Kilkenny Observer 14 August 2026 by Kilkenny Observer

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A Novel Deal Five-book contract for Kilkenny's Pamela  News, Page 4

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Observer Windfarm row gets heated kilkennyobserver.ie

Inistioge accuses developer of bypassing environmental safeguards

There’s been a fresh development in Inistioge in the ongoing row over the proposed Curraghmore Windfarm project that the community believes warrants urgent attention. Inistioge community advocates have accused wind energy developer Empower Renewables of attempting to secure a regulatory ‘blank cheque’ that threatens to bypass strict environmental safeguards in the scenic Nore

Valley. They argue the developer has quietly bypassed the standard public planning process to lodge a dual track of pre-application filings with An Coimisiún Pleanála. Alongside a core pre-application consultation case, Empower has formally requested a ‘Design Flexibility Opinion’. The community warns that this specific mechanism is “a calculating legal tactic de-

signed to give the developer open-ended approval for its industrial grid connection infrastructure, leaving exact routes, cable trenches, and structural details completely hidden from the public eye”. A spokesperson for Protect Inistioge’s Environment, representing local residents, said: “This is an attempt to get an ‘approve now, detail later’ commitment from the State planning board.

“By splitting the grid framework into an open-ended preapplication track, Empower is attempting to legally insulate themselves from future challenges regarding project splitting and defective consultation. They are asking for a blank check over our landscape before the community is ever allowed to see the definitive, fixed plans,” the spokesperson said. The proposed scheme out-

lines the construction of eight massive wind turbines on elevated ground near Mount Alto and the South Leinster Way, featuring maximum tip heights of 175 metres. Local opposition, spearheaded by coalitions like Protect Inistioge’s Environment, points to severe threats facing the region. Campaigners are demanding total transparency from Empower Renewables and are

Govt to rake in €1.67bn in fuel VAT as cost up

Dunne loses in multi-million euro trust case The Supreme Court has refused to hear a further appeal in a lawsuit taken by bankrupt Celtic Tiger-era property developer Seán Dunne against one of his sons and ex-wife Gayle Killilea over a multi-million euro trust. The decision would appear to bring the curtain down on a five-year legal dispute in which Carlow-born Dunne sued his son John and Ms Killilea in connection with what was known as the Bloem Trust. At one stage, the trust held assets of €20m, generated from UK property investments. In proceedings initiated in 2021, the now 71-year-old businessman claimed the trust was set up for the benefit of four children he had with Ms Killilea. He aimed to stop John, a son from a previous marriage, and Ms Killilea using trust assets to settle claims with creditors.

Glanbia’s big ‘fat-free’ profits Weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic are key drivers of a structural shift in nutrition that has helped Glanbia deliver a surge in revenue and profits, according to the group’s chief executive Hugh McGuire. The so-called GLP-1 drugs are now being used by millions of people, primarily for weight loss.

“It’s definitely a tailwind for us,” Mr McGuire said. “What we see in GLP-1 consumers is their interest in protein. They crave protein, not carbohydrates.” He believes users are looking for the types of energy products made by the Irish group. “They’re also looking for fortification,” said Mr McGuire. “They’re consuming fewer calories so they

calling on Kilkenny County Council planning executives and local elected representatives to formally oppose the developer’s request for design flexibility. The community plans to flood upcoming developer webinars and statutory consultation windows to robustly challenge what they call a “fundamentally flawed and incomplete” environmental review process.

want quality calories, which is definitely a tailwind for us.” “But before GLP, we were growing strongly as well,” he said. “We see the general trend in health and wellness where consumers are looking to take better care of themselves. They’re focused on better nutrition, and protein is a key part of that. There are

multiple trends driving the demand for our brands.” The strong first-half performance reported by Glanbia resulted in its share price climbing by more than 8pc in Dublin. The Kilkenny-based Irish nutrition group had revenues of $2.1bn (€1.82bn), up 7%. Ebitda (metric) for the six-month period ending July 4 was $275.4m, up just

over 14%. Group pre-exceptional profit after tax was up over 34%, on a constant currency basis, to $175.4m. Mr McGuire said: “Optimum Nutrition delivered double-digit volume growth in the period, driven by accelerating category growth, increased distribution, ongoing innovation and the brand’s continued leadership within the category.”

The Government is expected to rake in €1.67bn in VAT on fuel this year, amid rising energy prices caused by the war in Iran. VAT charged on electricity, gas, petrol and diesel is expected to be €238m higher this year due to the worsening energy crisis. The price of crude oil climbed as Iran said the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway would not reopen without significant concessions from the US, stoking market anxiety. This year’s windfall VAT intake on energy could be the highest in a decade, with nearly €700m charged in VAT on energy up to the end of May. In April and May alone, when fuel prices began to track skyward due to the war in the Middle East, €445m was accumulated in VAT. The Government introduced – and extended – a €1bn fuel support package earlier this year following nationwide protests that brought parts of the country to a standstill. Diesel prices were up by 19c this month, with the price a litre coming close to the psychologically important €2 mark, and petrol prices are up by 9pc this month when compared with July, according to the latest AA Ireland fuel price survey. Industry group Fuels for Ireland said the rising prices meant it would be “absolutely reckless” to reimpose the full excise duty.

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Kilkenny’s Pamela signs 5-book global deal

Kilkenny romance author Pamela O’Rourke has signed a five-book contemporary romantic suspense deal with UK publisher Boldwood Books. Her first traditionally published novel, Wild Sanctuary, will be released on 4 September and launches her new Glacier Ridge Ranch series. Set in the fictional Montana town of Blackstone Creek, Wild Sanctuary follows journalist Daisy Monroe as she returns six years after leaving. Of-

ficially, she is there to write a feature about the local community. Unofficially, she is investigating the suspicious circumstances surrounding her father’s death. Her search for answers brings her back into the path of Wyatt Hartley, the guarded rancher she has spent six years trying to forget. The novel combines small-town romance, slowburn tension and mystery. O’Rourke, who lives in Kilkenny and is raising five children, previously self-published seven romance novels before securing her first traditional publishing contract. “Securing a five-book deal while raising five children in Kilkenny has felt genuinely surreal,” she said. “I began writing and publishing my books from home, so seeing Wild Sanctuary now being released internationally with the support of a UK publisher is incredibly exciting. The response from readers has been overwhelming.” During its opening week on advance-reading platform NetGal-

ley, Wild Sanctuary reached No 1 on Boldwood Books’ Most Requested chart in both the UK and US markets. Early reviewers have described the novel as “beautifully written and immersive” and “possibly the best slow burn I’ve ever read,” with one reader noting that “readers who enjoyed Elsie Silver will adore this”. O’Rourke will also be interviewed by Ken McGuire on KCLR 96FM’s Drive Time during the book’s launch week. Wild Sanctuary is available to preorder now from all major book retailers and will be published in ebook, paperback, audiobook and library editions on 4 September.

“Possibly the best slow burn I’ve ever read ...

”

Ireland's Woodland Show set to take place among champion trees in Kilkenny... Following the inaugural Woodland Show in the very beautiful JFK Arboretum in 2024, and in the impressive Kilkea Castle in 2025, this year’s show is coming to the magnificent Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny. The show will run over two days: on Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 10:00am - 5:00pm daily. The format of the show will follow previous years, featuring forestry demonstrations, machinery displays, woodland management talks and information, family entertainment, craft exhibitors and a headlining chainsaw carving competition. Celtic Chainsaw Carvers Competition - Adjacent to the showground entrance will feature the wonderfully skilled and charismatic collective of the Celtic Chainsaw Carvers, joining us to raise the noise and let the wood fly to create sculptures live again at this year’s show. This year will see the assembly of another amazing team including the very

2025 Celtic Carvers

2025 Woodland Show speakers

best internationals from the world circuit and from the Discovery Sky series: A cut above and the very best chainsaw carvers from around Ireland. We look forward to seeing what the imaginative carvers will create this year. Fairground Family Activities - The Carnival area on the croquet lawn in front of the terrace garden in Woodstock will feature: a craft fair, archery, obstacle courses, games, art and craft workshops, biodiversity workshops, bushcraft demonstrations, food vendors and live music. Woodland Information - The area beside the terrace garden will feature technical informa-

tion stands and a tented village for talks and walks throughout the day and aims to promote sustainable woodland creation, biodiversity and projects. Machinery Exhibits & Demos - The car park area and woodland behind, will include demonstrations of mobile sawmills, harvesters and forwarders, processors, smaller machinery, a range of timber products, inventory equipment, pruning tools and specialist plant nurseries. Woodstock Gardens is also a joy to explore with its restored Victorian gardens, rose garden, yew walk, famous Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue, exceptionally large specimen trees brought back from around the world by the Tighe family and the dramatic ruins of the 18th-century mansion overlooking the River Nore. This year’s show is being supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Kilkenny County Council

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

News

How to protect your skin with the SunSmart Five Ss With higher temperatures forecast for the next few days, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding everyone of the importance of being SunSmart to protect their skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and to

help reduce the risk of skin cancer. In Ireland, the sun can damage your skin, even on cloudy days. If you are out and about playing sport, at the beach or simply relaxing in your garden, don’t forget to be SunSmart. Most people living in Ireland have fair skin which burns easily, which means that they are at

high risk of UV damage and skin cancer. With over 11,500 cases each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. The good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented through simple sun protection measures. Prof Anne Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist, Tallaght University Hospital, said: “Every year we meet

people who are surprised to learn that years of everyday sun exposure in Ireland have contributed to their skin cancer diagnosis. Taking a few simple steps to protect your skin and eyes can make a significant difference. We encourage people of all ages to make the SunSmart 5 Ss a habit.” Follow the Healthy Ireland

Cleere calls for support for Tillage in Budget Fianna Fáil Agriculture Spokesperson and CarlowKilkenny TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has called on Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to deliver and expand existing and new packages of support for Ireland’s tillage farmers in Budget 2027, warning that the future of the sector cannot be taken for granted. The tillage sector faces a number of challenges such as input costs, competition globally and low grain prices around the world. There were 55,000 growers in the tillage sector in the 1980s, and that has decreased dramatically to roughly 6,000 growers now. A number of local farmers across Kilkenny and Carlow have reached out to Deputy Cleere in relation to the ongoing challenges in the sector. Cleere said: “I have heard directly from tillage farmers across Carlow and Kilkenny about the pressures they are facing. They are producing top-class Irish grain, and after a good summer for crops, we should be proud of the quality coming off Irish farms, but quality alone will not keep farmers in tillage. “Farmers are facing high input costs, intense competition for land and low global grain prices. They are also competing with producers internationally who do not face the same level of regulation, audits and standards as Irish farmers. We cannot demand more and more from our farmers while leaving them to compete on an uneven playing field,” he said. “I also want to acknowledge the significant work done

by my colleague, former Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue. He delivered more direct support to tillage farmers than any Government in the history of the State, including establishing the Food Vision Tillage Group in May 2023, over €10.9 million through Protein Aid, €15.5 million through the Straw Incorporation Measure and €14.3 million through unharvested crop and related once-off support. “That level of ambition now needs to continue. I am calling on Minister Heydon to significantly increase investment in tillage in Budget 2027, building on the work of his predecessor rather than allowing momentum to be lost,” he said. Deputy Cleere went on to give his full support for the IFA’s call for €69 million in dedicated funding for the tillage sector as part of its Budget submission. “This is about protecting farm incomes, maintaining food security and ensuring Ireland retains the capacity to produce its own grain. Irish grain is also an environmental asset. Tillage is recognised as one of the most carbon-efficient sectors in Irish agriculture and has a major role to play in a carbon-constrained economy. We should be investing in that advantage, not allowing low-cost imports to undermine Irish production,” he said. “Minister Heydon must now support a strategic Irish tillage sector with meaningful investment in Budget 2027, or we risk watching acreage and farm families leave the sector. The latter simply cannot happen.”

SunSmart 5 Ss: • Slip on clothing: Cover skin as much as possible. Wear long sleeves, collared shirts and closely woven fabrics that block sunlight. • Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen: Use SPF 30+ for adults and SPF 50+ for children. Choose a sunscreen with UVA protection and water resistance. Reapply

regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. • Slap on a wide-brimmed hat: Protect your face, ears and neck. • Seek shade: Particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation is strongest. • Slide on sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.

The sporting chance to fight cancer

As the GAA Championship season comes to a conclusion this weekend, some of Ireland’s leading hurling and camogie stars have joined forces, calling on the public to grab their tickets for the annual Hurling for Cancer Research charity match on Monday, August 24 at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow. Hurling and camogie legends Noel McGrath, Ashling Thompson and Patrick Horgan are all lending their support to this year’s game. Proudly sponsored by Centra,

in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, the annual Hurling for Cancer Research match is the brainchild of horseracing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell. Since 2011, the annual event has raised €1.9 million ringfenced for groundbreaking cancer research. No one lining out this month will feel its significance more deeply than Tipperary’s Noel McGrath [pictured]. It is 11 years since the four-time All-Ireland winner was diagnosed with testicular cancer and his successful

treatment gives him a unique insight into the event’s power and impact. McGrath’s checkups have recently moved to just once a year and he no longer attends them with trepidation. “You always have the thought and fear, so the check-ups give you that peace of mind to plough on and that’s why cancer research is so important,” the three-time All-Star says. “Treatments and survival rates are getting better all the time. That’s why an event like Hurling for Cancer Research, which has

raised so much money already is so important. These funds help research and that’s what saves more lives. “Last year was actually the first year I got to play because of (clashes with) club matches and there was some crowd. I think it was one of their biggest ever; it’s just a brilliant event,” McGrath says. “Every player probably knows someone who has been affected by cancer in one way or another.” Tickets €10 & €5 for children.

You can help vulnerable mums and their babies MCKS Ireland’s Community Project has announced a community initiative in collaboration with Community Connect, sponsoring donation boxes across community centres in Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, Dublin and the Midlands, created to support the essential work of Community Connect – Ireland’s National Baby Bank. These sponsored donation boxes will make it easy

for the public to contribute much-needed baby essentials. Community Connect is a registered charity dedicated to providing practical support to vulnerable pregnant mothers and parents of small babies who are struggling to provide for their children. Through their service, families in need can access essential baby items, helping ensure a safe

and supported start for their infants. Community Connect welcomes collections of new and unopened baby and maternity essentials. MCKS Ireland’s Community Project’s mission is to help alleviate suffering by empowering people with selfdevelopment tools through support, educational programmes and charitable services to create healthy

and resilient communities. Their aim is to provide caring and compassionate services to all, regardless of cultural or religious backgrounds, utilising universal practices to achieve physical, emotional and mental well-being. Public support can play a meaningful role in helping vulnerable families receive the care and resources they need.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Road carnage toll more horrific than you think Out walking the other day, I spotted a local man I know by sight. Just before Covid on December 27, 2019, having drunk 15 pints throughout St Stephen’s night, this man knocked down a younger man walking home from celebrations. He was jailed for five-and-a-half years. In evidence, the driver said he had no memory of getting into his van to drive home in the early hours of that morning. He did go to the Gardaí later that day after finding his vehicle damaged and heard that a man had been injured in a hit-andrun. The victim, described by family as a “shy boy who loved life”, died seven months later after suffering catastrophic brain injuries. He never regained consciousness. And his family came to the heartbreaking decision to switch off life support. The local man I know by sight served his full five-and-

a-half years. His victim was gone at 28. I mention this because research by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shows that, in the last 10 years, for every one road death there were nine serious injuries – brain damage, amputation, organ failure, PTSD. As I write, there have been 111 road deaths this year – Glen Hansard was the 13th motorcyclist – making for potentially 1,000 serious injuries, serious enough to lead to turning off life support in many cases. Decisions made by loved ones, a future life spent lending total support. All lives changed utterly, but we seldom think of them. It happens every day. The reasons behind road fatalities are varied. Alcohol, no seat belt, unroadworthy vehicle, lack of proper visibility, lack of due concern for good road manners, lack of anticipation are to blame, but speed is still the biggest

culprit. Most fatalities do not take place on our motorways but rather on our rural roads and in built-up towns. Drink is responsible for one in eight accidents but speed for one in four. Two in three of us have done and do exceed the speed limit on secondary roads. A pedestrian hit at 35kph has a 97.5 per cent chance of survival; at 50kph that goes down to 50 per cent; and at 60kph there is only a 10 per cent chance of surviving. Fatalities can be higher in rural areas because of the speeding involved and also the time it can take for an ambulance to reach a remote spot. It’s called The Golden Hour — you have a greater chance of survival if the ambulance gets you to hospital in the first hour after an accident. One positive outcome has been that, since its inception in 2012, Ireland’s Helicopter

Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) has become a vital component of the country’s emergency response. Operated by the National Ambulance Service (NAS), the service has evolved into a highly co-ordinated airborne medical lifeline, particularly for patients in remote

“No firm will offer cover because of the lethal nature…

or rural areas. The HEMS fleet in Ireland is primarily composed of an Air Corpsoperated AW139 helicopter, based at Custume Barracks in Athlone and supported by Irish Coast Guard aircraft when needed. According to the 2025 retrospective analysis, the Irish HEMS received 8,392 mission requests between 2012 and 2023. That said, we still urgently need better rural roads and even better signposting, safer cars, stricter speed limits and consistent law enforcement. But we also need to be vigilant and aware. Smartphone office meetings while driving are dangerously distracting – from being aware of a child’s ball running onto a road, the amber light flashing or the cyclist in front to that escooter coming over the hill. The Government’s escooter ‘crackdown’ seems somewhat ill-thought-out and filled with uncertainties. Ministers have made vague

threats and sounded warnings but few of us are any wiser. Owners and users of e-scooters, as well as retailers, may indeed find it hard to identify aspects of the legislation when it comes to the myriad mentions of registration, licensing, insurance, fines, prosecutions, confiscations and the rest. This month will see the regulatory requirement for escooter users to wear helmets and hi-vis jackets. Where the Gardaí stand in giving chase if needed, implementing the law or assessing someone’s age remains to be seen. And now the spanner in the works as Insurance Ireland says “no firm will offer cover because of the lethal nature” of the scooters. Meanwhile, let’s hope we can save further casualties and stop another 1,000 lives being changed forever. We need to switch gears on our attitude to driving ... and put a brake on the mayhem.

New Kilkenny through the eyes of the brewers tour begins Simon Walsh Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny

Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny is extending its offering with a new ‘Kilkenny Through the Eyes of the Brewers’ tour that offers over 18s a not-to-be-missed adventure back in time. Visitors to the city and locals with a passion for history and brewing will not want to miss the new tour on Thursday, August 20, starting at 6pm. “The immersive tour of Kilkenny City tells the story of the rich brewing heritage, and the important role brewing culture has played in shaping both Smithwick's and Kilkenny's

evolution,” Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Manager, said. “We’re inviting visitors to discover fascinating stories, hidden gems, and spectacular sights as they explore the city through the eyes of its brewers. This unique experience has been created by Smithwick’s Experience’s head Brewery Ambassador, Simon Walsh and will reveal remarkable stories of Kilkenny's brewing past while showcasing some of the city's most iconic locations. “Simon’s family are steeped

in brewing tradition and his father, uncles, cousins, and other family members all worked in the Smithwick’s brewery through the years. He is a passionate storyteller and has played a leading role in the development of our increasingly popular Masters of Ale tours,” Ignacio explained. The new Kilkenny Through the Eyes of the Brewer experience begins at Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny, includes a guided walking tour through the city, and concludes with a paddle tasting in the bar.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Cat Dowling laid to rest in her native Kilkenny Musician Cat Dowling was remembered as "a true bohemian” and a "free spirit” at her funeral service on Wednesday, August 12. The former frontwoman (54) of band Alphastates died in the care of St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown, north Dublin. She had been treated for breast cancer

since 2017. Having performed for more than 20 years, Dowling rose to earlier prominence as the frontwoman of Babelfish. She is survived by her three children, Rachel, Ódhran and Juliette, their father Brian, her mother Máirín, her sister Anne Marie and her four brothers, Padraic,

Donal, Richard and John. Dowling was buried in her native Kilkenny following a funeral at the Sacred Heart Church in Ferrybank, Co Waterford. Fr Roderick Whearty presided over the ceremony, which was attended by Dowling's closest family and friends. He said that she "cer-

tainly left her mark” on the world. "Catherine was lucky and blessed in knowing who she was and what made her happy.” Her children brought gifts to the altar that reflected Dowling's values and passions, including her guitar to represent her love of music, a passport as an ode to her

"love of travel and adventure” and a container of sand taken from Silver Strand beach in Donegal to mark her "deep love of the sea”. Dowling's daughters Rachel and Juliette performed an emotional rendition of a bedtime song she had written and sung for them when they were small,

which included the lyrics: "I'll sing you sweetly to sleep, if you cry, I'll wipe the water from your cheek. I'll chase the devils from your door, I'll give you all that I have and give more.” Her sister Anne Marie said in her eulogy: "She was a true Bohemian, a free spirit who lived life on her own terms."

Number of dentists in medical card scheme falls Adults with a medical card are finding it difficult to get dental treatment from a diminishing pool of dentists signed up to the free scheme. New figures show a sharp decline in private dentists agreeing to treat medical card holders – down from 1,354 in 2020 to 866 this year. Although there has been some recovery after falling to 812 in 2023 and 2024, more medical card holders are finding it difficult to find a dentist, with some areas particularly badly hit. The problem was revealed in new figures obtained by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, who represents the Wicklow-Wexford constituency. He expressed concerns over the limited availability of dentists, as the HSE data shows just six participating dentists in Roscommon and 10 in Dún Laoghaire. Across Clare, there are just 13 dentists treating medical card holders, with 17 in Wexford and 19 in Kerry. Other counties have better coverage, including Galway with 62 dentists. But that is down from 121 in 2020. Kilkenny has 39. In Mayo, 53 dentists were providing the service in 2020, but that number is now down to just 21. Numbers in north Dublin fell from 65 to 29 in that time. In Kildare and west Wicklow, there are 25 dentists in the scheme, down from 49 in 2020, according to the parliamentary response to Mr Byrne.

The Irish Dental Association (IDA) has repeatedly said the scheme is not financially viable at existing fee levels. It has pointed to the gap between fees and the actual cost of running a modern dental practice. Also, the restrictions on what patients are entitled to have been criticised. They include just two fillings a year, extractions and an annual scale and polish. More complex care, such as additional fillings and dentures, are subject to approval by the HSE. Dr Bridget Harrington-Barry, president of the Irish Dental Association, said that in 2016, more than 1,600 dentists participated in the scheme. Those who remain involved are doing so "out of sense of obligation, while often sustaining financial losses for doing so”, she said. "While we have engaged substantively with successive governments, recent months have offered hope,” she added. "Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill's direct engagement with our members at our National GP meeting in January suggests the system is finally listening.” Dr Harrington-Barry was speaking ahead of negotiations on the new national oral health policy, which are due to start in the coming weeks and will look at a range of areas, including care for medical card holders, dental treatment for children and services for people with special needs.

