Kilkenny Observer 15th July 2022

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Miss Kilkenny 2022 All-Ireland Hurling Final Kilkenny science student Read our bumper pull-out in running for Miss Ireland special feature  Page 4

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Our children are being pulled into poverty faster than adults THE Children’s Rights Alliance has launched a new Child Poverty Monitor – the first in a series of reports that will analyse the complexity of child poverty across the country.

The Monitor explores the root causes and showcases solutions to addressing issues including educational disadvantage, social exclusion, accessing healthcare, homelessness, food poverty and income

inadequacy.

Speaking at the launch of the Monitor, Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance said, “Affordable childcare. Waiting lists.

Homelessness. School costs.

While these issues are on the tip of everyone’s tongues, we are asking, are they top of mind for our political leaders?

The Child Poverty Monitor and its findings come at a pivotal

point. As politicians debate how best to navigate the cost of living crisis, there is a rising tide of child poverty we cannot deny. What does this cost a child? Their education. Their aspirations. Their wellbeing.

Will they ever reach their full potential?”

“The ESRI warned early on that the pandemic could cause a rise in child poverty.

Our Child Poverty Monitor

analysis shows that the issues for children and young people are indeed starting to worsen– growing waiting lists for key health services and mental health supports; barriers to access education; increased need for social housing. The cost of heating your home or your weekly food shop is rising. The trends are going in the wrong direction, the Government’s response cannot.

“As we launch this report, there are thousands of children going without what we all consider to be basic essentials. Families are borrowing to scrape together enough money to send their child back to school. Children are spending their whole day in a hotel room, travelling hours to school and desperately trying to put on a brave face in front of friends. Young people

are missing milestones and opportunities to socialise or engage in any extracurricular activities with their peers.

Thousands are still waiting to access mental health services.

“Child poverty is not inevitable, it is the result of political choices. We are calling on the current Government to choose to break the cycle of poverty with more than 160,000 children and young people at risk.”

€6.9m drugs find at Ballyhale business TWO men will appear in court again next Monday after being charged following gardai seized cannabis with an estimated street value in excess of €6.9 million from a business premises in Ballyhale.

The search on Monday was undertaken by a team of gardai attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, assisted by Revenue Commissioners Customs Service and officers from the Eastern Region.

The suspects, who are in their 30s and 40s, were detained on suspicion of drugs trafficking and were detained at Kilkenny Garda station.

The arrests followed an intelligence led Garda operation targeting transnational drug trafficking networks, which was conducted in the course of Operation TARA, the focus of which is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks.

According to the Irish Times, gardaí believe the premises was established as a drugs-distribution hub. The set-up of the operation was similar to that used by the Kinahan cartel in Dublin and Kildare five-and-a-half years ago, reports the Times, when gardaí discovered a front EVERY FRIDAY

business in an industrial unit was a hub for the cartel’s firearms and money-laundering activities.

Gardaí believe the business premises where the drugs were found had been rented, without the knowledge of its owners, by people involved in drugs distribution who were claiming to operate a legitimate company from the unit.

It’s understood the drugs had just been imported into the Republic and were likely set to be distributed to criminals in the Republic and United KingdomWhen gardaí raided the premises, parcels of cannabis were vacuum packed and stacked in large cardboard boxes, ready for distribution.

It’s understood to be the biggest drugs haul of the year so far, overtaking the seizure of €4.6m worth of cocaine in Leopardstown in Dublin last month. That investigation was also carried out by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, and also involved the Spanish police.

The two suspects were brought before a sitting of Carlow District Court on Wednesday. They’ve been remanded to Cloverhill prison to appear again in court next Monday.

The Kilkenny

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Top banana

IN a competition open to all the family, home cooks throughout Kilkenny and beyond are being invited to join a search to find Ireland’s most imaginative meal-makers. The twist is, the meal must include a banana as a key ingredient.

Leading the search is well-known television cook, Donal Skehan supported by banana importers, Fyffes.

Winning creations, to be judged by Skehan, will see rewards presented to the overall winner and best in category entries.

Entries close August 4. Details on Fyffes Ireland Facebook and Instragam.

100 new jobs for reopening Galmoy mine A TOTAL of 100 jobs are set to be created with the planned reopening of Galmoy zinc and lead mine in north Kilkenny.

Shannoon Resources has been given the go ahead from the County Council to resume work at the former mine.

Mining at Galmoy commenced in 1997 activities

were ended “prematurely” at in 2014. Planning consultants for Shannon Resources, Tom Phillips & Associates said, “significant ore reserves remain underground.”

Local Councillor Mary Hilda Cavanagh is welcoming the news, telling KCLR news that she’s not surprised that permission’s been given

and in fact she thinks it could have been granted sooner: “There’ll be 100 jobs there between direct and indirect.

The reason there won’t be any more is because the processing is not taking place on site.”

She says it’s expected that most of the jobs will go to local people, with many of the

people who worked there before likely to be re-hired.

“Those who worked in the mine in the past are very anxious to get back in again,” said the Councillor, adding that the indication from Alan Buckley, MD for Shannoon Resources is that they’ll be very happy to employ those with previous experience.

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News SHREYA Amblade (19) will represent Kilkenny this year at the 75th Miss Ireland, sponsored by TanOrganic.

Shreya, from Kilkenny city, is currently studying Biomedical Science at University College Dublin. She has a passion for music and loves creating and releasing her own songs and hopes to pursue a career in the creative field Shreya is one of the 37 finalists vying for the coveted Miss Ireland 2022 title who were revealed at a sparkling white party last week.

The finalists arrived to House on an open top bus to celebrate in style and begin their Miss Ireland 2022 journey.

Selections have taken place all over the country to find contestants from each county and the winner from each county will represent their county at the most spectacular ever Diamond Jubilee Miss Ireland show with 1,500 in attendance on August 20th at the Royal Theatre Castlebar.

As Miss Kilkenny, Shreya will represent her county and attend various awards, openings and engagements over the next year as well as working on her various charity projects.

The headline sponsor for Miss Ireland 2022 is TanOrganic, the world’s first eco-certified, organic selftan brand. This year the over-riding theme for Miss Ireland is ‘Our World Our Future’ with a focus on the

Front row, second left, Shreya Amblade will represent Kilkenny, at Miss Ireland 2022.

Kilkenny science student in running for Miss Ireland environment and global citizenship.

The finalists of Miss Ireland this year will be

put through their paces in a challenging competitive process testing their skills in debating, public speak-

ing, talent, sports, modelling, social media and each finalist will be tasked with raising much-need-

ed awareness and funds for their chosen charities.

Challenges will also include beach clean ups, ethical up-

cycling, education pieces and a new Miss Eco-Ireland sash will be awarded.

Miss Ireland 2022 will follow in the footsteps of reigning Miss Ireland, Pamela Uba who captured the hearts of the nation with her incredible story and featured prominently in the Irish media and internationally on TV shows in LA, London, Johannesburg and featured in the New York Times.

Established in 1947, Miss Ireland has been the launch pad for many eminent, successful and inspiring women in Ireland. In recent years the Miss Ireland Franchise has raised over €300,000 for various charities including Laura Lynn, Temple Street, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and this year are proud to partner, once again, with Variety Ireland, an Irish charity helping sick, disadvantaged and children with special needs since 1951.

The winner of Miss Ireland 2022 will receive a lucrative agency contract and a host of prizes including jewellery, gowns, professional photo shoots, beauty and hair products and then jet off to represent her country at the Miss World Festival which is televised in over 100 countries around the world. The winner will also enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to the Maldives to do a photoshoot later in the autumn.

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Hurley reacts to Summer Economic Statement CEO of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, John Hurley stated that although some aspects of the Summer Economic Statement are to be welcomed, he has warned of serious challenges facing business in Kilkenny City and county.

Chambers of commerce groups from across the country have been reacting to the publication of last week’s

Summer Economic Statement which provides an indication of what will be included in the Government’s September’s budget.

When it comes to how the details will benefit local businesses in Kilkenny, John Hurley said the strong emphasis on infrastructure was welcome, however he warned there is some way to go to make up for the lack

of investment locally over a sustained period of time.

He also warned that problems which many businesses are experiencing when it comes to attracting staff is being added to by the lack of housing locally.

In a statement issued

by Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, John said, “This issue arises from employees struggling to find affordable

Short-term rental curbs welcomed by charity LEGISLATION that will make it an offence for property owners and short-term lettings websites such as Airbnb to advertise rentals that do not have the required planning permission must be enforced, national housing charity Threshold has said.

While largely welcoming a Cabinet decision to curb shortterm letting of non-principal private residences in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), they cautioned that the new plans – to take effect from September 1 – need to be fully enforced and better regulated than they have

been under 2019 legislation to address the issue. Threshold chief executive John Mark McCafferty also noted that this is a temporary six-month measure until the Government devise a longer-term plan.

According to Threshold, the 2019 legislation on short terms lets hasn’t worked – very few hosts sought or received planning permission, yet shortlets hugely outnumber the availability of long-term rentals for families and individuals.

“It is an important development that the rental platforms are now covered

by the new legislation – they will not be able to advertise properties in RPZs which do not have the required planning permission.

“We still have concerns for areas outside of RPZs where short-term lets might distort the local housing market in a significant way, as they are doing in some places right now.

“While this legislation is not a silver bullet for the supply of homes in the private rented sector, it will help in returning homes back to longer term rental, which is critical right now.”

and secure accommodation, and for most people housing is the single largest driver in the cost of living.

“Our members see housing, energy and talent as being the biggest challenges for their businesses.

Skilled staff are hard to find, while uncertainties regarding energy security and energy costs are greatly affecting businesses.

In regional areas uncertainties

are also affecting consumer confidence, leading people to save discretionary spending.”

He called on the Government to take a longer view and ensure that the above profile receipts from excise duties and corporation taxes are “ring-fenced in a climate action fund that can be used to finance much needed infrastructure through which could be still more difficult

years ahead.”

Businesses should also take a longer view such as, “investing in energy saving measures which will help them reduce the operating costs of their businesses”, he added.

As many of the drivers of inflation are a result of supply constraints government should remain cautious about how and where it expands spending, he concluded.

Lyrath Hotel raises the style stakes

Debbie Mangan, Group Revenue & Strategy Manager, Lyrath Estate Hotel and Owen Byrne, General Manager of Tramore Racecourse. Photo: Noel Browne

THE August Racing Festival at Tramore Races is a sports, social and fashion highlight for many in the region. The festival takes place from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 inclusive, with the highly anticipated Style Evening, which is back with a bang this year on Saturday, August 13.

With superb prizes from Kilkenny’s own Lyrath Estate Hotel, Fitzgerald’s Menswear and Blackwater Distilleries for the most stylish ladies and gents in attendance and lots of

ticket options to choose from – there is something for everyone at Tramore Races this August.

On Saturday August 13, four ladies and four gents will be selected as finalists by fashionable celebrity judges, Marietta Doran and Mike Taylor, from which they will choose their overall best dressed duo.

All runners up will receive a bottle from Blackwater Distillery.

The most stylish Lady will enjoy a two-night stay in a deluxe room at the

stunning Lyrath Estate Hotel with complimentary breakfast each morning, a sumptuous dinner at the grill on an evening of their choice and a 30-minute spa treatment. She will also take home €500 spending money in cash.

Debbie Mangan, Group Revenue and Strategy Manager, Lyrath Estate said they were “absolutely delighted” to partner with Tramore Racecourse and to sponsor the Most Stylish Lady Competition this August.

Grants available for Kilkenny’s business women WOMEN business owners and entrepreneurs in Kilkenny have less than six weeks to enter Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme in Ireland.

The grant programme offers the chance to win one of five €10,000 grants in addition to a year of business coaching.

Applications are open until August 16, at www.ifundwomen.com/visaireland so there is still time to apply.

In Ireland, for every woman that is an early-stage entrepreneur, there are nearly double the number of men.

This is well above the average across the OECD. Confidence continues to be a barrier to achieving parity, with only 38% of Irish women perceiving they have the necessary

skills to start a business compared to 58% of men. For those that have started their own venture, this disparity in confidence remains, with 43% of women business owners, surveyed by Visa, stating they were very confident in evolving their business compared to 65% of men.

The lingering impact of the pandemic is also being felt and businesses run by women are again disproportionately affected, with over half (58%) saying 2021 had been a challenge and their business is still recovering, compared to 33% of men.

Mandy Lamb, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Visa said, “Women who own and manage businesses face a unique

set of challenges including access to capital and peer networks. That’s why we’re excited to help make a difference to women business-owners across Ireland today through the second She’s Next Grant Programme.” Adding, “we’re particularly proud to offer access to coaching and support through IFundWomen as well as that injection of €10,000 in capital.”

Applications are invited under five different categories: Micro business, early-stage business, small business, innovation and sustainability.

To enter, applicants are asked to submit details about their business and online presence at www.ifundwomen.com/visaireland.

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Local solicitor receives award

Get a move on...

ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

Local solicitor John D. Holland of Holland Condon Solicitors, Castlecomer pictured receiving a Master of Laws degree from High Court Justice Michael Peart at a recent ceremony in the Law Society, Dublin. John received a Distinction for his thesis on Rights of Ways in Ireland.

YOU know you need to exercise. Doctors tell us so, as does the media, nutritionists, friends, acquaintances, peers, and our families. The idea sounds good but actually getting started is often trickier.

Picturing themselves out of breath and sweating is enough to put some off.

Unfortunately, there’s very little you can do about this aspect of exercise. OK, you can wear an expensive deodorant, but you’re still going to perspire.

Feeling a little breathless is unavoidable too. At least if you want to push yourself enough to improve your fitness. Whilst it can be uncomfortable to feel the need to catch your breath, it shouldn’t hurt.

If it does, it’s a very good sign that you’re overdoing it and should stop or at least reduce your intensity.

Your breath will return to normal soon enough.

It might take a couple of minutes, but it’ll happen

sure as night follows day.

Either that or it will stop altogether but, whilst that has to happen to all of us at some time, it’s very unlikely to occur because of exercise as long as you’re sensible.

Approaching exercise wisely requires a couple of key actions. First, if you’re in reasonably good shape and health, starting gently and building from there is likely a great way to begin.

If you’re very overweight or otherwise unhealthy, consult with your GP before you try anything more strenuous than your normal routine.

A great next step is deciding what kind of exercise will keep you going. In other words, what will motivate you to make it a habit. Some people love cycling, others hate it. Swimming, skipping, running or, depending on your age and general fitness, brisk walking. The options are plentiful.

Whatever you think you’d enjoy enough to keep doing, go for that.

Your overall fitness should dictate your starting point. For those who are physically OK but far from in peak condition,

the couch to 5k programs can be perfect. You’re going to feel a bit worn out after the first couple of attempts but that’s kind of the point. You can’t improve your health without it being difficult, otherwise you just stay where you are.

It does get easier the further towards the target distance you move, though.

That sounds somewhat counterintuitive but what’s happening is your fitness is increasing so you’re better able to tackle more difficult challenges.

The same principle applies to all forms of exercise. Don’t attempt to swim the distance from Dover to Calais the first time you get in the pool.

Avoid going from zero to Tour de France yellow jersey on your initial bike ride.

The other thing to factor in is rest days. It’s risky to regularly exercise on consecutive days. If you really want to, change it up. For example, cardio one day, muscular the next. This helps guard against injury.

With good sense, exercise can become a highly beneficial and enjoyable part of your life.

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Childcare services renewal simplified TUSLA has urged preschool services and schoolaged care (SAC) services in Kilkenny and the rest of the country to step up their efforts to re-register ahead of an end-of-year deadline.

The Child and Family Agency has contacted all the services that are due to renew their registration this year in recent weeks and opened a

new portal this week to help services complete the required paperwork.

Some providers have reregistered more recently but with it being required every year since it was introduced in 2019, the majority of providers are due to renew their registration before the end of the year.

Speaking about the impor-

tance of re-registration, Dr Anthony O’Leary, National Director of Quality and Regulation, Tusla said, “Renewal of registration plays an important role in providing assurance to the public, particularly parents across the country about the level and quality of safety and care for children at a most critical phase in their development.

Tusla’s Children’s Services Regulation team are on hand to assist providers in successfully renewing their registration so they can continue to provide such important services in every County.”

The Tusla website has been updated with new and helpful resources for service providers, including a webinar, a Q&A document and infor-

Farmers have little to no trust in banks

STARK findings revealed this week by the Irish Banking Culture Board (IBCB) show that farmers in Kilkenny and across the country have little/no trust in the banking sector, with existing services falling well below expectations.

Almost seven in ten (69%) farmers surveyed said things have worsened since the 2008 crash.

IFA Farm Business National Chair Rose Mary McDonagh said, “The results today are particularly bleak and support what we in the IFA have been saying for some time.

“One of the most glaring statistics that emerged for me was that only 3% of farmers surveyed said the banks adopt a customerfocused approach. Banks often talk about being strategic partners and the priority afforded to a customer-centric approach.

The key question now is

what are the banks going to do to rectify the situation and better meet the needs of farm families,” she said.

“Farmers need to know that their financial provider is there for them when needed and that they have a range of low-cost finance options to meet their business and financial needs. Anything less is just not acceptable,” she said.

IBCB Board Member and Treasurer of the Irish Farmers Association, Martin Stapleton, said, “The absence of trust amongst the farming community is an issue that needs to be addressed without delay.

"Farmers are integral to Ireland’s heritage and economy and their perspective needs to be understood, esteemed, and supported and their needs met by banks.

"The IBCB is determined to play its part in ensuring this takes place.”

mation on the Tusla Portal.

A step-by-step guide on how to use the Tusla Portal for renewal of registration applications can be found here and access to the portal is available on the website.

