Kilkenny Observer 16th February 2024

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Friday 16 February 2024

Maureen Mullins The grand dame of Irish racing dies at 94  Tribute Page 4

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Future Of Jobs What AI will possibly do to the meaning of work  Page 18

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€4.5k extra likely for childcare

Parents of up to 80,000 children who use minders may benefit A total €4,500 a year for working parents of up to 80,000 children who use childminders could be on the cards if the Government fast-tracks a plan to support them, it has been claimed.

In a new report, Chartered Accountants Ireland calls on the Government to enable these parents to avail of State subsidies already on offer to

those with children in creches.

The report said this would also significantly increase the attractiveness of returning to work.

It says most childminders are not registered with Tusla, so parents who employ them do not benefit from National Childcare Scheme funding.

Based on subsidy rates available under the scheme, it says

a mother of two on €45,000 a year could save up to €4,500 a year.

The accountancy body calculates that a mother of two on an average annual wage of €45,000 who pays €24,000 a year for childcare is left with just €235 a week after paying taxes and childcare fees.

It said this makes returning to the workforce a “difficult

economic proposition”.

Chartered Accountants Ireland said expediting Government plans to enable parents who use childminders that are not registered with Tusla to access the National Childcare Scheme would give parents of up to 80,000 children easier access to subsidised childcare.

It notes that creche places are very difficult to get.

Cróna Clohisey, tax and public policy lead at Chartered Accountants Ireland, said she has had to rely on family help to provide childcare for her 18-month-old daughter and four-year-old son. Her husband works part-time.

“I feel lucky we haven’t had to go through the whole process of hiring childminders,” she said.

Irish exemption to be examined

The art’s a wonder for Ukrainians

An Oireachtas committee report seeking to end the Irish exemption system for secondary school students has been criticised by an advocacy organisation for people with dyslexia.

The report says the Department of Education should replace the current model with a system of exemptions from studying second languages in general.

The current system “falsely ­convinces school students” that learning Irish is “difficult” compared with other languages, according to the report.

However, the Dyslexia Association of Ireland said it is dismayed with the report, saying it “demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding about the needs of dyslexic students”.

Julia Kyzylishyna and Chrystyna Kyzylishyna at the premiere of Puffin Rock and The New Friends in Ukrainian at the Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin. Kilkenny’s Cartoon Saloon’s acclaimed animation has been revoiced featuring voices from the Ukrainian Community based in Ireland.

A casting call open to all Ukrainians in Ireland, regardless of experience, was shared with the Ukrainian community in Ireland in August of 2023, with more than 150 respondents for the 18 roles available.

PHOTO: Brian McEvoy

Two hostages freed as 274 are killed

Full story Page 6

Mum charged with death of son (6) The mother of Matthew Healy, Ruth Purcell Healy (37), of Bishopsfield, Williamstown, Waterford city, has appeared before a special sitting of Waterford District Court, presided over by Judge Kevin Staunton.

It followed her arrest earlier

by Detective Sergeant David Shore, of Waterford Garda station.

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The Chartered Accountants’ Supporting Working Parents report says that Ireland and Britain regularly feature among countries with the highest costs for full-time childcare across Europe.

The report finds that childminder care is the second most widely used form of paid non-parental childcare in Ireland.

She was charged at 6.35pm with the murder of her son, Matthew.

The six-year-old was found in the back of a car in the Rathmoylan area of Dunmore East, Co Waterford, on Friday, February 9.

In his evidence, Detective Sergeant Shore said that the accused was invited to reply to the charge put before her,

to which she replied: “No, thank you.”

The accused has been remanded in custody in Limerick Prison until her next court appearance via videolink on Tuesday, February 20.

Matthew was discovered unresponsive on the back seat of a parked car near Rathmoylan, outside Dunmore

East in Waterford. Despite desperate efforts by doctors to stabilise his condition, he was pronounced dead at 2am on Friday, February 9.

