42 minute read
John Ellis
Savings at record high but we need to spend
BY JOHN ELLIS
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FINANCIAL ADVISOR
DEPOSITS continue to remain at record highs, with €134 billion saved to the end of August 2021. While many households continue to face the real possibility that Covid-19 and the resulting economic turmoil could still leave them under pressure paying their mortgages and everyday expenses, the amount that people have saved has boomed.
But Central Bank data shows that from mid-April 2021 ‘card spending’ began to rise sharply as consumer sentiment improved and restrictions were eased. e most recent Central Bank quarterly report anticipates the economic recovery to continue into 2022 and beyond with domestic modi ed demand forecast to grow by 7.1% this year and 4.1 per cent in 2023 driven primarily by consumer consumption due to continuing pent up demand. e Government and many economists are hoping that this trend will continue, with people spending some of their record levels of savings. But the Government may well have to incentivise people to part with their cash because, according to a recent Taxback.com “Taxpayer Sentiment Survey” of 1200 people, saving even more appears to be the primary goal for 2022.
Experts at Taxback.com say that the fact that so many people either want to save more (25%) or watch what they spend to a greater extent (31%) could come as a big worry to the Government and economists, as most suggest that we’re already saving too much. e results of the survey were really mixed – while 7 in 10 people said that they had made changes to their nancial behaviours since the pandemic began – there was a split between those who are now better at money management and those who are worse.
What is really surprising is that only 11% of those surveyed revealed that they plan to be more proactive in terms of looking for better deals on insurance and in getting their tax back etc.
Barry Cahill, Business Development Director at Taxback.com, said:”It’s a bit disheartening to learn that just one in 10 appears to want to be proactive when it comes to negotiating or sourcing better deals or claiming back money and it seems that unnecessary overspending and not claiming what you are owed have always been something the Irish consumer has grappled with.”
Another interesting fact revealed in the survey is that just one in 10 (11%) says they are focused on earning more money because of the pandemic. is seems to indicate that people are more focused on maintaining a better work life balance than they were before.
According to the online Trading Economics Report Ireland’s consumer price in ation rate rose to 5.3% year on year in November of 2021 due to the costs of transportation, prices for vehicles, airfares, the cost of Health, housing, utilities, higher rents and increases in electricity and gas to name a few. erefore, with the cost of goods and services increasing at an alarming rate as in ation bites both take home pay and outgoings need to be monitored regularly.
If your income has not changed in a few years, then it’s likely that your standard of living is going backwards. You need to negotiate a pay rise or if time is the issue discuss a more exible working regime.
Equally you need to become more aware of the signi cant price di erences on various products, for example, change your utility provider, change credit card provider. Research the market for car and house insurance. Don’t take the rst quote o ered.
john@ellis nancial.ie 086 8362633.
Protect your family this January and throughout the year
AS we find ourselves in the midst of a January like no other, it is more important than ever to support our immunity and in turn, give ourselves peace of mind and a mental boost. This is where SOMEGA, Ireland’s purest health supplement brand, comes in to its own. Co-founded by two Corkbased nutritionists and food scientists who have poured more than 30 combined years of expertise into their products, SOMEGA’s pure and natural liquid supplements are designed to be easily absorbed and highly palatable.
The range of supplements are non GMO, contain no added sugar, preservatives or colours, and are soy, gluten, alcohol and yeast free, as well as being vegetarian friendly.
SOMEGA Liposomal Vitamin C
What makes SOMEGA Liposomal Vitamin C di erent to regular Vitamin C supplements is that it is made using cutting edge liposomal technology which makes it easier for the body to absorb and utilise. Vitamin C is vital for immune support, helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue, promotes healthy skin and helps protect cells from damage which contributes to aging and a range of health conditions. e positive e ects can be felt within just 30 days of daily supplementation, giving an energy boost as well as an improvement in the condition of skin, hair and nails. supplement is a synergistic blend of the eight essential B-Vitamins with added Vitamin C. It provides invaluable support for your energy levels, reduces tiredness and fatigue, contributes to mental health and performance, promotes healthy skin, hair and nails and supports your immune system. Supplementing with B vitamins is especially important for vegans and vegetarians, people who are under stress and feel rundown, as well as those over the age of 60.
SOMEGA Vitamin D
SOMEGA Vitamin D supplements are available as convenient oral sprays, liquid drops or liposomal pump. Vitamin D is one of the most important immune (and bone) health vitamins. Almost half of the Irish population is deficient in this vitamin with studies finding that those with good levels of Vitamin D being able to fight off colds and flus easier than those with low levels of the vitamin.
