Kilkenny Observer 15 May 2026

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Friday 15th May 2026

Let's Be Care-ful Our 500,000 carers who suffer in abject silence  Paul Hopkins Page 8

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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Students warned over fake exam paper scams ESET Ireland has urged parents and students to watch for scam links, fake papers and malicious downloads circulating through social media and messaging apps.

With more than 140,000 candidates having sat the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle exams across Ireland last year, and a similar cohort preparing for the 2026 papers in the

coming weeks, ESET Ireland is warning families to be alert to fake exam paper scams, fraudulent study resources and malicious links targeting young people online.

The warning follows a series of confirmed and ongoing exam paper leaks internationally.

International Cambridge Education is currently inves-

tigating a reported leak of an AS Level Mathematics paper ahead of the June 2026 exam series, following confirmed partial leaks in both 2024 and 2025. In each case, exam material was shared through social media and encrypted messaging platforms before students sat the papers. ESET Ireland says similar tactics are now being used to target Irish students

through messaging apps, social platforms and online forums.

According to George Foley of ESET Ireland, exam season creates the conditions cybercriminals look for.

“Exam season creates exactly the kind of pressure cybercriminals exploit. Students are tired, anxious and looking for lastminute help. That makes fake exam papers, scam study notes

and suspicious download links far more believable than they would be at any other time of year.”

ESET Ireland’s exam season cyber safety advice for students and parents: • Never download exam papers from unofficial links, shared drives or messaging apps.

• Never pay anyone online

Miriam’s Mission Kilkenny woman joins TikTok star Garron Noone to bring ambulances to Uganda Kilkenny native, journalist and communications consultant, Miriam Donohoe, will join TikTok sensation Garron Noone and a group of more than 20 Hope on Wheels (HOW) volunteers on a week-long mission to deliver ambulances from Ireland to Uganda to support the critically ill and dying.

The HOW convoy will see 11 ambulances driven overland from Mombasa in Kenya to Kampala in Uganda on an epic journey covering more than 1,200 kilometres through stunning countryside, remote roads and national parks, starting on May 24.

Donohoe, from Goresbridge, has been volunteering with Hospice Africa Uganda in Kampala for 10 years, and is a founder member of Hope on Wheels, an organisation established last year to support the massive need for palliative care in Uganda and Africa.

The ambulances, which have been donated by the HSE National Ambulance Service, Dublin Fire Brigade and Civil Defence, have been shipped to the port of Mombasa ahead of the start of the convoy. Partnering with the Palliative Care Association of Uganda and the Ugandan Ministry of Health, HOW will officially hand over the ambulances to ten hospices for use as mobile outreach palliative care clinics, bringing essential care and pain relief to critically ill patients living in remote communities.

Adding a high-profile voice to the mission are Irish social media star Garron Noone and

entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan, who will both join the convoy and use their platforms to raise awareness of the urgent need for accessible hospice and palliative care services in Uganda.

Miriam Donohoe said: “Through my work over the last ten years in Uganda, I have seen first-hand the huge need there is for mobile palliative care clinics to reach the critically ill, especially in remote areas. In my work, I have seen patients in advanced stages of

cancer, with large tumours and in severe pain, unable to access pain relief and healthcare.

It is heartbreaking.

“Through this mission with Hope on Wheels, we hope that around 2,000 patients a month will be seen through the new outreach clinics that will be established using these ambulances. I am proud to be part of a group passionate about making change.”

HOW is inspired by the late Dr Anne Merriman, founder

of Hospice Africa Uganda and a great mentor of Donohoe, whose pioneering work brought affordable pain relief and compassionate care to thousands of patients across the continent of Africa. She was born in Liverpool to Irish parents and did her medical training in Dublin. She died last year aged 90.

“I first went to Uganda ten years ago after meeting Dr Merriman in Dublin. She asked me to go and give her

two weeks of my life to support and advise on communications. I stayed for ten months on that occasion, and I have been going over and back every year since then, but have been based full-time in Kampala since January 2025.”

As well as bringing ambulances, HOW is using the convoy to raise thousands of euro to support hospices in their work in Uganda, with an ambitious target of €500,000.

“I am appealing to as many people as possible to donate to this incredible cause. €20 a month is enough to keep a patient in palliative care in Uganda. Every little helps. This convoy is about more than delivering ambulances. It’s about delivering pain relief, dignity, comfort and care to people at the most vulnerable time in their lives. With Garron and Gareth joining us, and dedicated volunteers from all over Ireland, we hope to shine a light on the incredible work being done on the ground and inspire even greater support.”

Mark Mwesiga, Executive Director of the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, who are partnering with HOW on this mission, said: “In Uganda, only about 11% of the 500,000 people who need pain relief and palliative care services receive care.

Access to pain relief is a basic human right, yet too many patients suffer without it.” * Donate to Miriam and the convoy at: idonate.ie fundraiser page

claiming to sell leaked papers or guaranteed questions.

• Avoid entering passwords or card details into websites promoted through social media.

• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on student accounts.

• Check information only through official school or State Examinations Commission channels.

Bridge Utd U14 the champions!

Bridge United AFC U14 team have been crowned SFAI National Trophy champions following a fantastic victory in the national final.

The team produced an incredible run throughout the competition, overcoming some of the strongest schoolboy clubs in the country to bring a national title back to Kilkenny.

Along the way, they defeated Moyne Rangers (Carlow), Parkville United (Wexford), Bansha Celtic (Tipperary), Gorey Rangers (Wexford), Kilcullen AFC (Kildare), Colga FC (Galway), Mallow United (Cork) and Portlaoise AFC (Laois), before defeating Avenue United of Clare in the final.

This achievement is a hugely proud moment for the club, the players and their families and for soccer in Kilkenny.

Junior winners in enterprise Students from Kilkenny have taken 3rd prize in the Junior Category at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals.

Supported by Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, the students from Coláiste Abhainn Rí won 3rd place in the Junior Category.

The winning students were Megan Bryan, Ruth Moylan, Keira Lyons, Aimee Hickey and Katie Walsh, who worked under the guidance of their teacher, Emer Hickey.

Their student enterprise was called ‘Recharge’d’, which is a natural gel that boosts energy, rehydrates and aids recovery after exercise.

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News

Step into nature ... and show you’re a hero Ireland’s nature and wildlife will take centre stage from May 15 to 24, with hundreds of free events across the country for National Biodiversity Week.

Organised by the Irish Environmental Network and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Biodiversity Week will bring opportunities to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups actively working to protect our natural heritage.

Events will reach communities in every corner of Ireland, showcasing coasts, rivers and estuaries, hedgerows, wetlands, native woodlands, the marine environment and more.

Discover wildlife near you with a host of events celebrating nature around us — whale watching, farm walks, bat walks, biodiversity cycle tours, field trips, nature walks, wildlife watching and woodland workshops.

As well as highlighting the importance of biodiversity, National Biodiversity Week is also about experiencing the fun, enjoyment and spectacle of the nature that surrounds us.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s first standalone outdoor learning awards are calling for final entries, as the deadline for applications fast approaches.

Our picture shows Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan with pupils Róisín Ní Chatháin and Sam Ó Deasúnaigh.

PHOTO: Cathal Noonan

The annual Nature Hero Awards, co-ordinated by Biodiversity in Schools in partnership with Glenveagh, are calling on schools across the Republic of Ireland to submit their entries by the deadline

of May 29.

The Nature Hero Awards are Ireland’s largest outdoor learning awards for schools, involving thousands of students across pre-schools and primary and secondary levels

each year.

With the aim of creating an educational space that nurtures a love for nature, develops knowledge of biodiversity and encourages action at grassroots level, the awards

are a mark of excellence for schools and recognise the exceptional work of young students and teachers to help nature.

The awards cover many topics, from biodiversity

actions, conservation and ecological literacy to responsible citizenship, as well as physical and mental wellbeing.

With only a few weeks to go, schools are encouraged to submit their applications to be in with a chance of winning a prize fund of up to €10,000, split between the top-performing schools to upgrade their gardens.

In addition, three levels of achievement are available for participating schools, including Bronze Badger, Silver Stag and Golden Eagle, each of which is marked with a sustainably made Irish wooden Nature Hero plaque.

This year marks Glenveagh’s fourth consecutive year supporting the Nature Hero Awards as part of its wider school engagement programme. A spokesperson said: “The Irish home builder is proud to continue its sponsorship of the awards, which supports the company’s commitment to creating sustainable communities.”

‘Biodiversity in Schools’ is Ireland’s nature education organisation for young people. Its aim is to teach young people across Ireland about biodiversity and get them actively involved in nature conservation through impactful education programmes.

Kilkenny Home Energy Expo to help households cut costs and stay warmer

Residents across Kilkenny are being invited to attend the upcoming Kilkenny Home Energy Expo on Tuesday, 19th May at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny, where homeowners can discover practical ways to make their homes warmer, healthier, and more energy efficient while reducing rising energy costs.

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful (Kilkenny City Sustainable Energy Community) SEC, with the support of South-East Energy Agency and Kilkenny LEADER Partnership are hosting a Kilkenny Home Energy Expo, in the New Park Hotel 19th of May 10:30 – 5:00pm. There are 20+ suppliers of Solar Panels, Heat Pumps, Insulation, BER services, Windows and Doors.

Short talks will be given on Making your home warmer, reduce your energy costs, grants &

financing options. There will be the option to get One-to-one advice clinics with energy experts, meet the contractors & installers, and learn about the SEAI new window & door grants. Advice on traditional Heritage homes will be in attendance as well as Kilkenny County Council Climate Action Team, Environment Awareness Office (Circular Economy), Biodiversity Awareness, Bike Mobility Scheme and Housing adaptation team.

The Expo will also see the launch of the new KKB SEC Warmer Homes Champion Initiative, an ambitious community programme aimed at encouraging and supporting local residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Where applicable, homeowners in receipt of a social welfare payment can qualify for a Free SEAI shallow retrofit which will reduce their energy costs and make their homes more comfortable to live in. Its 100% free and Keep Kilkenny Beautiful want those who qualify to be aware of the scheme.

Also, in attendance to support the community will be the PPN, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, Kilkenny Healthy Age Friendly Programme and Kilkenny Healthy Eating. Come along and enter a Free Draw for a Free Home Energy Assessment sponsored by Southeast Energy Agency.

“This event is about giving people practical information and real solutions,” organisers said. “There are significant grants and supports available, but many people are unsure where to start. The Kilkenny Home Energy Expo will help connect residents with trusted experts and local organisations that can guide them through the process.”

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News

Move to cap farmers’ CAP The European Commission is proposing progressively cutting subsidies for large farms above certain thresholds — known as ‘degressivity’ — and capping areabased payments at €100,000 per farmer annually. German conservative MEP Norbert Lins, the Parliament’s lead negotiator on the next EU farm policy, wants to rewrite the Commission’s proposed

caps on large farm subsidies.

The mechanism, which would be mandatory, has drawn pushback from farm ministers and big businesses, with several MEPs still unconvinced — including Lins.

“I’m very sceptical about the proposed degressivity mechanism,” he said, warning that large farms in eastern Germany could be hit hard.

He said he wants to raise the capping threshold to €500,000 and to strengthen the mechanism with key wording tweaks.

His idea is to switch the focus from “legal persons” to “natural persons”, which would make it harder for farm owners to circumvent the provision by splitting their holdings into multiple legal entities.

“We must prevent largescale investors from exploiting the system,” he said.

Gijs Schilthuis of the Commission’s agriculture department acknowledged that some beneficiaries may turn to “legal creativity” to maximise payouts, but said that such rule-dodging is already prosecutable under EU budget rules.

He also insisted that while

capping and degressivity were an essential part of the proposal, they would only affect a few farms.

That view was backed by the chair of the agriculture committee, Veronika Vrecionová (Czechia), despite conservative lawmakers being traditionally more opposed to capping mechanisms.

Vrecionová also rejected calls to make fund redistri-

bution voluntary — a widespread demand among agriculture ministers and shared

by Irish MEP Barry Cowen, Renew’s shadow rapporteur on the file.

For her, it is about being realistic.

“Where strong economic interests and political connections exist, voluntary measures will not be implemented,” she said.

Working harder is going to waist

Oh boy, it’s Loughboy 25 years on Bank of Ireland opened its campus in Loughboy, Kilkenny, 25 years ago.

To celebrate this milestone, local political rep-

resentatives were invited for a tour of the campus, meeting colleagues and hearing about the important work they do in sup-

porting customers, from everyday banking to help with fraud.

Pictured with several

long-serving colleagues are, from left: Deputy John McGuinness TD; Senator Malcolm Noonan; Susan Russell, CEO Retail

Ireland, Bank of Ireland; Deputy Peter Cleere TD; and Barry Gallagher, Head of Customer Service Delivery, Bank of Ireland.

Mutasim Dhafallah: devoted Kilkenny doctor has died from lung cancer Thousands of euro have been raised to help the devastated family of a “devoted” Kilkenny doctor who passed away from lung cancer last week.

Dr Mutasim Dhafallah [pictured], a Sudanese obstetrician and gynaecologist who served at St Luke’s Hospital for more than 10 years, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2019.

The dedicated doctor underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, despite brain metastases, he continued working at St Luke’s until 2024. He has been described by colleagues as

co-operative, caring and kind throughout his difficult journey.

Dr Dhafallah, who previously worked in Wexford, Waterford and Cavan, leaves behind five children: two sons, one studying dentistry and one in his first year of university, and three daughters in secondary and primary school. His wife is not working and the family had been supporting relatives through the ongoing war crisis in Sudan.

Two separate fundraisers were set up by colleagues of Dr Dhafallah — one for funeral costs and family

support, and another for ongoing financial assistance.

Between them, they have raised more than €15,000 so far.

A post on GoFundMe read: “Any donation, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated and will help ease the burden on his family.

“Please keep Dr Dhafallah and his family in your prayers. Thank you for your compassion, kindness and support during this very difficult time.”

One GoFundMe has raised €13,184 of the €45,000 target, while another has raised €2,964 of the €28,000 target.

Water not as clean as EPA suggests, says network The Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) has responded to the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest bathing water report, warning that while most of Ireland’s swimming spots meet official standards, this does not reflect the reality experienced at Ireland’s swimming spots.

Ongoing pollution and declining water quality show that the Government is still doing far too little to protect our rivers, lakes and beaches.

SWAN said there was a need to look past the headline figures and focus on yearround water quality at our swimming spots. Drawing on

publicly available data from EPA’s Beaches.ie website, SWAN, found that almost half of Ireland’s monitored bathing waters experienced swimming restrictions or warnings during the 2025 bathing season, largely linked to pollution risks following heavy rainfall. These are typically issued when there

is a risk of elevated levels of harmful faecal bacteria in the water, mostly associated with overflows of untreated sewage or agricultural runoff.

As most swimming spots are not monitored between September and May there are no pollution warnings .

Puneeta Sreenivas, SWAN’s

Freshwater Policy Officer, said: “The EPA’s figures can give the impression that most bathing waters are consistently clean, but they don’t tell the full story. Nearly half of the monitored bathing sites had swimming restrictions or warnings in 2025, largely due to pollution.”

People in Ireland are clocking up more working hours than employees in several other European countries, and a new study suggests it could be contributing to expanding waistlines.

Employees here work an average of 1,659 hours a year, compared with 1,340 for colleagues in Germany, 1,422 in Norway and 1,505 in the UK. However, we still spend less time on the job than people in Italy, Hungary, Canada, Portugal and Denmark.

In Mexico, employees put in 2,226 hours, while those in Colombia work even more, reaching 2,282 hours annually.

A study presented at last week’s European Congress on Obesity shows that a 1% reduction in annual working hours is associated with a 0.16% decrease in obesity rates across OECD countries.

Longer working hours create time constraints that may lead to unhealthy dietary choices and reduced activity.

Extended working hours may also induce psychological stress, contributing to stress-related eating and elevated cortisol levels, both of which are associated with weight gain, according to the study led by Dr Pradeepa Korale-Gedara of the University of Queensland, Australia, and colleagues.

Asked to comment on findings relating to Ireland, Dr Korale-Gedara said obesity rates have increased steadily since 1990.

The authors said these results show that the impact of working hours on obesity was more pronounced during the earlier period of 1990 to 2010 than recently.

They believe increased public health awareness may have contributed to a slower rate of obesity after 2000. Higher income levels were also linked to lower obesity prevalence. Urbanisation also plays a role.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Who cares for our legion of carers?

To borrow from the Liberator Daniel O’Connell, if you throw your hat over any community in Ireland, you’d hit someone, many even, volunteering as a full-time carer.

According to Family Carers Ireland, there are 500,000 carers, often working silently away, often unseen by many.

They save the State €20Bn, with 19 million unpaid hours a week provided by them.

Despite our relatively rich economy, most carers receive short-changed remuneration regarding the contribution they make to better a loved one’s life.

My friend Jack – my age and with whom I once often shared a pint, though seldom now – is awaiting treatment for a serious illness and worries about what will happen to his charges if he can no longer cope. It has left him asking: “Who cares for the carer?”

Because of means testing, Jack has been an unpaid carer for a decade. His wife has a neurological condition, while his 26-year-old daughter is autistic. “I have to look after my wife and my daughter with effectively no financial support,” he says.

“So if I go down, then what happens? Who looks after them, or do other family members have to step in?”

Jack is not alone. Most of our 500,000 carers look after those with ageing senility, dementia and Alzheimer’s, where taking your eye off a loved one can lead to dramatic scenarios, and with sometimes deadly consequences.

While Family Carers Ireland acknowledges the Government’s first emergency package announced In March, with the second package it is “deeply disappointed that the majority of family carers facing steep

and unavoidable rises in home energy costs have been left behind”.

Although an extension of the Fuel Allowance will bring relief to some vulnerable households, the strict eligibility criteria attached to the scheme means that most full-time family carers do not qualify.

Of particular concern to carers is the failure to address home heating oil prices which have doubled in recent weeks because of the Middle East conflict.

A two cent a litre reduction will do nothing to support family carers, says Jack, carers who are simply unable to keep up on other essentials and fall behind on other bills just to keep their homes warm.

Family carers cannot reduce their energy consumption. Jack tells me.

“Caring takes place in the home, often round the clock.

Heating, hot water, electricity and laundry demands are significant. Also many rely on medical equipment – as in my case – that must remain switched on at all times.”

Family Carers Ireland is blunt to the point. The Coalition has failed to fully deliver on any of the 34 commitments made to family carers in the Programme for Government, it says criticising the Government for its lack of action on planned supports.

The charity organisation’s fourth annual ‘Family Carer Scorecard’ has found that the Government has failed to fully deliver on the 34 commitments made to carers in the Programme for Government during its first year in office.

The scorecard has established that two commitments showed good progress; 15 showed limited

progress; 13 showed no progress; and four had worsened. The areas found to have worsened include access to Assessments of Need (AONs) and specialist therapies, personal assistance hours and the rollout of personalised budgets.

The scorecard shows there were just over 18,000 overdue applications for AONs at the end of September last year. None of these applications was completed within six months.

Sharon Foley, CEO of Family Carers Ireland, has called on the Government to take action in Budget 2027 to support their members.

Priorities include “adequate income support, access to meaningful breaks and services that allow them to care safely and sustainably”.

Foley says: “Intent alone is not enough. What we need now is delivery, with clear timelines, visible progress

and actions that make a tangible difference to carers’ daily lives.”

With so many carers, there can be that sense of guilt people sometime feel, when, with the best will in the world, a satisfactory level of care can’t be offered in the home and a patient with particular needs has to be placed in a nursing home.

Responsibilities to oneself and to others can sometimes, through misunderstanding or insinuation, be wrongly attributed to a carer.

For many careers, the loved one being cared for is no longer the person they once knew. Like a stranger coming to live among us ... but one attended to, with all the love in the world. * If you are in any way affected, you can contact Family Carers Ireland (South East) on 1800 240

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News and Notices

Clover Centre Site Masterplan at Christendom, Ferrybank Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended NOTICE OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BY A LOCAL AUTHORITY Comhairle Chontae Chill Chainnigh Kilkenny County Council Proposed development by a Local Authority

In accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the above Regulations, Kilkenny County Council hereby gives notice of proposals pertaining to the following development: A masterplan for the creation of a multifunctional communal park with a number of amenities including the provision of the following;

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

A multi-use playing pitch with spectator provision; Community Use Building; Dog Park; Women’s/Men’s Shed compound; Walking Track; Council Compound; Padel Court; Ball wall; Biodiversity; Coach parking; Accessible parking; Bicycle parking; Parking; New entrance and exit access road; New pedestrian access and access bridge off the L7473-3; Pedestrian crossing; All other associated works;

Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection or purchase for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy from Friday 15th May 2026 to Friday 12th June 2026 inclusive, on the consult website: https://consult. kilkenny.ie/ and at the following Kilkenny County Council offices:

Kilkenny LCSP Safer Together event On Monday, 11th May, 2026 over 150 people attended the Safer Together community safety event hosted in the Rivercourt Hotel by the Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).

