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The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 13 August 2021

Leanne’s Launch Her personal planner for the busy woman  See page 4

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Cats Conquered ...as rebel Cork goes marching to glory  See pages 50-51

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer Cats out as Cork go on

Hospitals in the SE fail Covid measures TWO South East hospitals, South Tipperary General Hospital, Wexford General, are among six out of 10 hospitals inspected last year which were ‘non-compliant’ with aspects of infection-control procedures against Covid-19, according to a report from the State’s health watchdog. University Hospital Waterford got a clean bill of health on compliance. The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) says recurring issues in the hospitals around “poor physical infrastructure, capacity issues and workforce challenges” often hindered efforts to cope with the pandemic. Despite increases in investment, some services continue to be proportionately less resourced than others, and the issues around infrastructure and capacity have been worsened by the pandemic, Hiqa says. The hospital system adapted swiftly to cope with the pandemic, and progress has been made in achieving compliance with standards across various areas monitored, according to an overview report of the monitoring and regulation of healthcare services in 2020. “In most instances, we found an effective approach to adapt to this unprecedented crisis in hospitals,” said Hiqa’s director of regulation, Mary Dunnion. “However, hospitals’ efforts were made more difficult due to underlying historic problems with infrastructure, limited bed capacity and unequal or limited access to specialist workforce input and advice – problems EVERY FRIDAY

that Hiqa’s prior monitoring work against national standards has consistently highlighted.” Naas General Hospital was non-compliant for three standards: governance arrangements to deliver safe and effective infection control; the provision of a safe and clean environment that minimises the risk of transmission of infections; and having a system in place to manage and control infection outbreaks in a timely and effective manner. Five other hospitals that were inspected were non-compliant in relation to one of the five standards: Mayo University Hospital, South Tipperary General Hospital, Wexford General Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital and University Hospital Kerry. University Hospital Waterford recorded no non-compliances with the standards. Of 18 inspections carried out in and rehabilitation community inpatient services, only one – Belmullet Community Hospital in Co Mayo – was noncompliant in relation to one of the standards. Meanwhile, five counties have rates in excess of 500 in the past fortnight as they continue to struggle with the Delta surge. Donegal remains the hardest hit county nationwide with around 1,300 cases reported over a two week period. From July 27 until last Sunday, August 8, the 14-day incidence rate in Donegal was 816. The second worst is Mayo with a rate of 645.2, followed by Monaghan with a rate of 643.5. Then come Louth (607.5) and Galway (572).

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

The Cats quest to recapture Liam McCarthy now pushes on to a seventh year following the extra-time defeat to the rebels. This would mark one of the longest periods without the ultimate prize. It is widely thought that Kilkenny wining semi-finals is a bit like two of life’s greatest certainties – death and taxes. However, our hurlers came up short against Kieran Kingston’s Cork side. A man-of-the-match performance from substitute Shane Kingston helped the Leesiders to a five-point win, and set up an All-Ireland final date with Limerick. Niall Sherry reports, Pages 50-51

New columnist joins Observer Journalist and author Marianne Heron has joined The Kilkenny Observer as a weekly columnist and commentator. Her first column appears this week... See Page 10

Your paper needs YOU!

Kellie digs into Mooncoin spuds as she keeps mum on Paris bid ON his way up to Croke Park for the Kilkenny-Cork hurling clash, well-known Mooncoin potato farmer John Crowley dropped a bag of new season Suirside Farms Queens to Olympic Gold medallist Kellie Harrington’s home. The picture caught national traction on Twitter and has since received an incredible response online.

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

Aoife Kearns @kearns_ aoife tweeted: “John Crowley from Mooncoin, Co.Kilkenny making sure Kellie Harrington has a good feed of spuds when she makes it home from #Tokyo2020 Meanwhile, Kellie Harrington (pictured) has vowed to make no immediate decision on whether or not she will defend her

Olympic Gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. “I don’t know yet, I have no idea,” said Harrington on arriving home as the 31-yearold begins to weigh up a future which will involve either remaining in the amateur ranks or following predecessor Katie Taylor by turning pro. Photo: The Mooncoin Page

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It’s the business ... Leanne’s personal planner for women KILKENNY native Leanne Long recently started her new business Femme Ireland when during the pandemic she moved from Dublin deback to Piltown, where she de signed and launched her company’s new Personal Financial Planner, aimed specifically at women. The planner, which retails from €30 and is available in Eason’s, aims to empower and inspire women to achieve their personal finance and lifestyle goals. “It is designed to be feminine and fun,” says Leanne, (31), but also functional to help you take actionable steps to managing your personal fifi nances. “This planner is also ideal for any business owners entrepreor entrepre neurs who lead busy lives and want an all in one planner and

budget planner to stay focused, organised and in control.” Leanne launched the first Personal Financial pPanner in October 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The are made of soft vegan leather cover, with fully recyclable pages and packagingSays Leanne: “After selling out we are now after just launching the second edition of the planner which has new and improved updates and is also now available in three new colours and not just the original pink version. “I am absolutely delighted to announce that we have just launched the personal financial planners into Eason stores in Ireland to 15 of their top store locations initially spread throughout Kilkenny Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Kildare, Clonmel, Athlone, and Galway.” When not attending to FemmeIreland, Leanne works full time for an investment management company while running her small business on the side. She spent eight years in Dublin before moving back to “a lovely cottage in the countryside in Kilkenny” which, she says, has been a welcomed change of lifestyle. www.femmeireland.com

Great planner: Leanne Long who launched her new business and her Personal Finance Planner after moving from Dublin back to Kilkenny

Weleda Skin Food fantastic for dry skin anywhere CLAIR WHITTY

WELEDA Skin Food is a fantastic skin care formulation that feeds and nourishes dry and rough skin. I think it’s amazing that it was first made over 90 years ago, way back in 1926. That’s surely the sign of a great product when they stand the test of time like that. Weleda Skin Food has several uses. You could use it to help revitalise the skin on your face or your body so that it feels hydrated, smooth, and moisturised. Perfect for use on chapped, rough, dry or, flaky skin. You can use it on your elbows, knees, and heels. It’s brilliant

for looking after your hands and cuticle too. It works even better if you wear a pair of cotton gloves to help it to soak in for longer. This is a useful tip for extremely dry, chapped, or sore hands. Weleda Skin Food is a rich and intensive moisturising cream with natural plant extracts, and a little goes a long way. It contains c a l m i n g chamomile, h e a l i n g calendula, rosemary which stimulates circulation, and sweet almond to deeply nourish the skin and pansy for soothing flaky skin. Beeswax and lanolin lock in softness. Super star Victoria Beckham is a fan, she continually mentions how much she loves Skin Food. Other celebrities that love it include Adele and Julia Roberts. Many of our customers are also using it and are giving

it their thumbs up. One lady had dry skin on her face, extremely dry, it felt like sandpaper, and hurt when she yawned it was so dry. She tried Weleda Skin Food and the results were amazing, she said her skin felt supple, flexible, smooth, and she could yawn again in peace. She loves it and highly recommends it. Craig, my colleague in our Kilkenny store loves it too. He recommends it for builders, farmers, gardeners, and fishermen whose hands are rough and dry and says its brilliant. He also likes their Skin Food Body Butter, he recommends this for very dry skin too, it’s also deeply nourishing and is a non-greasy fast absorbing formula. He says the Skin Food Butter is great for sunburn and for preventing peeling too. He’s speaking from personal experience unfortunately. I hope that you’ll like Weleda Skin Food and Skin Food Body Butter as much as we do. It’s now available on our online store at www. naturalhealthstore.ie Or pop in to see us for advice and information at Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

News

Up, up and away... Aer Lingus 20% flash sale takes off A FLASH sale of up to 20% off European travel for those planning a late summer getaway has been launched by Are Lingus. For those yet to book their summer escape, it’s time to grab a deal with great fares on firm favourites such as Barcelona, Lisbon, Nice, Paris and many more. Valid for travel up until October 20, those waiting to book

their first escape of 2021 can take advantage of up to 20% off fares. Sun-seekers can enjoy a beach break to popular sun destinations including Faro, Malaga and Palma. Island-hoppers can explore in the Greek Islands of Corfu, Rhodes and Santorini, while city-slickers can wander the streets of Barcelona and

Berlin or take in the sights of Paris and Lisbon. Since travel restrictions lifted last month, Aer Lingus has been delighted to welcome more customers back on board and facilitate safe travel. Aer Lingus also continues to offer great booking flexibility and allows customers to change their flights up to two hours be-

fore they are due to depart with no change fee*. The Aer Lingus ‘Book with Confidence’ offer is available on all fare types allowing flexibility should plans change. The flash offer is live until midnight on August 9 and valid for travel until October 20. Book now at www.aerlingus. com.

An Taisce will Community spirit leaves plenty appeal court of room for play in Thomastown ruling over Glanbia plant AN Taisce is to appeal the Supreme Court decision by Mr Justice Humphreys dismissing its challenge to An Bord Pleanála’s granting planning permission for the Belview cheese production plant. A spokesperson told The Kilkenny Observer: “Our concerns are increasingly underpinned by a series of reports from the Environmental Protection Agency and other authorities indicating the impacts of intensive agriculture on water and air quality and the increasing greenhouse gas emissions from that sector. “It is our conviction that the original judgment raised points of law that are of exceptional public importance and which require to be appealed in the public interest.” The spokesperson said the judgment also created a precedent in law that diluted a number of important prior decisions that served to ensure rigorous assessment of the environmental impacts of proposed developments at the planning stage. An Taisce has considered this step carefully and reiterates that it is keenly aware of the widespread concerns within the farming community and elsewhere about the wellbeing of farmers who have invested heavily in this sector and the

consequences for them if it does not continue to expand as proposed in various Government and industry plans. However, the implications of such expansion for the health of our essential ecosystems and the consequences for Irish rural communities are enormous and irreversible. It would thus be irresponsible of us not to seek the support of the highest court in the land to advocate for the interests of a sustainable future for nature. “In doing so, we are availing of the entitlement of all citizens and entities in the State to the full capacity of the judicial system, an entitlement that should never be set aside for the convenience of commerce or politics or to appease sectoral interests,” the spokesperson said. In a statement, Glanbia Ireland said it was committed to bringing their proposed cheese processing plant in south Kilkenny to fruition, despite confirmation of An Taisce’s appeal. Meanwhile, the company delivered a performance ahead of expectations in the first half of 2021 as strong revenue growth and margin improvements delivered adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) growth of 85% on a constant currency basis (up 70.2% reported).

Confirmation set for September SAD and disappointed was how Fr Dan Carroll of St John’s Parish in Kilkenny City described the fact that children were unable to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation while in primary school but he was “looking forward to taking that step with you in a very unique way in early September”. Bishop Denis Nulty said he would celebrate the sacrament with children from city parishes in Nowlan Park at a special cer-

emony at 6.30pm on September 9, if Government advice allows. “I think this is going to be important, the young people have done huge preparation. It’s a great moment in faith and I think it will be a very safe and memorable celebration because Nowlan Park is a large place so it’s very easy to keep people in their pods, in their safe units. Everything will be compliant with health and safety guidelines,” said Bishop Nulty.

THE grand opening of fantastic recreational space in the centre of Thomastown is all down to the partnership approach between the local community and Kilkenny County Council. The amenity recently opened by Heather Humphreys, TD., Minister for Justice, Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Fidelis Doherty, has been very well received by the community. The outdoor multipurpose amenity is beside the centre of the town and is now a

hub of activity with teenagers, children and adults having a space where they can congregate outdoors, play tennis, basketball or badminton or just relax and have a coffee in this rejuvenated outdoor space. The space was developed by Kilkenny County Council in partnership with a recently established group of local volunteers called the TCRAG (Thomastown Community Recreational Area Group) and the Thomas-town Community Centre. This state-of-the-art amenity secured €100,000 under the 2020 Town &

Village Renewal Scheme to enhance the previously derelict amenity area behind the Community Centre. Kilkenny County Council delivered the Project and also contributed funding towards the facility with Kilkenny Leader Partnership. The works completed included resurfacing of the existing run-down basketball and tennis courts, the enhancement of the open spaces including tidying up the site, removing old fencing, landscaping and the building of an amphitheatre/seated area. Other works include add-

ing LED lighting over the courts and adding an outdoor accessible shelter with seating and picnic benches. Chairman of the Callan/ Thomastown Municipal District Cllr Michael Doyle said: “This outstanding amenity located beside the town’s playground on the Community Centre’s site now caters for children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. A huge congratulations to all involved in delivering this great project in Thomastown.” * Picture is Minister Humphreys at play with local children in the new amenity

Flood relief scheme seeks planning ok THE long-awaited prevention project for a county Kilkenny town ravaged by floods has moved another step forward. The Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch Flood Relief Scheme has made its way to the national planning authority, An Bord Pleanála looking for permission to begin the project. The €9 million flood relief scheme will come as a great

relief to residents in Graiguenamanagh who suffered terribly in the aftermath of the damage caused by Storm Deirdre. The scheme will see flood prevention works built in both the Duiske and the Barrow Rivers, with enhancements to the public realm, if given the go ahead. The project, a joint undertaking by Kilkenny County Coun-

cil and Carlow County Council, is part of a €1bn national fund announced by the Government for ood relief schemes throughout the Country in 2018. Last year the Office of Public Works, along with Kilkenny County Council signed a contract with Byrne Looby Partners to develop the scheme for Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch in county Carlow.

There are five further schemes to be progressed in county Kilkenny in the coming years, the Ballyhale Scheme, the Piltown scheme, the Inistioge scheme, the Thomastown scheme and the Freshford scheme. A decision on whether the project can progress is due from An Bord Pleanála early next year.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

With ‘friends’ like these, I’ll opt for fewer... SOMEONE once described friendship as a relationship with no strings attached except the ones you choose to tie; one that’s just about being there, as best you can. It was the great thinker Aristotle who said Man is by nature a social animal. In effect, we are not a species of solitary beings. We need each other and cannot live in isolation. The pandemic has shown us that. We have spent the last 18 months missing each other. Pertinently, the lockdowns have had me thinking big time about ‘friends’ and the nature of friendship. Rob Reiner’s classic film Stand By Me, about four boys who share everything one summer in the 1950s, has it exact when the Stephen King character Gordie, looking back as a man in his late 30s, in the film’s final line says: “I never had friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12.

Jesus, does anyone?” Is true friendship the prerogative of the young? That time of endless, circular conversations and life-and-death adventures? That getting older, and beyond, means forgoing all that intimacy and connection, at least with people outside your family or a marriage — with its innumerable joys, family dramas, and day trips? Where we were once coming of age, the Old Gang and I, with all the attendant comedy and drama those special years imply, now, 50 odd years on, with a lot of living under our belts, we paint a (not-always pretty) picture of a motley crew of colourful chin-wigged characters. An assortment of potbellies, grey hair, no hair and occasional limps and peculiar gaits. Some of those true friends of my teenage years, with

whom I shared all my darkest secrets, I have not seen in many a year, save, sadly, at the funerals, which these days seem to come often. In the last decade or so, seven of the original score have moved on — to God-knows what. Nostalgia for the close friendships of our youth is very real. Studies show the number of close friends we have begins to fall from our mid-20s as work and relationships — and Life — take hold, and the foibles that once fortified us fall apart. Technology, too, has turbocharged friendship’s decline, making it easy to cancel plans and disengage — modern communication, paradoxically, a form of ‘disconnected connection’. If truth be told, I haven’t had too many friends, save that score or so over the years, and far fewer still close

friends. Good friends I’ve learnt, particularly in the last 18 months, are indeed few and far between. My daughter — perhaps, in the truest sense, a real friend — once said to me that she spent more time on social network with her friends than she did actually meeting them. And just how true is that of the pandemic? We may ‘friend’ more people on Facebook, but we have fewer real friends — the kind who would help us out in tough times, listen sympathetically no matter what, lend us money or give us a place to stay if we needed it, keep a secret if we shared one. This pandemic shows us — me at any rate — who real friends are. Who reaches out and who doesn’t. Who makes the effort to maintain contact, and who doesn’t. In the beginning, I made a

point of phoning or texting, on a weekly rota, family and friends and ‘close acquaintances’ to see how they were coping. Then, some time later, I realised some never, ever returned the favour.

‘I never had friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12...’

”

So I stopped calling them, stopped reaching out. As Mark Twain would have it: “The trouble is not in dying for a friend, but in finding a friend worth dying for.” That said, there are those few who have, in these strange days, reached out further that I would have imagined. They are now on my list of who to re-engage with, face to face, and, who knows, forge an even greater bond. And then there are those I am now cutting loose, life being just too darn short. Priorities are shifting. Like Jay Gatsby, I have learnt the past 18 months that I will never fix it like it was before. I may never have had friends later in life like the ones I had when I was a teenager – but the few I now have are people I truly chose, and who I keep choosing to share life with, changed and all as it may prove to be...

Overcoming vaccination needle fear ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

NEEDLES are not something any of us looks forward to. Fortunately, unless we have an ongoing health concern, most of us don’t have to face them that often. Many people go years without having to get an injection. Then along comes a worldwide pandemic, we get the good news of there being a vaccine but the kick in the teeth is it is administered through a syringe. In fact, the only immunisation I can ever remember getting which wasn’t delivered in that fashion was for polio which came on a spoon. Personally, I preferred that but beggars can’t be choosers. Most of us don’t like the idea of getting an injection. I definitely don’t but my fear is mild. I can think of a million and one things I’d rather do but it is something I can grit my teeth and bear. For others though, the mere sight of a needle can be enough to induce serious stress and feel-

ings of dread. Symptoms of trypanophobia (fear of injections) include dizziness, fainting, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure, racing heart rate and running away from medical care. If you’re one of those people, maybe you’re really keen to protect yourself against covid, particularly with the more dangerous variants developing but you can’t bring yourself to actually go through with vaccination. The good news is there is help. For the milder end of the spectrum, being clear with the healthcare staff engaged in your vaccination can be enough to get the support you need to help you through the process. I do this with my current dentist. He is aware that, because of previous negative experiences with other dental practitioners, I’m something of a nervous patient when it comes to my teeth. He takes this into account and works with me to get me through what needs doing in as comfortable a manner as possible. Healthcare staff are trained to deal with

patients who feel anxious and the overwhelming majority will want to help you as best they can. If you’re at the more severe end of the scale, the whole idea of getting vaccinated is probably terrifying you. Talking to your GP about medication to help calm you enough to receive an injection is a good first step. Your doctor will know of a range of suitable options he or she can prescribe for you. These are likely to be a quick, temporary solution but may well be just what is needed to get you through the process. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a longer term solution, CBT or hypnotherapy are likely to provide more permanent fixes. CBT functions by exploring what causes your fear of needles and helps you to develop techinques to overcome your anxiety. Hypnotherapy works by changing your subconscious reaction to getting an injection from one of fear to one of calm and uses triggers to relax you. With the options out there, not protecting yourself shouldn’t be one of them.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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News

Why we need a new word to describe people being old AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

MY mother had a great answer for anyone who asked her age in her later years, ” I am as old as my tongue and a little older than my teeth,” she would smile. A good way to avoid disclosing her actual vintage but the answer still didn’t get around that word ‘old’ with all its connotations, most of them negative. No one really likes to be described as old do they? Our ideas about old age are rooted in the past: take Yeats “When you are old and grey and full

of sleep” Hardly in tune with the 21st century when a late septuagenarian like Joe Biden (78) becomes US President and life expectancy is stretching by a whopping three months a year in Ireland. What can you say instead of old? There are alternatives like elders, which, in my mind anyway, conjures up a vision of wise old chaps sitting around chewing the fat. Or there is seniors, popular in America but which has a bit of a blue rinse ring about it. Old Age Pensioners OAPs (not only no longer young but past working too,) mature, well good for describing cheese and wine or in France Les Anciennes which sounds positively pre-historic…

Acronyms can be catchy and have a way of shaping our perceptions look at Yuppies, (Young and Upwardly Mobile,) Dinkies (Double Income No Kids) Skiing (Spending the Kids’ Inheritance). Maybe there are possibilities in that line? VOPS Vivacious Older People, TAFS Third Age Folk, HIPEs Have Income Plus Energy or NOATS Not Old At All– maybe not though… None of the above really sound right for Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 who are reaching what is still considered to be old age at 65 plus. This is the generation who never had it so good, who grew up with youth culture

and expect life to continue being great. Apparently, according to surveys in the US at any rate, Boomers think that being old begins much later and they think of themselves as feeling nine years younger than their chronological age. (For me it’s someone 10 years older than I am.) Over 65s probably think the same way here and there are going to be more of us than ever before: 20% of the population shortly and in another couple of decades one in four will be over 65. Legislation to change behaviour is becoming fashionable — like proposed tax breaks for environmentally friendly houses and cars – and

you could have laws forbidding ageist terminology like referring to oldsters — sorry NOATS — as old farts or similar epithets . And how about a’me too’ campaign to enforce political correctness around elders, no more giving up your seat on the bus for an old dear (woops!) After all those on the plus side of 65 are becoming a force to be reckoned with at currently 13pc of the population the number is expected to double in the next 30 years, barring a mass exodus of NOATS to sunnier climes. But what we really need though is a new word which encapsulates the way that ageing has changed, getting on in years no longer means

the same as it did back in the day. Whoever thought of spotty youths as a vibrant culture and a lucrative market until someone coined the word teenager? A national competition might succeed in minting a new expression for NOATS. Meantime I like the idea my niece came up with. I am not an Aunt to her kids, but a Grand Aunt, to shorten things up she simply referred to my husband and myself as The Grands. And when you think about it those of us who are getting on are grand aren’t we ? Never better. * Marianne Heron is a journalist and co-author of Irish Life’s Rewire Don’t Retire.