In continuing to support parents, useful information including the register of early years’ services, inspection reports for each service and

information and tips on what to look for when choosing a service is available at https:// www.tusla.ie/services/ preschool-services/parentsguardians/ Providers who have queries, or require assistance with renewal of registration are encouraged to contact Tusla via re.registration@ tusla.ie or at 061 461 715.

Shakespeare play storms the Castle

ROUGH Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival are reuniting with the latest take on a Shakespeare classic, The Tempest.

The dark comedy filled with magic, mischief, music and romance will be told beneath the Kilkenny summer skies in Kilkenny Castle Park, August 3 – 13.

Shakespeare’s lyrical revenge fantasy is coming to the grounds of Kilkenny Castle for 10 outdoor performances, with Eleanor Methven, one of Ireland’s most celebrated actresses, taking on the iconic role of Prospero, the deposed ruler turned elemental sorcerer.

The fury of the storm she conjures hurls her enemies onto her shores – but it also brings a sad young prince, to the delighted curiosity of her daughter Miranda.

Is their attraction a trick of fate – or the spectacle and sorcery of the enchanted island?

From the award-winning team that produced A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest will feature a stellar cast including Arthur Riordan, Gina Moxley, Rory Nolan and Ankur Vikal.

The production will be the third instalment of Rough Magic’s large scale, outdoor,

contemporary stagings of Shakespeare, and promises to be one of the Festival highlights.

Speaking about the production, and the collaboration with Kilkenny Arts Festival, Lynne Parker said, “Rough Magic couldn’t be more thrilled to get back to Kilkenny with our 2022 Ensemble, completing the journey we began in 2018 and celebrating the six shows we’ve made together, winning applause and awards as we gathered momentum. A great partnership, culminating in one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays. Bring it on.”

Rough Magic is one of Ireland’s leading theatre producers and a significant mentor of emerging artists.

It provides an unexpected angle to the mainstream and an anchor to the emerging generation.

Since its foundation in 1984, Rough Magic has produced 134 shows, including 30 Irish premieres and 39 World Premieres. With 38 continuous years in the field of theatre production and touring, Rough Magic is recognised both as an independent creative entity and a valued institution.

To book tickets, visit: www. kilkennyarts.ie

Kilkenny says ‘on yer bike!’

KILKENNY launches its campaign to be Ireland’s first Cycle Friendly City by inviting local businesses to become cycle-friendly employers.

Minister Malcolm Noonan kicks off the bid to help make Kilkenny a safer, greener city, in the Castle grounds at 12.30pm on Monday.

The benefits of becoming the first cycle-friendly city are many. For instance, it would help reduce congestion and pollution, making Kilkenny a more enjoyable place to live, work and visit.

EU recognition of Kilkenny as a cycle-friendly city is expected to increase tourism and business investment.

Kilkenny would join an EU-wide community of cycle-friendly cities and regions with access to EUfunded cycling projects and free participation in the EU’s flagship annual Velo-City conference.

For its bid to become officially accredited as a Cycle-Friendly City, Kilkenny

COCO needs to put cycling at the heart of urban planning and development.

To become a cycle-friendly employer, first you need to commit to gaining EU— standard cycle friendly accreditation. To find out more, get ‘on yer bike’ and visit the official campaign launch on July 18.

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Opinion

Kilkenny and Oz, and the love of a stranger

BY NED EGAN

Part 1 Well, we know all about ‘Dacent Boys’ – and ‘Cute Girls’. Or so we think, anyway.

Y’know, about their less than ‘flahoolagh’ {free-and-easy} ways with the moolah.

In the pub, the round comes to them - and suddenly a lengthy call of nature deprives them of the opportunity of paying their way. Maybe the pocket-hand gets a touch of temporary paralysis. Or the wallet or handbag has been mysteriously ‘mislaid’. You’d scarcely credit the various tragedies that preclude such ‘careful ones’ from slapping spondoolicks on the mahogany. Or so people say, anyway.

Now, I’m going to lay a literary paw on one genuine candidate who might – or might not – lay to rest those old canards.

And there’s a twist to this tale....

Many years ago, a youth from Kilkenny went off to the Great Southland.

A bright, likeable lad.

Everyone {even the Mammy} knew he was naive about the prettier sex. Nobody worried.

The new acceptance was that the women’s day had arrived - at last. And if the odd ‘omadhaun’ got shaken down – sure, the hairy-chested half of the population had it coming to them. In spades.

Anyway, down in old Fremantle, Michael duly met the girl of his dreams. From the photos sent to the Mammy, Nuala, the girl looked to be any man’s dream. Her name?

Miranda. They were wed, fast.

The Oz way of doing things.

The ship of marriage sailed along handy - for a while.

They all do. Then, some event intervened, and they went their separate ways. No divorce mentioned. By anyone.

Michael was devastated, but got on with life. Luck changed for him, he got a sound job, and made loads of friends, wherever he went.

Then, one terrible morning, the dread telegram arrived in his village: he had drowned off Scarborough Beach - an area known for dangerous “rips” {currents pulling away from the beach.} The body came home. The wake was respectful and mighty. Then the metronomic beat of the lonely old brass bell set a sad rhythm for slow

marching feet, as he was shouldered to the Church.

Michael made his last entrance to the place where he’d been baptized, through a phalanx - a huge double honour-guard - of his school-friends, and former team mates.

His local club jersey, a revered Black and Amber banner, and the Tricolour, adorned his oaken casket: they honoured Michael in his death - as he had honoured them in his life.

He was interred the next morning, beside his father. His mother, Nuala, was brave - but completely ruined.

On top of that, her landlord was in money trouble, and, although a good fellow, needed a goodly sum, fast, to pay off a debt left him by his father. Nuala’s house was the only saleable asset. He would give her half a year. Two options; pay the market price then, or go.

Some weeks after the funeral, Nuala opened the door one evening, and there stood a tall tanned blonde girl.

“Am I speaking to Michael’s Mother?” she asked, in a soft Australian drawl - “my name is Miranda”.

She was welcomed by Nuala with open arms. They talked long into the night about the man who was gone. It turned

out that after the first rush of love and passion, their interests in life had been so far apart and different, it had become impossible for them to stay together. An old story.

With many variations.

We all know about them.

We know all about them …

Miranda also said that they’d never really stopped loving each other. That happens.

Can’t live with ‘em - can’t live without ‘em, we used to say; it still holds.

Anyway, next night, down go the two of them to the little village pub. Everybody {especially the men!} were totally smitten by this honey’d princess. A dumb blonde she surely was not - having a degree in business studies and a speaking - and singing voice to die for. As we later found out.

Nuala was delighted with the company - and the awful loss of Michael gradually became more bearable. After a few weeks, Miranda knew most of the locals. With whom she got on like a house on fire.

However, one woman, Aggie, who was fond of throwing vinegar into the ‘milk of human kindness’ - was less than rapt by all this happiness.

Didn’t like it, not one iota.

Bit of a sin, laughing. And yer man not dead six months, yet.

A bit like Aunt Norris in Jane Austen’s ‘Mansfield Park’, was Aggie.

So, she put the ‘word’ around. ‘This cute Aussie wan is after Michael’s shillin’s,’ she go. ‘They weren’t divorced, y’know - the wan can still claim on him, so she can – an’ what about th’ insurance, ay? .... an’ did she brin’ anythin’ at all back to the Nuala - did she?

An’ has she splashed out in the pub - has she?’

That old malarkey didn’t really wash; not much, anyway.

However, the odd one took notice. It was observed that Miranda paid her round, all right. But no more than that.

And no - there hadn’t been any big presents for Nuala. But most of the locals accepted ‘The Aussie’ as a good sport, and probably right down on her luck.

And she was the widow of a lad good enough to get a trial for the Kilkenny Minors! In such a proud County, you can’t sneer or sneeze at that.

Time rolled on, and the blissful friendship of Miranda and Nuala continued to blossom and flourish. Off they went to Knock, to say some prayers for the man who was gone. Whilst Miranda couldn’t make much of Knock - with its mysterious mix of religious symbolism and commerce -

she knelt and stood up in all the right places. And wept a little tear when a kind priest - who knew Nuala and her family - mentioned Michael by name, from the Altar, and blessed the memory of that fine fellow.

But when Nuala was telling Aggie the next day about the lovely time they’d had, the sharp question came in, strong: had the Aussie wan bought any religious knick-knack for the Nuala? Well - no. Aggie rested her case.

Although hearing little smidgeons of this gossip re the ‘cuteness of the Aussie girl,’ Nuala kept up a brave front. Anyway, she knew what the locals didn’t: any money in Michael’s name had all gone on the return of the casket, on the wake, and on the burial expenses. He had no insurance. Pensioners in Ireland don’t have any loose money. Nothing up here for any Aussie wan to “grab”. Anyway, Nuala trusted Miranda. Implicitly.

Ned E Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Kilkenny Observer.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 July 2022

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Call in Mam’s and Dad’s army ONE way to avoid a thorny issue is to kick the can down the road and the coalition has done this yet again over raising pension age. “I don’t see it going beyond 66,” said Taoiseach Michael Martin last month, excusing deferment of a decision with the comment, ”These are weighty issues.”

You could almost feel sorry for politicians, caught between a rock and hard place where, on the one hand raising pension age is controversial and the other the cost of funding pensions for an ageing population is financially unsustainable. Except for their lamentable lack of imagination around this issue and the failure to listen to what older people actually want.

Just because something was done one way in the past, it doesn’t mean it has to be done that way forever.

We are not back in 1908 when old age pensions were

introduced in Ireland for the first time. Then life expectancy was 30 years shorter at 52,

many jobs involved manual labour and unemployment was high. Now we have full employment and there are chronic staff shortages in many areas; not only are we living longer we are staying younger longer. We could use a Mam’s and Dad’s army if there were more flexible pension rules and work practices to encourage people over 66 to continue working if they want.

There’s an assumption here that all over 66s come in an identikit package. They don’t.

Some would really welcome the opportunity to continue working for financial or social reasons, others want to retire early. Paul Kenny, former Pensions Ombudsman, quoted a finding among civil servants recently where 34% wanted to continue working and retire later and 35% wished to retire early for a variety of reasons from poor health, to caring for a relative, Common sense sug-

gests that a flexible approach is needed around when people leave work and their pension entitlements. With a cost neutral scheme, early retirees could take less pension and late retirees accrue more.

Retirement isn’t necessarily the golden goal of later life. Leaving work can be one of the causes of poverty and loneliness. TILDA (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing) found that a third of older people experience loneliness, over a quarter of over 65s in Ireland live alone and 14% of over 65s experience income poverty.

Why does the number of candles on a birthday cake have to dictate what we are supposed to do? In the creative arts, where people are self-employed, many choose to continue working – look at Paul McCartney at 80, the oldest performer ever in the Glastonbury 22 line up.

In the US, pre-pandemic, the Bureau of Labour Statistics, predicted that labour force participation for the 65-72 year old age group would be 32% with one-in-five citing enjoyment of work as their main reason for continuing to work and 35% citing the need for extra income.

So what is stopping us calling in the Mum and Dad army?

Many private sector employers still have work contracts stipulating retirement at 65.

Ageism, the last of the big isms, is another reason. Those aged 60 to 65 make up 20% of the long term unemployed here. Despite legislation to rule out discrimination on grounds of age, it takes middle aged and older people twice as long to get called for job interviews compared to younger people. Retraining and regular reskilling to make sure that older workers don’t have a sell by date would help

and so would working hours to suit older people, a shorter working week or part-time work and tax incentives could make working more attractive.

Now that many of us are WFH (working from home), it may be more attractive to continue than it was when faced with a commute and the 9 to 5 treadmill.

We need more people at work. The number of people over 65 is set to double over the next 30 years and the old age dependency ratio will be down to only two people of working age to one older person compared with five of working age currently. And no, it isn’t just the oldies fault for living longer, the demographic shift has just as much to do with the fact that people are having smaller families today. We could follow the UK suggestion to tax people who don’t have children, can’t see that idea catching on here.

What’s magnesium good for?

CLAIR WHITTY

Let’s talk about Magnesium.

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals our body needs. Up to 70% of all adults may be Magnesium deficient.

Teenagers and young children can be deficient too. Tiredness and fatigue, muscles aches, pains, spasms, and PMT are common signs of deficiency.

Magnesium is important for your nervous system. It can help you feel relaxed and calm especially when wired, tired, tense, or stressed. If you have trouble sleeping it can help you get a better night’s sleep.

People who suffer with headaches and migraine can benefit from supplementing with Magnesium. It’s required for

healthy muscles and is commonly used to ease muscle cramps, spams, restless legs, and period pain. Magnesium is also essential for bone and teeth health.

If you’re active, Magnesium can help support healthy recovery after training. Craig, in our Kilkenny store uses Magnesium in all its forms, tablets, powder, and Magnesium oil spray after exercise and after physio sessions and would never be without it. One of his favourite products is BetterYou Magnesium Spray Oil. It soaks straight into the skin when massaged helping to ease tight muscles and promote a sense of relaxation. Craig says there’s nothing like a bath in Magnesium salts, or a foot bath if you don’t have the time afterwards.

Children can be deficient too. If they’re restless, can’t settle, or have difficulty get-

ting to sleep Magnesium may help. BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Kids’ Body Spray is a brilliant product to support a restful night’s sleep for little ones. It contains Magnesium, lavender, and chamomile and creates a soothing and calming effect on the body. When used as part of your child’s bedtime routine it can help your child fall into a deeper sleep so that they wake up more refreshed.

It’s suitable for age one and above. You simply spray five to ten sprays onto the skin where it’s absorbed immediately.

Dietary sources of Magnesium include: cabbage, broccoli, kale, spinach, and brussel sprouts. You’ll find it in legumes, chia seeds, flax seeds, nuts, and whole grains so good quality brown bread.

Coconut water contains a good level of Magnesium too.

And you’ll be pleased to know that even good quality dark chocolate also contains some Magnesium.

Let us know if you have any questions about Magnesium and its health benefits.

Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands.

Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

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Science & Wellbeing The reconstruction of these bronze statues and the marble archer (below right) shows the vivid colours and patterns of the original versions. Photos: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Meet the Ancient Greeks in full colour WALK through the Greek sculpture galleries of the world’s most prestigious museums and you’ll see pedestal after pedestal of white, marble statues with sightless eyes.

That’s just how Ancient Greek sculpture was, right?

Nope.

A new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York scatters recreations of what these statues actually looked like throughout its galleries: they’re painted in garish colors with multiple patterns.

“For some, it will be a shock,”

said Max Hollein, the Director of the museum. “But one has to understand that our current, whitewashed idea of Greek and Roman antiquity is wrong. It’s false.”

The knowledge that the Greek and Roman sculpture was brightly painted isn’t new.

In one gallery, there’s a watercolour of parts of the Acropolis when it was excavated in 1888 – it’s clear that the architectural segments came out of the ground vibrantly coloured.

And in museums around the globe, hints of colour remain

on statues from antiquity.

Yet somehow, that knowledge was lost. Vinzenz Brinkmann, Head of the Department of Antiquity at the Liebieghaus Sculpture Collection in Frankfurt am Main, said when he first started researching polychromy 40 years ago, “no one had interest in this for years, no one collected the clearly visible evidence. Except for me. I collected the evidence like a stamp collection.”

Brinkmann and his wife, archeologist Ulrike Koch-Brink-

mann, researched their reconstructions using photographic and spectroscopic technology.

They also looked at as many ancient works of art in collections around the world as they could get their hands on.

One of the pieces they’re proudest of is a reconstruction of a sphinx in the Met’s col-lection. Commissioned in about 530 B.C. by the parents of a young man who had died, the sphinx was originally placed high on a pedestal.

“Colour conveys a lot of in-

formation, and when you see it from a distance, it really helps to identify different features,” said Seán Hemingway, Lead

Article by: VaJennifer Va nasco, NPR.

Peed off with that smell?

Your urine can tell you a lot about your health. Before you flush, take stock of what’s in the toilet bowl.

There are a few contributing factors to a change in your urine’s smell or colour.

When taking a trip to the bathroom, you probably don’t notice your pee’s appearance or smell most of the time.

Typically our urine is made up of 95% pure water and 5% other compounds. For the most part, “normal” urine doesn’t smell if you’re healthy and well-hydrated. Additionally, urine is typically a light yellow colour, similar to lemonade. (If it’s clear, you may be drinking too much water.)

However, when there’s something going on, odours can start to arise and pee may change colour.

If your pee smells sweet or fruity, that can be a red flag that something is going on that you’ll want to see a doctor about.

“Diabetes is a condition in which the body is not able to shift sugar into the cell and thus excess sugar remains in the bloodstream,” said Dr. Katherine Klos, a Urologist specialist from the US. “Excess sugar eventually makes it into your urine, causing an increase in urine volume along with a characteristic sweet scent.”

Alongside a sweet smell, you may also notice more frequent trips to the bathroom, which can also be an indication of diabetes.

You may be familiar with the scent of ammonia from cleaning products or smelling salts.

If your pee starts to smell like ammonia, that may be a cause for concern.

“If urine becomes highly concentrated, a high level of waste products with minimal water, it may have a strong ammonia odour,” said Dr. Larry Orbuch, the Medical Director of GYN Laparoscopic Associates in Los Angeles.

Dr. Jodie Horton, Chief Wellness Adviser for Love

Wellness, also noted that ammonia-smelling pee could indicate liver disease. If this is happening to you, make an appointment with your Doctor.

Nobody likes the smell of rotten eggs, and if your pee smells like them, that can be a red flag. “The smell of rotten eggs can usually be attributed to E. coli due to its production of hydrogen sulfide,” Klos said.

More commonly, though, the rotten egg smell can also be caused by “certain antibiotics that contain sulphur,” Horton added. If you’re taking certain antibiotics or recently got off them, consider that as a possible cause.

