Kilkenny Observer 15th November 2024

Gardaí still hopeful of break in Jo Jo case

Although a man arrested earlier in connection with the disappearance of Josephine ‘Jo Jo’ Dullard has been released, Gardaí are continuing their search around a small radius of land in Co. Wicklow in the ongoing hope of a breakthrough in the 29 year old mystery of the young Callan woman who vanished near Moone on the night of November 9, 1995.

The man, aged in his 50s, was detained under the provisions of section four of the Criminal Jus-

tice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Co Kildare but subsequently released.

Jo Jo went missing 29 years ago, in November 1995. Her family have been campaigning for information since then.

A renewed appeal for information was released by Gardaí to mark the 29th anniversary of her disappearance.

Jo Jo was born in Callan on January 25, 1974 and was 21-years-old when she went missing. She left her home in Callan at 8.30am on

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

Thursday, November 9, 1995 to travel by bus to Dublin. Jo Jo met friends in Bruxelles Pub on Harry Street, just off Grafton Street, and stayed with them for the afternoon. She missed the last bus home to Kilkenny that evening and instead at 10pm boarded a bus to Naas, Co Kildare.

She then intended to hitch hike the rest of the way home to Callan, in Co Kilkenny. She hitched a lift from Naas to the slip road on the M9 motorway at

Telling it like it is. And with no holds barred

Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.

At about 11.15pm, Jo Jo hitched another lift to Moone, Co, Kildare.

In Moone, Jo Jo made a telephone call in a phone box to her friend Mary Cullinan at 11.37pm.

During that call, Jo Jo told Mary that a car had stopped for her and she was going to take the lift. This was the last known interaction with Jo Jo.

The chief suspect in the murder of Jo Jo Dullard had a scratch mark on his face and gave contradictory state-

ments to Gardaí in the weeks after she went missing nearly 30 years ago.

The man, who is in his 50s, was one of the last people known to have seen her alive, and became a person of interest in the early stages of the investigation.

According to the Irish Independent he gave Gardaí at least two conflicting accounts, which contained anomalies and false information, when he was initially interviewed about his movements on the

A straight shooter. Considerate and wise words

Battle heats up in race for power on November 29

In the countdown to November 29, the battle to lead the next coalition government has intensified, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael taking aim at each other’s election promises, while Sinn Féin is moving to woo middle-ground voters with a pledge to introduce a big €1.8bn tax cut for workers.

Fianna Fáil launched its election manifesto in the heart of Dublin with promises to increase the weekly state pension to €350 and a pledge to keep the age you can qualify at 66. It also included a radical plan to introduce a new Department of Domestic Affairs to take the lead in national security, migration and other key issues. The move would involve devolving powers from the Department of Justice.

Fine Gael issued a statement from Justice Minister Helen McEntee deriding the election pledges announced by her coalition partner.

“It’s quite remarkable that after spending the last five years in government, Fianna Fáil has today produced a manifesto that contains so little substance,” Ms McEntee said.

“The Fianna Fáil document is riddled with promises that are so incredibly vague –which is disappointing for a party that claims it wants to lead the next government.

night Jo Jo Dullard went missing. He was later categorised as a suspect after the investigation was reviewed by the Garda Cold Case Unit and upgraded to a murder inquiry in 2020. A source said: “His statements were contradictory, and when he was pressed on the discrepancies, he claimed that he didn’t want his partner to know he had given a lift to another woman.”

Background, Page 14

Great advice. Your money in mind

Fianna Fáil responded saying all costings were provided by the Department of Finance and the relevant government departments. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin is promising to abolish USC on all incomes up to €45,000 over the lifetime of the next government if it is elected to power after the general election.

The tax package will cost €1.8bn and Sinn Féin is also committing to introducing a mini-budget soon after taking office.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said the tax cut will benefit workers by around €1,100.

take on bright side of life

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Quirky

Safety first at Scoil Bhride, Paulstown

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister of State James Lawless joined the National Transport Authority (NTA) at Holy Child National School in Naas Co Kildare to announce that an additional 141 schools across the country – including Scoil Bhride, Paulstown, Kilkenny – will benefit from Round 3 of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme.

This latest phase will extend the popular ‘School Zone’ improvements to more schools across the country, using recognisable design features, such as pencil shaped bollards, colourful road markings, improved footpaths and pedestrian crossings to highlight the presence of the school and encourage traffic to slow down and increase active travel among students.

For the first time, schools on Higher Speed Rural Roads (HSRR) will be included in the programme with 67 of the 141 schools announced being in this category. The design approach at these schools will be different to the standard ‘School Zone’ approach with the focus being on alerting motorists to the presence of schools and encouraging lower speeds and more attentive driving. This will be achieved through signage and road markings at the front of the school. The inclusion of schools on Higher Speed Rural Roads follows successful trials earlier this year in Galway, Roscommon and

Donegal, in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Local Authorities, which saw signifi-

cant reduction in speed in the vicinity of the trial schools.

The SRTS programme, launched in 2021, provides

local authorities with targeted funding to enhance safer front of school environments and improved walking and

cycling infrastructure around schools. By alleviating traffic congestion and fostering safe and sustainable travel habits, the programme aims to make active commuting more accessible for students throughout the country.

When the programme launched, 932 schools, nearly a quarter of all schools nationally applied. With Round 3 launching, 414 schools have been actively engaged in the programme to date.

Speaking at the launch event, Minister Eamon Ryan said: “When I went to primary school, most children – including myself – walked to and from school every day. Of course, our roads have changed a lot since then, but nevertheless, within the environment we live in today, I think it is just as important that children today can also be allowed to get into and out of their schools safely.”

* Pictured above are 4th class pupil Katie with Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD and Minister of State James Lawless TD announcing the latest round of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme, which will benefit an additional 142 schools across the country

PHOTO: Julien Beal

Photography

Housing in Carlow-Kilkenny a disaster, says Healy

New data obtained by Tom Healy, independent candidate in Carlow-Kilkenny, indicates a fall in new social house building in counties Carlow and Kilkenny since the last General Election.

In the four-years, 20202023 (since the formation of the present Government), a total of 968 ‘social homes’

were built across the two counties. This represents an average of 242 delivered a year.  These figures include new builds as well as ‘turnkey’ dwellings purchased by the two local authorities together with Approved Hosing Bodies.

Within these totals, the total of newly built dwellings

Fianna Fáil’s

Ryan

O’Meara affirms his commitment to Northwest Kilkenny

In the lead up to General Election 2024, Councillor Ryan O’Meara, Fianna Fáil candidate for North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny, reaffirms his commitment to serving the people of Northwest Kilkenny if elected to Dáil Éireann.

Speaking on this Councillor O’Meara said “It’s an incredible honour to have been selected to contest the General Election for Fianna Fáil in the North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny constituency. It’s my intention to be a fresh, new, and unapologetically ambitious voice for what we can achieve in our area.

“Following on from a constituency review by the Electoral Commission in 2023, the new constituency of North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny was formed. The northern half of Tipperary and 13 Electoral Districts from Northwest Kilkenny have been combined to form this 3-seat constituency,” he said.

“I would like to recognise the apprehension that comes with constituency boundary changes, especially when they cross county bounds like they have for this upcoming election. North Tipperary has undergone similar boundary changes in recent years – in the 2016 General Election, a large area outside Nenagh was put into the Offaly constituency, including my own village, and similarly in 2020, Newport town and surrounding areas were moved into the Limerick City constituency. From personal experience, I understand how difficult it can be for those that are moved from one electoral area to another between elec-

delivered by the two county councils, combined, was 266 or 67 a year.  The total built by the two local authorities, combined, was actually less, last year (at 60) than it was during 2020 (at 87) when Covid shut down activity for extended periods. There were more 1,302 on the housing waiting list for

the two counties at the end of 2023 – not counting people in emergency accommodation or doubling up in the family home of which there are several thousands.

“The housing situation in Ireland is nothing short of a disaster,” said Tom Healy.

“A failure to invest in housing over many is

driving a wedge through Irish society creating the potential for a breakdown in social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity. The housing crisis is also providing a fertile ground for the spread of anti-immigrant and far right rhetoric based on unfounded claims and a fundamental misunder-

standing of the nature of the Irish housing crisis which predates the recent increase in inward migration.

“A driving factor behind the housing crises has been the collapse in local authority house building since the 1980s but especially since the economic collapse of 2008-2012,” he said.

tion cycles and I know the lasting impact that can be felt in our communities.

“I know voters can be concerned about effective representation from their elected representatives when county boundaries are breached, but I would like to reassure the people of Northwest K≠ilkenny that I will give them the dedicated representation that they deserve.”

Mr O’Meara said he had four years’ experience working in Thurles as the Parliamentary Assistant to Deputy Jackie Cahill and this past year in particular, he had worked extensively with people from right across North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny, so he had “a firm grasp on the needs and concerns” of the people of Northwest Kilkenny.

“Prior to being selected as a General Election candidate for our area, I received endorsement from all three Fianna Fáil Councillors in the Castlecomer LEA – Cllr Michael Delaney, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick and Cllr Michael McCarthy. Castlecomer LEA has been partially incorporated into this new constituency and I intend to work closely with my party colleagues to ensure the people of Northwest Kilkenny have a voice at both local and national level.

“If elected to Dáil Éireann, I intend to maintain an office in Thurles that can serve as a central base for the constituency. I am also fully committed to holding local advice clinics in the various towns and villages across Northwest Kilkenny and the wider constituency to ensure fair and balanced representation for all of the electorate,” he said.

Tesco opens first store in City

Tesco celebrated the grand opening of its very first store in Kilkenny City, with Lord Mayor Andrew McGuinness joining the official ribbon cutting. This exciting new addition to grocery shopping in the city marks a significant milestone for Tesco as it expands its presence in the region, bringing a fantastic range of products and services to the local community.

The new store on High Street has created 19 new jobs, and offers an extensive range of groceries, fresh produce, household items, and much more. Designed with convenience and an enjoyable shopping experi-

ence in mind, this store is set to become a new shopping destination for customers.

Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Tesco Ireland said: “Following the opening of our first store in Kilkenny at Ferrybank in November last year, we are excited to now have a presence in Kilkenny City. This new store is part of our ongoing investment in stores in urban centres, and we are thrilled to be joining this thriving local community.”

The new store features an in-store bakery offering freshly baked breads and pastries, coffee stations serving hot coffee, a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)

machine, and energy-saving doors on fridges. These additions are designed to enhance the shopping experience and promote sustainability.

“We are so excited to finally open here in Kilkenny City. Our team has worked incredibly hard to prepare for today, and we can’t wait to welcome our new customers to come in and get to know us,” said Colm Cleary, Store Manager at Tesco.

Tesco is also committed to giving back to the local Kilkenny city community.

Three local community groups will benefit from our Community Fund,

which aims to make a positive impact in the areas we serve. These include Johns Infants National School, Newpark Close Family Resource Centre and Clara GAA Club.

Through the food surplus redistribution programme, FoodCloud partners and OLIO Food Waste Heroes will be on hand to ensure no good food goes to waste. The Kilkenny High Street team will also join Tesco’s continued efforts to support its charity partner, Children’s Health Foundation which supports all sick children in CHI at Crumlin, Connolly, Temple St, and Tallaght hospitals.

So, who gives the best Christmas presents?

As people dust off their Christmas stockings and write their festive wish-lists, CEWE, Europe’s leading photo printing specialist, has been surveying the Irish public about their Christmas gift-giving experiences – good and bad!

The survey asked people to name some of their best and worst Christmas gifts, with ‘experience’ type gifts such as concert tickets or weekend away vouchers topping the list of best presents for 25% of people. Personalised gifts are also extremely popular at

Christmas, with 90% of people who have been gifted a personalised gift either liking or loving the thought that goes into personalising a present.

For every Christmas cracker, however, there’s also a Christmas turkey, with novelty gifts and re-gifted gifts topping the list (46% of respondents) as the worst Christmas presents people have ever received.

“Our survey shows that what Irish people really value when it comes to a Christmas gift is not the amount on the price tag but the amount of

thought that has gone into it,” said Steve Manfield, CEWE Ireland Marketing Director.

“The vast majority of our survey respondents say that personalised gifts are the ones they really cherish and value, which comes as no surprise to us.”

The CEWE research revealed that one in four people give the same gifts each year, either to keep a Christmas tradition going or to avoid disappointing the recipient. When it comes to time spent shopping for gifts, unsurpris-

ingly, the most time is spent shopping for partners (36%) and children (31%).  Along with Mums and sisters, partners are seen as the best gift givers, while aunts and uncles join dads and brothers as the worst.

“One of the great take-outs from the survey is that a quarter of Irish people give the same festive gift every year, be that a gift founded on a Christmas ritual or perhaps a gift that is warmly anticipated and earmarked annually,” said Steve Manfield.

The Fact Of The Matter

Paul

Hopkins

Are women the worst critics of women?

Donald J Trump has returned as the 47th President of America having beaten Democratic rival Kamala Harris by nearly five million ballots and a good majority of the electoral ballot.

Elvia Trossman, my friend in New Jersey, a professional and mother of two and a Coloured woman, says that not enough women, whom the Democrats were counting on, particularly with Trump’s overturning of Roe v Wade, came out and voted for Harris – that women are women’s own worst critics. Typically, women felt Harris was not focussed on the issues of inflation and immigration, many arguing she did not have experience – so wrong on the latter argument. Up to 45 per cent of women who voted in the US election voted for Trump.

Niamh Kelly, a communications director in Dublin, and mother of two girls, says: “Are women the worst

critics of other women? They can be, but not as a rule, I believe nowadays women support women more than ever, whether in business, friendship or politics. Kamala actually did well on the female vote, but Trump did better with men. Her loss wasn’t down to lack of female support, her campaign was ultimately weaker. Women in public eye or public office are held to higher standards than men.”

Pittsburgh-born Brooklyn resident Jade Murman, who works in the hospitality sector, says: “The pessimist in me thinks women are women’s worst critics... and it stems from the behaviour of men, for example women being called bossy and such in the workplace. But I do think there is a turn where people online are trying to be less critical because of the keyboard warriors always having something negative to say.”

The other day, I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation between a group of women having lunch in the coffee shop. They were eyeing another foursome strolling by when one of them said: “Sheila doesn’t look on top of her game.” Another chimed in, “Yea, but Laurie looks great. I heard she went on a ‘golf getaway’ and returned a changed woman – totally refreshed, if you know what I mean.” Only then did I realise it wasn’t athletic prowess that they were critiquing, but the faces and bodies of their fellow females. Why are women’s looks so often a topic of fascination – and criticism – among women themselves? Am I right or wrong in suggesting that women seem so ready to judge the choices their fellow sisters make, from how they handle relationships, children and careers, to how they deal with aging.”

My psychologist friend from

Magherafelt says: “When a little boy asserts himself, he’s called a ‘leader.’ Yet, when a little girl does the same, she risks being branded ‘bossy.’ Words like “bossy” send a message: Don’t raise your hand or speak up. By late primary school, girls are less interested in leading than

“Forms of gender bias embedded in ideas about what makes the ideal candidate ...

boys — a trend that continues into adulthood.”

As in the case of Kamala Harris, women, seemingly, often get the “she’s not qualified” commentary even after achieving accomplishment after accomplishment, as the vice-president has done. Or it’s “She was just lucky,” or “An important male helped her out,” or “She made a mistake.”

When the 33rd Dáil met in February 2020, 36 female TDs took their seats – the highest number of women to be elected in Ireland, but an increase of only one since 2016. Previous elections show that when there is a swing against a political party, the party’s female TDs are disproportionately impacted, as there are so few running. This occurred in 1997 to Labour’s women; in 2002 to Fine Gael’s women; and in 2011 to Fianna Fáil’s.

The National Women’s Council of Ireland argues that candidate selection can

be guided by “conscious and unconscious forms of gender bias embedded in ideas about what makes the ideal candidate and these have historically privileged stereotypically male traits”.

For November 29, quotas of 40% men and 40% women candidates are required by law. If not reached, parties would lose 50% of their State funding. As of last week all main parties had attained the quota. The various Independent parties had not.

Donald Trump’s defeat of Kamala Harris has shown that women’s rights – specifically the right to abortion – was less of a key issue than expected. Harris made much of Trump’s stance on reproductive rights. However, polls showed Harris had won the support of 54 per cent of women, lower than President Biden did in 2020 when he had the support of 57 per cent.

So what happened to the female vote?

Noonan launches election manifesto

Carlow-Kilkenny TD Malcolm Noonan joined Green Party candidates from around the country at the launch of the Party’s 2024 election manifesto.

Speaking to media at the event, Party leader Roderic O’Gorman outlined how the Greens in government had led a transformative agenda on climate, nature, energy, housing and public transport,

as well as halving childcare costs, expanding childcare places and delivering a basic income for the Arts.

He said it was clear from this record of delivery that the Greens represent the best value vote in this election, and promised that in any future government formation the party would be just as effective as it has been up to now.

L drivers waiting 18 weeks for tests

Learner drivers are waiting up to eight months for a driving test in some counties. In Kilkenny the waiting time is 18 weeks.

Road safety campaigners

Parc revealed that learner drivers in Kildare face an estimated waiting time of up to 30 weeks – with Mayo having the shortest waiting time of just 11 weeks at one centre and 18 at another.

In Cork, learner drivers face a waiting time from 16 weeks in Skibbereen to 19 weeks in Mallow.

Limerick test waiting times vary from 14 weeks in Castlemungret to 19 weeks in Longcourt.

In Galway, waiting times range from 24 weeks in Carnmore to just 12 weeks in Tuam.

Kildare faces the longest estimated waiting times nationwide. The Naas testing centre varies from an estimated wait

time of 29 to 30 weeks.

A person who booked a driving test in Kildare between October 30 and November 4 last will probably have their test scheduled for between May 26 and June 2, 2025 – a wait of eight months.

In contrast, a driver in Mayo who booked their driving test over the period of last week can expect to have their scheduled test between February 3 and 17 next in Castlebar.

Offaly, Galway, Tipperary, Cavan and Westmeath all have some centres where tests are offered within an estimated 13 weeks.

Despite efforts to tackle waiting lists, according to Road Safety Authority (RSA) data, between January 1 and December 31 last year there were 6,440 drivers who failed to attend scheduled tests, a monthly average of 537 drivers.

Their manifesto includes:

• More and better housing:

Targeting an average of 50,000 new homes per year, including 15,000 affordable or cost rental homes and 12,000 social, along with renovating vacant or derelict units and creating warmer, healthier homes through an equity release scheme for retrofitting and an increase from 80% to 100% for attic and

cavity wall insulation grants.

• Continued investment in public transport: Prioritising agreement for a €10bn multiannual investment package that will transform public transport and deliver the capacity, the frequency and the speed we need to safeguard inward investment and jobs; allow us better plan our urban areas; reduce emissions; and improve the com-

muter experience.

• A better start for children and families: Continuing to reduce childcare costs for parents, making it free for those on the lowest incomes, and ensuring no one pays more than €200 a month;  guaranteeing a preschool place for every child; and further extending maternity, paternity and parent’s leave to cover the entire first year of

a child’s life.

• A focus on nature restoration: Developing, implementing and fully resourcing an ambitious Nature Restoration Plan for our land, rivers, seas and urban areas; advocating for a European Nature Restoration Fund to ensure farmers, fishers and foresters are rewarded for delivering on the targets of the Nature Restoration Law.

Kilkenny ‘meets’ London’s West End

Thirty-eight leading British meetings and events professionals attended the recent ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ in London. The annual B2B event – organised by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI – saw the buyers from Britain meet, and do business with, some 35 tourism businesses from across Ireland, including Kilkenny's Lyrath Estate.

Tourism Ireland aims to grow international business events ie. corporate meetings, events and incentive travel business to Ireland.

‘Ireland Meets the West End’ provided a valuable

opportunity for the companies from Ireland to showcase and sell their product and to inspire the British buyers to confirm their corporate meetings and incentive events in Ireland for 2025 and beyond. Around 720 commercial meetings were conducted at the event.

Tourism Ireland’s message is that Ireland offers a winning combination of world-class infrastructure, unique and luxurious accommodation, state-ofthe-art venues, spectacular landscapes and the warmest of welcomes and fantastic hospitality, making it an

ideal destination for meetings, incentive travel and events of all sizes.

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Business Events and Luxury, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted that so many top British meetings and events professionals took the time to attend our ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ event and meet our partners from Ireland – demonstrating their commitment and interest in Ireland for 2025 and beyond. Business travel is high value and often midweek and off season by its nature, thereby aligning with Tourism Ireland’s

strategy to grow overseas tourism revenue outside of the peak summer season.”

‘Meet in Ireland’ is the official MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) brand for the island of Ireland, comprising Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, who work in partnership to promote the island of Ireland as a leading business events destination.

PIC SHOWS: Rebecca Shanks, Sledge; Simon Gidman, Tourism Ireland; and Caitriona O’Mahoney, Lyrath Estate, at the ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ event in London.

Vision Ireland warning on poll posters

Vision Ireland, the new name for National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI), is calling on all general election candidates, and future election candidates, to consider people who are blind or vision impaired when hanging up their posters.

As part of Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Path’s campaign, a survey found that 77% of respondents who are blind or vision impaired have been injured by footpath

obstacles. This issue affects every community in Ireland around every election. Some of these hazardous posters have been spotted around the country already.

When these posters are placed below the regulation height of 2.3 metres, they create serious safety issues, and dramatically increase the risk of injury to people who are blind or vision impaired. The sharp corners and edges of posters can cause cuts or

lacerations to the face, with protruding cable ties also presenting an issue.

Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy, Partnerships and External Affairs with Vision Ireland,  said: “It is unacceptable that some election candidates are continuing to create these hazards for people who are blind or vision impaired. The law is very clear that these posters must be placed a minimum of 2.3 metres (7.5 ft) from the

ground. Yet, year on year, we see that this is ignored by candidates and they continue to put people at risk. By adhering to the law and placing election posters above the specified height, candidates can convey a genuine sense of responsibility and understanding to people who are blind or vision impaired.