The free event brought together more than 20 organisations, agencies and support groups, providing members of the public with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with local services on a wide range of community safety topics.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect with representatives from An Garda Síochána, Kilkenny Fire & Rescue, Civil Defence, Teach Tom, the PPN, the DRIVE Project, Muintir na Tíre and many other organisations working to support communities across Kilkenny.

The evening featured information stands, practical safety advice, talks, and demonstrations aimed at promoting awareness, preparedness, and community resilience.

Refreshments and finger food were available

Location

Opening hours

Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny City.

From 9am to 1pm & 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday (Except Public Holidays)

Ferrybank Library (Ferrybank Shopping Centre)

From 10am-5pm Tuesday 10am -8pm Wednesday 10am-5pm Thursday 10am-5pm Friday 10am – 1.30pm Saturday

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and development of the area in which the development will be carried out, may be made: • online on the consult website https://consult.kilkenny.ie/en or • via email to Cloverfield.Ferrybank@kilkennycoco.ie or • in writing to the Planning Department, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny The latest date for receipt of comments on the above scheme is 4pm on Friday June 26th 2026.

Submissions should be clearly marked Clover Centre Site Masterplan at Christendom, Ferrybank.

throughout the event, and safety information packs were distributed to attendees.

Speaking following the event, representatives from the Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership described the evening as a great success, highlighting the strong turnout and the high level of engagement from both the community and

participating organisations.

Safer Together demonstrated the importance of collaboration and community involvement in creating safer, more connected places to live.

The Kilkenny LCSP extends its thanks to all organisations, volunteers and members of the public who contributed to the success of the event.

In accordance with the requirements of Section 177AE the Planning and Development Act, 2000, a Stage 1 screening was undertaken for potential impacts on European sites and it was concluded that a Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement is not required. The Screening determination accompanies the application.

In accordance with the requirements of Article 120(1)(a) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) the Planning authority has made a preliminary examination of the nature, size and location of the proposed development. The authority has concluded that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and a determination has been made that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required.

As per Article 120(3) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), where any person considers that the development proposed to be carried out would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning on the date of the publication of this notice apply to An Coimisiún Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

Tim Butler Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council

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News

Squeezed middle losing heart Financial insecurity among Irish consumers has risen to its highest level since October 2024, according to KPMG, with 38% saying they feel less financially secure than at the start of 2026. According to the latest KPMG Next Gen Retail Survey, this sentiment is up from 30% in April 2025 and 27% in October 2024, revealing

a consumer population under significant and intensifying financial strain.

The fieldwork was carried out during the US-Iran conflict, before the Irish fuel protests.

The surge in financial insecurity is not evenly distributed. Women are significantly more affected than men, with

43% of women now feeling less financially secure compared to 33% of men. The 35–54 age group – the ‘squeezed middle’ – emerges as the cohort under the most acute financial pressure when choosing where to shop, prioritising getting the best price above all other factors. With mortgages, childcare and the general cost of

living converging on this demographic, the commercial implications for retailers are significant.

Meanwhile, over half (55%) of shoppers say getting the best price is the single most important factor when deciding where to shop, and at 89%, value for money continues to dominate when consumers

think of their favourite retailers.

Irish adults are adapting their shopping behaviour. Over half (55%) have bought fewer items over the past year. Making greater use of retailer loyalty schemes to secure lower prices (53%), buying more products on promotion or discount (53%), switching to own-brand

or value products (47%), cancelling monthly subscriptions (34%) and selling unwanted items online (22%) are the main money-saving measures.

Females are notably more likely than men to implement cost-saving measures.

Nearly six in 10 (57%) believe it is generally cheaper to buy products online than in-store.

pesticide and nitrate regulations. The judges were particularly impressed by the platform’s design, innovation, and practical application within the agricultural sector.

Katelyn and Conán developed the website as an accessible tool to help farmers better understand and comply with environmental regulations, with the aim of reducing land pollution and

river runoff. Connected to EU regulations, the platform updates automatically as new policies and guidance are introduced.

This year’s event showcased outstanding knowledge and innovation across 10 finalist projects. Tullow Community School were deserving winners, and congratulations to both the students and their teacher on their achievement.

Celebrating with our Romanians here in Kilkenny A special cultural event celebrating the growing friendship between Ireland and Romania will take place in Kilkenny this Sunday, May 17, bringing together local authorities, diplomats, artists and members of the Romanian community for an afternoon of culture, literature, music and theatre.

Organised by the Twilight Community Group, 'Kilkenny’s Romanian Connections' will be hosted at The Set Theatre, Langton House Hotel, beginning at 2:30pm.

The programme will feature official addresses from representatives of local government and the Romanian diplomatic mission in Ireland, including: Mary Hilda Cavanagh; Andrew McGuinness; John Coonan; and LaurențiuMihai Ștefan.

The afternoon will also include a presentation of the celebrated travel book ‘Transylvania and Beyond’ by acclaimed travel writer Dervla

Murphy, an exhibition of sculpture and painting by Valeriu Cazacevschi, pottery

by Oana Alexandra, flowers

by Daniela Bogdan, cakes by Cindarella and presented by Stefan J Doyle.

A musical performance

by Irish band Trei Prieteni will be followed by a theatre production of Emigranții, an extraordinary play exploring migration and human connection.

The event is open to invited guests, members of the Romanian community, local residents and supporters.

Martin Brennan said: “As I retire from the Twilight to focus on my health and family, I look back with pride at the inclusive, international network we have built since 2014. I am deeply grateful to our Romanian attaché, Mr Liviu Iftime, for strengthening our European ties. Nicoleta Chiorean, as Chairperson, will lead this organisation to even greater heights.”

Follow this up from Tullow!

Agri Aware and BiOrbic have crowned students from Tullow Community School as the National Champions of the transition year programme Environmental Innovators for 2026.

Students Katelyn Dempsey and Conán Mulvihill [pictured] emerged as overall winners with their project, Spray Smart, a spraying suitability website designed to support farmers in navigating

A free book for your child's next chapter Kilkenny Library Service has announced the launch of the My Little Library Bag initiative, a nationwide programme designed to support children as they take the important step of starting primary school. Families across Kilkenny can collect a free Little Library Bag for their child at any local library.

The Little Library Book Bag contains carefully selected books focused on themes such as starting school, making friends, and building confidence. Each bag also includes a specially designed library card holder, a library card (if the child is not already a member) and

helpful tips and information for parents and guardians to support their child’s transition into primary school. The book bags are available in both English and Irish.

Families with children starting Junior Infants this September are invited to a relaxed, family-friendly library tour. It’s a great chance to look around, sign up for a free library card and collect your child’s Little Library Bag with two free books and helpful information for parents.

These tours are especially for families who don’t usually use the library or who are visiting for the first time.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Can war be waged without killing?

The recent fuel protests by farmers and hauliers illustrated a useful point. It’s possible to win wars and gain concessions without bloodshed. The principle is simple, you deprive the other side of something that is vital for survival.

In unarmed one-to-one combat you deprive your opponent of air by getting them by the throat. In other words, choking. The trucks and tractors were used by protestors to choke traffic and block main road arteries that keep the country moving.

It’s an old trick and one used for centuries by countries fortunate enough to have topography offering convenient chokepoints where trade and supplies could be cut off. The narrow channel of the Bosphorus between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean provides historic examples and currently the closure of the Straits of Hormuz is choking

off 20% of the world’s oil supplies.

Blockades and sieges are other choking techniques which have been used with varying success to bring rivals to their knees, but how can the same kind of techniques be used in a globalised world?

A fascinating book, Chokepoints, by Edward Fishman, an US authority on economic statecraft and sanctions, takes a look at how economic warfare is changing the world, as the US dollar, oil, tariffs, sanctions, technology and essential minerals have become the modern means to lay waste to rivals without firing a weapon.

“In a world in which the spectre of nuclear annihilation made a hot war between the great powers almost unthinkable, globalisation gave states a more viable way to fight. This was the context in which the US built its economic arsenal, the

context that birthed the Age of Economic Warfare,” writes Fishman. The decoupling of the dollar from gold, its dominance in the world market as the currency for trade, free capital flow and the internet, the establishment globalised supply chains, all set the stage for America in particular to wage bloodless warfare.

In today’s uncertain world economic war has the potential to stop traditional war or to stop hostile programmes by players in pursuit of weapons of mass destruction like the nuclear bomb. Cutting off trade, money, oil or applying sanctions may sound effective in theory but they may not always work in practice.

For instance, when Saddam Hussein launched Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the UN Security Council banned trade with Iraq on condition that sanctions wouldn’t be lifted until Iraqi forces were withdrawn. Saddam refused

BetterYou magnesium for a natural magnesium boost

to back down and the US and Allied forces had to be used to oust the invaders. The embargo to deter Saddam’s nuclear ambitions continued and eventually contributed to George W. Bush’s disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003.

As tensions mounted between the US and North Korea in 2005 shutting down a

“Resulted in the Iran deal in 2015 ...

bank which gave that country crucial connection to the US financial system was likened to the effectiveness of a 21st century guided munition.

“You Americans have found a way to hurt us,” said a North Korean official. But, Fishman writes: “The proving ground for America’s new economic weapons was a much bigger country. That country was Iran.”

Sanctions and economic pressure were applied and eventually resulted in the Iran deal in 2015 where Iran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Trump has now torn up the deal and has evidently forgotten the lessons learned in Iraq in going to war on Iran. The threat of the physical chokepoint in the Straits of Hormuz was overlooked too and the world is feeling the disastrous consequences of the closure of that artery for 20% of the oil trade.

Using economic warfare against Russia following Putin’s annexation of the Crimea and invasion of Ukraine has been trickier, according to Fishman, where European countries depend on Russian oil and gas. “Any sanctions imposed on Russia needed to be limited in scope and scalpel-like in their precision.” There also needed to be unity in their application, but hard choices weren’t made, too little was done too late by countries acting in selfinterest allowing Russia time to strategise.

Can America and major players rely on economic warfare in future as an alternative in the face of Russian imperialism and China’s bid for world mastery? Only when the chokepoints are still able to squeeze so tight and the impossible trinity of interdependence, geopolitical competition and security are resolved, Fishman concludes.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

CLAIR WHITTY This time of the year with the brighter evenings and longer days is when many of you are getting motivated to get moving and active again. Whether this is going to the gym, walking, running, cycling, dancing, or gardening all great things, but you might be feeling a bit stiff and achy afterwards. If so, you may need some extra magnesium.

Magnesium is the perfect nutrient to help support those well worked muscles and to aid recovery. Good food sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, especially spinach and kale. One cup of cooked spinach can give you 150mg of magnesium, impressive. Pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds are great. A small handful could provide up to 100mg of magnesium. Chickpeas, black beans, and lentils are also good to add in too.

Whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat. One or two squares of dark chocolate could give

around 50-65mg. Avocados, bananas, tofu and yoghurt are other food sources.

However, Magnesium can be depleted by excess caffeine, alcohol and high stress. And if you are not eating enough magnesium rich foods some of you may need to top up with a supplement to ensure you are not deficient.

There are lots of magnesium supplements to choose from.

A popular choice is BetterYou Magnesium Body Oil Spray.

It’s perfect for after training because you can massage into the very muscles that are aching, be it shoulders, legs, or arms. It’s absorbed through the skin to help support your muscles. Or Magnesium with Glucosamine Spray to support joint health, or a Gel or lotion.

Some day you may prefer to soak in a bath loaded with a cup of BetterYou Magnesium Flakes to ease those aching muscles and absorb the magnesium into your muscles.

As well as topping up on magnesium make sure to drink plenty of water so that you are well hydrated. Add in electrolytes if you are sweating a lot, but either way they are a great addition to a fitness program.

Protein is crucial for healthy muscles and recovery. Have a protein rich food with every meal but especially after intense training exercises. Good warm up before and stretches after exercise will support your muscles and help them relax too.

I hope you enjoy your exercise regime whatever it may be.

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

WEEK 168

"There must be something we can do"

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

National Biodiversity Week

National Biodiversity We National Biodiversity Week runs from the 15th Launch of the Thomastown Biodiversity Action Plan

Join the Thomastown Community as they launch their local Biodiversity Action Plan, a plan under development for the past 12 months under the leadership of the Thomastown Community Network in association with Kilkenny County Council.

Friday May 15th, Thomastown Community Centre Time: 7:30pm To Register: No registration necessary, arrive on the evening.

Backyard Walk and Talk

Bat Walk and Talk at the Castlecomer Discovery Park

Stoneyford Tidy Towns and Stoneyford Development Association presents a Backyard Biodiversity Walk with horticulturist Monica Fleming, sharing simple tips for supporting birds, bees and all the wildlife in our back gardens

Kilkenny Naturalists Field Club in association with Bat Conservation Ireland and the Castlecomer Discovery Park presents Anna Collins from Bat Conservation Ireland who will provide a talk on bats followed by a walk to observe local bat activity.

Note event numbers are restricted; therefore, pre-registration is essential via www.discoverypark.ie on their activity booking page, click onto the 19th of May on their events calendar to access the booking portal.

Monday May 18th, Stoneyford Community Centre Time: 7pm To Register: Email stoneydevassoc@gmail.com or message Michael on 087 746 1205

THE RIVER BARROW: Pressures, Challenges, and Practical Solutions A talk by Inland Fisheries Ireland in association with Graiguenamanagh Library about the River Barrow.

Tuesday, May 19th Time: 6.30pm To Register: Contact Graiguenamanagh Library via 0567794178 or graig@kilkennylibrary.ie

Tuesday, May 19th Time: 9pm

OUR RIVERS: A Living Lab: A Living Catchment

Nore Vision Citizen Science Training with Una Halpin. What does a healthy river really look like? This workshop introduces you to kick sampling - a technique used for gathering invertebrate species in the water. You will learn to identify some of the main species and get to understand how the presence or absence of certain key species in a river indicates whether the water quality is good or not.

Wednesday, May 20th, Kick Sampling at Brownswood Time: 6:45 – 9pm

Register via: www.norevision.ie/events.

For more information, contact info@ norevision.ie or text 0863104008.

Dusk Chorus in the Kilkenny Castle Park Kilkenny Branch of BirdWatch Ireland in association with the OPW Experience the dusk chorus with local bird experts as evening falls. Learn to recognise birds by their distinctive songs while they settle for the night.

Thursday, May 21st Time: Please assemble at the castle gates at 7.50pm as the gates close sharply at 8pm.

Event duration 1 hour.

No pre-event registration necessary

Farm Walk with Talamh Beo Fintan White of Skehana Hill Farm, Freshford, Join Fintan for a two hour walk on his certified organic farm that produces lamb, beef, and a wide variety of market garden vegetables.

Wednesday, May 20th Time: 5pm To Register: Via https://www.eventbrite.ie/.

For further information log onto www.talamhbeo.ie

OUR RIVERS: A Living Lab: A Living Catchment

Nore Vision Citizen Science Training with Una Halpin. What does a healthy river really look like? This workshop introduces you to kick sampling - a technique used for gathering invertebrate species in the water.

You will learn to identify some of the main species and get to understand how the presence or absence of certain key species in a river indicates whether the water quality is good or not.

21st May – Kick Sampling: 6:45-9pm – Kilmanagh meet at the Church For more information, contact info@ norevision.ie or text 0863104008

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

National Biodiversity Week

eek Listings -24th of May 2026 Seed Collection Networking Day with Woodlands of Ireland facilitated by The Acorn Project

Come and hear about the work of The Acorn Project, followed by a tour of their tree nursery and finish the day by helping them to collect seed at a local woodland.

Thursday May 21st Ionad Lachtain Freshford and Graine Native Tree Nursery Time: 10am To register: email office@theacornproject.ie

OUR RIVERS: A Living Lab: A Living Catchment

Explore the rare plants in Gales Hill Nature Reserve Gathabawn with Una Halpin. A workshop to identify plants and pollinators, facilitated by Nore Vision.

Saturday, 23rd May, Gales Hill Nature Reserve, Gathabawn Time: 10am Register via; www.norevision.ie/events.

For more information, contact info@ norevision.ie or text 0863104008.

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Biodiversity Week

Biodiverse-rich lands around her an inspiration for Jennie Castle’s work

KNOW YOUR HEDGEROWS: A Cooperative Inquiry into Community Stewardship of Landscapes facilitated by The Acorn Project Come and join us for talks and discussion on how to foster community stewardship of our landscape. Kindly supported by Kilkenny Leader Partnership.

Friday May 22nd The League House, Windgap Time: 11am To register: email office@theacornproject.ie

Weedy Inks with Workhouse Union part of Callan Open Doors

Weedy Inks with Workhouse Union is part of Callan Open Doors invites you to an upcycling workshop to create block-print cotton patches for sewing and mending, using printing inks made from native plants such as nettles, dock and ivy. Facilitated by Hollie Kearns and Michelle McMahon. This is drop-in workshop, no pre-event registration required. Further information, contact printblock@workhouseunion.com.

Saturday May 23rd, Workhouse Union, Callan Time: Drop in between 12 - 3pm No registration Necessary

Bug Hotel Workshop Join the team at Kilkenny Castle to discover how to create a welcoming bug hotel in your own garden. Learn what insects need for shelter and how you can support local biodiversity—no matter the size of your outdoor space.

This engaging, hands-on session is perfect for all ages.

First come, first served!

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Kilkenny Castle Sunday 24th May Time: 10.30 & 11.30

The promotion of National Biodiversity Week aligns with Action 6.1 of the Kilkenny Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030.

Kilkenny County Council acknowledges the financial support from The Heritage Council under their Local Biodiversity Action Plan Scheme 2026 to assist with the promotion of National Biodiversity Week locally.

Jen Castle Studio Photo Credit Vicky Comerford

Environmental artist and native plant archivist Jennie Castle says the biodiverse rich environment she has created in and around her rural home inspires her in her life and work and gives her an invigorating sense of purpose.

A decade ago, the Kilkennybased artist moved onto lands formerly grazed by sheep and began a re-wildling and regenerative project named ‘an Spéir ARK’, that has brought her right back to her native roots in Zimbabwe where much of her playtime in her carefree childhood was spent exploring the wild bush.

Jennie is one of many who will gather to celebrate National Biodiversity Week and the many free events for families and individuals that run throughout the city and county from May 15 onwards. She was involved with the initial setup of the Biodiversity Garden in Thomastown and has planted Heritage apple trees on the land under the Hare’s Corner project. She helped worked on early projects to promote biodiversity in Thomastown and is delighted that Thomastown Community Network will be launching their very own Biodiversity Action Plan on Friday 15th May at 7.30pm at the Thomastown Community Centre.

“When I now look out at the roughness of the grass, the wild flowers and the insects it feels like I’m back home.

The old stone building here is now my studio and we’ve built a passive house “The land has been left to flourish, the hedgerows are full and shaggy, the sloe, bracken and brambles are advancing freely into the fields. We helped the regeneration of the land by planting around 90 mixed native trees and scooped out a pond to create a wetland.

“We’ve mowed paths around the land to link the various habitats together all which are enjoyed by wildlife, insects, birds and foxes.

The Spring dawn chorus in the new forest is deafening and the native plants are beginning to reappear. I’ve documented their growth in pencil drawings and drew a native plant a day for 365 days which has become my ‘Keep it Wild Diary’,” Jennie revealed.

Her two major influences in all things land restoration in her art and her life in general have been Isabelle Tree’sbook, ‘Wilding’, as well as Mary Reynold’s ARK Movement. It champions restorative kindness to the earth by weaving a patchwork of safe havens for nature globally, in our gardens, schools, public spaces and

beyond.

“At a time of climate crisis and biodiversity loss, the re-wilding, ecological restoration of the land surrounding our home and studio have provided an ecological focus to my work.

“It’s been amazing to watch the change in seasons, plants coming up and growing and to chart these in, biodegradable materials such as charcoal, powder pigments with egg yolk tempera, a traditional method used in mural painting. The willow charcoal, egg and paper are all recyclable and can go back to earth.”

Jennie’s work as a biodiversity ambassador continues well outside her work and her home and spreads deep into the community around her. She has actively contributed to Thomastown Tidy Towns, Thomastown Community Network and Thomastown Creative Arts Festival over the years.

And her call to action to enhance biodiversity?

“However small a plot you have, plant now! You can have your own little forest in 10 years. Leave half of what you have to go wild – this is crucially important to provide food for our native insects..

And if you can document it in any way, share the knowledge.”

Jennie Castle will be exhibiting her charcoal and egg tempera artwork in the Mayfair Library from 7 to 19 September 2026.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

So, could AI solve your money troubles?

How would you feel about never having to open your banking app again? Bills paid automatically, better savings rates found for you, fraud spotted in seconds and even your salary quietly split between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ in the background? This is the dream banks are now chasing with artificial intelligence (AI), turning banking into something almost invisible.

