must contact the Community Development Officer to discuss the project and its eligibility who will then give the applicant group the application form for completion.

The Community Development Officer for South Kilkenny is Lianne Kelly (056-7794345). The application form together with all the supporting documentation must be returned to the Community Section of Kilkenny County Council by Friday, 6th March.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society recently hosted a lecture by Liam Burke, ‘A Kilkenny man looks back’. Liam began by giving a brief description of his early life. He was born in Kilkenny and attended Dunmore National School before progressing on to the CBS in Kilkenny City. While the main theme of the lecture was Kilkenny hurling, Liam also mentioned some of the social issues and living conditions which prevailed since Kilkenny’s first All-Ireland success in 1904. He also recalled some of the ‘fringe events’ which occurred and characters associated with Kilkenny hurling.

Among those mentioned was Danny O’Connell, who managed Kilkenny to 11 All-Ireland titles (1904, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1911, 1012, 1913, 1932, 1933, 1935 and 1939), a record which was only equalled in 2015, by Brian Cody, and which has never been surpassed.

Danny was born in Blackmill Street, Kilkenny City in 1875. His father, a native of Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, owned a licensed premises in what is now known as Campions. His mother was from Dublin. From a young age Danny took an interest in Gaelic games and in addition to the position of hurling manager he also served as

County Secretary, a trustee of the County Board, Chairman of the Kilkenny Camogie Board and refereed in both hurling and football. Danny died in 1960.

Eddie Synnott, Chairman of the Society, thanked Liam for the very informative and enjoyable lecture and commented very favourably on the content and depth of the lecture. He also remarked on the ability of the speaker to recall events that had taken place and stories which he had been told. He also thanked the society’s committee, in particular Orla O’Shea, who was responsible for the impressive PowerPoint presentation which augmented the lecture, Mullinavat Parish Hall Committee and those who had attended.

The Society recently held its Annual General Meeting, which reviewed a very successful year and outlined plans for 2026. Elected: chairman, Eddie Synnott; vice-chairperson, Katherine Grant; secretary, Brigid Barron; joint treasurers, Val Atkins and Michael Power. Committee: Dermot Aylward, Joe Freyne, Orla O’Shea, Mary Ryan and Richard Walsh.

The next society lecture takes place on Thursday, 19th February, when Mr Éamon Ó Cuív will deliver a lecture on the foundation of Fianna Fáil and the early years of the party. This lecture will take place in Mullinavat Parish Hall at 8pm.

Admission is €5 for those who are not members of the society.

SOUTH KILKENNY BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION Beekeeping for beginners’ course will commence on Monday, February 23rd in Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny. For more information or to register your interest, please contact Damien Grant on skbkaeducation@hotmail.com JOHNSTOWN St. Kieran’s Hall continues to be a hub of activity for the local community, with a number of events and initiatives planned in the coming months. Chair Yoga for seniors will commence on Monday, February 17th at 11am. This gentle and accessible form of exercise is ideal for improving flexibility, balance, and overall wellbeing in a relaxed and friendly environment. All seniors are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Looking ahead to Easter, an Easter Pamper Day will take place in St. Kieran’s Hall on Thursday, April 9th from 9am to 1pm. This promises to be a fun-filled and inclusive event, offering a range of activities such as nail treatments, foot spas, hair styling, dancing, games, competitions, and much more. The event is open to all ages from 4 years upwards, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy a morning of relaxation and entertainment. For further information or to book a place, please contact Emma on 083 088 0993.

ST. KIERAN’S NATIONAL SCHOOL St. Kieran’s N.S. recently hosted a special night of celebration and recognition in St. Kieran’s Hall,

honouring the many children involved in sporting activities within the school. The evening also served as an opportunity to acknowledge and sincerely thank the coaches, parents, sponsors, members of the local community, and neighbouring schools, including Crosspatrick and Galmoy, for their continued support.

The school prides itself on offering pupils a wide range of sporting opportunities, with children actively participating in athletics, camogie, hurling, handball, Gaelic football, and soccer. During the evening, presentations were made to several teams in recognition of their achievements.

The school football team was congratulated on entering competitive football for the first time and achieving great success by winning the shield. The hurling team was also honoured for an outstanding year, having claimed victory in two county finals, a tremendous achievement for both players and mentors.