Curator of the Met’s Greek and Roman Art department. “Also, a lot of these sculptures were outside, and in Greece with that very strong, bright Mediterranean sun, you need those bright colours because they get muted a little bit, they get washed out.”

The Greeks were great storytellers, Hemingway said. And these sculptures were often set in temples to the gods or as memorials. When people saw them, they would have immediately understood the different threads of story and myth they allude to. “Like the sphinx, which is the guardian figure. There’s that famous story of the sphinx at the crossroads and having to answer the questions — that sphinx stood on a column, too. So anyone who saw this sphinx would have thought about this dangerous creature that can kill you and can speak to you.”

The reconstructed sphinx is placed near the original sphinx, where visitors can see smudges of colour on the figure’s body. The 17 Greek and Roman reconstructions are placed near similar pieces in the galleries, and stretch from the early bronze age to the second century AD. They include two bronze figures caught in the moment after a boxing match, with the wounds painted red and the eyes so realistic that one could imagine they are actually looking at each other.

The Greeks learned artistic techniques from Egypt, Mesopotamia and Asia. “At the final point in this evolution, they learned how to deceive the human eye,” Brinkmann said. “We know from written sources that bronze sculptures of this period were perceived as super-realistic, Often people reached those statues in sanctuarGreek sanctuar ies and didn’t know exactly — is this talking to me?

Will this stand up? Or is it just bronze?”

Pee with an odour isn’t always a cause for concern. In many cases, it’s can be due to something in your diet. Asparagus is a common cause, for example.

“Asparagus contains an acid that causes a strong sulphurlike smell in your pee,” said Dr. Emily Von Bargen, a urogynecologist for Cheeky Bonsai.

“Fish, onions, garlic, Brussels sprouts, coffee and foods containing curry can also cause a noticeable change in scent.” If the funky smell is coming from food, it should usually go away in a day or two, she added.

Additionally, there are daily habits and factors that can affect how pee smells and looks

that aren’t indicative of an underlying problem. “Think about the more common factors that can impart a new scent to your urine: hydration status, diet, supplements and vitamins, and hygiene products,” Klos said. Also, holding in your pee for too long can produce a funky odour.

Overall, if the smell or colour doesn’t return to normal soon, Orbuch recommends reaching out to your doctor for a formal examination. This will likely consist of diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of the odour and/or colour change.

Article by: Casey Clark, Huff Post.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Is a mortgage free retirement under threat?

IRELAND has experienced huge challenges in housing with a marked drop in homeownership rates in recent years. This is according to last week’s ESRI report, entitled Future Trends in Housing Tenure and the Adequacy of Retirement Income, drawing its data from Income and Living Conditions and the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

Mortgage debt is the biggest form of credit that most people will ever have in their lives. There was a time when most mortgages were well cleared by retirement date. This has changed, with high value mortgages with terms up to and exceeding 35 years being put in place, first time buyers getting older and arranging mortgages later in life. It’s not uncommon to see people in their mid-thirties arranging large 35-year term mortgages and

unless they overpay during the term of their mortgage, many won’t have cleared the debt until they are well into their sixties or early seventies.

The challenges will be exacerbated with the notable decline in homeownership and a rise in the proportion of households in private rental accommodation. Add to that the cost of both rents and house prices having risen markedly all leading to affordability challenges in terms of meeting housing costs now and in the future.

The challenge has been particularly acute for younger-aged households, with the share of 25-34s who owned their own home halving between 2004 and 2015, falling from 60% to just 30%. For these age groups, the “predominant tenure for non-homeowners” is private rental with no policy support (such as HAP, RAS etc).

While these challenges are immediate in terms of the housing costs burden, a longer-term issue arises; how will renting households manage to continue paying rent when they retire? Historically in Ireland there has been high home-ownership rates with reducing or nil mortgage debt at retirement allowing people to manage on a lower income as their biggest debt is gone, but not anymore.

At present, the share of households with high housing costs clearly falls with age. Over 1-in-5 households aged 25-34 face high housing costs, compared to around 1-in-17 aged 55-64 and only 1-in-100 of those currently aged 65+. For all age cohorts the incidence of high housing costs is notably higher for non-homeowners.

But the new research suggests that future cohorts of retirees are likely to have

“substantially” lower rates of homeownership than current retirees, with only 65% of those currently aged 35-44 estimated to become homeowners by retirement versus 90% of those currently aged 65+.

The projected figures are even more stark for the 25-34 age cohort, with just one-in-two households likely to become homeowners by the time they reach retirement age with one-inthree people aged 35-44 not owning their home by the time they retire.

The report finds that such drastic changes in home ownership patterns could raise the proportion of people aged 65+ living in income poverty on an afterhousing cost (AHC) basis, from 14% at present to as high as 31%. The report also found that women and those living alone during working life are particularly vulnerable to income poverty in re-

tirement after housing costs are considered. (Households are deemed to be income poor if their disposable income after housing costs – rental or mortgage payments – is below 60% of median household disposable income.)

Currently, older generations are less impacted by this phenomenon, with 80% of those aged 55-64 and 45-54 owning their homes versus 58% of 35 to 44-yearolds. Although the ESRI research indicates that under current trends, home ownership among 35–44-year-olds is likely to reach 65 per cent, for the remaining ones the report starkly suggests it is unlikely the State will be able to fully carry the cost burden for the challenge of higher housing costs in future retirement.

But the report found that with support this age cohort could reach a homeownership rate of 71% by the

time they retire. A policy strategy needs to be developed which includes greater incentives to encourage people to invest into a pension during employment to provide some type of a financial safety net when no longer working.

Commenting on the report, lead researcher Dr Rachel Slaymaker said, “Homeownership in retirement currently provides a double dividend – lower housing costs and higher assets in retirement. Our findings suggest that homeownership rates will be substantially lower for future cohorts, particularly those currently aged 45 and under. Without intervention this will lead to significantly higher rates of income poverty in retirement for these cohorts.”

This is something we cannot take for granted. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633.

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Dunnamaggin can be traced back to at least the14th century , where churches, high crosses, a castle and river played important roles in the history of this almost 300 acre townsland.

For those who do not need to reflect on the history side of things, then suffice to say that Dunamaggin is a beautiful spot.

When it comes to the serious stuff, Dunnamaggin has featured on the GAA front in recent years

The black and amber roar to be heard on ‘up for the match’ on Saturday night

O

ur senior panel benefitted from mighty players such as Canice and Noel Hickey, David Herity, Willie Phelan and Michael Cody. Great ambassadors no doubt.

More recently, players like Denis Walsh, Joe Fitzpatrick and Andy Hickey lined out in the Under 20 All Ireland in Thurles when they defeated Limerick to claim the James Nowlan trophy.

Another man who is currently flying the Dunnamaggin flag is Sean Carroll.

He will admit himself that although he hasn’t made the team, he takes great pride in being on the panel.

And he sees the funny side of it also. So much so that he released a song last year entitled Super Sub. Sean is a singer songwriter who is currently studying Sound Engineering and radio production at Waterford College of further education.

It is a path he is enjoying and is hopeful that his future career lies in this field.

Although only taking up the guitar and singing three years

ago , Sean has made somewhat of a name for himself in the music arena.

And if social media is anything to go by then he seems to be flavour of the month.

Sean has built a following around Ireland and has over 46,000 followers with nearly 2 million likes on his Tik tok page.

His work includes hurling comedy sketches, singing all kinds of songs as well as poetry.

One of his most viewed videos is a poem which he wrote about Croke park.

His new song “The black & amber roar” is out now on all musical platforms online such as Spotify And that, as they say is good going in any man’s language.

Seans latest song ‘The Black and amber Roar’ has taken social media by storm.

It would appear that Sean’s song made its way to the powers that be in RTE also.

So much so that the national broadcaster contacted him and invited him to sing his song on ‘Up for the match’ this Saturday night.

Sean was thrilled to get the

call. “To be honest I have always looked at that programme from the time I was a young lad, and wondered would I ever the chance to perform on it.

And now my dream is about to come through”.

What makes it even sweeter is that Sean has been asked to get a choir of youngsters from

will be belting out the song.

Pride of the parish personified.

And if you feel like singing along we enclose the lyrics.

FIRST VERSE: Making our way down Jones’s road, Can’t you hear the black and amber roar?

It’s louder than it’s been before, (before, before) The cats are back in town, We’re coming back to take our crown, Liam McCarthy is coming back to the marble city...

CHORUS: But once upon a time, You could hear the black and amber cry, You know hurling is our life, And I’d do anything to see the boys over the line.

And my heart explodes with pride, And it sends shivers down my spine, So enough is enough, tonight we’re going to take the cup for the 37th time.

SECOND VERSE: I want the whole world to witness, The black and amber cry, a team full of greatness Out on the field of play..

And taking a trip to the parade, And looking at the castle it always looks great, We’re on the doorstep of history..

Dunamaggin to join him in the song and so when the cameras roll for ‘Up for the match’ on Saturday, ten children from the Dunamaggin primary school

CHORUS: But once upon a time, You could hear the black and amber cry, You know hurling is our life, And I’d do anything to see the boys over the line.

And my heart explodes with pride, And it sends shivers down my spine, So enough is enough, tonight we’re going to take the cup for the 37th time.

CHORUS But once upon a time, You could hear the black and amber cry, You know hurling is our life, And I’d do anything to see the boys over the line.

2ND PART OF CHORUS: And my heart explodes with pride, And it sends shivers down my spine, So enough is enough, tonight we’re going to take the cup for the 37th time.

FINISH OUT: Making our way downJones’s road, Can’t you hear the black and amber roar?

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Huge effort in support of our team

Photo: Jack Moore

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Divided loyalties

L - R Twins Aoibheann and Donnacha (7) and Odhran (11) from Lisdowney, Kilkenny

John Delaney’s Black and Amber House at De La Salle Place

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Cody instils the belief to his panel that every game is winnable i e w s, in ye rs gone y, the re nd hur ing fin w s yed on the first und y in e te er nd it sign ed the end of the summer holidays and a return to school on the Monday after the big match. Those of us lucky enough to be fro the ounty th t won the fin h d the dded onus of being off school on the Monday, so we could celebrate AllIreland success with the players at the home coming

BY: PADRAIG O’NÁRAIGH

A

s with lots of traditions, change comes to all of us including the scheduling of the All Ireland Hurling Final, which for the first time will take place in mid-July.

At the start of the year, I like many others hoped, but I didn’t see Kilkenny being in this year’s final. Looking back at some of the league matches we didn’t seem to have a settled team, players were tried in different positions but the team was always competitive – something that Brian Cody instils in his players and expects from them every time they cross the white line. In this shorter season, Brian has not only improved the players but he has brought in new players and gelled them together into what is a formidable team which no opposition will look forward playing against.

My one claim to fame is that I hurled alongside Brian Cody. Back then, he always had a never say die attitude in every game he played (hurling or football). Brian believes that every match is winnable. When he picks his team for a match, he does so with the belief that the team he selects can win. He instils this belief in his players, so that going into every game his team believe they can win the match and that is a great starting point. He has brought this Kilkenny team to the AllIreland while managing to stay under the radar. In this season his teams went into big games as underdogs – what a great position to be in!

There was more written and talked about the handshake

with Henry Shefflin, than about the hurling matches and the performance of the team.

This I think suited Brian, as he likes to take all the pressure off the players and his team and I think this has worked out well for him.

And so Kilkenny are into an All-Ireland final with some fancied teams left in their wake.

The opposition is formidable.

Limerick go into this final as firm favourites and rightly so.

They are after all the reigning

All Ireland champions and are going for three in a row.

Brian now seems to have a settled team. However, he likes things competitive and the competition for places is fierce. Every player on the panel knows that there is always a chance up to the last training session and this year is no exception.

In years gone by, anyone could get into Nowlan Park and see the players training.

All the talk would be about

­­ ­­

­

­­

who was going well in training and you would have a good idea of what the team was going to be from seeing the positions the players were training in. Alas not anymore. No one is allowed into the training sessions and nothing leaks out so we have to wait and see! However, there is still time for Brian to pull a rabbit out of the hat and spring a surprise player or players for the final – we will just have to wait until the team lines out on the field.

­ ­ ­­ ­ ­­

­

­

In a short space of time Brian has put together a formidable team with speed, strength, skill, style and a never say die attitude. A team that never gives up will always be hard to beat.

In my opinion Clare had enough changes to beat Limerick in the Munster final, Galway had their chances to beat them in the semi-final.

I think Limerick have come back to the pack a little – they may even be getting a bit men-

tally tired after years at the top and that gives me great hope for a win in the final.

I would like to wish Brian and the players the best of luck in the final and I hope everything goes to plan on the day and we can relive school days and celebrate with the home coming.

Cill Chainnigh abú – we’re back.

Padraig O’Náraigh is currently Cathaoirleach, Séamus Stiofán GAA club

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Sport The season culminates with

BY NIALL SHERRY Sunday’s trip to the SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Capital, but a fair few miles have been clocked up in reaching another All-Ireland Final. Not only are Kilkenny the record winners of the Liam McCarthy to date, but the Noresiders have also been the runners up a record number of times too.

Thirteen weeks and 33 games later, the 2022 GAA hurling All-Ireland championship has reached the final where Kilkenny take on Limerick in Croke Park on Sunday (3.30), with Colm Lyons (Cork) as referee in what will be his firsttime taking charge of the biggest game of the year.

Kilkenny are bidding for their 37th AllIreland title while Limerick are seeking their 11th and their first three-in-a-row.

Kilkenny’s

o t d Roa r e k Cro

PROVINCIAL MATTERS It all starts with Leinster April 16th

Westmeath 1-19 Kilkenny 5-23

TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar The Cats went goal crazy in their Round 1 clash with the Lake County. It was an early warning sign that Brian Cody’s charges were shaping up nicely, with a multitude of players registering scores in Mullingar. The final score line was perhaps a little harsh on a gallant Westmeath, as they eventually succumbed to a Kilkenny team that came alive in the second half in Mullingar, following the introduction of a certain Mr. TJ Reid.

TJ along with Walter Walsh, Billy Ryan, James Maher and Mikey Carey all raised green flags as Glenmore’s Alan Murphy top scored with 0-7. The Village’s Cian Kenny also pointed on his championship debut for the Cats.

Kilkenny: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh; M Carey (1-00), P Deegan, D Blanchfield; C Kenny (0-01), A Mullen (0-02); W Walsh (1-02), P Walsh (0-04), E Cody (0-01); B Ryan (1-01), M Keoghan, A Murphy (0-07, 0-06 frees).

Subs: J Donnelly for Keoghan (34), TJ Reid (1-04, 0-02 frees, 0-01 ‘65) for Kenny (h-t), J Maher (1-01) for Murphy (46), C Browne for Blanchfield (59), S Walsh for Ryan (66).

April 23rd

Kilkenny 2-34 Laois 1-14

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UPMC Nowlan Park The Noresiders made it two from two with a comprehensive demolition of the O’Moore County on home turf. Unlike proceedings in TEG Cusack Park a week earlier, Kilkenny hit the ground running and found their groove as they set about dismantling Cheddar’s men. Just the two majors in the Round 2 clash for the Cats, Eoin Cody and Conahy Shamrocks Tom Phelan raising the green flags. On another day Eoin Cody could well have had a hat-trick.

Tullaroan’s Padraig Walsh struck over four lovely scores, and was match by another Walsh, Walter. It would be The Ballyhale boys that would top the scoring charts, with TJ, Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen, all to the fore as the home side romped to a 20+ point victory.

SCORERS - Kilkenny: TJ Reid 0-10 (7f) E Cody 1-5 A Mullen 0-6 W. Walsh 0-4 T Phelan 1-1 P Walsh 0-4 J Donnelly 0-2 J Maher 0-2 KILKENNY: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh; M Carey, P Deegan, C Browne; J Maher, A Mullen; W Walsh, P Walsh, J Donnelly; B Ryan, TJ Reid, E Cody. Subs: S Walsh for Ryan ht, R. Reid for Deegan & T Phelan for J Donnelly 49mins, C Delaney for Lawlor 56mins D Corcoran for T Walsh 63mins

May 1st

Galway 1-24 Kilkenny 3-17

Pearse Stadium, Salthill When the draw was made, this was the fixture that all eyes were on. The Master vs The Apprentice. Brian Cody vs Henry Shefflin. This Bank Holiday weekend fixture promised much, and it certainly delivered. In a game that ebbed and flowed, the typical Salthill wind played its part as Galway raced into a 6-point lead at the interval, despite the visitors raising 2 green flags, through Eoin Cody and Billy Ryan.

The Cats responded in the second period and clawed back the home sides lead. The sides were level for the fourth time on 55 minutes when Eoin Cody pointed. Kilkenny had tagged on seven points, to just the one from the home side. Walter Walsh and Mikey Carey struck a couple of lovely points, but the Tribesmen had a 3-point lead as the game entered additional time.

Surely Kilkenny’s race was run. As the saying goes, Kilkenny are never beaten, till their on the bus home. A long ball into the Galway defence resulted in a little bit of pinball, before Eoin Cody emerged with the ball.

The Cats most dangerous attacker on display somehow managed to pop a pass to John Donnelly and the Thomastown star struck a fierce shot towards the home sides goal. In his attempt to block Donnelly’s effort, keeper Éanna Murphy diverted the shot to his own net. Goal. The sides were now level again.

Then came the most contentious decision of the game, as Cork referee Lyons (who will referee Sunday’s final!) signaled for a free to the home side for what he deemed to be a foul on Tom Monaghan by Paddy Deegan. Conor Cooney stepped up and after a slight delay, slotted over the pressure free to give his side a 1-point victory. Shake hands and move on, well sort of.

Scorers for Kilkenny: E Cody (1-2); A Murphy (0-5, 0-4 frees); T Reid (0-3, 0-2 frees), W Walsh (0-3 each); B Ryan, J Donnelly (1-0 each) P Walsh (0-2); M Carey, A Mullen (0-1 each).