Sounds great? Irish families are already squeezed by expensive mortgages, energy bills and the constant daily grind. An AI that quietly manages your money, finds better deals and keeps everything running smoothly could genuinely free up time and ease some of that stress. Small businesses, especially, could save hours every week by ditching the endless spreadsheet battles.

Our own banks are already heading this way. Last year, Bank of Ireland used AI to scan one billion card transac-

tions, stopping €9.7 million in fraud and dishing out 127 million personalised spending insights. It is now training every single member of staff in AI. AIB’s assistant, Abi, has helped over a million custom-

ers, and the bank is leaning heavily on tools like Microsoft Copilot.

This feels like a natural next step after the recent arrival of players like Monzo (which we looked at last issue), with their

focus on practical, humanfriendly tools. Irish customers clearly want banking that does not drive them up the wall.

But here is where you could become uneasy. Many of

us were delighted to hear of Monzo entering the market precisely because they promised you could have the best of both worlds — an app and still speak to a real human 24/7. If we go fully ‘invisible’ with autonomous AI agents, that human safety net could, over time, disappear.

When a mortgage goes wrong, a payment is blocked, or a bill blindsides you, most people do not want to chat with a bot. They want someone who can take ownership of the problem and sort it out.

Then there is the data question. These systems need near-complete access to all your financials. Even with EU rules, plenty of us still remember previous data breaches.

Older customers, people in rural areas, or anyone who is not tech-confident risk being left behind as branches keep closing.

Ireland’s Central Bank has a good track record, and new

EU AI regulations should offer some protection. But the technology is moving frighteningly fast and could outpace current and future legislation. We need proper accountability. If the AI screws up, customers must know exactly who is responsible.

AI-driven banking could make life simpler for millions.

But it should never come at the cost of trust, understanding or the basic right to speak to a real person when things go wrong.

As customers, we should welcome tools that actually make our lives easier, whether they come from traditional banks or the new challengers.

But we must insist they keep the human element where it matters most.

Innovation is great, but only if ordinary people stay firmly in the driving seat. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Graduates to exhibit in Thomastown

The much-anticipated Grennan Mill graduate show is coming next week! Opening on Friday May 22nd and running through the weekend, this exciting exhibition of emerging craftspeople is not to be missed. The students of the craft school at Island Mill campus of the KCETB in Thomastown have been hard at work for two years honing their skills under the instruction of their world-class tutors.

The tutors at the school are not only excellent instructors, but accomplished and well-known craftspeople in their own right, making for a truly hands-on learning experience.

Students at the school explore Woven Textiles (Catherine Ryan), Printmaking (Maeve Coulter), Silversmithing (Eva Lynch) and Ceramics (Karen Morgan), complemented by other foundational subjects such as Design (Mary Ann Gelly) and Drawing DCCI Jew(Catherine ellery and O’Keeffe).

Ceramics Through degree these courses in studies, Thomasgraduates town, among have developed other opportuthe creative and nities. technical skills needed The school is a huge Janines bowl to progress in the field of part of Kilkenny’s craft and contemporary art, craft and design. design heritage, opening in 1981 unMany former students have gone on der the direction of George Vaughan to study at NCAD, Crawford College in the original Grennan Mill buildof Art and Design, as well as the ing, before moving to the current

ate show is a terrific opportunity to get a sneak peek at the artists and craftspeople of tomorrow. You can even take home some of the artwork!

There will be works for sale across the whole range of crafts undertaken at the Mill, so there is truly something for everyone.

The historic mill building sitting on the beautiful banks of the River Nore is well worth a visit in its own right, having inspired artists and students for decades. Many of this year’s graduates took inspiration from their unique surroundings, informing some stunning pieces of art. As well as the artwork on show, the curious among you can get a look behind the

Carinas Print

curtain into the design process, with many of the graduates’ sketchbooks available to peruse at your leisure.

The students from both years organise the show as part of the Exhibition Techniques module, transforming the working school building into an expansive gallery space.

The graduates have undertaken two one year QQI courses, progressing from Arts, Crafts and Design to Advanced Craft Studies in the second year. If you want to join the wonderful community of artists at the Mill, go to collegeoffetkilkenny.ie and apply for Arts, Craft and Design (Island Mill Campus). Applications are open now.

Opening night is Friday 22nd of May at 6.30pm and all are welcome!

The exhibition will run from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th May, 10am to 6pm daily in Island Mill Campus, Thomastown R95 NN8X.

CarinasTapestry

Island Mill building a few years later.

In recent years, it has become the KCETB College of Further Education and Training, Island Mill Campus.

Some of Ireland’s most exceptional craftspeople have attended the school in its 45 year history, and its influence reaches further afield too.

Students come from all over Europe and beyond, from all ages and walks of life, creating a lively and diverse environment.

This year’s graduates will join an alumni which boasts some of Ireland’s finest artists, so the gradu-

Isoldes Tapestry

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News Social Farming Ireland has marked two major milestones: 20 years since the first conversations that sparked the development of social farming in Ireland, and 10 years of national funding for the network from the Department of Agriculture.

More than 200 delegates recently attended the national conference at the The Heritage Hotel, reflecting the rapid growth and rising demand for social farming across rural and urban communities.

The Department of Agriculture’s long-standing support has been central to the model’s success. Social farming connects people with animals, plants, nature and meaningful social engagement – benefits that support farm families, strengthen rural economies and offer nonclinical, community-based support for disabled people, those with mental ill health, young people, people in the justice system, older people, refugees and many others.

Developed over two decades, the Irish model draws on European best practice and has been adapted to meet Irish needs with full departmental backing. Social Farming Ireland enables participants to build confidence, improve wellbeing and experience inclusion through everyday farm activities on ordinary family farms.

Farmers are compensated for their time and costs, ensuring the model remains viable and sustainable.

Speaking at the recent conference, Martin Heydon TD praised the reach and impact of social farming, highlighting its role in supporting vulnerable groups.

Meeting farmers from the National Network, he acknowledged their commitment and stated his ambition to see social farming “grow and grow”, reaffirming his goal of making it “an integral part of farming across the country”.

He also highlighted his role in facilitating significant opportunities for social farming expansion across his Cabinet colleagues in other Government departments, including the Departments of Justice, Health, Community and Rural Development, as well as strong potential within education and ageing supports.

Network leads Brian Smyth and Helen Doherty emphasised that, despite two decades of progress, the work is only beginning and looked ahead to continued innovation, collaboration and community impact — building on 20 years of dedication and strong partnerships between farmers, families and advocates, services, communities, Local Development Companies, and the Department of Agriculture, HSE and many other stakeholders.

A highlight of the event was hearing directly from participants, advocates and services.

Young people and adults shared powerful testimonies about increased confidence, improved wellbeing, new pathways and a different and

20 years a growing ...

Social Farming Ireland focuses on people’s potential rather than their limitations

better life for them, opened up through social farming.

One young participant described the experience as “opening a door”, while another, recovering from mental ill health, said: “There’s not a bottle with medication in it that’s as good as going out to that farm.”

Farmers also spoke about reduced isolation, diversification opportunities and the shared benefits experienced by both hosts and participants.

The conference also celebrated Social Farming Ireland’s recent win at the RDS Agricultural and Rural Awards, where it received the Sustainable Award for Rural Social Impact.

Closing the event, Peter Johnston of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to the programme, noting that “the real difference that social farming makes to the lives of participants, their families and host farmers cannot be overstated.”

Social Farming Ireland is delivered nationally by

local development companies through regional hubs. Leitrim Development Company leads in collaboration with South West Mayo Development, West Limerick Resources, and Waterford LEADER Partnership.

More details on Social Farming and the national network are available at Social Farming Ireland.

Social farming provides an outcome-focused support placement for people on a farm, using the natural assets of the people, the place, the farm activities and the community to support a person in achieving some of their own chosen goals. It is based on the person spending time with farmers and their families in the natural environment of the farm, but also engages people in valuable and meaningful activities, and in developing social connections and relationships.

The person attends the farm a day or two a week for a particular block of time (weeks/ months), in small groups of up to a maximum of four people, and is supported in line with their own defined

YOUR LOCAL SUPPORT Tanya Murphy, local regional co-ordinator with Waterford LEADER Partnership, supports social farmers, services and works across Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary to allow people to access and spend time on farms.

Eilís Cooney is the Social Farming Ireland South Development Manager, supporting services with funding arrangements, expanding the network and promoting social farming as a diversification option for farming communities.

If you are interested in getting more information about social farming in your area, please feel free to get in contact: Tanya on 087 231 1061 or Tanya.murphy@wlp.ie Eilís on 086 839 5516 or Ecooney@ldco.ie person-centred plan.

Farmers receive training, induction and support from their local regional co-ordinator, of which there are six around Ireland. Social farming is now widely recognised across the country as a valuable community and social support for many people. It fosters connections between individuals and the natural environment, farmers, plants and animals, and their own communities. Social farming enables rural communities to foster genuine in-

clusion and meaningful social roles for vulnerable people, while also offering them real choices and opportunities for personal growth and progression.

Social farming presents a valuable diversification opportunity for farmers. It provides an additional source of income, contributing to the multifunctionality, economic viability and long-term sustainability of farm households. It provides service providers, families, the Government and statutory agencies

and other service providers with a high-quality option to support people that delivers very valuable outcomes and benefits.

Social farming is an innovative, cross-sectoral approach operating at the intersection of agriculture, health and social care, social inclusion, rural development, education and environmental sustainability.

Its strength lies in delivering integrated outcomes: improving health and wellbeing, paying farmers, diversifying farm income, enhancing person-centred care services, strengthening rural communities and contributing to climate and sustainability goals.

Currently, there are more than 200 farmers who have been trained and supported by the National Social Farming Ireland Network since 2016 and who have delivered services on their farms right across the country. In 2025, over 1,000 people spent time on one of these farms, and the farmers were paid approximately €1 million for their support.

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MAYhem Alana Jackson is Glasgow-born stand-up comedian and actor, Funny winner 2024 competition.

Sunday 17th May Laura, Alana, and Morgan Rees at Billy Byrnes comedy show starts 7.30pm evening

Kilkenny’s very first MAYhem festival is in full swing! ‘The Road to Cat Laughs’ sees an unprecedented 30 shows take place over 28 nights in the Marble City, with comedy every single night for the month of May. It also offers a unique opportunity to catch some of the biggest names in comedy strut their stuff in the most intimate of spaces.

Week 1 and 2 have seen a string of packed-out shows, with the likes of Brennan Reece, Barry Murphy, David O’Doherty, Josh Jones, Evaldas Karosas, Sinéad Culbert and Hannah Platt (to name but a few) taking to the stage at some of Kilkenny’s finest venues, including Billy Byrne’s, Cleere’s, The Pembroke Hotel, The Hole in the Wall and The Home Rule Club.

As we wind up for another

week of wall to wall laughs, let’s take a quick look at some upcoming acts and what to expect.

Wednesday 13th at Billy Byrne’s features Susie McCabe and Dan Tiernan in a double-bill. Awardwinning comics, festival favourites, and two of Britain’s sharpest standups. Show starts at 7.30pm.

Thursday 14th sees Dan Tiernan take over Cleere’s Theatre for a solo show. Edinburghnominated, internationally acclaimed, and “raucously entertaining” (The Guardian).

Expect relentless laughs from 7.30pm.

An All-Star lineup features on Friday 15th at The Pembroke hotel, with Chris Kent, Ger

Staunton, Laura Lexx, Alana Jackson and Kevin Gildea sharing the stage for the first 5-piece lineup of the festival. Don’t miss out. Tickets are €22 and available now. Show starts at 8pm.

Saturday 16th presents another opportunity to see 4 of the 5 from Friday night, with Chris Kent on his merry way. Kevin, Ger, Laura and Alana are set to keep the ship sailing at the rate of knots into high seas or perhaps muddy waters?

Show starts at 8pm.

Laura Lexx is awardwinning comedian writer actor with sharp wit stage presence.

Monday 18th May Morgan Rees joined by Kim Blythe at Cleere’s, rising Scottish comedian from Glasgow, show continues live performance. *Don’t forget there’s a FREE DRINK for every ticket-holder for Sun-Wed shows!* Kim and Morgan joined by Milo Edwards Tuesday 19th Pembroke Hotel show starts 7.30pm comedy night *The MAYhem ministry of trans-

port would like to announce that Passports are in extremely short supply – register for yours at the next show to secure your trip to a world of rewards including drinks vouchers, free tickets and the opportunity to win a weekend at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

As the MAYhem continues into week 2, there is a palpable sense that we are witnessing the birth of something really special. As excited crowds turn out night after night, don’t miss your opportunity to see some of the finest comedians in the land in the most intimate of venues.

Join the madness, be part of the very first MAYhem, and in years to come you can say you were there when it all began.

Tickets available now at https://mayhem.ie/ Follow us on Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/ mayhemkilkenny

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

It’s a hoofler and a right lasher...!

I found myself in Cork last week. FOUND myself in Cork!

You’d swear I was lost. Actually, I did get lost which I’ll get to later. Getting to Cork is not a problem, getting around the city is the problem. We’re looking for the Wilton Shopping Centre. We’re heading there not to shop but, because it’s near our destination, and offers three hours free parking – a rarity in any city. Three hours parking in Dublin could cost you an arm and a leg. Or at least an ankle!

My wife is driving. She’s driving because she’s a better driver than me. Or so she says. And I’m long enough married not to contradict her. Huh! My wife swears by SatNav. I swear at SatNav. Why? Because SatNav can’t even direct me to my own address. And that’s a fact.

So, I’m watching the signposts for Wilton while my wife is listening to SatNav. We

don’t always concur which can lead to some heated, over-heated, words. I now believe that my beloved and I need a referee in the back of the car when we are driving anywhere because it’s she and SatNav against me. Not a level playing, or rather driving, field, you’ll agree.

And we need a definitive, non-negotiable, decision as

to whose way is best. Anyway, we arrived in Wilton, my wife went her way and I went mine.

But come here, as Cork man Brendan O’Connor, might say, I found Cork people to be really friendly, good humoured and helpful. Which brings me to getting lost – in the Wilton car park (a huge concern) I couldn’t locate

the car and asked a man for guidance. “Come on, boy, we’ll sort ya,” and he graciously escorted me along.

When he discovered I was from Kilkenny the conversation immediately turned to hurling. “What’s going on with ye down there at all?” he asked. Did I know? No. And we chatted for 10 minutes or more.

Finally, did you know that Cork has its very own language? I didn’t but here’s a wee piece in the native tongue – best read, of course, with a Cork accent. Interpret it as best you can: Mollser McCarthy, a bit of a hoofler, went for a bazzer. After the bazzer, which was a bit of a bake, he had a gwall of pints.

Later Mollser, who had great taspey on him now went for a scove. Who should he meet on the scove, near the cowluck, but Bridie who was a right lasher. Furthermore

she had a fine pair of collops on her. “Would you like to go slocking?” Mollser asked.

“Are you crackawly?” said Bridie. “You must think I’m some sawney. Besides if some connishur saw us my brother wouldn’t be long hearing about it and you’d get a right lowry in the puss.

And another thing,’”said Bridie, “aren’t we a bit old to be slocking?” “You’re never too old to go slocking,” said Mollser, the caffler, with a twinkle in his eye. With that Bridie made a glawm at him. “Would you stop acting the browl.,”she said.

“Go home before I give you a funt. Besides the pawny is coming.”

You got the gist of that, I assume. Or did you? Here’s a translation: Mollser McCarthy, a bit of a trickster, went for a haircut. After the haircut, which was a bit of a disappointment, he had a

large quantity of pints. Later Mollser who was in great spirits now went for a walk.

Who should he meet on the walk, near the derelict site, but Bridie who was very attractive. Furthermore she had large rounded calves.

“Would you like to go stealing apples?” Mollser asked. “Are you stupid?” asked Bridie.

“You must think I’m some fool. Besides if some gossip saw us my brother wouldn’t be long hearing about it and you’d get a fist in to the face.

And another thing,” said Bridie. “Aren’t we a bit old to be stealing apples?” “You’re never too old to steal apples,” said Mollser, the rogue, with a twinkle in his eye. With that Bridie made a grab at him.

“Would you stop acting the ignoramus,” she said. “Go home before I give you a kick.

Besides the rain is coming.”

So, exactly as you assumed, right?

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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News

Community Awards 2026

National Award for Kilkenny students at enterprise finals Ireland’s finest young student entrepreneurs celebrated at National Finals

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

Kilkenny County Council held the Community Awards Night in the Parade Tower in Kilkenny Castle on Thursday 30th April 2026. Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh welcomed all the groups who attended the Community Awards ceremony that is held in recognition and to acknowledge the dedication and work of the community groups carried out in towns and villages throughout County Kilkenny.

The Cathaoirleach commented “Kilkenny has always demonstrated a special community spirit that lives in every town, every village, and every neighbourhood. Tonight, is not simply an awards ceremony; it is a tribute to the people who breathe life, colour, care, and pride into the places we call home.”

On the night there were awards for three different categories, including the Pride of Place nominations from Kilkenny for the national competition in 2025, Tidy Towns groups who were recognised for their achievements and finally the prize giving for the winners of the Tidy Estates Competition.

The IPB Pride of Place, is an all-island competition both North & South that rewards people and groups who come together to make positive changes within their communities and improve the daily lives of those citizens.

Kilkenny County Council nominated three communities for these awards for this national competition. The groups representing Kilkenny for the 2025 competition were community groups from Windgap, Gowran and Piltown.

All nominees were celebrated at the Kilkenny Community Awards ceremony and received an award in recognition of their achievements and their participation in the national competition.

The Tidy Towns group also received a special acknowledgement and recognition award for their dedication, achievements and success in the national competition 2025.

Inistioge Tidy Towns were recognised for their achievement in achieving a Gold Medal and 1st Place in the County Awards Category.

This achievement reflects the extensive efforts and wealth of experience brought forth by

Fr. Raftice Place, Moneenroe Mary Cantwell and Mary Hilda Cavanagh Cathaoirleach

Inistioge L-R Anne Marie Doyle, Daphne Cody, Mary Hilda Cavanagh Cathaoirleach, Tony Noble

the committee and dedicated local volunteers.

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful finished just 5 marks shy of the national champion in the 2025 competition, retaining its gold medal award and securing 2nd place in the County Awards.

KKB were honoured as one of only two national recipients of the Greenways and Active Travel Awards for their innovative and sustainable initiatives.

Tullahought Tidy Towns celebrated a major milestone by achieving their first ever Gold Medal in the Tidy Towns Competition, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects decades of commitment.

Owning Tidy Towns also received recognition for their achievements in 2025. The group were recognised with the Endeavour Award at the national competition. This award is presented to the community that shows the greatest improvement in marks overall.

Kilkenny County Council Tidy Estates Competition aims to encourage residents to take an active role in improving the physical appearance of their housing estates. The overall winners in the Large Estates category were Glenvale Ballyragget, and in 2nd place were Bellfield Estate, Ferrybank and Woodview Estate, Freshford received 3rd place in the competition.

In the Medium Estates category, the winners were The Belfry Estate, Thomastown, with Mill Road, Inistioge following in 2nd place and in 3rd place Assumption Place, Urlingford.

In the Small Estates category, the winners were Fr. Raftice Place, Moneenroe, and in 2nd place were Old School Crescent, Moneenroe and in 3rd place were Shamrock Grove Estate, Kilmacow.

Anne Marie Shortall, Senior Executive Officer, Community Department commented, “The Community Awards is a very special night in the community calendar in recognising the achievements, dedication and hard work of community volunteers throughout the County”.

Colaiste Abhainn Ri won 3rd Place in the Junior Category.

The winning students were: Megan Bryan, Ruth Moylan, Keira Lyons, Aimee Hickey, Katie Walsh

Students from Kilkenny have taken 3rd prize in Junior Category at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals. The Finals of the Local Enterprise Office initiative took place last Thursday in Mullingar.

Supported by Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, the students from Colaiste Abhainn Ri won 3rd Place in the Junior Category. The winning students were: Megan Bryan, Ruth Moylan, Keira Lyons, Aimee Hickey, Katie Walsh, who worked under the guidance of their teacher, Emer Hickey.

Their student enterprise was called: ‘Recharge’d’, which is a natural gel that boosts energy, rehydrates, and aids recovery after exercise.

The event was hosted by broadcasters Rick O’Shea and Ruth Scott, and they were joined during the ceremony

by Alan Dillon, T.D., Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail to announce the winners across the three main categories on the day.

Alan Dillon, T.D., Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, said; “This is one for the great days for Irish entrepreneurship in the country. We get a chance to see almost 90 businesses started by secondary school students from across the country who have all been shortlisted for the finals and

that in itself is an amazing achievement from the 30,000 pupils who started last September.

These are students who have come up with brilliant ideas and forged them into businesses, making sales and understanding and learning the skills it takes to become an entrepreneur. No matter what path they choose in life those skills will stand by them, but we hope that many of the students we see today will go on to become the start-up leaders and entrepreneurs of the future in this country.”

