Kilkenny Observer 14 November 2025

Jo Jo mystery 30 years on

Appeal to those who may know anything that could bring her home

Thirty years on, dozens of media conferences and hundreds of lines of inquiry later, Jo Jo Dullard’s family are still searching for answers.

While the phone box the 21-year-old used on the day of her disappearance is no longer there, the murder investigation continues.

Jo Jo’s sister Kathleen Bergin has told the Irish Independent her emotions were

all over the place last year when Gardaí began digging operations at a site on the Kildare-Wicklow border.

“Every day we were waiting to get the phone call,” Ms Bergin said.

“We thought within the first week we’d get her.

“We did not give up any hope until the last day.

“When we found out, we were just devastated that we

Kieran gets off on the wrong note

Kieran Cuddihy has kicked off his tenure as the new host of RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline, but it wasn’t his performance that had many people talking following his debut show. The ex-Newstalk broadcaster made the move to RTÉ to take up the presenter role of the long-running current affairs show following the retirement of Joe Duffy earlier in the year.

Unfortunately, the Kilkenny native hadn’t even said a ‘hello’ on the show when listeners took to social media to air their grievances about one particular change. With the new presenter has come a new jingle, with the very familiar snippet from Over the Moors, by 1986 Irish folk band Stockton’s Wing binned.

Bring it back, was the overall consensus on social media... but the majority saw him as ideal as the new Liveline host...

had come so far,” she said.

In the same month, a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of the disappearance and murder of Jo Jo.

He was questioned and released 24 hours later without charge.

Jo Jo’s older sister, Mary Phelan, who died in 2018, tirelessly campaigned for Jo Jo to be found.

Beyond her numerous me-

dia interviews and demonstrations, she also organised for a monument for her sister and other missing people to be placed in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle in 2002.

“She gave so much of herself in the fight to find out and get Jo Jo back home,” Ms Bergin said.

“I suppose she gave so much of herself, she had nothing left to give, and she

was such a wonderful person with a wonderful spirit about her.’

Ms Bergin believes the stress of advocating for 22 years added up and put a strain on Ms Phelan, harming her health.

The investigation continues to be subject to review by the Serious Crime Review Team.

Ms Bergin continues to appeal to those who may know

Get your baby vaccinated for RSV

HSE Dublin and South East is providing another opportunity for parents to book an appointment for eligible babies at an RSV Immunisation Clinic in Kilkenny.

The HSE is strongly advising parents of babies born between March 1 to August 31, 2025 who did not avail of the opportunity in September to book early to ensure their baby is protected ahead of any surge in RSV infections.

New immunisation appointments will be available for a limited time from November 17 to December 12 in clinics in Kilkenny.

The booking portal is now open for those parents and guardians who want to make an appointment to get their baby immunised.

Dr Emer Liddy, Public Health Specialist Registrar, HSE Dublin and South East, said: “RSV immunisation is the safest and

most effective way to protect your baby this winter. HSE Dublin and South East has clinics in Kilkenny making it easy and convenient for parents with young babies to avail of this free immunisation.

“The RSV infection causes hospitalisations, including some serious illness, especially among young infants and before the introduction of the programme, each winter, four out of every 100 infants were

hospitalised due to RSV, with some babies needing special treatment in intensive care units. A further 50 out of every 100 infants were infected with RSV and many needed medical care from their GP, pharmacist, or the paediatric emergency department,” she said.

“We know immunisation works and ensures small babies are protected from RSV. It significantly reduces serious

infections requiring hospital admissions and the stress and fear it causes for parents and loved ones. We encourage parents of eligible babies to avail of this free immunisation during this limited period to give their small babies the best protection against this virus throughout the winter.”

* Book an appointment at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation

anything that could help her family bring their sister home.

“Life is precious and that was taken from her. She was only 21; she had her whole life ahead of her,” she said.

“I would ask people not to stay silent. To speak up, we need their help; we need them to come forward.”

Only one in three saywork helps them with health

Vhi, Ireland’s largest health insurance provider, has released data that reveals that only 37% of employees believe that their workplace supports them to engage in activities to maintain their health and prevent future diseases. While 83% believe small health actions now can prevent bigger health issues later, many struggle to turn intention into action. Such measures, which include regular exercise, health checkups and screening tests, all contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Highlighting the need to rethink how workplace wellbeing is promoted, these findings come from Vhi’s latest Workplace Health Insights survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A with 1,000 employees.

Funchion hits out at Israeli drone hits on UNIFIL

Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has condemned Israeli drone strikes in Lebanon.

The strikes are reported to have taken place just a few hundred meters from Irish troops, serving in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission.

MEP Funchion said: “This violation of the ceasefire is another blatant disregard for civilian life and for the safety of troops serving in a UN mandated mission.

“It is absolutely reprehensible and the lack of real EU sanctions has reached another embarrassing milestone.”

Kilkenny joins world’s largest travel fair

Tourism Ireland, together with tourism businesses from across the island of Ireland – including Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, mounted a significant presence at World Travel Market (WTM) in London this week. WTM is the largest B2B event in the global travel and tourism calendar and heralds the beginning of Ireland’s promotional drive overseas for 2026.

While taking place in London, WTM is an excellent opportunity to meet tour operators and travel trade from around the world, including those serving nascent markets like China, India and the Middle East, as well Great Britain, Mainland Europe and North America.

Tourism Ireland helps more than 750 SMEs through overseas events like WTM, where they connect with tour operators. Here, over three days, around 3,600 commercial meetings were conducted on the Ireland stand, delivering overseas tourism business for the island of Ireland worth millions of euro. The tourism businesses from Ireland – from premium hotels and resorts, whiskey distilleries and jaunting car tours to activity providers and hidden gems of heritage – engaged in meetings with international tour operators

to negotiate and exchange vital contracts for 2026 and beyond, and ultimately to bring valuable tourists to our island.

Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Our presence at World

Travel Market was extremely important to kick-start our promotional drive overseas for 2026. We were delighted to have around 75 tourism companies from across the island of Ireland, including Smithwick’s Experience

Kilkenny, joining us at this year’s WTM, with an estimated 3,600 commercial meetings taking place. World Travel Market presents a unique opportunity for the travel industry to meet, network, negotiate and con-

tract business for 2026 and Tourism Ireland facilitates that connection.

“We are targeting visitors who do more, see more, enjoy more – and therefore spend more – during their time in Ireland, to help

tourism businesses across our island thrive.”

* Pictured are: David Wood, Tourism Ireland (left); and Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, at World Travel Market in London.

Students, how about breakfast in America?

USIT, Ireland’s leading provider of international work and travel programmes, has launched its 2026 J1 Job Hub, opening with more than 500 live roles across top US destinations, with hundreds more to follow before year-end.

The announcement follows a record summer that saw 5,000 Irish students travel to the US through the long-running J1 cul-

tural exchange programme. Most spent their summers working in Chicago, San Diego, Boston and New York, while Newport, Rhode Island, emerged as a new favourite for 2025 participants. With demand already high for 2026, USIT will host inperson hiring fairs at the Gresham Hotel, Dublin on January 14 and 15, giving students the chance to meet

Businesses optimistic about the year ahead

The Irish results of Europe’s largest business sentiment survey, the 2026 Eurochambres Economic Survey (EES2026), based on responses from more than 41,000 businesses across Europe, reveals that businesses are striving to get back on a growth trajectory after several challenging years.

While the Irish results indicate a degree of optimism, the top three challenges they identified looking ahead to 2026 are: labour costs (63%), a lack of skilled workers (48%) and regulatory burdens (43%).

Speaking at the launch of the Irish results, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, Ian Talbot said:“Addressing the challenges businesses are experiencing depends on the commitment of both the EU and national governments to address regulatory burdens, workforce-related challenges and barriers to the Single Market.”

He was frank in his assessment: “Businesses have been treading water for several years. Since the publication of the Draghi and Letta Reports progress on implementing recommendations to improve competitiveness and productivity has been slow. We now need to see the EU and Governments deliver a framework for growth, with decisive actions that make a tangible difference for businesses on the ground.

“This means delivering simpler regulations and avoiding gold-plating, lower labour and energy costs, and completing the Single Market to unlock its potential. It also means delivering the Capital Markets Union, the Savings and Investments Union and the Banking Union.”

Talbot’s words are backed by the overall results of the survey which indicate a modest im-

leading US employers and secure interviews on the spot. Among the highlights is a major San Diego employer offering over 100 seasonal roles, ensuring every student who books early is guaranteed an interview in their preferred location.

Lisa Collender, Head of Ireland and Advocacy at USIT, said: “The J1 Summer Work and Travel programme

gives Irish students a fantastic opportunity to gain realw orld experience, engage in a new culture, and make summer memories that go beyond the academic setting. If you’re eyeing destinations like Chicago or San Diego for next summer, now’s the time to act. Book your place before Christmas to secure the best opportunities.”

Building on more than six decades of experience and with close to 190,000 Irish students having taken part, USIT’s 2026 programme combines job placement, visa processing, and on-theground support to make the J1 experience structured and stress-free. Beyond work experience, the J1 has a lifechanging impact on young people. A recent USIT survey

found that 88% of participants improved their adaptability and resilience, 85% grew in confidence, and 82% developed stronger communication skills.

* For more information on application details, and updates on hiring fairs and other events, visit www. usit.ie and follow @usittravel on social.

provement across key economic indicators. Business confidence and national sales among Irish businesses are set to rise slightly, while export expectations for 2026 are low.

The pan-European results reflect easing inflation, lower consumer prices, and relatively stronger domestic demand compared to last year. However, ongoing challenges such as high labour costs, complex and burdensome EU regulations, and geopolitical uncertainty are expected to continue impacting, especially on employment and investment.

Key EES2026 messages:

• Ensure predictability and financial support to manage excessive production costs. Lower social security contributions and energy costs. Tailor the next Multiannual Financial Framework to SME needs with simpler access to funding opportunities.

• Promote digital and smarter simplification: Minimise rules for SMEs with the support of digital infrastructures to free up investment capacity, time and resources.

• Reduce Single Market fragmentation and address the “terrible ten” barriers as acknowledged by the European Commission: Allow companies to innovate and operate seamlessly across the Single Market.

• Skills as a competitive advantage: Scale up investment in up- and reskilling, promote adult learning and VET, and the business transfer frameworks.

• Power the green transition through affordable energy: Accelerate clean energy deployment, expand and modernise electricity systems, and speed up permitting.

Our school shows the way...

Following the inspiring success of the 2025 AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards, AIB has announced the launch of the 2025-2026 programme and is extending an invitation to all schools across County Kilkenny to submit their impactful projects.

This year, the awards are particularly inspired by the outstanding achievement of Kilkenny’s Scoil Aireagail in Ballyhale, who won last year the Mixed/Large Group Financial Prize and €2,000 for their school.

Scoil Aireagail was recognised for their project, ‘Empowering Future Generations: A Student-Led

Financial Literacy Book & Community Initiative’. This initiative aimed to empower students, educate the wider community, and ensure financial literacy reaches multiple generations. Their success highlights the profound positive change that Kilkenny students and schools can bring to their communities and beyond.

The AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards, celebrate schools making a positive impact on their community, centred on three key pillars of activity: environmental, social, and financial. These pillars encompass a wide range

of activities that contribute to the betterment of communities, including volunteering, fundraising, awareness campaigns, mentoring, peer education, skills-sharing, and environmental conservation. The 2024-2025 programme received a record 265 registrations, 124 school submissions, and 201 project submissions from 25 counties, demonstrating the widespread commitment to community engagement within the education sector.

Speaking about their win at the Awards Ceremony in April, Rita Dooley, teacher at Scoil Aireagail – pictured

here with her students –said: “We are absolutely delighted, gobsmacked! It’s been an amazing event and journey, full of learnings for our students. It’s a fantastic achievement for our school and the wider community as well. We desperately need digital technology in our school so the prize money will be earmarked to buy some much needed laptops.” The awards provide a platform to showcase and reward the endeavours schools are undertaking to inspire and ignite positive change, such as fundraising, volunteering, activism, mentoring, and more.

Locals bring hope to children at Christmas

Locals in Kilkenny have generated 18,771 Christmas shoebox gifts for children affected by poverty in the last three years – and helped a charity pass the three million mark nationally in time for Christmas.

Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered more than 2.8million shoebox gifts from Ireland to countries across Africa and Eastern Europe – and will ship off its three-millionth in the

coming weeks.

New data by the charity shows that in the last three years, kind-hearted donors in Kilkenny have created almost 19,000 gifts.

“The support we have received from the people of Kilkenny since 2010 has been incredible,” said Team Hope CEO Deborah Lowry.

“But there’s always a need for more shoeboxes so it would be great if schools, parents, businesses and

community groups across the county can come together for one last push to create their own.

“They are often packed by children for children and carry not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope,” she said.

“That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten – that someone, somewhere cares about them.”

Surpassing the magical three million shoebox mark ties in with the charity’s 15th anniversary of bringing happiness to children in some of the poorest parts of the world, many of whom have never experienced the joy of Christmas.

Donors, if they prefer, can choose to send a personalised €25 shoebox online through Team Hope’s website, right up until Christmas Eve.

The Fact Of The Matter

Paul

Hopkins

What if there were no internet?

While doing a WhatsApp video call with my two granddaughters here, aged four and two, to my other two granddaughters in America, aged seven and four, I was amused by the quizzical look on the youngest child’s face, perplexed to a degree as to how she could see her cousins and interact with them right there on Granddad’s iPhone in the palm of his hand.

Somehow, the four took it all in their stride for this is their Brave New World. Anyone aged 33 or under has never known a world without the wonderful world-wide web and its accompanying WhatsApp and WhatHaveYez.

We take it for granted, but what if there were no internet?

If it all just went belly-up and all our screens went totally black – for good? It is not far from the realms of possibility.

According to a new report, one in four Irish SMEs would be at risk of shutting down

after just one ransomware attack, while 94 per cent of those surveyed feel unprepared to defend themselves against advanced cyber threats.

The research, conducted by B2B International on behalf of Vodafone, says the financial impact of cybercrime on businesses is expected to grow, with other research indicating the cost will rise by nearly 50 per cent in the next three years as attacks fuelled by Artificial Intelligence (AI ) become more sophisticated. With SMEs now managing more data, and operating in the same complex digital environment – a cloud-like arena – as bigger firms, they can represent cheaper and easier targets for hackers.

“The scale of AI-powered attacks means no business is too small or too remote to go unnoticed. If you’re online, you’re on the radar,” said Sinead Perry, head of SMB

at Vodafone Ireland. “For SMEs, the risk is real. They are big enough to be a target but often don’t have the same security resources as larger firms.

“Attackers only need to succeed once, while your defences must work every time.”

It was not long ago that our HSE fell victim to a rogue virus deliberately imbedded into its computer system and whether or not a ransom was paid by the Department of Health is still a matter of contention. The big banks, too, have been hit in recent memory. And did not Putin and the Kremlin allegedly influence the outcome of the US presidential election, digitally, back in 2016? And so it goes.

Like my young granddaughters, we all take being online for granted – it’s become part and parcel of what we are and, if the world was accidentally or deliberately switched off and we no longer had access

to the world.wide.web – oh goodness me, what would we do? Would we be able to even think for ourselves? And, sure, no one would ever again know what meal we had in the restaurant of a given night.

“One in four Irish SMEs would be at risk of shutting down after just one ransomware attack...

The bottom line is the internet allows us more affordable and efficient access to basic amenities such as education, health care, and government services, not to mention Amazon Prime and Netflix.

I mean, where would we be without our Amazon Prime and our Netflix? Doesn’t bear thinking about.

AI is a worrying issue, granted, and what it is capable of. The AI generated images of members of Britain’s royal family crying all over the place because of the stripping down of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor would be hilarious if it were not for the tragic crimes behind it all. In just one short year AI has managed to inveigle all social media websites and in some cases using fake videos of Irish personalities to lure people into so-called investing in crypto currencies. The word ‘scam’ has taken on a whole new meaning.

I have little doubt the internet is fighting back against this fake news and dangerous misinformation, and daily –take our banks – is upping its security. (Who remembers when we had to dial up the internet and that awful noise when there was no available connection?)

The other downside to the internet is its availability for cyber bullying and other threats, suicide ideation and a platform for racism and homophobia. And, sadly, the 24-hour ‘breaking news’ of death and disaster is desensitising many to the horror of man’s inhumanity to man. That said, I reckon were the internet gone tomorrow, we’d feel pretty naked and cut off, which some might say is a sad indictment of our evolutionary place in the scheme of things. Though without heads buried in smartphones, we might just find hope in each other – once more.

Creative Youth Programme sparks community transformation in Johnstown and Urlingford

Families and community members gathered on November 8th at Johnstown Community Hall to celebrate the creativity and achievements of young participants, showcased through an inspiring exhibition of music and visual art.

A dynamic series of youth-led creative workshops—spanning music, visual art, poetry, and storytelling—has brought new energy and connection to the communities of Johnstown and Urlingford. Designed to foster emotional expression, social inclusion, and personal development, the programme has been widely celebrated by participants, families, and local stakeholders alike.

Delivered through a powerful collaboration between Creative Kilkenny, KCETB Youth Office, Music Generation Kilkenny, Ossory Youth, Foróige Kilkenny, and local schools, the initiative provided safe, inclusive spaces where young people could explore their creativity, build confidence, and form lasting social bonds.

“This programme is a shining example of what’s possible when we work together across sectors to support young people. The impact has been profound—not just for the participants, but for the wider community,” said representatives from KCETB Youth Office, Music Generation Kilkenny, Ossory Youth, Foróige, and the Creative Kilkenny Engagement Officer in a joint statement. One parent stated “This is an invaluable asset to our community and I know my children would love for it to continue”

Participants reported increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and stronger peer relationships, with many citing the workshops as a turning point in their personal and social development. Skills in music production, live performance, and visual arts were developed regardless of prior experience, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Highlights include:

• Youth-led public showcases of Music Looping skills and crafts created that amplified young

voices and revitalised public spaces.

• Engagement and relationship building that improved access and strengthened community identity.

• Alignment with national strategies such as the Creative Ireland Programme, Children and Young People’s Plan, and the Department of Education’s Action Plan for Education. This programme reflects a shared commitment to high-quality, process-led arts experiences that promote well-being, equity, and cultural engagement. It sets a strong foundation for future investment in youth development and community regeneration across Kilkenny.

Funded by: KCETB and Creative Ireland Kilkenny County Council.

Why birds of a feather should be housed together

Every poultry keeper in the country, from large commercial operators to people with a handful of backyard hens, are required now to house their birds indoors as the Department of Agriculture steps up efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The move comes after another case of avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed yesterday in a commercial

turkey farm in Monaghan. There were two confirmed cases last week - one in a commercial turkey flock near Kells, Co Meath, and another in Co Carlow. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance area have been established around the affected premises.