Academic success was also celebrated, with the quiz team receiving commendation for winning both the Credit Union Quiz for Primary Schools and the Cumann na mBunscoil Quiz. The evening highlighted just how busy and engaged the pupils of St. Kieran’s N.S. are, both on and off the field.

Following the celebrations, the children of fifth and sixth classes were formally enrolled for their Confirmation, which will take place on April 18th.

This marked an important milestone in the children’s faith journey and was a proud occasion for pupils, parents, and teachers alike.

Congratulations are also extended to the children from third to sixth classes who recently took part in Peace Proms 26 at the SETU Arena in Waterford. It was a tremendous honour for the pupils to join thousands of other primary school children from across Ireland to perform in such a spectacular event. Accompanied by a full orchestra and conductor, the children sang with great enthusiasm and pride. Peace Proms, performed by the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, celebrates music, unity, and peace, and features choirs, soloists, pipers, drummers, and dancers. It was an unforgettable experience for all involved.

SYMPATHY The community was deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Mr. John Byrden, Glashare, Johnstown, which occurred at St. Luke’s Hospital. Predeceased by his parents, Paddy and Mary, John will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his loving wife Freda, his sisters Marie, Helen, and Hilda, and his brother Pat. He is also mourned by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, parents-in-law Brian and Liz Mulvany, nieces, nephews, aunt Statia, uncle Sean, cousins, extended family, neighbours, and his wide circle of friends.

John’s Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Galmoy,

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

POBAL EILE CHOIR EVENING Last Sunday night choirs from Templetuohy and Moyne, Moycarkey Borris Littleton, Thurles and Gortnahoe Glengoole parishes participated in a Choral Service in Templetuohy Church. It was a wonderful occasion; each choir sang three hymns and they did themselves proud. A huge congratulations to the choir from Gortnahoe Glengoole led by Cathriona with music from Nick and Cathriona. The hymns chosen were Wake up my People, Be Not Afraid and Maranatha.

There was also great support from the parish on the night. Sincere thanks to the hosts Moyne Templetuohy for providing refreshments afterwards. Donations on behalf of Mary’s Meals was collected on the night.

FUNERAL MINISTRY TRAINING The final round of Funeral Ministry training will be available in Tipperary Town on March 5th, 11th and 18th. Anyone from any parish in the diocese who would like to avail of this opportunity to train for this ministry are invited to let their local parish priest know and for registration. Venue has yet to be decided as this will depend on numbers attending.

CASHEL AND EMLY ARCHDIOCESAN The pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from June 12th, (five nights) led by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly. For information and booking contact Joe Walsh Tours @ 01 2410800. Assisted pilgrims contact Fr Joe Tynan, 087 2225445, New Helpers contact Jacqueline 089 4913351. Email lourdespilgrimage@cashel-emly.ie BALLYSLOE NS THURLES DRAMA SOCIETY proudly present Brian Friel’s acclaimed play in the Source Arts Centre, Thurles on Monday 23rd February at 7.15pm. Join us for an unforgettable evening of theatre as Thurles Drama Society brings this much-loved Irish classic to the stage. A cheese and wine reception will take place before the performance. Tickets are €20 and available from Ballysloe School. All proceeds from the night will go towards supporting our small two-teacher school in Ballysloe, helping to sustain education at the heart of our local community. A wonderful night of drama, hospitality and community spirit all for a very worthy cause.

ARTS AND CRAFTS Arts and Crafts classes in Gortnahoe Hall started last Tuesday 3rd February from 9.45 to 11.45am for 5 weeks. €25 for the full block. Contact Millennium Family Resource Centre to book – 083 1008075 MEN ON THE MOVE Men on The Move, MFRC, Glengoole, started Monday, 9th February 11:15-12:15 with Biddy O Dwyer for 12 weeks. Come along every Monday Morning for a gentle focus on Men’s Health, maintaining and improving mobility, nutrition advice and followed by a cup of Tea and Chat.

Total cost €20 DANCE CLASSES’ Dance Classes Step it out with Sally—Learn to Jive, Foxtrot, Waltz, Quickstep and Line Dance.

Group lessons, no partner needed. Every Thursday at 8.30pm. €10, pay as you go. Contact Sally

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

40

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Community & GAA Notes 087 7931308 IN OUR HANDS “Preserving Thurles Cathedral” fundraising campaign to support the re-roofing project by donating towards the cost of the slates. Brochures in Church porches.