SOMEGA Easy Omega-3
Omega-3 may well be the most undervalued health supplement of all yet is vital for a healthy brain, eyes and heart. Over 80% of the Irish population do not get enough Omega-3 in their diet so SOMEGA’S fruity, creamy and pleasant-tasting Omega-3 is the perfect solution as it can be enjoyed straight from the spoon or added to a variety of drinks and foods and is suitable for all from the age of 2.
Vitamin B12
B12 provides enhanced energy, clarity of mind and memory, enhanced sleep, mood, support for the immune system and physical stamina. SOMEGA’S Vitamin B 12 oral berry- avoured spray comes in a small bottle which is easy to carry and take when on the move.
SOMEGA co-founder Mark Cli ord says, “We are delighted to have our products stocked locally in Kilkenny. As an Irish brand, our aim is to provide our customers with the most natural and e ective supplements possible. When it comes to staying healthy we know the main components are a balanced diet and exercise. As well as this, high quality supplements are a must to ensure we meet the standard daily requirements for optimum health and immune support.
With so many supplements on the market, it can be dif cult to choose the highest quality products. Our customers can be assured that when they choose SOMEGA, they are choosing the most e ective and highest quality supplements, founded in science and nutritional expertise.
Good health shouldn’t be a chore, so all of our supplements are tasty and enjoyable to take and t easily into your daily routine.”
SOMEGA supplements can be found at Food for Life, e Good Earth and McCauley Pharmacy (High Street and Kilkenny Shopping Centre). Further information at gosomega.com
MANY of us have set ourselves New Year’s resolutions hoping to form better habits, writes Matyáš Moravec on Big ink.com. Some of us might want to be more environmentally friendly. Others want to eat better, stop smoking or, if you’re like me, start running more often.
Setting these resolutions relies on the belief that we can change our habits. ey are predicated on the idea that what happens in 2022 is not yet decided: it is up to us whether we buy a pack of cigarettes or a pair of new running shoes, right?
We believe that the future is not yet set in stone. But is it possible that everything is preordained? is idea has been explored in many ways, from medieval theology to modern physics.
We all understand time as divided into the past, present and future. is understanding, however, was shaken when Albert Einstein came up with his famous theory of relativity in the early 1900s.
Prior to Einstein, the ‘present’ was shared by everyone in the universe: there was a ‘Big Now’. Before Einstein, I could look at the clock, see that it says 12 noon, for example, and say that a whole lot of things are happening ‘now’, even for people very far away from me. For instance, while I am looking at the clock in my o ce, the bells in Belfast city centre are striking noon, a person in Kilkenny is looking at a bird in the sky, and planets are colliding in a galaxy light years away. We all share one present, one ‘Big Now’, in which all of this happens.
After Einstein’s discovery, this was no longer true. I could only speak about ‘the present’ from my own perspective on the universe, in my “reference frame”. ere was no longer a ‘Big Now’ stretching across the entire universe. What I observe as happening ‘now’ from my perspective might look very di erent from another. A Martian travelling past the Earth on a spaceship at an incredibly high speed, for example, might see the clock showing 12 noon in his now, but might not see the bells striking in Belfast just yet. My ‘now’ is di erent to the Martian’s ‘now’ and what counts as “the present” depends on our individual perspectives.
To use an analogy,’the present’ or ‘now’ is just like ‘here’. ‘Here’ is not one location you can nd on a map – it just describes your position relative to your surroundings. My ‘here’ currently includes Belfast, but your ‘here’ probably includes something else, just like my ‘now’ is di erent to the Martian’s.
Einstein’s discovery has a surprising consequence. My ‘present’ is no more special than the Martian’s (or anyone else’s). If ‘the present’ is just a matter of perspective, then all times should be equal. And if they are all equal, they must all exist, much like the way all cities in any one country exist even though what counts as ‘here’ varies from one observer to another. It would be silly to say that only Belfast exists because I’m observing it here.
But this clearly challenges our belief in an ‘open future’. If all moments of time exist, does that mean that my staying in bed every morning in 2022 instead of going for a run exists, too? Are future events already ‘there’ without me being able to do anything about them?
Another way to think about this is through the Christian idea that God knows all things past, present, and future. But how does God know the future? What’s the basis of God’s knowing if I’m going to go jogging in January 2022 or not? e philosopher Boethius o ered up a response that would be held as true for more than 1,000 years. He said that all things, past, present, and future, exist for God. He compared humans to travellers journeying through a valley and God to an observer standing on top of a mountain above.
Whereas we see the bits of the path ahead, God, from the mountain, sees the entirety of the path. All of its segments exist for him. Similarly, God eternally sees my birth, my present writing of this article, and whatever it is that I will do in 2022 and beyond
SHARED micromobility solutions that allow users to rent and to share these e-scooters and e-bikes are generally considered climate-friendly mobility solutions that relieve urban tra c and contribute to CO2 reduction targets.