"This is a matter of public safety and should be taken seriously.”

Well staged: Rebecca Shanks, Sledge; Simon Gidman, Tourism Ireland; and Caitriona O’Mahoney, Lyrath Estate, at the ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ event in London

Opinion As I See It Marianne Heron

What gets us to turn out to the polls on time?

We have barely recovered from Trump’s resurrection and now our own General Election is underway. These are different times. The old certainties and party loyalties no longer apply as politics become more volatile. Many voters haven’t yet made up their minds, if the previous election is anything to judge by, where 50% hadn’t decided their preferences when the campaign began. In just a year the political landscape has changed. Sinn Fein’s former popularity has tumbled, leaving them with only an18p% share of the vote, level with independents according to one recent poll; Fine Gael have surged to 24p% thanks to new leader Simon Harris’ boost, ahead of Fianna Fail at around 20p% with the smaller parties around or below 5%.

Housing, child care costs and immigration are big issues. A three-way coalition is one the cards but who will

the third partner be? A left alliance might make sense and the Greens place as a junior partner isn’t guaranteed, given their unpopularity in rural constituencies. When every vote counts what is most likely to make us turn out to the polls or sway our preferences? In the time of the Tik Tok Taoiseach will it be social media or good old fashioned doorstepping? There is no doubt that social media can be a powerful influence, look no further than online campaigns like ‘Black Lives Matter’ or ‘Me Too’. It can also be a double-edged sword, provoking responses like the Dublin riot or turning people off with misinformation. But it is likely to be most effective with younger voters and, according to psychologist Sophie Janicke-Bowles in Psychology Today, where the most effective influence here is friends texting each other about their voting intentions, social media also reaches

those without political affiliation.

“Using social media to consume news and engage with socially or politically active groups has shown a positive influence on offline civic actions, such as volunteering, attending political meetings, donating or working for campaigns, and even voting. Specifically, individuals who are more likely to abstain from voting, including minority groups and low-income voters, are nevertheless engaged politically on social media, thus showing social media’s compensatory potential for the otherwise politically disengaged.”

But it seems that door-todoor may still be the most effective way of moving the needle when it comes to voter mobilisation, according to a study carried out on voter preference for the European Study of Political Research. This looked at the location of the homes of candidates and

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful launch Energy Master Plan process for Kilkenny city

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful are delighted to announce grant approval of €25,000 for the development of an Energy Masterplan for Kilkenny city. In 2022 KKB established a Sustainable Energy Community subcommittee to lead on projects in the area of energy use reduction and being more sustainable as a community. The Supervalu Tidy Towns competition award points every year for projects developed in this area and it’s an important part of winning overall prizes. The KKB SEC have run three events since then to raise awareness of energy saving options and tips and engaged in the Climate Action Hero’s campaign for the last two years. They were encouraged by mentor Therese Curran to apply for the grant to develop an Energy Master

Plan for Kilkenny city.

Chair of KKB Cllr Maria Dollard, who is also an EU Climate Ambassador said “we worked closely with Kilkenny County Council Climate Action Team to develop a strategic application that would dovetail with the councils own work on reducing emissions in the

provides the data by which we can measure our current emissions and offer pathways to residents, communities and business to reduce their emissions.”

This application was approved recently and the first event of the project is to inform interested citizens about how they can get involved and benefit from the project. An information session will take place on Tuesday 19th Nov in the Mayfair library from 6.45 –7.45pm. Attendees whose homes are in Kilkenny city can enter a draw for a free BER worth €500. Cllr Dollard said “We will have an Energy Engineer available from 6pm to answer 1 to 1 queries you have on the night and we will be looking for 10 homes and 6 Community/ Recreational buildings to participate in the project over the coming year. It is an exciting project for Kilkenny city and one that we hope will pave the way for upgrading our built infrastructure in Kilkenny over the coming years”

location of voters which confirmed that canvassing has a positive impact on the choice of candidate, independent of geography. But the biggest effect of canvassing seems

“Many voters haven’t yet made up their minds...

to be in persuading voters to go to the polls, by reminding them of their democratic duty, especially if they believe that there is going to be a high turnout.

The advantage of feet on the street is that they don’t cost anything, aside from the fliers posted in letterboxes or pressed into residents’ hands. Doorstepping can be an interesting study in body language, people procandidate and party tend to step forward smiling, nonsupporters step back arms crossed, wearing a guarded expression. But canvassing has its dangers, fierce dogs aside, given the assault of Green Party leader Roderick O’Gorman.

Political parties are not allowed to advertise on TV or radio so social media represents a golden opportunity to get their message across, golden in both senses, with the big parties shelling out tens of thousands on varied

campaigns.

In the local and European elections €750,000 was spent with Meta, Facebook and other platforms and, according to Liz Carolan at The Briefing, that was already ramping up last week with Sinn Fein already spending €50,000 as parties tested different messages. All those faces on lampposts are not popular and they have been banned in some Tidy Town areas but they do provide voters with important information, particularly in secondary elections, Dr Theresa Reidy of UCC has argued. One survey carried out in Cork City found that in local elections voter turnout could be as much as 8% lower in no poster areas.

If Trump’s 11th hour victory tells us anything, it’s that having a clear message is what counts most, regardless of whether the promise will materialise.

Natural help for sore throat

As the colder months set in, I am seeing many customers asking for solutions for the discomfort of sore throats. A sore throat can be extremely painful. It can feel scratchy, and you may have difficulty swallowing. There are some natural solutions to help relieve the discomfort.

You might like to try some of the traditional home remedies first. For example, one of my favourite suggestions is to add salt to warm water and gargle. It is easy, cheap, and often gives some relief. It is worth trying. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it 4 or 5 times throughout the day. This mixture may help reduce swelling, ease irritation, and can help to wash away bacteria.

Another home solution that I like is honey. When it comes to honey for sore throats, I like to use a good quality manuka honey or a local honey. Honey is well known for its soothing properties, and you will get a dose of vitamin C from your lemon. Mix a teaspoon of honey and a table spoon of lemon to cooled boiled water and sip. This can help reduce inflam-

mation and help boost your immunity.

Fresh ginger is a great option, something else that you might have in your cupboard. Boil about 2 inches of fresh ginger for about 10 minutes, strain, add honey, and sip. This can help reduce pain

and help fight of infection. You can use a combination of these throughout the day.

For convenience you could try A.Vogel Throat Spray. It's a natural remedy with Echinacea and Sage herbs and can treat symptoms of colds and flu, including sore throats! It is designed to reach irritated parts of the throat. It is easy to use. Simply pump two sprays into the back of your throat. You can do this several times per day. A convenient remedy to carry in your bag or pocket, the spray is suitable from 18 years of age. It could be taken alongside throat lozenges. Or, for extra support you could add in A.Vogel Echinaforce tincture, you can add this to water and sip three or four times per day to help support immunity. I hope you get relief from your painful sore throat. www.naturalhealthstore.ie/

CLAIR WHITTY

Majella Byrne, Mayfair Library, Michael Delahaunty, Older Person’s Council, Caitriona Kenneally, Mayfair Library, Josephine Coyne, County Librarian, Donal McEllin, Mayfair Library, Karyn Deegan, Age Friendly CoOrdinator Kilkenny Library Service, Nuala Roche, Mayfair Library

Kilkenny county council library service receives an age friendly status

Kilkenny County Council Library Service is delighted to have recently received an Age Friendly Status for each of the 8 Library Branches and the Mobile Library Service. The Library Service has been working under the guidance of Age Friendly Ireland to achieve this status. Following staff training and a consultation process with local groups, organisations and library members, actions were identi-

fied at each branch. These actions were then implemented across the library network to improve the library experience for older people in our communities.  Some noteworthy improve-

ments include the provision of Age Friendly parking at Castlecomer Library and Age Friendly trolleys at Graiguenamanagh, Ferrybank and Loughboy Branch Libraries. All branches have reading

aids available for borrowers to use during their library visits too. Each Library Branch also partakes in providing an extensive programme of events for older people.

Kilkenny Library Service

supports a dynamic programme of events throughout the year but a particular highlight is the Bealtaine Festival. This festival celebrates creativity as we age and in May 2024, our libraries hosted workshops that included memoir writing, drama, art and music. This Autumn, Kilkenny Library has been delighted to partner with the Kilkenny County Council Age Friendly Programme, The Older People’s Council, Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, HSE, and An Garda to develop a programme of events and activities for older people at the new Mayfair Library. This programme ran over 8 weeks, with various speakers covering topics such as health and well-being, community safety, assisted decision-making and safeguarding.

Kilkenny Library Service Age Friendly Co-ordinator, Karyn Deegan says “We are delighted at our recent achievement of receiving an Age Friendly Status for our libraries, as it recognises the effort of our staff to provide an inclusive provision of service to older people and we look forward to continuing our partnership with local organisations to develop future programmes and supports for our local communities.”

For further details visit our website on www.kilkennylibrary.ie or contact our Age Friendly Co-Ordinator Karyn Deegan on 056 4440561.

BACKGROUND

Jo Jo vanished almost 30 years ago

Josephine ‘Jo Jo’ Dullurd disappeared at the age of 21 on November 9, 1995. The last confirmed sighting of her was at a public phonebox in Moone, Co, Kildare [pictured]. Gardaí suspect she is dead and was murdered.

Jo Jo was from Callan and had recently returned to the area after working in Dublin for two years. She was due to start a new full-time job as a waitress on the Monday following her disappearance.

On the day of her disappearance Jo Jo travelled to Dublin by bus to sign-off social welfare and to collect her final social welfare payment as she was due to begin a new job. While in Dublin she went to Bruxelles pub in Harry Street, of the top of Grafton Street with friends.

Jo Jo travelled to Busáras bus station at 10 pm that night but she missed her bus home to Callan. She then decided to take the bus to Kildare and disembarked at Naas at 10:50 pm. She successfully hitched a lift to Kilcullen. At Kilcullen around 11:15 pm she hitched a lift to Moone and arrived there at 11:35 pm. While at Moone, she used a public phonebooth to call a friend to see if she could stay in Carlow and explained how she had missed her bus. Jo Jo interrupted the call and then

returned to the phone to say ‘’she just got a lift.’’ She then ended the call. She was not seen again.

When Jo Jo failed to return home, her sister Kathleen reported her disappearance 24 hours later. Two days passed before Gardaí took the notification seriously. Gardaí then searched the River Barrow and the road from Moone to Carlow. Sightings were reported that claimed to have seen Jo Jo at Castledermot around midnight on the night of her disappearance.

In 1997 a witness came forward to say that on the

night of the disappearance, he witnessed two men with English accents bundle a woman matching Jo Jo’s description into a red car with English license plates at Kilmacow. The car was described as being similar to a Ford Sierra Sapphire.

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

from a phonebox and Gardaí stated they would send a car out. After Jo Jo was reported missing they gave a statement to Gardaí but Gardaí believed they had seen a different woman as Jo Jo had been sighted in Castledermot.

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

In 2019 a priest in Co. Kilkenny received an anonymous letter about Jo

Jo Dullard after he publicly appealed for information.

The letter was handed over to Gardaí and its contents were not revealed publicly.

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

In 2021 a search was conducted in a woodland in Co. Kildare in relation to the disappearances of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob. Unusual activity in the area on the night of Deirdre Jacob’s disappearance led to the search with the Gardaí also noting that Jo Jo Dullard was last sighted a 10-minute drive away from the search area. No evidence was found in the search.

Friday July, 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the date Deirdre Jacob was abducted, murdered and her body later secretly buried. It is a crime which remains unsolved.

The 18-year-old had just walked the 25-minute journey from the centre of Newbridge back to her home at Roseberry, Co Kildare. Home for the summer from her college course in London, Deirdre had run some errands and visited her grandmother in the town before walking home.

On the morning of November 11, 2024, a man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo Dullard, with Gardaí also carrying out searches of a house and land in Co Kildare.

Jo Jo Dullard’s disappearance has been included and discussed in relation to a series of disappearances in Ireland known as Ireland’s Vanishing Triangle. This term has been used to describe a series of disappearances of young women in the east of Ireland during the late 1980s and 1990s.

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

Jo Jo’s disappearance was highly publicised in Ireland and was included in the true crime books Missing by Barry Cummins, Missing, Presumed by Alan Bailey, and The Vanishing Triangle by Claire McGowan.

The 1997 alleged sighting of Jo Jo was reconstructed for the TV show Crimeline. Her disappearance was covered on Crimecall, which seeks public assistance in solving unsolved crimes, in 2020 and 2021. Her disappearance was also featured in the Sky Documentary series Six Silent Killings: Ireland’s Vanishing Triangle.

Opinion

How children’s pocket money today adds up Your Money & You

Today the way we give pocket money to our children has changed dramatically, moving from cash to digital transfers through various digital apps.

According to a recent survey commissioned by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland Credit Union (TUICU), Irish parents typically begin giving their children pocket money around the age of nine. The study, which surveyed more than 800 parents, found that 86% of these parents believe their children should earn their allowance by completing work around the house. This approach encourages children to see the connection between work and reward, instilling fundamental values around money early on.

TUICU CEO Paul Roche said that “linking pocket money to chores helps children think about how they spend and save what they earn,” a sentiment echoed by many parents who see allowances as both a means to impart responsibility and teach financial literacy.

John Ellis

The study discovered that, while cash remains common, it is slowly being overtaken by digital methods. Fewer than half of parents now provide pocket money through traditional cash, in contrast to digital wallets being used by nearly 60% of parents. For many, the wallets provide flexibility, enabling parents to transfer pocket money instantly while also offering a way to monitor how their children use their money.

Paul Roche explained that digital wallets allow parents to engage their children in financial responsibility in a format suited to modern life.

“It’s fascinating to see how this has developed,” he said, comparing the change from a 50p coin once every couple of weeks to today’s digital deposits,”. He said. He sees these platforms not only as a financial tool but as a teaching moment, where children can learn budgeting, saving, and spending responsibly in real-time.

While digital tools offer a streamlined solution, they are not a universal choice for every family. Some parents prefer more traditional methods, valuing the tangible experience of cash, particularly for younger children who may benefit from the physical act of handling money. Additionally, some parents choose to lodge pocket money in credit union accounts to encourage saving habits.

The TUICU report highlighted the role credit unions have long played in the financial education of young people. Many Irish families still have memories of taking their children to lodge birthday or communion money, which often formed the child’s first experience with banking and savings. Through credit union accounts, parents can help children set goals and understand the importance of saving for the future.

The survey also found variation in how pocket money is distributed, with two-thirds of parents giving allowances on an ad hoc basis, adjusting amounts and timing as needed. Whereas one-third prefer a more structured system, providing the same amount at regular intervals.

Considering these findings, TUICU’s Paul Roche encourages parents to consider pocket money as part of a larger goal: to teach their children financial responsibility in a format that fits their family and creates a powerful opportunity for teaching lifelong skills. As financial habits are formed early, we as parents and grandparents are called to think carefully about how they introduce children to money management. Whether through digital wallets or traditional means, pocket money can be a stepping stone to a lifelong understanding of financial independence.

john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Science & Wellbeing

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterised by decreased bone density and strength, leading to fragile, brittle bones that increase the risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips and wrists.

By 2030, the number of adults with osteoporosis or low bone mass is estimated to increase by more than 30%.

The reasons for the increase include lifestyle issues, particularly smoking, lack of physical activity and alcohol abuse. Our aging population, along with the insufficient attention paid to this disease, are also why osteoporosis is on the rise.

If you are older, it may be discouraging to read those statistics. But, as orthopaedic specialists who have studied this disease, we know that osteoporosis is not inevitable. The key to having healthy bones for a lifetime is to take some simple preventive measures – and the earlier, the better.

Although the symptoms are not obvious early on, certain signs will indicate your bones are becoming weaker. The most serious complications of osteoporosis are fractures, which can lead to chronic pain, hospitalisation, disability, depression, reduced quality of life and increased mortality.

Worldwide, osteoporosis causes nearly nine million fractures annually. That’s one osteoporotic fracture every three seconds.

Minor bumps or falls may lead to fractures, especially in the hip, wrist or spine. These types of fractures are often the first sign of the disease. If you notice that you’re getting shorter, the cause could be compression fractures in the spine; this too is a common symptom of osteoporosis.

Although it’s typical for most people to lose height as they age – about 2.5 to 3.8 centimetres over a lifetime –those with osteoporosis who have multiple spinal fractures could lose such or more in a relatively rapid time frame.

Curved posture, or noticeable changes in posture, may lead to a hunched back, which could be a sign that your spine is weakening and losing density.

Persistent back pain is an-

Silent killer

Osteoporosis has typically no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. As you age you need to look after your bones

other indicator – this too is the result of tiny fractures or compression of the spine.

Osteoporosis cannot be completely cured, but certain lifestyle and dietary factors can lower your risk.

Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for bone health. Calcium helps maintain strong bones, while Vitamin D assists in calcium absorption. Women over age 50 and men over

70 should consume at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily from food and, if necessary, supplements. The easy way to get calcium is through dairy products. Milk, yogurt and cheese are among the richest sources.

One cup of milk provides about 300 milligrams of calcium, one-fourth of the daily requirement. If you are vegan, calcium is in many plant-based foods, including

soy, beans, peas, lentils, oranges, almonds and dark leafy greens.

Adults should aim for two to three servings of calciumrich foods daily. Consuming them throughout the day with meals helps improve absorption.

Vitamin D is obtained mostly from supplements and sunlight, which is the easiest way to get the recommended dose. Your body will produce

enough Vitamin D if you expose your arms, legs and face to direct sunlight for 10 to 30 minutes between 10 am and 3 pm, two to three times a week.

Although it’s best to wear short-sleeve shirts and shorts during this brief period, it’s okay to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen to your face.

Sunlight through a window won’t have the same effect – glass reduces absorption of the UV rays needed for Vi-

tamin D production. People with darker skin, or those living in less sunny regions, may need more sunlight to get the same effect.

If a doctor has given you a diagnosis of osteoporosis, it’s possible the Calcium and Vitamin D that you’re getting through food and sun exposure alone is not enough; you should ask your doctor if you need medication.

Regular exercise is an excellent activity that can help stave off osteoporosis. Weightbearing exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging and dancing, are great for increasing bone density. Strength training, such as lifting weights, helps with stability and flexibility, which reduces the risk of falling.

Aim for 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise at least four days a week, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week.

Particularly for women, who lose bone density during and after menopause, regular exercise is critical. Working out prior to menopause will reduce the risk of osteoporosis in your later years. And avoid harmful habits –smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can weaken bone density and increase the risk of fractures.

Fall prevention strategies and balance training are crucial and can help reduce the risk of fractures. Screening and treatment

Women should start osteoporosis screening at age 65. Men should consider screening if they have risk factors for osteoporosis, which include smoking, alcohol use disorder, some chronic diseases such as diabetes, and age. Men over 70 are at higher risk. Medical imaging such as a bone density scan and spinal X-rays can help confirm osteoporosis and detect compression fractures. These basic tests, combined with age and medical history, are enough to make a clear diagnosis.

Managing osteoporosis is a long-term process that requires ongoing commitment to lifestyle changes. Recognising the early warning signs and making these proactive lifestyle changes is the first step to prevent

Spinal development study... and a surprise discovery

Researchers at the Gulbenkian Science Institute were recently studying the gene Tgfbr1. When they inactivated the gene in mice embryos, they were surprised to discover the embryos grew an extra pair of hind limbs. This discovery could help improve our understanding of human embryo development, metastatic cancer, and more. In an attempt to study the spine, scientists in Portugal accidentally created a

mouse embryo with an extra pair of hind legs, where its genitals should be — and the strange turn of events could improve our understanding of human embryo development, metastatic cancer, and more. There’s a lot we still don’t understand about what goes on in the womb — how a single cell becomes an entirely new organism.

In an attempt to clear up some of this mystery, scientists at the Gulbenkian

Science Institute in Portugal decided to study the gene Tgfbr1, which codes for a protein already known to play a role in embryo development.

For their study, published in Nature Communications, the team inactivated the Tgfbr1 gene in mouse embryos that were halfway through development. They expected that this might have some effect on the rodents’ spines. What they weren’t expecting was

for one of their embryos to grow an extra pair of hind limbs where its external genitalia should have been.

“[We were] very surprised,” lead researcher Moisés Mallo told Newsweek.

But... how? Prior to this, scientists knew that, in most four-legged animals, external genitalia and hind limbs emerge from the same basic structures during embryo development.

Upon further study, the Portuguese team discovered

that the Tgfbr1 protein affects the cells that make up these structures, altering the way the DNA in them folds.

By inactivating the Tgfbr1 gene, they affected the expression of other genes in the cells, leading to the structural abnormality.

“I would actually expect the same would happen in humans, but of course, this cannot be experimentally tested,” said Mallo.

Looking ahead: The researchers are hopeful that

their study will improve our understanding of abnormalities that occur during human embryo development, given that mammals share many of the same early developmental pathways. They plan to continue studying Tgfbr1 to see how it might affect the development of other body parts, including the immune system, as well as explore its potential impact on the structure of DNA in cancer cells and their ability to spread.

There are plenty of hidden towns and cities in Eastern European among the more popular ones cities like Prague, Budapest, and Tallinn. These underrated cities offer rich histories, stunning architecture, and unique photo opportunities that rival their more famous counterparts. And by visiting them, you’ll avoid crowds and come away with unique travel photos to showcase your trip. Whether you’re seeking vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, or captivating street scenes, these seven cities are worth adding to your travel list. From the medieval charm of Kotor to the vibrant culture of Olomouc, these seven cities offer unique experiences and stunning photography opportunities. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and start exploring these underrated Eastern European cities for your next adventure.