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

Bring mat and water.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. It was great to see some extra people coming from the parish. New support is always appreciated.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information, please contact this number 089 434910 SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Michael Hanrahan, Ardreigh who won €317 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for February is in aid of Grange Badminton Club. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

CONAHY GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB MEMBERSHIP 2026 Membership for Conahy Shamrocks GAA and Camogie Club is now available to purchase via Clubzap or via the club’s website www.conahyshamrocks.com. The various membership rates are also outlined in both locations. Club members, particularly players, are encouraged to pay membership fees in a timely manner.

FAMILY FUN RUN Conahy Shamocks GAA and Camogie Club will hold a Family Fun Run event on this Sunday, February 15th at 12.00. All in the community are welcome to take part. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available after the Run, and a raffle will also be held afterwards. A prize will also be given to the Best Dressed Juvenile entrant. Registration costs €10 per adult and €5 per juvenile (under-18) and can be paid via the Clubzap app or the club website www.conahyshamrocks.com (Click on “Fundraising”).

GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 12, 23 and 40. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Anne Marie Feehan, Alan Ruth, Mossy Stapleton, Dorothy and Martin Rice and Kathleen Nolan. The promoter prize winners were Nora Delaney, Mona Dooley and David Maher. This week’s jackpot now increases to €3,600. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

CASTLECOMER LIBRARY EVENTS Jigsaw Puzzle Swap - On Tuesday February 17th from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., the library is hosting a jigsaw swap. If you have lots of jigsaws at home and are looking for something new, why not come along and exchange your jigsaw for another! This is a wonderful opportunity to explore new puzzle themes, connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts and find new puzzles to enjoy!

Wuthering Heights Book Club - On Tuesday, February 24th from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., we gather for a stand‑alone book club in honour of Ireland Reads Day. On this winter evening, we turn our attention to Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights a tale of wild hearts, haunted landscapes, and love that refuses to be tamed. Whether you return to its pages like a soul drawn back to the moors, approach it for the very first time, or simply wish to glimpse its tempest before the new film arrives, you are warmly welcomed into our circle.

Copies await at the desk, ready to be claimed.

NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes, Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat.

Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) - Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone

056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@ gmail.com.

Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.

Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford Vigil, Saturday 14th. at 6.30p.m.

PRAY FOR Anniversary Masses: Josh Dineen, Keatingstown.

Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 14th.

February 8.00p.m. William and Margaret O’Meara and Julia Morrissey, Croan. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 15th. February 10.00a.m.

PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS: The Church Door Contributions on last weekend amounted to €630.00. Thank You. OSSORY PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: Pilgrimage will take place this year from May 25th. to May 30th. Early booking is advisable as space is limited. All bookings should be made through Joe Walsh Tours by calling 01 2410 800 or by post to JWT, 89 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, Special Assisted/Sick Pilgrims who would like to travel should apply to Anna Colleton at a.colleton@cbskilkenney.ie. Acceptance for travel with the special section for the sick is subject to the approval of the Pilgrimage Medical Board.

FOROIGE YOUTH CLUB: An expression of interest is sought from any adults interested in volunteering with a Foroige Youth Club in Hugginstown, please contact Aidan 086 067 4485 or Mary 087 212 8834.

MONROE SCHOOL School Mass will be celebrated in Monroe School on Friday 13th. February at 1.00p.m. to celebrate Grandparents Day. NEWMARKET SCHOOL The school is now taking enrolments for September 2026. Please contact 056 776 8919 ROTA (SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers: Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche, Hugginstown, Saturday 8.00p.m. Tommy Murphy, Sunday 10.00a.m Mary Foran. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m.

Bernie Grace, Hugginstown. Saturday 8.00p.m.

Marion Barron. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Foran SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Fintan Fanning. Tel: 085 802 1633. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 2nd. February 2026. Numbers: 05; 07; 04; 22. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner. €30.00. Winners: John Fitzgerald, Hugginstown; Deirdre Rohan, Carricketna, Brian Raggett, Aghaviller; Ber Doyle, “On-Line”, Darragh Doyle “On-Line”. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers) Pat Dwyer, James Irish. Jimmy Walsh.

ANAMCARA: An Online Bereavement Information Evening for bereaved parents, regardless of the age of their child, circumstances of their death, or time since bereavement. This event will take place online on Tuesday 17th. February at 7.00p.m.