His funeral took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Watergrasshill, Co Cork, at noon on Valentine’s Day. His family said in a statement they are praying the

little boy will “fly with the angels”. Matthew’s death notice said that he would be sadly missed by his heartbroken father, James, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and his extended family as well as by neighbours and friends.

He was a student in senior infants at Faithlegg National School,

Israel freed two IsraeliArgentine hostages held by Hamas in Rafah in a ferocious rescue operation which killed 74 Palestinians in the southern Gaza city where about one million civilians have sought refuge from months of bombardments.

The mission by the Israeli military, the Shin Bet security service and a special police unit, freed Fernando Simon Marman (60) and Louis Hare (70), the military said. They were among 250 people seized during the October 7 raid by Hamas militants that triggered Israel’s war on Gaza.

Global Report Page 22

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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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

Maureen Mullins: a legend in racing Kilkenny’s renowned Maureen Mullins died peacefully at her home in Goresbridge on St Valentine’s Day aged 94.

Mother of perennial champion trainer Willie and Irish racing’s great matriarch, she died following a short illness.

Along with her late husband Paddy, also a multiple champion trainer who died in 2010, she leaves behind an indelible legacy through the remarkable exploits of their children and grandchildren.

Together they had a daughter and four sons who have cemented the Mullins name as synonymous with Irish racing.

Confirming the news of her death at home in Goresbridge on Wednesday morning, her son Tony said: “She died peacefully at home and I suppose that’s all we can all hope for. And she had a full life. She missed nothing. It is always a shock but it is nice that she didn’t suffer for long.”

Maureen Mullins had been one of the most familiar faces on a racecourse for the best part of seven decades having been a key cog in her husband’s long and distinguished training career.

More recently, she could be seen frequently attending the track accompanying her children and grandchildren, and she was still undertaking some official duties up to only a few weeks ago.

“She cut the ribbon to open the new weighing room at Gowran

Park in January and a couple of days after she came down with pneumonia or a flu, and she was in the house since,” Tony said.

“She was moving around with some assistance up to a few days ago so it was relatively peaceful, and people have been great here.”

As well as Tony, a former champion jockey, and Willie — her eldest son — Maureen was mother to Tom, George and Sandra.

Her grandchildren have continued the phenomenal tradition of the family with Patrick, the record-breaking amateur rider, multiple Grade 1-winner Danny, David, Charlie, Fiona and Emmet having all ridden winners.

In 2022, Emmet emulated his uncle Willie by becoming a Grand National-winning trainer when Noble Yeats landed the Aintree showpiece, six years after cousin David won the race on Rule The World for Mouse Morris.

Maureen Mullins was always recognised as being one of the driving forces behind the success of her husband, who trained Dawn Run to complete the unique Champion Hurdle-Gold Cup double in 1984 and 1986, and she excelled in many facets in the sport, including as an owner and breeder.

She also rode a winner at her local Gowran Park on board Razzo Forte in a race for wives and daughters of trainers in 1982.

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Residents ‘concerned’ over new asylum seekers The residents of Wallslough harbour inherent fears or concerns about asylum seekers joining their community, as they had previously welcomed 60 Ukrainians into Wallslough Holiday Cottages over a year and a half ago, owned by the local Hughes family.

However, according to a

statement released to The Kilkenny Observer, what has caused apprehension among the community is the substantial number of asylum seekers slated to move into the area.

A spokesperson said: “With approximately 50 families in the community, the prospect of accommodating

290 more asylum seekers in the Wallslough Equestrian Centre, also owned by the Hughes family, raises considerable questions.

“The ongoing transformation of the Equestrian Centre into an Asylum Seeker Accommodation Centre to house 290 individuals prompts concerns

about the resilience of local infrastructure and services,” the spokesperson said.

“Given that these resources are already stretched thin by accommodating 60 Ukrainians, the community is understandably apprehensive about their ability to absorb and sustain such a significant influx.

