Our Irish legends come to life this St Patrick’s weekend!
Here in Kilkenny, we are known for throwing a great celebration – and St Patrick’s Day is no different!
In fact, St Patrick’s Day festivities kick off early with both St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny and Kilkenny Tradfest taking place from this Friday, March 15 to Monday, 18. Expect colourful pageantry, amazing live music, spellbinding street
performers and so much more as we paint the town green!
St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny ia a big festival in a small city With fire performers, street entertainment and American marching bands, St Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny starts the festivities early from March 15. The theme of this year’s parade
is ‘Kilkenny Cats: Tales and Legends’, celebrating the city’s rich culture and passion for storytelling. With both ticketed shows and an incredible 90 free gigs on the Bulmers Music Trail, Kilkenny Tradfest will keep your toes tapping all weekend long. Headline acts include Hothouse Flowers, Clare Sands, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Nell Ní
Chróinín, Shaskeen and John Spillane. March is for celebrating our heritage and history. From abbeys and cathedrals to caves and castles, Kilkenny boasts an abundance of landmarks and attractions that bring the county’s past to life. Many of these sites will also be lighting up in green for the occasion.
Other events include Unguarded by Anthony Kinahan at The Watergate Theatre on March 15, and The Brass Monkeys at Market Cross Shopping Centre on March 17.
Excitement is building, so join us in Kilkenny for the ultimate celebration of Irish culture and heritage this St Patrick’s weekend! The best yet...
Grennan College in Kilkenny has received a major boost with initial project approval granted for a major extension to the school, Fine Gael TD John Paul Phelan has announced.
“I’m delighted to confirm that initial project approval
[for 11 additional classrooms] has been granted for an extension and refurbishment at the school. Additional school accommodation to be provided includes five mainstream classrooms, four special education and training rooms as
well as reconfiguration works to provide two additional classrooms for pupils with additional needs,” the Kilkenny/Carlow TD said.
“This is great news for Grennan College, for its management and staff and is a clear
Telling it like it is. And with no holds barred
indication of this government’s commitment to supporting schools and services in rural communities. I’m delighted to announce the approval and will be keeping a close eye on the project to ensure it goes through all of the necessary ap-
A straight shooter. Considerate and wise words
Trainer Willie Mullins claimed a historic 100th Cheltenham Festival victory as his son Patrick won the Champion Bumper on Jasmin De Vaux.
It sealed a treble on Wednesday March 13 for the Goresbridge, Kilkenny native, who is the first person to post a century of wins at the festival.
Patrick was greeted by a huge roar as he returned on the 9-2 winner. “Whoever dreamt any trainer, never mind me, could do it,” said a delighted Mullins.
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It couldn’t be clearer, the Government and every opposition party with the exception of Aontu who wanted Yeses to the two Referendums have suffered a resounding defeat. The people have spoken, or rather the overwhelming majority of those who voted not be saddled with the so- called Family and Care amendments. It wasn’t a marginal result or a muddled but rather a decisive rejection.
Marianne Heron Page 12
A special service to celebrate veteran broadcaster and journalist Charlie Bird’s life was held on Thursday March 14 in the Round Room of Dublin’s Mansion House.
He died peacefully at 74 in the care of Wicklow Hospice with his family at his side. His RIP.ie notice said he would be “sadly missed” by his beloved wife, Claire, loving daughters Orla and Neasa, little wingman Tiger, his sons-inlaw Rob and Aidan, adored grandchildren Charlie, Hugo, Abigail, Harriet and Edward.
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proval phases as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“This is the latest investment for Thomastown and follows hot on the heels of funding for additional library and community services for the area,” he said.
JOHN ELLIS
Great advice. Your money in mind
Kilkenny native and dairy farmer Jim Mulhall has been elected as the new vice-chairman of Irish agri-food education body Agri Aware. Mr Mulhall is well known for his time in the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) having recently completed his four-year term as the Kilkenny IFA County Chairman.
Quirky take on bright side of life
The second in a six-part series
Welcome back. Last week we took a quick look at the concept of the Nighttime Economy project. Kilkenny County Council is currently engaged in researching this on behalf of the Government. We ended with a question. “Is this good for Kilkenny City and County? This week we will look at some of the options. But perhaps we do so with rose-tinted glasses. That’s because we too are proud of our city and our county too.
A Symphony of Light and Fire: Elevating Kilkenny’s Nights
In the Nighttime Economy, Kilkenny’s Riverside Plaza is not your ordinary spot come nightfall. Picture this: fire-eaters, torches ablaze, turning the night into a spectacle of light and thrills. It’s like they’re whispering to the flames, and the flames listen. Tourists and locals gather on the bridges, eyes wide, as these artists of the ember dance set the stage for a night of adventure. It’s not just a
show – it’s Kilkenny waking up to live another life after dark.
Jazz Notes and Cobblestones: Intimate Evenings in Kilkenny Picture this, you’re wandering down Kilkenny’s ancient cobblestone streets by the Black Abbey area or the Coach Road. The twilight air
is cool on your cheeks, and then, from around the corner, the smooth, sultry sounds of a jazz saxophone catch your ear. These intimate jazz sessions, popping up in unexpected nooks along the way, aren’t just about the music; they’re a full-on sensory experience.
As you stroll, each note seems to beckon you to explore
further, basking in the architectural glory that shines even brighter when viewed with music. It’s like the city itself is serenading you, inviting you to fall a little deeper in love with its nighttime charm.
Silent Disco and Castle Courtyards: A Modern Twist on Heritage Imagine bopping to the latest
beats with nothing but the sky above and ancient stones around you. That’s the vibe at Kilkenny’s castle courtyard, where silent discos are all the rage. No blaring music just people, young and old, dancing to the music coming from their phone buds. It’s like stepping into a time machine, only with better music and no dress code. This quirky mash-up of old and new not only gets folks talking but proves Kilkenny’s got its finger on the pulse of cool, blending history with a dash of modern-day fun.
Art and Culture After Dark: Pop-Up Galleries and Local Talent
Kilkenny’s Nighttime Economy is not just about Arts Week. It’s also about getting a bit artsy after the sun dips, and it’s not your usual gallery scene, either. These night-time cultural pop-ups are giving both locals and tourists a fresh way to mingle with the arts, turning a casual evening stroll into an impromptu art crawl. Who knew Kilkenny had so much creative juice flowing after dark?
Fusion Flavours and Night Markets: Culinary Exploration
In the Nighttime Economy Kilkenny’s night markets are a proper treat for the taste buds,
thanks to the fusion of food trucks parked up and serving till the wee hours. They’re dishing out everything from spicy Portuguese Bifanas served on Waterford Blaa’s to small Spanish Tapas dishes. From Italian Meatballs to bacon ribs from Callan Bacon and small trays of Creamy Steak Fettuccine, made with steak from Kenna’s butchers on Friary Street making it a culinary adventure that’s as eclectic as it is delicious. It’s not just about filling your belly, though. These foodie havens are turning the city’s after-dark scene into a buzzing, vibrant spot where locals and travellers mingle, all united by the love of good grub.
A bridge too far?
Maybe it is but there is enough in this article to get the creative juices of Kilkenny County Council flowing.
That said, there were those projects where we were told “build it and they will come” that never materialised. Often this happens because no one asked the question: “When they come what will they want?”
That’s what we will look at next week.
* Check out Pat Couglan’s blog at www.westeuro52.com
The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) office in collaboration with SOLAS has launched a call for applications to the 2024 Collaboration and Innovation Fund in the Kilkenny and Carlow region.
The fund aims to support collaborative and innovative projects that enable
adults with unmet literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy needs to fully engage in society and realise their potential.
Organisations that work in the public, not-for-profit, community and voluntary sector can apply for up to €25,000 to fund a local
Confidence and candidate selection are still some of the barriers for women in politics, but the pace of change is moving in the right direction, according to Councillor Mary Hilda Cavanagh, the country’s longest serving continuously elected female county councillor.
Cllr Cavanagh, who celebrates 50 years as a public representative this year, was one of the guest speakers at a ‘Kilkenny Women In Politics’ seminar hosted by Kilkenny County Council in association with See Her Elected at the Council Chamber, County Hall, Kilkenny on International Women’s Day.
Only 26% of county councillors in Ireland are female and there are only four female councillors out of 24 in Co Kilkenny.
Cllr Cavanagh’s advice to the women of Kilkenny was: “Be conscious of the time it involves but, if you want to do it, go for it! It’s better to put your name on the ballot paper and if you’re beaten, you’re beaten. You can run again in five years’ time but it’s better to run than regret it all of your life.”
The veteran councillor was first elected in 1974 and she noted this was a time when there was no maternity leave for councillors, and she worked without a salary for the first 25years as a public representative.
Cllr Deirdre Cullen said that
political parties had a role to play by selecting women for winnable seats as opposed to being token candidates and she also noted that “sometimes women can be their own worst critics” and that confidence was a major factor.
Cllr Fidelis Doherty said that, if the people of Kilkenny wanted to see greater levels of female representative, then the voters needed to support female candidates. Cllr Maria Dollard became involved in politics as an activist for people with disabilities and she noted that her grandmother and grand aunt had been involved in the war of Independence, so she had always believed it was “worth arguing and fighting to achieve things”.
Deputy Kathleen Funchion TD also noted that confidence was a major barrier for women in politics and she said that political spaces had become so toxic but that should not deter women.
A second panel discussion also took place on diverse pathways into politics with a panel of women from a range of communities in County Kilkenny including Helena Power, a representative of the Traveller community, Pearl Jensen of Comhairle na nÓg, Nicoleta Choiran, Chairperson of the Intercultural group, Twilight Community Group and Mary Fennelly a member of the Kilkenny Access Group.
project, or up to €50,000 for a national project. A minimum of two organisations working in partnership is required to apply for the Fund.
In 2024, the total funding available in the fund is €1.25 million. €1 million is available to fund local projects in
any county in Ireland. €0.25 million is available to fund national projects that have a have a wider, national scope.
The fund is an initiative of the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy – a 10 year, whole-of-government and society strategy dedicated
to ensuring that everyone has the literacy to meet their needs, and that literacy is valued and supported at every level of society.
Cross-community partnerships are encouraged to avail of the Collaboration and Innovation Fund to support adults with unmet
literacy needs. The closing date for applications from Kilkenny and Carlow is Thursday, April 4.
*Further information about how to apply for can be found on https://www. adultliteracyforlife.ie/ fund/
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2024, the Irish Food Awards, open this Saint Patrick’s Day March. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Entries are open to producers across all categories of food and drink with the early bird discounted rate for entries running until April 3.
Kilkenny had six winners last year.
Entries will finally close for this year’s awards
The Association of Farm Contractors in Ireland (AFCI) has welcomed the change of wording and requirements for a W category driving licence issued by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and Road Safety Authority (RSA). The new wording states: “In relation to Category W licence, the RSA will review the position and requirements of the holders of category W with the Department of Transport in line with the fourth driving
licence directive which is expected to be published in September.”
This is a reversal of the wording issued recently which indicated that a category W driving licence in should only be used for agricultural or forestry work. Anyone driving commercially eg. carrying stone/ blocks etc for construction work then they must have had a category CE or C1E and also undertake CPC training to drive professionally.
One in three Irish adults have between five to 10 unused electrical cables in their homes. The European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Waste Batteries announced the research results by Coyne Research.
Charging cables are the most common type of unused cables (77%), followed by USB (66%) and HDMI Cables (49%). Almost
on May 16, with judging happening over the summer and the awards announced on Friday, October 4. After a wonderfully successful year in Dingle in 2023 celebrating Irish food and drink producers, the excitement for the upcoming awards this October is already building.
“It’s hard to believe we are now in our 17th year running the awards,” says Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann Chairman. “Looking back to when we started and had just under 400 applications to where we
half of those surveyed keep these unused cables in a drawer in the home.
The research, commissioned by ERP, revealed that over half of all adults surveyed were aware of legislation announced by the European Council, Commission, and Parliament which requires all new smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other electronic gadgets marketed in the EU to have a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024. As this change comes into effect, households will
are now with nearly 3,000 entries last year, it is testament not only to the fantastic food and drink producers of Ireland, but also to the measurable impact these awards have on small artisan businesses.
“Since creating the Blas village, we have seen even more momentum and opportunities for producers with high engagement between them and key industry buyers. We are very much looking forward to seeing what this year brings and welcoming new producers participating right
across the island.”
Together with the Food Science Department of UCC and the University of Copenhagen, the team at Blas na hÉireann have developed a blind-tasting judging system that is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide.
* Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2024 open on March 17 and there is an early bird fee of €70 (ex VAT) until April 3. For full rates and further details, please visit www.irishfoodawards.com
likely have plenty of waste cables to be recycled.
This St. Patrick’s Day, ERP is encouraging people to go green and banish unused cables from their homes –not by putting them in their domestic waste bins, but by recycling them at their nearest electrical retailer or recycling centre.
James Burgess, Country General Manager of ERP Ireland said: “This St Patrick’s Weekend, ERP is encouraging everyone to join us in banishing unused
cables from their homes and recycling them at their nearest free electrical recycling drop-off point. We believe that through such initiatives and partnerships we can collectively make a positive impact on our environment.”
* Visit the MyWaste.ie website to locate your nearest free recycling drop-off point on their interactive map at www. mywaste.ie/waste-servicelocator/
Here’s an awesome fact:
when the universe was very young — something like a hundredth of a billionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a second — it underwent an incredible growth spurt.
During this burst of expansion, which is known as inflation, the universe grew exponentially (quickly and by huge amounts) and doubled in size at least 90 times.
And another thing: for the first 380,000 years after the Big Bang, some 13.8 billion years ago, scientists say the intense heat from the universe’s creation made it essentially too hot for light to shine.
Ever since, though, the universe, and all that dwell therein, have been in a constant flux, or, as the late grandmother of my children was wont to say: nothing stays the same, everything changes.
Which is reassuring, in that anything life cares to throwat you will not be forever and you will come through it,
hopefully a little wiser, if perhaps a tad more cautious.
I am certainly a lot more cautious (and sceptical) than I was 20 years ago, or than when I was a teen, though whether I am wiser or not is a moot matter.
We grow, we move on, we
change, even if sometimes we think ourselves and the society we inhabit laid low by wars and rumours of war and political or economic inertia.
As one-time British Prime Minister Harold Wilson once said: “He who rejects change is the architect of decay.”
The most telling change in my life has happened in the past 10 years, since my wife and I divorced – although it’s all very amicable now. Since then, my children have grown into fully-fledged adults that would make any parent proud; my marriage to their mother failed to last the course, a regret to me.
To go back now to the time we reared our children, well... you can’t go back, can you? For were you to do, nothing is the same.
I am reminded of Daphne du Maurier in her novel Rebecca: “This house sheltered us, we spoke, we loved between these walls. That was yesterday. Today, we pass on, we see it no more, and we are different, changed in some infinitesimal way. We can never be quite the same again.”
There’s another way of looking at it as Nelson Mandela said upon his release after 28 years of incarceration and whom I had the honour
and privilege of meeting
21 years ago (a 10 minute private audience in Dublin’s Four Seasons Hotel): “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged and find how the ways in which you have altered.”
I wouldn’t want to go back: for one thing, for to attempt
He who rejects change is the architect of decay...
to recapture those idealised times would prove futile; for another, change should be welcomed, for it is a good thing — it can even prove liberating and empowering. It is all too easy to see ourselves as central to everything — life, love and the whole damn thing, when we’re not but a tiny speck in an expanding universe and multiple universes.
And so I count myself blessed by the essence of it all, the wonders and vagaries of nature, the unfathomable size of our expanding universe and my place in it, and, not least, by the challenges change brings me.
In The Razor’s Edge, Somerset Maugham wrote: “Nothing in the world is permanent and we are foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.”
Enjoy your day. It will not pass this way again...
Despite the recent rise in traffic fatalities, Ireland remains one of the safest countries in Europe for road use.
Thirty-nine people have died on Irish roads so far this year, five more than for the same period in 2023.
Yet, Ireland's per capita road death rate of 31 lives lost per one million residents – while slightly increasing since 2022
– remains one of the lowest in Europe.
Italy records 54 deaths per one million residents.
Europe's highest road death rate is recorded by Portugal and Greece, 62 deaths and 61 deaths respectively per one million residents, double Ireland's number.
However, the Government, An Garda Síochána and the
Road Safety Authority (RSA) have all expressed concern at the recent spiral in road deaths here.
While Ireland's annual number of road fatalities has been rising, the trend has been going the opposite way in many other European countries, thanks to safety campaigns, enhanced driver education and tougher police
President Michael D Higgins has lead the tributes following the death of former RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird, who has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with motor neurone disease.
Mr Bird was "one of the outstanding journalists of his generation" dedicated to the pursuit of truth, President Higgins said.
"It is with the deepest sadness that all of the Irish people, and particularly all of those who were his allies in campaigning for so many significant causes, will have learnt of the death of Charlie Bird.
"An exceptionally talented broadcaster, Charlie was a truly remarkable man driven by a deep sense of social justice in the most positive sense."
From leading political figures to former colleagues, Mr Bird was remembered for his generous spirit and dogged determination. As a journalist and broadcaster, he covered some of the biggest stories, nationally and internationally, across a 40-year career, including the
Stardust Fire and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In recent years, Mr Bird became known for his tireless work with the motor neurone disease community following his own diagnosis in October 2021.
He raised millions of euros with his charity mountain climb - 'Climb with Charlie,' which brought together thousands of people across the country.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of Mr Bird's passing. He said the former journalist " inspired so many with the courage, generosity of spirit and dignity he faced his battle with motor neurone disease."
Mr Bird is survived by his wife Claire, his children, family, and friends.
enforcement.
The 39 deaths in Ireland this year were 16 drivers, 13 passengers, seven pedestrians, two motorcyclists and one pedal cyclist.
That represents a 15% increase on the same period last year, while 2023 had the highest level of road fatalities in over a decade.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who
lost a family member in a traffic tragedy, personally chaired a road safety strategy meeting last year in a bid to coordinate the campaign to reduce road deaths.
Road safety campaign group
PARC has called for greater resources for Garda road policing units, strict enforcement of driving regulations and measures to ensure learner drivers
must sit a test before they can secure another learner permit.
PARC founder Susan Gray said Garda resources are a key component in the strategy to reduce road deaths.
More than half the deaths on Irish roads are of motorists aged 35 and younger.
Figures show that almost 70% of fatal collisions happen between 7pm and 4am.
The world renowned guitarist Paco Peña returns to Irel and this April and will play the Watergate Theatre on Saturday April 6 as part of a nationwide tour. Paco Peña embodies both authenticity and innovation in flamenco. As guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor, he has transformed perceptions of this archetypal Spanish art form. Born in the Andalucian city of Cordoba, Paco Peña began learning guitar from his brother at the age of six and made his first professional appearance at the age of 12. In the late 1960s he left
Spain for London, where his recitals of flamenco music captured the public imagination.
Since 1970, Paco Peña has performed regularly with his own hand-picked company of dancers, guitarist and singers in a succession of ground-breaking shows. Venues for his performances have included the intimate Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the monumental Royal Albert Hall in London.
In 1997, Paco Peña was proud to be named Official de la Cruz de la Orden del Merito Civil and in May 2012, he was thrilled to be
awarded the Gold medal in the Arts by the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington. These honours were both bestowed by King Juan Carlos of Spain. This sensational show is packed with all the integrity, depth and raw energy that have become Paco Peña’s trademark.
His show encompasses so much. Music, dance, costumes, atmosphere. His imagination, dedication and skill constantly renew this archetypal Spanish art form. He expands its horizons, yet never loses touch with its visceral emotion.
It couldn’t be clearer, the Government and every opposition party with the exception of Aontu who wanted Yeses to the two Referendums have suffered a resounding defeat. T he people have spoken, or rather the overwhelming majority of those who v oted not be saddled with the so-called Family and Care amendments.
