Kilkenny Observer 15th December 2023

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Expense? Bah, humbug!

Retail Ireland predict extra €1.1bn spend in December Retailers are predicting an increase in household spending in the run-up to Christmas, despite cost-of-living pressures and the difficult economic backdrop for many.

Retail Ireland, the Ibec group representing the sector, is expecting that on average each household in Ireland will spend €1,019 more during ther days of December compared to

any other months of the year.

That represents an increase of 5% on what it anticipated the spend would be this time last year, bringing the total additional outlay by households during December to €1.1 billion more than in other months in 2023.

“Christmas is falling at a good time for retail, with a full week’s trading and a weekend before

Christmas Day,” said Arnold Dillon, director of Retail Ireland.

“Businesses are optimistic that this will translate into positive trading figures.”

The expected bounce in spending comes despite concerns that people might stay away from shops in Dublin city centre in the aftermath of the recent riots.

“While footfall in parts of Dublin suffered due to the disturbances last month, numbers are recovering and there is a positive outlook for the run up to Christmas,” Mr Dillon said.

“Nationwide, retailers are reporting footfall up on last year, and in some areas significantly up.”

However, retailers are also reporting that shoppers are cau-

tious, with concerns remaining around the cost of living, as inflation continues to fall from its peak.

As a result, many shoppers are looking for value or focusing on a smaller number of larger purchases, Retail Ireland says.

“Despite these factors, consumer sentiment has improved over recent months with shop-

Eight children among 12 injured in major crash

Top accolade for Johanna

Twelve people have been taken to hospital following a collision involving a school bus and a truck in Kilkenny on the morning of Thursday, December 14.

Both drivers were taken to hospitals with serious injuries – one was airlifted to Dublin, the other taken by ambulance to Tullamore – both are said to be stable, according to KCLR. Eight children and two teachers, who it’s understood were travelling towards Kilkenny from a school in Co Tipperary, were taken to St Luke’s General Hospital with injuries understood to not be critical.

Two Ulster University Postgraduate students from Kilkenny and Roscommon have been awarded the prestigious Allen & Overy (A&O) award, recognising talent in the field of librarianship and information management.

The two-year Library and Information Management Postgraduate Diploma at Ulster University is now in its 16th year and aims to enhance the knowledge and skill sets of information professionals nationally and internationally. The course at Ulster University is delivered completely online.

Johanna Brennan, a Librarian for Kilkenny County Council Library Service, said: “This course has changed the way I think about all aspects of my work, and I can already see the positive effect it has had on my confidence and professional development. I’m thankful to A&O for recognising the value of skilled library and information professionals.”

Pictured are Johanna Brennan, and Sinead Cooney, Senior Library Assistant at Roscommon Library Service with Professor David Barr, Head of the School of Education at Ulster University.

Cost of stay home parent underestimated by €24,000

Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem In Bethlehem, the West Bank town where Jesus was born, the carol singing has been cancelled, the fairy lights dimmed and the tree never put up. Celebrations will be kept to a minimum as Palestinian Christians recognise the suffering of their ‘brothers and sisters’ in Gaza.

The churches of the Holy

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

Land have demanded a more solemn period of reflection in recognition of the suffering felt by the people of Gaza. Israeli attacks have killed more than 17,000 people there since the Hamas attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis on October 7.

In the town’s Lutheran church, the Nativity scene de-

pers determined to get the full Christmas experience,” Mr Dillon remarked.

“Notably, the recent cold spell has seen a significant increase in the sale of winter clothing.”

The run into Christmas is typically the most important time of the year for most retailers, with some making up to 40% of their annual turnover in the period.

picts a child buried in rubble.

“We cannot celebrate when our brothers and sisters are dying,” said Issa Thaljieh, the Greek Orthodox priest of the Church of the Nativity, the 4th-century Byzantine basilica whose crypt holds Christ’s supposed birthplace.

Thaljieh, a 40-year old Chris-

tian Palestinian, recently learned that an entire Greek Orthodox family from Gaza had been wiped out by an airstrike. At Easter, he led prayers for their newborn daughter, now he prays for the baby’s peaceful repose. “They are grieving. We have to stand with them,” he said.

Bethlehem can usually expect as many as 150,000 tourists over the Yuletide period.

This December there is no queue to enter one of the holiest sites in Christianity, where Christians believe Mary gave birth to Jesus some 2,ooo years ago.

Global Report Page 22

A new study has revealed that to employ a full-time homemaker would cost around €55,000 a year, showing just how undervalued a stayat-home parent is.

Most stay-at-home mothers or fathers are not paid for the work they do in the home, making them the most undervalued workers in the country.

More than nine out of 10 people underestimate the monetary value of a stayat-home parent by around €24,000.

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

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If you go down to the woods today ...

A total of 81% of the Irish public believe Ireland needs to grow more trees to help combat climate change, according to a recent Red C Research survey commissioned

by Coillte, the semi-State forestry company.

Furthermore, 86% of those surveyed agree that getting out into nature and exploring their local forest has a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing, while 82% believe forests are important for nature and biodiversity, which is central to Coillte’s strategic vision.

Of all respondents, 74% agree that having a mix of trees, such as conifers that grow quickly and capture carbon at a high rate, along with broadleaves that provide a long-term store of carbon, is important for climate action.

In terms of tackling climate change, the majority surveyed (66%) are in favour of using Irish wood as an alternative building material to high-carbon materials such as concrete and steel.

Speaking about the survey, Ken Sweeney, Regional Manager Coillte, said: “Getting out into nature at this time of year offers the perfect balance to all the busyness in the lead up to Christmas and Kilkenny has some beautiful Coillte forests for people to enjoy including Jenkinstown Wood

[pictured], Coill an Fhaltaigh and Castlemorris.”

The survey findings support

Coillte’s forestry strategic vision which aims to deliver multiple benefits from its

forests and bring more focus to climate action, with ambitious targets on biodiversity and

recreation, while continuing to deliver for the forest and wood products industry. The focus

of Coillte’s vision is on sustainably balancing and delivering the multiple benefits from Ireland’s state forests across four strategic pillars: Climate, Wood, Nature, and People.

Coillte’s forestry strategic vision, announced last year, is designed to optimise its contribution to Ireland’s climate targets, and includes a range of actions aiming to capture approx. 28m tonnes of CO2 from the environment by 2050.

Actions include: • Coillte aims to enable the creation of 100,000 hectares of new forests by 2050, half of which will be native woodlands, thereby enabling the sinking of 18m tonnes of CO2 by 2050.

• Coillte will manage its existing forest estate to capture an additional 10m tonnes of CO2 by 2050; • Coillte plans to produce 25 million m3 of certified Irish timber, to support the construction of 300,000 new homes in Ireland by 2030. It will also promote the use and benefits of wood products to increase the level of timber homes from 20% to 80% by 2050; • Coillte intends to enhance and restore biodiversity by increasing the area of the forest estate being managed primarily for nature from 20% to 30% by 2025 and to 50% in the long term.

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Kilkenny remembers Jonathan The entrepreneur and founder of the Jack and Jill Foundation, Jonathan Irwin, who has died at 82, just recently attended a staff Strategy Day in Kilkenny where he received a standing ovation.

A spokesperson of the local brach of the children’s foundation said: “ When the shock waves subside a little, we will share our memories of Jonathan and the many tributes

about him already rolling in.”

The headquarters of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is based at Johnstown Manor, Maudlings, Johnstown, Co. Kildare Jonathan Irwin is survived by his wife Mary Ann O’Brien and their children Lily, Phonsie, Molly and predeceased by sons Jack – which led to the setting up of Jack And Jill – and John; he is also sadly missed by his

first wife Mikaela and their sons Pirate, Jago, Luke and predeceased by their son Sam. He was so very proud of his grandchildren Otis, Violet, Iris and Xanthia.

Jonathan turned his grief and his vision into support for others. “What else can I do?” he’d often say That vision became a reality of a home nursing care model in his son Jack’s name that

has supported 2,964 children across the country in the last 26 years and counting, without any means test, red tape or waiting list. Jonathan was the foundation’s chief fundraiser, its chief ambassador, who had true grit, charm and compassion in spades.

Jonathan Irwin was charisma personified. From an AngloIrish background of actors and academics, this Eton educated,

Trinity drop-out had what he himself called “a glittering career” in several roles. Bloodstock agent, auction house boss, announcer, publisher, racecourse executive and more.

He worked for BBA Ireland, The Turf Club and Goffs – where he dreamt up and introduced the Cartier Million, Europe’s Richest race and the first IR£1 million sports event in Europe. He was also involved

in Dublin International Sports Council and the Special Olympics and, more recently, the ‘Horses of Hope’ Equine Centre at Castlerea Prison.

However, none of these roles, he said, was more challenging or rewarding than his role with Jack and Jill, where he advocated on behalf of family carers with all his might.

Jonathan won many awards over the years.

Kelleher critical of animal transport

Direct Provision children appeal

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said that the new requirements contained in the European Commission’s proposal on animal transport will be both problematic and costly for Irish farmers and exporters.

Mr Kelleher was commenting after the Commission published its long awaited revision of the 2005 Animal Transport Regulation.

“First off, there are positives in this proposal. There is an acceptance that time spent at sea should not be counted in any maximum journey time calculation. This is something that is massively important for Ireland as an island Member State and that I fought to get recognised in my work on the ANIT Committee.

“However, I am concerned at the maximum journey time for unweaned calves being set at nine hours. The average journey time from the ferry port in Cherbourg to the major markets in the north of the Netherlands is approximately 12-13 hours,” he said.

“While there is an ability to extend the journey time for an additional nine hours, it would require a massive overhaul of, and investment in, truck feeding technology to allow milk or milk replacer be fed to the animals.

“Additionally, the increase in the minimum age for transport from 14 days to 35 days will be problematic and expensive for farmers,” said the MEP. “The European Parliament and the European Council will, in the New Year, begin their own parallel deliberations, including amendments. I will be tabling amendments to find a more balanced approach on some of these issues.”

The Children’s Rights Alliance is escalating its call on the Government to urgently progress commitments made to children and young people in the White Paper to End Direct Provision as standards continue to plummet.

The call coincides with a conference convened by the Alliance featuring an address by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman TD and Chair of the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support, Dr Catherine Day. Introduced in 2021, the White Paper committed to improving the lives of children and families seeking International Protection status through eradicating the current direct provision system by 2024 and establishing a new international protection support system providing accommodation, health, education, income support and other service needs through a human rights approach.

Our Alice Employee of the Year!

Well done: Colm Neville, IHF South East Branch Chair and Denyse Campbell, IHF President pictured with Employee of the Year Winner Alice Macauley and her parents, Colette and Des

Alice Macauley, HR Assistant at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny has been awarded the 23/24 Irish Hotels Federation South East Branch ‘Employee of the Year’ at a special awards ceremony recently in the Talbot Hotel Carlow.

More than 120 guests attended the annual ‘Christmas Gathering and Employee of the Year Awards’ to celebrate and recognise 18 nominees from hotels and guesthouses across the south east who have made an outstanding contribution

to their workplace.

Congratulating Alice Macauley on the award, IHF South East Branch Chair, Colm Neville said the judges highlighted her excellent communication skills, customer service and attention to detail when selecting her as the winner.

At the event, IHF President Denyse Campbell spoke about the importance of recognising excellence, and ‘Shaping Brighter Futures’ for people in the sector by supporting future leaders and keeping teams

motivated with opportunities for career progression and development.

Ms Macauley joined the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny as a HR Assistant in the summer of 2022. In this role, she has been instrumental in supporting staff induction, internal communications, and career fairs – where she’s been recognised by her colleagues as representing Newpark to the highest standards. Demonstrating a wide range of skills, She also assists with sales, marketing and events

– including online bookings for the hotel’s Jurassic Newpark visitor experience.

Alice is keen to continue her professional development within the hospitality sector and plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management.

Other presentations on the night included a ‘Highly Commended Award’ for Darragh O Mahony from the Viking Hotel Waterford and a ‘Special Service Award’ for Teresa Bradshaw from the Hoban Hotel Kilkenny.

Dead end in new leads in missing women case Gardaí investigating Ireland’s missing women have carried out an unsuccessful search of a wooded site on the WicklowKildare border, after a trained cadaver dog detected what might be human remains.

It is understood the search was conducted last weekend

by a team of Gardaí with specialist search equipment. They are understood to have ruled out the presence of human remains at the site.

The site was brought to the attention of Gardaí by a local farmer. He first noticed disturbed ground at the remote

woodland site more than 25 years ago. He reported his concerns to Gardaí in 2008.

He was put in contact with the dog handler Paul Murphy, who trains cadaver dogs .

Gardaí have declined to comment on the search.

The site was of interest in

part because it is close to the former home of Larry Murphy, a convicted rapist from Baltinglass, Co Wicklow. Murphy was the prime suspect for the murder of Deirdre Jacob, who vanished from Newbridge in 1998. However, the DPP decided that Larry Murphy

should not be prosecuted.

The cases of Deirdre Jacob and five other women who vanished in the Leinster area in the 1990s have received renewed attention in a documentary on Ireland’s ‘vanishing triangle’ broadcast on Sky TV.

Hospice is here for you this Christmas The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), a leading organisation dedicated to providing support to those dealing with loss and grief, wants to remind people in Kilkenny about their Bereavement Support Line service, available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. The service aims to provide solace and support to individuals who have lost a loved one, friend, or colleague, allowing them to openly discuss their grief and loss.

This service is not exclusive to recent bereavements but is also open to those who have experienced loss in the past. Callers to the line may have lost a parent, spouse, child, sibling or close friend. Some deaths have been sudden and unexpected, others coming after an illness.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Clothes encounter, but not always in the right fashion Back in the late ‘80s a colleague of mine never came into the national newspaper office without wearing a new outfit every other day. Needless to say, she wore it well.

Occasionally, I would compliment her new look and she would politely acknowledge my appraisal.

One day, I said: “Love the outfit” – or some such remark. “Oh that,” she said unashamedly, “I got that in the charity shop.”

She was a senior journalist on a good salary, her husband had his own legal business. Buying a dress in a charity shop would have been the last thought I’d have had about her shopping habits.

I would have been thinking more Brown Thomas.

Besides, I had not heard of these charity shops back then.

I thought her answer decidedly honest. As for me, back then I would not have been caught dead in these socalled charity shops. And, if

honest, neither would most of us. A bit like when Aldi and Lidl came to Ireland, no one would admit shopping there, where all food was stacked in “those awful” cardboard boxes – even though the check-out bill was cheaper than their Irish competitors.

Nowadays, people have no qualms about shopping at Aldi or Lidl and the two German – now global – superstores are in almost every shopping centre. The same goes for charity shops. They are everywhere, and we now openly boast: “Oh, I got this shirt in the charity shop.”

Charity shops that deal primarily in clothing are a two-way affair. You are, yet once again, sorting your wardrobe – particularly at this time of year – and bring a bag of relatively good, and clean, clothes you’ve grown tired of – or out of – to your local shop, supporting one charity or another. (Clothes deemed not in good condition you most likely deposit

in those clothes banks beside the bottle banks). While in the charity shop you browse and invariably end up buying yet more clothes. I have done this many times and got some great bargains.

The woman I once shared a house with once bought a pair of strappy stilettos in the charity shop. Some days later she said: “Those shoes have been bothering me, and now I know why. They were mine.

I gave them to the shop last month and now have just bought them back!”

Now comes the report that 93% of Ireland’s used clothes and other textiles is dumped, incinerated, or exported to an unknown fate. Some 170,000 tonnes of unwanted clothing, bed linen, soft furnishings and shoes are cleared out of homes and businesses every year. That’s 35kg for every person in the country each year.

Voice of Concern for the Irish Environment (Voice Ireland) say we are often

duped into believing our items will be recycled or reused when the reality is different.

Around 110,000 tonnes, 65% of the total, is discarded in general waste bins and goes to landfill or incineration, even though it may be reusable or recyclable. The remaining 60,000 tonnes goes

Duped into believing our items will be recycled or reused...

to charity stores or textile banks run by commercial operators, ostensibly for resale, recycling or repurposing.

However, just 12,000 tonnes (7%) can be shown to have been put to good use through reputable charities.

The rest, including items that charity shops can’t sell, is handled by commercial collectors. A small amount of that, around 3,000 tonnes, is believed to be repurposed, either as rags for industry or shredded fabric for manufacturing. What’s left, around 45,000 tonnes, is exported.

Its first stop is usually a bulkbuyer, often in the UK or Germany, who will retain the higher quality fabrics which make up less than 20 per cent of the total. The rest is likely bound for East Asia or Africa.

Voice Ireland is now calling for changes in the regulations governing how our clothes and textiles for recycling are handled and for clearer information for consumers.

Decades ago, I bought a

pair of second-hand jeans at a market stall in Durban in South Africa. I loved them because the denims had zips on the front pockets. Back home months later I couldn’t find them. I searched thoroughly through all wardrobes and the washing hamper.

No sign. Enquiries to family yielded nothing.

Days later I came across my favourite jeans in the local charity shop. It turns out the mother of my children had recently deposited a bag of clothes there.

I had to buy them back. Just had to ...

---------------------------------Paul Hopkins is the author of Affairs of the Heart (And Other Writings), new from Monument Media Press, €14.99, described as a collection of stories to warm the emotions and light the soul.

The book is available at select bookstores and from monumentmediapress.com

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Nursing home folk waiting four hours for toilet access Residents in a Wexford nursing home had to wear incontinence pads because they could be facing a three to four-hour wait to be helped to use the toilet, an inspection report has revealed.

An inspection of Castlebridge Manor nursing home in Ballyboggan Lower, Castlebridge, Wexford was carried out by the Health

Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) last August.

The inspectors said a resident said that they went to bed at 7pm, because if they waited for the night staff "they would not get to bed".

In addition, residents told inspectors they were not toileted at a time of their choosing and had to wait for up to four hours to be attended to.

As a result, residents wore incontinence pads when it was not required.

Also "a resident informed an inspector that they were frequently left wet, having rung the call bell as staff did not get to attend to their need on time'.

The report also found: "Approximately three to four residents' personal hygiene

for the day was attended to at 5am in order to assist the day staff."

It said a "significant number of call bells were located beyond residents' reach".

Residents told inspectors they also often experienced long delays waiting for help.

One person said that at least one staff member resigned from the centre every week

and that staffing in the Slaney unit was reduced by one staff member at night.

In response, the home's owners told inspectors they had increased night-time and day-time staffing levels, as well as supervisory shifts throughout the week.

"We have been backfilling any gaps with agency [staff ] but need to be prudent in re-

lation to the number of such staff we have,” they said. "We will continue to offer our residents each day a timely assistance to bed and offer showers or bathing as they wish.

"We have conducted a full call-bell placement audit and are in the process of moving some of the bells to a more accessible placement.”

Childline's 100 calls a month over sex abuse More than 100 calls a month are made to Childline for help in relation to sexual abuse – and up to 10 contacts a week from teenagers relating to rape.

As it launches its Christmas Appeal, Ireland's only 24-hour help service for children and young people said it received 120,000 contacts each year.

Of these, almost one quarter are classified 'level four' – the most concerning.

It received 26 contacts a week in relation to sexual abuse, and 169 contacts about incest this year. Throughout the festive period, staff and volunteers at ISPCC will be working hard to make sure there will be always someone there to listen.

Some cases can be very harrowing. Volunteer 'Maria' [not her real name] told the Irish Independent how she received regular phone calls from a young girl who was being sexually abused at home. After gaining the girl's trust, she learned that the girl had become determined to protect her siblings from suffering the same fate – and after seeking help, the situation was resolved.

"I was in awe of her bravery and it was such a relief to hear that she was able to get her siblings out of the situation too."

Maria, who has been volunteering weekly for the past three years, said she felt "hon-

oured" when a child rings up to confide in Childline and, although it could be very difficult to listen to their stories, this was "far out-weighed” by being able to offer some support and comfort.

Fellow volunteer Ciara [not her real name] recalled the nine-year-old girl who was scared of the "monster” who was coming into her room at night.

"I was so relieved that she had reached out to us,” said Ciara. "It shows that she wanted help and support in order to escape her horrific situation – and it is so important that there was an easy way for her to find it. Childline is there 24/7 and there is always a volunteer available to listen when a child or young person needs to talk.

According to the CSO Sexual Violence Survey 2022, 41% of respondents aged 18-24 experienced sexual violence as a child. Of those surveyed, 83% of victims knew the perpetrator.

Helping these frightened children by offering a listening ear is crucial and Mairead McGinn, director of fundraising at ISPCC, has urged people to consider supporting the appeal in order to keep this important service running. *People can help to support Childline this Christmas by visiting ispcc.ie/christmasappeal-2023/ Names have been changed

Boxing clever for a happier New Year With just a handful of Christmas shopping to go, Champion Green is urging consumers to stay local and gift our communities a sustainable future.