1. Gdańsk, Poland

Gdańsk is a vibrant port city on the Baltic coast, boasting a rich history and beautifully restored architecture. The colourful facades of the buildings along the Long Market, the charming streets of the Old Town, and the impressive Gothic churches make Gdańsk a paradise for photographers. Highlights include the iconic Neptune Fountain in the Long Market; the medieval Crane overlooking the Motława River; the ornate architecture of St. Mary’s Church; and the scenic view from the top of the Mariacka Basilica tower.

2. Kotor, Montenegro

Nestled between towering mountains and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Kotor is a picturesque coastal town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and stunning natural scenery. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, explore ancient churches, and climb the city walls for panoramic views that will leave you breathless. Highlights for photographers include the fortified walls and the view from St John’s Fortress as well as the enchanting narrow streets of

Seven underrated Eastern European cities

the Old Town The stunning Bay of Kotor at sunset and the picturesque village of Perast across the bay will make for great photos.

3. Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, is a green, lively city known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful riverside setting. With its mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and modern architecture, Ljubljana offers endless photographic opportunities. The Ljubljanica River flows through the heart of the city, lined with cafes, bridges, and leafy promenades.

Highlights include: The view from Ljubljana Castle overlooking the city;

the iconic Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge; the colourful Central Market and its vibrant stalls; and the picturesque Tivoli Park and its surrounding nature.

4. Timișoara, Romania

Known as ‘Little Vienna’ Timișoara is a city of elegant squares, historic buildings, and a lively cultural scene. This Romanian gem is often overlooked by travelers but offers a wealth of architectural beauty and vibrant street life, making it a dream destination for photographers.

Highlights include: The stunning Union Square, with its Baroque architecture; the ornate Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral; the charming

Liberty Square and Victory Square; and Bega River and its parks.

5. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Mostar is famous for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), which spans the Neretva River and symbolises the city’s resilience and history. The mix of Ottoman and Balkan architecture, along with the dramatic landscape, provides countless opportunities for stunning photographs.

Highlights include: The iconic Stari Most and its reflections in the Neretva River; the bustling Old Bazaar, with its colourful shops; the historic Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and its minaret view ;

and

the city.

6. Pécs, Hungary Pécs is a city rich in history and culture, known for its Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and vibrant arts scene. The city’s UNESCOlisted early Christian necropolis, along with its charming squares and modern public art, make it a unique destination for photographers.

Highlights are: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the early Christian necropolis; the imposing Pécs Cathedral and its architectural details; Széchenyi Square and its mosque-turned-church; and the contemporary Zsolnay

7. Olomouc, Czech Republic Olomouc is one of the Czech Republic’s best-kept secrets. It offers a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture without the crowds of Prague. Known for its baroque fountains, grand churches, and vibrant student life, Olomouc is a hidden gem for photographers. Highlights include: The UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column in the main square; the intricate details of the Astronomical Clock; the serene beauty of the Archbishop’s Palace and Gardens; and the panoramic views from St Wenceslas Cathedral.

Here’s the ideal drink when you are flying

Frequent fliers know how important it is to stay hydrated while traveling, but you might be wondering which beverage is the safest bet. After all, you know to avoid coffee and tea in the sky since airplane tap water can contain nasty bacteria. You probably skip the mystery “pitcher water” the flight attendants bring around for the same reason. So what is an ideal plane potable from a taste and health perspective? We noticed a certain childhood favourite kept popping

up on Reddit threads and TikTok videos as a flight essential, so we investigated. In the interest of vetting this unexpected airplane-travel tip, we checked in with Angel Luk, a registered dietitian and founder of FoodMysteries. com.

So what is the best drink to order on a flight?

Surprise: It just might be ginger ale. What makes it surprising is that many people report they crave this soft drink only in the air — not in normal life.

So why does ginger ale please the palate on a flight but not on solid ground? There’s actually a scientific explanation for this weird phenomenon: Foods and drinks taste different on a plane.

One wild reason is that background noise alters how things taste. A study by Cornell University researchers discovered that our taste buds perceive certain flavours differently under noisy conditions. In the study, which was published in the Journal of

Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, people tasted salty, sweet, sour flavours both with ambient noise at the decibel level of a typical aircraft cabin (80 to 85 decibels) and without the noise. Sweet seemed milder, under noisy conditions.

The findings may help explain why ginger ale is so popular in the sky: Amid the noise of the aircraft, the drink’s complex ginger umami hint comes out, while its sweetness recedes, so it doesn’t taste overly

sugary. On top of that, high altitudes may make us crave sweet flavors. A study that tested taste preference after three weeks at 3,500 meters found that high altitude led to an increased palatability for sweetness. Though the study is older, it provides another possible reason so many travellers crave soda while flying. Why else is it good to have ginger ale on a plane? The real health benefit of ginger ale is that it helps keep you hydrated.

the scenic views from the hills surrounding

Cultural Quarter.

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Dissolving agents and ticking the boxes

On November 8 last President Michael Higgins dissolved the 33rd Dáil. DISSOLVED! Kept thinking about that word. Being an imaginative and creative sort of person I had this image in my mind of each one of our 160 TDs lining up in single file, walking into Áras an Uachtaráin and being dissolved by Michael!

But how, I wondered? Did he immerse each one in a vat of vinegar with a splash of decent down-to-earth tap water perhaps; acid, of course, would be out of the question as our President would no longer be dissolving the Dáil, but deceasing each and every one of our TDs. Something many of the population might not be averse to (steady on now, Gerry, steady on). Or, did our President sprinkle them with a secret dissolving solvent, known

only to those in high office, just as a priest would sprinkle the congregation with holy water at some religious ceremony or other?

But no, Michael D dissolved the Dáil with the stroke of a pen. So, whatever about the pen being mightier than the sword it most certainly is mightier than any dissolving agents out there.

In the meantime, Mamma Mia – here we go again - to the polls when we, the electorate, get to flex a bit of political muscle and make our voices heard by ticking a few boxes that could well change the course of Irish political history! We wish. But who knows? Never underestimate your vote especially in our PR system where one’s vote can travel quite a way down that, at times, confusing list of candidates.

So, whatever the hell you do polling day cast your

vote because you never know how it’s going to influence things. And how are you going to cast your vote, Gerry? Well, would you believe that at this stage of my life (I’m officially a senior) I am not entirely sure. Time was when I could not physically, or psychologically, vote for Fine Gael because of my family’s trenchant affiliation to Fine Fáil. Fifty years on all that has changed thanks primarily to many years of undergoing political psychotherapy. It does exist, you know. And if you believe that you’ll believe anything – not least a lot of the political guff spouted on the campaign trail.

And what way are you inclined now, Gerry? I’m actually undecided – and I suppose I am undecided because at this stage of my life the many crises that exist

in our society – housing, cost of living etc. etc. don’t particularly pertain to me who,

“Did our President sprinkle them with a secret dissolving solvent?

being retired after working hard all his life, reasonably comfortable and considers himself very lucky; mortgage paid off and enough in my pocket for a few pints, the occasional meal out and the odd weekend away.

Mind you, I have four children who are not that comfortably off – but they live outside the country, are unlikely to come home, and so I’m not as fired up as perhaps I should be about the political landscape.

My heart, however, goes out to young people because of the precarious times in which they live, not least young couples trying to get a foot, a toe even, on the property ladder.

To be honest it’s not until I stand in the polling booth that I will make my final decision. Now I should mention that two candidates running in my constituency

are past pupils of mine; two upstanding members of our community, one of whom was a member of the recently dissolved Government. It would be remiss of me if I did not give those two gentlemen a vote. Finally, a small alert to all politicians who may call to my door – the bell isn’t working! Not deliberately I hasten to add. But should you knock hard enough and get an answer, one of the first questions I will ask is: would you happen to know of anyone who might fix this damn doorbell of mine?

Rghtly, or wrongly, I tend to vote with my heart as opposed to my head; not the best approach to voting in a General Election. Oh, and where, you might well ask, is my heart at this moment in time? In the right place, I like to think, in the right place. I hope!

Do warnings about democracy hold water? The Last Word Pat Coughlan

Democracy, to me, is more than just a system of governance; it’s the bedrock of our freedoms and rights. It ensures that every voice, no matter how small, is heard. As Thomas Jefferson once said: “The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness.”

The importance of democracy lies in its ability to provide a platform for diverse opinions and safeguard individual liberties. Political warnings about its threats are not to be taken lightly, as they often stem from real concerns about maintaining these fundamental principles.

When American leaders talk about “democracy as we know it,” they often evoke a system rooted in free elections, checks and balances, and individual rights. But it’s democracy as they know it.

So what really constitutes democracy? At its core, democracy means that power lies with the people, who can elect representatives and influence

governance through various mechanisms. As TP O’Connor, an Irish political figure, said: “The Irish people have not frittered away their time. They have not lost or dimmed the clear apprehension of the truth that all authority comes from the people.” It’s an ever-evolving concept, shaped by culture, history and societal values, making its interpretation somewhat fluid and subject to ongoing debate and critical examination. Understanding these complexities is essential in assessing the validity of political warnings.

Barack Obama has often highlighted the necessity of defending global democracy, stressing that it requires constant vigilance and international co-operation. EU leaders like Angela Merkel, drawing from Germany’s historical experiences, underscore the importance of robust democratic institutions. Emmanuel Macron, championing European unity, sees it as a bulwark against authoritarianism.

These leaders collectively illustrate that the challenges to democracy are universal and addressing them demands a concerted global effort. Their perspectives remind us that democracy’s defence is a shared responsibility.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said: “We must be ever vigilant in safeguarding our democracy, ensuring it remains a living, breathing entity that serves all its people, not just a select few.” Locally and nationally, we must remain vigilant to ensure that our democratic values are upheld and protected. Micheál Martin believes that taking democracy for granted can erode its very foundations. Arlene Foster has highlighted the issue of political polarisation, which is increasingly evident in both Ireland and the UK. This polarisation can weaken democratic institutions by fostering division and mistrust.

Hillary Clinton has long warned about the dangers of voter suppression, pointing to

tactics like stringent ID laws and limited polling stations that disproportionately affect marginalised communities.

Boris Johnson, on the other hand, has raised alarms about foreign interference, citing instances of cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at swaying public opinion. These statements undermine the democratic

“Democracy means that power lies with the people...

process as it causes voters to question the legitimacy of election results. We should believe in our process and defend it.

Mary Lou McDonald has often cautioned about the pernicious effects of misinformation on public trust. She argues that false narratives can deeply undermine confidence in democratic institutions.

Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, champions the protection of a free Press as essential to countering misinformation. He believes that a robust and independent media is crucial for maintaining democratic discourse. Together, their perspectives highlight the delicate balance between combating misinformation and ensuring a free, informed public.

Joe Biden’s presidency made a point of restoring and maintaining democratic norms, especially after the divisiveness witnessed during Donald Trump’s tenure. Biden’s efforts highlight the struggle to keep democratic standards steady

amidst rising political polarisation. Arlene Foster, too, points out the profound erosion in respectful political debate. The challenge isn’t merely political opposition but the deepening ideological divides which complicate consensusbuilding and mutual respect, fundamental to democracy’s survival.

Reflecting on the various perspectives and threats discussed, it’s clear that political warnings about democracy can be genuine but also alarming. From voter suppression to misinformation, the challenges are real and multifaceted. Ultimately, safeguarding our democratic values requires constant effort and awareness, ensuring that the principles we hold dear are preserved for future generations. The first step is to defend our democratic decision-making system and to do that we need to ensure that investigation of failure and decisions on change are made in Dáil Éireann  and not the courts.

The Clonygarra Murder - Eviction ends in tragedy

Part one

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The events surrounding the murder of Callan man, Patrick Devereux, in 1828, and the hanging of two men convicted of the crime, still cast a shadow over the town.

The multiple tragedy was sparked off by a series of brutal evictions in Clonygarra, a townland in Coolaghmore parish, just outside Callan. In the spring of 1828, Viscount Clifden decided that five families on his land should be removed because they had fallen behind in their rent payments.

Clifden was among the most hated landlords in the South East. He showed no mercy to his tenants. Without warning, his agents came battering at the doors of the small cabins at Clonygarra.

Men, women, and screaming children were dragged out of their homes and forced to watch as the “crowbar” gangs set to work. The cabins were leveled and set alight.

This action freed about 40 acres of land that the Viscount handed over to Patrick Devereux. At the time, people who took possession of such farms were despised and condemned as “land grabbers.” They were seen to be thriving at the expense of evicted tenants.

Devereux was unpopular in Callan even before the evictions at Clonygarra. He was rumoured to have murdered his wife and eluded

justice thanks to his “friends in high places.” A few weeks prior to her untimely and violent death, neighbours had seen him savagely beating her.

A bully  He had the reputation of being a bully in all his dealings with people. He was always armed in public and carried a whip that he used to lash out at anyone who dared criticise him. Whenever cattle strayed unto his land, he shot them or drove the animals into Poulacapple bog, a veritable no-go area in those days.

Unfortunately for Devereux, three of the people affected by his “land grabbing” at Clonygarra had paramilitary connections. The Russell and Cody families had never accepted British rule in Ireland and swore allegiance to a code of unwritten rules governing land transactions called the “Rock Laws.”

The Whiteboys, a clandestine organization that had declared war on absentee landlords and their agents, had drawn these up.

Seventy-year old James Russell was an agitator and staunch Republican who had always stood up for the rights of tenants. Now his family was destitute after a heartless eviction. His anger knew no bounds.

In September 1828, he and his two sons, Mark and Edmond approached Pat and Tom Cody, who were equally embittered by their ordeal. Having discussed their plight, they agreed that Devereux should pay dearly for his acquisition of their land and the destruction of their precious

homes.

The five men plotted to kill Devereux and dump the body in Poulacapple bog. If they had proceeded as planned, they might have gotten away with the murder. But events took a different course. Shortly after noon on September 26th, Patrick Devereux arrived at Clonygarra to check on his field of crops.

Unluckily for him, the Cody brothers happened to be working nearby. Mark and Edmond Russell were also in the vicinity. The four men spotted Devereux as he sat down on a wall to light his pipe. His gun lay on the ground beside him. The men rushed over to him and a vicious row ensued. One of the men grabbed Devereux’s weapon as another pushed him to the ground. Undaunted, he leapt to his feet and broke Tom Cody’s nose. Mark Russell’s jaw was dislocated in the melee.

But James Russell had heard the commotion and decided

to intervene. He charged at Devereux, shouting: “land grabber scum”. Russell was armed with a large wooden mallet that he had been using to break sods.

He struck Devereux repeatedly with the mallet until his enemy was almost unrecognizable.

Loyalty to cause

In the heat of the attack, the five men had forgotten that other people were present in the vicinity and would have witnessed the murder. Foolishly, they hoped that loyalty to their cause and Devereux’s reputation would tilt the balance in their favour. The hated Callan man would not be missed, they surmised. They had grounds for so believing. In his entry for September 26th, the famous Callan diarist, Humphrey O’ Sullivan, referred to the murder in terms which reflected badly on the victim. He recalled having visited the area the previous month and speaking to “a poor bare-footed woman” who had suffered at the hands of the deceased man.

Pointing to a potato garden, she said: “I set those potatoes, but Patrick Devereux will dig them”. She took O’ Sullivan through a field of wheat and remarked: “My family sowed

the seed, but Devereux reaped the crop, my curse on him.” With great bitterness, she told the Kerry-born schoolmaster about how her husband built a cabin for their family, only to see it razed to the ground by Devereux’s thugs. The assassins made no effort to conceal the body. They dumped the bruised and battered corpse in a ditch close to the Tipperary border. Next day, the police swooped on almost every household in Coolaghmore parish. Scores of people were arrested. The Russells and Codys were interrogated at length about the murder. But nobody would co-operate with the investigation, even though most people in the district knew or suspected who the culprits were…

(To be continued)

(My book Callan in Words and Pictures is available from Amazon)

An eviction team destroys another home

Cruel evictions left a long and bitter legacy

Callan in the early 20th century

Panel Discussion: Exploring Artist Supports with artists Gillian Grattan and

Thomas Duffy with Anne Tannam

Join Kilkenny Arts Office for an evening of food, chat, music and networking for local artists of all artforms.

Join us for an end of year gathering in Harry’s Bar, Langton’s where a number of artists will share their journeys as recipients of Arts Office bursaries and supports, offering a glimpse into how these have influenced their careers and creative practices. This gathering is not just a chance to hear artists experiences but also an opportunity to connect with fellow artists and gain insights into the impact of support, financial or otherwise. Discover how these resources can open new doors, foster artistic innovation, and contribute to a thriving creative community. Whether you’re thinking of

applying for bursary, or have in the past or you’re simply curious about the benefits of local support, this event will be welcoming and informative, a moment to connect with others in Kilkenny’s art community as the year draws to a close. We hope you’ll leave with new knowledge that might prepare you for the year ahead.

Date: Dec 4th

Location: Harrys Bar, Langtons Time: 6pm-8pm To book email: kathy.conlan@kilkennycoco.ie

During my canvass over recent weeks I have spoken with a very large number of mothers and fathers about the lack of services for children with special needs including autism and ADHD. A typical feedback I get is along the following lines: “when you get an assessment after many years you find out that there is no service” or “I feel and believe strongly that this is a service not fit for purpose and requires immediate action” or “I am under unbearable stress and without any back-up or support”.

The lack of support, information, timely assessment and follow-through once a condition is diagnosed is shocking and widely known. Yet, it is only when it strikes home to someone close to you that the full realisation of what can only be described as a national scandal is realised. It is completely unacceptable that any young child is left waiting for many years until a formal diagnosis is made. What is even more unacceptable is that once a diagnosis is made there are extremely limited supports available. It is one thing to acknowledge that we have major problem affecting 10,000s of children in Ireland – it is another to admit that parents are sometimes uniformed about the fact that waiting times are

On most Sundays of the year, a small crowd gathers at James’ Green in Kilkenny’s city centre. The reason is to say the rosary at the statue of the Blessed Virgin. Of course this is not exclusive to the city centre nor indeed Kilkenny. Statues to the Virgin Mary are to be found all over Ireland, in villages and towns. What are they? They are the shrines and grottoes erected in honour of the Virgin Mary, in the Marian Year of 1954. These shrines usually show the Blessed Virgin as she was

traditionally portrayed at this time: light blue hooded mantle, white veil over her head, hands clasped in prayer or palms spread outwards, showering graces on her children.

The shrines were described in Ireland’s Own magazine recently, “these shrines and grottoes are rarely very distinguished as works of art. Often, the figures are crudely sculpted, the paint peeling from decades of the Irish rain and wind. Still, however, you will usually find fresh

Independent Tom Healy says it’s time to fix the broken special needs service for our

measured in years and not months and that the services of psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists are simply not there. Families are left to struggle and battle day and night while the potential of gifted children is wasted due to lack of appropriate and timely intervention and support.

Rather than receiving therapy, children with disabilities are, at best, receiving assessment (and that very often undertaken via private assessment at a cost of many thousands of Euro). What they need is therapy and on-going support. The key logjam is the lack of therapists and therapy hours. A policy to shift the backlog and fast track assessment and therapy is threefold.

A short-term emergency response:

• Remove the veil of secrecy around child disability services and admit that we have a huge national and local problem. Own up to the actual situation.

• Fill vacant posts at psychologist level (which seems to be particularly severe in county Carlow). If necessary, recruit from abroad and cut down on red tape.

• Create a single database of children with special needs rather than the current chaotic and disjointed arrangement where agencies, staff and

Much loved grotto on Waterford road, a place of serenity

flowers lying at the Virgin’s feet. Often, there are rosary beads, prayer cards and other little tokens left beside her, each one evidence of some heartfelt petition; recovery from illness, perhaps, or the hope for the healthy birth of a child.”

One such spot in Kilkenny where you will find one is at O’Dwyers cottage on the Waterford Road. And it was in the Marian year, that Philly Dwyer erected a statue in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes. As time passed,

the original statue decayed which led Philly’s daughterin-law Patty O’Dwyer to make a heartfelt promise, and that was to honour the Grotto and its sacred statue. After a lot of attempts to secure a statue, Patty’s husband Joe commissioned a marble statue which was crafted by Matt Gargan and Pat Murphy. Recently, to coincide with World Day of Prayer, a rosary was held at the grotto on the Waterford road, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Marian Year. The event was

children

databases do not talk to each other.

• Allocate additional spending to special education and disability services. The alternative is to incur more expenditure down the road due to health and other family and community costs.

A medium-term crisis strategy Reform, root and branch, county level disability services placing services under one roof, ie., a one stop shop place where children can be assessed by a multi-disciplinary team and not shunted from one agency to another as is currently the case. Let’s put the local Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) together in one place and work together as a team for the benefit of the individual child.

Ringfence disability services as a priority including during times of recession and fiscal retrenchment.

A long-term plan

Boost the number of graduates in OT and Speech and Language specialisms and to make it attractive for graduates to work in the services for which they were trained. We need more voices for children at the tables of power and resource allocation decision-making.

coordinated by John Ryan, who along with his wife and members of the O’Dwyer family regularly pray at the grotto.

The following is a poem written by Aoife O’ Dwyer:

In Foulkstown, beneath the sky of blue

Stands a grotto with a tale so true

Erected in ‘54 by Philly’s hands

A promise made in sacred lands.

Patty, a daughter in law, kind and true

Vowed to keep the Grottoes view

With a statue sourced from a nun so fair

To watch over all with loving care.

Through storms and nights so dark,

A

I the heart of Kilkenny, a treasure rare, The Grotto stands with a prayer With each passing year, a celebration grand For the Marian year, united we stand.

To conclude, we return to an apt comment from Ireland’s Own, “strictly speaking, the Marian Year ran from December 1953 to December 1954. It was to be a year of increased devotion to the Virgin Mary all over the Catholic world. The year was chosen to celebrate a hundred years since the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was proclaimed in 1854.”

Joe and Patty left their mark

legacy of Faith, Love Guiding souls from up above.