“Primarily, concerns revolve around the uncertainty for educational opportunities.

Wallslough lacks a local school, and nearby schools are at full capacity, having recently enrolled Ukrainian children.

“The absence of a sports club or GAA pitch poses challenges in socially inte-

Menopause on agenda Government tells O’Keeffe Kilkenny Menopause Consultant Catherine O’Keeffe has been told that the Government has commissioned research to look at how best to support people in the workplace with menopausal symptoms.

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman of was a guest on the popular podcast ‘The Menopause Uprising’, which is hosted by Catherine O’Keeffe, otherwise known as the Wellness Warrior.

Minister O’Gorman outlined that the research is part of the Government’s Women’s Health Action plan, which also deals with issues such as supporting people going through IVF, and establishing legislation surrounding surrogacy.

A Wellness Warrior ‘Menopause and Your Work’ survey showed almost four fifths of people still believe menopause is a taboo in the workplace, while half would like an in-house support group with colleagues. The top symptoms listed by people having difficulty in work because of menopause were brain fog, anxiety, loss of confidence and insomnia.

Minister O’Gorman ex-

plained the nature of the research currently underway: “Some of the issues that have come up in the course of our research are the need for basics in the workplace for people with menopausal symptoms, such as temperature control in an office, or having suitable material in a uniform. Other issues relate to the culture in a workplace – ensuring people are comfortable in going to their line manager to discuss their symptoms and needs.”

He told Catherine O’Keeffe that progress has been made in the area of supporting menopausal women in the workplace, but more needs to be done: “A lot of companies in both the public and private sector are already taking steps towards supporting people going through menopause in the workplace.

For now it’s about guidance, support, better information and setting out best practice in workplaces. I think we can achieve a lot for a large proportion of workers and employees through that.”

The conversation between Ms O’Keeffe and Minister O’Gorman on the Menopause Uprising podcast is now live, and can be accessed via www.wellnesswarrior.ie

grating asylum seekers into the community. We lack healthcare facilities, with no doctors or pharmacies.”

The spokesperson also said there was also an absence of a local shop in Wallslough, necessitating reliance on services and amenities located in Kilkenny City or nearby Bennettsbridge.

Animated delight: Cast members Anna Svidruk ,Varvara Husarova and Polina Vorobei pictured at the premiere of Puffin Rock and The New Friends in Ukrainian PHOTO: Brian McEvoy

Cartoon Saloon takes Ukrainians to art A Ukrainian version of the animated feature, Puffin Rock And The New Friends recently premiered at Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin. Produced

by Oscar© nominated Kilkenny animation studio Cartoon Saloon and Northern Ireland’s Dog Ears, Puffin Rock And The New Friends Ukrainian version will be made available for educational and non-commercial use across Ireland and Europe.

The Screen Ireland supported film provided a unique opportunity to collaborate and connect with the Ukrainian community in Ireland and across

Europe. The Ukrainian version is entirely voiced

by Ukrainian nationals that have relocated to Ireland. A casting call open to all Ukrainians in Ireland, regardless of experience, was shared with the Ukrainian community in Ireland in August of 2023, with more than 150 respondents for the 18 roles available.

Featuring a female narrator, Alla Bineeva, an experienced theatre and film actress living in Kerry to take on the role made famous by Chris O’Dowd The voice cast also features Anna Svidruk from Dublin playing Oona and Polina Vorobei from Cork

playing young Isabelle.

Director Jeremy Purcell said: “ We always tried to talk about Isabelle’s character in the simplest ways, for us she is an eight-yearold child moving to a new school or an eight-year-old child whose parents have to work away from home. We tried to focus on universal themes and experiences for our audience. But sadly in the world we live in, she is also an eight-year-old child forced to leave all they have known, not because of climate change but because her home has been destroyed by war.”

Speaking at the Premiere Désirée Finnegan,

Chief Executive, FÍs Éireann/Screen Ireland, said: “The film promotes themes of community and connection – it’s a wonderful, timely message for young audiences to connect with around the world.”