A night to sing your heart out ... Songs After Dark is being presented as part of the Kilkenny City Night Time Economy initiative, which aims to encourage people to come into the city in the evening and experience a wider range of creative, cultural and social events. The workshops take place at The Hole in the Wall on Thursday, September 10; Thursday, September 17; Thursday, September 24; Thursday, October 1. Times are 6.30pm–10pm, with €10 per workshop. Each workshop will be a masterclass in songwriting, exploring song structure,

melody, lyrics, chord progressions, arrangement and storytelling, culminating in the creation of an original group song by the end of each workshop. The workshops are open to everyone, whether you have written many songs before or have never written a song at all. No previous songwriting experience is necessary. If you play an instrument, you’re encouraged to bring it along, although this is not necessary to take part. Each workshop is standalone, so participants can attend one, two, three or all

four sessions. Booking is essential. They are hosted by Luan Parle [pictured]. Luan is an award-winning Irish singer-songwriter, musician and creative facilitator, whose career in music began at a very young age. She signed her first record deal at just 12 and has gone on to build an extensive career as a recording artist and songwriter, including touring internationally and working with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Her work has included songwriting programmes with IMRO, the Department

of Education, Music Generation and Creative Schools, as well as community and intergenerational projects. Her recent community songwriting project, Songs of Our Place, brought together more than 300 participants across schools and community groups in Kilkenny, resulting in the creation of original songs inspired by the stories, experiences and places of the participants. The project was fully funded by The Watergate Theatre. • Booking: Luan Parle – Songs After Dark

'Beggars belief' that flu review not carried out Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said that he is deeply concerned about the failure to review high-dose flu vaccines ahead of the next winter season. Kelleher, a member of the European Parliament’s Public Health (SANT) Committee, commented after information

he received suggests that once again high-dose vaccines will not be made available to over65s this winter. “We must avoid a repeat of last winter where only one type of ‘Enhanced Vaccine’ was tendered for due to NIAC’s failure to review a specific highdosage option.

“Twenty-two of Ireland’s neighbours use high-dosage flu Vaccines to mitigate the harm flu can have on older people and on the public health system in general," he said. “At the same time in Ireland, NIAC, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, under the auspices of HIQA,

may not have even started the required review process that the Minister for Health keeps saying must be carried out. “We need to get our priorities right. Instead of reviewing high dose vaccines this or last year, NICA decided it was more prudent and beneficial to public health outcomes to

review and update rabies, TB and diphtheria vaccines." What was even more concerning was the everdecreasing number of reviews that were being carried out annually by NIAC. In 2022, 16 reviews of new vaccines were carried out. It dropped to nine by 2024, and in 2026, only two

were carried out. Questions needed to be asked why so few reviews were taking place. “In adults over 65 years of age, there is a 500% increased risk of hospitalisation due to influenza, and when hospitalised, the stay is usually three times longer compared to those under 50," he said.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Local produce, with answers for food security As the threat to food security posed by climate change and war hits the headlines, what can be done to help protect Irish consumers from the rising price of the weekly shop? The answer to preventing cost-of-living shocks for fresh foods could lie at home, helped by a change in policy. Our food production is a bit out of kilter, 90% of Irish produce – dominated by beef and dairy – is exported. In a country where agricultural produce is worth €19bn, we import a shocking 83% of fruit and vegetables. We may not be able to grow bananas and oranges here but why should 56,000 tonnes of apples have to come halfway round the world to a country perfectly suited to growing them? How can the balance be restored so that wholesome, homegrown food reaches our plates? Food producers like the 300 members of Talamh Beo (Living Soil) aim to provide

the answer. Dedicated to agroecology – a holistic approach – and putting people and communities first, their mission is to bring locally grown produce to local people using earth-friendly farming methods. At Skhana Farm, set in idyllic, rolling hills in North County Kilkenny, Fintan and Liefe White are doing just that. Their farm produce – pasture-finished organic lamb and beef and seasonal vegetables – is sold direct to local customers at the farm shop at Freshford, on Fridays and Saturdays. “I am impressed with the support we have had from the shop and the feedback we have from our customers,” Fintan tells me. “Local people are the backbone of our customers and we have a responsibility to offer a quality product. The lamb sells itself, people come back!” After studying agriculture, Fintan took over the family

farm in 2022, introducing vegetables, planting trees for agroforestry and making soil health a priority. “Soil is the starting block of everything,” he says. The advantage of local food is that it’s more resilient to global market shocks, and it’s fresh, with a short supply chain, cutting carbon footprints. It has a potential to increase local employment at a time when there is an ageing farm demographic and only 16% of small farms are economically viable. But the playing field is far from level when it comes to competing with cheap foreign imports and centralised marketing where the big five supermarket chains control 90% of food retailing. Land availability is a major challenge, labour costs are high and financial support is mainly geared to export-oriented farms. So, what would make a difference to the situation?

“One action that would have the greatest impact is investing in local food producers, farmers and growers supplying the domestic market,” says Janet Power. Janet and

“Our food production is a bit out of kilter...

Jenny Watkins have been farming for 10 years at Gorse Farm in the foothills of Mount Leinster, near Bunclody. They grow organic leafy vegetables on three acres donated by a relative and supply Supervalu and local restaurants. ”We started a food forest,” says Janet who previously worked in the pharma industry. Within months the couple had planted a shelter belt, put up polytunnels and were supplying salads to Supervalu, proving that small producers can survive. They also now supply vegetable boxes for local customers.”What I value about small scale food production is that we are making enough to live the kind of life we want,” says Janet. Talamh Beo’s research found a resilient, productive sector with enormous potential, but one constrained by the absence of targeted policy and financial supports. “By investing in local food producers and agroecology, we

can strengthen food security, create livelihoods, revitalise communities and restore nature – all at the same time,” says Janet. Later this year, Talamh Beo will launch a campaign for a Basic Income for Local Food Producers, designed to provide the foundations needed for these producers to grow. In November they will host ‘Farming for the Future: Ireland, Europe and Agroecology,’ at Maynooth University. Bringing together farmers, policymakers and organisations from Ireland and across Europe, the event will explore how agroecology can address the challenges facing our food and farming sector. President Connolly and Mary Robinson will take part. The group is a member of Via Campesina, a burgeoning global movement for millions of small producers. They also welcome new members. May they carry on growing!

Why are there so many different types of magnesium? If you've ever shopped for a magnesium supplement, CLAIR you've probably WHITTY wondered why there are so many different types. Bisglycinate, citrate, malate, taurate and L-threonate all promise different benefits, but what do those names actually mean? The answer is surprisingly simple. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of processes throughout the body, supporting muscle function, nerve signalling, energy production and healthy bones. While many people take magnesium to help with sleep, relaxation or muscle recovery, not all magnesium supplements are the same. Most people assume that magnesium is just magnesium. In reality, magnesium can't exist on its own in a supplement; it must be attached to another molecule. This "partner molecule" influences how well magnesium is absorbed and may also provide health benefits of its own. Take magnesium bisglycinate, for example. Here, magnesium is paired with the amino acid glycine. This highly bioavailable form is gentle on the stomach and is often chosen to support relaxation, restful sleep and muscle recovery. Glycine itself has calming properties, making the pairing a natural fit. One product that has built a strong reputation is PrizMAG from ITL Health. Made in small batches using pure magnesium bisglycinate, it contains no fillers, binders or unnecessary excipients. Its commitment to quality has earned several industry awards, including Best Sleep Aid and Best Stress Relief Product, reflecting growing consumer demand for clean, transparent supplements. If cognitive support is your priority, magnesium L-threonate may be worth considering.

Putting pressure on Tirlan to up their farmer milk price Paired with threonic acid, a metabolite of vitamin C, it has been studied for its ability to support brain magnesium levels. ITL Health's MAG3N8 contains this specialised form, while their MAGtrio combines bisglycinate, taurate and L-threonate for complementary support. Other forms also have their place. Magnesium citrate is well absorbed, making it an excellent choice for everyday supplementation and normal muscle function. Magnesium taurate combines magnesium with taurine to support cardiovascular and nervous system health, while magnesium malate is paired with malic acid, a compound involved in cellular energy production. For topical use, magnesium chloride is commonly found in sprays, gels and bath flakes and can be applied to tired or sore muscles. Understanding the role of these partner molecules can help you choose the magnesium supplement that's best suited to your individual health goals.

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

As milk supplies look certain to fall, ICMSA want Co-ops to raise prices and anticipate tightening supplies Speaking in advance of most the July announcements of milk prices by our Co-ops and milk processors, Noel Murphy, Chairperson of the ICMSA Dairy Committee, has said that it is highly likely that milk flows in Ireland this Autumn will be significantly reduced due to a number of factors and he has called on Co-ops to begin what he called a “manageable series of lifts in farmer milk price” that anticipates that tightening of supplies. “It is no secret that farmers around the country are suffering the effects of the current drought and having little or

no grass are feeding precious winter stocks increasing per litre costs while milk supplies from the cows are falling. So we are in that ‘double whammy’ of feeding more and and getting less for it. That’s going to drop supplies, and we hope that that’s going to push milk price up – as per the Lakelands’ price rise just announced”, said Mr Murphy. Noting that the price being received for that reduced output is down substantially on last year, Mr Murphy said that farmers were already looking at every cow in the parlour and doing minute calculations on individual costs and yields. “The clear message to our Co-ops is that if milk is to keep flowing this Autumn, then milk price needs to improve. There are tentative

signs that ‘spot’ prices are ‘firming-up’ more in the last month and we anticipate this continuing as the fall in supplies becomes more measurable and buyers come in to ‘buy forward’. In the meantime – and starting immediately - the price returned to farmers needs to increase by whatever means possible. The market for proteins is strong and Whole Milk Powder increased almost 3cpl in the the last week on the Dutch Dairy Quotes, we need all the powers in our industry to chase that increased revenue as farmers are feeling the drought pinch at present and will feel it for months to come. If milk processors are looking ahead and want those lower supplies of milk, then they better start paying for it”, he concluded.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

News A new report released by Hope and Courage Collective has found that social media platforms are playing a significant role in amplifying anti-Muslim hatred in Ireland. This raises urgent questions about how recommender systems – information-filtering algorithms that predict user preferences and suggest relevant items – are spreading harmful content. Harmful content during incidents targeting minority communities, including celebrating violence, calling for murder and damage to property. This content remains online. The report, The Islamophobia Playbook: A Project of Hate, examines anti-Muslim incidents in 2026 and presents an in-depth case study of the role of social media in the alleged arson attack on the Al Madinah Prayer Hall (Talbot Street Mosque) in Dublin. Islamophobia is a form of racism that reworks and reproduces religious bigotry to discriminate against and harm Muslims and people perceived to be Muslims. Islamophobia in Ireland came to prominence before the recent wave of anti-immigration mobilisations. Over the past decade or more, a relatively small but influential network of anti-Muslim activists imported ideas and tactics through relationships with wider European and British far-right movements in the 2010s. While limited in number, these actors have used social media to spread anti-Muslim narratives, mobilise supporters and shape public debate. The evidence presented in this report shows that Islamophobia is not limited to isolated acts of violence or hate speech. Instead, it forms part of a wider pattern in which the Muslim community, mosques and Islamic organisations are targeted. Common themes include opposition to places of worship, claims that people of Muslim faith do not belong in Irish society, harassment in everyday life, along with the rapid spread of these narratives online. Researchers found that a Facebook video showing the aftermath of the attack

Our social media a key tool for rise in Islamophobia was viewed more than 1.9 million times - approximately 352 times greater than the account’s normal audience. Analysis of more than 10,600 comments and emojis found that one in five contained anti-Muslim hate, support for the alleged attack, calls for further mosque burnings, violence against Muslims, or other forms of incitement. Speaking on the publication of the report, Mark Malone, Research Lead with Hope and Courage Collective said: “The findings of this research are extremely worrying. The public, in particular the Muslim community, needs clarity on how Facebook’s recommender systems turn attacks on places of worship into viral content that normalises this event and calls for more violence.” The research also found that discussion of the mosque attack rapidly spread across X, generating

more than 112,000 online mentions from 70,000 unique accounts and reaching an estimated 243 million accounts within six days. Nearly 90% of online dis-

cussion originated outside Ireland, highlighting the increasingly transnational nature of online anti-Muslim narratives. Malone said,”That level

Activist feared hanging for rejecting Islam A self-described activist charged over the arson of a mosque in Dublin has told a court he left Iran a decade ago to escape torture and hanging for rejecting Islam. Saeid Khosroabadi (41), of Seville Place, Dublin 1, was arrested following a blaze at the doorway of the Faizan E Madinah Mosque on Talbot Street, in the north inner city, just before 3.30 pm on June 29. It is alleged the Iranian national, who calls himself an anti-Islam activist, told Gardaí he was opposed to sharia law in Ireland and did not care if children died in the fire. Mr Khosroabadi is charged with committing arson and causing criminal damage at the mosque. The offence, on conviction, is punishable by a 10-year sentence. Bail was denied on July 1.

of international amplification should concern anyone responsible for the safety of our online spaces. Ireland is now a source of content for international far-right influencers.” Findings show that social media platforms were failing to apply their own community standards as harmful content was amplified at moments of crisis and remains online today. Malone said: “Copy and paste statements from Meta about how it does not allow hate speech on its platforms do nothing to address the reality that it does. Meta also needs to specifically answer why it continues to host calls for further attacks on mosques and calls for violence against the Muslim community. “Fundamentally, Meta must demonstrate transparently how their systems are assessing and mitigating systemic risks created by their own recommender

systems”. Hope and Courage Collective is calling on Coimisiún na Meán to engage with Meta to publish an incidentspecific risk assessment explaining how they responded to the Al Madinah Prayer Hall (Talbot Street Mosque) Arson Attack. The report further recommends implementing the Oireachtas Joint Committee recommendation to turn off recommender systems by default, alongside stronger enforcement of the Prohibition of Incitement To Hatred Act 1989 in response to incidents involving antiMuslim hate and incitement to violence. *Hope and Courage Collective works with communities, workplaces and institutions across Ireland to strengthen democracy and build collective resilience in the face of rising far-right hate and disinformation.

Facing up to the reality of crimes in Ireland The European Commission has officially launched its campaign to raise awareness about the rights of victims of crime in Ireland and the support that is available to them. To highlight the importance of looking out for victims of crime, public figures such as Dr Mamobo Ogoro and James Kavanagh participated in the ‘Eyes Open’ challenge by staring into the eyes of a member of the public, encouraging them to keep their eyes open. By taking part, all participants

were invited to make a personal commitment and keep their eyes open when facing a crime, to support victims of such crime. Every year, one in four Europeans falls victim to crime and 22 million Europeans are physically attacked. The campaign launch took place at the recent All Together Now Festival at Curraghmore Estate, Co. Waterford. The campaign originates from the EU Strategy on victims’ rights, which aims to ensure that the fundamental

rights of all victims of crime are promoted and protected. The Commission is currently in the process of renewing this strategy for the next term. Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection said: “Crime can have profound and lasting effects on victims. They must be heard, supported, and treated with respect and fairness throughout their journey in the criminal justice system. This requires robust legislation and poli-

cies, alongside the active engagement of society as a whole, to ensure that victims’ rights are effectively upheld in practice. “The ‘Keep Your Eyes Open’ campaign seeks to raise awareness of victims’ rights and encourage citizens to build a supportive community around those affected. Ultimately, staying alert and fostering awareness are important steps toward strengthening protection, support and justice for all victims.”

Prior to launching the campaign, the European Commission conducted a study in Ireland among 18-to-30-yearolds. The study revealed that 41% of respondents in Ireland are unaware or unsure that victims of crime are protected in the EU through specific rights, while 25% say they are not at all familiar with these rights. Therefore, the campaign contributes to enhancing the knowledge and understanding that victims and their friends and family have about

their rights when experiencing crime victimisation and how to access specific support. The same study shows that 89% of respondents in Ireland would recommend victims seek help using professional support services. • All information about crimes, victims’ rights and support organisations in Ireland is available on the European Commission’s victims’ rights campaign website

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Read the other side of the balance sheet The latest figures from the Department of Finance tell us something we have heard before. The State is still taking in huge amounts of tax, but that does not necessarily mean the public finances are as strong as the headline numbers suggest. Tax receipts for the first seven months were close to €60 billion. Corporation tax got a boost in July, with multinationals paying another €1 billion or so under the new 15% global minimum rate. Income tax is also holding up, which is hardly surprising when employment remains strong. So far, so good. The problem is on the other side of the balance sheet. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has again raised concerns about spending overruns. Spending was up by more than 7%, with health and education already running well ahead of budget. There is little sign this will change quickly. Simon Harris has spoken of the need to “strike a careful

balance” in Budget 2027. The Department of Finance Summer Economic Statement allows for an €8.5 billion package, €7 billion in extra spending and €1.5 billion in tax measures. That is an enormous amount of money. But it is worth remember-

ing where much of the State’s tax income comes from. Ireland has become heavily dependent on corporation tax from a small number of large multinationals. That money has been useful. It has helped pay for public services and allowed tax cuts and higher

spending. The danger is assuming it will always be there. We have been here before. There is another side to the story in people’s own households. Personal borrowing reached more than €3 billion in the twelve months to March. People are taking out loans for cars, home improvements, electric vehicles and even weddings. The Banking and Payments Federation Ireland sees this as evidence of continuing consumer confidence. Maybe it is. But there is a difference between being confident enough to spend and being able to comfortably afford more debt. With the cost of living still high and interest rates nowhere near the levels of a decade ago, taking on extra borrowing is not without risk. The banking sector is also changing. PTSB shareholders have approved the €1.62 billion takeover by Austria’s Bawag. The State is expected to receive around €930 million

for its stake. The deal still has hurdles to clear, but it marks another step in dealing with the legacy of the banking crash. The wider economy is mixed. GDP bounced back in the second quarter after falling earlier in the year. Services are holding up, but energy prices, the Middle East situation and the question of how long the multinational tax bonanza can last all remain concerns. It is easy to look at €60 billion in tax receipts and assume the money is there to be spent. A significant chunk, however, comes from sources that may not be as reliable in five or ten years’ time. That should make us all a little cautious. For households, there is not much we can do about Government spending decisions. What we can do is keep an eye on our own finances. With costs still under pressure, it makes sense to know what you are paying on loans and insurance and to deal with expensive debt where you can.

There is little point chasing a better return on savings if you are paying a high rate of interest on what you owe. Keep an eye on the October Budget. Any income tax reduction will be welcome to families feeling the squeeze. But a tax cut here or there will not change the bigger picture. Ireland has enjoyed the corporation tax boom for a long time. The real test is what we do while the money is still coming in. There will always be a temptation to keep increasing spending and assume the good times will continue. The wiser course is to put the State’s finances on a firmer footing and prepare for the day when tax receipts are not quite so impressive. We have been warned often enough. It would be a pity if we waited for that day to arrive before taking the warnings seriously. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Newpark Community

Newpark Community gathers for outdoor Mass

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Newpark Community

The Upper Green in Newpark was filled with song and prayer last Wednesday evening as neighbours and friends gathered for a special outdoor community Mass. Chief celebrant Monsignor Dan Carroll was joined by Fr. Paul Kasu, Fr. Noel McGrath, and Monsignor Michael Ryan to concelebrate the moving and inclusive Mass. The ceremony drew families from across the city to share in a public expression of their faith.

Organist Mary Butler was joined by Tom Hickey and the choir from St. John’s Church, whose music and song added a solemn and joyful tone to the evening. In his homily, Fr. Dan spoke about the importance of community in bringing a parish to life. He reflected on the need for gratitude and on finding God in our daily activities. He concluded by thanking everyone for coming together “in faith and in fellowship, under the open sky.” Following the final blessing, the Residents’ Association presented flowers to Lil Malone on the occasion of her 93rd birthday, and to Seán and Ann McHugh on their 62nd wedding anniversary. The gathering continued with tea, homemade cakes, and plenty of conversation. Children played on the grass while older members of the community enjoyed the pleasant evening and friendly company.Organiser Michael Deegan said the event was a wonderful success. “It was lovely to see so many people come out to celebrate the Eucharist together in such a relaxed and welcoming setting. This annual Mass continues to strengthen our community and has become an integral part of our development,” he said. He thanked Chairman Jack Fahy and the Residents’ Committee, the readers, gift-bearers, those who provided refreshments, and the stewards. Special praise was given to Jane Dineen, who coordinated the event, and to altar servers Ashier, Rosie, and Thomas, whose presence added to the solemnity of the occasion.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Gerry Moran – official, honorary Mayo man! So, I want to become an honorary Mayo man! “Gerry, we all, apart from Kerry folk, want to be honorary Mayo men, and women, after that glorious, epic All Ireland final victory.” That may be the case but I want to be an official honorary Mayo man and believe I have the credentials to be bestowed with the honour. First off, I share a surname with Mayo’s manager, their hero, Andy Moran. If Andy [pictured]and I were to do a DNA trawl I feel sure we’d discover that we’re related: second cousins once removed perhaps or third cousins twice removed. Who knows? There are a lot of Morans in Mayo and in the West of Ireland. There are more Morans in that part of the country than anywhere else. And that’s a fact. Furthermore, although I am a true-blue Kilkenny man, born with a hurl in one

hand and a sliothar in the other (and, was handy at it, having captained the U12 CBS team back in the day). Football is in my genes. My late uncle, Lar Moran, from Rutland in Carlow, and the Hall of Fame Winner in the

Carlow Sports Stars Awards in1973, was a Gaelic football legend in Carlow and won a staggering 11 senior championships with Tinryland! That football gene rubbed off on me; indeed I have a medal to prove it. Many

years ago I was on a Kilkenny team that beat a Dublin selection in Nowlan Park, a rare feat for sure but that’s for another day. Lar was also an accomplished athlete back in the 1930s. In the Army for 18 years, he was the Army allround athletic champion from 1934 to 1937 and was the runner-up in the Irish Pole Vault Championship in 1944 and 1945.with a vault of 11 foot 13 inches. He also had a six foot two inches to his credit in the high jump. The athletic gene also rubbed off on yours truly (my father, God rest him, wasn’t sporty). I won the high jump at a sports day in the Fairgreen and was a Kilkenny inter-schools longjump and sprint champion. “You’re fairly blowing your own trumpet now, Gerry.” I am but ,more importantly ,I’m blowing my late uncle Lar’s trumpet, and damn

it if I don’t – who will? But I’ve digressed, Lar played senior football for no less than four counties: Carlow, Laois, Kildare, Westmeath and helped Laois reach the All Ireland Senior Football Championship final in 1936. How he managed to play for four counties I have no idea but I firmly believe that had he crossed over into Connacht and played with Mayo, there wouldn’t have been a 75 year famine. In the meantime come on Andy Moran, come on Muigheo – make me an official, honorary Mayo man! Drowning in drink! Here’s a minor observation regarding the wonderful Mediterranean-type weather just gone by and still with us, to a degree (pun intended) Whenever I was sipping a chilled glass of Chablis or Prosecco or beer in my back garden, if I left my drink for even a minute on my

return I’d almost certainly find a little insect of some denomination or other floating, perhaps even swimming, in my glass. Time was when I would immediately whip it out with my finger or a spoon but now that I’m older, more placid and more understanding (I think). I let it lie there, savouring the alcohol. In short I want it to die happy. And merry! And hopefully it did. All of which reminds me of a story that many of you will be familiar with concerning the unfortunate worker in Guinness who accidently fell into a very large vat of the black stuff. And drowned! His irate wife stormed into the brewery the next day demanding to know why they hadn’t dragged him out. “Madam,” said the supervisor, in a sympathetic tone of voice, “we pulled him out three times but he jumped back in.”