Joe O’Dwyer, Denis Power and Patty O’Dwyer

Group pictured at the Grotto on the Waterford road

Market Cross Shopping celebrates 30 years

Lesley Cleere, Market Cross Centre Manager

Stefan & Mario from House of Pretzels

Avril, Adriana and Kevin from Happy Times

Tenants of Market Cross Shopping Centre

Lesley Cleere, Market Cross Centre Manager

Shopping Centre years in business

Market Cross Shopping Centre is thrilled to celebrate 30 years of successful trading this November. Over the decades, we've grown to become a cornerstone of the community, providing a vibrant shopping experience for all.

To mark this special milestone, we're offering a fantastic parking promotion—shop with us until the 29th of November and enjoy the 3rd hour of parking absolutely free! Join us in celebrating three decades of retail excellence and take advantage of this special offer.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to many more years of serving you.

Ivan from Radical

Chloe from Holland & Barrett

Customers of house of Pretzel Kathleen and Andy

Tom (the children's entertainer) with Aine

Aine with Jace (Spiderman)

Abi from O'Reilly's restaurant with free samples

For schools, Autumn is

is a beginning

Presentation Secondary School

On October 4th last, the Presentation Secondary School began their new year in tremendous fashion. Mr Shane Hallahan, Principal, and the Presentation teaching staff were joined by over 800 students for a special mass in St John’s Church. This event welcomed the school year's commencement.

The mass, celebrated by Fr Dan Carroll, Vicar General of Ossory Diocese, proved a memorable occasion. The service was embellished by an

exceptional delivery of music and song by the school choir.

Fr Dan thanked all attending for their prayerful involvement throughout the ceremony. He emphasized his delight that St John’s could be part of such a joyous celebration.

Fr Dan concluded by wishing staff and students every success in the year ahead, reminding all participants of an eternal truth: “Learning is not only for the skilled or the gifted. It is for all who are willing to try.

The US Justice Department plans to focus on arresting January 6 rioters who committed felony assaults on law enforcement officers but have not yet been arrested — in the remaining days before President-elect Donald Trump is back in the White House, a law enforcement official told NBC News.

Trump is expected to shut down the years-long investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack and has said he would “absolutely” pardon some, if not all, of his supporters who stormed the US Capitol that day, labelling them “warriors,” “unbelievable patriots,” political prisoners and “hostages”.

A Trump campaign spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on which rioters Trump would consider pardoning, though the campaign previously said that he would pardon January 6 defendants on a “case-by-case basis when he is back in the White House”.

Given Trump’s stunning election victory, federal prosecutors in the Justice Department’s Capitol Siege Section have received guidance about how to proceed in pending January 6 cases, NBC News has learned, including a directive to oppose any defendant’s requests for delays. Prosecutors are instructed to argue that there is a societal interest in the quick administration of justice and these cases should be handled in the normal order.

As for new arrests, the law enforcement official said, prosecutors will “focus on the most egregious conduct and cases until the end of the administration.” There are unlikely to be any further arrests of misdemeanour January 6 defendants — such as those who entered the Capitol but did not assault law enforcement — unless a judge already signed off on those cases, but felony assault cases would proceed, the official said.

Online sleuths who have aided the FBI in hundreds of arrests of Capitol rioters told NBC News they have identified and submitted evidence to the bureau on 75 people who are currently featured on the FBI’s Capitol Violence webpage and labeled as wanted for assault on a federal officer or for assault on

We are experience the warmest 10-year period of of modern records and 2024 is on track to be the hottest single year, breaking the record that was broken in 2023.

It is “another SOS” for the climate, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Secretary General Celeste Saulo has said at the COP29 climate conference, where international talks were underway to secure agreements on global climate action.

“Once again, we are sending a red alert, one of many that I have issued in less than one year as Secretary General. This is another SOS for the climate,” Saulo said.

US Justice moves quick on January 6 rioters

media, both felonies.

Federal officials would have to pick up the pace to get just those cases over the finish line before Trump walks through the lower west tunnel — where his supporters fought law enforcement in a battle multiple officers described as “medieval” — to take the oath of office on January 20 next.

“Just over one a day,” one of the online ‘sedition hunters’ who has dedicated hours of their life to finding the Trump supporters who brutally assaulted law enforcement officers that day, told NBC News.

“We didn’t spend the last four years tracking these

criminals down just to have dozens of them avoid prosecution because half of the country are f-----g morons,” another of the online sleuths said. “Our work continues, as should the DOJ’s.”

Existing cases against January 6 defendants are expected to continue, with additional trials, sentencing hearings and plea agreement hearings scheduled to take place next week.

The FBI has arrested over 1,560 January 6 defendants so far. Prosecutors have secured more than 1,100 convictions, and more than 600 defendants have received sentences of incarceration ranging

from days in jail to 22 years in federal prison.

A former assistant US attorney in the Justice Department’s Capitol Siege Section told NBC News that prosecutors are proud of the work they’ve done, but are understandably nervous about the future and are somewhat demoralised. Many prosecutors got involved in these cases because of their desire to uphold the rule of law and to defend democracy, the former assistant attorney said, but the cases became about vindicating the victims, who are primarily police officers.

“You spend any amount of time understanding what

hell the police officers went through and watching the body-worn cameras where you stand in their shoes and you see people physically assaulting them and taking cheap shots at them and hitting them from behind, and using racial slurs against them, for hours and hours as they stood there and tried to protect the Capitol and people inside it, and the cases become about the victims,” he said. “So the idea that people who committed those crimes against those victims, people who assaulted those officers, would be pardoned, we just really hope people are thinking twice before doing that.”

“This year will be the hottest year on record, hotter even than 2023, which smashed all previous records.”

The global average temperature between January and September 2024 was 1.54 degrees Celsius higher than preindustrial levels, the WMO has confirmed in a 2024 State of the Climate Update report released at COP29.

It doesn’t yet represent a breach of the 1.5 limit set by the Paris Agreement, which will be measured over a period of several years rather than a single one, but it is still yet another wake up call to the reality of the changing climate.

Its findings are in line with

The prospect of presidential pardons for people who assaulted law enforcement was “pretty demoralizing,” he said.

“The idea that the most powerful person in the country says it’s OK, it’s OK to the person who sprayed them with bear spray, or hit them with a hockey stick, or drag them down steps, or, in the case of Michael Fanone, Tased them in the neck and caused them to have a heart attack, or, in the case of Daniel Hodges, trap them in between doors and continue to squeeze them in between doors ... while Hodges was screaming for his life, that part of it is, it’s so wretched,” he said.

those of the EU’s Copernicus service, which has also declared it be “virtually certain” that 2024 will be the hottest year of modern records.

Antarctic sea ice was at its second lowest level on record last year and glacier loss accelerated, the WMO said, and extreme weather and climate events in 2024 caused “massive” human and economic losses.

“These are more than just statistics, more than just words. Every degree of warming matters and increases climate extremes, impacts and risks,” Saulo said, addressing media at a press conference at the COP in Baku, Azerbaijan.

This year marks a significant milestone for Prague House as we celebrate our 50th anniversary of providing compassionate care to the older and vulnerable members of our community. Since our establishment in 1974, Prague House has been dedicated to delivering high-quality care, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring the dignity and wellbeing of every resident who calls this place home.

From humble beginnings thanks to Sister Patricia & Sister Beatrice, Local Voluntary Tradesmen and the backing of the community & Dioceses - Prague House has grown to become a beacon of care and support. Our journey over the past five decades has been one of evolution, adaptation, and deepening our commitment to the people we serve. As the needs of our residents have changed, so too have our services, facilities, and approaches to care.

volunteers, and caregivers, has played an instrumental role in maintaining the high standards of care that Prague House is known for. It is the warmth, kindness, and professionalism of our staff that has allowed us to create an environment where residents feel safe, respected, and valued.

A legacy of compassion For 50 years, we have remained steadfast in our mission to offer not just a place to live, but a true home for our residents. Our team, comprised of dedicated staff,

Responding to changing needs Throughout the decades, Prague House has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of our residents. Whether it’s through the enhancement of our facilities or the introduction of new programmes, regulatory bodies

Celebrating 50 years a milestone for Pragu

of care: e House

and activities, we have always aimed to provide holistic care that caters to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of those in our care.

Over the years, we have expanded our services to accommodate a diverse range of needs, from long-term residential care, convalescence to respite services. Our commitment to personalised care means that every resident receives support tailored to their unique circumstances, ensuring they live life to the fullest.

Looking to the future

As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we also look forward to the future with optimism. We are excited about the plans for upgrading our facilities, including the creation of new bedrooms and continued improvements to meet modern regulations. These upgrades will allow us to continue providing the highest standard of care while ensuring the safety and comfort of our residents.

At the heart of Prague House’s longevity is the unwavering support of our community. We are deeply grateful to the families, donors, and local organisations who have stood by us through the years. Special acknowledgement must be given to Our Voluntary Board of Directors. It is with your help that we have been able to maintain our high standards and plan for a future that ensures Prague House remains a vital resource for generations to come.

A special thanks

We would like to take this opportunity to thank every individual who has been part of the Prague House story. From our long serving and hardworking staff to the volunteers and families, and most importantly, to the residents who have graced our home with their presence—thank you for being part of this journey.

It is through your contributions, care, and trust that we celebrate this milestone with pride.

As we commemorate 50 years of service, we invite everyone to reflect on the wonderful memories we’ve shared and to join us in looking forward to the next chapter of Prague House’s legacy. Here’s to 50 more years of care, compassion, and community!

Sister Patricia RIP, founder of Prague House

Join us for Prague House’s annual coffee morning and bake sale

Prague House is delighted to open its doors to the local community of Freshford and surrounding areas for our Annual Coffee Morning and Bake Sale on Sunday, November 17th 2024, starting at 11:00am. This year marks a particularly special occasion, as we celebrate our 50th Golden Anniversary, making this event one not to miss! Guests are invited to enjoy freshly baked treats, tea, and coffee served throughout the morning, with an array of

sweet and savoury options lovingly prepared by volunteers, staff, and local supporters. A highlight of the day will be our fundraising raffle, offering wonderful prizes including hampers, vouchers, and other thoughtful gifts donated by generous community members and local businesses.

This year we have the return of Mary Wong & the Lucky Dip Team on the day of the event. In the days leading up to the event, on Friday, November

15th, a ticket stand will be set up outside the local MACE shop in the village of Freshord, where raffle tickets can be purchased. Additionally, various local businesses have kindly offered to sell tickets on behalf of Prague House, helping us reach as many supporters as possible. A special thanks to:

• O’Shea’s Shop

• The Butcher Shop

• The Loop Café

• Girls & Guys Salon

• Kavanagh's Bar

Our dedicated staff and voluntary board members are all working together to ensure this year’s event is a resounding success, with all proceeds going directly to support the valuable services and nurturing environment provided by Prague House. We hope you’ll join us on this special day to support a wonderful cause, meet friends and neighbours, and celebrate our commitment to the community.

Prague House in Freshford

By Teresa Dillon, 17th July 2018

You can travel from north to south, east or the west Prague House here in Freshford is clearly the best.

No nice or brighter, no happier place All workers attend with a smile on their face.

As soon as you enter Prague House you are met With a smell from the kitchen you’ll never forget.

The food that’s provided is second to none Whether regular meals or just tea and a bun.

Sandwiches, snacks are provided with haste And all will agree on their excellent taste.

A garden to die for with chicks on display Where all can partake and relax on each day. It takes special people to do what you do You are rare and remarkable, big hearted too.

So thank you Prague House for your wonderful care Our hope for the future - you’ll always be there.

What it’s like to be a part of the family at Prague House

Hearing firsthand from residents at Prague House Care Home offers a meaningful glimpse into the care, compassion, and sense of community that define life there. Each testimonial highlights unique experiences, reflecting both the quality of care and the warm friendships that blossom

within their walls. From engaging activities to the attentive support provided by their dedicated staff, these testimonials show how we strive to

make each day enriching, comfortable, and joyful for our residents. Read on to hear from the voices that truly bring their home to life.

Peter “I have been living in Prague House for over a year now. I came here with a bad leg injury, I was able to recover and get my life back together again. I hope once upstairs is renovated, more potential residents will come to Prague House as it is a fantastic facility. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff, they are very special people. Prague House really is a home from home.”

James “I really enjoy living in Prague House. I like how there is always somebody here, you are never alone which makes me feel very safe. The staff are nice and are great company. I particularly enjoy how I can come and go as I please. I enjoy taking trips to Kilkenny most days on the bus, having this independence is brilliant!”

Mary “I am 82 years old and thank goodness I am very fit for my age. My life was changed completely when my husband died suddenly, RIP. I wasn’t very well myself at that time. The following year I was in hospital and I came to Prague House to convalesce. The angels must have guided me here as it was exactly what I needed. I had lost weight and I was very lonely. It wasn’t long before I improved with the great care I received. Good caring staff and pleasant company, that is why I stayed here. It is much more secure than living alone and at night if I need help, I only have to press a bell. It is much better than being alone.”

Care homes play a crucial role in improving the wellbeing of elderly residents by providing a supportive environment that meets their physical, emotional, and social needs. As people age, many face challenges related to health, mobility, social isolation, and the loss of independence.

Care homes, with their specialised care and services, can address these challenges and significantly enhance the quality of life for elderly residents.

Comprehensive medical care

One of the primary ways care homes improve wellbeing is by providing round-theclock medical care. As people age, their health needs often become more complex, requiring regular monitoring and timely medical intervention. Care homes have trained healthcare professionals, including nurses, therapists, and often visiting doctors, who can help manage chronic conditions, administer medication, and respond to emergencies. This constant access to healthcare can greatly reduce the stress on elderly individuals and their families, ensuring that health issues are managed promptly and effectively.

Personalised assistance with daily living

Many elderly individuals struggle with daily activities such as bathing, dressing,

Building better days: how care homes enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for the elderly

and eating due to age-related physical limitations. Care homes offer personalised assistance to help residents with these activities, promoting dignity and comfort. This support also helps to prevent injuries that can result from trying to perform these tasks alone, such as falls or strains. By relieving elderly residents of the struggle of daily self-care

tasks, care homes can help them maintain a sense of independence while ensuring they receive the assistance they need.

Nutritious meals and health monitoring

Proper nutrition is essential for the health and wellbeing of the elderly, yet many seniors may not have the means or ability to

0Social interaction and community engagement

Loneliness and social isolation can severely impact mental health and overall wellbeing, especially among the elderly. Care homes offer a built-in community where residents can form new friendships and participate in social activities. Most care homes organise group activities such as arts and crafts, games, and group exercises to encourage residents to engage with one another and build a sense of belonging. These activities foster companionship and can significantly improve residents’ mood, reducing the risk of depression and other mental health issues.

Mental stimulation and recreational activities

strength, and overall health. Care homes often provide gentle exercise classes, such as yoga or tai chi, that are tailored to the abilities of elderly residents. Additionally, many care homes offer rehabilitation services like physical and occupational therapy for residents recovering from injuries or surgeries. By incorporating regular physical activity and offering professional rehabilitation, care homes help residents maintain their physical independence for as long as possible.

Emotional and psychological support

Many care homes employ counsellors or social workers who can provide emotional support to residents.

balanced meals for themselves. Care homes provide nutritious meals that cater to residents' dietary needs, helping to prevent malnutrition and support overall health. Additionally, staff members are able to monitor residents’ weight, appetite, and hydration levels, adjusting meal plans as needed to ensure optimal health.

Cognitive health is just as important as physical health for the elderly, and care homes often offer programs designed to stimulate mental engagement. Activities like puzzles, reading groups, music therapy, and even technology classes provide opportunities for residents to learn, engage, and keep their minds active. By engaging in these activities, residents can maintain cognitive function, improve memory, and enhance their overall sense of wellbeing.

Physical exercise and rehabilitation services

Physical activity plays a critical role in maintaining mobility,

Transitioning into a care home can be challenging, and having a professional to talk to can help residents adjust to their new environment and cope with any feelings of loss or homesickness. This support helps improve mental health, encourages positive outlooks, and strengthens emotional resilience.

Through comprehensive healthcare, personalised assistance, social interaction, and supportive activities, care homes play a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing of elderly residents. These facilities offer a safe and nurturing environment where seniors can live more fulfilling and enjoyable lives.

cook

Still Time launches at Mayfair

Kilkenny poet Nora Brennan’s second collection of poems, Still Time, will be launched on 21st November next at 6pm in the Mayfair Library.

Published by Revival Press, Still Time is described by poet and lecturer Dr Derek Coyle as “a collection of remarkable maturity, depth and range.” Evocative verses are crafted out of the ordinary every day and explore themes of love, loss and mortality.

“In tune with the natural landscape,” the poet is keenly aware of nature’s power to restore and redeem, and our responsibility towards it.

The collection has also been acclaimed by the poet Jean O’Brien who describes it as a “mature reflection and an assured deepening of her craft. The poet deals fearlessly with darkness and light and always veers on the side of hope and redemption.”

Nora is a native of Co. Kilkenny and grew up on a farm outside Inistioge. She has been a prize winner in national competitions and published her first collection of poetry, The Greening of Stubble Ground in 2017.

Still Time will be launched on 21st November by poet Kerry Hardie and music will be provided by Siobhan Maher and Elizabeth Kett. It will be available to purchase in The Book Centre and Khan’s Books Kilkenny. All are welcome to attend.

Student enterprise programme comes to MacDonagh Junction for a special Christmas market

The Local Enterprise Office is excited to announce that students from schools all over the county will be participating in a Christmas market over Christmas on Tuesdays and Thursday (3rd, 5th, 10th, & 12th December) from 12 noon. These talented young entrepreneurs have been working hard over the past year to develop and market their own products and this is their chance to showcase

their skills and creativity to the community. From handmade crafts to tasty treats and more, there is sure to be something for everyone at the market.

Speaking about the Student Enterprise Programme, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael McCarthy said “supporting the next generation of small business owners is essential for the growth and success of our community, and I am grateful to MacDonagh

Junction for their continued support of this initiative."

The market is a fantastic opportunity for the students to not only sell their goods, but to also gain valuable realworld experience and learn about the ins and outs of running a successful business.

"The Student Enterprise Programme is a great opportunity for young people in our community to learn about entrepreneurship and gain valuable real-world experience. I am proud to see so many talented and ambitious students from our schools participating in this programme and showcasing their skills” according to Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Kilkenny County Council.

We encourage members of the community to come out and support these talented young people by checking out their products at the MacDonagh Junction Christmas market.

For more information about the Student Enterprise Programme, please visit our website at localenterprise.ie/kilkenny.

Pedestrian crossing and active travel improvements begin on Castlecomer road

Local Councillor John Coonan is pleased to announce the commencement of works on a new pedestrian crossing along Castlecomer Road, near the entrance to Glenbawn and opposite Inver Service Station. The project, which includes enhanced footpaths and traffic calming measures, is being funded through the Active Travel initiative to promote safer walking and cycling options in the area.

The initiative follows a notice of motion submit ted by Councillor Coonan during the February Kilkenny Municipal Meeting, which sought to improve pedestrian safety and make the area more accessible for residents.

Key Features of the Project:

New Pedestrian Crossing: Designed

to provide safer passage for pedestrians across a busy stretch of Castlecomer Road, especially near local amenities.

Upgraded Walking & Cycling Footpaths: Extending and improving footpaths to ensure

safer for commuters to use local transport.

“I’m thrilled to see this muchneeded project take shape,” said Cllr John Coonan. “This initiative is part of my continued efforts to improve the safety and accessibility of our community. The funding from the Active Travel scheme will not only enhance pedestrian safety but also promote more sustainable transport options for everyone.”

Cllr Coonan worked closely with the Kilkenny County Council Roads Department to bring this project to fruition, ensuring that residents’ needs and safety concerns were addressed.

“I want to thank all the residents who supported this initiative and contributed to making the neighborhood a safer, more accessible place,”.

Cllr John Coonan   Kilkenny City Councillor

Ó welcomeshArgáinnew pedestrian bridge

Cllr. Seán Ó hArgáin, Labour Party councillor for Kilkenny City and party candidate in the forthcoming General Election has warmly welcomed the putting in place of the new pedestrian bridge at the junction of Coote’s Lane and Kilkenny Ring Road. Having visited the site this morning, Cllr. Ó hArgáin hailed it as another hugely positive addition to walking and cycling facilities in the city.

‘I campaigned for many years for the closure of Coote’s Lane to traffic and since that decision was taken, the lane has been hugely improved for pedestrians and cyclists. This bridge now connects the lane and the Ring Road footpaths, allowing better access for cyclists and walkers, particularly those travelling to school at St. Patrick’s de la Salle and John of God schools, as well as Kilkenny School Project, Gaelscoil Osraí and the Presentation School.

Of course, we are still left

THE Irish Wind Farmers Association (IWFA) is set to host its Annual Conference, sponsored by Flogas, on Thursday, November 28th, 2024, at Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny.

The event will gather leaders from across Ireland's renewable energy industry, policymakers, stakeholders and experienced onshore wind farmers to explore opportunities within the wind energy sector.

Anticipating a Q4 announcement of the government-backed support for smaller wind projects, the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), organisers are inviting SMEs, community groups, and farmers to learn from the real-life experience of small-scale wind farmers and industry experts.

This year's keynote speaker is Jim Breslin, Chair of Renewable Energy Ireland. He will be joined by Paul O'Neill, Principal Officer in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications alongside Tom Ryan, Wicklow-based wind farmer, who will discuss the reapplication processes followed by a series of panels discussing key challenges in the wind sector, planning, grid and markets, and the introduction of the Small RESS scheme for communities and SMEs are on the agenda for the conference.

"Ireland's renewable energy sector is at a criti-

Small wind farmers focal point for annual conference

cal juncture. Right now, we're trailing the EU leader board for portion of energy produced sustainably, yet onshore wind projects represent

one of our greatest opportunities to bring more groups into the fold and make meaningful strides towards the Government's 2030 commit-

ments," Paddy Phelan, Chair of the Irish Wind Farmers Association said, "The recent SRESS support scheme is a welcome step, but is it

wind farmers. We need a more streamlined planning process and increased transparency to drive real uptake. These changes are essential if we're serious about enabling new wind farmers large, small and community led to contribute to Ireland's clean energy goals—this is just one of the issues we'll address at this year's conference."