Increase in number of refugees to be settled MORE refugees are likely to be resettled in some counties as part of the Community Sponsorship scheme which empowers members of the public to become a point of contact in their local community and to assume responsibility for providing a range of integration supports to a refugee family. Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Connor confirmed that new groups are now being established in Kildare as well as in Dublin, Meath and Cork and likely Kilkenny and Wexford. A pilot Community Sponsorship Ireland model was established in December 2018 as an alternative way to resettle refugees in Ireland and the first candidates were a Syrian family who arrived into Dunshaughlin in Co. Meath. Following this successful pilot, the Government launched the initiative nationally as a mainstream project in 2019. To date, 55 individuals or 13 families have settled into 13 different rural and urban communities under this model.

The 13 Community Sponsorship Ireland groups are located across five different counties and new Community Sponsorships groups arrived this year. A further four families have been identified for arrival in the third quarter of 2021 following a selection mission in Greece. Minister O’Connor said: “An additional 11 Community Sponsorship Groups are currently in formation in counties across Ireland.” Community Sponsorship is a new way to welcome refugees to Ireland; it is a unique collaboration between Government, UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), NGOs and civil society. Unlike Ireland’s existing refugee resettlement programme, where the State provides integration services directly, Community Sponsorship empowers members of the public who wish to become the face of welcome in their local community and to assume responsibility for providing a range of integration supports to a refugee family.

Our Gwen wins top US music award for Covid-19 song THE prestigious New York based LDM Music Award has been given to young Kilkenny singer-songwriter Gwen Blanchfield. Her song, ‘You Never Said Goodbye’, fought off competition in the ‘Pop’ category. Gwen, who was unable to attend the event in person because of Covid19, said:m“We watched a livestream of the ceremony from home. Before they

went live they asked all the nominated musicians to submit a video of them performing the song so seeing it being played was surreal. When I was announced as the winner we all screamed.” The song, written and performed by Gwen, is dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives to Covid-19. It undoubtedly struck a chord not only in New York,

where people were particularly affected by the pandemic during its peak, but worldwide. Gwen comes from a very musical family and always pays tribute to her granddad, an accordion player who died when she was a child. Last year, her dad Gavin encouraged her to enter the songwriting competition ‘Rockin the Lock-in’ on

KCLR. Her moving performance of ‘You Never Said Goodbye’ was one of the stand-out pieces. For Gwen, this triumph is one goal achieved of many, and she has since announced that full album is on the way, due to be released within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, check out www.gwenblanch.com

€255,407 fund will help Watergate Theatre reduce its carbon footprint THE Watergate Theatre has been awarded Government funding of €255,407 Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness has announced. The funding is being made available under the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040. ‘Investing in our

Culture, Language & Heritage 2018 - 2027’ sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage. The Cultural Capital Scheme 20192022 will run until 2022 and will focus on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres

throughout the country. “I’m delighted to welcome this positive news today as the Watergate is such a vital facility in Kilkenny and a major part of our arts, cultural and entertainment offering,” said Mayor McGuinness. “This funding will help to

greatly enhance and upgrade The Watergate while also helping to reduce its carbon footprint which is one of the objectives attached to the funding.” Minister Catherine Martin said: “I am delighted to be in a position to award this funding

today to these arts and culture organisations. This capital scheme prioritises projects that reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint. “This investment at a range of different facilities including arts centres, theatres, galleries, museums, as well as

artists’ studios and creative spaces aims to improve the audience and creative experience while upgrading the facilities. “This overall funding package will ensure past investment in these arts and cultural centres is protected and sustained,” the minister said.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Your money

The 4% rule for your retirement

BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

IF you want to set a goal for the net worth to have at retirement the figure you use should accommodate your lifestyle and limits. There is no one-size-fits-all number for how much money you

need to have at retirement. To get started, look at how much you plan to spend in retirement. You need to estimate the annual amount you will need to have available to pay all your regular

bills. For instance, you will need to include housing, (if the mortgage is not paid off ) utilities, travel, food, entertainment expenses etc. You may then decide you want €25,000 a year during

retirement to cover the cost of living. The Old Age pension will go some of the way if it is still there when you come to retire. But if you plan to travel, or take on other hobbies, it will impact how much you will need. You might then decide having €30,000 or €40,000 a year would allow you to live your preferred lifestyle. Your net worth evaluates your overall wealth, but your retirement income will typically come from your most liquid assets. Thus, when you look at the funds available for spending in retirement, focus on assets like cash, stock market investments and pension plans to see how your cash flow will be generated. A general rule of thumb that is used for retirement planning is known as the 4% rule. This refers to the amount of money you withdraw from a retirement account each year. So, after adding up your available funds, take 4% of that capital amount. That will be what you have in theory to live on. Not a lot in many instances but this exercise should encourage us to see saving for retirement as an imperative not an option. Saving for pension is one of the few areas that there are still generous tax allowances available. If you are paying tax at 20%, then for every €100 a month

you invest in a pension you receive €20 tax relief so the net cost to you is €80 a month, within revenue limits Better still if your marginal rate is 40% then every €100 you invest you receive €40 back and the net cost is €60 per month, again within revenue limits. But pension planning can be fraught with difficulties and good constant advice is a must. As you save toward retiring and especially when you begin to “cash in “those savings you need to be aware of the following – Your retirement money is not guaranteed to keep its value because the assets in which you are invested may not perform as well as expected and you may not meet the target figure you had planned for. Again in retirement, outside of an annuity there is a risk that your fund could run out in your lifetime. This could happen if you take income at too high a rate and/or the investment performance of the underlying funds is less than expected or you live longer than expected. Tax relief and benefit options can be subject to amendment by governments, and you will pay tax at your marginal rate on any withdrawals. In a sentence pension planning is for life. John@ ellisfinancial.ie. 0868362633.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

News

CIE offering 15% off its staycation bus tours UNTIL September 10 CIE Tours are running their ‘Hot Deals, Cool Travel’ promotion and offering their customers 15% off their most popular deals to Ireland and Britain. Applicable on select tours. customers will be able to get 15% off tours such as Taste of Ireland, Irish Odyssey, Irish Ad-

venture, Taste of Scotland, and Ireland. The tours balance immersive and CIE-exclusive experiences with plenty of down time to let you explore and enjoy on your own. Plus tour prices cover all entertainment and experiences, full breakfasts, and most dinners, so there are no hidden fees.

With a staycation, you could take eight days around Ireland, starting your journey in Dublin and moving down to Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Clare, and Galway before making your way up to Donegal and across to Derry and Belfast before returning to Dublin. As well as visiting famous

landmarks, along the way you will see sights and experience moments such as viewing the Dunbrody Famine Ship in Wexford to immersing yourself in traditional farm life during a trip to an Irish farm in Donegal, where you will watch trained sheepdogs round up mountain sheep.

If you’re looking to explore Ireland in more detail then the 12 day package could be for you. During nearly two weeks you will get the chance to stroll through the English Market in Cork, where vendors have been selling local and artisanal foods since 1788. In Kerry, you will take

a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate and see Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s lakes. Plus you will get the opportunity to travel through Connemara for sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes.

Safety plea launched over horses on roads AN appeal has been launched calling on horse-riders and other road users to share the roads safely. The move comes from the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and An Garda Síochána. It comes as a recent survey of 1,700 horse riders showed that four in five (85%) horse riders experienced an incident when on the road with their horse, with 12% of those incidents resulting in injury to either the horse or rider. The Irish Horse Representative organisations, together with the RSA and An Garda Síochána are appealing to drivers to slow down and pass wide when they encounter horse riders and their horses on the road. The new survey reveals that cars and jeeps have been involved in the highest percentage of reported incidents with horses on the roads while cyclists, vans, lorries and agricultural machinery account for an equal share of the remaining incidents.

Mr Joe Reynolds, Acting Chief Executive of Horse Sport Ireland, said: “The findings of this survey are quite striking, it’s troubling to think that 85% of those polled reported being involved in some form of road safety issue while riding their horse on Irish roads. We are pleased to be working with the RSA to raise awareness of this and improve conditions for our members and all road-users. By following a few simple steps, you can keep yourself, your car, the horse, the rider and all the other people around you safe.” Mr Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “We have a proud tradition in Ireland of excellence in equestrian sport at national and international level. As a result, thousands of people across Ireland ride horses. “All road users have a duty of care to share the road in a safe and socially responsible way and we hope our members will take the time to familiarise themselves with best practice guidelines,” he said.

Back in business: Minister Malcolm Noonan, Patricia Lawless, Darina O’Byrne (President), Mayor Andrew McGuinness and Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty at the reopening of the club Photo: Seamus Cahill

The Home Rule Club is back for beers in the garden THE historic Home Rule Club in Kilkenny has reopened and visitors are welcome to enjoy their beer garden in the heart of the city. The landmark building on the banks of the River Nore plans to open each Thursday to Sunday from 5pm to 11pm.

President of the Home Rule Club Darina O’Byrne said that members wanted to get the message out that the club is open and ready to welcome old and new friends. “For the moment our beer garden is open. We are trying to spread the word that we do have a

beautiful welcoming Beer Garden and that visitors are welcome. Not only did we survive, but there was constant volunteer work behind the scenes improving the fabric of the Club building,” she said. “A key factor in our financial health was the fact that we are Barnstorm

mate and Communications. In Kilkenny, Asylum Productions will invite the citizens of Callan to radically reimagine their town’s energy supply. Working with Loosysmokes aerial circus company and the Callan Community Energy Company (CCEC), Asylum Productions will open a pop-up Energy Store in the heart of Callan in May 2022, as part of ‘The Powerhouse Project’ – a two-

year, multidisciplinary community engagement project that will invite the citizens of a small rural town to learn how they can power their lives in more sustainable and energy efficient way. Using their ‘shop front’ model of community engagement, this space will be the focus for free community workshops, events and activities, bringing expert technologists in the fields of wind, solar and hydro-electric

Theatre’s new home which is a match made in heaven! It’s wonderful to be on the sidelines of what activities they managed to continue during this past year and we look forward to admiring and supporting their work when restrictions permit,” she said.

Calves taken from field in dawn raid €2m Callan climate plan launched

ONE of the largest cattle thefts of recent times has taken place in Kilkenny, with 36 calves taken from a field. The theft occurred near Threecastles, between Kilkenny city and Freshford. The calves were part of a larger batch. Nineteen of them are Friesian heifer calves, the other 17 are Angus- crosses, a mixture of bull and heifer calves. The farming community is being asked to assist in their safe

return, with any information of animals being offered for sale or of any unusual movement in the Kilkenny/Tipperary area regarded as helpful to the investigation. Their theft was discovered on Friday morning, August 6. Gardaí in Kilkenny are leading the investigation, and can be contacted at 056-777 5000. Meanwhile, from January 2022, all approved cattle tag suppliers will be required to supply an EID tag with all new tag orders.

AN inovating county Kilkenny project has been awarded funding under the Government’s €2m Creative Climate Action fund. The Callan Energy Store is among 14 projects nationwide who will recieve funding as part of the scheme announced by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Cli-

energy together with radical thinkers and doers, inventors and makers in the field of theatre and street arts. The Creative Ireland initiative supports creative, cultural and artistic projects that build awareness around climate change and empowers citizens to make meaningful behavioural changes. * See also Page 16

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News

Get out and about this autumn... 2. KILKENNY GHOST TOURS Why not try a ghost tour through the ‘Medieval Capital of Ireland’ and uncover terrifying tales and horrid histories. With its narrow cobbled laneways, remnants of its city walls and with its mystic charm, it should be no surprise that Kilkenny is bursting with tales of the paranormal. Its people have told stories for generations, handed down to become far more than hearsay. Kilkenny’s ghostly tales all have one very important thing in common, they are all based around fact and arise from genuine historic tragedies. Scares await at every turn. THIS autumn Kilkenny is offering visitors some ‘unique’ experiences. From feline adventures and spooky tours to animation and comedy. Plan your autumn getaway around Kilkenny’s top six things to do: 1. KILKENNY CAT WALK TRAIL The Kilkenny Catwalk 2021 is a trail of 21 wonderful Kilkenny Cat sculptures which have been decorated by some of our most talented artists, mainly local, for public display in and around Kilkenny City in the second half

3. KILKENNY ANIMATED  OCT 13 Kilkenny Animated is a festival of visual storytelling, incorporating cartoons, animation and illustration in a series of exhibitions, talks, performances, workshops and experiences that celebrate the creativity and craft of the visual image. The festival is hosted by twice-Academy Award® nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon and is set against and inspired by the backdrop of Kilkenny’s medieval streets and slipways at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Kilkenny Animated is

of 2021. This arts project is a partnership project between Kilkenny Civic Trust and Kilkenny County Council which can be engaged with outdoors, whilst adhering to physical distancing requirements, regardless of restrictions. The Cat Walk art trail will be fun, bright and engaging and will bring a smile to people’s faces and support the Keep Well Campaign. People are invited to get outdoors, follow the trail and enjoy it. Visit: www.kilkennycatwalk.ie

the first festival of its kind in the world to bring together so many different aspects of visual storytelling for the enjoyment and appreciation of wider public audience. 4. KILKENNY DAY  OCT 11 Let us introduce you to ‘Kilkenny Day’, a day dedicated to everything that is great about Kilkenny! Kilkenny Day will take place on Monday 11th October and will consist of a packed programme of events that will run across the city and county, showcasing the very best the county has to offer. But before we give you some of the line-up of events, let us remind you that people are been asked to don black and amber on the day to demonstrate pride in the county colours, so whether it’s a GAA shirt or a colourful holiday shirt that’s been lying in the wardrobe, there are no excuses! 5. IRELAND’S MEDIEVAL MILE Ireland’s Medieval Mile

churches, heritage centres, or in remote outdoor rural locations where they remain exposed to the elements. As a result, researchers and academics have only ever been able to study a small sub-set of Ogham stones in person due to their broad dispersal and the logistical challenges of visiting stones housed in remote locations. To combat this, academics from Maynooth University and the University of Glasgow intend to create a digital database of all 640 pre-1850s Ogham scripts that exist in Ireland and the UK over the course of three years. The researchers say that the database will make 3D models of Ogham inscrip-

THE Gardaí are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college, perhaps to Carlow or to the Waterford Institute od Technology (WIT). While accommodation frauds have declined in recent months due to Covid 19 restrictions Gardaí have highlighted that the new generation of third level students seeking accommodation could be a target for fraudsters. There were a total of 503 cases of rental scams reported to AGS between February 1, 2019 and May 31, 2021. More than €900,000 was stolen in rental scams in this period.

tions readily accessible to academics and members of the public alike. The 3D models will also provide a baseline against which future weathering can be assessed and additionally protect a unique resource threatened by climate change. The project will build on the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies’ “Ogham in 3D” project, which focused on stones located in the Republic of Ireland and will collaborate with museums in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England. Maynooth University said Ogham writing style was never abandoned despite the advancement of new ways of writing, especially among Irish and Welsh artists and designers.

Masterplan for St Canice’s land

O’Connor’s Kilkenny was withdrawn from Games DURING the Olympics Show Jumping individual final held, Irish rider Cian O’Connor’s horse Kilkenny developed a nosebleed while on course.

The horse was treated and returned to its own stable. Following consultation with the on-site veterinary treatment team, the Irish team vet-

erinarian, the athlete, and the chef d’equipe, it was agreed that the horse would not be presented at the next day’s horse inspection and will

6. KILKENOMICS  NOVEMBER 47 Save the date in your diary, November 4–7, 2021. Kilkenomics is the world’s first economics and comedy festival, brings together some of the world’s leading economists, financial analysts and media commentators with some of our funniest, sharpest stand- up comedians. Jump into Kilkenomics and engage with as many shows as possible, get equipped with the information and insight that hopefully can help everyone make smart choices for the future – inform and be entertained - just for the laugh! Visit: www.kilkenomics.com

Students warned of rental scams

New tech will save old Ogham writing IRISH and Scottish academics have turned to digital and 3D technologies to protect and preserve the ancient Celtic Ogham writing system (pictured), which has existed for more than 1,500 years. Ogham predominately exists in Ireland but is also found across the UK and appears on inscriptions and tablets dating back to the 4th century AD. The alphabet is additionally found in a handful of 9th-century manuscripts and is the ancestor of modern Irish and Scottish Gaelic. However, just 16% of surviving Ogham-carved stone pillars are housed in national museums, with the majority of Ogham stones remaining in local

stretches from the iconic Kilkenny Castle to St Canice’s Cathedral, with similarly notable historic gems along its path. Furthermore, it has become one of our biggest attractions. You simply can’t miss the Churches, Museum and historical treasures. Well preserved examples of Ireland’s past for example include a 13th century Dominican Abbey and the only complete early 17thcentury merchant’s townhouse are similarly show-stopping.

therefore take no further part in the Games. Cian O’Connor and the nine-year-old Irish-bred gelding were ranked seventh in

the Jumping Individual Final after completing the course clear of jumping penalties and with just a single time fault.”

KILKENNY County Council, in conjunction with the HSE, is preparing a Masterplan of detailed planning policies for the future development of the St Canice’s Campus (the former St Canice’s Hospital) lands at Lacken and Maudlinsland, in Kilkenny City. Copies of the Issues Paper are available from the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, please contact 056-7794010 or email ourplan@Kilkennycoco.ie Submissions made last month can be seen on the council’s consultation and will form part of the Chief Executive’s report to the full council.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

News

Remembering the Mothers & Babies...