There were many new and exciting challenges on the project, not only was this the first time that Cartoon Saloon would take the lead creating a foreign language version of their films, a job that usually outsourced to the respective country. It would also be looking to fill all the roles from the newly arrived Ukrainian community.

350 local vacant social houses now back in use Green Party TD for Carlow Kilkenny and Minister of State at the Department of Housing Malcolm Noonan TD has welcomed figures released by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage which show that a total of 350 vacant social homes were

brought back into active use throughout County Kilkenny between the years 2014 and 2023 under the Voids Programme.

The figures also show that €5.3 million was spent renovating and refurbishing the homes, and that 2020 to

2023 saw more than double the amount of vacant homes brought back into use by Kilkenny County Council compared to the 2014 to 2019 period.

“Making more efficient use of existing housing stock is a cornerstone of Green Party

housing policy and a key action of the Government’s Housing for All plan,” Minister Noonan said.

“In this regard the Voids Programme is critical in supporting the Government’s wider efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction by assisting local

authorities to prepare vacant social homes for re-letting.

We can see from these figures it’s having a real impact on social housing supply.

“I really welcome the increased rate of delivery by Kilkenny County Council in the last few years. There were

106 social homes returned to use in the six years between 2014 and 2019, but as these figures show, that has more than doubled in the four years from 2020 to 2023, with 244 units being refurbished and re-let,” said the Green Party TD for Carlow Kilkenny.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Strangers in the plight that robs us of ourselves Over the course of – what was it? – weeks, months, perhaps only days, a stranger came to live among us.

He looked familiar, like someone I had once known and, yet, it was not he. He did not appear to recognise me.

Not a flicker. His eyes vacant, his stare unnerving, his overall countenance a shadow of what used to be.

Well, of course it was he.

Once the life and soul of the party, a decent hard-working man whose generosity was boundless, whose company was convivial, who liked his pint and who did not suffer fools easy, and would not be short of telling you to get off your horse and drink your milk.

Now, all those familiar traits and idiosyncrasies were lost, somewhere in the dark recesses of his brain.

Gerry, grandfather to my three children. Then 64. At 72, catatonic, unknowing and unknowable, he died of

septicemia, bed-bound due to his lack of mobility. It was, in effect, a long goodbye.

The first time I noticed a stranger among us must have been about 40 plus years ago when we knew little of such matters. That stranger reminded me of a woman I had once known. Her name was Dorothy, or, affectionately, Dor, a tall, graceful, elegant, dark-skinned woman who cut a glamorous look fashion-wise, her body forever adorned with

jewels of all carats and designs.

But the stranger only looked like Dor; like Gerry, a shadow of her former self. And, anyway, this stranger in her last days on this earth was aggressive and abusive, with foul expletives tripping continuously off her tongue.

Like Dor, the stranger who came among us about the time that Dessie started to disappear was extremely forgetful, a once strong, articulate and eloquent man who now needed constant minding, increasingly doing things out of character and often a danger to himself.

Incidents frequently tinged with comedic outcomes that proved embarrassing predicament when out in public among those who would have no inkling of his predicament.

His daughter, my friend, along with her ageing mother and adult siblings, looked after that stranger for six years, even down to his personal toilet.

Eventually he, now too unknowing change.

and living and unknowable, lost his ability to swallow and died of starvation.

Both here and in the UK implications of this disease are hugely significant, according to Prof Eamon O’ Shea, director of the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology (ICSG) at the NUI Galway.

“More than 25% of carers are themselves elderly, while 70% experience financial strain and two-thirds find the job of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s completely overwhelming at times,” Prof O’Shea says.

“It is time to recognise dementia as a major public health issue and make it a national health priority.”

Alzheimer’s and related dementia now affects some 58,000 people in Ireland but, due to our rapidly ageing population, that number is predicted to rise 104,000 by 2036.