Kilkenny: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh; M Carey, P Deegan, C Browne; J Maher, A Mullen; W Walsh, P Walsh, C Buckley; E Cody, B Ryan, TJ Reid.

Subs: A Murphy for Maher (30); T Phelan for Reid (HT); D Blanchfield for Browne (43); J Donnelly for Buckley (55); M Keoghan for B Ryan (66).

May 14th

Dublin 0-17 Kilkenny 3-25

Parnell Park, Dublin The Cats got back to winning ways with a 17-point victory over Mattie Kenny’s Metropolitans at a sun-kissed Parnell Park. It was more or less a full house at the Donnycarney venue, and those Gaels in attendance witnessed an emphatic second half performance from the Cats, as they laid down a marker for all those with designs on de-throning Limerick.

The first half was very much evenly contested, with both sides squaring up to each other and not giving an inch as they wrestled for supremacy. Mossy had been restored to the starting line-up goaled on 27 minutes when he showed great skill in getting the ball to hand, before drilling a real ‘daisy-cutter’ of a shot on the angle than beat the sky blues keeper Sean Brennan all ends up! At the short whistle, the visitors led by 3.

Kilkenny sent over some cracking scores, courtesy of Adrian Mullen who would finish with five from play and Cian Kenny, who would notch four, but it would be further majors from Mossy and TJ that would well and truly put an end to the fading Dublin challenge. TJ’s batted finish, a thing of beauty.

Scorers - Kilkenny: TJ Reid 1-7 (5f); M Keoghan 2-1; A Mullen 0-5; C Kenny 0-4; A Murphy 0-3; E Cody 0-2; B Ryan, J Donnelly, C Buckley 0-1 each.

Kilkenny: E Murphy; M Butler, C Delaney, T Walsh; M Carey, R Reid, P Deegan; A Mullen, A Murphy; W Walsh, TJ Reid, P Walsh; C Kenny, M Keoghan, E Cody. Substitutes: J Donnelly for W Walsh (h/t); B Ryan for P Walsh (48); C Fogarty for A Murphy (59); C Buckley for Mullen (65); D Blanchfield for Butler (67).

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TRIVIA & FACTS TOP SCORERS - KILKENNY

TJ Reid 2-56 (0-42 frees, 0-3 ‘65s’) Adrian Mullen 0-25 Eoin Cody 2-14 Martin Keoghan 4-3 Alan Murphy 0-15 (0-10 frees) * Brian Cody, who is in his 24th season as Kilkenny manager, leads them into an All-Ireland final for the 19th time. They have won 11, lost 5 and drawn 2 of the previous 18. Under his watch, it’s 6-1 to Kilkenny in championship meetings with Limerick.

PREVIOUS CHAMPIONSHIP MEETINGS

They have met 14 times in the championship: Kilkenny have won nine times to Limerick’s five. They have met in eight All-Ireland finals, with each winning four times.

KILKENNY IN ALL-IRELAND FINALS UNDER BRIAN CODY WO 11 2000: 2002: 2003: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009: 2011: 2012: 2014: 2015:

Kilkenny 5-15 Offaly 1-14 Kilkenny 2-20 Clare 0-19 Kilkenny 1-14 Cork 1-11 Kilkenny 1-16 Cork 1-13 Kilkenny 2-19 Limerick 1-15 Kilkenny 3-30 Waterford 1-13 Kilkenny 2-22 Tipperary 0-23 Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 1-16 Kilkenny 3-22 Galway 3-11 (Replay) Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 2-14 (Replay) Kilkenny 1-22 Galway 1-18

LOST 5 1999: 2004: 2010: 2016: 2019:

Cork 0-13 Kilkenny 0-12 Cork 0-17 Kilkenny 0-9 Tipperary 4-17 Kilkenny 1-18 Tipperary 2-29 Kilkenny 2-20 Tipperary 3-25 Kilkenny 0-20

DRAW 2 May 21st

Kilkenny 1-18 Wexford 1-22

UPMC Nowlan Park Wexford arrived at UPMC Nowlan Park knowing that only an unexpected victory would ensure their season would continue. And in true sporting fashion, the neighbours produced their best performance to date to topple Kilkenny. Darragh Eagan’s men, clearly still smarting from their draw against Westmeath, started quickly, and had the first score on the board when Jack O’Connor struck over a might long-range score, ust seconds after the throw-in. aomh Eanna’s Conor McDonald then doubled the visitors lead when he struck over a fine point. The Cats then fired over three-in-a-row, the first from Mikey Carey and the next two from TJ Reid. A goal from, yes, Mossy and a nice point from Adrian Mullen left the Cats up by 4 after 16 minutes. The home side wouldn’t score from play again before the interval.

A goal from Oisin Foley and points from main man, Lee Chin left the ellowbellies three up at the short whistle.

Some strong words must have spoken in the home changing room, as the Noresiders came out with a little more fire in their bellies. An early second half clash involving Paddy Deegan and Jack O’Connor saw Wexford boss Daragh Eagan step in to separate the pair. From the resulting sideline ball, Walter Walsh took possession and powered forward before sending over a nice point. Cian Kenny then won a free which TJ converted to leave ust the minimum between the sides.

Between the 43rd and 53rd minute, the sides shared seven points, with Kilkenny outscoring the visitors four to three. A brace of frees from Lee Chin nudged Wexford two ahead, but Billy Ryan then reduced the deficit when we fired over a lovely point from the sideline. TJ then popped over another free to level matters with 61 minutes on the clock.

The Model County appeared to have a little more left in the tank than their hosts, and in the final period of the game they registered six points to just two from the Cats in response including a crazy effort from sub Mikie Dwyer as the Slaneysiders ran out four-point winners in UPMC owlan Park.

Kilkenny: E Murphy; M Butler, C Delaney, T Walsh; M Carey (0-02), R Reid, P Deegan; A Murphy, A Mullen (002); W Walsh (0-01), TJ Reid (0-10; 0-0 f; 1 65), T Phelan; C Kenny, M Keoghan (1-1), E Cody.

Subs: B Ryan (0-01) for Phelan (44), J Maher for A Murphy (53), P Walsh (0-01) for Kenny (67), J Donnelly for Keoghan (69).

June 4th Leinster Senior Hurling Final Galway 0-17 Kilkenny 0-22

Croke Park, Dublin The second instalment of Cody vs Shefflin had a little more riding on it, the Bob O’Keefe Cup. The game took place at headquarters and the Cats appeared to en oy the wide-open spaces of the Jones’s Road venue. Both sides traded points early on as they wrestled for supremacy. Eoin Murphy was in fine form between the sticks and kept the westerner’s shots from breaching the net.

Paddy Deegan rifled over a couple of mighty scores, using the wind to absolute perfection, while TJ ust kept the score board ticking over with his usual accuracy.

The Cats would take a 2-point advantage into the interval, leading 0-11 to 0-9, most pleasing for Brian Cody would have been the fact that seven of his sides eleven 1st half points came from turnovers. There was definitely a harder edge to this oreside .

TJ as in great form, punishing most Galway indiscretions, while his club mate Adrian Mullen was sending over some delicious points from distance. Kilkenny would push their lead to five points as the game

2012: 2014:

Kilkenny 0-19 Galway 2-13 Kilkenny 3-22 Tipperary 1-28

approached its conclusion, but Henry’s men reduced the deficit to ust three points, before late scores from sub; Padraig Walsh and the hugely impressive Adrian Mullen saw the Cats claim their 3rd provincial title in a row and their 74th Bob O’Keefe Cup. More talk about handshakes, but the important business of silverware, secured, and with it, the direct route to an All-Ireland Semi-Final.

Scorers for Kilkenny: T.J. Reid (0-12, 11 frees, 1 65); A. Mullen (0-4); P. Deegan (0-2); R. Leahy, B. Ryan, M. Keoghan, P. Walsh (0-1 each).

KILKE : Eoin Murphy; T. Walsh, H. Lawlor; M. Butler; M. Carey, R. Reid, P. Deegan; C. Fogarty, C. Kenny; A. Mullen, B. Ryan, R. Leahy; T.J. Reid, M. Keoghan, E. Cody.

Subs for Kilkenny: W. Walsh for B. Ryan (temp 2 -30); C. Delaney for M. Butler (temp 29-35 1); C. Browne for C. Kenny (h-t); W. Walsh for R. Leahy (45); P. Walsh for B. Ryan (54); J. Donnelly for M. Keoghan (60).

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Semi-Final July 2nd Kilkenny 2-26 Clare 0-20

In the buildup to the first of the last four contests, all the talk in the media and amongst Clare fans, was how the brilliant Tony Kelly was going to light up Croker and set the Banner up for another rattle at Limerick.

Kelly is undoubtedly a huge talent, but he hadn’t been marked by Mikey Butler before. Butler held the Ballyea man scoreless from play. That takes a bit of doing. es, Clare’s shooting wasn’t great, but by God did Kilkenny pull them apart. From the off the Cats dominated. TJ was sublime. In shooting, in catching, in tackling, in passing, TJ was sensational.

In this clash we witnessed one of Kilkenny’s best performances in years, certainly since 2015. The hunger, desire, passion, and clinical approach to their game was outstanding. es, Clare hit 23 wides, but let’s not take anything away from the Cats masterclass in Croke Park. To highlight their attributes, we scored 1-14 from turnovers.

Led by the inspirational TJ Reid and captained brilliantly by his brother Richie, the men in black and amber went for the ugular. All over the pitch, the oresiders reveled. They won their individual battles and played like a team that had 100 belief in their manager’s plan. The four weeks of hard training, team bonding and analysis of their opponent, fully paid off.

A wonderful display of shooting saw the Cats lead by 12 at the short whistle, the ma or was scored by Mossy. The ever-improving Cian Kenny then rifled to the net having been expertly set up by Walter’s catch and pass. Poetry in motion. Adrian Mullen again struck some sumptuous scores, while Eoin Cody struck fear in the Banner every time he got on the ball.

The 12-point victory didn’t flatter Kilkenny, in fact they were well worth the winning margin.

Just one more step one more obstacle.

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Tommy Walsh; Michael Carey, Richie Reid, Paddy Deegan; Adrian Mullen (0-05), Conor Browne (0-01); Eoin Cody (0-03), Padraig Walsh (0-02), TJ Reid (0-10, 7fs); Billy Ryan (0-02), Martin Keoghan (1-0), Cian Kenny (1-02).

Subs: Walter Walsh (0-1) for Keoghan (half-time), John Donnelly for P Walsh (49), Richie Leahy for Browne (61), Alan Murphy for Ryan (66), Conor Delaney for Carey (72).

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 July 2022

Elvis knows “Its game time”

Photo: Jack Moore

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 July 2022

Will it be three in a row for Limerick or number 37 for the Cats?

On a rain soaked day on the Killian End in Semple Stadium I watched the 1973 Munster Final between Tipperary and Limerick. The last ‘poc fada’ of the day saw a cool, brave Richie Bennis stand over the placed ball and then slot the winning point between the posts to send Limerick on to their first re nd Fin in ye rs i er ry s i ed into obscurity for 15 long years.

BY JIMMY NEARY

T

he rain followed and favoured Limerick when they went on to defeat an injury stricken Kilkenny on a rain sodden day in the old, gloomy Croke Park in 1973. The following year, 1974, Kilkenny started out on their magnificent era that amassed a further 18 All-Irelands. Limerick faded in and out until their current glorious run, yielding three titles in four years.

As a youngster I admired the Limerick hurlers even though we didn’t see them too often.

With money from my first summer job, I purchased a lush green Limerick jersey in Quinlan’s sports shop in John Street. It was easy to support Limerick back then, as they didn’t pose a threat to the Black and Amber, but that has now changed utterly.

A TERRIBLE BEAUTY IS BORN Limerick are chasing a fourth title in five short years, hoping to join the elite three – in – a row club. The Noresiders are seven years seeking their 37th crown.

Limerick had their heroes over the years, Mick Mackey, Ciaran Carey, Eamon Grimes, Pat Hartigan and their proud tradition drove them on until their generous benefactor, J.P McManus, gifted them incredible support to develop a finely tuned athletic team, possessing all the skills, new and traditional.

We haven’t an individual of J.P’s status but we have our own supremo, Brian Cody, a

graduate of the nurturing ‘Cumann na mBun Scoileanna’.

Of course we have our own many long standing generous sponsors who have supported our GAA teams even in lean times. Brian has led his teams to insurmountable records and has now assembled a ‘new’ panel to challenge Limerick for the title “Team of the decade”.

Brian’s greatest gift to Kilkenny hurling is his ability to keep the stars feet firmly on the ground. No individual is bigger than our great game and the old cliché “you are only as good as your last game” is to

the fore in his thinking. He can convince the most talented to do the simple basics. (The replay against Tipperary 2014.)

Hence Brian’s troops keep returning for more.

THE CODY FORMULAE I detect John Kiely has studied the Cody formulae and therein lies the secret of Limerick’s run of success. When I look at Brian’s new team two words come to mind, elastic and wheel. There is a continuous motion up and down the field and a swirling filling of spaces across the field. There is a willingness to support, to rescue,

­­ ­ ­ ­

­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

to spread, to tighten. There are no set positions. Richie Reid hovers over the defence and thankfully delivers long clearances, Father Maher style - no man can travel faster than the ball. Mikey Butler fulfils a role long disappeared, simply mark your man. Did we not always ask the question, “what did your man score?”

Mikey may convince other managers to allow defenders adopt the traditional role.

Huw Lalor displays all the qualities of the traditional full back and marshals his troops admirably. Cian Kenny wins ball and immediately thinks

forward thrust, resulting in frees, layoffs, scores. TJ roams the pitch, always telepathically in the right place. All Brian’s charges hook, block and chase, so simple, yet so necessary.

Not been admitted to training or attending local championship games has certainly dampened supporter’s enthusiasm. Covid restrictions have introduced fans to a more leisurely way of following hurling via the screen. No doubt enthusiasm will be rekindled in the short lead up to the big day.

But let’s hope the octogenarian I met in Parnell Park will still

be able to purchase a ticket.

He set off on his journey in the early hours of Saturday morning and had to wait in the city for his return bus at 11:30p.m.

May he and the other loyal supporters be in Croke Park on the 17th and at games and join in the praises of the Lady from Mooncoin rather than walk away to the echoes of ‘Limerick, you’re a lady’.

Win. Lose or draw, Mr Cody will preach his philosophy, next game, next crop.

Ar Aghaidh Linn.

Jimmy Neary is secretary of Talbot’s Inch handball club

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Kilkenny’s TJ Reid and Richie Reid with their father Sean and the Bob O’Keeffe Cup after the Leinster Senior Hurling Final Win

Photo: INPHO

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Says it all

Commitment nailed to the wall

Photo: Jack Moore

Photo: Jack Moore

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Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final Croke Park, Sunday July 17th (3:30pm throw-in) Kilkenny vs Limerick

Catsaim torip up the Treaty!

Photos

by INPHO

>> SHERRY SAYS FINAL PREVIEW

The scramble for tickets has been mighty, the buzz unreal, the various parishes decked out in black and amber, but for Brian Cody and his panel, all eyes are now firmly focused on the job in hand. It doesn’t get any tougher than facing Limerick at headquarters. For the James Stephens bainisteoir it’s a 17th final, or nineteen if you count replays.

John Kiely’s side will arrive in the Captial hoping to make it three Liam McCarthy’s on the bounce, and a 4th title in five years. His seemingly invincible boys in green are overwhelming favourites with the bookies, and in many neutrals’ eyes, a shoein for title number 11, but rest assured, Kilkenny aren’t just turning up for the day out, they mean business.

Since our last title in 2015, when we defeated Galway, the

Cody vs Kiely promises to be epic

The last line - Eoin Murphy

Brian Cody final No.17

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Kilkenny faithful have only had one other trip to Croke Park with Liam on the line, and that ended with disappointment following a big defeat to Tipperary. Since the turn of the millennium, we have been somewhat spoilt. These days out had been such regular occurrences, and you got the sense that they would never end. While the regularity of AllIreland final days out has lessened, the burning desire within players, management and supporters hasn’t.

Much has been made of Kilkenny’s direct route to Sunday’s final.

People have been talking about the cats ‘waiting in the long grass’, having four weeks to prepare for the semi-final outing with the much talked about Banner. The game was over at half-time. Those weeks on the training pitch clearly helped the management team prepare their time for the challenge of tony Kelly and co.

Kilkenny held their pre-final media days last week in Langtons Hotel, or more accurately, outside, the city venue, due to the increased prevalence of Covid-19 across the country. When asked about injuries and player availability, it appears only Conor Fogarty would be a doubt for Sunday’s panel. At the time of writing, the Erins Own man is the most likely to miss out through injury.

So, what of Sunday’s opponents Limerick. Things happen in cycles. It appears that since the Treaty County ended their title famine in 2018 by beating Galway, it’s been their turn to be ‘top dogs’. Ending that 45-year wait by taking the scalp of the then reigning champions, has clearly invigorated the John Kiely’s side. Built on underage success, this team has

Paddy Deegan and ref Colm Lyons have previous!

TJ Reid is ready

been talked about in the same terms as the great Kilkenny sides under Cody.

Since that emotional day in Croker, Limerick have only suffered one defeat in championship hurling, and that was to Kilkenny in 2019’s semi-final.

Unfortunately, the Deise hi-jacked our final bid that day, but it remains that Brian Cody is the last bainisteoir to outwit the Galbally man on the sideline.

When asked about the opportunity to gain revenge for that 2019 semifinal defeat, Kiely was bullish in his response “We can’t change the past,

by God we can influence the future.”