Untapped potential of onshore wind in Ireland

A focal point of this year's conference is the Government's drafted Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), which offers one or two turbine operators a 15-year guaranteed tariff on electricity sold to the grid.

The IWFA Annual Conference aims to share insight among wind farmers, industry experts, and newcomers interested in wind energy projects. Attendees will have access to exhibitors, SME support, and interactive workshops on starting and growing wind energy operations in Ireland.

enough? The IWFA membership says the proposed scheme does not provide sufficient financial certainty for small-scale

For more information or to register, visit the event page.

Paddy Phelan, Chair of the Irish Wind Farmers Association

Jim Breslin, Chair of Renewable Energy Ireland

Witch hunt drama leaves audience spellbound

The Hole in the Wall hosted a riveting drama recalling some of Kilkenny’s darkest days

Core Theatre’s production of The Witch Hunt of Alice Kyteler held an audience in the upstairs chamber of the ancient city tavern in a daze as it went beyond the “bell, book, and candle” approach one expects from a play inspired by alleged witchcraft and heresy.

The ever-innovative Michael Somers directed the drama which he coscripted with Roisin Kerin, in a way that paid homage to the grim reality, as distinct from the garish legend, of what happened when an over-zealous Prince of the Church went head-to-head with a wealthy and influential merchant woman that he convinced himself was a foul heretic in league with the Devil.

Renowned actor Catriona Bambrick was the feisty, stubborn, and independent-minded Alice Kyteler, capturing the essence of the woman as we understand her from a mix of history and legend.

We didn’t learn a lot about what really happened to her four husbands- did she poison them or did they die of natural causes?-, but Catriona dominated the stage with her fierce and fearless defiance and proto-feministic mode when she faced the  aptly named Bishop LeDrede.

There was a palpable air of menace when the towering austere figure of Paul Behan as His Lordship appeared. He was convincing, eerily and disturbingly so, in

the role as he pursued his obsession with stamping out heresy to its logical end… the scapegoating of Alice’s maid, Petronella, when Alice herself escaped his idea of “justice.” Behan called to mind an interrogating Gestapo officer from a later age as he circled the accused maid, showering her with questions, an affirmative answer to any one of which would have implicated her in heresy.

Nicci St. George Smith almost stole the show as the hapless maid. We saw her progression from happy days, picking herbs and

flowers; and caring for her daughter Bacillia (Megan Kelly) to the nightmare she faced after the bishop’s men extracted her confession under torture. She was authentic and eloquent as the innocent victim of political power play and a church devoid of compassion, guided as it was by the dictates of the pitiless Inquisition.

Michael Conway, legendary proprietor of the Hole in the Wall, took to the stage as no less a personage than the Pope himself and the part suited him perfectly. He was regal, sanctimonious, and the

quintessence of authority as he pontificated on the need to sort out the witchcraft crisis in Kilkenny. He spoke several languages, his mastery of Latin especially evoking a sense of the medieval milieu. You felt drawn to another, more fearful age when he held forth with fluent infallibility.

In a spirited performance, Kevan Tynan as Alice’s son William Outlaw stylishly portrayed the man who famously agreed to repair the roof of St Canice’s Cathedral as part of his punishment for the family’s alleged dabbling in

the occult.

Willie Ryan was the consummate politician… wheedling, conniving and double-dealing as John D’Archy who in the real-life story was a wily mediator between the Bishop and William Outlaw during the whole Kyteler witch craze episode.

Sarah Bergin served as a Court Jester and narrator to keep the audience up to speed on the complex interplay of intrigue, suspicion, and religious fanaticism, pirouetting around the stage like a freshly sprung Jill-in-the-Box each

time she appeared. Also serving up top-class acting were Hugh Power (Ben Nunan); Roger Outlaw (Nicole De Villiers); Evan McCormack (Walter Islip); and the Kilkenny Historical Re-enactors who donned the garb of soldiers, monks, and courtiers

The play’s spell-binding effect was all the more admirable for the absence of lights and props, the drama’s success and appeal relying on the power of acting alone. The encircling audience got to feel the intensity and searing historical realism of the action as it progressed to the end we all knew was coming. Heartbeats accelerated, a tear or two tricked. The climactic scene pulled you back with a jolt. Back to Kilkenny in 1324…to a time of terror and loathing, and rampant misogyny; when the power of love was replaced by the love of power. The stake loomed. The Inquisition had come to town. And Petronella’s fate left the audience shellshocked for several minutes after curtain-up.

A heavily guarded Michael Conway as the Pope with Petronella

Sarah Bergin as the Jester Narrator

Nicci St George Smith as Petronella with Kevan Tynan as William Outlaw

Megan Kelly as Bacillia De Midia

Christmas gift guide

Written by Michael Doyle

Stuck for gift ideas? Not sure what to get for your partner, parent, friend, or sibling? Picking out gifts to buy for your loved ones can be one of the hardest things to do. The pressure of trying to find the right gift, one that’s affordable, appropriate, and that they’ll really love, can be overbearing for some. To ease any stress, here’s how you can show your love for others this Christmas.

Gift Experiences:

You could gift them a ticket to a range of events, such as a theatre, concert, festival, amusement park, or spa day. You could gift them more than one ticket, giving them the chance to enjoy the event with friends or loved ones of their choosing, or for you and your partner to spend some quality time together.

Beauty Products:

For those who love to look after their appearance, you could gift them a top up of one of their favourite or

current beauty products. The gift of things like skin, hair, and body care products can help your loved one to look and feel their best.

Jewellery:

You could gift a personal or festive piece of jewellery, from necklaces, earrings, and lockets to bracelets or rings. Consider the recipient's personal style and preferences, current trends, and the type of jewellery material they wear when selecting a jewellery gift.

Books:

For the bookworm in your life, you could get them a book in line with their hobbies or interests, or surprise them with something different you know they would never expect. In the case of the latter, you could gift either a cookbook, history, picture, or wellbeing book. Reading a book allows a person to expand their knowledge, enhance their creativity, and improve their concentration and focus, amongst other things.

Homeware:

Items such as tableware, ceramics, china, glass, or pottery can be a thoughtful gift for your loved ones to treasure and keep in the home, be it on a fireplace or in a china press. As well as homeware shops, you could try searching in charity shops, as they usually have a variety of items.

Gift Voucher:

If you’re still stuck or unsure over what gift to get for your loved ones this Christmas, buying a gift voucher is a great alternative. Gifting a gift voucher can allow them to purchase something they’ve always wanted, especially if the voucher is from a store or brand they really like.

Shopping for Christmas gifts can be a difficult task, but hopefully this guide gives you some inspiration or an idea of what to get for who you want to gift this Christmas. However you intend to gift your loved ones this Christmas, we hope the gifts makes their Christmas that extra bit special.

Santa Truck will be rolling back into town December 8th

The Santa Truck will be returning to Yulefest, raising much needed funds for LaraLynn’s Children’s Hospice. The Santa truck with Santa and Mrs Claus will roll into Kilkenny on Sunday December 8th between 4.30pm and 5pm. Watch the lit-up Santa truck

drive past or join at it’s final stop on The Parade, beside the Yulefest Christmas Market, where children will be able to go aboard the truck and see Santa’s Grotto! This unique Christmas experience is all in aid of LaraLynn’s Children’s Hospice and visitors are

encouraged to donate on the night or in advance through the Santa Truck idonate page. Those on route can follow the trucks progress on the Santa Truck page on Facebook and Instagram. Celebrate Christmas in Kilkenny with Yulefest! With a whole range of events each

week including Christmas Market, workshops and live music each weekend!

A new addition to this year’s programme will be a range of Festive Friday night activities in Kilkenny city! First up is the ‘The 12 Scéals of Hissmas!’ with the National Reptile Zoo.

Take a journey through the festive season around the world - told through the lens of the reptiles, amphibians and insects that live there!

An interactive learning experience featuring new animals each week, with activities for everyone! Taking place on Fridays the

6th,13th and 20th December at 6pm. Tickets go on sale Wednesday 13th at 12noon. More exciting announcements coming soon!

Visit www.yulefestkilkenny. ie to find out more

A guide on shopping this Christmas

Written by Michael Doyle

With Christmas fast approaching, the pressure is mounting on people to shop for what they need and want this Christmas. If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet however, there’s no need to panic as there’s still plenty of time and this guide to boot. This guide shows you strategies on shopping efficiently, how to keep your finances in check and tips on how to make the most of the Christmas shopping period. So, whether you are an early bird, last-minute or novice Christmas shopper, here’s all you need to know to shop smart and swift this Christmas.

Set Your Budget:

Write down what you can afford to spend during the Christmas period and allocate a percentage to what gifts, food, decorations, or other things you may need to purchase. Regarding gifts, make a list of how much you want to spend on each person. Try to keep within your budget and resist any urges to buy impulsively. Sticking to your budget is important to reduce the risk of overspending and buying what you can’t afford, especially when you may have other expenses like house bills in addition to your Christmas shopping.

Plan Before you Shop:

Make a list of who you need gifts for and ideas on what you might like to gift them. Consider if it’s for close family and also

friends, co-workers or others. In addition, plan which shops you need to visit and a route for how you’ll visit them. By doing this, you reduce the risk of forgetting anyone and losing time.

Shop Online:

Shopping online has its many benefits, such as convenience, accessibility, and saving up on time and money, however, there are some things to keep in mind to guarantee a successful online shop. Make sure to check the delivery deadlines and complete your order before them to ensure it is delivered before Christmas. Also, be wary of any big deals or discounts that may sound too good to be true. Inspect them first as they may be false.

Last-Minute Shopping:

If you do happen to find yourself at last minute Christmas shopping, it’s not all doom and gloom, as there are some potential benefits for last minute shoppers. Shops may be less busy as most people might have what they need and there’s the opportunity of a last-minute bargain. While the latter may be true, note that the longer you wait, the chance you have of a good deal might increase, but so too can the risk of what you want being sold out.

Christmas shopping can be a wonderful, but also frantic experience. Hopefully, this guide removes any stress and gives you the opportunity to enjoy a successful Christmas shopping experience.

Cash returns to walk the line in Kilkenny

Europe's no.1 Johnny Cash & June Carter tribute, Cash Returns, make their way back to Kilkenny to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the box office hit film, Walk The Line, that starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reece Witherspoon.

Join JP Mac as the man in black, and Karen Martin as June Carter along with this spectacular 9 piece show as they pay homage to the 2005 hit film based on the life and career of country music's biggest star and how he met the love of his life.

The highly revered act will be performing their brand new show at Hotel Kilkenny on Saturday 11th January. The evening will include songs from the soundtrack of Walk The Line, that will have everyone singin 'n' stompin in the aisles, including,

'Ring Of Fire', 'Long Legged Guitar Picking Man’, 'Jackson', 'Cry Cry Cry', 'Cocaine Blues' - plus many more from the legendary couple's huge repertoire.

Cash’s very own drummer WS ‘Fluke’ Holland has even expressed his adulation for JP Mac after sitting behind the Man in Black himself for 40 years by saying, “if anyone hears JP Mac they will know why he is an award winning Johnny Cash act – I would like to see this guy play in person.”

Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. Limited tickets are now available from the reception desk at Hotel Kilkenny on 056 776 2000, or online at eventbrite.ie

Christmas shopping on a budget is all about creativity, planning, and prioritising. While it can feel challenging to keep spending low during the holiday season, a thoughtful approach ensures you don’t go overboard. Here are some practical tips to help you stay within budget while still bringing joy to those on your list.

1. Set a spending limit

Before you start shopping, establish a budget for the season and stick to it. Think about what you can realistically spend on gifts without straining your finances, and break it down into per-person limits. Once you set a total, hold yourself accountable by keeping track of each purchase. Writing down expenses as you go will help you avoid overspending and allow you to adjust if you’re nearing the limit.

2. Make a detailed gift list

Create a list of everyone you plan to buy gifts for, and brainstorm a few ideas for each person. When you have a plan, you’re less likely to impulse-buy items that are outside of your budget. Consider setting priorities; if you have a large family or a wide social circle, decide who you want to spend more on and who may be fine with a smaller, more symbolic gift. This will help you stay focused, making your shopping more efficient and intentional.

How to sleigh your Christmas shopping without breaking the bank

3. Shop sales and use coupons Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and pre-holiday sales are excellent opportunities to save. Many

stores also have flash sales leading up to Christmas, so keep an eye on your favourite shops. Sign up for store newsletters or loyalty programs, as these often

4. Consider DIY or handmade gifts

DIY gifts add a personal touch and can be more affordable than store-bought options. Whether it’s baked goods, hand-knitted scarves, or custom photo albums, handmade presents are often cherished because of the time and thought put into them. Additionally, DIY gifts allow you to tailor something specifically to the recipient’s taste without spending excessively. For example, you could bake cookies, put together a holiday spice mix, or create a simple scrapbook of shared memories. Personalised gifts make the holiday season feel more meaningful and intimate.

5. Embrace experiencebased gifts

organising a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange. This way, each person only needs to buy one gift, significantly reducing individual spending. Alternatively, pool money with others to buy a higher-value group gift for someone, like a nice meal for parents or a joint experience. These approaches reduce costs while ensuring everyone feels included.

provide exclusive discounts or early sale access. Shopping at discount retailers or outlets can also help you get great deals on quality items.

Sometimes, the best gifts are not things but experiences. Consider gifting a ‘coupon’ for quality time together, like a homemade dinner, a movie night, or a day trip to a favourite location. These gifts can be very affordable and are often more memorable than physical items. They also have the added benefit of cutting down on clutter, making them ideal for loved ones who prioritise minimalism.

6. Use gift exchanges or group gifts

For larger families or groups of friends, consider

7. Plan ahead for wrapping and presentation Gift-wrapping can add up, so consider alternative options to save money. Reusable bags, newspaper, or even plain brown craft paper can look festive with a bit of ribbon or a handdrawn design. Wrapping items yourself, rather than paying for store packaging, also keeps costs down while allowing you to add a personal touch.

8. Track Your Spending Finally, as you shop, keep track of each expense to stay aware of your spending and make adjustments if needed. Apps, spreadsheets, or even a simple notebook can help with this. Monitoring your expenses helps ensure you stay within budget and avoid post-holiday financial stress. With thoughtful planning and creativity, it’s possible to give meaningful gifts on a budget and enjoy a joyful, stress-free holiday season.

Food & Drink

ale pie

Prep: 1 hr Cook: 3 hrs plus 1 hr chilling and resting Serves: 6-8

Discover the secret ingredients that take the humble steak and ale pie to new levels. But, be warned: one slice just won’t be enough.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 100g smoked baconlardons or smoked bacon, chopped

• 1kg beefshin, cut into large chunks

• 2 onionsroughly chopped

• 3 carrotspeeled and cut into large chunks

• 3 tbsp plain flour

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tsp malt or red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp brown miso paste(optional)

• 400ml sweet brown ale

• 600ml beef stockmade from 2 stock cubes

• few thymesprigs, stalks and leaves separated

• 2 bay leaves

For the pastry

• 700g plain flourplus extra for dusting

• 2 tsp English mustard powder

• 150g lard

• 150g butterplus extra for the dish

• 2 egg yolksbeaten

Irish stout pudding with whiskey cream Come Dine WithMe Steak and

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 6 hrs

Plus overnight soaking

Serves: 8

Soaking the fruit in Irish stout really plumps it up and gives a rich, dark pudding without the bitterness of brandy or rum.

Ingredients

• 140g raisin

• 140g sultana

• 140g currant

• 140g datechopped

• 50g mixed peel

• 1 large Bramley apple(about 125g), peeled and finely chopped

• 250ml Irish stout

• zest 1 orange

• zest 1 lemon

• 100g cold butterplus extra for the basin

• 100g dark muscovado sugarplus

2 tbsp

STEP 1

Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/ gas 3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large casserole dish and gently fry the bacon for 5 mins until lightly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same pan, brown the beef well in batches

for 5-8 mins, adding a drizzle more oil if you need to, then set aside.

STEP 2

Add the onions and carrots to the pan and cook on a low heat for 5 mins. Stir in the flour, then add the tomato purée, vinegar and miso,

if using. Tip the beef and bacon, along with any juices, back into the pan and give it all a good stir. Pour in the ale and stock, and nestle in the thyme stalks and bay. Season generously and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook in the oven for about 2 hrs or until

the meat is really tender. Leave everything to cool slightly, then strain off about half the braising liquid into another container. Leave to cool completely. Can be made up to two days ahead and kept chilled in the fridge – the pie will be better if the filling is fridgecold when added. Can also be frozen for up to three months.

STEP 3

To make the pastry, mix the flour, mustard powder, lard and butter with a generous pinch of sea salt until completely combined, then gradually add up to 250ml ice-cold water to make a soft dough. This can be done in a food processor if you prefer. Knead the thyme leaves into the pastry, then cover and leave to rest in the fridge for at least 1 hr. Can be made up to two days ahead and kept chilled, or frozen for up to a month.

STEP 4

Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas 7 and put a baking tray in the oven. Heavily butter a 26-28cm pie dish and dust well with flour. Cut off a third of the pastry and set aside. Roll out the remaining pastry to a thick round that will easily line the pie dish with an overhang, then line the tin. Tip in the beef mixture. You want the filling to be slightly higher than the rim of the dish. Brush the edges with egg yolk. Roll out the remaining pastry to a thick round, big enough to cover the pie, then lift onto the pie dish. Trim the edges, crimp together, then reroll the trimmings and cut into decorative shapes, such as leaves. Brush the top with more yolk. Make a hole in the centre of the pie with a knife, and put it on the hot baking tray.

STEP 5

Bake for 20 mins, remove, brush again with yolk, scatter with sea salt and bake for 20-25 mins until golden. Leave to rest for 10 mins while you heat up the extra gravy.

• 100g fresh white breadcrumb

• 50g self-raising flour

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• 2 eggsbeaten

Method

STEP 1

Mix the dried fruit and apple, then add the stout, orange and lemon zests and stir. Cover and leave overnight to soak. Butter a 1.25 litre/2 pint pudding basin, then spoon in 2 tbsp dark muscovado sugar. Turn the bowl at an angle, jiggling the sugar around as you go to coat the inside of the bowl.

STEP 2

Mix the remaining dry ingredients in a large bowl. Grate the butter, then add to the bowl along with the eggs and fruit, and stir well.

Spoon into the basin and level the top.

STEP 3

Take a sheet of foil about 30cm long, cover with a same-size sheet of greaseproof paper and butter the paper. Fold a 3cm pleat in the middle, then put over the pudding. Tie with string under the lip of the basin, making a handle as you go. Trim paper and foil to about 5cm, then tuck it under itself.

STEP 4

Sit the pudding on a heatproof saucer in a saucepan, then pour in just-boiled water to come halfway up basin. Cover and steam for 6 hrs, topping up water occasionally. Re-cover with fresh paper and foil and store in a cool place. To reheat, steam for 1 hr or microwave, without foil, for 10 mins on medium. Serve with the whiskey cream.

Following in the footsteps of RTÉ’s fan favourite drug drama, Kin, Clean Sweep has made the transition from the Irish broadcaster to the BBC to Netflix. Almost immediately landing in the Top 10, Clean Sweep centres on a stay at home mum whose past comes back to haunt her – and her husband is the detective on her case. Here’s what you need to know before you tune in.

Clean Sweep is a six-part thriller centring on Shelly Mohan (Charlene McKenna), a stay at home mother of three juggling her kids’ complex schedules while her husband Jason (Barry Ward) works long hours as a detective.

But cracks begin to show in their picture-perfect life when Shelly is confronted with a man from her past –her literal partner in crime from her past life, who claims he has come to save her from her past sins since he has found God.

‘Maggie is dead,’ Shelly says – and the story behind that statement, and the duo’s involvement in her death, unfurls across Clean

Add this Irish thriller to your Netflix watchlist

animation shows to stream now 5

1. Turning Red

Domee Shi’s debut feature on Disney+ stars one of the most likeable new characters in recent memory: Mei, whose awkward preteen struggles are made manifest by a family curse. When women in her family get emotional, they turn into giant red pandas. Few movies are this shamelessly personal — Shi, like Mei, is a first-generation Chinese Canadian woman, whose nerdy obsessions made her stand out among her peers. But that visually expressive personality is one of Turning Red’s most exciting strengths.

2. Pinocchio

Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio is melancholy-but-funny, heartwrenching-but-heartwarming, and stands apart from its forebears. Its impressive stop-motion animation, which completely revamps Pinocchio from a humanoid puppet into a sentient tree, makes every moment a surprising treat to watch. There’s a trademark strain of darkness underneath this story too, thanks to Del Toro adding a fascism subplot. Watch on Netflix.

Sweep’s six episodes. But alone, Shelly kills her unnamed, reappeared accomplice, and flees the scene.

All is well and good – until her husband is put in charge of the investigation.

Clean Sweep is reportedly inspired by true events – though the real story creator Gary Tieche drew on has never been specified. But the idea of killers hiding in plain sight, cultivating a new life in the suburbs, is not a rare one.

Clean Sweep was filmed in south Dublin, Wicklow, Killiney and Bray.

Check out also Emilia Pérez also on Netflix.

Emilia Pérez stars Zoe Saldaña as Rita Mora Castro. Rita is a lawyer in Mexico who is stuck in a dead-end job.

But that all changes when cartel leader Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón) hires Rita to help fake her death and allow Emilia to live the life she’s always wanted.

The movie also stars Selena Gomez as Jessi Del Monte and Adriana Paz as Epifanía, and all four were awarded Best Actress at

Cannes this year for their performances.

As a musical crime comedy, “Emilia Pérez” will likely be one of the most unique movies you’ll see this year. It is adapted from an opera libretto that’s loosely based on a 2018 novel “Écoute.”

On top of its musical elements, this primarily Spanish-language movie set in Mexico is actually a French film and these unexpected elements are all blended together in a movie generating serious Oscar buzz.