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News

Back to School: Helping children hear, learn and thrive As families prepare for another school year, attention naturally turns to school uniforms, books and getting children ready for the classroom. However, one important health check that often goes unnoticed is hearing. Good hearing is essential for

a child's learning, communication and overall development. Every school day, children rely on their hearing to follow lessons, understand instructions, participate in classroom discussions and interact with their teachers and classmates. Even a mild hear-

ing difficulty can make these everyday tasks more challenging and may affect a child's confidence, concentration and educational progress. One of the biggest challenges with childhood hearing loss is that it can be difficult to recognise. Hearing

changes often happen gradually, meaning children may not realise they are missing sounds or words. Instead, they adapt without understanding there is a problem. Parents and teachers may notice a child asking for repetition, struggling to hear

in noisy classrooms, turning up the television volume, experiencing delayed speech and language development or appearing distracted during lessons. In many cases, these behaviours can be mistaken for a lack of concentration when an underlying hearing issue may be the cause. At Audiology Medical Services, we understand how important early diagnosis is. Our experienced paediatric audiologists provide comprehensive hearing assessments in a calm, welcoming environment designed to help children feel relaxed and comfortable throughout their appointment. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, we carry out detailed assessments tailored to each child's age and stage of development, ensuring families receive accurate results and clear guidance. Not every hearing concern is permanent. Temporary conditions such as recurring ear infections, fluid in the middle ear or excessive ear wax can also affect hearing and may have an impact on learning if left untreated. A professional assessment helps identify the cause of any hearing difficulties and ensures the most appropriate advice, treatment or onward referral can be provided. Early intervention can make a significant difference. Identifying hearing concerns before they begin to impact a child's education allows the right support to be put in

place, helping children develop strong communication skills, participate confidently in the classroom and reach their full academic and social potential. Parents do not need to wait until concerns become more noticeable. If your child regularly asks people to repeat themselves, struggles to hear in busy environments, seems to misunderstand instructions or if a teacher has expressed concerns about their listening or attention, arranging a hearing assessment can provide reassurance and valuable answers. As an Irish-owned family business with more than 20 years of experience, Audiology Medical Services is committed to delivering expert hearing care for children and families across Ireland. Our team combines extensive clinical expertise with the latest audiological technology to ensure every child receives the highest standard of care in a supportive and compassionate environment. With the new school year fast approaching, now is an ideal time to ensure your child is ready to hear every lesson, every conversation and every opportunity to learn. If you have any concerns about your child's hearing, contact Audiology Medical Services on Freephone 1800 501 501 or visit www.audiologymedicalservices.ie to arrange a paediatric hearing assessment.

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Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future By Judith Ashton

When war forces families to flee

War changes lives overnight. Homes turn into ruins, schools into shelters and familiar places become terror-filled. Families who once thought about homework, family occasions and shopping suddenly start thinking: Survival. When people flee war, they rarely choose to leave. They leave because staying is too dangerous. For those of us who live in peace, the unfamiliar sight of foreign refugees can bring up all kinds of fears of strangers from other cultures, languages and traditions. Despite all the obvious differences, we are all human beings and we all long for the same things: peace, stability, love, education, shelter, friendship, medical care, respect, hope and dignity etc. We all want to provide safety for our kids. Kids don’t care about politics or borders; they all deserve a chance to grow up in peace without

injuries or enemies or seeing people blown to pieces by distant governments. Last month, I met a man called Ibrahim, who had recently arrived in Kilkenny with his wife and two small children. His English is perfect and I discovered that in Gaza, he was a journalist and worked for the BBC. He is here because his little daughter badly needs medical attention. She is attending specialist care in a Dublin hospital. That same day, I met a little boy of about 8 years old. He was zooming about on a bicycle and it took me a while to register that one of his arms had been amputated, the result of an incident in Gaza. Suffice to say, I was shocked. Over the years I have met and worked with many asylum seekers and refugees, all of whom had a story to tell of fractured families and broken dreams.

I am acutely aware that one day the boot could be on the other foot. If circumstances forced our own families to flee, we would hope that another country would open its doors with compassion rather than suspicion. We would want our children to be welcomed into schools instead of being treated as outsiders and we would hope for kind neighbours to help us rebuild our shattered hearts and lives rather than judging us by events we could not control. Welcoming families fleeing war should not just be an act of charity, but an affirmation of values that many of us espouse: respect for human dignity, compassion for the vulnerable and belief in the worth of every individual. These humanist principles become meaningful not simply when they are spoken, but when they are put into practice. Actions speak louder than words.

Understandably, welcoming refugees also brings practical challenges, e.g. housing, healthcare, education and employment. Communities naturally worry about overloaded public services and integration. Successful resettlement depends upon cooperation between governments, local authorities, charities, businesses, communities and families themselves. Integration isn’t always immediate; given opportunity and support, many refugee families become valued, active members of the communities that first offered them sanctuary. Good planning can solve problems. Our current accommodation crisis is mostly due to a lack of new housing developments in the past, not immigration. It’s too simplistic to blame lack of foresight on refugees. Refugees are people, not

statistics. They are doctors who cannot practise until their qualifications are recognised; teachers needing to learn a new language; engineers, dentists, shopkeepers, artists, mechanics, students and grandparents. Ordinary people whose lives were interrupted by circumstances beyond their control. People like me and you. Compassion is not a limited resource. Empathy for those fleeing conflict does not reduce our concern for people already here. A compassionate society can meet local needs while also helping those facing exceptional hardship; we can, and should, aim to do both. The strongest argument for welcoming those fleeing conflict shouldn’t be economic or political but moral. Fear builds walls, compassion builds trust. Suspicion isolates; kindness

creates the possibility of belonging. Welcoming families fleeing war acknowledges that their hopes are not so different from ours. They seek safety and a future for their children. If fate were reversed, wouldn’t we wish for generosity from others? Extending generosity isn’t just an act of kindness towards strangers. It’s an expression of our common humanity; an investment in a world where, should the boot ever be on the other foot, someone might choose to welcome us too. Our response will be our legacy and example for the young. What kind of society do we wish to be? The truth is: Every generation has been tested by unchosen events. Life and history are uncertain. Change can happen suddenly. This truth should invite empathy. www.judithashton.com

Café Lates returns to Kilkenny City Following a successful pilot in 2025, Café Lates returns to Kilkenny City on Thursday 20th August and Thursday 17th September. Café Lates is an initiative under the Kilkenny Night Time Economy Action Plan supporting local cafés in Kilkenny City to extend their opening hours by offering innovative and cultural events after 6pm. Four cafés in Kilkenny City are taking part in this year's Café Lates, offering a variety of exciting pop up events from 6pm on both evenings. Kim Leahy, owner of participating café Wild Tails explained the attraction of Café Lates for her business. “We’re excited to be part of Café Lates again in Kilkenny for 2026. It’s a great opportunity for us to trial new events here in the café and offer customers old and new a different experience to our daytime offering. We really enjoyed being part of last year’s event, and it’s great to see this night time economy initiative back in Kilkenny City again this year.” Night Time Economy Advisor for Kilkenny City, Feargus Dunne, remarked, “This Kilkenny Night Time Economy initiative celebrates café culture in the city and again offers participating cafés an opportunity to extend their opening hours by showcasing a night time experience for new and existing customers. Café Lates forms part of a wider Night Time Economy diversification scheme in the city over the coming months, with 16 initiatives grant-funded across a diverse range of cafés, community groups, arts collectives, bars, walking tours and leisure-related events.” The full list of Café Lates events taking place on Thursday 20th August and Thursday 17th September are: • Coffee and Print Club @ Low Lane (6pm – 8.30pm) *Booking required • Explore the craft of linocut printmaking with local artist Blaise Butler while enjoying specialty coffee, tea or matcha at Low Lane. A beginner-

friendly, fun and relaxed workshop with all materials provided. • Wine & Charcuterie Night @ Wild Tails (6pm – 9pm) *Booking required • Join Wild Tails for an evening of great wine and artisan charcuterie at Wild Tails. Guests will enjoy two carefully selected glasses of wine and a beautifully curated charcuterie board. • Fair Play Tabletop Thursdays @ Tower & Castle (6pm – 9.30pm) *Booking Required • Fair Play Collectives Tabletop Thursdays - 4 evenings of board games and good times at Tower and Castle. Bring along your friends or come and make some new ones, the huge boardgame library and organised play sessions will ensure you have a great night. Suitable for complete beginners to boardgame pros *Please note this event runs on four dates, Thursday August 20th, Thursday August 27th, Thursday September 10th and Thursday 17th September. • Paint and Sip – Chocolate Style! @ The Chocolate Garden Café (6.30pm – 7.30pm) *Booking required • Sip, create and taste your way through chocolate at The Chocolate Garden Café! Experience a guided tasting where you can discover the flavours of Award-Winning & Single Origin Chocolates. Make and decorate your own chocolate figure, sip and enjoy a hot chocolate and uncover the journey behind chocolate, from cocoa pod to bar. Check out the participating cafés socials or websites for more information on their events and bookings (where applicable). Café Lates Kilkenny is brought to you by Kilkenny Night Time Economy, with support from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Kilkenny County Council.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Opinion

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

For decades one of the first lessons that every Callan schoolchild learned was that a great Ard Ri (High King of Ireland) drowned here in the mid-ninth century, which is how the King’s River got its name. The fact that a community in another part of Ireland also laid claim to the king, Niall Caille, was always a little irritating, but it never deterred us from taking pride in our heritage, or from keeping alive the story of an event that is now lost in the mists of time. Northern Irish tradition has it that the same king drowned in the River Callan in County Armagh, and people across the border are as stubbornly loyal to this version of the king’s demise as we in Callan are to ours. We are of course dealing here with bits of history wrapped up in folklore and further embellished over the centuries by fond storytelling, so we shouldn’t lend undue credence to any of it. Still, much folklore has a basis in real events, so we shouldn’t dismiss it too readily either. The role of Ireland’s High Kings is recorded in the Annals of Tara and we know at least that Niall Caille was a real person and a monarch. We know too that his predecessors included such notables as Con of the Hundred Battles and Niall of the Nine Hostages. Niall Caille is listed as the 166th Ard Ri of Ireland, assuming his kingly post in about 831 AD. Niall had a host of enemies to confront: Native rivals, and, more ominously, the Viking Invaders who were ravaging their way across Ireland/ In about 835 AD a huge Viking fleet under the command of Turgesius arrived in Ireland. He waged implacable warfare, and mention of his reviled name sent shivers of dread through the land. With a swagger of disregard for the native religion, he converted the great cathedral at Clonmacnoise into a pagan palace to venerate the Norse gods and then, to the horror of God-fearing Christians, used the High Altar of the former place of worship to issue bloodcurdling Orders of the Day to his merciless warriors. His men plundered and vandalized Christian shrines, destroyed sacred books and chronicles, seized all gold and jewels they found, and torched holy relics. The toughest native chieftains and macho warriors prized for their courage in battle with rival Irish factions went pale at the very thought of Turgesius, let alone the prospect of meeting his deadly army in combat. But King Niall was a fearless ruler. Having notched up impressive victories in the North of the country (especially in

From painting by Philip Lynch depicting the High King of Ireland in Callan

The story of a king and two rivers... what is now Donegal) against Viking forces, he wasn’t going to be intimidated by this blood-crazed foreign upstart. He was anxious to move south and take on Turgesius elsewhere in the land. This is where historical certainty ends and folklore takes over. Tradition has it that Niall decided to move his forces south to rally his Chieftains in a decisive push to rout the Vikings in Leinster. Legend further states that in the spring of 844 AD (or possibly 845), after spending the entire winter training and preparing his army, Niall led his fighters across the wild Irish countryside until he reached the area encompassing the present day Callan. Part of the Kings River in Callan

Passing along the approximate route of what is now Kenny Street, he and his retinue encountered a river in flood. Days of rain had swelled the waters and the royal army beheld a raging watery torrent that threatened to delay their progress. The approach to the ford was flooded. Logic would have dictated a day’s rest…to let the water levels return to normal. But patience wasn’t among Niall’s virtues: He was a man of action and there was no time to lose in his quest to drive the invader from Ireland. Unwilling to hang about waiting for the floodwater to abate he ordered a servant to find the ford. The servant, not being familiar with the area, plodded

awkwardly and tentatively through the flood and, losing his balance, fell from his horse into the violent flow. Aghast at this, the king called for someone to rescue his loyal servant. When nobody responded, he nudged his own horse and waded into the floodwaters. To the horror of his warriors, the horse buckled, propelling the king into the river. The fierce current carried him off and he was drowned. When the flood receded, search teams formed and fanned out along the riverbanks, hoping against hope to find their sovereign alive. Unspeakable grief overwhelmed them when they found his body downstream near the present day Kells. The alternative version of Niall Caille’s death embedded in Northern Irish tradition posits that he was drowned in about 845 AD in the River Callan, near Armagh, while pursuing his enemies in that part of Ireland. The alleged cause and circumstances of his death are similar to how he allegedly met his end in County Kilkenny: He tries to rescue a servant who has fallen into the river and is drowned trying to save him. The folklorists up north will tell you that Niall’s resting place is probably situated somewhere along the banks of the river Callan, about a mile south-east of Armagh , near the present day Tunnymore

Park. According to Armagh folklore a cairn was built over the king’s tomb. A cairn was a mound of stones that could serve as a memorial. Or to cover the dead or mark a burial place. Unfortunately, the cairn in question is no longer visible because it was allegedly demolished by a farmer at the beginning of the 19th century. It is also worth noting that burial cairns date from the Neolithic period and the Early Bronze ages so the cairn referred to might have been in existence before the mid-ninth century when Niall Caille died. As with our own folklore down here, there is no conclusive evidence that the great man died in the manner recalled by the Northern folklorists or at the location in Armagh they assign (in good faith) to his demise. To continue with our own folklore version of what happened: After the drowned king’s body was recovered, his grieving soldiers and servants, flanked by lines of devout clerics, bore his mortal remains to nearby St. Brigid’s Monastery that ever afterwards has been known as Cill Ri, the King’s Church. He received a royal funeral, with full military honours as befitting a great Ard Ri of Ireland. The local monks, who had experienced firsthand the bloodiest of Viking atrocities, paid lavish tribute to the monarch. To honour and commemo-

rate him, they erected an ornamental High Cross at his burial place. It is a stunningly crafted moment, its Celtic decorations sculpted by the master artisans of the period. The carvings reflect Niall’s status and kingly achievements. Tradition further states that, instead of placing the High Cross within the consecrated ground of the church, among the remains of revered abbots and priests, the holy men opted to locate it in a nearby field where locals would have unrestricted access to it. The cross stands facing East-West to the rising sun. It displays designs suggesting royal attire and an ermine costume normally worn by popes and kings, and one of the arms of the cross has a scene that, though faded and difficult to decipher, resembles an army on the march. So, was it the river in Callan, County Kilkenny, or the Callan River in Armagh; that claimed the life of the High King? We’ll never know for sure, barring a sensational archaeological unearthing (unlikely but not impossible), or DNA analysis of skeletal remains at either one of the relevant locations in Counties Armagh or Kilkenny. In Callan, we’ll just have to cling to the hope that the Ard Ri did lead his army here to honour us with his presence. And it’ll always be the King’s River... (Extract from my book Callan in Words and Pictures)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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News

Local teen Sam Cummins set to represent Ireland at European Championships

Sam Cummins & Sinead O’Callaghan of TC Tyres

From August 20th to 23rd, Waterford will host the U17 Inline Hockey European Championships, with Inline Hockey Ireland & SETU Arena welcoming national teams from Slovenia, Italy, France, Czechia, Great Britain, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ireland. Among those proudly representing Ireland will be local teenager Sam Cummins, who has once again earned selection to the national squad after competing in last year's championships in Italy. As a minority sport in Ireland, inline hockey receives limited funding, meaning the costs associated with competing at international level, including equipment, jerseys, travel, accommodation, and meals, are largely borne

by players' families. These expenses come on top of a demanding schedule of training and league fixtures throughout the year. The challenges are even greater given that the only inline hockey rinks on the island of Ireland are located in Cork, Bangor, and Portadown. Sam currently plays club hockey with the ‘Flying Ducks’ in Dublin, travelling to the capital every weekend for training, and League matches in Cork and Northern Ireland. Thankfully, two local businesses have stepped forward to support Sam on his journey to the European Championships.TC Tyres and Fran Grincell Properties have generously contributed towards the costs of the tournament. Both businesses have a

long-standing tradition of supporting local clubs, community groups, and sporting organisations, and their backing will help ensure Sam can focus on representing his country on the international stage. The support of local businesses and the wider community plays a vital role in helping young athletes like Sam pursue their sporting ambitions and proudly represent both their county and their country. Sam’s Parents Mick & Michelle Cummins are so grateful to both Businesses for their support and encourage locals to come down to the SETU Arena on the weekend of August 20th to support Ireland, in what will be a fabulous showcase of European talent in a fast growing sport.

Sam Cummins & David Grincell of Fran Grincell Properties A

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 181

"‘Are you for the birds"

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

Health & Beauty

Medication and hot weather

Lisa from Pexels

HEALTH Nataliya Vaitkevich

How much water do you really need? HEALTH Water is essential, but there is no single amount that suits everyone. How much you need depends on your size, activity levels, the weather, your diet and whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding or unwell. The HSE advises that, during hot weather, adults generally need about two litres of water over 24 hours. You may need more if you are exercising, while smaller people and those with certain medical conditions may need less.

WELLBEING Many of us reach for our phones when we sit down, telling ourselves we are having a break. 10 minutes later, we may still be scrolling, feeling more distracted than rested. Real rest gives the mind or body a chance to slow down. Scrolling can feel relaxing because it demands little effort, but the constant stream of messages, videos and headlines keeps our attention switched on. It can also turn a short pause into a much longer one without us noticing. That doesn’t mean you need to give up your phone. The trick is to notice whether it’s helping you unwind or simply filling every quiet moment. Try leaving it in another room while you drink tea, take a walk, stretch, listen to music or sit by a window for five minutes. These breaks

The HSE also suggests using urine colour as a simple guide: pale, clear urine usually means you are drinking enough. You don’t have to get all your fluid from plain water. Tea, coffee, milk and sugarfree drinks can contribute, while fruit, vegetables, soups and other foods also contain water. Keeping a glass or bottle nearby and drinking regularly with meals can make hydration easier without turning it into another daily chore. Thirst, a dry mouth, darker

Hot weather can affect your body and medicines. Some treatments may increase sensitivity to sunlight, making sunburn or skin reactions more likely. Others can affect sweating, fluid balance or blood pressure, raising the risk of dehydration, dizziness or overheating. Always check the information leaflet for warnings and storage instructions. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place away from light. Never leave them in a hot car, on a sunny windowsill or in a damp bathroom. Some products need refrigeration, but do not put medicines in the fridge unless the label says so. Drink water regularly, use sun protection and watch for symptoms such as weakness, headache, dizziness, confusion or reduced urination. Most importantly, never reduce, skip or stop prescribed medication because of hot weather. Ask your pharmacist or GP whether your treatment requires extra precautions and what to do if medicine has been exposed to excessive heat. urine, tiredness, dizziness and headaches can be signs that you need more fluid. During illness, especially vomiting or diarrhoea, the HSE recommends replacing lost fluids and says oral rehydration sachets may help restore water, salts and minerals. Good hydration supports normal body function and may help you avoid the dull, tired appearance that can come with dehydration. However, drinking extra litres will not magically create glowing skin. Sleep, moisturiser, sun

protection and a balanced diet still matter. More isn’t always better. People with heart or kidney problems may sometimes need to limit their fluid intake and should follow advice from their GP or nurse rather than a general target. The simplest approach is to drink regularly, increase fluids in hot weather or during exercise, and watch for pale urine. If water feels boring, add lemon, cucumber or berries, or try sparkling water instead. Avoid turning hydration into another daily target.

Five-minute morning mobility FITNESS Gustavo Fring

Are you resting or just scrolling?

SHVETS production

may feel uncomfortable at first, which shows how used we have become to constant stimulation. Evenings are a good place to start. The HSE advises putting away phones and tablets

in the hour before bed. A regular wind-down routine, such as reading, having a bath or preparing for the next day, can help create an end to the evening. Rest doesn’t have to be pro-

ductive or impressive. It can be quiet, ordinary and brief. The next time you pick up your phone for a break, ask yourself one question: am I choosing this, or am I simply doing it out of habit?

A short mobility routine can loosen stiff joints and ease your body into the day. Remember to move slowly, breathe normally and stay within a comfortable range. • Minute one: March on the spot, allowing your arms to swing. • Minute two: Roll your shoulders backwards five times, then forwards five times. Follow with head turns from side to side, without forcing the neck. • Minute three: Place your hands on your hips and make hip circles in both directions. Add side bends if comfortable. • Minute four: Holding a sturdy chair if needed, perform eight to ten sit-to-stands or shallow squats. • Minute five: Finish with ankle circles, heel raises and a calf stretch on each side. Mobility work should feel smooth, not painful. Stop if you experience sharp pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness. Anyone with an injury, health condition or balance concerns should ask a physiotherapist, GP or healthcare professional whether the routine is suitable.