However, cities are increasingly facing the challenge of properly integrating these rapidly growing eets of micro-vehicles.
“We know astonishingly little about how people are using these services,” says Daniel Reck from the Institute for Transport Planning and Systems (IVT) IN Zurich. Until now, it has been unclear how these trendy ebikes and e-scooters actually contribute to reducing urban CO2 emissions.
For a new study researchers under the direction of Professor Kay Axhausen examined what impact these new means of transport have on the climate.
One particularly notable aspect of the study is that the researchers not only considered CO2 emissions throughout the lifecycle from production, operation, and maintenance, but also the substitution patterns during usage. “Operating escooters and e-bikes seems climate-friendly at first glance because they do not use internal combustion engines.,” says Reck.
“But in terms of their carbon footprint, the means of transport they typically replace is ultimately what matters.”
The findings show that shared e-scooters and ebikes in the city of Zurich primarily replace more sustainable modes of transport—walking, public transport, and cycling. This means that they emit more carbon than the means of transport they replace. “In the way they are currently used, shared e-scooters and e-bikes do the climate more harm than good,” says Reck.
A different picture emerges in the case of private escooters and e-bikes, which replace trips by car much more frequently and thus produce less CO2 emissions than the means of transport they replace. Private micromobility therefore reduces CO2 emissions and ultimately benefits the climate.
If the future already exists, why bother with resolutions?
How e-Scooters may emit more CO2 than vehicles they replace
5 luxury island escapes for you
BY HELEN WARWICK
GIVEN we’ve been cooped up for months, now’s the time to start thinking about that trip of a lifetime you’ve been dreaming about. And as the world tentatively opens up, so do the chances of a seriously memorable getaway. An island trip, where beaches feel all yours and hideaways provide a true sense of escape, can be truly special. Here, we look at some of the greatest island destinations.
1. MNEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA Best for seclusion
Like any self-respecting private hideaway, Mnemba remains largely o radar — strung just o the north-east coast of Zanzibar. A shipwrecked fantasy island, it’s authentic, low-key and empty. Here, just 12 beachside bandas stand, where guests emerge for sunrise dips or morning co ee in the shade of their thatched roofs. e teardropshaped island is completely o -limits unless you’re a guest of the inimitable laid-back bolthole from African experts, &Beyond. WHAT TO DO: e island loops around for just a mile, so Mnemba really will make you feel like a castaway. Champagne and sushi are served sunbed-side for guests watching the sun drop below the horizon; massages are brought to your private banda; and fresh seafood dishes are eaten at tables perched in the white sand. Guests spend their days snorkelling in the shallows, kayaking o shore, dhow sailing, deep-sea shing or delving further into this pristine archipelago across inky seas. Arriving back at Mnemba, wash the sand from your toes in your banda with its linen drapes, thatched walls and terrace dotted with loungers, and cosy up with an aperitif and those sea views. WHEN TO GO: During the archipelago’s dry season from July to September. HOW TO DO IT: Scott Dunn o ers a seven-night stay at the &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge from
2. BALI, INDONESIA Best for wellness
Pre-Covid-19, Bali buzzed with that archetypal tropical energy, craved by everyone from backpackers to the ultra-luxe lovers. In recent years, it became a hub for digital nomads, who’d hole up in cafes, drinking juices and tapping away on their laptops before seeking surf and sunsets on its funtime beaches. And as the Indonesian island opens up again, its pull has never felt so tenacious: from green and serene Ubud with its thriving arts scene to the sprinkling of dinky islands o shore, where the seas are super clear and just-caught seafood monopolise the menus. WHAT TO DO: Bali has a knack for being all things to all men. It’s gained a stellar reputation for wellness thanks to its spiritual heart and nature-centric sights, from verdant paddy elds where cyclists weave in the shade, to Hindu temples, such as Tirta Empul, with its purifying holy baths. And in among it all, organic urban farms, yoga retreats, a consistently sunny disposition and the volcano of Agung that can be conquered on midnight treks, to arrive at its peak at dawn. WHEN TO GO: e dry season is April to October. HOW TO DO IT: Close to the immaculate sands of Nusa Dua on the island’s southernmost peninsula is Aman Villas at Nusa Dua — a collection of villas with thatched roofs, private pools and living areas overlooking gardens lled with frangipani. Every villa has its own chef and butlers, and you can book yoga sessions and in-room treatments.