This Bereavement Information Evening is a special collaboration with our colleagues in the bereavement space, featuring voices from ‘A Little Lifetime’, ‘Féileacán’, and ‘HUGG’. Our guest speaker for the evening will be Brid Carroll. Brid is a qualified Psychotherapist and Counselling Supervisor who has worked with a special interest in loss and bereavement issues for over thirty years. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Childhood Bereavement and a Higher Diploma in Bereavement Studies. She is a contributor to the Irish Hospice Foundation’s workshop series and serves as the Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Irish Childhood Bereavement Network.

To register please email us at info@anamcara.ie or call 085 288 8888.

SHRUGHAWADDA PLAYERS Shrughawadda Players, Kilmoganny will continue to perform the famous play `The Field` by J. B. Keane in St Eoghan`s Centre, Kilmoganny on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th. February at 8.00p.m. Tickets are on sale at Pete`s Shop, Kilmoganny. 051 648 637 or by calling Alycia 087 675 7490.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to provide a wide range of supports, services, and activities for individuals and families within the local community. The Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space, offering opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and social connection for people of all ages.

One of the upcoming opportunities available is the Local Training Initiative (L.T.I.) Programme.

This free L.T.I. course will be starting soon and includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing participants with valuable life skills that can support employment and independence.

Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to call into the Centre or make contact directly for further details and application information.

The Centre also offers weekly Maths Grinds, which are currently taking place on-site. These grinds are suitable for students preparing for the Junior Certificate as well as 5th year students and provide additional support to help build confidence and understanding in mathematics.

Parents and students seeking more information are invited to contact the Centre for times, availability, and fees.

A variety of essential community services are available through the Mill Family Resource Centre. These include the provision of Senior Alert Alarms, which offer peace of mind and safety for older members of the community, as well as clothes donations for those in need. The Centre also facilitates a Youth Club, community allotments, and the Cois Nore Advice Clinic, ensuring access to practical advice and supports close to home.

Counselling services are available for both adults and teenagers, offering a confidential and

supportive environment. Counselling supports include bereavement counselling, addiction support, and general counselling, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with professional guidance. In addition, Play Therapy is available for young people aged 4 years and over, providing a child-centred approach to emotional wellbeing and development.

The Centre’s Active Retirement Group meets every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. This group offers a relaxed and social setting where members can enjoy activities, conversation, and companionship. New members are always welcome, and the group continues to grow as a valued part of the Centre’s weekly programme.

The Youth Club has now returned and takes place every Wednesday from 5pm to 6.30pm. It is open to boys and girls aged 8 to 12 years, and new members are always encouraged to join.

The club provides a safe, fun, and supervised space for young people to socialise, take part in activities, and build friendships. For further details, please contact Sue at the Centre.

Community gardening is also supported through the Centre’s allotments, with free beds available in the polytunnels for anyone interested in growing their own produce. The cost is just €15 per year, making it an affordable and rewarding activity. Those interested should get in touch with the Centre.

Finally, there is an open invitation to any men interested in setting up a Men’s Shed in the area.

This initiative would provide a valuable social and practical outlet, and anyone interested is asked to contact Sue at the Mill Family Resource Centre on 056 883 8466.

For more information on any of the services or activities available, please contact the Centre directly.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

41

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurlng matters - Review

News

Munster masters too much for Lyng’s Cats

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

Limerick seven to the good in Kilkenny victory Timmy Clifford moves in to tackle Sean Finn

SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz Hurling League Roinn 1A Round 3, TUS Gaelic Grounds Limerick 1-26 Kilkenny 2-16 Kilkenny came up short against Limerick in the TUS Gaelic Grounds last Sunday, suffering a 7-point defeat at the home of The Treaty side for the first time since 1995. Derek Lyng and his management team will be acutely aware that on this showing, his Cats are still a little off ‘Munster level’ hurling. A two-week break will help all on Noreside focus minds on the remainder of an important league campaign, with Waterford up next for the men in black and amber.

The home side got off the mark inside the first two minutes thanks to a long range free from wing back Diarmaid Byrnes after Adam English had been fouled by Jordan Molloy.

Limerick took possession from the restart and William O’Donoghue sent a searching delivery into the Cats defence, where Galway whistler Shane Hynes spotted a little bit of holding by Mikey Carey on Aaron Gillane. This gave Ballybrown’s Aidan O’Connor the chance to double his sides lead from the resulting free. The hosts extended their lead moments later, following a lovely hook on Cian Kenny. The ball was work to Aidan O’Connor and the young man let fly from tight to the left sideline and watched his effort sail between the posts. The bright start from those in green continued, when Aaron Gillane took a nice pass from Nickie Quaid, turned his man and fired over the black spot to cement his team’s authority in the early stages of the Round 3 clash.