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News

Ferrymountgarret Bridge refurbishment on course for completion by Kilkenny County Council Steelworks stripped during works

Ferrymountgarret Bridge pre Works

The repair and refurbishment of the Ferrymountgarret Bridge in south Kilkenny is a major infrastructural project for Kilkenny County Council. Structural defects on, in and under the bridge were fully assessed in 2025 and funding in

the amount of Approx. €1.5m was provided by the Department of Transport in the 2026 budget to carry out full repairs of the landmark structure. As well as a regional road project the works being undertaken are also conservation works.

Complexities and unexpected challenges are usually part of such projects. The Ferrymountgarret Bridge closed to traffic from June 24th last up to August 28th to allow the required works to be delivered as

quickly as possible. The works included stripping of the paint by shot blasting back to its original steel work base underneath and above, the construction of six stories of scaffolding both over and underneath the bridge, the

replacement and/or repair of steelwork and concrete structures, the provision of lighting and ducting for services and the rebuilding and resurfacing of the main road carriageway including new parapets, drainage and kerbing.

While complex issues have been encountered during the works, the contractor on site, Glas Civil Engineering Ltd and Tetra Tech Engineering Services, working with Kilkenny County Council staff successfully dealt with all challenges arising and the works remain on schedule. It is not accurate to say that the project is behind schedule. As we progress to the reinstatement of the main road carriageway three major steps remain. The dismantling and removal of the large scaffolding structure once the final paintwork is completed to the steel structure, the water proofing of the Bridge deck forming the base of the carriageway and the laying of tarmacadam across the new roadway. The final two elements of the works, water proofing and surfacing will require dry weather at various stages over the next three weeks and minor delays may result. This project has been a difficult one and those involved should be congratulated on the delivery of the works to-date, on time and to such a high quality. Kilkenny County Council will provide a weekly update on our website and will issue a press release weekly from todays date to the completion of the works It is important to note that works will continue after August 28th, for approximately 1 month, under traffic management to carry out remaining works outside of the full road closure.

Heritage at Risk: Heritage Week 2026 with Kilkenny County Council Library Service Kilkenny County Council Library Service is delighted to announce an exciting programme of events for Heritage Week 2026, taking place from the 15th to the 23rd of August. This year’s theme "Heritage at Risk" encourages us to explore the built, natural and cultural aspects of our heritage that are endangered, to reimagine and revive these sites, artefacts customs and practices. Libraries across the county will host a diverse range of talks and workshops celebrating Kilkenny's rich cultural legacy. Highlights include talks by historian Michael Reynolds on the recently released 1926 Census and the role of Kilkenny Gardaí as the State's first enumerators, offering a fascinating insight into everyday life in the county a century ago. A key feature of this year's programme is the Kilkenny Library Local Studies Roadshow, which will visit some library branches throughout the county. Members of the public are invited to bring photographs, letters, documents, maps and memorabilia to uncover hidden gems and discuss digital scanning and preservation. The

initiative aims to safeguard valuable local heritage while helping to expand the Kilkenny Digital Archive for future generations. Additional events include a talk on Tom Treacy and the aftermath of the 1916 Rising, a celebration of the 300th anniversary of Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, the story of

Cushendale Woollen Mills, an interactive workshop on Barrow Navigation Placenames, a talk on the Thomastown Workhouse, and genealogy sessions using historic online newspaper archives. Alicia Dunphy, Local Studies Librarian, said: "Heritage Week offers a wonderful opportunity to discover, share

and celebrate the stories, people and places that have shaped Kilkenny's identity while highlighting the impor-

tance of preserving our heritage for future generations." Some events require booking due to limited capacity.

For full details and registration information, please follow us on Instagram or Facebook or visit: www.kilkennylibrary.ie

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The Iverk Show is one of the biggest shows in Ireland. It’s the oldest agricultural show in Ireland, and is a one day traditional, yet modern agricultural event. Since 1826, the Iverk show is a family and community-based event hosting All Ireland championship finals and qualifiers for other finals. So, what makes the Iverk Show so enjoyable and accessible for all the family, for children, parents and grandparents? The big-

gest strength of The Iverk Show is that it prides itself as a big, local event, with an annual attendance of around 20-25,000 visitors, and placing family traditions and community growth at the heart of what they do. It also offers a unique opportunity to spend the day together as a family, a time for people to come home from abroad and reunite with family and friends, and a moment for young people to celebrate the conclusion of their summer as the school term nears. For adults and especially kids, The Iverk Show is host to hundreds of competition classes, including special sections for primary and secondary school

pupils. Classes range from the agricultural and animals to baking and Arts and Crafts. With 380 classes in total, there’s a wideranging list of classes to suit a variety of interests, and with a total prize fund of €100,000 spread out across the competitions, there’s lots of prizes available, and plenty of opportunities to win. Also, children under 12 go free, and parking is free with a special area for disabled parking. As well as reunite with friends and family and partake in competitions, adults can enjoy the live music and performances, shop around, and have fun. Then, in the quieter moments, they can sit back, relax and can explore their surroundings, such as the display of vintage cars, tractors and machinery with working demonstrations. During the Iverk Show, everyone can meet, dance, explore and compete, all while sharing old memories and making new ones together. In doing so, the existing community and new visitors keep the flame of community spirit alive within the Show and continue the 200-year-old tradition for generations to come. There truly is something for everyone at The Iverk Show. When it comes to a great family day-out, The Iverk Show delivers, with the best of everything in one place, for one day only. From tradition and agriculture to competitions and entertainment, The Iverk Show is the place to be for all the family. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourselves ready for a fun-filled community-led and historic day at the 200th anniversary of The Iverk Show. You won’t want to miss it.

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Kilkenny County Council nominated Piltown for an award at the Community Awards 2026 Night that took place earlier this year

To mark the 200th anniversary since its first show, The Iverk Show is celebrating Piltown gardens and gardeners with a special garden competition: The Iverk Show and Keep Piltown Tidy Garden Competition 2026. Open to all, from seasoned growers to first-time gardeners, The Iverk Show wishes to celebrate all the hard work that goes into our local gardens, with categories to suit every type of garden, and no entry fee required! The official launch of the competition took place on March 28th in the Community Centre, while the Closing date was May 29th, and judging took place in late June. The competition was a huge success, with judges having a difficult job deciding the winners, and such was the large quantity and high-quality of entries that a 2nd and 3rd place prize was added in the Best Display of Container category. The Iverk Show thanks everyone who entered and shared their beautiful gardens. Below are the results of the competition, along with each of the winner’s prize earnings, with presentation of prizes to take place on Show Day: Small Front Garden: 1st: Phil Carroll - Main Street = €100 2nd: Ruth Grant - Old Post Office = €75 3rd: Pauline & Mick Bartley - Main Street = €50 Medium/Large Front Garden: 1st: Mary Walsh - The Orchard = €100

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Piltown Community: L-R: Stephen Cummins, Geri Hickey, Mary Hilda Cavanagh Cathaoirleach, Anne Marie Power, Eddie Blackmore, Philip Walsh

2nd: Mary Costello - Tybroughney = €75 3rd: J & A Murray - Kildalton Close = €50 Open Space in Housing Estate: Kildalton Close = €300 Best Display of Containers: 1st: Tom & Kathleen Cooney Main Street = €100 2nd: Valerie Daniels - Main Street = €75 3rd: Anthony’s Inn - Main Street = €50 Best Upcycled Garden Feature: Tom and Kathleen Cooney - Main Street = €100 In addition, The Iverk Show, in partnership with Journi Credit Union, is delighted to launch their new Schools Biodiversity Garden Competition: “Space for Nature”. Entries for the Competition are now closed and was made open

to the 10 primary schools in the Barony of Iverk: Owning NS Piltown NS Templeorum NS Mooncoin Junior NS Mooncoin Senior NS Carrigeen NS Kilmacow NS Strangsmills NS Mullinavat NS Bigwood NS This exciting initiative encourages children, schools, and local communities to create garden spaces that support biodiversity, wildlife, and nature within their school grounds. The Show has been amazed by the incredible effort, creativity, and hard work from the children, teachers, and communities taking part. The winners of the 200th-year will be officially announced live on Show Day, Saturday 22nd August!

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The Iverk Show are hosting their annual 6-a-side Community Tug of War Competition! The Tug of War is one of the most exciting competitions of the day, pulling in huge crowds. Contestants can test their strength, show their muscle and compete for prizes and serious bragging rights. Whether you're pulling for your local club, pub, town, a group of friends, male, female, or inexperienced, everyone’s welcome to step up to the rope. There’s still time to enter, but spaces are limited, so secure your spot now to avoid disappointment! So, whether you are a first-timer and need to be shown the ropes, or haven’t pulled in a while, here are some tips and advice on how to make the most of your tug of war game. Firstly, as an individual, knowing the right stance, posture and safety measures are key to a strong and safe performance. Start by holding the rope tightly against the side of your body or hip. Then, keep your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and lean your body back at roughly a 45-degree angle so your total body weight does the heavy work. Move backward in tiny, controlled steps and push your feet hard into the ground, using your leg and back power, rather than just pulling with your arms. Wear gloves if the rope is rough to protect your hands from severe rope burns, and never wrap the rope around your hands, wrists, or body, as this prevents you from letting go safely if you fall. As a collective team, it’s crucial to have

good strategy and synchronisation to pull efficiently and effectively together. A good tip when setting up your team is to place your heaviest and strongest team members at the very back (the anchor) and the front, with steady pullers filling the middle. As you pull, work together in synchronized pulls or steady pressure rather than pulling in random bursts. Use a team captain to call out a rhythm or count. So, now you know how to play the game, here’s all the details you need to know: • Taking place at The Iverk Show, Saturday 22nd August at 3:00 PM. • The rules are that Teams are made up of 6 pullers on Men’s teams and 9 pullers on Women’s teams, with a maximum of 2 experienced senior pullers permitted per team. The weight limit is a maximum of 600kg per team, and while soccer and work boots are allowed, Tug of War boots are limited to 2 pairs per team. • The stakes are high, with a first prize of €300, and second prize of €200. • As stated before, the entry window is still open, but the deadline closes strictly at 6:00PM on Wednesday, 19th August. Contact event coordinators directly to register your interest: Eddie Walsh: (086) 1573017 Michelle Foley: (087) 2250541 Let's see who rules the rope and be crowned champions at The Iverk Show!

The name Iverk comes from the Norman Barony of Iverk in South Kilkenny, north of the River Suir, between Carrick on Suir and the new Waterford bridge. This area has long had an ancient and distinctive character and heritage. In this sheltered yet connected valley in southern Ireland, with its long estuaries, a distinctive culture and population developed and was maintained. The Viking, AngloNorman, and later conquests began invasions via this estuary, but they built on existing farm villages and peoples, leaving most of the indigenous population in place. Professor L.M. Cullen of Trinity College Dublin observed the following (c1990)“The riverine stretches were the most prosperous agricultural districts in the region, and embrace the great meander of the Suir above Waterford, by far the greatest extent of lowland within the region. Isolated by the wide barriers of the Suir and Barrow and consisting largely of upland, the region is quite distinct from the south-east at large. The variety of surnames was smaller than elsewhere, intermarriage intense and the general pattern of life more interbred, archaic and unchanging” This area has long been inhabited and contested. this evidenced by extensive monuments preserved by our ancestors, including many hill and ring forts, monastic sites, Ireland’s only Bronze Age house and farm remains , 6 dolmens, and a unique 5000-year-old inscribed Passage Tomb. This tomb in Knockroe, having dual alignment to the Winter Solstice, indicates thousands of years of organised culture and planned farming.

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The new Bessborough estate in Piltown was built after the conquest by Cromwell and managed the vast Barony and other nearby lands. They implemented large-scale drainage

schemes and developed local crop varieties, leading the development of agriculture & prosperity in the area. Today, their legacy is that we have one of the biggest Agricultural col-

leges and one of the biggest one-day shows in the country. The Iverk Show was first held in 1826 to establish a harvest competition and celebration following a

meeting in late 1825 in Anthony’s Inn, Piltown, to establish the Iverk Farming Society (IFS). This move was at the initiative of the lord’s wife, Maria Fane, who led

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the family’s move to live in Piltown and encouraged cooperation and improvements in farming & tenant life. The show was managed with the guidance of the 4th Lord Duncannon

(later the 4th Earl of Bessborough and lord lieutenant of Ireland); the aims were to improve the wellbeing and conditions of the tenants, cottagers and farmers in the area.

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The show was an event to allow them to showcase their produce for rich prizes, thereby improving its quality through the element of competition. Up to around 1890 it was still very much a local event with prize winners from the area but engaged all in the valley with a standing practice to avoid current politics and religion. The event was commonly called ‘the barony meeting’. Bear in mind that 2026 is not the 200th show but the 200th year since the first show. A number of shows could not be held due to, for example, bad weather, Quarantines and WW2. Each generation faced their own crisis and regime but continued best practice. However, each time the community began again. We believe this is a remarkable achievement for a small rural village whose family generations have kept the committee rolling over voluntarily for 200 years. The cover images shown here are of our new book illustrating our story and the life and times of our Barony. After the Great War and political changes in 1920, the local community and some local Farmers took over leadership of the Iverk Show and began hosting the event in much the same format due to the proud tradition. In 1924, New T.D. President of the Executive, W.T. Cosgrave, visited the show on the eve of our first centenary (See photo) and in 1996, President Mary Robinson attended. Many politicians, past and present, have since attended. The shows in the 1930s and 40 were smaller due to the economic war and then actual war and foot and mouth disease. In the early fifties, a national organisation ‘Muintir na tire ’, supported by Macra in Mooncoin,

restarted the show in a small way. Their motto was ‘ Better to light a candle than to curse the dark’ The show gradually grew to become the big event of the summer in the region again, as remembered by the older people. In the Sixties a big dinner dance was held after the show in Mooncoin and was a great fundraiser and fun with all the top showbands. In the 70s the show grew as the E.U. provided greater markets for farming and free trade. Farming improvements and productivity were again in great demand, and new machines and breeds were coming to the fore. Following the purchase of the present showgrounds in 1984, the name was changed to the Iverk Show Limited. Nowadays the show is mainly held on its own land of 17 acres. We also use land belonging to surrounding landowners, the Piltown GAA and Kildalton College for part of the show and for parking. We have a special disabled parking area From 1997 to 1999, the Iverk Show, with E.U. funding, was twinned with the Carmarthen Show in Wales, and the committee has visited many other shows in the British Isles to gain new ideas and best practice. The Show is a member of the Irish Shows Association – a 32-county Association with approximately 120 members. From a small rural show, Iverk is now one of the leading one-day agricultural events in the country The show is now very much an all-Ireland event with three or four All-Ireland Championship finals annually (entries must qualify for the final from shows held earlier in the season around the country) It is held annually on the fourth

Saturday in August in the village of Piltown in South Kilkenny on the N24 road between Waterford and Clonmel. Initially held in the demesne of the Lord Bessborough (now Teagasc Kildalton College) it moved to its present location in the 1960s. Annually, we get around 20,000 visitors, with many coming home, especially to meet family and friends. Adult entry is €15 each, with concessions for OAPs and students, and children under 12 are free. Around 350 trade companies attend, with exhibit stands in the main outdoor area, food vendors and family areas, and a large marquee for the smaller indoor companies. Larger businesses and political groups have a hospitality marquees. The Irish Heart Foundation monitors visitors’ health, especially targeting the farming community. The Samaritans and several charities also attend. We have competition classes in each of the following areas. Horses, ponies, show jumping, cattle, sheep, poultry including pigeons, dogs, flowers, flower arranging, fruit, vegetables, honey, eggs, baking, photography, arts and crafts. Most sections have classes for young people. In all, there are 380 classes. There are also prizes for vintage cars and machinery, tug-of-war, best-dressed ladies, and bonny babies. Generally, new classes are introduced annually or existing ones upgraded. The annual total prize fund is around €100,000 Most competitions are pre-entry, but some like dogs and best-dressed are entries on the day. Total entries are approximately 2,500. Prizes are mainly sponsored, with main sponsors like ABP, Nissan, Suir forklifts, >

> Red Mill & Tirlan. Independent Judges are appointed from around the country & the UK. The Fashion Show, with the support of leading companies like Pamela Scott, TRM and Benetton, has its own 10m catwalk. The show raffle has over 50 fantastic prizes to be won. Music from established groups and up-coming talent provided relaxing entertainment and music for the dancers. In the garden-family area, there are amusements, rare breeds and a free children’s play area. The images below from our 2025 show capture the Exhibits, the fun, the pride, and the skills. We showcase all the best the region has to offer for the best family dayout!! All shows are gratefully supported by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Iverk is also very appreciative of the support from Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Leader Partnership. We are very proud of our environment programme, showcasing our latest waterharvesting initiative this year. President Wattie Walsh; Chairman John Flynn; Secretary Jill Dowley; PRO Robert Duggan; Young Committee Organiser Mary McEvoy are the current elected Leaders. They are supported by an active committee of about 90 members. Each section has its own chief steward and sub-

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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committee. On the day, there are about 400 voluntary helpers. Our young members’ committee has its own space for their activities. The reasons why we have endured are: The founder of the first Iverk Show lived locally and was wise to seek to raise people's skills and invest in them for the prosperity of all. Life can be hard, but coming together to celebrate the harvest and meet each other is a celebration of the work ethic and competition Producing the best outcome was a lesson for all. The great people who went before us realised this and after each crisis or war, a leader brought the community back together. ‘The estate and the show played a major role in the development of farming in the area. Silage was made for the Bessborough Farm in 1822. It was founded on the basis of being non-political and non-sectarian; not too easy in the times that were in it, but the show survived all hiccups and kept on improving’ Joe Malone -President in letter to Farmers Journal 2000 The Chinese say if you want to prosper, ‘Build a road to the next village’. We invite all from the next villages. ‘NíL Neart go Chuir le Chéile' - ' Strength with unity' We thank all who came before us and look forward to your visit in the coming years. Rob Duggan

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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With the price of milk below the cost of production and with farm costs escalating by the day, ICMSA President and Kilkenny farmer, Denis Drennan, said that dairy farmers across the country are becoming increasingly angry at the potential damage being done in the US butter market due to nearly direct competition between Ornua and Tirlan, two Irish co-operatives that he maintains should be complementing each other’s market presence – as opposed to competing. “For years, both these companies have lectured farmers in relation to the need for sustainability, schemes like SDAS, and the need to move up the value chain. But here we are now, where having met all these standards, farmers are falling back down the ‘value chain’ due to the inability or unwillingness of both companies to develop a joint strategy - along with other Irish co-operatives - for butter in the US market. To put it mildly, the potential self-destruction that is developing at marketing level in the Irish dairy sector is ridiculous and it won’t be the executives concerned who suffer: it’ll be the dairy

farmer who’s already on course for a whole year of poor milk price that’s been below the costs of production for a very sustained period. So what we have here is Co-ops that are actually owned by farmers engaged in a marketing ‘war that’s highly like to drop the already inadequate milk price being paid to the selfsame farmers who own both of the competing Co-ops. There might be another planet where all this makes sense, but it’s not one that ICMSA lives on”, said Mr Drennan. Mr Drennan said that the price Irish farmers are receiving for their milk today is similar to that of New Zealand, a commodity producer, and he said that questions needed to be asked – and answered - in relation to the processing and marketing of Irish dairy produce. He said that demand after demand is being placed on dairy farmers by their milk processors to no obvious benefit in term of price for the farmers. It might be time, suggested Mr Drennan, for both Dairy Industry Ireland and ICOS to ‘look inside their own doors’ and fix processes that are patently

no longer working as originally intended. “This is a perfect example of a situation where farmers are taking a hit for the failure of our milk processors to work strategically on global markets, and we think that competing against each other - and undercutting at our expense - simply has to stop. Instead of moving up the value chain, dairy farmers are now genuinely worried that we are going to undermine a market that is delivering for us, delivering value added and they need assurances that this will not happen. Ornua is stating that they are delivering a 2 cents per litre premium on every litre of Irish milk that comes through Ornua, what is the future of this premium if this internal competition continues?” he asked. Producing milk sustainably needs a sustainable price, the lack of cooperative thinking is undermining our ability to secure a sustainable price both in the short and long term and it is about time that the sellers of Irish dairy produce on international markets got their ‘house in order’, concluded Mr. Drennan.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

the Iverk Show Fashion Marquee, with judging commencing at 1pm. If you want to pass the time, you can watch the Fashion Shows which commence either side of judging at 11.30am and 2pm. Another competition taking entries on show day are the Dog competitions. If you own an eligible

The Iverk Show is host to a total of 380 competition classes, with classes ranging from the agricultural and animals to baking and Arts and Crafts. While entries for most competitions have now closed, there’s no need to worry, as some open their entry windows on the

day of The Iverk Show, August 22nd. Without further ado, here’s a look at some of the competitions you still have time to prepare your entry for. Firstly, there’s the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Lady’ competition, a popular event where people eagerly wait to see the style on the runway.

This is your time to shine on the catwalk. Strong fashion choices are classic country style, modern tailoring, or something beautifully unique. This year's top prizes are sponsored by Connolly's RED MILLS and Ciaran Kelly Plant Hire. Registration is before 11:30am at

dog, they can compete in one of the many dog competition classes based on age, breed, size, and compatibility. These include “Puppy”, “Veteran”, “Small Dog”, “Medium Dog”, “Large Dog”, “Terrier”, “The All-Ireland Gun Dog Championship Qualifier”, “The All-Ireland Irish Native Breed Dog Championship Qualifier”, “Working Dog”, “Rescue Dog”, “Child Handling”, “Adult Handling”, “Gun Dog”, “Fancy Dress”, and “Best in Show”. Most of the classes’ prizes are 1st = €12, 2nd = €8, 3rd = €4. Sponsored by Suirside Veterinary Services and Tom Foley Engineering, entries cost €3 and are taken on the field from 10.30 am until close at 1.00 pm, with judging commencing at 1.30pm sharp. Lastly, The Bonny Baby competition is a popular family highlight at The Iverk Show. Open to young children with categories split by age groups, entries are taken directly on show day at the Secretary's Office, and every participating baby receives a prize. Kindly sponsored by Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union, Mulligans Pharmacy (Piltown), and Lannen's Pharmacy Haven Pharmacy (Carrick-on-Suir), the categories are divided into 0–6 months, 7–12 months, and 13–18 months, and entries are done on the day at approximately 1:30 p.m. in person. The entry fee is €5 per entry, with judging commencing at approximately 2:45 p.m. Every baby who takes part gets a fantastic goody bag to take home, with the bonniest baby taking home a wonderful hamper. As you can see, there’s still time to enter, so don’t delay any further. Get ready to enter because if you’re not in, you can’t win!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Mens shed

From Lisnafunchin National school to the Mens shed Happy birthday... Leo Wemyss from The Men’s Shed on Chapel Lane who was surprised with a birthday cake

The two men meet every Tuesday afternoon in the Men's Shed where they work away fixing old bicycles, having the chat and reminiscing about times gone by. And there is no doubt but they're in good company with the other menfolk on Chapel Lane. Behind the shed door, a group of men gather, who have lifelong experiences and skills to share. Whilst books and you tube are a valuable resource for learning, the Men’s shed can never be underestimated. The power of the practical exchange of skills between the generations cannot be questioned. The Men's Shed is open to all men from 18 years plus. It offers the ideal opportunity to help bridge the generational divide and pass on traditions. On that note if you or anyone you know would like to join, please call up any Tuesday afternoon from 2pm. The eircode is R95 DW32. You can contact The Men’s shed on 085 8381653 or by email on kilkenny@mensshed.ie A note to finish: while sitting and chatting at The Men’s shed last Tuesday, this reporter was treated to the most delicious chocolate cake. The reason being that a member of that august body of men, Leo Wemyss was celebrating a birthday. We didn’t ask an age. However we did enjoy the Gateaux. Ah sure it would have been bad manners not to.