AN enthralling exhibition of paint, sculpture, and photography. It takes its title from Elizabeth Cope’s recently complete triptych 9,000 Babies? and the accompanying Portrait of Child Mother is running Kilkenny’s

Shankill Castle unit; Sunday, August 22. The pieces were inspired by the history of the Mother and Baby Homes, recently in the news, and Cope’s personal experience of visiting the Magdalene laundry in Athy,

Co Kildare on two occasions as a child, where she was able to see the girls washing sheets at the large vats. The artist, who now lives at works at Shankill Castle, believes that the issue of the Mother and Baby Homes is

an important subject to raise awareness on, and that the survivors should be recompensed by the Church for the tragedies suffered. The 9,000 Babies? exhibition features a Magdalene laundry installation, includ-

ing Elizabeth’s paintings and various historic props to re-create the atmosphere of what a Magdalene laundry would have been like. Sculptor Ruth Barry, whose mother was born in a Mother and Baby Home, is one of the artists featured in the exhibition. Her sculpture The Roots ties in to the theme by portraying a second-generation survivor of traumas endured by ancestors. The other pieces in the exhibition demonstrate sharp juxtaposition to the grim Magdalene laundry installation. Paintings by Phoebe Cope depict scenes of the warm moments of motherhood and childhood, of the normalcy of everyday life, of the beauty of nature. Ruth Barry’s sculpture The Golden Loop brings some hope, symbolising the regeneration of nature, and how humans, who are often destroyers, can also be creators. The exhibition also features recent works from artists Phoebe Cope, Reuben Cope, Mungo McCosh, Sean Grimes, Ruth Barry, and Tianna Pedro. The exhibition, which is presented in association with Gerber Fine Art, Glasgow. Elizabeth Cope was born in 1952 in Co. Kildare. She has exhibited in galleries and museums all over the world for the past 40 years and is found in many important

public and private collections. Cope is known for her brilliant use of colour. Much of her work is domestic in nature, and she has found a loyal audience who are beguiled by her positive, bright and cheerful paintings. But there is a darker side to her work, some disturbing, laced with black humour, but always executed confidently. “Painting for me is a way of life. I was seduced by the smell of oil paint when I was nine years old; my sister came home from Paris with a box of paints…. I paint through the chaos of everyday life; if I were to wait for a quiet moment, I would never paint,” she says.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Science & Wellbeing

The eyes have it

New research suggests the size of an individual’s pupils may relate to how intelligent they are YOU can tell a lot by looking into someone’s eyes You can spot a glint of humour, if they are happy or sad; signs of tiredness, or maybe that they don’t like something or someone. But outside of assessing an emotional state, a person’s eyes may also provide clues about their intelligence, suggests new research. BigThink.com reports that a study carried out at the Georgia Institute of Technology shows that pupil size is “closely related” to differences in intelligence between individuals. The scientists found that larger pupils may be connected to higher intelligence, as demonstrated by tests that measured reasoning skills, memory, and attention. In fact, the researchers claim that the relationship of intelligence to pupil size is so pronounced, that it came across their previous two studies as well and can be spotted just with your naked eyes, without any additional scientific instruments. You should be able to tell who scored the highest or the lowest on the cognitive tests just by looking at them, say the researchers. The connection was first noticed across memory tasks, looking at pupil dilations as signs of mental effort. The studies involved more than 500 people aged 18 to 35 from the Atlanta area. The subjects’ pupil sizes were measured by eye trackers, which use a camera and a computer to capture light reflecting off th e pupil and cornea. As the scientists explained in the journal Scientific American, pupil diameters range from two to eight millimeters. To determine average pupil size, they took measurements of the pupils at rest when the participants were staring at a blank screen for a few minutes. Another part of the experiment involved having the subjects take a series of cognitive tests that evaluated “fluid intelligence” (the ability to reason when confronted with new problems), “working memory capacity” (how well people could remember information over time), and “attention control” (the ability to keep focusing attention even while being distracted). An example of the latter involves

a test that attempts to divert a person’s focus on a disappearing letter by showing a flickering asterisk on another part of the screen. If a person pays too much attention to the asterisk, they might miss the letter. The conclusions of the research were that having a larger baseline pupil size was related to greater fluid intelligence, having more attention control, and even greater working memory capacity, although to a smaller extent. In an email exchange with Big Think, author Jason Tsukahara said: “It is important to consider that what we find is a correlation — which should not be confused with causation.” The researchers also found that pupil size seemed to decrease with age. Older people had more constricted pupils but when the scientists standardised for age, the pupil-size-to-intelligence connection still remained. The connection between pupil size and IQ likely resides within the brain. Pupil size has been previously connected to the locus coeruleus, a part of the brain that’s responsible for synthesising the hormone and neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which mobilises the brain and body for action. Activity in the locus coeruleus affects our perception, attention, memory, and learning processes. As the authors explain, this region of the brain “also helps

‘As the scientists point out, their conclusions are controversial ...

maintain a healthy organisation of brain activity so that distant brain regions can work together to accomplish challenging tasks and goals.” Because it is so important, loss of function in the locus coeruleus has been linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, clinical depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder (ADHD). The researchers suggest that people who have larger pupils while in a restful state, like staring at a blank computer screen, have “greater regulation of activity by the locus coeruleus.” This leads to better cognitive performance. More research is necessary, however, to truly understand why

having larger pupils is related to higher intelligence. In an email to Big Think, Tsukahara said:”If I had to speculate, I would say that it is people with greater fluid intelligence that develop larger pupils, but again at this point we only have correlational data.” As the scientists point out in the

beginning of their paper, their conclusions are controversial and, so far, other researchers haven’t been able to duplicate their results. The research team addresses this criticism by explaining that other studies had methodological issues and examined only memory capacity but not fluid intelligence, which is what they measured.

It sounds fishy but this may help migraine sufferers PEOPLE who routinely experience migraine headaches joined a clinical trial designed to test whether a special diet could alleviate their frequent migraine headaches. The diet to follow emphasised foods that contained large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, the oils found in some fish, while limiting foods that are rich sources of omega-6 fatty acids, such as many vegetable oils. Omega-3s and omega-6s are both considered essential fatty acids — critical for health, and because our bodies can’t make them, they must be obtained from foods. Historically humans consumed roughly equivalent amounts of both fatty acids. But the typical diet today tends to contain a much larger proportion of omega-6 fats. Some health authorities see this as a good thing: Vegetable oils and other rich sources of omega-6 fats have been found in many studies to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. But others argue that this could be problematic because omega-6 fats have been shown to promote

pain and inflammation, while omega-3 fats tend to have the opposite effect in studies, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. The authors of the new study wanted to know: Could a diet that boosts omega-3 fats while lowering omega-6 fats make life easier for people burdened by frequent migraine headaches? The benefits of a change in diet were striking: After a few months of increasing fish intake and avoiding many common vegetable oils, the majority of participants noticed that their headaches had all but dis-

appeared. Migraine headaches are one of the most common causes of chronic pain, affecting about 12 percent of people, most of them women. For many people, the condition can be debilitating, causing intense pain, nausea and other symptoms and sharply increasing the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety. Studies have found that migraine attacks can take a toll on workplace productivity, too, causing people to lose, on average, about four work days a year. But the new study pro-

vides evidence that the right diet could provide relief to some people who experience frequent migraine attacks, helping them reduce the number and severity of their headaches. Similar studies are underway to assess whether dietary changes could help ease other kinds of painful chronic ailments, such as low back pain. Dr Christopher E. Ramsden, the lead author of the study, said the findings suggest that dietary changes could be a useful complement to existing treatments for chronic pain.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Travel & Leisure

5 for the sightseer in Paris The Louvre: once Paris’ second Royal Palace and now home to 38,000 artifacts of prehistory and innumerable artworks

5. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL The Île de la Cité is in the heart of the city and is the original point of the settlement of Paris. In Roman times it used to have a palace but today it is most famous for being the site of the incredible Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. Notre Dame’s construction began back in the 10th century and was the site of the coronation of Napoleon as Emperor. This is one of France’s most iconic and greatest landmarks

and a must-see. Currently, however, it is closed due to extensive damage from the 2019 fire that gutted the building. It is set to reopen just before the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. 4. LE LOUVRE / PALAIS ROYAL A short walk from Notre Dame is the Le Louvre, together with the Smithsonian Museums and London’s Natural History and London Museum must be one of the most famous in the world. It was once Paris’ second Royal

Palace and now it is home to 38,000 artifacts of prehistory and innumerable artworks. Despite the Covid pandemic was still the world’s most visited art museum in 2020. Perhaps its most notable exhibit is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

ary and Napoleonic Wars. It has the names of various French victories and the generals inscribed on it. Additionally, it also commemorates the destructive World War I with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier underneath it (WWI was particularly devastating for France.).

3 . ARC DE TRIOMPHE The Arc de Triomphe is also one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. The monument is to honour those soldiers who fought and died in the French Revolution-

2. ÎLE SAINTLOUIS The Île Saint-Louis is the other natural island in the heart of Paris. It is around 11 hectares in area and is connected to the mainland and to the other isle of

Icelandic hotel offering a free stay - snap it up!

CALLING all photographers with a sense of adventure—Hotel Rangá in Iceland is offering a unique opportunity. The hotel is looking for a “light catcher,” aka a photographer who can capture the area’s breathtaking Northern Lights. In return for their images, the chosen applicant will receive free flights to and from Iceland, accommodation at the hotel for an entire month, and access to its stargazing observatory and

hot tubs. Hotel Rangá (pictured) is located in the countryside of South Iceland, between the villages of Hella and Hvolsvöllur. The property boasts picturesque views of Eystri Rangá, the salmon river, the famous volcano Mt. Hekla, several glaciers, and the Westman Islands. The hotel is also the ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights, which are best captured from September to March.

If you’re eager to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes with your camera, Hotel Rangá seems like the perfect base. The chosen photographer will also have the option to visit The Highland Center Hrauneyjar, Hotel Rangá’s sister property, located in the uninhabited Iceland highlands. For those interested in the opportunity, the hotel asks that you are available for at least three weeks during the Northern

Lights season (mid-September to mid-March). During this time, you’ll be tasked with taking highquality photos and videos of the Northern Lights. Hotel Rangá will have unlimited license to the material, which will be used for promotional material in print and online. If you’re not a professional photographer, Hotel Rangá also invites aspiring photographers to apply. You can find out more and apply on their website.

Île Saint-Louis (that has Notre Dame Cathedral) by four different bridges. This whole island has been carefully planned and set out. The architecture on this isle and the surrounding area offer some of the best of Paris’s architecture. This area is full of quaint restaurants and boutique shops. 1 . LES INVALIDES Les Invalides is a complex of buildings in the heart of Paris and contains museums and monuments all about the

military history of France. This complex also contains some of Paris’s oldest buildings. The Royal Chapel here is called the Dôme des Invalides and is the tallest church building in all of Paris. It no longer serves as a chapel but as a shrine to some of France’s most notable military figures from history. Most notably the tomb of Napoleon is located here (Napoleon was exiled to St Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean where he died, later his remains were returned to France).

Ryanair launches its Knock to Malaga flight MAYO”S Ireland West Airport has welcomed the announcement by Ryanair of a new weekly service this winter to Malaga in sunny Costa Del Sol. The Malaga service, which currently operates during the summer season, will now continue throughout the year with Gights operating every Saturday throughout the winter for the Hrst time. Malaga is the gateway to the popular Costa Del Sol region which stretches for just over 150 kilometres, stretching from Almeria to Tarifa and has a huge range of facilities and attractions with miles of golden sandy beaches and a year round warm climate which sees holidaymakers returning year after year. The Costa Del Sol is within easy reach of a host of resorts such as Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella, Nerja and Torremolinos. The route announcement is the fourth positive route announcement by

Ryanair in recent months, following the airlines announcement of brandnew services to Edinburgh and Manchester, which start in September, and the announcement of a new twice weekly winter service to Milan in Italy, meaning Ryanair will now offer passengers a choice of 12 destinations across the UK and Europe to and from the airport in 2021. Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport, said: “We welcome yet another very positive announcement by Ryanair of a new winter service to Malaga, which will provide the People of the West and North West of Ireland with year round access to one of Europe’s most popular sun destinations.” For further airport information log onto www.irelandwestairport. com; and for information on fares and to book Gights to Malaga visit www.ryanair.com or book with your local travel agent.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Advertisement Advertorial

An appreciation of our local businesses

It has possibly never in our lifetime, been more important to support local. We’ve all heard the campaigns, the hashtags, the pleas! And why do we, as local businesses make this plea? Well, its because we are just like you! We too are paying the mortgage, the school uniform and books have to be paid for, food on the table, run a house. We can all relate. But do we relate, in the evening while we browse on our phones, looking for a nice treat or something specific to buy online. Possibly and probably from a large multinational with super fast delivery. We all do it, but who are we funding? An unknown CEO, to buy his second Porsche, or his latest yacht trip in Monaco. What happens for instance however, if you come to our shop or website, in your own county. You make a difference that you wouldn’t even believe. You are enabling us to reinvest in the shop and renew stock. You are enabling us to pay our way through life, to fund our child’s education and you are also enabling us to pump that

money back into other local business. The local coffee shop, hardware, stationary provider, florist, petrol station, they receive our business when we receive yours. Our community thrives and supports itself and you as a customer get personal one to one service. You can contact an actual person at any time if you need something,

no emailing random customer service pages. You get actual customer service, the way it should be. You get service like it used to be.... being able to request items to be held for a few days, or paid off over time, or bring it back if something happens to be wrong and know it will easily be fixed. These are the attributes that form the character of our high streets and they are dying. More and more small businesses are closing, more previous shop fronts are vanishing into a residential revamp and may never return. So when you have that hard earned cash in your hand, give your local shops and businesses a thought and a chance, before you head for an impersonal online retailer. You are more appreciated than you will ever know. Follow the social media hashtags of #madelocal #lovemadelocal #kilkennypottersmarket #shoplocal #supportlocal #shopkilkenny and may more, to find out about your local shops, craftspeople and markets.

‘You’re a Star’ Quilt Raffle for Teac Tom The members of the South Midlands Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society have been busy during lockdown and have created a beautiful ‘You’re a Star’ quilt. THE quilt will be part of an exhibition for Kilkenny Arts Festival held at the Chapter House at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The quilt, as well as other quilted creations by the branch can be viewed from Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th August. The exhibition is open from 10am to 5pm each day. The quilt will be raffled with all proceeds going to Teac Tom, a well-known mental health support charity based in Kilkenny. Founded in 2014 by Angela Hayes and her family, Teac Tom provides suicide intervention and support services for those affected by or bereaved by suicide. The charity was founded in response to the death of Angela’s own son Thomas, on the anniversary of his dad’s death. Teac Tom provide a 24-hour helpline, immediate intervention and professional counselling services to those in Kilkenny and the

surrounding areas. Last year a new centre was opened in Stradbally, Co. Laois. Angela Hayes, CEO of Teac Tom, says that the last 18 months have been extremely challenging as the pandemic has severely restricted the charities’ fundraising capabilities, while at the same time they have experienced an increased demand for services. Tickets for the raffle are available online, at

the exhibition, or at Teac Tom. The members sincerely hope that it will be well supported and raise vital funds for Teac Tom. The raffle will be held in early September and tickets are just €5 each or 5 for €20. www.idonate.ie/raffle/irishpatchworksociety Teac Tom, 15 Ormonde Rd, Kilkenny 056 7796592 www.thethomashayestrust. com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

News

Inflation is hitting our food and drink sector IRISH food and drink businesses are experiencing inflation due to a combination of factors including Brexit, Covid, supply chain constraints and raw material inputs, according to Food Drink Ireland (FDI), the Ibec group representing the food and drink sector. FDI surveyed member companies in July to assess the extent and impact of cost increases. The

survey found that the majority of food and drink companies experienced substantial increases across a range of inputs in the last 12 months including: Lower but still significant increases were experienced for other inputs including 37% experiencing 5-20% cost increases for water/wastewater and 30% seeing 5-20% cost increases for

labour. Respondents were very clear in the main factors they attributed the input costs to: • 100% considered Brexit very relevant or relevant • 96% considered Covid impacts very relevant or relevant • 96% considered global supply chain constraints very relevant or relevant

• 81% considered domestic supply chain constraints very relevant or relevant • 78% considered raw material inputs very relevant or relevant All businesses operating throughout the Covid pandemic have had to make significant investments to adjust operations in line with public health guidelines. Brexit has added significantly to

trading costs including transport and logistics and additional administration both for trade with the UK but also for trade with the EU using the land-bridge. Transport costs have also been affected by the major driver shortage impacting that sector and for international business, the cost of freight containers has exploded since the beginning of the year.

A weapon in hospitality fight against pandemic RESTAURANTS, bars and hotels throughout the county can install Covid-eliminating ozone machines in a bid to avoid future shutdowns. Customer demand for improved hygiene standards has seen sales of the devices rise by over 200% in recent weeks with indoor dining having returned. Sanity System is the worldwide distributor of the portable machines, which use ozone gas to sanitise the air and surfaces of indoor spaces. “With daily Covid cases now at almost 1,400, restaurant owners have told us they want them as another weapon to prevent any future closures,” Managing Director David Byrne told The Kilkenny Observer. “Pubs, restaurants and cafes are dreading the nightmare scenario of having to close again in the event of an outbreak.” The devices were installed at Michelin-starred Patrick Guilbaud restaurant in Dublin at the weekend, where head chef Kieran Glennon said they would

play a significant part in safely reopening indoor hospitality. “Hopefully we are coming to the end of an extremely difficult time for the restaurant sector and devices such as these play a big role in re-opening because they instil confidence in customers,” he said. “Some of them are returning for the first time since March 2020 and clean air and sanitisation will now be seen as a priority, not an optional extra.” The ‘plug and play’ machines operate by using ozone to purify the air and surfaces of workplaces, entertainment venues or vehicles – meaning glass, carpets, walls and other areas are safely cleaned. The procedure then reverses itself to remove any remaining ozone so the premises or vehicle can be used as soon as the process finishes. Licensed by the Department of Agriculture, the machines are used by the HSE, Revenue Commissioners, Gardai and a multitude of business and motor companies.

Heritage Week will end with a splash! THIS Sunday, August 15, will be a special day is to celebrate water, and, in this time of climate change, Man’s need to sustain it. Sunday also marks the last day of Heritage Week 2021. The Kilkenny Archaeological Society invites you to ‘take the plunge’…into articles about water on their website. The society said several back issues of The Old Kilkenny Review (OKR) were accessible online as a result of a recent digitisation project. How our rivers were named, for example, is one area covered well in Owen O’Kelly’s piece on place names in Kilken-

ny from The OKR of 1948. The Dinan which flows into the Nore at Three Castles comes from ‘An Deineen’, which translates as “the little noisy vehement river”? Elsewhere, how rivers were harnessed as a source of power in the past is explained in an account of the Merino Factory on the King’s River in Ennisnag from the 1949 OKR. A spa’ in Ballyspellen near Johnstown was a thriving attraction in the 18th century. The mineral waters were believed to cure illnesses ranging from blotches in the skin to obstructions of the liver.

Food businesses are also identifying strong increases in utility costs, in particular energy and also in packaging. Paul Kelly, FDI Director said respondents expected a continuation of inflationary trends in the months ahead and that this would impact on margins and competitiveness in export markets.

Doing it ourselves: celebrity Baz Ashmawy with Chadwicks’ Kilkenny manager Tony Duggan and Eimear Reilly of Chadwicks

Building a better future for a family in need ... CHADWICKS, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchants, is to host the first on-site pop-up shop to provide vital materials and services for local families. The Kilkenny branch of the builders merchants is also delighted to provide support to the Aylward family in New Ross in the upcoming RTE series of DIY: SOS The Big Build Series 2. As the exclusive building materials supplier for the season, Chadwicks will support the Aylwards by providing essential products and materials as they prepare

to take on one of DIY SOS’ biggest challenges – building a brand new, fully accessible home for the family. Johnny Aylward lives in a rented home with his wife Lynn and their two sons, Daire (8) and Mikey (6). Last November, Mr Aylward, who is 56, was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease which has made their rental home unsuitable for his needs. In addition to his diagnosis, Mrs Aylward is also the full-time carer for their youngest son Daire who has

non-verbal autism. With the support of their three older children Kelley, Colin and Aaron, as well as Mrs Aylward’s young adult sons Cian and Aaron, who also live in the New Ross home, the entire family is keen to rally together during this difficult time. The family is seeking help from the DIY SOS team to provide long-term security and build a brand-new home in New Ross that will fulfil the accessibility needs of the entire family.

Tony Duggan, Branch Manager at Chadwicks, Kilkenny said: “Chadwicks Kilkenny is thrilled to be involved in such an important cause in helping the Aylwards create their new family home. Community is very much at the heart of Chadwicks and we are privileged to play a role in helping them to create their dream home.” * Now in its second series, DIY SOS: The Big Build Series 2 will air on RTÉ in November 2021.

Marianna and team in local charities drive WOODIE’S stores across the country have been running an outstanding charity campaign, Woodie’s Heroes, an annual event that in the last six years we have collectively raised more than €2m for children’s charities. “This year is proving to be bigger and better than ever.,” said Marianna Traherne-Jankiewicz, local Deputy Store Manager. “Between bake-offs, selling beautifully crafted art made

by our colleagues, selling raffle tickets, walking and other activities we have already raised, in Kilkenny alone, more than €6,000. And we have few days to go still!” She said it was heart-warming to see how everyone came together. “We have got some local businesses to donate prizes for our raffle,” she said. “We have had so many generous donations from our customers.” Ms Traherne-Jankiewicz said

their “passion” would benefit four charities: • Autism Assistance Dogs • Barnardos • ISPCC Childline • Down Syndrome Ireland Every year the campaign ends with a charity cycle, sponsored by our suppliers. Two groups of managers, executives (including the CEO) and support office colleagues get their cycling gear out and cover 2000km,

travelling from store to store and collect the cheques for charities. “We would also love to acknowledge our colleagues, customers and other local businesses that came on board this year: Hotel Kilkenny, National Reptile Zoo, Petmania, Sherwoods, GooDog, City Life Pet, Watergate Theatre, DID Electrical, Home Focus, Sam McCauley Pharmacy, Aran Artisan Bakery and Bistro,” she said.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Community Group

Housing adaptations grants for older people and people with a disability council network . These grants are designed to help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living and ageing in place. These grants are available based on means tested criteria and are categorized under 2 main schemes: You may be eligible if you have 1. been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility 2. experienced a change in family care arrangements, or 3. experienced a recent fall or hospital admission. 4. Are unable to safely navigate your home for basic needs Kilkenny County Council administers several grant options to assist older people and people with a disability in carrying out works which are necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for their accommodation needs. These include: 1. Housing Aid for Older People Grant 2. Housing Adaptation Grant for a Person with a Disability 3. Mobility Aids Grant Scheme Housing Aid for Older People

OVER the past number of editions of the Twilight Senior’s forum we have looked at some of the proposals been put forward for our seniors to give up their homes in what our civil servant friends are terming ‘right sizing’. We believe the Right Size is the house our seniors have raised their family and have memories that can sustain them mentally as we enter our twilight years. According to data from the 2016 census report, approximately 1.2 million of our growing population will be over the age of 65 by 2040 . As our population ages many Irish seniors are now planning for where and how they want to live in old age. In Kilkenny that

figure will be over 35000. If all our seniors are sent to Nursing Homes or forced to move away from their community support system a massive strain will be put on our services. Rather than ‘rightsizing ’we should look at adapting our current house to fit our needs in our elder years. Many of our homes are not designed to meet our requirements as we grow older. When areas of our home start to become unsafe or even inaccessible it may be time to look and explore how modifications and adaptations to the home can make your home more accessible. The cost of having your home adapted for safer living can range between €18,000

and €20,000 depending on the scale of works to be done. This cost does not include carer giver hours . There are several financial supports available to Irish seniors which you can explore here. Depending on the scope and scale of your continuing to live in your own home there are several grants supports available to you when funding your home adaptation works . There are several financial supports available across a range of products and services. In the 2019 the Housing Adaptations Grants for Older People and People with a Disability issued approximately €71 Million in grants to Irish citizens across the local authority and city

The Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People is available to assist people aged 66 years or older living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The types of work, grant aided under the scheme include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to/replacement of windows and doors, the provision of heating, water, and sanitary services. Housing Adaptation Grant for a Person with a Disability This grant is available to assist in the carrying out of works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability who has an enduring physical, sensory, mental health, or intellectual impairment. The type of works allowable under the scheme include the provision of access ramps, downstairs toilet facilities, stair-lifts, accessible showers, adaptations to facilitate wheelchair access, extensions, and any other works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability. The level of grant aid available is determined based on gross household income and shall be between 30% - 95% of

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Feature

The crowning glory o Today we share the history of The tower at St Mary’s Cathedral. BY FR RICHARD SCRIVEN

To the north the Black Abbey stands between the CBS Secondary school and the churches of Canice before the eye is drawn towards Tullaroan and Freshford.