‘Use it or lose it is’ is the message, according to Evelyn Moynihan of Champion Green, who is asking consumers to shop local, online or in-person, in the run up to Christmas.

“If we rely on convenient nearby shops and services, all year ‘round, it is important that these small businesses get their share of spending now, so they are

still trading in January," she told The Kilkenny Observer.

Recent research shows 70% in Ireland now shop regularly online, so it is important to remind shoppers that money spent locally, stays local, the Champion Green campaigners say.

“Every euro spent with a small local business supports Irish business development, jobs, community investment and exchequer contributions that are needed to fund public services,”" said David Broderick, Director of the Small Firms Association.

Champion Green

economists,Jim Power and Eoin McGee told The Kilkenny Observer that every €1 spent locally generated up to €2.50 in the local economy, while spend with e-retailers at the other side of the world, was completely lost to Ireland.

Online shoppers could also be let down, unless they checked that the website they are buying on is really local or Irish, Chambers Ireland CEO, Ian Talbot, adds.

“An IE domain is not necessarily Irish. Global purchases can incur customs duty and

taxes. They may be delayed or lost, and returns and complaints are not easy to deal with. Some festive banter with a local business owner, as you stock up for Christmas is a better proposition all round!”

In the month up to Christmas, consumers here spend about €5 billion, according to Retail Ireland, and the ‘stay local’ campaigners believe this spend can achieve much more, if this money stays in the country.

Small businesses employ around 1.2 million people in Ireland.

Local ice-cream chain Scrumdiddly's in financial meltdown Ice-cream chain Scrumdiddly's, which has an outlet in Kilkenny – and four in Dublin – is seeking to restructure its debts using the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process (Scarp), a quicker and cheaper form of examinership.

David O'Connor, a partner

in BDO's corporate recovery department, was appointed as process adviser on December 6. He will now work out a rescue plan for the company, which could mean writing down debts owed to Scrumdiddly's creditors, who will get to vote on the draft agreement.

According to its most recent accounts, for the financial year ending August 2022, Scrumdiddly Ice Cream Ltd had €597,230 debts falling due within one year and net liabilities of €220,375. A bank loan of €139,616 was also outstanding.

The company, whose direc-

tors are Jennifer Kane and Darren McCormack, has 35 employees.

Mr O'Connor told the Irish Independent the company's main debt is with Revenue, after it used the warehousing facility during Covid. He said it was not clear yet whether Revenue

would opt in or opt out of the Scarp process, although so far tax officials had not expressed any concerns to him.

Scrumdiddly's has an outstanding loan from AIB, which also dates back to the pandemic.

"The position with trade credi-

tors is not so bad,” Mr O'Connor said.

The process adviser said that the directors are talking to a number of investors and he is hopeful that a new investment will emerge to make the Scarp process a success within the statutory 49-day period.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

A funny thing happened on the way to Christmas “How did you get over the Christmas?” is an odd question, as though the occasion was a steeplechase hurdle that had to be jumped. It can be a bit mad at this time of year, with all that buying and cooking and eating, giving rise to festive memories often concerning food.

Some funny things have happened to me on the way to Christmas.

Recipes by celebrity chefs or top cookery writers get pride of place in newspaper features pages in the run up to the big day, none more traditional than the one for Christmas pudding. The day after the article appeared, the switchboard operator sounded the alarm, the Irish Independent’s phone lines were ringing off the hook about the recipe and there was a

commotion at the reception desk about same. I was dispatched to find the cause, an enraged woman, with a pudding bowl in hand, was giving out at the top of her voice.

Dear reader you have guessed, there was a misprint in the list of ingredients, instead of two ounces of suet, it read two pounds. Experienced pudding makers had been ringing to warn us about the boob but not this pudding maker, she had put in all two pounds of suet. “Merry Christmas, how frigging are you!” she yelled and emptied the whole greasy contents of her bowl out on the front desk. As a curious crowd gathered, a generous refund, for a new pudding, followed smartly.

As a student at art

college in London holidays were for earning money towards the next term. The offer of a job in a scenic country pub came up; great, I thought imagining myself pulling festive pints for the locals.

The George & Dragon, looked idyllic when a classmate and I arrived but the publican, an exnaval gent known as the Commander, cross-examined us about our cooking experience. I admitted that I liked cooking.

It transpired that the village ladies who normally cooked for the pub’s restaurant took a break to cook for their own families. There were 60 guests expected for Christmas dinner. I got the short straw to do a share of the catering, if it hadn’t been for the pheasants on the menu, it wouldn’t have

been so bad. They were extremely well hung and we had to pluck them on Christmas Eve. Several of us student plucked away, helped by spot of whiskey, as you do, to get over the pong.

Afterwards I tripped on the stairs, as you would, and ended up cooking on one foot.

There were minor incidents that are part of the Christmas madness, Grandpa setting his paper hat on fire, the cat attempting to climb the Christmas tree, (what are trees for after all if you are a cat?) And there was the time Granny got tired and emotional (all that cooking) and chucked the plum pudding in the fire creating a spectacular blue blaze.

Other nationalities’ Christmas fare can come

as a bit of a shock. In former East Germany my daughter planned a Christmas Eve bath only to find the carp, destined for Christmas dinner, swimming about in the tub. Or there was Christmas dinner in Italy featuring a whole roasted baby lamb, looking upsettingly like the woolly creatures I remember gambolling in springtime among the gorse edged drumlins of Co. Down. Didn’t stop me eating it though.

There was the festive bash for a business in Belfast, complete with a buffet feast with roast, suckling pig as the piece de resistance. After the drinks and speeches there was a rush for the buffet table followed by a confused pause. The caterers had neglected to leave any cutlery including a

Tips to help prevent a hangover CLAIR WHITTY

This time of year, many of you will be out and about partying.

Some of you may end up with a hangover the next day. Here are some tips that may help prevent this. I cannot promise anything but they are worth trying!

Some common symptoms of a hangover are headaches, tiredness, and inability to focus or concentrate. And even the loss of a day as you have no choice but to spend it languishing in bed or on the couch!

Alcohol excretes up to four

times more water than the amount of alcohol you drink.

This causes dehydration which causes headaches. Aim to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic drink to help keep hydrated. Alcohol affects your blood sugar levels as it excretes glucose, and minerals like potassium and magnesium.

The loss of these minerals and sugars can affect your energy levels, focus, and concentration.

Alcohol contains congeners which contribute to hangovers.

The darker the colour of the alcohol the more congeners present.

Tips to help: Eat a substantial meal before you drink as drinking on a full stomach will help to

carving knife. The guy with the Swiss army knife was the man of the meal.

Things that are both funny and happy happen at Christmas too.

Widowed and alone on the eve of Christmas Eve with advance preparations done for the friends invited for the feast, I wondered what to do.

Why not head into town for a taste of Christmas spirit? After arguing with myself, I headed for a well- known hotel.

The place was jammed and as I was about to leave a seat became free at a table with a couple of girls. When they left I was joined by an interesting academic just recovering from immunisation jabs for an upcoming trip abroad. We started talking and we have been talking together ever since. slow down the effects of alcohol.

Include fatty foods such as fats and oils in the meal as these foods help slow down the absorption of alcohol. Drink plenty of water before you go out.

Supplements to help: Try Milk Thistle Complex by A.Vogel, it contains Milk Thistle, Dandelion, and Artichoke to help support and protect the liver, and aid in fat digestion. Take it before going out, when you come in, and again in the morning. Another favourite is Charcoal tablets. Several customers who would normally have bad hangovers told me that they tried charcoal before going out and that they have no hangover the next day.

In the morning have a high carbohydrate, high protein breakfast. Include eggs as they contain cysteine which helps in the breakdown of alcohol. A banana or coconut water if you can manage will help replace some of the electrolytes lost during the night. A glass of fruit juice with a small pinch of salt can help your blood sugar balance.

A cup of coffee can help your hangover because it causes the blood vessels to shrink helping reduce pain.

Hope you have a great night out and that these tips help.

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

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

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News

SPECIAL REPORT Following the Dublin riots and the stabbing of three children and their child minder, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has told legal officials in her department to include riot and violent disorder offences in new legislation being proposed. A key component is the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT).

Draft FRT law will be ready to be approved by Government within weeks but the legislation will need to go through pre-legislative scrutiny before being finalised, which means it could be next year at the earliest before it comes into effect.

In September, Gardaí announced news of their tendering process for new body-worn cameras which will be used by almost all frontline Gardaí.

The cameras themselves will not have facial recognition software but it can be applied later through a specific computer programme.

Government sources said that the FRT legislation would permit Gardaí to use the technology in their investigations of serious crimes such as murder, rape and child abuse.

Garda sources have said that FRT would be a game changer for their investigations and quicken the pace of hugely complex investigations.

At present, Gardaí must trawl through hundreds of hours of footage in murder investigations to track the movements of suspects and their accomplices.

To gather the footage, Gardaí compile a list of CCTV camera locations across the streets and roadways they believe are connected to a crime they are investigating. They then file that footage to examine it.

The Garda investigators – often members of the force moved from other duties – sit in a CCTV room watching through the footage and identifying when and where

How facial recognition tech will aid Gardaí they see the potential suspects. The process can often takes months, depending on the crime.

At the conclusion of that process, Gardaí will also issue stills from the footage to other Gardaí in the hope that the identities of criminals might be recognised.

Such identifications in the past have, at best, successfully secured prosecutions or, at least, formed part of the evidence.

Sources have said that the FRT will allow that the filing of the footage will still

be carried out but the task of watching the videos will be taken over to a greater degree by the system’s Artificial Intelligence capabilities.

The footage will still need to be examined after the potential identity of a suspect but the scope of that examination will be shortened.

There will also be a need for Gardaí to individually identify suspects before inputting the footage.

Gardaí will still have to give evidence in court to prove that there was control

over the system and how they also identified the suspect.

In investigations of child abuse images, Gardaí will use the system to identify victims and perpetrators in the footage and still photography. This will help investigators to better cope with the trauma associated with watching hours of disturbing content.

When it comes to incidents in large crowds, the software can be used to identify suspects and consistently track them as they move through

crowded locations.

The Government has sought to reassure those opposed to the moves that there will be substantial safeguards in place to prevent abuse. The use of the technology will be monitored by a High Court judge and Gardaí will only be able to use it retrospectively.

This is a similar measure which governs the use of surveillance equipment as a senior member of the judiciary also carries out an audit function in regard to that equipment.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) said previously it is “strongly opposed” to the technology being used by law enforcement, and said that An Garda Síochána has a “poor record on data protection”.

The ICCL previously called for a ban on the police use of facial-recognition technology, arguing that it poses an “extreme risk to rights.”

There has also been opposition from some academics, at an ICCL organised event, who believe it is open to abuse by police.

The importance to Ireland of corporate tax Ireland recorded a surplus of €5 billion during the year – but if corporate tax had just been flat, there would have been a €5.5 billion deficit instead. Not great for a Government with an election coming up in the next 12 months or sooner that has a many infrastructure problems to deal with – like housing and health.

November is regarded as the most important month for corporate tax returns.

After receipts dropped three times in a row, fears were high of an unlucky number four.

But then the November

results arrived. And they were actually. Very good.

Some €5 billion of corporate tax came through in November 2022. This year, the take

was €6.3 billion – far ahead of what had been expected.

It brought Ireland’s corporate tax so far in 2023 to about €22 billion and means this

year’s take will be higher than the last, as has been the case for every year since what feels like forever.

Ireland is massively reliant on a small number of companies for its corporate tax, with just 10 companies accounting for over half of the receipts in 2022.

So if just one of those has a slightly poorer year, it can have a big impact on Ireland’s finances.

That seems to be what happened in the weaker months. For example, the fall in October may have been due to one large pharma company such as Pfizer, often

cited as one of the State’s largest taxpayers, reporting a rough trading period. Recent analysis from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) singled this out as a possible explanation, saying profits in the pharmaceutical sector “are moderating as Covid vaccine demand declines”.

Then the better November figures were likely due to the still-strong performance of tech giants such as Apple and Microsoft, the State’s two biggest taxpayers in previous years.

But, despite the scare and repeated warnings about volatility, it looks like Ireland’s

corporate tax take will stay strong – at least in the relative short term.

Ireland is where many big companies locate much of their intellectual property (IP) for their European operations. This contributes to much of the money flowing through their Irish operations and much of the tax take for the Irish state.

Much of this IP was moved over almost a decade ago when generous tax breaks were on offer. Those reliefs are due to expire in the coming years, which could lead to even more money for the State.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Christmas... and some timeless financial wisdom Christmas week is upon us and the whole population is gearing up for one of the biggest spending sprees of the year. Many retailers and small businesses see this as the time when they make a sizeable amount of their total return for the year. Now, while we spend, spend, spend it would be good to take some time to reflect on some timeless financial wisdom from past ages, reminding us of the importance of far-sightedness, gratitude, and careful festive spending but with a twist!

1. A Penny Saved Is A Present Earned Benjamin Franklin’s timeless wisdom still stands to this day and especially during the festive season it takes on a special quality. In the spirit of gift-giving, consider how saving a penny today can transform into a present for your future self. (Start a savings plan for your children’s education or start your pension)

2. Don’t Put All Your Stockings On The One Fireplace Diversification, a principle trumped by investment gurus across the financial world, finds a festive twist in this saying. No child wants all theirs presents in one stocking, so wise investors understand the value of spreading their assets across different investments to bring risk under control. (Time to review how your pension/investments are being invested).

3. It’s The Thoughtful Spending That Counts Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, ask, why am I giving these gifts? John D. Rockefeller’s advice on thoughtful spending encourages us to focus on the value of the actual giving rather than the money being spent.

So often the nicest gift come from the heart, not the wallet.

4. Compound Interest Grows Like a Snowball The magic of compound in-

terest is like a snowball rolling down a hill. The original saying, attributed to Albert Einstein, reminds us of the exponential growth that comes from consistently saving, investing, and re-investing.

This Christmas, plan to let your financial snowball gather momentum for a prosperous future. (Review your shares portfolio and see are there

any shares with dividends that should be in your portfolio.

5. Count Your Blessings, Not Just Your Pressies!

The old hymn by Johnson Oatman, Jr. reminds us that it’s easy to lose sight of the true treasure of Christmas and life itself. Let’s be grateful for what we have during this Christmas time. Let’s remember the joy

of Christmas is not solely measured in the quantity of presents under the tree. (Review your spending habits – can we allocate some to our favourite charity)

greatest results. (In principle, review and rebalance your investments once a year and as with the Christmas decorations put them away and think no more till next year).

6. Invest In Memories, They Yield The Highest Returns Peter Lynch’s investment advice with a Christmas twist, emphasises the lasting value of family experiences over sparkling presents. This Christmas look for things to do as a family and make lasting memories — moments of joy, laughter, and shared experiences that yield dividends of happiness for years to come.

8. Give The Gift Of Financial Literacy As you consider what to buy for your family and friends, consider a book on finance. It will be an encouragement to others with open their eyes to the tools that allow us to make informed decisions about money, nurturing financial well-being and independence in the long term. (Read and re-read as proper balanced knowledge is invaluable to investment success).

Finally, thanks to you all for reading my columns this last year and may this Christmas be a time of joy and happiness to you and your family with 2024 being a prosperous New Year.

7. Santa’s Workshop Wasn’t Built In A Day Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Santa’s workshop! Have patience and persist in your financial endeavours. Whether you’re saving for a special holiday, celebration, or a long-term goal, remember that consistency over time yields the

john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

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News Science & Wellbeing Christmas is a time where we celebrate, relax and connect with our loved ones. For some, it is ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but, for others, it can be quite the opposite. Christmas tends to provoke many emotions within us, both positive and negative. Here, mental health specialists from the team at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services in Dublin offer some advice to help navigate the holiday season.

Christmas is typically seen as a time for celebration: listening to music, giving presents, enjoying food and drink, and spending time with friends and family.

However, this year will see extra strains at a time already fraught with demands, particularly food and energy costs and rising homelessness. So, try these festive stress-busting strategies to ease the strain and help stress melt away.

Everything is bigger and ‘more’ at Christmas. We eat more, drink more and see more of our family than at any other time. Underlying tensions that have been managed all year are suddenly magnified. Our expectations that everything will be ‘just so’ increase these tensions.

So, how can you get through the Christmas holday without adding to that list?

• Choose your battles: don’t argue about every little thing.

• Make your needs and wants clear. Don’t expect that others should know you need help without asking for it.

• Start conversations about positive, uncontentious issues (ones that are not likely to cause an argument). Just as you take time off from work, try to take time off from the dayto day-irritants that cause those underlying tensions.

• Be grateful for the thought and effort that others put into your gift, even if it’s not the one you want.

• Compliment the host if you are the guest.

• Be gracious in accepting compliments if you are the host • Be honest instead of angry with family members who want to do something differently or spend time apart – “I’ll miss you, but enjoy yourself.”

• Be kind.

• For many people, Christmas is a time of celebration and companionship, but, for others, it can spark feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you are feeling lonely: • Reach out. Asking for help can seem overwhelming and terrifying and something we perhaps would rather avoid doing, but it is important to let others know how we are feeling. Maybe a phone call or Facetime with a loved one, or even a text message to let the other person know you are thinking of them. If you are really struggling, reach out for professional support.

Christmas wellbeing: How to stay stress-free this festive season

• Have a plan for the day.

If you know your feelings of loneliness will surface around the festive period, then plan ahead. Maybe arrange to volunteer or visit a neighbour, and try to keep somewhat busy so that you are not left to ruminate or dwell on your thoughts. Take part in activities that you enjoy and that make you feel

good.

• Show some self-compassion. Remember that it’s okay to feel like this and validate those feelings. Allow yourself to sit with these emotions, and remember that everyone feels lonely from time to time.

• Remember that it is just a day and, like any other day, it will pass.

• Everywhere we look at Christmas, there are references to love, togetherness and family. It can be a really painful time for people who have lost loved ones, whether that be this year or many years ago. It is important to realise that these feelings are also part of the grieving process. Allow time for all your emotions. It’s okay to

be sad and it’s also okay to be joyful.

It can be really useful to give some thought to devising a loose ‘survival kit’, which starts with checking in with family about how they are feeling, having a to-do wish list for the family, and also an individual wish list.

If there are children, it is

important to enable them to look forward to and enjoy Christmas, and also take time to remember that someone is not there.

It can be useful to continue some family traditions or to create new ones, as long as there is no pressure: be flexible. Some people like to visit a grave or special place to give time to remember around this time of the year.

On Christmas Day, give yourself space both not to be okay and to smile and have some fun. Remember to look after yourself and your family.

Christmas can be a wonderful time for family and friends to come together. It can be an especially magical and memorable time for children.

Advertisements and high street displays send strong messages about how we are supposed to act and feel.

However, all this expectation can lead to a time of added stress for people in recovery from addiction and their families.

Christmas can be a difficult time for many people but it can be particularly difficult for people experiencing an eating disorder (ED), their family and friends. Traditionally, Christmas celebrations are centred around socialising, eating and drinking, with the expectation that people are relaxed and in good form. As fear of food and/or weight gain, along with difficulty socialising, is part of the picture for someone experiencing an ED, it is understandable how levels of anxiety can increase, leaving the person feeling overwhelmed and distressed.

From a family and friend perspective, it is difficult to see a loved one so distressed, but, sometimes, caring responses can fluctuate between empathy and frustration, particularly if they don’t know what to do to help.

If you are struggling and worried about your mental health, help is available. Start by talking to a family member or friend, or contact your GP. You can also speak to a mental health nurse on St Patrick’s Support and Information Line for guidance or support: call 01 249 333 or email info@stpatsmail.com to get in touch.

This service runs from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (apart from bank holidays). If you get in touch outside these hours, a team member will be back to you on the next working day.

Remember, it too will pass...

Here are some strategies that can help everyone manage Christmas with less distress.

• Plan together in advance: this includes such things as visiting or welcoming visitors, food, socialising, family time together or leisure activities.

The key to planning is negotiation around what is ok and not ok for everyone.

• Expect there will be times when people will be overwhelmed. Take some down time away from the stressful situation and engage in a pleasurable, self-care, or mindful activity.

• Accept you are not going to get it right all of the time, and that’s ok.

• Communication: Keep communication open. As it is often difficult for someone with an ED to ask for help, it may be • useful for a family member or friend to ask “is there anything I can do to help?”.

• Empathy: Try to see things from the other person’s perspective. This is not about agreeing with the other person but about understanding their distress a little better.

Remember that Christmas lasts for just a few days: it will pass.

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Travel & Leisure

Planning time with family or friends in the UK capital this holiday and meadows.

Since opening for the 2012 Olympic Games, the park now includes 102 acres of managed green space around the River Lea and its canals including nearly 6,000 trees, over 120,000 flowers and plants, 6.5km of waterways, and designated landscaping for birds, bats, pollinators, and other insects.