The rest of the electorate – 56% – either were not interested or were too confused to go to the polls. It wasn’t a marginal result or a muddled one with Yes No or No Yes results, but rather a decisive rejection. There will have been many reasons why people said No, but I am not sure that politicians got the message. Their two main limp excuses for the result were that they had “misread the mood of the people” or that they hadn’t done enough
to convince us. I think both are rubbish. For one thing, a majority could see that the amendments were not fit to do what they said on the tin; for another, they were annoyed at being patronised, having their intelligence underestimated and b eing told effectively to vote as you are told.
The proposed amendments needed to be better drafted, the consequences needed to be clear and should, I believe, have followed meaningful legislation to give them effect if the y were not to be empty promises.
The proposals were confusing to say the least. For ins tance, how can there be an undertaking to guard the institution of marriage and protect it against attack while at the same time giving the equal recognition to other kinds of ‘durable’ or should that
read ‘endurable’ relationships?
Sometimes minsters came across like dodgy salespeople flogging a supposedly great product while withholding the small print. Among the things that were promised was that the proposal w ould cover excluded unmarried mothers. But just how ere unmarried mothers to establish this, on a case by case basis in court and by proving that they weren’t living with someone else but raising their children solo?
If the Government are to repair the damage before the General Election they need to have a conversation about what people really want and above all they need to take care seriously. It’s said that a nation c an be judged on the way it takes care of children and the weakest members of
At the most recent meeting of Kilkenny Municipal District Councillors agreed to keep Kilkenny beautiful by keeping their election posters out of the city. A motion was placed before the elected members to ask them to agree to keeping election posters out of the city. The motion was proposed by Green Party Councillor and Chair of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, Kilkenny’s Tidy Towns group.
At the last local elections over 150 towns all over Ireland called for their local candidates to desist from placing posters in their towns. Many people consider them very bad for the environment because posters are generally ‘single-use’ and thousands of cable ties end up littering the ground.
Unfortunately, defacement and interference with posters has become a feature of some election campaigns all leading to an undesirable visual as well as physical environment. “KKB volunteers collect tonnes of single use plastic rubbish every year and most people are aware of the
SuperValu Tidy Towns competition, thanks to the massive efforts of residents, KKB volunteers and businesses. Adjudication for the competitions start before the end of the campaign but in addition we will have many visitors to Kilkenny who have no interest in local elections and will consider the posters everywhere as ‘visual litter’ detracting from our beautiful city. Previous Tidy Town winners like Ennis and over 150 other towns around Ireland have banned posters and like Ennis we want to be winners. I proposed the motion, asking that our sitting elected reps show their solidarity with the volunteers, businesses and residents who put a massive effort into putting the best foot forward for Kilkenny city for visitors and locals alike. I’m delighted to say every Cllr agreed with the motion. I hope other candidates will also respect the ban”.
This agreement is voluntary, and the ‘Poster Free City’ arrangement was approved by all sitting members of Kilkenny Municipal District Council.
society. The Care amendment was defeated by a record 74% which should tell the Government something.
T here are running sores around care in this country which the Government leave weeping. These could be dealt with by devoting more resources to them, being prepared to sack ineffective ministers or management – some could even be resolved in a matter of hours.
The State has a duty of care towards asylum seekers. What kind of lunatic decision-makers leave these vulnerable people in tents in artic weather without even the dignity of having portaloos. Meantime, there are hundreds of beds intended for Ukrainian refugees vacant, I know it’s complicated but someone needs to kick ass and sort it.
How can the powers-thatbe be taken seriously about care when children with special needs wait years for attention, when carers of severely disabled children are at their wits end for respite and support and children with agonising conditions wait endlessly for surgery. How about the ongoing overcrowding crisis in Limerick hospital which is endangering p atients’ lives, surely that needs to be treated and solved as an emergency. The concept of care should not be limited to families only.
Article 41.2.1 and 2 does recognise the contribution of mothers and promise support which has not been forthcoming. Why not honour that promise and provide support for parents caring for children at home and better subvention for childcare outside it? Ac-
cording to one survey, a majority of mothers would prefer to be at home minding their small children rather than having to w ork. There won’t be another referendum in the life of this Government and the one that we were offered simply wasn’t good enough. But instead of playing the blame game the coalition partners should see this as an opportunity; they have been s ent a clear message from voters about the need for better care measures and respect for marriage.
Let’s hope that the political parties learn more from this than they would have from a spineless Yes vote. They need to start having meaningful conversations with stakeholders and take urgent action where it’s needed are the kind of things that get votes.
Customers often ask me which brand of supplements is the best. New staff ask the same question. There are several excellent brands to choose from but, Terranova is one that stands out and comes to mind first. This is because they are an ethical brand with top quality ingredients. They never use fillers or binders, artificial colours or flavours.
Instead, Terranova use a unique Magnifood Complex as a base for their supplements. This can include a mixture of nutrient rich ingredients like spirulina, green barley grass, kale, watercress, pomegranate seeds or blackberries. The Magnifood Complex enhances the bio-availability, utilisation,
and function of the product's main ingredients, ensuring proper digestion, absorption, and utilisation where needed in the body. Every product will have its own unique mixture to support the product. The entire range is vegan. One of their most popular products is Life Drink. It’s my colleague Leah’s personal favourite. She says it is great because it’s naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, omega oils, proteins, greens, and digestive support and provides her with excellent nutritional support. It comes in powder form, Leah adds it to water but you you can add to your favourite milk, juice, smoothie or yoghurt. Life Drink is ideal for anyone wanting to top up on nutrients for all round vitality, mood, and immune support. Leah says it tastes good too, a bit earthy but enjoyable. She highly recommends it.
For hayfever take a look at Terranova Quercetin and Nettle Complex. The Quercetin works to support immunity helping the body to recognise that the pollen you are breathing in is not dangerous to you. Nettle is a natural anti-histamine. This can help relieve the symptoms associated with high histamine including running/streaming eyes and nose as well as relieving itchiness of the eyes, nose, and roof of the mouth. You can also start taking the supplement before the season begins to help reduce the severity and the length of time you experience symptoms.
Terranova also have a range of fermented supplements which includes Ashwagandha and Black Garlic. The difference between fermented and non-fermented is that the fermentation process promotes superior absorption of the plant. They also have a vegan collagen range, Vollagen. There is something for everyone. Certainly, worth your while looking at the Terranova range.
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
The internet can be a wonderful place. But it’s also awash with fraudsters targeting people who are susceptible to fraud.
We’re all getting older.
That’s good news for digital fraudsters, who see rich pickings to be had in a rapidly ageing society.
They’re increasingly targeting senior citizens because they suspect these targets to have more money to steal, but potentially less digital savvy to spot the early warning signs of a scam.
Figures from the Commission for Communications regulations (ComReg) show that scams cost Irish consumers more than €300m. Each year – €115m to scam texts and €187m. lost to calls.
In 2022 ComReg reckons there were close to 365,000 cases of fraudulent scams, 89m. “annoying communications” and 31m. “distressing communications”. More than 5,00 businesses were victims of a scam.
10 scams to watch out for The internet can, of course, be a wonderful place. But it’s also awash with bad people trying to steal your personal information and money. Here are some of the most common schemes:
1. Phishing
Let’s start with a threat that is a scourge of the modern internet: phishing. A phishing email or phone/social media message will arrive unsolicited. The scammer impersonates a legitimate entity requesting you supply information such as account log-ins, or click on a link/open an attachment. The former could enable them to hijack your accounts, while the latter may trigger a malware download designed to steal more data or lock down your computer.
2. Romance scams
Romance scams made $734 billion globally for fraudsters in 2022. Scammers will create fake profiles on dating sites, befriend lonely hearts and build a rapport, with the aim of extracting as much money as possible. Typical stories are that they need money for medical bills or to travel to see their sweetheart. Needless to say they will always find an excuse not to appear on a video call or meet in person.
3. Healthcare
The scammer impersonates a healthcare representative with the aim of eliciting personal and medical information that can be sold on to others to commit health insurance fraud. They may do this on email, by phone or even in person.
4. Tech support
In one of the oldest phonebased scams, the fraudster impersonates a legitimate entity like a tech company or telco provider, telling you there’s something wrong with your PC. This might happen out of the blue, or you might be prompted to call a ‘helpline’ after a harmless but worrying pop-up appears on your computer. The scammer may trick you into providing them access to the machine. They’ll try and find a way of making money out of you; for unnecessary ‘protection’ or ‘upgrades’ of the machine, or by stealing financial information from it.
5. Online shopping fraud Scammers create legitimate-looking online stores and then attract users to visit them via phishing emails or unsolicited texts or social media messages. Items are often marked down with incredible offers. However, products are either counterfeit, stolen or non-existent and the real goal is to steal your card details.
6. Robocalls
Robocalls rely on automated technology to nuisance call large numbers of recipients at once. A pre-recorded message may be used to offer free or heavily discounted goods. Or it could be used to scare the recipient into responding, such as telling them they are the subject of an impending lawsuit. If you respond, the scammers will try to obtain your personal and financial information.
7. Government impersonation
Like tech support scams, these are usually performed by call centres based in south Asia. Combined losses topped € 1 billion in 2022. In this version, the scammer will call pretending to be from Revenue, private healthcare company or other government body demanding unpaid taxes or other payments. They will aggressively warn that nonpayment could lead to arrest or other penalties.
8. Lottery scams
A fraudster calls out of the blue claiming you’ve won a lottery and all you need to
do to reclaim your winnings is send a small processing fee or tax up front. Of course, there is no prize and your money will disappear.
9. Grandparent scam
A scammer calls you up unannounced pretending to be a relative in jeopardy. They’ll typically start by
Although the scammers’ tactics may change, best practice advice remains pretty consistent. Remember the following to stay safe:
• If an offer is too good to be true it usually is.
• Treat any unsolicited contact with suspicion. If you want to reply, never respond directly to a message. Instead, Google the sending institution and call or email separately to confirm.
• Stay calm, even when harangued on the phone. And don’t give out any personal information.
• Don’t trust Caller ID as it can be faked.
• Use multi-factor authentication on your accounts to mitigate the threat of someone stealing your logins.
• Never send money via wire transfer, payment apps, gift cards or cryptocurrency, as there’s no way of requesting it back in the advent of fraud.
• Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails/ texts/social media messages.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you think you might have been scammed, get in touch with local police and your local bank (if financial details were involved). It is also a good idea to reset your passwords if you’ve handed them over to a potential scammer.
saying something like “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” and then proceed with a tale of woe designed to persuade you into parting with cash to help them. Usually they’ll request a money transfer, gift cards or payment via a cash app. They may ask that you keep everything a secret. In some variations on this theme, the scammer pretends to be an arresting police officer, doctor or lawyer trying to help the grandchild. Advances in AI software known as deepfakes may even enable them to mimic the voice of your grandchild more accurately to perpetrate what has come to be called “virtual kidnapping scams”.
10. Investment scams
The highest earner for cybercriminals in 2022, making over €3.3 billion globally , this category refers to get-rich-quick schemes that promise low risk and guaranteed returns, often through cryptocurrency investments. In reality, the whole scheme is built on sand.
Recently we looked at the landmark announcement from the Government revealing a series of significant changes to the State Pension (Contributory). It promised flexibility and improved benefits for those aged 66 and above. We saw that the most striking development was the decision to maintain the State Pension age at 66, contrary to recommendations from the Pensions Commission.
Another change was the introduction of a flexible retirement system starting in January where individuals can choose to continue working until age 70 in exchange for a higher pension. This move aims to allow workers to make decisions in line with their personal circumstances and financial goals.
So, let’s look at the options available and see if there is value in leaving it longer to avail of the pension.
Believe it or not this pension is very valuable. If you had to accumulate a fund to buy this pension today as a private individual, you
would need a pot of €348,780 to invest. You would then need a return on that money of more than 4% to equate to the pension of €14,469.51 a year. With the State Pension there is no inflation protection built in but there has been a 20% increase in the last 10 years which equates to a 2% increase a year. The pension in 2014 was €230.30 a week and today it is
€277.30.
There is an option on the table now to defer the pension to a later date with a maximum deferral date at age 70. Let’s looks at the figures if you were to defer your pension each year up to the maximum age allowable age of 70.
You are retiring today and taking your pension at age 66 Your pension will be, assuming no changes, €14,469.51
a year. Leave it till next year and retire at 67 you will receive an extra €678.34 a year – your pension will be €15,147.85. Leave it till 68 you will receive an extra €1,434.95 annually – your pension will be €15,904.46 Leave till 69 your pension will be €16,713.25 and, finally, leaving it till 70 your pension will be €17,595.10 a year. So, lets look at two of the options age 67 and 70. You
wait until age 67. You lose out on one year of pension – €14,469.51 – but every other year you get an extra €678.34. But it will take 21.33 years to catch up –(€14,469.51/€678.34 = 21.33) meaning you will need to live to 88.33 years and beyond to see a benefit. You wait till age 70 to receive your pension, you lose out on €57,878.04 (€14,695.52 x 4) but you will
get an extra €3,125.58 every year. But it will still take 18.5 years to catch up and you will need to live to age 88.5 and beyond to see any benefit. You will really need to review your finances and maybe the gene pool you come from.
These reforms do represent significant steps forward for Irish pensioners with the Government committed to a more flexible system. If you are nearing the date of retirement you will need to act. The application process for the State Pension (Contributory) has been streamlined, allowing you to apply three months before turning 66 but, if you have contributions in other countries, you would be advised to start the application process six months before reaching the qualifying age.
Now is the time to get your pension in order. Use all available information and services to stay informed to plan for a secure and fulfilling retirement. Start with the Government website – www. gov.ie.
john@ellisfinancial.ie086 8362622
One hundred years ago, both theoretical predictions and observational data indicated that the Universe was expanding, but what would that imply for our cosmic origins? One idea was that, if the Universe was expanding, diluting, and cooling today, then in the past, it must have been smaller, denser, and hotter, leading to the idea of a hot, dense, uniform early state. Coined in 1949 by the idea’s biggest detractor, Fred Hoyle, the name ‘Big Bang’ has stuck ever since, and has been spectacularly validated and even superseded and improved upon. Here’s where we are today.
As was first noted by Vesto Slipher back in the 1910s, some of the objects we observe show the spectral signatures of absorption or emission of particular atoms, ions, or molecules, but with a systematic shift toward either the red or blue end of the light spectrum. When combined with distance measurements for those objects, this data gave rise to the initial idea of the expanding Universe: the farther away a galaxy is, the greater its light will appear redshifted to our eyes and instruments.
As a balloon inflates, any coins glued to its surface will appear to recede away from one another, with ‘more distant’ coins receding more rapidly than the less distant ones. Any light will redshift, as its wavelength ‘stretches’ to longer values as the balloon’s fabric expands. This visualisation solidly explains cosmological redshift within the context of the expanding Universe.
Catholic priest and theoretical cosmologist Georges Lemaître was among the first to conceptualise the Big Bang as the origin of our Universe within the framework of general relativity, even though
he didn’t use that name himself, instead calling it the ‘primeval atom’. Our Universe, from the hot Big Bang until the present day, underwent a huge
amount of growth and evolution, and continues to do so. Our entire observable Universe was approximately the size of a modest boulder some 13.8 billion years ago,
but has expanded to be ~46 billion light-years in radius today. The complex structure that has arisen must have grown from seed imperfections of at least ~0.003% of
the average density early on, and has gone through phases where atomic nuclei, neutral atoms, and stars first formed.
The Big Bang gives us almost all of the hydrogen and
helium in the Universe, and almost none of everything else combined. Most elements, in some form or another, are forged in stars.
Galaxy NGC 1 was the first object recorded in William Herschel’s general catalogue from 1786, but was not rerecorded until the 1860s. Its distance of 211 million light-years made it the most distant object known and recorded for around a century, although the much fainter NGC 2, located below it, is nearly twice as distant.
Galaxies such as this, despite being hundreds of millions of light-years away, have not appreciably evolved in mass, size, or stellar age from the nearest galaxies to us; one must look much farther away to see such effects.
The prediction of the Hoyle State and the discovery of the triple- alpha process is perhaps the most stunningly successful use of anthropic reasoning in scientific history. This process is what explains the creation of the majority of carbon that’s found in our modern-day Universe, and demonstrates that it was created in the process of stellar nucleosynthesis.
One of the greatest, most profound questions ever asked by humanity is simply, “Where did all this come from?” For thousands of years, you were likely only to get a speculative myth as your answer, as this was regarded as a question for philosophers, theologians, or poets: a question far beyond the reach of any sort of scientific endeavour. All of this changed in the 20th century, when advances in theory, observation, measurement, and instrument technology led us to a definitive answer for the first time: a hot, dense, largely uniform, and rapidly expanding state known as the Big Bang.
In the last few decades, some scientists argue, the power that we have ascribed to genes has gotten a little out of hand. This has led to the rise of biological (or genetic) ‘determinism’ – the idea that our biological makeup (as opposed to culture, environment, or personal decisions) is the dominant determinant of our behaviour.
There is now a ‘warrior gene’ legal strategy for criminal defenders advocating on behalf of persons accused of violent crimes.
Says one biologist: “Numerous commentators expect our genetic endowment to accomplish feats of which it is incapable ... Statements such as ‘understanding the genetic roots of personality will help you find yourself and relate better to others’ are, at today’s level of knowl-
edge, frankly nonsensical.” One of the critical things we often get wrong when we talk about this subject is
this: Genes do not code for traits. They certainly don’t code for behavioural traits (such as kindness). But in
the overwhelming majority of cases, genes don’t even code for physical traits (such as hair colour).
Scientists Gregor Mendel’s pea plants led to the concepts of dominant and recessive traits. In this elementary lesson, cross-fertilising two pea plants that have smooth peas (dominant trait) leads to a progeny of plants, where three-quarters have smooth peas (dominant) and one-quarter have wrinkled peas (recessive).
But, as we have come to find out, traits that are inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion are the exception, not the rule. In humans, they are incredibly rare. Human examples of Mendelian inheritance come from diseases (sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington’s disease, to name just a few), not normal physiology.
In humans, normal traits that follow a Mendelian inheritance pattern seem to be absent. Even traits that we once thought were inherited in this simple pattern, such as eye colour, are now understood to be much more complex.
What genes actually code for are proteins. Proteins are the molecular machines that build and keep our bodies running smoothly. Some proteins fight infection and are called antibodies. Others help provide structure or allow for muscle elasticity (titin). Yet others convey messages through the blood and are known as hormones. How many different types of proteins does a human have? No one knows for certain. Some experts estimate that our genes make between a few hundred thousand to several billion
different types of proteins.
As our understanding of genetics has deepened, the support for genetic determinism has eroded. We have come to recognise that genes don’t really act as agents in themselves. They are regulated (turned on or off ) by things called transcription factors. In turn, these transcription factors — and here’s the death knell for genetic determinism — are regulated by the environment.
Most scientists assume that genes have some influence on our traits — both behavioural and physical — but the way this happens is extraordinarily complex and very indirect. There are very few examples in humans where a known genetic variation has quantitatively been linked to a behavioural response.
For hundreds of years, when in Rome, visitors have flocked to the Trevi Fountain to make a wish, following a storied ritual.
Throwing coins into the water, few gave them a second thought.
As visitors’ coins carry wishes for love, good health or a return to the Eternal City, they provide practical help to people the tourists will never meet.
Today, coins pile up for several days before they are fished out and taken to the Rome division of the worldwide Catholic charity Caritas, which counts the bucketfuls of change and uses them to fund a food bank, soup kitchen and welfare projects.
In 2023 Caritas collected €1.4 million from the fountain and it expects to have gathered even more in 2024. Rome is one of the world’s most visited cities with 21 million tourists.
When the coins are given to Caritas, they are dried with hairdryers and cutlery dryers and sorted and counted.
Signs around the fountain explain that the change will go to charity – a gesture that pleases many of the tourists posing by the landmark.
“I wanted to make a wish which is dear to my heart,” said Yula Cole from Brazil after throwing in a coin. “But I also know that this coin is not just staying there but will help needy people. I made a wish but hopefully this money will help other people’s wishes too.”