The home side were finding it easy to get the ball up the pitch, and this almost created a goal in the 9th minute when some lovely play saw the sliotar worked to Aaron Gillane whose cross shot towards goal was claimed by the alert Mikey Butler who certainly prevented a green flag being raised. A fourth wide inside ten minutes, this time from a placed ball by Eoin Cody left the visitors still searching for an opening score in the TUS Gaelic Grounds. A foul on Cian Lynch gave Ballybrown’s O’Connor another opportunity and the No.12 split the posts from halfway to push the Limerick lead out to 5 points. Derek Lyng’s charges got off the mark in the 12th minute, Aidan Tallis’s restart was gathered by Luke Connellan who found his clubmate John Donnelly with the pass, before the former captain turned to fire over.

Like waiting on a bus, the next score for the Noresiders came quickly.

Aidan Tallis’s free was collected

by Eoin Cody, and the Shamrocks speedster broke left before splitting the posts from a tight angle, a classy score from a classy player. Then came the first major of the game. Kilkenny worked the ball from the keeper to Killian Doyle, to Mikey Butler and then onto Luke Connellan. Again, the Thomastown man sent a long pass into the Limerick defence, Mossy managed to break the ball to John

Giving it all! Darragh Corcoran tries to halt Aidan O Connor

Eoin Cody determined not to allow Sean Finn past Him

Donnelly who powered towards goal before passing to Mossy Keoghan.

The Tullaroan man swiveled before striking a shot that beat the Limerick keeper and two defenders to find the net. All square after 15 minutes on Shannonside.

Limerick broke this purple patch for the Cats, when wing back Matthew Fitzgerald rifled over a lovely point from distance out on the left sideline.

From the restart, Eoin Cody burst clear from the pack and made good ground before sending over another quality score. The scores kept coming; the dangerous Diarmaid Byrnes collecting possession before striking over a booming effort. Jordan Molloy then found Eoin Cody and the two-

time former young hurler of the year fired over to add to his growing tally of scores. Peter Casey then used a great shoulder from Mikey Butler to give him the yard he needed to fire over from underneath the covered stand, a sweet strike from the Na Piarsaigh man. The Village’s Cian Kenny then won a free and converted it himself, following a couple of uncharacteristic misses from placed balls by Eoin Cody.

The impressive Aidan O’Connor then sent over a cracking effort from out on the left to nudge his side back into the lead once more. A great block from Jordan Molloy saw the ball fall to Timmy Clifford and the Dicksboro player took a couple of strides before sending over a sweet score to level matters once more.

Some great pressure from Kilkenny forced a ‘throw ball’ from Diarmaid Byrnes which Cian Kenny punished by converting the resulting free to give the visitors the lead. The lead was short lived, as Patrickswell’s Byrnes converted a free from exactly halfway to tie things up again. Some nice play out of defence saw Paddy Deegan find Eoin Cody who struck over from out on the right, another lovely point.

Another excellent delivery into the Kilkenny defence was claimed brilliantly by Peter Casey, who shook off the attention of Rory Garrett before popping over a clinical score.

Cian Kenny feels the pain as he’s tackled by David Reidy

The home side notched the next score too, the talented Adam English wrong-footing Jordan Molloy as he dispatched a wonderful score for Kiely’s men. The ‘Boro’s Timmy Clifford then popped a pass to the supporting Darragh Corcoran, and the Shamrocks Ballyhale man showed his accuracy as he split the posts, the captain leading by example. Aidan O’Connor then converted a placed ball after Gearoid Hegarty was fouled, the St Patrick’s man not best pleased with the lack of advantage given by referee Hynes. Fenians defender Rory Garrett was then bottled up and turned over as the ball was worked to David Reidy who continued the fine display of shooting at the Gaelic Grounds to send his side into the interval with a 2-point lead.

When play resumed in the winter sunshine, Limerick continued to show great hunger and desire when chasing man and ball, the Noresiders didn’t appear as quick to the tackle.