For self-directed walks there’s an online series of mapped routes such as the nature-led Parkland and Wildlife Trail. Or sign up for a 90- minute guided tour with a Park Volunteer Champion.

London walks: Breathtaking days out

Sydenham Hill Wood Sloping from one of London’s highest points down to the South Circular, this is the last remnant of the ancient Great North Wood that once stretched from the Thames to Croydon.

Now home to rare fungi, insects, birds and mammals, and more than 200 tree and plant species – there are plenty of fallen trees, branches and logs to climb, swing from or sit on. The dense tree cover blocks out the city’s sounds and sights, and reveals a railway tunnel that took Victorians to the Crystal Palace, a folly, and a memorable bridge – and a spectacular view of central London landmarks.

From Hampton Court Palace – home of Tudor King Henry VIII, rich in intriguing history and surrounded by verdant gardens – this stroll traces the bucolic banks of the River Thames around a colourful curve in the majestic river to Kingston.

The route returns via leafy Bushy Park, a great green breathing space in the midst of a heaving city, with the Diana Fountain at its heart. Birthplace of the Parkrun phenomenon, this former royal hunting

ground attracts walkers and wildlife lovers who come to decompress while watching deer wander through ancient oak trees, skylarks hover over breeze-stoked meadows and statuesque herons hunt in fish-filled waterways.

Hampstead Heath Hampstead Heath is London’s green lung, a 760-

acre sprawl of meadows, woodland and deep pools.

In the 18th century, the Heath became a popular escape for city dwellers in need of fresh air, and it’s still a peaceful haven for Londoners today – and so vast that you might feel like you’re in a rural idyll even in the heart of the city, and find yourself with a sweep of green space all to yourself.

The Heath’s crowning glory are its three bathing pools – one for women, one for men and one mixed – and this walk starts and ends by the first two, known as the Highgate Ponds, and also passes the mixed pool along the way.

This iconic parkland has so many trails criss-crossing it that you can make your walk as short or as long

Kew Gardens to Richmond Park Beginning at Mortlake, itself noted in the Doomsday Book, this is a walk through the pages of history. Taking in fascinating Kew Palace, majestic Richmond Park and a veritable procession of kings and queens, if you can ignore the constant Heathrow traffic, you might almost expect to hear a royal hunting party galloping by.

This walk along the Thames Path from Kew Gardens to Richmond Park is one of the very best routes in London, offering both city residents and tourist alike a chance to escape the bustle of the capital.

as you like, but this threemile circular is a great introduction to the delights of the Heath.

Finsbury Park and Abney Park Cemetery This route between the stations at Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington takes in two parkland lakes, a lengthy riverside walk, a scenic reservoir and a wetland nature reserve – it’s a waterlovers’ dream.

The walk includes Finsbury Park – look out for moorhens, coots, pochards and tufted ducks; the New River and its unexpected crop of reeds; the Woodberry Wetlands Nature Reserve (open 9.30am-4pm); Clissold Park with its Grade II- listed mansion; and Abney Park, a wildlife haven that’s not so much a cemetery as a wood with gravestones.

The walk ends in Stoke Newington, home to a coterie of quirky independent cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for an easy, inspiring stroll through a network of biodiverse habitats from curated gardens to wilder wetlands

Parkland Walk Trundling through trees in North London, tracing the course of an extinct Victorian-era railway line, the Parkland Walk is a traffic-free trek that can be explored in two parts, or done in one.

The southern section detailed here chugs along London’s longest linear nature reserve, a hidden (possibly haunted), wildliferich green corridor, stretching from Finsbury Park, around Crouch End to Highgate, passing ghost platforms and railway arches splattered with stunning street art.

A verdant link section through ancient woodlands leads to the northern half, which steams around Muswell Hill and climbs to the iconic antennae-topped broadcasting bastion of Alexandra Palace, delivering sensational views over London.

Wormwood Scrubs Deep within urban west London lies an oasis known as Wormwood Scrubs. At first glance, the Scrubs, as it is affectionately known, may not look like the sort of place that would attract birdlife.

Covering 183 acres and surrounded by urbanity, it is an attractive park encircled by a thin band of woodland, dominated by sycamore, birch and plane. Over half the park’s centre is taken up by sports “elds. But there is a special magic about the place that is never more evident than in the spring.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

The man who gave the world ‘White Christmas’ As a child he spoke no English, couldn’t read music most of his life and played the piano in one key only – yet he became America’s greatest songwriter. Irving Berlin was born Israel Isidore Baline in 1888 in Russia and grew up in a tenement in New York City with his father, mother and five brothers and sisters.

When his father died aged 53, Irving , then 13, left school to try and earn some money. Feeling he was a drain on the family he moved out busking for loose change and living in flophouses.

Eventually he got a job as a singing waiter in Chinatown singing risque lyrics to popular tunes.

In 1907, aged 19, he published his first song. The song that changed his life, however, was based on the latest craze sweeping America: ragtime, which was considered scandalous.

Berlin made ragtime safe and

by the end of 1910 his song Alexander’s Ragtime Band had sold one million copies.

No song had ever become so popular so quickly.

Irving Berlin was just 23 and on his way to becoming the most successful songwriter in America. In 1912, aged 24, Berlin married Dorothy Goetz. Within five months, however, Dorothy died from typhoid, which she contracted on their honeymoon in Cuba. Devastated and depressed Dorothy’s brother goaded him into doing some work. He eventually came up with When I Lost You which sold almost as well as Alexander’s Ragtime Band.

In 1918, just short of his 30th birthday, Irving Berlin was drafted. While in the army he wrote an all-soldier musical, which included the very popular: Oh How I Hate To Get Up In the Morning.

When he was 35, he fell in love with Ellen Mackay, a 22-year-old socialite

from Long Island. Clarence Mackay, one of the richest Catholics in New York, was distraught that his daughter’s suitor was a Jewish Broadway composer. He did all in his power to keep them apart and even disinherited Ellen.

Nevertheless Ellen married Irving in New York City Hall in 1926. He was 37, she was 23.

In 1928 Ellen gave birth to their first son, Irving Berlin Junior. Berlin’s joy was shortlived, however, as the baby died in his cot on Christmas morning, three weeks after the birth. Berlin and his father-in-law, Clarence Mackay met for the first time at the funeral.

These were hard times for Irving Berlin. Unable to compose, his music publisher, Max Winslow, gave one of Berlin’s old songs, Say It Isn’t So, to Rudy Vallee.

Within a month of its release it entered the charts with four different singers.

Confidence restored he produced more hit songs and musicals. The 1930s were good for Irving Berlin. He

It’s the best song anyone ever wrote..

returned to Hollywood to work on a new film for 20th Century Fox. Stuck in Los Angeles at Christmas time, lonely and homesick, in one all-night session he wrote the song that became the greatest hit of his career: White Christmas. “It’s not just the best song I ever wrote,” Berlin said of White Christmas, “it’s the best song anyone ever wrote.”

Call Me Madam which opened on Broadway in 1952 was Irving Berlin’s last great success. He had adjusted to every musical style for over half a century but now 62 he could not adjust to Rock & Roll. In 1958, aged 71, Irving Berlin retired. In 1962 he made a come back with the musical Mr President inspired by John Fitzgerald Kennedy which didn’t, however, live up to expectations. Irving Berlin withdrew into himself, turned down tributes, requests for interviews and requests from

scholars to quote his lyrics.

In 1988 a host of stars including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Ray Charles gathered in Carnegie Hall to commemorate his 100th birthday.

Berlin did not attend. He was too tired, he said, and besides his wife Ellen wasn’t well. Two months later Ellen died. She was 85. Irving Berlin lived for another year.

He died peacefully in his sleep on September 22, 1989 aged 101.

When he died people gathered outside his home for an impromptu memorial; among the songs they sang was White Christmas.

PS: Nearing the end of the Vietnam War, White Christmas was the secret message informing Americans in Saigon to evacuate. American Forces Radio signalled listeners with the phrase “Mother wants you to call hone” followed by Bing Crosby singing White Christmas.

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Global Report

Why Israel may, ultimately, lose war on Gaza

An increasing number of establishment strategic analysts are warning that Israel could lose the war on Palestinians despite the cataclysmic violence it unleashed since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7. And in provoking the Israeli assault, Hamas may be realising many of its own political objectives.

Both Israel and Hamas appear to be resetting the terms of their political contest not to the pre-October 7 status quo, but to the 1948 one. It’s not clear what comes next, but there will be no going back to the previous state of affairs.

The surprise attack neutralised Israeli military installations, breaking open the gates of the world’s largest open-air prison and leading a grueRussia’s Putin sometimes chooses strange moments to launch his threats against the West. It was at a recent meeting of the Russian Human Rights Council, where Putin expressed a new, deep concern. It was not of course about the human rights of the thousands of political prisoners in his own country, but about the Russian population living in neighbouring Latvia, which happens to be a NATO member, having to take language tests.

Around 25,000 Russian citizens live there with permanent resident permits, most of them dating back to Soviet times.

Since September, they have had to prove their basic knowledge of the Latvian language in a brief test in order to extend their permits. Those who fail the test or do not register for it are at risk of deportation. The test must be passed within two years.

some rampage in which some 1,200 Israelis, at least 845 of them civilians, were killed.

The shocking ease with which Hamas breached Israeli lines around the Gaza Strip reminded many, old enough, of the 1968 Tet Offensive during the Vietnam war. Not literally —there are vast differences between a US expeditionary war in a distant land and Israel’s war to defend an occupation at home, waged by a citizen army motivated by a sense of existential peril.

Instead, the usefulness of the analogy lies in the political logic shaping an insurgent offensive.

In 1968, the Vietnamese revolutionaries lost the battle and sacrificed much of the underground political and

military infrastructure they had patiently built over years.

Yet the Tet Offensive was a key moment in their defeat of the United States — albeit at a massive cost in Vietnamese lives. By simultaneously staging dramatic, high-profile attacks on more than 100 targets across the country on a single day, lightly armed Vietnamese guerrillas shattered the illusion of success that was being peddled to the US public by the Johnson administration.

It signalled to Americans that the war for which they were being asked to sacrifice tens of thousands of their sons was unwinnable.

The Vietnamese leadership measured the impact of its military actions by their polit-

ical effects rather than by conventional military measures such as men and materiel lost or territory gained. Thus Henry Kissinger’s 1969 lament: “We fought a military war; our opponents fought a political one. We sought physical attrition; our opponents aimed for our psychological exhaustion.

In the process we lost sight of one of the cardinal maxims of guerrilla war: The guerrilla wins if he does not lose. The conventional army loses if it does not win.”

Hamas, analysts argue, seeks to use Israel’s far greater strength to defeat Israel. Israel’s strength allows the country to kill Palestinian civilians, destroy Palestinian infrastructure, and defy global calls for restraint. All those things ad-

Now, Putin turns his eyes towards Latvia

Hamas for long onslaught of ‘martyrs’

vance Hamas’s war aims.

Such warnings have been ignored by the Biden administration and Western leaders, whose unconditional embrace of Israel’s war is rooted in the delusion that Israel was just another Western nation peacefully going about its business before it suffered an unprovoked attack on October 7 — it’s a comforting fantasy to those who prefer to avoid recognising a reality they’ve been complicit in creating.

Israel’s failure to anticipate October 7 was a political failure to understand the consequences of a violent system of oppression that leading international and Israeli human rights organisations have branded as apartheid.

For Putin — who cares nothing about the languages of Russia’s non-Russian inhabitants — Latvia’s policy is a scandal.

Those who treat parts of their population “in such a pig-like manner” will in turn find “the same pig-like behaviour” in their own country, he said.

It seems that the Russian president has now rediscovered the “protection of Russians” as the new thrust of his criticism of Western countries.

Putin used the alleged repression of Russians in Ukraine as a reason for his invasion. Baltic countries, where large minorities of Russian speakers live, fear that Putin’s logic could soon affect them too. A quarter of Latvia’s population identifies as ethnically Russian, but most of them have long since naturalised — and do not believe in Putin’s ‘Russian world’ vision.

It still remains unlikely that Russia will intervene militarily

Early in Hamas’ terror war on Israel, Hamas Political Bureau member Ghazi Hamad vowed Hamas would repeat of October 7 massacre “a second, third, and a fourth time,” adding he was not concerned about Palestinian deaths — because he was “proud to sacrifice Martyrs.

“We need to educate Israel, and we will educate it a second time and a third time.

The Al-Aqsa Flood won’t be [only] one time. No, it will be a second time, a third, and a fourth, because we have the will, the decision, and the capabilities to fight. We will pay a price, indeed, we are prepared. Allow me to tell you clearly, we are called “the people of Martyrs” and we are proud to sacrifice Martyrs,” Hamad said.

In addition, senior Hamas official Khaled Mashaal made it clear that Hamas leaders were not afraid of sacrificing thousands if not millions of Palestinians for ‘the liberation’.

Comparing potential dead Palestinian ‘martyrs’ to the millions of ‘martyrs’ who died for Russia, Vietnam, and Afghanistan during their ‘liberation’ wars, Mashaal made it clear he doesn’t care about dead Palestinians.

“Peoples are not liberated easily. The Russians sacrificed 30 million people in World War II in order to be liberated from Hitler’s attack on them. The Vietnamese people sacrificed 3.5 million people until it defeated the Americans. Afghanistan first defeated the Soviet Union and afterwards America with millions of martyrs.

The Algerian people [sacrificed] six million martyrs over 130 years.

The Palestinian people is like all the peoples, there is no people that is liberated without sacrifices.”

in a NATO country. But what we forget is that the same was said about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Skeptics said that the plan was too risky and that the prospect of sanctions and long-term disadvantages for the Russian economy would deter Putin from launching an attack. But that turned out to be wishful thinking.

Putin is following his own logic and pushing as far as he can.

Russian military spending has reached a level not seen for decades. High oil prices and a low ruble exchange rate are pouring a lot of money into Putin’s coffers.

According to experts from the German Council on Foreign Relations, Putin is likely to have built up his army to the point where he could wage war against NATO in six to ten years’ time, calculated from the point at which heavy fighting in Ukraine ended.

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A visitor to a garden in Kilkenny Photo by Jack Moore

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

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Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 47 'Cop on 28'

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Opinion

The Magnificent Nine: Continuing the story of the nine County Kilkenny nuns who brought the gift of education to Australia…

Part four

Church Street in Parramatta in the 1880s

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Shortly before the Callan nuns at the Parramatta Convent, the Monte Sisters had left mysteriously after fifteen years of service to the community. To this day, nobody knows why.

The suspicion at the time was that the Dean had alleg-

edly asked them to leave, and the Callan sisters feared he mightn’t be too happy at the prospect of another batch of nuns arriving on his patch.

Mother Mary Clare and one of her colleagues visited the convent, expecting to find a reasonably furnished interior. To their amazement and incredulity, the sole item of furniture in the building was a dodgy looking bedstead with only two legs.

But a week later, the Callan nuns moved into the building

and unpacked after the Ladies Furnishing Committee in Parramatta agreed to help them make the convent habitable… or just about. The kitchen, which had no stove, had been cobbled together from corrugated iron. Their table was a soapbox, and the “chairs” were upturned packing cases.

Their first night there- on December 6th - was disagreeable, to put it mildly. Sweltering heat kept them awake.

They tossed and turned in their beds, sweating profusely.

This was far removed from the easy-going middle of the road climate back in Callan.

The high temperature was bad enough, but as the night wore on the exhausted women had their patience tested further when an army of mosquitoes attacked their sleeping quarters.

Never having experienced these nasty critters in Ireland, they panicked at first…then they remembered their harsh, ruthless, but effective training in Callan…this had included

bug-killing techniques and anti-mosquito protective measures. They used catechisms as both defensive shields and weapons of assault.

Forming a circle, they swatted the invaders with great relish, smearing the walls with hundreds of annihilated blood-spattered carcasses.

Apart from a few bites, the Callan side emerged victorious from the five-hour battle.

And the mosquitoes proved a blessing in disguise. The exertion required repelling them caused the nuns to forget the scorching heat. “The Lord works in mysterious ways”, Mother Mary quipped as she trampled on the last of the bugs.

The nuns cleaned up the building and a beautiful white and gold tabernacle was added to their little oratory, together with statues of their favourite Saints and the Blessed Virgin.

Monsignor O’ Haren, who had travelled with them to Australia, arrived in the early hours of December 8th to celebrate the first mass in their new Convent. The nuns were thrilled when he handed them a freshly strangled goose for dinner. It was still warm.

All he asked in return for this gift, he joked, was a place at the dinner table. “And don’t forget the stuffing!” he pleaded, winking at Mother Mary. He then blessed the building and said mass.

Next day, the nuns com-

Callan nun Sister Stanislas White in Parramatta

menced what they believed to be their divinely inspired mission, the life of unselfish devotion to helping other human beings for which they had prepared in the spiritual Boot Camp of far–away Callan.

Breaking into two groups, some of them organized catechism classes for children, while others visited Parramatta Hospital and a nearby Home for the Aged. The nuns who ventured out of the Convent had to wear heavy serge habits, cloaks, and bonnets, and have their faces screened by gossamer veils.

Not exactly the most comfortable attire in scorching hot weather, but they bore their daily discomposure in silence. Nuns in those days had a sterner image than today, when the sisters walk or cycle about town as they please, admire themselves in shop windows, and fraternize with the locals…

To be continued…

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Theatre

By Ger Cody Photos: Martin Doyle Back in the 1970’s, many of the amateur drama fraternity in Kilkenny began travelling to Gormanston College to attend the Amateur Drama League (ADL) Summer school.

The week long course enthused and engaged participants.

‘Improvisation’, ‘Mime’, and ‘Directing for the future’ were at the heart of the instruction.

Banished were outmoded amateur theatre concepts.

It no longer sufficed to just learn your lines and refrain from falling over the furniture.

Visualisation, depth and understanding were prerequisites when perusing a script. Dissecting the plot and discovering nuanced depth in the subplot was essential to overall presentation.

Memory of Sub Text Michael Somers, a native of Coon, was not in attendance at that time of discovery.

It would have been difficult as he wasn’t yet born.

However, about fifteen minutes into ‘The Steward of Christendom’ performed by the Carlow Little Theatre Society, and directed by Somers, I was reminded of those drama classes from the ‘70’s as the audience was introduced to what is best described as sub text of an intriguing script..

Mark Twain who, in his 1889 “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court” used the phrase “She was wise, subtle, and knew more than one way to skin a cat.”

Such was the case with Somers and his attempt at learning about various feline antics.

He may not have attended Gormanston, but he learned from those fortunate enough to do so.

Three wise men-Seamus O’Rourke, Laz Costelloe and Michael Caseyall unfortunately departed - were synonymous not only with acting but the importance of giving it your best, and then some more.

Costelloe and O’Rourke were affiliated to the Carlow Little Theatre society while Casey, with Cork roots had set up home in Kilkenny and founded the Kats drama group.

All three were highly respected attendees at the Meath College.

These were the calibre of people that the man from Coon worked with and from whom he learned.

Influence played a part He graciously acknowledges the influence of Sinead Hackett who instilled in him that ‘theatre can be created with both observation and imagination, and to never be afraid of delivering aspects the writer may not see in their work’.

The forestry Department officer used that by the bucket load with the production at the George Bernard Shaw Theatre.

Written by Sebastian Barry ‘The Steward’ is above all a memory play.

A script that presents the main actor Thomas Dunne with loyalties that are at best mixed and indeed confusing.

According to the script, Dunne was ‘chief superintendent of the Dublin Metropolitan police until 1922.

A loyal servant of the British Crown, he was considered a traitor – a “Castle Catholic” – in the wake of Irish independence.

When we meet Dunne, played superbly by Paul McManus, he is an old man in an asylum, grieving his many losses and haunted by memories of his son, killed in the First World War.

Observation and imagination the key to creating theatre Richard Duffy who appeared in ‘The Steward of Christendom’ with Carlow Little Theatre

A Daughter seeks a father’s love: Niamh Deay and Paul McManus in a scene from The Steward of Christendom

Dolly Dunne played

by Niamh Deay in The Steward of Christendom

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Theatre

Cast and crew: Under direction of Coon native Michael Somers, The Steward of Christendom was staged at The George Bernard Shaw theatre in Carlow

Carlow Little Theatre actors Paul McManus and Julien Jully in a scene from ‘The Steward of Christendom’ staged at the George Bernard Shaw theatre, Carlow

The first act, powerful and meaty was taxing with diverse scenarios being presented over its ninety minute duration.

Act two, seemed to shine more light on the script and this allowed the audience to experience many conflicting emotions.

Sadness, hurt, love, betrayal, and brutality.

Annie Dunne, played by Michelle Phelan

Emer Peet who played the role of Maud Dunne

Forgiveness was at core Above all, resonating throughout, was forgiveness of others and oneself.

Michael Somers is to be congratulated on his inspired direction and understanding of this complex script.

He deserves kudos for including the extra members of the ensemble, that helped paint a picture to complement Barry’s sometimes wordy script.