Day and night, throngs of people crowd around the fountain posing for photos. Legend says that if you throw a coin by the right hand over the left shoulder into the fountain, you will return to Rome. People eagerly add their own personal wishes.
“I am tossing a coin as they say if you toss a coin you come back to Rome and also
One million euro gets thrown into Rome’s Trevi Fountain each year. Here’s what happens to that money
because I want to make the wish to find love,” said Carola from Chile.
The Trevi Fountain, completed in 1762, covers one side of Palazzo Poli in central Rome with its statues of Tritons guiding the shell chariot of the god Oceanus, illustrating the theme of the taming of the waters.
It is where Italian film director Federico Fellini set one of the most famous scenes in cinema in the movie La Dolce Vita, with Anita Ekberg wading into
the fountain after midnight and beckoning Marcello Mastroianni to join her.
Wading into its waters today is forbidden and tourists face fines if they do.
Twice a week, up to four workers collect the coins, said Francesco Prisco, a manager at the famous landmark. The fountain is drained for cleaning twice a month.
“The collection and cleaning operations are carried out as quickly as possible to try to reduce the
downtime of the fountain,” he said.
After the coins have been swept into a long line by a long-reach broom, they are sucked up by hoses and taken to Caritas’ office, where employee Fabrizio Marchioni spreads them across a huge table for drying.
Not just coins are fished from the fountain. Workers have removed jewellery, dentures, religious medals, even umbilical cords.
Signs by the fountain warn
not to steal the coins.
Over the decades the coins have been targeted, sometimes with magnets attached to a pole.
Close to Rome’s main station is Caritas’ supermarket, known as the Emporium, which allocates food to needy residents who can purchase it with tokens on a card.
“I was a blacksmith but then I lost my position and my arthritis does not help in finding a new job. Luckily there are places like this
Emporium,” said a man who gave his name only as Domenico.
Another man, Luigi, explained: “I was a builder and also the owner of a video surveillance system company before I lost my job. Places like this Emporium give concrete help.”
Back at the fountain, the coins stack up.
“I got told that if I toss in two coins my wishes will come true. So that’s why I did it,” said Chinese tourist Yuting.
For some of us one of the most exciting things about flying, especially long-haul, is the inflight meal. Now, though, one flight attendant has advised travellers to not eat.
Other than reading, listening to music or watching TV shows and films, there isn’t much to do when you’re flying 30,000 feet in the air on a long-haul flight. It can be pretty boring, so, perhaps, one thing people often look forward to is the sound of the food trolley coming round.
The reason flight attendant Kris Major says it’s not always the best idea to accept your meal on a long-haul flight is that it can stop you from getting much-needed rest. Major
has learned many tips and tricks of the trade over the two decades he’s worked as a flight attendant.
And, while he understands it’s tempting to take the food that is offered to you on a long haul flight, it’s actually not the best thing to do, and turning it down could actually help you get to sleep faster. This might be essential for helping you feel fresh when you get to your destination.
Speaking to CNN Travel, he said: “The seasoned travellers, after take off you go down the cabin and you can see that they’re gone –they’ve covered themselves up and they’re asleep. Most airlines don’t particularly plan their [food] service around the passenger and acclimatisation and time
zones crossing.”
So the next time you find yourself on a long haul flight overnight it might best to avoid the meal they pass round and instead focus on squeezing in as much rest as possible. If your flight is on the shorter end of the long haul scale then try eating before you board so that by the time you get to your seat, you are ready for some well-earned rest, Major suggested. In addition, if your flight spans several hours you might find they offer more than one meal, so getting as much rest as you can early on to maximise the time could be the solution. By the time breakfast comes round you will be fresher and ready to tuck into some food which will give you
fuel when you reach your destination.
Kris Major also says that your choice of seat can be also be crucial in maximising rest on a long flight. According to the flight attendant, opting for a window or aisle seat could be your ticket to a better amount of sleep.The added room or place to rest your head can just add to your comfort. He has also revealed some savvy tips to staying fresh on a long haul flight as travel can make you feel tired and grubby. He said that most people like to clean their teeth when they need to in order to stay fresh. Washing in any way you can will help you feel. better, or even putting some make up on if that makes you feel better.
My first time in Paris was with Eadie, my late sister. One summer Eadie drove home from Geneva, where she worked, in a small, red Fiat. Her first car. She surprised us by her arrival and she then surprised me by producing a ferry ticket to France. “You,” she smiled, “are coming back with me.” And I did.
And my heart was in my mouth for most of the journey as Eadie, a novice driver, negotiated the hair-pin bends high up in the Jura mountains. Scary.
Our first stop on this marathon drive to Switzerland was Paris. And once again my heart was in my mouth as we drove up and down, and up and down, the Champs Elysees trying to locate our hotel in a Rue de Bac as the French drivers blew us out of it for ‘crawling’ around the main boulevard of Gay Par-ee.
The second time I was in
Paris was different. For starters I was with my wife, not my sister. And we weren’t driving. Thank God. We found ourselves in Paris in the springtime for a short city break. It had to be springtime because it was March and it had to be March because we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day there. In Montmartre. We hadn‘t come to Paris to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The French don’t march down the Champs Elysees on March 17. Mon Dieu! What do you take them for?
Mind you our hotel made some small gesture towards the day that was in it by supplying green napkins and a special offer on Irish whiskey!
We had arranged to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the French capital with a fellow Irishman, a Galway man, called Seamus who was, so to speak, our man in Paris. I met Seamus, and his Welsh girlfriend, in a pub in Conne-
mara the previous summer. Seamus told me that he was a librarian in the Sorbonne in Paris and, if ever I was in the capital, to give him a ring. I did and we arranged to hook up for Patrick’s Day. But first we needed to find some place to eat. Seamus wasn‘t exactly a minefield of
knowledge when it came to restaurants (he was a student after all). However, he had a flat-mate, a canny Scotsman called Dave, thanks to whom, my wife and I ended up in a lovely restaurant with a brilliant view of Notre Dame Cathedral on our very first night in Paris. Not bad, considering
I didn’t know the city from Adam and was only in the place a few hours. And so we felt we owed Seamus one and arranged to treat him, and Dave, to a meal the following day, St. Patrick’s Day. We met Seamus in our hotel (Dave was unavailable) and headed for Montmartre, choc-a-bloc with bistros, eateries and artists. Seamus suggested we take the metro, “just for the experience”. And an experience it was. Seamus, it transpired. didn’t know the Metro as well as he thought and we damn near ended up in Belgium!
Two taxis later we arrived in Montmartre and settled for Chez Catherine’s whose ruby-red interior enticed us in. We were not disappointed. Chez Catherine’s was typically Parisian or at least what we green, innocent Irish tourists considered to be Parisian. Indeed our impression was
further enhanced by Pierre, the violin player, who serenaded the diners for the price of a drink.
“We’re celebrating Patrick’s Day,”I told Pierre when he came to our table and we jokingly asked if he knew any Irish tunes. Did he what? Mais oui, he did and broke into a medley of just about every Irish tune I knew and several more that I had never heard of. It was like a private audience with Pierre. Needless to say we were chuffed by his prolonged attention and also by his knowledge of Irish music.
As we toasted his good health and his violin playing par excellence we left him, not just with the price of a drink, but with the price of several drinks. Pierre, the fiddler of Montmartre, had not just made our night out but quite simply had perfected our celebration of Patrick’s Day in Paris.
Taiwan, a couple of years ago, was declared by the Economist on the magazine’s cover as “the most dangerous place on earth”.
The reasons it came to that conclusion remain sound. In fact, they have only grown stronger recently.
The backdrop to the tensions over Taiwan — a tiny island, home to 24 million people — is, of course, the expanding geopolitical rivalry between China and the US. Ever since the rise first of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and then of former US President Donald Trump, both nations have fundamentally shifted their attitudes towards the other — from benign, to wary, to hostile.
Perhaps the extraordinary and rapid growth of China and the reality of America’s dominant status made this inevitable. A rising power faces an established one, creating a situation that may be, in the words of author and Harvard international security scholar Graham Allison, “destined for war”.
But are they destined for war? The US and China are unusual in that, while they are increasingly geopolitical rivals, they are also deeply intertwined economically.
One example: During the Cold War, at the peak of USSoviet trade, the two countries exchanged $5 billion dollars of goods with each other in one year. China and the US do $5 billion in trade every few days. And that number has not dropped that much even as tariffs, bans and restrictions on trade have grown in recent years.
In addition, China does not seem to be a revolutionary state, seeking to overthrow the international system and present the world with an alternative ideology to America. That ideological rivalry, at the heart of the Cold War, is largely absent today.
One thing that is present, however, is nuclear deter-
The Malaysian Government may reopen its search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 a decade after it went missing over the Indian Ocean.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has said he has invited US technology firm Ocean Infinity to evaluate new evidence that could shed light on the plane’s disappearance. The company would operate under the same terms as in its 2018 search, expanding on the area covered back then and only seeking payment if the wreckage is found.
MH370 vanished on March 8, 2014, on its way from Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The Boeing 777 was carrying 239 people, most of them Chinese nationals, along with citizens of Malaysia, Australia, India and other nations.
rence. China and the US both have large arsenals, which should have the effect they have had elsewhere — from the US and Soviet Union to Pakistan and India — in deterring all-out war. And yet ... and yet: There is the problem of Taiwan that sits at the heart of US-China relations.
China has never accepted that Taiwan can be an independent country. This is not a Xi Jinping innovation. It is in the constitution of the People’s Republic of China. Every Chinese leader beginning with Mao Zedong has affirmed the goal of reunify-
ing the two, but in the past, Communist China believed that it could wait because time was on its side. Eventually, the mainland with its massive economy and billion-plus population would draw the tiny island of 24 million into its orbit.
That was the thinking. But that premise is proving untrue.
Taiwan has developed into a feisty democracy with a political culture defined by its political system in stark contrast to China. In the past few decades, Taiwan has gotten more determined not to reunify with China. So, Xi must
be looking at this situation and feeling that time is not on his side. That perhaps it would be better to act sooner than later.
For America and its many allies in Asia, Chinese aggression to retake Taiwan would be unacceptable. Washington has been willing to accept China’s claims on Taiwan as long as it did not use coercion to achieve them.
Taiwan policy, for all sides, has been about tolerating fantasies about the future as long as there are no practical changes in the present. Most people in Taiwan simply
want to maintain the status quo and keep things going as they are. While the recent elections on the island brought to power for a third term a party that is closely associated with the idea of an independent Taiwan, it’s worth noting that it got only 40% of the vote, with the other 60% going to two candidates with less independence- minded positions. What does all this mean? That this issue will need to be managed rather than solved — and managed very carefully by both Beijing and Washington. This is one place on Earth where there
The plane dropped off from radar shortly after takeoff and satellite data later showed it veering off course. From there it most likely crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, investigators surmised at the time. Terrorism was suspected and military radar indicated it may have been purposely turned around. Questions were also raised about the pilot’s mental health.
The year’s-long search was inconclusive, and although some debris washed up onto the east African coast and some Indian Ocean islands, nothing definitive was ever found. The incident led to more aviation-safety measures and has remained among the most confounding mysteries in flight history.
If the new evidence offered
should be little room for macho rhetoric and provocative actions. All three sides should keep talking to ensure there are no misperceptions or miscalculations.
None of this is morally satisfying. But the stakes are high enough that one thing is clear: Were these tensions to be mismanaged, were this conflict to turn into war, it would be lose-lose-lose for all three parties; indeed, the whole world would suffer cataclysmic consequences. Better to kick this can down the road as long as possible — and hope it does not explode.
by Ocean Infinity seems solid enough to follow up on, Minister Loke said he would request approval from the Cabinet to sign a new contract with the company. Heartbroken families have never stopped longing for closure.
“The Government is steadfast in our resolve to locate MH370,” Minister Loke said at an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the jet’s disappearance. “We really hope the search can find the plane and provide truth to the next-of-kin.”
Bai Zhong, who is from China and whose wife was a passenger, said: “No matter if it is 10 years, 20 years or more, as long as we are still alive … we will not cease to press for the truth. We believe the truth will eventually come to light.”
But many are missing out on the scheme which can cut thousands off childcare bills
Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D. is today calling on all parents in County Kilkenny using Tusla-registered childcare services to make sure they are getting their full entitlement to subsidies, which could cut thousands of euros off their childcare bills each year.
3,811 children in County Kilkenny received subsidies towards the cost of their childcare under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) in 2023, with more than €6.8 million paid to early learning and childcare providers in County Kilkenny to reduce parents’ fees.
Minister O’Gorman said:
“With the Easter holidays approaching, many families will be looking for further childcare cover.
While thousands of parents are receiving subsidies, many will be unaware they can use their subsidy for more hours than usual during mid-term and holidays, or even to cover one-off camps.
“There are almost 4,000 providers across the country eligible to receive your subsidy.
“I would strongly encourage all parents or guardians to talk their provider about their subsidies and extra hours over the holiday period if needed.
“Parents who want to explore using a childcare provider for the first time can talk to their local county childcare Committee.”
Currently, the minimum hourly subsidy is €1.40 an hour and it will be increasing to €2.14 in September. This will mean families using full time care (45 hours a week) will receive a minimum of €5,000 euro a year off their bill per child. Many Families can receive an Income Assessed Award, which is based on household income, which can be as high €12,000 per year for those using full-time care.
Families who would like to know if their childcare provider is registered for the NCS can access the Childcare Search Service on the NCS website, at www.NCS.gov.ie, where they can also see the providers’ fees list. Families will also find information on how to apply for the NCS.
Families who want some more support in how to apply can contact the Kilkenny County Childcare Committee. Childcare Committees are a local government funded support designed to help families access childcare supports.
Julieann Hickey from Kilkenny County Childcare Committee, said: "The NCS has been hugely
beneficial for parents across Kilkenny, providing significant savings and notably reducing the cost of quality childcare for many families. With increased subsidies from September, even further savings will be available to parents availing of the scheme."
“Anyone with any questions about the NCS is welcome to contact us on 056-7752865 for assistance."
“The Scheme Administrator, Pobal, also run a helpline to provide support and guidance to parents in relation to the NCS. The Parent Support Centre can be contacted on 01 906 8530Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.”
Also for families from County Kilkenny planning a trip to Dublin, the team from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth as well as County Childcare Committee members from across the country will be at the Pregnancy & Baby Fair in the RDS on the 23 to 24 March to speak to parents and expectant parents about childcare so if you’re planning a visit, be sure to stop by stall G9.
On the night of Tuesday 12th March, Gardaí attended the scene of multiple incidents of criminal damage in Kilkenny City.
The windows of a number of businesses on Kieran Street were smashed at approximately 11.40pm.
A man in his 30s was arrested in connection to the crime and remains in custody while further investigations are carried out.
An exclusive new residential development, Bishops Lough, located in Kilkenny City has launched phase two of a 230home community. Nestled in St Canice’s Parish, 56 elegant new Kilkenny homes are now available.
Located on Tullaroan/ Bonnettstown Road in St. Canice's parish, Bishop’s
Lough offers both city living and a country lifestyle. Wisteria Developments is hosting an open day for home seekers on Saturday, March 23rd, from 10am. Those interested in viewing the properties can arrange a private tour via bishopslough. ie or attend the open showhouse from 2pm on
March 23rd, 2024.
One of the only low-density (spacious living) projects in Kilkenny, the modern homes range from three and four-bed detached properties, three-bed semi-detached to three and two-bed mid/ end terrace homes. The new neighbourhood in central Kilkenny combines the
convenience and access of city living with a country lifestyle.
Residents can walk to the city centre in 10 minutes, yet enjoy a country lifestyle at Bishop’s Lough with stunning scenery, walking and cycling tracks throughout the 10 acres of parkland, a special conservation area featuring
the unique Loughmask Turlough.
Local developer Matthew Wallace and Managing Director of fourth-generation construction company, Wallace Contracting and Wisteria Developments commented,
"Bishop’s Lough is a stunning new residential community in Kilkenny where convenience meets thoughtful planning.
The proximity to schools like St. Canice Primary, the new CBS, and Loreto Secondary School makes it a highly desirable neighbourhood. Credit is due to Kilkenny County Council for its forward planning focused on creating community and connectivity. Every amenity is within reach. It's a well-planned low-density development, an accessible community that reflects careful consideration for the needs of its residents."
The homes are A2 BERrated and designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. "Our homes are designed
with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a robust, comfortable, and visually appealing living space. They are solid-built homes using a concrete structure that not only stand the test of time but also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the homes.” Matthew Wallace explained.
First-time buyer opportunity
Bishop’s Lough is Help to Buy Approved. The First Home Scheme is available for firsttime homeowners, making it an ideal choice for first-time homeowners and relocators seeking a vibrant community setting.
The estate, managed locally by Donohoe Town and Country and Savills of Dublin, was inundated with requests when 40 homes were launched in phase one in January 2023.
Buyers wishing to register their interest in phase two of Bishop’s Lough, can do so at bishopslough.ie or attend the showhouse open from 10am to 2pm by appointment, with public viewings from 2pm onwards on March 23rd, 2024.
Putting the clocks back or forward by an hour as required is something we take for granted nowadays. But this has not always been the case.
In 1956, one town in Ireland was convulsed by a bitter and prolonged dispute about whether clocks should go forward in the spring. Callan had witnessed many upheavals of a religious and political nature. And elderly folk could still recall the great faction fights of the previous century. But in terms of she er oddness and illogicality, none of these compared to the civic divisions created in Callan by the G overnment’s decision to impose Official Summer Time in Ireland.
Most Irish people accepted the proposed change, if s ometimes reluctantly. The suggestion that we follow Britain’s lead and put the clocks forward as summer approached seemed reasonable. In Callan, however, it b ecame an explosive issue. This was resolved only aft er a plebiscite was held to test local opinion on the relative merits of ‘Old Time and New Time’.
By the end of February 1956, people employed in state run services in Callan had agreed to recognise Summer Time, partly because they had no choice. T he banks, post office, labour exchange, and Garda barracks observed Summer Time, as did the bacon factory, a turf accountant, and s ome of the pubs.
But the majority of Callan residents observed Old Time, and the schools, churches, County Council workers, and a number of merchants likewise upheld the tradition. Seamous O’ Brien, local correspondent for the Kilkenny People, wrote: “The chaos and disorder occasioned by the operation of both Old and Official Summer Time in Callan has to be experienced to be understood. C onfusion is widespread.”
Mr. O’Brien spelled out a few of the problems caused: People whose clocks were turned to Old Time were in the habit of missing busses, trains, or arriving late at a bookie’s office to place bets. Some felt grievously offended when they walked into Callan from outlying
areas to find a pub closed. They had to return to their homes, thirsty and swearing. To confuse matters fur-
ther, the nearby village of Mullinahone was twentyfive minutes behind Callan, just as Callan was an hour behind Kilkenny, which
observed Summer Time. A cyclist at the time recalled hearing the Angeles ring out three times as he passed from Kilkenny through
Callan to Mullinahone. The latter village observed what it called ‘God’s Own Time’. The locals believed that noon always occurred when the sun was at the highest point in the heavens.
Mass-goers in Callan arrived in church on time, however, because the Parish Priest, Most Reverend Dr. Doyle, was a passionate believer in Old Time. But even here there was a catch. Some sporting events observed New Time and worshippers ended up missing thes e or turning up at a match well into the second half after going to Mass.
The greatest opposition to Summer Time came from the farming community. Farmers feared that putting their clocks forward w ould upset their cows and result in lower milk yields! This in turn created a dilemma for shopkeepers. Whatever their views on the is sue, they could not afford to offend the farmers, who happened to be their b est customers. The Parish Priest backed the farmers but emphasised in a sermon that people who observed New Time were not committing a sin.
In an effort to end the confusion, the Callan Town Development Association decided in March to hold a plebiscite on the issue. This would, it believed, resolve the question of conflicting Times Zones in Callan once and for all. After a lengthy debate, and consultations with local businesses, farmers, and community leaders, the CTDA set April 28th as referendum day. Ballot
papers would be issued to 1,700 voters in the area. Any person whose name was on the Electoral lists of 1956 would be entitled to vote.