There were 88 student businesses in contention across three main categories for the final in what is Ireland’s largest entrepreneurship programme for second level students. The initiative, funded by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw over 30,000 students from 500 secondary schools across the country take part.

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny said; “Year on year, the Student Enterprise Programme continues to showcase the very best of innovation and entrepreneurship amongst our secondary school students. We see every year that the National Finals

are not an end point for our student entrepreneurs, but a stepping stone on the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey. From our class of 25/26 we hope to see some of our next great wave of Kilkenny business leaders and global entrepreneurs emerge.”

The National Final brought together students from Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories, each showcasing businesses developed, launched and successfully traded through the Student Enterprise Programme.

Judged by business leaders, entrepreneurs, enterprise agency representatives and mentors, students demonstrated creativity, innovation and strong commercial skills across a diverse range of products and services.

Category winners included GloHurling by Cathal Sweeney of Mungret Community College, representing LEO Limerick (Senior); Smart Shovel

by Aodhan Finegan and Leon Egan of St. Patrick’s Classical School, Navan, representing LEO Meath (Intermediate); and I Can by Paddy Lynch and Tom McDonald of St. Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise, representing LEO Laois (Junior).

Student Enterprise of the Year 2025 was Cannon PC from Clonkeen College, Dún Laoghaire. Since 2003, over 500,000 students have participated nationwide.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

The healing power of movement and dance The language of the body is touch, feeling, emotion and movement. 40+ years ago, I trained in London as a body psychotherapist. “Body language”, and how we express ourselves physically, has long been important for me, both personally and professionally. Dancing and music have always been an essential part of my life. I’m not referring to ballet or any specific style of dance; simply moving freely to music.

“We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams.” (Albert Einstein).

Whatever life has thrown at me, I’ve danced. I’ve danced gracefully through grief, gratitude, heartbreak, joys and all life’s inevitable ups and downs.

“There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them!” (Vicki Baum).

Many years ago, I created ‘The Blue Room’ in Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny’s first healing centre; a large room (25 ft x 25 ft) for yoga, drumming, massage training, painting classes, drama, psychotherapy, talks, free-dance and much more.

Magic happened there!

The free dance was once a week on a Sunday evening.

Most weeks several people turned up, some weeks I was there by myself. No matter! I still danced for an hour or so. I’d turn up the volume and let my body do whatever it needed to do. I’d dance, shake, stretch, bend, twist, jump up and down and allow my body to find its own moves, speeds and rhythms; the body intuitively knows how to get stress and tension out of the muscles.

At the end of an hour or so of dancing, the body feels looser, freer and more relaxed. Dancing is good medicine and I recommend it at least once a week. You

don’t need to have trained in any discipline, you just need to get up, put on the music and do it, and it helps not to take yourself too seriously!

“Dance is a song of the body. Either of joy or pain. Dance is the hidden language of the soul, of the body.” (Martha Graham).

Intuitively, we know that dancing has numerous physical and psychological health benefits. Dancing boosts mental wellbeing, enhances mood and lowers stress.

Dancing is good for cardiovascular health, increases muscular strength and improves tone.

Endurance, balance and co-ordination improve, while aches and pains can disappear. Core strength and flexibility increase, while bones strengthen and agility improves. Dancing burns calories and is great for weight loss. It also builds lean muscle and burns fat.

What is there not to like?

It’s good for memory and cognitive function, especially if you are learning new steps, like in line dancing, Zumba, ballroom or jazz, which also increase focus and mental stimulation. Dancing is wonderful for balance, spatial awareness, emotional release and the release of workday tension. Group dancing, like line dancing,

“Movement frees the body, dancing awakens the soul

is great fun and good for community spirit.

Dancing keeps you fit and it’s great for all ages, all shapes and all sizes.

Whatever your condition, be it gentle stretches or vigorous dance, movement is essential for wellbeing.

I’ve never met anyone who regretted a good session on the dance floor! Think of the fun that’s had at wedding dances, see what I mean?

Research shows that dancing is good for those suffering from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia; and also shows that people who dance more than once per week are 76% less likely to suffer from dementia.

A few minutes a day is better than no time, and more time is better than a few minutes. You’re never too old to dance. Judith Kerr still danced at 94+.

Eileen Kramer taught dance and choreography at 100.

Barbara Peters at 87 is the UK’s oldest ballerina, taking

her last ballet exam at 80, and Bobby Barnett is nearly 100.

Dancing is one of the essentials in life. Every person throughout history has probably danced if they were able. Dancing is about being alive and celebrating.

Dancing keeps you fit and flexible, brings laughter and joy, and may slow the march of time.

Someone once said, “Dance like there is no tomorrow and dance as if no-one is watching!” Who do we dance for? We dance for ourselves. When dancing, I often think, “This could be my last opportunity to dance, so just do it! Who cares what other people think?” Do what you can for as long as you can. Maybe you will read this, put down the paper, grab a partner or go solo, turn on the music and let go into your very own dance. Enjoy, it’s good fun! www.judithashton.com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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The Kilkenny

Observer

y n n e Kilk r e m S um 6 2 0 2 s p m Ca

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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Life Skills Academy Kilkenny:

Building confidence through fun and real life skills This July, Life Skills Academy returns to Kilkenny with a summer camp designed to give children something deeper than entertainment, while still delivering the energy, excitement and fun that make summer camps memorable.

Running from July 6th to 10th on the beautiful grounds of Kilkenny College, the camp combines hands on activities, teamwork and practical learning in a way that helps children naturally build confidence, resilience and independence.

Parents today can see the pressures many children are facing.

Phones, comparison, anxiety and social media influence are now part of childhood in a way previous generations never experienced.

Increasingly, parents are looking for experiences that do more than simply keep children occupied during the summer. They want their children to genuinely enjoy themselves while also developing real world skills and confidence.

That is the philosophy behind Life Skills Academy.

Now in its third year in Kilkenny, the camp continues to grow through

word of mouth. Nationally, Life Skills Academy has been running for more than ten years, is Google 5 star rated, and has welcomed over 4,000 children through its gates. Its Dublin camps consistently sell out each year, with many families returning summer after summer.

Across the week, children rotate through six core life skills: survival skills, self defence, cooking skills, tech skills, teamwork and leadership, and first aid.

The atmosphere is active, encouraging and highly engaging.

Children spend the day outdoors solving challenges, learning practical skills, building friendships and working together as teams. Parents often say one of the highlights is seeing children come home excited to demonstrate what they learned, whether it is showing self defence

techniques, talking about survival skills, explaining first aid knowledge, or proudly helping cook dinner at home after their cooking sessions.

A major part of the camp’s reputation comes from the quality of the people delivering the sessions.

One example is Anne Neary, founder of Ryeland House Cookery School and one of Kilkenny’s best known names in food education, who leads the cooking skills sessions.

One of the camp’s central themes is “making the uncomfortable comfortable,” encouraging children to step into challenges, try new things and discover that confidence often grows through experience.

For Kilkenny families looking for a summer camp that combines genuine fun with meaningful personal development, Life Skills Academy offers something different.

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A Summer full of magic and discovery Sunshine, smiles, and plenty of tennis fun—that is what this much-loved camp is all about. With Brian Doyle leading the way, children can grab a racquet, learn a few new tricks, and enjoy days packed with games, giggles, and friendly rallies.

Whether they are picking up a tennis racquet for the very first time or already dreaming of Wimbledon, everyone is welcome. Add in new friendships, lots of encouragement, and plenty of happy energy, and it is easy to see why this camp is always such a summer favourite.

A cookery summer camp is a tasty little adventure where children get to mix, stir, taste, and create all sorts of fun dishes from scratch. From cupcakes to simple meals, they learn how to cook step by step—and the best part is,

they get to enjoy what they make too! Even better, they also pick up brilliant habits like washing up, wiping down surfaces, and tidying as they go, so the kitchen stays as neat as their cooking is creative.

For parents, it is a bit of a summer dream—children coming home proud, talking about recipes, and even offering to help make dinner (and clean up afterwards!).

The perfect place for all this fun is the Life Skills Academy Camp, where cooking, laughter, and life skills all come together in the best possible way.

Coláiste Eoin Gaeltacht courses at Kilkenny College are a fun and lively way for students to enjoy Irish during the summer. Set in a friendly, active environment, learners get to improve their Gaeilge through games,

activities, sports, music, and conversation with friends. Days are filled with energy, laughter, and plenty of chances to speak Irish naturally without pressure.

Irish is such an important part of life in Ireland and a key subject that can really help when it comes to future job opportunities. It is a great mix of learning and fun, building confidence while enjoying a real Gaeltachtstyle experience close to home.

Art summer camps like Didi’s Art It Summer Camps are a burst of colour, glitter, and imagination for little ones. Children get to paint, draw, cut, stick, and create anything their hearts dream up—no limits, just fun!

Along the way they build confidence, fine motor skills, and proudly bring home masterpieces. It is messy,

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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magical, and wonderfully creative fun all summer long.

River Nore Music Academy summer camps are all about music, laughter, and making a joyful noise! Children get to sing, drum, strum, and try out different instruments while having loads of fun with new friends. Every day is full of energy, creativity, and catchy tunes. It is a brilliant way to build confidence and discover a love of music.

Barnstorm Summer Camps are a fantastic place for children to step into a world of imagination, storytelling, and performance. Kids get to act, create characters, play drama games, and bring stories to life on stage— perfect for little ones who love to become the drama queens (and kings!). With plenty of laughter, teamwork, and creativity, every child gets a chance to shine, build confidence, and make new friends in a fun and supportive environment.

Callan Golf Club gives young members a fun and friendly way to learn golf and enjoy the outdoors.

With patient coaching, practice, and plenty of encouragement, kids are supported every step of the way as they build skills, confidence, and friendships.

It is a relaxed and welcoming environment where mistakes are part of learning and every small success is celebrated, making golf both enjoyable and rewarding.

For some children, summer

fun is not about scoring goals, running races, or winning medals—and that is perfectly fine. Not every child dreams of sports fields, team jerseys, or competitive games. Some would much rather pick up a paintbrush, build a robot, act out a story on stage, explore the outdoors, or sit under a tree inventing wild and wonderful stories with new friends. For those children, non-sport summer camps are a perfect summer adventure.

These camps are bursting with creativity, imagination,

and discovery. Every day brings something new to try and enjoy. One morning might start with colourful science experiments that surprises everyone, while the afternoon could be filled with music, baking tasty treats, or designing costumes for a mini performance. There is always something fun happening, and every child gets a chance to shine in their own way.

What makes these camps really special is the warm, friendly atmosphere.

Children are encouraged to be themselves, try new things, and follow their curiosity wherever it leads. Along the way, they make new friends, laugh a lot, share ideas, solve problems together, and grow in confidence without even realising it.

For children who are not interested in sport, there are camps that offer something just as exciting—friendship, creativity, laughter, and a summer full of happy memories that last long after the holidays

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Opinion

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

A new museum in the heart of the county is drawing visitors from all over the South East. It nestles in the tiny village of Newmarket, and looks set to complement the internationally acclaimed Famine Garden- Gáirdín an Ghorta- which commemorates the Great Hunger of the 1840s.

The Gáirdín an Ghorta Farm and Folk Museum is a private collection started by local man Willie Barron, who has devoted much of his time in recent years to highlighting the multifaceted heritage of Newmarket and the surrounding district.

Willie has been collecting vintage farm tools and machinery for years but a few weeks ago, he decided the time had arrived to display the artifacts and share the priceless insights into our past that they provide.

“It’ll grow and evolve over the coming months,” he told me, and not a day passes without new exhibits taking their rightful place in the already impressive array.

As if to confirm this, a visitor drove into the yard in a large van from which he took two 1950s High Nelly bikes… donations to the collection.

The museum has proved a big hit with Men’s Sheds: People from those lifeenhancing community hubs in Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, and Tipperary are scheduled to call to Newmarket in the coming weeks.

The collection isn’t confined to agricultural relics.

Willie has a jaw-dropping assortment of exhibits that bring to life all aspects of daily life in a bygone Ireland, mainly dating from the famine era up to the 1970s.

Artifacts relating to the 1840s are especially poignant as the Famine Garden is just a few hundred yards away.

I called to see the collection last week. It was heartening to see another such museum in the county. A decade ago, the curator of the legendary Nore Folk Museum in Bennettsbridge, Seamus Lawlor, left this world, and his cultural treasure trove was lost to Kilkenny.

Now, Willie Barron has taken up the challenge and offered the county a muchneeded repository of Irish tradition and memorabilia.

It’s one that pays due homage to parts of our long, and often dark cultural legacy that we stand to lose without projects like his.

On entering the spacious yard adjacent to his home, I was struck by the sheer abundance of vintage gems, all carefully posed for inspection. First to catch my eye were three long rows of farm machinery, laid out neatly and evocatively, each telling its own story just by virtue

New folk museum a “treasure trove”

Willie with part of vast collection of vintage farm exhibits

A butter making churn

Part one

A work cart

of its distinctive form and presence…even before Willie himself began to expound

in mellifluous tones on its provenance and the purpose it served in that “Other

Country” of the past.

The curator gave an information-packed running

Willie Barron displays a tractor drawn combine

commentary as he took me on a tour of the collection.

He revealed that Pierces of Wexford manufactured most of the farming exhibits.

Founded in 1839, the Pierce Foundry was for decades the biggest maker of farm machinery in Ireland, turning out a wide range of ploughs, cultivation machines and threshing engines. Pierce Engineering continued to serve Irish agriculture until 2002.

Walking along the display line, I saw harrows, used to cultivate and break up the soil, a little timeworn but otherwise robust and intact.

They shone forth in the weak midday sun, pulling you back into the mists of time.

A Swing Plough with no wheels was suitable for stony soil, and the Hay Car, Willie explained, conveyed the

hay from the fields. The Hay Rake, as the name implied, raked up the hay to be made into “cocks’ in the fields. 19th century landscape artists loved to paint those bucolic haymaking scenes.

The Turnip and Mangel Seeder was a handy machine on the farm. It set turnips and mangels in drills, and two workhorses pulled the Potato Digger to perform its equally crucial role. The Swath Turner flipped over mowed hay to let the underside get a bit of air and sunshine.

There were reaper binders, potato sprayers, and work carts, and Willie showed part of an old threshing set. I suspect that this will become one of his must-see exhibits.

Up to the middle of the 20th century, threshing was as much a beloved rural tradition as a farming method.

It brought rural communities together, with neighbours all helping each other as the threshing set passed from farm to farm.

(To visit the Gáirdín an Ghorta Farm and Folk Museum just Whats app Willie Barron at 086-8394349 to arrange a viewing) To be continued…

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News Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh presenting Peter Lynch with a Cathaoirleach’s Certificate

Cathaoirleach hosts reception for record-breaking athlete Peter Lynch Peter Lynch photographed with Cllr. Seán Ó’hArgáin, Cllr. Fidelis Doherty, Cllr. Pat Dunphy, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, and Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh

Kilkenny County Council hosted a Cathaoirleach’s Reception in partnership with Kilkenny City Harriers on the 6th of May to honour Kilkenny athlete Peter Lynch

following his outstanding international achievements.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh welcomed guests to celebrate Peter’s remarkable success, includ-

ing his record-breaking performance at the London Marathon, where he set a new Irish record of 2:06:08, finishing ninth overall and the first European home.

Wood sculpture

United in collaboration The annual exhibition of work by students from the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB), specifically from the Nuncio Rd. Campus, is being held at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre in Kilkenny on

May 18, 2026. This year’s event, titled "United in Craft," showcases a wide range of furniture and wood sculptures created by talented learners under the guidance of Peter O Carroll.

Annual Exhibition United In Col-

Cllr. Cavanagh also praised his recent sub-one-hour half marathon in New York and described his achievements as a testament to dedication, resilience and perseverance

saying, “I had the pleasure of being in New York last March to witness Peter break the hour for the half marathon.

To see an Irish athlete run 59:52 on the streets of New York was something I will never forget.”

A member of Kilkenny City Harriers, Peter’s journey began at a young age and has seen him progress through national and international competition, representing Ireland at European level and competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) during his time in the United States.

Since joining the Puma

Traditional style chair

Mixed material sculpture

laboration Opens at MacDonagh Junction. On the 18th of May at 12 Noon all welcome.

Kilkenny’s reputation as a hub for fine craftsmanship is set to be reinforced this week as the annual exhibition of furniture and wood sculpture opens its doors at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre.

Running from May 18th, the showcase features a collection of intricate works from the Furniture Design and Woodcarving students of the Collage of Further Education and Training Kilkenny (CFET) The exhibition, a culmination of a year’s intensive work, highlights the skill and dedication of adult learners in the VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) programme. Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of pieces, ranging from functional contemporary furniture to abstract wood sculptures and detailed relief carvings.

Teacher Peter O'Carroll, who has

mentored the group throughout the academic year, expressed his pride in Club sign the standard of work produced.

"The talent and commitment shown by this year's class are truly exceptional. These pieces reflect not just technical skill, but the personal stories and creative journeys of each student," he noted during the final preparations.

MacDonagh Junction has long been a supporter of local arts and education, providing a high-traffic public space that allows these emerging makers to connect with a wider audience.

The exhibition is free to the public and offers a unique opportunity to witness the future of Irish craft.

Elite Running Group, he has achieved a series of milestones, including multiple Irish records and standout performances on the global stage.

Congratulating Peter, Cllr. Cavanagh said he is “a wonderful ambassador for Kilkenny and an inspiration to young athletes across the county.”

Kilkenny County Council extended its congratulations to Peter and wished him continued success in the years ahead, expressing confidence that his achievements on the international stage will continue to grow.

Table and stool

Stool spalted beech

Whether you are an interior design enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of natural timber, the "United in Collaboration " display is a must-visit during its week-long run.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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

Homes & Gardens

Cut back for a second flush GARDEN HACK Freepik

All under one roof

Freepik

Many summer plants will reward you with more flowers if you give them a quick tidy at the right time. Once early blooms start to fade, snip off dead flower heads and trim back any tired, leggy growth. This stops the plant from putting energy into the seed and encourages fresh buds instead. Geraniums, salvias, catmint, roses, sweet peas and many bedding plants respond well to regular deadheading. Keep a small pair of secateurs near the back door so you can do five minutes whenever you pass.

Do not cut everything hard at once; a light, regular trim is usually enough. Add a little feed and water afterwards, especially for pots and hanging baskets.

The reset basket HOME HACK

HOMES lifeforstock

For many Irish families, the family home is starting to look a little different. Adult children are staying at home for longer and older relatives may need more support, so households are finding new ways to make the family home work for several generations.

Recent reporting in The Irish Times described the number of young adults still living in the family home as “emblematic of Ireland’s housing crisis”, with 2025 figures

showing 61.7 percent of young Irish adults still at home. The Journal has also reported that almost seven in ten 25-yearolds in Ireland were living with their parents, with financial pressures cited as a major reason.

For Kilkenny homeowners, that raises a very practical question: how do you make an existing home work for changing family needs? Moving is not always possible and building from scratch is out of reach for many. Instead, families are looking at extensions,

attic conversions, garage adaptations, garden rooms and cleverer use of the space they already have.

The key is balance. Shared living works best when everyone has some privacy, while kitchens, sitting rooms and gardens remain welcoming communal spaces. A downstairs bedroom, accessible bathroom, better storage, soundproofing or a flexible home office can make daily life much easier.

There is also help available in some cases. Families adapt-

The return of the front garden GARDEN

A quick way to make any room feel fresher is to create a fiveminute reset basket. Keep one attractive basket in the main living space and use it at the end of each day to gather everything that has wandered from its proper place: toys, books, chargers, post, glasses, remote controls or stray socks. The basket is not meant to become permanent storage. It is a temporary holding point that stops clutter spreading across tables, chairs and floors. Once or twice a week, empty it properly and return items to their homes. This works especially well in busy family houses because it avoids the pressure of tidying every room perfectly every evening. It also makes surprise visitors less stressful. Add a second basket upstairs if needed, and make the rule simple: if it does not belong in the room, it goes in the basket each night before bed.

The front garden is having a quiet comeback. For years, many were paved over for parking or kept as simple lawns, but more of us are seeing the value in making the space work harder.

A well-planted front garden can transform the look of a home before anyone reaches the door. Pots, climbers, flowering shrubs, small trees and neat borders can soften brick, stone and concrete, adding colour and character throughout the year. Even a narrow strip beside a path

can make a difference with lavender, grasses, ferns or spring bulbs.

There is a practical reason to rethink the space, too.

The Irish Times recently highlighted keeping front gardens intact as one of the nature-based ways to reduce urban flood risk, explaining that planted areas help slow rainwater runoff during heavy downpours. For homeowners, that means gravel, permeable paving, beds, hedging and planting can do more than look attractive they can help rain soak into the ground rather than rush

straight onto paths, roads and drains.

Front gardens can also support wildlife. Replacing some hard surface or lawn with pollinator-friendly planting gives bees and butterflies valuable food, while hedges and small trees provide shelter for birds.

The best front gardens balance beauty with function.