It will be some time before such a powerful play will be staged again.

Somers can be proud that his insightfulness has set very high standards not just in Carlow theatre but countrywide.

The performance of Paul McManus was immense.

His control of mood swings, physicality on stage, and his ability to hold an audience for such a long

Smith (Richard Duffy) lays down the house rules with force as Thomas Dunne (Paul McManus) cowers, watched

by Mrs. O’Dea Georgina Brennan –Stynes in the Carlow production of The Steward of Christendom

Family love: Thomas Dunne, played by Paul McManus , is attended to by his daughters Annie, ( Michelle Phelan) Maud ( Emer Peet) and Dolly ( Niamh Deay)

duration was brilliant.

His final scene with his son Willie, played with great sensitivity by Kevin Tynan was a highlight.

McManus is not an actor I know well, but one could tell he threw body and soul into the part. Class oozed from his performance.

The casting was excellent and credit to Richard Duffy, Georgina BrennanStynes, Joe Hayden, Kevin Tynan, Michelle Phelan, Emer Peet Niamh Deay and Julian Jully.

The ensemble included: Harry Shorthose, Feargal Ward, Hugh Keenan, Lily Mae O’Brien, Colin Clifford, Kate O’Connor, Margaret McKenna, Miriam Dowd and Emma O’Brien.

A special word of praise should go to those behind the scenes who collated and produced the photography and footage that ran throughout the production. Paul

Dunne’s audio and video design complemented the wonderful set design by Tadgh Mc Sweeney.

Assistant director and stage manager was Emma O’Brien; Costumes, Anne Gleeson; Poster and programme, Emila Kleczko and Paul Dunne with additional photography

by Derek Egan.

Steward leaves mark Since their foundation in 1944, Carlow Little Theatre has performed some classic works, and accumulated many prestigious theatre awards.

This production of The Steward of Christendom will deservingly rank in the top echelon of their portfolio of excellence.

One imagines that the Magi of theatre O’Rourke, Costelloe and Casey watched from on high. And were pleased.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Short stories

'23 The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to present our ‘2023 Christmas short story series’. We have invited four writers from Kilkenny to submit a short story during the Christmas season, which we hope you will enjoy. For this, our third week, we welcome Willie Joe Meally from Clogh writers group. Willie Joe presents two short stories- ‘Christmas in a thatched house’ and ‘A Gaping wound in the ground filled after with water

Christmas in a thatched house

BY WILLIE-JOE MEALLY

All of us eight children cleaned and polished our shoes and boots and arranged them neatly on the rack near the fire. We washed ourselves from head to toe in a large galvanised bath and prepared our clean clothes for the following Christmas morning Mass. At six o’clock, I, the youngest, lit the red Christmas candle and placed it in the front window. The light from the paraffin lamp shone on the berried holly, tucked behind the pictures hanging on the wallpapered walls.

Mammy was the last to go to bed on Christmas Eve. I sat on the form for a while, keeping her company. I watched her pottering about the kitchen, usually the fire was let down for the night, but not tonight.

Mammy kept it in, adding more coal to it. The big black metal pots were placed on both hobs. A goose we were fattening since October, now lay on a big enamel plate on the marble topped table near the kitchen window.

The light from the paraffin lamp shone on the berried holly, tucked behind the pictures hanging on the wallpapered walls

Mammy slid the goose into the boiling water, pressing down the lid with a Durrow

red brick. She left it there simmering for the night. She stuffed a pig’s head into the

other big metal pot on the hob, a turnip and parsnip were added to give flavour to

the meat. She pressed down the lid. They simmered also for the night. Six large heads of cabbage were cut and cleaned, a bucket of Kerr’s Pink, carrots, and onions were prepared for the next day. All vegetables were from the kitchen garden.

The kettle sang on the crook.

Mammy made herself a cup of tea and ate a slice of barmbrack. It was time for bed, well past midnight and sleep came quickly.

On Christmas morning, the fire burned brightly in the grate. Mammy lifted the goose from the pot and placed it on a willow pattern dish on the dresser. She placed the cooked pig’s head on a large white plate, it was staring out through the back kitchen window, on a snow-covered garden. The frying pan was sending smoke signals across Mrs. Tierney’s Field, with the smell of rashers, pudding and sausages. We dipped our bread in the melted suet and drank mugs of steaming hot tea.

We took the shortcut up The Night Field to 10 0’clock Mass in Moneenroe, meeting our neighbours on the way, all walking up The Old Road and greeting each other with, ‘Happy Christmas.’ When

Mass was over, we hurried home. Mammy was there ahead of us, making the gravy.

There was little talk about Santa Claus, although we had heard from some children in the Timberow that he had called to them and left a sack of toys. Not only that, but one lad said he saw Rudolf heading towards Sawney’s Hollow.

When we had finished eating the dinner, we sat on forms around the fire, all agreeing that it was Mammy’s best ever Christmas pudding. Suddenly, Daddy appeared from the upper room, carrying a brown potato sack. He placed it on the middle of the flag floor.

Silence. We all paused and looked at each other.

Slowly, he emptied the contents onto the floor. We went wild glimpsing, the dolls, rubber horses, rubber elephants, a red penknife, a bag of coloured beanies, crayons, colouring books, snakes and ladders, The Beano, The Dandy, boxes of chalk, doll’s house, nurse’s outfit and a rubber ball. I was very happy with a blue spinning top which lasted long after the snow had melted. Buds appeared in the hedges, when I lost it near The Yellow Loch, looking for a blackbird’s nest.

A gaping wound in the ground that filled with water

By Willie-Joe Meally When smoke rose from every chimney in Moneenroe, when streams closed in to become one sheet of ice and icicles hung from thatched roofs, we knew it was time to venture to The Upperhills, to Bob Boyle’s Field. There lay a huge opencast lake, where a crane and jib had extracted the anthracite, leaving a gaping wound in the ground,that filled with over fifty foot of water.

Christmas over and a week off school stretched before us, a week of freedom. The older boys tested the ice, walking carefully on the edges, they rolled a large stone from the high banks of clay. It hopped down on the iced covered lake.

When there was no sound of a crack in the ice, they knew it

was safe to walk on it. After an hour, we got the signal, it was safe. Without any fear, we invaded the lake. Days and nights were spent sliding there. School children and young people from near and far came to the ice rink, from Moneenroe, Coolbawn, Yellow Road, Comer and surrounding areas.. We became experts at sliding.

Night after night, a bonfire lit on the clay bank shone a great light across the lake. Our parents thought we were playing hide and seek pitch and toss, tig, Cowboys and Indians or such like games, never thinking we were near the lake, near such danger. The secrecy added to the fun.

Then someone shouted, ‘Get off the ice, I hear a creak.’

A signal telling us there was a thaw coming and that the

lingtons that you got for Christmas? Are they torn already?’

If only she knew where we had spent every evening for the past week, playing and sliding on the frozen lake. When the stone sank through the ice, we learned a great lesson and witnessed the true meaning of loyal friends and neighbours.

There lay a huge opencast lake, where a crane and jib had extracted the anthracite, leaving a gaping wound in the ground, that filled with over fifty foot of water

ice was melting. Word went around, ‘No one is to slide on the lake!’

We all gathered on the heaps.

The older boys rolled a huge stone down the clay bank. It hopped and slid across the lake. There was a great silence.

Suddenly, a wide crack ap-

peared in the ice, and more cracks followed. Then the stone slowly submerged down through the ice and was seen no more. We realised then it was time to go home, our fun over for another year. One week of unimaginable joy melted away with the ice.

‘Where were you every night?’ mother asked when we arrived home.

‘We were playing Cowboys and Indians in the Well Field.’

‘Don’t you know that there is danger in those fields, with swamps and old shallow pits?

What happened your new wel-

About the author: Willie Joe Meally is from Moneenroe, and now living in Kilpatrick, Willie Joe is a founder member od Clogh writers group . He likes reading and writing poems and short stories . He enjoys meeting people and sharing his creative experiences.

Willie Joe is a member of the Clogh writers group and contributed to their recent anthology, which is on sale now

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Memories

Memories of Christmas in Thomastown

By Joan Cleere My memories of Christmas are mostly happy ones. When I was small I remember watching the local store for weeks beforehand waiting for the toys to be displayed. When the great day arrived the word spread like wildfire and within a short time the big plate glass window of Hoyne’s Hardware Store in Thomastown was hard pressed to withstand the pressure of a couple of dozen faces, noses and hands as we jostled each other to get a better view. Our excitement knew no bounds, there were

ooh’s and aah’s from everyone as each pointed out his or hers favourite toy.

In my young days (early fifties), toys were only in the shops at Christmas time so it was a real treat to see such an array of playthings. Of course, nowadays there are toy shops all the year round and I wonder if children of today are missing some of the simple pleasures which we enjoyed.

Hoyne’s always had the biggest display in the town.

A few days before Christmas, Santa Claus would drive down the main street in a pony and trap resplendent in his red

robes. The staff in Hoyne’s had a place ready for him. There’d be two big sacks behind the counter, one sack held pink parcels and the other contained blue parcels for the boys. They cost sixpence, one and sixpence and two shillings, old money of course.

Hoyne’s also owned the local cinema at the time and on the Sunday after Christmas a special matinee performance was put on for the children.

On the way in each child was given a raffle ticket. During the interval a big table was set out at the top of the hall laden with games and toys. These were

raffled as we all watched our tickets anxiously.

In our school which was run by the Sisters of Mercy we were often called on to help with the erection of the crib. When the crib was in place we felt so proud. Carol singing was a part of Christmas which I loved. A week before we’d go around the different areas in the town singing for local charities. We carried lanterns decorated with coloured paper. On Christmas morning the whole choir assembled for the main mass of the day.

In our family, my brother and I looked forward to Christmas Eve as we were brought down the town by our father and mother. First of all we’d visit the shops and then it was on to the local pub for lemonade and chocolate. On reflection this must have been as much a treat for our mother as it was for us children. In those days it wasn’t customary for women to frequent the pubs.

The postman was a very popular figure at Christmas time. We’d be watching for his big blue clad figure to appear at the end of the road with his bicycle laden down with parcels and cards. At Christmas there was extra deliveries and sometimes he came after dark.

There was something

special about getting a parcel delivered late at night. One parcel which we looked forward to was from an aunt and it always contained an assortment of colouring books and paints. We’d tear the brown paper off excitedly and then spend the night colouring contentedly At last Christmas morning arrived and when we had opened our presents and emptied our stockings we usually paid a visit to our cousins across the road to see what they had got from Santa.

It was a time of happiness and goodwill and everyone was in good humour. Chocolate and lemonade was in plentiful supply in everyone’s house.

No memory of that time would be complete without mentioning our annual outings to “follow the wren”.

Early on St Stephen’s Day we’d get kitted out in our brightest and gaudiest clothes and set off.

“The Wren, the Wren, the king of all birds, St Stephen’s Day, he got caught in the furs, Up with the kettle and down with the pan, Give us a penny to bury the wren”.

First we’d call to all the neighbours houses and then we’d make our way down to the pubs in the town (thirteen in number). Lastly, our

traditional call to St.Columba’s hospital, where we’d sing for the nurses and patients. At the end of the day our pockets would be heavy with coins.

On our way home, the local newsagent’s shop, Statia Heafey’s was our final port of call, to check out bargains left after Christmas. Then we’d head home contentedly to the fire for a game or two of snakes and ladders or Ludo before falling into bed.

As I grew older I looked forward to Christmas for many different reasons, there were dances and new clothes and presents to enjoy. When I was eighteen, Christmas took on a sad association for me. It was the Christmas when my father died. We had watched him failing for many months and he died Christmas l963.

Something seemed to go out of Christmas for me after that and it was only when my own children came along that some of the old magic was re-kindled.

I’ll finish with an age old rhyme associated with Christmas, “Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat, Please put a penny in the old man’s hat, If you haven’t got a penny, a halfpenny will do, if you haven’t got a halfpenny, it’s God Bless You.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Commemoration

Buried with full military hon is commemorated as family Remembering Michael: Family and friends gathered at St Rioch’s Graveyard to remember Sergeant Michael Walsh

Noel and Graham Mahony at St Riochs Cemetery

By Ger Cody photos: jbs photoskilkenny Almost a hundred years ago to the day, Sergeant Michael Walsh, at thirty four years of age, was buried at St Rioch’s Graveyard on the Gaol Road in Kilkenny.

This was no ordinary burial.

Sgt Walsh was returned to Kilkenny from Dublin by train on November 30 in 1923 having been shot which resulted in his death.

His funeral cortège followed a route to St Canice’s Church, where his funeral Mass was celebrated the following day by parish priest Mgr Doyle, curate Fr. Brady and army chaplain Fr. Martin Drea.

He was buried with full military honours, provided by the 63rd Infantry Battalion, under the command of his cousin Cmdt’ McEvoy in St Rioch’s Cemetery.

The chief mourners were his parents, Michael and Kate Walsh; brothers, William, John and James; and sisters, Mollie and Bridie. Aunts, uncles and cousins from the Walsh, Dollard, Butler and McEvoy families were there too.

The coffin was dressed in the Tricolour and as the remains were lowered into the grave, three volleys of shots were fired and the Last post was sounded.

Having been killed in late November, Sgt Walsh was almost certainly the last military casualty in Kilkenny in 1923.

At 12 noon on Sunday, November 26, 2023, over forty people, mostly relations of Sergeant Walsh gathered at St Rioch’s graveyard to remember Michael.

Commandant Larry Scallan (retired) was master of ceremonies on the day and he recounted the life of Michael Walsh of The National Army, including his military history and details of his death.

Larry welcomed extended family members paying a special word of welcome to Mrs. Nora Casey, a niece of the late Michael.

The retired Commandant also thanked Mary Anne Maher for her research in to Sergeant Walsh’s history.

Adding to the occasion was the presence of The First Battalion of The Kilkenny Brigade re-enactment group under the leadership of John Joe Cullen.

Mayor Joe Malone and Cllr Maria Dullard were also in attendance representing the citizens of Kilkenny.

Prayers were offered during the brief remembrance ceremony, and The Last Post and Amhrán na bhFiann were also played.

Many in attendance including relatives, Mayor Joe Malone and Phil Cody of the Reenactment group laid wreaths.

The Re-enactment group also paid tribute with a rendition of Kevin Barry, with those in attendance joining in.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper, Commandant Larry Scallan said: “It is important that the service given by men and women like Michael are remembered, as remembering is honouring.”

A commemorative plaque was placed at the cemetery in Michael’s honour.

Winner - Best Commercial Flower Display -Hibernian Hotel

Ber Slattery, Joan Campion, Mary Mahony and Sheila Butler attended the unveiling of the plaque for Michael Walsh

Fionnula and Eamonn Hennessy

Jack Foley Stephen Street, with Lucy, Niall and Cllr Marie Dullard at St Rioch’s Graveyard

Cllr Marie Dullard, Lucy Dullard and Mayor Joe Malone pose with The 1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade Reenactment group at St Riochs graveyard

Frankie, Mags and Carol-Ann Mahony at St Riochs graveyard in honour of their relative Michael Walsh

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

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Commemoration

nours, Sergeant Michael Walsh and friends remember

Army number 19095: A plaque erected at St Riochs graveyard to remember Sergeant Michael Walsh

The 1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade Re-enactment group who attended the Commemoration event for Sergeant Michael Walsh

Mayor Joe Malone lays a wreath in honour of Michael Walsh, formerly of Motty Lane who was interred at the cemetery in 1923

Castlecomer man Donie O’Neill , holds a photo of his relation Sergeant Michael Walsh

THE LAST POST: Commandant Larry Scallan, (retired) plays the Last Post in honour of Sergeant Michal Walsh

Relatives of The late Michael Walsh, who attended the Commemorative service at St. Riochs Graveyard

Research team of Commandant Larry Scallan formerly of Kilkenny Military Barracks, and Mary Ann Maher, who researched the death of Michael Walsh

Lily O’Neill who was at the Michael Walsh commemoration

Seán Campion and Sheila Butler, relatives of Michael Walsh who attended the commemoration to mark the death Of Sergeant Michael Walsh which occurred 100 years ago

Kitty Rhatigan, Eamon Rhatigan, Jo-Ann Walsh, Mary Kilkenny John Rhatigan and Catherine Rhatigan at St Riochs graveyard

Joan Camion, Grand Niece of Michael Walsh at St Riochs Cemetery to remember Michael.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Advertisement

Blessing of the Baby Jesus The Kilkenny Secular Franciscan Order invites all children, the families and friends to bring the baby Jesus figures from their crib at home to be blessed in the Capuchin Friary this Sunday. The Blessing helps children and young people to prepare for Jesus. The event will be held on Sunday 17th December at 3pm to celebrate the 800 anniversary of the first Christmas crib.

800 years ago, in 1223, to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Saint Francis wanted to celebrate the feast of Christmas in a new way, helping people to recall the humble surroundings in which Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Francis’ inspiration came after traveling to the Holy Land and seeing the

exact site of Christ’s birth.

The poverty of it all deeply impacted Francis and was a particular element that he wanted to celebrate on Christmas.

In the town of Greccio, near Assisi, with the help of a local landowner he set up a live crib with stable, hay and animals. The local people came at night with torches and candles to celebrate Mass and, on seeing the scene, to be reminded of God’s love for us in sending his only son to be born in the poverty of a manger. St. Francis' initiative at Greccio popularised the making of a Christmas crib in our homes and churches.

John Paul II, when Pope, began a tradition in Rome that has been continued by Pope Benedict and Pope

Francis on this Sunday, now also known affectionally as Bambinelli Sunday.

Bambinelli is the Italian for Baby Jesus. On this day children and their families from across Rome come to St Peter’s Square, bringing with them the figure of the infant Jesus from their crib to be blessed. When, at Christmas, we place the statue of the Infant Jesus in the manger, the nativity scene suddenly comes alive.

God appears as a child, for us to take into our arms. Beneath weakness and frailty, he conceals his power that creates and transforms all things.

The Secular Franciscan Order looks forward to seeing you in the Capuchin Friary this Sunday at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to celebrate.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

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The Clogh Writers Group

Denise Curtin Dunne, project coordinator with the Clogh writers spoke about working with talented writers

Coordinator of The Clogh writers group, Jane Meally speaking at the launch of ‘Where I Am’ in Clogh Hall

Clogh Writers Group launch their seventh publication

Sean Mansfield who entertained the attendance at Clogh hall with the story of ‘The Thinking cap’

Words: Ger Cody Photos: Pat Shortall Probably the most loved Irish poet is Kerryman Brendan Kennelly.

Apart from his incredible improvisation on 'that Late Late Show’ when he read his poem Begin, The Ballylongford scribe is credited with some of the best poetry in the last 100 years.

And I thought of Kennelly last week as I attended the launch of The Clogh writers

Castlecomer auctioneer Fonsie Meally attended the Clogh Writers launch

groups seventh Anthology of work ‘Where I am’ which includes poetry and prose.

It would be more apt to say that I thought of one of Kennellys famous quotes.

"Poetry is, above all, a singing art of natural and magical connection because, though it is born out of one's person's solitude, it has the ability to reach out and touch in a humane and warmly illuminating way the solitude, even the loneliness, of others.

That is why, to me, poetry is one of the most vital treasures that humanity possesses; it is a bridge between separated souls".

Since it was founded in 1995, Clogh writers group continue to meet regularly, to read and write a few short stories and poems.

‘Where I am’ marks their seventh such publication and from start to finish it is a treasure.

It was an evening that saw over 100 people gather at the

Margaret Mc Grath attended the Clogh book launch

Community Hall in Clogh, where writers, friends and supporters gathered to launch the publication from Clogh writers group.

It is only when you attend such gatherings that you realise the importance that groups like this writers group has on the community.

Coordinator of the group, Jane Meally welcomed all and explained that the latest publication ‘Where I am’ evolved over the past year

Mai Dormer, who remembered the contribution of women to the life of coalmining

where likeminded people joined forces to write down ideas and in doing so compiled a beautiful publication.

Jane explained that the writing from the group was inspired through exploration of themes such as place, mining traditions , heritage, farming and anything that was significant to people of the area.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer newspaper the Project coordinator Denise

Curtin Dunne said she was thrilled to have been involved with such an enthusiastic group of writers.

“I noticed a flow and growth of material that came from memory, chat, love of place and people, and from an appreciation of the ordinary moments that our days are built on”, said Denise.

The group, which was founded in 1995, continues to meet regularly where they, read and write poems and short stories.

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The Clogh Writers Group Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, Willie Joe Meally and Cllr Johnny Brennan proudly display their copies of The Clogh Writers new publication

At the launch of The Clogh writers Seventh publication ‘Where I Am’ BACK : Jim Mansfield, Willie Joe Meally, Ger Cody, Linda Nolan, Kevin Dowling.