The days and weeks leading up to the ballot were marked by intensive lobbying by those for and against the adoption of Summer Time. People in Callan talked about little else: both parties called Public meetings, and these often ended in dis array. One meeting was cut short after fistfights broke out in the Parish Hall between Old Timers and New Timers.
Calm was restored when Gardai arrived and the Parish Priest intervened. There w ere angry exchanges and further fisticuffs in the pubs, and a rift opened up between town and country over the issue. Emotions ran high, and people were often afraid to ask the time for fear of starting a row.
The reply to such a question would always be: “Do y ou mean Old Time or New Time?” Depending on your preference, he or she might either tell you the time or say nothing and walk away. Old Timers shunned New Timers in much the same way as former Free Staters and Irregulars eyed each other with suspicion after the Civil War.
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Confidence and candidate selection are still some of the barriers for women in politics, but the pace of change is moving in the right direction- that’s according to Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, the country’s longest serving continuously elected female County Councillor.
Cllr. Cavanagh who celebrates 50 years as a public representative this year was one of the guest speakers at a ‘Kilkenny Women in Politics’ seminar hosted by Kilkenny County Council in association with See Her Elected at the Council Chamber, County Hall Kilkenny to mark International Women’s Day 2024.
Currently only 26% of county councillors in Ireland are female and there are only 4 female Councillors out of 24 or 17% in County Kilkenny.
Cllr. Cavanagh’s advice to the women of Kilkenny was simple: “Be conscious of the time it involves but if you want to do it- go for it! It’s better to put your name on the ballot paper and if you’re beaten, you’re beaten, you can run again in five years’ time but it’s better to run than regret it all of your life.”
The veteran councillor was first elected in 1974 and she noted this was a time when there was no maternity leave for councillors, and she worked without a salary for the first twenty-five years as a public representative.
The event also included informal panel discussions with female politicians from Kilkenny on their journey into politics and the day-to-day reality of being public representatives.
Cllr. Deirdre Cullen said that political parties had a role to play by selecting women for winnable seats as opposed to being token candidates and she also noted that “sometimes women can be their own worst critics’ and that confidence was a major factor. Cllr. Fidelis Doherty said that if the people of Kilkenny wanted to see greater levels of female representative, then the voters needed to support female candidates. Cllr.
Maria Dollard became involved in politics as an activist for people with disabilities and she noted that her grandmother and grand aunt had been involved in the war of Independence, so she had
always believed it was “worth arguing and fighting to achieve things.”
Deputy Kathleen Funchion T.D. also noted that confidence was a major barrier for women in politics and she said that political spaces had become so toxic but that should not deter women.
A second panel discussion also took place on diverse pathways into politics with a panel of women from a range of communities in County Kilkenny including Helena Power, a representative of the Traveller community, Pearl Jensen of Comhairle na nÓg, Nicoleta Choiran, Chairperson of the Intercultural group, Twilight Community Group and Mary Fennelly a member of the Kilkenny Access Group.
Mary Fennelly, who is registered blind said that one in five or one million people in Ireland live with a disability and 80% of those people have a hidden disability. She asked people to ‘walk in her shoes’.
“I had to give up my job because there was no public transport in rural Ireland- I had to ask my 86-year-old mother to bring me to a GP or
hairdresser’s appointment and I eventually had to move into Kilkenny city,” said Ms. Fennelly.
Helena Power, Chairperson of the Irish Traveller movement who is also an Integration Support worker with Kilkenny County Council said that in order to have true inclusion greater diversity was needed amongst public representatives.
Pearl Jensen of Comhairle na nÓg, who is a fifth-year student at the Presentation Secondary School called for greater awareness of politics within second level education while Nicoleta Choiran, Chairperson of the Intercultural group, Twilight Community Group said that migrants were often painted in a negative light rather than hearing the stories of migrants contributing to society.
Sinead Doody of Doody Facilitating and Consulting acted as MC for the event.
In welcoming a chamber full of women, the Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Lar Power stated that “the challenge of increasing the number of women in local politics continues and the aim of this event is to encourage more women and people
from diverse backgrounds to participate in Local Government, to the greatest extent possible and to realise the Council’s ambition of a more diverse representation of candidates in the 2024 local elections in Kilkenny.”
Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council, Mary Mulholland said that the council can make changes to meet the needs of the lived experience of members of the community and she noted that “not one size fits all”. Ms. Mulholland noted that just under €10 million had been invested in community development projects across the county of Kilkenny.
“We all have to play our part in the creation of the society we want to see so if you’re thinking about running for election- go for it- or you may regret it. We need a broader skill set and greater diversity in the chamber- it’s important we hear everybody’s view,” said Ms. Mulholland.
Dr. Michelle Maher, Programme Manager with See Her Elected, the awardwinning Government funded project which supports women in rural constituencies to become
County Councillors noted that there was a much lower percentage of female Councillors in rural counties compared to more urban centres around Dublin. “There are only 4 female Councillors out of 24 (which is just 17%) in County Kilkenny. Compare that to Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Council where half of the 40 County Councillors are female. Neighbouring counties such as Tipperary have 9 out of 40 which is 23% female, Waterford only has 6 female Councillors out of 32 (19%) and Offaly County Council only has 2 females out of 19 Councillors (11%).
“The first female elected to Kilkenny County Council was Sheila McCarthy from Ballyraggat in 1967. Since then, only another 18 women have managed the same feat,” said Dr. Maher.
“The local elections will take place this June, so the people of Kilkenny have the power to make changes and see more balanced representation in their county council. The council chamber should look more like the society it represents so by voting for more women, we can have more balanced decision making,” concluded Dr. Maher.
The 11th Kilkenny Tradfest which starts this week promises to be the best yet, with a line-up packed full of both trad legends and young blood. Come and experience the unforgettable energy of the traditional music scene between the 15th and 18th March, coinciding with St. Patrick’s weekend. The festival capitalises on the unique strength of Kilkenny’s hospitality and creative arts-culture to deliver an event which is truly unique and steeped in heritage.
Kilkenny, a medieval city has so many wonderful pubs and venues, too numerous to mention dotted around historic buildings and cobbled streets, so the best advice is to book a ticket for an evening gig and hit the Bulmers Music Trail early in the day. If you get lost, just follow the sound of the music!
To help you plan which gigs to book for Kilkenny Tradfest, here’s our top picks:
Promising to be a very memorable and unique concert in the Set Theatre on March 18th, this is an inspired pairing of twice Grammy nominated
vocalist Iarla Ó Lionáird with renowned pianist/composer Cormac McCarthy and acclaimed clarinet maestro Matthew Berrill. Iarla will be supported by Kilkenny Tradfest newcomers – Burnchurch.
Irish rock group Hothouse Flowers will combine traditional Irish music with influences from soul, gospel
and rock in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on March 15th. Fans both old and new will be thrilled by their Kilkenny Tradfest performance which promises to be an electric live show.
The famous Cleeres Bar and Theatre welcomes Clare Sands on March 15th, a passionate and alluring Cork based
multi-instrumentalist creating eclectic and energetic, trad infused popular music. An unmissable, raw live performer, she will bring her audience on an exhilarating journey of celebration, resilience and hope.
Folk legend, John Spillane and his Band of Wrens, will take the stage at Kyteler's
Inn on Saturday, March 16.
John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world.
Between the jigs, the reels, the songs and the banter at
Kilkenny Tradfest, you will not find a contemporary, traditional Irish band to engage with and entertain an audience as brilliantly as Shaskeen and singer Katie Theasby. They’ll be entertaining a live audience in the Pembroke Hotel on March 16th, with a jam-packed and entertaining concert from start to finish. Nell Ní Chróinín who hails from the Múscraí Gaeltacht of West Cork will play the Clubhouse Hotel on the 17th March. Múscraí area is historically linked with a strong heritage of song and music and Nell was exposed to these local traditions from a very young age, which throughout her career has been the corner stone to her identity as an artist and a traditional Sean Nós singer
The Tulla Ceili Band will bring a night of lively entertainment to the River Court Hotel on March 16th. As the Band heads for it’s 80th anniversary there is a healthy mix of young and old talented musicians keeping the traditional East Clare style of music alive.
The Government should apologise to carers, the disabled, families and women for their arrogant and complacent running of last Friday’s referenda, according to Labour Party election candidate and former Mayor of Kilkenny, Seán Ó hArgáin. He described the conduct of the campaign for the Government-proposed referenda as the worst he had seen in 35 years of political activism and said the Government had made an utter hames of such an important opportunity to modernise our constitution.
‘I have rarely seen the level of anger with a government proposal to the people that I have seen in recent weeks of canvassing in this referendum campaign. Even in the last week of the campaign, when I canvassed on High Street in the city, the anger and upset from young and particularly older voters
was palpable. I had a stream of carers, many on the verge of tears approach me, expressing their frustration at a government who have ignored and devalued them for years.
The Government’s decision to ignore the advice of the Citizen’s Assembly and Labour’s proposed amendments on the wording of the care section was disastrous from the start. The opportunity to commit the people and government of our republic to make real provision for family and non-family carers was turned away for ideological reasons by this conservative coalition. Carers and the disabled or ill people they care for deserve much better.
The really unfortunate result is that the archaic and insulting language, which officially accuses women who chose, or need to work outside the home as constituting ‘the neglect
of their duties in the home’, remains in our constitution. The women who have campaigned against this article since it was inserted in 1937 also deserve much better and the adding of insult to injury by this defeat coming on International Women’s Day makes it all the worse.
Finally, the failure of our constitution to recognise other family units, particularly those not based on marriage needs to be reversed as soon as possible. The ludicrous inclusion of the phrase ‘durable relationships’ led to scaremongering and played into the hands of the opponents of change.
Families like those of Johnny O’ Meara are likely to continue to have to go to our courts to achieve their basic rights.’
Mr. Ó hArgáin pointed to the fact that he did not meet a single voter who had
been canvassed by any of the government parties in Kilkenny on the referenda.
‘There were no posters, leaflets or any of the other normal communications of referendum campaigns. To hear the Chairperson of the Referendum Commission complain last week that they did not have time to ensure every house received the commission’s information booklet says it all. What is the point in. having a commission if we needlessly rush campaigns with all the expense involved to citizens and taxpayers?
It is now urgent that the government apologises to all of these groups for their fiasco of a campaign. They should learn from the marriage equality and other campaigns and build a real consensus among citizens and the campaign groups involved in seeking change. My own view is that this Government is incapable
who disappear - the real lives. The four women in this play bring the strengths and failings that were part and parcel of their daily lives into a condition where loss, confrontation, anger and even humour are unavoidable.' - John MacKenna
Directed by Emma Kinsella, the play challenges its audience to explore questions beyond the facts of disappearance, examining life and death and optimism in the face of everything fate throws at people.
Cast Woman No. 1: Deirdre
Colhoun
Woman No. 2: Lily Mae
O'Brien
Woman No. 3: Miriam Dowd
Woman No. 4: Andrea Bolger
Written by John MacKenna
Directed by Emma Kinsella
Produced by Michael Somers
Performances at 8pm on
Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd March at the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow.
Tickets €15 via eventbright (https://t.ly/ww-5i)
Running Time: 90 minutes | No Interval
Warning: the play contains explicit content of a violent and sexual nature.
wanted to write a play that recognises the lives of women
Kilkenny County Council Library Service are inviting everyone to help make sure that our library service continues to meet the needs of our communities, by completing our development plan survey. Our Development plan will
provide a road map for the future of our library services in Kilkenny and will inform how our libraries evolve to meet local needs. Your input is vital in guiding this process, and we welcome responses from everyone - both library users and
people who do not use the library.
“Whether you use the library service or not, completing the survey will help us get a better understanding of what is working well, what we could do differently and
what opportunities and ideas we should consider for the future” said Senior Executive Librarian, Aisling Kelly. “We look forward to developing an innovative roadmap that will lead us through to 2028” Forms are available by
scanning the QR code, on www.kilkennylibrary.ie or in our libraries. Should you wish to have one posted to you, please phone us on 056 779 4160. Our survey will close at 5pm on Friday, 29th March 2024.
Bundoran, the jewel of Ireland's northwest coast, is gearing up to offer an unforgettable experience in 2024. With a diverse array of events and attractions planned throughout the year, there's never been a better time to discover all that this charming seaside town has to offer. From thrilling outdoor adventures to cultural festivals and everything in between, Bundoran promises excitement and relaxation for visitors of all ages.
Easter will soon roll around with a plethora of live music and country will be to the fore with the likes of Jimmy Buckley and Derek Ryan all in town for the holiday weekend as well as Ireland’s up and coming country music stars.
As spring turns to summer, the excitement continues with Sea Sessions in mid-June. This renowned surf and music
festival attracts thrill-seekers and music enthusiasts from near and far, featuring worldclass surfing competitions by day and electrifying live performances by night.
Whether you're catching waves or dancing to the beat, Sea Sessions offers an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of Bundoran's stunning coastline.
Beyond these events, Bundoran offers a wealth of attractions and activities to suit every interest and preference. Start your adventure at Bundoran's famous Waterworld, where you can splash, slide, and swim your way through an indoor paradise of aquatic fun. With thrilling slides, relaxing pools, and water attractions for all ages, Waterworld guarantees hours of entertainment for the whole family and is open
from Thursday March 28th across Easter until April 7th – book your slot now at waterworldbundoran.com.
For more outdoor excitement, explore Bundoran's status as Ireland's Surf Capital. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a novice eager to learn, Bundoran offers world-class waves and expert instructors to help you catch the perfect wave. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and SUPing are also popular options for exploring Bundoran's pristine coastline.
No visit to Bundoran would be complete without exploring its rich cultural heritage.
Discover the legendary Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair, steeped in local folklore and offering panoramic views of Donegal Bay. After a day of exploration, satisfy your appetite at one of Bundoran's many restaurants and cafes, serving up a delicious array of culinary delights ranging from traditional Irish fare to international cuisine.
With its breath-taking scenery, vibrant culture, and wealth of activities, Bundoran invites you to embark on the ultimate getaway in 2024. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Bundoran promises an experience like no other. Start your journey of discovery today and uncover the magic of this coastal gem.
For more information and to start planning your trip, visit www.discoverbundoran.com.
In November of 2023, Clogh Writers group launched ‘Where I am’, a collection of poetry and prose from eleven different writers. As co-ordinator of the writers group Jane Meally said: “Where I am” is a publication where each writer communicates their passion to the reader.”
Having attended the launch in Clogh, The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper was quite taken with not only the publication, but the work ethic of the writers group. Over the next 11 weeks we reproduce some of that work, and are delighted to work hand in hand with this North Kilkenny writers group.
WEEK 5: This week we feature the work of Seán Mansfield
Standing in a queue in the bank I found myself studying the bald pate of the man in front of me, a farmer I know by sight. He was a middle-aged man and the sun had not only tanned his head but had scattered it with dark brown speckles that one should be wary about. Why on earth doesn’t he wear his cap, I thought, and I realised the cap is obsolete. None of his generation wears it anymore. Once the common head-dress of the Irish farmer and general worker, it is now only worn by men of a certain age.
Now don’t get me wrong caps are worn by young and old if they are, for example, emblazoned ‘The Cats Are Simply The Best’. Grown men are no longer self conscious of being seen in public in all sorts of bizarre head-gear to mark sporting occasions. No, I am now specifically talking about the humble versatile tweed cap; the typical Irishman’s cap. The traditional cloth cap was above all, practical. It was as much a part of a man as his nose. Men were distinguishable by their caps. Its basic function was to protect one against the elements. The prominent peak kept the sun out of the eyes and the rain off the nose. Rain or shine it was hardly ever removed except for Amhrán na bhFiann, the Angelus or as a mark of respect.
The cap was to be seen on most heads. The old caps were honest-to-God ones worn by those that worked the land, footed the turf, dug the coal and swept the chimneys. Then there was the thinking cap that put away money every week for Communion, Confirmation and maybe next year’s holiday.
Two generations ago working folk in rural Ireland wore the same kind of clothes for all occasions, the only difference being their relative newness. Men mucked out cow sheds, followed horses and drove tractors in clothes which had once been reserved for ‘Sunday best’ but had been demoted to working gear. A man’s working trousers were often part of a suit.
Gaelic games have always played an important part in our culture and the cap was part and parcel of players’ gear. Goalies in both hurling and football wore caps when playing against the sun. Some of the early hurlers jammed the cap on back to front and it was regarded as having the same protective properties as the modern helmet. Juvenile players often wore caps to ape their elders.
The cap was part of social etiquette. A man always removed his cap when sitting down to a meal. Touching the peak with the forefinger was regarded as only good manners when one’s social superior went past. Pushing it to the back of the head was said to assist thoughtfulness. Raising it and scratching the head indicated disbelief. Leaving the cap behind in the local was a sure sign of being the worse for wear. If you were the worse for wear you could throw the cap in first when you arrived home. If it didn’t’t come back it was a sign the coast was clear. If it did come back, however, then it was the doghouse for you.
As well as providing protection from the weather, the cap could be put to other uses. The farmer could use it as a kneeler when milking a goat. It could be used for swatting bees and keeping horseflies away. Caps were even used to gather mushrooms or for bringing home the eggs when the hens were laying out. The drovers used the cap and stick to get the cattle past byroads on their way to the fair.
The cap was the last element of country uniform to lose its grip, but it didn’t disappear overnight. When a man’s suit was demoted to everyday wear the coat and suit often went their separate ways. When the Sunday cap was replaced by a spanking new one it became a working cap. It only became a fully fledged working cap when it had acquired a healthy stain of sweat underneath the rim.
The Sunday cap could be worn on week-days but only for social purposes. You could assume that the man in the pub wearing his Sunday cap was out for a social drink. However the man with the working cap was likely to ‘be on the beer’. His sojourn in the pub was likely to have been lengthy. He may have been coming from work and fallen into company as people in Ireland are wont to do. He may have been reminded that ‘a bird never flew on one wing’ but it may not have occurred to him that she never flew on three either.
Seán Mansfield
Growing up we called them stares. In the lexicon, now, they’re starlings. They return to the same breeding ground Season after season. It happens to be Our garage, set in a secluded spot, A self build, with bird guards omitted, mea culpa.
They’re not the same starlings, but the same DNA. They’re like our blackbirds, but with sturdier legs, And are more upright, with short tails.
Coming in pairs; he in black, she in brown plumage. Numerous nesting pairs make up their colony.
We know them to be gregarious and accomplished mimics.
With synchronized egg-laying leading to
The whole colony fledging together; ingenious. Both feed their young; flies, snails and worms. In short order, the nesting colonies
In a quick turnaround, bolster their numbers. Enough to make, their own mini-murmuration. Juveniles, of both genders, dressed in brown plumage Are ready to join the ranks.
Strutting their stuff on our ridge tiles, Flocking together like sheep and cows. They learn about strength in numbers, Stronger together, minding themselves.
Murmurations are their forte, the bigger the better. This tradition, born back in the mists of time.
A crafty creation, to keep themselves warm, and confuse predators
And geared to fly to the lower latitudes.
If that’s the scientific, what about the aesthetic?
Well, they are nature’s great performers of aerial displays.
Driving down the Crutt Hills, one September evening I spotted a murmuration in my rear-view mirror.
I took a left turn, they followed. I swung a right, they followed.
I felt as if they were escorting me home.
Alas! I lost them under the high trees at Owens’s.
Seán Mansfield
The murder of crows pass above us twice a day: once in the early morning; back again in the evening on their way home to Comer.
Their nests are in the high branches of sycamores, chestnuts or sturdy oaks in the Wandesforde Demesne or Sawneys Wood. They’re always raucous, complaining, but musically mute.
We don’t know where or how far they go but no doubt we can surmise it’s corn country, maybe Athy or even Kilcullen.
When they settle back again for the night in their rickety nests near Comer, they fall in to a silence and all is quiet on the Western Front.
Seán Mansfield
As the line in the song say’s ‘let’s get physical’.
Well the men of the traveling community are certainly leading the way. We all approach the new year with great hope and expectations regarding our fitness and overall health and well being.