They frame the doorway, create privacy, soften the street and make the home feel more welcoming. A few generous pots, a flowering climber, a small tree or a revived border can quickly lift the whole entrance.

ing homes for older relatives or people with mobility needs may qualify for supports such as the Housing Adaptation Grant, Mobility Aids Grant or Housing Aid for Older People Grant, administered through local authorities.

Done well, the multi-generational home can offer more than a practical solution. It can bring companionship, shared costs and extra support - but it needs honest conversations, thoughtful design and a home that can change as family life changes.

Cami

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News

Focus on winning as Seamus scoops World awards

Kilkenny photographer Seamus Costelloe who recently bagged gold and silver medals for his work

Photography lovers in Kilkenny were celebrating this week as local man Seamus Costelloe won a gold medal at the Irish Photographic Federation’s National

Photography Competition in the category of Land/Sea and Urban Scapes.

This event was held on Saturday 11th April in the Westgrove Hotel, Clane Co.

Kildare. And if that wasn’t enough to celebrate, Seamus also won a silver medal in the individual awards representing Ireland in the FIAP Black & White Biennial, hosted by

This photo won Seamus Costelloe a silver medal in the individual awards, representing Ireland in the FIAP black and white Biennial, hosted by Brazil

Brazil in April 2026.

Seamus was part of the Irish Photographic Federation’s National team to win Gold and receive the FIAP World Cup. Ireland received a second trophy based on their overall performance across the 30th Colour Biennial in 2023 and our 2026 winning performance.

This is a tremendous achievement for Ireland.

Speaking with The Kilkenny Observer Seamus explained that the awards were a unique and cherished moment in his photographic career.

Seamus has represented Ireland on seven occasions in

the past and was part of the Irish Team to achieve silver medal in South Korea in the FIAP World Cup 2016.

Seamus is a founder member of the Kilkenny Photographic Society, and in February 2026 he was guest speaker at the Malta Photographic Society, Valetta, Malta.

This was Seamus’s 5th visit to Malta in a Photographic capacity. Mr Costlelloe is retired from full time photography, but has never been as busy conducting personal projects and is a member of the IPF Distinctions panel of accessors.

Gold winner: Seamus Costelloe, Kilkenny, won gold at the Irish photographic federation national competition. The category was ‘Land, sea, and urban scopes

Kilkenny celebrates Romanian-Irish cultural connections

Organizer of the forthcoming event Liviu Iftime is pictured with the Ambassador Laurentiu Mihai Stefan and her majesty Margareta of Romania, the eldest daughter of the late King Michael I, is the designated Custodian of the Romanian Crown (head of the Royal House) since 2017

A special cultural event celebrating the growing friendship between Ireland and Romania will take place in Kilkenny on Sunday, May 17th, 2026, bringing together

local authorities, diplomats, artists, and members of the Romanian community for an afternoon of culture, literature, music, and theatre.

Organized by the Twilight

Community Group, “Kilkenny’s Romanian Connections” will be hosted at The Set Theatre, Langton House Hotel, Kilkenny, beginning at 2:30 PM.

The event highlights the strong cultural and community ties between Romania and County Kilkenny, particularly within the framework of the European Union

Presidency cultural partnership programme, which pairs EU member states with Irish counties.

The programme will feature official addresses from representatives of local government and the Romanian diplomatic mission in Ireland, including: Mary Hilda Cavanagh Chairperson of Kilkenny County Council, John Coonan, Mayor of Kilkenny and Andrew McGuinness, Chairperson of the Southern Assembly . The attendance will also hear from H E Laurențiu-Mihai Ștefan, Romanian Ambassador to Ireland The afternoon will also include a presentation of the celebrated travel book “Transylvania and Beyond” by acclaimed Irish travel writer Dervla Murphy, an exhibition of sculpture and painting by Valeriu Cazacevski, pottery by Oana Alexandra, flowers by Daniela Bogdan, cakes by Cindarella and presented by Stefan J Doyle, alongside speeches from community representatives.

Music Guests will also enjoy a musical performance by Irish band “Trei Prieteni” followed by a theatre production of “Emigranții” (The Immigrants), an extraordi-

nary play exploring migration, identity, and human connection.

The event is open to invited guests, members of the Romanian community, local residents, and cultural supporters.

Good wishes Mr. Martin Brennan, the founder of Twilight Community Group speaking before the event said: “As I retire from the Twilight Community Group to focus on my health and family, I look back with pride at the inclusive, international network we have built since 2014. I am deeply grateful to our Romanian attaché, Mr. Liviu Iftime, for strengthening our European ties.

I step away knowing that with Nicoleta Chiorean as Chairperson, our ethos of ‘Stronger Together’ will lead this organization to even greater heights.”

Ahead of the event, organizer Liviu Iftime said: “This event is an opportunity to celebrate friendship, cultural exchange, and the important contribution and opening of the Romanian community to life in Kilkenny and Ireland. We hope it will strengthen the bonds between our communities and create lasting cultural connections.

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Health & Beauty

Listen to your skin

Wayhomestudio

SKINCARE HACK Matej Simko

Keep hay fever away HEALTH As hedgerows, gardens and trees burst into blossom across Kilkenny, many of us are enjoying the colour and freshness of late spring. But for hay fever sufferers, this time of year can also bring sneezing, itchy eyes and blocked noses.

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen. According to the HSE, common symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, an itchy throat, mouth, nose or ears,

headaches and tiredness. For some people, symptoms are mild and short-lived. For others, they can affect sleep, concentration, work and school.

The HSE advises that the best way to manage hay fever is to reduce exposure to pollen where possible. That means checking pollen forecasts, staying indoors when the count is high, keeping doors and windows closed during mid-morning and early evening, and avoiding drying clothes or bedding outside on high pollen days.

Wearing wraparound sunglasses can help protect the

eyes, while showering, washing your hair and changing clothes after being outdoors can reduce the amount of pollen brought into the home.

For many people, pharmacy treatment can make a big difference. The HSE says a pharmacist can advise on options such as antihistamine tablets, eye drops or nasal sprays, which may help with sneezing, blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it’s important to check what is suitable, especially for children, pregnancy, breast-

feeding, other medicines or underlying health conditions.

Steroid nasal sprays may also be recommended for hay fever and work by reducing inflammation in the nose.

Some are available from pharmacies, while others need a prescription.

The HSE says you should contact a GP or pharmacist if treatments are not working, or if symptoms are affecting your quality of life. Allergic rhinitis can sometimes lead to sinusitis, nasal polyps or middle ear infections, so persistent symptoms should not be ignored.

Good skincare starts with noticing what your skin is telling you.

Once a week, check your skin in natural daylight for two minutes. Look for changes in texture, redness, dry patches, irritation, new pigmentation or spots that are not healing. Bathroom lighting can hide or exaggerate things, while daylight gives a more honest view.

This is especially useful if you are using active ingredients such as retinol, exfoliating acids or vitamin C, as it can help you spot early signs of overdoing it.

The aim is not to criticise your skin, but to understand it. If something is persistently sore, changing, bleeding or not healing, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.

The hairbrush clean-out HAIR HACK Towfiqu barbhuiya

Fitness for your feet EXERCISE When we think about fitness, we rarely start with our feet. Yet they are the base for almost everything we do: walking, standing, climbing stairs, exercising, gardening and simply keeping steady on the move.

Feet can become stiff and weak, especially after years spent in narrow shoes, sitting for long periods or walking mostly on flat, even surfaces.

That can affect more than comfort. Poor foot strength and mobility may contribute to aches in the ankles, knees, hips or back, because the body has to compensate further up the chain.

A few simple habits can help.

Try spreading your toes wide, lifting just your big toe while keeping the others down,

Yan Krukau

then reversing it. Roll a tennis ball gently under the sole of the foot, or pick up a small towel with your toes. Calf raises, where you slowly lift and lower your heels, can also help strengthen the feet and lower legs.

Walking barefoot at home, where it is safe to do so, can allow the toes and arches to move more naturally. Supportive shoes still matter, especially for longer walks, work or exercise, but feet also benefit from time out of tight

footwear.

Pay attention to warning signs. Persistent heel pain, numbness, swelling, wounds that do not heal, or sudden changes in walking should be checked by a GP, podiatrist or physiotherapist.

A clean hairbrush can make more difference than you think.

Brushes collect oil, dust, loose hair, styling products and dry shampoo, then transfer some of that back onto freshly washed hair.

Once a week, pull out trapped hair from your brush. Then wash the brush in warm water with a small amount of shampoo. Use an old toothbrush to gently clean between the bristles, rinse well and leave it bristle-side down on a towel to dry.

This is especially useful if your hair gets greasy quickly, feels dull at the roots, or if you use a lot of styling products.

Avoid soaking wooden brushes or cushioned brushes for too long, as water can damage them. A quick clean is enough.

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Mary Cradock The death of Mary Cradock at the end of April left the city and county of Kilkenny stunned. A woman, well known for her incredible contribution to theatre, had, in one way or another, touched thousands of people.

Two projects come to mind. Her contribution to theatre and her work with the deaf community. Back in the 80’s, when Kilkenny folk were fighting to get their own theatre, the local Council advised ‘The Mayor’s theatre committee’, that if they could raise €50,000, the Arts Council would not be found wanting in their financial support.

Fundraising got underway immediately.

Under the guidance of then County manager, Paddy Donnelly, Donal O’Brien (Town Clerk) and Tony Patterson, The Mayor’s Theatre Fund committee was formed. The mayor was Tommy Martin who fully supported the project. Many theatre soldiers joined the endeavour. Amongst them was Mary, and she didn’t hold back, getting involved in Pantomimes, door to door collections, and much more.

Goal achieved.

The end result was the purchase of the old Savoy which was transformed into the Watergate theatre. Following its opening in 1993, the realisation soon dawned that lack of finance was going to be an issue going forward. Watergate Productions was founded.

Two and sometimes three productions per year, over twenty five years raised hundreds of thousands of euros. The amateur company produced over 40 shows, with all proceeds going to the upkeep of the venue. There wasn’t one show where Mary didn’t have some input. Mary had the wonderful ability to see life through the eyes of a child, full of wonderment and excitement and with the controlled curiosity to expect the unexpected. So essential in making theatre.

A farewell to Kilkenny’s queen of theatre

Dick Holland, as SB O’Donnell and Mary Cradock as Madge in ‘Philadelphia here I come’, by Brian Friel

Innate kindness Many have reasons to remember Mary as being the power house of Kilkenny theatre. Her innate kindness meant no one was excluded and as she sensitively guided hesitant footsteps, she ensured loving inclusivity for all. Mary had a

The very funny Bedtime Story by Sean O’ Casey performed by Pan Productions. Cast: Marina Boyd, Donal O’Brien, Mary Cradock and Mary O’Brien

maternal affinity with schoolchildren that saw her become a guide and confidante to many of these aspiring actors. In the not to distant past she wrote and directed 6 children’s plays, and these performances were attended by thousands of children from all over the south

Rachel Leydon with Mary Cradock in a production of By the Bog of Cats at the Watergate theatre.

east, sowing, for some, the theatrical seed.

There are many from the CBS, Presentation, and Loreto schools who will remember her productions of Oklahoma, South Pacific , Calamity Jane and Viva Mexico. Her youth production of Les Miserable is still spoken of in

Santa’s Christmas party, one of six shows for children, written and directed by Mary Cradock.

Photo shows cast and crew

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Mary Cradock Mary Cradock, who contributed enormously to theatre life in Kilkenny Photo Eoin Hennessy

Mary Cradock and Colette Browne who received their qualifications to teach lip reading from President Mary McAleese at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin

Shirley Valentine by Wily Russell saw Mary Cradock as director and Clare Gibbs as Shirley.

Photo Pat Shortall)

Mary Cradock with Kateryn O’Brien in The Field by JB Keane

Back in the day: Mike Kelly, Peggy O’Donnell and Mary Cradock in ‘Billy Liar’, with The New Theatre Group

Pub Theatre 1977 in Kytelers Inn

theatre circles. Her gift of bringing stories to life for children should be celebrated as one of the great innovative success’s of recent theatrical endeavours. She was also a great friend and contributor to The Involvement Centre and The Recovery college with whom she took part in radio documentaries and plays, and with Sunday Serendipity on local radio station CRKC. Determination During his eulogy at St Canice’s church, Shane Cradock spoke of his mothers steel like determination. When one of her family members developed a hearing issue, Mary was shocked to discover that there

was no lip reading service available in Kilkenny. Mary sprung into action and along with her good friend Colette Browne travelled to Dublin over the following few years to study lip reading, secured qualifications to teach it, and opened the first lip reading classes in Kilkenny. They received their qualifications from President Mary McAleese in Áras an Uactaráin.

Kindness Mary had a way of making every room feel warmer the moment she walked in. Her kindness wasn’t loud. It was in the cup of tea she made without being asked. The way she remembered your appointments, asked about your family, and the text she’d send just to say “thinking of you.”

Peaceful Speaking at the funeral mass, Fr Willie Purcell spoke of Mary’s deep religious belief and she told him she was well prepared for the next life. Fr Willie said that a peaceful death involves being surrounded by loved ones, allowing for the sharing of final moments, comforting words, and the performance of sacred rituals. Such was the case with Mary Cradock. She prepared, meticulously for her passing, not morbidly or fearfully but with tranquillity and joy. Family and friends were gathered as farewell interactions were delivered with loving calmness.

A good listener She listened with her whole attention, laughed easily, and gave love like it cost nothing, even when life asked everything of her. Though she’s gone now, the gentleness she carried, lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to be called her friend.

Mary’ son Mark read an after communion reflection as pianist James Rice played Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy.

Music and singing at the funeral mass was performed by James Rice, Michael Hayes, Bridget Cody, Siobhán Cody, and Olivia Smith.

The local theatre community along with members of Carlow Little theatre, formed a guard of honour in the church grounds, while students from CBC Kilkenny and Loreto convent (with teachers Mandy Dowling, Rachel Leydon and Jacinta Cantwell) gave a rendition of ‘Do you hear the people sing’ from ‘Les Miserables’ as the hearse left the church grounds. The students presented red roses to the chief mourners.

To Jim, Shane, Mark, Catherine, to their wives and husband and to the beautiful grandchildren, we offer sincere condolences. Marys sacred memory will remain in our hearts forever.

‘Idtreo an t’solais’ (Lake productions)

Éirí na Gréine From your bedroom window, your spectacular view created a picture perfect postcard.

It was a photographer’s dream, where leading lines and filling the frame was paradise personified.

It was your oasis, peace and tranquility.

Your heaven on earth, where nature showed how beautiful the world could be.

Though struggling with ill health. you fought the good fight, grateful for a life well lived, and thankful to have met such lifelong friends on your journey.

Surrounded by photos of family, the sun shone and filled your space, helping to alleviate some of the pain.

Like all tasks, you took it in your stride, and said that your time was near.

You beamed when you spoke of meeting your parents, Edward and Mary, and your siblings, Eamonn and Patricia.

You relished the thought of being reacquainted with friends already gone ahead.

Then, dawn broke, just after six, and like the ‘Lilian Gloag’ painting ‘There are four corners to my bed’, your angels, Jim, Shane, Mark and Catherine, surrounded you with love.

You left, comfortable, in a dignified transition.

(GC)

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Food & Drink

Strawberry, Lemon and Mascarpone Meringue Mess RECIPE

Kilkenny’s finest chase ‘Food Oscars’

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AWARDS

A bright, easy dessert that looks generous but takes very little effort. This is a lovely one for late spring and early summer, when strawberries are coming into their own. It can be served in individual glasses or piled into one large bowl for the table.

Serves: 4-6 Ingredients • 400g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved • 2 tbsp caster sugar • Zest and juice of 1 lemon • 250g mascarpone • 200ml double cream • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 6 ready-made meringue nests, roughly broken • A few fresh mint leaves, to serve Method Place half the strawberries in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of caster sugar and the lemon juice. Mash lightly with a fork until juicy but still a little chunky. Set aside for 10 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk the mascarpone, double cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest and the remaining tablespoon of caster sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whisk; you want the mixture to be thick but still spoonable.

Fold the broken meringue pieces through the cream mixture, keeping back a few pieces for the top. Gently ripple through the mashed strawberries, followed by the remaining halved strawberries. Do not overmix, as you want visible streaks of fruit and cream.

Spoon into glasses or a serving bowl, then scatter over the reserved meringue pieces and a few mint leaves.

Serve straight away for a crisp meringue texture, or chill for up to an hour if you prefer a softer, more pudding-like dessert.

Cook’s note For a more grown-up version, add a splash of elderflower cordial to the strawberries, or replace the lemon with lime. Raspberries, blueberries or sliced peaches can also be used depending on what you have to hand.

There will be plenty of Kilkenny interest in Dublin on Monday night, when the All-Ireland Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026 takes place at the Clayton Hotel.

Following a strong showing at the Leinster Regional Awards earlier this year, Kilkenny’s winners are now hoping to bring home honours at what are widely known as the ‘Food Oscars’.

It is a proud moment not just for the businesses involved,

but for the many teams behind them - chefs, frontof-house staff, managers, producers and suppliers - who help make Kilkenny such a strong food destination.

Among those representing the county are Campagne, named Kilkenny’s Best Restaurant; John Kelly of the Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny’s Best Chef; and Paul Byrne of Zuni Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, Kilkenny’s Best Restaurant Manager.

The Lady Helen Restaurant will also represent Kilkenny

in the Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant category, while Agnieszka Mokrzycka of Cafe La Coco is recognised in Employee Excellence.

There is further local interest across a wide range of categories, with Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro recognised for Best Casual Dining, Best Use of Social Media and Innovator of the Year. Tābú represents Kilkenny in both Best World Cuisine and Best Customer Service, while Left Bank is shortlisted for Best Gastro Pub. Also flying the flag are Diz-

zy Goat Restaurant for Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine, Wildflower Tearooms for Best Newcomer, The Dylan Whisky Bar for Pub of the Year, Ristorante Rinuccini for Best Wine Experience, Knockdrinna Cafe for Best Café, Statham’s by Pembroke Kilkenny for Best Sustainable Practices and Sean Ring of Ring’s Farm as Local Food Hero.

Win or lose on the night, Kilkenny has plenty to be proud of. The very best of luck to all the county’s finalists.

Aldi seeks food fans for tasting panel FOODIES Aldi Ireland is calling on food lovers across Kilkenny and beyond to put their taste buds to the test as part of its Grow With Aldi judging panel for 2026.

The retailer is looking for eight customers to take part in a special tasting event in Dublin on Wednesday, June 10, where they will sample products from this year’s Grow With Aldi finalists.

Whether you are always first to try something new, or the person your friends turn to for food recommendations, Aldi says this is a chance to help decide which new Irish products could make it onto shelves.

The successful applicants will taste a range of new products from emerging Irish producers and give feedback

as part of the judging process.

Each producer will be hoping to secure a place in Aldi stores in 2027.

Now in its ninth year, Grow With Aldi is run in partnership with Bord Bia and has become a launchpad for Irish food and drink businesses looking to reach a wider audience.

Aldi says it has invested more than €11.5 million in the programme to date, supporting home-grown producers and new food ideas.

To apply, email growjudge@ aldi.ie with your full name, address, a short paragraph about your love of food and why you would make a good judge, along with confirmation that you are available to travel to Dublin on Wednesday, June 10. The closing date for entries is 12pm on May 22.

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What’s On

Your picks for this week TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE - OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Mortal Kombat II raises the stakes as Earthrealm’s champions return for a brutal tournament against Shao Kahn’s forces. Joined by swaggering newcomer Johnny Cage, played

by Karl Urban, the fighters face fresh enemies, old grudges and gory showdowns built for the big screen. Expect explosive martial arts, fantasy spectacle and unapologetic fan service as the hit video game saga delivers another round of bone-crunching, high-stakes combat and chaos onscreen again.

David Nihill:

Taking Tangents SET THEATRE | MAY 20 | 8PM - 9PM COMEDY Kilkenny audiences are in for a night of sharp wit and brilliantly unexpected detours as comedian and bestselling author David Nihill brings his brand-new show, Taking Tangents, to the city.

After a sold-out world tour, the Dublin-born comic returns to Ireland with a show that promises exactly what the title suggests: a fast-moving, funny and unpredictable journey through travel, culture, lan-

guage, identity and the many strange situations that come with being a mildly confused immigrant abroad.

Nihill left Dublin at the age of 22 and has been “drunk on travel” ever since, living and working in 12 countries and visiting more than 80. His comedy draws on this rich international experience, blending hilarious cultural observations with tales of language-learning mishaps, awkward encounters and the occasional international drinking session.

A natural storyteller with a gift for finding humour in the chaos of everyday life, Nihill has built a huge following around the world. He is the winner of the prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition, whose past finalists include Robin Williams, and was runner-up in The Moth’s largest US Grandslam storytelling competition.