FRONT: Jane Meally, Margaret McGrath, Denise Curtin Dunne, Mai Dormer and Jim Browne

The Basin Valley Singers, who entertained at the launch of Clogh Writers seventh publication

John Ryan with his granddaughter Holly at the launch of ‘Where I am ‘

Nancy Geoghan who read about a childhood memory on the Chatsworth road

The night was complemented by a display of photographs which helped to enhance the written word.

A total of eleven contributors are featured in the publication and those present read from their work.

Councillors Pat Fitzpatrick and John Brennan were in attendance as was Siobhán O’Brien from CETB. Linda Nolan from Clogh Writers group thanked The Arts Office from Kilkenny for their support.

Clogh writers member Jim Browne who contributed work to ‘Where I Am’

Contributors include : Willie Joe Meally; Kevin Dowling; Nancy Geoghegan; Seán Mansfield;Jim Browne; Mai Dormer; Linda Nolan; James Norton; Denise Curtin Dunne and Lal Curtin.

The large gathering was treated to readings from the book on the night as well as some sweet music and song

by The Basin Valley Singers.

Refreshments were served by the hall committee as plans were made for publica-

Saoirse Geoghegan Motaff and Nancy Geoghegan

tion number eight.

The attendance included Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, Cllr Johnny Brennan from Kilkenny County Council,Siobhan O’Brien from KCETB, contributors to the book, family and friends.

The book is available through the Clogh writers group, Wilsons shop Clogh, Castlcomer Credit Union.

You can also contact Willie Joe Melly 087 4100344, Jane Meally 0876345279 or Linda Nolan 086 3952825.

Section of the audience who attended the launch of the Clogh Writers seventh publication titled ‘Where I Am’

Cllr Pat Fizpatrick, Siobhan O’Brien ( Kcetb) and Cllr John Brennan

Attending the book launch at Clogh: Left to Right: Linda Nolan and Roisin Doogue, Betty Gannon, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Christmas carol service A very special evening of music and carols will take place on Sunday 17th at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny.

Following on from last years successful concert, the much loved event returns and promises to be bigger and better.

This year there is an outstanding line up of performers including St Mary’s Cathedral choir, The Unity Singers, The Kilkenny Youth Orchestra, and special guest soloist Tanya Sewell.

Tanya is a very familiar singer with Kilkenny audiences and has performed previously at the cathedral.

During last years concert Tanya treated the audience to such wonderful Carol's as 'Christmas Lullaby', 'Adeste Fidelis', 'In the Bleak Midwinter', 'Silent Night' and 'The Bell Carol'.

Other favourites we can look forward to include In Dulci Jubilo, See Amid the Winter snow, Hark the herald angels sing and O holy night.

John O’Neill will conduct the choirs while Joy Bibby will be the organist on the night.

Although it is a free event it is advised to arrive early as the church fills up very quickly.

A collection for a local charity will take place on the night.

Under the baton of John O’Neill and with musical accompaniment by Joy Bibby, The Unity singers will be performing at St Mary’s Cathedral Kilkenny on December 17

Mr Philip Edmonson and his musicians from Kilkenny School of music at St Mary’s Cathedral 2022

Choirs to perform carol service at St Mary’s Cathedral with special guest Tanya Sewell

A packed St Mary’s Cathedral enjoying the Carol Service in 2022

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News

Businesses come up trumps to help light up the City as never before

In a remarkable display of community spirit and collaboration, local businesses in Kilkenny have played an important role in transforming the City’s Christmas lights into a dazzling spectacle for the 2023 Christmas season.

Their generous contributions have complemented the substantial funding by Kilkenny County Council, marking the most significant upgrade in

festive lighting the City has seen in a generation.

Former Kilkenny hurling superstar and current TV hurling pundit, Jackie Tyrrell, along with his sons Harry and Freddie, had the honour of switching on the lights, amidst huge positivity. Tim Butler, Director of Services at Kilkenny County Council, expressed his delight with the positive reception:

"We have been delighted with the reaction to the new lights. A huge amount of research and planning has gone into the new lighting system.

We are thrilled that our lights are now comparable to any public Christmas lights in the country. In particular, we have ensured that the lighting is of the highest possible spec in terms of sustainability and energy use. All the lights are

LED, and the savings in electricity use will be significant.

We also expect that the lights will last for many years, presenting further savings and helping Kilkenny to seriously address its commitments to cutting carbon emissions for the generations to come."

Acknowledging the financial support, Tim Butler added, "In terms of total costs of the project, Kilkenny

County Council provided 60% of the total funding and we are extremely grateful to local businesses and Kilkenny LEADER Company for coming on board to fund the remainder of the costs."

Kilkenny LEADER, responsible for local and community development, played a crucial role in encouraging small businesses and community enterprises to contribute.

John Hurley, CEO of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the importance of creating an attractive setting for shoppers, both local and visiting, who contribute significantly to supporting local businesses.

Numerous businesses in Kilkenny, ranging from €100 to €500 contributions, have collectively made a substantial impact. Nine businesses, including Abbot Ireland Kilkenny, Campsited, Clunetech, KIDCO, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, MacDonagh Junction, Merlyn Showers, Michael Lyng Motors, and MK Illumination, made major contributions ranging from €1,500 to €7,500. Yulefest Event Manager, Marian Flannery, extended special acknowledgment to festival fundraising agent Cathy O'Connor for her dedicated efforts in securing this invaluable business sponsorship.

She stated, "The largest contributors have been very generous, but the more than thirty small and mediumsized businesses who have contributed have really played their part in making the City a place we can all be proud of this Christmas and for many years to come."

This collaborative effort showcases the strength and unity of Kilkenny's business community, creating a festive atmosphere that residents and visitors alike can enjoy into the future.

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Yulefest

Kilkenny’s Christmas Market continues to woo the crowds

2am for those socialising and shopping in the city. We will also be providing free parking in the grounds of County Hall on John Street next weekend and on the weekend of December 23rd and Christmas Eve, up until 6.30pm.

We are also hugely proud of the majorly enhanced lighting system in the city centre and are confident that Yulefest and all its activities in the The third weekend of Kilkenny’s Yulefest Christmas continues to draw the crowds to the medieval city centre as the festival enters the advent Christmas shopping season.

Dozens of stalls featuring local craft, food and art producers will attract thousands of shoppers this weekend, while they will be entertained by live music on the festival bandstand and all under the glow of the city’s sparkling new lighting displays.

Festival Manager, Marian Flannery, said they hope that the weekend will surpass the record numbers the city has attracted so far.

“We are hugely grateful for all the fantastic compliments we have received so far from locals and other visitors to the market and the city centre.

The market on the city’s Parade, with our historic 12th century castle as its backdrop, is a unique shopping, musical and socialising gathering place. We are delighted to see it full of families, groups of friends and curious tourists lapping up the great produce on offer and just as

importantly, the real festive atmosphere we have created in the city’s heart.

This of course helps all of the city centre’s traders and the footfall in the city over the last few weekends has been really heartening to see. We are hugely conscious that hundreds of jobs in the retail and hospitality sector rely on local and tourist support and we are happy that our market and activities are helping to attract customers to support

those businesses.”

Director of Services for Kilkenny County Council, Tim Butler, said that the council are delighted with the response so far and are looking forward to that continuing right up to Christmas Eve. “As a Council, we are doing our bit with free parking being provided this week in the market yard (11th to 14th) every morning from 9am to 12noon and free parking every evening from 6pm to

city and county are attracting people from all over the Southeast and producing real economic benefits for our local businesses. Above all, we encourage every Kilkenny citizen to shop local and to support the businesses who give so much back to our communities.’

For more information see www.yulefestkilkenny.ie

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Friday Men's Group

Former Kilkenny great Eddie Keher connects with The Friday Men’s Group at Newpark Photos by Pat Shortall A very special guest arrived at Newpark Family Resource centre recently.

Eddie Keher received an enthusiastic welcome from those present and many hurling stories and matches were recounted. During his hurling career, Keher had become known as the deadliest finisher in the history of the game. He held the record for scoring in All Ireland finals with 7 goals and 56 points.

His visit to The Newpark Centre was to highlight the Friday men’s group.

Newpark Close Family Resource Centre was built in 1976 to provide services and support for families living

in Newpark Close and the surrounding areas. Primarily, its remit was to address the needs of children in the area and to eliminate the sense of

isolation and social exclusion that some residents were experiencing.

The success of their work is the result of over forty years

Margaret Tone, (Manager) Jim Fogarty, Group Member, Sorcha Galavan, Older Person Support Worker and guest speaker Eddie Keher

Former Kilkenny librarian and proud Tipperary hurling man Jim Fogarty presents Eddie Keher with a copy of his book ‘The Cross of Cashel’ which details All Ireland Under 21 Hurling finals from 1964 to 2014

of dedicated commitment from the community. Pride and satisfaction resonate as the next generation of new up and coming community

activists participate in, and drive the programmes.

Over the past four decades Newpark Close Family Resource Centre has

grown from a small centre into a thriving and busy community facility that achieves and maintains the highest standards

Barry Elliot , Eddie Keher, Liam Maddock and Jim Fogarty attending The Friday Men’s group

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Friday Men's Group

Eddie Keher and Jimmy O’Shea at the Newpark Close Community Centre

Pictured at The Newpark Resource Centre to discuss The Friday Men’s Group were from left : Eddie Keher (speaker),Sorcha Galavan ( older person support worker) Eileen Dillon and John McGuinness TD ( guest)

A sign of the times.

Kilkenny GAA hurling star Eddie Keher signs the sliothar for John Lupton

Gathered at The Newpark Resource centre to highlight the importance of The Friday Men’s Group. special guests includeEddie Keher and John McGuinness

Attending the talk on The Friday Men’s group at Newpark Resource centre were Liam Lanigan and Jimmy O’Shea

Reporting for the Kilkenny Today show on Community radio Kilkenny City , Regina Blunden speaks with Eddie Keher winner of six All Ireland medals for Kilkenny

Enjoying a joke at The Newpark Resouce Centre : Jim Fogarty and Eileen Dillon

of management and organisational development.

Central to its success is the dedicated involvement of local people in identifying needs and developing needsled responses.

One very important and beneficial need identified in every community is the need to connect and socialise with people. One group in Newpark Close Family Resource Centre that do this is the Fridays Men’s Group.

The Friday’s men’s group had their relaunch on the 24th of November with a

Eddie Keher with Kilkenny GAA supporter Eddie Coady

very special guest Eddie Keher. While the men’s group was a long running group as result of Covid, older people in communities have fallen victim to more social isolation. Groups such as this are a brilliant way to connect with other people.

The purpose of the relaunch was to expand our members and promote the already greatness of the group which meet every Friday in Newpark Close Family Resource Centre.

The former Kilkenny hurler spoke of how happy he

was to have been invited to speak. “ Men’s health is something that is quite often overlooked” said Eddie.

“We all have a duty of care to each other”,said the Inistioge man and continued to say that the project at Newpark was a great opportunity and he hoped that many men would avail of it.

Also in attendance was T.D John McGuinness.

Mr McGuinness who has been a longtime supporter of the Newpark centre expressed his delight at

the constant progress and development at the centre adding that he hoped the relaunch of The Friday men’s group would be a success.

The group meet every Friday in the centre for a chat and a cuppa. The group have trips and activities planned for 2024.

Newpark Close Family Resource Centre hold their Fridays Men’s Group every Friday in the centre 10am – 12pm. They would welcome anyone who would like to call in for a chat, coffee and many other activities.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

TV & Streaming The Christmas season is in full swing, and with it, the annual feast of all things yuletide-themed and appropriately festive on streaming.

Christmas is a holiday that’s inspired a wealth of enduring comedies about the value of family, community, love, and selflessness during the darkest and coldest time of the year.

It’s also spawned no shortage of films that push at the boundaries of those well-worn tropes, twisting their holly jolly exterior inside out into cerebral and occasionally macabre stories that probe at the very darkness the holiday is meant to fend off.

In the spirit of the season and all its incarnations, we’ve pulled together a list of treasured classics and eclectic oddities for audiences to watch in the lead up to Christmas. Like Santa’s big ’ol toy sack, there’s something here for everyone!

Here are 10 of the best Christmas movies available to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple + Disney +, and more!

A Christmas Prince (Netflix) If you’re looking for 100 percent confectionary fluff (and aren’t pumping Hallmark’s Christmas schedule directly into your veins), give this so-much-better-than-youthink-it’ll-be Netflix Original a whirl. Amber (iZombie’s Rose McIver) plays a journalist sent to the made-up land of Aldovia the royal passing-of-the-torch to bad boy bachelor Prince Richard (Ben Lamb). Amber winds up going undercover in the castle to get all the scoops, but ... she gets in too deep!

The magic of the Christmas season makes everything too romantic, and awwww, you know the rest.

Batman Returns (Apple TV+) Is Batman Returns a superhero movie that happens to take place around Christmas, or a gothic Christmas film that happens to have superheroes and villains in it? In any case, Tim Burton’s 1992 follow-up to the original Batman is an awesome film filled with cool visuals, exciting action sequences, attempted murder, and a nail-biting finale centred on kidnapped babies, a bat-shaped boat, and an army of rocket-strapped kamikaze penguins.

It’s also a story about two strange people who find comfort in each other’s strangeness, an orphan who grows up seek revenge against the parents and society that shunned him, and a nefarious industrialist looking to make a quick buck at any cost. Though it may test the limits of what you might consider a ‘Christmas movie’, Batman Returns is a fantastic seasonal watch and a fun weird film for the whole family.

The best Christmas (and other) movies to stream for the holiday Black Christmas (Sky) If you’re looking for a straightforward, tinsel-lined horror movie, you can’t do better than Bob Clark’s Canadian slasher flick.

(Apologies to Jack Frost, the serialkiller snowman movie — Black Christmas is just better!) Originally released in the U.S. as Silent Night, Evil Night, the low-budget horror movie crackles like a warm fire blown by a chilly gust of wind.

Clark uses shadows and lurking horrors to turn a sorority house into a something ripped from a Shirley Jackson paperback cover, and while the transgressions within don’t find too much inspiration in Christmas iconography, there is a “wrapping job” that will leave you gasping.

Jingle All The Way (Disney +) What’s more Christmas-y than a story of a loving parent going to whatever lengths necessary to preserve their child’s happiness? ’80s action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a patently bizarre turn of reverse-typecasting, stars in Jingle All The Way as Howard Langston, a mattress salesman whose workaholic attitude comes at the cost of his duties as a family man and father.

Desperate to grant his son’s Christmas wish, Howard embarks on a search for a Turbo Man action figure. Problem is: it’s Christmas Eve and they’re all but entirely sold out. Complicating his mission is Myron (Sinbad), a postal worker and fellow negligent father who shares the same goal. Jingle All The Way is a Christmas comedy that

focuses on the exasperation and escalating stakes between Howard and Myron amid a gauntlet of ruthless holiday shoppers and a Jetpack-enabled finale.

If that doesn’t scream “Christmas” to you, I don’t know what does.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Disney +) Christmas movie?

Halloween movie?

Split the difference: Tim Burton and stopmotion animator Henry Selick’s macabre holiday musical is the perfect Thanksgiving movie. The story of Jack Skellington figuring out how to stay in his holiday lane is still a quirky sight to see, with lots of strange details packed into the every frame.

If you’ve seen this one too many times, fall down the YouTube rab-

bit hole of Danny Elfman performing the soundtrack live.

The Santa Clause (Disney +) The Santa Clause is a classic Christmas comedy, one that offers a whimsical (albeit slightly macabre) answer for how ‘ol Kris Kringle is such a perennial symbol of the holiday despite ostensibly being a bajillion years old. Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a divorced father and toy salesman who, in a Highlander-esque twist of fate, accidentally kills Santa Clause and subsequently becomes the next man in line to hold his title and responsibilities.

Through the struggle of coming to grips with his new identity while trying to convince others of his new role, Scott grows as both a

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Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming violent, blacker than black comedy series focuses on Christopher Meloni as a hitman who starts to see his daughter’s imaginary friend, which just happens to be an animated blue unicorn (voiced

by Patton Oswalt). Annoyingly it was cancelled after just two seasons but, even though it leaves you hanging a little, it’s still well worth a watch.

Finch (Apple TV+) You like Turner and Hooch, right? Of course you do. Tom Hanks + a dog = good ’80s movie.

Okay, well, what if Turner and Hooch was set in the post-apocalyptic future... and instead of working as a cop, Tom Hanks is one of the last people on Earth and he travels the planet with his dog and a robot... and the movie was directed by the guy who did the awesome Hard-home and Battle Of The Bastards episodes of Game Of Thrones. It’s Finch time.

person and as a father; learning the true meaning of Christmas through the firsthand embodiment of one of its most central figures.

It’s heartwarming and hilarious in a way that’s stood the test of time and a feel good Christmas movie for the whole family.

White Christmas (Many servers) White Christmas deserves the biggest and best screen in your home.

Director Michael Curtiz shot the 1954 musical in VistaVision, the high resolution format of its era, and the impact of the decision shows in the modern restoration, a presentation as rich with colour and detail as any modern action flick.

A huge TV flatters the classic sets and elaborate dance numbers and

even though the audio is mono, a nice set of headphones or speakers elevates its classic songs, belted

by Christmas music legends Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney.

One humongous asterisk: the film does away with the explicitly racist blackface number of its predecessor, Holiday Inn, however it still includes an entire routine dedicated to the joys of a minstrel show.

Be prepared to explain the horrific context to younger family members and fend off complaints of sensitivity from any ghoulish relatives.

Happy (Netflix) If you ever wondered what one of the directors of Crank was up to now (as we all do), well he’s making cracking TV in the form of Happy. This rather

The Harder They Fall (Netflix) Jeymes Samuel’s slick, stylish Netflix Western is a ‘pick your fighter’ lineup of gunslinging, swag-dripping Black cowboys ready to dust off the history books and give us a more accurate, diverse representation of the Old West. Jonathan Majors is having a hell of a year and here, he imbues the deadly Nat Love with some impressive comedic beats that make it easy to root for the vengeanceminded outlaw. Idris Elba, LaKeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz round out the main cast members with the most things to do on screen and all of the shoot-outs and train robberies and saloon fights are timed perfectly to an eclectic mix of Reggae/Dancehall bangers produced by Samuel and collaborator Jay-Z. This ain’t your grandad’s Western, and really, that’s kind of the point.

Tick, Tick...

Boom (Netflix) Andrew Garfield is giving us a musicalthirst-trap performance in this LinManuel Mirandadirected biopic that pays tribute to Jonathan Larson, the artistic genius who changed Broadway with his seminal musical Rent. This film examines Larson’s life before fans were belting out Season of Love though, with Garfield giving an award-worthy turn as a restless visionary who feels the suffocating deadline of turning 30 without having produced a great show. The

supporting cast is terrific, Garfield is doing his best work, and Miranda infuses everything with a genuine sense of love and admiration that makes it hard not to root for this one.

Bruised (Netflix) Berry makes her directorial debut and stars as a disgraced fighter named Jackie Justice (Jackie Justice!) who is back in the cage to deal with various personal demons. It’s Halle Berry’s movie! The reviews are pretty good!

The Beatles: Get Back (Disney +) You might be wondering that there are already nine million books and documentaries and academic studies about the Beatles out there. Do we really need The Beatles: Get Back? Yes, we do. The three-part documentary comes from Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson and includes neverbefore-seen footage of John, Paul, George, and Ringo in the studio recording their final masterpiece.

You’ll like it.

Encounter (Amazon Prime) Oscarnominee Riz Ahmed likes to make the kind of movies you wouldn’t expect him to. In 2019, he played a rock n roll drummer slowly losing his hearing and having to upend his life because of it. This year, well ... he’s surviving an alien invasion.

Sort of. Encounter is one of those streaming movies that quietly sneak onto a platform – this time it’s Amazon Prime Video – and usually stay buried under all the other content the algorithm prioritises. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen here though because Ahmed is a force on screen, playing a disturbed man and desperate father who believes he’s saving his two sons from an extra-terrestrial invasion that no one else knows is happening.

The Hand Of God (Netflix) Academy Award winner Paulo Sorrentino (The Young Pope) returns with this story of tragedy and unexpected joys, along

with how fates intertwine. It’s a story about young Fabietto Schisa and the arrival of a football legend on the scene. Ultimately though, Sorerentino’s telling this story from his own hometown (Naples), so expect a deeply personal (and of course, achingly beautiful) experience.

The Unforgivable (Netflix) Well, it’s Sandra Bullock as a recently released violent felon who is trying to reintegrate into society after a number of years in prison and dealing with the various hurdles and stigmas attached to... all that. It sounds interesting and important, even if it’s not, like, the type of light holiday viewing you might be looking for this time of the year. Worth giving it a run at some point.

Swan Song (Apple TV+) Set in the near future, Swan Song stars twotime Oscar winner Mahershala Ali as a husband and father who’s dying from a terminal illness. To spare his family from unimaginable grief, he secretly agrees to undergo an experimental treatment where his memories will be transported into an exact healthy duplicate. Swan Song examines how far we’re willing to go to protect the ones we love. It’s science-fiction at its most melancholy.