THE tower of St Mary’s Cathedral was described in the Kilkenny Journal of Saturday 12th, 1857, and referring to it as the ‘glory of the cathedral’. So, what of this magnificent tower that stands 186 feet and 6 inches proud over our city? Visible and different from so many places in the city the tower makes a statement, proclaims the gospel, draws us heaven-ward and beckons parishioner and pilgrim, visitor, and tourist alike. In church terms things happen in threes: Trinity, Tryptic, and Shamrocks. Likewise, here in St Mary’s. There are three levels above the sanctuary: the first main chamber which is lit by the familiar pencil type gothic windows of green stained glass; the bells chamber which is 20 plus feet in height; and the upper outdoor level with its glorious views over the city and county. Through a series of spiral stairway and walkways access is gained to the first chamber of the tower. In this first level there are eight windows glazed in green glass. There is a system of pullies that allows a central portion of the moulded plaster ceiling above the sanctuary to be opened. Over the years many tradesmen have worked in the cathedral and a visit to the tower in recent weeks reveal names etched on doors, panels of wood and notice boards. Liam Tyrell and Michael Ryan, painters, recorded a Kilkenny win in the All Ireland in 1993: Kilkenny 2-17 and Galway 1-15 and Up Kilkenny. KH was there in 1981, J Burke in 1949 and P O Brien from Mauldin Street in June ’31. J Brennan was there in 1914, Frank Garvan in 1952 and M Cuddihy on February 1, 1948. Ordination Sunday 1952 and there was a visit by Henry Byrne, Larry O’Dwyer and Dan McEvoy. Henry was a native of Knocktopher and was ordained for Perth, Australia, in 1956. Larry O’Dwyer was ordained in 1957 for a diocese in the USA; he was from Piltown or near Carrickon-Suir. He was killed in a car crash in America. Dan McEvoy was a student for Los Angeles. I suspect

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Feature

f St Mary’s Cathedral The bell sits in a yoke on which one reads BYRNE’S PATENT ROTARY MOUNTINGS which refers to a patent that was attributed to Mathew O’Byrne in 1887. The patent refers to a cast-iron headstock with a tapered hole through which a tapered boss on the crown of the bell was inserted and bolted in place using the crown staple bolt. By slacking the nuts, the bell can be rotated, presenting a new striking face and increasing the life of the bell considerably.

that the three visited the tower after the ordination ceremony was concluded; they were more than likely in the choir. These are only a few of the names etched in the fabric of the tower– it was a badge of honour to leave your name in the heights. FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS The next chamber of the tower contains the bell. The windows and reliefs of this level are described in the Kilkenny Journal of 1857: “The upper section of the belfry tower windows is beautifully ornamented.

Liam Tyrell and Michael Ryan, painters, recorded a Kilkenny win in the All Ireland in 1993: Kilkenny 2-17 and Galway 1-15 and Up Kilkenny.

The windows are gracefully shaped and enriched with appropriate moulding and decorative ornamentation.” Eight gothic windows are on each side of the tower; two open to allow the peels of the cathedral bell to be heard throughout the city. There is only one bell in the tower. There were several foundries in Dublin who made church bells: the foundries of Matthew O’Byrne (The Fountain Head Bell Foundry), John Murphy (Murphy’s Bell Foundry in James’s Street) James Sheridan (The Eagle Foundry) and Thomas Hodges (Lower Sackville Street, Dublin). (St

Canice’s Cathedral is home to six bells cast by Thomas Hodges and two treble bells cast by Matthew O’Byrne) The bell is St Mary’s Cathedral is the work of John Murphy. Murphy started his foundry in Dublin in 1843. Bells from his foundry are in the cathedral churches of Melbourne Australia, Douglas in the Isle of Man, Cork, Thurles and in various churches in Dublin Wexford, Limerick. The bell in St Mary’s Cathedral is

Cuffesgrange church – the Church on the Hill - is out west as one looks towards James’s Green, CBS Primary School and the houses of Fr Murphy Square, Fatima Place, Kennyswell Rd.

To the East James’s Street leads the eye towards High Street, the River Nore and onto ‘The Continent’ towards the horizon where proudly sits Johnswell and Ossory Hill.

clearly marked with Murphy’s name and date: John Murphy Founder Dublin 1869. There is a decoration on the bell of an Irish harp surmounted by a coronet above shamrocks – a motif found on many bells cast in the 19th century. The bell sits in a yoke on which one reads BYRNE’S PATENT ROTARY MOUNTINGS which refers to a patent that was attributed to Mathew O’Byrne in 1887. The patent refers to a cast-iron head-

stock with a tapered hole through which a tapered boss on the crown of the bell was inserted and bolted in place using the crown staple bolt. By slacking the nuts, the bell can be rotated, presenting a new striking face and increasing the life of the bell considerably. From the top of the tower, views of The Castle, Johnswell, Ossory Hill and Cuffesgrange are spectacular. North, South, East and West never looked so good.

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News

MacDonagh Junction continues heritage outreach as part of national heritage week ON 19th August at noon, as part of Heritage Week, the team at MacDonagh Junction are inviting people to join them online for a presentation from Sydney, Australia as we reconnect to the stories of our Orphan Girls. Eighty-seven of the 4,114 young women who left Ireland between June 1848 and April 1850 during the Irish Famine were from one of the two Kilkenny workhouses: 28 from Callan and 59 from Kilkenny itself. Dr Perry McIntyre will join us from Sydney to give an outline of the background to what has come to be known as the Earl Grey scheme and focus on the lives of a few of the Kilkenny girls in Australia. Perry has worked as an historian, archivist, and genealogist for over 40 years. She has been a councillor at the Society of Australian Genealogists, the History Council of NSW (President 2005-06), the Royal Australian Historical Society, Australian Catholic Historical Society, the Great Irish Famine Commemoration Committee - GIFCC (Chair 2012-15; 2018-20) and her local society, Mosman Historical Society. She has published and spoken widely on immigration. Her PhD on convict family reunion, published as Free Passage by Irish Academic

Press in 2010 was republished by Anchor Books Australia in 2018. She is a director of Anchor Books Australia, formed to make good quality Australian history publically available. In 2020 she resigned from the GIFCC to concentrate on researching the 4,114 young women who emigrated from the workhouses in Ireland during the famine but continues to update the summary life stories of these young women on the GIFCC website: https:// irishfaminememorial. org/ searchable by name and/or county. The Great Irish Famine

Commemoration Committee continues to hold an annual event onsite at the Irish Famine Memorial at Hyde Park Barracks in Sydney on the last Sunday in October, the day the Memorial was unveiled in 1999. Details can be found on the above website as the day approaches. Centre manager Marion Acreman said “this event gives us the opportunity to continue our heritage and genealogy outreach to the families of the descendants of the young girls forced to leave Kilkenny in search of a better life in Australia during the darkest period in our recent history. Over the last ten years we have made meaningful and lasting connections to the families of some of the 59 girls who spent time in this Workhouse and we look forward to building more connections as a result of our ongoing work around the heritage of the Kilkenny Union Workhouse. The Kilkenny Famine Experience, a free AV tour, which is available daily at MacDonagh Junction has seen over 7,000 visitors to date and has become a very meaningful part of the recorded famine history of the City. To register for this Free online event please email info@ macdonaghjunction.com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Community Group

A Transylvanian girl adopted by New York city (via Kilkenny) BY BIANCA RALLIS

PART 1 THE process of my “adoption “started in September 2019 with an application for a USA immigrant visa. In general, this takes between 8 and 10 months, but the Covid 19 extended the process to 18 months. Me, my husband, and his family have been through a lot of challenges; moments of frustration, stress, hope; a mixture of everything! While waiting I spent a wonderful time living among friends in the Marble City the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny. The Twilight Community group, a registered charity, should be the first stop for all, regardless of your background, nationality gender or believes. The Twi-

light International Cultural house is an open and inclusive venue where a friendly welcome will be waiting for your at the door of 15A International Cultural House, Hebron Business Centre , Kilkenny City. Finally on the 26 of July 2021 the big day arrived: together with our Irish cat adopted in October 2020, and so much baggage that I’ve never travelled with before, we flew to NYC. In that day the Dublin airport was busiest since the pandemic started, but we were lucky and faced no more problems. The Irish airport authorities were very operative! After 6 hours and 30 minutes of flying, we landed at JFK NYC airport. From there, my American adventure started. Finally, after three years I had the chance to really meet my Greek American family! Strong emotions, tears of joy and warm hugs. Happy to be there all together under the same sky. From the very first moment I was fasci-

nated by my encounter with NYC. It was so much more than I could have imagined. A strong feeling of freedom in a huge city with a population twice that of Ireland; multicultural New Yorkers belong to more than 800 different nationalities. Here you are no more Romanian, Irish, Polish, Russian, Indian, Chinese, African etc. In New York you become a New Yorker, and that gives you a feeling of belonging, not that of an outsider. I was finally here, in the city that never sleeps and as Frank Sinatra told us ‘It’s so good the name it twice, New York, New York! Join me in next week’s Kilkenny Observer as tell you of visiting my Husband’s neighbourhood, seeing the Heart of New York, Manhattan, and the beautiful French Quarter. This article is supported by the Romanian Twilight Community Group Contact: kclw.ro@twighlight.ie

Community Group

‘A stitch in time’ for county community South Sudanese Community in Ireland (SSCAI) launches Universal Tailoring/Sewing Project. The long awaited sewing project intended for 2020 finally kicked off in Bishop Birch Community Centre, Hebron Road, Kilkenny on 20th July 2021. The idea of the project has been developed by Samuel Morgan; the Secretary General & Contact Person for SSCAI; who is also employed by St Canice’s Community Action as an Immigrant Support & Development officer and recently nominated to represent immigrants in Kilkenny at PPN level. The purpose of the project is to deliver universal sewing skills and train participants in using different models of sewing machines and to equip them with knowledge and skills and eventually roll the project into a social enterprise. This project is sponsored by Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Community Education Service I Kilkenny & Carlow and is open to everyone living in Co. Kilkenny who has passion for gaining skills of sewing / tailoring; regardless of gender, nationality, culture or religious affiliations; though it is operating under South Sudanese

Community Association in Ireland (SSCAI). Currently there are 10 participants on the pilot sewing course who are of mixed nationalities. They have advanced to the 6th session of the intended 10 lessons and 12 people are already on the waiting list who would be recruited when the first lot advances to second level or so. Profile of SSCAI In 2008, the government of Ireland admitted a total of 73 Sudanese into the country under the decision of the Irish Government as Programme Refugees. The refugees were brought in two groups. The first group comprising 35 people (Acholi tribe) ar-

rived on 24th April 2008 and the second group comprising (Wa’di / Avokaya, Bari, Kuku and Ma’di (all together 37 people) arrived on 3rd July 2008 respectively. On 18th Sept 08, Samuel Morgan the current Secretary General/Contact Person initiated the idea of forming the community group and invited his fellow country diapora to a meeting held on Sunday, 9th November 2008 and formed the community association formerly known as Association of Sudanese Community in Kilkenny. As time went by, South Sudan seceded from the North and the few South Sudanese who came to Ireland on their own before the arrival of those brought as

Programme Refugees joined the association; hence leading to changing of the name of the association to South Sudanese Community Association in Ireland (SSCAI) to include the few members living who are living in other parts of the country; but the majority are settled here in Kilkenny; hence, SSCAI remains the legitimate community association based in Kilkenny. The group have a very strong and vibrant youth profile. Lead by Samuel’s sons and daughters, they have a great community spirit as their youth soccer team have won the Twilight International integration Soccer tournament in 2018/ 19 and who is not to say they would have done

the triple but for the outbreak of Covid 19. With their youthful dance group, we hope to see all their experience and grace come together the new opportunity of the Twilight Inclusion group launched earlier this month offering opportunities to all for participation in the Erasmus+ programmes planned for the TYI Samuel Morgan is also the leader of the Twilight South Sudanese Community Group and was one of the first community groups in Kilkenny that took up the Twilight International Cultural House’s offer community desk prior the covid 19 pandemic. The community desk department is now available to other groups and individu-

als who may wish to avail of this wonderful work desk space and the support network of the Twilight community group’s professional personal. Kilkenny’s first International cultural House is a Twilight initiative. It provides a safe space for all communities to have the opportunity to show their History , Heritage ,Arts and language to others by accessing the Groups new Media and Training centre. The group are now taking names for their upcoming Media Training Course covering Social Media Security, Journalistic writings and Video , Broadcast production and delivery. Applications are now open by contacting 0567813105 or info @ twilight.ie

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Back to School

Grahams Shoes A landmark shoe shop of Kilkenny and here since 1989, Grahams Shoes consists of the ladies and men’s store at 13 High Street and a dedicated children’s shoe shop just around the corner on Friary Street. There is a shop in Carlow too. With over 100 years of experience between them, allow the team at Grahams to help you find the perfect shoes no matter what style, size or fit you are after

WITH a shop in Dublin since 1969, Grahams opened their first concession in Kilkenny over 30 years ago in the iconic Monster House. As the business rapidly grew, the High Street shop opened in ‘92 and the kid’s shop on Friary Street shortly after in ‘94. Gary Graham himself joined the business in 1984 or so and now runs the stores. His team of expert staff are essential to the successful running of the business and ensuring all customers get top quality service. Gary says: “The staff are just brilliant, very loyal and have worked extremely hard during this difficult past year and half. They always ensure protocols are in place to keep everyone safe. They are constantly learning and adapting.” Geraldine and Kay have been with Grahams since 1989. Sabrina, who is now manager of the kid’s shop, has worked with Grahams for over 16 years and first came in as a customer when she was a child herself. Gary mentioned that much of their customer base originally came in as children themselves and now bring in their own children to be fitted for shoes. The Friary Street store is a centre of excellence for children’s shoes with a huge range of stock and sizes with over 100 pairs of shoes available in

each size with an expert fitting service. Brightly coloured decor with the unusual feature of a fish tank makes the space inviting for kids and their parents alike. The market for children’s shoes has changed over the years, with discerning customers now seeking out only the best brands for their little ones. Makes such as Geox and Lelli Kelly (both pictured), Primigi and Superfit are only getting more popular, while the classics such as Dubarry and Clarks remain firm favourites among school goers. For those of us that recall squelching to school in the rain and spending the remainder off the day with our feet in puddles, more and more brands are offering waterproof styles with Gore-tex, which is now more affordable than ever. The High Street store offers high end fashion styles for both ladies and men. Included in the extensive range for men are styles from Brent Pope and Tommy Bowe. For ladies, brands such as Rieker, Remonte, Tamaris and Sketchers are very popular as well as styles from Amy Huberman and Una Healy. As we all know, fashion has changed since Covid — outfits that once required stilettos are now being matched with runners or loafers. Grahams recognise this

and according to Gary; “Fashion has gone comfort casual. Trade has moved away from the high heeled styles – maybe when the pubs are fully open again we will see heels come back but for now, we adapt and change with the trends. Even with the kids stock there is always particular styles or colours that come in and out of fashion.” There are some gorgeous and glam runner styles available in the High Street store with some great boots due in for the winter season. For older kids and secondary school ages, the High Street store stock the ever popular Dubarry “Dubes”. This classic style is not approved in all schools but not to worry, Dubarry have come up with many other options like AV8s, neat enough for school and cool enough for after. For a parent with a child just starting out in secondary school who may be unsure about what styles are suitable, call into Grahams who can help find a style accepted by schools and students alike. Gary says, “Dubarry have hardly changed in price since

the 90s and offer fantastic value for money.” As well as changes in fashion, shopping habits have also changed with the move to online. Grahams were one of the first Irish shoe shops to make the move online with sister company PurpleTag.ie. Some people prefer the more personal experience of shopping in store and Grahams always look forward to welcoming you into their shops in person, especially if you are unsure about the style or size you are after. Grahams is a shoe shop which offers traditional service and values but with modern innovations and adaptations for the future. This is a true family business that looks after it’s staff and works hard to ensure the quality of product and service they offer to customers is second to none. Visit www.grahamshoes.ie to book your appointment now. Avoid the queues and arrange your shopping trip to avoid any disappointment. Ensure you get priority service for your next visit to Grahams.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Back to School

Get back to School Ready with

t Dunnes Stores Starting from €3

q Clodagh Henderson - Life Style Sports Sports Bra €35, Leggings €50

TK Maxx €9 u

THE summer has flown by and soon it will be time to head back to school. Are you suddenly staring at an endless to do list? Well, there’s no need to panic as MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre is the only shopping destination you need for all your school and college essentials. Dunnes Stores is not only somewhere to pick up tasty treats for lunchboxes, but you can also now dress your littles from head to toe with their new back to school range. Cross off that book list with a little help from Eason – your one stop shop for all your stationary needs. Most importantly, have them skipping off to school with a pair of comfy new shoes from Skechers or why not travel in style on a scooter from TK Maxx. Not forgetting the excitement of starting college… Want to look super stylish on your first day of lectures? Make sure to grab all the accessories you need from River Island’s latest shoe and bag collections. If you’re the sporty plantime and are plan ning on joining a gym or sports club at college then Life Style Sports have you covered with their stylish selection of cute work out clothes! For more back to school inspiration head to MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre’s Facebook and Instagram page.

River Island €48 u

q TK Maxx €26.99

q Skechers €45

q River Island €56

q Skechers €65

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Back to School

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Back to School

Tip Top Toes Tip Top Toes have brought together years of expertise and experience to ensure the best service and offer a range of children’s footwear solutions BASED in the heart of Kilkenny City Centre and with a newly opened store in Carlow, Tip Top Toes is one of the most established kid’s shoe shops around. With a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for shoes, owner Ethel Murphy Corr and her dedicated and fully trained team focus on providing the best experience when buying shoes for your little ones. They cater for all kid’s shoe sizes, ranging from size 17 to 43. Fittings are offered by appointment to avoid the queues. Private appointments are also available in the specially designed sensory area for those requiring a quiet environment. Tip Top Toes stock an extensive range of cool, fun and quality brands for kids.

Froddo is a make of kid’s shoes produced in Croatia since 1946. The ethos of Froddo shoes is to make supportive shoes that look good and children love to wear while p ro d u c i n g footwear in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. Superfit supply shoes to over 40 countries and are specially designed with active children in mind as they need

comfortable but sturdy shoes. Some of their designs even feature Gore-tex with the benefit of being waterproof and breathable at the same time. Biomecanics is a Spanish producer of lightweight comfortable shoes for little feet in a selection of styles suitable for school and play. Tip Top Toes is the largest supplier of Biomecanics in the South-East. These are just some of the fabulous brands available, with many more in stock now. For further information call the Kilkenny store on 083 8825223 or Carlow store on 085 2604630. You can also visit the website www.tiptoptoes.ie or find Tip Top Toes on Facebook and Instagram.