As well as being a celebrated live performer, Nihill is a bestselling writer and acclaimed comedy creator. His debut

special, Documented, was recorded for Dry Bar Comedy in 2019, followed by Cultural Appreciation and his award-winning show Shelf Help. His work has featured on TED.com, Sirius XM, Just For Laughs, Netflix is a Joke Festival, RTÉ’s Late Late Show, NPR, The Irish Independent and more.

With viral videos amassing more than 800 million views and a social following of over two million people, David Nihill has become a festival favourite across the globe.

Irish horror, straight up CINEMA Irish writer-director Damian McCarthy returns with Hokum, a new supernatural horror that brings Adam Scott to a remote Irish hotel for a story of grief, folklore and lots of creeping unease. McCarthy, whose previous work includes Caveat and Oddity, once again works in the shadows: locked rooms, unsettling silences and the sense that every corridor is holding something back.

Scott plays Ohm Bauman, a troubled novelist who travels to Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes at the hotel where they once honeymooned.

What begins as a bleak personal journey soon turns stranger, as Ohm becomes drawn into local stories surrounding a sealed honeymoon suite, a missing woman and rumours of a witch haunting

the building. The film also stars Peter Coonan, David Wilmot and Florence Ordesh, adding a strong Irish ensemble to its off-season atmosphere.

While Hokum uses familiar folk-horror ingredients, its appeal lies in how carefully it handles them. This is not postcard Ireland dressed up in clichés, but a colder, more uneasy landscape: isolated, watchful and emotionally charged. The hotel setting gives McCarthy space to build tension through sound, framing and suggestion, while Scott brings a bruised, guarded presence to the centre of the story.

Expect a horror film that favours atmosphere over excess, with moments of dark humour, supernatural dread and psychological unravelling.

Now showing at IMC Cinema, Kilkenny.

What to Read: Andrea Mara’s Such a Nice Girl turns every parent’s nightmare into a sleek, twist-laden thriller. After a glamorous wedding, best friends Siobhán and Grace discover that their twenty-four-year-old daughters are missing, with a smashed lamp, bloodstain and ringing phone left behind. As fear hardens into suspicion, loyalty, privilege and motherhood come under pressure. Sharp, tense and unsettling, this is domestic suspense with a dangerously polished surface and secrets waiting beneath.

What to Stream: Paramount+ returns to the Yellowstone universe with Dutton Ranch, a sequel focused on Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler as they attempt a hard-won fresh start in Texas.

Expect bruising family loyalties, ranch politics, old grudges and Taylor Sheridan’s familiar mix of romance, danger and frontier tension. For fans of the original, it promises high-stakes drama with two of the saga’s most compelling survivors back at the centre of it all.

What to Listen to: Charli XCX keeps her post-Brat momentum unpredictable with ‘I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,’ a slower, introspective B-side that swaps club-floor rush for something moodier and more confessional.

Produced by A.G. Cook and Finn Keane, the track leans into longing, uncertainty and emotional obsession, offering a glimpse of Charli’s rawer, guitar-edged next chapter, while carrying her restless pop instincts into new and intriguing territory now.

Hokum

What to Play: The Caped Crusader returns in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a bright new adventure mixing Gotham drama with brick-built chaos. Expect familiar villains, clever gadgets, co-op fun and the series’ trademark wink to fans of every age. With punchier action and plenty of playful mayhem, it should suit families, superhero devotees and anyone ready for another colourful night in Gotham City, packed with jokes, chases and surprises galore.

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA JUNIORS WIN Clara got their first win in this year’s league by beating St. Mullins 2-27 to 1-21 in Clara on Friday evening. Killian Phelan opened Clara’s account with a pointed free in the first minute and was to be the fulcrum of the Clara attack for the hour. He was brilliant all evening and tortured the St Mullins full back line with his ability to win high ball and lay it off or score himself. He finished his evening with 1-9, 1-4 from play, and was the architect of many other scores for his colleagues.

After St. Mullins had equalised Killian restored Clara’s advantage and Conor Cody drove forward from centre back to extend the lead.

After the Carlow men had pegged one back Joe Connolly from long range and Conor O Shea found the target. St. Mullins struck one back, but Ciarán Prendergast hit two in a row and in the next play some smart passing involving Stephen Quinlan and Conor O Shea found Killian Phelan with space and time and the net bulged. Although St. Mullins rallied somewhat with 4 of the next 6 points Clara kicked on again through Killian Phelan and Joe Connolly before Stephen Quinlan found the net with a cleverly placed shot. Another pointed Killian Phelan free had the home side 10 points clear but St. Mullins got the half’s last 3 points to leave themselves with hope at the break.

A quickfire goal and a point at the start of the second half closed the gap to a single score but seven points in a row from play by the home side sealed the deal. Ciarán Prendergast (3), Killian Phelan (2), Peter Nolan and Joe Connolly did the damage during this spell. From there to the end Clara hit some lovely points with David Langton and Jake Brett joining the list of scorers. A late flurry by St. Mullins closed the deficit to 9 points but this game was won with 20 minutes to go.

This was a good display by the Clara men who mixed the short game with the long delivery to good effect. They did hit 12 wides, but their opponents hit 13 of them. Overall, a job well done.

Team - Ben Murphy, Paddy Ryan, Bill Carrigan, Luke Whelan. Rory O Keeffe, Conor Cody 0-1, David Langton 0-1. Peter Nolan 0-4, Jake Brett 0-1. Ciarán Prendergast 0-5, Conor O Shea 0-2, Joe Connolly 0-4. Stephen Quinlan 1-0, Killian Phelan 1-9, 0-5f, Alex McDonald. Sub used Tom Ryan.

CLUB LOTTO The Lotto results for 5th May were as follows, the numbers drawn were 6, 14, 27. There was no Jackpot winner. The €30 Lucky dip went to Pat O’Loughlin, Caitriona Corr, Margaret Logue, Ciarán Prendergast and Billy O’Dwyer.

COUNTY SCENE Well done to the Meany brothers who were on the Kilkenny minor hurling panel that had a thrilling one point win over Dublin in the Leinster semi final on Saturday in Parnell Park.

Micheál started in his usual corner back spot while Padraic had to sit this one out through injury.

Well done also to the Clara girls that were part of the Kilkenny U23 camogie team that dug out a terrific victory over Galway in the All Ireland semi final on Saturday in Birr. Katie and Keara Ryan started and were later joined on the field by Lucy Boyd. Laoise Nolan and the injured pair of Rachel Whelan and Grace Barcoe were also in the squad.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS MINORS REACH LEAGUE CUP FINAL O’Loughlin Gaels minor hurlers reached the League Cup final when they defeated Danesfort in the semi final last week in St. John’s Park. It was a convincing win with all lines on the team playing well. The team was Ronan Treacy, Shea O’Meara, Eaosa Dowling, TJ Comerford, Kyril Mtinsi, Luke Nc Donald, Diarmuid Considine, JJ Cahill, Conor Mc Cormack,

Adam Quigley, Adam Maher, Conor Holohan, Harry Egan, Sam Mc Kenna, Eldon Sheridan.

Subs: Enda Mc Loughlin, Ryan Farrell, Conor Minogue, Lucas Duggan, Dan O’Brien, Shane Comerford, David Mc Gee, Ruairí Hanrahan, Souley Toure. O’Loughlin’s will play Erin’s Own in the final.

INTER COUNTY PLAYERS It was a busy weekend for O’Loughlin Gaels players who were in action with County teams over last weekend. At Senior level Mikey Butler, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy and Fionán Mackessy all saw action against Offaly while Luke Hogan was a substitute. Kilkenny’s win in the Under 20 Quarter final over Dublin saw Ruarc Sweeney and Greg Kelly in action.

At Minor level Andrew Holohan was part of the Kilkenny panel which defeated Dublin in Parnell Park in the Leinster semi-final while Kyril Mtinsi, Harry Egan, Conor Minogue and Adam Quigley were part of the Kilkenny Celtic Challenge team which defeated Tipperary Gold in the All-Ireland Quarter-final CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated May 5th. The numbers drawn were 10, 23, 24 and 25. The bonus number was 15.

Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com.

The winners of the Promotors Draw were, 1.

M.C. Gala c/o Ml Nolan. 2. Brian c/o JJ Cullen.

3. Julie Phelan c/o Mgt Hanlon. 4. The Sunday 6 c/o The Bar. 5. Mags and Dinny c/o JJ Cullen. 6. Pat Cody c/o M Cody. 7. Mary Cody c/o M Doran. 8. Michael Butler c/o Online. 9.

Declan Gibbons c/o Online. 10. Amy Burke c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support.

BOOKINGS FOR OCCASIONS O’Loughlin Gaels Club boasts the best club facilities for its members in the city. With plenty of free parking, kitchen, bar and lounge facilities available it can cater for all your party needs. Contact 086-8919312 to book your special occasion. The large Hall is available for larger community events and the space outside is safe and secure for all the family.

NOTES If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes, please email it to communications.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@ gaa.ie FRESHFORD DARKNESS INTO LIGHT WALK There was a good turnout at Pairc Lachtain at 4.15am on Saturday morning last for the darkness into light annual walk. Thanks go to all the walkers and all who donated to this cause. Special thanks also to Mace/Inver Freshford for opening and providing complimentary coffee and pastries to the walkers. All proceeds go to Pieta House, and the organisers will continue to accept donations for another week.

WIN FOR WOODVIEW Well done to all involved in the Woodview residents Association as the estate was awarded third place recently in the large estate section

by Kilkenny County Council for 2025/26. This is a just reward for the effort and work that residents put in to keep their estate looking so well. Keep up the good work.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Carmel Brennan (nee Doyle) Kilmanagh and formerly of Woodview, Freshford on the death of her mother in law Mrs Noreen Brennan late of Ballycuddihy, Kilmanagh. Funeral mass took place in St Brigid’s church Ballycallan followed by burial in St Mary’s Cemetery Ballykeeffe.

DARTS The finals of the various leagues are all over now. Seanie’s of Tullaroan are A league champions beating Kavanagh’s in the final. The B league saw Seanie’s beat McGraths in a final which went down to the very last game. While Connolly’s of Tullaroan won the C league.

Seanie’s also won the John McGrath Cup this year beating Killeens in the final. Chairman

JP Kavanagh thanked all who took part and all the organising committee etc for their help throughout the season and look forward the new season which kicks off again in October.

GAA It was a busy weekend for St Lachtains juvenile teams. The U10 and U12’s travelled to Thomastown on Saturday and Sunday to take part in the John Prendergast festival of hurling and camogie.

The U8’s hosted the go games on Sunday morning and played games against Graiguenamanagh, Piltown, and Galmoy/Fenians.

Training also continued for U6’s on Sunday morning with great teamwork and effort put in by all teams.

St Lachtains minor hurlers defeated Galmoy/ Windgap in roinn C league quarter final in PaircLachtain. The minors and u16 now have a break for a few weeks due to exams.

A depleted intermediate side gave a good account of themselves against Mooncoin on Saturday evening last in Mooncoin in the senior/intermediate league div 2 finishing on score of Mooncoin 3-18 st Lachtains 0-17.

St Lachtains junior B hurlers take on Conahy in the league on Sunday next at 11.30am while on Tuesday evening the intermediates take on Glenmore in Pairc Lachtain at 7.45 pm.

Well done to Jamie Kavanagh who was part of winning St Kieran’s Leinster second year final last weekend. Jamie scored 3pts on the way to a 3-22 to 3-17 victory over Good Counsel of Wexford LOTTO There was no winner of the jackpot last week.

The lucky dip winners were Lisa Mullen (€50) Kate Dalton and John Campion (€25 each).

Tickets are €2 each and you can play online through Clubzap or from any of the local sellers.

SPLIT THE POT Split the pot this month is going to St Lachtain’s camogie club. The winner of week 1 was Amanda Ryan, Moate Rd who got €250 and the winner of week 2 was Mary Campion, Sart who won €318. Tickets are just €2 and can be purchased in any of the local pubs or businesses. The club would be grateful for your support for the rest of the month.

CAMP Freshford’s first and longest running camp will take place again this year under the helm of local man JJ Grace and his helpers. This camp has been running for almost 20 years and will be held from the 27th to 31st July and has a wide range of activities for all kids from junior infants to 6th class places available. For more information, please contact JJ on 086 8629666.

TRIP Freshford day care centre is running a trip to Rathwood Gardens on Tuesday 19th May with the bus leaving Freshford at 9.30am returning 7.30pm. Names should be given to Marie O’Connor, and you can contact her on 086 2547439.

SOCCER The u12 progressed to the semi final of the cup after they had a great win in the quarter final beating Deen Celtic by 1-0 with the winning goal coming from Jack Costelloe.

The u15 boys had a big win over Callan at the weekend coming out winners on 9-1 scoreline with Danny Greene netting four times Patrick O’Connor getting a hat trick and Sean Morgan scoring twice.

PARISH NEWS Mass is celebrated each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’s church at 9.30am Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening.

FIRST COMMUNION The boys and girls of second class will receive their First Holy Communion at Lachtains Church on Saturday next at 11am. They are all wished the very best.

WEBCAM

The mass webcam has been installed by Church Media Ireland. All masses in at Lachtain’s church will be livestreamed through the webcam at Https//church media. ie/st-lachtains-church-frffreshford.

PILGRIMAGE The Ossory pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place 25th to 30th May. 5 nights from €995 per person. All bookings through Joe Walsh tours on 01 2410800 or online at pilgrimage/groupdiocesan-pilgrimages or by post to JWT Harcourt Street Dublin 2. Assisted pilgrims should contact Fr O’Connor on 0872517766.

OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 087 4833941 BRIDGE Freshford Bridge club is held each week in Threecastles Hall 7.30pm. New members are very welcome. Bridge Classes are also being held for anyone interested in learning how to play bridge and you are most welcome to attend these classes. For further information contact Anne Maria on 087 2271136 if you are interested in joining.

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

NEWSLETTER The parish newsletter is available every week and it is also on the website. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours.

MASS CARDS Mass Cards and Mass Bouquets are available in the Parish office and also from Annette at Tulla.

VISITS Fr. Mark is happy to visit the sick and if you would like to receive a visit from Fr. Mark, you can contact him by phone or through the parish office.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and is a welcoming hub in the village. They’re always happy to see more people on both sides of the counter, so why not drop in to support your local café, meet a friend, enjoy a chat, and savour some delicious homemade food? Along with great refreshments, The Loop hosts a variety of community activities that bring neighbours together. The café is also seeking volunteers to help keep these services thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon.

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

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB SEN/INTER LEAGUE On Saturday evening, in sunny Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan, the club’s intermediate hurlers produced a fine exhibition of freeflowing hurling to carve out a 1-16 to 0-14 victory against neighbours Bennettsbridge.

After Oisin Bateman pointed in the 1st minute James Stephens went on to take a 0-05 to 0-01 lead at the 11th minute. Sensing trouble,

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Community & GAA Notes without an effective response Bennettsbridge soon rose to the challenge and with some quality play reeled off seven points over the 2nd quarter to the home team’s 4 scores from Willie Spencer (15th min), Eoin Guilfoyle (16 and 18mins) and Conor McEvoy (34 min) for James Stephens to take a 0-09 to 0-08 lead into the break. The Village opened the 2nd half brightly with points by reliable free-taker Conor McEvoy and substitute Mattie McWey before a 9th minute drive through the ‘Bridge defence by Eoin Guilfoyle for Conor McEvoy to finish to the net to increase their advantage at 1-11 to 0-09. Meanwhile much credit must go to the hard graft and support play of the Village defence in which all six excelled for limiting the scoring potential of the Bennettsbridge attack. Centre field players Tadhg O’Dwyer and Niall Mullins also played a leading role with many quality interventions in support of the defence and attack over the hour. As to be expected, the ‘Bridge did eventually break through to shoot four single scores between the 21st and 28th minutes but these were countered earlier by Conor McEvoy (14min), Oisin Bateman (15 min) and a fine strike by Luke Murphy from a Tadhg O’Dwyer delivery in the16th minute to keep their opponents safely at bay. Hopefully they will be able to follow up this fine early season run of success with a repeat performance when they take on Clara in the 3rd round fixture on their home ground next Sunday.

MINOR LEAGUE The minor hurlers can feel decidedly unlucky, having put in a storming second half performance, only to go down 0-24 to 1-23 in a high quality 2026 minor league semi-final on Wednesday evening in Larchfield. Effectively the winning score came in the 31st minute of the second half when Erins Own crashed a 20-meter free to the net to decide the competitive fixture between two quality teams.

The ‘Comer lads opened brightly and raced into a 0-10 to 0-02 lead after 18 minutes. Only then did James Stephens spring into action, thanks to points from Rory Glynn (21min), Liam O’Brien (25 and 29mins) and a close-in score from Conor Leahy (32 min) to bring the half time score to 0-14 to 0-07.

After a spirited talk at the break by the team mentors and a few wise positional changes to the line up the Village players produced a renewed determination going on a scoring spree and knocking over 17 points to their opponents 9 single scores bringing the scores level at 0-23 each in the final minutes of the game. However, believing they were in arrears, not realising they were on level terms, Erins Own pressured the Village defence and won a 20 meter free which they converted into a three pointer for the decisive winning score at 1-23 to 0-22. As confusion reigned two late Rory Glynn points brought the fixture to an end giving the visitors passage to the league final at 1- 23 to 0-24. Allowing for the disappointment of the defeat there were quality displays from goalkeeper Cian Dermody, Andrew Brennan, Cooper Delaney and influential sub, Henry Phelan in defence, hard grafting midfielder Paul Millea and impressive point scoring from Liam O’Brien, Rory Glynn and Jack Mulcahy in attack. A brave effort by the Village lads that just came up short.

U-16 “B” LEAGUE The club’s U-16 “B” hurlers registered a comprehensive 5-10 to 1-06 victory over neighbours Dicksboro in Rd 3 of their 2026 Roinn “D” league campaign. The commanding performance was led by goal scorers Paddy Larkin, Max Kealy, Odhran Cantwell and Harry Dempsey while stand out games were also seen from Jack Hennessy, Syd Harkin and Jack Allen. Having remained undefeated after three rounds of the league this victory has placed them in second place on the league table. Well done lads, just keep it up.

JUNIOR ‘F’ HURLING LEAGUE On Sunday morning, in the Kells Road, the Junior F league campaign continued against a Mullinavat team expected to go far at this level. The southern team were full value for their half time lead, but the Village could be grateful for the excellent goalkeeping performance from erstwhile corner back Andy Doyle.

In the second half, the use of dropping a man back improved the Village’s defence and the forwards made good use of the extra space with Stephen Renehan adding a goal. The final score was 3-17 to 1-9, but the Village can hold their head high after facing possibly the most difficult opponents in this grade.

HURLER’S CO-OP DRAW Members are reminded that ticket for the annual Hurler’s Co-Op Draw to help fund training expenses for both Club and County teams are now on sale. Tickets remain at €50 each for the FIVE draws with a car on offer as first prize in three of the draws. After the major prize is won there are 31 other cash prizes to be won in each draw. The first draw takes place on Tuesday 16th June. Co-ordinator Tom Keane (086-34818820) advises that tickets may be secured from any committee member, team coaches.

KILKENNY MINORS Congratulations to club players Oliver Phelan, Brioni Walsh and Ruairi Power members of the Kilkenny minor team that fought an intense battle against The Dubs in Parnell Park and were relieved to return home with a narrow 2-18 to 1-20 victory. Also, members of the squad were Paddy Purcell and Jack Mulcahy.

The result also affords the young Cats the opportunity to defend their Leinster crown in the Leinster final in the weeks ahead.

LIBRARY NEWS Librarian, Alan Dunne, is delighted to announce the launch of the Little Library Bags 2026 initiative. This is a free library bag containing two story books, a library card wallet and resources available for children starting Junior Infants in September. Families are invited to visit Loughboy Library to collect their bag and become members of the local library.

LOTTO (CRANNCHUR) Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite 1, 10, 24, 29. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir. Na mion duaisneanna €40: Mary Donohoe, Breda Ryan, Flor Hennessy, P.J. McGrath agus Ned Costigan. Mar is gnath, go raibh maith agaibh go leir as bhuir dtachtaoicht. (As always, our thanks to all for your continuing support) BENNETTSBRIDGE ALZHEIMERS TEA PARTY Many thanks to all who kindly donated to the Alzheimer’s Tea Day collection on Thursday last. The sum of €450.00 was collected on the day. Special thanks to Gail and Staff in Crafted and PJ Cullen in Centra.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Griffiths and Delaney families on the death of, Frances Griffiths (nee Delaney), Gowran Road, Bennettsbridge and Pipe Street, Thomastown.

Frances, in her 92nd year, passed away on 7th May 2026, surrounded by family, in the wonderful care of the staff at St. Columba’s Hospital, Thomastown. Beloved wife of the late Jimmy Griffiths. Frances will be sadly missed by her daughter Liz, son Robbie, daughter-inlaw Denise, cherished granddaughter Ella, her brothers and sisters, sisters-in-law, brothersin-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Frances lay in repose, in The Mercy Side Chapel of The Church of The Assumption, Thomastown on Friday last 5pm to 7pm with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 6:30pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Bennett’s Church, Bennettsbridge. Interment took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

CARDS Results 21st April. First prize Michael Phelan/ Frank O’Neill (10 games). Second Prize Eugene and Brendan Malone (9 games). Table Prize Rose Hayes/Brian Blackmore.