Home Sweet Home Alone (Disney +) This is a surprisingly star-studded — Ellie Kemper! Rob Delaney!

Kenan Thompson! — addition to the Home Alone franchise, written

by SNL veterans Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell. The plot remains the same: A 10-year-old boy gets left behind when his parents head off to Tokyo and he has to defend his house from various bumbling criminals. The reviews so far are... not great, but it might be worth a go if you’re looking for a nostalgia blast to the face or something to watch with younger children.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA CALL UP Well done to Clara’s David Barcoe who was called up to the St. Kieran’s senior panel recently after some stirring displays as captain of their Leinster Junior final winning side. Davy joins fellow club mates Cian Kelly, Sean Carrigan, Harry Boyle and Rory Glynn on the squad, who have qualified for a Leinster semi final after Christmas. Good luck to all.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING A Clara GAA SGM, to fill vacant positions on Executive Committee, will take place on Sunday 17th Dec at 12 noon in the GAA Clubhouse. Details to follow on Club website. Queries by email to, Secretary.clara.kilkenny@gaa.ie CLUB LOTTO Lotto results 5th December. Numbers drawn - 12, 17, 29. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Statia O Carroll, Aine Prendergast, Jack O Keeffe, David Mulrooney, Mae Whearty. Thanks for your support.

O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB LOTTO There are no winners of club lotto dated Dec 5th. Numbers Drawn were 1, 3, 8, 22 Bonus 6 Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw. 1. Biddy Fogarty C/o D O’Connell. 2. Peggy Sue C/o Brian Murphy.

3. Noel and Martina C/o Noel Tyrrell. 4. Niamh Deegan C/o Mary Deegan 5. Tasha and Robbie C/o P Greene. 6. Peggy O’Toole. 7. Kate Doyle C/o Ml Nolan 8. Michelle Buckley C/o Online. 9. Daniella Burke C/o Online. 10.

Sheila Foley C/o Online Thankyou for your continued support MATCH DETAILS Tickets are available for next Sunday’s All- Ireland Club Semi-final from the link below. Get yours now. https:// am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/23PT1712 Buses to the game will leave the clubhouse at 9:30am. Book your seat at the bar any evening. Adults €20, Students/youths €10, U12s - €5. We want a loud roar in Navan on Sunday to drive on our lads, family road trip !!

ALL-IRELAND CLUB SEMI-FINAL All roads lead to Pàirc Tailteann in Navan on Sunday for the 1:30pm throw-in. Buses will leave St. Johns Park at 9:30am.

Book your seat by calling Stephen at 086 199 3711. The lads have given club supporters some year already and it’s our turn to step up and travel in large numbers to roar them on. Let’s together make it another great celebration of O’Loughlin Gaels.

CAMOGIE Well done to our u22 O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club Team that has a great win at St. John’s Park over neighbours Conahy on Saturday last. A fine team performance earns them a semifinal spot. Lovely hurling.

SUPPORT LOCAL This Christmas let’s encourage getting your business done locally. Local businesses continue to support community enterprises and sporting bodies throughout and this is the perfect time to show those businesses it’s appreciated.

Whether it’s sponsoring jerseys, equipment and prizes for soccer, gaa, basketball and schools or employing community residents your business is needed to help keep their good will going. Shop local and support the community.

FRESHFORD PADDY LAUNCHES HIS BOOK Congratulations and well done to local man Paddy Rafter who’s New Book “The 48 Acts” was launched at the set Theatre Kilkenny on Wednesday 6th December. Paddy is a well known musician. The launch was very much a family affair with Sean

Cllr. McCarthy being presented with his Certificate by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michael Martin

Rafter speaking about the power of the book and how he believed the publication would benefit many people containing honesty and realism. The 48 Acts is a guide to happiness and contentment setting out we cannot only improve our own lives but that of society as a whole. There was an enthusiastic audience present who were also treated to singing afterwards from Paddy and his son Alexander, with his son Patrick accompanying them on violin. The evening concluded with some delicious food been served and Paddy thanked all who attended and said he was proud to have brought his work from thoughts and words to book form. The book is available in bookshops and also through Amazon.

PEACE COMMISSIONER Local Councillor Mick McCarthy was appointed a Peace Commissioner recently. He is following in the footsteps of his grandfather Jerry McCarthy who was a Peace Commissioner for many years, right up to the time of his death at the age of 105, just two weeks before his 106th birthday actually. The appointment was made by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and on a recent visit to Leinster House Cllr McCarthy was presented with his Certificate by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Martin.

SQUASH Freshford Squash Club is proud to congratulate young member of their Club Nathan Walsh on winning the Munster Junior Invitational A section at the weekend. Well done to Nathan keep up the good work.

Also congrats to Pat Morrissey on getting to the final in the over 40’s Connacht Senior Masters in Galway last weekend.

Their Div 3 team who travelled to Galmoy and came away with a very narrow win of 3-2, which puts them at the top of the table in the three Rivers league. Well done all.

SR JOHANNA RIP Local people were saddened last week to hear of the death of Sr. Johanna Kelly late of Cork and Barna/Freshford. She was well known in the village and was a member of FMSJ sisters and served in Cameroon, Manchester, Kenya, Dublin and in Prague House in Freshford. She was in her 96th year and spent the last years of her life in the convent in Cork. Requiem Mass took place in Convent Chapel of St. Francis Blackrock Road on Wednesday of last week with burial afterwards in St.Olivers Cemetery, Model Farm Road, Cork.

BIRTHDAY GIRL Special birthday wishes go out to Nicola Brennan of Woodview Freshford who celebrated a very special birthday last week.

Nicola marked the occasion at a gathering with family and friends in Kavanagh’s Bar on Saturday night VDP COLLECTION The annual St Vincent de Paul collection took place last weekend at the masses in Tulla and Freshford. Donors can also make a donation in the blue SVP envelopes provided to each household recently by An Post. These envelopes can be left in the Parish Collection box in the Church porch or in the collection bucket in Tulla. The Society thank all for their contribution at this special time.

DEATH The death took place last week of Michael Harrison late of Clontubrid and formerly of Errill, Co.Laois and Kilfinane, County Limerick. He was predeceased by his wife Cathy and was well known and respected in the locality. His funeral mass took place in Holy Trinity Church Durrow on Saturday last followed by removal to Newlands Cross Crematorium for a further service followed by cremation. He is mourned by his partner Edwina and her family, his daughters Claire and Kathy, son John, son in law, daughter in law, grandson, brothers, sister and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

CHRISTMAS FAIRS St Lachtains National School held their Christmas fair and raffle which was run by the Parents Association on Sunday last in the school hall with a good crowd in attendance. Thanks to all who supported the event or who donated .All monies raised from the raffle will help to advance the sensory garden in the school. (Full result of raffle winners next week) The annual Christmas Fair was held in the St.Lachtains Art and Museum Centre recently and the switching on of the lights took place later in the evening. Monsignor Kennedy blessed the tree and crib and there was some lovely Carol singing. Then one of our well known senior citizens Paddy O’Donnell switched on the lights. The village is now lit up for the Christmas period with lights around the square, all down Kilkenny Street, Church Street to Delaney’s corner and Buncrussia Street. Woodview estate is also lit up and have their own lovely Christmas tree.

FOROIGE Foroige want to start a youth club in the Freshford area and they need adult volunteer leaders. A youth club has huge positive benefits to young people in the community and volunteering offers great rewards to the adults involved. For more information please contact Aidan Gleeson on 086 0674485 or Aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford/Threecastles Text Alert membership renewal is now due. It costs €10 per phone number, new members are most welcome. Contact any of the following committee membersJohn Bergin, Jacinta Power, Anna Morrissey, Mick Cormack, Shem O’Donnell.

The group wishes to thank everyone who has joined for their continued support and they remind people to be vigilant towards their property and neighbours during these dark

evenings. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious and report same to Kilkenny Station, Tel 056 – 7775000 In recent weeks it has been noted by some local people that items have been removed from some graves in the local cemetery much to the distraught of the families involved. You are asked to be vigilant and if you see or notice anyone acting suspicious or doing any such act please report same immediately to the Gardai.

GAA FUNDRAISER Join the St Lachtain’s Westlife Fundraiser. This will be an unforgettable night of music and memories at Kavanagh’s Bar on the 29th of December! Kavanagh’s Bar is thrilled to present a sensational Westlife Tribute Act that will transport you back to the golden era of chart-topping hits and heartwarming melodies starting at 9pm. This special night is a fundraiser for the GAA Club, and your attendance will contribute to the growth and success of our community.

So bring your friends, family, and fellow Westlife enthusiasts for a night filled with incredible music, dancing, and the warm fuzzy feeling of supporting the local GAA Club. Let’s come together, celebrate, and make a positive impact on our community. An unbelievable raffle will take place on the night too. The prizes have to be seen to be believed. So don’t miss out on this chance to experience the magic of Westlife and contribute to a cause that matters. See you there for a night of music, memories, and meaningful support!

IONAD LACHTAINS St. Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre are open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.30pm.

CULLING DEER REPORT Local Cllr. Michael McCarthy had welcomed the news that Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalogue has said the culling of deer will take place as recommended by a new report on managing wild deer populations. “There have been a number of dangerous incidents on the R693 Freshford to Johnstown Road and very timely the report includes the consideration of adjusting national laws in relation to expanding the shooting season for deer culling. Road safety is of paramount importance while there are also problems with biodiversity and farm management.” Said Cllr. McCarthy.

SOCCER Freshford town had three teams in action at the weekend.

The U12s had a good 5-1 win over Thomastown on Saturday morning with goals from Max O’Neill, Bill Looby and Tom Dalton getting a hat trick.

The U14 had a 1-0 win over Stoneyford with Jack Marnell getting that all important goal for Freshford side.

The Youths went down to Spa United in their game on a 3-1 score line with Jamie Denieffe scoring for the home side.

BRIDGE Freshford Bridge Club continues each Monday, at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Threecastles. New members are very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610.

LOOP CAFÉ ANNIVERSARY The Loop Café celebrated its first Anniversary recently and had a morning with free refreshments to patrons who called in on the day. The Café is now open every day from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and your continued support would be greatly appreciated. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café. They are also looking for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so.

NEW BINS There are some new bins around the village. A new Belly bin on the green in Freshford village provided by Future Street’ which should be a huge benefit for litter prevention. There are also new Leaf Bins up around Woodview and on the small green which can be used for compost later on.

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

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

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

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

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB AGM On Friday night in Larchfield chairman Aodán O Ruairc in his first address as chairperson of the combined GAA and Camogie clubs welcomed the attendance to what was, in effect, the first One Club AGM in the club’s history. In his address Aodán pointed out that the club has a combined membership of over 670 members but with a serious shortfall of youthful members both male and female willing to take on administrative and coaching positions. In rapidly changing times Aodán went on to suggest that there is an urgent need for new faces to bring forward new ideas in support of the fast growing club.

Because Secretary Niall Connolly comprehensive secretary’s report into the performance of the club’s teams in league and championship competitions during the season was posted to members a fortnight ago it was felt that there was no need to present it to the meeting. Martin Phelan in his final presentation as Juvenile officer highlighted the same theme as the chairman emphasising that a greater effort must be made to encourage former players, many of whom have won county titles with the club in the past and are still resident in the city to get involved in coaching the next generation of James Stephens’s players. Martin thanked the twenty one team mentors who willingly gave their time and did wonderful work coaching and training the U-13, U-15 and minor age grades during the year. Martin also pointed out that the U-13 mentors fielded three teams during the year meaning that all panelists got game time during the playing season. The U-15 hurlers won the Paddy Grace shield and won through to the All-Ireland Feile semi-final going down to the eventual winners, Athenry (Galway). For club members the ending of an 11 year championship famine by the minor hurlers (U-17) when comprehensively defeating Dunamaggin in the county final was the outstanding highlight of the year. Camogie officer Brian Leahy’s report on camogie affairs was read to the meeting in which he recalled the fact that the club’s senior camogie team competing in the Kilkenny senior grade for the first time in the club’s history had performed exceptionally well retaining their senior status in a very competitive championship. Brian also went on to compliment the Junior panel and management team on their unlucky last minute defeat at the hands of Erin’s Own in the Kilkenny junior “C” championship final at the weekend. Retiring Bar Treasurer Eamon Tyrrell in his detailed presentation confirmed to the meeting that the social club has recovered from the three year Covid interruption and is in a healthy financial state going forward. Club treasurer Bill Lahart’s comprehensive financial report confirmed a positive picture of the club’s finances despite rising costs such as hurleys and sliothars costing €17,318 the GAA insurance premium at €17,138 and registration and affiliation fees at €4,330. To help counter these costs Bill acknowledged the generosity of our main sponsors DID Electrical and the Hoban Hotel as well as the invaluable work of the club’s Finance Committee in keeping the financial side of the club in check.

Before concluding proceedings, the chairman acknowledged the work of retiring Development Officer Richie Manogue and builder Noel Morrissey in finishing the meeting room extension, the kitchen, the public toilets, the club shop and the ball wall at Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain all to a high standard during the summer months. Closing the proceedings, the chairman Aodán thanked the retiring officers, Phil “Fan” Larkin (vice chairman), Eamon Tyrrell, (Social Club treasurer) Richie Manogue (Development Officer), Martin Phelan (Juvenile Officer) and Richie Cody (Juvenile Secretary) for their sterling service to the club and wishing them well into the future.

ST. STEPHEN’S DAY RUN It’s time again to dig out and dust down the runners for the annual 5K/10K Fun Run / Trot / Walk or Pram Push around the well-worn parish circuit on St. Stephen’s Day. The fun event is ideally timed for folk to get out into the fresh winter air and work off the over indulgences of Christmas Day. This year’s festive event is being run in memory of the late Allen Larkin and will have Cois Nore as its chosen charity partner. The entry fees are as follows: €10 donation for adults, €5 for students/ children and €25 from family groups. Participants will be able to register at 10.30am in the clubrooms in readiness for the starter’s gun at 11am. On crossing the finishing line participants will be able to avail of a refreshing cuppa tea and goodies.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT Local big band music fans will be pleased to note that St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band will be presenting their annual Christmas concert in St. Patrick’s Church on Monday night next 18th December starting at 7.30pm. The band will be accompanied by their junior members while playing a selection of festive carols and popular melodies from across the generations to create some early Christmas cheer for an appreciative audience. All are welcome to come along to this free popular seasonal musical event.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

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Community & GAA Notes BAND BEREAVEMENT The death occurred, recently in Leighlinbridge, of Norman Cree, the much respected retired conductor of St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band. Norman, a Yorkshire native was in his 93rd year and passed away peacefully in St. Luke’s Hospital following a long illness. Norman was predeceased by his wife Christine. On Saturday of last week, the St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band paid tribute to their deceased conductor by escorting his funeral procession to St. Lazerian’s Church in Leighlinbridge for the funeral service. In further appreciation of his service to St. Patrick’s, members of the band also played a selection of music at the funeral service after which the dedicated musician was laid to rest in Leighlinbridge cemetery.

Air dheis laimh Dei go raibh sé.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 12 : 21 : 27.;29. There was no winner.

The €40 consolation winners were Denise Somers, Madison Cody, Joan Cody, Gillian Treacy, Annette O’Neill. For this week’s draw, if there is no jackpot winner, there will be two consolation prizes of €100 and six prizes of €50 each.

GOWRAN GOWRAN PARK Racing Club Membership for 2024 is now available on www. gowranpark.ie/racing/buy-tickets/ Membership can also be purchased by calling Gowran park on 056 7726225 Adult €100. OAP €75. Couple €150. That’s all 18 meetings in Gowran Plus lots of days out across Ireland and the UK. Early bird tickets also on sale for Thyestes Day with 25% off tickets.

GOWRAN AC National Uneven and Novice Cross Country.

Sunday 3rd December saw the second day of juvenile All Irelands with the Uneven Age Cross Country championships taking place in Navan. A cold fresh morning awaited in Navan as the U11 Girls took to the start line first. Five athletes competed in this age and for the club team too. All the girls ran brilliantly with Orla O’Keeffe being the 1st Gowran girl home, and scoring 6th on the Leinster team which took gold. The club team came in 8th which is fantastic achievement for all of the girls in an All-Ireland championship. All the athletes ran with great spirit on the day and the club is very proud of them representing the club at another Cross Country Championship.

Conor Carroll in the U15 had a great race finishing in 41st and placing 3rd on the county team that medaled in bronze position Full results as follows: U11 Girls, Orla O’Keeffe 21st(Leinster Team). Abigail Hunt 47th.

Sarah Mulrooney 122nd Pearl Treacy 138th. May Timmins 148th . Club team 8th. County Team 11th U13 Girls, Emily O’Keeffe 105th U13 Boys. Aaron Carrigan 59th. Bobby Coomey 82nd. David Carroll 132nd. Matthew Byrne 158th. County Team8th U15 Girls. Kate Hayden 89th , Orlaith Carroll 119th, County Team 9th U15 Boys. Conor Carroll 41st, Joe Hayes 134th, County Team3rd Men’s Novice. Matthew Holland 74th GOWRAN GAA U-19S LOSE LEAGUE FINAL Young Irelands U-19 Hurlers lost 1-15 to 1-10 against Bennettsbridge in The Roinn B League Final on Saturday.

The Gowran lads were going for a Championship/League double having won the County Final against St. Martins in October, and with several of the team involved in The U-21 County Final win also against St. Martins last week that went to extra-time, it was a game too far for a lot of the players as Bennettsbridge ran out deserving winners.

The Teams were level at 0-6 to 1-3 at half-time with Mikey Keating grabbing Young Irelands goal just before the interval.

Bennettsbridge scored a goal from a free that went all the way to the net at start of 2nd half, and despite best efforts of Paddy Langton, Diarmuid Langton and Jim Conlon, they were playing second best as Bennettsbridge ran out 5 point winners.

Young Irelands Gowran: Tim Brennan, Charlie Brennan, Bobbie Brennan, Charlie Fitzgerald (Captain), Jake Byrne, Paddy Langton 0-4(0-3 frees), David Langton, Ben Phelan 0-1, Luke Phelan, Killian Carey 0-2 (0-1 free), Padraig Naddy, Jim Conlon 0-1, Diarmuid Langton 0-1, Mikey Keating 1-1, Cian Phelan, Sub: Thomas Langton GRAIGUENAMANAGH LOTTO GAA AND SOCCER Jackpot now stands at €20,000. Numbers drawn on the 4th, December 2023 were 21, 24, 25, 29, and there was no winner.

The following won €30 each Pat Doyle, Main St, Mick Kinsella Kilcumney, Marian Ryan, Ursula Doyle, Carline Sexton. Four vouchers value €50 Sharan Holden (Super Value), Mick Furlong, (Day Break), Brid Willlams (Barrons), Gina Randle (Daisy Chain), Tickets can be had from any Committee Member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW Winners for Draw on December 7, were First Prize €504 Mary Doyle, Second Prize €50 Sharan and Cassidy O’Neill, Third Prize €25 Lenny c/o O’ Driscoll’s. Draw takes place at 4pm Thursdays.

CLINIC Peter Cleere will have his Clinic on Saturday morning from 9am at his Office in Main Street, Graiguenamanagh.

RAMBLING HOUSE The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district’s also join in. The next Session is on Friday January 12th

at an earlier time of 7.30 pm .

BUS TO NEW ROSS AND CARLOW The new Bus service runs three times daily from Tinnahinch serving Carlow and New Ross. Timetable available in Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch in O’Driscoll’s Bar. There is a very good feed back on this service.

BENNETTSBRIDGE SANTA VISITS BENNETTSBRIDGE Christmas has officially arrived in Bennettsbridge. On Saturday excited children waited at the Christmas tree to welcome Santa who handed out some treats to the children. He posed for pictures with some of the boys and girls. The Christmas tree was blessed by Fr Duggan and then the official turning on of the lights was carried out by Mandy Simpson. Traditional carols were sung by Deirdre O’Brien with guitar accompaniment by Billy Molloy.

Thanks to Kevin Davey and his helpers, Pat O’Neill, Noel (Bowley) Ryan, Michael (Bonetti) Burke who were responsible for the erection of the beautiful tree. Thanks also to David Power, Bridgeside Butchers who supplied the power and to Patsy O’Brien who provided the machine to put the tree in place.

CHOIR FOR CHRISTMAS The parish Choir will sing for Christmas and it is hoped to have a practice on Tuesday night 19th December after mass approx.