The traveling community is leading the way with the support of the Kilkenny traveller health care project. It is operated under Kilkenny Leader Partnership.
The Men have certainly hit the ground running in 2024.
Since early January the men have taken part in a health and fitness programme which take’s place in the neighbourhood hall in the butt’s community on Thursdays from 10.00 am to 12.00pm.
The health project would like to thank Jenny and her team for the ongoing support with the access to Neighbourhood Hall.
The men meet weekly for the twohour time slot under the designed programme. The first hour of the fitness programme is a warm up, followed by a circuit training routine. The second hour consists of
weeks’ sessions was a swim in the watershed which was enjoyed by all.
Another week the group went for a walk highlighting the importance of the outdoors and the benefits of movement for mood.
This health and fitness programme is open to all men from the travelling community in the county of Kilkenny.
The programme is co-ordinated and facilitated by the traveller men’s
health worker Paul Clifford.
There is great craic and banter in the group and there is always time for the cup of tea, stressing that the social activity is every bit as important as the physical activity.
The men are hands on planning and prepping and cooking their healthy meals with the support of the traveller family link worker Siobhan Mahony.
The progamme was shaped by the
men, from conversations with them which started at a Men’s Day event held in the Hoban hotel just before the Christmas.
If any member of the travelling community would like any support in any area of health, you can contact the Kilkenny health project by dropping in for a ‘cuppa’ at the office or make contact using the details below.
The offices for the Kilkenny traveller health project are in the
The Light House, Coach Road, Kilkenny.
Postcode R95TWYO
Traveller Health Project manager Catherine Lennon
Phone 0863241571 email catherine.lennon@cklp.ie
Traveller Men’s health worker Paul Clifford
Phone 0861917196 email paul.cliffford@cklp.ie
Traveller parent link worker Siobhan Mahony
Phone 0861027440 email Siobhan.mahony@cklp.ie
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 1 hr and 20 mins
plus chilling
Serves: 6
Make the most of fragrant wild garlic to transform this chicken pie into something really special. For ease, the filling and pastry can be made ahead.
Ingredients
• 75g butter
• 150g w ild garlic leaves, any stalks reserved (see tip, below)
• 1 leek, halved lengthways, then finely sliced
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 100ml white wine or dry sherry
• 300ml chicken stock (made with 1 stock cube or stock pot)
• 100ml crème fraîche or double cream
• For the pastry
• 150g cold butter butter, cut into cubes, plus extra for the tin
• 400g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 egg, beaten
Method
STEP 1
Heat 25g of the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat until sizzling, add the wild garlic leaves, season with salt and cook for 5 mins until completely wilted and soft. Leave to cool, then tip onto a board, roughly chop and set aside.
STEP 2
Melt the rest of butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Tip in the leeks and chicken, season and cook for 10-12 mins until the chicken is just cooked and the leeks have softened. Stir in the flour and cook for 3 mins until the mix resembles a sandy paste. Pour in the wine and bubble for 1-2 mins until reduced by half, then add the stock and crème fraîche, bring to a simmer and cook for 10 mins more until the chicken is cooked through. Stir through the cooked wild garlic and simmer for another 2-3 mins until thick and creamy. Season to taste, remove from the heat and, if you have any wild garlic stalks,
finely slice them and stir through. Leave to cool completely, tip into a container and chill for 2 hrs, or overnight. Will keep chilled for up to two days.
STEP 3
To make the pastry, rub the butter into the flour with a large pinch of salt using your fingertips until completely combined. Add half the beaten egg and 3 tbsp ice-cold water, and bring together into a dough using your hands, adding a little more water, 1 tbsp at a time, until you have a dough that’s soft enough to work with. Knead for a minute so it completely comes together, then chill for 1 hr. Will keep chilled for two days.
Butter
to come to room temperature, then divide into three. On a floured surface, roll out twothirds of the pastry until it’s the thickness of a £1 coin and large enough to line the tin with some overhanging. Use it to line the tin, then spoon in the filling. Roll out the remaining pastry into a rough 25cm roughly circle. Brush the edge of the pastry with a little of the remaining beaten egg, then drape over the filling. Trim the edge, then crimp or press with a fork to seal the edges and use any pastry trimmings to decorate, if you like Chill until you’re ready to
cook. Will keep chilled for up to 24 hrs.
STEP 5
Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas 7 with a baking sheet inside. Brush the pie with some of the remaining beaten egg then, using a sharp knife, lightly score a crisscross pattern on top. Put on the hot baking sheet and bake for 20 mins, then brush with the rest of the egg, season with sea salt and bake for another 15-20 mins until deep golden. Remove from the oven, leave to rest for 10 mins, then carefully remove from the tin, put on a serving board and cut into wedges to serve.
Prep: 15 mins
No cook
Serves: 2
This easy packed lunch is as delicious as it is nutritious, with crunchy cucumber and radishes and a herby, creamy dressing.
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp half-fat soured cream
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ pack dill, finely chopped
• 250g pouch ready-to-eat quinoa (we used Merchant Gourmet)
• ½ cucumber, halved and sliced
• 4 radishes, finely sliced
• 100g smoked salmon, torn into strips
Method
STEP 1
First, make the dressing. Mix the soured cream and lemon juice together in a bowl, then add most of the dill, reserving a quarter for serving.
STEP 2
In another bowl, combine the quinoa with the cucumber and radishes, and stir through half the dressing. Season and top with the salmon and the rest of the dill.
STEP 3
Put the other half of the dressing in a small pot and drizzle over the quinoa just before serving.
Avatar: The Last Airbender has dominated the Netflix charts over the last few weeks but its time at the top is no more, and it’s all thanks to a fun new show based on a hit crime movie.
The Gentlemen is a spin on the 2019 Guy Ritchie film of the same name. It’s not a remake as such, more of a re-imagining of the basic plot which involves rich people getting into the drugs business.
Netflix’s official synopsis is as follows: “Eddie Horniman inherits his father’s sizeable estate... only to discover it’s part of a weed empire.
“Moreover, a host of unsavoury elements of Britain’s criminal underworld want a piece of the operation. Determined to extricate his family from their clutches, Eddie tries to play the gangsters at their own game. However, as he gets sucked into the world of criminality, he begins to find a taste for it.”
Eddie is played by Theo James (White Lotus) – pictured – who is great in the role but it’s Crawl’s Kaya Scodelario who really shines as Susie Glass, head of a crime empire that wants to keep wthbe marijuana growing in the estate.
The supporting cast is strong, too, with Joely Richardson (Lady Chatterley’s Lover), Vinnie Jones (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul) and Daniel Ings (I Hate Suzi) all putting in an appearance.
The reviews for the show are a little mixed but then Guy Ritchie hasn’t been everyone’s cup of tea. But it has s cored a decent 74%.
The Wall Street Journal notes: “As it is, The Gentlemen is supremely workable, and watchable. This is partly due to an extremely attractive cast, notably Mr. James and Ms. Scodelario, who generate considerable sexual chemis-
Sometimes it’s the hidden gems that people enjoy the most on the popular streaming platform, and Wrong Side Of The Tracks fits this description.
First released in 2022, the Spanish-language drama has since had a further two seasons – meaning all three of them (made up of 24 episodes) are ready for binging purposes.
The synopsis for the programme reads: “When his teenage granddaughter falls victim to the drug dealers overtaking his neighbourhood, a fed-up war veteran takes matters into his own hands.”
And for those of you who are now considering watching Wrong Side of the Tracks in the wake of people’s positive comments, you’ll be pleased to know a fourth series is thought to be arriving on Netflix very soon - despite season three having only just landed.
try while keeping their hands to themselves.”
The Times in the UK, reckons: “Yes, you may at times wish it would stop meandering and dial down the slapstick, and, indeed, that it was two episodes shorter. But the bottom line is that it is entertaining and it will make you laugh.”
Vulture says: “The Gentlemen TV series is as frothy, enjoyable, and undemand-
On track for this hidden gem
ing as its predecessor was a mess, and that’s because it’s not really a remake.”
Empire explains: “Perhaps a smaller number of episodes could have saved The Gentlemen from verging on disengaging. Instead, it scrapes by on playing Ritchie’s greatest hits.”
According to FlixPatrol, The Gentlemen is number-one globally on Netflix right now with the top 10 as follows....
5.
6.
7. Doctor Slump
8. One Day
9. Resident Alien
10. Love Is Blind
The Gentlemen is streaming now on Netflix.
1. Damsel
Damsel, one of Netflix’s bigbudget fantasy movies has just dropped on the streaming platform and will undoubtedly do big numbers in the Top 10s throughout the coming weeks, thanks to its cast led by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. The plot revolves around a princess who believed she was being set up to marry a handsome prince, only to find out she’s been sold down the river to be trapped in a cave with a fire-breathing dragon.
2. Sunday’s Illness
This elegant Spanish film from 2018 will steep you in its rich imagery and phenomenally good performances from its two leads. Susi Sánchez and Bárbara Lennie star as Anabel and Chiara respectively, an estranged mother and daughter who reunite for reasons that aren’t as clear as they first seem. The precision of the filmmaking here is worthy of soaking up for those who’re partial to deliberately paced meditations on pain, love and loss. Masterful.
3. The TeacherKindergarten
Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a career best performance in The Kindergarten Teacher (2018), a drama about, yep, a kindergarten teacher. Lisa is dissatisfied with her own life, which leads her to make some questionable decisions regarding one of her young students. When Jimmy exhibits child prodigy levels of poetry writing talent, Lisa may or may not take credit for it. The Kindergarten Teacher’s slightly disturbing character study might leave you feeling conflicted, but there’s no question about Gyllenhaal’s mesmerising performance. Watch it.
4. Mudbound Mudbound )2017) gives you a historical look at class struggle through the lens of a Black veteran and a white veteran who both still have one foot stuck in World War II. Dealing with PTSD and racism in the Mississippi Delta, with a cast that includes Garrett Hedlund and Jason Mitchell, Mudbound’s tempest will rivet you to the spot.
This lauded independent film from 2016 showcases the talents of Tatiana Maslany, aka one Marvel’s newest heroes, who’ll be starring in the Disney Plus She-Hulk series. Before that, see her in Two Lovers and a Bear, alongside the similarly talented Dane DeHaan. The dark love story follows Roman and Lucy, two lovers living in small-town Canada. Roman can speak to bears, while Lucy believes she has a stalker. Become swept up in this surreal and thrilling adult fairy tale elevated by the chemistry between Maslany and DeHaan.
CLARA
GOOD LUCK
Good luck to the Clara lads that will tog out for St. Kieran’s College in Saturday’s All Ireland final against St. Raphael’s of Loughrea at 1pm in Croke Park. Rory Glynn, Cian Kelly, Harry Boyle, Sean Carrigan and David Barcoe will be hoping to help the “College” claim their table topping 25th crown. The match can be viewed live on YouTube TG4 Sport.
HARD LUCK
Hard luck to Conor Phelan, John Murphy and the Kilkenny senior team that suffered their first league defeat of the year in Ennis on Sunday at the hands of Clare. They will be hoping to bounce back from that against Waterford in Walsh Park on Saturday.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership for Clara GAA, Camogie and LGFA Clubs is now due. Underage training is due to commence on Monday 8th April. Thanks to all who have paid there membership to date, it is very much appreciated. Please login to your Foireann account at Foireann.ie. Anyone experiencing difficulties can contact, registrar.clara@gmail. com or any Committee member. Thanks, from Clara GAA Executive Committee.
CLUB LOTTO
Lotto results 5th March-Numbers drawn 4, 22, 29. No Jackpot winner.
€30 each to Pat McDonald, James Crotty, Yvonne Kenny, Danny Hoyne, Martin Kelly. Thanks for your support.
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of the O’Loughlin Gaels’ club lotto dated March 5th. Numbers Drawn - 3, 12, 14, 24 Bonus 23. Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto
Promotors Draw: 1. John Doyle c/o E Doyle. 2. Shane Casey c/o S Casey. 3. Ger Cody c/o Ml Nolan. 4. Anne D c/o E Maher. 5. Amy and Eileen c/o E Kinchella. 6. N Hickey c/o B Murphy. 7. P Ryan c/o D O’Driscoll. 8. Tom Dillon c/o Online. 9. Jenny Rowe c/o Online. 10. Oisín Murphy c/o Online
Thank you for your continued support
AIB GAA CLUB TEAM AND PLAYER OF THE YEAR
There was great pride in O’Loughlin Gaels with the announcement that Huw Lawlor, Paddy Deegan, David Fogarty and Mark Bergin had all been selected on the AIB GAA club team of the year for their performances in the Leinster and All Ireland club championships. The awards were presented at a special function in Croke Park on Friday night last with a large number of O’Loughlin’s supporters in attendance. Things got even better on the night when it was announced that Paddy Deegan had been chosen as the Club Player of the Year. His citation on the night referred to his role as a linchpin of the O’Loughlin’s defence making outstanding plays throughout the campaign. Paddy, Huw, David and Mark all received their awards from GAA President Jarlath Burns to much acclaim from all present.
Gaeil Uí Lochlainn abú.
CELEBRATION NIGHT
A wonderful occasion is in store on next Saturday evening for the very large number attending the Celebration Night when the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and Camogie club honours its Senior Hurlers on their County and Leinster Championship victories, Under 19 Hurlers and Intermediate Camogie players on their Kilkenny League successes. With dinner by Langtons followed by music from Uptown Band and DJ. The medal presentation promises to be a wonderful night.
KILKENNY PLAYERS
Paddy Deegan led out the Kilkenny Senior hurlers for the first time on Sunday last in Ennis against Clare in the Allianz Hurling League. After a hard physical encounter it was the Bannermen who prevailed. Other O’Loughlin Gaels hurlers involved were Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler and Luke Hogan. Better luck next weekend against Waterford. On the Camogie front the club had three players Laura Murphy, Danielle Quigley and Laura Greene involved with Kilkenny in their Very Camogie League game against Galway in Loughrea last Saturday. After a close first half the Galway team pulled away to win the game in the second half.
FOOTBALL VICEROY
O’Loughlin Gaels secured their first win of the 2024 Senior Football League campaign when they defeated Tullougher Rosbercon by 1-11 to 0-7 in a game played in St. Kieran’s College on Saturday. The Gaels led by five points at the interval but Tullougher kicked the opening two scores of the second half to close the gap to three points. However, a goal from Ruairc Sweeney proved a big score and from there the green and white team pushed on to victory. There were good individual performances from John McNamara, Evan Walsh, Sean Bolger and Ruairc Sweeney.
“NOT FOR THE BIRDS”.
Cllr. Michael McCarthy is pleased to announce that a new Anti-Seagull bin has been installed on the Green in Freshford. “It will replace the existing bin and is a timely and targeted measure to prevent birds from dislodging rubbish and spreading it in the immediate area. This should now end the littering in that area which was a major issue for months during the summer. Great credit is due to the Area Engineer, his staff, and the Environment section for their help in addressing my concerns and maintaining overall cleanliness in the town.” Says Cllr. McCarthy.
GAA
Walking Group:
The walking group will meet up this Tuesday and every Tuesday at 7PM. This group is open to all the community both young and old.
Membership:
Membership is now open for 2024. There are various options available for the year including family and walkway options. There is a small charge for walkway membership to go towards construction and maintenance costs. The walkway was 2/3 grant aided with the club covering the rest of the cost. Our walkway is open to all the community. Contact any committee member or see our ClubZap page for details, download the ClubZap
son, daughter, and brother Liam, sisters in law, brother in law, nephews nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
CAMOGIE
Well done to the local girl Ciara Hickey who was part of Loreto camogie side on Friday last when they were defeated by St.Pats Maghera in the All Ireland A semi final.
SOCCER
Freshford Town Youths team had a good win over Evergreen B on Saturday last coming out 1-0 winners with the winning goal coming from Bobby Darcy. The U12 boys also beat Evergreen side on a convincing 4-0 scoreline with goals from Tom Dalton (2) Iarla Carroll and Max O’Neill. The Juniors had no game at the weekend.
Bridge
Freshford Bridge Club continues each Monday at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Threecastles. New members are very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610.
COMMUNITY ALERT
Freshford Threecastle Community alert held their AGM recently in the Community hall. The following officers were elected for the forthcoming year; Chairperson –John Bergin, Secretary – Jacinta Power, Treasurer – Ml Cormack, PRO – Anna Morrissey.
The Freshford Community alert annual fee is now due and you are asked to please pay as they will be removing unpaid members after this date. Envelopes are available from Community members and new members are very welcome to join up.
IONAD Lachtains
St. Lachtains Church Museum and Arts is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 to 4.30pm.
CULLING DEER
Local Cllr. Michael McCarthy had welcomed the news that Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalogue has said the culling of deer will take place as recommended by a new report on managing wild deer populations.
LOOP CAFE
The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and your continued support would be greatly appreciated. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café. They are also looking for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so.
ATHLETIC CLUB
Nena Athletics club was launched fit4life in the Freshford area some time ago with all abilities are welcome from walkers wanting company to runners training for marathons and everyone in between. Very experienced leaders are leading a program established by Athletics Ireland that caters for all experience and abilities. They meet each Tuesday morning and Thursday evenings in Freshford GAA club. If you are interested please contact us on nuennaac@gmail.com or call Caoimh on 0874175550
PARISH NEWS
Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.
Notices
app and search for St Lachtains.
On Senior panel
Local hurling star Darren Brennan was sub goalkeeper on the Kilkenny Senior Hurling side on Sunday last when they took on Wexford at Nowlan Park.
Special birthday wishes go out to local lady Breda McGree who celebrated a very special birthday at the weekend. Breda celebrated the big 40 at a party with family and friends at the family pub Kavanaghs Bar on Saturday night last.
DEGREE
Congratulations and well done to local man Brendan Bowden who has just completed the Bachelor of Fire Engineering degree and also won best Fire Engineer project. Brendan is a member of Freshford Fire Fighters and runs a Woodturning and furniture restoring business in the village.
DEATH
The death took place last weekend of Jim Crosby, Castlegardens Ballyragget and formerly from Freshford. Jim who was only in his 60s had been unwell for some time but nevertheless his passing caused widespread shock and regret. He was a member of a local well known family in the area and was predeceased by his brother Michael and sister Ann. His funeral mass took place on Monday last in St.Patricks Church, Ballyragget followed by burial in St.Finnans Cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Eileen,
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 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 on that number or on 087 25235 21
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.
ALL IRELAND COLLEGES HURLING FINAL
The best of luck to St. Kieran’s College as they go in search of a record 25th All-Ireland Colleges senior hurling title on Saturday next in Croke Park when they take on St. Raphael’s College, Loughrea, Co.Galway. St. Flannan’s College, Ennis hold 14 All-Ireland titles. Now battling to retain the Croke Cup in a strong St. Kieran’s panel are seven James Stephens players goalkeeper, Stephen Manogue, Sean Bergin, Ed Lauhoff, Sean Deely, brothers Ed and Bill McDermott and Oisin Bateman. The team is coached by the club’s senior hurler David Hennessy.
EASTER CAMP
Under the stewardship of Juvenile Officer Kieran Brennan the club will be running a three day Easter Camp in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain on Tuesday. 2nd, Wednesday. 3rd. and Thursday. 4th April. The camp is for club members, boys and girls in the 6 to 12 age category. During the three day event the young Village players will be coached in all the skills of our native sports hurling, Gaelic football and camogie by a team of qualified coaches in a safe and friendly environment. The fee is €30 for a child, €50 for two and €60 for a family of three members. Contact Kieran Brennan at 086 3608593 or Camogie Chairman, Brian Leahy at 086 8445563 to book a place on the camp.
JUVENILE COACHING
Parents should note that with summertime coming in shortly that the club’s nursery and juvenile coaching sessions resume in the first week of April. The nursery coaching sessions for the U-6 to U-8 boys will take place in Larchfield at 6pm on Wednesday evenings. The juvenile boy’s group, ages from U-9 to U-12 will take place on Wednesday evenings in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain from 6pm. The camogie club’s nursery sessions will also commence on the 1st Monday evening of April and weekly thereafter in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain also at 6pm. Contact Kieran at 086 3608593 and camogie chairman Brian Leahy at 086 8445563 for further details.