3. SARDINIA, ITALY Best for beaches
Glancing at images of this beloved Italian island, it’s easy to mistake its curves of white sand and clear-as-glass seas for the Maldives rather than the Med. Our tip? Strike out to the Maddalena archipelago, in grasping distance of pristine, quiet beaches. ere are hidden coves, empty lagoons and charming waterside hangouts with kitchens dishing out gut-bustingly good pasta dishes and fresh sh. WHAT TO DO: If you’re seeking coastal adventure, try diving the Grotto del Nereo (Nereo Cave) o the main island — a bewildering underwater network of caves and tunnels, sprawled with bewitching forests of stalagmites and stalactites. And then there’s Laguna di Nora — an enchanting lagoon on the western side of the Nora promontory where pink amingos stride through the lake’s shallows and snorkellers oat in the clear waters. WHEN TO GO: Avoid August, when hordes of Italians descend on the island, and instead try May and June or September, when you’ll nd quieter beaches, but dependable sunshine.
4. ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE Best for kids
When there are electric blue seas, powder-soft sands and tufts of wild woodland to explore, little ones will be happily busy. Zakynthos has carved a reputation for slick family getaways, whether you’re seeking historical xes, enchanting waterside tavernas and water a thousand shades of blue. You’ll have seen images of Zakynthos, even if you didn’t realise: of its startling Navagio Beach, where buttery orange sands meet the waves of the Aegean. is curve of beach, lying in the shadow of a cradle of cli s, is accessible only by boat. WHAT TO DO: For an enchanting waterside jaunt, head towards Laganas Bay, where loggerhead turtles idle in the seas, and further along, there’s the whimsical rock formations of Keri Caves — a mesmerising spot to launch from a boat and linger in the gin-clear seas. For hardier thrills, hire bikes and strike out into the island’s wilder heart, through valleys smothered in wild owers, olive groves, fragrant pine forests and dozing villages. WHEN TO GO: Avoid the peak months of July and August and try the shoulder months of May, June, September and October for mellower temperatures and quieter beaches.
5. BERGHOLMEN, STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO Best for nature
For something entirely di erent, the Stockholm archipelago has a ercely loyal following of locals who have fallen for its serene rocky shores and pockets of ethereal, wild nature. No one really knows how many islands make up the archipelago, though the general consensus is around 24,000 — all of which are rooted in bucolic loveliness. And yet it’s all wholly accessible from the enduringly cool capital with regular boat connections to and from Stockholm. Looking for escapism? e private island of Bergholmen might just be the antidote — it’s only a 40-minute boat ride from the capital, but its clandestine reputation only adds to the feeling you’ve stumbled across a secretive dwelling. WHAT TO DO: ere’s only one place to stay on Bergholmen: Island Lodge. It’s a collection of domed geodesic tents, with wooden oors, proper beds and windows opening to views of guests spading shells and staggering over rockpools, or distant shing boats seesawing on the inky sea. Trips here are all about enjoying early morning co ee with the sand between your toes, foraging trips in search of berries and mushrooms, reading a book on the decking and walking under a canopy of wiry rs and birches. You can kayak to nearby islets, and as you arrive back at camp, slip into the hot outdoor shower or the hot tub, before enjoying a meal prepared using foraged ingredients. WHEN TO GO: From May to September.
Funds in line for local anglers
INLAND Fisheries Ireland, the state agency with responsibility for the protection and conservation of freshwater sh and habitats and the promotion of recreational angling, is encouraging angling clubs in Kilkenny to apply for funding under its 2022 Sponsorship Programme.
Angling clubs, groups and associations in Kilkenny and all over Ireland are being invited to apply for sponsorship funding before the January 21 deadline and, in 2022, the €30,000 fund will have a particular focus on initiatives aimed at beginners and young anglers, as well as events that promote sustainable angling tourism. More than 327,000 adults in Ireland consider themselves an angler (Ipsos/MRBI), while 18% of adults in Ireland that had never been shing before said that they were “likely” to try angling in the future.according research from Amárach. e sponsorship programme is one of the main funding mechanisms used by Inland Fisheries Ireland to promote angling in Ireland. It awarded funding to 41 angling events and initiatives across the country in 2021; however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme didn’t go ahead in 2020.
Of the 41 events that received funding, the State agency supported 10 national or international competitions and festivals that showcased Ireland’s angling resources and contribution to local economies in 2021. Meanwhile, a total of 28 coaching and juvenile outreach events were supported in 2021, to help increase participation in the sport, along with three public awareness events and angling-related initiatives.
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “In 2022, our top priority is supporting projects and events that encourage more young people and beginners to try angling sustainably, as well as initiatives that help grow sustainable angling tourism throughout Ireland. “As more people in Kilkenny enjoy the health and wellbeing bene ts of being outdoors, mainly driven by Covid-19 guidelines, we are seeing greater levels of interest in angling nationally,” she said.