Minister for Agriculture

Martin Heydon said the new housing order is being intro-

Growing racism is 'causing concerns'

Following the arrests in Laois and Down of two men suspected of involvement in a violent far-right organisation, the Coalition Against Hate Crime has warned that Ireland faces a growing and deeply concerning threat of hatedriven extremism, violence, racism, intolerance, and harassment.

The Cork-based Coalition, representing 22 civil society organisations working to combat hate, said these developments underline the urgent need for a whole-of-government, human rights compliant approach to confront hate, intolerance, and extremism in all their forms.

“These arrests are a stark reminder that hate can take root and grow when it goes unchallenged. Hate, intimidation, and violence targeting international protection applicants, LGBTQI+ people, disabled people, Travellers, Roma, and other racialised or minoritised groups have become an alarming feature of public life. These are not isolated incidents. They are connected, escalating, and deeply harmful to the fabric of our democracy,” a spokesperson for the Coalition said.

While acknowledging the work of An Garda Síochána and the PSNI in preventing harm, the Coalition emphasised that a criminal justice approach alone cannot solve this problem, and must be complemented by other important actions.

“We need a sustained, coordinated national response, not a reactionary or short-term approach.

"Developing and implementing a comprehensive National Action Plan on Hate will be crucial. This must be a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort that strengthens prevention, promotes inclusion, and ad-

duced to "further strengthen national protection measures” and reduce the risk of further spread.

"This second outbreak underlines the ongoing presence of avian influenza in wild birds across the country,” he said. "Working together and following strict biosecurity procedures is the strongest defence to safeguard our poultry sector.”

Luke's

The housing requirement also includes a ban on bird gatherings such as fairs, shows and sales.

All flock owners, regardless of size, must confine their birds to reduce contact with wild birds and maintain strict hygiene and monitoring measures.

The latest cases have heightened concern among turkey farmers who are now enter-

ing the most critical period of their production year.

IFA deputy president and Wexford farmer Alice Doyle said the timing could not be more challenging, particularly for small producers who rely on Christmas sales for a significant portion of their income.

It is still unclear what impact the outbreaks at farms in Meath and Carlow might

have on turkey prices, but further cases could lead to a reduction in supply. Industry sources said it was too early to predict price increases or shortages, but the next week or two will be critical.

The public health risk from the current strain of avian influenza remains very low, according to the HSE and European health authorities.

on breastfeeding benefits

dresses the underlying drivers of hate.

"We also urgently need the full and effective implementation of the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024, the modernisation of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, and decisive action to tackle online hate, misinformation, and disinformation.”

The Coalition urged the Government to act decisively and collaboratively, calling for coordinated, rights-based action to:

1. Develop and implement a National Action Plan Against Hate, in partnership with affected communities. This should go beyond the criminal, be grounded in human rights, and aligned with Council of Europe standards on combatting hate speech and hate crime.

2. Fully implement the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 to ensure hate crimes are recognised, investigated and prosecuted effectively.

3. Modernise the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, ensuring Ireland’s approach to addressing incitement to hatred meets international human rights standards.

4. Deliver a coordinated, evidence-informed, and human rights-compliant national strategy to tackle online hate, misinformation, and disinformation, including robust regulation and accountability of online platforms, and clear roles for government, regulators, and civil society in prevention, enforcement, and education.

5. Invest in prevention, education, and community support, including initiatives that promote digital literacy, empathy, civic responsibility, and the capacity of communities and institutions to prevent and respond to hate.

The HSE Dublin and South East continues to emphasise the theme of this year’s National Breastfeeding Week: “Hold me close: The power of skin-to-skin contact.”

Across counties Kilkenny and Carlow, the HSE provides supports and resources to help parents protect and promote breastfeeding. Specialists in Lactation work alongside Health Promotion and Improvement Officers to encourage breastfeeding as part of health and wellbeing initiatives.

Siobhán Sinnott, Child Health Programme Development Officer for CarlowKilkenny/Tipperary South and Waterford/Wexford Integrated Healthcare Areas, HSE Dublin and South East, says: “Parents can get support and advice on establishing breastfeeding from their midwife and public health nurse. They can also ask questions about other aspects of caring for newborns, such as recognising what is normal in the early weeks and soothing

a crying or unsettled baby. Hospital and community healthcare Specialists in Lactation can offer support with specific breastfeeding queries and challenges.”

“There are over 30 breastfeeding support groups— both in person and online— available to parents across the Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South and Waterford/ Wexford areas. The Cuidiú organisation is a fantastic support, along with library services in each local authority area.”

“A range of online resources is also available, including virtual breastfeeding groups. Practical breastfeeding advice and much more— such as contact details for lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups in the South East—is available on the HSE’s www. MyChild.ie, which includes a seven-day-a-week ‘Ask Our Expert’ live chat and email support service.”

Marie Woodcock, Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation, St. Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny adds:

“Breastfeeding supports your child’s health now and in the long term. It’s also important for mothers, aiding recovery after birth and reducing the risk of breast cancer and diabetes. We encourage mothers to attend breastfeeding classes and seek advice during the antenatal period to prepare for the early days and weeks. We’re always delighted to see mums surprise themselves with how well they do —gaining confidence with every feed and enjoying breastfeeding their baby.”

Speaking about last month’s National Breastfeeding Week, Jane Phelan, Clinical Nurse Manager 2 Infant Feeding/ Lactation for Carlow/Kilkenny said: “Placing a baby directly on their mother’s chest immediately after birth is a key moment. It helps the baby adjust to the outside world and stimulates brain development."

Imelda Aylward (Clinical Midwife Manager 2, St. Luke’s General Hospital Carlow Kilkenny) added in

relation to “Muma Postnatal Hub”: "At Muma Postnatal Hub, we are a midwifery team who offer professional guidance and compassionate support to help mothers navigate their infant feeding journey with confidence. We provide this service to women and people who have birthed at St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/ Kilkenny or those who live in the Carlow Kilkenny area.

"We offer a daily phoneline Monday to Sunday from 9am-4pm for non-urgent queries and advice. We provide a weekly coffee morning both in Carlow and Kilkenny. You can contact us via (087) 248 6847 or e-mail SLGH.muma@hse.ie (on Instagram @mumapostnatal and on Facebook @Muma Postnatal Hubs).”

*Pictured: HSE staff, mums and their babies marked National Breastfeeding Week in St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny, where an information stand and education session also took place.

As I See It

Marianne Heron

Andrew’s disgrace: the trouble with ‘spares’

Charles 1 lost his head in 1649 and the British Monarchy abolished. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor only lost his title as Prince and Duke of York and his home in the Royal Lodge at Windsor. His disgrace follows ongoing revelations about his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and sex with the late Virginia Guiffre when she was 17 and detailed in her book Nobody’s Girl.

Andrew had picked her like a mail order from several pictures of girls sent him by Ghislaine Maxwell.

Andrew’s nephew Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, may well be the next to lose his title having dished the dirt on the Royal family in his book Spare, after quitting Britain for the US with wife Meghan and turning his back on royal duties in 2020.

Both Andrew and Harry are second sons and the title of

Harry’s book speaks volumes about their situation. What do you do with the spare once you have the heir? They are needed initially, just in case something happens to the heir or he fails to produce heirs, otherwise you become superfluous. By the time he left for the US Harry was fifth in line of succession while Andrew has moved from second down to eighth. It’s like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Among the British landed gentry the first-born inherits the estate, the second goes into the army or navy and a third who has no ’expectations’ generally enters the church. True to tradition Andrew served in the navy for 12 years, seeing action in the Falklands War and Harry went into the army where he did two tours in Afghanistan. He described his 10 years in the army as the happiest time of his life.

When they transitioned back to civvy street there was a ready-made role with duties in the ‘Firm’ but after seeing action, life in the Royal family may have seemed incredibly stuffy.

Prince Andrew, who married Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson in 1986, got a role as the UK’s special representative for International Trade and Investment in 2001. This is where his reputation began to go from hero to zero, at the time Prince Charles was said to be opposed to the appointment viewing it as “a disaster waiting to happen”.

Andrew was known among diplomats as ‘His Buffoon Highness’, given the way he would do exactly the opposite of his agreed brief, according to Andrew Lownie in Entitled. his book on the Yorks. Foreign Office officials wanted Andrew reigned in to prevent his personal in-

terests (sex, golf and making money) getting in the way of his figurehead role in the UK’s export industry. Andrew left the post after 10

“What do you do with the spare once you have the heir?

years amid queries over expenses funded by the British tax payer and friendship with a string of shady characters and undesirables like Epstein and Colonel Gadaffi.

Like Edward VIII, whose refusal to give up Wallis Simpson led to his abdication in 1936, Harry married an American divorcee.

Within two years of their marriage in 2018 Harry had abdicated from his royal duties and, like Andrew, his behaviour caused an irreparable rift with the Royal family. “Is each generation doomed to unthinkingly repeat the mistakes of the last?” Harry asked in Spare. It happens, but why? There seems to have been an extraordinary failure on the part of the powers-that-be to intervene, especially in Andrew’s case, before serious damage by what Lownie calls a tale of “entitlement, Establishment cover-up and

hubris” is done to the monarchy. Too little is done too late. Instead matters have been allowed to drag on following Andrew’s disastrous 2019 interview with Emily Maitlis for BBC Newsnight, ensuring that more and more sordid details have emerged without any action having been taken, with more revelations to come. A sense of entitlement seems to play a large part in Andrew’s scandals and Harry’s departure: the sense that they could do what they wanted and that the normal rules don’t apply to them. Also the failure to modernise the Royal family and to slim it down has played a part in the crisis. Is it time for the British Monarchy to end and replace Kings and Queens with Presidents? At least those can be changed every seven, five or better three years – if they don’t behave.

Warm, wholesome, and inclusive eating for the colder season

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, nourishing comfort food becomes a priority, and for those with specialty diets, that doesn’t mean compromising on flavour or variety. At Natural Health Store, we’re proud to offer a wide range of delicious, high-quality foods that support vegan, glutenfree, and whole-food lifestyles, perfect for hearty winter meals and festive holiday gatherings. Kristin in our Wexford store is one of our foodies who has lots of recommendations and ideas of what goes well with what. Here are her top tips for the festive season.

For those following a vegan diet, our vegan nut roast from Suma is a seasonal favourite, it’s a satisfying centrepiece that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a rich mushroom gravy. It’s an ideal choice for holiday dinners where everyone, regardless of dietary preference, can enjoy a

nourishing main dish.

If you or your guests are gluten-free, we have a selection of crispbreads and crackers from Nairns, Foods of Athenry or Pep and Lekker that make excellent companions for cheese alternatives, dips, or festive spreads. These wholesome, crunchy bites are perfect for holiday parties, grazing boards, or cosy evenings in.

For warming, nutrient-rich meals, we stock a wide variety of legumes, lentils, and quinoa from True and Biona, the building blocks of countless comforting soups, stews, and salads. A pot of lentil soup or a quinoa and roasted vegetable

salad brings both warmth and vitality during the colder months. These pantry staples make it easy to eat well, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing healthy meals ahead of a busy holiday season.

We also know that the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a little indulgence, and that’s where Booja Booja comes in. Their exquisite truffles and chocolates are both gluten-free and dairyfree, making them a wonderful treat for everyone to enjoy. Beautifully packaged in gift sets, they make thoughtful, elegant presents for loved ones (or a well-deserved treat for yourself).

At Natural Health Store, we believe that healthy, inclusive eating should be delicious and joyful. Whether you’re planning a festive feast, a cosy night in, or a thoughtful gift, our range of vegan, glutenfree, and whole-food products will help make your holiday season nourishing, satisfying, and full of flavour. Any questions, give us a call or call in to our Wexford or Kilkenny Store.

CLAIR WHITTY

Josephine ‘Jo Jo’ Dullard disappeared at the age of 21 on November 9 1995. The last confirmed sighting of her was at a public phone box in Moone, Co Kildare. She was on her way home to Co Kilkenny.

In 2020, Gardaí upgraded her disappearance to a murder investigation after Cold Case detectives concluded that she “met her death through violent means”. Although a person of interest was arrested and questioned in November 2024, no one has ever been charged or convicted in relation to Jo Jo’s disappearance.

Jo Jo Dullard was the youngest of five siblings from a family in Callan. Her father died shortly before she was born and her mother died from cancer in 1983. Jo Jo had recently returned to Kilkenny after working in Dublin for two years. She was due to start a new full-time job as a waitress on the Monday following her disappearance.

On the day of her disappearance, she travelled to Dublin by bus to sign-off social welfare and to collect her final welfare payment, as she was due to begin the new job. While in Dublin she went to Bruxelles pub off Grafton Street to socialise with friends. Afterwards, Jo Jo travelled to Busáras bus station at 10pm that night but she missed her bus home to Callan. She then decided to take the bus to Kildare and disembarked at Naas at 10:50pm. She successfully hitched a lift 20 kilometres away to Kilcullen. At Kilcullen around 11:15pm Jo Jo hitched another lift to Moone, also a distance of about 20 kilometres, and arrived there at around 11:35pm.

The person who dropped her off in Moone, and also the last person confirmed to have seen Jo Jo alive, was a son of the then Fine Gael MEP for Leinster, Alan Gillis.

While at Moone, Jo Jo used a public phonebooth to call her friend Mary Cullinan to see if she could stay with her in Carlow and explained how she had missed her bus.

During their conversation, Jo Jo was stepping out of the phonebooth when cars approached in an effort to flag them down. She interrupted the call for a few seconds at 11:47pm and then returned to the phone for the final time to say that she “just got a lift”. Jo Jo then ended the call, and was never seen or heard from again.

When Jo Jo failed to return home, her sister Kathleen reported her disappearance 24 hours later. Two days passed before Gardaí took the notification seriously. Gardaí then searched the River Barrow and the road from Moone to Carlow.

Sightings were reported that claimed to have seen the young woman at Castledermot around midnight on the night of her disappearance.

In 1997 a witness came forward to say that on the night of the disappearance, he witnessed two men with English accents at Kilmacow bundle a woman matching Jo Jo’s

The Girl Who Never Came Home

Thirty years on, the disappearance of Jo Jo Dullard remains a mystery

description into a red car withEnglish license plates . The car was described a being similar to a Ford Sierra Sapphire.

In 2020, a witness said he saw a woman running naked and screaming through Moone on the night of Jo Jo’s disappearance. The man said he was travelling with his boss at the time and his boss got out of the car to follow the woman but she ran away.

The witness stated that his boss then rang the Gardaí from a phonebox and Gardaí stated they would send a car out. The two man gave a statement to Gardaí but they believed the two men had seen a different woman as Jo Jo had been sighted in Castledermot.

Jo Jo Dullard’s disappearance has been included in Operation Trace, a Garda operation set up in 1998 to investigate cases included under the Vanishing Triangle moniker and to investigate any potential links between them.

In 2019 a priest in Co Kilkenny received an anonymous letter about Jo Jo Dullard after he publicly appealed for information.

The letter was handed over to Gardaí but its contents have never been revealed publicly.

As mentioned, Jo Jo Dullard’s disappearance has been included and discussed in relation to a series of disappearances in Ireland known as Ireland’s Vanishing Triangle. This term has been used to describe a series of disappearances of young women in the east of Ireland during the late

1980s and 1990s.

A memorial for Jo Jo was installed in Moone at the site of the phonebox where she was last seen.

During an interview with the Irish Examiner on the 10th anniversary of Jo Jo’s disappearance in 2005, Dullard’s sister Mary Phelan insisted she knew the identity of the man who had murdered her, that this individual was the Garda’s main suspect and he was the same person who had picked her up from the phone box in Moone at around 11.45pm on the night she disappeared.

Phelan also claimed that Gardaí had determined the man had driven from Offaly to Moone on the night in question around the same time Jo Jo was at the phone box, and that, although he had given three contradictory statements to Gardaí about his exact movements, there was not enough probable cause for authorities to grant a search warrant for the man’s farmland or his car.

In a March 2017 interview with the Irish Mirror, Mary Phelan claimed that Gardaí knew that Jo Jo was dead and the identity of who had killed her for more than two decades. However, the man was protected from prosecution due to his strong political connections. Phelan additionally claimed that during a confidential meeting with a senior Garda in 1996 she was informed that her sister Jo Jo had been abducted, raped, murdered, and then wrapped

in plastic sheeting before being buried 10 feet underground in a hole dug by a mechanical digger, but the Garda himself expected the investigation to reach a dead end.

Phelan also made a plea for Gardaí to excavate under a roofless derelict cottage on a Co Wicklow farm, which appeared to have a recently poured concrete floor, in the belief that Jo Jo’s remains could have been buried there.

Around the same time, the Dullard’s family lawyer, Gavin Booth, asserted that he had information that the main suspect was interviewed several times by Gardaí and was deemed to be the person responsible for Jo Jo’s murder. He further alleged that this suspect had a cut on his face around the time of her disappearance, which he did not seek medical attention for, that had since left an obvious scar.

In a separate interview, Mary Phelan revealed that Jo Jo was training to become a beautician when she disappeared and always kept her fingernails long and painted, which raised the possibility she would have clawed her attacker’s face in a desperate effort to escape. Phelan also claimed that, in April 1996, the Dullard family hired a private investigator to visit the suspect’s farm under the ruse of being a lost tourist looking for directions, and that the suspect had a very prominent downward pointing scar on his face that looked like a recent wound caused by a fingernail.

The investigation into Dullard’s disappearance was upgraded to a murder investigation in 2020 following a reinvestigation by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team.

Gardaí revealed that Jo Jo was carrying a black Sanyo portable cassette player with matching headphones on the day she disappeared, and appealed for anyone who might have received one in suspicious circumstances, perhaps as a Christmas gift in 1995, to contact investigating officers.

In 2021 a search was conducted in a woodland in the Usk Little townland of Co Kildare in relation to the disappearances of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob.

Gardaí were saying that there might be evidence connected with the other missing women.

Unusual activity in the area on the night of Deirdre Jacob’s disappearance led to the search with the Gardaí also noting that Jo Jo Dullard was last sighted a 10-minute drive away from the search area.

No evidence was found in the search.

On the morning of November 11, 2024, a 55-year-old man was arrested in Co Kildare on suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo Dullard.

The suspect, who was described as coming from a “well-known family”, had been a longstanding person of interest in the investigation, according to media reports.

Gardaí also carried out searches of two houses in the county and a patch of open

ground in Co Wicklow.

A statement issued by the Garda Press Office declared that the area of land, located near Ballyhook Demesne outside Grangecon village on the Wicklow/Kildare border, would be subjected to excavation, technical and forensic examinations.

On the afternoon of November 12, 2024, the arrested man was released from custody without charge.

Despite local rumours that Jo Jo’s body was either hidden under the foundations of a newly-built farm building or was buried in a trench that was dug for drainage ditches, Garda detectives who worked on Operation Trace were previously able to verify that the shed in question was built quite some time before she disappeared, while the excavation and filling of earth for the drainage system had also been completed at least 12 months before Jo Jo was reported missing.

According to media reports, the 2024 searches were focused on land where several witnesses had allegedly observed the arrested suspect digging and moving earth at times relevant to Garda investigations.