KILKENNY CAMOGIE
It was a case of mixed fortunes at the weekend for the Kilkenny adult camogie teams and club players Niamh Deely, Michelle Teehan and substitute Sophie O’Dwyer. In the Division 1 league the “A” team went down to Galway 1-12 to 0-09 in a tense league fixture in Loughrea. The teams were level at 0-04 each at half time but the western girls went on a scoring spree in the early minutes of the 2nd half registering 1-05 without reply to open a match winning lead which the Kilkenny girls failed to haul in. In a highly competitive division 1 National camogie league Kilkenny now lie 2nd last on the league table with two fixtures left to play but could yet be in contention for the league title or facing relegation if they fail to find a winning formula.
Meanwhile in the Division 2 camogie league the Kilkenny girls, captained by Hannah Scott and with Aoife Cantwell in the line-up, had to battle to the final whistle to earn a share of the league points at 2-10 to 0-16 on Saturday in UMPC Nowlan Park. Tara Murphy was also a member of the panel. On a positive note, the Kilkenny minor team with club star Emily Smith selected at wing back had to undertake a long journey to Ahoghill, Co Antrim and justified the trip with a deserved 1-11 to 1-05 victory over the Antrim girls in their 2nd round league/championship fixture.
LOTTO
Last week’s numbers were 13 :17 :19: 27. There was no winner. Next week’s jackpot will be €13,000. The €40 consolation winners were Deirdre O’Reilly, Mary Humphries, John Millea, Liam Power and Billy Whelan.
GOWRAN
GOWRAN AC
New Men’s U20 Shot Put Championship record for Andrew Cooper yesterday in Athlone, with a throw of 17.06m. Brilliant achievement Andrew
GOWRAN PARISH
Gowran Community Housing for the Elderly are happy to announce the opening of Pre Loved Beautiful Clothes in Dalton House Day Care Centre at the end of March. If you have any high quality clothes that you would like to turn into cash contact 086 0276332.
MOLLY’S TEA ROOM
They currently have a position for a Kitchen Assistant/ Waiting Staff! 35 hrs/5 days per week. If you are interested in the position please send your CV to info@daltonhouse or post to Dalton House, St. Mary’s Court, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny.
ALL-IRELAND COLLEGES HURLING FINAL
Very Best Wishes to The Young Irelands contingent involved for St. Kierans College against St. Raphaels, Loughrea in The All-Ireland Senior Colleges Final in Croke Park, next Saturday Afternoon Lunchtime, March 16th at 1pm.
Michael Walsh is part of the Management Team, while there are five Young Irelands members on the playing squad: Jim Conlon, Diarmuid Langton, Ben and Cian Phelan and Jake Byrne.
Very Best Wishes to all involved.
INTER-COUNTY
Michael Carey was on the Kilkenny Team that lost 0-19 to 0-16 away to Clare in Ennis in Round 3 of The National League on Sunday.
He is likely to be involved in Kilkenny’s final group game away to Waterford in Walsh Park on Saturday Afternoon at 3pm.
GAELIC FOOTBALL
Both Young Irelands Football Teams were defeated in their Championship games in Gowran on Saturday. The Juniors lost 1-9 to 2-4 against Railyard in The Quarter-Final, while The Minors lost 3-10 to 0-13 against St. Martins in The County Semi-Final Replay.
EASTER CAMP
Kilkenny GAA presents an action packed GAA camp with plenty of skills challenges, fun games and surprise visits. Cost is €40 per child, with The Family option €70 for if 2 from the same family.
The camp will take place at The MW Hire Centre, Dunmore during The Easter Holidays on Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th April from 10am to 1.30am, and places are limited. For further information, contact Nathen Culleton on nathen.culleton.gpo. kilkenny@gaa.ie
GRAIGUENAMANAGH
GRAIG NOTES
If you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc., you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm.
LOTTO. GAA AND SOCCER
Numbers drawn on 04/ 03 /24were 1, 3, 14, 15, and there was no winner, The following won €30 each, Tracy Kavanagh, Theresa Reddy, Ann Cahill, Edel Bolger, Brendan Savagh, Tickets are available from any club member.
GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW
The winners of the Draw on March 7 2024, were First Prize €483, Frances Bolger, 2nd Prize €50 Alice, 3rd Prize, €25 Stella Walsh. Draw takes place in the Abbey Center at 4pm on Thursdays.
RAMBLING HOUSE
The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of each month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district also join in. The next Session is on Friday April 12th at 7pm.
CLINIC
Cllr Peter Chap Cleere will have his clinic on Monday evenings at 7pm. At his office at Upper Main Street, Graiguenamanagh
ST. FRANCIS CHARITY SHOP
Mrs. Dinah Proctor, Manager of St Francis Charity Shop in Graiguenamanagh recently received the following letter from The Peter McVerry Trust at Mountjoy Square Dublin.
Dear Mrs Proctor, On behalf of Peter McVerry Trust Thank you for your most generous donation of €14,853.62 which from 01/01/2023 to date. Thank you to the people of Graiguenamanagh who have supported in raising funds for Peter McVerry Trust. We greatly appreciate your kindness and support for Peter McVerry Trust and our work.
Your generosity will ensure that that can continue to provide vital supports and services to people who are impacted by homelessness in communities all around Ireland. At present we support over 2,000 people each night across our many services including individuals and families.
Over the course of 2023, our dedicated staff worked with over 14,000 individuals ensuring they received the help they needed, including prevention ,providing accommodation, support with finding new accommodation, and returning to work or education through our activation and education services .
Once again thank you for your generous donation .Yours sincerely Naomi Shongo, Fundraising Administrator.
PARADE
The St Patricks Day Parade will be held next Sunday March 17th at 12.15pm. Just join in with a float or a walking group and help to make this year’s parade in Graiguenamannagh the best one yet.
EASTER PEOPLE
Bishop Nulty will launch a new collection of liturgical music, composed by Brenda Foskin with arrangements by Edward Holden in Duiske Abbey on Wednesday March 27th at 7pm. All are welcome.
GORESBRIDGE SPRING
CLEAN
The community spring clean has started. Additional helping hands welcome. Drop off of bags and gloves can be arranged through the Goresbridge Rural Development (see Facebook page).
Information: contact Colette
Murphy at 087 260 1672
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE IN GORESBRIDGE
The very popular annual event kicks off with music at 14.30 followed by a parade through the town at 15.30 on Sunday 17th March. The weather is not guaranteed but good fun is!
HORSE RACING
Best of luck to Shark, all the trainers, staff and jockeys from the locality, and not least Hewick, in the forthcoming Cheltenham cup. The Pint Depot in Bagenalstown will be warming up for the great return!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Uisce Éireann/Irish Water working in partnership with Kilkenny County Council and local representation has announced the signing of a new construction contract to upgrade the drinking water supply in Gowran, Goresbridge and Paulstown. The aim of the project is to improve the quality and security of water supply for the area and provide additional capacity for new connections to the scheme. Construction is due to begin in the coming months and is set to be completed in 2025.
TAR ISTEACH
The shop is openly daily Monday to Saturday in the mornings. Funds go towards local development. Good quality clothes and bric-a-brac are accepted.
FRIENDS OF CALCUTTA
A clothes collection will take place before 14.00 on Thursday 14th March. Information: Michael Hopkins at 087 907 3074
DEFIBRILLATOR
AEDs are a crucial aid in enabling individuals to survive an Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest. A unit is located outside Maher’s Shop in Goresbridge as well as inside the Ionad Dara community hall in Goresbridge.
BARROW RANGERS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB
There is a national GAA draw with a chance to win a car for €10 a ticket. All money raised by Barrow Rangers Camogie stays with the club. For the weekly Lotto online tickets are available at www. lottoraiser.ie/BarrowRangers
The Camogie Association’s Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Coaching Course schedule for 2024 is now available to view. See learning.gaa.ie/ICGG
BRIDGE UNITED
Bridge United men’s junior team drew 4-4 with Callan in the Premier Division. Bridge scores by Eoin Kavanagh, Pierce Blanchfield, Conor English and Louis Brennan. The Easter Soccer Camp will run from Tuesday, 26th March to Thursday, 28th from 10am-13.00. €40 to enter. Text or call Conor English at 085 1321589.
ZUMBA WITH SINEAD
Zumba dance fitness at Ionad Dara Goresbridge at 19.30 every Wednesday. €7 pay as you go. Get yourself fit dancing to Latin beats and guaranteed loads of fun.
YOGA CLASSES
Every Monday at 7pm in the Community Hall in Paulstown. €50 for the course. Contact: Emma Flavin 083 0464823. Funds are in aid of Danny’s Fund for the treatment of MS.
ROAD RUN FOR DANNY
Car, tractor run, vintage, bike motorbike and truck run in aid of Danny’s Fund on Sunday 14th April from 10.3012.30 with registration in the GAA Barrow Rangers Club, Paulstown. Some refreshments and raffle after the run back in the community hall.
DANCE FIT
Is running every Tuesday at 8.30pm in Paulstown Community Hall. Contact Stephanie Lennon on ‘Dance Fit’ on Facebook or Instragram where you can sign up via Google forms link. Cost is €8 per class.
FASHION SHOW
A fashion show held in aid of Danny’s Fund on Wednesday 6th March in the Lord Bagenal hotel was a huge success. The M C on the night was James Lakes with fashion from A Touch of Class, Detail Menswear, Nursery Rhymes, Vera Moda and local shop Tar Isteach. All the male and female models were local which added to the wonderful atmosphere.
CHURCH SERVICES
Saturday 16th / Sunday 17th March, Masses in Goresbridge at 19.30, 10.00 and in Paulstown at 11.30am. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and in Goresbridge on Wednesday. Sacred Heart Prayer Group meets on Fridays after 10am mass in Paulstown. Legion of Mary Thursdays at 3pm in Paulstown. New members welcome. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass until 6pm.
Church of Ireland services for the third Sunday of the month on 17th March: St Lazerian’s Cathedral, Old Leighlin, Eucharist at 10am; Shankill Church, Paulstown, Morning Prayer at 10am; Borris Church (COI), Eucharist at 11.30am.
CHOIR
Have you a talent for singing for playing a musical instrument? New adult and children members welcome to the Paulstown church choir. Contact the parochial office (059 9775180)
BRIDGE
Paulstown Bridge Club is holding lessons in playing bridge in a relaxed informal setting. Further information available from Mary Quinn 086 1704459 or Mary Purcell 086 1659779. Goresbridge Bridge club meets every Monday at 19.30 in Ionad Dara community hall while Borris bridge club meets on Tuesdays at the same venue.
COMPUTER AND PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
Computer classes take place every Wednesday from 10am in Ionad Dara in Goresbridge. Photography skills are included as a related part of the course and may be taken separately. The courses, which are free of charge, are sponsored by Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board for all Digital Literacy and basic literacy needs. More information from Carmel or Thomas at 056 7763149.
FOROIGE
Would you like to volunteer with Foróige to support young people in Paulstown For more information contact Aidan Gleeson (aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie)
CUPLA FOCAL
Weekly Friday chatting in Irish over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow this Friday 15th March at 11am. Whether it is a few words or many, it doesn’t matter. Contact Ann on 085 7529485 for further information. Fáilte roimh chách.
SHANKILL CASTLE
The Grounded In Nature Forest School is continues to offer sessions for children on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays from 15.30-18.00. Included in the programme is bushscraft, cooking, den building games and more. Information from Eithne email: groundedinnaturefs@ gmail.com
BENNETTSBRIDGE
ST PATRICK’S DAY
The Annual Irish Dancing Display will be held in the Community Hall on Sunday, St Patrick’s Day after 10.30am mass. This traditional event is a collaboration between Stella Carroll School of Dancing and Bennettsbridge Ladies Club.
The young dancers have been rehearsing for weeks and they will compete for the Kathleen Conway Memorial Trophy. MC Tom Shanahan will introduce the various acts. The usual raffle will take place. Proceeds will go to the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care team.
A FIRST FOR OSSORY
The Kilkenny St Patrick’s Day Parade will feature a Diocesan float for the first time. Bishop Niall is encouraging principals of 2nd Level Schools in Kilkenny, to get involved in the formation of the float. The float will have
musicians, diocesan and school placards. It is hoped that this initial float will lead to wider participation from schools throughout the county.
MENS SHED
The weekly meetings of the local Men’s Shed are going very well. Darts, Rings, Cards and the recently installed pool table are just some of the choices available for the men. An introduction to exercises to suit everyone is welcomed by all. Of great importance is the break for tea and chat.
An acknowledgement was received from the Kinsella family thanking the Mens Shed for their kind donation to SOS in Kilkenny at John’s funeral. The money will be put towards items for the group, including coffee machine, art equipment and other items.
NORE VALLEY PARK EASTER
Ready for an egg-citing adventure? Only three more weeks to go. Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable Easter Egg Hunt at Nore Valley Park! Hunt for colorful eggs hidden in every nook and cranny, enjoy delightful treats, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Don’t miss out on the fun - reserve your spot now!
LOTTO
No winner of Jackpot. March 4th Numbers, 2, 7, 11, 20. Consolation Prizes, Eimear Moran, Rathcusack, Breda Walsh, Main Street, C, E & P Dunne, Ballyreddin, Wendy Magennis, Bennettsbridge. Gerry Cleere, Woodlawn.
CHURCH NEWS
Weekday Masses.Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning 10.30am
FIRST COMMUNION
First Communion will be held in Bennettsbridge on Saturday 11th May, a series of preparation masses will take place during April with Parents assisting in the organising of the Liturgy, Prayers of the Faithful and Offertory Procession.
SYMPATHY
Sympathy is extended to Alice Rose, Kilkenny Road, Bennettsbridge and to Jimmy Beck, Kilfane on the death of their brother, Tommy, Grotto Terrace, Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford and formerly Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Predeceased by his parents Harry and Josie and sister Anne. Beloved husband of Kim and much loved brother of Alice, Jimmy, Angela and Harry. Tommy will be sadly missed by his wife and family, father in-law Mike, brothers in-law, sisters- in-law, uncle, nephews, nieces, extended family and his many friends.
CHURCH ENTRANCE WORK
Great to have the repair works completed at the entrance to the church in Bennettsbridge as this area was in a considerable state of disrepair and a safety hazard for parishioners. Many thanks to the council crew and Declan Murphy for their work
FRIENDS OF CALCUTTA
Clothes collection for Friends of Calcutta can be left at the church gates for collection on Thursday at 3pm.
KNOCK PILGRIMAGE
Annual Eucharistic Adoration Pilgrimage to Knock. Takes place on Sunday 14th April 2024
Bus leaves from Woodies Carpark at 6.45am sharp. Cost €35. For more details please contact 086 1666547
BORD NA NOG
Bord na nÓg are hosting a Table Quiz in O’Donnell’s Bar on Friday 22nd March at 8pm. A great night is to be had with raffle prizes, finger food. Teams of 4 €20 per team, All are welcome. Your support is greatly appreciated.
GAA
Colleges All-Ireland Final.
The very best of luck to clubmen Timmy Kelly, James Hughes and Paddy Walsh who are part of the St Kieran’s panel who play St Raphael’s in the All- Ireland final in Croke Park next Saturday.
National Hurling League
David and Kevin Blanchfield were part of the Kilkenny team that lost out to Clare in Ennis last Sunday in round 4 of the national league. They are wished all the best for the upcoming game against Waterford next Saturday.
Club Football
The junior quarter final versus Emeralds was not played last weekend. The next fixture is the semi-final. Please keep an eye on the Kilkenny website or the clubs social media pages for details of the fixture. The minor football team lost out to Erin’s Own in the shield quarterfinal by a goal.
Club Spot
The club has adopted a new app for all GAA business going forward, replacing clubforce. We ask as many people as possible to download this new club spot app . Details are on the club’s Facebook page. This is a great way to communicate club business. Membership, split the pot etc and all club business can be done on this so it is vital that as many as possible download the app.
Membership 2024
This year’s membership can now be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member. Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players . Early payment would be most appreciated. Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details .
Camogie Dinner Dance
The victorious junior camogie are holding their Dinner Dance in Langton,s this Friday, March 15th in conjunction
with John Locke’s camogie club. Tickets cost 45 Euros and can be purchased from any camogie committee member
Brd Na n-Óg Table Quiz
All support greatly appreciated for this upcoming table quiz fundraiser which takes place in O’ Donnell’s on March 22nd. Tables of four cost 20 euro with refreshments on the night.
Split the Pot
The next draw will take place on March 22nd due to the Camogie Dinner dance taking place this Friday night. Thanks to all for the continued support.
Club Shop
New items of club gear have been added to the online O’Neill’s shop. Simply put Bennettsbridge in the search box on the website to see all the gear.
DICKSBORO
CLUB LOTTO
Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 7th March 2024. Nos:
5 10 20 31. Jackpot: €15,650 Not Won
Draw Prizes – €50: Carolyn Leahy c/o Online. €25 each Kevin Thomas c/o Tommy Hackett €25 each Rosemary Quinn c/o Billy Walsh. €25 each Mark Mullaney c/o Online Hurlers Co Op Draw KM c/o Phil Hogan. Promotors prize Dohertys Bar
We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up & play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.
EASTER CAMP
There will be a three Day Hurling and Camogie Camp March 25th-27th 2024. Skills and Drills and lots of fun. For ages 5-12 Only. €30 for 1 child discounts available for multiple children from same family. See ClubZap for more details or follow link https://Dicksboro GAA.COM/
PRODUCTS
JOIN OUR CLUB
The new Hurling, Camogie and Gaelic Football season is fast approaching and from March our Hurling and Camogie Nursey and underage teams will be back in the thick of it in Palmerstown and James Park. For more information contact any member of our Committee or See our ClubZap for more details.
HANDBALL RESULTS
Congratulations to Anthony Clifford (TalbotsInch Handball Club) and his doubles partner John Hayes (Kells) who won the Minor All Ireland Doubles Final in Croke Park Saturday afternoon defeating Galway 21-11 , 21-18. Also well done to Mikey Stynes (TalbotsInch Handball) who won the Senior Schools Doubles Leinster Title representing CBS Secondary School. In the Junior
Singles Rian Dowling (TalbotsInch) claimed the Leinster Title also representing CBS Secondary School. Well done to our Club Hurlers on their achievements.
JOHNSTOWN
FR. SEAN SKEHAN RIP
The death has taken place in Delray Beach, Florida of Fr. Sean Skehan late of Rathlogan, Johnstown in his 97th year. Predeceased by his parents John and Mary Anne, brothers Harry, Martin and Paul, sister Mary and nephew Donal. He will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews Rita, Mary, Chris, Eileen, Sean, Kathleen, Maureen, Noeleen and Sean, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, his parishioners at St. Vincent Ferrers Church, Florida and a wide circle of friends. Fr. Sean went to school in Johnstown and then to St. Kierans College, where he entered the Seminary after his Leaving Cert. He was ordained in 1951 and spent his life ministering in various parishes in Florida. He loved coming to Rathlogan for holidays and meeting his friends in Johnstown. He had a great love of music and was a nifty button accordion player. Requiem Mass for Fr. Sean was celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church with burial afterwards in Johnstown Cemetery.
THE BOYS OF GALMOY
To commemorate the 22th anniversary of the assassination and executions in Galmoy in 1824, Pat Vaughan will deliver a public lecture in Galmoy Hall on Saturday 16th of March at 8pm. All are welcome.
SCHOOL ENROLMENTS
For enrolment this September 2024 for Johnstown contact the school on 0568831611 or email johnstownns@gmail.com. For Crosspatrick contact 0568831753 or email office@crosspatrickns.com.
TOWN TEAM
The TOWN Team are hoping to again hold the Johnstown Field Day Festival at the sportsfield in June. They are anxious to get more people involved in any way they can, if you have ideas to share come to a meeting in the hall on Saturday March 23rd at 8.30pm. It will be a short meeting and the Team would like to see as many as possible at the meeting.