Price of three-bed semi expected to rise by 5% in the next 12 months
THE price of the average threebed semi in Co. Kilkenny is expected to rise by 5% in the next 12 months, according to a survey by Real Estate Alliance. ree-bed semi-detached homes in the county now cost an average of €240,000, up 15% on the December 2020 average of €208,500, the REA Average House Price Index shows. e survey concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the threebed semi, giving an up-to-date picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.
Landlords exiting the market have accounted for almost one in four home sales over the past three months, the data shows.
Prices in Kilkenny City rose to €285,000 in December, representing a 3.6% increase in the nal three months of the year and 18.8% in 2021 overall.
“ ere is a lot of interest from people moving home from Dublin and from abroad,” said Michael Boyd of REA Boyd’s, Kilkenny.
“A number of new homes schemes have started selling and are going very well and sellers also include small investors and executor sales. e market has been a bit calmer compared Q2 and Q3 2021 as the pent-up demand has been satiated.” e average price reported in Callan at the end of December was €195,000, an increase of 2.6% over the nal three months of the year and representing a 10.2% increase for 2021.
“ e market is very strong. We are seeing investors selling up and we expect to see more of this activity into 2022 as there is a long lead time in notice period for tenants,” said Robbie Grace of REA Grace, Callan.
Average house prices rose by 2.24% nationally in the last three months of 2021, half the rise experienced between June and September as demand eased and the market calmed. e price of a three-bedroomed semi-detached house across the country rose by €5,900 over the past three months to €269,963 – representing an annual increase of 13%.
Selling prices rose in commuter areas (3.34%) and the country’s large towns (2.57%) as buyers continue to move out further from the capital in anticipation of long-term remote and hybrid working situations. e commuter area increases are treble those in Ireland’s major cities, with Dublin increasing by 1% and Cork Limerick and Galway by an average of 0.8% as agents reported a quieter quarter.
In Dublin city, house prices rose by over €4,000 in Q4, compared to more than €10,000 in Q3, increasing from €467,000 in September to a present rate of €471,667. ree bed semis in commuter counties rose 3.34% by over €9,000 in the past three months to an average of €291,944 – with the average home selling in just three weeks.
As the ight to rural locations continues, prices in the rest of the country’s towns rose by 2.6% in Q3 to €190,138.
Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford cities shared a combined increase of 0.8% in the past 12 weeks with the average three bed semi now costing €283,000.
While house prices in Cork (€335,000), Galway (€302,000) and Waterford (€250,000) were relatively static, prices for a three bed semi in Limerick rose by 2.1% to €245,000.
Unwell Vicky misses Late show
KILKENNY cervical smear campaigner Vicky Phelan was unable to attend the Late Late Show after not feeling well enough in the few before her scheduled appearance. e Mooncoin campaigner told RTE viewers how her hair was now growing back, but it hadn’t been a great week for her.
But the Kilkenny woman is hoping she will be well enough to climb Croagh Patrick with Charlie Bird in April for multiple charities.
In a video message to the former RTE broadcaster, Vicky said: “Hi Charlie, Hi Ryan, I’m really sorry that I could make it to the studio tonight to be with you to launch a climb with Charlie, but I’m just not feeling well this week. “I’m feeling a little bit better now in the last couple of days as you can see, my hair is starting to grow back, which is great, but I’m just not feeling well enough, but I really want to send you all my love tonight I hope you get a huge amount of support after your appearance tonight for your climb in April and please god all going well ill be there with you in April.”
Vicky will also due to appear on RTE Radio One’s Sunday with Miriam O’Callaghan shortly after 10am.
Enright ‘IDA’ row with South East radio Is aired at council monthly meeting
Enright WEXFORD County Council members were to hold a special meeting on to discuss ndings of the Standards of Public O ce Commission which has said the council’s chief executive failed to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest when he sent emails to a local radio station threatening to withdraw advertising. e issue in relation to Tom Enright (pictured) was on the monthly meeting of the council, following a public hearing last November after a complaint made by Wexford businessman Karl Fitzpatrick to the SIPO and a report issued by the commission.
Cathaoirleach Cllr BarbaraAnne Murphy said she had obtained legal advice in relation to the matter and, in keeping with this advice which had been made available to members, she intended to defer discussion of the issue to a special council meeting. is was agreed by members with Cllrs Michael Whelan and Ger Carthy calling for the meeting to be held “in person” and not online.
County secretary David Minogue said that this should be possible under current regulations on meetings.
Mr Fitzpatrick’s complaint centred on emails sent in 2019 by Mr Enright to South East Radio, after Mr Fitzpatrick criticised an alleged lack of IDA investment in the Wexford area.