When trailing to Henry Shefflin’s Galway last time out, the Limerick boss looked to his bench and sent on a trio of David Reidy, Cian Lynch and Peter Casey. While the latter two players didn’t significantly influence the result, Reidy weighed in with an impressive 0-3, and his manager was quick to reference this at the final whistle.

“He’s exceptionally consistent in what he does coming off the bench for us, it’s something we value highly in the group,” Kiely said of the DrominAthlacca club man.

“There’s a huge amount of acknowledgement and significance given to that in the group, and that’s why fellas are aware of how it important it is to the group as a whole, and why they’re happy to lay that part for us. Long may that last.”

Obviously, Cian Lynch and Peter Casey are crucial to the Treaty cause and their recent domination of the senior championship. Getting these two talented players on the pitch for some minutes following spells out with injury, will have been vital for Kiely. I think we all expect both protagonists to feature for longer in Sunday’s decider.

From an attacking point of view, Limerick ack a mighty punch. The likes of Gearoid Hegarty, Aaron Gillane, Seamus Flanagan, Tom Morrissey, Kyle Hayes and Graeme Mulcahy have the ability to cause problems for any defence. Gillane in particular is an impressive and consistent flag raiser. The Patrickswell man hit 0-8 in the semi-final win over the Tribesmen, and in doing so, became his county’s top scorer, edging him ahead of Shane Dowling with 11-193 racked up in 29 games for the Treaty.

With a total to date like this, placed balls are a constant source of joy for Gillane. Some 64% of his tally are from this vital art. But don’t be fooled, Gillane is also just ahead of Ahane’s Tom Morrissey as the leading scorer from play in the John Kiely era, with 9-73. Will this be a job for O’Loughlin’s Mikey Butler, who has shown in his fledgling inter-county career to date, that he is more than capable of nullifying the oppositions main threats.

Kilkenny however, will know that the likes of Tom Morrissey, Kyle Hayes and Gearoid Hegarty will also need special attention as they too, like to raise a green flag. Like with all attacking units, restricting the supply of good ball going into the forward line will be key as the Cats bid to halt the Limerick machine.

This will mean that the likes of Adrian Mullen, Cian Kenny, Mikey Carey and others will have to suffocate the Limerick system. In fact, players from 8-15 will all play an important role in this strategy. Look how TJ Reid, Eoin Cody and Mossy Keoghan chased and harried against Clare. This non-stop work ethic will again be demanded and

required.

Gillane’s club mate, Diarmaid Byrnes is normally trusted with long-range frees and ‘65’s. Indeed, the wing-back notched 0-6 from placed balls in their last-four win at headquarters. As per usual, Hegarty, Hayes the ‘unit’ that is Seamus Flanagan contributed to the scoring total. Huw Lawlor and co.

Take note.

Around the engine room, Limerick will look to the like of William O’Donoghue and Darragh O’Donovan to control proceedings and provide the necessary platform for their much-vaunted attack. Brian Cody will no doubt have been formulating the best way to disrupt and dictate in this important zone. The form of Ballyhale’s Adrian Mullen in a deeper roving role could be huge on Sunday.

His work rate, and scoring accuracy from distance will be needed if the Cats are to prevail.

Mullen’s club mates, TJ Reid and Eoin Cody showed against Clare, that they are very much up for the fight in returning their county to the pinnacle of senior hurling. Twice Young Hurler of the Year Cody, had been having a relatively quiet inter-county season prior to the bashing of the Banner, but his appetite was clearly back in an exciting display at Jones’s Road earlier this month. The stage is once again set for Eoin to excel.

Like Gillane and Byrnes, TJ’s ability to keep the score board ticking over from free’s will provide a base for his team to build on. His all-action display against Clare was a timely reminder that class is permanent. One of the stand-outs in that game, was his skill in plucking the ball from the air. Timing is everything. Something maybe less spoken about was his tackling and turnovers.

The Treaty boss spoke about the number of times his side coughed-up possession in their semi-final victory, and no doubt Brian Cody will want his charges to stalk their opponents and force the turnovers. Kilkenny scored 1-14 from such positions against the Banner and will need to be equally as aggressive in the tackle this weekend.

The role of captain Richie Reid will be of significance to the Cats. Richie’s ability to read danger and sweep in front of his full-back line has been one of the many reasons why the Noresiders are beginning to fire again.

Once the Shamrocks man has the ball, he rarely wastes possession, and we’ll need to make the most of every time we get our hands on the sliotar.

Standing behind our defensive unit will be All-Star goalkeeper, Eoin Murphy. The Glenmore man’s ability to vary his restarts will hopefully see Kilkenny come out on top in this area.

We all know that should Murphy’s shot-stopping be required, he won’t be found wanting. Will Limerick pushup on our puck-outs and make the keeper go long? It promises to be a fascinating aspect of the final.

Mossy Keoghan was been a real goalgetter this season. While he endured a frustrating first period against Clare, he scored a major just before the interval, but was immediately replaced

by Walter Walsh. Walter, as usual was heavily involved in all that was good about Kilkenny in the second half against Clare. At this stage, no one is second guessing what Brian Cody will do.

Sunday’s final has the potential to be a real classic. All the talk is about a possible 3-in-a-row for the Treaty.

Let’s hope our lads empty the tank and leave everything on the Croker pitch.

The underdog is primed for a crack at the favourite. Someone tell Liam, it’s time to come home. Number 37 please.

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Kilkenny’s Cian Kenny scores a goal against Clare in the All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi Final

Photo: INPHO

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You can’t fight your nature when you are Trapped in Amber he he rthstone on which our fire ce sits is de fro i enny r e this is no cu tur contri nce on y rt, ust ch nce inherit nce fro the re ious house owner t is the ce where rest y feet nd indu ge in dre s during e enings of re erie

BY: DR JOE KEARNEY

W

hen you consider the fossil-shells trapped inside the black polished stone you can’t help thinking of the sands of time; the finely grained, carboniferous limestone a testament to the age of our planet. It is this prized paving stone that gives the City of Kilkenny its nickname, ‘The Marble City’.

Transported along the Nore from the famous Black Quarry and in use since the 17th century. It is believed that it was here, on the top of that same Black Quarry, Oliver Cromwell positioned the cannons he trained and aimed at the city. Today, other sights are focused on Kilkenny. Their intentions may not be so bloody but, nonetheless, are as passionately ambitious.

I didn’t always love hurling.

Reflecting on it now, what I remember about those early All-Ireland Sundays is intense boredom. It’s amazing what can change with the passage of time. When I consider those afternoons of ennui, they seem as strange to me as the fossilised seashells trapped in Kilkenny marble.

I have clear recall of one September afternoon at my uncle Jimmy’s house in Ballykeefe, located a few miles outside Callan, right in the shadow of another blackstone quarry. It would have been in the late-50s. The men were gathered around the Pye set. Uncle Jimmy manhandled the big clumsy contraption up onto the window ledge—as far as the electric flex would allow--so that those gathered outside might hear the ebbing and flowing of the game in Croke Park. The fossilised stones testimony that once upon an ancient time the spot where the men stood was governed by its own tides.

I sat inside the window watching a spider wrestle a wasp into the depths of its complex lair, little knowing that I was being slowly reeled

into my own, life-long, love affair with hurling. Golden light filled the window opening, reflecting the resplendence of stubble in the adjacent fields.

The wasp was trapped in the amber gleam as securely as if it were encased in precious resinous stone.

Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia recorded the presence of insects in amber.

The ancient Greeks called amber electron. Possibly its first historical mention was in 4th century BC, when it was discussed by Theophrastus.

Certainly the light and the atmosphere was charged with electricity that afternoon in

Uncle Jimmy’s. It was a serious gathering. I was not encouraged to make any distractions, hence my attention on the misfortunate fly, with whom I believed I had so much in common. The audience was still dressed as they had been for Mass. Some opened their collar studs in deference to the sunshine. But when they cocked their ears to the radio, their eyes were elsewhere.

They never saw the spider or the wasp or even the amber light. All concentration was on the game played inside their heads. I can recall the grunts of encouragement from the men. The roars of “G’wan

Mickey” startling my daydreams. Mickey Kelly, captain of the Kilkenny side. I imagine them holding their collective breaths, as I will do on Sunday. I will hold it until I almost collapse and it is in the dying that I will know I am alive.70 minutes of exquisite pain and yet we would not wish one second of it away.

In folk medicine, Amber crystal is believed to possess healing powers. It is reputed to have a calmative effect. The healing ingredient in the stone is attributed to the presence of succinic acid, an agent used in anti-aging creams. We will maybe need amber on Sun-

day. Time will be relative, a lifetime lived in minutes If it is rubbed against fur (perhaps a cat’s fur) it produces a static electrical field that acts as a magnet for light objects. In Uncle Jimmy’s, that golden Sunday, the air was charged; hair standing on end right up to the final whistle, Kilkenny scraping through by just the whisker of one solitary point.

Over time, through a form of osmosis, the love of the game leaked into my being. The black limestone quarry and the amber light fusing into something timeless and irresistible.

I am as helplessly captive to

the game, as that wasp trapped in the amber lambency of my memory or the fossilised maritime husks encased in the marble of my hearthstone.

You can’t fight your nature, or as the old saying goes: Briseann an dúchas trí shúile an chait Nature will always break out in the eyes of a ‘cat’.

Joe Kearney is originally from Callan and his work has appeared in various publications over the years as well as work on Sunday Miscellany on RTE. He also contributed a piece to the newly launched GAA collection ‘Grassroots’, which is currently in bookshops.

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Dedication A sea of black and amber

Photo: Jack Moore

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ALL-IRELAND FINAL PREVIEW

Outcome to All-Ireland is di ficu t to ca Limerick have an unbeaten championship sequence, now s nning g es hey ost the se i fin to Kilkenny, but should have had a 65 to level. heir shot w s w ed wide des ite deflection n this ye r s unster fin with re, they were e e 15 times, before winning in extra time.

They have matched the great Limerick team of the 1930’s, by winning 4 successive Munster titles

BY JIM FOGARTY

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n Kilkenny’s semi-final win against Clare, only 3 of the starting 15 were on their last all-Ireland final win in 2015, Eoin Murphy, Padraig Walsh and TJ Reid.

Kilkenny’s display against Clare was the best performance by any team in this year’s championship.

Their last 2 All-Ireland final losses to Tipperary in 2016 and 2019 have been jarring on the back of 9 and 14 point deficits.

From that 2019 defeat, just 7 starters then are starting this year.

In the great Kilkenny tradition, Brian Cody has built another team.

In contrast, in this year’s semi-final against Galway, Limerick had 12 starters from their 2019 semi-final defeat.

Since John Kiely has been Limerick manager, Limerick have lost only 2 knockout games.

Both have been to Kilkenny in 2017 and 2019.

The last time both met in the final was in 2007, when Kilkenny won by 7 points.

In the semi-final against Galway, Limerick had 10 different scorers but 15 wides.

Limerick prevailed by 3 points, all scored beyond the 68th minute. The strength of

their bench is impressive.

Substitute David Reidy scored 3 points.

The teams were level 7 times during the second half.

CHANGES PROVED IMPRESSIVE When Kiely opted for changes he was able to call on Reidy, hurler of the year Cian Lynch, Peter Casey and Cathal O’Neill.

The physical presence of the Limerick team and their ability to win close games is very impressive.

Limerick unleashed the most dominant performance in final history last year.

Kilkenny limped through the Leinster round robin, suffering 2 defeats to Galway and Wexford.

Then came that wonderful performance against Clare.

Tony Kelly had scored at least once from play in his last 27 matches.

Mikey Butler kept him scoreless from play.

There hasn’t been a better debut by a corner back .

Add in the reliability of Huw Lawlor and Tommy Walsh.

Gillane has never been more important to Limerick.

Will Butler mark him in the final?

CATS SEMI-FINAL PERFORMANCE WAS CLASS Kilkenny have 3 top class scorers in TJ Reid, Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen.

Kilkenny’s performance in the semi-final was up there with anything they produced

in the last 6 or 7 years.

Limerick averaged 10 points per win in 2021.

That has been cut to 4 in 2022.

The average age of the Limerick team that started the

Munster final against Clare was 26.

Goalkeeper Nickie Quaid was the only one of that starting 15 in his thirties.

Limerick are similar if a little behind the all-conquering

4 in a row Kilkenny side of 2006 to 2009.

Who will win? Toss a coin. *Jim Fogarty is from Tipperary. He is the author of The Dan Breen Cup, Tipperary

county hurling finals 1931 to 2011; Also author of the Cross of Cashel, All-Ireland u-21 hurling finals .He is a regular contributor to match programmes.

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Surviving the great trek to my fir t ein ter fina s thous nds of tri y en wo en nd chi dren floc to u in for the i enny ife ong su orter er ot n gh sh res his first isit to ro e r in

i eric re nd, uthor nd with The Kilkenny Observer

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BY: DERMOT KAVANAGH

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ankind’s association with epic marches has been well documented throughout the ages. Those adventures involved everything from land conquest to sporting achievement, and much more in between. There was Hannibal’s momentous march in 218 BC, when he travelled from Spain to Rome with an army of 60,000 men. There was ‘The Great Trek’ of 1836 by thousands of Boers, who marched from the southernmost tip of Africa to establish homelands for themselves some thousands of miles away. Equally inspiring are accounts of the 1000 milelong ‘Trail of Tears’ undertaken in 1877 by Chief Joseph and his dwindling band of Nez Perces Indians from their reservation in Oregon to within 30 miles of the Canadian border. This

march, undertaken during one of the bitterest winters on record, was a futile attempt to escape the horrors of government policy.

Our own history books have seduced us with tales of the great marches by figures from myth and actuality alike. We have Cuchulainn and we have O’Sullivan Beara. I am tempted to think, spreading out in this context, of the excursions made by thousands of Kerry supporters throughout the first half of the 20th century. They, too, have been justifiably romanticized.

Those trains began their journeys around midnight on the eve of the big game. Having taken on supporters at every village and crossroads that dotted the railway line, the trains eventually crossed the county boundary at Rathmore, full to capacity.

Arrival in the capital was timed to enable travellers to take in an early mass in the Pro-Cathedral.

Then there would be a hearty breakfast in Barry’s Hotel before supporters finally made their assault on Croke Park.

These excursions were not for the frail or the fainthearted. But

the return journeys, with Kerry’s propensity to emerge victorious nearly always, were less taxing.

My own earliest memory of undertaking a ‘great trek’ was to attend the 1957 Leinster Final. Despite parents and elder siblings being seasoned travellers, the trip was planned with near military precision. Special attention was given to ensuring the car was up to the task, that adequate provisions for the day were at hand, that extra clothing was available in the event of bad weather, and that, most critically of all, an extra tyre and tube were available, if the unmentionable were to befall us.

Saturday evening saw the car cleaned and topped up with oil and water, with extra quantities of both being packed, together with the extra tyre, the extra tube and one of humanity’s best inventions, the foot pump.

Within the kitchen sandwiches and flasks were being prepared. In those austere times sandwiches comprised only of ham or egg. The days of sliced ham, easi-cheese, yogurts, chicken wings and other such delights were very far off.

It was early to bed after a thorough all-inclusive scrubdown.

First Mass and the mandatory Sunday morning fry made sure that both soul and body were in good heart for the challenges that lay ahead. At mass, while I do not recall imploring Him to inflict any harm on the magnificent Rackards, Ned Wheeler or the Morrisseys, I do remember reminding Our Lord that if a rare Kilkenny win could be engineered, we would get along just fine.

In an attempt to deal with possible bouts of car sickness, I was installed in the front passenger seat, but with a towel open on my lap. The front seat position — a first for me, by the way — was a boost to self-esteem, but the provision of the towel seemed almost guaranteed to bring about the mishap it was designed to prevent.

Shortly after nine o’clock, the 80-mile epic began. The journey was in the main passed by noting the many towns and villages that sprung up along the way. Sadly, some of them are now bypassed by motorway commuters. Graiguenamanagh

is the first such landmark, followed by Borris Cross, Bagnelstown, Leighlinbridge, Carlow, Castledermot, Timolin, Moone, Kilcullen, Naas (with its signpost always strikingly in Irish as ‘Nás na Rí’), Rathcoole, The Red Cow (then only a barely noticeable public house), Inchicore (when the sight of St Patrick’s Athletic’s grounds confirmed journey’s end was in sight), Islandbridge, Phoenix Park, The Cattlemarket, Dalys Corner, the Mater Hospital, Dorset Street, Clonliffe Road, and Clonliffe College (where we always parked).

Having consumed a multitude of sandwiches and downed copious cups of tea, it was off to the game. With my meagre finances two items of absolute necessity were purchased. First, the four-page (‘give us as little information as possible’) official programme. Second, a choc ice, a delicacy then unknown in South Kilkenny.

My sincere pleadings to Himself for a Kilkenny win were granted, with the other Himself (aka Ollie Walsh) giving a spellbinding performance. Sud-

denly all the travails associated with the trip were forgotten. In a curious way I somehow felt my attendance at the game and the effort spent in getting there had contributed to Kilkenny’s unexpected win. Such was the feeling of elation within that I am unable to recall anything of the journey home, other than to confirm that the towel was again not used.

Travelling to support Kilkenny in later times, and particularly in recent times, has become less burdensome and more consistently rewarding. Yet, in hindsight, I am pleased to recall that I came through successfully my first trek to the GAA circus maximus. * Dermot Kavanagh is author of A History. Kilkenny Senior Hurling County Finals 18872003 (2004) and Ollie: The Hurling Life & Times of Ollie Walsh (2006). ‘Kilkenny no 3,the lives of Kilkenny’s 14 All Ireland winning full backs’; ‘The story of interprovincial hurling,1905 to 2015’;The story of interprovincial football,1905 to 2016.’

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Homes of the black and amber

Photo: Jack Moore

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It’s all about the mindset Contrary to what the experts would say, what drove me on to win any match, be it Club or County was the fear of losing.