Chain reaction...Shem Muldowney and Micheal Bergin, rekindled a friendship at the Men’s Shed. We are not sure which of them was the ‘spokes’person

The song "Two Little Boys" (originally titled "When We Were Two Little Boys") was written by lyricist Edward Madden and composer Theodore F. Morse in 1903. This song is a celebration of loyalty and friendship. With that in mind we focus on two members of Kilkenny Men’s Shed, Shem Muldowney and Micheal Bergin. When they were two little boys, they started school together in 1951.The school was in Lisnafunchin National School and they spent many

a day playing with their wooden horses, pretending to be warriors. As the years passed, life took them in different directions, and they went on to have successful careers, got married and raisedfamilies. It wasn't until some years later, their paths again crossed in Kilkenny Men's Shed where their friendship was rekindled. The bond made all those years ago in the Lisnafunchin school yard stood the test of time and remained unbroken.

Members of Kilkenny’s Men Shed on Chapel Lane who meet every week

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Homes & Gardens

Quick wins for bathrooms HOME HACK Magnific

A bathroom refresh doesn’t need a complete makeover to make a real difference. Start with the small details. Renew any discoloured silicone around the bath, shower or basin, making sure the old sealant is fully removed before applying a fresh bead. If grout is only stained, a deep clean may be enough; regrout only where it’s cracked or damaged. Simple swaps can also lift the room. A new mirror, toilet seat, cabinet handles or tap can make the space feel more up to date, provided the existing fittings are compatible. Matching towels, a washable bath mat and coordinated dispensers can also help create a cleaner, more pulled-together look. Good lighting and storage matter too. Keep toiletries tucked away where possible and make sure bathroom lighting is suitable for the space. Finally, check the extractor fan. Effective ventilation helps prevent condensation, mould and peeling paint, keeping the bathroom fresher for longer.

The secret to good compost GARDEN NOTES Magnific

Less clutter, more calm

Photos: Rodrigo Llopis, rodrigollopisg.com

HOME Creating a calmer home doesn’t have to mean a perfectly organised one. Sometimes, a few thoughtful changes can make a space feel lighter, easier to live in and more relaxing. For Liz Druhan of South Hill Studio, Kilkenny, good interiors are about more than appearances. “I’m not your typical interior designer,” she says. “South Hill Studio provides calm, considered design for people who want their home to feel right for years.” Clutter can have a surprisingly strong effect on how we experience our homes. “Our brains constantly process

what we see - more clutter means more visual noise, making it harder to relax,” Liz explains. But faced with an entire house, knowing where to begin can be the hardest part. Her advice is to start small and close to home. “Start with when you wake - what do you see? Tackling that first bit of progress will motivate you.” The bedroom can therefore be a particularly good starting point. “Start with your bedside table; it’s the first thing you see each day,” she suggests. Rather than attempting a major clear-out in one go, Liz recommends “a short, timed session in one room”, making the process feel far more man-

ageable. For those who feel they need a little extra help getting started, Liz also recommends Thomastown-based decluttering expert Mari Reilly, who can be found on Instagram at @marireilly_organizer. Deciding what to part with is often the real challenge. “It often comes down to sentimentality or perceived usefulness whether it’s been used or not,” she says. A simple test can help: “Ask whether you use it, need it or love it. Donate good items, recycle damaged ones, discard only what’s unusable.” Buying more storage is not necessarily the answer either. One common mistake is choosing “storage containers

that don’t suit the space or item they are meant to house”. And preventing clutter from returning may be less about organisation than changing how we use what we already own. “I honestly believe most of us have more than we need,” Liz says. “Use the nice dishes, the special things - you might find you begin buying less.” Ultimately, creating a calmer home is also about enjoying it. Liz recommends finding “a favourite spot in your home and spending time there each day”. “A calm home is not perfect,” she says, “but it’s enjoyed.” www.southhillstudio.ie

Create a garden that works for real life GARDEN

Good compost is all about getting the balance right, and you don’t need any specialist equipment to make it work. Aim for a roughly even mix of soft, nitrogen-rich “greens” and dry, carbon-rich “browns”. Grass clippings, vegetable peelings and coffee grounds are all good greens, while torn cardboard, dry leaves and small twigs make useful browns. Add them in small amounts rather than thick layers, as this helps air move through the pile and stops it becoming wet and slimy. Chopping larger pieces into smaller bits will also help them break down faster. Your compost should feel damp, like a wrung-out sponge, but never soaking wet. If it starts to smell sour, add some dry leaves or cardboard and give it a turn with a garden fork. If things are moving slowly, mix in some fresh greens and turn the pile again. Once ready, the compost should be dark, crumbly and earthy, perfect for beds, borders and containers.

A good garden should do more than look attractive. It should work for the way you live, whether that means giving children somewhere to play, creating space for entertaining or simply providing a quiet corner to relax at the end of the day. Billy from Lush Landscapes in Kilkenny says the first question should always be: “How do you want to use the space?” Before choosing plants or paving, look at how the garden works throughout the day. Where does the sun fall? How do you move through the space? And where will you get the best evening light? “The best place for a patio isn’t always directly outside the back door,” Billy says. If

the evening sun reaches the far end of the garden, that may be the better place to sit, with paths or planting used to connect it back to the house. Small changes can also make a big difference. In a mature garden, lowering an overgrown hedge can bring in more light and open up views beyond the boundary. Sloping gardens can be turned into terraces, while an unused corner might become a seating or planting area. Billy also advises planning the layout before buying plants or choosing materials. “Low maintenance doesn’t have to mean boring,” he says. Hardy planting, less lawn and plenty of evergreen structure can keep a garden looking good throughout the year. Ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, salvias and evergreen shrubs can all suit

Neville Hawkins

Kilkenny gardens. Most importantly, create somewhere you genuinely want to spend time. As Billy puts it, once your garden

becomes a place for morning coffee, evening sun or a barbecue, “it becomes an extension of your home - not just something to look at.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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What’s On

Your picks for this week TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE - OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to watch: Jason Statham returns to familiar action territory in Mutiny, playing Cole Reed, a security specialist framed for murdering his billionaire boss. His search for answers leads him aboard a cargo ship and into an international conspiracy. Annabelle Wallis, Adrian Lester and Jason Wong join the cast, while Jean-François Richet directs. Expect fists, firearms and maritime mayhem when Mutiny reaches Irish cinemas on August 21. Old school action thrills are guaranteed.

Dinosaurs at the door in The End of Oak Street CINEMA Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor face the ultimate neighbourhood crisis when their quiet suburban street is transported somewhere strangely prehistoric. What happens when an ordinary suburban street is picked up, dropped into the unknown and surrounded by dinosaurs? That is the alarming question at the centre of The End of Oak Street, a new science-fiction survival thriller screening in cinemas from today (Aug 14). Anne Hathaway and Ewan

McGregor lead the cast as Denise and Greg Platt, parents whose family life takes a sharp turn after a mysterious cosmic event tears their entire neighbourhood away from suburbia. Oak Street is no longer bordered by familiar roads and gardens. Instead, its residents find themselves facing an unrecognisable landscape - and some very large, very hungry new neighbours. Maisy Stella and Christian Convery play the Platts’ children, Audrey and Brian. As the family attempts to understand

where it has landed, survival quickly depends on putting arguments aside, sticking together and using whatever can be found around the house. The film is written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, best known for the unsettling horror hit It Follows. Mitchell has explained that the idea began while he was walking through a suburban neighbourhood in Michigan and imagined how strange it would be to see a dinosaur beside an everyday garage or rubbish bin. That collision between the

familiar and the fantastic appears to be the film’s biggest attraction. J.J. Abrams is among the producers, while Michael Giacchino provides the score. The result promises a mixture of family drama, mystery, creature-feature thrills and old-fashioned summer adventure. The trailers suggest something bigger and stranger than a standard dinosaur chase, with roads ending above vast forests and an entire community wondering whether home can ever feel like home again.

Supernatural sounds at St Canice’s ST. CANICE’S CATHEDRAL | FRI, AUG 14 | 7:30 - 9PM MUSIC Journey through the supernatural imagination of Europe: saints and sorcerers, devils and dancing witches, storms, ghosts and the twilight of the Norse gods. The Irish Chamber Orchestra brings a night of supernatural drama, myth and musical storytelling to St Canice’s Cathedral tonight. Directed by violinist Henning Kraggerud, the programme journeys through the darker corners of the European imagination, where saints, sorcerers, devils, witches, storms, ghosts and ancient gods all find a voice in music. The concert brings together works by Vivaldi, Mozart, Schubert, Mussorgsky and others, creating a richly theatrical evening in one of

Kilkenny’s most atmospheric settings. Audiences can expect the icy intensity of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons alongside the fiery virtuosity of Tartini’s Devil’s Trill. Mussorgsky’s Baba Yaga adds another layer of folklore and menace, while Kraggerud’s own Ragnarok brings the programme towards an apocalyptic climax inspired by the twilight of the Norse gods. Rather than a conventional sequence of separate works, the evening is designed as a journey through contrasting moods and stories, moving from beauty and mystery to tension, violence and supernatural spectacle. Throughout the programme, myth and folklore sit alongside dazzling musicianship, with each work adding another character or scene to the

evening. The result is intended to be both dramatic and haunting, drawing together very different composers through a shared fascination with the mysterious and otherworldly. For classical music fans,

it offers the chance to hear familiar composers in an imaginative new context, while newcomers can expect a dramatic and accessible programme driven as much by atmosphere and storytelling as by musical tradition.

What to read: Liane Moriarty revisits the world of Big Little Lies in Big Little Truths, set a decade after the infamous Pirriwee High quiz night. Madeline is planning her 50th birthday, Jane is questioning her marriage and Celeste remains haunted by the past. Then a severed human finger arrives at the school. Warm, twisty and deliciously suspicious, the sequel is published in Ireland on August 27 and should keep fans guessing throughout. What to stream: The Dynasty: UConn Huskies charts four decades of extraordinary success under basketball coach Geno Auriemma. The three part documentary features the championship winning 2025 team alongside celebrated players from earlier generations, exploring relentless ambition, pressure and the cost of sustaining excellence. Directed by Matthew Hamachek and Erica Sashin, it promises compelling viewing even for newcomers to college basketball. The complete documentary series streams globally on Apple TV from August 21. What to listen to: Sam Smith opens a new chapter with Hazel Eyes, their fifth studio album and a heartfelt celebration of love. The 12-track collection includes the lead single “My Guy” and arrives after 2023’s Gloria. Smith describes the record as deeply personal, with romance replacing much of the heartbreak that shaped earlier work. Expect soaring vocals, intimate songwriting and polished pop when Hazel Eyes lands on streaming services on August 21. What to play: Star Wars Zero Company puts players in command of an unconventional squad fighting a war during the final days of the Clone Wars. This single-player tactics game rewards careful positioning, team building and difficult choices, with missions shaped by the specialists you recruit. Developed by Bit Reactor with Lucasfilm Games, it launches for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles on August 27. Every move could alter the galaxy.

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Food & Drink

No-Bake Strawberry and Lemon Cheesecake Pots RECIPE

What makes a great summer soup? magnific

FOOD

Fresh strawberries, zesty lemon and a buttery biscuit base make these simple cheesecake pots an ideal summer dessert - no oven required. When the weather is warm, nobody wants to spend an afternoon watching a cheesecake bake, cool and possibly crack. These individual pots deliver all the creamy pleasure of cheesecake with far less drama. They can be prepared several hours in advance, making them useful for barbecues, garden lunches or any evening when dessert should look impressive without creating a mountain of washing-up. Serves 6 Ingredients • 200g digestive biscuits • 75g butter, melted • 300g full-fat cream cheese • 200ml double cream • 60g icing sugar • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 300g strawberries • 1 tablespoon caster sugar • Extra strawberries and lemon zest, to decorate Method Place the biscuits in a food bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they resemble coarse crumbs. Alternatively, pulse them briefly in a food processor. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter, then divide the mixture between six small glasses or jars. Press down gently with the back of a spoon and place in the fridge while you prepare the filling. Set aside six strawberries for decorating. Hull and roughly chop the remainder, then mix them with the caster sugar and half of the lemon juice. Leave for 10 minutes so the fruit becomes juicy. Put the cream cheese, icing sugar, lemon zest, remaining lemon juice and vanilla into a bowl. Beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks. Fold it gently into the cream-cheese mixture, taking care not to knock out too much air. Spoon a little of the chopped strawberry mixture over each biscuit base. Divide the cheesecake filling between the glasses, then finish with the remaining strawberries and their juices. Chill for at least two hours before serving. Decorate each pot with a reserved strawberry and a little extra lemon zest. For an even quicker version, replace the fresh strawberry topping with a spoonful of good-quality strawberry conserve. Raspberries, blueberries or sliced peaches will also work beautifully.

Light, colourful and packed with seasonal produce, summer soup should refresh rather than weigh you down. Soup might seem like the preserve of woolly jumpers, dark evenings and rainy days, but summer deserves its own bowlful too. The secret is to forget the thick, heavy soups of winter and focus instead on freshness. A great summer soup should feel bright, lively and full of flavour, whether it’s served chilled from the fridge

or warm with a slice of crusty bread. Start with ingredients that are at their best. Tomatoes, courgettes, peas, broad beans, peppers, cucumber and fresh herbs can all become the basis of an easy seasonal soup. This is also a clever way to use up a glut from the garden or the slightly overenthusiastic vegetable shop. Texture matters. Summer soups usually benefit from being silky rather than stodgy. Blend roasted tomatoes with garlic and basil, whizz peas with mint and a little yoghurt,

or combine cucumber with herbs and lemon for something cool and refreshing. That doesn’t mean every bowl has to be completely smooth. A light vegetable soup filled with beans, greens and small pasta shapes can still work well on a cooler Irish summer day. Think less winter stew and more garden in a bowl. Acidity is another important ingredient. A squeeze of lemon, a splash of vinegar or a spoonful of yoghurt can lift the flavour and stop the soup from tasting flat. Fresh herbs added

Fake it till you bake it COOKBOOK Bakers, put down the piping bag. Sarah Rainey’s new book, How to Cheat at Baking, is here to prove that impressive sweet treats don’t require hours of kneading, proving or pastry-making. The Belfast-born food writer has filled her latest collection with 70 quick and easy recipes for busy bakers. The idea is simple: begin with familiar supermarket ingredients, add a little imagination and take all the credit when something delicious appears. This is baking for tired parents, hungry students, reluctant cooks and anyone who has abandoned a recipe after reading the words “leave to rise overnight”. Biscuit-based traybakes, freezer cakes, microwave miracles and air-fryer creations all feature, with no piping skills or perfectly stocked pantry required. Among the recipes already

tempting us are four-ingredient red velvet cookies made with boxed cake mix, no-bake pink fudge “blondies” inspired by iced ring biscuits and 30-minute sprinkle doughnuts created from brioche. They sound slightly mischievous, wonderfully nostalgic and, most importantly, achievable on an ordinary weekday. Purists may raise an eyebrow at the ready-made ingredients, but that is precisely the fun. Rainey recognises that not every home baker has unlimited time, energy or money. Instead, she offers ways to make baking fit around real life without losing the pleasure of producing something warm, sweet and shareable. It may be called cheating, but when the results look this good, we’re prepared to keep the secret. How to Cheat at Baking: 70 Quick and Easy Recipes is published by Michael O’Mara Books.

just before serving will make it taste brighter too. Then come the toppings - the part that turns a sensible bowl of vegetables into something worth getting excited about. Try toasted seeds, croutons, crumbled cheese, chopped herbs, crispy bacon or a swirl of flavoured oil. Cold soups often improve after an hour or two in the fridge, giving the flavours time to mingle. Warm soups can be made ahead and gently reheated, making them useful for relaxed lunches or easy entertaining.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA CLUB LOTTO The lotto results for 4th August produced no winner. The €30 Lucky Dip went to Marty Hoyne, Liam Mulhall, Caine Curran, Eileen McGarry and Liam Ryan ATHLETICS Pia Langton of Clara and Kilkenny City Harriers recently competed at the World U20 Athletics championships held in Eugene, Oregon, USA. Pia had qualified for both the 800m and 1500m races at the meeting. She ran superbly in the heats of the 800m to finish in fourth place and comfortably qualify for the semifinals. She then sensibly forfeited her place in the 1500m heats to give her full attention to the 800m semis. In searing heat, she ran 2:07.41 which gave her seventh place in a world class field but missed out on a final place. The run placed her 23rd in the world, which is a phenomenal performance for an 18 year old runner with two more year’s eligibility at these championships. Well done. SENIOR HURLING Clara’s disappointing start to the season continued in Gowran on Saturday when they lost out 1-19 to 1-14 to a Graigue Ballycallan outfit that were claiming their second win in a row. Sharper out of the blocks GBC raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after seven minutes. Then Clara had their best spell of the match and two Rory Glynn points and a Conor O Shea free had their best spell sides level. Things got even better when Chris Bolger grabbed a Ciaran Prendergast delivery, swivelled and fired to the net to put Clara three points to the good. But over the following seven minutes Clara conceded four converted frees as well as one from play and to cap it off GBC struck for a goal to take a firm grip on proceedings. Three Conor O Shea frees brought Clara back into it a little bit before halftime, but Clara still trailed 1-10 to 1-7 at this juncture. That gap stayed intact for most of the second half but four Paul Cody points and three more Conor O Shea efforts from placed balls had Clara back within two with six minutes of normal time remaining. However, a composed Graigue Ballycallan hit 4 of the game’s last 5 points to seal their victory. Clara will be disappointed as this game was there for the winning, but nobody grabbed it by the scruff of the neck. Next up are Bennettsbridge on Saturday in O Loughlins. Team - Kevin Nolan, Martin O Connell, Matt Kenny, Zach Lawlor. Shane Staunton, Davy Barcoe, Harry Boyle. David Langton, Luke Lawlor. Paul Cody 0-4, Conor O Shea 0-8, 0-7f, 0-1 x 65, Ciaran Prendergast. Rory Glynn 0-2, Chris Bolger 1-0, Dara Glynn. Subs used Bill Carrigan, Lester Ryan, Paddy Bolger. LGFA Clara had a big win over Thomastown in their quarter final clash in Thomastown on Saturday evening. It finished 4-12 to 0-5 in favour of the visitors. O’LOUGHLIN GAELS HURLING AND CAMOGIE BLITZ St. John’s Park was the venue for a very successful Under 10’s hurling and camogie blitz as the O’Loughlin Gaels club showed it’s one club model credentials. Twelve camogie teams and twelve hurling teams participated and over 400 boys and girls attended. The clubs involved were O’Loughlin Gaels, Ballyboden St Endas Dublin, Butlerstown Waterford, Mullinahone Tipperary, Killcormac/ Killoughey Offaly, Cuala Dublin, Gailltir Waterford, Blackwater Wexford, Naomh Eanna Wexford, Roscrea Tipperary, Tramore Waterford, Borrisoleigh Tipperary, CJ Kickhams Tipperary and St Mary’s Rosslare Wexford. One of the many highlights of the day was the parade of all the teams, each behind their own club banner and led by a piper as they marched proudly around the pitch. Great fun was had in all the games with plenty of brilliant skills, great battles, goals, teamwork, and most importantly, lots of fun along the way! Fantastic to see the young hurlers and camogie players giving it their all, supporting each other and enjoying every minute. A huge thank you to all the visiting teams and to the coaches, mentors, volunteers and parents who helped make the day such a success. ELEVEN GOALS! The meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels and Shamrocks Ballyhale in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling League in Thomastown on Sunday

Children and Coaches with sponsors James and Miriam Mc Carthy (Mc Carthy’s SuperValu) at O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp

Happy group of participants at O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp with sponsors Miriam and James Mc Carthy

last proved a goal feast for spectators as they saw eleven goals shared between the two teams with the winners, Shamrocks, raising six white flags and their opponents, O’Loughlin’s five. Niall Shortall scored five of the southern sides’ goals while Ruarc Sweney netted four of O’Loughlin’s major scores. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated August 4th. The numbers drawn were 8, 10, 15 and 19. The bonus number was 23. Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com Winners of the Promotors Draw were: 1. Michael Dreeling c/o P Leydon. 2. Caoimhe Murphy c/o B Maher. 3. Paddy Greene. 4. Aileen O’Driscoll c/o D O’Driscoll. 5. Ber and Lorraine Maher. 6. Anna Murphy c/o D O’Driscoll. 7. Eleanor Rowe c/o P Greene. 8. Nora Roberts O’Reilly c/o Online. 9. David Walsh c/o Online. 10. Amy Barry c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support. GREYHOUND RACE NIGHT O’Loughlin Gaels hold their annual fundraiser at Kilkenny Greyhound Track on Friday 21st August. The first race is at 7.30pm. There will be a Raffle on the night. Tickets still only €10. Experience the brand new facilities at Kilkenny Greyhound Track. Members of the club hope to call to every house in the parish selling tickets. Tickets also available at the bar in the clubhouse. All support would be welcome. Hot dogs and minerals for all the kids on the night. CAMOGIE WINNERS Congratulations to the Kilkenny Under 15 camogie team on their excellent All-Ireland Final victory over Galway last weekend. A special congratulations to Lauren Daly, Chloe Collins and Stephanie Cooney from O’Loughlin Gaels who were part of the successful Kilkenny team. Everyone at O’Loughlin Gaels is extremely proud of the girls’ achievement and their contribution to the county’s success. FRESHFORD HURLING TOURNAMENT Johnny Kavanagh memorial hurling tournament was held on Bank holiday Monday with a number of teams taking part including teams from Tipperary, Cork, Wexford and Kilkenny including St Lachtains, Tullaroan, St Patrick’s/Fenians, Erin’s Own, Barrow Rangers. There were some great hurling skills and effort

shown by all the teams throughout the day and Tipperary side Killenaule won the cup final against Barrow Rangers. Ferns/St Aidan’s of Wexford defeated the home side in the shield final. The trophies were presented to the winners by Brenda and Michael Kavanagh POOL The first annual Stephen Darcy memorial pool tournament was held recently in Farrell’s bar. The semi finals and final took place on Sunday evening last. This tournament was arranged in remembrance of local lad Stephen Darcy late of Clintstown Road, who was a well known and respected character in the village who passed away in April 2025. The semi final saw Lar Ryan beat Woody and local lad Shane McGree defeated Panjo to go through to the final. Lar Ryan came out the winner, and the presentation of trophies was made by Ann Darcy who thanked all the organisers players and anyone who donated for the event. There was also a raffle on the night and an auction for a special pool jersey which raised €2,500, which was kindly doated by the late Martin Rafter. All proceeds will go to the Irish kidney donor association. MARIE QUINN RIP The death took place on Thursday last of Mrs Marie Quinn late of Clintstown Road, Freshford after a short illness. Originally from Kilkenny City, Marie was in her 70s and was predeceased some six years ago by her husband Liam. She was a very quiet and private lady and a loving mother and grandmother. Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning last in St Lachtains church Freshford, followed by burial in at Lachtains cemetery. She is mourned by her daughters Selena and Jenny, six grandchildren, sons in law, brothers, sister, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews and nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended. THREECASTLES HERITAGE Threecastles heritage group is holding two events for heritage week 2026. Exploring this year’s theme of “heritage at risk” people are invited to Threecastles graveyard (R95HX49) on Monday next 17th August at 7pm. Anne Caroline Distel KAS will talk about the medieval graveslabs while Eleanor Cantwell and Claire O’Donnell will recount some of the social history associated with this historical graveyard. AMONG THE HILLS OF KILLAREE:

On Sunday 23rd August at 12.30pm Eleanor Cantwell, Michael Doheny and Claire 0’Donnell will lead a walk in Killaree. There is some wonderful history to be found in this special towns land. Meet at Threecastles hurling club (by kind permission) Free events. All welcome CHAMP Well done to Gyll Condon and his champion ram, Gill Vale, on a fantastic achievement at the Tullamore Show on Sunday last. The pair enjoyed a hugely successful day in the show ring, taking home both the Champion and Reserve Champion awards. It was a wonderful result and a great reward for the hard work, dedication and preparation that goes into producing livestock of such a high standard. Competition at the Tullamore Show is always strong, making this double success all the more impressive. Congratulations to Gyll on an outstanding performance and we wish him continued success with Gill Vale. SOCCER NEWS With things a little quieter on the field of play at this time of year, there is no better opportunity to make use of the club’s astro turf pitch. The facility is now open for bookings, offering an ideal venue for training sessions, games or a kickabout with friends. Bookings can be made easily through the SportsKey online portal. Alternatively, anyone looking for further information can contact a committee member or send a message through the club’s social media page. So, with the summer evenings to enjoy, get a group together and get the boots on! BAPTISM Congrats to Conor Britton and Natalie on the birth of their baby boy recently who was baptised on Sunday last in St Lachtains church Freshford. GAA St Lachtains intermediate hurlers take on Carrickshock in the third round of the intermediate league/ championship in Tullaroan on Sunday next at 3pm. Pádraig Lachtáin’s has been a hive of activity over the past number of weeks, hosting a series of big games, including two senior matches, two junior fixtures and the popular Johnny Kavanagh Memorial Under-14 Tournament. The club’s facilities, and in particular, the main playing pitch, have received plenty of praise from visiting teams, supporters and media personnel. The excellent condition of the pitch and the overall presentation of the grounds have helped ensure that each fixture was played in a welcoming and

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Community & GAA Notes well-organised environment. This positive feedback is a great reflection of the tremendous work carried out behind the scenes by the club’s dedicated volunteers. The ground staff have put in many hours preparing and maintaining the facilities, while the match-day stewards have also played an important role in ensuring that everything ran smoothly. The club would like to sincerely thank all those who have given their time and effort over recent weeks. Their contribution is greatly appreciated and often goes on quietly in the background. A special word of thanks also goes to the local landowners who kindly make their lands available for car parking on match days. Their continued support is invaluable to the club and helps make these big occasions possible. LOTTO There was no jackpot winner in the weekly lotto. The jackpot next week is €1,300. The lucky dip winners were. Hugo Jasinge (€50) S Dawson and J, M and M Kennedy (€25 each) Tickets are €2 each and you can play online through Clubzap or from any of the local sellers. BRIDGE Summer bridge continues each Monday evening in Threecastles hall (R95WK45) at 7.30pm. All are welcome. SPLIT THE POT Split the pot proceeds for July went to Freshford squash club and the committee thank all who supported them throughout the month. Proceeds go to different local club each month Tickets are just €2 and can be purchased in any of the local pubs or businesses. PARISH NEWS Masses each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’s church at 9.30am (unless otherwise stated) Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening. WEBCAM The mass webcam has been installed by Church Media Ireland. All masses in at Lachtain’s church will be livestreamed through the webcam at Https// church media.ie/st-lachtains-church-frffreshford. OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941. RADIO If you wish to listen to live broadcast of mass on Tuesdays, Fridays or Sundays from Freshford Church you can tune in to 105fm on your radio. NEWSLETTER The parish newsletter is available every week and it is also on the website. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours. MASS CARDS Mass Cards and Mass Bouquets are available in the Parish office and also from Annette at Tulla. VISITS Fr. Mark is happy to visit the sick and if you would like to receive a visit from Fr. Mark, you can contact him by phone or through the parish office. LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and is a welcoming hub in the village. They’re always happy to see more people on both sides of the counter, so why not drop in to support your local café, meet a friend, enjoy a chat, and savour some delicious homemade food? Along with great refreshments, The Loop hosts a variety of community activities that bring neighbours together. The café is also seeking volunteers to help keep these services thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon. MABS The Money Advice and Budgeting service is a free confidential and independent money Management and Advice service. MABS assist people in dealing with their existing debt problems who have difficulty paying a mortgage or those facing legal action because of debt. They also provide information and access to Insolvency services including free Debt Relief Advice under the Personal insolvency options. For more info or for an appointment contact MABS on 0818072610.

Molly Ann Phelan and Molly Dunne with U-14 trophy

A lightning-fast start, with a touch of good fortune, set the James Stephens hurlers up for victory in Sunday morning’s Junior B League semi-final against Tullogher Rosbercon in sunny Mullinavat. A huge 100-meter delivery by goalkeeper Padraig Joyce in the 3rd minute caused confusion in the Tullogher defence with the sliothar finishing in the net and together with the Village defence in total lock down mode, roving midfielder Ross Whelan hit three quality points from play to open a 1-04 to 0-00 at the 12th minute, a lead they would retain

The annual James Stephens Summer Camp has been in full swing since Monday morning with over 170 young Village players, 90 boys and 80 girls between the ages of 5 and 12 enjoying themselves while upgrading their skills in our national games of hurling, camogie and Gaelic Football. They are being coached by a team of experienced hurling and camogie players in the finer arts of our games in a safe and enjoyable environment while also having the opportunity to forge new friendships. JUNIOR “F” HURLING LEAGUE After a slow start to the season the club’s junior “F” hurlers came into form at the right time on Sunday with a well merited 3-15 to 2-12 league quarter-final victory over Mooncoin in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain. The physical encounter required some stout defence by the Village men with Aidan Cashin and Daniel Smithwick in particular, taking the lead in fending off the determined Mooncoin attack, who nevertheless took a 4 point lead into the break. For the 2nd half an injection of youth proved highly effective with Conor Leahy and Sean Rea leading the charge on the Mooncoin defence. Defiantly holding a narrow lead in the closing stages relief came when Andrew McGovern brilliantly finished a move to the net to put the result beyond doubt and sending the wearers of the Red and Green into the league semi-final in their first year in this grade. Well done to bainisteoir and panellist Bill Lahart and his selectors on their enthusiastic commitment to this band of experienced and youthful players who might otherwise have been lost to the game. LIBRARY Librarian Alan Dunne sends out an invitation to local parents/guardians to call into the Loughboy Library to register your children for the Summer Starts 2026 and collect the Activity Booklet. The challenge is for your child to read 8 books over the summer which will entitle him/her to collect their Summer Stars medal and certificate. Each child will also be entered in a draw with a chance to win a special prize. For further information contact the library at 056 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie COIS NORE The cancer support group Cois Nore is in the middle of their August fundraising projects. Tickets for their summer raffle, with many attractive prizes, are available at €5 each and may be purchased via coisnore.ie/shop or from their office at Cois Nore House on the Waterford Road. Prizes include a Nicholas Mosse Blue Salad bowl, a self-care hamper, a voucher for Kildare Village, a Killarney Crystal bowl and more. The draw will take place on Friday 14th August. Separately, the Kells Kings Charity Cycle takes place from the village of Kells on August 29th. with options of 30Km, 68km and 116km available to competitors. Registration is open online via kellskings.ie. CRANNCHUR (LOTTO) Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite 14, 15, 21, 26. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir (no winner). Na mion duaisneanna €40: Mickey Byrne, Danila Bourke, Noreen Fogarty, Paddy Millea agus Ann Larkin. Mar is gnath go raibh agaibh go leir as bhur dtachtaoicht. (As always, our thanks to all for your continued support). BENNETTSBRIDGE

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB JUNIOR “B” HURLING LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL

to the final whistle. Tullogher responded with two converted frees after which hard grafting Diarmuid Behan (13min) and free taker David Walton finished the half with two scores for a 1-07 to 0-04 half time lead. In the early minutes of the 2nd half Tullogher tried their best to break the James Stephens defensive stranglehold on their forwards managing to shoot over three points in the third quarter but, each time they were knocked back by David Walton’s pin-point accurate free taking which yielded 5 points to keep the Village in control at 1-11 to 0-07 at the 17th minute. With victory effectively secured, lively forwards Allen Larkin (26min), Ethan Butler(28min) and Zac Scanlon (29min) finished the James Stephens scoring before Tullogher broke through for a consolation goal in the 30th minute. In truth the foundations for this victory were laid in the first quarter by a superb defence in which Adam Butler, Jackie Tyrrell, Luke Hickey and James Tyrrell in front of netminder Padraig Joyce, gave flawless exhibitions. In the league final they will line out against The Fenians which will bring to mind for supporters some memorable encounters between the clubs in days gone by. (A report on this match can be read in the sports section of this newspaper.) FAMILY DAY The much anticipated Family Fun Day takes place on Saturday next 15th August in Larchfield starting at 6.30pm. With a sizable crowd of members, players, families and supporters expected, and, hopefully in good form after the Intermediate fixture in Freshford to enjoy an evening of fun, sport and lively conversation. There will be plenty of activities for the young family members to participate in including a puc fada, races, and a hanging tough competition to enjoy. There will also be a raffle. There is a charge of €10 for adults to include a burger and beer while the €5 charge for U-18’s will entitle them to a burger and soft drink. As co-ordinator Ann Marie White suggests “members make the club” so come along and enjoy the music, fun and banter during the evening. KILKENNY U-14 CAMOGIE On Saturday the Kilkenny U-14 camogie panel enjoyed a successful outing in the National U-14 All-Ireland blitz finals in Abbottstown, Dublin. The busy day’s competition saw the Kilkenny girls display their abundant skills with a clean sweep of victories over Limerick, Galway, Dublin, and in the final against neighbours Tipperary to lift the AllIreland U-14 Mary Moran Cup. The James Stephens girls who played their part in the victories were Molly Ann Phelan, Molly Dunne and Emma Lennon. Club officer Amy Granville accompanied the young Village girls on the trip. Well done to all involved on a result that offers a positive outlook for Kilkenny camogie into the future. SUMMER CAMP

The Village putting on the pressure

ART EXHIBITION LAUNCH The Brushstrokes exhibition mounted by Bennettsbridge Art Group was officially launched by artist Trini Kenny in the local community centre. Family, friends and art enthusiasts gathered to support the local artists. Speaking on behalf of the group, Joan Cleere welcomed everyone to this special event, the culmination of twelve months creative endeavour on the part of the thirteen strong group. She hoped everyone would enjoy the display and said the artists were delighted to be part of Kilkenny Arts Week. Trini Kenny, local artist, who launched the exhibition was amazing and had obviously done her homework in advance as she was meticulous in including some words on the work of each individual artist. She was loud in praise of the presentation of the entire production and was very impressed with the variety of work on show. She complimented the group on their courage in exploring new horizons and urged them to keep up the good work. Tutor, Julie Moorhouse, said that her weekly sessions with the ‘Bridge group didn’t feel like work as over the years friendships had developed and everyone looked out for each other. She stressed the value of family, and this support was of huge importance to all, both tutors and artists. Presentations were made to Trini, bouquet of flow-

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Community & GAA Notes ers and a Jerpoint Glass piece (Una Gibbons and Marion Murphy) and Bouquet of flowers to tutor, Julie Moorhouse (Mary Dunny). Thanks went to sponsors, Lamber de Bie, Jerpoint Glass, PJ Cullen, Centra, Siobhán O’Brien and her team at CKETB (Carlow Kilkenny Educational Training Board) and Ray Cleere, Design and printing of posters. Special thanks to Julie and son, Stevie who organised the mounting of paintings with such professionalism and to Margaret for her help in preparing the hall. Scrumptious refreshments provided by artists, friends and family members were much appreciated. Delighted to report that a good number of those elusive red stickers have found new homes. The exhibition continues daily 11am - 5pm until 16th August in the Community Centre, Bennettsbridge. SUMMER CAMP A really enjoyable week was had by all at the Annual Summer camp in Bennettsbridge. The children took part in a large variety of activities including hurling, Gaelic football, rounders, rugby, golf, playground games, arts and crafts, Lego, drama and music. The weather was excellent for the week with little to no rain any of the days. On the last day the children enjoyed sliding on the slip and slide and had a waterfight in the sunshine. The children enjoyed the excellent facilities in the GAA grounds and also in the community hall. Many thanks to coaches Ellie Forristal, Niamh O’ Connell, Conor Murphy, Luci Brennan, Grace Dooley, Darragh McCormack and Erin Morrissey. It was great to have all local coaches at the camp. LOTTO RESULTS There was no winner of the Jackpot. The numbers drawn were 1, 5, 15, 28. Consolation Prizes, Adrian Costigan, BB, AnneMarie Lennon, Centra, The Dooley’s, c/o Lucy, Pat O’Neill, Ballyreddin, Alice Conlan, Thomastown. MASS TIMES BENNETTSBRIDGE Wednesday 10.30am. Thursday 10,30am. Sunday 10,30am. Tuesday 7,30pm. GATHERING GROUP The Gathering group is on a summer break at present. They are planning a coffee morning in Crafted for Wednesday, 19th August. Names to Tina if interested. MENS SHED The Mens Shed moved to O’Donnell’s Bar for a Barbecue last Wednesday. A great afternoon was enjoyed by all. VOLUNTEERING IN KILKENNY Volunteering in Kilkenny have a wide range of Voluntary opportunities if you have some spare time.

The following is relative to the ‘Bridge and nearby Thomastown. Role in Bennettsbridge: Bennettsbridge Scout Group is looking for Scout Section Leaders. Volunteers will help deliver fun, educational weekly activities that build young people’s confidence, teamwork, leadership and outdoor skills. The role requires 1–2 hours per week during the school term with meetings generally taking place on weekday evenings. Roles in Thomastown: Thomastown Credit Union is looking for Volunteer Directors to help shape the future of this community-led organisation. Volunteers will support the governance and management of the Credit Union while developing new skills and helping their local community. Meetings take place monthly on Monday evenings, with a commitment of appr. four hours per month. No Name Club in Thomastown is looking for Adult Leader Volunteers. The role as an adult leader will be to organise and facilitate club meetings, providing a safe and fun environment where young people aged 15-18 years can feel welcome. Adult volunteers offer approximately 2 hours a week. Age Action is seeking Volunteer Digital Skills Tutors to help older people develop confidence using smartphones, tablets and computers through its Getting Started programme. Volunteers provide one-to-one support in small, student-led classes, helping learners with everyday digital skills such as internet use, video calling and apps. Classes take place in Thomastown Library on Wednesday from 12pm–2pm. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, please get in touch to see how we can support you too. For more information, please visit www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or info@volunteerkilkenny.ie CAMOGIE An incredible day out at Croke Park to round off a fantastic season for Kilkenny camogie. The Bennettsbridge girls and the entire U14 Kilkenny Development Squads took to the pitch for the half time parade at the Camogie All-Ireland Finals. An unforgettable experience and a really special day. Well done to the girls on a great season. GAA Senior Hurling League: Bennettsbridge senior hurlers lost out to Glenmore in the second round of the league in Inistioge last Sunday. We hope for a better result against Clara next weekend. Junior E Championship: Good luck to our junior E team who play O’Loughlin’s in the semi-final of the championship in Johns Park this Friday evening. All support would be appreciated. Underage Games: Our under 14 hurlers played Glenmore away in the opening round of the league championship last Monday. Good luck in the

second round at home to Tullogher this Monday evening. FIELD DAY 2026 The field day is confirmed for Sunday 13th of September this year with more details to follow. The Bennettsbridge GAA club Pitch signage campaign is a valued source of revenue for the club. Thanks to all the business owners who have supported the initiative so far. If interested, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey. SPLIT THE POT The next draw takes place this Friday at 6pm in the clubhouse. Thanks again for the support. GRAIGUENAMANAGH THE BARROW BUS Congratulations to Patrick Connolly - passenger 1000 on the Barrow Bus. Living in Graiguenamanagh and working in Goresbridge, the Barrow Bus saves Patrick about 2 hours of time each day he uses it. This is why increased frequency along a route is so important. On to 2,000. If you haven’t boarded the Barrow Bus yet, now is the time, book your trip at barrowbus.palisis.com HERITAGE WEEK Join Waterways College on Saturday, 22nd August for a fantastic day of discovery, nature and community as part of the Town of Books Festival and National Heritage Week. At 12:00pm we are holding a Wild Child Citizen Science Session. Discover the fascinating creatures living beneath the water’s surface and learn why healthy rivers matter. No booking required, just come along. Then at 2:00pm we have a Walk and Talk with Éanna Ní Lamhna. Enjoy a guided walk around the Barrow Valley Activities Hub with one of Ireland’s best known naturalists, followed by a relaxed Q and A under the marquee. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, curious about your local rivers, or just looking for a great family day out, there’s something for everyone. On Saturday, 22nd August 2026 come to the Barrow Valley Activities Hub, Graiguenamanagh for a free event and all are welcome. Come and discover the wildlife, history and heritage of the River Barrow while finding out how we can all play a part in protecting our heritage. BOOK FESTIVAL Mark your calendars. From August 21st to 23rd, 2026, the “Village of the Monks” transforms into a world-class literary haven for the Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival. For one weekend only, the medieval streets become a bibliophile’s paradise with fun activities for all the family! FERRY BRIDGE Local people should be aware that the Ferry Bridge is due to close for repairs. The closure which began on June 24th is expected to last until the end of August. Local Diversions will be in place. Which is just as well. HUB This year, once again we are linking up with Munster Chernobyl Aid “Another Journey Of Hope” to bring much needed supplies to the orphanages and hospitals in Belarus this September. We would greatly appreciate any donations of sanitary products, clothes, hygine products etc. All items can be dropped to the Hub before September. This is a very important Humaitarian Aid mission as things in Belarus have become increasingly difficult. GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN ANTIQUES AUCTIONS Entries are now being accepted for the next Antiques Auction, which begins on 24th August. Suitable items are welcome. For further information, contact Martin on 087 256 9496 or email goresbridgeantiques@ gmail.com. BARROW RANGERS There was no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner in the most recent lotto draw. BOXING CLUB (PAULSTOWN) Well done to all the boxers who competed over the recent weekend. Every one of them boxed really well, gained valuable experience and represented the club brilliantly. BRIDGE UNITED The club is calling on all players, parents, supporters, and friends to get behind one of its biggest fundraising events of the year, taking place on Tom Healy

Kilkenny Camogie girls

Friday, 5th September, at 7.00pm at Kilkenny Dog Track. Every ticket purchased will help raise vital funds for the club’s Astro Turf Project, supporting the continued development of facilities for all Bridge United AFC players. Tickets cost just €10 and promise a great night out while supporting the future of the club. There was no winner of last week’s lotto draw on 3 August. Gabrielle Carroll and Bridie Prendergast shared the Match 3 prize, receiving €50 each. CHURCH SERVICES AND PARISH EVENTS Mass Times: Goresbridge: Saturday 7.30pm; Sunday at 10.00am. Paulstown: Saturday 11.30am (solemnity of the Assumption) and Sunday at 11.30am. Weekday Masses Goresbridge: Wednesday at 10.00am, Paulstown: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10.00am Adoration, concluding with Benediction, takes place every Tuesday from 10.30am to 6.00pm in Paulstown Church. The Legion of Mary meets each Thursday at 3.00pm in the Parish Hall, Paulstown. New members are always welcome. The Sacred Heart Prayer Group gathers every Friday following the 10.00am Mass in Paulstown. Church of Ireland Services on Sunday, 16 August: Shankill: 10.00am. Borris: 11.30am CUAS MUSICAL CONCERT The renowned West Kerry group CUAS will perform at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge, on Friday, 4 September at 8.00pm. Steeped in the rich musical traditions and songs of West Kerry, CUAS promises an entertaining and memorable evening of music. The group will be joined by talented local Kilkenny musician Gerry Walsh, who will provide support on the night. Tickets: €23 For tickets and further information, contact Gerry Kavanagh on 086 044 3152 or book online through Eventbrite. Don’t miss this fantastic night of traditional music and song. TALKING THE TALK “Cúpla Focal” is a welcoming Irish language conversation circle held every Friday at the Goodly Barrow Cafe. The gathering provides a relaxed and friendly environment where people can practice speaking Irish, improve their confidence, and meet others with a shared interest in the language and culture. Open to everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers, the group focuses on informal conversation, encouragement, and learning through everyday chat. Whether you want to revive your school Irish, sharpen your fluency, or simply enjoy a social evening with fellow Giliberti, Cúpla Focal offers an enjoyable and supportive space to use the language in a natural way. DANCE CLASSES AT IONAD DARA, GORESBRIDGE. Join us at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge, starting Monday, 14th September at 7:00 pm. Learn and enjoy a variety of dance styles, including Jive, Line Dancing, and all forms of Social Dancing. Class Fees: Adults: €10 per class. Secondary School Students: €5 per class. Primary School Students: Free. Adults aged 80 and over: Free For more information, contact Declan on 085 708 9128. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer. MEN’S SHED The next Men’s Shed gathering will take place Tuesday, 25th August, in the cabin at Paulstown Community Hall. New members are always welcome. MR KINSELLA The death has taken place of Richard (Dick) Kinsella, Paulstown. He was predeceased by his parents Anastasia and Richard and sister Mary. Sadly, missed by his loving wife Margaret, daughter Sharon and son Conor, his grandchildren Noah and Jake, Sharon’s partner Mark, sister Caroline and brothers, Tommy, Michael, Noel and Martin, sistersin-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives, friends and family. SPLIT THE POT Support Goresbridge Rural Development by taking part in Split the Pot. Entries are available in Maher’s and online. Simply scan the QR code or visit lottoraiser.ie. The winners of the draw on Sunday, 9th August were: 1st Prize (€100): Jim O’Connell. 2nd Prize (€20): Ciarán and Ciara Breen. 3rd Prize (€20): Mary Lennon TAR ISTEACH Bric a Brac including household items, unwanted gifts, unwanted toiletry sets, delph, dishes, cutlery are all welcome at the Tar Isteach shop in Goresbridge. Items should be in a saleable condition. Quality handbags are welcome. Customers are welcome too.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Community & GAA Notes SENIOR SHED AT ROSEDALE Rosedale will host its Senior Shed with Coffee Morning and Bingo (€5 for Card) from 11.00am to 12 noon this Thursday, 13 th August. All welcome. ROSEDALE CLASSIC The 14th Annual Rosedale Golf Classic will be held in Waterford Golf Club on Friday, 21st August. Cost per team of four is €120. Please contact Martin Bolger or Éamonn Rice for to register. All support welcome.