It’s already been selected as France’s entry for Best International Feature Film at next year’s Academy Awards.

Emilia Pérez” is a musical and that revelation will instantly turn some potential viewers off, but give the movie a chance.

This is a genre-hopping film that shouldn’t be pigeonholed, it manages to cross into several areas.

Yes, it’s all set to musical numbers, but there’s drama, comedy and the grand finale goes full thriller complete with a gang shoot-out and those big explosions.

Finally, The Fast And The

on Netflix. It stars Paul Walker as Brian O’Conner. Brian is a gearhead working as an undercover cop, and he uses his love of fast cars to infiltrate a mysterious street racing crew that hijacked a semi-truck carrying valuable electronics.

To get into Los Angeles’s racing underworld, Brian has to impress Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), the leader of a crew of street racers who could be the suspected thieves.

While Brian initially fails to impress Dom, he gains the latter’s trust when he helps him evade the clutches of the LAPD following an illegal street race.

Does this movie rip off Point Break? Sure, but you could argue that’s by no means a bad thing. While somewhat derided by critics, this turbocharged heist movie is always worth watching, especially compared to some of its more bloated over- the-top sequels.

There’s a reason it launched a multibilliondollar movie franchise.

Enjoy.

3. Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood

Oscar-nominee Richard Linklater’s latest feature is the lovely memoir-on-film and the story of a fourth-grader who secretly becomes the first man to walk on the Moon. Or does he? The trippy realism of the visuals helps to tell this uniquely fantastical tale, which is as grounded as it is spacey. Linklater is infatuated with intimate storytelling, which is why the true heart of Apollo 10 ½ is on Earth, not space. On Netflix.

4. Bee And PuppyCat Bee and PuppyCat’s jump to Netflix has been more than a halfdecade in the making. While Natasha Allegri’s chaotic take on classic magical girl anime worked well in short-form YouTube videos, a halfhour runtime sounded like it may burst from our heroine’s manic energy. Not the case, as the greatly expanded Netflix season allows for Bee and PuppyCat to expand its boundaries. Bee, and her adorably bratty pet dog-kitten-alien-guy take on odd jobs to pay the bills. It’s also about their weird friends. On Netflix.

5. Undone

The first season of Prime Video’s Undone, a rotoscoped gem from the creator of BoJack Horseman, didn’t necessitate a follow-up. Alma is convinced that she has the power to travel back in time, which could help her stop her father from dying. The final moments of Season 1 leave us with the image of Alma waiting to see if she has, indeed, brought her father back. It was a beautiful ending—which Season 2 threatened to undermine. But even though Undone immediately answers the question of whether Alma’s powers are real with this second season (they are!).

Amazon Prime Video.

Furious

Planning notices

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Briskalagh Ltd., intend to apply for permission for a period of 10 years for a development at this site situated in the townlands of Acragar, Ballyconra, Ballycuddihy, Ballyroe, Ballyroe (Grace), Ballyroe (Maher), Baunaniska, Boherkyle, Briskalagh, Brittas, Clone, Coolnapisha, Curraghduff, Freshford, Freshford Lots, Graigueswood, Grange, Huntstown, Kilmanagh, Knockeenglass, Knockown, Moatpark, Monabrika, Monavadaroe, Moneenaun, Oldtown, Oldtownhill, Parksgrove, Picketstown, Rathealy, Sart, Sweethill, Tobernapeastia, Tullaroan, Upperwood Demesne, Co. Kilkenny.

The development will consist of the provision of the following:

i. 7 no. wind turbines with an overall turbine tip height of 185 metres; a rotor blade diameter of 163 metres; and hub height of 103.5 metres, and associated foundations and hard-standing areas;

ii. A permanent 38kV substation compound (control building with welfare facilities, all associated electrical plant and apparatus, security fencing, underground cabling, storage containers, wastewater holding tank, site drainage and all ancillary works);

iii. Permanent underground electrical (38kV) and communications cabling to the existing Ballyragget 110kV substation in the townland of Moatpark (including joint bays, communication and earth sheath link chambers and all ancillary works along the route). This cabling route is primarily located within the public road corridor which includes a Protected Structure (Kilkenny RPS Ref. C886);

iv. Underground electrical (33kV) and communications cabling connecting the wind turbines and meteorological mast to the on-site substation;

v. 3 no. temporary construction compounds (including site offices and welfare facilities);

vi. A meteorological mast with a height of 30 metres, security fencing and associated foundation and hard-standing area;

vii. A new temporary site entrance on the L1009;

viii. A new gated site entrance on the L5024;

ix. Upgrade of existing site tracks/ roads and provision of new site access roads, junctions and hardstand areas;

x. A borrow pit;

xi. Spoil Management;

xii. Tree felling and hedgerow removal;

xiii. Biodiversity Management and Enhancement Plan measures (including establishment of a riparian buffer and hedgerow enhancement);

xiv. Site Drainage;

xv. Operational Stage site signage; and

xvi. All ancillary works and apparatus.

A thirty five-year operational life from the date of full commissioning of the wind turbines and subsequent decommissioning of the wind turbines is being sought.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) have been prepared in respect of the proposed development and accompany this application. The planning application, EIAR and NIS 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, EIAR or NIS 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 Planning 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

We, Adrian Costigan and Gretta Dawson-Beckett intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning permission for a single storey dwelling, vehicular entrance, borewell, detached garage, foul treatment tank & percolation area, proposed re-location of the existing agricultural entrance. Including all associated site works at Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission is sought for single storey extension to rear of existing dwelling and all associated site works at house at 5 The Ring, Bennettsbridge, Co.Kilkenny R95X2D5 Signed Jane Kavanagh and Cormac Ó’Feinneadha. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, James Stedmond, intend to apply to above authority for permission consequent on the Grant of Outline Permission 23231 for the following at The Protestant Road, Coolcullen, Co. Kilkenny.

(a) Erection Of Dwelling House

(b) New entrance from Public Road

(c) Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System

(d) Associated 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 9.00 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.

Signed: James Stedmond.

KILKENNY

COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is sought by Josh Moore and Olivia Maher for - 1. The demolition of part of an existing dwellinghouse and outhouses, 2. The refurbishment and renovation of the existing dwellinghouse, 3. Alterations to existing elevations, 4. The construction of a new two-storey extension, 5. The decommissioning of an existing septic tank and percolation area, 6. The installation of a new wastewater treatment plant and percolation area and 7. To carry out all associated site development works at Ballydowel Little, 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: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

CLARA

CLUB LOTTO

Lotto results for 5th November, numbers drawn 4, 20, 27. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Sinead Murphy, Nolan Family, Marty Meany, Ann Kirwan, Serina Brennan. Thank you for your continued support

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

The Clara Conference of the St Vincent de Paul will hold a meeting on Thursday November 28th at 8 pm. Anyone in the locality who needs support please ring 0876206649 or drop a note to the Parish Hall or Parochial House.

TEA PARTY

Clara Camogie Club ran a very successful fundraising American Tea Party in Clara Hall on Friday night last. Thanks to all who donated prizes and supported it in any way. Also well done to the organisers as it seems a great night was had by all.

U22 CAMOGIE

Clara received a tough draw away to Piltown in the quarter final of this year’s Roinn B U22 championship. The game took place on Sunday morning in drizzly conditions and Clara had the bare 15 players available to them. It was going to take a big performance to come home with a win as Piltown entered the occasion on a high, having recently won their first ever senior championship and following it up by qualifying for a Leinster final. They started here full of confidence and two early points had them up and running. But these Clara girls are made of stern stuff and a Keara Ryan free and a Lucy Boyd effort from play soon had them level. After Emma Shortall had edged Clara ahead for the first time a rather fortuitous Piltown goal gave them a bit of momentum again. But Clara hung in there and got their own slice of luck 12 minutes from the break when a well struck long range Keara Ryan free went the whole way to the Piltown net. This gave Clara some impetus and another well finished Keara Ryan goal followed points from Keara (a free) and Lucy Boyd. Piltown got one back but Emma Shortall closed out the first half scoring to leave Clara with a 2-8 to 1-6 interval lead. Emma opened the second half scoring before Piltown hit their best patch of the game. Three straight points reduced the deficit to 3 and suddenly they looked to be gaining a foothold. However a Clara attack was rejected and the rebound fell kindly to Gráinne Glynn, who shot to the bottom corner of the net. Piltown replied with two quick points however and when Clara lost Siobhán Treacy to an ankle injury they had to dig really deep. But dig deep they did and three superb points from Lucy Boyd, Keara Ryan and Emma Shortall had them 7 up again. They survived a late scare when a long range Piltown free went straight to the net but Clara , buoyed by the return of the injured Siobhán Treacy and the outfield placing of the injured Laoise Nolan (she played in goals) wound up the scoring with two more brilliant points by Lucy Boyd and Emma Shortall. Indeed a feature of the game were some superbly crafted scores by Clara, whereby the girl in the best position invariably received the ball to shoot.

This win had its foundations on a very dominant half back line of Rachel Whelan, Grace Barcoe and Lucy Cody. Behind them Joanne Comerford, Katie Ryan and Anna Walpole were very tight on their markers and Laoise Nolan was soundness personified in her unfamiliar goalkeeping role. Siobhán Treacy worked very diligently in the middle of the field and was a perfect foil for the industrious Emma Shortall. While Lucy Boyd and Keara Ryan took most of the scoring honours up front they were ably set up for those scores by the likes of Gráinne Glynn, Emma Corr, Peig Carrigan and Katy Boyd. Overall this was a very good performance by the Clara girls. 3-14 to 2-11 was how it finished. Team - Laoise Nolan, Joanne Comerford, Katie Ryan, Anna Walpole. Rachel Whelan, Grace Barcoe, Lucy Cody. Siobhan Treacy, Emma Shortall 0-4. Emma Corr, Gráinne Glynn 1-0, Keara Ryan 2-6, 1-4f. Peig Carrigan, Lucy Boyd 0-4, Katy Boyd.

U21 HURLING

Not to be outdone the Clara lads headed to Hugginstown for a county U21 semi final against John Lockes of Callan. Though looking like the better side for much of this contest the Clara men were relieved to leave with a 1-14 to 1-9 win. Clara were the better team in the first half but it was Callan that led 1-5 to 0-7 at halftime. There was a certain amount of casualness to the Clara play that hampered their cause. A couple of times it looked like they were ready to kick on but it didn’t happen for various reasons, a lack of urgency being the main one.

Callan scored first but three points from play by Joe Power, Rory Glynn and Conor Hoyne had Clara on the front foot. Callan reeled them in with two frees but Rory Glynn and Conor Hoyne shot Clara into the lead again. Then John Lockes struck for a goal from a ball that should have been cleared and Clara found themselves trailing again having done nearly all of the hurling. Harry Boyle surged forward to equalise but two more Callan points as against a lone free by Conor Hoyne gave Callan that slender halftime lead.

Clara resumed with much more urgency and three points on the bounce by Conor Hoyne (2) and Davy Barcoe had them back in the lead by two. A Callan free halved the deficit but then Rory Glynn latched onto a half cleared ball and struck quickly to the net. They were now four up and when Ned Langton landed a superb point it felt like they had finally broken the Callan resistance. And so it proved as Callan failed to score again from play. They did add

three frees but Clara matched them with further points from Rory Glynn, Conor Cody (from a free) and the very impressive Conor Hoyne to maintain that five point advantage to the finish. The youthful Clara mentors Martin O Connell, Shane Staunton and Dara Glynn will be delighted to advance to the final and will now face the winners of Freshford/ Slieverue in the county final. As well as those already mentioned Clara had very good performances from Ben Crow, Hugh Kelly, the Lawlor brothers Zach and Luke, the Carrigan brothers Sean and Philip, Ben Murphy and Cian Kelly. Substitute Daniel Ryan also really looked the part when entering the fray.

Team - Conor Cody 0-1f, Ben Crow, Zach Lawlor, Hugh Kelly. Ben Murphy, Harry Boyle 0-1, Luke Lawlor. Philip Carrigan, Ned Langton 0-1. Joe Power 0-1, Davy Barcoe 0-1, Sean Carrigan. Conor Hoyne 0-6, 0-5f, Rory Glynn 1-3, Cian Kelly. Substitute Daniel Ryan.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

WALKING NIGHTS

The first two ‘walking nights’, organised as part of an initiative to encourage O’Loughlin Gaels’ club members to meet new friends, renew old acquaintances and socialise whilst exercising, were held on last Tuesday and Thursday. There was a good attendance on both nights with walkers braving the inclement weather on Thursday evening. The walks continue on Tuesday and Thursday nights and commence from the club car park at 7.30pm and finish at 8.30pm approx. All club members (plus friends) are most welcome to come along and walk at your own pace along the Ring Road or routes through town as a group. Why not come along and give it a try?

CAMOGIE

Hard luck to O’Loughlin Gaels Under 22 camogie team which lost out to Tullaroan in the Roinn B championship quarter final game played on Sunday last in Tullaroan.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club will take place in the club house on Wednesday 4th December, at 7.30pm. Nomination Papers, and request for Motions and Recommendations have been circulated to members. These are to be returned to the club secretary on or before 9pm on Friday 22nd November. Nominations, motions and recommendations can be returned by return email, or by post to the club secretary.

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of the O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated November 5th. Numbers drawn were 2, 3, 20, 22 and the Bonus number was 10. Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto

Promotors Draw, 1. Laura Comerford c/o P Dowling. 2. Rose Hayes c/o P Greene. 3. Brian Murphy. 4. Padraic Leydon. 5. Eugene Deegan. 6. Mary Kearns c/o D O’Connell. 7. Pakie O’Dwyer c/o M Nolan. 8. David Crudge c/o Online. 9. Tom Dillon c/o Online. 10. Linda Murphy c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support NOTES

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

FRESHFORD

GAA NEWS

St Lachtains hurlers became Junior Champions when they defeated Windgap in the final at Nowlan Park. After been

down Junior for the past couple of years and been beaten in last year’s final the team were adamant to make amends and return to the Intermediate. After a few days of celebrations they were back training last week and had to play in the first round of the Leinster Club Championship last weekend when they took on Drumcullen of Offaly in Nowlan Park. St Lachtains got off to a good start and looked to be in control in the opening twenty minutes leading by 8points. However Drumcullen were awarded a penalty and scored 1-5 without reply as half time approached and went into the break just two points behind. St Lachtains started the second half in similar style and the result was never in doubt after the Freshford men clocked up the scores with few in reply from Drumcullen and didn’t take their foot of the gas this time and finished winners on a score line of St.Lachtains 2-.23 Drum Cullen 1-17. They now face Crumlin of Dublin in the quarter final on Saturday next in Dublin with 1.30pm throw in, venue to be confirmed. St. Lachtains U21 hurlers defeated Conahy Shamrocks in the U21 D quarter final under lights in Ballyragget last Friday night. There was little between the sides as both teams exchanged the lead several times throughout the game. The teams went in level at the break. However, a strong final ten-minute showing from St Lachtains, led by Cian Donnelly, saw the Freshford men come out on top with a scoreline of St. Lachtains 0-22, Conahy Shamrocks 1-14. Donnelly was the standout performer for St. Lachtains along with his borther Mark, Cathal Hickey and Jerry Bergin.

Team: M. Murphy, C. Bowden, Conor Donnelly, J. Cantwell, J Bergin, C. Hickey, L Phelan, M. Donnelly, C. McCabe, M Durnan, C Dalton, J. O’Conner, M. Campion, J. Whitty, Cian Donnelly. Subs: B. Dermody, E. Landers.

MOVEMBER

Some members of the winning St.Lachtains hurling team have agreed to take part in Movember this year to help raise awareness and some money for men’s mental health and cancer awareness. Players will be fund raising for this event so watch out for them and support this very worthy cause. All donations big and small are very much appreciated and you can donate on line by clicking on the link also.

DEATH

The death occurred last week of Mrs Sadie Delaney (nee Wall) late of Kilrush, Freshford. Although she had been unwell recently nevertheless her passing caused widespread sorrow and regret. She was a quiet and good living lady and was well known and respected in the area. She was predeceased by her husband John. Her funeral mass took place in St Patrick’s Church, Graine followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. She is mourned by her daughters Catriona, Annmarie and Bernie, grandchildren, son in law, partners, sister in law, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

SQUASH

It was a good weekend for Freshford Squash club with local man Pat Morrissey finishing third overall in the Ulster Masters Over40s in Belfast. While young local player Nathan Walsh finished third overall in the Munster junior open U 15s in Waterford at the weekend. Jamie Byrne finished 2nd overall in the Connacht Senior open in Galway in what was a great final with all his games going to tie breakers. Well done to all flying the flag for the Freshford Club all over the country.

BIG THANKS

Local girl Hannah Dermody and her friends organised a Darts night recently in McGraths Bar in aid of the Irish Kidney association with Ricky Evans and Alan Soutar in

attendance taking on local dart enthusiasts. It was a huge success and raised almost €7,000. The organisers would like to thank all those who helped to organise the event and help out by selling tickets etc and Mace Freshford for their sponsership. Michael Farrell was MC on the night and DJ Calli and all those who raised sponsorship and turned up on the night.

MARIA SHINES

Gaultiers Camogie girls won the Waterford senior final recently defeating reigning champions De La Salle and beat the Limerick champs in the first round of the Club championship. They earned a last minute draw on Sunday last when they faced the Clare champions, there was special local interest in the games. Local girl Maria Brennan shone at full back and was joint captain of the side. Maria is daughter of Tony and Eileen Brennan Bohergloss, Freshford and sister of St.Lachtains star goalkeeper Darren.

BRIDGE

Bridge classes have commenced in Tulla Hall since Monday 4th November from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for 10 weeks. Anyone interested in attending the classes should contact Mary on 087 2369535

COFFEE MORNING

Freshford active retirement group held a coffee morning and raffle in the Community Hall Freshford with all proceeds on the day going to the Alzheimer’s Society, Kilkenny. Thanks goes to all those who supported or donated to the cause in any way.

SOCCER

Freshford Town had a number of teams in action in the schoolboys section at the weekend

The U12 boys drew 0-0 with Spa Utd in their home game. The U14 boys had a huge win over Spa Utd in their home game with Max O’Neill hitting the net 6 times and Patrick O’Connor twice and Sean Walsh getting the other goal. The U12 girls were beaten by Southend on a 5-0 scoreline. The soccer academy for young boys 5/6 upwards continues each Saturday at 9.30am and will continue each week. The Club are presently looking for volunteers across all levels and if you can help or give a bit of your time they would be most grateful. You can contact any member of the Committee or just turn up at the training sessions

IONAD LACHTAIN

St St.Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm. . SPLIT THE POT

Last week’s winner of Split the Pot was Seamus Doheny, The Mills, Freshford. This month’s split the pot proceeds were in aid of Prague House which is a great facility in the village and you are asked to please support same. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs.

BINGO

The weekly bingo sessions continue each Friday evening in Freshford Community Hall at 8pm with some good prize money and a raffle each week. All proceeds goes to the Irish Wheelchair association. The Committee would like to thank all the people who have turned up each week so far and ask you to please continue to support this weekly fundraiser and tell your friends and spread the word around . LOOP CAFE

The Loop Community Café is open each day from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. Platters of sandwiches are available for any occasion. The Café are looking for new pairs of hands to help out. Chopping veg, washing plates, cleaning counters, making coffee – you name it, we need it! If you can take part any time from Monday to Saturday, even for an hour or two, please stop by or call the café at 056 8832650

KNIT AND KNATTER

Every Wednesday morning in the Loop Cafe there is a knit and knatter session from 10am two 11am. The fee is €6 per person which includes tea/coffee and sweet treat. No experience is necessary and guidance is given. New members are always welcome so why not go along and gain a new skill and more importantly have gun.

FOROIGE

Foroige youth club resumed last week after the Halloween break and is being held each Monday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Community Hall. They are looking for adult volunteers to help run Youth Club. For more info contact Aidan on 086 0674485 or Aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie

PARISH NEWS

Mass

is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.with Mass in Tulla Church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. 11am Maas in St.Lachtains Churchis held on Sundays. The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards

Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL

Noah Minogue and Kyle Jordan who won the under 19 doubles at the oneills.com World 4-Wall Handball Championships

Community & GAA Notes

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808

. SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you

– available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm)

AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@ amberwomensrefuge.ie.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB

U-21 HURLING SEMI-FINAL

An all-round powerful team performance with plenty of impressive combination play and accurate point scoring earned the James Stephens U-21 hurlers a place in the 2024 Kilkenny U-21 county final following a 3-18 to 1-09 victory over a disappointing Graigue-Ballycallan side on Sunday afternoon in a well-presented John’s Park. After Aaron McEvoy opened with a point for Ballycallan in the 3rd minute a drive through the centre by Sam McEvoy a minute later for Zac Scanlon to fire to the net gave the Village the ideal start to the fixture. Holding a 1-04 to 0-01 lead at the 16th minute thanks to points from Zac Scanlon (5mins) Ed Lauhoff (7mins) Stephen Manogue (8mins) and Sean Bergin (16mins) there followed a vital hook by Sam McEvoy in the 18th minute to save a near certain goal for Ballycallan. In the 21st minute a typical Zac Scanlon dodge through the ‘Graigue defence for a second green flag and a minute later an impressive Oisin Bateman long range score gave the Village a 2-06 to 0-03 lead before Daniel Power was called on to make a diving save to preserve the comfortable lead. All the while a combination of the tight marking James Stephens defenders and their own wayward shooting drove the Ballycallan wides count into double figures which helped to give the Village a 2-09 to 0-05 half time lead.