28th April. First Prize Siobhan Donovan/Joan O’Gorman, Tommy Hayes/Bridget Murphy (11 games). Table Prize Vinny Horgan/Andy Barcoe.

5th May. First Prize Lar Gibbons/Michael Kenneally, Brian Blackmore/Annie Lehane (10 games). Table Prize John and Marie Reid.

LOTTO There was no winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 8, 12, 16, 26. The Jackpot remains at €12,000.00.

Consolation Prizes, Liam McEvoy, Gowran

Road, Anne Marie Mullins, ℅ Mosse’s, Nelly O’Connell, Killarney, De Bally Boys, Marian Brady, Woodlawn.

WORK COMMENCING ON BUS STOPS Work will commence this week on the new Bus stops with shelters. The 2026 Bus Stop Enhancement Scheme will make bus trips more comfortable, accessible and safer for everyone. There will be 2 new bus stops with shelters. New raised pedestrian crossing and Belisha beacons for safer crossing. Localised footpath improvements and better public lighting. Fresh road markings and signage at bus stop locations. These improvements are all about making public transport easier, comfortable and safer for our community.

CHURCH NEWS OUTDOOR ROSARY There will be an outdoor rosary at the Grotto in the village on Saturday 16th May at 4pm.

It is being organised by John Ryan who is a Fatima Rosary Captain and has been organising these events for a while. It is envisaged that the rosary will be said in venues all over the world at 4pm on 16th May. It will bring to mind the story of Fatima when Our Lady appeared to three young peasant children in May 1917. All welcome!

MASS OF THANKSGIVING On Corpus Christi, Sunday 7th June, there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving. As is traditional first communion children will dress in their first Communion clothes. The mass will be a little more special this year as the chief celebrant will be Bishop Gerard Nash. Mass will be at the earlier time of 10am to facilitate the bishop celebrating mass in Gowran at 11.30am.

KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE The Kilkenny Volunteer Centre has many openings for volunteers to help with various events happening around this time.

In nearby Thomastown, the following groups need some help, No Name Club in Thomastown is looking for Adult Leader Volunteers.

The role as an adult leader will be to organise and facilitate club meetings, providing a safe and fun environment where young people aged 15-18 years can feel welcome. Adult volunteers offer approximately 2 hours a week.

Upper Paddock Biodiversity Garden Volunteers are needed in Thomastown. Volunteers will meet on a Monday / Wednesday / Saturday at 10.30am -12.30pm. Tasks include general maintenance and upkeep of the garden. Volunteers with all levels of gardening skills are welcome.

Thomastown Scout Group is seeking Adult Scout Leaders. For adults in Scouting there is a clear opportunity to work with the young people in their community from all age ranges from 6 right through to 20. This opportunity will allow you to help develop the future of these young people and their future contribution to your area and will also be a lot of fun!

For further details go to, www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or contact us by info@volunteerkilkenny.ie.

HANDBALL A new 60x30 adult tournament has started this week in Kilfane Handball Club. The Liam Murphy memorial tournament will be played over the next few weeks. There are A and B grades in two separate competitions, and the A winner will become the first winner of the Liam Murphy Memorial Cup. Liam Murphy was one of the driving forces behind Kilfane Handball Club for many decades including the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s. Liam was passionate about everything to do with Kilfane handball club and beyond, be it County, Provincial or National level.

In Liam’s playing days he was part of a very successful Kilfane team that won numerous teams of 6 competitions. Liam had a tasty left hand where he always liked going for the red line at the bottom of the wall also known as the butt or kill shot. Liam was also heavily involved in the coaching of the next generation at that time. A nice touch about the tournament is that Liam’s son Willie and Grandson Cian are participating in the competition.

GAA Intercounty Games: Well, done to David Blanchfield and the Kilkenny seniors who

drew with Offaly in Tullamore last weekend. Well done also to Jamie Walsh and the Kilkenny minors who defeated Dublin in the third round of the Leinster minor championship and qualified for the Leinster final.

A Night At The Dogs: Bennettsbridge GAA and Camogie clubs would like to thank all who helped to make the Night at the Dogs a successful and enjoyable night at the kilkenny track last Friday. Many thanks to all sponsors and to all who bought tickets. Thanks also to all who provided and sourced raffle prizes.

Huge credit to the hardworking committee who put in the hard work.

Adult Games: Our seniors lost out to James Stephen’s in the Byrne cup on Saturday last by five points. Our junior E team played St Martins last Monday evening.

Membership 2026; Membership for the coming season is now due and can be paid to any committee member or online via clubspot.

For non-playing members the membership remains at €40. Adult players membership, €150 and student players, €100. Early payment would be greatly appreciated as the bills for 2026 start to come in.

Underage Games: Our minor and under 16 teams had good wins over Mullinavat and Clara in their league quarter finals. Good luck to our under 14 football team who play in the Roinn B county final against Erins Own with the venue to be confirmed. Our younger age groups are now in action in go games at the minute. Well done to all.

Piltown Draw: This year’s Piltown draw is approaching fast with the first draw at the start of June. Tickets available again this year from committee members. Great prizes on offer again from cars to cash prizes.

Signage Campaign: Bennettsbridge GAA club continues to promote our Pitch signage campaign. There are still places available and many thanks to all the business owners who have supported so far. If interested, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

Split the Pot: The next draw will take place on Friday May 15th at 6 pm in the clubhouse.

The draw can also now be entered online on the club spot app under fundraising. Thanks again for the support.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH LOCALOTTO The numbers drawn for this week’s lotto were10, 12, 23,26. There was no winner. Consolation prizes of €30 went to Aine Jackson, Alan fenlon (online). Mag and Steven. Catherine Kelly (online). Patsy and Anne Marie.

WEE There is a Wee collection at Borris Mart, Borris, County Carlow on Wednesday, 20th May 2026 from 10am - 4pm. You can recycle any household item with a plug or a battery free of charge. (excuse the pun!)

HIGHVIEW Our u12 white team made the trip to the Kells Road to take on a good Evergreen team in the cup quarter final. With the league already won, these boys are going for a double this season, looking to add the cup also. A solid first half was played by both teams, but the game remained 0-0 at the break. In the second half the boys came out showing exactly why they still remain unbeaten all year and put on a brilliant display. The first goal came 5 mins into second half when Caden Moore drilled home a brilliant free kick. The Graigue boys pushed on from there and three quick fire goals from Loughie Holohan, Jake Kavangh and Harry Barron saw the boys run out comfortable 4-0 winners. Onto the semi final now where we host Bridge United. Well done lads.

Our u12 blue team finished off a strong league campaign against a very good Evergreen team. A hard-fought game between both teams, with neither team able to break the deadlock. A draw was probably a fair result, and it sees our boys finish third overall after an excellent season. The quarterfinal of the cup is next up for the boys against our neighbours Thomastown in what is always a great game between both teams.

BOOK FESTIVAL

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

Community & GAA Notes Graiguenamanagh officially joins the world stage. We are proud to announce that the Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival is now a member of the International Organisation of Book Towns (IOB). As Ireland’s first Book Town festival (est. 2003), we are now part of a global family of literary destinations.

While the movement was sparked in Hay-onWye (1961), we have joined a global network of literary havens dedicated to books, culture, and sustainable tourism.

CANOE CLUB Our donations for Darknessintolight 2026 raised a whopping €1040. Thank you all very much, it was a stunning morning, 5km paddling. Laughter and smiles, remembering loved ones gone.

CUSHENDALE A celebration of our heritage craft of wool making hosted by Cushendale is set to be a gorgeous afternoon with lots for all the family to enjoy on Saturday 30th May from 12-4pm.

Come meet the sheep as they arrive from mill road to Cushendale yard. Enjoy wool shed talks about the entire process, from caring for the sheep to the beautiful heritage craft of wool making and the magical history and stories about Graiguenamanagh and the important part the town has played over the years in keeping the tradition alive.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN BARROW RANGERS There was no winner of the jackpot lotto draw of 5th May and there were no Match 3 winners.

The new Barrow Rangers Clubspot App is now available for anyone to download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store - search for ‘Barrow Rangers GAA’ to find the app in the Apple and Google Stores.

BRIDGE UNITED Last week’s winners in the Lotto draw of 4th May April were (€50 each): Dee Hillier and Gabrielle Carroll CHURCH SERVICES/EVENTS Weekday Masses: Goresbridge at 10am on Wednesday; Paulstown on Tuesday and Thursday.

For the month of May, the rosary will be recited each evening at 8pm at Our Lady’s grotto to the rear of Paulstown church.

The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Sunday 7th June. Information: Brenda at 085 782 2933.

Church of Ireland services (17 May): Shankill at 10am and Borris at 11.30am.

TALKING THE TALK Cupla Focal is an Irish language conversation circle that meets every Friday in the Goodly Barrow Cafe. It offers a relaxed, friendly space to practice speaking Irish, build confidence, and connect with others interested in the language, from beginners to fluent speakers, through casual conversation and shared learning.

MENS SHED The next meetings will be on Tuesday 19 May at 11am in in the cabin by the Paulstown Community Hal (R95 NY93). New members welcome.

SPLIT THE POT The Split the Pot in aid of Goresbridge Rural Development is also online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie. The results of the lotto draw for 10 May were: 1 Stella Breen (€100) 2. Summer Parlon (€20) and 3. J.A. Madden (€20).

STROKE SUPPORT Meetings the both the Kilkenny and the Carlow Stroke Support Groups are open to Stroke survivors and carers. They are informative and social. The next Carlow meeting will be Friday, 22nd May in St Dympna’s Hospital, Carlow from 2pm to 4pm. For further information text or call Lynda 087 7814697.

Tom Healy

KILMANAGH

KILMACOW

FERRYBANK

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION First Holy Communion will take place in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Kilmanagh on Saturday, May 23rd.

KNOCKNAGRESS ANNUAL COMMEMORATION Knocknagress Annual Commemoration will take place on Friday 22nd May at 7.30 pm.

This is a get together to say a decade of the rosary to commemorate the lives of the two lads shot in the ambush during the war of independence. Guest Speaker will be Larry Scallon. Music will be by Sean Fortune.

MILO’S SPORTS QUIZ Milo’s Sports Quiz and Fundraiser in aid of @ ilfa_ireland was organised by the Hennessy family, in conjunction with Graigue Ballycallan Hurling Club in Kilkenny, and took place on Saturday 25th April 2026. They raised phenomenal funds of €7,500 for the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) and surpassed all their expectations.

‘Milo was an active member of the Graigue Ballycallan Hurling Club, as a player in his younger years and in various roles in later years. He fundraised tirelessly for the club and now we, as his friends and family, wish to support the charitable work of ILFA, so that patients and families impacted by lung fibrosis receive the support and funding for research that is so desperately needed.’

Congratulations to the Hennessy family and Graigue Ballycallan Hurling Club for organising such an amazing, successful event in memory of Milo. ILFA would like to extend special thanks to all who supported this fantastic event. Mīle buiochas go lēir”.

SOCCER NEWS Results: U14 Schoolboys League: River Rangers 2 Highview Ath 4 Fixtures: Saturday May 16th: U17 Schoolboys League: River Rangers v Newpark RAFFLE WINNERS €200 Oonagh Guilfoyle; €100 Ned Fitzpatrick; €50 Ryan’s Bar Kilmanagh; Voucher Luke Hayes; €40 Fuel Voucher Nicola Molloy; Bottle of Whiskey Joey Doheny; Bottle of Brandy Paudie Bourke; Set of Knives Ollie Maher; Set of Knives Jack Fitzpatrick; Umbrella Roisin O’Meara. Once again River Rangers would like to thank everyone who bought and sold tickets.

LOTTO RESULTS The results for 4th May. Numbers drawn were 3; 7; 14; 28. There was no winner. Lucky Dip winners were Maurice Ronan, Eoin Heafey and Ciara Ryan. Sellers prizes went to Philomena Brennan and Adrian Ronan.

CEMETERY MASS The Cemetery Mass will be celebrated in Ballykeeffe Cemetery on Sunday 31st May. KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

TABLE QUIZ The Seantí will host a table quiz in aid of the Solas Cancer Support Centre at 8.00pm on Monday, 25th May. The cost per table of four is €20. All support welcome.

RESURFACING WORKS IN KILMACOW Kilkenny County Council has completed the resurfacing works on the L3401 from the Upper Street to the Lower Street. Some aftercare works will be undertaken during this week.

KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 4,8,17 and 19. There was one Match 3 winner.

GO FUND ME Kilmacow Community Complex has opened its annual Go Fund Me page for donations towards the cost of maintenance of the pitches, facilities, walkways and riverside amenities at the Complex area.

WORKS ON THE COMPLEX People will see a lot of work being undertaken at the Complex over the next few weeks. The Committee have put in place measures to deal with congestion that may be caused in the short term by the works. People can also help by availing of car parking at the Community Centre and Shamrock Grove.

TABLE QUIZ SERIES Ten groups are in for consideration for the next series of the monthly table quiz to be held in the Fox’s Den. Any group who would like to reserve a table quiz should contact Tomás Breathnach to be included in the rota which will start from the first Monday in October.

MOONCOIN DAY CENTRE The Centre hosts bingo at 1.30pm every Wednesday with card playing being available in the Supper Room at the same time for those who do not play bingo. Music and dancing with local musicians start at 3.00pm and Mike Hore calls in every few weeks. Refreshments are served at 4.00pm. Admission is €3.

Please ring 087 929 2005 for more information. All welcome.

CLOVER CENTRE MASTERPLAN The Masterplan is due to go to public consultation this week under a Part VIII process.

Notification is due to appear in this week’s newspapers and documents will be uploaded to the website consult.ie. The Masterplan and supporting documents will be available for viewing in the Planning Section, Kilkenny County, County Hall, Kilkenny and in Ferrybank Library.

ROADWORKS ON BELMONT ROAD Roadworks are being undertaken this week

by Waterford City and County Council on the R711 outside St. Mary’s Boys’ National School. A traffic management system (including Stop/Go) will be in operation for the duration of the works.

WATERFORD WALLS CYCLE Waterford Walls will host a cycle from 10.00am to 12 noon on Saturday, 16th May, which will give participants an opportunity to learn about and admire the streets that are available throughout the city. Booking is essential on Eventbrite. See Ferrybank Community Newsletter.

CHRISTCHURCH CONCERT A concert in memory of Carmel Nairn will be held in Christchurch Cathedral at 7.00pm on Saturday, 16th May. Acts include Vanessa and Carline Sadlier, City of Waterford Brass, Gerard Walsh, Simon Hardin, Notable Works, Ger Dower, St. Mary’s Choir, Sarah McGowan, Dordan, Marian Inglesby and Lámh Choir.

Tickets cost €20 and are available from the Christchurch Cathedral Shop or from Committee Members. Proceeds in aid of Irish Guide Dogs and Down Syndrome Ireland. All support welcome.

BIKE FEST A bike fest will be held in Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park from 12 noon to 3.00pm on Saturday, 16th May. The event is part of Bike Week and is organised with the support of Kilkenny County Council. Lessons on how to cycle will be provided and there will be cycle challenges within the park in which to take part. Bikes will be provided.

MENS SHED Bicycle repairs are being completed at the Men’s Shed in Ferrybank from 10.00am to 3.00pm on Friday and Saturday. New members to the Men’s Shed are welcome.

HOME ENERGY EXPO Kilkenny Home Energy Expo will be held in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny from 10.30am to 5.00pm on Tuesday, 19th May. It will include advice clinics, information on grants and financing, guidance on energy cost reduction.

Contractors and installers will be available to talk to. Check the Ferrybank Newsletter for more information.

SOUTHEAST GREENWAY PHASE 2 Minor finishing out works are being undertaken on the 6km section from Ferrybank to Curraghmore. The opening date of this phase is dependent of the completion of works within the North Quay development. A small temporary trailhead car park will be made available within the North Quay development. Liaison is continuing between the project teams to ensure the earliest possible date for opening of this phase.

JOHNSTOWN CHURCH NEWS Graveyard Masses for 2026 have been arranged for the following date’s Tuesday June 16th The Mill Cemetery 7.30pm, Sunday June 21st Crosspatrick 9am, Sunday June 28th Graine 11.30am, Thursday July 9th Johnstown Cemetery 7.30pm and Friday July 17th Galmoy 7.30pm.

Rosary Rally in Johnstown Church Grounds on Sunday May 24th at 5.30pm. Thie is one of over 580 Rosary Rallies across Ireland.

Best wishes to the second class children from St. Kieran’s National School making their First Holy Communion on Saturday next May 16th at 11am.

LIBRARY A flower arranging demonstration is been held today Friday May15th from 2.30pm to 4.30pm with Eva Holmes. Ring the Library or just call in.

BALLYRAGGETT BALLYOUSKILL WATCH OUT! COMING SOON……

A plant swap station will shortly be launched outside Ballyragget Credit Union. This will facilitate all plant and potential plant lovers to give a plant or take a plant and it’s all free!

Indoor, outdoor plants, seedlings and seeds are all welcome. Please label where possible.

Please do not leave empty flower containers at the station. Many thanks to Paddy Phelan and John Kavanagh from Ballyragget Men’s Shed for constructing and painting the stand.

Thank you also to Ballyragget Credit Union for accommodating the stand, which will remain in situ until late September. Happy gardening!

MICHAEL HOLOHAN RIP Sympathies are extended to the family of Michael Holohan (predeceased by his daughter Yvonne, son Bill and sister Kitty) Bridge Street, who was laid to rest on Sunday last. To his sons John, Niall and Ollie, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, extended family and friends. May Michael rest in peace.

MULLINAVAT RAMBLING HOUSE The Community Centre will host its monthly Rambling House at 8.00pm on Saturday, 16th May. Everyone is welcome to attend an evening of music, song, recitation, stories and dance.

LISTERLIN VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME The closing date for submissions to Kilkenny County Council on the Village Improvement Works in Listerlin is Friday, 15th May. TRIP TO KILMALLOCK The South Kilkenny Historical Society coach trip will visit Kilmallock, Co. Limerick on Saturday, 23rd May. The cost is €75 (€80 for non-members) which includes coach hire, guides, entrance fees, lunch and evening meal. Please contact Brigid Barron, Mary Ryan, Michael Power or Richard Walsh for more details.

SONG OF OUR PLACE A free song-writing workshop with Luan Parle will be held in the Parish Hall, Mullinavat from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday, 30th May. E-mail Eddie Synnott for more information at edsynnott@yahoo.co.uk.

MUSIC WORKSHOP The Parish Hall will host music workshops at 5.00pm (beginners) and 6.00pm (intermediate) from Thursday, 11th June during which people learn to play the tin whistle, keyboard or the piano accordion. Please contact Suzanne on 087 248 5850 for more details.

BINGO Mooncoin Parish Hall hosts Bingo every Monday night. Doors open at 7.30pm. Eyes down at 8.00pm sharp. All welcome.

FOOTPATHS A new section of footpath connecting from Deerpark towards the village was recently constructed by Kilkenny County Council. The Mill Road Scheme, which is being progressed under Active Travel, was subject to a road safety audit which means that the design of the scheme required amendments.

We Wewelcome welcomeall allGAA GAAClub Cluband andCommunity Communitynotes notesfor forpublication publicationin inThe TheKilkenny KilkennyObserver Observeremail emailto tosales@kilkennyobserver.ie sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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Community & GAA Notes ST. KIERAN’S HALL The hall is now available for childrens’ parties and bouncing castles booked through Airmax Inflatables are allowed.

Monday nights are vacant at the moment if anyone would be interested in booking the hall.

The AGM will take place on Monday June 8th at 8pm. It would be great to see more people involved in the day to day running of the hall.

If you are interest come along to the meeting.

FENIANS H.C. Fenian’s and the sports field committee are holding a fundraiser which will pave the way for the new walking track as part of the Development Project. So, save the date June 12th at 8pm in Kilkenny Dog Track.

BARRYS/McCarthy’s BAR We’re now serving food Monday to Friday, making it easier to stop by for a relaxed breakfast, coffee meeting, or lunchtime bite during the week. Breakfast is available from 10.30am, with a menu of fresh pastries, hearty favourites, and lighter options to start your day. From 12 noon until 5.30pm, our lunch menu offers sandwiches, salads, daily specials, and comforting classics, all prepared with quality ingredients. Whether you’re catching up with friends or taking a break from work, we’d love to welcome you in.