Better nutrition and living conditions and advances in

medicine and technology means we are all living longer but so often that longevity comes with a price – the price of being struck down by an ailment that medicine has yet to adequately define and eliminate.

While rates have declined for most major diseases, including heart disease and stroke, in the last five years, Alzheimer’s

deaths have increased by 33%.

Prof Brian Lawlor, consultant psychiatrist for the elderly at Dublin’s St Patrick’s and St James’s Hospitals, says that, unless awareness of the disease is increased and the State funds research and innovation on cause, care and cure, Alzheimer’s will cause a major health crisis in the coming decades.

PAUL HOPKINS is the author of Affairs Of The Heart (And Other Writings), new from Monument Media Press, priced €14.99, described as a collection of stories to warm the emotions and light the soul. Available at select bookstores and from www.monumentmediapress.com

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 56

'Find something that connects you to nature'

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Instant bank transfers law Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said the adoption of the Instant Payments Regulation should force Irish retail banks to finally introduce instant payments in euro among Irish bank accounts, as well as to bank accounts in other EU Member States.

Mr Kelleher, a member of the Economic and Monetary

Affairs (Committee), was speaking after the regulation was adopted by the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“This piece of legislation aims to set an obligation on payment service providers to offer instant payments (no more than 10 seconds from approval of transfer) in euro in the whole EU. Thus, the

provision is also binding for European countries outside the Eurozone, paving the way for a truly interconnected European financial landscape at the service of consumers and businesses.

“Irish banks have dragged their feet on offering instant payments, to the detriment of their customers. It’s about

time they invested in whatever technology and staffing changes are necessary to allow Irish customers the benefits of instant transfers.

“In an era of digital transformation, instant credit transfers stand as a beacon of efficiency and convenience, paving the way for a seamless and interconnected European

financial landscape. Their swift execution and accessibility across borders empower individuals and businesses to conduct transactions with unparalleled speed and flexibility, fostering a more integrated and dynamic EU economy," he said.

“Crucially, payment service providers, including banks

and saving banks, will not be allowed to charge higher fees for instant credit transfers compared to traditional ones.

“This is an important legislative change and I would urge the Irish banks to move swiftly to ensure they start providing instant credit transfers to their Irish customers,” said Mr Kelleher.

Operatic star Sinéad to play lead role in Strauss' Salome Wexford native and Olivier Award nominee Sinéad Campbell-Wallace [pictured] is returning to the Wexford National Opera House in early March, singing the lead in a concert performance of Richard Strauss’ masterpiece, Salome.

One of Ireland’s biggest operatic stars, Ms Campbell-Wallace found her love of singing as a pupil of Sr. Mary Walsh in Loreto Wexford, and, in a dis-

tinguished career, has already been nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance as Tosca at the English National Opera.

She told The Kilkenny Observer: “This is huge, there’s more than 100 people in the orchestra, it’s a massive cast.

It’s thunderous, from start to finish an hour-and-a-half of almost heavy metal. I’ve wanted to take on this for role for years,"

Food safety has improved but cost of doing business another matter New research shows that consumers believe that food safety in Ireland has improved in the past five years, with some nine in 10 people considering food in Ireland safe.

Comprehensive industry and consumer research undertaken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) revealed today that overall food safety concerns by the food industry have also reduced due to what the industry perceives as robust regulations combined with their increased knowledge of food safety procedures and robust controls by food inspectors.

The FSAI national attitudinal research shows that the increased costs of doing business are cited by three in four (76%)

of food businesses as the top issue affecting the industry and this is followed by concerns over the availability of staff (46%).

The research also highlights that, despite increased confidence in Irish food being safe to eat, numerous food safety issues remain for food businesses.

Food allergens, food hygiene and handling, as well as food poisoning rank as the greatest food safety concerns for Irish food businesses, with over a third of food businesses listing these in their top three concerns.

Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State with Responsibility for Public Health, Well-being & the National Drugs Strategy at the Depart-

ment of Health said: “It is a matter of pride that Ireland continues to be a leader in food safety matters.

"Our science and evidencebased approach to food safety maintains the integrity of, and trust in, our food chain. It is reassuring that this new research shows that consumers believe that food safety in Ireland has improved in the past five years.

I applaud the FSAI for being proactive in undertaking this research – gauging industry and consumer priorities, and ensuring that our food safety systems are geared to meet our future needs, ” said Minister Hildegarde Naughton.

The FSAI undertook two comprehensive research surveys

with both industry and consumers to seek attitudes on food safety, sustainable food, and food safety regulation. Overall, there is strong confidence in food safety measures among industry and consumers, with the industry also acknowledging the importance of food safety regulations in Ireland.

Dr Pamela Byrne, CEO, FSAI, said the research indicates that there was a strong trust in food safety amongst both industry and consumers. She also acknowledged there was some debate about sustainable foodstuffs and a divergence in consumers believing in the need for more food sustainability, but this is not making an impact on their purchasing decisions.

Pupils, your Favourite Waterbody please Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is launching a photo competition in Kilkenny and nationwide entitled 'My Favourite Waterbody'. LAWPRO is a national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality across the country.

Speaking at the competition launch, Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at LAWPRO, said: “I

am delighted to launch this nationwide competition to find out the people’s favourite waterbodies.

Ireland is bountiful with iconic waterways and scenic landscapes, and we know how important these waters and wetlands are to people.

We want you to take part by submitting a photo of your favourite waterbody in Kilkenny to be in with a chance of winning a prize”.

The competition is open to anyone across Ireland,

entrants under 18 years of age must be submitted by a parent/ guardian. If your photo includes anyone aged under 16 years of age, only a parent/guardian may submit the content.

The overall winner will receive a €500 voucher for Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa in Co Wicklow along with an A3 framed print of your winning photo and there will also be regional prizes of framed prints.

The top photos will be featured in LAWPRO’s 2025 calendar and winners will receive a calendar along with their prize.

The closing date for entries to is 5pm on Friday, March 15. To enter the competition please email a photo to photocomp@lawaters.ie as an attachment along with your name, age, address and the location of your submitted photo.

For full competition rules and T&Cs visit: (lawaters.ie)

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Driving down death toll on our roads An increase in disregard for drink-driving laws and less traffic safety enforcement

by Gardaí have happened at same time as an increase in the number of fatal road traffic accidents. Hardly a coincidence, is it? Tragically the number of deaths on our roads rose last year to 184, up by more than 20%, while some other European countries, like Poland and Denmark, have reduced these sad statistics.

So often these sudden catastrophes cut short lives of young people, devastating families and local communities, begging the question as to what can be done to stop carnage which might have been avoided and where the figures for road deaths remain high year after year.

Too often these accidents happen at blackspots on

local roads, like the crash where three young people died and a fourth was seriously injured on a notorious danger spot in Co. Carlow recently. Surely, as these dangerous stretches of road are known work should be carried out to rectify the problem as a matter of urgency or, at very least in the short-term, warning notices and reduced speed limits should be in place. A national blackspot remedy programme would make sense, instead of spending on yet more cycle lanes and those problematic pointless plastic poles that are infesting our roads.

There is no secret about the top causes of road accidents;. they are speeding, driver age and lack of experience and driving under the influence. Speeding doesn’t always mean break-

ing the speed limit, driving conditions call for lower speed, something where being an experienced driver must surely count. And it’s a combination of inexperience and risk- taking behaviour in young men, like speeding, drink driving and not wearing a seat belt, that make them most at risk of accidents.

There have already been 20 roads deaths by the end of January: that’s 20 too many but there are some initiatives to help reduce the causes of accidents in the pipeline.