FENIANS
The Club played host recently to the All Ireland Colleges B Camogie Final recently between OLOL Rosbercon and Our Lady’s ,Templemore who were the winners on the day.
Bingo continues each Wednesday in St. Mary’s Hall and Split the Pot envelopes are available in all the local shops.
SPA UNITED AFC
Results for weekend March 1st Junior League Division 2B
Spa 3 (Adam Barnaville, James Whelan ,Kieran Grehan) Deen Celtic B 2, Youths league division 1A Spa 1 Freshford Town 5, U16 boys league division 1A Deen Celtic 3 Spa 1, U14 boys league division 2 Spa 1 Callan Utd 4, U13 boys league division 1 Spa 1 Freebooters 1, U10 boys shield
Evergreen 2 Spa 4, U15 girls league division 1 Thomastown 1 Spa 0, U14 girls league division 1 Evergreen 1 Spa 6, U12 girls league division 1 Freebooters 0 Spa 5. The U12 boys enjoyed themselves recently as they took part in the River Valley Rangers International Tournament where they played the host club FC Santa Claus from Finland. They even got to meet the great man himself!!! Results weekend March 8thJunioor League division 2B Highview B 1 Spa 7, U15 boys league division 1A Spa 1 Freebooters 0, U13 boys league division 2 Stoneyford 0 Spa 1, U13 girls league division 1 Spa 0 Freebooters0, U11 girls cup Spa 2 Callan 0, U11 boys cup Evergreen 5 Spa 1, U11 boys shield Evergreen 4 Spa 0. Well done to the U13 B team who recorded a 1-0 away win v Stoneyford , Cathal O’Reilly scored the winning goal from a penalty.
SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO....
February 29th winning numbers 2,15,18,20 one match three Donal Cahill, March 7th winning numbers 5,12,29,30, one match three Michael Neary.
URLINGFORD
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
“Ireland through the Ages”, Sunday, March 17 at 1.30pm. Come along in fancy dress inspired from important eras of Ireland’s history. Prizes for best dressed children and adults. All floats free of charge. Meet in Emeralds GAA pitch at 1pm sharp. For more information, contact Sue at 056 8838466.
EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO
March 4 prize fund was €17,100. Jackpot: €15,100. Numbers drawn: 8, 10, 18, 24, bonus no 20. No winner and three match three winners: Tommy Neary, Grainne O’Flaherty, Michael Tobin. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Margaret Tynan, N. Bambrick, Austin Cleere, Tuesday Club, ACRW. Promoters prize: Butlers.
PROGRESSIVE MOVE
Cllr Michael McCarthy wishes the Firefighters in Urlingford every success on their move to the new state of the art Fire Station. This will be of huge benefit to the Firefighters and will provide additional facilities for training and room to carry out their important work. Thanks to McStan Construction for their expertise in building the new Station, also to the Chief Fire Officer and Director of Fire Services for their input in the provision of this facility.
SET DANCING
In Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. Live music, sets called by Paddy Martin. All are welcome. Contact Phil Fogarty 086 8638782; Mary Webster 087 7936113.
URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT
March 10 winner of Split the Pot is Dan Manton who will receive €619. Congrats Dan on behalf of Urlingford Town Team.
Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town. Thanks to everyone for their continued support. Next weeks draw will be for Urlingford Town Team.
GRAINE CARDS
Graine progressive 25 card game every Wednesday night at 8.15pm in Graine hall. All are welcome.
URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP
In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.
URLINGFORD NEWS
Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.
GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe
Thursday 10am to 1pm
TROCAIRE BOXES
Boxes are available in both church porches. Please take one and support the Lenten campaign.
PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
The annual pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from June 14th to 20th. Any enquiries please contact Fr Walton or any member of the Parish pastoral group.
GLENGOOLE COMMUNITY GROUP
A fundraising walk in aid of Ciaran’s cancer treatment on Saturday 16th March at 12 noon starting from Glengoole Hall with refreshments afterwards.
GAVIN GLYNN FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
Walk/Run, Coffee morning, cake sale and raffle in support of Tuiren Phelan and Family on Sunday 24th March at 10am in Gortnahoe Hall.
TUESDAY BRIDGE
Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106
400 CLUB DRAW FEBRUARY
The results for February, 1st Prize €200 Billy and Ann Barnaville, Gortnahoe, 2nd Prize, Joanne Campion, Graiguewood. Other prize winners were, Sean Ryan MMC, Littleton, Martin and Anita Gleeson, Rathbeg, Andy and Teresa O’Gorman, Boulick, Darragh Scott, Inchorourke, Mary Fogarty, Longfordpass, Tom and Alison Blackmore,
Ballinastick, Mark and Denise Burke, Urard and James and Mary O’Keefe, Ballysloe. Promoters prize winner Breda Hickey.
400 CLUB DRAW MARCH
The results for March, 1st Prize €200 Roisin Fogarty, Longfordpass, 2nd prize, Alice Perry, Ballynonty. Other prize winners were James Quinlan, Urard, Michael and Eileen Callaghan, Fennor Road, Colin Ahern, Togher Road, Gortnahoe Tidy Towns, John and Maria Kenny, Glengoole, Catherine and Noel Quinlan, Kilcooley, Kate McDonald, Longfordpass and Robert Campion, Goresgrove. Promoters Prize Winner Mary and Jimmy Fogarty.
GORTNAHOE BINGO
A special St. Patricks Day bingo will be held this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm. Over €4,000 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game and a St. Patricks Day special game for €800. There will be hampers and Split the Pot on the day. It will be a great afternoons entertainment for all on the bank holiday weekend.
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
The Moycarkey borris parade will take place in Littleton this Sunday 17th March at 10.30am. To take part please contact parade chairman Cllr Sean Ryan on 087 4581455.
SPLIT THE POT
Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of March Split the Pot will be in support of the Ballysloe Sensory Garden. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated
VACANCY
Gortnahoe Community Employment scheme has vacancies for a Maintenance Operative in Gortnahoe village and a Caretaker in MFRC, Glengoole. Details and application are on Jobs Ireland reference 2322500 and 2322400
MAUREEN MAHER RIP
The death has ocurred of Maureen Maher (nee Moriarty),
Inchorourke, Urlingford, Thurles, on March 6th, peacefully, surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her parents Jack and Mary, brothers John and Ritchie and grandson Craig. Deeply regretted by her heartbroken husband Paddy, her adoring family, Marie, Patrick, Majella, Michael-John, Israel, Alan, Eileen, Deboragh and Kevin, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunt, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Maureen reposed at Doyle’s funeral home, Urlingford last Saturday evening. Removal took place on Sunday morning to The Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe, arriving for Requiem Mass. Interment took place afterwards in the Good Shepherd Cemetery, Gortnahoe. May she rest in peace.
TABLE QUIZ
There is a Table Quiz in aid of the Senior Citizens Fund tonight Friday March 15th in The Wheel Inn. A table of four is €40 and a raffle will be held on the night.
COIS NORE CANCER CARE FUND RAISER
Cois Nore Cancer Care, Cake Craft and Coffee Morning in and of Cois Nore on March 17th at 11.15am in the Cannon Malone Hall. Please come along and show your support and get some lovely St Patrick’s Day Treats.
PARISH DRAW
The annual Parish Draw will take place shortly, three books of tickets for the draw will be distributed to each household. The draw will take place on Easter Monday April 1st at 8pm in the Cannon Malone Hall. Your support for this venture will be much appreciated.
GAA
St Patrick’s GAA will hold an open night on Friday 15th of March in the GAA clubhouse in Oldtown. This is an opportunity for parents of all age groups to register your player for the coming season. Chat to team mentors, get
to know the roles of committee members and meet/greet our new GPO (games promotion officer) Dermot Ryall who will been training the children in the school over the coming weeks. We also hope to launch the Phelan/Stone tournament for 2024. We encourage parents to pop down, to ask questions (as each mentor will be given a chance to showcase their plan for 2024) and engage with the committee to help them progress and promote the Bord na nÒg. All are welcome. Spread the word. Tea/coffee and refreshments served on the night.
Cardiac Screening in the GAA
The club have organised a Cardiac Screening programme for the 23rd March in Ballyouskill Hall, and are now in a position to offer appointments slots to members. The cost of the screening is €79pp. The screening clinic will run from 9.30am to 5pm. Location; Ballyouskill Hall, Ballyouskill, Attanagh, Kilkenny, R32 TR58 Appointments are in 15-minute slots and participants should allow 20/25 minutes per appointment. No exercise one hour before appointment. Follow the link below, or paste into URL. Participants need to set up an account and password. It will only take 5-10 minutes to complete the booking. Booking link; https://bookings. ameds.ie/booking/from-code?code=stpats Laya Healthcare customers can avail of a complimentary cardiac screening once every two years but booking still required using individual Laya
CONAHY
CAMOGIE
Roisín Phelan (Senior), Emma Mulhall, Ellen Gunner and Sofia Kerr (Intermediate) and Katie Brennan (Minor) were part of their respective Kilkenny camogie teams which were in action last weekend against Tipperary, Galway and Antrim respectively. The seniors unfortunately lost out to Galway, the intermediates drew with Tipperary, and the minors enjoyed a good win up in Antrim. Well done to all the girls involved.
CLUB LOTTO
The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 15, 33 and 38. There was no winner of the €2,000 jackpot, so the consolation prize winners were Ann Maher, Margaret Phelan, Billy Costigan, Leahy Sisters and Liam White. The promoter prize winners were Margaret Buggy, Shay Healy and Peter Mulhall.
PILGRIMAGE
Kilkenny Pilgrimage to Medjugorje takes place from Wednesday, May 1st to Wednesday, May 8th. The hotel will be based near to the church and the group will be travelling with Marian Pilgrimages. The cost will be €825 including insurance. Please contact Ann on 086-1991620 or 086-8825622.
MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE
PLEASE NOTE
The Centre will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY
Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a one-bedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.
EASTER RAFFLE
We are running an Easter Raffle here in the Centre. Lines are €2 each or 3 lines for €5. Draw will take place on Wednesday March 28.
LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME
Names are being taken for LTI QQI Levels 4 and 5 due to start soon.
COUNSELLING SERVICES
Our low cost counselling services, includes one-to-one, adult and teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression. Other counselling services available: Drug, substance and gambling addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 5+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.
SENIOR ALERT
If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.
DEFIBRILLATOR
Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.
APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS
Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.
JOBS
Training Board: We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required.
HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD
MASS TIMES
Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 16th. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 17th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Vigil, Saturday 16th. at 6.30p.m.
PRAY FOR
Tom Gorey, Barrettstown, who died during the week. Anniversary Masses. Catherine Barron, Catstown: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 16th. at 8.00p.m. Mai Carroll, Kyleva: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 17th. at 10.00a.m
ROTA
Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Raggett. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Deirdre Rohan. Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Foran
Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Pat Kenny. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick. Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr
MONROE SCHOOL
S. N. Móin Ruadh are now accepting enrolments for September 2024. Enrolment Forms can be downloaded from the website: snmoinruadh.wordpress.com or by emailing the office on snmoinruadh@gmail.com or calling the office on 056 776 8931.
NEWMARKET SCHOOL
Newmarket NS is now taking enrolments for September 2024 and for After-School Care. Please contact 089 257 2031 or mbrennan@newmarketns.ie
GLOW SPORTS FOR GIRLS
This is a new initiative for teenage girls, funded by Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership. Started on Friday March 1st and running for 6 weeks at 6.00pm. All will have a chance to try out different sports, wearing fluorescent bibs and using equipment that glows under UV light when the main lights are off. This is a great opportunity for girls that maybe have never played sports, or that dropped out for any reason. Contact Adele for more information 087 938 4521.
DIOCESAN LENTEN PROGRAMME
“Ministers of God’s Word”. In our parishes and in our Liturgies, men and women are living out the ministry of proclaiming God’s word for us. This is a special and sacred ministry. All are entrusted with the task of sharing God’s word in way that is fitting so that people may come to know him. We are inviting new and existing Ministers of the Word to join with Fr Chris Hayden, Spiritual Director at St Patrick’s National Seminary, Maynooth, for two evenings to explore this sacred ministry. Venue: St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. Wednesday, 20th March. at 8.00p.m,
“Faith, Hope and Love” Lenten Retreat in Kilkenny City Parishes: In St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish on Monday 18th. March at 7.30p.m. In St. Patrick’s Parish on Tuesday 19th. March at 7.30p.m. In St. John’s Parish on Wednesday 20th. March at 7.30p.m. In St. Canice’s Parish, Lenten Penitential Service on Thursday 21st. March at 7.30p.m “Lenten Tweets” Follow @Ossory Diocese for a simple thought each day for Lent.
CHILDREN’S CHARITY TRACTOR RUN
Children’s Charity Tractor Run in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital will be held on Monday 18th. March at 2.00p.m.; starting at Hugginstown Church and going around the Walking Track on the G.A.A. Grounds, followed by Tea/ Coffee & Pastries in the Centre. All are welcome Kids Tractors; Trikes; Go-Carts; but no big bikes please.
LOTTO
Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 4th. March 2024 Numbers: 08; 20; 24; 15. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn.
One Jackpot Winner: €5,100.00 Winner: Kitty Dwyer, Baysrath. €200.00 Seller of Jackpot Ticket: Pat Dwyer 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Teresa Fitzgerald; Pat Power; Eilis Rohan.
COMMUNITY RADIO KILKENNY
Are you interested in radio? Have you some spare time to do some volunteering? Why not think about volunteering with Community Radio Kilkenny City 88.7FM. You might even learn a new skill along the way. We need people for research, reception, presenting on air or just to come and help out. If this interests you why not give a call to 056 776 2777 or by email at info@crkc.ie
SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A Lecture on “The Army Mutiny of 1924” will be given by Mr. John Dorney. On Friday, 22nd. March in Mullinavat Hall at 8.00p.m. All are welcome.
STONEYFORD: A HISTORY AND HERITAGE ARCHIVE
It has been suggested that a historical and heritage archive of the Stoneyford area be setup. Initial suggestions are that local people are asked to provide information, either in writing or orally, on areas of particular interest to them. These are then stored on a word processor and thus are available to all. Initial suggested areas are: the milling industry, history of Carrickshock GAA club, the Kings river bridges, the development of the roads infrastructure, developments in agriculture, the cricket club, memories of school, etc The list is endless and is not restricted.
Depending on positive feedback, contact will be made with locals who have relevant knowledge.
It was as one daily paper headlined it, '100th to son', as trainer Willie Mullins claimed a historic 100th Cheltenham Festival victory as his son Patrick won the Champion Bumper on Jasmin De Vaux.
It sealed a treble on Wednesday March 13 for the Goresbridge, Kilkenny native, who is the first person to post a century of wins at the festival.
Patrick was greeted by a huge roar as he returned on the 9-2 winner.
"Whoever dreamt any trainer, never mind me, could do it," said a delighted Mullins after securing his sixth victory of the 2024 Festival. He had been denied the landmark in the Queen Mother Champion Chase when favourite El Fabiolo was pulled up in a race won by Captain Guinness. Mullins had earlier reached 99 victories via Ballyburn and Fact To File.
The 67-year-old is out on his own for Festival victories, with Nicky Henderson his nearest challenger on 73 wins. His first big Cheltenham triumph came with Tourist
Attraction in 1995, and he is almost certain to be the week's leading trainer for the 11th time in the last 14 years.
Two trebles on the meeting's opening two days brought Mullins to the milestone.
While top cricketers might give an extravagant wave of the bat to the pavilion on reaching a century, Mullins marked his historic ton by holding his trilby aloft with a wide smile.
The son of trainer Paddy Mullins, who guided the brilliant mare Dawn Run to an unprecedented Champion Hurdle-Gold Cup double in the 1980s, Willie has reached new levels of success.
His gentle charm and ability to recruit leading owners and top bloodstock agents, willingness to experiment and the top team in the background have all contributed to his achievements.
Patrick is a key part of the set-up, with Willie's wife Jackie running things behind the scenes and leading former jockeys Ruby Walsh and David Cary among advisors.
"It's huge for them. I think they are probably going to enjoy it more than I will. It's extraordinary stuff," he said.
His remarkable tally can be put into perspective when you consider it is more than double the number of victories achieved by Paul Nicholls, who is third on the all-time Cheltenham list.
A 13th victory in the Bumper was a fitting triumph as he has always targeted this race for younger horses.
"His willingness to expand always amazed me," said Walsh.
"It's only ever going in one
direction with Willie, even to this day he will start his entries with the bumper horses. That's not because he loves bumpers, it's because he is always looking to the future."
Major Mullins winners over the years read like a who's who of racing stars –Florida Pearl, Hedgehunter, Hurricane Fly, Quevega, Faugheen, Vautour, Douvan, Annie Power... the list goes on.
Even when Mullins lost a major backer five years ago, he regrouped and went on to even greater success.
The withdrawal of horses owned by Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud in a row over training fees could have been damaging long term.
Mullins lost around 60 horses – a third of his yard's occupants. He did not stand still.
"In his early 60s instead of consolidating, he went out and got more horses and more owners," said Patrick.
"Then there's the calibre of staff here and the owners he has built. He has made the very most of everything he has been able to."
Mullins senior has his own way of doing things – a Christmas present to himself was a bespoke mini weather station for his Closutton yard in Co Carlow using a special app on his phone.
Asked what it was like working with him, Patrick said: "Several headaches. He could say something one day and then give out the next day for doing it.
"He is always chopping and changing. He can't be
told no. He has outside the box thinking, at times it can be like man from the moon, but enough times it works.
"He is a funny man in that the more you try to tell him to do something, the more he will try to do the opposite."
Mullins' stranglehold was illustrated by Ballyburn leading home a 1-2-3-4-5 for him in the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle.
That is in stark contrast to the fortunes of British trainer Henderson, who has withdrawn several runners this week with his stable badly out of form.
Any sports needs proper competition, and Mullins appears to appreciate the bigger picture.
"We're good pals and we like the competition, and it's just awful for people," said Mullins.
"You save it all up for the whole year – your energy, everything, put it all into this and then the horses are taken out because of some mystery, whatever's going through the yard. It's tough, really tough.
"It's not good for the racing – we like competition. We have to have it."
Motivation can be hard to come by – but psychological research shows us that developing a greater awareness of the good around us can be a powerful motivation booster.
What we pay attention to impacts our health
The things that we see, hear and experience every day have an impact on our beliefs, our behaviours and subsequently our health.
We live in a world where self-interest and accumulation of material goods are not only celebrated – these ideas are actively pushed on us many times every single day. We are constantly bombarded with images and stories of atrocities, crimes and injustices, not only here in Ireland, but from all over the world. It is not surprising that our sense of safety, trust and our ability to see the good around us are affected.
Thankfully, there is something that we can do about this. Giving some time every day to spotting the good things around us increases our sense of gratitude, which research shows boosts our ability to stick to healthy habits and lead happier lives.
Gratitude benefits health &
motivation
Gratitude is a sense of thankfulness for what we experience in life. Besides improving our general wellbeing, it has many positive health effects –grateful people have lower
blood pressure, reduced stress reactions and sleep better.
Gratitude opens us up to the needs of others - including our future selves. Cultivating gratitude helps us to stick to healthy habits (why bother
being healthy if we don’t care about our future selves?). Gratitude also motivates us to pass on kindness to others. In one interesting study, researchers ran an experiment where participants encountered
a computer problem. For some participants, a stranger helped them to overcome this problem. Soon after this, the participants came across another stranger who needed a hand. The participants who received
help with the computer issue devoted significantly more time to helping this stranger – seemingly paying their goodwill forward.
How to develop gratitude
Gratitude can be trained, just like a muscle. Some lucky people have had experiences in life that have given them abundant gratitude. Many of us have not. Here is one simple practice that has been shown to cultivate gratitude.
• At the end of each day, write down 3 things that you feel thankful for - they can be big and meaningful (e.g. supportive friend) or small and trivial (e.g. a car letting you out; the first sip of a cup of tea).
• Take a few minutes to reflect on each. Notice what feelings and emotions stir within you.