Tom Enright emailed the radio station’s general manager in August of 2019 and said that Wexford County Council was “reviewing” its commercial relationship with the station and that the council did not wish to continue supporting a station that was allowing “individuals... to promote their own personal agenda”. is followed a programme in March of that year in which Mr Fitzpatrick expressed views on various matters relating to the county council. A meeting was subsequently held between Mr Enright and the station managing director, and the council chief said that a statement he had issued to the station following Mr Fitzpatrick’s criticisms was not uploaded as a podcast on the station’s website. is was because of a technical issue, station Manager Eamon Buttle said, and the latter thought that the matter was closed following the meeting.
It was after emails from Mr Enright in August that Mr Fitzpatrick made a complaint to the Standards in Public O ce Commission.
In its report following last November’s hearing, SIPO said that Mr Enright “failed to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern” for the public interest when he sent the emails in August of 2019. e tone of a second email, in which Mr Enright accused the station of “censorship” and described Mr Fitzpatrick of having a “personal vendetta” against him was “particularly emotive and unbecoming of a person in such a senior role,” SIPO said.
It also found that Mr Enright had “failed to have regard to and be guided by the Code of Conduct for Employees” by sending the emails. e commission noted that there was “no suggestion of corruption or deception” in Mr Enright’s conduct and pointed out that the station managing director had described him as “an honourable man”. It also said there was no doubting Mr Enright’s “passion and drive for Wexford” but said it was incumbent on someone in his position to maintain “appropriate standards”.
Members of Wexford County Council discussed the ndings at their monthly meeting and some have already spoken of their support for the Chief Executive.
In a statement, Mr Enright said he was “extremely disappointed” with the commission’s ndings which he described as “ awed and disproportionate”. He said he was currently exploring all available options “including legal options” and consulting with his legal advisers in that regard.
A montage of photos by Kilkenny photographer Pat Shortall showing some of the areas visited by The Saturday walkers’ group
ALL PHOTOS BY PAT SHORTALL
Christmas Eve in Kilkenny is classy at the best of times.
Add in the continuing growing festival that is Yulefest and Kilkenny comes into a league of its own.
Such was the case this year. anks to the local authority and its workforce, the Parade looked radiant, as lights shone, music bellowed from the music stand, and the smell of freshly baked food wafted through the air. e specially erected Christmas stalls sold everything from Kilkenny paintings to bog oak mirrors.
Beside the water trough at e Parade, a group of twelve or so gathered. ey were members of ‘ e Saturday Local History Walkers group’. e meeting on Christmas Eve was special, as it marked the 500th such event since the group’s rst gathering in 2012.
SEED WAS SOWN BY MAYOR OF KILKENNY e idea of a walking group, who would stroll around Kilkenny while visiting historical areas of the city was the brainchild of then Mayor of Kilkenny Seán O hArgáin. e Kilkenny Observer caught up with Seán and asked why he had started the group.
“It was my privilege to be elected Mayor of Kilkenny in 2012 and in the run-up to that election, I thought about the priorities I would have as Mayor. At my election in the Town Hall, I outlined one of my top priorities as leading a new drive to promote health and tness in the city”
Seán credits his local G.P as the one who motivated him.
“Tadhg Crowley, of Ayr eld Medical Centre had persuaded me to join a group for the rst Operation Transformation in 2011.
I had become an active runner, cyclist and triathlete in that few years and felt that something was needed to give men my age the push necessary to take action to improve their own health.”
Indeed on the night of his election as Kilkenny’s rst citizen, Sean announced the idea of a weekly Mayor’s walk, and is, in his own words one of the projects he is most proud of. A NAME CHANGE It initially started out as ‘ e Mayor’s Walk’ and later had a name change to ‘ e Saturday Local History Walk’.
And it is fair to say that they are a modest group. It would appear that there are no leaders, only members.
Be that as it may, the group has managed to travel the highways and byways of Kilkenny city and county over the past ten years visiting numerous historical sites.
And that takes some planning. e Kilkenny Observer has joined with the walkers on a few occasions and there is no doubt that there is an abundance of history to be learned as you amble around the city and its environs.
EACH WALK IS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE According to Paddy Neary (one of the walkers) everyone with an interest in Kilkenny history is welcome to attend the walks.
Paddy, who has been present at all the walks, was reluctant to pick any favourites.
“Each walk is unique in
Deirdre Mansfield and Sean Brennan who participated in the 500th walk Marianne Kelly and Paddy Neary, part of the walker’s group since 2012
Saturday regulars Nicholas Maher and Ned Kennedy
Former Mayor of Kilkenny, Seán O hArgáin joined the Saturday walkers in 2017 for their weekly history walk Celebrating the 500th walk, members of The Saturday walkers group pictured on Christmas Eve
Saturday walker regulars Jim Neary, Alva Fitzgerald, and Sean Brennan
its own way. I suppose the input by Lady Desart and the contribution she played in the various aspects of the town is remarkable. You have to remember she was associated with such projects as Desart Hall, e County Library, e Kilkenny eatre, e Woollen Mills, and e Handball court at Talbots Inch. She was a remarkable lady.”