On December 3, 2024, Gardaí announced that the search operation had been completed, and that the authorities would not be revealing the results of the search “for operational reasons”.

Thirty years on the disappearance of Jo Jo is unvolved.

Opinion

Ignoring economy threats invites disaster Your Money & You

Tony Benn, the late British socialist, once told David McWilliams in an interview that “the young and the old are bullied by the middle-aged”. His words ring true today as Ireland’s Department of Finance’s Future Forty report lays bare a troubling economic path for Ireland – a route that prioritises the pensions of the middle-aged over the prospects of the young, risking the stability of society in the process.

The Future Forty report, a 240-page analysis published by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, sets out over 2,000 scenarios for Ireland’s economy to 2065. It attempts to foster longterm thinking. But its central message is stark: an ageing population, declining corporate tax windfalls, and persistent housing shortages will strain public finances, with deficits potentially reaching 7.9% of Gross National Income (GNI*) by 2065 and national debt soaring to 148%.

John Ellis

The report projects health spending rising from 9% of national income today to 12.5% by 2065, costing €67 billion annually. Meanwhile, Ireland’s housing crisis is expected to persist until the

2040s, with demand peaking in the early 2030s.

The Government’s solution? Import tens of thousands of workers to strengthen the workforce and tax base, thereby offsetting demograph-

ic decline. Immigration, the report argues, could increase revenues to fund pensions and healthcare as the population ages, with the old-age dependency ratio projected to hit 55% by 2065. But this fix ignores a glaring issue, Ireland’s infrastructure, housing, transport, schools, and health services, are already overstretched. Net migration was 59,700 last year, outpacing the housing market’s capacity.

A better approach would be to cap net migration at 42,500 annually, through targeted visa policies until the housing supply increases.

This approach risks betraying the young. Take Sarah, a 25-year-old teacher paying 60% of her income on rent, unable to save for a home. Skyrocketing rents and unattainable homeownership are pushing many in their 20s toward emigration perhaps to Melbourne,17,000km away.

The report admits living standards will grow only 52% by 2065, with per-capita GNI

growth slowing to 0.5% by the 2040s. Young people, burdened by uncertain finances, are delaying or forgoing starting families, exacerbating the very demographic crisis the government seeks to solve.

As Tony Benn suggested, the middle-aged set the agenda, securing their pensions while the young bear the cost through unaffordable housing and uncertain futures.

The report’s reliance on volatile corporate tax windfalls, projected to rise to €32 billion in 2025 and €34 billion in 2026, adds another layer of risk. These revenues driven by big tech and pharma face decline from 2030 due to US protectionism and tax changes.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warns that spending rose by 8% to €87.1 billion in 2025’s first 10 months, outpacing revenue growth. Health spending alone increased by 5.8% against a planned 4.1%.

This “deterioration” in the fiscal balance, coupled with

over-reliance on temporary taxes, echoes the UK’s squandered North Sea oil windfall, while Norway’s far-sighted savings, with a sovereign wealth fund worth more than €1.3 trillion, offer a cautionary contrast.

Instead of chasing growth through immigration, Ireland should stabilise demand to align with housing supply. Prioritising affordable homes over pension funding would give young people a stake in society and encourage family growth.

The Government’s unprecedented surpluses, €8-9 billion annually, offer a window to invest strategically in infrastructure and housing, but only if short-term thinking does not derail long-term planning. Ignoring looming threats invites disaster. Ireland must act now or risk being a country with a generation priced out and pushed away.

john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Carmel Maher was born in 1906 in Modeshill, located halfway between Callan and Mullinahone. Her father, Pat “The Slater” Maher, was a small farmer and builder and her mother a Dublin woman, Mary Duff. Casting her mind back, Carmel recalled as a child watching her mother cooking and baking on a traditional culm fire.

Culm ball makers, Mag Corcoran and Moll Quigley, made this essential fuel: Carmel saw Moll a few times sitting in a dark, dusty culm shed, a basin of water on the floor to wash her hands after the work was done. Moll, a gifted ball maker, went from house to house in Modeshill to supply culm for the fires. Mag Corcoran could be seen hard at work in Carrolls of West Street, Callan. In later life, Carmel could still visualise the mountain of culm behind Mag as she toiled day and night to fashion the blobs of fuel.

At the age of 14, Carmel moved to Callan, where she has lived since. In 1937, she married Pat Kealy, the War of Independence hero who served as driver for senior rebel figures on the run from the British. Among his passengers were Liam Lynch and Eamon De Valera.

The Callan Carmel arrived in, as a teenager, was part of Lady Annely’s vast estate. She was a rich and powerful woman. All the land extending from Callan to Bowers wood had been hers prior to the Land Commission takeover in 1904. After that, she managed to hold on to the town itself.

On September 29th each year-“Gale Day” as it was called-a demand letter for rent and taxes was delivered to the Maher household and other homes within the town boundary. Carmel remembered the estate agent, a Mr. Maude, as a “considerate and patient man” who avoided pressuring people on payments.

Carmel Kealy’s memories of

Callan in the first part of the 20th century provide a valuable record for present and future generations of townspeople. She has inspired young and old alike with her multi-faceted word pictures

Carmel Kealy remembers…

At the Town Hall, he had a benevolent smile and tried to soften the financial blow with a recitation of the latest jokes he had heard. While not everyone appreciated his sense of humour, he was tolerated as a man whose heart was more or less in the right place. If poor people couldn’t afford to pay rent, Mr. Maude encouraged their next-door neighbours to pay

it for them.

In addition to rent, the hard-pressed townspeople had to fork out Borough Rates to the Town Commissioners for street cleaning and lighting, and a levy of a penny from every pound they earned towards the cost of building Waterford Bridge.

Callan was a busy town in Carmel’s youth: It had nine bakeries, six boot and shoe

makers, a few cobblers, four blacksmiths, four confectioners, six draperies, four tailors, and six dress makers.

The dressmakers were run off their feet, supplying elegant dresses for all occasions, especially to the

Part one

ladies of the Big Houses in the locality. The gentry, though envied and resented for their wealth and superior status, were appreciated in equal measure since they employed quite a few local groomsmen, herdsmen,

ploughmen, as well as scores of servants. The housemaids served “upstairs and downstairs”, Carmel recalled. Nell Walton, an adept dressmaker in Green Street was married to stone cutter, Joe Dunne. “I do the rocks while Nell does the frocks”, Joe boasted. Nell was a local agent for Spirella Corsets, the ones that were laced from the back.

Wheelwrights, coopers, and saddlers abounded in Callan. McLeans and Dooleys were the much sought after saddlers. Jack Cass, the cooper, had a dormitory in West Street where he made barrels and casks. Jackie O’ Neill of Ballyduggan built coaches in his zinc workshop outside Callan.

A hobby of his was vaulting over high walls in the town. He was very athletic. One day, he gave a running jump at a house in Mill Street whose front door was open and managed to kick two plum puddings that were hanging from a ceiling inside- a considerable achievement. He paid the irate householder for the damage, explaining he just wanted to prove to himself that he could “reach that high”! Locals looked forward to the frequent visits of a German band that played in the town, especially on St. Patrick’s’ Day and other festive occasions. Children loved the band, but people of all ages gathered to hear it. They were born musicians, Carmel thought, as she listened on the street to their recitals and rousing Germanic marches. And she noticed that they always carried what seemed to her like “a whole library of music” with them to Callan. On the Cross, she and other children enjoyed the Punch and Judy shows and the antics of a strongman, “Mr. Atlas”, who performed outside McLean’s shop. He had a length of rope and a sledgehammer. He would dare people to tie him up, shouting: “Do it how you like, and how you fancy, black knots, bow knots, any kind of knots”, and swearing that he would always break free. Hundreds of times he was tied up, but no combination of knots could restrain him and he was never beaten. For his other act, he lay on the footpath with a flagstone on his chest. He challenged passers-by to take the sledge and smash the stone if they could. The only man ever to succeed in this venture was Sergeant Troy’s son, Bill, who cracked the stone though he had never held a sledge in his life.

The Fair Green in pre-war Callan looked vastly different from today: If she stood at the Workhouse gate, Carmel would see none of the houses that are there now, just a long row of chestnut trees. The Green wall went as far as the Academy, and there was a small hand gate next to the school

(To

wall.

Carmel Kealy

(Group picture shows: Carmel Kealy (back left) with her father, Patsy Maher, mother, Mary Duff, Mr. Breen, brothers and sisters, outside their home in Modeshill in 1918.)

Callanans Hotel Callan in 1912

High praise for Anne Kelly as new novel launched in ‘Comer

“From the first word to the last, The Heir by Anne Kelly brings the reader on a journey, immersing us in the lives and happenings of characters whose relationships are entwined in despair, loss, hope

group. Like many of her fellow writers from the Castlecomer area, Jane attended the launch of The Heir at The Avalon recently.

And it was a coming home for author Anne Kelly who is a proud

Castlecomer woman. Now living in Eadestown, Naas, Co. Kildare, she has three grown up children and four delightful grandchildren. Anne has a deep interest in writing, music, painting and drama. She is one of the dwindling members of the original Deenside Players of Castlecomer and she is published in the Deenside book Castlecomer, which is circulated widely abroad at Christmas time.

She soon realised her deep love of words and attended writing courses with Dr Shauna Gilligan, Paddy Byrne, Pauline Clooney, John McKenna, Paul Fitzsimons and Fiona Scarlett. She is an active member of the Naas Writers Group, and published in their Anthology Book.

According to Barker and Jones book shop in Naas Co Kildare the recently

launched novel The Heir has been their number one bestseller for the last two weeks. Wonderful news for the author Anne Kelly. Anne's wish is that sales will also be brisk in Castlecomer and Kilkenny following the book launch in The Avalon. Anne was formerly Anne Gleeson.

Synopsis

Elizabeth Anderson is trapped in a marriage arranged by her father to Sir Charles Anderson, a much older man. Theirs is a marriage doomed to failure, as there is no love shown to either George her baby or Elizabeth. She is not a wife but a convenience. She fears for her life if she stays under the same roof as Charles. She must escape. Taking her young son George, heir to her husband’s vast estate and Nutley House, The Heir brings the reader on an intriguing journey with lots of unexpected twists and turns as we follow Elizabeth while she

searches frantically for answers and ultimately freedom … but what will she find? Danger? Love? Healing? Or will Charles find her and punish her? This is the introduction to Anne Kelly’s new novel, The Heir The Heir transports us into the heart of wealthy nineteenth-century Yorkshire and beyond.

According to Shauna Gilligan. Kelly’s wonderful eye for period detail, and keen observations of the beauty of the natural world, readers will find this novel a true escape Author and creative writing tutor

Pauline Clooney gave the book a glowing reference, equating the writing with Gaskell or Austen.

“References are made to events happening in the world as it was then, including the Irish famine and this lends authenticity to Kelly’s fiction. One of my favourite episodes in the novel is the chapter set in Dover before the departure of Elizabeth and Grace to France. The scenes at the White Cliff Hotel, bristle with intrigue and will leave the reader on the edge of their seat. Kelly’s use of tension in these scenes is page turning brilliance. In the world of historical fiction, Anne Kelly is a name to look out for. In this debut novel, The Heir, I felt I could be reading some newly discovered Gaskell or Austen.”

The Heir is Anne’s first novel and the inspiration came from a postcard of a painting called ‘The Cradle’ painted in 1872 by Berthe Morisot and dedicated to the memory of her dear childhood friend Helen.

in bookshops in Castlecomer and Kilkenny.

Available

Author Anne Kelly who is a proud Castlecomer woman

The Heirs protagonist Elizabeth Anderson is trapped in an arranged marriage to Sir Charles Anderson, a much older man. Cover design by artist Anne Ingle Myles

Members of the Kelly family at the launch of ‘The Heir’ at Castlecomer

At the book launch of ‘The Heir’ by Anne Kelly at The Avalaon Inn Castlecomer were: Mai Dormer, Anne Kelly and Nancy Geoghean Betty Brennan, Jane Meally and Anne Kelly

Anne Kelly

MR price

Now open on Gaol Road, Kilkenny!

“Worth the wait!” say thrilled shoppers as huge crowds flock to the grand opening

Excitement was sky-high in Kilkenny on Thursday morning, 6th November, as MrPRICE opened its brandnew store on Gaol Road and customers were out in force long before 9am to be among the first inside when the store opened at 12!

After weeks of buzz on MrPRICE’s social media channels, eager bargain hunters lined up early to get their hands on a Golden Ticket and see the long-awaited store for themselves.

The atmosphere was electric, with the BEAT Radio promo team and DJ on site, blasting tunes and bringing the fun while the MrPRICE marketing team mingled with the crowd — handing out giveaways, balloons,

and golden tickets that had shoppers buzzing.

As the doors opened, the queue stretched down the street, with customers pouring in to explore aisles packed with amazing value across every department.

One clear theme ran through nearly every conversation that morning: “The store was worth the wait!”

From home essentials to Christmas décor, toys, snacks and cleaning favourites, shoppers filled their baskets and shared their excitement.

The opening marks another milestone for MrPRICE, Ireland’s fastest-growing discount retailer, known for its unbeatable value.

MrPRICE Gaol Road, Kilkenny is now open seven days a week — bringing the bargains (and the buzz!) to the Marble City.

Opinion

Furthermore

Gerry Moran

Sunny times ... and three in a bed!

And so, my good wife and I headed off to sunny Spain on a long, overdue break, taking with us too many clothes, no mosquito repellent and my ex-girlfriend! That’s right –my ex-girlfriend, Anne, who I went out with for about three years when we were students in Dublin.

Anne was studying English in Trinity while yours truly was studying English and Latin in UCD in Earlsfort Terrace just up the road. In fact we Arts students were the last to grace Earlsfort Terrace before being ‘shipped off’, for want of a better expression, to Belfield, the new Arts campus. Belfield was a brand new, concrete complex devoid of atmosphere and the chumminess of Earlsfort Terrace. Plus it was miles away. I lived a short bus journey from Earlsfort Terrace but now I had to take two buses,

infrequent ones, to get to Belfield which accounted for me missing lectures (oh dear) and regular meet-ups with Anne in the Buttery in Trinity.

But I’ve digressed. Anne, I should add was, is, a Tipperary woman which didn’t interfere one whit with our relationship as she was, is, a very attractive woman. Indeed I had a drink many moons ago with a fellow teacher from the same town as Anne and when I told him that I had gone out with her, he took a gulp from his pint, leaned closer and whispered: “Gerry, I’d have given my left…..” – which I cannot repeat here – “to have gone out with her.”

Now I doubt if he’d had given his left, you-knowwhat, to date Anne but you never know, these Tipperary boys they’re not like us – they’re mad, bad and

dangerous to know. But I’ve digressed. Again. So, how did it all work out – the three of us together in the sun, sea and sand of Southern Spain? Actually it was very harmonious. We were quite the happy threesome and yes, in case you were wondering there were nights when, after a pleasant bottle of Rioja, the three of us ended up in bed together! That’s right, three in a bed!

A grand King-size bed that could accommodate, not just three, but four – two up, two down, just like the sleeping arrangements in many an Irish family back in the day except back-inthe-day the bed was far from Kingsize. So, time methinks to explain this ‘decadent’ carry on.

Damn right you had better explain, Gerry Moran, and you a former altar boy, proud wearer of the Green

Scapular and considered the priesthood once. Anne Haverty, for that

“Tipperary boys they’re not like us – they’re mad, bad and dangerous ...

is her name, and I parted company in 1974. I returned to Kilkenny to a secure, pensionable job as a Primary school teacher while Anne remained in the capital and became a successful author.

Her works include: The Beauty Of The Moon, The Far Side Of A Kiss, Free And Easy, a biography of Countess Markievicz. and One Day

As A Tiger published back in 1997. I purchased that novel but never got round to reading until now - in Spain. And why, Gerry Moran, did it take you 28 long years to read it? Well, that, as they say, is another story plus it has to do with something I constantly suffer from: LFS - Long Finger Syndrome, a problem I’ve had all my life.

But 28 years, Gerry! I know. I know. I need therapy. A lot of therapy.

In the meantime is Anne’s book One Day As A Tiger

any good? Well, it won the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature in 1997. And here’s what our esteemed writer Colm Toibín, author of Brooklyn (turned into the heart-breaking movie with Saoirse Ronan, to mention but one of his highly regarded novels) had to say: “A novel written with enormous confidence and flair. It has a lightness and a sense of comic timing which is absent from most contemporary Irish fiction but it also has a real sense of darkness and grotesque.”

And this from one from the Sunday Telegraph: “A work of rare enchantment….to that long list of Irish writers who write better English than the English, a new name can be added.”

See now, how Anne Haverty ended up in bed with the wife and myself in Spain...

Health & Beauty

Winter immunity boosters

HEALTH

As temperatures drop, it’s easy to feel run down. Now is the perfect time to focus on boosting your immunity naturally.

Incorporate seasonal vegetables like kale, spinach and carrots into your diet - they’re rich in vitamins A, C and K, which help fight colds and keep energy levels high. Don’t forget citrus fruits and berries, packed with antioxidants to protect cells and support overall wellness.

Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are

A generation under pressure

HEALTH

The latest Health of the Nation report from Irish Life reveals a continuing widening of the generational health gap across Ireland - and it’s younger adults who are falling behind.

Despite being the most digitally connected generation, under-35s are emerging as the least healthy age group, reporting the highest levels of stress, loneliness and poor mental health. Nearly twothirds say their mental health is below average, while almost

BEAUTY

The natural beauty industry is booming in Ireland, with the market for natural personal care products estimated at €61.3 million in 2025.

Right here in Kilkenny, Denise O’Connell is a local maker bringing that trend to life - though her motivation is far more personal.

With years of clinical experience working with cancer patients through aromatherapy and reflexology, Denise has been crafting natural oils, body butters and balms designed to nurture compromised skin.

All her products are made by hand in her Kilkenny Design Centre workshop in the Castle Yard. While suitable for those going through cancer treatment, they are also ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.

half describe feeling isolated or financially anxious. Ironically, while younger people are the most aware of the importance of good nutrition and exercise, many admit they lack the time or headspace to follow through.

Over 40 per cent say they are overwhelmed by conflicting online health advice, and nearly 70 per cent want to cut back on social media - now the most common addiction people want to address, ahead of alcohol or nicotine.

The report suggests today’s

younger adults face unique pressures: unstable finances, digital overload and workrelated stress, compounded by reduced social connection and less certainty about the future.

By contrast, Ireland’s over55s report being the healthiest, happiest, and most financially stable cohort - perhaps proof that the foundations laid in earlier decades of stronger social systems and affordable housing continue to shape long-term wellbeing.

Experts warn that without

gap could widen further. Dr. Carol Rogan of Irish Life Wellbeing says the focus now should be on helping younger people “disconnect from devices and reconnect with real-life relationships.”

The message is clear: health in Ireland is increasingly defined by life stage. As older generations continue to improve, the challenge for policymakers and workplaces alike is to ensure the next generation isn’t left running on empty.

Denise also shares her ex-

equally important, even when it feels tempting to indulge in comfort foods.