I would put my head in the way if it meant stopping an opponent.

BY ANN DOWNEY

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or any player appearing in an All-Ireland, it is all about getting the mind focused. After putting in long hours of physical and mental preparation it’s now down to the mindset.

Though I wasn’t by a long shot the most gifted player on the team, in my mind I was the best, though I never over thought the game.

The lads on Sunday will by now have started their prematch routine, be it having a few pucks around with the others, meeting up for breakfast or just wanting to be in your own

space.

As a Gael, All-Ireland day doesn’t get any bigger and it’s the place every Hurler, Footballer or Camogie player wants to be.

Think of all the great players gone before us that never go the opportunity to play in an All-Ireland, think of all the great players sitting at home this very Sunday wishing they were there.

The lads are all gifted hurlers.

Understanding their role on Sunday will help drive their performance.

As Brian Cody has said, this team has a fierce spirit.

Operating as a collective, each player working hard for one another, will hopefully see them over the line.

The day it self can be very daunting.

The long Saturday before,

wishing for Sunday to come.

All the hours to kill before you get a chance to run out onto Croke Park.

All the hard work comes down to the next 70 minutes.

I’ve worked hard, I’m a great player. I’m good enough, that’s why I’m lining out today for Kilkenny.

For a player, how will I perform, again it’s all about the mindset.

Having belief in yourself is ultimately the most important part of a winning mindset, no matter what sport you play.

Sunday is the day they have longed for, so why not just go out and enjoy.

Belief is the greatest armour every sports person must have.

Belief in their own ability, belief that they can get the job done.

Belief in their teammates

and their Management Team.

You can eliminate all negative habits with two very simple resolves; I CAN!!

And I WILL!!

Best of Luck to the Team and Management.

Ann Downey is a former camogie player, winner of 12All Ireland Inter County medals, captaining the team in 1989 and 1994, and seven All Ireland Club medals with St Pauls and Lisdowney . Ann was manager of Kilkenny Camogie senior team in 2008 and 2009 and from 2016 to 2019.

Ann Downey photo: inpho photography

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Kilkenny’s Eoin Cody on top form

Photo: INPHO

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The night I almost scored on Ollie The Newpark housing estate, when I was a boy, w s surrounded y fie ds his s fe en iron ent gr nted freedo to fro ic nd y ddy he n, ohn undown he n nd nny c oy owned these sw rds he he n rothers used good f r hus ndry to rot te cro s of cere s nd eget es his r ctice owed the corncr e nd the cuc oo, now sent friends, to ros er

BY FRANK CODY

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he potato crop was a boon to young males since it offered opportunity for picking ‘spuds’. If hard and tedious work, the accumulation of three or four half-crowns eased aching backs.

Danny Mac’s was left to nature. Wild flowers and thistles flourished. Cattle, horses, greyhounds freely roamed.

Rabbits and hares proliferated. Naturally, children from Newpark and the surrounding estates of Johnswell Road, Ossory Park, Assumption Place and Ballybought Street traversed the field in search of adventure. Likewise, it was a bonus to GAA supporters, who used the route as a shortcut to Nowlan Park.

Going through the field, you might meet Danny or his sibling Mickey. The McEvoy’s were intelligent, knowledgeable men. If you were willing to listen, they would enlighten you on aspects of nature and the animal kingdom. Alas, we were young and paid scant attention. There was only one rule to be observed when accessing their domain. If you opened a gate, you were expected to close it. We were unaffected by this stipulation since we clambered over barred gates and wire fencing, Crossing Mac’s, heading to the Park, was a regular occurrence. Here the hurling heroes of our age were on view. Having attended the 1963 All Ireland Final, with my father and my brother Joe, I considered myself a connoisseur. Youthful arrogance defies comprehen-

sion.

That time, most club matches took place in the Park.

Since the gates were manned by adult neighbours such as John Bergin, Martin Mulhall and Seán Phelan, free access was assured. The games enthralled and intrigued and, if I struggled with the nuances, nonetheless I reveled in the excitement.

The Park had one other major attraction: intercounty training. Supporters gathered to witness the Stripy Men prepare for battle. The Stand resounded with banter, cheers and applause. I like to think players appreciated the efforts of supporters, many of whom had travelled long distances from North and South of the county. Equally, coach Fr Tommy Maher did not subscribe to the theory that his words had to be guarded

like hurling’s ‘Third Secret of Fatima’.

Therefore, as players in a ring listened to Fr Tommy or played a practice game, a collection of children patrolled the playing surface. One night, as Ollie Walsh stood on the goal line waiting for colleagues to test his reflexes, with a bombardment of sliotars, there was a delay. Throwing sliotars to a group of us, he said: “See can ye score.”

­

I was first. Taking aim, I unleashed a thunderous shot.

Heading towards the corner, it looked destined to hit the net.

Suddenly, Ollie sprang, dived full length, and turned the sliotar around the post. Getting to his feet, he smiled: “Be God, young lad, I thought you had me.”

Before we concluded, two of my friends had struck wide while the other one scored a goal. His moment of fame

was dismissed out of hand. All agreed Ollie had deliberately let him score. The glory was all mine, the chap that made ‘The Prince of Goalkeepers’ dive to save.

Over many years the escapade was refined, allowing me to regale acquaintances.

Hindsight’s honesty revealed a different tale. The thunderous shot was a tame effort.

The great custodian could have reached out and caught

it, comfortably. Yet Ollie, to brighten the life of a child, delivered the spectacular.

Prince of goalkeepers, prince of men.

At functions, after copious amounts of alcohol have been consumed, someone is sure to say: “Did you ever hurl yourself?’’

I look at them intently, smile, and unblushingly reply: “Did I ever tell you about the night I almost scored on Ollie?” *Ollie Walsh (13 July 1937 – 9 March 1996) After beginning his career at club level with Thomastown, Walsh joined the Kilkenny minor team as a 15-year-old in 1953 and won a Leinster Minor Championship in 1955. After a brief stint with the junior side, he was promoted to the Kilkenny senior team in 1956. From his debut, Walsh was ever-present as a goalkeeper and made a total of 42 championship appearances in a career that ended with his last game in 1972. During that time he was part of five All-Ireland Championshipwinning teams – in 1957, 1963, 1967, 1969 and 1972.

Walsh also secured 10 Leinster Championship medals and two National Hurling League medals. He was the Caltex player of the year And managed Kilkenny to two Senior All Ireland Titles ‘92 & ‘93

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Kilkenny’s Adrian Mullen

Photo: INPHO

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News

Stunning concert to celebrate club centenary (A seed bearing fruit – an orchestra is born) As one drives through the flourishing countryside at this time of year one begins to notice the crops beginning to turn colour, signifying that a rich harvest is about to come to fruition. These fragile seeds sown in rich soil in deep winter and early spring have germinated and grown.

Carefully tended by intuitive farmers, they have been fertilized, put their heads above ground, turned fields of brown

earth to deep green stalks, and ripening to a deep yellow forming full heads of grain which, when harvested, will be gathered into barns eventually giving nourishment to all.

Such has been the evolving growth of the newly formed Danesfort GAA Orchestra which are in advanced stages of preparation for a Centenary Concert to Celebrate 100 years of Danesfort GAA Club founded in 1922. In the winter

of 2019, a group of club members set about envisioning how the club would celebrate its centenary and commemorate its founders and the people who have been part of its 100 year journey. Initial meetings focused on seeking out and tapping into musical and acting talent within the club and wider community. The seed was sown. Then Covid hit. A global pandemic whose only certainty was uncertainty and drew a grey cloud over any plans for celebrating a centenary. However this did not deter the visionary group of people who kept hoping and kept planning.

As society slowly emerged from the most dangerous phases of the pandemic the Danesfort Centenary Committee re-engaged their plans with renewed hope and vigour.

In May of this year a small group of musicians and actors had their first rehearsal in the newly reopened lounge of Toby’s Bar and Bistro in Danesfort. Gradually the seeds of local talent began to pop their heads over ground and flourish to form an orchestra of 34 musicians, 11 actors and 1 dancer ranging from age 7 to 82.

As the weekly rehearsals have progressed it has become

obvious to the group and the revelers who patronise Toby’s, that something special is happening. The music is beginning to ripen and become sweeter with each rehearsal.

It has been inspiring to see young hurling and camogie players coming to rehearsals straight from training with sweat beaded foreheads and mud-streaked legs, swapping their hurleys for their instruments. Joined by their parents mentors and other community members who are taking part in the show, younger musicians are being coached by mentors, older players and peers in a symbiotic manner driven by their connection with club.

Just as the full harvest is gathered into barns, the swelling numbers of musicians and supporters have now had to move to a new larger rehearsal space in the barn of Robert Woodcock’s farmyard at Farmley House in Burnchurch who has been generous and welcoming to the orchestra.

This is history repeating itself!

Farmley House was once the stately residence of the Right Hon. Henry Flood, Member of the Irish Parliament from 1759 – 1761. In the 1780’s he was one of the first landed gentry in Ireland to open his home to travelling theatre companies for performances.

During the last two weeks of

rehearsals the haunting sound of the Uileann Pipes and other instruments wafts its way from the barn carried by the night air to the surrounding hinterland.

On Friday the 15th of July at 8.30 the night air around Ballykeefe Amphitheatre will be filled with the gripping story of 100 years of Danesfort GAA club told through music, song, dance, comedy and imagery which captivates the mind, heart and soul. This truly unique show is the story of a club and the spirit of its people and will appeal to any person who is involved in their local GAA club. This is not to be missed.

Danesfort GAA & Camogie Club are delighted and honoured to welcome as their special guest performer Sibéal

Ní Chasaide to perform her haunting and emotional song Mise Éire In 2016, the poem was set to music composed by Patrick Cassidy and performed by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra with vocals by Sibéal Ní Chasaide, for the score of the PBS documentary series 1916: An Irish Rebellion, curated by the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

Sibéal will also perform other numbers from her new album on the night. *The concert takes place at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre On Friday July 15 at 8.30/ Phone: Eimear 0861786567 Maryanne: 086-1666547, Sandra: 0879447159

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Feature

Cromwell in Kilkenny

Occupation The effects of the fighting on Kilkenny were devastating.

Apart from the human cost, many important buildings bore the brunt of the siege and the cruel occupation that followed it. St. Patrick’s Church, from which the opening barrages of cannon-

fire had rained down on the city, was completely obliterated. Today not a trace of the building remains.

The homes of ordinary citizens in Kilkenny had been gutted in the fighting.

The houses of wealthier families at the time were mainly stone-built with roofs of slate. But the houses of poor folk were thatched and

built of wattles and clay.

These had proven especially vulnerable to artillery fire during the siege.

Bishop David Rothe, who had so proudly and happily welcomed Cardinal Rinnucinni to Kilkenny a few years before, departed the city with the garrison on the morning of March 28th 1650.

The surrender terms al-

Three Sisters rivers on the landscape and cultural heritage of the region Older People explore their Creativity this Summer Older adults given an opportunity to develop their creative talents through a partnership programme between Age Friendly Ireland and Creative Ireland, delivering creative initiatives to support health and wellbeing in older age. Over this summer and autumn, older people across the country will have the opportunity to take part in new creative initiatives that are being delivered by Age Friendly Ireland. Creative Ireland is funding the initiatives which respond to research on the value of creative engagement for older people’s health and wellbeing.

Director of Creative Ireland, Tania Banotti said: “I am delighted that the Creative Ireland Programme is supporting Age Friendly Ireland to enable older people across Ireland develop and engage with creative initiatives at a regional level. The Creative Ireland Programme is founded in the principle that creativity is good for our well-being as

individuals, as communities and nationally. Research findings published last year by TILDA (The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing) showed conclusively that creative activity positively impacts the lives of older adults by supporting their health and wellbeing.”

The regional initiatives were developed in consultation with Older People’s Councils, which are established citizen structures under the national Age Friendly Programme.

The initiatives will be open to all older people in the community to take part allowing them sample diverse forms of creative engagement.

The six regional initiatives are being delivered by creative partners who were selected

following an open call earlier this year: Music Network, Creative Lives, Music Alive, Age & Opportunity, Munster Academy of Dance and artist facilitator Rachel Lartey.

• South East Region - A River Flows Through it: Creative Engagement with My Place Arts Facilitator Rachel Lartey will bring individuals and groups from the counties of the south east together in an exchange of creative responses to the natural and cultural environment of their immediate riverine or coastal neighbourhood. The project will respond to the impact of the Three Sisters rivers on the landscape and cultural heritage of the region. Older people who live near these historic waters will reflect on how their lives have been influenced by their riverine neighbourhood and to express this relationship in a creative way.

A River Flows Through it: Creative Engagement with My Place South East Region - [Kildare, Carlow, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny] Rachel Lartey M: 0871422289.

lowed the city’s inhabitants to leave with their possessions, so he felt he had nothing to fear. But a party of Cromwellians raided the rearguard of the retiring garrison when it had reached a point about two miles outside the city.

Soldiers waylaid the bishop’s carriage. They robbed him of all his money,

and then pulled him from the carriage, stripped him of his clothes and covered him with a vermin infested cloak.

Hearing of this incident, Cromwell permitted the traumatised bishop to return to the city, where he died a month later. He was buried in the tomb of his ancestors in St. Mary’s Church.

St Canices’s Cathedral was badly damaged during the siege and its aftermath. The new city governor, Colonel Axtel, had quartered his regiment in the place of worship. The aisles had been converted into stabling for horses. Parts of the roof were torn down, five of its large bells were stolen, and its stained glass windows were shattered with gun butts and axes.

A marble holy water font and many sacred or ancient monuments were smashed to pieces. Horses drank from the remaining fonts. After knocking down the cathe-

dral’s doors, troops herded pigs into both the building itself and the burial ground around it. The pigs, and stray hungry dogs, were encouraged to gnaw at the bones of the dead.

Shortly before he died, Bishop Rothe had the misfortune to witness some of the destruction, which may have hastened his demise.

He saw Cromwellian troops hacking away at priceless works of medieval art and sculpture. And he saw them tossing shards of illuminated stained glass from the cathedral into a gaping pit.

Other clergy had to hide from the occupation forces.

A legend, which may have some factual basis, claims that a number of ecclesiastics on the run sought refuge in a concealed chamber of the Black Abbey. The story went that among the select few people who knew of their hiding place was a woman called Thornton who spilled the beans- or to be more precise, the milk- on them.

She led the troops to the chamber by spilling milk along the road up to where the entrance to the chamber could be found. The Cromwellians then supposedly dragged them out and killed them on the spot. The lady who betrayed them received a grant of land as a reward, according to this tradition.

-John Fitzgerald Continued next week…

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Community & GAA Notes

Aaron Carrigan who finished first in the U12 Uilleann Pipes Leinster Fleadh MINOR HEARTBREAK The Clara minors lost in dramatic fashion at home to Erin’s Own, Castlecomer on Monday of last week. Leading by two points they conceded a last second free. Michael Brennan hit it in hard towards the crossbar, the sliotar was batted outwards and upwards and the ‘Comer no. 20 swung on it and crashed it to the net. It completed a stunning comeback by the Comer lads, who trailed by as many as 11 points at one stage.

The gap was still nine at half time but Clara had played with a fairly strong breeze. Harry Boyle had been on fire early on and scored 2-1, free taker Rory Glynn had added 9 points and Ned Langton had scored a tasty point too. This left Clara 2-11 to 0-8 to the good at the break.

However the scores dried up dramatically in the second half. A Dillon Cummins point from play and a Rory Glynn free were all that Clara managed in the entire half. They still looked to have done enough to win until that late strike. It would have been a brilliant win for the home side as they were short 10 of their panel and only had 16 players available to them for this game. It was a very brave performance but the loss makes the next match away to Gowran a must win game.

Team - Orí Phelan, Philip Carrigan, Ben Crow, James Cody. Alex Firbank, Zach Lawlor, Ben Murphy. Hugh Kelly, Rory Glynn 0-10, 0-8f.

Luke Lawlor, Ned Langton 0-1, Tommy Delaney. Harry Boyle 2-1, Sean Carrigan, Dillon Cummins 0-1. Sub Lukas Healy.

JUNIORS Clara were beaten 0-24 to 0-17 by James Stephens on Saturday at Larchfield.

UNDER 15S The U15s shipped a heavy defeat to Dicksboro on Sunday in Clara.

Short a number of players between holidays and the Gaeltacht it was always going to be a big ask against a team with numbers like the Boro.

PIPING Congratulations to Aaron Carrigan who finished first in the U12 Uilleann Pipes Leinster Fleadh competition in Portlaoise at the weekend. He will go on to represent Leinster in the 2022 Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Mullingar in August.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this week’s club lotto (July 5th) . Numbers drawn were 11, 14, 23, 27 Bonus. Next week’s Big prize will be €10,200 (July 12th) . Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com Promotors Draw. 1. Tanya Cody c/o Mary Cody. 2. Mary Tierney c/o Mick Nolan 3. Maura Nolan c/o Eileen Kinchellla. 4. Fiona Hayes c/o Neil Lot. 5.

Michael Dreeling 6. Sammy Geoghegan. 7. Caroline Ryan c/o E Maher. 8. Alan O’Brien c/o online 9. Fiona O’Sullivan c/o Online. 10. Sean Butler c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support ALL-IRELAND Our very best wishes to the four O’Loughlin Gaels on the players panel for Sundays All-Ireland Hurling Final. Paddy, Huw, Mikey and Conor have committed to the Black and Amber all season and worked hard to earn their place in the highlight of the hurling calendar. We say well done and the best of luck. The club involvement doesn’t stop there however as the back room team includes Martin Comerford (Team selector), Mickey Comerford (Fitness and conditioning coach), Tadhg.