My Nametags

- Ireland’s Number 1 choice for name labels

MY NAMETAGS is Ireland’s leading manufacturer of easy to apply sticker and iron-on name tags and we have been reducing parents’ guilt about losing items since it was founded 17 years ago. Our name tags have thousands of uses, from labelling clothing and stationery, to fabric, shoes and other school supplies. Originally founded in 2004, by Lars B. Andersen, out of the need to label his own children’s belongings, his ambitious solution has been to create a company capable of manufacturing the best name tags in the world. Our products range from colour stickers and iron on name tags, to decorative wall stickers to transform your children’s bedrooms. Whether you are looking to label all your kids stationery, school uniforms or even an elderly parent’s clothing we’ve got the right label for you! All our stickers, ministickers, iron-ons and maxistickers are 100% personalisable and also resistant to the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and microwave. At My Nametags there is a perfect name label for everybody. My Nametags now offers a 10-year washing guarantee, which is unmatched in the name tags industry; our labels having been independently tested to be the best labels in Ireland. Over the years, the company has worked to create and maintain the highly respected reputation

for quality and service that it has today, with a 99 percent customer satisfaction rating, which is unequalled among label companies. Some Customer testimonials: “Great product – I have used Name Tags for a few years now to label school clothes and stationary. Great product

and good that the child can design their own.” “Great name tags – Good selection of designs, arrive within days and last really well even going through the dishwasher. Have used this company many times.” To order your set of personalised name tags, visit our website www.mynametags.ie

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Back to School

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New poems I

N 2019, ‘The Kilkenny Involvement Centre’ published a book of poems with the wonderful title ‘Poems from a Kilkenny Laneway’. The ninety page publication features forty poems with contributions from members at the centre as well as work from Kilkenny’s wider writing community. In conjunction with The Involvement Centre, The Kilkenny Observer newspaper will reproduce these poems over the coming weeks. The Kilkenny Observer is delighted to promote this project and we hope you enjoy the poems. Week six sees poems from jbs, poetry, Martyna Katzmarek and Andrei Markewitz

“Reminiscing” Today I will write these few verses, About clouds, forests, lakes and wolves, About a girl free as a bird, Gliding through the air and travelling the world. I will write about friendship, love and betrayal, About apple trees, cherries and roses, About mildew on leaves, And workers in the orchard. Not forgetting about our songs, Beating of our hearts, And the newborn in our arms, About the wind in our hair, And the runny noses on the midsummer night. About mosquitoes that bit us relentlessly, The smiles and tears, About stories and dreams, Because youth full of love is not a fib Love in full bloom – priceless You fell in love with this free-spirit Who kept frogs in jars, Always had leaves and flowers in her hair, And mud on her feet, With a smile from ear to ear Her who always said, “we will make it” And when you look into her eyes, sad and teary Remind her of these verses. Martyna Katzmarek

Revelations Will be Televised Gill, you asked and waited and yet it did not come Waiting in vain for the networks To Broadcast the Revolution However, don’t worry yourself none Because by and by Beamed down from the sky Revelations this year will be televised Sit down, take that chill pill, pull up a pew It’s multo-medic, it’s hormonal relaxant, it’s true That’s right, here it comes The four horse men out of the gate We are glad to confirm That event known as Revelations will be televised And you can stay up late Watch as the chopper beams float from above Cheerleaders and news Adverts and booze We have footage, a live location feed Please be aware there are shocking scenes Because Revelations by popular demand Is yes viewers just where I stand We have it all. Watch as the moon is caught in our gravitational wake Say farewell to land masses in a cataclysmic earthquake Up and down the coast of Mexico volcanoes are timed to explode The Seven Nation Army will meet the radicals in a last fight Because relax, the Revelationary experience is ours tonight Don’t freak out, don’t hit that touch sensitive iPhone pad Stay with us on channel zero watch as things get really bad With girls in bikinis chased by monsters of radioactive slime We hear on News 24, updates on the hour until the end of times Starring Kim’s Rockets, Donald’s Towers and Vladimir’s Trousers You’re gonna tweet, you’re gonna twerk. Remember, update your status now Stay put, light up, wig out because in a multispectral ray of harmonous delight Revelations, in three-dee, will be televised tonight Andrei Markewitz

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

You’ve Served Your Time in Hell Christmas morning 1982 Phone ringing, Same time every year: 10.30am. Her eighty year old frame makes its way nervously And picks up the receiver Hello? Hello, is that you Tommy? Tommy ? Happy Christmas, Tom. Tommy hangs up. Tears well up as he strolls down Shepherd’s Bush Content in the knowledge that his mother is still alive. He has made that same silent call every year now since 1974. That was the year of the Birmingham bombings The year Paddy was no longer welcome in town. Go back to the bog, Paddy Irish pig, go off back to your sty. Hard to blame them: 21 dead and 182 injured The Mulberry Bush was where I supped porter Now a scene of destruction The IRA cost me my life too. Make it 22 I gathered what I had and moved to the Bush From the frying pan into the fire No Irish need apply Fell in with a few decent skins and settled Still kept the head down Minded me own business Worked with big Ivan from Tyrone and Charlie Chaplin from Dundalk. A few Welsh and Scots in the crew Shoveled clay and mixed cement eight hours a day Six o’ clock every evening and we ended up in the Crown and Sceptre. Eleven o’ clock and enough drunk to help him sleep, I often think back to Brother Doyle in the Home You’ll get nowhere Grace, the only thing ahead of you is a wheel barrow. Sent to reform school in Longford the first time for robbing apples. Six apples in me geansaí when I was caught A month for each apple. Twelve years of age and locked up Sweeping horse manure and hosing down a yard. Next spell was six years for robbing a car. Next time I robbed something was my brother’s birth cert Headed for Birmingham to work in the Dunlop factory. New name, new start 1974 was the explosion. The beating in the toilets of The Crown was brutal White tiles turned red How do ye like that, Paddy? The second beating left me in hospital with a wired mouth And a damaged eye that would never see the light again A serious break at the Thoracolumbar junction was how the coloured doctor described it I said something stupid like was there a tube station at that junction He didn’t laugh This is serious, he said It was Thirty eight years of age now And a cane to help my limp where a size twelve boot left me paralyzed Drink has been my friend for years Couldn’t go back home now Never made it Shame covers my life Over here they don’t judge or comment Or care I remember a few lines big Ivan recited About a navvy going up to the pearly gates: “What did you do on Earth, enquires Peter? I worked a shovel and mixer for McAlpine I did another ten years for Murphy on the Kango as well. Come in, said St Peter, you’ve served your time in Hell.” A one room filthy flat to call home Habit makes me shave every morning Face lathered with soap Eyes staring into the mirror. Hello. Hello. Anyone there? Body on the cold damp tiles in a foetal position. Ma. Ma. Are you there?

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Book review

William Robertson architect and artist A BOOK REVIEW  KILKENNY, city and county, is steeped in history. Tourists that visit are amazed at the myriad dramas and stories hidden within its heart. Politics, sport, and industry are part of the rich tapestry interwoven in the abode of St. Canice. The extensive library at Rothe House captures, in fine detail, the legacy of our ancestors. Many notable scribes, professional and amateur, have lovingly recounted our history. However, local historian Michael O’ Dwyer stands apart. Over many decades, Mr. O’ Dwyer has contributed to The Kilkenny Archaeological Society and has supplied articles for The Old Kilkenny Review. Meticulously researched and accurately presented they have enlightened and enthused in equal measure. Importantly, they are a wonderful resource for future commentators. A prolific writer, Michael has published twenty books, including ‘The History of Cricket in County Kilkenny’, The Shopfronts of Kilkenny’, ‘Lady Desart, Otway Cuffe and Talbots Inch,’ and St. Rioch’s Graveyard Inscriptions. Michael’s latest publication

‘William Robertson, Architect and Artist’ details the work and legacy of William Robertson. Perusing the publication provides a plethora of interesting information and facts about Kilkenny and about William Robertson. Born in Kilkenny in 1770, Robertson became a prominent architect and was responsible for sensitively restoring some of Kilkenny’s finest public buildings.

He is credited with building many of Kilkenny’s most impressive country houses, including Jenkinstown House and Orchardton House. Robertson was also noted for his work as an artist and sketched many famous landmarks. He produced an iconic sketch of ‘The Market Cross’, at that time, the county’s most important monument. William Robertson built a home for himself at the top

of William Street at the end of the 18th century. He further embellished this area with a diocesan hall for the Church of Ireland. In 1831 he moved to Rose Hill House, which he built and where he lived with his family until his death in 1850. The first half of the 19th century was a busy time for William Robertson. He was involved with the restoration of the Court House, the new gaol (on The Gaol Road) and was also commissioned to replace and restore portions of Kilkenny Castle. The author informs that Robertson constructed stately houses and private residences across county Kilkenny. Though plans and documentation are no longer available, the style of Robertson design is distinctive and unmistakable. There are, however, sketches and drawings of many of the houses preserved in The Royal Society of Antiquaries in Dublin. Other houses that Robertson either constructed or renovated include Danesfort House, Kilcreene House, Castlecomer House, Ballyduff House (Thomastown), Lavistown House and Tennypark House. He completed The House of Industry on the Kells Road in 1814 (now known as Cashel

House.) After his death, Robertson was described in the Kilkenny Moderator newspaper obituary as “a generous friend, a most liberal employer and an accomplished artist”. He is buried at St Mary’s Graveyard, off High Street. With this publication Michael O’ Dwyer honours William Robertson by, once more, bringing his ability and his achievements to light. The forensic exploration and detailed examination helps to give William Robertson a deserved place in the pantheon of great architects.

An exciting addition to the book is the inclusion of twenty previously unpublished colour and black and white illustrations. Michael O’ Dwyer’s book is a boon for anyone interested in architecture, anyone that enjoys detailed sketches or those that simply love all things Kilkenny. Once again, with characteristic style, Michael O’ Dwyer has delivered an extraordinary insight into Kilkenny’s past. NOTE: Check with Kilkenny bookshops and Rothe House regarding availability.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Community Group

‘Communities are stronger together’ A strong community group is so important for to our ‘new communities’ who have chosen Kilkenny as their new home. When we move abroad it can be a lonely and sometimes a scary experience. A new language, new culture, and a new way of living. The first few months can make or break that big step a success or failure. We can get home sick, become isolated and this can lead to that ‘let’s not talk about’ depression. This is the main reason why we need a support system, and there is no better system then that one where you can feel at home with your country men and women, talk to and get the support and advice from your diaspora friends who may have experienced the feelings you are now having. Throughout the country we have strong Polish Community groups and as Kilkenny has one of the largest Polish diasporas, it can also have one of the largest and strongest such community groups. In Gorey, County Wexford they have just elected their new President Karol Dettlaff of the Polish Cultural Association Gorey.PL. who replaced Maciej NeumanKo ański in this role since 2015. Hon Polish Consul Mr Martin Brennan would like to congratulate Karol in his appointment and thank Maciej for the great work done since 2015 in making the Polish cultural Association

Gorey the success it is and the wonderful support the Polish community of Gorey give to their association. On March 2nd, 2020, the Government of Poland opened a Polish Consulate in Kilkenny. Mr Martin Brennan was appointed to the position of Hon-

orary Polish Consul to Ireland. Mr Brennan took office and had several plans he would like to work on with the support and input of the Polish communities in the Southeast of Ireland. Unfortunately, the Consulate like all businesses and offices had to close and is only recently

the office has been back in full operation mode. Murty, as he is known to all, comes to the role with a vast experience in the financial services and in the Community development sector and believes there are tremendous opportunities for development in the consulates region it covers which includes Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary, and Cork. Over the coming weeks and months, he intends to visit all the Polish Communities in the Consulates area. Mr Brennan is also the Chairperson of the Twilight Community Group CLG, Board of the Kilkenny Volunteer centre and recently received a Mayoral Certificate of recognition for his services in the community. By having a strong Polish community group in your region, it can benefit for all. Strong representation and a voice at the table where the decisions are being made. Seats on the Special Purpose Committees SPC, where local authority plans are debated before going to the council chamber for support by our Public Representatives to ratify into law. Many different professions came to settle in Kilkenny and the other counties of the Southeast, Tipperary, and Cork. By coming together, we can build a long-term integration strategy for our businesses and families. Better education for our children, stronger Polish schools,

stronger relationships with Poland. Kilkenny and Malbork is the only Twinning agreement between Ireland and Poland, we can develop more such agreements, and look to Twining our region with a region with similarities in Poland. Connect our schools, Youth groups, Community groups to our Polish counterparts. Honorary Consular Mr Brennan believes we should, and we can. “This will help to build a stronger heritage and cultural ethos and by connecting with communities in Poland preserve the bond for future generations with the country of their parents and grandparents, Communities are stronger together” Honorowy Konsulat Rzeczy-

pospolitej Polskiej w Kilkenny Drodzy Państwo; Honorowy Konsulat Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej w Kilkenny został otwarty w marcu 2020 roku, jednak ze względu na COVID-19 musieliśmy pozostać praktycznie zamknięci przez cale ostatnie dwanaście miesięcy. Obecnie mamy nadzieję, że będziemy w stanie rozszerzyć nasze usługi i świadczyć pomoc polskim obywatelom mieszkającym w Kilkenny i okolicach. Aby było to możliwe potrzebujemy jednak Waszej pomocy. Wierzymy, że możemy stworzyć polską grupę społeczną w Kilkenny i Hrabstwie na wzór podobnych które powstały w Cork czy Waterford. Pozwoli nam to mieć większy wpływ na wszystkie działania i inicjatywy proponowane przez lokalny samorząd, a może nawet wprowadzić polskiego przedstawiciela do Rady Miasta i Hrabstwa (Kilkenny City and County Council) aby mieć pewność, że nasz glos będzie wysłuchany. Zapraszam Was, abyście byli częścią tej grupy, abyśmy mogli budować lepsze Kilkenny dla wszystkich naszych polskich przyjaciół oraz ich rodzin. Jeśli chciałabyś/chciałbyś do nas dołączyć, prosimy o kontakt pod jednym z numerów telefonicznych 0567813105 lub 0863255840 albo mailowo info@polishconsulatekilkenny.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Dine Me

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Food & Drink

Come

Good Prosecco has to be in sparkling form

With

Chicken & mushroom hot-pot Prep: 35 mins Cook: 25 mins Serves 4

Ingredients • 50g butter or margarine, plus extra for greasing • 1 onion, chopped • 100g button mushrooms, sliced • 40g plain flour • 1 chicken stock cube or 500ml fresh chicken stock • pinch of nutmeg • pinch of mustard powder • 250g cooked chicken, chopped • 2 handfuls of a mixed pack of sweetcorn, peas, broccoli and carrots, or pick your favourites • For the topping • 2 large potatoes, sliced into rounds • knob of butter, melted Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the butter in a medium-size saucepan and place over a medium heat. Add the onion and leave to cook for 5 mins, stirring occasionally. Add the mushrooms to the saucepan with the onions.

STEP 2 Once the onion and mushrooms are almost cooked, stir in the flour – this will make a thick paste called a roux. If you are using a stock cube, crumble the cube into the roux now and stir well. Put the roux over a low heat and stir continuously for 2 mins – this will cook the flour and stop the sauce from having a floury taste.

STEP 3 Take the roux off the heat. Slowly add the fresh stock, if using, or pour in 500ml water if you’ve used a stock cube, stirring all the time. Once all the liquid has been added, season with pepper, a pinch of nutmeg and mustard powder. Put the saucepan back onto a medium heat and slowly bring it to the boil, stirring all the time. Once the sauce has thickened, place on a very low heat. Add the cooked chicken and vegetables to the sauce and stir well. Grease a medium-size ovenproof pie dish with a little butter and pour in the chicken and mushroom filling.

STEP 4 Carefully lay the potatoes on top of the hot-pot filling, overlapping them slightly, almost like a pie top. STEP 5 Brush the potatoes with a little melted butter and cook in the oven for about 35 mins. The hot-pot is ready once the potatoes are cooked and golden brown.

Easy chocolate fudge cake Ingredients • 150ml sunflower oil, plus extra for the tin • 175g self-raising flour • 2 tbsp cocoa powder • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 150g caster sugar • 2 tbsp golden syrup • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten • 150ml semi-skimmed milk FOR THE ICING • 100g unsalted butter • 225g icing sugar • 40g cocoa powder • 2½ tbsp milk (a little more if needed) Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil and line the base of two 18cm sandwich tins. Sieve the flour, cocoa powder and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Add the caster sugar and mix well.

STEP 2 Make a well in the centre and add the golden syrup, eggs, sunflower oil and milk. Beat well with an electric whisk until smooth. STEP 3 Pour the mixture into the two tins and bake for 25-30 mins until risen and firm to the touch. Remove from oven, leave to cool for 10 mins before turning out onto a cooling rack.

STEP 4 To make the icing, beat the unsalted butter in a bowl until soft. Gradually sieve and beat in the icing sugar and cocoa powder, then add enough of the milk to make the icing fluffy and spreadable. STEP 5 Sandwich the two cakes together with the butter icing and cover the sides and the top of the cake with more icing.

LIKE most wines, all prosecco is not made equally. Prosecco, a type of sparkling wine, is made with grapes from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region in Veneto, Italy. Grapes in this region grow at different altitudes; the higher the altitude, the better the prosecco quality, says wine expert Vince Anter, founder and host of the V Is for Vino show on Amazon Prime. Before buying a good bottle of prosecco, it’s important to understand what prosecco actually is — and more speci These key differences stem from each sparkling wine’s production process. “The big difference is how the bubbles are formed,” Anter explains. “Prosecco is made in the Charmat method. All the fermentation is done in pressurized tanks and that’s where the bubbles occur. In Champagne, bubbles occur in individual bottles.” This method variance brings about another important difference: price. To make Champagne winemakers add yeast and sugar to each individual bottle before capping it to trap the byproducts of heat and CO2. (In still wines, these elements evaporate into the air.) With the Charmat method, they do the same thing but in big tanks versus individual bottles. “You can do hundreds or thousands of bottles at a time,” Anter says. Champagne’s tedious production process correlates with a higher price point. “Champagne itself [from the Champagne region] starts at about €40 to €50, and you can spend way more than that,” Anter says. “Prosecco taps out in the €50 to €75 range for the high end, and you can easily get a really good prosecco for €30.” You don’t have to go to the slopes of Veneto, Italy, to determine which prosecco is best. Just look for the DOCG label, Anter says. It’s an acronym for denominazione di origine controllata e garantita, which in English means controlled and guaranteed designation of origin. “There’s DOC prosecco and DOCG. DOC is made in the DOC and DOCG are certi look for these certi Anter’s second trick for buying good wine? Skip the supermarket. “I’m big on this for any wines: Go to your local wine shop,” he says. “Grocery stores have to stock the wine in, say, 50 stores. When you do that, you essentially say this wine has to be mass produced — but wine isn’t like something made out of a factory. When you bring up the yields, you diminish the quality.” For the optimal prosecco experience, chill the bottle in the refrigerator. “Fridge cold, which is actually too cold for white wines, is just right,” Anter says. “Sparkling wines should be served out of a refrigerator or an ice bucket.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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TV & Streaming

How to break the code for a much better streaming

movies to watch on Netflix

After first premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, this documentary produced by Blumhouse founder Jason Blum and American Horror Story’s Ryan Murphy has just landed on Netflix. It explores the dangers and wreckage of conversion therapy, a term that describes coordinated efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender expression. Survivors and former therapy leaders reflect on their experiences.

You may not be able to escape your life for a day, but you can live vicariously through Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick), who ditches school to go on an adventure in the city of Chicago with his best friend (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend (Mia Sara) in this ‘80s teen classic.

How you can use genre codes for hidden bingeable gems YOU name the TV show, movie or documentary, and there’s a pretty good chance its on Netflix. The streaming service even has a bunch of binge-worthy original shows like Bridgerton, Stranger Things, The Crown, Shadow and Bone, Mindhunter and more. With all that content to choose from, it’s easy to spend more time endlessly scrolling through recommendations than actually watching something you enjoy. Netflix uses algorithms to help subscribers sift through their options by highlighting TV shows and movies you may like based on your profile and what you’ve watched before. But your preferences might be a bit more specific than trending titles, sci-fi, fantasy, horror or award-winners. Depending on what you’ve watched, Netflix’s recommendation algorithm might’ve buried the perfect movie or

show. If so, Netflix codes can help you filter through the onslaught of content to find more interesting recommendations than the usual fare. Netflix codes — though not a new discovery — are based on a number system the service uses to categorise films and shows by genre and subgenre. Note the codes can only be used on the Netflix website, not in its apps. Check out netflix-codes. com for a full list. There are about 20 categories like anime, foreign movies and classic movies. Those categories are broken down into more specific subgenres. For example, horror movies — coded 8711 — houses 12 more codes like deep-sea horror movies, zombie horror movies, teen screams and more. The easiest way is by installing the Better Browse for Netflix extension for Chrome. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search “Better Browse for Netflix.” 2. Click Add to Chrome. 3. Click Add Extension. 4. Log into your Netflix account in a new tab. At the top of the Netflix home screen, you should see a new option — Browse All — next to My List. Click that to search manually or scroll through the subgenres available. Another way is through the Netflix codes website. Here’s how: 1. Visit netflix-codes.com in your PC or mobile browser. 2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore. 3. Tap the code next to the genre or subgenre you want. 4. If you’re on a device that has the Netflix app installed, the app should open and take you directly to the genre or subgenre you chose. If you

don’t have the app installed, it’ll open Netflix through the browser and you can view the specific movies and shows available. 5. Tap the title you want to watch. You can also use the Netflix codes manually in your browser. Here’s how: 1. Visit netflix-codes.com in your PC or mobile browser. 2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore. 3. In another tab, type in <http://www.netflix.com/ browse/genre/INSERTNUMBER>, but replace INSERTNUMBER with the specific genre or subgenre code. 4. You’ll be taken to Netflix to peruse the titles available in that section. From there, you can either make a mental note of the movie you want to watch and go back to the app on your preferred device, or log in to watch in your browser.