Gentle movement, like short daily walks or stretching sessions, supports circulation and helps your body fend off winter fatigue.

Simple lifestyle changes, combined with nutrient-rich foods, can make a big difference. Prioritising sleep, reducing stress and connecting with friends and family all contribute to a strong immune system, helping you feel your healthiest through the colder months.

Mindful movement for winter energy

WELLNESS

Winter’s shorter days can leave energy levels low, but adding some ‘mindful’ movement can restore both vitality and focus.

Activities like yoga, Pilates or gentle stretching improve flexibility, posture and circulation, while reducing tension from long periods indoors. Low-impact cardio, such as brisk walks or indoor cycling, boosts

mood by releasing endorphins and supporting heart health. Mind-body practices, including tai chi or guided meditation, enhance mental clarity, reduce stress and promote restful sleep.

Even a few minutes of daily stretching or mobility work helps prevent stiffness caused by colder temperatures. Pairing exercise with mindfulness - focusing on breath, posture and presence - creates a sense of calm and energy.

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pertise through small group workshops, where you can learn to make your own skin oils, lip balms and body scrubs.

As the Irish natural beauty market grows, makers like Denise show that you don’t need a big factory to make a difference. Locally made, carefully crafted

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Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

Rethinking the word “Apocalypse”

I was listening to the radio recently when a scholar mentioned the true meaning of the word “Apocalypse” comes from the Greek meaning “lifting the veil / to uncover / to reveal.”

I had a lightbulb moment! Wow! Was it misinterpreted to mean, “the end of the world and total destruction”? Do I need to reframe my thinking with a totally different perspective?

Widespread anxiety is a symptom of all the current global chaos ….political, financial, environmental, wars, famine, species extinctions, natural disasters… an endless list. No wonder people are presenting with panic attacks, mental health issues and problems which they think are purely personal.. but with all the uncertainty, these issues are often collective! We are sensitive, physical, emotional, spiritual, energetic, vibrational beings and we can absorb all

kinds of frequencies that are flying around not to mention all the interference that subtly impacts our energy fields…. Mobile phones, computers, processed food, drugs and alcohol all effect our brains. Tell me I’m wrong?! Is our world going through a massive deconstruction and evolution? I would like to think so.

Our species is referred to as “Homo sapiens”, Latin for “wise people”. Would it were true!

Look around, where is the wisdom? Who are the wise elders? I don’t see much wisdom when I look for it in world politics or elsewhere. I see big egos, greed and power. What are the deeply embedded man-made cultural constructs that we have swallowed as truths? Illusions such as: National boundaries? Women being second class citizens? There is not enough food to go round? We are purely physical beings?

Some races are better than others? Such and such religion has “the truth”? Really?!!

It’s all ridiculous. Long ago, someone, sometime, somewhere, decided such opinions were true and adopted them as righteous beliefs for profit or power. Tell me I’m wrong!

Who do we as humanity want to be? What kind of world do we want to live in and bequeath to our kids? Do we as individuals have any choice in these matters?

What can we do as individuals in communities to live together in the simple truth of love and peace?

Small random acts of kindness at community level can help us all. We saw this during lockdown, neighbours got to know and help each other and we experienced interdependence. All of us humans are the same species. We all bleed, we can all donate blood and organs to each other. When

will we learn that there are no chosen people and no “ human vermin”? (ref. certain outspoken world leaders!) We all have rights. We all need food and water to survive plus we ALL need soul food to thrive. What is soul food? Answer: Love, compassion, kindness, empathy, safety, respect, dignity etc.

“Through revelation, we awaken as one breathing soul

Where is a modern-day

Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi who can re teach us such values? Sister Stan was a great local example. May she rest in peace.

Quantum physics now proves that everything is connected. Humanity’s survival depends on Mother Earth for everything… air, food and water. In 1897 Francis Thompson wrote, “All things, near or far, to each other, linked are, Thou canst not stir a flower, without the troubling of a star.”

This tells us that seemingly inconsequential events can trigger larger events. E.g. Rosa Parkes’ refusal to give up her bus seat sparked The Civil Rights Movement in USA.

Virginia Giuffre’s photo of former Prince Andrew. etc.

Ireland is rapidly changing. We now live in a global village. We’re ALL planetary citizens and we are dealing with survival…. Climate change, Wars, persecution, etc. Such

issues are indiscriminate, know no boundaries and hit all ethnicities.

Racism comes from fear. It’s easy to victimize people who seem alien but remember, our similarities far outweigh our differences. Love is not the opposite of hate, it is the opposite of fear.

I hope that the word, “Apocalypse” really does mean, “a revelation” or “lifting the veil” and we can realise a new truth of love and peace. Maybe we can grow wise before it’s too late and evolve as true homo sapiens, truly wise beings who choose the power of love over the love of power. For Humanity to survive, we must row our Mother Earth boat together and drop the nonsense of tribal identification and realize the Oneness of us all.

www.judithashton.com

YouTube: Judith Ashton

Ted X: The power of human touch

The countdown is on for the launch of Yulefest Kilkenny 2025 and Santa’s big arrival!

There is just two weeks to go till Santa arrives in Kilkenny to officially launch Yulefest Kilkenny 2025!

On Saturday, 29th November 2025, Santa Claus will make his grand arrival to the city to officially launching the festival. Santa will journey by boat along the River Nore, before making his way through the city streets and arriving at Kilkenny Castle. There, he’ll be joined by special guests to switch on the spectacular Christmas tree lights on The Parade Plaza.

On the day the Yulefest Christmas Market will open its doors for the first time. With a range of festive food and craft stalls in wooden huts along the Parade Plaza and Mayors Walk. Festivities begin at 2pm on Canal Square with live music and festive cheer! Santa will turn on the

Christmas lights and officially launch Yulefest on The Parade at 5pm. Adding to the excitement Yulefest are delighted to announce that Santa’s City Cycle is back for 2025. This is the perfect opportunity to get involved in the event by decorating your bike and joining Santa for a spin around the city. Pre-registration is required for the cycle, find out more at yulefestkilkenny.ie

Families, friends, young and old — everyone is invited to come out and welcome Santa to Kilkenny, shop at the Yulefest Christmas Market and enjoy entertainment and festive cheer! You might even get the chance to snap a festive photo with the man in red himself!

Yulefest Kilkenny celebrates Christmas in Kilkenny with a range of festive events for all the family. Featured events at this year’s festival include Santa’s arrival to Yulefest, November 29th; Yulefest Christmas Market each weekend; Santa Truck, December 6th, Yulefest Movie Night, December 11th, and the highlight of the festival ‘Starlight’ by Luxmuralis, a light and sound show in St. Canice’s Cathedral December 14th – 21st. Plus, Santa Experiences, Markets around the County, Music Concerts, Art Workshops, Family entertainment and lots more!

Find out more and plan your visit at yulefestkilkenny.ie

Giving the gift of toys this Christmas

Written by Michael Doyle

People are planning what to give their child or young loved ones this Christmas. A good option would be to gift them a toy suitable to their age and development. Knowing what toy to gift your child or young person can be tricky, especially if you’re unaware of the recent toy trends and popular choices.

So, here’s a guide on gifting toys this Christmas, with the benefits of toys, the recent toy trends, the classic options, and how you can choose the right toy to gift your intended child.

The benefits of toys

Toys are a great way for children to play, explore, learn, and grow. Playing with toys boosts a child’s motor skills, creativity and focus. Toys are one of children’s earliest introductions to developing new skills and creativity, which is important as they’ll need them as they’re growing up.

The recent toy trends

One of the types of toys currently popular are eco-friendly toys. These toys are made from natural materials, leaving them free from harmful chemicals, and their simple, open-ended designs can prompt children to use their own creativity and problem-solving skills.

Another popular group of

toys are STEM toys (science, technology, engineering and maths), which have grown in popularity in recent years. STEM toys allow children to improving cognitive skills and begin an awareness into STEM fields.

The classic options

Toys from kids tv shows and movies, whether new or popular, are often popular amongst kids. While toys from iconic franchises such as LEGO and Barbie do exist as options, traditional toys like a Rubik’s Cube and board games are also a good choice.

How to choose the right toy?

When choosing the right toy to gift your intended child, consider the child’s age, ability, likes, interests, and developmental stage. It’s important to note you don’t have to buy an expensive toy. Some of the best toys are not necessarily the most expensive ones, so prioritize toys that are good in quality and that can be played with often. Make sure the toy is safe and durable, regardless of cost or brand name, and that the young person doesn’t already have the toy you’re planning on gifting them. However, you decide on what toy to gift your child or young person this Christmas, we hope the toy gives them many happy experiences and memories throughout their childhood.

Last-minute gift ideas

Written by Michael Doyle

Many people are making their plans for this Christmas. One of the plans on people’s list is gift-giving and planning what to give to their intentions. While some people are already taking their gift plans into action, some people might plan or only start their gift-shopping at a later stage, which could run the risk of last-minute shopping. However, if you do find yourself panicking over gift-shopping in the final days before Christmas, there’s no need to panic, as there is still time and opportunity to get the right gifts for your people. So, whether you’re an experienced or new last-minute shopper, here’s how you can make the most of last-minute Christmas shopping, from the potential positives of last-minute shopping to the types of last-minute gifts available.

Positives of last-minute shopping

While these two positives aren’t guarantees, its possible shops are less busy and have more or better deals in store in the few days before Christmas. If you decide to do your gift-shopping later, you can have more time to consider the recipient's interests and buy the right gift rather than

rushing buying something early out of necessity.

Types of Gifts

You can give the gift of an experience this Christmas. There’s many options to choose from, such as a ticket to a performance, a gift card to their favourite restaurant or a voucher for a spa day. You could gift a popular or appropriate book, some festive or personal jewellery or beauty products. Another option would be to arrange for a fresh bouquet to be delivered or deliver a small hamper of goodies to your recipient’s front door. Lastly, you could bake something nice and festive to gift to a friend or a family or create something thoughtful using arts and crafts.

Gift

Vouchers

If you’re still unsure on what particular item to gift, a gift voucher is a great, versatile option. Gifting a gift voucher can be convenient as they remove the stress of finding a specific, “perfect” item to gift, and digital ones can be delivered via email, making them

a great last-minute option. For recipients of a gift voucher, they can choose their own gift and can choose when or where they would like to use the voucher.

As long as you plan smart, put time and thought into your giftgiving and keep your eyes peeled for good items and offers, you can navigate your way through the last-minute Christmas shopping frenzy and find great gifts for your loved ones.

Homes & Gardens

Tidy up for winter

GARDEN NOTES

Rake up fallen leaves from lawns and paths, adding them to compost or storing them in breathable bags to make nutrient-rich leaf mould. Cut back spent perennials, but leave

some seed heads for birds and winter interest. Lift tender plants like dahlias and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. Refresh pots and containers with winter pansies, cyclamen, and evergreen foliage for colour through the cold months.

SHADY LANE HOUSE, LEGAN, THOMASTOWN

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Shady Lane House blends style, practicality and comfort, offering a home suited to both relaxed family life and entertaining against a stunning rural backdrop.

This four-bedroom home sits on an elevated one-acre site near Thomastown, combining modern design with timeless stone features. Built in 2013, the house offers

HOME SMART

Lighting plays a bigger role in energy use than most of us realise. Switching to energyefficient lighting not only cuts electricity bills but also helps reduce your household’s environmental footprint.

LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are now the gold standard for energy-efficient lighting. They use up to 85 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.

Modern LEDs come in a wide range of brightness levels and colour temperatures, from warm, cosy tones for living rooms to bright, daylight-style lighting ideal for kitchens and workspaces. Beyond the type of bulb,

versatile living spaces, landscaped gardens and sweeping countryside views.

The heart of the home is an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with high-quality finishes, a marble-topped island and underfloor heating throughout. Multiple interconnecting reception rooms offer flexibility for formal dining, work or relaxation. Large windows flood the interior with natural light.

The master suite is a standout, featuring a spacious bedroom, dressing area, ensuite bathroom and balcony overlooking the surrounding countryside. Three further bedrooms provide ample space for family or guests, while a self-contained annex offers independent living, ideal for visitors or extended family. A fully insulated garden pavilion provides additional adaptable space for

a studio, office or year-round relaxation.

Outside, electric gates open onto a tarmacked driveway leading to manicured gardens with mature trees, water features and a private courtyard with a stone fountain. A covered BBQ and seating area with outdoor heating extends the living space outdoors.

how you use your lighting also matters. Installing dimmers, motion sensors or timers ensures lights are only on when needed, reducing energy waste. Smart lighting systems allow you to control brightness and schedules via an app, making it easy to adapt lighting to your lifestyle while cutting costs.

Energy-efficient lighting isn’t just practical - it can also enhance the style and comfort of your home. Layering light with ceiling fixtures, wall sconces and floor or table lamps creates atmosphere while highlighting key areas. Outdoor lighting can also benefit from LEDs and solar-powered options, brightening pathways and gardens without driving up energy bills.

Agent: Sherry Fitzgerald McCreery

Food & Drink

A world of flavours in Kilkenny

PRODUCERS

A cluster of Kilkenny’s up-andcoming micro food producers took centre stage at this year’s Savour Kilkenny Festival, showcasing authentic international flavours inspired by cuisines from Ukraine, Palestine and West Africa.

They’re part of the Emerging Food Producers initiative - a support scheme run by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership under its Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which helps disadvantaged and marginalised members of society turn kitchen-table ideas into viable food businesses.

“The idea for the programme grew out of our long-standing experience working with people interested in food production,” says Martin Martin, SICAP Manager at Kilkenny LEADER Partnership. “After the economic crash, we saw

people who had been made redundant turn their love of food into small businesses as a way to rebuild their livelihoods. In time, others joined in - from newcomers to Ireland to locals balancing family caring commitments - all drawn by the flexibility that the food sector provides.”

The scheme offers mentoring, product development guidance and access to local markets, giving participants a practical route from concept to customer. “When someone joins our programme, we meet with them to discuss their goals and review their business idea,” explains Martin.

“Together, we look at food safety, production needs and financial viability. From there, we mentor them as they develop their products, help them access shared kitchens or funding supports and guide them through testing and bringing their products to market.”

That hands-on support has already led to inspiring outcomes among participants. At Savour Kilkenny, visitors met some of the scheme’s emerging producers - including Wollof Bites, founded by Betty Sinyan, who brings a Taste of Paradise from the Gambia with her West African–inspired snacks such as fluffy cakes, crispy spring rolls and savoury chicken bites. AriSlava Bakery, created by Olena Timochenko from Ukraine, showcased handcrafted cakes that combine artistry with flavour, while Kufiya Sweets, founded by Osama and Nemeh, shared the rich culinary heritage of Palestine with authentic dishes, desserts and drinks.

“The feedback from festivalgoers was genuinely enthusiastic,” says Martin. “People were excited to try something new and were full of praise for

both the flavours and the stories behind the food.”

One of the most popular offshoots of the programme is the International Food Café, run several times a year with local organisations such as the Homeroom Club. “Each café is a celebration of culture,” says Martin. “People living in Kilkenny, originally from countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, come together to cook dishes from their homelands, while our support staff might come from Ireland, Ukraine, Jordan and beyond. Customers get to try authentic food and our producers gain confidence serving their creations to a supportive local audience.”

“For me, the real magic is in bringing people together,” Martin adds. “It’s not just about food - it’s about community, sharing stories and making everyone feel welcome in Kilkenny.”

Less is more: The rise of low and no-alcohol drinks

DRINK

Across Kilkenny and Ireland, drinkers are rethinking their choices - and moderation is becoming normalised.

The growing popularity of low and no-alcohol options shows that people still want the ritual of a good drink, just without the after-effects.

Once limited to one or two token beers, the alcoholfree selection has expanded rapidly in recent years. Supermarkets and off-licences now stock a full range of 0.0% lagers, IPAs, wines and even gins, while restaurants are adding imaginative mocktails and spritz-style serves to their menus. The change is being driven by health-conscious consumers, designated drivers and

Cook up a business idea

FOOD ENTERPRISE

Got a great food idea bubbling away? The Regional Food Starter Programme is back this November, ready to turn tasty dreams into thriving ventures. Running online via Zoom over four half-days - 18th & 20th November, and 3rd & 5th December (9.30am–1pm) - this hands-on course is tailor-made for anyone thinking about starting a food business or taking their first bite of entrepreneurship.

For €30, participants will be whisked through the essentials:

Day 1: Testing if your idea is truly good enough to eat

Day 2: Food safety and finding your perfect route to market

Day 3: Crunching the numbers and costing your creations

Day 4: Building a brand that stands out on the shelf

Hosted by leading food business advisors, James Burke & Associates, and organised by the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, the programme mixes practical know-how with a generous dash of inspiration. Expect real-world insights, ready-to-use templates and the chance to swap ideas with other budding producers. By the end, you’ll have a recipe for success - and the confidence to take your product from kitchen table to shop shelf. To book your spot (before they’re all snapped up), visit www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny

Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto

RECIPE

A warming November dish full of autumnal flavour

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced

beer sales in Ireland rose 25 per cent in 2024, with production up 77 per cent. The category now accounts for more than 2.5 per cent of the overall beer market — a jump of around 150 per cent over five years.

From botanical spirits to dealcoholised wines, the quality of these drinks has also improved dramatically. Many now offer genuine flavour, complexity and a sense of occasion - proving that enjoying a night out or a quiet evening in doesn’t have to depend on alcohol content.

Whether you’re cutting back, taking a break, or simply curious, the message is clear: less can indeed be more.

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 300g Arborio or risotto rice

• 125ml dry white wine (optional)

• 1 litre hot vegetable stock

• 50g butter

• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated (or vegetarian alternative)

• Small handful fresh sage leaves

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Roast the squash: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Toss the diced squash in 1 tbsp of olive oil, season, and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelised.

Start the risotto: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large saucepan, then gently cook the onion for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to coat in the oil. Pour in the wine (if using) and let it simmer until absorbed. Add the stock: Gradually add the hot stock, one ladle at a time, stirring often. Wait until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes.

Combine and finish: Stir in the roasted squash, butter, and most of the Parmesan. Season to taste. Crisp the sage (optional): In a small pan, fry the sage leaves in a little butter or oil until crisp, then scatter over the risotto with the remaining Parmesan to serve.

Tip: Pair it with a crisp white wine such as Verdejo or Pinot Grigio, or for a non-alcoholic match, try a sparkling elderflower pressé.

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Osama and Nemeh, Kufiya Sweets from

Olena Timochenko, AriSlava Bakery from Ukraine

Drazen Zigic

Betty Sinyan, Wollof Bites, the Gambia

Community Radio

When it comes to people showing resilience, there are few to match Nelson Mandela. In an interview with the world media, Mandela said: “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

Resilience and perseverance are just two of the many qualities needed when working in the arts. One such company that epitomised these qualities recently was the Involvement Centre in Kilkenny, who last Thursday were awarded first prize in the Craol Féile awards 2025. The award was for four radio documentaries produced by the centre in association with Lake Productions and Community Radio Kilkenny.