7.50pm. Christine O’Neill will play for us on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The choir would welcome members of Tullaherin Choir to join them on Christmas Day. SYMPATHY The sympathy of the parish is extended to Bishop Niall Coll, on the death of his father, Willie Coll, Hillhead, St Johnston, Co Donegal in Letterkenny University Hospital.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen, his sons and daughters, Bishop Niall, Gerard, Annemarie Rafferty and Caitriona, sonin-law Colm, brother Neil, sister Mary McDade, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews cousins, extended family and friends.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Kavanagh family, Thomastown on the death of Mrs Breda Kavanagh, on Wednesday, the 29th November, in the loving care of the staff at Gowran Abbey Nursing Home.

Breda was a member of the Kelly family, Killarney and she was predeceased by her husband George, son George, sisters: Margaret and Kathleen, brothers: Liam, Ted, Gerard, Tony, Michael, Tim and Frank.

Breda will be sadly missed by her sons: Tim, Frank and Peter, grandson Jack, great grand-daughter Noa, daughter-in-law Ann, sister Angela (Teehan), nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption, Thomastown, followed by interment in St Mary’s New Cemetery, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.

CHURCH NEWS Weekday Masses, Wednesday Bennettsbridge 10.30am. Friday Bennettsbridge 10.30am Weekend Masses, Tullaherin Saturday 8pm. Bennettsbridge Sunday 10.30am CHRISTMAS IN CHURCH Christmas Eve Bennettsbridge 6pm. Tullaherin 8pm.

Christmas Day Bennettsbridge 10.30am CATHEDRAL DRAW Congratulations to Josie Drea, Blackwell who was the winner of €100.00 in the November Draw of the Cathedral Restoration Fund Monthly Draw CHRISTMAS COLLECTION The St Vincent De Paul Christmas collection which was taken up outside Tullaherin and Bennettsbridge churches last weekend was very well supported. Thanks to all for their generosity.

If anyone needs support in the locality the local contact number is 087 1723590 CHRISTMAS SALE The Christmas Sale organised by the Art Group was very well supported with a steady flow of patrons during the day. The artists presented a great variety of art and crafts and the end result looked amazing. It was a very sociable occasion and the effort involved in putting it together was very worthwhile.

Thanks to all who helped especially Harry Murphy who did the heavy lifting also Cor Huibers for his help with signage. The group will take a break now until the New Year.

MENS SHED The Bennettsbridge Men’s Shed group has made a very positive start in the village. The attendance has been very good each week. Three members represented the group at a Regional Meeting of the Mens Shed Organisation held recently in The Orchard House. Noel Ryan, Sean Galway and Kevin Davey relayed information from the meeting with many ideas and suggestions for the local group going forward.

Officers elected were, Chairman, Noel Ryan, Vice Chairman, Frank Croke, Secretary, Paddy Gubbins, Treasurer, Kevin Davey.

Meeting next Wednesday(today) at 2pm. All welcome.

LOTTO 27th November. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 8,19, 22, 27. Consolation Prizes, David O’Neill, Ballinamona, Erin and Freddie Simpson, The Ring, Patty Davey, Woodlawn, Olive Dowling Marian Place, D’Bally Boys.

4th December. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 4, 7, 8, 28.

Jackpot now €4,750.00,Consolation Prizes, Adrian Costigan, Grovine, Noel Skehan, Woodlawn, Sue Doyle, Barronsland, Eileen Phelan, Millennium Court, Mary Cassin, Bishopslough.

CARDS FOR COIS NORE

Official switching on of Lights in the village

Billy Molloy and Deirdre O’Brien singing at the Blessing of the Christmas Tree

Mandy Simpson switched on the lights, pictured with Santa

Mandy Simpson with Pat O’Neil

Bennettsbridge Under 19 Roinn B Champions

Waiting for Santa in Bennettsbridge

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Community & GAA Notes The Road to Croker. Our Senior Camogie Team has booked their spot in the AIB Club Championship All Ireland Final

Last Tuesday the weekly card game was held for a special charity. Thanks to organisers, players and sponsors for their efforts. A substantial amount was raised for Cois Nore in Kilkenny.

CAMOGIE Last week, the u14 girls were presented with their u14 county medals. Team hoodies very kindly sponsored by Peader Dooley from PD fencing. Huge thanks to Peader, your support is greatly appreciated and the girls were delighted with their new tops.

GAA AGM 2023 The AGM for 2023 took place in the clubhouse recently.

Chairman Alan Flynn and Secretary Patrick O Neill gave detailed accounts of the year gone by. The report showed the club in a healthy position with good progress made on loan repayments during the year. Discussions took place regarding underage grades within the county and the need for further fundraising in 2024.

Mary Blanchfield was welcomed back as treasurer for the upcoming year. The chairman thanked all who helped out in any way during the year and looked forward to 2024.

Officers elected included, Chairman Alan Flynn, Secretary Patrick O Neill, Treasurer Mary Blanchfield, County Board rep John Byrne. A committee was also finalised on the night. Best wishes to all for the year ahead.

U19 LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Well done to our under 19 hurlers who defeated Young Irelands to claim the Roinn B league title in windy Bennettsbridge on Saturday last. With the scores level at half time the ‘Bridge lads looked in trouble as Gowran had the use of the strong wind in the second half. However, the team played with great heart and determination to win out on a score line of 1-15 to 1-10.

Well done to all involved. With the age grades changing this was probably the last under 19 game to be played in Kilkenny and it was nice to win it.

BORD NA NOG AGM A successful year was reviewed at the recent underage AGM. Officers elected were Michael Ryan as chairman, Donnacha Hennessey as secretary, Denis O’Sullivan as Treasurer, Alan Morrissey as vice chair and Edel Ryan as PRO. A strong committee was also put in place. Well done to all the ‘Bridge teams over the past season and best of luck for the year ahead.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE All support greatly appreciated for this year’s Christmas raffle.

Tickets are now avail-able from all committee members and from businesses around the village.

CLUB SHOP New additions of a training top, shorts and tee shirts have been added to the Bennettsbridge O’Neill’s club shop. To access the full range of club gear simply go to the O’Neill’s website and enter Bennettsbridge in the search box. Some club gear would make ideal Christmas gifts.

SPLIT THE POT The next draw will be on December 21st with extra prizes on offer for Christmas. The competition can also be entered online using club force. Please see the clubs Facebook page for details of how to enter on line. Envelopes are available in the usual spots around the village. Thanks for the continued support.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 7th December 2023. Nos: 3 23 25 28 Jackpot: €13, 850. Not Won. Draw Prizes – €50: Eimear Murphy c/o Online €25 each Enda ODonoghue c/o Tom ODonoghue . €25 each John Marnell c/o P Maher €25 each Ber Mooney c/o F and E Morrissey. Hurlers Co Op Draw Nicky O’Reilly c/o Deirdre O’Reilly. Promotors prize Paddy Maher We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up & play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.

CALENDER 2024 Get your order in for the brilliantly produced 2024 Dicksboro

Calendar. Limited supply, so purchase early to avoid disappointment covering all the highlights of a great year for the Club. Huge Thanks to Mr. Tom Beirne for his great work in taking photographs all year long and piecing together this lovely Wall Calendar for your home or Office.

THE ROAD TO CROKER Our Senior Camogie Team have booked their spot in the AIB Club Championship All Ireland Final after a spirited team performance Saturday last in Ashbourne defeating a very good Loughgiel Shamrocks, last years All Ireland finalist. Two second half goals from our POTM Asha McHardy secured our place to the Final.

It’s a first for our Club on a Camogie or Hurling level and what a proud Club we are. The have created history for us and they will now play Sarsfields of Galway on Sunday the 17th December at 5.15pm, the game will be live on RTE 2 to view and broadcasted on KCLR but we are hoping that everyone in the Club will be cheering the girls on in HQ in the Maroon and White.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the girls along the way especially our Main Sponsor PRL for which we are extremely grateful.

The Buses are filling up nicely so in case you haven’t booked your seat do so quick through our ClubZap or contact any member of the Committee.

Wishing the Team and Management all the best as they embark on these exciting times , it is a phenomenal achievement to have reached the Final and all the Club and Supporters wish you well. Boro Abú JOHNSTOWN

Rudolph in Johnstown

Nativity Scene Johnstown Distinguished Award to the Irish abroad. He was well known in hurling circles in London and Hertfordshire.

FENIANS HC Two former Fenian hurlers, Kevin Reid, Donoughmore and Owen Sheil, Crosspatrick played a big part in the Brothers Pearse team winning the McAleer and Rush Senior Hurling Championship Final in London. Kevin was also named Man of the Match. Well done lads.

SPA UNITED AFC Results Junior League Division 2 Castlewarren Celtic 2 Spa 1, Youth League Division 1A Freshford Town 1 Spa 3, U16 boys league Division 1A Freebooters 0 Spa 5, U14 boys league Division 2 Highview Athletic 6 Spa 1, U12 boys league Division 1A Spa 4 Bridge United 0, U12 boys league Division 2 Spa 2 Evergreen 0, U15 girls league Division 1 Spa 1 Highview 0, U14 girls league Division 1 Evergreen 1 Spa 4.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 2,4,23,24. One match three Declan Carroll.

Six Christmas lucky dips Kathleen Webster, Richard Beehan, Cora Hughes, Lorraine McCarthy, Sean and Annette, Lorraine Beehan.

URLINGFORD

Christmas Decorations

CHURCH NEWS Christmas offerings are now due.

An hour of quiet prayer, reflection and music in St. Kieran’s Church, Johnstown on Sunday Dec. 17th at 3pm in preparation for Christmas Mass times for Christmas Saturday 23rd / Sunday 24th. Saturday. Urlingford 6.30pm, Johnstown 8pm, Sunday. Galmoy 10.15am.

Christmas Eve. Graine 6pm. Crosspatrick 7.30pm, Galmoy 9pm.

Christmas Day Johnstown 9.30am, Urlingford 11am.

MR. SEAN PHELAN RIP The death has taken place of Sean Phelan, Foulkscourt, Johnstown peacefully at the Beacon Hospital. Predeceased by his parents Martin and Maureen and sister Stella Walsh, he will be sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Ellen, adoring family

Christmas Tree in Johnstown

TRACTOR & TRUCK RUN The Happy Valley Tractor and Truck Run will be held on Sunday December 31st, in aid of Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, Kilkenny. Registration will be held at 1.30pm (entry €20) with the run departing from Norton Engineering E41 D780 at 3pm. A monster auction and raffle will be held on the day. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO December 4th prize fund was €15,400. Jackpot: €13,400 Numbers drawn: 1, 24, 25, 26, bonus no 28. No winner and one match three winner: Pakie Butler. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Linda Lawlor, Austin Cleere, Kelly and Dean;, Killian and Neasa Doyle, Joe Burke.

Promoters prize: The Hotel.

SET DANCING In Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. Live music, sets called

by Paddy Martin. All are welcome. Contact Phil Fogarty 086 8638782; Mary Webster 087 7936113.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot is Anne O’Brien who will

Derek Lyng (left) Kilkenny GAA manager and Dr Bill Cuddihy promoting the Happy Valley Tractor and Truck Run in aid of Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, Kilkenny. The event takes place on December 31

Elaine, Declan, Ciara, John Paul, sons in law William Norton and Tom Moore, daughters in law Michelle and Lisa, grandchildren Thomas, Sean, Cathal, Cillian, Jamie, Connor, Harry and Freddie, brothers and sisters Noreen, Willow, Michael and Maureen, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces and nephews, neighbours, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Requiem Mass was in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Galmoy after which Sean was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Seamus McGarry who has been awarded the freedom of the City of London for services to the Irish Diaspora over many years. Seamus was born in Johnstown and the family later emigrated to England. His Dad Jimmy trained the Johnstown minor team in the early 60’s and this team later went on to win the Senior County final three in a row in the 70’s. In 2013 Seamus was awarded the Presidential

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Community & GAA Notes Church of the Assumption, Urlingford all lit up for Christmas

At the same time, a convoy of illuminated trucks depart from Cillin Hill, Kilkenny on a more truck-friendly route, which was highly visible to tractor drivers and spectators, and vice versa between trucks and tractors. The event concludes with a cabaret and raffle in the Cearnóg in Ballyragget.

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

MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.

Vigil - Saturday 16th. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 17th. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford. Wednesday at 7.00p.m. Vigil, Saturday 16th. at 6.30p.m.

PRAY FOR Marie Duggan, Ballinteskin, who died during the week.

Anniversary Masses Mary McGrath, Norelands. Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 16th. December at 6.30p.m.

Michael Kelly, Castlemorris. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 16th. December at 8.00p.m.

Brendan Murphy, Newmarket. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 17th. December at 10.00a.m.

ROTA 16th. and 17th. December 2023 (Third Sunday of Advent).

Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Catherina Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power. Sunday 10.00a.m.

Deirdre O’She. Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Barbara Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m.

Mary Cuddihy. Sunday 10.00a.m. Kay Power NOVEMBER OFFERINGS 202 Many thanks to all who contributed to the November Offerings over the past weeks. To donate directly – Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232.

Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

Many thanks to Teresa Broderick and Carmel O’Toole who have stepped aside as our Parish Representatives after many years. Thank you both.

SERVICE OF HEALING Service of Healing and Penitential Service will be celebrated in preparation for Christmas during Masses next weekend: Saturday16th. December in Stoneyford and Hugginstown Churches and on Sunday17th. December in Hugginstown Church.

MASS TIMES OVER CHRISTMAS Saturday 23th. December In Stoneyford Church at 6.30p.m.

In Hugginstown Church at 8.00p.m. Sunday 24th. December.

In Stoneyford Church at 5.30p.m. In Hugginstown Church at 7.00p.m. Monday 25th. December: In Stoneyford Church at 10.00a.m: In Hugginstown Church at 11.00a.m.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 4th.

December 2023 Numbers: 12; 26; 25; 11. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners. Ann Healy, Keatingstown; Tessie Maher, Kyleva. Helen Greene, Dungarvan. Bridie Murphy, Dunbell; John J. Aylward, Monroe. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Walshe’s Shop.

Tommy Hoyne. Teresa Fitzgerald; SCOIL AIREAGAIL BALLYHALE Christmas Market on December 17th. from 11.00a.m. to 2.00p.m. Music, Baking; Crafts and an abundance of Christmas Cheer. All are very welcome.

KCETB COURSES Do You Have Difficulty with Reading or Writing? Do you know in Ireland that almost 1 in 5 adults have difficulty with reading and writing? One in four have difficulty with maths. One in two have difficulty with digital devices.

If you or a family member would like support or up skilling, please contact KCETB (Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board) for a free and confidential service for all adults. Contact details: Kilkenny Adult Learning Service 056 776 3149. Carlow Adult Learning Service: 059 913 5544. “Let us empower everyone in Ireland to be their best possible selves”. Simon Harris TD Minister for Further and Higher Education.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The Centre will be closing on Wednesday 20th of December at 1pm and reopening at 9am on January the 8th 2024.

COUNSELLING SERVICE Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Adult, Teens & Children’s Play Therapy. Counselling Provided: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety & Depression, Drug & Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available.

Age 5 years and upwards. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

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

DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

APPEALS FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

JOBS TRAINING BOARD We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required.

ART CLASSES AND COMPUTER CLASSES FOR 2024 We will have Art Classes and Computer Classes here at the Centre commencing in January 2024. Dates to follow.

Contact number for the Centre 056-8838466

CHRISTMAS PARTY The Christmas Party night in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Clubhouse will be held on this Saturday, December 16th. All in the community are welcome.

DEVELOPMENT FUNDRAISER Community members are asked to continue to support the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club’s Development fundraiser draw.

Tickets for the draw will be €25 each, or three for €65, or five for €100, with the winner with the winner receiving a new Hyundai Tucson car or €35,000 in cash. Tickets are available from promoters locally, and a website that will allow the purchase of tickets for the draw is available on www.winahyundaituscon. ie. The draw is also actively being promoted on social media platforms. All support would be greatly appreciated for what will be a development to benefit both young and old in the community.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto were 16, 19 and 36. There was no jackpot winner so the consolation prize winners were Tara Keogh, Joe Nolan, Eileen Gunner, Grace Billy Tommy and Rachel Mulhall, and Caoimhe, Dylan and Jack Bergin. The promoters’ prize winners were Teresa Dollard, Peter Mulhall and Julie Jackman.

KILMANAGH

From left, Sheila Murphy, Dr Bill Cuddihy, Derek Lyng and Mary Leahy promoting the Happy Valley Tractor and Truck Run in aid of Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, Kilkenny receive €721. Congrats Anne on behalf of Urlingford Arms Darts Club.

Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town with proceeds going to Urlingford Arms Darts Club. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

GRAINE CARDS Graine progressive 25 card game every Wednesday night at 8.30pm in Graine hall. All are welcome.

URLINGFORD/GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com.

If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm HEN HOUSE HOOLEY A hooley will take place in the Hen House Ballysloe/Glengoole this Friday night 15th December at 9pm. Live band. All are welcome. For further information contact The Rooster at 086 3574465.

GORTNAHOE COMMUNITY HALL CHRISTMAS DRAW The Hall Committee has delivered tickets and flyers to each house in the Parish for the Christmas Draw. The draw will take place this Sunday the 17th December at 4pm in the Hall.

Sold tickets can be returned to the Committee members or to the hall this Friday night the 15th from 8.00pm to 9.pm, Saturday the 16th from 11.00am to 12.00 noon and Sunday the 17th from 11.00am to 12.00 noon There will be great prizes on offer, first prize will be €300, second prize €200, third prize

Christmas hamper, fourth prize €100, fifth prize Christmas cake and a bottle of whiskey and many other prizes. The Christmas Draw will be an important fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Hall.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO A special Christmas bingo will be held this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm.

Over €4,000 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game, and a Chrstmas special game for €800. There will be hampers and many other prizes on the day. It will be a great afternoons entertainment for all.

DECEMBER 400 CLUB DRAW The results for December 2023, 1st Prize €200 Bridgitte and Tom Hayden, Longfordpass, 2nd Prize €100 was Marty Horan, Graiguemane. Other prize winners were Heffernan Clan, Ballynonty, Billy and Statia Walshe, St Anns Terrace, Josephine Rafter, Derryvilla, Sheila and John Large, Gortnahoe, Nonie Egan, Bawnreigh, Anna and James Ryan, Clonmore, PJ Campion, Killenaule, Eileen and Paddy Guilfoyle, Urard.

Promoters prize winner, Mary and Jimmy Fogarty.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekend’s winner Liam Teehan, Grange, who won €202 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of December 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 ELDERCARE SERVICE Eldercare services through MFRC Glengoole will include the following: meals on wheels deliveries every Tuesday and Thursday, social group every Wednesday 1-3pm,includes soup, dinner and entertainment, laundry service, senior alert scheme for Gortnahoe Glengoole area, dementia cafe 1st Tuesday of each month 11.30-1pm, social group every Tuesday at 11am in the Old School House, The Commons. For further information on any of the above please contact Alice Teehan 052-9157992 BALLYRAGGETT BALLYOUSKILL LIGHT UP THE NIGHT. Preparations are underway for the annual ‘Light up the Night’ tractor and truck run, which grew from a group of North Kilkenny natives’ desires to highlight suicide awareness, mental health issues, resources and supports. The North Kilkenny Truck and Tractor Run was established in 2016, and every New Years Eve, with the exception of a couple due to Covid it lights up North Kilkenny and South Laois. Initially, this was set up as an awareness event. The aim of ‘Light up the Night’ was to do exactly that. The two highest points of North Kilkenny are visible for miles thanks to hundreds of highly illuminated flashing tractors. Once again, the organising committee are very grateful to John Holland, the Square, Ballyragget who facilitates the safe parking of every tractor. The event will kick off at dusk on New Year’s Eve at dusk usually around 4.30 p.m. with the tractor departure from Ballyragget.

WEDDING A popular member of our parish community namely Ciaran Hoyne, Ballycallan and Mary Walsh, St. John’s Parish, Kilkenny, celebrated their marriage in St. John’s Church, Kilkenny. Fr. Dan Carroll (Adm) was the celebrant of the nuptial mass. Mary’s maid of honour and bridesmaid were Una Walsh and Mags Quigley. Bestman and groomsman were Michael Murphy and Daire Connery. Mary and Ciaran’s mothers were Winnie Walsh and Peggy Hoyne. The two readings were superbly read by Rachael Hoyne and Brian Allen. The prayers of the faithful were said by Michael Walsh, John Hoyne, Brendan Dunne, Laura Roche, Davy Hoyne and Mairead Hoyne. The communion reflection “I’ll walk beside you” which is also a beautiful song was recited by Anne Marie Hoyne. The music, which is always a very important part of any wedding, was by Dolce Duo. Our parish community wish Mary and Ciaran many, many happy years of love and peace.

LOTTO Results for 04/12/23. There was no winner. Numbers drawn were 8; 10; 20; 27. Lucky Dip winners were Marie McGrath, Perth, Australia, Maureen Lynch and Billy Norton. Seller’s prizes went to John Cahill and Josie Ronan.

SENIOR CITIZENS Senior citizens Christmas Afternoon Tea will take place in Naomh Aodhan Community Centre (Old School), Kilmanagh on 17th December from 3 – 6pm. A great afternoon’s entertainment is guaranteed. If anyone requires a lift to this event, please contact Gabriel Wall on 086 600 9972.