SPA UNITED AFC Results: U13 girls Plate semifinal Spa 1 Callan 1 Spa won 2-1 on penalties. U15 boys league division 2 Spa 3 Evergreen 0, U12 boys Bowl Spa 0 Bridge Utd 5.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers 5,9,13,27 were drawn resulting in no jackpot winner but two match threes winners, The Fenians and Ossie Bennett are in the cash.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to provide a wide range of supports, services, and activities for individuals and families within the local community. The Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space, offering opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and social connection for people of all ages.

One of the upcoming opportunities available is the Local Training Initiative (L.T.I.) Programme. This free L.T.I. course will be starting soon and includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing participants with valuable life skills that can support employment and independence. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to call into the Centre or make contact directly for further details and application information.

The Centre also offers weekly Maths Grinds, which are currently taking place on-site.

These grinds are suitable for students preparing for the Junior Certificate as well as 5th year students and provide additional support to help build confidence and understanding in mathematics. Parents and students seeking more information are invited to contact the Centre for times, availability, and fees.

The Mill Family centre is offering free courses for September, SNA level 5 and 6, Childcare and computer QQ1 level 4, Early learning and care cert. and advanced cert. QQ1 level 5, LTI level 4 and Office admin. and payroll QQ1 level 5.

A variety of essential community services are available through the Mill Family Resource Centre. These include the provision of Senior Alert Alarms, which offer peace of mind and safety for older members of the community, as well as clothes donations for those in need. The Centre also facilitates a Youth Club, community allotments, and the Cois Nore Advice Clinic, ensuring access to practical advice and supports close to home.

Counselling services are available for both adults and teenagers, offering a confidential and supportive environment. Counselling supports include bereavement counselling, addiction support, and general counselling, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with professional guidance. In addition, Play Therapy is available for young people aged 4 years and over, providing a child-centred approach to emotional wellbeing and development.

The Centre’s Active Retirement Group meets every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. This group offers a relaxed and social setting where members can enjoy activities, conversation, and companionship. New members are always welcome, and the group continues to grow as a valued part of the Centre’s weekly programme.

The Youth Club has now returned and takes place every Wednesday from 5pm to 6.30pm.

It is open to boys and girls aged 8 to 12 years, and new members are always encouraged to join. The club provides a safe, fun, and supervised space for young people to socialise, take part in activities, and build friendships.

For further details, please contact Sue at the Centre. The Youth Club is closed at the moment and will reopen on 22nd May 2026.

Community gardening is also supported through the Centre’s allotments, with free beds available in the polytunnels for anyone interested in growing their own produce. The cost is just €15 per year, making it an affordable and rewarding activity. Those interested should get in touch with the Centre.

Finally, there is an open invitation to any men interested in setting up a Men’s Shed in the area. This initiative would provide a valuable social and practical outlet, and anyone interested is asked to contact Sue at the Mill Family Resource Centre on 056 883 8466.

For more information on any of the services or activities available, please contact the Centre directly. You should call in it’s fantastic.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 1pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

CEMETERY MASSES The following dates has been set for the annual cemetery masses in the parish. All mass times will be at 7.30pm. Tuesday 23rd June, Glengoole Church graveyard, Aglish cemetery, Thursday 25th June, Thursday 9th July, Good Shepherd cemetery, Tuesday 28th July, Fennor cemetery and Tuesday 18th August, Boulick cemetery.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Congratulations to the 22 children from the 3 parish schools, Gortnahoe, Ballysloe and Glengoole, who received the sacrament of First Holy Communion last weekend in Glengoole Church.

CASHEL AND EMLY ARCHDIOCESAN The pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from June 12th, (five nights) led by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly. For information and booking contact Joe Walsh Tours @ 01 2410800.

Assisted pilgrims contact Fr Joe Tynan, 087 2225445, New Helpers contact Jacqueline 089 4913351. Email lourdespilgrimage@ cashel-emly.ie PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continue in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go.

To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @ pilates_ruth. Bring mat and water.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. A special thanks to all who came and supported our special bingo last Saturday.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Ann McGivern who won €250 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday.

Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Mary Willie’s, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for May is in aid of Gortnahoe NS. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

400 CLUB DRAW The results for April 1st prize €200, Gavin, Faye and Ultan Carr, c/o Sarah Cahill, Tara Drive, 2nd prize €100, Martin and Angela Campion, Graiguewood. Other prize win-

ners were Patrick Grant, Urlingford, Barth O’Keeffe, Ballysloe, Eileen Norton, Kilcooley, Denis Large, Urlingford, Mary McCormack, Mellison, Margaret O’Mahoney, Monadreen, Thurles, Daniel Clarke, Graine and Mary Ann Norton, Longfordpass. Promoters prize winner was Mary Ryan, Gortnahoe.

‘IN OUR HANDS’ Preserving our cathedral is a fundraising campaign that we hope will encourage people to support the reroofing project by donating towards the cost of the slates.

Estimated cost is €2.5m. Let us preserve our sacred Cathedral, protect its rich history and ensure it continues to inspire for generations to come! For more information visit http:// www.inourhandsthurles.ie. Thanks to all who have purchased slates since the beginning of Phase 2 Fundraising venture.

CONAHY HURLING The junior hurlers were defeated by Fenians in Johnstown on Sunday morning last in the Michael Lyng Motors League. The home side were by far the better side throughout and won comfortably by 5-19 to 2-9. Conahy are back in action this Friday night when they travel away to Graignamanagh for a 7.30 throw in. The junior B side are also in action this weekend, when they play host to St. Lachtain’s in Jenkinstown on Sunday morning at 11.30 in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior B League.

In underage action, the minor hurlers enjoyed a good win over Mooncoin in the Kilkenny Motor Centre Roinn B Shield semifinal in Mooncoin. Conahy led by 1-14 to 0-7 at half time and built further on that in the second half to win out by 2-25 to 0-15. The locals will return to action after a break for the June exams.

TEAM: Neil Webster, Rory Dunne, Tadhg Hennessy, Bobby Dooley, Finn Sherman, Jack Rhatigan, Rory Rhatigan, Darragh Horgan, Billy Rowe, Joe Boland, Patrick Kennedy, Jack Buggy, Rory Sherman, Brian Phelan, M.J. Buggy, Padraic Quinn, Sam Connellan, Brian Tierney, Evan Buggy, Jack Gamble, Mikey Hurley, Camryn, Kenehan, Ben Byrne.

The under-16 hurlers played out a thrilling draw with Mount Leinster Rangers in their most recent game in the Duggan Steel Roinn C League. Conahy led for the vast majority of the game, but a late Mount Leinster Rangers goal saw the teams share the spoils, with Conahy’s 3-12 to Mount Leinster Rangers’ 118. Again, the locals will return to competitive action after the exam break.

TEAM: Padraig Murphy, Jim Synott, Mounir Zouaoui, Ben Byrne, Mikey Hurley, Evan Buggy, Diarmuid Quinn, Jack Buggy, Bobby Dooley, Sam Connellan, M.J Buggy, Will Clarke, Jack Gamble, Richie Rowe, Tommy Hickey, Ethan McEvoy, Brandon Maher, Aaryn Kenehan, Ciaran Quinn, Noah Meaney, Cian Rhatigan.

CAMOGIE Conahy Shamrocks intermediate camogie girls scored a one point win over Mullinavat in their Summer league clash in Jenkinstown on Sunday morning last. Conahy led by 1-5 to 0-4 and though the visitors fought back well in the second half, the locals were able to hold on for a 2-7 to 0-12 win.

GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 30, 35 and 41. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were John and Emma Wallace; Nora Delaney; Marguerite and Christy O’Loughlin; Paddy Mullan and Eugen Butler. The promoter prize winners were Brian Lacey, Kay Phelan and Seamus Óg Brennan. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA club lotto.

NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat.

Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) - Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone 056

776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@ gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie.

Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 16th. at 8.00p.m.; Sunday 17th. at 11.00a.m.

Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday 16th. at 6.30p.m: FIRST HOLY COMMUNION First Holy Communion will be celebrated in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 17th. May at 11.00a.m. No 10.00a.m. Mass on Sunday 17th.

Congratulations to the receptions of First Holy Communion which was celebrated in Stoneyford Church on Sunday 10th. May. PRAY FOR Richard Sheehan, Stonecarthy, who died recently.

ANNIVERSARY MASS Paddy Raggett, Kilkenny; Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 16th. May at 6.30p.m.

ROTA (THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Margaret Ryan. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m.

Pat Power. Sunday 11.00a.m. Parents. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m.

Mary O’Grady. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick. Sunday 11.00a.m.

Ruth Crowley.

PASTORAL AREA PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: Fr Sean O Connor will lead the Pilgrimage to Knock on Saturday July 11th. and returning Sunday July 12th. Bookings are now being taken, please contact Larry Cody 087 983 4031; Eamon Murphy 087 294 0598 or Pat Bradshaw 086 456 7852. Travel agenda will be issued closer to the time.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 4th. May 2026. Numbers: 07; 25; 19; 04. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner. €30.00. Winners: Kate, c/o Damo, Cleary’s Bar; Dylan, c/o Damo, Cleary’s Bar; Jim Moran, Hugginstown; Brian Hudson, “On-Line”; Helena Irish, Ballyfoyle. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Trish Power; Teresa Fitzgerald; Mary Raggett.

ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY The 41st. All Ireland Rally will take place in Knock Shrine on June 6th. next. The Rally is focused on Peace in the World and Renewal of the Faith in Ireland. We expect over 10,000 pilgrims to attend and so far over 50 buses are travelling from the four corners of Ireland.

ANAM CARA The next Online Bereavement Information Evening for bereaved parents will take place online on Tuesday 19th. May at 7.00p.m.

All Anam Cara events are free and open to parents whose child or children have died, regardless of the age of their child, circumstances of their death, or time since bereavement. For further information about the services we offer please email us at info@ anamcara.ie or call 085 288 8888.

SOUTH KILKENY HISTORICAL SOCIETY A Coach Trip to Kilmallock, Co. Limerick is organised for Saturday, 23rd. May. The coach will depart from Main Street, Mullinavat (outside The Rising Sun) at 8.30a.m., returning approximately 10.00p.m. For further information and booking please contact Brigid Barron, Blossom Hill, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny 087 950 7295 or email brigidbarron@hotmail. com) STONEYFORD 5K/10K CHALLENGE: The longest running 10k in County Kilkenny is back on May 17th. at 11.00a.m. Over 400 runners and their families will descend on the village to test their fitness over our beautiful course. Not forgetting the award winning post race refreshments, which the bakers in our community pride themselves on. Our very popular school kids’ 1k, ahead of the main event, starts at 10.40a.m. Don’t miss out! Sign up now on www.stoneyford.ie.

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

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Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship 2026 Offaly 0-24 Kilkenny 1-21 Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore Another day, another disappointing result for Kilkenny in their bid to defend the Bob O’Keefe Cup. Patchy is one word that could be used to describe the Cats performance in Tullamore, while results like this will do little to instill believe in players or supporters that things are moving in the right direction as the Noresiders seek to compete at the top end of intercounty hurling. Once again, Cian Kenny was the standout performer for Derek Lyng’s misfiring side, The James Stephens man covered every blade of grass and finished the game with 0-7 to his name as he continues his quest to drag the Cats to better days. Indeed, it was The Village man that edged his side ahead in injury time, but a debatable ‘65 from Eoghan Cahill with the last puck of the game ensure that The Faithful County secured a share of the spoils in O’Connor Park.

The home side got the scoreboard moving through Durrow’s Dan Bourke, but Cian Kenny replied moments later for the visitors.

Another of the Durrow clubmen, Brian Duignan got the second score for the hosts, which sparked a lovely reply from Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan. The travelling side built on The Sash man’s score with quality efforts from Conahy’s Tom Phelan and a brace of scores from Shamrocks Ballyhale stars, Darragh Corcoran and TJ Reid; the latter had a day to forget, certainly from the placed ball. With Kilkenny 3 points to the good it appeared that perhaps they were going to show their quality and pull away from Johnny Kelly ‘s side, but that wasn’t to be as The Faithful County dug in and showed their mettle. Eoghan Cahill, who started the game in place of the talented Adam Screeney, notched the first of his 15-point haul and one of thirteen placed ball efforts from the Birr player. A second point of the afternoon followed for Dan Bourke while Kilcormac-Killoughey’s Charlie Mitchell got his only score of the game in the 11th minute to deadlock matters, something that would happen some fourteen times across the 76 minutes of action in Tullamore.

Offaly took the lead thanks to a free from Eoghan Cahill, but a rare successful placed ball from TJ restored parity on 14 minutes. Treaty County whistler Johnny Murphy then recorded the names of TJ and Paddy Deegan in quick succession, just ahead of another white flag raised, thanks to the accuracy of Birr’s Cahill. The hard-working Cian Kenny split the home sides posts, but Dan Bourke’s third and

Points shared as Cats slip up in Offaly draw

Tom Phelan gets his handpass away as hes chased by Patrick Taffe

Disputed ‘65 sees spoils shared in O’Connor Park final point of the round three clash nudged his side ahead in the 24th minute. Then came the game’s only goal. The Dynamic Mikey Carey powered up field and dispatched a shot that took a wicked deflection off the hurl of Durrow’s Ciaran Bourke and evaded netminder Liam Hoare’s attempt to prevent the sliotar from crossing the line for The Young Ireland man’s first goal in championship hurling while wearing the black and amber.

Kilkenny built on the green flag Mikey Carey on his way to score Kilkenny Goal tackled by Ross Ravenhill

raiser with a fine point from Mossy Keoghan to give Lyng’s side a 3-point lead with less than ten minutes of first half action remaining.

Another couple of bookings followed for Charlie Mitchell and Mikey Butler before Eoghan Cahill converted another placed ball effort for the hosts.

The impressive Cian Kenny rifled over his third point of the provincial clash, but the last two scores of the opening period came from Johnny Kelly’s charges, courtesy of Clara’s Conor Doyle and Cahill’s fifth of the game, to leave the Cats leading by one at the short whistle, despite racking up a dozen wide’s during the first half.

When the action resumed, Conahy’s Tom Phelan notched his second point with a tidy effort, but it would be the home side that started

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Hurling matters - Review

Killian Doyle gets in his tackle on Colin Spain

the second period with more energy. Eoghan Cahill who was having a cracking afternoon registered three of his sides first five points of the second period, St Rynagh’s Shane Rigney the other marksman as The Faithful

Cian Kenny Totally Focused as he takes control of the sliothar chased by Eoghan Cahill

County went two clear. Shamrocks Ballyhale’s Eoin Cody struck over a lovely point for his only score of the round 3 encounter while Village star Cian Kenny raised another white flag as matters were deadlocked once more in Tullamore. Vice-captain Darragh Corcoran became the latest player to share his name with referee Murphy just ahead of Eoghan Cahill converting the free awarded. Derek Lyng then made his first change of the afternoon, Thomastown’s Stephen Donnelly replacing the out of sorts TJ Reid.

Birr clubman Cahill continued his impressive accuracy, dispatching another couple of placed balls to leave Offaly three to the good with less than twenty minutes remaining in O’Connor Park.

Kilkenny needed something, and they got a brace of quickfire scores, thanks to points from Stephen Donnelly and Liam Moore.

That would be the Dicksboro man’s last contribution as he was replaced moments later by O’Loughlin Gaels

Fionan Mackessy. The home side made a double change also and one of the players introduced, CarrigRiverstown’s Cathal King became the latest recipient of the colour yellow from Limerick whistler Murphy. Cian Kenny popped over the resulting free to level matters on 55 minutes. Emerald’s Killian Doyle then rifled over a lovely score but again, Birr’s Cahill replied from a placed ball.

The towering Brian Duignan then struck a cracking point as his side regained the lead, and their supporters were starting to believe that a shock result could be on the cards in Tullamore.

Dicksboro’s Timmy Clifford then entered the fray in place of Tom Phelan as the Cats looked for more energy in the attacking third. Offaly went two clear, thanks to yer man Cahill again who showed that the loss of Adam Screeney wasn’t hampering the hosts.

Kilkenny were huffing and puffing, and not looking like a side whose continued dominance in Leinster was under threat.

O’Loughlin’s Fionan Mackessy reduced the visitors’ arrears to the bare minimum and moments later; Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan squared matters with another lovely point.

Both sides made another change, Oisin Kelly coming in for Johnny Kelly’s outfit while the experienced Richie Reid replaced Jordan Molloy.

A fourteenth score of the game from Eoghan Cahill followed, but once again it was Cian Kenny that replied for the men in black and amber. The game now in injury time. KilcormacKilloughey’s flying machine, Ter Guinan then struck a lovely point, advantage Offaly. Emeralds Killian Doyle fired over his second of the afternoon to bring his side level,

but there was still time for a placed ball effort from Cian Kenny to give Kilkenny the lead and possibly maximum points, but Dan Bourke’s testing sideline cut into the danger zone was met by the hurl of Oisin Kelly, but the sliotar went out over the endline and signaled wide by the umpire. Offaly players believed wide was not the correct decision and made their protests known. Eoin Muphy was convinced the umpires were correct. Referee Murphy called both umpires and after some discussion, the original decision of wide was overturned and a ‘65 was awarded. Step forward Eoin Cahill, point number 15 registered and a deserved share of the spoils secured for his side. Final score: Offaly 0-24 Kilkenny 1-21.

KILKENNY SCORERS: Cian Kenny (0-7, 2f); Mikey Carey (1-0); Martin Keoghan (0-3); TJ Reid (0-2, 1f); Killian Doyle, Tom Phelan (0-2 each); Darragh Corcoran, Liam Moore, Eoin Cody, Fionan Mackessy, Stephen Donnelly (0-1 each) OFFALY SCORERS: Eoghan Cahill (0-15, 12f and 1 ‘65); Daniel Bourke (0-3); Brian Duignan (0-2); Ter Guinan, Conor Doyle, Shane Rigney, Charlie Mitchell (0-1 each) KILKENNY: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Mikey Carey, Ivan Bolger; David Blanchfield, Darragh Corcoran, Paddy Deegan; Killian Doyle, Jordan Molloy; Liam Moore, Cian Kenny, Tom Phelan; Martin Keoghan, TJ Reid, Eoin Cody.

Subs: Stephen Donnelly for Reid (49 mins); Fionan Mackessy for Moore (53 mins); Timmy Clifford for Phelan (59 mins); Richie Reid for Molloy (68 mins).

OFFALY: Liam Hoare; Ciaran Burke, Ben Conneely, Patrick Taaffe; Ross Ravenhill, Killian Sampson, Ter Guinan; Colin Spain, Luke Watkins; Daniel Bourke, Conor Doyle, Shane Rigney; Eoghan Cahill, Charlie Mitchell, Brian Duignan.

Subs: Cathal King for Watkins (53 mins) Dan Ravenhill for Spain (53 mins); Oisin Kelly for Doyle (66 mins).

REFEREE: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Bridget Hickey and Joanne Cushen intend to apply to the above named authority for planning permission to construct a stalled undergound effluent tank adjacent to existing suckler house also lean to type building covering this tank joined onto existing building together with all associated site works at Courtna Boughla, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

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

Signed:- Bridget Hickey/Joanne Cushen

I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intends to apply to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of my client Michael Hickey.

Permission to construct (i) cattle underpass, effluent storage tank, access roads and cow roadways and all ancillary site works works at Lughinny, Woodsgift, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is sought by Tom Corr for development works at No. 77, Maudlin Street, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny.

The proposal consists of the following- 1) The refurbishment and extension of an existing residential property, 2) The demolition of an existing ancillary garage, outhouse and roadside boundary wall to Maudlin Street, 3) the construction of a two-storey clinical surgery that will be attached to the existing the residential property, 4) the provision of curtilage parking and 5) to carry out all associated site development works.

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

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

Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Jack Kenny and Grace Kavanagh for full planning permission to construct a 2 storey storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater system, connection to mains water supply, soakpits and all other associated site works at Boheragaddy, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

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

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Frank and Niamh Ryan for full planning permission to construct a part 2 storey and part single storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Desart Demesne, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny.

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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by William Connolly and Sons Unlimited Company for development at Clash McGrath, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny.

The proposed development will consist of the construction of a new ESB substation and all associated site development works necessary to facilitate the development.

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

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

Tel No: 056-7753933.

Web: www.gmarch.net.

NOTICE

TO PUBLISH A PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US:

Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street | Telephone: 056 777 1463/086 2395370 | Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

EILEEN READE 2ND ANNIVERSARY

MARTIN RYAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In loving memory of Eileen Reade, late of 32 St Fiacre’s Place, Kilkenny who died on 19th May 2024.

Anne and the Ryan Family of the late Martin Ryan, Greenfields and High Street, Kilkenny wish to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us on our recent sad loss.

We are deeply grateful to all who sent mass cards, message of condolences and to those who personally came to offer their sympathies.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation.

We thought of you with love today But that is nothing new We thought about you yesterday And the days before that too We think of you in silence We often speak you name Now all we have is memories And your picture in a frame Missed by your husband Tom, sons and daughters.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.D.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. H.D.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.H.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. H.D.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. I.L.

46

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

Classifieds

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026

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Classifieds

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kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15th May 2026