Marianne Kelly is another who has attended the walks from the beginning. “It’s almost a way of life at this stage” said Marianne. “Saturday morning is sacred, and it would have to be something very important to make me miss our history walk”, she continued.
Of course, the walks are not con ned to the city centre and Marianne explains that a number of walks have included trips to Kilcooley Abbey, Gowran, Bennetsbridge, Woodstock, St Mulllins, Callan, Windgap and Johnswell.
MANY SUBJECTS COVERED ON THE WALKS Just a brief look at the notes of their records show the walkers have been informed on many topics over the years such as, the many churchmen who travelled to faraway places, the history of the GAA in Kilkenny, the opening of Nowlan park, e Churches and cemeteries of Kilkenny, the Laneways of Kilkenny, e Mills of Kilkenny along with dedicated talks on all main streets in the city. And more. e military history of county Kilkenny and its involvement in WWI and WW2 has also featured.
Commandant Larry Scallan (retired) and Eamon Keily, have joined the group on a number of occasions to discuss topics such as e Military History of Kilkenny, e breakout from Kilkenny Gaol, Kilkenny’s war dead, e Friary street ambush and the history of James Stephens Barracks.
Having spent an hour in their company there is no doubting that there is an energy and an enthusiasm within the group that is to be admired.
Much of their walks have been broadcast on Sunday Serendipity, produced and presented by Pat Shortall on Community radio, Kilkenny City.
Reports on the walks also feature regularly in e Kilkenny Observer.
So, back to Sean ÓHargáin.
Any advice for those thinking of starting out on these walks?
“I often repeat the advice I got at the start of my tness journey”, said Seán. “If in doubt, just get out.”
COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION TO BE ADMIRED As a local community newspaper, we at the Kilkenny Observer can only praise the commitment and dedication shown by ‘ e Saturday Walkers’ and wish them all the best as they continue to educate on the history of our beautiful city and county. FÓGRA: Forthcoming walks for 2022 include talks on ‘ e night of the big wind’; ‘Kilkenny’s ancient churches’; ‘WWI graves at Foulkstown and St Patrick’s’; ‘ e story of Domhnall Mac Amhlaigh’; ‘Saint Brigid’s well, and ‘the Centenary of the takeover of James Stephens Barracks by Irish Forces’. *‘ e Saturday Local History Walkers’ meet at e horse trough on e Parade every Saturday at 11a.m
Community Group
‘If you are getting it, I want it too’
AS we head into another year and we all hope it will be better for all the cohorts of society. Sometimes we have to look at the life of our seniors as we try to cope with the current days of our lives. e major worry and concerns we have today are the massive increase in our Gas, Electricity and carbon tax. ese increases will have an impact on the Seniors of our Communities. e total increase on an annual basis will be over €800! e total fuel allowance we were using in the past to heat our homes is just over €900. Where in god’s name do those who sit comfortable in our well heated Houses of Government think those on the state Pension are going to get this extra income? Maybe a minimum wage job as a cleaner for their constituency o ces or high market homes. Government already know that the State pension is actually below their own current level of weekly income.
I listened to a recent radio report of an elderly gentlemen who now lives alone. As the interview continued I went on an emotional roller-coaster. He began by
telling us the e ects of the recent hikes that have came in to force as the weather got colder. He now has to get a ‘Top Up’ for his Gas to heat his home. Now this is costing €20 extra a week. He also su ers from Arthritis. is means the cold has a serious a ect on the movement of his joints. Well at least he had the money to get the house heated I thought but the whole scenario made me sad to be honest. But then it went from that to anger as he continued his personal story. He had to cut back on other items to have to make this outlay. is ONLY allowed him to turn on the heating for an extra hour or two a day. As his voice now began to shake as he said he was embarrassed to nd himself in this situation in the Twilight years of his days. To avoid the cold, he told us he heads to bed in the afternoon and early at night to keep warm as he uses THREE duvets in his poorly early 20th century family home, why should someone who built this county be now cast aside on the senior waste heap of society.
What are the powers of going to do? With great fanfare they have decided to give every household €100 credit on our next bill, well that has now been changed to sometime in the 1st quarter as it needs new legislation to actually do it. But guess what, even millionaires and all Minsters and TDs are getting this as well even though they are on €100’000 + per annum. My God has anyone got a brain or are they now so institutionalised they are unable to think outside the box or keep their noses out of the trough and believe ‘well if your getting something so are, we’ attitude towards bene ts.