A goal in the 12th minute of the 2nd half from the caman of Stephen Manogue after the highly impressive Ed Lauhoff had shot over two earlier points to confirm James Stephens superiority at 3-11 to 0-06. Even the introduction of five substitutes for the final quarter did not diminish the effectiveness of the James Stephens power play over the remainder of the game. A goal in the 12th minute for Ballycallan only provided a short-lived rally as James Stephens went on to register an unexpected all too easy 3-18 to 1-09 victory to claim a place in the 2024 championship decider. The Village line up was Daniel Power, Stephen PowerKellett, Adam O’Connor, Dara Behan, Noah Manogue, Sam McEvoy, Oisin Bateman, Eoin Deely, Sean Bergin (0-01), Stephen Manogue (1-09), Sean Deely, Ed Lauhoff (0-03), Zac Scanlon (1-01), Ed McDermott (1-01), Daniel Ring,(001), subs Bill Whelan, Bill McDermott (0-01), Sean Casey, Paddy Keogh (0-01) and Conor Heffernan.

WORLD HANDBALL CHAMPION

Congratulations to clubman, Noah Manogue who with his partner Kyle Jordan from the Kilfane club won the World U-19 handball doubles title last weekend in the Croke Park Handball arena. The Kilkenny players claimed the title with an emphatic straight-sets 15-4, 15-1 victory over the Mexican champions Andreas Cordova and Moses Gardea. In the semi- final they enjoyed an equally emphatic 15-4, 15-1 win to account for the Irish partnership of John Hayes (Kells) and Joshua Roache (Wexford). A huge achievement for the young James Stephens star who won the All-Ireland minor handball singles title earlier in the year.

5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

The club’s Development Committee are carrying out a survey of club members and the wider club community on their thoughts and ambitions for the club to help formulate a strategic five-year development plan up to 2030. The survey can be completed online, at the link provided below. Alternatively, hard copies of the survey will be available in the club premises and at various locations around the parish. The committee would welcome your input and support by completing the survey which will close on 25th November.

CLUB AGM

The 2024 AGM will take place on Thursday night, 28th November and will commence at 7.30pm. Nomination forms for the various officer roles must be returned to the secretary or left in the nominations box in the clubrooms no later than Thursday, 14th November.

CLUB SHOP

Shop supervisor Breda Manogue advises that the latest arrival to the club shop is a supply of football gloves. Breda also reminds members and supporters, wishing to purchase pressies for their Christmas stockings, that the shop has a large stock of hurleys (all sizes), the new Skoda jerseys, black padded jackets, half zips, skinny bottoms and camogie crew necks. Also due to arrive at the end of November will be a delivery of the new styled training tops. The shop will be open for business every Wednesday evening from 8 to 9pm.

LIBRARY NEWS

Librarian Alan Dunne sends a note to say that the Loughboy Library is anxious to increase its membership numbers before the end of the year. Alan also points out that while membership is FREE it only lasts for a year and must be renewed on an annual basis. Why not drop in to the library or call when the staff will be only too glad to help with renewals or complete the necessary application forms for new individual or family memberships. The library also

publishes a monthly newsletter which provides details of upcoming events. Alan can be contacted at 056 7794177 or by email at Alan.Dunne@kilkennylibrary.ie

LOTTO

Last week’s numbers were 2 : 5 : 14 : 30. There was no winner. The jackpot for this week’s draw will be € 20,000 and will remain at this amount each week until it’s won. The €40 consolation winners were Ann Phelan, Fran Whelan, Ger Cody, Ciaran King, and Des McGrath. The best of luck to all our loyal lotto contributors and thanks again for your continuing support.

GOWRAN

STOOK 10 2024 RESULTS

10Mile Male. 1st David Cullinane Ferrybank. 2nd Raivis

Zaks West Waterford AC. 3rd Dean Rowe KCH. 10Mile Female. 1st Kealy Tidewell Clonmel AC. 2nd Brid Hearne Clonmel AC 3rd Aisling Brennan. 10k Male.1st Tom Nolan Tinryland. 2nd Evan Walsh St Joesph’s. 3rd Sean Delaney. 10k Female. 1st Laura Walpole Thomastown. 2nd Katie Matthews. 3rd Susie Hickman Ballymun 5k Male. 1st Evan Aylward St Senans AC. 2nd Gearóid Farrell Gowran. 3rd Michael O’Keeffe Gowran. 5k Female. 1st Lucy Cunningham Gowran. 2nd Orla Clear Gowran. 3rd Emily O’Keeffe Gowran

Congratulating to all the runners today and another successful Stook 10 race day. Result https://myrunresults. com/events/stook_10_mile_10k__5k_2024/5293/details

GOWRAN AC

Well done to everyone who headed to Graiguenamanagh for the County B’s Even Ages. There was individual and team medals from the tiny tots race right up to the Men’s Novice Race. Congratulations to everyone and thanks to Barrow Harriers Athletics Club for great hosting.

Results as follows. U8 Girls Aine Dalton 4th. U10 Girls, Aoife Dalton 6th, Annie Kennedy 20th, Aoife Fitzgerald 24th, Aoife O’Keeffe 25th. U12 Girls (Team gold). Lydia Phelan 1st Sarah Mulrooney 3rd. Robyn Goodwin 18th. U12 Boys (Team bronze). Tomas Fitzgerald 1st. Cian Larkin 12th. Darragh Glynn 15th. Henry Kelly 18th. George Doran 23rd. Novice Men (Team gold). Shane Campion 1st. Shay Kelleher 3rd. Matt Ryan 4th

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT

The annual Charity Cup in Gowran between Gowran and Bagenalstown was held at the weekend. A huge turnout for this ever popular event saw a combined total of 44 players taking part. Bagenalstown took the lead after the first round of 11 doubles games to have a 2 shot advantage heading into the singles. 22 singles games were played and home advantage proved important as the home team won out in the singles to take the spoils overall. Main winner however on the day was the Carlow/Kilkenny homecare team who will be receiving a cheque in the near future with the proceeds of the whole event. Over €700 was collected from everyone who played and those who donated or bought raffle tickets. Many thanks to everyone who made this event possible,all the players and the ladies who had a fantastic spread of refreshments between the rounds.

ULTRA 300

Huge congratulations to David Carter on the phenomenal achievement of completing the Ultra 300! Six days of grueling running, all leading up to an incredible tribute on what would have been his dad’s 75th birthday.

A massive shoutout to the entire support team behind David—the family, friends, work colleagues, drivers, physios, Coco the dog, and everyone who helped David turn this dream into a reality. And heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to “bring David home”—the cyclists, runners, flag-bearers, sandwich-makers, balloon-blowers, bucketshakers, music players, tea-pourers, rubbish-pickers, and every last supporter who made this day unforgettable. https://www.ultra300challenge.com/

The goal is to raise €60,000 in vital funds for 3 local and national organisations that are close to David’s heart.

CONDOLENCES

Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Club would like to express sympathy to the O’Leary family on the sad passing of Bobby, father of our Club PRO, Michael. Condolences to Gretta, Michael, Bridín, Roseanne and Ursula at this difficult time. At Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

GOWRAN ON THE MOVE

Gowran’s Community Hub will be opening in the near future. Kilkenny Council have agreed to fund and complete the final works for our parking area and accessibility ramp. Stay tuned for the official opening date. Your support is still needed so please keep donating what you can and keep sharing https://gofund.me/d69ebbb6 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Plans for a 7 day more frequent bus service between Graignamanagh and Kilkenny serving Borris, Goresbridge, Gowran and Clara is out for public consultation. Have your say at https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en/consultation/connecting-ireland-october-2024-consultation.

BENNETTSBRIDGE

TIDY TOWNS

Congratulations to our local Tidy Towns volunteers who recorded a 10 point increase in points in this year’s Tidy Towns competition. This small band of workers deserve our sincere thanks for their on-going work in the village. Well done to the volunteers who came out, despite the weather, and cleared leaves and weeds in the village at the weekend.

The following message comes from the Tidy Towns committee……

“We are respectfully requesting EVERYONE to do their part in making our pathways safe for all who walk in the village.

Leaves at this time of year are extremely dangerous when wet underfoot, we don’t want to see anyone falling or hurting themselves as a result. So please keep the areas in front of your own property clear for the safety of all.

Litter is also building in the village, in the playground, the hall and in the school car park, we have no community worker at the moment so we need everyone to help out and ensure litter is brought home and not thrown around our village. As the politicians come looking for your vote please ask them to ensure more community workers are assigned to Bennettsbridge”

SALE OF WORK

Stella Carroll School of Dancing will hold a Sale of Work in the Community Centre on this Sunday, 17th November after 10.30am mass. Your support would be appreciated.

LOTTO

No winner of Jackpot last week. Numbers, 9, 13, 17. 2. Consolation Prizes, Hugh O’Neill, Ballyreddin, Noreen Tobin, Ballinaboola, David Waugh, Bennettsbridge, BB Syndicate, Shangarry Syndicate.

ART GROUP AND CHRISTMAS CARDS

The Christmas Card Project sponsored by the Bennettsbridge Art Group is now underway. Cards are available in

the local outlets and feature all your favorite scenes with some new additions. The Art Group is delighted to be involved in this initiative which promotes Bennettsbridge overseas at this special time of the year. Thanks to the local shops who continue to stock the cards and as usual the St Vincent De Paul will share in the proceeds. Advance notice of our Christmas Art Fest to be held on Sunday, 8th December from 11 am to 5pm. Members are working hard at preparations for the event. Opportunity to pick up some special presents for loved ones. Craft decorations, textile hangings, Christmas Cards and some hand-knitted mittens (big hit last year).

CHURCH NEWS

Masses during the week, Tuesday evening 7,30pm, Wednesday and Thursday morning, 10.30am. Saturday (Tullaherin) 8pm. Sunday(Bennettsbridge) 10.30am. NOVEMBER OFFERINGS

The November offerings are due this month. Masses for the deceased will be offered during the month of November. The names of deceased family members can be listed on the leaflet in the envelope.

BLESSING OF GRAVEYARD EXTENSION

Bishop Niall Coll will bless the Bennettsbridge graveyard

Bennettsbridge Under 14 County Football Champions

Tidy Towns Volunteers at Work

Some of the word to be done

extension on Sunday, 8th December after 10.30am mass.

FIRST COMMUNION MASS

The First Holy Communion Preparation Mass will be held on Sunday, 27th November, at 10.30 am.

BORD NA N-OG

Well done to the Bennettsbridge U14 boys who won the Roinn B Football County final in Thomastown, beating Kilmoganny.

It was good to end the year with some silverware. Having waited six months to play the final it was great to see them come away with the win. Some great gaelic football was played in Thomastown before a good number of supporters. It’s been an eventual two years for this team winning the Roinn B Hurling County Final and the Roinn B Football this year.

Great achievement for these boys. We wish them every success as they move up to U16 level. Well done to Michael, Declan and Conor who put in great work getting the lads ready for the day.

GAA Upcoming Games.

Our under 21 team will play Dicksboro in the Roinn A championship semi-final this Sunday, November 17th in Gowran at 2 pm. Our under 16 footballers are in action away to Slieverue at 10.30 on the same day. Best of luck to both teams and all support greatly appreciated.

Under 14 Champions

Well done and congratulations to our under 14 football team who were crowned Roinn B champions for 2024 after a great win over Kilmoganny in Thomastown last Sunday. Leading 1-4 to a point at half time the ‘Bridge withstood a ten minute period of pressure from a determined Kilmoganny team in the second half and finished strongly to win out on a score line of 3-8 to 0-4. Well done to all the panel of players and management on a great win to round off the year.

AGM 2024

The 2024 AGM will take place on Friday November 29th at 8 pm in the clubhouse. Nomination forms have been e-mailed to members. If you have not received a form and would like one please contact 083 4654035 ASAP. Lucky Dip Draw

The senior players are running a fundraiser at the moment. Tickets cost 1 cent to 20 euro in a lucky dip, for example a ticket pulled could cost you one cent or up to 20 euro maximum. Prize money is 1000 euro first prize, 500 euro second prize, 300 euro third and 200 euro fourth prize. Please contact Michael Shiel on 0868856810 or David Blanchfield on 0860529386 if you would like to take part. Split the Pot

Well done to Doireann Hayes who won 130 euro, Marian Costigan who won 30 euro and to Elisa Ryan who won 20 euro. Thanks again for the continued support. Club Shop

A new range has been added to the Bennettsbridge online shop on the O’Neill’s website. Simply enter Bennettsbridge into the search box to access the full range of adult and kids club gear. A great gift idea with Christmas on the way.

GRAIGNAMANAGH

GRAIG NOTES

Should you desire to submit news items, club events, announcements etc or any promotional material to promote any event you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@ outlook.com LOTTO GAA AND SOCCER

The drawn which was held on 4th November 2024 were 3, 13, 25, 26, there was no winner. The following Received €30 each Tom Fitzgerald, Ned Dowling, Sam Kavanagh, Michael Barry, Linda Murphy. Tickets are available from any club member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW

The winners the 7th November 2024 draw were First Prize Luke and Eric, €441.00, Second Prize € 50 Sarah O’Neil. Third Prize €25, Mark and Emma. The money raised through Tidy Towns Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all year round. Draw takes place at 4pm on Thursdays.

RAMBLING HOUSE

The Monthly Rambling House Session is held on the second Friday of each month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also from many from the surrounding district. The next Session is on this Friday November 8th at 8.00pm MASS TIMES FOR DUISKE ABBEY GRAIGUENAMANAGH Monday to Friday 10 AM, Saturday 7.30PM, and Sunday

11AM.

CLINIC

Cllr Peter “Chap” Cleere will hold his clinic on Monday Evenings from 7pm in his office on Main Street Graiguenamanag.

GORESBRIDGE AND PAULSTOWN

BRIDGE UNITED In Division 3, Bridge United won 2-1 against East End. Bridge scores: Evans Wallace (2). In the Premier Division, Bridge United won 3-1 against Evergreen. Bridge scores: Marty Dalton (2) and Pierce Blanchfield (1). The club launched its pitch side signs fundraiser/campaign as part of an ambitious project to transform the Clubs facilities with a full size astro turf pitch. With over 350 members there are 30 underage teams and 2 adult teams

we are now faced with the challenges of a growing club every year. If you would like to help the club to achieve this goal we can help you to advertise your business. Please contact Colin 087 6528212 or any committee member.

CHURCH SERVICES

Weekend masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday and also in Paulstown on Sunday at 11.30am. Weekday mass is at 10am in Paulstown this Friday and the following Tuesday and Thursday. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm. Evening prayer every evening, 7-8pm (and 7-9pm Fridays) for the Holy Souls in purgatory for the duration of November in Paulstown church.

MENS SHED (GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN)

A successful information evening took place recently. A group of interested persons is being formed and follow up action will be taken. Should you have any queries or an expression of interest please contact Tom Healy 087 918 1436.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT FOR 2025/26

Both Scoil Bhríde (Goresbridge) and Scoil Bhríde (Paulstown) are now accepting admissions for the school-year beginning 2025.

SPLIT THE POT

The Split the Pot Draw in aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply go to lottoraiser.ie

TAR ISTEACH SHOP

Our final sale of the year is now on going in Tar Isteach, we have amazing clothes, shoes, and bags in stock, all at half price. One week only, open in the mornings 9- 1 and Sat 10 to 1

DICKSBORO

CLUB LOTTO

Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 7th November 2024. Nos: 8 20 27 29. Jackpot not won. Draw Prizes, €50: Sophie Phelan c/o Joe Phelan. €25 each Mary Delaney c/o Jimmy Murphy. €25 each Denise O’Connell c/o Online. €25 each Siobhan Gorman c/o Online Hurlers Co Op Draw Ber Shanahan c/o Paddy Maher. Promotors prize Davy Dalton

AIB LEINSTER IFC QUARTER FINAL

Hard luck to our Senior Footballers who lost out a good Caragh side from Kildare on Saturday afternoon in Freshford. Thanks to the Management Team and players who put in a huge effort and committment over the past few weeks.

U22 CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP

Well done to our U22 Camogie Team who put in a great performance on Sunday morning in Palmerstown beating John Lockes on a scoreline of 5-18 to 3-7. The girls will play Windgap or Thomastown in the Semi Final.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

U21C Hurling Championship Semi Final; Dicksboro v Barrow Rangers, Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan 2pm Sat 16th Nov

U21A Hurling Championship Semi Final; Dicksboro v Bennetsbridge, Gowran TBC Sunday 17th Nov

U14 CAMOGIE PRESENTATION

Dicksboro U14 girls were presented with their medals on Sunday Evening in Palmerstown. The girls were presented with their medals by our Camogie Chairperson Catherine Peters and our Senior Player Caoimhe Dowling.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL

A cake and craft sale will be held after mass this Sunday in the Cannon Malone Hall, donations welcome and can be dropped off before Mass. All proceeds are in aid of the Senior Citizens Christmas Party. Many thanks to those who have already supported this endeavour at the recent church gate collection and the hamper raffle for which tickets were sold in SuperValu at the weekend

MENS SHED

Ballyragget Men’s shed continue to meet Tuesdays in the Cannon Malone hall at 10am for their healthy eating programme and Thursday evenings at 8pm. Work is flying along on their shed with works moving along at an advanced stage. Well done to all involved and new members are always welcome.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

The annual Christmas Craft Fair and the turning on of the Christmas lights will be held on Friday December 6th this year. The market will begin at 5pm and run until 7pm with the lights been turned on the square at 7.30pm. If you wish to have a craft stall at the market please contact Juanita via WhatsApp on 087 295 5864.

LETS GO BINGO

Bingo is held in the CYMS Hall each Wednesday night starting at 8pm.

CHOIR PRACTICE

Parish choir has resumed practice in the Cannon Malone Hall on Wednesday night at 7.30 all welcome.

CANCER SUPPORT

Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, Kilkenny have an Outreach Service available for the community of Ballyragget and the surrounding areas every Monday morning. Call in for a chat, support, and registration to The Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny. The Cois Nore Outreach service will be held at Dr Hogan’s Rooms on the square in the morning - from 10 am to 12 pm. Please do not hesitate to drop in or, for an appointment - contact 087-4833941.

JOHNSTOWN

CHURCH NEWS

A Remembrance Mass for November will be held in Johnstown on Friday November. 29th at 7.30pm. There is Rosary in Johnstown Cemetery each Sunday during November at 2.30pm. November offerings now due. Thanks to all the parishioners who contributed to the October Stations.

SEISIUN na SAMHNA

Seisiun Na Samhna will take place at Galmoy GAA pitch on Saturday. November 16th. Music by local band Sweet Freedom followed by Galmoy GAA Club disc jockey D.J.Lono. There will be a fully licensed bar and Burgers for everyone. Tickets € 20 available on Eventbrite or from club chairman Paul Delaney.

TABLE QUIZ

A Table Quiz will be run in aid of Crosspatrick National School on Saturday. November. 23rd at 8.30pm in “The Crosspatrick”. Table of four €20. Raffle on the night.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Tommy Phelan, Pinchback on winning the Kilkenny Network Family Carer of the year 2024. Tommy was awarded for his exceptional dedication and care. He was presented with his award by Mick Galwey and he now advances to the Regional Stage of the competition.

COMMUNITY HALL 500 CLUB

The results for the draw held for November 1. John Power (Peter Norton), 2. Martin Quinlan (Michael Quinlan), 3. Bridget Webster (Marie Garrett), 4. Eamon Holohan (Peter Norton), 5. Sinead O’Gorman (Brendan O’Gorman). The next draw will be held on the first Wednesday in December before Bingo starts.

LIBRARY

Eva Holmes will present a Christmas Wreath making class

on Wednesday.November 13th from 10 to 12 noon. Chair Yoga classes will be considered if there is enough interest. Contact the library at 0567794182.

SPA UNITED AFC

Results from the weekend U16 boys league division 2 Spa 4 Stoneyford 2, U14 boys league division 2 Freshford 5 Spa 2, U12 boys league division 1A Freshford 0 Spa 0, U12 boys league division 2A Spa 2 Stoneyford 1, U13 girls league division 1 Thomastown 1 Spa 1, U10 travelled to Southend while the U13 girls played the U14 girls in a friendly. SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO

The winning numbers 6,7,11,18. Six match threes E/M Tobin, Kitty Stapleton, Rd. Beehan, Fenian H.C., Mary Garrett and Kathleen Whitford.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

CRAFT FAIR

The Annual Christmas Craft Fair,will be held on Friday 6th of December 2024 from 11.am to 1.pm. Join us for light refreshments, handmade crafts and a raffle at the Centre. The Cois Nore Cancer Support Coffee morning will also be held here at the Centre on Friday December the 6th from 10am to 11am. All welcome.

ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a onebedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I.

Free L.T.I. Courses, which include Driving Theory/Driving lessons, Safe Pass and HACCP. There are places still available. Contact us for further information.

COIS NORE

There is an Outreach Advice Clinic, at the Mill every Friday Morning from 10am to 12pm

COUNSELLING SERVICES:

Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Adult and Teens. General Counselling, Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 4+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

SENIOR ALERT

If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS

Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be dropped off during our opening hours. Please call before dropping off. For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466

URLINGFORD

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO

The numbers drawn for the lotto on November 4th were : 14, 19, 21 and 28, bonus no 13.

There was no match three winners. Five lucky dips of €20 each go to Shane Ahern, Julie Doyle, Grainne Dea, Marianne and John Power, Ivan Leonard. Promoters prize: B. Ahern.

SET DANCING

In Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. Music by Danny Webster. Sets called by Paddy Norton. New members welcome, young and old.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT

November 10 winner of Split the Pot is Gerry Walsh who received €602. Congratulations on behalf of Urlingford Community Hall Committee. Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town. Thanks to everyone for their continued support. Next week’s draw is for Urlingford National School Parents’ Association.

GRAINE CARDS

There is a Progressive 25 card game in Graine Hall every Wednesday night at 8pm sharp. All are welcome.

URLINGFORD-GRAINE COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

A specially trained group has been created to service the Urlingford, Graine, Woodsgift, Gortnahoe areas (and all points in between), it is to serve those who may be experiencing any of the following: Heart attack/chest pain symptoms,breathing difficulties,choking symptoms, stroke, cardiac arrest.