Eoin Cody won and converted a free to leave just the bare minimum between the sides. Kilkenny got a little unlucky on the next play. A Diarmaid Byrnes free from distance was taken brilliantly by Aidan Tallis, who did well to clear his lines, but unfortunately the ball was collected by Gearoid Hegarty who rifled over for his only score of the game. Peter Casey and Liam Moore swapped points, just ahead of another score for the Cats main man, Eoin Cody. The visitors then made a double change, Luke Hogan and Stephen Donnelly replacing Luke Connellan and John Donnelly.

Aidan O’Connor then hit a quickfire brace of points to push the Treaty sides lead out to three points, but O’Loughlin’s Jordan Molloy responded for the Marble City men, but again Peter Casey showed his class firing over from a tight angle on the run. Luke Hogan then got on the scoresheet, an immediate impact from the sub. One of Limericks subs, Cathal O’Neill then did likewise, highlighting the strength in depth of John Keily’s panel. Glenmore’s Shane Murphy then replaced Emerald’s Killian Doyle who had put in a decent shift at wing back. Eoin Cody then setup Paddy Deegan for an effort from distance and the O’Loughlin’s man’s shot was helped over the bar by Limerick keeper Quaid.

Jordan Molloy was then shown a yellow card for a hefty challenge on Cathal O’Neill which saw Aidan O’Connor tag on another point for the hosts, showing that Kiely’s side has another reliable option for the placed balls. Then came the games defining score. Again, Limerick out battled their opponents, Cathal O’Neill applying pressure and allowing Cian Lynch to collect possession. The Patrickswell man gave a pass to Adam English in space, and he sent the ball into Aaron Gillane. The No.13 took the sliotar, while ignoring the run of the unmarked O’Neill, unleashed a bullet from an acute angle, that left Aidan Tallis beaten in the Cats goal. Gillane’s reminder to the management that he still has plenty to offer this Treaty panel.

Another of the Glenmore contingent, Cathal Beirne was introduced in place of the hard-working Timmy Clifford as the Cats sought another spark. Goal scorer Gillane then struck over a fine point having out maneuvered Mikey

Carey to increase his sides lead to 6 points. Another change for Lyng’s side saw Fionan Mackessy replace clubmate, Jordan Molloy. The lively Adam English then found sub Tom Morrissey and the Ahane man struck over a sumptuous effort, Limerick very much on top. The one man that appeared up for the fight in the TUS Gaelic Grounds, Eoin Cody then gave his team and supporters some hope.

A quick restart from Aidan Tallis was fielded superbly by Stephen Donnelly ahead of the normally assured Diarmaid Byrnes. The Thomastown man then gave a pass ahead to Cody who had roamed into space. The Shamrocks star raced towards goal before dispatching a fierce effort past Nickie Quaid.

Goal scorer Cody was then rather harshly penalised for a challenge on Aidan O’Connor, the Ballybrown man converting the free awarded. With the game entering five additional minutes, Eoin Cody somehow managed to miss what would normally be a straightforward free, a sign of the radar being a little off while on placed ball duty. The Cats needed another major, and they went in search of one. The ball was played up to Eoin Cody who drew the man before popping a pass to Paddy Deegan, who in turn moved the sliotar on to Liam Moore. The Dicksboro player struck his effort well, but it rose just over the crossbar, a game of inches. Mikey Butler became the next Kilkenny player to be wrong footed

by Peter Casey, the Na Piarsaigh man firing over from out on the left, some score for the soon to be named player of the match. Darragh Corcoran’s foul on Adam English gave Aidan O’Connor his 10th score and seventh from the placed ball, just ahead of Shane Hynes long whistle. Final score, Limerick 1-26 Kilkenny 2-16.

Scorers for Limerick: Aidan O’Connor 0-10 (7fs); Aaron Gillane 1-2; Peter Casey 0-5; Diarmaid Byrnes 0-3 (2fs); Matthew Fitzgerald, Adam English, David Reidy, Gearoid Hegarty, Cathal O’Neill, Tom Morrissey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kilkenny: Eoin Cody 1-6 (1f); Martin Keoghan 1-0; Cian Kenny 0-2 (2fs); Liam Moore 0-2; John Donnelly, Timmy Clifford, Darragh Corcoran, Paddy Deegan, Luke Hogan, Jordan Molloy 0-1 each.

Limerick: Nickie Quaid; Seán Finn, Mike Casey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, William O’Donoghue, Matthew Fitzgerald; Adam English, Cian Lynch (Capt); Gearoid Hegarty, David Reidy, Aidan O’Connor; Aaron Gillane, Hugh Flanagan, Peter Casey.