It was to be one of three awards for the dynamic Community Radio that night. Craol is the national association for community radio in Ireland — it represents and supports community radio stations across the country. Speaking at the event held in The Charleville Park Hotel, in Cork, Brian Greene, chair of Craol, spoke of the tremendous amount of work

and dedication shown by the the Involvement Centre who along with Lake Productions and Community Radio, Kilkenny city scooped first prize in the ‘Access and Inclusion’ in the Writers in Profile category. Ask anyone interested or involved in the arts what their main goal is and the answer is pretty universal. A good show that runs smoothly and pleases both performer and audience. Whether you’re an artist, actor, radio presenter or singer, that statement applies. This was the aim from Lake Productions and Kilkenny’s Involvement Centre when the initial meeting was held at Community Radio Kilkenny city with then station manager Declan Gibbons and Mick Cummins (sound engineer).

The proposal was that both the theatre company and the Involvement Centre would present four radio documentaries featuring Irish writers to be recorded and broadcast by Community Radio.

Gold for Involvement Centre as radio documentaries strike right note

Writers chosen included WB Yeats, John B Keane, Seamus Heaney and Patrick Kavanagh. Scriptwriters for the documentaries were Pat Griffin, Frank Cody and Ger Cody, while the cast was made up of the Involvement Centre and Lake Productions.

The Kilkenny Involvement Centre

The Kilkenny involvement centre is a warm, welcoming place where people with mental health difficulties can go to socialise, relax and simply have fun. The vision is to have a base where people who have, or have had, mental health difficulties, their families or friends, can drop in at specified times to meet other people who are on their recovery journey. The philosophy is

recovery focused, with the hope to create a positive environment, where people can support each other in an informal setting.

A Big Undertaking

To mount this project was not for the faint hearted and no-one underestimated the enormity of the task. The first step was to choose the writers that were to feature in the series. Then over a six to ten month period three people from the community set about scripting the documentaries. Each script was cast, and over another 8 month period rehearsals took place. The concept from the beginning was to look at the writers that were chosen- Seamus Heaney, Patrick Kavanagh, John B Keane and W.B

Yeats – and to determine what their artistic legacy was, and how they would be remembered. All of the above included the input from the Involvement Centre.

Radio Experience Community radio came into its own. Firstly, the cast were allowed access to the station to rehearse, which after three or four visits made everyone feel a bit more relaxed. Mick Cummins who recorded each documentary took time out before each recording to meet with the actors. He spoke of everything from the weather to sport which lessened the nerves and tensions for all. As each group entered the recording area, Cummins made all feel relaxed and impressed on everyone that if a

Mary Woods, Claire Mulcahy and Simon Burke who were narrators in the Involvement Centres radio documentaries

At the Craol awards night at the Charleville Park Hotel, where the Involvement Centre Kilkenny Lake Productions and Community radio Kilkenny city were awarded two Gold and a special achievement award. Seated: Ger Cody (Involvement Centre and Lake Productions) Mick Cummins (CRKC), Sam Lynch (CRKC). Standing : Kevin Leefarr ( CRKC) Jo-Ann Cody (Lake Productions) Paul Dunne ( manager CRKC) and Mags Lynch ( CRKC)

Paul Clifford ( Traveller men’s health worker at Kilkenny Leader Partnership) attending the celebration at The Involvement Centre. ( Photo Danny Lahart)

Mick Cummins from Community Radio Kilkenny city, pictured with Kilkenny singing group Sola who performed ‘Raglan road’ and ‘Down by the Sally Gardens’ for The Involvement Centre radio documentaries

mistake was made he would simply do it again. And yes mistakes were made. And yes edits were made. But all this was done with patience and understanding. His actions were instrumental in allowing those of a nervous disposition perform in a relaxed and tension free environment.

Second Gold

The success in Charleville didn’t end there. Another gold was awarded to Community Radio Kilkenny City in the ‘About the Town’ section. Accepting the award were mother and son Mags and Sam Lynch.

Station manager Paul Dunne was obviously as proud as punch. “In my short time at Community

Radio in Kilkenny, it is obvious that all volunteers have a massive commitment in serving their listeners.” Mr Dunne went on to say that it was a great sense of joy to see the many different sections of the community that are served by local radio. “We definitely will be looking at similar projects in the new year,” said Paul.

As the night came to a close, the Involvement Centre, Lake Productions and Community Radio Kilkenny were given a special achievement award for an outstanding submission for their work on the radio documentaries. To mark the win, cast and friends gathered at the Involvement Centre on Colliers Lane where manager David Dwyer welcomed all. David

Singer/songwriter Sean Nolan who provided music and song for the radio documentaries

spoke of the wonderful achievement and the pride it brought to the centre. Mr Dwyer took time to remember Kathy Norris who was part of the project but who had since died. Previous artistic work to come from the Involvement Centre include two radio plays and three books of poetry (in conjunction with the Recovery College) and under the guidance of T.AS.K.

Speaking to the Kilkenny Observer,Clare Fitzpatrick ( Recovery Coordinator, Mental Health Engagement and Recovery,SECH Mental Health Services), spoke of the benefits the project brought. “This innovative project, showcased the talents of the participants but also highlighted the powerful connections between

art, literature, and people’s mental health recovery. The radio shows have been a celebration of Irish culture, and also a testament to inclusivity, and an awareness and reminder of the importance of creative expression in mental health recovery”.

Pictured at The Involvement Centre Kilkenny to celebrate their win in the Craol awards were members of Lake Productions, staff of HSE and The Involvement centre. Photo Danny Lahart Manager At The Involvement Centre Kilkenny, David Dwyer, thanked all involved with the radio documentaries. ( Photo Danny Lahart)

Geoff Rose from Lake Productions with Pat Grffin, who scripted the Seamus Heaney documentary

BELOW: Representing Community Radio Kilkenny city at the Craol awards in Charleville were Radio manager Paul Dunne and presenter Kevin Leefarr

Mother and son team, Mags and Sam Lynch from Community Radio who accepted the ‘ Out and about’ award on behalf of Community Radio

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.

A night of music and magic

MUSIC

When Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill first performed the song Baby Talk on The Late Late Show in early 2020, few could have predicted what would follow. Their powerful duet sparked an extraordinary creative partnership that has become one of Irish mus ic’s most celebrated collaborations.

That one song led to In the

Game - an album of original material written and recorded together, released in 2021 t o critical and commercial success. The record debuted at No.1 on the Irish Independent Albums Chart and went on t o become the biggestselling Irish album that year from a non-major label. Their chemistry on stage proved just as compelling. Through 2022, the duo toured Europe and North

America, earning rave reviews for performances that blende d Mick’s gravel-rich vocals and masterful songwriting with Susan’s soulful p ower and striking stage presence. Together, they wove stories of love, struggle and resilience, creating an intimate yet universal musical dialogue that continues t o resonate deeply with audiences.

Now, five years after that

A voice for the unheard

MUSIC

Acclaimed Cavan singersongwriter Lisa O’Neill brings her powerful voice and poetic storytelling to the Set Theatre, following a string of sold-out shows with the National Symphony Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia.

Renowned for her unflinching honesty and emotional depth, O’Neill’s songs give voice to the unheard and overlooked. Her recent single, “Homeless in the Thousands (Dublin in the Digital Age)”, featuring Peter Doherty of The Libertines, tackles Dublin’s homelessness crisis with characteristic compassion and grit. Themes of social justice run

first performance, the pair return with a new live albumr ecorded across several soldout shows between 2021 and 2025 - and a nationwide Irish tour. The Kilkenny date at St. Canice’s Cathedral promises an atmospheric evening of unforgettable songs and magnetic performances from two of Ireland’s finest contemporary artists. Please note: this is a fully seated, over-18s event.

throughout her work - from “Rock the Machine” on the decline of dockland work, to “When Cash Was King” on the shift to a cashless society, and “Violet Gibson”, about the Irish woman who tried to assassinate Mussolini.

Praised by The Irish Times as “a free singularity” and by The Sunday Business Post as “a valued chronicler of the disenfranchised,” O’Neill continues to stand apart as one of Ireland’s most distinctive contemporary voices.

This autumn, she headlines venues across Ireland and the UK, while also joining The Pogues as a special guest on their Rum, Sodomy & The Lash tour.

What to Watch: Bugonia - A darkly funny and unnervingly tense psychological thriller, Bugonia follows two conspiracyobsessed men who kidnap a powerful tech CEO, convinced she’s part of a secret alien plot to control humanity. What begins as a desperate attempt to expose the truth soon spirals into a warped battle of wits, where paranoia blurs the line between fact and fantasy. With sharp humour and unsettling insight, the film delves into belief, control and the strange delusions of the modern world.

What to Read: The Secret Of Secrets by Dan Brown - The bestselling master of historical thrillers returns with another gripping tale that weaves together mystery, conspiracy, and high-stakes adventure. When a hidden code resurfaces, it sets off a race across continents, drawing in secret societies, ancient manuscripts, and a trail of clues buried deep in history. As layers of deception peel away, the hunt for truth becomes a fight for survival, leading to a final revelation that will leave readers breathless.

What to Stream: Mayor of KingstownWarden Nina Hobbs (Edie Falco) arrives in Kingstown, Michigan, determined to “fix flawed institutions,” but her mission quickly stirs the hornet’s nest. Her arrival puts her on a collision course with Mike McLusky (Jeremy Renner), whose fragile control over the city’s uneasy peace begins to unravel. As gang rivalries, corruption and moral compromise collide, season four of Mayor of Kingstown delivers another round of gritty, highstakes crime drama now streaming on Paramount+.

What to Listen To: West End Girl - After a seven-year break, Lily Allen makes a striking return with West End Girl, a fearless and deeply personal album that lays bare the highs and lows of love, betrayal and self-discovery. True to form, her trademark wit and honesty shine through in every lyric, while the soundscape shifts from shimmering pop to soulful introspection. Blending vulnerability with sharp social commentary, this is Allen’s most confident and cathartic work to date - a triumphant comeback.

What to Play: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 - The legendary franchise returns with Black Ops 7, delivering explosive, high-octane firstperson action across a series of iconic global locations. Combining cinematic storytelling with precision-tuned gameplay, this latest instalment raises the bar for intensity and immersion. From adrenaline-charged multiplayer battles to a gripping single-player campaign filled with espionage, intrigue and tactical warfare, Black Ops 7 offers an edge-of-your-seat experience for players on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Expect nonstop action and blockbuster spectacle.

Muckalee’s monumental moment

Muckalee made history on Saturday, claiming their first AIB Leinster LGFA junior club title, defeating St Colmcille’s (Meath) by a single point at Coralstown/Kinnegad GAA. The triumph marks a monumental moment for the Kilkenny club, ending a two-decade provincial drought and cementing their place in the county’s ladies football history. A late, decisive point from Kate Purcell sealed the victory, sparking celebrations among the players, management, and the Noreside community.

The achievement is all the more remarkable given the journey Muckalee undertook to reach this stage. Fresh from an impressive semi-final win

throughout the championship. Their ability to aintain composure under pressure and lenges on the field

defining feature of their campaign, demonstrating the strength of both the squad and the club’s development programs.

The victory not only reflects the talent of key players such as Purcell, Katie Nolan, and Sian

Bolger, but also the leadership of Pat McDowell and his management team, whose guidance helped channel the side’s potential into a historic provincial success. For a club from Noreside, achieving Leinster glory in junior competition represents a significant milestone and serves as a source of immense pride for local supporters, players, and the wider Kilkenny football community. Muckalee’s win also reso-

nates beyond the club itself. It ends a 21-year wait for a Kilkenny side to lift the provincial junior crown, recalling the last triumph achieved by Railyard in 2004. This historic success underscores the growing strength and competitiveness of ladies football in the county and provides an inspiring benchmark for future generations. Saturday’s victory will be remembered not just for the narrow margin or the

tense final moments, but

sporting history. Does this achievement not warrant a runout and match time on the hallowed turf of Nolan Park?

Kilkenny Stars National Cup heroics

What a sensational weekend for our U18 Girls in Cavan as they battled their way toward a National Cup quarter-final! The Stars faced a tough group stage on Saturday, going up against Tramore, Liffey Celtics, and Killester, with every game a test of skill, teamwork, and determination. The day began against familiar rivals Tramore. From the tip-off, it was clear that the Stars were on a mission. Led by National League stars Aimee O’Reilly, Caoimhe Timmons, and Lena Zydek, Kilkenny played with intensity and precision. Every pass, drive, and shot was executed with confidence, and the result was never in doubt—Kilkenny Stars stormed to a commanding 67–23 win to kick off their campaign in style. Next up, the formidable Liffey Celtics awaited. Known as a powerhouse in Irish ladies’ basketball, they were expected to push the Stars to the limit. But Kilkenny’s girls had other ideas. With O’Reilly, Timmons, and Zydek leading the charge and Emily Lauhoff, Lucy Coomey, and Sarah Burke delivering crucial support, the Stars executed a near-perfect game plan. Veterans Jill Dempsey and Katie O’Keeffe added experience and composure, while Juno Vanhengel provided key contributions. The result? Another emphatic victory, 67–38, leaving no doubt who was dominating the group. The final challenge of the day

a game-high 29 points, while Caoimhe Timmons added 14. Aoibheann Walsh was a defensive powerhouse, and Kayla

Wall delivered vital support. The Stars fought relentlessly, finishing strong to claim a hard-earned 58–49 win and a spot in the semi-finals.

Puff Summers couldn’t hide his pride, praising both the team’s offensive flair and defensive grit.

Sunday brought a thrilling semifinal against Kerry’s St Mary’s, who had previously beaten the Stars in the All-Ireland League. Kilkenny exploded out of the blocks, building a five-point lead after the first quarter and a stunning

21-point advantage at halftime. St Mary’s rallied in the second half, but the Stars’ momentum proved unstoppable, sealing a 59–45 victory and setting up a mouth-watering showdown with top-tier Tolka Rovers.

The final group game against Tolka Rovers was a high-octane thriller. Caoimhe Timmons dazzled with 22 points, while O’Reilly and Zydek combined for another 22. Contributions from Lucy Coogan, Amie Leigh, and Kayla Wall, along with Walsh’s relentless defence, kept the Stars ahead in a tense finish. Despite a late Rovers comeback, Kilkenny held on for a nail-biting 54–52 victory, capping off a perfect weekend.

This triumph sets up a quarterfinal home clash against Tralee Magic later this month. Huge thanks go to Coach Puff Summers and club legend Grainne Timmons for preparing the team to perfection, and to sponsor Robert Quinn LTD, who ensured the girls had the best gear for their national exploits. Adrian Burke of Robert Quinn LTD said, “We are proud to be associated with this group. They play with spirit, dignity, and respect, and are a credit to their parents and club. Massive congratulations to Puff and Grainne for guiding these exceptional players.”

The Kilkenny Stars have announced themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and the excitement is just getting started!

for the broader significance of Muckalee’s accomplishment: a testament to dedication, teamwork, and ambition. The Noreside club now stands proudly among the elite of Leinster junior football, having written a memorable chapter in Kilkenny’s

was Killester, giants of Irish basketball, with a semi-final spot on the line. Aimee O’Reilly lit up the court with

Coach

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

CLARA

CLUB LOTTO

The Lotto results for 4th November were as follows, the numbers drawn were 12, 22, 30. There was no jackpot winner. €30 each went to Pat Campion, Liam Cassin, Fran Hoyne, Liam Nolan, Peter Nolan. Thanks for your continued support. Best of luck, with next week’s jackpot.

SELECTED

Well done to Clara’s Rory Glynn who was selected at full forward on the KCLR senior club team of the year.

U22S

WIN

The Clara U22 camogie team had a comprehensive win over O Loughlins on Sunday morning in St. John’s Park in the quarter final of the Roinn B U22 championship. They asserted their dominance from the start and never gave their opponents a chance to get into the game at all. Two early goals by Emma Shortall as well as points by Keara Ryan (2), Peig Carrigan, Lucy Boyd and Emma herself gave Clara a 2-5 to 0-1 lead with just 13 minutes on the clock. Although O Loughlins then hit a goal Peig Carrigan and Emma Shortall hit points to stall their momentum. O Loughlins hit the next point but both Emma Shortall and Keara Ryan responded in kind. The city side, who were now enjoying their best spell of the game, struck for another goal to close the gap to six points but an Emma Shortall point followed by a Lucy Boyd goal gave Clara a commanding 3-10 to 2-3 lead at the interval.

Clara hit an unanswered 1-4 at the start of the second half to give themselves an unassailable lead and from there it was just a question of how much they were going to win by. O Loughlins tried hard but simply had no answer to the free flowing hurling of the Clara girls. By the time Eamonn Larkin blew the full time whistle the scoreboard read 5-22 to 2-6 and Clara had marched on to a semi final meeting with Mooncoin. They can expect a much sterner test there.

Team - Grace Barcoe, Caragh Brennan, Katie Ryan, Joanne Comerford. Siobhán Treacy, Laoise Nolan, Onagh Fitzgerald. Lucy Boyd 1-3, Keara Ryan 0-9, 0-4f, Emma Corr 0-2, Gráinne Glynn, Moya Kelly. Lucy Kealy, Emma Shortall 3-5, Peig Carrigan 1-3. Sub used Katie Boyd.

AGM TIME

Clara GAA Club invite all full members to our AGM, in Clara GAA Clubhouse, on Friday 21st Nov 2025 @ 19.30.

CAMOGIE

Clara Camogie Club will hold its AGM on Sunday 23rd November at 11am. If anyone wants to get involved in any capacity, please let current committee member know or use this form. New faces and fresh ideas always welcome.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

CONGRATULATIONS HUW

Everyone in O’Loughlin Gaels was delighted to see Huw Lawlor being selected as full back on the PwC GAA/GPA All Stars hurling team for 2025. This is Huw’s third All Star award having previously been honoured in 2022 and 2023. His citation referred to him as the rock at the heart of the Kilkenny defence and his leadership role on the team. He has had an outstanding season with the county and the honour is well deserved.

Huw collected his award at the presentation ceremony in the RDS on Friday night last. Well done also to Huw’s Kilkenny team-mate Mossy Keoghan from Tullaroan who was also selected on the All Star team.

CLUB AGM

The Annual General Meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and Camogie Club is scheduled to take place in the club on Monday 1st December, at 7.30pm. LOTTO

There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels Club Lotto dated November 4th. The numbers drawn were 9, 10, 13 and 28 and the Bonus number was 27. Play Now at wws.oloughlingaels.com

Promotors Draw: 1. Michael O’ Halloran. 2. Jim and Birdie Tynan c/o Hugh Mahon. 3. Johnny Phelan. 4. Mary c/o Michael Dreeling. 5. M and M c/o Gerry Buckley. 6. Mucky Murray c/o Dinny/John J. 7. Ann Murphy c/o Dan O’Driscoll. 8. Evita Brett c/o Online. 9. David Crudge c/o Online. 10. Jackie Costigan c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support

NEW WEBSITE

Why not take a look at O’Loughlin Gaels new website for up to date club fixtures and results, club information and news. https://oloughlingaels.com/ olg/.