This group replaces the Defibrillator Group which was previously in place. To contact them, just dial 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance, as you would be anyway. The person you speak to will alert them and they will be with you as quickly as possible. Available in - Emeralds GAA grounds; Murphy’s Pharmacy (*new - replaces the unit at rear of Church); Ely’s Inver Service Station; Campion Fuels, Gortnahoe Community Hall; Gortnahoe NS; Graine Church Hall.

Finally, we also offer training on CPR and the use of an AED. For more information contact: northkilkennycfrgroup. com

URLINGFORD NEWS

Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@ gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

ROSARY Rosary for November will be recited 12 noon at the Grotto

Dicksboro u14 girls were presented with their medals Sunday Evening in Palmerstown

Camogie Chairperson Catherine Peters and our Senior Player Caoimhe Dowling who presented the U14 gir5ls with their medals

Tom Healy

Community & GAA Notes

in Glengoole and 3pm in Ballinalacken.

SACRAMENTAL DATES

The dates have been announced for the following sacraments in the parish. Confirmation will take place on Friday 28th February 2025 at 11am and First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 17th May 2025 at 11am.

EXPLORING PRIESTHOOD

Find out more about being a Diocesan Priest by attending the open day at Pallotine College, Thurles this Sunday 19th November. Visit vocations.ie/exploring for further details.

CHIROPODIST

Deirdre Moore will attend The Millenium Family Resource Centre, Glengoole next Monday 18th November. Phone 087-4478511 for an appointment.

CAMOGIE CLUB

Gortnahoe Glengoole Camogie Club are holding a cookery demonstration by Naomi Morrissey of Naomi’s Cafe in Gortnahoe Hall this Friday 15th November at 7.30pm. Tickets €25.

GLENGOOLE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Will take place in Glengoole Hall on Saturday 30th November. Craft fair at 5pm. Santa arrives after 6pm Mass followed by switching on the Christmas lights.

400 CLUB DRAW

A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the 400 club draw in support of the Gortnahoe Glengoole parish. The new draw will commence in November and promoters will be contacting all households in the parish to renew their membership for the next 12 months. We look forward to the continued support of our parish.

GORTNAHOE COMMUNITY HALL CHRISTMAS DRAW

Gortnahoe Community Hall are holding their Christmas draw on Sunday 22nd December in Gortnahoe Hall. Further details of prizes and the distribution of tickets will follow in the coming weeks. The Christmas Draw is an important fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Hall

GORTNAHOE BINGO

Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 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.

TUESDAY BRIDGE

Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Richard Dunne Junior, Graigue who won €228 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of November Split the Pot will be in support of the Gortnahoe Christmas lights. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

TABLE QUIZ

A Table Quiz, with proceeds in aid of Mount Carmel Retirement Home, Callan will take place on this Friday, November 15th in Ryan’s Pub, Kilmanagh at 9.15pm. Quizzer Gerry Dunne will have all the favourite items, including the world famous Know Your Local Yokel Questions. See you there.

CHRISTMAS ACORN

Items are presently being gathered for the Christmas Acorn ‘24 edition. If you have any written pieces or photographs for inclusion send them to lanigan.eileen@gmail.com. If you wish to chat about some item, give Gerry Dunne a ring on 083 013 3654.

SOCCER NEWS

Soccer Results - U16 Schoolboys League - River Rangers 5; Southend Utd 3

Soccer Fixtures - Saturday, November 16th, U17 Schoolboys League - River Rangers v Deen Celtic. U13 Schoolboys League - River Rangers v Stoneyford Utd

DARTS

A trip to Freshford for the Ryans darts crew this weekend, for a tie versus Kavanaghs.

CHRISTMAS FAIR

Ballingarry Hall hold their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 30th, from 10am-2.00pm. To book a stall, price €10, contact Tracey 086 730 1377.

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

The annual Remembrance Service will take place on Thursday 28th November in Ballycallan church at 7pm. It is a chance to remember all our deceased loved ones, but especially those who have died in the past year. All are welcome to attend.

Tullaroan hold their Remembrance Service on Thursday, 21st November, at 7.30pm MEMORY WALL

You are welcome to place, pictures, poems or other items on the memory walls in our churches in memory of the dead. The boards from the three churches will then be gathered together for our remembrance service in November.

REMEMBRANCE LIST

You can also write the names of your deceased on sheets of paper and place them in the basket at the altar.

SEAT CUSHIONS

For those who find the seats in the churches a bit hard to sit on, cushions are available in the sacristy. Just go up and request one.

A WEEK OF MASSES

With so many other anniversaries and intentions being requested, extra Masses are being offered this week to the faithful departed from Monday to Saturday, at 10am in Kilmanagh (Webcam supported), you are welcome to join us.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Following the success of last year’s Christmas party in Kilmanagh Hall, we will hold this year’s Christmas Party on December 8th in Ballycallan Hall starting at 2pm. While it’s dubbed ‘senior citizens’, anyone is welcome to join us. The party is organised by the Parish Pastoral Council, supported by Ballycallan Hall Committee. All welcome. For further details, contact Michele Comerford (PPC), 086 108 0448

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

The Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 19th – 25th May 2025.

Bus transport from Loughboy Shopping Centre to Cork airport. Direct flights to Lourdes. Full religious programme. Choice of 3* and 4* hotels €949 and €995 respectively. Bookings at JWT 01- 241 0800 or email info@joewalshtours.ie. Assisted pilgrims contact Fr. Anthony O’Connor 087-251 7766.

CAMOGIE AGM

St. Brigid’s Camogie Club will hold their AGM in Tom Ryall Park Clubrooms in Kilmanagh on November 9th at 7.30pm.

NAOMH AODHAN COMMUNITY CENTRE

The Naomh Aodhán Community Centre in Kilmanagh is available to hire for meetings, social occasions, etc. Contact Naomh Aodhán on 083 3413 024 for details of availability.

BALLYCALLAN COMMUNITY HALL

Ballycallan Community Hall is also available for hire and events. Contact Jimmy Lynch, or any of the committee members for details.

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.

CONAHY

HURLING

The under-21 hurlers lost out to St. Lachtain’s on Friday night last in the Roinn D championship in Ballyragget. The exchanges were even in the opening half with the sides level at 1-5 (Conahy) to 0-8 (St. Lachtain’s). The Conahy goal came from a well worked effort by Brooklyn Synott. It was in the final quarter that the Freshford men managed to pull away with a number of consecutive points, eventually winning by 0-22 to 1-14.

CAMOGIE

The under-22 camogie girls scored a good win in a high scoring game against Rower-Inistioge in the Roinn C championship in Jenkinstown on Sunday last. Conahy led by 2-9 to 1-6 at half-time and scored some good points in the second half as well. The visitors were also finding the net with four goals in the second half. Fortunately, Conahy still had plenty to spare in the end, winning by 3-23 to 5-8.

CLUB LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 10, 20 and 28. There was no winner of the €1,500 jackpot, so the consolation prize winners were Alice Nolan, Ollie Dollard, Ger and Helen Byrne, Geraldine McGrath and Larry Bergin. The promoter prize winners were Kay Phelan, Helen Cahill and Teresa Dollard. Many thanks to everyone who supports the GAA Club Lotto.

SUNDAY NIGHT CARDS

Progressive 25’s take place every Sunday night in the GAA Clubhouse at 8.00 p.m. All are welcome.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Please note that the Conahy conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society has a new contact number - (085) 2160466 - should anyone in the locality wish to avail of their support.

CONAHY BOOK CLUB

The Conahy Book Club is flying along in recent times. Books read this year include Lessons in Chemistry, Year of the Locust, A Thread of Violence, The Lost Dressmaker of Paris, Hannah Coulter, to name but a few. The Club don’t just read books, they listen to audiobooks too. So if you like to read or listen to books, why not join them for their Christmas night on Friday, November 22nd at 7.00 p.m. at The Orchard, Kilkenny, they would love to see you. The next book is “All the Colours of the Dark” by Chris Whittaker. If you would like to join the book club app, please text Marion O’Dornan on 087-1649567.

COIS NORE CANCER SUPPORT

Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Kilkenny have an Outreach Service for the community of Ballyragget and the surrounding areas every Monday morning. Call in for a chat, support, and registration to The Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny. The Cois Nore Outreach service will be held in the morning from 10 am to 12 pm at Dr Hogan’s Rooms, The Square in Ballyragget. Please do not hesitate to drop or, for an appointment contact 087-4833941. Cois Nore Outreach is also available in Castlecomer on Monday mornings at The Old Courthouse, Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer from 10 am to 12pm.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET AND STONEYFORD

MASS TIMES

Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil – Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Wednesday at 7.00p.m. VigilSaturday at 6.30p.m. Friday 15th. Feast of St Albert PRAY FOR Anniversary Mass, Ronan Murphy, Mount Juliet and Dublin. Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 16th. November at 8.00p.m. PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS

Many thanks to all who have contributed to the “October Station” Contributions during the past weeks. ROTA (33RD. SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Neill O’Grady. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power; Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Natalia Smolen, Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill, Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr LOTTO

Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 4th. November 2024 Numbers: 06; 15; 26; 12. One Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €500.00. Winner, P and C. Hudson, c/o James Irish. €25.00. Seller of Match 3 Ticket: James Irish, Hugginstown. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers), James Irish, Pat Dwyer, Claire Cleary. SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS: Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232.

Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES:

The Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 19th. to 25th. May 2025. Bus transport from Loughboy Shopping Centre to Cork Airport. Direct flights to Lourdes. Full religious programme. Further information and Bookings at J.W.T. 01 241 0800 or email info@joewalshtours.ie For Assisted Pilgrims contact Fr. Anthony O’Connor on 087 251 7766.

NOVEMBER OFFERINGS 2024

November Offerings Envelopes 2024 are available at the Church Porch. Your contribution can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly – Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D). ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL CAFÉ

St. Mary’s Cathedral Café is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 10.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. All profits from the café will support the vital work of ‘Teac Tom’, providing suicide prevention and mental health services.

SCRIPTURE - NEW TESTAMENT

Learning more about what it is that we believe. Course on 4th./11th./18th./25th. November in St. Kieran’s College.

“Scripture - New Testament” given by Fr Fergus Farrell: • Approaching the Bible: The Word of God in Human Words.

• Introduction to the Gospels: Meeting Matthew. • One Jesus, Many Portraits: Jesus in Matthew and the other Gospels. • Paul and the Good News of Christ Crucified.

TAIZÉ PRAYER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS FROM TAIZÉ

All are warmly invited to gather for a special Taizé Prayer Service with guests from the Taizé community, who are visiting Ireland during November. This beautiful service will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral, on Friday, November 15th. at 7:00p.m. Come and experience the serene atmosphere of Taizé prayer, a time of song, silence, and reflection. Everyone is welcome.

KILMANAGH

Cois Nore Coffee Morning

Craft Fair

Miriam Walsh Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

first time in 22 years(1994).

In October, Miriam Walsh retired from Inter-County Senior Camogie following a highly successful career in which she won 3 Senior AllIreland Medals, 5 National League Medals, 3 All-Stars and was also named Camogie Player Of The Year in 2022.

Having joined The Senior set-up in 2011, Miriam played a key role as part of Loreto Kilkenny's 4-in-a-row of Senior Colleges All-Ireland triumphs from 2010-2013, while in 2013 she was part of the Kilkenny team that won the Minor All-Ireland Final against Cork.

Following the disappointments of losing Senior All-Ireland Finals in 2013 and 2014, Miriam was part of the Kilkenny Team that won the All-Ireland Senior Final against Cork in 2016 as they lifted The O'Duffy Cup for the

BY PAUL BOLGER

Over the past two weeks we have learned that childhood maltreatment has negative effects on health much later in life, that our body’s systems learn and adapt to this, and dysregulation of the stress response plays a key role in this process. These two articles are available on the Kilkenny Observer website.  While people suffer after being subjected to serious maltreatment in childhood, some struggle more than others to find their place in society and find it difficult to thrive. Yes, research does show that the risk of future health issues is higher after traumatic childhood experiences, but some people go on to lead relatively normal and healthy lives. What is it that protects some people?

Love and care  Love and care offer a protective buffer from childhood abuse. Researchers have found that children who experience caring, loving relationships with others, like an adult caregiver, as well as children who have many positive experiences in childhood, are somewhat protected from the negative consequences of maltreatment.

Safety and predictability are

Kilkenny completed The League/Championship double in 2016, and they retained The League in both 2017 and in 2018 as they completed a three-in-a-row of League final triumphs.

Unfortunately, Kilkenny suffered a three-in-a-row of All-Ireland Final defeats in 2017, 2018 and 2019, but they bounced back to winning ways in 2020 under new manager Brian Dowling as they defeated Galway in a thrilling All-Ireland Final.

Another League Final triumphed also against Galway in 2021, before Kilkenny lost the All-Ireland Semi-Final by a point to Cork. However, they bounced back to winning ways in 2022, in what was a most memorable year for The Tullaroan native. Kilkenny won The All-Ireland Final against Cork as a late Sophie O'Dwyer goal gave them victory, with

Miriam winning her third Senior All-Ireland Medal.

She was named Camogie Player of The Year following a string of outstanding performances as she also picked up her third All-Star, while the weekend of The All-Stars was extra special for Miriam as she married Noel McGree from Freshford.

Miriam enjoyed glory with Tullaroan when winning County Intemediate and Leinster Medals in 2015.

Unfortunately, her final two seasons with The Black and Amber were plagued by injury and ACL damage sustained in 2023 left her sidelined for a year. However, Miriam departs The InterCounty scene after a most successful career following in the footsteps of her cousin Grace Walsh having played so many games together for Club and County.

Meanwhile, The Camogie All-Stars take place tonight

Croke Park Friday 15th November and very best wishes to Danielle Morrissey who has been nominated for Intermediate Player of The

essential for our wellbeing –whether we are children or adults. Having at least one adult present who is reliable, who shows unconditional love, whose moods are predictable and with whom they feel safe and secure is essential for the wellbeing of children.

We learned last week that suffering from maltreatment and abuse teaches a child that the world is a dangerous and unpredictable place –their inner biology adapts to assume danger lies around any corner. This is positively harmful to physical health in the long run. Love and

care that is predictable and consistent teaches them that there is safety and security to be found – counter-balancing the effects of trauma on the systems of the body.

Retraining The Stress System  For those who have suffered

from extreme adverse events in childhood, it is still possible to reduce the health impacts later in life. As adults, we still have many of the same emotional needs that we did as children – like trusting relationships and feeling accepted as part of a community. While it

can be difficult to unlearn deeply rooted behaviours and thought processes that set in during childhood, it is possible. As long as we are alive it is possible to adapt and change.

Retraining the stress system is a key part of dampening the health impacts of early-life maltreatment. Identifying and confronting behaviours that are associated with trauma are essential here. There are many ways to approach this – and it is best done under the guidance of a traumainformed therapist such as a psychologist or a well-trained counsellor. We will look at this more next week.

Stress Altering Activities

If you struggle to access mental health support services (which can unfortunately be difficult in this country), there are many stress-relieving activities (like exercise, mindfulness and performing relaxing tasks) that, if performed regularly, can help to turn down the volume on our stress response, nudging us towards a state of “rest & digest”bringing our bodies into a more relaxed, sustainable state. We will explore some of these in the coming weeks, motivating us all to develop a useful stress-reducing routine.  If anybody needs support or help with any of the issues raised here, please do inform your GP or local mental health support providers.

Photo by INPHO Photography

in

Year. Danielle is one of 4 players to have been named on The Soaring Stars Team along with Cliona Murphy, Mairead

Kennedy and Hannah Scott, and the quartet will be presented with their awards at the ceremony in Croke Park tonight.

Hurlng matters - Preview

Sport

by Pat Hoban’s outfit by a whopping 25 points. Having secured the Westmeath Examiner Perpetual Trophy at the second time of asking with a 7-point victory over Lough Lene Gaels, Thomastown’s opponents enter the Leinster clash as underdogs, but that won’t deter this side.

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship 2024 Thomastown vs Castletown Geoghegan Sunday, TEG Cusack Park,(1:30pm throw-in)

Thomastown will take to the provincial stage on Sunday when they face-off against Castletown Geoghegan at TEG Cusack Park (Throw-in 1:30pm) in an AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final. Having secured a first Kilkenny senior title since 1946, they will head to Mullingar full of confidence, and no doubt draw on their successful Leinster intermediate campaign last season, when they triumphed at that grade.

First up for Noel Doherty’s charges are Westmeath champions, Castletown Geoghegan, who are no strangers to provincial matters, having being crowned senior champions in the Lake County no fewer than fifteen times. Reading up on Thomastown’s opponents, there is a serious link to Noreside. It was a Kilkenny man that helped ignite the hurling passion in Castletown - Mick Byrne who was employed in the local train station, began organising training games and a team was then entered into the junior hurling championship wearing black and amber stripped jersey’s, something that would remain as a permanent reminder to the team’s Marble City links.

Alan Mangan is still at the helm, having led his team into battle against Shamrocks Ballyhale a couple of seasons ago, when they were comprehensively dismantled

As usual, the Castletown Geoghegan charge was led by the vastly experienced Niall O’Brien, who contributed an impressive tally of 0-10 to his sides total of 1-27.

Thomastown will know that any illdiscipline is likely to be punished by the Westmeath intercounty star. So much of what Alan Mangan’s side does revolves round the influence of O’Brien who has notched 2-46 in his six championship games to date and the talented stickman will look to propel his club to the last four of this season’s provincial campaign. Indeed, it was the talismanic O’Brien’s probing delivery that corner forward David O’Reilly collected struck to the net, that gave their side a huge boost in the opening minutes of their county final.

UL Student O’Reilly hit an eye catching 1-5 in the win over Lough Lene Gaels, and is coming into the Leinster competition in very good nick. Other members of the attacking division, Liam Varley, Conor Murphy and Jack Gallagher have also been weighing-in with telling contributions this season, and Noel Doherty’s defensive unit will need to curb the Westmeath men’s enthusiasm on Sunday.

Castletown Geoghegan’s rearguard has come in for praise this season, with manager Mangan claiming his full-back line would be a match for most attackers. One of their top performing markers, Naoise McKenna is due to travel to Oz, and it remains to be seen if these plans change, to allow the defensive star to line out against Thomastown. The likes of Johnnie Bermingham, Aaron Glennon and Jack Murphy will look to snuff out the threat of Donnelly’s Stephen, Robbie and county star John along with Colm Treacy. The Westmeath sides netminder, Ciaran O’Brien should expect a busy afternoon in Mullingar, but he was in good form in the county final, pulling off a great stop to deny a certain goal for Tommy Doyle.

Having been laid up for the guts

Thomas out to trump Castle in battle of the ‘Towns

Doherty’s charges Mullingar bound

of six weeks, Castletown had plenty of time to ponder and prepare ahead of their county decider and Mangan’s men will be all the better for their win over Lough Lene Gaels. Securing a second title in three years is testament to the work that former county star Alan Managan has done with this panel, and the jovial boss made reference to the fact that it’s a really competitive squad of players that are giving their absolute all to push on and crack the provincial puzzle.

Just like two seasons ago, its Noreside opposition that will tackle Castletown in a last eight clash. Thomastown have certainly not surprised themselves this year, they have simply carried on their stunning intermediate form into the

senior ranks. Noel Doherty has been the man that has masterminded the ‘Town’s return to the top table of hurling in Kilkenny. The biggest compliment you could pay this team, is that they didn’t look raw when coming up against seasoned senior clubs like, Shamrocks Ballyhale, James Stephens and Bennettsbridge. Over the past 12 months, this Thomastown side has been maturing like a fine wine. Clearly, intercounty star John Donnelly, rightfully, gets many of the plaudits as he has been a serious operator for both club and county for a period of time, and is arguably one of the finest hurlers on the Island currently, something that Castletown’s manager as stated in the buildup to Sunday’s clash. But as all on Noreside know, there’s more

to this ‘Town team than JD. The Donnelly name runs right through Noel Doherty’s side, each with their own stamp on the team.

At centre back, Eddie is a highly intelligent hurler, that can sweep or mark, but can always be guaranteed to get on lots of ball, indeed for many he was one of the top performers in both their semi and final clashes. Robbie is the placed ball specialist and can be counted on to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and should he outscore Niall O’Brien, the route to victory over Castletown could be a little smoother. Making a nuisance of himself in and around the fullforward line is Stephen, who has come back from injury with a bang and will be a goal threat

in Mullingar. Thomastown’s mix of youth and

Zach Bay Hammond’s dynamic style key to ‘Town’s success

Captain Clarke! Aonghus Clarke will look to reach new heights against the ‘Town

County men! Clavin & Donnelly will be facing off in club action this weekend

28TH ANNIVERSARY 27TH ANNIVERSARY 2ND ANNIVERSARY

Anniversaries of Tom and Kathleen Cody, Newpark Lower, Kilkenny.

“A great man and a great woman” They were also good people.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 24th November at St John’s Church at 11.30am

Anniversary Mass on Friday 17th November at St John’s Church at 10.30am

Son of the late Anastasia and Joe and brother of John, Bridget, Kathleen and Mary formerly of The Pill Road, Kilmacow.

Son of the late Anastasia and Joe and brother of John, Bridget, Kathleen and Mary formerly of The Pill Road, Kilmacow.

Benny will be prayed for at a remembrance Mass at 11.15 on Sunday November 12th St. Senan’s Church, Kilmacow.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Miracle Prayer

(never known to fail).

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.D.M.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.O.

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.

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. .This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. P.K.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.H.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

The

The

Miracle Prayer

Miracle Prayer

The

The

Miracle Prayer

Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

This time I ask you 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.

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.

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

Never been known to fail.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.T.

Must promise publication of prayer. P.K.

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

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

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

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.

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 mine. Amen.

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.D.B.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.D.M.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

TOM CODY KATHLEEN CODY 27TH ANNIVERSARY 26TH ANNIVERSARY

BENNY DUNPHY 1ST ANNIVERSARY

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.B.

The

Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.B.

The

Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. D.C.

The

Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

A

Prayer

to the Blessed

Virgin (never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

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

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

The

Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. J.M.