Subs: Cathal O’Neill for Flanagan (HT); Dan Morrissey for Finn (40); Darragh O’Donovan for Reidy (52); Tom Morrissey for Hegarty (59); Paddy O’Donovan for Gillane (70).

Kilkenny: Aidan Tallis; Mikey Butler, Mikey Carey, Rory Garrett; Killian Doyle, Darragh Corcoran (Capt), Paddy Deegan; Cian Kenny, Jordan Molloy; Timmy Clifford, Eoin Cody, Luke Connellan; Liam Moore, John Donnelly, Martin Keoghan.

Subs: Luke Hogan for Connellan (47); Stephen Donnelly for John Donnelly (48); Shane Murphy for Doyle (54); Cathal Beirne for Clifford (57); Fionán Mackessy for Molloy (64).

Referee: Shane Hynes (Galway)

42

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Japan Shotokan Karate Association GB & Ireland Championships

Japan S

Kilkenny Karate Club claim medals at major championships in England The Budo Martial Arts Centre, Kilkenny, has returned home with medals and memorable achievements following a strong showing at the Japan Shotokan Karate Association GB & Ireland Championships, held recently in England.

The championships attracted karate competitors from across Great Britain and Ireland. With a high standard of judging and experienced athletes in every division, competitors faced a demanding test of skill, discipline and composure.

Despite the level of competition, the Kilkenny team delivered an

Gina Pronay-Zakar earned silver medals in both individual kata and individual kumite

Tom Walsh produced a standout performance, winning a gold medal in kumite (sparring)

impressive set of results, reflecting months of committed training and preparation.

Tom Walsh produced a standout performance, winning a gold medal in kumite (sparring). Competing against experienced opponents, Walsh demonstrated strong control and timing to take top honours in his division.

Patrick Murphy also enjoyed a very successful weekend, claiming bronze in individual kata and gold in individual kumite.

Murphy’s achievements were made even more significant

as he also successfully graded to black belt during the course of the championships — a major milestone marking years of dedication and consistent training.

Gina Pronay-Zakar earned silver medals in both individual kata and individual kumite.

Her performances across both disciplines highlighted her technical accuracy and ability to perform under pressure.

Completing the medal successes, Iza Kol took bronze in individual kata and bronze in individual kumite, competing in highly contested divisions and showing resilience throughout the event.

In addition to the competitive programme, the championships also included a series of training seminars, providing competitors with the opportunity to train under senior instructors and gain further experience at international level.

These sessions are regarded as an important part of the event, allowing athletes to develop their skills beyond competition alone.

Preparation for the championships involved months of structured training, with athletes committing to regular sessions focused on fitness, technique and competition readiness. The standard of opposition meant that every

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

43

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

hotokan Karate Association GB & Ireland Championships

Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership welcomes national progress and meets with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan

Iza Kol took bronze in individual kata and bronze in individual kumite

Competing in highly contested divisions and showing resilience throughout the event,Iza Kol excelled

performance required full concentration, with little margin for error.

The Irish contingent at the championships was managed by Kevin Shortall, who praised the athletes for their discipline, work ethic and professionalism throughout the weekend. He noted that the competition was particularly strong this year, with many divisions decided by narrow margins.

Beyond the medals won, the event provided valuable experience for the competitors and reinforced the benefits of competing at international level. The results also reflect the continued growth of karate in Kilkenny and the commitment shown by local athletes and coaches. The successful weekend in England represents another positive chapter for the club. Anybody interested in taking up karate should Patrick Murphy contact the enjoyed a very club via their successful weekend, website – claiming bronze in Budomartial individual kata and artscentre. gold in individual com. kumite

Gina Pronay-Zakar performances across both disciplines highlighted her technical accuracy and ability to perform under pressure

On Thursday, 5th February, the Chair of the Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, and Community Safety Coordinator Maria O’Shea met with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, as he addressed all local authorities at the first national meeting of Local Community Safety Partnerships.

The Minister confirmed that members have now been appointed to 34 Partnerships, with 31 having held their inaugural meetings and elected their Chairs and Vice Chairs.

This national gathering marked a key milestone in the development of Ireland’s new community centred approach to safety, bringing LCSP representatives together to strengthen collaboration and share learning.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Today marks a significant step in advancing Kilkenny LCSP Chairperson, Cllr.