A more recent and also excellent teen movie, The Edge of Seventeen stars Hailee Steinfeld as a savvy and disaffected girl who feels betrayed and abandoned when her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson) starts dating her older brother (Blake Jenner.) Woody Harrelson plays the understanding and cool English teacher she goes to for support.

It’s the coming-of-age movie that traumatised a generation. Set in the ‘70s, My Girl centres on Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky), a death-obsessed 11-year-old who lives in a funeral home, barely has a relationship with her widower dad, and pals around with the geekiest kid in school, Thomas J. (Macaulay Culkin). She experiences a lot of firsts in this movie —some tragic and some positive — and the growing up continues in the sequel, My Girl 2, which is also now on Netflix.

Pop star in real life Christina Milian plays a fictional wannabe pop star in this Netflix original. Her character Erica accepts a gig at a destination wedding, which turns out to be pretty complicated as her ex is the groom.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Picture special

t u o b A Out &

WITH

y n n Da art Lah

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Picture special

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news FINAL LOSS The Clara senior hurlers were defeated by Dicksboro in the final of the Canices Credit Union Senior League Division 1 last Tuesday in Dunmore. The final score was 5-16 to 0-20, which was a little unkind to Clara. This game was tight for 50 minutes. The teams were tied at six points apiece after the first quarter. Two early second quarter goals had the Boro in command but Clara fought back to reduce the deficit to a manageable three points at halftime 2-9 to 0-12. The third quarter was similarly a close affair, after which the Boro maintained their 3 point lead, 2-13 to 0-16. Jim Kehoe had made an impression off the bench for Clara, with two points in this quarter. But after the water break it was the Boro bench that caught the eye. Their three goals in this quarter came from substitutes and effectively killed off this contest. An unanswered 2-2 at the end of the game gave them a fully deserved victory here. For Clara there were some encouraging signs too but there has to be forward improvement and some goal threat unearthed for them to have a chance of silverware this year. Team - Killian Phelan, Paddy Ryan, Jack Langton, Sean O Shea. John Murphy 0-1, Lester Ryan, David Langton. Martin O Connell 0-1, Bill Carrigan. Stephen Quinlan 0-1, Conor O Shea 0-11, 0-8f, 0-1x 65, Paul Cody. Dara Glynn, Chris Bolger 0-1, Liam Ryan 0-3. Subs used Conor Cody, Jim Kehoe 0-2, James Nolan, James Casey. U15s WIN The Clara U15s continued their winning ways on Wednesday with a hard fought 1-13 to 2-6result against the Rower Inistioge in Clara. The Rower opened brightly and with a rather dangerous looking full forward going well, they built a 1-3 to 0-2 lead at the water break. The only Clara score from play was a terrific effort by Dillon Cummins from the sideline that TJ Reid would have been proud of. When the aforementioned Inistioge full forward opened the second quarter scoring with a goal, the Clara mentors made a couple of changes which had immediate effect. An Eoin Corr goal and two pointed Conor Hoyne frees had them back within 2 points at halftime. Some further sharp shooting, mainly by Conor Hoyne and helped by a Joe Power beauty, had Clara ahead 1-10 to 2-6 at the second half sos uisce and they managed to keep the Rower scoreless in the last quarter with some stout defending. They added 3 points themselves, the last one a neat Sean Byrne effort from play. The fresh legs of substitutes Sean Byrne, Daniel Murphy, Daniel Ryan and Tom Boyle made a big difference in that final quarter. There was a scary moment near the end of the game when one of the Rower Inistioge players collapsed having cleared a ball and subsequently had to be taken to hospital for tests. Everyone in Clara wishes him well in his recovery. Team - Orí Phelan, Tom Murphy, James Cody, Alex Firbank. Hugh Kelly, Philip Carrigan, Conor Galvin. Conor Hoyne 0-10, 0-7f, Luke Lawlor. Bill Kealy, Davy Barcoe, Eoin Corr 1-0. Dillon Cummins 0-1, Liam Carrigan, Joe Power 0-1. Subs used Sean Byrne 0-1, Daniel Murphy, Tom Boyle, Daniel Ryan. MINOR DRAW Two nights before the U15 success the Clara minors travelled to Inistioge to play the locals and came away with a 4-12 to 3-15draw in yet another cracking game for this group of players. They have certainly given money’s worth in their eight league games to date. Three wins, two draws, two one point losses and a six point loss have made up their eight games. Great results for a group competing with

just one player up to the age. Their final game is at home to high flying St. Martins, who ironically they have been drawn to play in the championship on Sept. 6th. It was Clara who made the early running here but county minor Eoin Lyng kept Rower Inistioge in touch with some super scores, mainly from placed balls from distance. Their goalkeeper too was very good. On another night Clara could have finished with eight goals but he made a string of great saves. As it was it took a late Sean Carrigan goal to rescue this game, after a strong fourth quarter by the Rower. He connected beautifully on a perfectly flighted Conor Hoyne free to send the sliotar crashing to the roof of the net, to put Clara a point up with time just about up. But an Inistioge free levelled the game and perhaps a draw was the fairest result on the night. Four goals and eight points from play was another good return for Clara and they will know themselves that it could have been more. As it was the goal scorers were Harry Boyle(2), Jamie Agar and Sean Carrigan. Ned Langton also had a good scoring night with four points from play. A lot of players are showing signs of discovering their best form. Some sharp focus and application in the next four weeks will hopefully leave them spot on for a serious tilt at the championship in four weeks time. Team - Cian Kelly, Alex McDonald, Ben Crow, Alex Firbank. Tommy Delaney, Zach Lawlor, Ben Murphy. Conor Hoyne 0-4f, Luke Lawlor. Harry Boyle 2-2, Sean Carrigan 1-0, David Barcoe. Rory Glynn 0-2, Jamie Agar 1-0, Ned Langton 0-4. Sub used Joe Power. JUNIOR DS BEATEN The Clara Junior Ds made the long trip to Mooncoin on Monday of last week and suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the home team. It started well for Clara and they led by 7 points after 15 minutes. It was 3-5 to 1-4 at this stage and Clara only added 4 points to their tally for the rest of the game. It finished 5-20 to 3-9 for Mooncoin and Clara suffered the indignity of having a man sent off late in proceedings. Team - Bill Cody, John Brennan, Dermot Nolan, Brandon Ryan. Conor Cody, Evan Whearty, James Dowling. Alan Coleman, Luke Whelan. Dara Glynn, Mick McDonald, Adam Barcoe. Conor Booth, Paul Murphy, Noel Kehoe. CAMOGIE Congratulations to the Clara contingent who featured for the Kilkenny minor Camogie team on Sunday as they defeated Wexford by nine points in Thomastown, thus securing top spot in their group. Laoise Nolan, Rachel Whelan, Gráinne Glynn and Emma Shortall all started while twins Katie and Keara Ryan were also on the panel. Well done girls! CLUB LOTTO There are no winners of last weeks Club Lotto Aug 3rd This Weeks Jackpot will be €17,800 (Aug 10th) Numbersd Drawn were 7, 11, 21, 23 Bonus 22 Promotors Draw: 1. Kay Kelly 2. Mary Skehan c/o The Bar 3. Eamonn Tyrell c/o Dinny Tyrell 4. Rachel Leydon c/o Padraig Leydon 5. Ann Croghan c/o Neil Loy 6. Jim Byrne c/o John Joe Cullen 7. PJ Scanlon c/o Neil Loy 8. Anthony Cleere c/o Online 9. Geraldine Kelly c/o online 10. Monica Kearns c/o online Thank you for your continued support Play Again at www.oloughlingaels. com/lotto

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC The O’Loughlin Gaels GAA annual Golf Classic takes place in Kilkenny Golf Club on Thursday Aug 1th and Friday 13th. Teams of 3 €150 includes meal and great prizes. This is always a well supported. Occasion and we thank all our sponsors and participants for their continued support. For Bookings and/or Sponsorship contact Michael O’Reilly 056 7722456 / 087 2554300 JOHNSWELL ROAD HURLING Road hurling is back in Johnswell on Saturday Aug 14th. These are always great days and one for you and your pals and family to get involved with. Registration on the day at 5pm. Teams of 3, Adult - €10 and Juveniles u14 - €5. BBQ afterwards SUMMER CAMP 21 This week sees young Gaels from St. Johns Parish descend upon St. Johns Park for the McCarthy’s Eurospar O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp. Two weeks of Gaelic Games Activities will be enjoyed by dozens of boys and girls as they home their skills in hurling, camogie, football and handball. Well done to all organisers and mentors for offering such a great two weeks. KILKENNY TEAMS We are very disappointed for the Kilkenny Senior Hurlers who lost out at the weekend in their attempt to reach another All-Ireland final. What a game though...edge of the seat stuff from start to finish and our boys were excellent all through. Well done to Paddy and Huw on a fabulous game. Thanks to all the other club men involved in keeping Kilkenny hurling strong - Gorta, Mickey, Tadhg and Conor. Thank you all. In camogie the Kilkenny Intermediates advanced into the All-Ireland semifinal with a win over Callan. Danielle Quigley set the tone for the day with an early goal for the cats and they drive on from there. Well done Danielle, best of luck going forward. The Camogie Development teams also we’re out in force with a number of our girls involved in games last weekend and next. Well done to Siofra O’Leary, Ena Lawlor, Ruth Crowley, Orla Donnelly (u14) and Aoife Sheally & Ava O’Grady (u15s) who all represent O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie on Kilkenny Teams. Lovely hurling. UNDER AGE HURLING Great to see Palmerstown and James Park buzzing this evening with our youngest hurlers back in the Boro! Well done everyone involved. Parents are advised to download Clubzap to follow the Covid Protocols. Please see relevant clubzap groups for training schedules. SENIOR HURLING Well done to the Senior Hurlers who won the league v Clara on Tuesday in MW Hire Dunmore v Clara. The senior team played in the Ballyboden tournment in Dublin and were successful in winning the tournment with a win v Ballyboden in the final. JUNIOR E The junior E hurlers had a great win over St Lachtains on Saturday evening in Freshford in the championship. 1-15 to 1-06. The lads now play a 1/4 next weekend. MINOR HURLING The boro minors were unlucky to lose a league game against Naas on Wednesday in James park. U15 HURLING The maroon team were very unlucky to lose to Comer in the league. 1-17 to 1-12. U13 HURLING

The A team were very unlucky to lose to John Locks on Saturday in Danesfort. 2-14 to 2-12. CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results aug 4th 2021 Nos: 7– 14– 12– 23 Jackpot: €3,900– not won Draw Prizes – €50: lml c/o ned buggy €25 each jim maher c/o paddy maher €25 each orla hanrick c/o online €25 each jim murphy c/o online €25 each ian deegan c/o online Promoters prize - paddy maher Next week’s (aug 11th) Jackpot – €4,000 We are encouraging every Dicksboro family to support the Clubs Fundraising efforts by signing up to the Club Lotto. https:// dicksborogaa.com/categories/lotto/ products MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION Registration is now due and should be in place prior to resumption of play. This needs to be paid before entering the pitch. https://www.dicksborogaa. com/membership_products SUMMER CAMP Final call for registrations for Week 2 (August 16th to 20th) of Summer Camp. Please look at the website to register PITCH SIDE BUSINESS ADVERTS Should your business want to arrange an advertising hoarding at our Club grounds click here for details: https:// www.dicksborogaa.com/products For any queries contact any committee member. https://www.dicksborogaa. com/contact (Camogie contact runai Ted Carroll (086) 837 6544) OLYMPICS CONNECTIONS With the Olympics well underway in Tokyo there are Freshford connections at the games this time around. Sinead Cullinane( nee Diver ) who is representing Australia in the Marathon event.is daughter in law of Pat and Ann Cullinane of Limerick and Kilkenny Street, Freshford. Sinead is a native of Belmullet, Co. Mayo and she and her husband Colin and family reside out in Australia. Also Marcus Lalor from Carlow is well known in Freshford. Marcus and his father are keen coursing followers and he attends the annual Freshford Coursing event each year since he was a child DEATH The death occurred last week of Mrs. Mary Brophy late of Ballygooney, Geataban. The deceased was formerly a member of the Coady family of Clintstown, Conahy and was in her 100th year. Both her and her family are widely known and respected in the locality. She is predeceased by her husband Michael and son Michael. Funeral mass took place in St.Munchins Church followed by burial in St.Lachtains cemetery Freshford. She is mourned by her daughters Catherine, Mary and Bernie, son in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended. CAMOGIE Local girl Sinead Farrell Kilkenny St., was part of the Kilkenny Intermediate camogie side who were victorious over Kildare. Meanwhile the Senior side lost out to Galway. BIRTHDAY BOY Special birthday wishes go out to local man Richie Britten who celebrated a very special birthday recently. Richie is known in local music circles and is wished well on his special occasion and many more birthdays to come SOCCER With all games finished for the season all is quiet on the field of play. WORKS Macadam overlay and associated

works have taken place at Clashacrow recently and at Sart Road Freshford also on the LS5010 at Ballinamara. These works will be of huge benefit to the residents and road users according to local Cllr. Michael McCarthy and great credit is due to the Area Engineer and his staff for their efforts HOLIDAYS Returning to Dubai last weekend after spending almost seven weeks holidaying in Kilkenny was Gretta Costigan and her husband Adrian. Gretta who is formerly from Johnstown Road Freshford and Adrian who hails from Ballyfoyle have been living in Dubai for the past number of years and are annual visitors who come back home each Christmas but haven’t been able to come home since the Covid outbreak until they had all safety procedures in order. We hope they are had a lovely holiday and enjoyed the good weather and have a safe journey back to Dubai. ARTS CENTRE St. Lachtains Church Musuem and Arts centre which was given a grant recently and work has already started on the first phase of the accessibility and display project funded by The Heritage Council. These projects will be part of their Heritage week entry. National Heritage week takes place from 14th to 22nd August and all community groups are encouraged to showcase their work for Heritage week. To find out more see www. heritageweek.ie or contact the Heritage office at Kilkenny County Council at heritage@kilkennycoco.ie GAA NEWS The two junior sides were in action at the weekend. On Saturday morning the Junior B took on neighbours Conahy Shamrocks and came out winners with just a point or two to spare. The Junior F championship campaign unfortunately got off to a bad start when they were defeated by Blacks and Whites in Skeoughvosteen on Sunday evening and were beaten by 5pts at the final whistle. Team: M.Walsh, C.Donnelly, D..Quinn, J.Cantwell, D.Burke, M.Nolan, D.Fitzpatrick, L.Costigan, C.Leahy, J.Dooley, K.Hughes, D.Killeen, M.Kavanagh, S.McGree and C.Colclough. CONGRATS . Congrats to Michael Kavanagh, ex St.Lachtains and Kilkenny Hurler who was part of Michael Fennellys back room team with Offaly when they won the Christy Ring Cup recently. CLASSES Fitness classes are resuming outdoors on Mondays and Wednesday evenings catering for all levels of fitness. Individual and group sessions available also. For further information please contact Tommy on 083 1069291 TIDY TOWNS Tidy Towns application for 2021 has been submitted and with tremendous work having been done from the dedicated sub committee they have also entered a number of sub categories. They would welcome all support across the summer in keeping our village tidy and shining. DUMPING With the great work that the Tidy towns are doing around the village and surrounds and the Village looking so well it is disgusting and disheartening to see that people are dumping bags of rubbish on the roads leading out of the village. A bag of personal rubbish was thrown on the Sart road and also rubbish thrown in the river at Moate Road which had been only recently cleaned. PARISH NEWS Mass continues in St.Lachtains Church each Wednesday morning

at 9.30am and each Sunday at 11am with a limited number of 50 people. Mass also in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 8pm with numbers limited to 25 due to social distancing requirements. During lockdown the church has always been open for private prayer each day It is however most important that we continue to wear masks, main social distancing and sanitise our hands and it is very important that you do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19. The Parish the internet and phone lines are now back in action following the line upgrade and the office hours have returned to the normal schedule. NOTICES The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. As part of the 1400 year celebrations plans are being put together for a montage of photographs of the Church and Parish’s through the years. If you have any photographs that you think would be appropriate for such a display please call or get in touch with the Parish Office. The plan is to copy the photographs so be assured all original photographs will be returned to its owner. MASS CARDS Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. MASKS With covid restrictions still remaining with us the wearing of masks and social distancing etc is most important It is still as important as ever to stay safe and we are reminded about wearing our mask at all times in all shops, and crowded places and on public transport. You are reminded also that masks can be purchased locally while supporting a very worthy charity. Washable face masks are being made locally and are available at Dooley’s Electrical shop at The Square Freshford with all proceeds being donated to the Charity ALONE. Alone manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or who are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of Coved 19. Professional staff are available to answer queries or give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. You can call them on 0818 222024. If you are experiencing a personal crisis are unable to cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. Amber Kilkenny Women’s Refuge; If you need confidential support or information relating to domestic violence you can call their helpline on 1850424244 or 056 7771404 or email info@amberwomensrefuge.ie EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and 1 sheet €10; Double books and 2 sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support. Piltown tickets: Are available from the usual sellers or any committee member. Total prize fund of €115,000. First draw takes place on September 28.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes EMERALDS URLINGFORD & GRAINE LOTTO August 2 prize fund was: €12,800. Jackpot: €10,800. Numbers drawn: 6, 7, 15 and 21, bonus no 3. One winner: Graine Development. No match three winner. Promoters prize: S. Hennessey. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Ronan/ Rachel Guilfoyle, Joan Hayde, Martin Hayde, Des Fitz, Eimear Grace. Next draw takes place on August 9 in the Clubrooms. Results next week. URLINGFORD ON THE MOVE WALKING TRACK Works are commencing shortly for Urlingford on the Move’s new Community Walking Track in Emeralds GAA Clubgrounds, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny. The walk way consists of: Walking surface, lighting, fencing, wheelchair friendly and own access gate. Our vision is to provide a facility in Urlingford where everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed, to participate, to grow and be inspired to continue with a lifelong engagement in our community. Urlingford on the Move have been successful in raising funding from various sources but there is still a shortfall, therefore we need and value your support. You can support this wonderful amenity by donating €20 on their GoFundMe page https://gofund. me/84e0e081 for your chance to win one of three prizes: 1st: €2021; 2nd: €200; 3rd: €50 Donate €50 - three chances to win; donate €100 - seven chances to win a prize. Envelopes have also been distributed to households in the locality, please return these envelopes to the Post Office. For the next four week’s the Split the Pot for the Walking Track so please support, thank you. MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Centre Closed for Holidays: The Centre is now closed for holidays and will re-open on Monday, August 16 at 9am. THE MILL ALLOTMENTS The allotments and Community garden are open to the public from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday each week. Courses for September 2021: Health Care Level 5: We are recruiting new learners for the Health-care Level 5 course commencing in September 2021. Pathway to Employment Course, Level 4: We are also recruiting for the Pathway to Employment Level 4 course which will be commencing in September 2021. Please contact Sue or Kevin in the Mill Family Resource Centre for more information on these courses and application forms on 056 8838466. URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT Draw takes place every Sunday evening in the Urlingford Arms Hotel. Last Sunday’s share of the pot was €476 and was won by Siobhan Holmes, well done Siobhan! For the next four week’s half the pot goes to Urlingford on the Move’s Walking Track and the other half could be you. So don’t miss out, get your envelopes in participating businesses or from any member of the Walking Track committee. LOCAL LINK BUS SERVICE The Local Link Bus Service Urlingford area - Urlingford & Galmoy to Kilkenny services continue to operate at 50% capacity every Tuesday. To book for either of these services please call 1890 424141 or 056 7715912 Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm. URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP

In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396. URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@ gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address. DUNNAMAGGIN GAA DEVELOPMENT FUND LOTTO SYNDICATE August winners:- Gervase & Fiona O Connell, Mairead Sheridan (€100 each). Peter Kenneally, Liam Conway (€50 each). Congrats to our winners and thank you to all for your continued support. DUNNAMAGGIN LOCAL LOTTO DRAW for 2nd August 2021 Winning Numbers : 3,18,21. No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. Adam Comerford ( Pat Comerford),John Power ( Malachy Hogan ),Aoife Mohan ( Malachy Hogan ),Ado & OJ Martin ( Helen Fennelly Martin ), Anne Kirwan ( Kathleen Kirwan ). Next Draw 9th August, Jackpot € 1,450. Venue St Leonards Hall, Dunnamaggin every Monday @ 9.00 pm all welcome. VINTAGE FAIR AND TEDDY BEARS PICNIC August 29th in Madge’s Garden, Dunnamaggin from 11am. You are invited to a Beary Special Teddy Bears Picnic to celebrate Dunnamaggins Development Group’s Vintage Fair on Sunday August 29th. Bring along you picnic blanket and teddy bear for lots of fun. DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB Dunnamaggin Ladies Football Cub are taking a stall at the Vintage Fair in Madge’s Garden on August 29th selling pre-loved gear. Please drop any unused gear you have to Bob’s Shop in Kells, to Amy Connery or Sabina Bass by August 22nd. Again another great weekend of club players representing county with Aisling O Shea, Caoimhe Power & Ona Kennedy in the U14 squads. Eleanor Hayes on the U15 squad Sontae & Nathania Jackson on the Kilkenny Minor panel defeated Wexford in Thomastown on Sunday 2-13 to 1-7. Kilkenny wait to hear the outcome of the draw on whether they progress to quarter or semifinals. Gillian Costello on the Kilkenny Intermediate panel defeated Cork & they await to hear the outcome of the draw to Q/F or S/F. DUNNAMAGGIN GYMKHANA Dunnamaggin Gymkhana takes place this year on September 5th. Proceeds to Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team and St Joseph’s Home, Kilmoganny. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE We are delighted to host a Free workshop with Liam Scollan from Carmicheal Centre for local community groups and not for profit organisations to support them to reopen safely within the current COVID guidelines. You will get access to a practical COVID 19 manual and template to work through on the day. Policies covered include right to disconnect, cyber security and decisions in the workplace around testing and vaccinations. This has been a very popular workshop last year. “Ready and Able to Reopen 2021 Workshop” - 18th of August at 10am11.30 on ZOOM Contact us on info@ volunteerkilkenny or call 0871165658 to register for your free tickets. Volunteers Needed : SOS Kilkenny - Recreational Support Volunteers Needed to support individuals attending various activities. Girl Guides Kilkenny - Brownie Leaders

Needed assist with weekly activities Thomastown Credit Union looking for Board / Committee Members- Its an opportunity to gain skills and support the work of the Credit Union . Amber Womens Refuge: Star Project - Looking for Star Weavers and Installation Assistants - this is a lovely project for groups or individuals to help highlight domestic abuse Retail Assistants Urgently needed for local charity shops. Please get in touch on www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 0871165658 GOWRAN PITCH and PUTT Congratulations to David Holland and Tom Fitzpatrick prize-winners at Liam Sherry Memorial Scratch cup in St. Bridget’s club in Kilcullen. Well done to David on his win in the Junior section. Tom claimed the 36 Nett intermediate prize with two solid rounds of 50 giving him a total of 8 under. Well done to the Holland brothers David and Matthew and their playing partner John Cawley on winning the Helen McMorrow memorial scramble over the weekend at Lakeside Pitch and Putt club. Also, to Tom Fitzpatrick also who finished runner up in the intermediate section at the Hillview Scratch Cup on Saturday. GOWRAN AC Congratulations to all the athletes who competed in the Irish Life Health Juvenile All Ireland Track & Field championships recently. Gold for Billy Coogan in the U17 Steeplechase and Silver for Tomas Carroll in the U13 High Jump. Orla Brennan (U14) finished 2nd in the hammer with a big personal best of 31.11m Results: 1st U17- Billy Coogan - 2000m Steeplechase 2nd U13 - Tomás Carroll - High Jump 2nd U14 - Orla Brennan - Hammer 8th U12 - Evan Ryan - Turbo Javelin 7th U13 - Aoibhlinn Steger - High Jump 9th U14 - Orla Brennan - Shot Putt 5th U14 - James Kelsey - Discus 7th U14 - Charlie Ryan - Discus 4th U15 - Rachel Gardiner - Discus 6th U15 - Darragh Dunne - 200m heat 4th U16 - Anna Brennan - Shot Putt 4th U16 - Anna Brennan - Hammer 8th U18 - Cillian Dunne - 800m 7th U13 - Odhran Prendergast - Long Jump 6th U14 - Noah Denieffe - Hammer 7th U14 - Charlie Ryan - Hammer 5th U15 - Hazel Coogan - Javelin 6th U15 - Rachel Gardiner - Shot Put 8th U15 - Darragh Dunne - 100m Full Results http://live.athleticsireland.ie/menu. html Well done to everyone. GOWRAN PARISH Mass is being streamed every morning on Gowran Parish Facebook page, masses this week Gowran Sunday at 11.30.am, Monday at 9.30.am, Wednesday at 9.30am, Thursday at 9.30.am and Friday at 9.30.am. GOWRAN PARK The restaurant is serving food and beverages and is now reopen for indoor dining. All guidelines will be adhered to at all times so please remember to bring photo ID / vaccination card as it is required, outdoor space is still operating. All staff are fully vaccinated, and you do not have to be a member to dine. Booking is advised, to book a table please call William on 0860230255 or Edwina on 0830345224. GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED Gowran Festival of Speed will take place on August, 22nd. This is a

ticketed event and a limited number are available online at https:// www.gowranpark.ie/racing/buytickets/?ftredirect=1 tickets are €15 plus booking fee and U12’s go free. Final few tickets remaining. SPORTS ROUND-UP – MICHAEL O’LEARY Ciara stars as Kilkenny brush aside Kildare It was a must win game after the loss in Antrim, & The Kilkenny Intermediates duly obliged as they easily brushed aside Kildare 2-24 to 1-7 in John Locke Park Callan to get their Championship hopes back on track with Ciara O’Keeffe playing a starring role. Ciara had an exceptional game scoring 1-6 & turning creator of other scores, with 1-2 of her personal individual tally coming inside the opening 10 minutes. The Young Irelands player is most certainly making an impression in her debut season as an Inter-County Adult Player & she has become an important part of the Intermediate Team. Tiffany Fitzgerald impressed also at wing-back & the duo have another must win game next weekend against Cork. John Locke Park Callan was a happy hunting ground for the O’Keeffe family yesterday (Saturday), as Ciara’s brother Billy was part of the Young Irelands U-15 B Team that easily defeated The Callan Boys. Unfortunately, there was disappointment for Steffi Fitzgerald & The Kilkenny Senior Camogie Team, as they lost out 1-13 to 0-15 to a Galway Team that played with 14 Girls for the majority of the contest. They will now play Wexford in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final on the Weekending 22nd August, where they will feel confident of getting their AllIreland hopes back on track. Meanwhile, the Minors Co-Captained by Sarah O’Donnell drew 2-11 to 1-14 against Waterford having led 2-8 to 0-6 after 40 minutes. The Minors now play Wexford in Thomastown next Sunday. WALSH’S 4-TIMER CONTINUES 13S WINNING RUN Young Irelands Gowran 5-12 Graigue-Ballycallan 3-7 A thrilling contest in Gowran last Monday Week saw Full-Forward Josef Walsh inspire the Young Irelands U-13s to victory over a gallant Graigue-Ballycallan outfit who fought manfully to the very end. On a drizzly overcast evening, in which there was rain for the first time in a forthnight, the skill levels & striking of sliotar from both teams was of a very high standard, and there was clear intent right from the outset with a blistering start to the match. Graigue-Ballycallan got off to the best possible start with a goal inside two minutes, but the Gowran Boys replied immediately with a hat-trick of consecutive points from play by Tomas Carroll to draw them level, before Carroll combined along with Aidan Keating to set-up Josef Walsh to rifle home for the first part of his 4-timer. 1-3 to 1-0. Aidan Keating who scored 4-10 in the 6-15 to 6-13 win away to Piltown got off the mark with a pointed free, before Graigue-Ballycallan replied with a point from play to leave the score at 1-4 to 1-1 in favour of Young Irelands after just 7 minutes. There was a wait of 6 minutes until the next score, when Keating pointed a free in the 13th minute, before he scored a goal from a free in the 15th minute going into the first water break. 2-5 to 1-1. Graigue-Ballycallan added a brace of points to narrow the gap, before the Gowran Boys finished the half strongly with four unanswered points courtesy of Aidan Keating(2 0-1 free) and the outstanding Ciaran Carter(2). That late first-half blitz left Young Irelands 9 points ahead at the

interval. 2-9 to 1-3. The Graigue-Ballycallan Boys were quick out of the block following the restart, & 1-2 without reply suddenly left just a 4-point gap. 2-9 to 2-5. However, Young Irelands responded quickly & emphatically with three points in a 90 second spell between the 37th & 39th minutes as Ciaran Carter, Jonathan Dunne & Keelan Barcoe were all on target. 2-12 to 2-5. They put themselves in a commanding position with their third goal in the 43rd minute. Tomas Carroll sent a long range ball towards goal that found Josef Walsh, & he showed great determination to break free & find space before powerfully dispatching his shot past the Graigue-Ballycallan Goalkeeper. 3-12 to 2-5. The Young Irelands Boys were never in danger afterwards and they added a 4th goal in the 48th minute. An intelligent ball from the impressive Joseph Langton found Walsh directly in space, & with a clear path through on goal his shot found a way past the Goalkeeper via a deflection. 4-12 to 2-6. Graigue-Ballycallan to their credit kept battling away, & they instantly replied with a goal, but Young Irelands had the final say. Josef Walsh who was a towering menacing threat throughout at FullForward constantly caused havoc, & he completed his 4-timer when his goal-bound effort took a bounce along the surface before trickling it’s way to the net untouched. A very impressive performance from Young Irelands with Joe Walsh leading the way in attack. Tomas Carroll was a constant threat & also during the final quarter, he operated as an extra defender at corner-back sweeping up to excellent effect. Defensively, they endured a few nervy moments, but eventually settled with the two Corner-Backs Vincent Byrne & Darragh Roche Corcoran playing starring roles, with Goalkeeper Dylan Brennan providing a solid & assured presence. It was a great night for Young Irelands Teams with the Minor & U-16 Camogie Teams making it a hat-trick victories. The Minors had a much needed confidence boosting victory as they won out 5-12 to 1-14 against O’Loughlin Gaels, while the U-16 Camogie Team got their League campaign off to a winning start as they secured a hard fought & hard earned 2-9 to 1-9 win against James Stephens in Larchfield. They will now play Dicksboro Tonight, Wednesday 4th August. KILLIAN PLAYS PART IN MINOR FINAL THRILLER Congratulations to Killian Carey, Padraig Naddy & Selector Martin Carey & all the rest of the Players & Management Team, as Kilkenny retained their Leinster Minor Title following a nail biting finish against Wexford in Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow last night Killian played his part as he scored a point & was also involved in a number fo attacking movements. A Ted Dunne goal gave Kilkenny the lead just before half-time, but Wexford replied with goals either side of the interval. Kilkenny though fought back with points from Ted Dunne, Harry Shine and Danny Glennon to regain the lead, before Goalkeeper Alan Dunphy came to the rescue with vital saves to deny Wexford a winning goal at the end of the contest. Kilkenny will now play Galway in a repeat of the 2018, 2019 & 2020 All-Ireland Minor Finals on the Weekending 14th-15th August in the AllIreland Semi Final. Unfortunately, it was a night to forget for the U-13 13-a-side as they suffered a heavy defeat at home to

Bennettsbridge on Tuesday Night. The Bridge Boys led 2-5 to 1-1 at the interval, before going on a goal scoring blitz throughout the Second-Half to run out easy winners. A hugely disappointing night for the young boys & they would be hoping to bounce back quickly next Tuesday Night against Naomh Eoin Myshall. It will be a tough task against the League’s outstanding form team who have won all 5 matches, but unquestionably there will be extra motivation to produce a performance that replicates what had been a very positive League campaign until Tuesday Night. Meanwhile, the Senior Camogie Team concluded a very disappointing League with a 2-14 to 1-5 loss away to Dicksboro last night. They will turn their attention to the start of the Championship in September & they will be hoping to be strengthened by the return of a number of their players who were absent during the League. JUNIORS BRAVE ATTEMPT FALLS SHORT Tullaroan 3-14 Young Irelands Gowran 2-15 They gave it their very best shot, & it was their Best Performance of the year, but ultimately it came up short as Tullaroan’s goals at critical stages proved crucial in a thrilling contest. In an evenly matched first-half, Young Irelands led by the minimum 0-9 to 0-8 at the interval. Dylan Carey scored 0-4 from frees, while Tom Drennan, Paul Kinsella & Sean Kehoe were also among the point scorers. Tullaroan added two points early in the Second-Half to take the lead, before the Gowran Men replied with a goal in the 33rd minute A long range free from JP Treacy found Tom Drennan who broke his way through to squeeze his shot into the net as they regained the lead. 1-9 to 0-10. Dylan Carey pointed a free to extend the advantage to three points(1-10 to 0-10), before Tullaroan replied with a levelling goal in the 36th minute. 1-10 each. Both Sides exchanged points in the 37th minute & 38th minutes respectively, before Jason Brennan who pulled off a host of top class saves throughout, produced a brilliant double save in the 40th minute. Young Irelands restored their lead with a point from play by Paul Kinsella in the 42nd minute, before Dylan Carey missed the chance to extend the lead from a scoreable free, when his attempt from a placed ball hit the post. Tullaroan got off the hook & moments later, they drew level with a point from play in the 45th minute, before regaining the lead with a similar effort in the 47th minute. 1-13 to 1-12. In this See-Saw contest, the Gowran Men added another point to restore parity, before Tullaroan struck a decisive blow to Young Irelands hopes with a goal in the 53rd minute. It was a rebounded effort after Jason Brennan had saved the initial shot. 2-13 to 1-13. There was more drama still to come. Jimmy Lennon pointed from play to narrow the gap, before the winning goal came from Tullaroan that extended the lead to 5 points. 3-13 to 1-14. Sean Kehoe struck a goal from a free to reduce the advantage back to two points, before Dylan Carey pointed his 7th free to leave just the minimum between the teams. 3-13 to 2-15. However, Tullaroan had the final say with a point from play to shade a close contest. The U-15A Team lost 2-21 to 1-7 against O’Loughlin Gaels, while the U-15 B Team also finished their League Group with a 2-15 to 0-3 win away to John Lockes of Callan.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Hurling Matters

Sport Extra-time heartbreak for Cody’s men as rebels win by 5 BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AFTER an epic encounter at headquarters in front of the biggest crowd since the pandemic begun, Kilkenny bowed out of this year’s All-Ireland championship following an extra-time defeat to Cork. It was a fantastic advert for hurling, but Brian Cody and his men will take little comfort from this, having come out on the wrong side of the 1-37 to 1-32 score line. The 24,000 Gael’s in attendance witnessed an almighty game that had everything, except of course a Kilkenny win. The cats came into the game with history very much on their side. The Noresiders record at the business end of the season is one to be reckoned with. Since Semifinals became a feature of the hurling championship in 1984, Kilkenny had played in twentysix penultimate matches, losing just five of these. The rebel county doesn’t care much for history and tradition as they’ve shown this year. A young and energetic bunch, their trajectory is definitely on the upward scale. Even before the throw-in both sides were involved in some ‘handbags’ as they attempted to gain a psychological advantage. It would be the black and amber that settled first, with points from Richie Reid and Padraig Walsh as the cat’s tactic of retaining possession was reaping reward. Kieran Kingston’s men appeared nervous and the decision to get keeper Patrick Collins in more advanced positions after short puck-outs was back-firing, as Kilkenny stole possession on a few occasions and punished the rebel’s, with Eoin Cody registering a couple of scores to leave Cody’s men leading 0-6 to-02 after 11 minutes. Shortly afterwards, Ballyhale’s TJ Reid could have been awarded a penalty when Cork’s Mark Coleman appeared to foul the number 14, however referee Fergal Horgan deemed the Kilkenny man to have over-carried, a harsh call. This let-off appeared to act as a catalyst for the rebels who were now settling into their running game, and their pace was causing much danger all

over the pitch. Cork then hit the next five points in the game, largely from frees, Patrick Horgan was certainly in top form. Cats defender Paddy Deegan then found himself in the book having caught Cork’s O’Mahoney quite high while on the stretch. Kilkenny responded with a further two points from Billy Ryan and TJ’s second free to lead by two, 0-9 to 0-7. The Lee-siders responded with scores from Fitzgibbon and Barrett, but the real scoring threat continued to come from Patrick Horgan both from free’s and play as Cork edged ahead. The Cork defence were limiting TJ to mostly frees. However, Eoin Cody, Billy Ryan and captain Adrian Mullen kept the scoreboard ticking over with scores from play. Ballyhale’s Cody almost hit the net before the interval, but his shot was struck too close to the Cork netminder. Kilkenny led by the minimum at the break, 0-15 to 0-14. When the match resumed, the roller-coaster of momentum continued. Firstly, TJ scored a number of frees to move the cats four ahead, but the lead was reduced with scores from

O’Flynn and the deadly Horgan. Cork boss Kingston had been forced to make one change before half-time, sensed that Kilkenny were gaining the upper hand, and decided to shuffle his pack. Both Alan Cadogan and the managers son Shane entered the fray.

Cork crus Cats drea of Liam The changes had the desired effect, as both replacements pace and direct style and most importantly scoring ability helped bring the rebels back on terms by the second water break with a score line of 0-21 apiece. The break did little to disrupt Cork’s dominance and flow. Kilkenny had full-back Huw Lawlor to thank for denying Alan Cadogan a certain goal when the O’Loughlin Gaels man made a superb block. Unfortunately, this didn’t stem

the rising Cork tide, as both Cadogan and Shane Kingston hit some wonderful scores as the rebels registered six points without reply in a devastating nine-minute spell. Free-taker Reid kept eating away at the Cork lead with a series of further scores from dead balls. When Cork’s answer to TJ, Patrick Horgan missed a ‘65 in injury time, it appeared the cat’s late effort was to be in vain. However, as Cody’s men have shown this season, they never fade away

and surrender lightly. As the clock edged towards the 75th minute, Glenmore netminder Eoin Murphy launched a final attack. Cork lost possession when Tim O’Mahony was robbed by Padraig Walsh whose pinpoint pass found captain Adrian Mullen, who created the angle to unleash a great shot to the rebel’s net. The Kilkenny supporters erupted. Extra time. Cork must have feared the worst. Having watched the

cat’s comeback and extra-time victory against Wexford in the provincial semi-final, surely Cody’s charges would use the injury-time equaliser and push on for victory. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. Both sides sensed blood, and goals seemed to be the method chosen to secure victory. Cork keeper Collins deflected a Billy Ryan shot over, while both Walter Walsh and Martin Keoghan saw efforts hit the side netting. At the other end Eoin Murphy had to come

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Hurling Matters

h ms off his line to prevent Alan Connolly hitting the net. There was to be no repeat shortly after as Cork’s Jack O’Connor showed a good turn of pace to beat two Kilkenny defenders before smashing a thunderous shot from the angle. Tj Responded with yet another free before Horgan did likewise. Cork would lead by three at the break in extra time, 1-32 to 1-29. When extra-time resumed Cork’s energy and pace caused more problems, with

goalscorer O’Connor pointing along with super-sub Shane Kingston and Harnedy in quick succession. Despite further points from TJ and Richie Hogan, which reduced the deficit to four, Cork subDeclan Dalton hit the final point of the game to leave five between the sides at the final whistle and secure a final date with Limerick. Final score, Cork 1-37 Kilkenny 1-32. Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Tommy Walsh, Huw Lawlor, Paddy Deegan; James Maher (0-01), Padraig Walsh (0-01), Michael Carey (0-01); Conor Fogarty (0-01), Richie Reid (0-01); Adrian Mullen (1-03),

John Donnelly, Billy Ryan (0-05); Eoin Cody (0-04), TJ Reid (0-13, 3 ‘65s’, 9f), Alan Murphy (0-01). Subs: Cillian Buckley for Richie Reid (50), Martin Keoghan for Donnelly (ht), Walter Walsh for Murphy (52), James Bergin for Keoghan (60), Richie Hogan (0-01) for Cody (et), Donnelly for Ryan (et), Delaney for Carey (et) Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary (0-01), Robert Downey, Sean O’Donoghue; Tim O’Mahony, Mark Coleman (0-01), Ger Millerick; Darragh Fitzgibbon (0-01), Luke Meade; Conor Cahalane, Seamus Harnedy (0-02), Robbie O’Flynn (0-02); Shane Barrett (0-01), Patrick Horgan (0-15, 9f), Jack O’Connor (1-03). Subs: Eoin Cadogan for Millerick (35), Shane Kingston for Fitzgibbon (0-07) (42), Alan Cadogan (0-03) for Barrett (47), Damien Cahalane for O’Flynn (68), Alan Connolly for C Cahalane (et), Sean O’Leary Hayes for Coleman (et), Fitzgibbon for Meade (et), Declan Dalton for O’Connor (0-01) (et) Referee: Fergal Horgan (Tipperary)