• Repeat this for 4 weeks (and beyond if you can).
Start today
Cultivating gratitude develops the supportive foundations and mindset that allows us to go on to lead healthy, happy lives.
Knowledge is great, but it is pointless without action. Practice daily for 4 weeks and see if you notice a shift in how you view the world.
If you struggle with a sense of despair or a feeling that the world is out to get you, then you could benefit from telling your GP or a psychologically informed therapist, such as a registered psychologist.
Kombat Kingdom Kickboxing K1 and MMA, n estled in the community of Ferrybank, Kilkenny/Waterford, has quickly become a powerhouse in the realm of c ombat sports. Despite its youth, the club has already garnered significant acclaim, recently cl inching the prestigious WKU Irish K1 title IN Co. Tyrone and boasting an impressive collection of championships including 2 WKO titles and 1 IKF title . Established just two years ago, Kombat Kingdom has rapidly gained r ecognition for its dedication to excellence, commitment to training, and fostering a supportive environment for its m embers. Led by a team of seasoned coaches and mentors (Tony Brennan, John Corcoran and Joe Hart), the club prides itself on not only honing the technical skills of its fighters but also instilling values of discipline, sp ortsmanship, and camaraderie.
At the heart of Kombat Kingdom's success lies
its passionate community of athletes, who hail fr om diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Fr om seasoned veterans to newcomers stepping into the ring for the first
time, the club provides a welcoming atmosphere where all members can thrive and push their limits.
The recent victory in the WKU Irish K1 title is a testament to the dedication and hard work of th e club's fighters, coaches, and supporters. It symbolizes the culmin ation of countless hours of training, sweat, and sacrifice poured into honing their craft and mastering the art of combat sports.
As Kombat Kingdom continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide a platform for athletes to excel, achieve their goals, and make their mark on the world of kickboxing, K1, and MMA. With a firm foundation built on passion, perseverance, and a relentless purs uit of excellence, the future looks bright for this burgeoning club in Ferrybank, Kilkenny/ Waterford.
For further information Tony 0834806563
All going well and according to plan, The John "Shark" Hanlon trained Hewick will take his place among the leading Steeplechasers in today's Cheltenham Gold Cup at 3.30pm as the Willie Mullins trained Galopin Des Champs will be a short price favorite to defend his Gold Cup crown.
The rags to riches story of Hewick is nothing short of incredible. Having been bought for just €850 at the Goresbridge Sales in 2017, Hewick showed very little initially and indeed it took him 15 races including three point to point runs to get a victory. He made his debut in a point to point in Knockanard in February 2019 where he unseated his rider in a race won by 2020 Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner Ferny Hollow.
Two more falls in point to points followed, before he made his racecourse debut in a Maiden Hurdle at Tramore in May 2019.
He ran a respectable race on his debut when finishing 5th at odds of 66/1, but overall his form in 2019 was disappointing as he was unplaced in five subsequent efforts.
However, he finished 2019 with two placed efforts, as he was 2nd in a Maiden Hurdle in Sligo before finishing his season in 4th place in a Handicap Hurdle at the Listowel Harvest Festival.
Three very disappointing efforts followed in 2020, but the wheel of fortune turned as he finally gained a victory in winning a handicap hurdle in Kilbeggan, before winning a handicap hurdle in Navan only two weeks after breaking his maiden tag. He started to perhaps show signs of potential with an impressive performance on winning his chasing debut in a beginners steeplechase in Clonmel in June 2021, as he was rotating between fences and hurdles.
Hewick won again in a three mile handicap hurdle at the Listowel Festival, before finishing a close 2nd in a similar type of race in Gowran Park behind The Gordon Elliott trained Tullybeg with Jiving Jerry trained by Gowran native Jimmy Barcoe close behind in 3rd. He returned to winning ways with victory in The Durham National at Sedgefield in October over three miles and five furlongs with Shane Fenlon on board. It was a valuable contest to win (worth €27,000), and it would offer an indication of what was to follow.
The Shark had said on his website that Hewick would need between three and a
half to four miles to be at his most effective and that win in Sedgefield proved his staying power, and he was seen to even greater effect in his next race in Sandown.
In the Bet 365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase worth €90,000 to the winner, The 16/1 shot with Jordan Gainford was prominent throughout and having taken the lead approaching the home straight, Hewick produced a powerful and emphatic performance to stretch clear and win by eight lengths. The Shark's word was proven most accurate. Having reverted back to hurdles, Hewick was a close 2nd in a three mile hurdle race in Ballinrobe before returning to the bigger obstacles where he pulled off a most famous triumph by winning
By Aoife Lanigan, Camogie PRO
Kilkenny 2-10
Tipperary 0-16
Kilkenny Intermediates finished their Division 2B League campaign with a draw against the Premier County Tipperary scored the first three points through Jilliann Quirke (2) and Jenny Grace (f). Then Kilkenny hit a purple patch scoring 2-2 without reply. Rachel Dowling scored two points, the first a lovely point from near Ardan Breathnach and a placed ball. Then in the 13th minute, Kilkenny played a shot towards goal, the Tipperary goalie batted the sliotar away, but Caroline Kennedy was quickest to react and pulled first time and rattled the back of the net
Three minutes later, Lauren Ronan fired in a shot towards the Tipperary goal from under the stand and the flight of the sliotar deceived the goalie and ended in the back of the net. This put the stripey women 2-2 to 0-3 ahead Emma Flanagan and Rachel Dowling swapped points. Then Dowling scored a pointed free which was sandwiched between Tipperary points by Anna Fahie and Laura
the Galway Plate.
Another victory almost followed in the Kerry National in Listowel where he was disputing the lead before falling at the final fence, but on his next outing the Shark enjoyed a weekend to remember stateside.
Running in The American Grand National in Far Hills in New Jersey, Hewick ran out a most emphatic winner by almost a dozen lengths to win the first prize of $160,000 on an unforgetable weekend in the states.
He was given a well earned break following his exploits in America, and didn't reappear again until last years Cheltenham Gold Cup that was run on St. Patricks Day.
Hewick was running a tremendous race and he was up with the leaders until coming to grief at the penultimate fence. However, his performance in last years Gold Cup showed that he is able to compete with the best steeplechasers.
Victory in The King George on St. Stephen’s Day showed up his run in last years Gold Cup in a greater light, and as a result connections will have every right
to feel more than a hopeful of a very good run today.
The story and progression of Hewick has been nothing short of remarkable, and Gold Cup glory was nothing more than a pipe dream particularly having not won on his first 14 starts. However, the dream has become a reality and having captured the hearts of the nation with his exploits over the past two years, there may yet be another chapter written in this incredible story.
Hewick is also entered in the Aintree Grand National where he would have to shoulder top weight of 11-12 should he run, and his rise to the top is proof that the smaller stables can win Grade 1s despite the increasing dominance of Willie Mullins.
The public have shown tremendous affection for Hewick in a similar way to previous Cheltenham winners like Dawn Run, Danoli, Dorans Pride an Imperial Call, and if the fairytale can somehow continue with the reality of Gold Cup glory today, the celebrations would be on a par with the most famous scenes witnessed in the Cotswolds.
Shinners
Dowling fired over the last two points of the half to leave the interval score 2-6 to 0-6 in favour of the home side
On the resumption of play, Tipperary scored the first two points through Jenny Grace. Caroline Kennedy slotted over a point for Kilkenny under pressure from the Tipperary defence Jenny Grace slotted over three points (2f) to narrow the gap to two points. Dowling and Flanagan traded points
Tipperary scored the next two points, to equalise through Gemma
Fox and Jenny Grace (f)
Kilkenny substitute Rose Kelly shot over a point before Jenny Grace (f) equalised again. Dowling and Grace swapped pointed frees to leave the honours even at the full time whistle 2-10 to 0-16
Scorers – Kilkenny – Rachel Dowling 0-8 (6f), Caroline Kennedy 1-1, Lauren Ronan 1-0, Rose Kelly 0-1 Tipperary – Jenny Grace 0-9 (7f), Jillann Quirke, Emma Flanagan 0-2 each, Laura Shinners, Anna Fahie, Gemma Fox 0-1 each
Kilkenny – Cliona Murphy, Ellen Purcell, Rachel Brennan, Jane Cass,
Shauna Treacy, Hannah Scott, Carlise Comerford, Mairead Kennedy, Eimear Leahy, Aoife Cantwell, Cria Langton (Capt), Lauren Ronan, Afton Grace, Caroline Kennedy, Rachel Dowling
Subs – Rose Kelly for Lauren Ronan, Kate McCluskey for Eimear Leahy, Ellen Gunner for Cria Langton, Emma Mulhall for Afton Grace, Tara Murphy, Sofia Kerr, Aisling Prendergast, Lauren East, Mairead Corcoran, Ciara Foskin, Niamh Crowley, Niamh Leahy, Ali Kennedy, Kellyann Whelan, Rachel Whelan
Tipperary – Laura Leenane, Lorna
Ryan, Miriam Murphy, Tara Hoare, Laura Shinners, Gemma Fox, Lily Fahie, Caroline Shanahan, Ciara Brennan, Amy Quinlisk, Jenny Grace, Orla O’Brien, Anna Fahie, Jillianne Quirke, Emma Flanagan
Subs – Sophie Pembroke for Laura Shinners, Maria Connolly for Miriam Murphy, Ciara Ryan, Emma O’Halloran, Eva O’Dwyer, Emma O’Sullivan, Saoirse McGrath, Hazel Brennan, Eimear Fogarty, Emma Kelly, Shauna McBride, Amy Callinan, Eimear Carey, Sinead Meagher, Amy Quigley, Dani Ryan, Kellie Healy, Aoife O’Brien
BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
Round 4
Cusack Park, Ennis
Clare 0-19
Kilkenny 0-16
Kilkenny’s unbeaten start to the Allianz League was halted last weekend in Ennis as Brian Lohan’s Clare ran out 3-point winners, and on the balance of play, were probably deserving winners in the end. Derek Lyng’s charges struggled to create chances from play and only two of the Cats starting six forwards scored from play during a physical clash at Cusack Park. TJ Reid top scored for the Noresiders on his return to intercounty action.
The visitors got off to a quick start, Adrian Mullen bursting forward in the opening seconds before being fouled, and this presented the first chance in 2024 for TJ Reid to split the posts for his beloved Kilkenny, and the veteran did just that from the resulting free. Clare were presented with two opportunities to level matters inside the first 6 minutes, but the usually reliable Mark Rodgers pulled both placed ball attempts wide for the home side.
The Banner did open their account in the 7th minute thanks to a nice effort from wing-forward Peter Duggan who found himself in acres of space about ‘65 out in a cental area, the Clooney-Quin man was never going to pass up that chance. Mark Rodgers then put the home side ahead a minute later from a free after Tommy Walsh was adjudged to have fouled Keith Smyth, third time lucky for the Scariff man.
Shamrocks Ballyhale’s Darragh Corcoran then took a pop pass and powered down the left side of the field, but his hand pass was intercepted by the Clare defence and in his attempts to halt the break, Cian Kenny was shown an early yellow card from referee James Owens. From the next attack, wing-back Conor Leen pick up the ball and struck it off his left side for a lovely score before fine play by Darragh Lohan saw the Wolfe Tones Na Sionna man pick out the ever-moving David Reidy, who turned Richie Reid before dissecting the posts with a nice effort.
Derek Lyng’s side were struggling to get any sort of foothold in the game, got a much-needed score in the 13th minute courtesy of David Blanchfield who sent over a magnificent point from halfway. Clare replied immediately via the talented David Fitzgerald who beat Shane Murphy to the catch before showing good pace to create and nail the scoring opportunity. Richie Reid, who looked a little rusty in the opening quarter, was then blown-up for a pull on the shoulder of Mark Rodgers, this time the free was taken by Aidan McCarthy, who popped over his first score of the game.
The Cats then managed to turn
over Darragh Lohan and sent a long delivery towards Adrian Mullan who did brilliantly to emerge from two opposition defenders with the ball.
As the former captain sought to shake off the challenges, he gave a pass to TJ inside and while there may have been a goal chance, referee Owens brought play back for the free which TJ duly converted for just his sides 3rd point of the match.
TJ was heavily involved in the next score also. Cian Kenny sent a good delivery in towards the Shamrocks man who under pressure managed to secure possession and scanned
for options and had the vision to pick out Paddy Deegan who rifled over his first point as Kilkenny captain.
Brian Lohan’s men then stopped the visitors scoring streak when despite a lovely block by Huw Lawlor, Keith Smyth outmuscled Tommy Walsh before pointing from a tight angle. From the restart, The Banner forced the turnover and David Fitzgerald picked up the sliotar on halfway before sprinting clear of the trailing Darragh Corcoran and shortening his grip to strike his second point of the day in Ennis.
John Conlon’s battle with TJ was
interesting to follow and during their next contest for possession, the Clonlara man was blown for a couple of grabs and tugs on Reid. TJ duly popped over the placed ball to reduce the Clare lead to 3 points with almost 22 minutes on the clock.
David Fitzgerald then notched his 3rd point of the day when his effort was adjudged to have gone over the bar, despite Eoin Murphy’s best attempts to prevent the score.
Another long delivery in and around the house saw a scramble for possession and despite losing his hurl, Cian Kenny showed nifty
footwork to flick up the sliotar and give a nice pass to the supporting Eoin Cody who took a lovely point.
Shane Murphy then saw his name taken following a high challenge on the threatening David Fitzgerald and Aidan McCarthy struck over the free that was awarded. Paddy Deegan then showed his long-range shooting ability to fire over a stunning point from the middle of the park to reduce the deficit to just two points.
Dicksboro’s Harry Shine then showed patience and vision as he gave a lovely pass to The Village’s Cian Kenny who was fouled, and this
indiscretion allowed TJ Reid to point and leave just the bare minimum between the sides at Cusack Park with 32 minutes played. Adam Hogan then saw yellow for the home side, and this allowed TJ to draw the sides level with about one minute of normal time remaining in the opening period.
The last two scores of an intriguing first half both came from the placed ball, and another brace of scores for Aidan McCarthy after referee Owens had blown for consecutive fouls on Peter Duggan to leave the halftime score in Ennis, Clare 0-11, Kilkenny
0-9.
Derek Lyng Sent on John Donnelly for the second half, in place of Richie Reid and the half started a little scrappily, with both sides hitting wide’s early on. This pattern was broken on 42 minutes when the dangerous Peter Duggan was again fouled, this time David Blanchfield was the offender. Aidan McCarthy popped over the close range free for the opening score of the second period.
Captain Paddy Deegan then set up John Donnelly and the Thomastown man fired over a
lovely point to get on the scoresheet. Cian Kenny then did well to win a free, which saw Darragh Lohan booked, and TJ got his first point of the second half to make it a 1-point game again. Young Harry Shine then made way for Tullaroan’s Gearoid Dunne as the Cats sought to freshen up their attack.
Killanena’s Keith Smyth then got the better of Tommy Walsh and Adrian Mullen before rifling over his second score of the match. Rory Hayes was then penalised for wrestling John Donnelly to the ground and TJ converted the free that followed. Then came a chance for the game’s first goal. Bustling full-forward Aidan McCarthy gave a lovely pass to David Fitzgerald show steadied himself before striking a fierce shot that Eoin Murphy did brilliantly to deflect over the bar.
John Donnelly’s battling qualities then drew a free, much to dismay of the Clare players, but
TJ ignored the complaints and fired over another placed ball to reduce the lead to the minimum again. Lohan’s charges responded and converted a placed ball of their own from Aidan McCarthy. Another probing delivery into the Clare defence caused some problems, and after a bit of a schemozzle, the ball broke to John Donnelly, who pointed from a tight angle as he again underlined his importance to this Kilkenny side. A strange decision by referee James Owens then gave TJ the opportunity to draw the sides level and did just that in his first outing of the season in Stripes. From the restart, Peter Duggan took a lovely catch before sending a pass across the pitch to David Fitzgerald. The InaghKilnamona man secured possession, turned inside Shane Murphy before dispatching a fantastic score between The Cats posts. Kilkenny then almost fashioned a goal themselves, when TJ did brilliantly to win the ball and get his shot away, which the Clare keeper, Eamonn Foudy parried, and then John Donnelly’s follow-up effort struck the netminder and The Banner faithful breathed a huge sigh of relief.
TJ Reid and John Donnelly then combined again to allow the latter to strike over another cracking score from distance. With just a couple of minutes of normal time remaining, things got a little heated, with lots of pushing and shoving that resulted in 3 yellow cards being issued, one of which was to Huw Lawlor. The referee threw the ball in and immediately blew for a foul on Peter Duggan, which Aidan McCarthy punished by converting the free to edge Clare back in the lead.
Banner sub Shane Meehan then gave a lovely pass to wing-back Diarmuid Ryan who fired over a fine point, to the approving home crowd in attendance. Kilkenny two down in injury time. Just as the announcer in Cusack Park signaled 4 minutes of additional time, Clare won the restart and slipped the ball to Peter Duggan just outside his own ‘65. The ClooneyQuin man didn’t hesitate and struck over one of the scores of the game to push the home sides lead to 3 points. Referee Owens then issued a second yellow card to Darragh Lohan and yellow to TJ. Kilkenny needed a goal, and they came close, but somehow Clare stood firm, got the rub of the green and held on for a 3-point win at Cusack Park. Final score, Clare 0-19, Kilkenny 0-16.
Scorers for Clare: Aidan McCarthy 0-6 frees, David Fitzgerald 0-5, Keith Smyth 0-2, Peter Duggan 0-2, Conor Leen 0-1, David Reidy 0-1, Mark Rodgers 0-1 free, Diarmuid Ryan 0-1.
Scorers for Kilkenny: TJ Reid 0-9 frees, John Donnelly 0-3, Paddy Deegan 0-2, David Blanchfield 0-1, Eoin Cody 0-1.
Red card: Darragh Lohan (72)
CLARE: E Foudy; P Flanagan, C Cleary, A Hogan; D Ryan, J Conlon, C Leen; C Galvin, D Lohan; D Fitzgerald, D Reidy, P Duggan; M Rodgers, A McCarthy, K Smyth.
Subs: Seadna Morey for Leen (halftime), R Hayes for Hogan (39), S Rynne for Conlon (46), S Meehan for Rodgers (61), Ross Hayes for Flanagan (68).
KILKENNY: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh; D Blanchfield, R Reid, S Murphy; D Corcoran, M Carey; A Mullen, TJ Reid, P Deegan; C Kenny, E Cody, H Shine.
Subs: C Buckley for Blanchfield (temp 35-37), J Donnelly for Reid (half-time), G Dunne for Shine (46), T Clifford for Kenny (57).
Referee: J Owens (Wexford)
I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Adrian Landy and Niamh Glendon for full planning permission to construct a single storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Meallaghmore Upper, Windgap, Co. Killkenny. 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.
NICHOLAS HALLEY
As we lovingly remember Nicky on his First Anniversary, we his family would like to express our sincere gratitude to our relatives, friends and neighbours, thank you for all your kindness and support following the death of our beloved brother, uncle and grand uncle. Your condolences, Mass cards, texts, floral tributes and phone calls were a source of great comfort to us.
A special thanks to the staff of the Coronary Care Unit at St. Lukes Hospital who cared for Nicky in the final days of his life. We are very grateful for the care he received, and to Fr. Pat Carey, chaplain, for his sensitivity and thoughtfulness in administering pastoral care.
We sincerely appreciate the kindness and exceptional care he received for so many years from Dr. Brendan Lee and the wonderful staff at Castle Gardens Medical Centre.
We would like to thank Fr. Dan Carroll and Fr. Ray Dempsey for performing such a meaningful funeral mass and would like to give a special thanks to Sean O’Neill, Nicky’s lifelong friend for the beautiful music.
Thank you to Johnston Funeral Directors for their kindness and professionalism with all funeral arrangements.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.
“To us you were someone special Someone kind and true Never a day begins or ends Without a thought of you”
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.M.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.
This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.
Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.
Must promise publication of prayer. J.K.
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.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. C.M.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.
This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.
Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.
Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.