Crowley (Medic), Conor Denieffe (Co. Board Secretary) Enjoy the day with your friends and families.

ALL-IRELAND TITLE Well done Vinny O’Grady part of Sunday’s successful Kilkenny Football team that won the All-Ireland Junior Title at Croke Park. Proud man, proud club man in secretary Conor Denieffe and proud parents Pat and Cathy. We’re all proud at St. John’s Park ..maith an fear Vinny CAMOGIE The best of luck to Laura Murphy and Danielle Quigley who are on the Kilkenny Camogie Senior Panel to take on Dublin this Saturday in Thurles in the All-Ireland Quarter Final. Hon the cats!

BUS TO ALL-IRELAND Reminder: List available behind the bar to put names down for booking a seat on the All-Ireland Bus. One bus full already and second

is filling fast. €15 per seat. Once paid, your seat is booked.

RESULTS: U19A Hurling League Rd 2. Erin’s Own 1-13 to 1-19 O’Loughlin Gaels A blistering first half performance gave the visitors the platform to take leagues points at Canon Kearns Park on Thursday Evening. It was a fight to the end as the homeside got to grips with the game in the second half but as they closed in on the game it was top talisman Alex Sheridan who sealed the deal on the 60th minute with a well taken goal to retain the 6 point lead earned by half time.

Alex Sheridan was first for the Gaels, returning two clinical placed ball conversions after the home side had hit first. It was a sign of his intent as his free taking yielded a handsome twelve points throughout the game. The Gaels played a strong support game in the opening 30 mins, finding the runners and offloading the ball to the right man in position.

Greg Kelly added a third point after some excellent fielding from Fionn Lawlor set up the score. Lawlor was on hand again moments later to assist Eoghan O’Brien for the first of a brace of points for him during that 12th minute. Alex Sheridan kept converting the frees while the opposition were wasteful with their equal opportunities allowing the visitors to build up a comfortable lead. Mark Holohan was commanding in midfield, consolidated by a massive fetch and strike from 70 yards to take the game to a four point lead. Eoghan O’Brien (one) and Alex Sheridan (two) finished out the scoring for the half to bring it to 0-13 to 0-7 The second half was a more dogged affair. The backs much like the forwards in the first half,were the ones to come to the fore. Ruadhrí Galwey, Tadhg O’Meara and Luke Hanrahan were dominant in their roles. Michael Bourke Lambert produced two top class saves on 18 and 22 minutes when Erins Own were threatening to take over the game.

A resulting clearance saw the ball move through the lines with wing forward Finn Hogan drawing a foul that Alex Sheridan duly converted.

Harry O’Grady, Alex Molloy and Ben Kinchella stayed solid in the half back line making sure that nothing was easy for the home side. As the game moved into the final quarter fresh legs were introduced for the runners up front. John Comerford’s and Michael Butlers introductions gave more power and helped resettle the Gaels. Greg Kelly added his second point on 10 mins but it was Alex Sheridan’s flawless freetaking that dominated the scoring topped with that wonderful 60th minute goal to insure the win. Erin’s Own were wasteful in front of the posts hitting a massive 19 wides. Compare that to the Gaels 5 and it was a satisfactory outcome for this bunch of lads. Well done all, lovely hurling Team. M Bourke-Lambert, L Hanrahan, R Galwey, T O’Meara, B Kinchella, A Sheridan, H O’Grady, R Sweeney, M Holohan (0-1), A Sheridan (1-13, 0-12 f), E O’Brien (0-3), F Hogan, J Aylmer, G Kelly (0-2), F Lawlor. J Comerford, M Butler.

RACE NIGHT Race Night Tickets (August 19th) are being distributed to our juvenile players. Please support them by purchasing a ticket - includes admission and entry to raffle for some top prizes. The money raised will help develop facilities for all our hurling, handball and camogie clubs members - floodlights,flood lit Astro turf, wall ball,one wall, dressing rooms, stores and extension to pavilion. Big plans need big support.

Please support GOLF CLASSIC The annual O’Loughlin Gaels Golf Classic takes place this year on Thursday 18th (from around 12 noon onwards) and Friday 19th August (the full day) 2022 in the superb Kilkenny Golf Club. A team of 3 playing our usual Scramble format costs €150, includes a meal afterwards and around 10 excellent prizes to be won.It’s always a great couple of days with prize giving at around 10pm in the golf club. Any new members/ parents of juvenile boys and girls, are most welcome. Tee-times are filling up fast so contact Michael 0872554300, Benny 0872671882 or Paul 0868191872 to book your time. Tee-box sponsorship is also available from €75/€100

JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPS Congratulations to the Kilkenny Junior Footballers who won the All Ireland final on Saturday evening last defeating New York in the final.

The winning side had Freshford and local connections. Local Lad JJ Grace was part of the management team and trainer of the winning side while Michael Kenny, Grange was part of the winning team. Well

done to all involved in the victory.

DANCING CHAMPS Very special congratulations go out to four young girls who were winners in the CAIRDE Damhsa IDTA Championships held in Ashbourne Co.Meath recently. The three sisters Mia, Faye and Charlotte Queally and their cousin Bri Moriarty won their various competitions. Mia was winner of the U10 section, Faye and Bri won U11s and Charlotte won U12. The girls are members of the Rince Catriona school of dancing in Urlingford and are granddaughters of Michael and Kathleen Burke, the proud grandparents.

DEATH The death occurred last week of Mrs. Joan Tobin (nee Crosby) late of Bohergloss Freshford. The deceased who was in her late 80s had been unwell for some time but nevertheless her passing caused widespread sorrow by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her husband John. Funeral mass took place on Tuesday last in St.Lachtains cemetery followed by burial in St.Lachtains Cemetery. She is mourned by her sons Michael and John, daughters Claire and Mary, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons in law, daughter in law, brothers, nephews nieces and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

FEILE LACTAIN 2022.

Féile Lachtain continued last weekend when Pilgrimage Sunday took place at Freshford in aid of Ionad Lachtan Heritage Centre. There was a sponsored walk which started from The Green at 1pm to Clashacrow Church and, after returning to the village, the walkers then completed the pilgrimage by walking to Ballylarkin Church.

Local artists are invited to submit two pieces of art for an exhibition which will be held at Ionad Lachtain during Arts Week in August.

Delivery dates are Tuesday and Wednesday August 2 and 3. Pieces must be ready to hang.

Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 until 4.30. Kevin Buckley’s bust of the late Sr. Patricia is the most recent addition to the museum. Also on display is Kevin’s replica of the Shrine of St. Lachtain’s Arm courtesy of Freshford Community Club and another replica of the shrine created

by Pádraig Donnelly.

There are gifts for every occasion on sale in the crafts shop. New additions here include souvenir Freshford greeting cards and carrier bags and clocks set in miniature hurleys and sliotars. While these sport the Black and Amber colours, they can be ordered in any county colours.

Ned Kennedy’s book “Edmund Fitzpatrick Artist and Illustrator” is on sale at O’ Shea’s Shop and all Kilkenny bookshops. Cost €12. It can be ordered by post from O’Shea’s by adding post and packing.

SUMMER CAMP The annual summer camp will take place at the GAA Grounds from 25th to 29th July with organiser JJ Grace and his team of helpers.

Bookings are now been taken for the camp which is the oldest camp in the village and has been going for the past number of years very successfully. For more information or for booking please contact JJ on 086 8629666 GAA Well done to St.Lachtains junior B hurlers who won the league final last week defeating St Martins. A very close game throughout saw the local lads come out winners on a scoreline of 2.12 to 1.14 Team: J Burke, J Hickey, L Kennedy, J Cantwell, P Maher, M Donnelly, P Donnelly, P White, C Rafter, C Power, P Killeen, C Donnelly, C O’Leary, A Rafter, P Campion.

ALL IRELAND Best wishes go out to St Lachtains men Darren Brennan and James Maher who are part of the Kilkenny senior panel for the upcoming all Ireland final against Limerick on Sunday next at Croke Park.

UPCOMING FIXTURES St.Lachtains U15 vs Glenmore - 7.30pm - Wednesday in Freshford U19 vs Kilmacow - 7.45pm Thursday In Freshford Junior B Vs Bennettsbridge at 2.00pm on Saturday in Bennettsbridge SYMPATHY Deepest sympathy is extended to Millie and Liam Brennan Tullaroan and all their family on the recent death of their daughter Martina Prendergast late of Gowran. Funeral mass took place in Church of the Assumption Paulstown followed by burial in Paulstown Cemetery.

Sympathy is also extended to Mrs. Kathleen Doyle Woodview on the death of her brother John Francis Fitzpatrick, a native of county

Cathy, Vinny and Pat O’Grady celebrate Vinny’s All-Ireland success with Kilkenny Football at Croke Park

Leitrim which occurred in Dublin last week. Funeral mass took place on Monday last in St. Marys Church Rumelia followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

SPLIT THE POT The weekly lucky winner of split the pot draw last week was Paddy Moriarty Woodview who won himself €135. The draw takes place each Wednesday. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings.

The draw is held each Wednesday and boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanaghs Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. This month’s proceeds are going to Freshford Community Café. The Committee would ask you to Please support this fund raiser.

FROM SWEDEN Home on holiday recently in Freshford all the way from Sweden were Carmel and Anders Mellguist. Carmel is a sister of Mary Costigan Cooleshall and a native of County Limerick and the couple live in Stockholm.

PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm .

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808 .

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

Kilkenny Volunteer Centre: has the following organisations looking for volunteers Traveller Pride Event Stewards: Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement Traveller Pride event will be held this year in Castle Park on Tuesday the 19th of July from 2pm -5pm. They would love to hear from any volunteer interested in stewarding at the event.

Website Design Volunteer :Callan First Responders who provide a vital life saving service to the Callan Community would love to hear from any volunteer interested in helping them develop a new website to promote their service.

Amber Womens Refuge : Tour de Sportive - Saturday 30th of July The team at Amber Womens refuge who are one of the charities supported by the event , are providing refreshments at the event and would love to hear from any volunteers who have a couple of hours to spare on the day to help out and keep the cyclists hydrated ! You can channel your inner Mrs Doyle !

Kilkenny Bereavement Support: Listening Volunteers are needed for Kilkenny Bereavement Support in Kilkenny who provide one to one support for individuals who are bereaved. Please note that there is a required 30 hours of training as part of this role.

Teac Tom are looking for Volunteers to help out at Electric Picnic this year. If camping and music is your thing, while supporting the fantastic work that Teac Tom do this is the role for you.

For more information please log onto www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 0892584946 LOCAL LOTTO Local Lotto Winning Numbers for 4th July 2022 : 4 , 5 , 19. No winner.

Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. Darragh Smith ( Breda Smith ),Alan Sheridan ( Joe Sheridan ), DHC ( DHC ),John Reid ( Johnno Reid ), T and A Hughes ( Anne Hickey ) Jackpot for Week of July 11th : € 1150. Venue : Townsend’s Dunnamaggin at 9pm - All Welcome FESTIVAL Kilmoganny Festival Bank Holiday Weekend July 30th and 31st Saturday July 30th: 2pm to 4pm: Afternoon Tea & Caroline Boutique with a exhibition by James Creaney in St Eoghans Centre. 7pm: BBQ in Dunphys Pub Sunday July 31st: 9am to 12noon: Full Irish Breakfast in St Eoghan’s Centre. 3.30pm: Skills Coaching with Adrian Mullen for Children aged 6 -11 years followed at 4.30pm for the Brendan Fennelly Tribute Match.

All takes place at the Kilmoganny GAA pitch. 7pm to late in Dunphys Pub: BBQ followed by ‘The Feck’n Match’ Comedy Play and a Balloon Bursting Raffle with the night finishing with music by ‘2 to Groove’.

Weekend Ticket - €20.00. Saturday Night Only: €10.00.Sunday Night

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 July 2022 The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 July 2022

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kilkennyobserver.ie kilkennyobserver.ie

CommunityAdvertisement & GAA Notes Only: €15.00 Tickets on Sale in Petes or from Alycia 087 6757490 or Lorraine 087 6414147 OUTDOOR BARN DANCE Outdoor Barn Dance in Madge’s Garden, Dunnamaggin: the rescheduled Barn Dance takes place on Saturday August 6th in Madge’s Garden from 7pm to 10pm so get your dancing shoes and cowboy hats on and come on down to Madge’s Garden for some Line Dancing. Ray Cahill, line dancing maestro will be on hand to put us through our paces, a BBQ will be available and Ray’s will be open to quench the thirst. €5 on the gate - €10 to include a Burger and mineral. To make a weekend of it our monthly market will take place on Sunday August 7th instead of July 31st from 11.30am to 4pm. From 1pm to 3pm Ray will be on hand to give free Children’s Line Dancing Lessons - spot prizes throughout and one especially for best dressed cowboy and cowgirl. Connect with neighbours and friends - BBQ, Real Lemonade from Gwen’s Stall and lots of craft and food stalls. Keep an eye on our facebook page Dunnamaggin Community News or text 087 7565376 to be included in our Whats App group to keep you up to date with what is happening and what we have planned.

ROSARY Rosary in Dunnamaggin: The rosary will take place the first Monday of every month during the summer at 8pm at Our Lady’s Grotto Baurscobe, Dunnamaggin. All are welcome.

CEMETERY MASSES Cemetery Masses: will take place in Dunnamaggin on Friday 15th July @ 8.00pm and Kilree on the 22nd of July at 8pm.

DROICHEAD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Droichead Family Resource Centre are now enrolling for the Moving on Programme commencing in September 2022. Get Driver Theory, Driving Lessons and Test preparation while training in Employment Skills including Safepass, HACCP and First Aid. Training allowance paid subject to DSP entitlements. For more information contact Droichead Family Resource Centre on (056) 7755660.

Kilkenny Parents Hub will be held in Droichead Family Resource Centre on Wednesday 27 th July from 9.30am-12.30pm. This is a confidential drop in support and advice service for parents / guardians of children 0-18. Family Support Services are available Mon- Fri. For more information call, email or text our Support Workers. Jess (085) 8564950 developmentworker@droicheadfrc.ie Carmel (083) 2098069 familysupport@droicheadfrc.ie. We are now taking names for Toddlers and Tea Playgroup for toddlers and their grown ups for September.

It is a weekly, 90 minute drop in session at Droichead FRC. We have messy/ sensory play activities every week, free play, time indoors and outside plus a story and songs at the end of every session. Get in touch with Jess to book or for some more info (085) 8564950. Droichead Family Resource Centre has a Fully Funded Part Time Course starting in September 2022 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-12.30pm.

If you are interested in Healthcare and would like a QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Qualification, contact Back to Education Initiative on (056) 7701020 or email btei@kkadulted.ie for more information.

MAKE A HAT The very talented Gwen Walsh of Breatnach Designs has a three evening course entitled ‘Make a Hat’ starting in Windgap Community Centre on July 19th - €30 for the three evenings, but places are limited so book with Irene 087 4070569.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH GOWRAN The church is open for the summer season from 10:00 – 17:30, Wednesday to Sunday. Entrance to the church is free. Visitors can view the many monuments of national importance on display within the church.

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT Juvenile Friday evenings are back at 7 pm on Fridays.

GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED The festival is taking place on Sunday, 21st August. Tickets available online, www.gowranpark.ie GOWRAN PARK Tickets are now on sale for Ladies Day on Saturday, July 23rd at www. gowranpark.ie KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Lots of new roles for the summer.

Traveller Pride Event Stewards : Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement Traveller Pride event will be held this year in Castle Park on Tuesday the 19th of July from 2pm -5pm. They would love to hear from any volunteer interested in stewarding at the event .

Website Design Volunteer : Callan First Responders Callan First Responders who provide vital a life saving service to the Callan Community would love to hear from any volunteer interested in helping them develop a new website to promote their service.

Amber Womens Refuge : Tour de Sportive - Saturday 30th of July The team at Amber Womens refuge who are one of the charities supported by the event , are providing refreshments at the event and would love to hear from any volunteers who have a couple of hours to spare on the day to help out and keep the cyclists hydrated ! You can channel your inner Mrs Doyle !

Kilkenny Bereavement Support : Listening Volunteers Listening Volunteers are needed for Kilkenny Bereavement Support in Kilkenny who provide one to one support for individuals who are bereaved . Please note that there is a required 30 hours of training as part of this role.

Teac Tom are looking for Volunteers to help out at Electric Picnic this year.

If camping and music is your thing, while supporting the fantastic work that Teac Tom do this is the role for you.

For more information please log onto www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 0892584946 SPORTS ROUND-UP MICHAEL O’LEARY DAY OF DESTINY Very Best Wishes to Michael Carey and his Kilkenny Team mates who go in pursuit of All-Ireland glory next Sunday against Limerick.

It’s Michael’s first All-Ireland Senior Final and he has been a model of consistency throughout the year where he has featured in every game in League and Championship.

His continuing steading improvement has seen him rewarded by Brian Cody and he has been part of a highly formidable defensive unit that

kept clean sheets in both the Leinster Final win against Galway and The All-Ireland Semi-Final win against Clare.

His Dad DJ is no stranger to All-Ireland Final day having played on 9 occasions between 1991 and 2004 and Captaining Kilkenny to AllIreland glory in 2003.

Very Best Wishes also to Steffi and Tiffany Fitzgerald, Ciara O’Keeffe and Pat O’Neill as Kilkenny go in search of a place in the All-Ireland SemiFinal,when they play Dublin in the Quarter-Final in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Saturday Evening.

Throw-in is at 5.30pm and victory will qualify them for an All-Ireland Semi-Final showdown in Croke Park on Saturday Week 23rd July.

STORMING FINISH SECURES HARD FOUGHT VICTORY Minor Roinn A Hurling League. Young Irelands Gowran 2-17--Naas 1-13 It was tough going, but the Young Irelands Minors maintained their unbeaten record intact as a strong and storming final quarter helped shake off the challenge of a fiercely competitive Naas outfit who pushed the Gowran lads right to the limit.