Give the money to those who need it! e amount allocated to assist those hit by these outrageous price hikes should go to those who need it most! Not just give to all regardless of need. e People who need it are already in the system. ose on the fuel allowance and Family Income Supplement payments. is is the sensible and the most bene cial way of distributing the allocation. Whoever thought that every household should get it?
As we now borrow to pay our way out of the Covid 19 pandemic, we must spend wisely or the youth of today will be possibly worse o . erefore give to those who need it and not just every Tom Dick or Harry or should that read Michael, Leo & Eamon and those whom are advocating for change and to be gender neutral, we can include Mary Lou in the quartet of ‘If you are getting it, even if I don’t need it , I want it too!
For anyone who is now struggling and expect to hit fuel poverty in 2022 please contact your energy supplier and register as a vulnerable customer.
THIS WEEK, in our look at the recently published book of poetry and prose by e Kilkenny Involvement Centre and e Recovery College, we feature poems from Joe Murray, Ben Mac Caoilte and James Mc Nicholas. We thank Andrew Small for Artwork and TASK for photographs
Joe Murray e Love of her Life Much More Than Words
If ever a book deserved the award for ‘ e Perfect Title’ surely that accolade must go to a new compilation of poetry Much More an Words. Indeed its very title describes comprehensively the diversity of the treasures to be discovered within its covers. is volume of carefully crafted poems, interspersed with prose and enhanced with well-chosen images, is the second collection produced by e Involvement Centre Kilkenny and the rst in a joint venture with e Recovery College. e Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to promote the work of e Involvement Centre and e Recovery College, and so, will publish a selection of their work over the coming months. ‘Much More Than Words’ can
be purchased at the following Kilkenny outlets: Bargain Books, The Butterslip Khans Bookshop, James’ Street & The Book Centre, High Street. Price: €10
e Link Ben Mac Caoilte James McNichalas Mrs Doyle’s Cup of Tea
Moist eyed she sits at the kitchen table watching him e love of her life Sprawled on the oor he clutches a near empty bottle rough half closed eyes he sees her sitting there He tries to speak but cannot get words out He puts the bottle to his mouth and takes a swig He nishes it quickly and mumbling incoherently throws the bottle violently across the room It crashes against the wall and rolls to her feet unbroken He struggles to a sitting position, back against the wall He looks at her again, watching her watching him Her mother told her it would be like this He struggles to his feet and stands there swaying his knees threatening to buckle under him He looks at her again, de ance in his eyes He mutters something unintelligible And makes to move towards her He stumbles and holds on to the wall He doesn’t fall this time He steadies himself All the time watching her She doesn’t move She waits for the inevitable He starts towards her again One unsteady step at a time One, two, three, four, ve, six She counts the steps in her mind So as never to forget this moment He reaches her and raises his hands She smiles and picks him up – Good boy – she says – your very rst steps
Joe Murray is road reminds me of that place, A nodding and bristling show to a poker face, e trees sit hunched resilient, the leaves their best hand, It’s not the space that reminds much but more how he would stand, rown over a wrought rust gate watching the rain draw in, All overcoat and threadbare cap as I stared, ‘dormer hands’ on chin, ‘ e link’ was how I knew him and it suited him truth be told, A connect to a time of hard men with decent hearts now grown old, I’ve taken with me the decent and left behind the hard, I’ve lived my poker face and shu ed each and every card. Rain draws in as I head for home and I hang on wrought rust gate, e clouds drift so slowly under that heavy weight, Of lake and sea and pothole ll, I stand as he stood and wait until I feel the need to wait no more.
Ben Mac Caoilte Plato was the rst to ask, ‘Who am I? ’ and ‘Who are we ?’ I pondered on this deep subject, And studied Philosophy. At night, the question drummed my head. By day, it just never ceased. ‘What is this life all about, What happens when we’re deceased ?’ ‘What is your true identity ?’ is is what the leading teachers ask. I scratched my head, ‘What is the answer to this di cult task ?’ In a ash of inspiration An idea came to me. I laughed out loud as I realised, ‘I am Mrs Doyle’s cup of tea !’ I am golden liquid in your cup, As I over ow with delight. Mix in more sugar, add some milk. Ain’t I an appetising sight ! I sooth your nerves when you sip me You can taste me, by candlelight You can hold me as I warm you In the middle of the night. You can make me strong or make me weak. Just stir me with your spoon. I’ll even keep you company On a lonely afternoon. I’m so happy with my identity, I smile with all my might. I comfort you, I welcome you. Ah! Go on ! Just hold me tight.
James McNichalas