LIGHTS AND WORKS IN BALLYCALLAN The work to upgrade the lights in Ballycallan Church is almost complete. We look forward to a brighter and more energy efficient church.

Another major repair at Ballycallan church was the fitting of a new gutter trap at the northern transept. This is to address a long standing over-flow issue with gutters. The new trap is now in place and was very generously donated by Noreside Engineering Ltd., Hebron Industrial Estate. Martin Drohan, Michael Lynch and David Doheny kindly gave their time to fitting the unit. We are grateful to them all for their generosity and effort.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU You can make a difference. Foróige want to start a youth club in your area and we need adult volunteer leaders and young people members for that club. A youth club has huge positive benefits to young people in the community, and volunteering offers great rewards to the adults involved. For more information, please contact Aidan Gleeson 0860674485; Aidan. gleeson@foroige.ie PARISH CALENDAR The Christmas Parish Calendar with useful information will be available next week.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS Join us for an evening of Christmas Carols with the three choirs of Ballycallan Kilmanagh Killaloe on Tuesday December 19th in Ballycallan Church at 7.30pm. Stay for the mince pies.

LOTTO CHRISTMAS DRAW Graigue Ballycallan GAA, St. Brigid’s Camogie Club and Ballycallan Parish will hold their Lotto Christmas Draw on Friday 22nd December in The Pound at 10pm. Door prizes and extra prizes on the night.

MOUNT CARMEL DRAW Results of the November Mount Carmel draw were : €200 Marie Gorey, Burnchurch; €100 Pat Comerford, UK; €30 Elizabeth Grace, Coolalong; €30 Trish Finnegan Dunnamaggin; €30 to the following - Kevin Moore, Greenhills; Danny O Shea, Kiltalaghan; Mary Butler, Great Oak; John Paul Phelan; Sally Brett, Mount Carmel; Bernadette Herity, Caherleske; Philip Comerford, Kilbride and Heidi Power, Green St. Promoters’ prizes went to Tom Maher, Veronica Robinson and Tom O’Shea.

KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Advertisement Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Danny Mullins

A few weeks ago on Tuesday 28th November at Tramore Racecourse, Danny Mullins reached a significant milestone as he rode his 500th winner on Irish soil when partnering the Gavin Cromwell trained Leish Oscar's Son to victory in The Doneraile Walk Beginners Steeplechase.

It was a career that began 15 year ago in 2008 following a

highly successful stint on the pony circuit where he rode 126 winners.

Initially starting out as a Flat Jockey before concentrating on a a career as a National Hunt rider, the Gowran native made an instant impact.

As a 16-year-old almost 16 years ago, his first win was aboard The Jim Bolger trained My Girl Sophie in a flat race in

Leopardstown where he defeated a horse named Be Smart ridden by the legendary Mick Kinane. It was a memorable way to get his first winner.

It wasn't the first time that a Gowran jockey had defeated Mick Kinane, as Shane Kelly was on board the Aidan O'Brien trained Kiladante to win a Fillies Maiden in Navan in May 1994.

Danny's career took off in a flash as following his maiden win on My Girl Sophie, he had an evening to remember on the Friday of The Galway Festival in 2008. On that Friday Evening, Danny rode a treble including victory in The Featured Guinness Handicap on the Paul Cashman trained 20/1 shot Glitter Baby, while further wins were added courtesy of Crystal Island trained by his Uncle Tom Mullins along with Metal Madness for English Trainer Mick Quinlan.

Twelve months later in 2009, Danny was back in the winners enclosure in Ballybrit as he teamed up with his Dad Tony Mullins for a most memorable triumph, when Rock n Roll Kid

in the colours of Barry Connell won the €140,000 Tote Galway Mile Handicap.

Danny would go on to become retained rider for Barry Connell, and he would enjoy a first Grade 1 win aboard Mount Benbulben at The Punchestown Festival in 2013, while he also enjoyed double Grade 1 Novice Hurdle success while riding The Tullow Tank.

Another big race triumph early in his career came in 2012 when riding the Eric McNamara trained Faltering Fullback to win The Kerry National at The Listowel Festival.

However, his career wasn't all plain sailing and in early 2015 his partnership with Barry Connell came to an end, and he decided to turn freelance.

Ironically at The Cheltenham Festival in 2015, Danny was aboard the Willie Mullins trained Milseain in The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle who lost out in a pulsating finish to The Barry Connell owned Martello Tower trained by his Mum Mags Mullins.

However, The Gowran man bounced back and having

plenty of mounts for his Uncle Willie, he would become an important part of the Champion Trainers squad.

He has enjoyed his best run over the past few years with a host of big race triumphs.

Most memorable was winning on Total Recall in The Thyestes Chase in January 2020, and to win Gowran Park's most prestigious race on home territory was most special as he grew up very close to the racecourse.

That Thyestes win proved hugely significant and it gave him great confidence as he began to win Grade 1s more regularly. He was in the saddle as Multi Grade 1 winner Kemboy won The Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in 2021, while at The Cheltenham Festival that same year he finally got his first Festival winner when Flooring Porter made all to win The Stayers Hurdle before following up with a repeat victory on the same horse on St. Patricks Day 12 months later.

Another of his most memorable days was on St. Stephens Day 2021, when Tornado

Flyer won The King George for Willie Mullins who had won the race 20 years previously in 2001 with the ultra consistent Florida Pearl.

At that Tramore meeting a few weeks ago, after partnering Leish Oscar's Son to his milestone 500th win, Danny doubled up half an hour later when Kings Halo won The Ladies Cove Handicap Steeplechase, while two days later he steered home Classic Getaway to win The feature race in Thurles as part of a 5-timer for Willie Mullins with Paul Townend riding a 4-timer.

Classic Getaway is bred by fellow Gowran man Daniel Fogarty, and is among the original 26 entries for The Savills Chase at The Leopardstown Christmas Festival on Thursday December 28th.

In his 15 years in the saddle, Danny has been a consistent solid performer averaging just under 35 winners a year and been an important part of The Willie Mullins brigade, he has plenty to look forward to all going well in the months and years ahead.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

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Camogie - Preview

Sport

All pics courtesy of Inpho Jane Cass will look to keep things tight in the full back line

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

All-Ireland Senior Camogie Club Championship Final Dicksboro vs Sarsfields

Sunday, Croke Park, 5:15pm Dicksboro camogs will make the journey to Dublin on Sunday, knowing that they are just 60 minutes from making more history for their club. Standing in their way will be 3-in-a-row seeking Galway side Sarsfields, who have retained a tight grip on the Bill & Agnes Carroll Cup and will be appearing in the camogie showpiece event for the fifth consecutive year.

Donal Carroll’s outfit have had a stellar season to date, winning both county and provincial honours, but will know that they will need a big performance to dethrone the current champions. Goal-scoring star of their semi-final win over Loughgiel, Asha McHardy will hope that the wide-open spaces of Croker will see her excel once again and trouble the Connacht team’s defensive unit. McHardy hit 2-1 in the impressive win over last year’s beaten finalists and secured the POTM award as her team advanced to Sunday’s decider.

Like with all big games, keeping the scoreboard ticking over is crucial, and that pressure lies with Aoife Prendergast, who will be on placed ball duty at headquarters.

The former All-Ireland winning county captain notched 0-7 against their Antrim opponents in Ashbourne and will no doubt be relishing the opportunity to ply her trade at the iconic Jones’s Road venue this weekend. While Aoife is not the ‘Boro captain, you can count on her to lead in many ways and use her experience to benefit the team.

The ‘Boro have been used to contesting for county titles and secured this years with a comprehensive victory over first time finalists, Windgap. The

Captain Clifford!

Jenny will defend from the front

Captain Jenny Clifford will lead her team into battle

‘Boro set for Sarsfields test Palmerstown club dreaming of All-Ireland glory Palmerstown ladies hit 3-18 in an impressive performance against Denise Gaule and Co., with the goals shared out between Asha

McHardy, Jenny Clifford and Orla Hanrick. Aoife Prendergast was in good form in Mooncoin, hitting 0-8, while Amy Clifford and Rachel Dowling had decent scoring returns as they secured another county title with a fourth appearance in five years in the senior decider.

Having been crowed top dogs on Noreside, Dicksboro went in search of provincial glory and saw off a determined challenge from Wexford champions, St Martin’s at Palmerstown. Their tally of 1-10 came from top trio, Aoife Prendergast, Asha McHardy and captain, Jenny Clifford and this win sent Donal Carroll’s ladies to the Leinster final, where they faced Dublin’s finest and reigning champions, St Vincents. Despite starting that came slowly, the ‘Boro got their act together and struck seven scores on the bounce to take a lead that they would hold to the

Asha McHardy will hope to repeat her semi-final POTM feat

long whistle and secure a first ever provincial title for their club.

If Dicksboro can ensure a steady supply of ball into their forwards, they will certainly have a good chance of causing problems for the Sarsfields defence, and it’s in this department where you will find the Galway sides captain and one of their county stars, Laura Ward.

The defensive lynchpin provides an experienced and calming presence for the Connacht kingpins and is well versed at hurling in Croke Park. The spine of Ward and Maria Cooney is a great strength for the westerners, but it is further forward that their greatest strengths lie.

Siobhan McGrath is a top-level performer for both club and county.

The talented attacker’s goal against their Cork namesakes, was a thing of beauty, movement, pace and skill, delightful to watch and I’m

sure the Dicksboro management team will be planning to try and limit McGrath’s influence on proceedings in Croker, but that will be easier said than done.

Another of Sarsfields lively forwards is Klara Donoghue. Like McGrath, Klara seems to be in great form this season and also goaled in their semi-final win over the Cork and Munster champions.

Both sides go into Sunday’s decider with prior knowledge of each other, having played a challenge match before the championship began. Dicksboro prevailed that day, and all in Palmerstown will be hoping that that result will be repeated in Croke Park on Sunday.

The Kilkenny Observer wishes Dicksboro all the best for Sunday’s final. Bring it home ‘Boro!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

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Hurlng matters - Preview

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi-Final

O`Loughlin Gaels vs Ruairí Óg Cushendall Sunday, Páirc Tailteann, Throw in: 1.30pm Referee: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary)

O’Loughlin Gaels will make the journey to Navan this weekend to face-off against Ruairí Óg’s of Cushendall in the second of this year’s AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi-Finals.

First up tomorrow will be the clash between St Thomas’s and Ballygunner at O’Moore Park Portlaoise. The Waterford club will be favourites to secure the first berth in this year’s showpiece decider and will no doubt tune in on Sunday to study their future opponents.

For Brian Hogan’s outfit, it will be a chance to qualify for their first All-Ireland club final since 2011, when the current manager and his captain were both on duty when the St John’s Park side lost out to Galway’s Clarinbridge. Interestingly, Mark Bergin was the championship’s top scorer that year and hit 5 points in their defeat at Croke Park, and no doubt, the veteran forward will hope to run-up an impressive tally on Sunday and lead his team out at the iconic Jones’s Road venue early next

Kings of Leinster ready for Ulster’s finest!

Loughs look to halt Ruairí Óg’s run

Defensive duo Mikey Butler and Huw Lawlor

year.

Standing in the Kilkenny and Leinster champions way in Páirc Tailteann will be Antrim and Ulster’s finest, Ruairí Óg Cushendall. Brian Delargy’s charges won’t fear the Loughs and he knows that the pundits will all be predicting a Ballygunner vs O’Loughlin’s decider, and while some see Sunday as a ‘free hit’ for the glens men, Delargy will be confident in his sides ability to cause an upset, especially with one of Antrim’s all-time greats in his line-up, Neil McManus. The five-time Ulster and two-time Joe McDonagh Cup winner might be 35, but this proud Saffron is determined to end 2023 on a high and possesses the skill and drive to cause any team problems.

While there’s no doubting that McManus is the talisman for this Ruairí Óg’s side, the recently retired county man is certainly not a one-

man band for the maroon clad men.

They have one of Antrim’s rising stars in young Joe McLaughlin, the lively Ed McQuillan and a pair of McCambridge’s in Ryan and Fergus.

Throw-in All-Star rated defender Paddy Burke and you can see why this Cushendall side is a formidable opponent. The 12-times Ulster club champions produced what their manger described as their best performance of the season to date when defeating old foes Slaughtneil in Newry a couple of weeks ago, and they will hope that things are peaking at exactly the right time as they look to claim a famous scalp in O’Loughlin Gaels.

Against Michael McShane’s Derry side, Ed McQuillan and Joe McLaughlin hit 7 points between them and looked a real threat throughout, while McManus notched 0-8 in the win at Pairc Esler. Their

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Hurling matters - Preview Owen Wall can cause the ‘Dall problems

scoring power was out in force when they defeated Portaferry in the provincial semi-final. As a team ‘Dall scored 4-28, of which secondary school star McLaughlin hit 2-5 and put in a performance that belied his years. McManus had a hugely impressive 1-14 to his name and Brian Hogan will know that his players cannot afford to cough up easy free chances, as the Ruairí Óg’s can ensure they remain competitive throughout the 60-odd minutes.

Ryan McCambridge is a terrific athlete, who won’t be found wanting in the midfield battle. He came out on top in the battle against dual star, Brendan Rogers, no easy feat and his stats must be off the charts for distance covered during a game.

It will be interesting to see who top defender Paddy Burke shackles in Páirc Tailteann. Burke is known for his tremendous defensive attributes

and according to his club captain and former county teammate, Neil McManus was the best player in Ulster this year. Burke did a decent job on Kilkenny’s Eoin Cody in Corrigan Park early in the season, and you could see Owen Wall being on the defender’s radar come Sunday.

It’s not just O’Loughlin’s who have experienced heartache in the AllIreland club final, Cushendall were runners-up in the 2016 decider, losing to a rather decent Na Piarsaigh outfit by some eleven points. The Limerick side had the likes of Peter Casey, Shane Dowling and William O’Donoghue on the field that day, while Neil McManus is one of only a couple of survivors from that day in Croker.

O’Loughlin Gaels have shown that they are a serious side and deserve the silverware and plaudits earned so far this season. Some clubs may

have been content with dethroning Shamrocks Ballyhale in the Kilkenny championship, but Brian Hogan’s men have shown their worth on the provincial stage also, taking care of business against two decent sides in Mount Leinster Rangers and Kilcormac-Killoughey before winning the expected battle against Dublin side Na Fianna.

Like in the county final, Paddy Deegan has been extremely prominent for his side since entering the Leinster arena. From his centre back position, Deegan has been conducting his orchestra in front of him brilliantly, getting his team on the front foot and driving forward at every opportunity, while cutting out opposition ball and sweeping up in the vein of Richie Reid, a compliment of the highest level. One thing that the county man must have really worked on is his shooting, as his accuracy, especially from distance is much improved. His tally of 5 points last day out against Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s team was a cracking tally for the schoolteacher.

While not top of the scoring charts, Owen Wall’s contribution cannot be underestimated. His searing pace, intelligent movement and non-stop running mean the corner-forward must be a horrible man to mark in the game. I could see Wall fancying his chances of keeping the scoreboard moving against Cushendall, but Paddy Burke might have other ideas about that!

In the other corner, Sean Bolger has also been putting in serious shifts this season. Bolger has an eye for a pass and can seems to enjoy bringing others into play and assisting many teammates. Paddy Butler has struggled a little in the last couple of games and to me, hasn’t looked right since taking a heavy challenge against the Offaly champions in the provincial semi-final. If the couple of weeks rest has helped the No.14, hopefully Butler can prove a real handful for the Ruairí Óg’s defence on Sunday.

How the Hebron Road outfit performs in the engine room will again be key to getting on top of the opposition in Páirc Tailteann. Cian Loy and Jack Nolan have been steady during the provincial campaign, and while both have often not finished the games, they put in a deadly shift while on the pitch, and both are more than capable of taking points. The Loughs midfield pairing know that Conor Kelly and Jamie Ryan are waiting in the wings and ready to perform when called upon.

In front of reliable netminder Stephen Murphy are a set of six players that would be the envy of many teams. We have spoken about Paddy Deegan, but the five men in the trenches with him are the foundation on which O’Loughlin’s success is firmly built on. All-Star defenders, Mikey Butler and Huw Lawlor would walk onto any team on the island and are central to Brian Hogan’s game plan. The manager has deployed these two top-level operators in their best positions, and this has really stood to the Loughs this season.

Like the ‘Dall’s Paddy Burke, Mikey Butler loves a marking job, could he take Neil McManus or rising star, Joe McLaughlin? At the risk of repeating myself, Huw Lawlor is simply outstanding. I honestly don’t see a better full-back in the modern game.

Flanking Paddy Deegan are the consistently good Jordan Molloy and David Fogarty, wing backs that are not shy in defending, but love the chance to roam forward and create overloads and headaches for the opposition defence. Both can take scores, which

Paddy Deegan can rule the roost from ‘6’

in today’s game is invaluable, and Fogarty in particular, looks tailor made for the black and amber of his county.

I don’t think Brian Hogan will allow any complacency to creep into his side, and he will have drilled onto his players that Cushendall are a dangerous animal that must be respected but dealt with in the same way that his charges have gone about their business this season. The chance to run out at Croker again and have a fighting chance of claiming a first Tommy Moore Cup for their club Conor Heary has been impressive for the Loughs this season

will drive these boys on this Sunday and make Christmas 2023 a really special one for everyone at the St Johns Park club. * Congratulations to Tullogher Rosbercon and Thomastown who secured both the junior and intermediate provincial titles last weekend. This double success means all three Leinster titles respectively are held on Noreside, a fantastic achievment and advertisement for club hurling in Kilkenny.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is sought by Peter Ryan for development at Cussana, Carrigeen, Co. Kilkenny. The development will consist of the construction of a four-bedroom part single, part two-storey dwelling including rooflights and a detached single-storey domestic garage. Other works as part of the development include solar panels; on-site wastewater treatment system and percolation area; soakaway; vehicular entrance; landscaping; boundary treatment; borehole well; and all associated works to facilitate the development.

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

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

Tel No: 056-7753933.

Web: www.gmarch.net.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission sought for alterations to existing residence; including also the formation of porch, new rooflight and dormer window to front and ancillary related works at, Laurel Hill, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny. Applicant: Alison and Alan Hoyne 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. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Architects: BLUETT & O’DONOGHUE www.boda.ie

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intends to apply to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of my clients Henry and Edward Connolly Rice. Permission for retention of (i) slatted shed (ii) outside slatted area with loose shed (iii) meal storage shed (iv) silage slabs (v) storage shed and all associated site works at Oldtown, Ballyragget, 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.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, James Delaney and Fiona Nolan intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to demolish an existing hall/bathroom, the change of use of an existing shed to utility, to construct a new two storey extension to rear and front of the existing dwelling house, to construct a new first floor extension to the existing dwelling house, all internal and external alterations and renovations and all associated site development works at Conahy, Ballragget, Co. Kilkenny R95 N5W9.

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, Jing Feng intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for a pedestrian access door to the front of my property and all associated site development works at 66 John Street, Kilkenny R95 YH96.

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, Michael Kinsella, intend to apply for permission for a new single storey dwelling, detached garage, vehicular entrance onto public road, on-site wastewater treatment system, private well and all associated site works at Castlewarren, 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. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 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) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission is sought by Rosemary McPhillips to: 1. Demolish the existing rear extension to the dwelling and detached garage/storage to the side, 2. Erect a new single-storey side and rear extension to the dwelling, 3. Associated internal and external modifications, 4. All associated site development works at Ard Caoin, 6 Archers Avenue, Kilkenny, R95 KP9K. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

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

Tel No: 056-7753933.

Web:www.gmarch.net

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Liam and Olivia Moriarty for full planning permission to: 1. Construct a combined single & 2 storey extension to side & rear of dwelling 2. Construct a single storey porch to front of dwelling and all other associated works at No. 149 Walkin Street, Kilkenny R95 PX2V. 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.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

MARY BLANCHFIELD 18TH ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of Mary, late of 25 Larchfield, Kilkenny who died on 14th December 2005.

If roses grow in heaven Lord Please pick a bunch for me Place them in Mary’s arms And tell her they are from me Tell her that I love and miss her and when she turns to smile place a kiss upon her face and hold her for a while .

Remembering her is easy I do it every day But there is an ache in my heart That will never fade away

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. C.M.B.

St. Anthony Prayer

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

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

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

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.

(Pleasestaterequest).Therearenonethatcanwithstand 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.

It broke my heart to lose you But you did not go alone For part of me went with you The day God took you home .

Loved and never forgotten by Gregory, sons, daughters, grandchildren and sister Bridget.

Anniversary Mass Sunday 17th December at 12.00pm in St. Fiacre’s Church.

St. Anthony Prayer

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

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

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

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. P.K.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. H.H.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

Classifieds Motors

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023

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kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 December 2023