The final margin of 7 points was somewhat harsh on the Kildare Club who more than matched Young Irelands almost all of the way and indeed with just two minutes of normal time remaining, Young Irelands were ahead by only two points (2-12 to 1-13). However, they finished powerfully with five unanswered points to secure victory following a titanic struggle.

The Gowran lads made a great start and by the 5th minute they led 1-2 to 0-0 with Michael Keating getting the goal within seconds of the throw-in, while Jim Conlon & Thomas Langton added points.

Playing with a strong wind, Naas began to settle down and they frustated Young Irelands for the rest of the half, restricting their opponents to just three pointed frees from Michael Keating.

Also, Naas were wasteful with their shooting as they shot 14 wides with 10 of those wides coming in the first-half.

Young Irelands led 1-5 to 0-5 at half-time, but scores were more frequent throughout the Second-Half with the Gowran boys outscoring their opponents 1-12 to 1-8.Jake Byrne added a point at the start of the Second-Half to stretch the advantage(1-6 to 0-5), but Naas replied with 1-1 in quick succession to draw level. 1-6 each.However, Young Irelands responded quickly with Michael Keating adding another pointed free, before their Second goal arrived in the 34th minute with the Langtons Diarmuid & Thomas combining.Diarmuid ran in towards goal from an acute angle and his shot was blocked, before Thomas slammed home the rebound attempt. 2-7 to 1-6.

Naas though were beginning to find their range and four unanswered points in a three minute spell between the 36th and 39th minutes brought them level. 2-7 to 1-10.

Michael Keating steadied Young Irelands nerves with a pointed free in the 41st minute, before County Minor Bobby Brennan took the game by the scruff of the neck and throughout that final 20 minutes he was a dominant and colossal figure.Bobby scored a superb long range free in the 44th minute, before he magnificently pointed a long range inspirational effort from play two minutes later in the 46th minute. 2-10 to 1-10.Those two magnificent efforts spurred his teammates on to greater effort, but Naas to their credit refused to relinquish.

The Kildare Boys fought back with three unanswered points in quick succession in the 47th & 48th minutes to restore parity (2-10 to 1-13), but they didn’t score for the remainder of the game.

Young Irelands finished with a bang with 7 consecutive points as Bobby Brennan and Michael Keating added further frees, while they finished with a flurry as Jake Byrne (0-2 0-1 free), Kieran Timmins, Diarmuid Langton and Sam Brennan were all on target as they ensured victory following a hard fought battle.

Credit to Naas for pushing the Gowran Boys to the pin of their collar, and they will gain a lot from the way they prevailed through such a severe test.

They were in action again on Monday Night against Clara and victory would have almost guaranteed them a spot in the League Final.

Young Irelands minor team: Josef Walsh, Andrew Corbett, David Langton, Richard Nolan, James Brennan, Bobby Brennan (0-3 0-2 frees), Shane Simpson, Jim Conlon(0-1 free), Luke Phelan, Eoghan O’Neill, Jake Byrne, (0-3 0-1 free), Thomas Langton (1-1), Michael Keating(1-6 0-6 frees), Kieran Timmins (0-1), Diarmuid Langton(0-1).

SUBS: Sam Brennan (0-1), Jake Kelly FOUR GOAL AIDAN INSPIRES GOWRAN TO VICTORY U-15 ROINN A HURLING LEAGUE. Young Irelands Gowran 7-19-Naas 0-5 The Young Irelands U-15 Boys cruised to a comprehensive and facile victory against Naas on Wednesday Night, as they dished out a 35 point annaihilation in a most impressive Team Performance.

Both Teams exchanged early points, before Star Man Aidan Keating grabbed the first of his 4 goals in the 3rd minute. 1-1 to 0-1. Naas replied with consecutive points, but immediately the Gowran Boys hit back with 3-2 between the 6th and 11th minute as they already led 4-3 to 0-3.

Aidan added two further goals while Thomas Langton also regisitered a green flag, as the Outstanding Midfield duo of Kieran Carter and Matthew Murray added points.The scores dried up for the remainder of the half, but Young Irelands still added 1-4 without reply as they led 5-7 to 0-3 at the interval.

Aidan completed his four timer with another goal in the 26th minute, while he also added a point from play two minutes later, as Jake Kelly, Matthew Murray and Alex Kenny kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Young Irelands kept the momentum going into the start of the SecondHalf, with further goals from a brilliant Kieran Carter volleyed effort in the 33rd minute followed by a Jake Kelly goal a minute later.

Aidan Keating added three more points from play, with Thomas Langton & Centre-Back Kieran Timmins also in on the act as they led 7-12 to 0-4 by the 45th minute. Seven further points were added during the final quarter as some of the substitutes got a run out. Further points came from Jake Kelly(0-3 0-2 frees), Aidan Keating (free) along with Matthew Murray, Tom Doheny and Alex Kenny from play to complete a most comprehensive victory in a comprehensive performance.

Stiffer tests will lie ahead as they play St. Martins away in Muckalee next Wednesday July 13th, before a home match against Danesfort the following Wednesday July 20th.

YOUNG IRELANDS: Josef Walsh, Philip Middleton, Ruairi Phelan, Conor Brennan, Keelan Barcoe, Kieran Timmins, Sam Brennan, Matthew Murray(0-3), Kieran Carter (1-1), Aidan Keating (4-5 0-1 free), Jake Kelly (1-4 0-3 frees), Tom Doheny (0-1), Alex Kenny(0-2), Thomas Langton (1-2), Michael Holland.

JUNIOR HURLERS

The Young Irelands Junior Hurling Team are in action on Saturday Afternoon against Thomastown in the first round of the Junior A Championship in Gowran at 2pm.This will be the third time in over a month that the two teams have played one another having played out a draw in the final round of group games in the League, before Thomastown ran out convincing winners in the League Final.

MINORS RESPOND TO WIN Minor Roinn C Camogie Summer League. Young Irelands Gowran 5-8---Bennettsbridge 4-4 The Young Irelands Minor Camogie girls qualified for a Summer League Quarter-Final showdown with near neighbours Blacks & Whites next Wednesday Evening, as they produced a strong finish to defeat near neighbours Bennettsbridge in a thrilling contest played on Thursday.

The match was played as an 11-a-side contest and Bennettsbridge got the opening score of the game, but the Gowran Girls took over & responded with Ella Middleton(2-3) and Ciara Bryan (2-4 0-1 free) leading the way as they accounted for 4-7 of their sides total.

Ella added the levelling point from play, before grabbing two goals in quick succession as they built up a 2-2 to 0-1 lead.Young Irelands strengthened that dominance further with 1-4 without reply as they led 3-6 to 0-1 by about the midway point of the half.

Ciara Bryan(2) & Ella Middleton with further points from play added to their tally as Chloe Pitt grabbed Young Irelands third goal. It appeared to be plain sailing and all too easy for the Gowran girls, but to their credit Bennettsbridge played superbly for the remainder of the half and they scored three goals to leave just 5 points between the Teams at half-time. 3-6 to 3-1.

Defences tightened up considerably throughout the Second-Half as scores were more difficult to materialize. Bennettsbridge added 1-1 in quick succession in the early stages of the Second-Half as only a solitary point separated the Teams - 3-6 to 4-2 - but credit to the Young Irelands defence who were a tighter meaner outfit for the remainder of the game as they only conceded 0-2.

In particular, Aine Delahunty who was superb throughout & at one stage in the dying minutes she got across to deny Bennettsbridge a certain goal chance that would have brought them level.

Ciara Bryan soloed forward upfield to score a superb goal & she followed shortly afterwards with a point from play. 4-7 to 4-2.

Bennettsbridge to their credit kept plugging and they added consecutive points to narrow the deficit to three points(4-7 to 4-4), but the Gowran Girls finished strongly with another superb solo goal by Ciara Bryan to give them a vital cushion. As mentioned, Young Irelands now have a Quarter-Final clash to look forward to next Wednesday night against Blacks & Whites in Gowran at 7.30pm.

Elsewhere, in what was a very successful week for Young Irelands Teams, the Minor Camogie girls overcame Tullogher-Rosbercon 4-10 to 2-11 in Tullogher last Monday Night week to qualify for the Summer League Semi-Final, while last Friday night, the Young Irelands U-14 continued their devastating goalscoring blitz as they won 7-9 to 1-3 against St. Martins.This was in addition to the 6 goals scored last week against Ballyhale Shamrocks.Overall, a perfect week for Young Irelands Teams with all 5 teams between Hurling and Camogie victorious.

Results.

The annual competition for the Geraldine Cup which was presented to the club in the 1930s by Jack Vaughan of Geraldine House Callan was held on Tuesday 6th.

Winner: Pauline O’Brien 69pts. 2nd Ann Wenyss 69pts c/b 3rd Rita O’ Neill 69 pts Nine Hole 1st Maura Holden 20 pts. 2nd Mary Grace 20 pts Senior Ladies 12 Hole 1st Marian Butler 28pts. 2nd Mary Croke 26 pts. 3rd Mary Kearney 26 pts. 4th Carmel O’ Sullivan 25pts On Saturday next Lady Captain Anne Croke will hold her Captains Prize to the Ladies. We wish Anne and all competitors a very enjoyable day.

taking out a 112 to win the first leg and then had a 118 , two fantastic finishes both in 15 darts, Mick Snr not one to give up played great darts to bring it back to 2 legs each with 2 18 darter, in the last leg Mick Snr took control of the game with 4 high and when he got to the double he gave Ritchie no shot as he finished the game by taking out 108 to win the game. The next game was between Allen Bennet and Jamie Grant, Allen is number 2 in the league and he is playing great, Jamie hasn’t been playing as well as he can but he hit top form in the game, he took the first 2 legs playing brilliant darts but Allen showed that he is not at the top of league for nothing, he finished the 3rd leg in 15 darts to win the leg checking out 130 to make it 2 legs to 1 , Jamie then had the best leg of the game hitting a brilliant 14 dart leg taking out 67 in 2 darts for the win. On to game 6 , Eric Boczon versus Sully, Eric is playing very good darts in the league so far this year but so is Sully, Eric played excellent darts in the game but he couldn’t keep up with Sully who is playing the best darts that he has in a long time, Sully had a brilliant game against Eric not giving Eric any shots at a double in the 3 legs he had a 15 and a 16 legs to go 2 nil up, then he went on to win the last leg in 17 darts to complete the win. Mick Kelly and Liam Murphy contested the next game, Liam is playing brilliant darts at the moment and he kept it up in the first leg against Mick, unfortunately for Liam, Mick then took off playing some fantastic darts by going on to win the next 3 legs to get the victory, it’s a testament to Liam and the way that he is playing, hitting big scores and finishing very well, Mick Kelly is one to watch when the Grand Finals are on as he is throwing as well as anyone at the moment. On to the last game in the last 16 , Michael Cummins and Paddy Byrne played this one, Michael Cummins showed his class with a very clinical display against Paddy, Michael hit everything from high scores to high finishing, he had 2 great legs one in 15 darts and another in 13 darts and to win the game he had another 15 darter. Down to the S / Finals and the first game saw Michael Meaney against Trevor Vallely, Michael was going for his 3rd win in the league but Trevor was out to stop him, Trevor got the better start by winning the first 2 legs before Michael won the 3rd leg, Trevor then hit form by winning the next leg to win the game, Michael had a 17 darter to win the leg that he won but Trevor had 2 fantastic legs and an average leg to win, Trevor hit a 15 darter followed by another 15 darter and his last leg was hit in 19 darts.

The last S / Final was between Sully and Mick Kelly, this game was fantastic to watch with Sully a local player getting into the S / Final for the 3rd time in 4 weeks a great way to go, Mick Kelly started of the game playing some of the best darts I have seen all night, he won the first 2 legs not giving Sully a shot at a double, it all changed when Sully got his game going, he threw unbelievable darts in the next 2 legs to make it 2 legs all, down to the last leg and it was a brilliant leg to watch Mick started with score’s of 140 100 and then he hit another 140 to leave 121 after 9 darts, Sully hit 100 140 and 100 to leave 161 after 9 darts, Mick hit 60 to give Sully a shot at the 161 and he came so close to hitting it, he hit treble 20 treble 17 and then he hit a 25 going for the Bull he was so unlucky not to hit the Bull but he didn’t get another shot as Mick took out the 61 in 3 darts to win the game , great darts from Mick and hard luck for Sully. On to the Final and Trevor Vallely versus Mick Kelly, as well as Mick played in the S / Final he could not get the darts going as well as he played in the previous game, Trevor took full advantage of the game by hitting 2 unbelievable legs back to back he had a 14 darter which was followed by a another 14 dart leg, Trevor went on to win the Final by winning the last leg of the game in a modest 19 darts. Some of the local players have come to attention by the way they are playing in the league, Kieran Furlong is up near the top of the table playing great darts, Tommy Dalton and Cian Cullen are up there as well, Sully is only 3 points off the top 10 and has a great chance of getting there, Liam Murphy and Paddy Byrne are playing excellent darts in the Group games and only need a small bit of luck to progress farther.

I hope to see ye all in Andy’s Bar Ballyhale for Round 10 of The Tuborg Premier League next Friday night.

Round 9 results Another great night of darts in what is definitely the best pub for darts in the Country, Andy’s Bar Ballyhale.

Liz Byrne again played great darts on the night, after she took out 132 last week she done it again this week by finishing 124 , Liz hit Treble 20 single 14 and then the Bull for what was a brilliant finish. In Group 1 Mick Dwyer Jnr and Mick Dwyer Snr were drawn against each other and what a game it was, Mick Jnr got of to a great start by winning the first leg but Mick Snr won the next 2 legs, Mick Jnr then sized the game by the scruff of the neck by going on to win the next 2 legs to win the game by 3 legs to 2 . Local player Tommy Cleere played the best game of the Group that he was in by giving Trevor Vallely a brilliant 3 legs to nil beating, very unusual for Trevor to lose 3 / 0, but Tommy was unbelievable in the game hitting everything he went for. Paddy Byrne and Liam Murphy from Main Street Stoneyford,two more local players played great darts in their Group games, Paddy hit a 14 and a 15 dart legs in one of his games and Liam played unreal in the Group games that he played in, Liam hit a brilliant 15 darter checking out 147 to win the game. On to the last 16 games, Mick Dwyer Jnr and PJ Byrne got it underway and it was a great game to watch, Mick Jnr started good by winning the first leg but PJ came back at him by winning the next 2 legs, Mick Jnr fought back to win the next leg to make it 2 legs each , the last leg was a brilliant game of darts with high scoring by both players and when it came down to the double with Mick Jnr sitting on 54 PJ checked out a 122 on the Bull for a fantastic finish to pip Mick Jnr. The next game was between Michael Meaney and Kieran Furlong, Kieran played very good in this game taking the first leg in 17 darts but Michael showed why he is the only player to win the league twice since it started by winning the next 3 legs, in 18 16 and a great 14 dart leg to win the game he took out 98 in 2 darts with a treble 20 followed by a double 19 . The next game was contested by David Murphy and Trevor Vallely, this looked like being the game of the night, David is top of the league and Trevor is trying to catch up, Trevor got the game under way by winning the first leg and David came back by winning the next leg, that’s where it all ended for David as Trevor threw so well in the next 2 legs that David didn’t get a shot at a double, Trevor played great stuff in the game. On to game 4 and Ritchie O Hanlon played Mick Dwyer Snr, Ritchie who is playing brilliant darts in the last few weeks kept it up in the first 2 legs,

Paddy Byrne Ballyhale and Liam Murphy from Main Street Stoneyford

Mick Kelly who was Runner / Up and Trevor Vallely who won the final of Round 9 of The Tuborg Premier League

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

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Motors Classifieds

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

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Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Brian McCann and Martina Higgins for full planning permission to construct a 2 Storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Baunoge, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Brian Farrell and Jennifer Brannigan for full planning permission to construct a 2 Storey dwelling, garage, entrance onto farm laneway, improvement works to existing entrance, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Knockanroe North, Kilfane, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by Jodigate Limited for to construct; a 26 square meter single-story extension to an existing dwelling with adjoining covered veranda, elevational alterations to the existing external façade, the removal of an existing chimney and the insertion of a new chimney in a separate location, general internal alterations and all associated site works at Dunmore, Kilkenny R95D 236 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Notice of Further Information/Revised Plans/Natura Impact Statement We, Creanross Limited Ref. No. of the application: 21978 At: Grenan, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

The development applied for consisted of: 27 No. 2 storey semi-detached and terraced housing units together with proposed boundary treatments, landscaping and all associated site development works & for the proposed road network and necessary services to connect to existing residential development known as Mallfield, (Planning permission ref. 021058).

The revised plans will consist of: 1. A Natura Impact Statement 2. The original 27 No. 2 storey semi-detached and terraced housing be altered to 30 housing units comprising; - 22 No 2-storey semi-detached and terraced housing and - 2 No. two storey apartment blocks, each containing 2 apartments at Ground floor level & 2 at first floor level 3. And all associated works Significant Further Information/Revised Plans and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A submission or observation in relation to the significant further information / revised plans or the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to, or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Eugene Pembroke intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed two storey dwelling, proposed vehicular entrance, driveway, connection to local authority water main & wastewater network, stormwater soakaways, landscaping, boundary treatments and all associated site works at 1 Ayresfield Row, Granges Road, 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, www.ngdb.ie.

TO PUBLISH PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street Telephone: 056 7771463/086 2395370 Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

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. H.Q.

(never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request.

(Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. H.Q.

St. Anthony Prayer,

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms.

The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen H.Q.

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

St. Anthony Prayer,

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms.

The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen M.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.R.

(never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request.

(Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. M.B.

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.M.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 July 2022