BOOKINGS FOR OCCASIONS

O’Loughlin Gaels Club boasts the best club facilities for its members in the city. With plenty of free parking, kitchen, bar and lounge facilities available it can cater for all your party needs. Contact 0868919312 to book your special occasion-christening, communion, confirmation, birthdays and anniversaries, special wedding guests gatherings or any group occasion you require. The large Hall is available for larger community events and the space outside is safe and secure for all the family.

NOTES

If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@gaa.ie

FRESHFORD

EDDIE DOOLEY RIP

Freshford lost one of its most senior citizens last week with the passing of well-known local man Eddie Dooley late of The Square Freshford. Eddie was in his 97th year and although in failing health in recent years nevertheless his passing caused widespread sorrow and sadness. He was a member of a widely known and respected family in the village and throughout the county. He ran a very successful electrical business in the village for many decades supplying people with TV’s for all their homes around Freshford and helping them purchase their first fridge or washing machine. He was married to his Mayo born wife Helen for 56 years or more and ran a very successful auctioneering business and having worked for many years in Kilkenny mart

each week where he made many friends and acquaintances. He ran the Odeon cinema for years in earlier days and was a kind and good living gentleman and loved his family and his native village. He was involved in the Tidy towns for many years also and gave his time generously to the wellbeing of his home village. His funeral mass took place in St. Lachtains Church followed by burial in St. Lachtains cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Helen, his son Eamon, daughters Aileen, Sheila and Grainne, grandchildren, son in law, daughter in law, Sheila’s partner Johnny, brothers Seamus and Kieran, sister Pattie, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended

WED

Congratulations and best wishes go out to local girl Joanne Grace Woodview, Freshford and Paschal Walsh from Ballyhale who were married in Newpark Hotel Kilkenny. Joanne works at local Mace Deli and Paschal is well known in the music circles. The couple are wished all the very best in their newly married life together.

DEATH

The death occurred last week of Martin Fortune late of Ballydowel, Freshford. Although Martin had been unwell for some time his death was unexpected and caused widespread shock and regret. He was widely known in the area and had worked for many years with P and T and was widely known in the greyhound section of the community. His funeral mass took place in Tulla Church followed by Cremation in Cork. He is mourned by his wife Gertie, son Mark, Daughters Ann and Claire, grandchildren, son in law, daughter in law, brothers, sisters, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces and extended family and friends to whom sympathy is extended.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is also extended to Brid Kennedy, Ashurst, College Road, Kilkenny and all her family on the death last week of her husband Paddy Kennedy. Paddy was formerly from Tullaroan and ran an accountancy business in Kilkenny for many years. Funeral mass took place in St. Patricks Church Kilkenny followed by burial in St. Lachtains Cemetery Freshford.

GAA

Football; St Lachtains U16 footballers.defeated Thomastown in the first round of the Roinn B Championship recently on a score of 3-11 to 3-8

SPLIT THE POT

The proceeds for the November split the pot will go to Prague House. Last week’s winner was Pa Walsh who won €100. Tickets just €2 each and are available in all local businesses and pubs. Please support this worthy cause.

SQUASH

It was a great week for Freshford squash club with the div 1 team taking on the Curragh team at Freshford squash club. With the Freshford side winning on a 4-1 scoreline. Local lad Pat Morrissey winning his matches in what was a thrilling game going 3-2 to Pat. Pat followed that win up with a fantastic weekend up in Belfast playing in the Ulster Masters. He won the over 45 Masters section in what was a thrilling final, with Pat winning on a 3-2 score. Well done to Pat from all at the Club.

DARTS

Freshford and District League held their AGM recently and the following officers were elected. Chairperson; JP Kavanagh, Secretary; Darren Burke, Treasurer; Shane Pollard. The start of the darts season saw the John McGraath cup games held on Friday night last and the league games will be starting very shortly.

SAFETY FIRST

The recent development of a car park at Freshford Cemetery is a most welcome project for people wishing to visit the graves of their loved ones. Open every day it will facilitate safe entry and exiting for all who wish to part there. Local Cllr Michael McCarthy says he is pleased to see the project through to fruition and he thanked the Municipal Engineer and all who contributed to the timely delivery of the long awaited car park. A huge thankyou was paid to Liam and Ann Deacon for their generous gift of the site

OUTREACH CENTRE

Cois Nore Outreach Centre will be visiting Ballyragget weekly, every Wednesday located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For

appointment phone 087 4833941

BRIDGE

Freshford Bridge club resumed recently in Threecastles Hall and will continue each week at 7.30pm. New members are very welcome. If you are interested in learning how to play bridge you are most welcome to attend these classes and for further information contact Anne Maria on 087 2271136.

SOCCER

Freshford Town junior side were in action recently when they came sharing the points after a draw with Clover Utd with the Freshford goal scored by Jordan Burke

The schoolboys/girls section the U12 girls had a 4-0 victor over Stoneyford on Saturday with goals from Eva Bergin(2) Katie Murphy and Lucia Stanley. The U12 boys had a 3-1 win over Stoneyford at the weekend with Jack Costelloe scoring twice and Sam O’Neill getting the other one for the winners. Freshford Town academy training resumed recently and continues each Saturday, at Wood view at 9.30am. U5 to U7s. You can contact any Committee member or coach for more information or through the clubs social media pages

LAST MAN STANDING

Last man standing starts this Saturday 8th Nov with winner receiving €500. Just 10e to enter. Contact any committee member for details on how to enter

FOROIGE

Freshford foroige youth club resumed recently and will continue each Monday evening. They are hoping to welcome new members along with welcome back past members.

SAUNA

The new sauna which is up and running at the millennium park since August and has been very busy during the good weather. The new facility is still open and you can book a 40mins session online at very reasonable rates .

IONAD LACHTAIN

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

PARISH NEWS

Mass times have been rescheduled for Freshford Tullaroan and Ballycallan. Saturday evening- Killaloe -6pm Tullaroan 730pm. Sunday – Ballycallan 9.30am Freshford 11am. Killaloe, Tulla and Kilmanagh will share the 6pm Mass on a 1, 2, 3 basis. Weekly masses started from 15th Sept ae Monday 9.30am Kilmanagh, Tuesday and Friday –Freshford -9.30am and Thursday –Tullaroan at 9.30am.

RADIO

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

A Mass of remembrance will be offered on Tuesday 25th November at 7.30pm in our local church for all our beloved dead whose names we recall and place before the altar and remember in a special way all those who died during the past year. A candle will be lit for them which family members will be invited to take home with them and all are invited to come along and join In this special remembrance as we honour and remember our beloved dead.

NEWSLETTER

The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and 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 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

CHOIR

Freshford Parish choir resumed recently after their summer break. New members are most welcome ALTAR SERVERS

Altar servers are now being recruited to serve in our two churches. Applications are open to children who have received their first holy communion (3rd class upwards) and applications forms are available in the church or by contacting the school. Those interested are asked to fill out the form and return it to the parish office. Altar servers are supervised by

Huw Lawlor, O’Loughlin Gaels and Kilkenny, PwC GAAGPA All Star 2025.

parents and supported by parish safeguarding reps. TIDY TOWNS

Freshford Tidy town committee were very happy to announce that their marks were up in the Tidy Towns competition this year which is wonderful and much thanks and credit goes to the fantastic volunteers who met each Wednesday evening in the village during the summer time and would love to see more people come on board .

LOOP CAFE

The Loop Community Café in the village is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. They are always looking for people on both sides of the counter. So why not support your own local café, go meet a friend for a chat and cup of tea/coffee and some lovely homemade food. The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities The Loop is looking for volunteers as well as customers. If you’d like to volunteer, please call the café at 056.883.2650 and speak with Rhiannon.

MABS

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

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB

CLUB AGM

The club’s AGM will take place on Thursday evening 27th November in the Larchfield clubrooms starting at 7.30pm sharp.

U-21 HURLING SEMI-FINAL

Unable to come to terms with the slippery sod and the firm tackling of the determined GraigueBallycallan side, James Stephens slumped to an unexpected 2-16 to 1-12 defeat in the 2025 U-21 “A” hurling championship semi-final decider in John Locke’s Park. After a fine opening point by Conor Heffernan in the 1st minute stalemate prevailed until Ballycallan fired to the net in the 9th minute at the end of a well worked passing movement. With superior teamwork across the field and accurate shooting the Ballycallan players went on to add seven points over the following twenty minutes to Ed McDermott (20min) and Ed Lauhoff’s (29min) two scores in reply for a 1-11 to 0-06 half time lead. The 2nd half opened brightly for the Village with the impressive Ed Lauhoff shooting over two long range scores (2nd. and 4th mins) before the ‘Graigue lads fired back with an excellent point from a sideline cut in the 6th minute. Two points from Stephen Manogue in the 5th and 9th minutes brought The Village back within range at 1-12 to 0-10. It wasn’t to last for, in the 13th minute Billy O’Sullivan came to James Stephens’ rescue with a diving save from a penalty, but it failed to rally the team as ‘Ballycallan prized open the Village defence for a second goal in the 16th minute for a game changing 2-13 to 0-11 lead. Forced to go in search for a vital three pointer, to close the gap, the city men launched a series of attacks but failed to breach the determined ‘Graigue defence except for a special Ed Lauhoff goal finish in the 29th minute which was too little, too late as Graigue-Ballycallan went on to claim a well merited 2-16 to 1-13 victory. A disappointing end to the playing season that promised so much but came up short.

GREYHOUND ST. LEDGER

It was something of a hard luck story for club man Murt Leahy on Saturday night as his fast-finishing greyhound, Lemon Joey filled third place in an exciting Irish Greyhound St. Ledger final in Curraheen Park Stadium, Cork. Lemon Joey was closing in on the leaders when he was knocked off his stride along the back straight but recovered to put in a fine finishing sprint to claim third in the prestigious national event.

LIBRARY NEWS

Loughboy will be hosting a ‘Parenting and Purpose’ session in the library on Friday 14th November from 1.00 to 2pm. The theme of the meeting is the importance of Self-Care and Stress management over Christmas. Why not join the presenter Melissa Moore of My Space Play Therapy for a practical talk designed to help parents navigate the festive season with more calm and Joy. As space is limited, contact the library at 056 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkenny library.ie to book a place.

LOTTO

Last week’s numbers were 8, 20, 22, 25. There was no winner. This week’s jackpot will be €3,400.

The €40 consolation winners were Sean Murray, Fran Cantwell, Caroline Corr, Grainne Whelan and Laurence Foley.

BENNETTSBRIDGE

LOTTO

A “lotto” money is up for grabs this week. The Jackpot is there for the taking, €11, 200.00. There was no winner last week, Numbers, 8, 9, 16, 26.

Consolation Prizes, Geraldine Denieffe, Kilbline, Paudie Comerford, Kilkenny, Shangarry Syndicate, Donncha and Leah Croke, Trish Dowling, Marian Place.

SALE OF WORK

Stella Carroll School of Dancing will hold a Sale of Work on Sunday in the Community Centre after mass. Please support this worthy venture.

CHURCH NEWS

The great work of the late Sr Stan in Kilkenny and nationwide was acknowledged in a special statement from Bishop Niall Coll. The statement is available in the church porch.

WEEKDAY MASSES

Wednesday and Friday mornings 10.30 am.

NOVEMBER OFFERINGS

November Offering envelopes have been distributed. Please return your envelopes with names of

family members you wish to be included in masses during November.

CONFIRMATION 2026

Confirmation will be held in Bennettsbridge on March 22nd, 2026. Parents have been enlisted to help with preparations. An enrolment mass will be held on Sunday, 30th November.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to the Greene family on the death of, Micheál (Haul) Greene, Barronsland, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Micheál passed away on 7th November 2025, peacefully, in the wonderful care of the staff at Archersrath Nursing Home. Micheál was predeceased by his wife Maisie (nee Caulfield), son-in-law Tony Pierce, infant grandson, Conall, sisters Maureen and Madge and nephew Paul. He will be sadly missed by his loving family, daughter Olive, sons Sean and Michael, daughtersin-law Annemarie and Nicola, grandchildren Ciara, Diarmaid, Iseult, Saraid, Caoimhe, Antonia-Ly, Orla, Muireann and Laoise, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. Reposal was in Johnston’s Funeral Home with Prayers at 6.30pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Bennett’s Church, Bennettsbridge and interment took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

CARDS RESULTS

21st October. First Prize Siobhán Donovan/Joan

O’Gorman ( 11 games ) Second Prize Michael Kelly/ Bridget Cottrell and Pat Hanlon/Mary Whelan ( 10 games ) Table Prize Paul Gurrey/Rose Hayes 28th October. First Prize Brian Ireland/Pat Savage, Bridget Murphy/Tommy Hayes, Pat and Edmond Power ( 10 games ) Table Prize Ann Carroll/Bill Carroll 4th November. First Prize Toddy Skehan/Marty Hanlon ( 11 games ), Second Prize Bridget Murphy/ Tommy Hayes, Pat and Edmond Power, Pat Murphy/Sarah Murphy ( 10 games ) Table Prize Vinnie Horgan/Andy Barcoe.

It was a special night for card players on Tuesday 4th November as they came together to support the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team. A substantial sum was raised for this very worthy cause.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN

New signs have been added in the Pitch signage campaign in the past couple of weeks which is very encouraging. Many thanks to all the business owners who have supported this initiative so far. If interested please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey. AGM 2025

This year’s AGM will take place on Saturday, November 22nd in the clubhouse. The Bórd na Nóg AGM will take place on Tuesday November 25th of November at 8 pm. All members are urged to attend. CLUB GEAR FOR CHRISTMAS

East End U13s scored a brilliant 2-0 away win against Booters

East End U11 girls at the weekend resulted in a fantastic win against Highview!

Community & GAA Notes

A new club jacket has been added to the range in the clubs online shop. With Christmas on the horizon some club gear would make the perfect gift. To check out the full range go to the O’Neill’s website and simply enter Bennettsbridge in the search box to see all the available.

SPLIT THE POT

Well done to Marian Treacy who won 111 euro, Diane Walsh who won 30 euro and to Siobhan Ryan who won 20 euro. Thanks again for the support.

BÓRD NA NÓG TABLE QUIZ

A fundraising table quiz for Bórd na Nóg will be held

in O’Donnell’s on November 21st. All support is greatly appreciated.

EAST END

It was a busy weekend for underage girls and boys.

U 11 Girls. A brilliant performance from East End U11 girls at the weekend resulted in a fantastic win against Highview. Great to see so many of the girls on the scoresheet, a real team effort from start to finish U 13 girls An unbelievable performance from East End U13s was rewarded with a brilliant 2-0 away win against Booters, led superbly by team captain Niamh Dooley. A fantastic all-round team

effort. A special shout out to Emily Maher, who scored two absolute screamers to seal the victory. U9 girls Our U9 girls kicked off their season with a fantastic game against Paulstown. Some brilliant soccer on display from everyone. U11 Boys. East End U11 boys took a well-deserved 2–0 win against Newpark United.

KILMANAGH

COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND – FOYLE AND BALLYBAY WIND FARMS

Kilmanagh Ballycallan Killaloe Community Enterprise Group CLG is pleased to announce the distribution of the Community Benefit Fund for Foyle and Ballybay Wind Farms, which the group administers annually. A meeting and voting process will take place on Wednesday, 26th November at 7pm in Ballycallan Hall. Applications for funding are now open and should be emailed to ballykeeffe@ gmail.com no later than Monday, 24th November. Applications are invited from eligible community groups under previous terms. Conditions of the Community Benefit Fund: Applicants must not have received this funding in 2022, 2023 or 2024. Funding is for not-for-profit projects within a 10km radius of the wind farm projects. Projects must directly benefit the local community. We encourage all eligible community groups to apply. Groups who are not eligible to apply this year are invited to take part in the meeting and voting process.

COMMUNITY ALERT

There is a meeting on Thursday 13th November at 7:30pm in Naomh Aodhán Community Hall, Kilmanagh. This meeting is open to all parishioners as a new committee needs to be signed in. It is most important to get this up and running as soon as possible in order to keep Community Alert in operation in the parish. If you are unable to attend this meeting but would still like to get involved please email bkkcommunityalert@gmail.com.

DARTS

The Steppes Bar, Callan will host a fund-raising darts competition on this Saturday, November 15th at 7.30pm. Proceeds are in aid of the Junior Darts Team representing Ireland. €10 per head, teams of 8. Raffle and Spot Prizes. A great night assured.

TIMBER AUCTION

Ballycallan Community Hall will hold a timber auction on Sunday 30th November. Refreshments will be served from 10.30am with Auction commencing at 11am. Grab a load of timber and have the house cosy for Christmas.

BINGO

Weekly Bingo continues each Tuesday night in Ballingarry Community Hall. Eyes down at 8.15pm. Myriad of cash prizes. All are welcome.

BALLINGARRY COMMUNITY CAFÉ

Bookings are now being taken for Christmas parties. Please do not hesitate to call and book your party now. (052 915 4284)

SOCCER RESULTS

K and DL Div 2: Ormondevilla 5. River Rangers. U18 Schoolboys League: River Rangers 1 Southend Utd 3. U17 Schoolboys League: Thomastown 3 River Rangers 6. U13 Schoolboys League: River Rangers 2 Newpark 4

SOCCER FIXTURES

Saturday, November 15th : U18 Schoolboys League : Highview Athletic v River Rangers U16 Schoolboys League : River Rangers v Freebooters. U14 Schoolboys League: River Rangers v Clover Utd. Sunday, November16th: K and DL Div. Two: River Rangers v Evergreen.

CHRISTMAS ACORN

We are currently in the process of compiling our “Christmas Acorn” (parish news and reviews of the past year). Please send on any articles or photographs you want included to lanigan.eileen@gmail. com as soon as possible.

ACTIVE LADIES CLUB

Naomh Aodhan Active Ladies Club meet each Monday evening at 7pm in Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, Kilmanagh. Prizewinners in our raffle on 3rd November were Anna Maria Das Chaudhury and Grace Cahill. If you wish to join the group you can contact 086 373 99 83 for further details or just turn up on the night. New members always welcome. On Monday 24th November we will be having a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop. All materials will be included, you only need to bring secateurs. There will be mulled wine and festive treats on the night. Places are limited so to book your place contact Eileen on 086 373 99 83 as soon as possible. This is open to all, not just for club members.

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.

ST MARY’S PARISH

REMEMBRANCE MASS FOR DECEASED

During November you are invited to place the names of deceased family members or friends in the basket which will be left at the front of the altar. We will hold these people in our prayers throughout the month and we will offer a special Mass at 7pm on Tuesday 18th November for these people

East End U9 girls kicked off their season with a fantastic game against Paulstow

East End U11 boys took a well-deserved 2–0 win against Newpark United

and for all who were buried from the parish during this past year.

NOVEMBER OFFERING

Envelopes are now ready for distribution and can be collected at Parish Office. Thank you to all who give of their time to distribute envelopes.