Pat Fitzpatrick, Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, Kilkenny LCSP Coordinator, Maria O’Shea

the new Local Community Safety Partnership model, bringing together those who will lead its delivery and strengthen our approach to community safety.

The next step for each partnership is to develop and implement their own, tailored community safety plan. Bringing together local representatives, community groups and state agencies will allow each Safety Partnership to develop a plan that identifies meaningful actions in response to community safety needs in their own area.

I want to wish the Chairs and members of the Local Community Safety Partnerships the very best and thank them for being a part of this innovative new approach to community safety. Their willingness and commitment to working collaboratively as members will be the key to success of their respective partnerships.”

Public Participation Encouraged Through National Survey As part of the National Strategy, led by the National Office for Community Safety, the National Community Safety Survey opened on 5th February 2026 and remains live until 27th February 2026.

The survey is a key opportunity for the public to express their views on what safety means to them and what issues most need to be addressed.

The Kilkenny LCSP strongly encourages those who live and work across the City and County to contribute their perspectives.

To make participation as simple as possible, a QR code linking directly to the National Community Safety Survey is included in this press release and has also been shared across Kilkenny County Council social media channels.

44

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Seamus and Geraldine Drea hereby intend to apply for planning permission to Kilkenny County Council for the construction of a new stable building and associated site works at Coppenagh, Graignamananagh Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: - Seamus and Geraldine Drea

We, Kilkenny Rugby Club intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for an artificial turf training pitch with flood lighting, a roofed paddle court, tarmacadam walkway with lighting and all associated site development works at Foulkstown, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Ailbhe Gaffney and Eoin Ryan for full planning permission to construct a 2 storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Lisballyfroot, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Orla Phelan and Stephen Ahern for permission consequent on the grant of outline planning permission Ref: 2560554 to construct a 2 storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system, borehole, soak pits & all other associated site works at Kilbraghan, Callan, Co. Kilkenny The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Kate Brennan, intend to apply for Permission for Retention of a domestic garage / store and all associated site works at Newtown, Kells, Co Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny during its public opening hours 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Byrne & McCabe Design Ltd (059 9725684).

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Tom O’Halloran, intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to install an over-ground soiled water and dairy washings storage tank and all associated site works at Westcourt North, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We Kilkenny Golf Club hereby apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for an accessible entrance to the side of the building, including new internal lobby, provision of an accessible W.C. and minor internal alterations to the existing building. Works will also include external steps and a gently sloping access path, together with all associated site and ancillary works at Kilkenny Golf Club, Glendine, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, R95 AH9Y. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. www.briandunloparchitects.com

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Maher’s Convenience Store Limited, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Permission for a single storey steel container/shop, outdoor seating area, perimeter fencing and all associated works at Maher’s Petrol Service/ Convenience Store, Bridge Street, Goresbridge, Kilkenny R95 XYY2.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by Andrew Glennon for the construction of 1 No. 2-storey detached housing unit, together with proposed boundary treatments, landscaping, and all associated site development works at No. 9- Friary Lane, Friary Walk, Clashacollare, Callan, Co. Kilkenny. The proposed road network and services to connect to existing residential development is known as Friary Walk, (Planning permission ref.99/1809, 10/458, 16/186, 20/189 & 25/60269).

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056-7753933. web: www.gmarch.net

056 777 1463

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

45

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

ROBERT (BOB) CODY 8TH ANNIVERSARY

ANN O’NEILL (NEE HAWE) 5TH ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Robert Cody, late of Drakelands Middle, Kilkenny who passed away on 18th February 2018.

In loving memory of our loving mother, grandmother and wonderful sister Ann O’Neill who died on 16th February 2021 R.I.P It has been 5 years since you left us But not a day goes by That you are not in our hearts

Quickly and sadly came the call Without farewell you left us all A sudden call from God on high You had no chance to say goodbye Without farewell you fell asleep But memories of you we’ll always keep Sadly missed by your loving family Masses will be offered.

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.D.

From your loving daughters and sons, Ann, Susan and Elizabeth, Paddy Brendan, Andrew, Gareth, David, Thomas and also Edward (RIP), also your loving your sister Frances and your loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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.D.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.G.

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. H.H.

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.ON.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.H.

46

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

Classifieds

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

087 2587745

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

47

Classifieds

48

Advertisement

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13th February 2026