KILMANAGH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Mount Carmel Supported Care Home Annual Golf Classic will take place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th August 2026. Team Entry Fee €100. For Tee Times contact John Healy on 086 1664256 or Margaret Maher on 087 960 6440. We are appealing to your generosity for this very worthy fundraiser, which you have so kindly supported in the past. Your Sponsorship can be given in any of the following ways; 1. Monetary Donation; 2. Donation of prizes for the Golf Classic. Bank Account Details: IBAN: IE53AIBK93309014719192 BIC: AIBKIE2D CLOTHES COLLECTION Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, Kilmanagh have organised a fundraiser in the form of a Clothes Collection. If you are thinking of doing a summer clearout please think of us. We can take clothes, duvet covers, pillowcases, sheets, handbags, shoes (in pairs only), rugby boots, belts, hats, scarves, belts, suits. All items must be in good wearable condition. We cannot take duvets or pillows (just the covers). Items can be left at Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, R95 YT25 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 5pm and 7pm. If you want any further information, please contact 086 373 99 83. KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

MULLINAVAT

KILMACOW MUSIC IN ROSEDALE Ferrybank Community Music Club, established over two years ago, continues to go from strength to strength. In addition to meeting every week, the group regularly visits and entertains residents in residential and nursing homes where their performances are always warmly received and greatly appreciated. The club is now delighted to be extending its visits further afield, having accepted an invitation to perform from 6.00pm at Rosedale Residential Home (Day Centre), Kilmacow, on Tuesday, 18th August. Members are very much looking forward to the visit and to sharing music, songs and good company with the residents. KILMACOW HERITAGE The Graveyard Working Group will continue the maintenance work at Dunkitt from 2.00pm on Saturday, 15th August. All offer of help will be welcomed. SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society will host a Mystery Tour of Tullogher/ Rosbercon parish guided by Luke Grennan from 2.00pm on Sunday, 16th August. The meeting point is at Listerlin National School. All welcome. SEEING KILMACOW DIFFERENTLY Kilmacow GLAS will host a follow up nature walk from 9.00am to 10.00am on Sunday, 30th August. No pressure. No agenda. Just Nature. All welcome. KILMACOW COMMUNITY COMPLEX The Go Fund Me initiative to raise funds for the ongoing maintenance of the facilities and grounds at the Community Complex in Kilmacow will close soon. People can still donate to ensure that the amenities there are maintained at the highest standards. ROSEDALE BOOK The book on Rosedale, ’40 years Caring and Sharing’ by Liam Dalton, is on sale at €20 in local retail outlets and directly from Rosedale. It is a great account of the development of Rosedale from its convent days to the residential home it has now become. KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 5, 8, 13 and 28. There were two Match 3 winners. FUNDRAISING FUN COLOUR DASH The fun event will be held on Kilmacow Community Complex from 2.00pm on Saturday, 15th August. Scan the QR Code on the Community Newsletter. €10 per individual or €20 per family. All support will be welcomed. HOME ENERGY EVENT Learn to make your home warmer and more energy efficient at a Home Energy Event in Kilmacow Community Centre from 5.00pm to 9.0opm on Wednesday, 16th September. All welcome. HERITAGE WEEK IN WINDGAP Professor William Nolan will deliver a lecture at 7.00pm on Friday, 14th August in the League House, Windgap (R95 A373) to commence Heritage Week in Windgap. The week will include an exhibition, guided walk, craft demonstrations, art workshop and Rambling House. Visit National Heritage Week

Dunphy’s Mill in Mullinavat

and Event Listings for Kilkenny for more details. SPEED BYE-LAWS The proposals for the new Urban Speed By-laws can be seen on the Council’s website, at County Hall, Kilkenny and at the Municipal District Office

in Ferrybank. Submissions can be made online, by e-mail at speedlimits2026@kilkennycoco.ie or by post to Mary Mulholland, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, Kilkenny by 1st September

HERITAGE WEEK Deerpark Mill and Buckstown Vintage Club will jointly host an event at Deerpark as part of Heritage Week on Saturday next, 15th August. The mill is a water powered grain mill, which includes a drying kiln built in the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century. It served farmers from Mullinavat and the surrounding parishes drying and grinding oats, being the predominant crop in those times, barley, wheat and maize. Originally owned by the Hayes Family, it transferred to the Dunphy Family in 1877 and has been in their custodianship for 5 generations. It ceased to work commercially in 1961 but has been preserved since in its original condition. The waterwheel decayed over time but thanks to financial assistance provided through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the craftmanship of PatSheehan, the wheel was replaced in 2023. This has allowed the internal machinery to rotate again as it did for 150 years. The event will consist of a guided tour of the mill, kiln and its surrounds, and partnering with the local Buckstown Vintage Club there will also be a display of vintage stationary engines, cars, tractors, motor bikes, horse drawn farm machinery, working model steam engines, thrashers etc. There will also be a display of ledgers from the mill, day books and records from local shops and businesses, dating from 1869. Also available will be poems written by local scribes about happenings in days gone by. It is also hoped to have musical entertainment. Donations will be at the discretion of patrons to help with the upkeep of the facility, and a portion will also be donated to a registered charity. Please ring 087 798 8275 or e-mail jjeck.dunphy@ gmail.com for further information. MULLINAVAT LOTTO The winning lotto numbers on Monday, 3rd August were 3, 15, 27 and 28. There was no Match 3 winner. SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society will host a Mystery Tour of Tullogher/ Rosbercon parish guided by Luke Grennan from 2.00pm on Sunday, 16th August. The meeting point is at Listerlin National School. All welcome. IVERK SHOW This year’s Iverk Show will be held in Piltown on Saturday, 22 nd August. See www.iverkshow.ie for more details. MOONCOIN PARISH HALL Each Monday the Women’s Group meets in the Hall at 10.00am and later, at 8.00pm the Hall will host its

Moving forward with support

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Community & GAA Notes ticipants with valuable life skills that can support employment and independence. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to call into the Centre or make contact directly for further details and application information. The Youth club is back every Wednesday from 5.30 – 6.30pm. For Ages 10yrs – 12yrs There won’t be any coffee or buns. GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

Losing control.

weekly Bingo session. All welcome. FERRYBANK NORTH QUAY UPDATE The South Plaza is due to open in the coming weeks. Waterford City & County Council requested Further Information from Hopcast Ltd. on previously permitted Blocks C to H on the North Quay, which is due in shortly. Pending the outcome, works are anticipated before year end with the public realm elements being prioritized. SLIEVERUE ROUNDABOUT A contractor for the resurfacing works has been appointed with a likely commencement date in mid to late September. SPEED BYE-LAWS The proposals for the new Urban Speed By-laws can be seen on the Council’s website, atCounty Hall, Kilkenny and at the Municipal District Office in Ferrybank. Submissions can be made online, by e-mail at speedlimits2026@kilkennycoco.ie or by post to Mary Mulholland, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, Kilkenny by 1 st September. FERRYBANK LIBRARY The Library will host a Local Studies Roadshow on how to uncover, share and preserve local heritage from 10.00am to 12 noon on Tuesday, 18 th August. Also, as part of Heritage Week, the following day, from 7.00pm to 8.00pm, Wednesday, 19 th August, the Library will host a talk on Grannagh, Kilmacow and Dunkitt Pill, a fading river place-name. All welcome. HILLSFIELD MEETING The monthly meeting of Ferrybank Residents Community Development Group will be held from 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Wednesday, 26th August. Local residents are welcome to attend. They can also e-mail ferrybankcn@gmail.com to be kept updated on events in the Ferrybank area. JOHNSTOWN MR. SEAN BEEHAN Sean died suddenly at his residence 11 Foulkscourt, Johnstown (and late of St. Kieran’s Place) recently. Predeceased by his parents John and Jane and his sisters Mary and Betty, he will be sadly missed by his siblings Sonny, Margaret, Thomas, Josephine, Liam, Eugene, Domo, Dinny, David, Adrian, Claire and Keith, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, Aunt Mary, cousins, extended family, neighbours and many friends. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church, Johnstown after which Sean was laid to rest in Johnstown Cemetery. THE MILL CENTRE It’s that time of year again when a Family Fun Day

will be held on Sunday August 16th from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at the Mill Centre. Fun for all the family. WE HAVE MOVED The Parish Office is now located in the curate’s house E41YH98. Office hours Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 4pm. 0568838658 or email urlingford@ ossory.ie. IT’S WEEE TIME A free electrical recycling collection will take place in the Church car park, Johnstown on Saturday. August 22nd from 10am to 4pm. Anything with a plug or batteries will be accepted. WE ARE MOVING TOO Johnstown Breakfast Club and After School will move to St. Kieran’s N.S. on August 26th. Breakfast club 8am to 8.55am, fun, games and a healthy breakfast, after school 1.40pm to 5 30pm, homework, activities, play and a hot meal. All children that have booked Johnstown after school will be accommodated. For bookings contact Angela Brennan 0879363885. GOLF CLASSIC St. Anne’s Camogie Club are holding their annual golf classic in Rathdowney Golf Club on Saturday September 12th. Massive prizes for both GUI members and non members. Teams of four € 140. Some tee times available on Friday evening.1st,2nd and 3rd prizes in both categories, nearest the pin and longest drive. Contact Anna Ryan on 0873916720. SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers were1,5,7,9, there was no jackpot winner. There was three match threes Fionn Quinlan, Ml. Ryan (Rathlogan), Eugene Grehan (snr.). MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Holidays are but a pleasant memory now and all the staff are back working hard. Why not call in and get a coffee and a bun? They would love to see you. The Mill Family Resource Centre, Urlingford, invites everyone to a fantastic Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Save the date and enjoy an afternoon filled with fun, activities, entertainment, and community spirit. Bring the whole family along for a memorable day together. (See attached poster for more information) The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to provide a wide range of supports, services, and activities for individuals and families within the local community. The Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space, offering opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and social connection for people of all ages. One of the upcoming opportunities available is the Local Training Initiative (L.T.I.) Programme. This free L.T.I. course will be starting soon and includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing par-

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 1pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening. BOULICK MASS Boulick cemetery Mass will take place next Tuesday 18th August at 7.30pm in the graveyard. Anyone wishing to join the choir would be most welcome. PASTORAL MINISTRY Would you like to serve as a Pastoral Minister within your parish and Parish Combination group? A programme in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership will begin in October and lead to a two-year course of study in Mary Immaculate College, Thurles. See poster on notice board at main doors of both Churches. Brochures available from Fr. Walton. Information from Katherine Dullaghan, Development Office on 086 1033761. LOUGHDERG One-Day Pilgrimage to Loughderg takes place next Tues, August 18th. A bus will leave from the diocese starting in Tipperary Town on Mon, August 17th, via Knock for the Novena, overnight in Bundoran for evening meal, B&B, travelling to Loughderg on Tuesday morning, leaving Loughderg around 4pm for home with an evening meal in Roscommon. For details, please contact Bridget O’Dea at 0866792754 or Fr Martin Murphy at 0863868877 MUSIC Glengoole Community Group Music on the Reen is Sunday 22nd August PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continue in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth. Bring mat and water. GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last week’s winner in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for August is in aid of the Camogie Club. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated. CONAHY HURLING The junior hurlers will face Kilmacow this Sunday, at 5.00 p.m. in Bennettsbridge in the third round game of the JJ Kavanagh Premier Junior League. Best of luck to all involved. TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Padraig Gunner, Philip Cass, Darragh Horgan, Darren Cuddihy, Tom Phelan, Darragh Hennessy, Ciaran Rice, Jack Murphy, Rob Ring, Karl Downey, Jack Rhatigan, James Bergin, Patrick Kennedy, Mark Gunner, Brooklyn Synott, John Kennedy, Bill Murphy, Edmond Delaney. The under-16 hurlers will play their second round of the Duggan Steel Roinn C League/Championship when they travel away to Cloneen on this Friday evening at 7.00 p.m. CAMOGIE The intermediate camogie girls begin their league/ championship campaign on this Friday evening at 7.00 p.m. when they play host to Dicksboro in Jenkinstown in their opening round game. Best wishes to all involved. The under-16 girls continued on their winning ways with a big victory over St. Patrick’s/Lisdowney in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Roinn D League/ Championship in Lisdowney. Conahy played their best camogie in the second half to win out by 7-16 to 2-6. TEAM: Lucy Butler, Sophie Meaney, Sophie Conway, Emily Kennedy, Grace Butler, Ruth Carroll, Isobel Dunne, Eva Kennedy, Hannah Styles, Aoibhe Dunne, Keelan Kennedy, Mary Lou Rowe, Brid Gamble, Rachel Mulhall, Michelle Cahill, Grace O’Meara, Juliet Dunne, Emily English.

GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 8, 10 and 24. There was no winner of the €6,100 jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Billy Mulhall, Larry Deevy, Marguerite and Christy O’Loughlin, Hennessy family (Toor) and Caoimhe, Dylan and Jack Bergin. The promoter prize winners were Nora Delaney, Mona Dooley and Teresa Dollard. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto. THREECASTLES HERITAGE Threecastles Heritage is hosting two events for Heritage Week. Exploring this year’s theme of “Heritage at Risk”, all in the locality are invited to Threecastles Graveyard (R95 HX49) on Monday, August 17th at 7.00 p.m. Anne Caroline Distel (KAS) will talk about the Medieval Gravemarkers while Eleanor Cantwell and Claire O’Donnell (Threecastles Heritage Group) will recount some of the social history of the Graveyard. On Sunday, August 23rd, at 12.30 p.m., Eleanor Cantwell, Michael Doheny and Claire O’Donnell will lead a Walk in Kilaree. This townsland has a great story to tell. Attendees are asked to meet at Threecastles GAA grounds (by kind permission) These are free events and all are welcome. NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat. Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie. Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday at 6.30p.m. Friday 14th.Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Saturday15th. Feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Holy Day). ANNIVERSARY MASS: Jack and Jim Wallace, Stonecarthy: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 15th. August at 6.30p.m. Maura Broderick, Croan: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 15th. August at 8.00p.m. Margaret and Joe Walsh, Boolyglass: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 16th. August at 10.00a.m. ROTA (TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Catherine Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Deirdre Rohan Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Bernie Grace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Margaret Kenneally. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ann Power Note: Same Readers and Eucharistic Ministers on Friday 14th. as on Saturday 15th. if possible, please. HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, HUGGINSTOWN: House No. 5 is now vacant. Any elderly person who is interested in applying please contact the Secretary, Lily Burke, Croan, Dunamaggan; Tel. 056 776 8008 for an Application Form BISHOP OF OSSORY: Pope Leo has appointed Ger Nash as Bishop of Ossory from 29th. July 2026, in addition to his role as Bishop of Ferns. The Dioceses will be joined “in Persona Episcopi” which means that both Dioceses will maintain their own identity but work together under the pastoral care of one Bishop. We welcome Bishop Ger to our Diocese and wish him every blessing. CARRICKSHOCK GAA CLUB: Thanks to all, who supported our recent highly successful Golf Classic and Piltown Draw fundraising initiatives. We look forward to seeing you on the side lines over the coming weeks. LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 3rd. August 2026. Numbers: 22; 25; 17; 14. There was no winner of the first 3 Numbers Drawn There was no Jackpot winner. €30.00. Winners: Deirdre Lowry, “On-Line”. Anna Cahill, Knocktopher. Marie O’Gorman, Hugginstown. Siobhan Kennedy, “On-Line”; Lena Dunne, Lawcus. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Mary Raggett; Anne Power; Claire Cleary SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY A Mystery Tour of Tullogher/Rosbercon Parish will be guided by Luke Grennan on Sunday, 16th. August. Starting at 2.00p.m. at Listerlin National School

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Sport No easy way out

James Stephens march in to Junior B County Final

Blocking challenge

Tight marking

On the break

James Stephens 1-16; Tullogher Rosbercon 1-8. John Power at Mullinavat GAA Grounds James Stephens advanced to the JJ Kavanagh Junior B County Hurling Final with a convincing eight-point victory over Tullogher Rosbercon at well attended Mullinavat. Having defeated Danesfort and Conahy Shamrocks in earlier rounds, the Village boys grabbed a vital goal in the opening three minutes of this contest and were never led thereafter. Following an early 1-1 by James Stephens, Tullogher Rosbercon opened their account with a Brian Walsh free in the ninth minute. However,

the next five points were all for the Village men as they extended their advantage to lead 1-6 to 0-1 by the 20th

minute. At the interval they were still six points clear, 1-7 to 0-4. Midway through the second

Section of the fans

half James Stephens kept their momentum, and with veteran former inter county man Jackie Tyrrell organising the defence, there was little sign of a much-needed Tullogher Rosbercon goal. When Tyrell pointed a 130-yard free for James Stephens in the 46th minute they led 1-12 to 0-7. David Walton had also knocked over some frees from closer range to keep the Village scoreboard ticking over. Tullogher Rosbercon did finally grab a goal from Kevin Aylward, this in the final minute of normal time, after clever work from substitute Dean Kinsella, but this came too late in the day for the Southern side. The Village boys will now

advance to play Fenians of Johnstown in the Junior B County final, where they chase a league and championship double, having already beaten Danesfort in the league final. TEAMS JAMES STEPHENS Padraig Joyce, James Tyrell, Luke Hickey, Billy Wall Young, Jack McGrath, Jackie Tyrell, Adam Butler, Conor Millea, Ross Whelan, David Walton, Bill Whelan, Matthew McWey, Zac Scanlon, Eoin Larkin, Allen Corr Larkin. Rest of Panel - James Walton, Dara Behan, James Bergin, Ethan Butler, Fionn Cody, Rory Glynn, Conor Heffernan, Tuan Hyland, Patrick Lacey, Bill McDermott, Conor

McEvoy, Cathal Mulhall, Andy Parsons, Jamie Peters, Larry Phelan, Daniel Power, Darragh Power, Stephen Power-Kellety, TULLOGHER ROSBERCON Eoin Ryan, Johnny Murphy, Pat Hartley, David Kennedy, Niall Cummins, Donnacha O’Connor, JJ Ryan, Kevin Hennessy, Ciaran Cummins, Kevin Aylward, Simon Kennedy, Michael Sidney, Sean Hanrahan, Brian Walsh, James Cummins. Rest of Panel - Dean Kinsella, Joe Malone, Billy Ryan, Conor Ryan, Tony Conway, Ronan Moore, Sam Ryan, Jamie Power, Cian O’Donoghue, Terence Croke, Fergal O’Shea, James Mangan. Referee: Eoin Maher (Mullinavat)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Sport Protecting the ball

Thomastown prove too strong Thomastown 1-24 Mulllinavat 1-15. John Power at Ballyhale GAA Grounds. Thomastown once again proved too strong for Mullinavat in the second-round St Canices Credit Union Senior Hurling League/ Championship clash at Ballyhale on Saturday. The winners had also got the better of Mullinavat in the 2024 championship semi final and in last year’s league clash. While the contest was competitive in the opening half, once the Town converted a 34th minute penalty they always looked likely winners against a very game Mullinavat side. The Vegas boys did not record a score from play in the closing 20 minutes, something that was to prove crucial in the closing stages. Robbie Donnelly, a player who would finish on 1-10, opened the scoring for Thomastown early on. The Vegas lads settled well however with three points coming from Padraic Gahan (2) and a Conor Power score. Thomastown replied with a similar sequence from Robbie Donnelly, Jack Holden, and Stephen Donnelly, to move 0-4 to 0-3 ahead. Oisin Knox equalised for Vegas on 13 minutes, before Robbie Donnelly (T) from

Taking the ball out

Chase is on

Awaiting the dropping ball

a free and Ger Malone exchanged scores. Another Robbie Donnelly free was replied to by a Michael Malone (M) point, to leave it 0-6 each in the twentieth minute. Scores from Jack Holden and another Donnelly free put Thomastown two points clear, although the margin was reduced by a Conor Walsh score in the 23rd minute John and Robbie Donnelly

points put Town three clear, before Michael Malone(M) reduced the margin, 0-8 to 0-10. Jack Holden, an AllIreland doubles winner at 60 x 30 handball the previous week, and an excellent Luke Connellan score from the wing left Town 0-12 to 0-8 clear in the 27th minute. Oisin Knox and Conor Power with Mullinavat points, reduced the deficit, before Daithi Barron (T) closed out the first half scoring. Half

Time: Thomastown 0-13; Mullinavat 0-10. Michael Malone opened the second half scoring with a Vegas point, but the next minute or so changed the games momentum. Firstly, a fine John Donnelly point and a minute later Thomastown won a penalty when Daithi Barron was fouled heading goalwards. Robbie Donnelly calmly converted the resulting penalty, and now, for the first time, a real gap had

Stick work

appeared between the sides, 1-14 to 0-11. Conor Power pulled a point back for Vegas, in what turned out to be his sides last score from play. Three consecutive scores from a Robbie Donnelly free, Jack Holden and Ben Nevin stretched Thomastown’s lead. Town were now 1-17 to 0-12 clear in the 40th minute. A 42nd minute Oisin Knox pointed free was replied to

by an excellent score from Daithi Barron soon afterwards. Mullinavat did have a brief spell of dominance before the 50th minute with two Oisin Knox frees along with Vegas recording a couple of poor wides in the same period. Thomastown took control again however with points from Stephen Donnelly, Robbie Donnelly (2), Peter McDonald, and Luke Connellan to move 1-23 to 0-15 clear as the game neared its end. In the same period both sides were reduced to fourteen men when John Walsh (M) received a straight red card along with a double yellow card for Brian Staunton. Mullinavat did get a consolation goal before the finish when Ger Malone was fouled close to goal and defender Tom Aylward put away the resulting penalty. This was just a consolation score, however. Ned Kirwan closed out the scoring for Thomastown, who appeared deserving nine-point victors, 1-24 to 1-15. Thomastown have now recorded two convincing victories, and with the likes of John and Robbie Donnelly back to 2024 title winning form, will be a match for anyone looking towards Tom Walsh Cup success in 2026 Mullinavat will be anxious to record a first win when meeting unbeaten Graigue Ballycallan in round three on Sunday next. SCORERS THOMASTOWN: Robbie Donnelly (1-10, 1-0 penalty, 0-7 frees), Jack Holden (0-3), Stephen Donnelly (0-3), John Donnelly (0-2), Luke Connellan (0-2), Daithi Barron, Ben Nevin, Peter McDonald, Ned Kirwan (0-1 each). MULLINAVAT: Oisin Knox (0-5, 0-3 frees, 0-1 “65”), Conor Power (0-3), Michael Malone (0-3), Tom Aylward (1-0, penalty), Padraic Gahan (0-2), Ger Malone, Conor Walsh (0-1 each). TEAMS THOMASTOWN: Diarmuid Galway, Ned Kirwan, Peter Connellan, Rory Connellan, Brian Staunton, Eddie Donnelly, David Prendergast, Ben Nevin, Peter McDonald, John Donnelly, Robbie Donnelly, Luke Connellan, Daithi Barton, Jack Holden, Stephen Donnelly. Substitutes: Conor Barcloe for Ben Nevin, Cian Doherty for Jack Holden, Oisin O’Reilly for David Prendergast, Ronan Connolly for Stephen Doherty, Cian Farrell for Peter McDonald. MULLINAVAT: Seán Fitzpatrick, Eoin Dempsey, Tom Aylward, Robin Davis, George O'Connor, Pádraig Dempsey, Padraic Gahan, Michael Malone, Joe Gahan, Conor Walsh, Ger Malone, Brian Phelan, Conor Power, Oisín Knox, Liam Fennelly. Substitutes: Bill Dempsey for Eoin Dempsey, Adam Mansfield for Liam Fennelly, John Walsh for Oisin Knox. Conor Duggan for Joe Gahan Referee: Gavin Quilty (Slieverue).