MEDJUGORIE PILGRIMAGE

There is a Medjugorje pilgrimage being organized for May 27th 2026, 7 nights, €949 pps Staying in Hotel Leone (half board). Spiritual Director Fr. Ted Sheehan. Group Leader Sean O’Shaughnessy 0862959380 medjugorjecork@icloud.com or contact JWT on 01 2410800.

A PILGRIMAGE EXPLORING GOD’S GIFTS

Next year the Adult Faith Development Group are holding a pilgrimage to Northern Italy (Padua, Venice and Bologna) March (20th-26th exploring faith by means of reflecting upon some of the many wonderful pieces of art scattered throughout these cities. Italy is blessed with a remarkable array of religious art - frescos, paintings, sculptures, mosaics and stuccos. This pilgrimage will explore the religious and catechetical meaning of some of these masterpieces. Details in parishes on posters or by email afd@ossory.ie or call 057 93 55050.

PATRONAGE OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The current Department of Education survey on the future of patronage in the primary sector is important in that it will shape the discussion on primary school divesting for the years to come throughout the Republic of Ireland. It is important that those who wish for a change in patronage would have their voice heard. It is equally important that that those who wish for a Catholic Education for their children and for those who would wish for sacramental preparation within school would have their voice heard also.

For those reasons and to ensure that an accurate picture emerges, please participate in this survey if you are a parent or a prospective parent of a Primary school student. The survey can be accessed at www.gov.ie/primaryschool survey.

CHAPTER HOUSE BOOKSHOP

A beautiful range of Christmas Mass Bouquets, Christmas Cards, Cribs, Christmas Gifts are now available. Open - Monday and Tuesday 9.30am1.00pm and Wednesday - Friday 9.30am - 5.00pm.

ROTA

Readers Next Weekend 11.00am, C. Kabuika, 5.30pm, M. Ryan. Eucharistic Ministers 11.00am – B. Dunphy, N. Molloy, F. Culleton: 5.30pm, R. Neary, B. Cagney.

YOUR PARISH SAFEGUARDING REPS

Sr Betty Cagney, Martina Lawlor. Contact: safeguardingstmarys@ossory.ie. Please consult the Diocesan website (www.ossory.ie) for all relevant documents and policies.

FRIENDS

Invite your family members to support the Cathedral FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL at www. stmaryscathedal.ie/friends.

GORESBRIDGE AND PAULSTOWN

BADMINTON

ACTIVE RETIREMENT

The active Retirement Group meets again on Thursday 20th November at 11am in Paulstown Community Hall. New members welcome.

ANTIQUE AUCTION

An Antique Auction will take place on Monday 24th November. Suitable items are now accepted. Call 087 256 9496 for further details.

The Barrow Badminton Club welcomes new members to its weekly meeting on Thursday evening in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge.

BARROW RANGERS

Congratulations to the Barrow Rangers hurlers who beat Drumcullen - the Offaly Intermediate Champions in the Leinster Quarter Hurling Championship Final on Sunday 9th November. The score was Barrow Rangers, 2 -22, to Drumcullen, 1-13. Rangers will now play the Wexford Champions in the Leinster semi-final due to take place on Saturday 22nd November.

In the Roinn A Football Championship congratulations, also, to Under-16s Barrow Rangers Footballers who beat St. Martin’s in the Quarter Final last Sunday. The score was 4-11 to 2-7. Hard luck for the Under-22s of Barrow Rangers Camogie who lost to Carrickshock. There was no jackpot winner for the lotto draw of 4

November. No match 3 winners.

BRIDGE UNITED

In the Premier Division, Bridge A beat Callan United A (3-1). Bridge scores by Craig Wall, Pierce Blanchfield and Daire Dwyer. Congratulations to Eoin Prendergast who won €100 in the lotto draw.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

A Christmas festival will take place from 1-5pm on Sunday 7 December in Paulstown Community Hall. There is a handful of tables available still for local artists and crafters.

CHURCH SERVICES

Weekend masses on Saturday in Goresbridge at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 10am in Goresbridge and at 11.30am in Paulstown. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as well as at 10am on Wednesday in Goresbridge. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place each Tuesday from the end of mass in Paulstown to 5.45pm. November list of the dead may be obtained in the church porches of the parish. There will be a Remembrance mass for all who died in the last year at 7.30pm on 25th and 27th November in Paulstown and Goresbridge, respectively.

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

The Kilkenny Age Friendly Programme is offering a series of workshops in conjunctions with Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board and Creative Ireland. These take place across a number of locations including Paulstown Community Hall from 2.30-4pm on Wednesday, 19th November (Drawing) and 26th November (Flower arranging). Further information and booking: agefriendlykilkenny@ kilkennycoco.ie or 056 7794920).

TALK THE TALK

Cupla focal (Irish language conversation circle) continues this Friday at 11am in the Goodly Barrow.

GRANT

Goresbridge Town Teams acknowledges the support of Kilkenny Co. Council for providing a €600 set up grant to the group.

LIGHT UP THE PARISH

The annual Light Up The Parish Vehicle Charity Run 2025 takes place on Saturday 13th December. Funds are raised for the Saplings School, Goresbridge.

MENS SHED

The Mens Shed meets, next, at 11am on Tuesday 18 November in the cabin beside Paulstown community hall.

ADMISSIONS

Scoil Bhríde (Goresbridge) Is open for admissions for the next school year. Information may be obtained from the school office each morning (phone 059 9775168). Scoil Bhríde (Paulstown) is open for admissions for the next school year. Information may be obtained from the school office (059 9726149) or through the school website www. paulstownns.ie

SPLIT THE POT

In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development is also online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie .The results of the lotto draw for 2 November were: 1. Michael Brennan (€100) 2. William Grothier (€20) and 3. Lexi Mae Walsh (€20).

DONATIONS

Tar Isteach is looking for good quality bric a brac, household items, it comes in and goes out twice as fast - also good quality men’s clothes and handbags.

DICKSBORO

CLUB LOTTO

Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 6th November 2025. Nos: 11 16 21 27 There was no Winner. Draw Prizes – €50 Brian Orr c/o Online. €25 each Phil McCabe c/o Online. €25 each Ciara Lawlor c/o Online. €25 each Paul Kennedy c/o Tommy Hackett. Hurlers Co Op Joan O’Connell c/o Tom Beirne. Promotors prize Brian Fitzpatrick. We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up and play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who are currently playing.

AIB LEINSTER CAMOGIE FINAL

Our Senior Camogie Team will take to the field on Sunday next at 3.15pm in SETU Carlow in this year’s Club Championship Leinster Final. The girls will take on previous opposition Wexfords Oulart the Ballagh. We wish the girls and their Management Team the very best.

U21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Our u21 Hurling B Team played under lights last Saturday evening against a very good Mullinavat side but the Boro lads did enough to secure a fine victory with the boys now progressing to quarter final where they will face Fenians/Blacks & Whites

on Friday evening in Palmerstown. Our A Team qualified for the 2025 Co Final after defeating a strong Young Irelands team last Sunday afternoon. The Boro lads will now face with Graigue Ballycallan at 2pm next Sunday in UPMC Nowlan Park. Best of luck to all involved.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL

THANKS

Many thanks to all who turned out at the Town planning meeting last week in the CYMS hall. If you missed same and would like any details please contact Catherine Delaney Kelly.

SANTA COMES TO MACKEYS GATHABAWN.

On Sunday 30th November from 5pm. Santa will be raising funds in aid of Temple Street Hospital with a bucket colletion.there will also be letter writing and a Santa post box. There will also be a meet and greet.

THANK YOU

Circle of Friends Ballyragget held a Cake/Craft Sale, raffle and coffee morning on Sunday 9th November at 10.30am in The Canon Malone Hall. All proceeds going to The Senior Citizens Christmas Party. Together with the sale of raffle tickets in SuperValu it was all really well supported. Many thanks to all who contributed.

RAFFLE

The Parents Council of Ballyragget National School are holding a raffle with the draw taking place in the National school on November 21st. Prizes include €200 cash a hamper, window vacuum echo dot among more. Many thanks to all who bought tickets so far, they are available in the local shops and business.

YULE FEST 2025

Yule Fest 2025 will take place the 6th and 7th of December with the Christmas market taking place from 2pm in the Community hall on Saturday followed by Lighting of the Square will take place at 5.30pm. Santa Claus will also visit on the day. There will be a Christmas Concert in the church on Sunday the 7th of December 4.30pm featur-

ing Ballyragget Ballyouskill Choir, Cois Nore Choir Castlecomer Male voice choir and the Ballyragget National School Choir all funds raised at this concert will go to the Ballyragget National School and the O Gorman Home. €5 on the door with a raffle on the night also.

If you are interested in holding a stall at the Christmas craft fair please contact this page or email bda. tidytowns@gmail.com with your details and type of stall you have.

GAA

St Patrick’s GAA the Under 21 side will take on John Lockes Callan in Freshford on Saturday at 12 noon in the Roinn D county final. Please come along and show your support. The club AGM takes place in November 28th in clubhouse.

MENS SHED

Men’s Shed Tea and Chat every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 to 1pm at the Men’s Shed beside Phelan’s Hardware, no agenda just chats. All welcome. Weekly meeting each Thursday night also at the Mens Shed.

WALKING ON THE HURLING FIELD

Walking on the hurling field will continue (weather permitting) on Tuesday and Thursday 11am. New members always welcome.

OUTREACH SERVICE

A Cois Nore Outreach Service in the town of Ballyragget on Wednesdays for people or their families seeking cancer support to call in and have a face-toface service in the comfort of their own hometown. Please note also that the time will be also changing from 11am to 1pm.

Please drop in to Dr Hogan’s Rooms located on the Square in Ballyragget to find out more details about the free and confidential services available in Cois Nore Cancer Care Support in Walkin Street, Kilkenny.

KILMACOW

OÍCHE NA HÓIGE

Kilmacow Youth Club is taking part in a national celebration by opening its doors to showcase all that

Tom Healy

Community & GAA Notes

the club contributes to the community. Everyone is welcome to join members from 6.00pm to 7.30pm on Friday, 21st November in the Barrow Room for a cup of tea/coffee, a snack and a look around the facilities on offer at the club. This event is supported by Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board.

LINE DANCING

The Marian Hall hosts line dancing classes from 7.00pm to 8.30pm each Friday night. The cost per class is €10 on a pay as you go basis. No booking necessary.

BINGO NIGHT

Kilmacow Camogie Club will host its monthly Bingo Night in the Large Hall in Kilmacow Community Centre from 7.30pm on Friday, 21st November. All support welcome.

KILMACOW LOTTO

The winning numbers in last week’s draw were 11, 15, 17 and 24. There were four Match 3 winners.

MOONCOIN CRAFT FAIR

The Christmas Craft Fair will be held in Mooncoin Parish Hall from 1.00pm on Sunday, 14th December. Anyone interested in taking a table at the fair should e-mail mooncoinparishhall@gmail.com by Thursday, 27th November.

KILMACOW SPORTS COMPLEX

An automatic barrier has been installed at Kilmacow Sports Complex. It has been timed to open at 7.00am and to close at 9.00pm.

PARISH CHOIR

A choir practice will be held in St. Senan’s Church at 6.30pm on Friday, 21st November in preparation for the Mass of Remembrance to be held there at 11.15am on Sunday, 23rd November. New singers are welcome to the practice.

TABLE QUIZ

Thanks to all who supported the table quiz held in the Fox’s Den on Monday night, 3rd November in aid of the Ladies Gaelic Football Club. Sixteen teams participated and the winning team included John and Helena Walsh, Josephine Burke and Tomás Bowe. The amount raised was €789. The next quiz in the series will be in aid of Kilmacow Hospice Support Group and held on Monday, 1st December.

KILMACOW CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

Kilmacow Youth Club will host this year’s Craft Fair in Kilmacow Community Centre from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday, 7th December. There will be arts, crafts, games, loads of stalls, tea and coffee to ensure that it will be a great community event with attractions for everyone.

OUTDOOR RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE

SCHEME

Kilmacow has been awarded €200,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the refurbishment of existing footbridge over River Blackwater, enhancements to Kilmacow Loop Walk

St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Slieverue will host the screening of the video A Ramble along the Railway, compiled by Paul and Katherine Grant on the Waterford to New Ross railway at 8.00pm on Thursday, 13th November. The screening will be followed by a discussion moderated by renowned local historian, Jack Burtchael. Admission €5. Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh will conduct a tour of Glenmore village on Saturday, 18th November. Contact 086 195 4614 for details.

NIGHT OF REMINISCING

South Kilkenny Historical Society’s Night of Reminiscing, which began on January 29th 2015 with Kitty Foskin, Jamsie Murphy, the late Paddy Egan and the late Denis Buckley, has been a very enjoyable and popular event on the society’s calendar since. Guests since have included Richard Behal, Dick Cody (RIP), John Daly, Robbie Doherty, Jo Doyle (RIP), Michael Fortune, Marion Fossett, Andy Kane (RIP), Eddie Lenihan, Seamus McGrath, John O’Connor and Peter Walsh.

This year’s event will take place in the Rhu Glenn Hotel, on Friday December 5th, starting at 7pm and the guest speaker will be Bridie Kineavy from Rosmuc, Co. Galway. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s Bridie and her family welcomed the festive lights of Christmas on the remote isle of Inis Treabhair in Connemara. The island was known for its Yuletide traditions, and she grew up listening to the tales of the ancients under starlit skies. Raised during an era of simplicity and wonder, Bridie will share family moments and island traditions from a time when electricity had not yet reached the shores and served as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of family, community and the magic of childhood.

The Mountain Grove Loop Walk has been awarded €200,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the rehabilitation of existing 2.5km woodland trail, to include entrance, trail path, drainage, footbridge, signage, seating and car parking enhancement works.

COMMEMORATION OF JAMES HOBAN

A plaque will be unveiled at 11.00am on Saturday, 22nd November on the wall of the Rod Iron Café in Mullinavat to commemorate the death of James Hoban who was fatally shot by a soldier of the British Army on 19th April 1921. James, son of James and Ellen Hoban (Glendonnell), was twenty-three years of age when he was mortally wounded. James was attending to a creel of pigs when he was hit by machine-gun fire mounted on a nearby armoured car. Also, a picture which will include documentation relating to the inquest into his death, will be hung on the wall inside the café.

Martin Raftice will make the opening address of welcome followed by a song from Frank Madigan and a talk by Seán Maher on the event with the commemoration concluding with Tomás McEvoy singing his own composition on the fatal shooting. Tea and refreshments will be served afterwards in the Rod Iron. All welcome to attend.

JOHNSTOWN

ST.KIERAN’S HALL 500 CLUB DRAW

The results for November draw 1. Sean Shortis (Marie Garrett), 2. Mary Garrett (Michael Quinlan), 3. Rosie Bowe (Marguerite Dermody), 4. Michael Doran (Peter Norton), 5. Paul Fitgerald (Oliver Sharkey). Final draw for 2025 on Wedesday. 3rd December.

SANTA CLAUS

within Kilmacow Community Complex including a new connectivity link, upgrades to existing gravel trails, new trail signage including distance markers and age friendly seating and parking provision.

MULLINAVAT

RAMBLING HOUSE

The Community Centre will host its monthly Rambling House at 8.00pm on Saturday, 15th November. Everyone is welcome to attend an evening of music, song, recitation, stories and dance.

CREATIVE CLASSES

Kilkenny Age Friendly together with Creative Ireland and Kilkenny Carlow ETB will host a series of creative taster classes in Mullinavat Community Centre during November. Places are limited and booking is essential. Classes from 2.00pm to 4.30pm each Tuesday will include Smartphone, WhatsApp and Video Calling (18th November) and Flower Arranging (25th November). Please contact agefriendlykilkenny@kilkennycoco.ie or telephone 056 7794920 for details.

ÉIGSE

‘Christmas was a way of lighting up the darkness of winter and forgetting the short days and the cold and rain that was the norm at that time of year. Christmas was a form of freedom and a break from lessons, homework and school. The end of Christmas meant the end of the holidays and the time for fun and games was over for the most part. It also meant the end of the family being together as the eldest of returned to boarding school straight after Christmas’.

For the most part, Christmas on Inis Treabhair was no different to Christmas in Kilkenny, Dublin, London or New York and Bridie will talk about the unique place and symbolism of candles on Oíche Chinn Bhliana (New Year’s Eve) and Oíche Nollag Beag (Little Christmas), and why Santa normally travelled to Inis Treabhair by helicopter.

The event begins, at 7pm, with food (Beef or Chicken wrapped in Bacon; dessert; and tea or coffee). The cost including food is €30 and all are welcome. Booking and further information from: Brigid Barron, Blossom Hill, Kilmacow (087 9507295, brigidbarron@hotmail.com); Katherine Grant, Curraghmore, Slieverue (086 1954616, katherinegrant@ gmail.com); or Mary Ryan, ‘Gort Glas’, Carrigeen (086 3790655, maryearyan@gmail.com).

OUTDOOR RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME

Santa comes to Mackeys. Gathabawn on November 30th at 5pm at the request of the Parents Council, Gathabawn School. Santa will be raising money for Temple Street Hospital as he has been doing very successfully for many years now. There will be a bucket collection, letter writing to Santa and Santa post box and a chance to meet the main man himself. A raffle will take place in aid of the school and Santa will switch on the Christmas Lights in the village before he goes on his merry way.

FENIANS

The club will hold its AGM on Friday Dec. 5th at 8.30pm in St. Kieran;s Hall. Nominations and motions must be submitted to the club secretary before Friday Nov. 14th. Please come and support the local club.

SPA UNITED AFC

U17 girls league division 1 Spa 3 Thomastown 1, U13 girls league division 1A Spa 1 Thomastown 1, U15 boys league division 2 Freshford 0 Spa 1, U14 boys league division 1ASpa 2 Freebooters 0, U13 boys league division 1A Spa 4 Freebooters 1, U13 boys league division 2A Paulstown 2 Spa 0, The U11 boys travelled to Bridge UTD and the U9s hosted Clover UTD

LOTTO

This week’s Spa Development/Fenians Lotto. winning numbers were10,11,17,23. There was no jackpot winner but there was one match three and that was Pat Bergin.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I. Free L.T.I. Course, which includes Driving Theory/ Driving lessons starting soon, anyone interested in applying call or drop in to the Centre.

SAVE THE DATE

Knitting and Crochet Group Christmas Fair Friday 5th December 2025 at 11am.

Maths Grinds to start early November, suitable for Junior Cert and 5yr students.

MILL YOUTH PROJECT

The Mill Youth Project will take place onWednesday Evenings: Age 8 – 12yrs. 5pm – 6.30pm, all welcome.

SOME OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE

Senior Alert Alarms. Clothes Donations. Youth Club. Allotments. Cois Nore Advice Clinic.

General Counselling Available. Adult and Teens. Play Therapy, young people Age 4 +. For more information, contact us on 056-8838466.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP

Our Active Retirement Group meet every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. New members welcome.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe

Bríd Dunphy, Chairperson of Kilmacow Ladies Gaelic Clubs, with Helena Walsh, Josephine Burke, John Walsh and Tomás Bowe, winners of the monthly table quiz in the Fox’s Den on Monday, 3rd November.