>> SHERRY SAYS........... ALAS the dream is over. Perhaps it was more in hope than expectation that Liam would return to the county this year. In the build-up to last Sunday’s game, there was much talk about which of Kilkenny and Cork would prevail and set up a final shot with Limerick. Would it be the seasoned county, the Cats with a greater tradition and the genius of Brian Cody at the helm. Or would it be the lee-siders with their pace and dynamism. Well, we now know that it was Cork that would prevail. Their pace and running, certainly caused Kilkenny problems. Kieran Kingston decided not to start his son Shane. Once introduced, he was immense. Scoring 0-7 from the bench is a mighty feat. Alan Cadogan’s introduction also yielded 0-3. Kingston would take the MOTM award in most circles, however Patrick Horgan’s tally of 0-15, included some fine scores too. It isn’t often that TJ is outscored, either in victory or defeat, but Sunday was one of those days. Extra time was a bonus. I didn’t see the goal coming. The move that led to the equalising score was direct. It needed to be. The craft that Adrian Mullen showed to engineer the angle for his shot was lovely. The Ballyhale man is growing into his role within the team. Would Cody’s cats have been best placed to challenge the Treaty men for Liam this year? Who knows? There’s work to be done. We have experienced quite a lot in this condensed season. Thank you, Adrian & Co. We’re with you.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Story of a season

Sport Will it be a winter of discontent? BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

THE dust won’t settle on this season for our hurlers just yet. It has been a very strange eighteen months across the world, mostly related to the ‘P’ word. Yes, the pandemic, COVID-19 has cost all of us so much. During these dark times, the GAA has somehow managed to lift our spirits, and through our Hurling, Camogie and Football we have had a glimpse of what normality was like. Games without supporters was not something that we could ever have imagined, but our players ensured that we had something to cling to. As restrictions eased, we started to see fans returning to our grounds, and this had an energising effect on games. Kilkenny had a largely successful league campaign, topping Division 1B. As no league final was scheduled in this season’s calendar, the title was shared between both Galway and the Cats. The league saw captain Adrian Mullen return to action and allowed Brian Cody to shuffle his pack game to game. It became clear early on in the league campaign that Glenmore’s Eoin Murphy was a keeper of the highest quality. Murphy would go on to have a great season, and is undoubtably an All-Star candidate for the Number one jersey. Victories over Dublin, Antrim, Laois and Wexford would come before a final league game against Clare. Perhaps it was the trip to Ennis that helped put some perspective on the shape Brian Cody’s team were in. Clare racked up 4-20 in their home win, as doubts surrounding the Kilkenny defence resurfaced. The Banners win continued their winning streak against the Nore-siders – making it six games without a loss. It was TJ, yet again who finished top of the league scoring charts for Kilkenny – hitting 1-34 across the campaign and making him the only black and amber player in the ‘Top Ten’ Scorer’s list. The reliance on the Ballyhale legend continues. As we all know, the league’s for playing. It’s the championship that gets the Gael’s going. As Leinster got

Season in the sun on cloudy note

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Story of a season

ends under way, Cody’s panel watched with interest as their semi-final opponents were confirmed. As expected, Davy Fitz & co prevailed against Laois in Nowlan Park, setting up what was to be his final dig at the cats with the yellowbellies. In arguably the greatest game of Hurling this year so far, the lads took fans on one hell of a rollercoaster. In front of 8,000 fans at headquarters, both sides provided a fantastic spectacle. In a game that ebbed and flowed for its entirety, Wexford somehow managed to force extra-time by hitting three late scores. The Kilkenny faithful feared the worst when keeper Eoin Murphy was sent to the ‘bin’ for a foul. Wexford scored the penalty and the cats trailed by the minimum at the interval

in extra-time. Our boys would go to the well again and finish the game strongly, hitting 1-6 without reply in the second period, including a lovely goal from Walter which saw them claim a final berth against the Dubs. The Leinster decider was never going to live up to the semi-final spectacle, the home side lost some players to COVID-19 in the buildup, and despite their best efforts, Kilkenny claimed a 73rd O’Keefe cup in front of 18,000 Gaels. Leinster was done. Cody knew a bigger, stronger challenge lay ahead, if the cats were to end the wait for Liam. Kilkenny continued their preparations in their quest for the ultimate prize. Once Cork overcame Dublin in the quarter-final, Cody could focus on what was to prove to be the last match of the season. Another extra-time affair. Another visit to the well. Ultimately the well ran dry in the final ten minutes of the semi-final battle. Cork’s pace and running game won the day. Semi-final defeat and heartache for our boys. Our leader and legend, Brian Cody admitted the better team won on the day. As usual Kilkenny went down fighting. Thanks for your efforts, Mr. Cody & squad. In these times, you have given us all great hope, excitement and much needed distraction. 2022 we’ll be expecting you. The fight will continue.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Camogie news

Sport Defeat sets up all or nothing clash with Wexford BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

GALWAY secured top place in the group, and with that automatic passage to the AllIreland semi-final, having snatched a one-point win over Kilkenny at John Locke Park, Callan recently. The Westerner’s held on to take the win, despite playing for almost forty-five minutes with 14 players, after corner-forward Catherine Finnerty received a straight red card midway through the first half. Brian Dowling’s team opened the scoring early on when some nice interchanges resulted in Windgap’s Denise Gaule struck her first score of the game. Kilkenny’s lead was doubled after Aoife Doyle struck a nice point. The Tribeswomen responded with two scores of their own through free’s from Ailish O’Reilly after 10 minutes. Gaule & O’Reilly exchanged frees, before the cats in-form sharp-shooter Katie Nolan split the posts. Then came the sending off of Galway’s Finnerty. Referee John Dermody then deemed the corner-forwards contact with Claire Phelan suitably dangerous and produced the red card. In what should have been the catalyst for Kilkenny to kick-on and exploit their numerical advantage, never quite materialised. Leading by 0-4 to 0-3 at this point, the cats continued to dominate play during the second quarter, but only had an excellent point from half back Kelly Ann Doyle after the first water break to show for their efforts. The game became rather congested, with neither side able to drive on. Tullaroan’s Miriam Walsh was foraging much deeper and hit a wonderful long-range point to try and spark the game into life again. From the resulting puck-out, Aoife Doyle pick up the ball and hot a lovely point to move her side three clear, only for Ailish O’Reilly to hit yet another free, her fifth of the game to reduce the deficit to just two points, before Denise Gaule posted another point from a free to leave Kilkenny leading by three points at the interval,

0-8 to 0-5. Galway’s manager, Cathal Murray used the break to reenergise his side, as they came out with all guns blazing in the second half. The deadly O’Reilly pointed yet another free from in front of the posts, as Kilkenny’s indiscipline

was again punished. Galway should take the lead shortly after, when Siobhan McGrath raised the green flag having a goal from close range. The cats appeared stunned, and further Galway scores would come from goal-scorer McGrath and Niamh Kilkenny.

The Tribeswomen now lead by three 1-8 to 0-8. This is not how it was meant to be; the numerical advantage was not evident; Kilkenny were clearly rattled. Denise Gaule would open the home sides account in the second half with another free as Dowling’s

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Camogie news

Galway girls edge Cats in Callan

charges attempted to close the gap on last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists. The same player would trade points with Galway’s McGrath, before hitting another point as the black and amber reduced the gap to just one point with less than fifteen minutes remaining. Despite a brave effort in the closing minutes of the contest,

which saw Piltown’s Aoife Doyle notch her 3rd point of the game, Galway held on for deserved one-point win which saw them finish as group winners and secure a semifinal berth. For Kilkenny, a trip to the rebel county to face Neighbour’s Wexford in a mustwin quarter-final tie. No more second chances.

>> SHERRY SAYS... When Kilkenny play Galway, there normally isn’t too much between the sides. The cats emerged victorious from both Decembers All-Ireland final and this year’s league final. As with all reigning champions, the opposition will view any meeting as a chance to claim a famous scalp. Galway certainly had a point to prove, and they just about did enough to deserve victory in Callan. The Tribeswomen recovered from the early sending off of corner forward Catherine Finnerty to lay down a marker – but more importantly, progress to the semi-finals. On the other hand, our camogs will now have to navigate a tricky tie against Wexford at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork on 21st August. Brian Dowling Know’s the next couple of weeks are crucial, as he prepares his squad for this clash. The O’Loughlin Gael’s clubman was not best pleased with his side’s performance against Galway and implied that the westerner’s greater hunger was the key to the victory afterwards. This group has shown that they can dig deep when it matters most, and they will certainly knuckle down and work hard in the coming days to ensure that the desire, hunger and performance come together when they take to the field in Cork. There are no more second chances...it’s sudden death now.

‘Look Who’s T alking’

Player Name: Co llette Dormer Club: Barrow Ra Position: Backs ngers

Sporting highlig It’s a tough one…ht so far: County Final and . Junior & 2020 All Ireland the 2016 ’s If you could only to 1 singer or ba listen the rest of your nd for would you choolife, who Sarah-Anne Fitz se? ge especially if we’re rald on a road trip Pet hate: People being late Best Holiday De done & to do: stination South Africa/ Ne Thailand & To dow Zealand/ across America … Driving Sporting Idol & Aine Doran (5 why: Ashbournes…… ) If you had to de scribe yourself Stubborn, easy go in ing, optimistic 3 words:

Party of 6

You are allowed 6 chosen guests to invite 6 famous people for dinner.....name • Dave Grohl – Ni& reasons for inviting! the • Michelle Obam rvana/Foo Fighters • Bruce Springs a – Brings class and fun to the ta ble • Leonardo DiCateen – stories • Pink – enterta prio – Eye Candy • Ricky Gervais inment – Dark Humour Team mates! • Best trainer • Worst trainer Meg Farrell • Queen of styl - Denise Gaule • Best Taste in e - Katie Nowlan m • Worst taste in usic - Claire Phelan • Most difficult music - Grace Walsh opponent - Kate Kelly

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Sport

Golf

1st John Buggy Hcp10 77 2nd Louis Todd Hcp10 78 3rd Denis Butler Hcp 10 79 Nett Prize Michael Coogan Hcp12 68 nett 1st & 2nd August 2021. Minor Scratch Cup. Sponsor: Colgan Sports 1st Paddy Mahon Hcp20 91 2nd Michael O’Connor Hcp23 94 Nett Prize Denis Brennan Hcp32 68 nett

NOTES

CASTLECOMER GOLF CLUB Congratulations to the under 15 team who had a narrow win in their match against Gowran. They now progress to the regional Semi-Final. 7th & 8th Aug 2021. Top 30 Open Singles Sponsor: John Craddock Ltd. 1st Gerri Dunne (Playing Hcp 23) 43pts 2nd Jason Kealy (Playing Hcp 21) 42pts

3rd Mark Unwin (Playing Hcp 8) 40pts Best Gross Damien Knox (Hcp 5) 36pts Class 1 Playing Hcp 0-10 Adrian O’Neill (Hcp 9) 39 pts Class 2 Playing Hcp 11-18 Michael Coogan (Hcp 11) 39pts Class 3 Playing Hcp 19+ Eddie Kenny (Hcp 21) 36 pts (b9). 4th & 5th August 2021. Midweek Open Singles 1st Breannain Buggy Hcp24 43pts

2nd Cathal O’Reilly Hcp13 40pts 1st & 2nd August 2021. Junior Scratch Cup Sponsor: Colgan Sports 1st Thomas Breen Hcp6 74 2nd Damien Knox Hcp6 75 (b9) 3rd Kieran Byrne Hcp 6 75 Nett Prize Adam Comerford Hcp7 69 nett 1st & 2nd August 2021. Intermediate Scratch Cup. Sponsor: Colgan Sports

Ladies News The Granard Cup Qualifier was competed for last week at the club. The proceeds benefit NCBI. The competition is always well supported, and this year was no exception. The National Council for the Blind of Ireland, the country’s leading sight loss charity serving the approximate 55,000 people who are blind, or vision impaired to live confidently and independently. NCBI works every day across the country with people of all ages, from young babies through to older members of our community. The charity provides services to approximately 7,000 people each year. Our ladies played Tuesday to Sunday and raised funds for this worthy cause. The format was straight foursomes, and the pairings posted some great scores. The Leinster Final is scheduled to be played at Millicent G.C. on September 2.

Result: Freida Campion /Maria Downey 40 pts The All Ireland Women’s Fourball managers Margaret Furlong / Ita Madigan and panel of players are looking forward to the regional final of the competition to be played by August 22. The opposing team will be Rathdowney G.C. The Cullen Cup Team played New Ross G.C. on Sunday August 8. Managers Maureen Norton and Seamus O’ Connor fielded strong pairings to represent the club. Congratulations to managers and team of players on a great win and qualifying for the next round of the competition. Team: Betty Owens / Seamus O’ Connor Margaret O’ Keeffe / Robert Ring Emma Walsh / Martin Brennan Ita Madigan / Michael O’ Neill Jo Costigan/ Marty O Shea. Volunteers Lady Captain Patricia, Vice Captain Helen, Committee and lady members would like to acknowledge the work completed on a weekly basis by the volunteer group. Recently this cohort of members repositioned the course furniture, which has added to the aesthetics of our wonderful course. Mile buiochas doibh!

Friday August 6 Mixed Scramble Results: First 16 6/8 net Daniel O’ Connell Dara McGrath Tommy Brennan Catherine Campion Second 20 net Cara Doyle Eamonn Doyle Helen Hennessy CALLAN GOLF LADIES Intermediate Team News Our Ladies Intermediate Team played Athy in the Leinster Semi-Final on Sunday Last. With Athy having secured two wins at home and 1 on the 18th hole in Callan they progressed to the Leinster Final. We wish them all the best on the road ahead Tuesday Aug 3rd. 3 Person Champagne Scramble Winners Pauline O’Brien/Rita O’Neill/ Maria Gorey 86pts Melanie O’Brien was the winner of the 9 hole competition. LADY CAPTAINS CHARITY DAY IN AID OF CARLOW/KILKENNY HOMECARE Lady Captain Anna Starr’s Charity Day will take place on Thursday August 19th. It is a two person team event (any combination) Entry Fee 10 euro Wide array of prizes Booking online or ring the ClubHouse at 0567725136

Resilience: Local karate club has not allowed pandemic to halt their training THE Budo Martial Arts Centre aka Kilkenny Karate Club which operates out of the Watershed Sports Complex in Kilkenny City is one of the very few sporting organisations in the Country that has managed to continue with their training throughout the pandemic. The local club which has members from all over Kilkenny and the Southeast currently

trains outdoors at the Watershed and is looking forward to moving back indoors at the same venue as soon as the government gives the green light. Chief Instructor for the club, Kevin Shortall said ‘The last 18 months or so has been tough for sports clubs with many having to pause or cease operation. We were in a very for-

tunate position as karate is an ideal activity to be taught via zoom so during the height of the pandemic all our members took part in online training. We are also members of a great World Karate Body which facilitated all its members be offering online classes with some of the leading karate instructors available. The last year and a half or so have seen us use a

combination of online, indoor, and outdoor training. We have kept going and our members are very grateful for it! The club are starting beginner classes for ‘Adults’ and would welcome anybody interested in studying the ‘art of karate’ to come up and try out a class free of charge. The adult karate class runs from 7pm-8pm each Tuesday and

Thursday and are open to both males and females. No prior experience or special clothing/equipment is necessary just come along, wear something comfortable such as a tracksuit and join the fun! The club also runs several classes for kids, teenagers, and families. More information can be found on their website – www.budomartialartscentre.

com or call 086 3668669. The club has a strong core of experienced black-belt instructors on hand to help students on their journey to perhaps one day achieving their black-belt. All instructors are highly qualified and have their grades registered with the Japan Shotokan Karate Association, one of the world’s leading karate organisations.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Sport

Floodlit Soccer to celebrate 21 years in Kilkenny

Pictured at the launch of Kilkenny Floodlit Soccer league 21st season. L to R: Jackie Tyrell ( player) Gerry O’Keefe , Eamon Cleere ( league Cordinators) Paula Rutkins( O’Neill Centre) John Dalton ( Sponsor) The 21st season will begin in Autumn and any teams wishing to enter contact Eamon Cleere on 0879582127. Further details on league website www.kffl.ie

The 2 do’s and 3 don’ts to keep your back healthy EOIN EVERARD

WE all know it’s important to maintain good back health by doing things that help strengthen it and avoid the things that cause harm... this is just common sense. The problem for most of us is that we don’t know what are the things we need to avoid and what are some simple things we can do to prevent back problems from occurring in the first place! 1st Don’t - Don’t lift heavy things early in the morning. Most people are aware of the “lift with the legs” motto, which means bending your knees when lifting something. But there are also some other gems you need to know to avoid a back injury. First, the back disks are highly pressurised (full of water) first thing in the morning. This makes your back more stiff. It also makes stresses on the disk more substantial with lifts. So if possible, avoid lifting heavy

things or in stooped awkward positions, first thing in the morning. If you have a choice of doing laundry first thing in the morning or at night, do it at night.

for the lumbar spine. The walking, while helpful for the back, can also pay dividends for your heart health and longevity.

2nd Don’t - Don’t be a hero! Another thing to think about when lifting something awkward or heavy is to get some help. There’s no point in trying to be superman or superwoman and test the limits of your back strength. A second person helping could save you a trip to see to see me! 3rd Don’t and 1st Do!Don’t sit for hours on end! Go for a walk after work! Another “don’t” for the low back is to avoid sitting as much as possible. While some jobs make this difficult, there’s no reason to follow eight hours of sitting at the job with four hours of evening sitting at home. The back craves and thrives on motion, especially walking. Why not go for a thirty-minute walk after dinner, instead of being a couch or chair potato? The spine is architecturally designed for walking. This is where it is at its optimum. Sitting in a chair is a very unnatural position

2nd Do - Another important “do” for the low back is stretching. Simple stretching for 30 seconds each, the calves (lower legs), hamstrings (back of the thighs) and quadriceps (front of the legs), can help to keep the back flexible. Recall that we are supposed to lift with the legs. If the legs muscles are tight and/or weak, then the low back is going to take up much more of the weight and stress, increasing your risk for injury. Adhering to a few good spinal “hygiene” principals can do a lot to maintain spinal health and keep your visits to my clinic to a minimum. Prevention is the key to good health. Email everardpilates@ gmail.com to get our free book Secrets to a Healthy Spine or for more information about back Pilates and availing of a free trial. Visit everardpilates.com/backfreetrial.

Motoring

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Motoring

Online

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Memoriams/Miracle prayers

News Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Caroline Farrell am applying for retention permission for existing holiday cottage to continue as a holiday cottage at Warrington, 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: Caroline Farrell KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by Kells Wholemeal Limited for the construction of a new 240 metre sq standalone single storey steel portal frame building to contain storage and processing plant and equipment for the production of flour and other associated products with surface water attenuation tanks, retaining walls, 2nr external 10.5m high grain storage silos and ancillary works all to be located adjacent to the existing processing plant, all at Danesfort Road, Bennettesbridge, Co. Kilkenny. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during Office hours i.e. 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

Motors Classifieds

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Classifieds Motors

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 056 7726289 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

Glass & Glazing Services Window + Door Repairs Units, Hinges, Locks Repaired or Replaced Mirrors Cut Toughened Glass/Security Glass All Domestic & Commercial work undertaken

Call Jerry 0894976758 jerharding66@gmail.com

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

KATHLEEN BROPHY 9TH ANNIVERSARY

ELIZABETH HICKMAN 6TH ANNIVERSARY

With loving thoughts of Kathleen, late of Derdimus, Callan Road, Kilkenny, who left our home on 14th August 2012.

In loving memory of Elizabeth (nee Cummins) late of Garden Villas, Castle Road, Kilkenny who died on the 5th August 2015.

Our hearts broke the morning you died There was no way to ease the pain inside We wondered how life could go on Trying to understand that you were gone

I’m Free Don’t grieve for me now I’m free I’m following the path God laid for me I took his hand when I heard his call I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at close of day If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah yes these things I too will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your hearts and share with me God wanted me now, he set me free.

We miss you more as time goes by A thought of you brings a tear to our eye And all the days we will be sad We are grateful for the years we had. We miss you Mam Siobhan & Jack X

Dearly missed by her loving daughters, Breda, Eilish, Siobhán and Áine, Grand Children Paul, Christopher, Ailsing, Carolena, Saoirse, Scott, Claudia and Jason, Sons-in-law, relatives and friends.

(never known to fail). O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. M.B

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.T

The Miracle Prayer

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

TO PLACE YOUR NOTICE IN THE KILKENNY OBSERVER IN MEMORIAM DEATH NOTICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCES OFFICE AT UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET (Straight across from the Friary Church)

The Miracle Prayer

CALL TO US AT THE OFFICE AT ANY TIME Monday – Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm (We are open during lunchtime) Bring the picture and the verse, we can scan the picture and return it to you while you are at the office. EMAIL TO accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie Email the picture and the verse to us accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie and include your telephone number. We will call you to confirm and you can pay by card over the phone. BY PHONE 056 7771463 You can also place your notice by phone. We can take the verse from you over the phone and the picture can be sent by WhatsApp. PLEASE NOTE All pictures and verses will be held on file for future years

The Miracle Prayer

Deadline 5.00pm on Wednesdays for Friday’s newspaper

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 13 August 2021