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Sport Mullinavat 2-28; Tullogher Rosbercon 0-14.

Awaiting developments

John Power at Tullogher Rosbercon GAA Grounds Mullinavat, beaten in the last four JJ Kavanagh Junior F County Hurling Finals, continued their “drive for five” with a comfortable away victory over Southern neighbours Tullogher Rosbercon at Tullogher. The Vegas men, who recently captured the Junior F league title, are determined to finally get over the line in the championship this year and, on the evidence of this impressive display, they will take plenty of confidence into their semi-final meeting with James Stephens. Mullinavat have endured plenty of heartbreak in recent years, having suffered defeat in four successive county finals, but there was little sign of nerves as they took control from the opening exchanges. Indeed, despite playing against a stiff breeze in the first half, they made the perfect start. Stephen Law had the ball in the Tullogher Rosbercon net in the second minute after following up on a long, dangerous inward ball from Daniel Walsh. It was an excellent start for the visitors and one which immediately settled any early nerves. Billy Delahunty added a point for Mullinavat before Tullogher Rosbercon opened their account in the fifth minute when Fergal O’Shea converted a free. Mullinavat, however, were quickly into their stride again. Jake Morrissey contributed two points while Jack Power also got on the scoresheet as the visitors opened up a 1-4 to 0-1 lead by the tenth minute. Barry Furlong reduced the deficit with Tullogher Rosbercon’s second point, but Mullinavat responded in clinical fashion. Stephen Law converted two frees to extend the advantage to 1-7 to 0-2. Fergal O’Shea pointed another Tullogher Rosbercon free, but the home side were then hit by a superb Mullinavat scoring burst which saw the visitors register seven unanswered points. Jack Power got the first, before Stephen Law added three points to underline his influence on proceedings. Jack Whelton, Billy Delahunty and Pat Mulhearne also found the target as Mullinavat moved into a commanding position. The home side did their best to stem the tide and Peter Meggs exchanged points with Stephen Law before Ciall O’Connor and Law also traded scores by the 23rd minute, with Mullinavat leading 1-15 to 0-5. To their credit, Tullogher Rosbercon produced their best spell of the opening half in the closing stages. Peter Meggs struck two fine points before Barry Furlong added another, giving the home supporters something to cheer about as the interval approached. Half-time: Mullinavat 1-15, Tullogher

Mullinavat advance Offering options.

Taking on his man

A section of the crowd

Ball Control

Rosbercon 0-10. With the breeze now at their backs, Mullinavat set about putting the result beyond doubt after the restart. They registered three unanswered points in the opening minutes, with Jack Power scoring from play and Stephen Law converting two frees. Ciall O’Connor replied with a free for Tullogher Rosbercon, but Mullinavat immediately regained control. Pat Mulhearne, Jack Power and Ciaran Holden all added points as the scoreboard read 1-21 to 0-11. From that point onwards, Mullinavat were able to comfortably manage the game. Their experience, strength and greater scoring power eventually told as they continued to pick off scores while restricting the home side to a handful of opportunities.

By the time the final whistle sounded, Mullinavat had added a further 1-7 to their tally, while Tullogher Rosbercon could only manage three more points. It made for a comprehensive victory and one which sends the Vegas men into the last four with their confidence high. While Mullinavat will rightly take plenty of positives from the performance, massive credit must also go to Tullogher Rosbercon. This is a club operating at an impressive level, with four adult teams competing this season, a remarkable accomplishment for a rural Kilkenny club. Their players can take considerable pride from the effort they produced, particularly during the first half when they battled against both a strong Mullinavat side and diffi-

cult conditions. They never stopped trying and contributed to an entertaining contest. Mullinavat now face another major test in the semi-final when they meet James Stephens, another Kilkenny club boasting four adult teams. The city side will provide a much sterner examination, but Mullinavat will certainly fancy their chances following this performance. The Vegas men have been knocking on the door for several years and have come agonisingly close on four occasions. With the Junior F league title already secured and another county semifinal now safely negotiated, the “drive for five” remains very much alive. Their ultimate destination is UPMC Nowlan Park in September, and on this form Mullinavat will believe they have

every chance of finally making it through the final hurdle and getting their hands on the JJ Kavanagh Junior F County Championship trophy. SCORERS MULLINAVAT Stephen Law (1-11, 0-5 frees), Billy Delahunty (1-2), Pat Mulhearne (0-3), Jack Whelton (0-2), Jack Power (0-4), Jake Morrissey (0-3), Ciaran Holden, John Reade, Michael Johnstone (0-1 each). TULLOGHER ROSBERCON Ciall O’Connor (0-3 frees), Peter Meggs (0-3), Fergal O’Shea (0-3 frees), Barry Furlong (0-4), Barry Furlong (0-1). TEAMS MULLINAVAT Declan Duggan, Jamie Dempsey Tommy Lannigan, Jamie Walsh, Louis Madigan, Daniel Walsh, James Dalton, Jake Morrissey, John Reade

Jack Whelton, Pat Mulhearn, Stephen Law, Jack Power, Darragh Tynan, Billy Delahunty. Substitutes, Michael Johnston for Tommy Lannigan, Jamie Dungan for Daniel Walsh, Ciaran Holden for Jamie Walshe, Thomas Jones for James Whelton, Tadhg Knox for Stephen Law. Rest of panel: Conor Frisby, Killian Dungan, Cormac McEvoy, Kevin Roche, George Culleton. TULLOGHER ROSBERCON Wayne Hendrick, Liam Walsh, Declan Grennan, David Manning, Sean Walsh, Sean Meaney, Robert Hartley, Matt Rossiter, Jack Byrne, Barry Furlong, Lorcan Furness, Peter Meggs, Liam O’Neill, Ciall O’Connor, Fergal O’Shea. Substitutes: Paul Manning, James Dooley, Jack Byrne. Referee: Paul Cahill (Dunnamaggin).

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Hurlng matters Hurling matters--Review Review Fionan Mackessy drives out of defence chased by Brian Cody

Shortall outguns Sweeney as Shamrocks march on! Attack, attack attack as big guns battle it out in Thomastown

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Round 2 O’Loughlin Gaels 5-15 Shamrocks Ballyhale 6-22 Goals, goals. Goals. Eleven majors to be exact were shared between O’Loghlin Gaels and Shamrocks Ballyhale at a packed Thomastown last Sunday. The South Kilkenny side edged the green flag raising contest 6-5 in a hugely entertaining round 2 fixture in the St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League. Despite a second week of Ruarc Sweeney majors, Niall Shortall was the top goal-getter as he got the better of Loughs netminder Stephen Murphy on five occasions as Mark Aylward’s charges ran out 10-point winners in a great game of hurling for the many neutrals in attendance. Both sides will no doubt look to tighten things up defensively, over the next few weeks, but this game was certainly worth the admission. Due to the large crowd trying to make their way into the ground, throw-in was delayed by some ten minutes. When play eventually got underway, it was Shamrocks that came out of the blocks quickly and were raising a green flag inside the first minute. Darragh Corcoran did well and sent a searching delivery into the Loughs defence where Niall Shortall picked up possession before turning his marker Jack Lawlor and racing

towards goal. The pacy attacker had the composure to bat his shot into the ground and beyond opposition netminder, Stephen Murphy. Shortall was causing problems early and a foul on the corner forward gave TJ Reid his first score of the afternoon in sunny Thomastown. Brian Hogan’s charges got off the mark on 4 minutes, thanks to a splendid effort from distance courtesy of Fionan Mackessy. Shamrocks Darragh Corcoran responded with a booming effort of his own, this lad has that quality in his locker. From the restart, Mark Aylward’s side pounced again, and Richie Reid showed his accuracy from about ‘50 out. One of O’Loughlin’s rising stars, Ruarc Sweeney fresh from his round 1 hat trick, turned Joey Holden before popping the ball over the bar. The men in green claimed the puck out and the ball was worked to Greg Kelly who split the posts for a tidy score. The quality scoring continued, this time half back Evan Shefflin let fly from deep inside his own

Mark Aylward

half to push the Shamrocks lead out to 4 points on eight minutes. TJ then sent over his second placed ball effort of the afternoon before the second goal of the game arrived. This time Ronan Corcoran sent in a diagonal ball which Niall Shortall got onto and with a couple of flicks of the wrist he controlled the sliotar before batting it; tennis style to the net, Shamrocks now 8 points to the good. The St John’s Park side needed a score and centre forward Jamie Ryan got his sides 4th of the day. Eoin Cody then escaped the clutches of Mikey Butler to run onto the ball before striking over for the first of his two points. Again, Shamrocks won the restart, and young Jake Mullan sent over a lovely point for his first of the day. A brace of free’s courtesy of Conor Kelly and a booming one from Fionan Mackessy reduced the arrears to seven points, but TJ slotted Ruarc another Sweeney placed ball gets past following Killian a throw Ryan ball. Young Shamrocks defender Killian Ryan was then penalised for too many steps, and Conor Kelly punished the error. O’Loughlin’s registered the next two scores, a classy effort from Robbie Buckley and another free from Conor Kelly. The next two scores showcased the long-distance shooting of both sides. First up was Richie Reid but the second one was unbelievable, former Kerry star Mackessy unleashing a serious effort from his own ‘21. Shamrocks 5-point lead was about to be reduced to two, and it was that young man Sweeney that showed his eye for goal. Some neat build-up play from Jamie Ryan and Jack Nolan saw the ball worked to Ruarc Sweeney, who

steadied himself before blasting past Dean Mason. From the restart, O’Loughlin’s turned their opponents over and Conor Kelly notched a score from play. TJ then split posts from out wide just ahead of a nice effort from Cian Byrne but then came a third goal of the game for the menacing Niall Shortall. Jake Mullan did well, battling to win the ball near the endline and the youngest of Clan Mullen played a ball across the goal, which Stephen Murphy got something on, but not enough to prevent Shortall from pouncing. The hard-working Brian Cody then rifled over a fine point just ahead of the short whistle from referee David Hughes to leave Shamrocks five ahead at the interval. When the teams returned for the second period, Shamrocks had made one change, Michael Barron replacing Conor Phelan, meaning Richie Reid dropped into the half backline, while Liam Barron moved to midfield. O’Loughlin’s started the half at a blistering pace, and again Ruarc Sweeney was the menace that was doing the damage to Mark Aylwards team. Greg Kelly lobbed the ball in, and Sweeney reacted and flicked the ball beyond Dean Mason to the net, leaving just 2 points between the sides. Just when everyone was marveling at the young O’Loughlin players fifth goal of the league, he made it six, turning his man before firing home, Brian Hogan’s men now leading the round two contest for the first time by the bare minimum. The next score was

crucial, and it came from one of the most experienced players on the pitch, Richie Reid, after he had been found expertly by his keeper. Then came a score which many thought was debatable to say the least, but David Hughes said yes and TJ was happy with that outcome as the South Kilkenny side retook the lead. A Fionan Mackessy foul on livewire Niall Shortall gave TJ an opportunity to add to his tally which he duly did. Conor Kelly did likewise for OLG after Jamie Ryan was halted illegally. Brian Cody and Richie Reid then combined to give Jake Mullen a chance, and the whippet split the posts from out wide to highlight his emerging talent at senior club level. Conor Heary then came on, replacing Robbie Buckley, and this added something to the O’Loughlin’s side. Intercounty star, Eoin Cody then fired over his second point of the game, despite the attention of Mikey Butler, Shamrocks three to the good. Not content with 2 majors to his name, Ruarc Sweeney then equaled last week’s feat when he was well set up by Conor Heary before firing to the net; the game deadlocked once more after goal number seven of the afternoon. The response from Mark Aylward’s team was instant, again; fast ball played to the dangerous forwards, and this Jake Mullen put on the burners, before burying his shot past Stephen Murphy. The goal crazy game continued to deliver in the form of a fifth major for the current county champions and a fourth for the hugely impressive Shortall. Darragh Corcoran worked the ball to Killian Ryan who arrowed his pass into the danger zone. Niall Shortall ran onto it and despite not appearing to have the sliotar under his full control, he managed to poke it home, despite the best efforts of Stephen Murphy. Shamrocks now 6 clear. Jake Mullen then turned provider and set up Brian Cody for his second of the day in Thomastown. Conor Heary then split the posts but again the Holden Plant Rentals sponsored side replied with another fine score when Jake Mullan rifled over from a tight angle. The next three scores all came from the men from Páirc na Seamróg, Ronan Corcoran from distance and a brace from TJ as O’Loughlin Gaels found themselves ten points down with fulltime approaching. Jamie Ryan fired over but once again the Shamrocks hit back, Darragh Corcoran from way out the park with the game in injury time. With the long whistle approaching, Fionan Mackessy stood over a close range free and struck for goal, but his attempt was blocked but the alertness of captain Paddy Deegan allowed him to finish to the net. From the restart, Shamrocks attacked and unbelievably; Niall Shortall blasted to the net for his fifth goal of the game. Full-time score: O’Loughlin Gaels 5-15, Shamrocks Ballyhale 6-22.

Niall Shorthall attempts to get past Fionan Mackessy

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Hurling - Round up Hurlingatters matters - Review

Quartet in trouble as round 3 approaches Jack Buggy hit some tidy scores in’ Comer win

Shane Murphy helped Glenmore to a first win

Big weekend ahead as league takes shape

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Round Up Two rounds done and dusted in the 2026 St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League and things are beginning to take shape and this weekend’s fixtures will certainly leave supporters better placed to judge how things are going on Noreside. Four teams have positive 100% records going into the round 3, Shamrocks Ballyhale, Tullaroan, Thomastown and Graigue Ballycallan, while Glenmore remain unbeaten on completion of the first two sets of games. On the other side of the coin, a quartet of sides have nothing to show for their efforts so far, Dicksboro, Danesfort, Clara and Bennettsbridge. In Group A, there were wins for Thomastown and Graigue Ballycallan over Mullinavat and Clara respectively, while Glenmore finished strongly to defeat Bennettsbridge. Meanwhile in Group B, Shamrocks Ballyhale and Tullaroan made it two from two with wins over O’Loughlin Gaels and Dicksboro while Erin’s Own got the better of Danesfort in the first serving of the round 2 fixtures. Tullaroan was the venue for the Castlecomer sides clash with Danesfort, and there were only 2 points to separate the sides at full-time. Jack Buggy hit 0-7, while Conor McMahon had a great game, notching 2-2 from his midfield berth, including an injury time major, while Brennan’s Eoin and Michael contributed eight points between them as Erin’s Own showed great character to claw back a 7-point deficit. This game also included an

own goal, a rare sight in the small ball game, but the men in black and amber will be disappointed not to have gotten something from this game. The men from Tom Ryall Park inflicted a second defeat on Clara when the sides met in Gowran. Again, it was the accuracy of Aaron McEvoy who finished his shift with 0-11 that helped GBC finish 5 points ahead of the opposition, who had good performances from Paul Cody and Conor O’Shea in defeat. Patrick Foley hit 1-2 while Jesse Roberts notched a couple of goods scores for the sky blues. Meanwhile in Páirc Lachtain, Tullaroan built on their opening day win by defeating Dicksboro by 6 points, last week’s main man, Dylan Simpson hitting another 0-8, while goalkeeper Niall Holland showed his worth, registering 0-5. Mossy Keoghan, Gearoid Dunne and Tomas Dunne also contributed to help Dave Mulcahy’s side secure a second victory. Shane Stapleton top scored for the ‘Boro, while Liam Moore found the net, but the early loss of young Patrick Lacey and later Tom McPhillips hampered Eamon Jackman’s side, but the Palmerstown based outfit know they will need to get a win soon to avoid getting involved in relegation clashes down

the road. Páirc na Seamróg hosted the meeting of Thomastown and Mullinavat, and it was the former that were worthy 9-point winners at the long whistle. The Donnelly’s were responsible for nine of their sides’ first half total of thirteen, and seven of eleven second period scores as they pulled away from The Vegas Boys after the interval, Robbie Donnelly impressing with 1-9. The Vat had good showings from Oisin Knox (0-5), sub Conor Power (0-3) while captain Tom Aylward notched their goal. The final action of round 2 saw the meeting of Glenmore and Bennettsbridge at picturesque Inistioge. The sides were level at the interval, wing back Darragh Hartley raising the green flag for the South Kilkenny side, while five scores from James Hughes meant there was nothing between the sides going into the second half. When Sean Morrissey put the ‘Bridge three ahead after 43 minutes, it looked like the hooped side were going to pull away, but two quickfire goals from Jason Cody and captain Ian Byrne saw the Pairc na Ratha men go five up and they kept the scoreboard ticking over and despite David Blanchfoelds injury time goal, Glenmore had six to spare at the long whistle.

James Hughes tried to keep the Bridge in the game

Stephen was one of the Donnelly’s on target in win over the Vegas Boys

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, APW UK WIP Limited t/a Icon Tower, are applying to Kilkenny County Council for permission to erect a 24m high monopole telecommunications support structure together with antennae, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment, all enclosed by security fencing at Van Diemens Lane, Donaguile, Castlecomer, 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, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

We, Jeremy Hickey and Roisin O’ Brien intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build an extension to the side of existing dwelling house, internal and external modifications to existing dwelling house and all associated site development works at Canal Walk, Castle Road, Kilkenny R95 C3H5 . The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Significant Further Information Significant Further Information and Revised Plans have been submitted to Kilkenny County Council in relation to Planning Reference No. 26.60340 for Joseph Corcoran, who is applying to Kilkenny County Council for permission to construct a single-storey dwelling house, wastewater treatment area, bored well, new splayed entrance and all associated site works at Moneynamuck, Galmoy, Co. Kilkenny. The Significant Further Information/Revised Plans submitted include alterations to the site boundaries, relocation of the proposed splayed entrance, and relocation of the proposed dwelling house and wastewater treatment area within the site. Significant Further Information/Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development and are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information or Revised Plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation, and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: DB Design Studio, info@dbdesignstudio.ie

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Millerect Ltd. for full planning permission to construct an extension to existing storage unit and associated works at Unit 1, Westcourt Industrial Estate, Callan, Co. Kilkenny The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Dorothea Bergin intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing domestic drystore shed and all associated site development works at Newtown, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny R95 AE27. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Gaeltec Utilities, intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Permission for the Construction of a Training Facility consisting of 2no. 14m high training pylons, 16no. 9m training poles, 3nr. storage containers, a modular office building, a modular WC building and associated lighting, fencing and site works at Leggestrath West, Hebron Industrial Estate, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Retention permission for the change of use and alterations of a former schoolhouse to 4 no. 1-bedroom residential units and all ancillary related works. The development is within the curtilage of the Presentation Convent which is a protected structure (RPS Ref:C521) at Pollrone, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny. Applicant: Caitríona Lynch Walsh The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Architects: BLUETT & O’DONOGHUE www.boda.ie

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Kathleen Walsh Kavanagh, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Permission to retain indefinitely existing dog kennels and day care service (known as Apex Doggie Day Care and Boarding Kennels) including all associated site works at Rathduff Upper, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny R95 WY9R. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

ELIZABETH (LILY) ALLEN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

KATHLEEN BROPHY 14TH ANNIVERSARY

The family of the late Elizabeth (Lily) Allen wish to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness and support shown to us on our recent sad loss.

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

Thank you to all who attended the wake, funeral mass, those who called with messages of condolences, sent mass cards and wreaths, it is deeply appreciated. Thank you to Phil, Anne Marie and staff at Drakelands Nursing Home for the excellent care and love they gave to Elizabeth. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Aylmer for his gentle care and concern. Sincere thanks to Fr. Dermot for celebrating Elizabeth’s Funeral and to organist and singer, John O’Neill and Eimear O’Shea. A final thank you to Michael and Breda, Shasby Funeral Directors who went above and beyond with their professionalism and empathy.

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 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 and Jack X

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. M.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026

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 14th August 2026

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Classifieds News

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 14th August 2026