Footbridge to Kilmacow Sports Complex which was awarded €200,000 under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

THE ROSARY

Will be recited at Our Lady’s Grotto, Saturday before 6pm Mass.

CEMETERY ROSARY

Every Sunday in November at the Grotto in Glengoole at 12 noon, Boulick at 1pm, Ballinalacken Cemetery at 3pm and Fennor at 2pm.

400 CLUB DRAW

A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the 400 club draw in support of the Gortnahoe Glengoole parish. The new draw will be held on the 18th November and promoters will be contacting all households in the parish to renew their membership for the next 12 months. Any parishioner in the parish who has not joined the draw would be most welcome to be a member for 25/26. We look forward to the continued support of our parish.

MINDING YOUR WELLBEING

A six week programme to support mental health and wellbeing for older adults, will take place in The Millenium Family Resource Centre, Glengoole. Started Thursday 30th October 11.30-1pm. It’s free of charge with a light lunch provided on the day. Booking is essential, please contact 052-9157992.

SPIN CLASSES

Gortnahoe Community Hall Wednesday 9.30amBody Sculpt, Thursday 5.30pm & 6.15pm - Spin. See notice in the hall.

IN OUR HANDS

“Preserving Thurles Cathedral” fundraising campaign to support the re-roofing project by donating towards the cost of the slates. Brochures in Church porches.

PILATES WITH RUTH

Pilate classes continues in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 7pm. €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. A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the bingo last Saturday. We had a full hall and it was great to see some extra people coming from the parish. Let’s hope we have a full hall again next Saturday.

Well done to the under-22 camogie girls, who had a dramatic win over Dicksboro in the Roinn A championship quarter-final in Palmerstown, winning by a single point with a goal in the final minute. The home side led by 2-3 to 0-7 at half-time, but the Conahy girls kept pulling away during the second half and kept in touch all through. They were finally rewarded when with the final play of the game, they scored a goal from Gráinne Comerford and snatched a 1-12 to 2-8 victory. Conahy will now face St. Brigid’s in the county semi-final on Sunday week, November 23rd, with the time and venue to be confirmed at the time of writing. Best of luck to everyone concerned.

FOOTBALL

The under-16 footballers qualified for the Roinn C county final when they got the better of Blacks and Whites in Skeoughvasteen in the semi-final. Conahy led by 1-7 to 1-2 at half-time and scored two quick fire goals in the second half which saw them home on a 3-9 to 2-5 score line. They will now face Railyard in the county final this Sunday afternoon, November 16th at 12.00 in Jenkinstown. All support is welcome for the boys.

CLUB LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 6, 13 and 37. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prizes were Áine Boland, Billy Irwin, Breda Kavanagh, Shem Butler and Pia Fitzpatrick. The promoter prize winners were Seamus Óg Brennan, Nora Delaney and David Maher. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

POSTMAN RETIREMENT PRESENTATION

Many thanks to all in the locality who contributed to the recent presentation to retired postman, Billy Barnaville. Billy served as postman in the Conahy area for over 30 years and a presentation was made to him in Conahy Shamrocks Clubhouse on Friday night last by parishioners as a small thank you for his long service to the locality.

CASTLECOMER LIBRARY EVENTS

Parenting with Purpose: The importance of self-care and stress management this Christmas - On Friday, November 14th, Melissa Moore of My Space Play

Therapy will give a supporting and practical talk designed to help parents navigate the festive season with more calm and joy. Discover Simple strategies for managing stress, prioritising your own wellbeing, and creating a more peaceful holiday experience for your family. To book, phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie

Christmas Sign Printing Workshop - On Friday, November 28th from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., join Athena in Castlecomer Library for a cheerful Christmas Sign Printing Workshop. Learn painting, stencilling, and finishing techniques to create your own holiday sign. All materials are provided. To book, phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@ kilkennylibrary.ie

Stories and Songs with Santa Claus - On Tuesday, December 9th at 6.30 p.m., join Helena the storyteller and Santa Claus for this fun filled show of stories, games and Christmas songs. To book, phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie PROGRESSIVE 25’S

Progressive 25 cards continue in Conahy Shamrocks Clubhouse on this Sunday evening, November 16th at 8.00 p.m. All are welcome.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET

STONEYFORD

MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH

Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.Vigil – Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford. Vigil, Saturday 15th. at 6.30p.m. Friday 14th. Feast of St. Laurence O’Toole PRAY FOR

Months Mind Mass, Nellie Walsh, Lismatigue. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 15th. November at 8.00p.m.

ANNIVERSARY MASS

Pat Cleary, Hugginstown, Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 16th. November at 10.00a.m. ROTA (THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE CAMOGIE CLUB

A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the fundraising night at the greyhound track in Thurles last Saturday night. It was a huge success and the club were delighted to have the Liam McCarthy cup present.

TUESDAY BRIDGE

Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 434910

GORTNAHOE COMMUNITY HALL CHRISTMAS

DRAW

Gortnahoe Community Hall are holding their Christmas draw on Sunday 21st December in Gortnahoe Hall. Further details of prizes and the distribution of tickets will follow in the coming weeks. The Christmas Draw is an important fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Hall.

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Pat Hogan, Knockboy who won €184 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for November is in aid of the Christmas lights for Gortnahoe. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

BALLYSLOE NS

Best of luck to Ballysloe school who qualified for their first ever Cuman Na Mbunscoil football title. Best wishes to all involved.

JOHN POWER RIP

The death has ocurred of John Power, Lisduff, Gortnahoe, Thurles, November 6th, peacefully in the wonderful loving care of management, nurses and staff at Archersrath Nursing Home, Kilkenny. Predeceased by his wife Mary (née Long) and his parents John and Maggie. Sadly missed and remembered with love by his sons Seàn and Kevin, his adored grandchildren Ritchie, Joseph and Matthew, daughter-in-law Louise, Ritchie’s partner Aisling, sister Kathleen (Hennessy), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. John reposed at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford last Friday evening. Removal took place on Saturday morning to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe arriving for Requiem Mass. Interment took place afterwards in Aglish Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

Reader; Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Lennon. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Valerie Farrell: Sunday 10.00a.m Mary Carroll. Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Barbara Smolen. Hugginstown. Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy; Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr TRAINING FOR KILKENNY VOLUNTEERS: Upcoming Training for Kilkenny Volunteers will be held on Thursday 20th. November 2025 in St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall, Kilkenny, R95 VK7X. Time: 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. To sign up please contact info@volunteerkilkenny.ie

NOVEMBER OFFERINGS 2025: November Offerings Envelopes 2025 are available at the Church Porch. Your contribution can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly – Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D). Dates for 2026: (Please note Correction)

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Stoneyford School on Sunday 10th. May. Monroe and Newmarket Schools on Sunday 17th. May. LOTTO

Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 3rd. November 2025. Numbers: 15; 05; 16; 07. One Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €500.00. Winner: Helena Trait O’Flaherty, Floodhall. €25.00. Seller of Match 3 Ticket: Ger Carroll

3 x €15.00 (Sellers):Tommy Murphy; James Irish; Eilish Rohan.

HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY

One of the Homes in Hugginstown has become vacant. If anyone in the Community would like to receive an application form and apply for the home please contact. The Secretary, Lily Burke, Croan, Dunmaggan, Co. Kilkenny.

CONFERENCE

Conference to honour the life and teachings of Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen on Saturday, 15th. November in Knock Shrine. Dr. Peter Howard, author, theologian, Mariologist and one of the world’s foremost experts on Fulton Sheen, presents three main talks. This will be Ireland’s first event of its kind and highlights Fulton Sheen’s message on the power of the Daily Holy Hour in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Event starts at 10:30a.m. with Confessions and Adoration in the Reconciliation Chapel followed by talks in St John’s Centre and Holy Mass from 11:45a.m. to 5.00p.m. www. FultonSheenInstitute.com

CONAHY

CAMOGIE

Margaret Buggy presented Billy with a small token of appreciation

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY

EDITOR

AIB

Leinster Club SHC Quarter Final

Shamrocks

Ballyhale 0-25

Kilcormac

Killoughey 1-18

Shamrocks produced a terrific second half performance to quell the challenge of Offaly champions, Kilcormac Killoughey and advance to the last four of this seasons AIB Leinster Club SHC, where they will face off against familiar foes, Clough Ballacolla next weekend at UPMC Nowlan Park. Huge performances from Adrian Mullen and Eoin Cody ensured the Kilkenny champions extend their season for a while longer. At full time the margin was four points in favour of Henry’s men, but tempers flared and some unsavory scenes occurred which saw an opposition supporter aim punches at intercounty star Adrian Mullen who was the victim of a nasty swipe by Charlie Mitchell as the long whistle sounded which appears to have resulted in a broken thumb for the flame haired star. Thankfully, the person involved was restrained by K-K’s full back Jordan Quinn, until a little order was restored. The shocking incident shouldn’t detract from a competitive game that ebbed and flowed and saw the visitors a goal to the good at the interval.

Niall Shortall opened the scoring inside the first minute, capitalising on a poor restart by visiting keeper, Conor Slevin, to split the posts. The Faithful County side were level in the 4th minute, underage star Adam Screeney registering his first of the day from play. Declan Laffin’s side had fire and fight in their bellies, and Cillian Kiely’s challenge on Adrian Mullen showed that, Laois whistler Padraig Dunne giving just a free when a card seemed likely. TJ stepped up and opened his account from the placed ball to nudge his side ahead. Charlie Mitchell then scored the first of 3 quality points in the opening period all from the O’Loughlin’s side of the ground as he was getting the better of his duel with the returning Evan Shefflin. An unusually poor restart from Dean Mason was duly punished, Daniel Hand the beneficiary as the travelling side took the lead with seven minutes on the clock.

The Shamrocks then hit two quickfire scores, the first a solo effort from the electric Eoin Cody who outpaced a posse of players before batting over, and then a tidy point from TJ, from a tight angle as the Noresiders retook the lead. Damien Kilmartin then set up Charlie Mitchell for a carbon copy of his first point, and from the restart, his partner in crime Adam Screeney rifled over from distance as the lead swapped hands once more. Laois whistler Dunne, then gave a free, a little soft for many, but the opportunity was taken by

Shamrocks Cats purr as champsOffaly beaten!

Laois champs up next for Henry’s side

K-K netminder and captain, Conor Slevin, who converted the first of his four points in the Leinster quarter final encounter from his own’45. TJ popped over another free, Adrian Mullen fouled again, this time by Thomas Spain. The visitors then fashioned a goal chance; James Gorman denied by a great Joey Holden block. As with most matches this season, Eoin Cody was roaming out the pitch and this allowed Adrian Mullen to find the former with a nice pass, the result a lovely point and the sides level again. Colin Spain then gave a pass to Jack Screeney who fired over from out on the left. K-K midfielder Spain’s next pass was intercepted brilliantly by Eoin Kenneally who raced down the wing before striking over a sweet score. Charlie Mitchell then notched his 3rd point, again outpacing Evan Shefflin before striking off his right side to nudge the Offaly champions into the lead.

Mitchell then had a goal on his mind, but great pressure from Joey Holden and great goalkeeping from Dean Mason averted the danger. The green flag was raised shortly after this let off for Shamrocks. A long ball into the Kilkenny teams defence saw Brian Butler tussle with Conor Mahon, the latter holding and grappling but as both players battled for the ball, the Shamrocks No.4 grabbed the K-K forwards hurl under the gaze of the referee, who signaled penalty. Adam Screeney struck it beyond the diving Dean Mason to extend the visitors lead to 4 points with five minutes of a pulsating opening period remaining. Eoin Cody then showed his pace to get away from Damien Kilmartin before rifling over for his 3rd of the afternoon. TJ tagged on another placed ball following a foul on Ronan Corcoran, but K-K netminder Slevin struck over another long range free of his own to leave three between the sides. Paddy Mullen was then

Killian Corcoran and Adam Screeney in a Tussle for possession

Hurling matters - Review

played in by Eoin Cody, and the enforcer popped over the point as the half entered stoppage time. Conor Mahon then had a wild swipe which connected squarely on Killian Corcoran’s helmet, this time the yellow card was shown. The final point of the first half was then taken by Kilcormac Killoughey’s James Gorman as his side headed to the changing room with a 3-point lead. Having shown only brief glimpses of their ability in the first half, Shamrocks started the second half with more desire and tempo. Eoin Cody and Paddy Mullen registered

midfield. Kilcormac Killoughey got only their second point after the interval, courtesy of Conor Mahon. Henry’s charges responded, again Adrian Mullen the scorer, this time a tasty effort from under Ardan de Gras which delighted the Ballyhale support. Paddy Mullen then burst forward and was halted illegally; TJ punished the indiscretion to leave his side five ahead. Declan Laffin’s side needed a spark, and they struck the next two scores, both placed balls, one from Adam Screeney and a longer effort from captain, Conor Slevin to leave a goal between the sides. Niall Shortall was then impeded, and TJ popped over the resulting free. Before play restarted, John Fitzpatrick replaced Brian Cody in attack for Henry’s team. K-K sub Ter Guinan was then penalised for touching the sliotar on the ground; TJ added another to his tally. Conor Slevin notched his 4th point of the last eight clash, again soft, after ref Padraig Dunne had blown up for a Ronan Corcoran foul. The Laois whistler then adjudged there to have been an illegal hand-pass by sub Alex Kavanagh, TJ splitting the posts from halfway to keep the Faithful County side at bay. Adam Screeney converted another handy free which TJ cancelled out moments later.

Laffan’s men needed another major, but would only add two further points to their total with efforts from subs Leigh Kavanagh and Thomas Geraghty with TJ registering his 12th point of the game to leave the final socre in UPMC Nowlan Park, Shamrocks Ballyhale 0-25 Kilcormac Killoughey 1-18.

Scorers for Ballyhale Shamrocks: TJ Reid 0-12 (11f), E Cody 0-5, A Mullen 0-3, P Mullen 0-2, N Shortall, E Kenneally, R Corcoran 0-1 each. Scorers for Kilcormac-Killoughey: A Screeney 1-5 (1-0 pen, 3f), C Slevin (4f), C Mitchell 0-3, D Hand, J Screeney, J Gorman, C Mahon, L Kavanagh, C Walsh 0-1 each.

BALLYHALE SHAMROCKS: Dean Mason; K Corcoran, J Holden, B Butler; R Corcoran, R Reid, E Shefflin; E Kenneally, A Mullen; B Cody, E Cody, L Barron; P Mullen, TJ Reid (captain), N Shortall. Subs: D Mason for B Butler (43), J Fitzpatrick for B Cody (54), F Shefflin for P Mullen (59), C Walsh for L Barron (60+2), L Donnelly for R Corcoran (60+3).

KILCORMAC-KILLOUGHEY: C Slevin (captain); J Mahon, J Quinn, T Spain; E Grogan, C Kiely, B Kavanagh; C Spain, D Kilmartin; A Screeney, J Screeney, D Hand; C Mitchell, J Gorman, C Mahon. Subs: A Kavanagh for J Gorman (39), T Guinan for D Kilmartin (50), L Kavanagh for D Hand (55), T Geraghty for C Mahon (59), P Geraghty for C Spain (60+1). Referee: P Dunne (Laois).

>> SHERRY SAYS...

scores for the hosts, before a brace of free’s from TJ edged the Marble City men ahead. Richie Reid then picked out Ronon Corcoran and the powerful midfield man split the posts from out the field. This Shamrocks scoring spell was interrupted by an Adam Screeney free, Killian Corcoran harshly blown up by the ref. With Brian Butler on a yellow as a result of the penalty incident, Henry decided to make a change, Dara Mason replacing the experienced defender. Eoin Cody then turned provider, taking a great catch before off-loading to the supporting Adrian Mullen who split the K-K posts.

Richie Reid then picked out Eoin Cody from a free and the former two-time young hurler of the year turned and rifled over to extend the Shamrocks lead to three points midway through the second period. More dovetailing from Adrian and Eoin saw the former strike over from

Shamrocks picked it up in the second half and showed their quality to win out by four points against Offaly’s finest. Next up for Henry’s side will be Laois’s Clough Ballacolla in the semifinal. Let’s hope that the GAA authorities do the right thing and persuade the ‘supporter’ who thought he was Mike Tyson to stay at home and watch games from the comfort of his couch.

At Intermediate level, Danesfort secured a last four spot with a 7-point victory over Wexford side St Mogues Fethard. Adrian Burke’s side will now play Dublin outfit Commercials, knowing a win would see them claim a final berth where they would play the winners of the Lusmagh and Ratoath clash.

Barrow Rangers keep the flag flying at the Junior grade following a mightily impressive 12-point winners over Offaly side Drumcullen in Gowran. The PaulstownGoresbridge side will now play Wexford’s Davidstown Courtnacuddy next weekend.

A massive congratulations to Pat McDowell’s Muckalee team, who became the first Kilkenny side in 21 years to be crowned Leinster LGFA junior club championship winners following a hard-fought victory over Meath’s St Colmcille’s in Kinnegad last weekend.

Keeping their eye on the ball

Joey Holden and Charlie Mitchell

Eoin Cody was in top form in the last eight clash

Full Time Melee in UPMC

Nowlan Park

Adrian Mullen keeping tabs on Damien Kilmartin

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS.

Planning notices

Planning permission has been sought by the representative of Martin Fitzpatrick’s estate for permission to retain the following under Planning file reference number 25/60481.

1.Alterations to dwelling house.

2.Extensions to dwelling house.

3.Outhouses and sheds.

4.Alterations to site boundaries.

All from that as previously Granted Planning permission under Planning reference number P.1/1/2149, with all associated site works located at Borrismore, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. Eircode E41 P603.

Significant Further Information / Revised Plans in relation to the application have been furnished to the Planning Authority 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 public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the Further Information / Revised Plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority under (a) and (b) of this sub-article.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Martin Cuddihy intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning permission for 2 No. detached single storey dwellings, vehicular entrances, mains water & foul sewer connections and all associated site works at School Lane, Kilmoganny, 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 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Nextgen Design & Build Ltd. www.ngdb.ie

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, S. Holden & Brothers Ltd. t/a Holden Brothers intend to apply for retention permission for: office unit with access ramp (17.3sqm), vehicular entrance from public road (L2632-37) with associated entrance gate and piers, front boundary timber post and wire fencing; connection to existing wastewater treatment system, drainage; and all associated and ancillary works at Dunbell Big, Ballyreddin, Co. Kilkenny, R95WK10. 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: Áine Ryan, Áine Ryan Consulting, 29 Rath Ullórd, Bonnettsrath Road, Kilkenny.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Ms. Eavan Delaney intend to apply for permission to construct a part single storey, part two storey dwelling house, domestic garage, effluent treatment system and all associated site works at Russelstown, Attanagh Via Portlaoise 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 authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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.K.

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. C.W.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.C.

The

Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

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. E.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. J.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. I.L.

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. S.B.