The Government have introduced legislation to reduce speeds on national secondary roads from 100km to 80 and on secondary roads from 80 to 60, together with mandatory drug testing and closure of road safety loopholes. Educa-

tion and awareness of road safety could help too, but the RSA (Road Safety Authority) had a €6m. request for extra funding for extra staff to counter road deaths refused last year. Maybe road safety booklets could include more information for drivers about risky conditions on the roads and better driver behaviour.

From my own observation of drivers over the years it seems to me that risky driving is most likely to happen on single lane local roads with a male behind the wheel. Statistics bear this out. Between 2018 and 2023 the highest number of deaths happened on rural roads, followed by regional roads while motorways are the safest. Men are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents, obviously partly because they drive more

miles than women and are more likely to be the driver.

Short of suggesting that women should do the driving and that young men should be set lower speed limits (I don’t see either of those suggestions getting much support!), other possibilities might include randomly calling young drivers in for driving tests or having a look at what makes Swedish roads and drivers the safest.

The Swedish Transport Administration have a policy called Zero Vision aimed at zero road deaths and there is much stricter observance of drink-driving rules, and also drivers believe they are more likely to be checked.

But it isn’t just down to drivers, car manufacturers could play a part too. We already have cars which warn us to buckle up, indi-

Love is in the air CLAIR WHITTY

Love is in the air, I don’t think we have to wait to celebrate love, happiness, and appreciation for each other until Valentines Day! We can celebrate any day we like. Here are some gift suggestions for someone you love.

Chocolates are always a great gift idea. Booa Booja Hazelnut Crunch chocolate truffles with sweet, roasted Italian nuts is one of our customers’ favourites. They are gluten free and suitable for vegans. I think they are a great choice.

Essential oils, candles, and

incense sticks are lovely gifts.

Elements Sensuality incense sticks are a popular one all year round. Or you could take a look at the lovely soya wax candles that are hand poured in Ireland. There are several scents to choose from including Self Love, the perfect choice for the season of love Or treat yourself to some Holos Anti-Ageing Facial Oil, it is gorgeous, your skin will look great and feel silky smooth. You can use in the day or night. Holos is an Irish brand and was our number one skin care product in 2023.

With organic Argan oil, rose, frankincense and palmarosa it’s perfect to smooth out fine lines and balance sebum levels in the skin.

Absolute Aromas Romance Massage Oil is the perfect

cate when there are freezing conditions. How about warning signals when the speed limit is being exceeded or something like a black box used in planes which would record driver behaviour and be checked

by Gardaí just as road tax, insurance and NCT is checked. There could even be a score kept for good driving.

The motor industry can be slow to respond. Look how long it took them to make cars less easy to steal – they still seem more interested in marketing the acceleration from 0 to 100 kph.

The era of autonomous self-drive cars is just around the corner. It’s early days to know whether or not they are safer than human drivers. If they prove to be though, it might be time to let go of the steering wheel. choice for a romantic evening.

It’s a blend of Ylang Ylang, Rose, and Jasmine to excite your senses, the perfect blend for a romantic massage. Burn some Sensual incense sticks to add to the atmosphere.

Healing crystals are popular and people sometimes ask me which crystal is the one to attract love. I always think of Rose Quartz as this crystal to use for self-love. We have to love ourselves before we can be loved, and working with this crystal will help in both areas. Rose Quartz is considered the most important love stone. It is a beautiful pearly pink colour and is associated with the heart chakra, rich in feminine energy, and compassion. It is used whether you want to heal old wounds or if you are ready to attract the love of your life.

Speaking of healing old wounds, if you have recently broken up with the love of your life and are heartbroken you could take flower remedy Star of Bethlehem. It may heal the sorrows of the heart and help you to cope a little bit better.

Let’s share the love this month.

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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SPECIAL REPORT

What you need to know about measles and the MMR vaccine Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed.

It typically starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after a person gets infected. The person will get a rash a few days later.

The illness usually lasts for seven to 10 days.

The symptoms are coldlike symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a cough sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above (fever), which may reach around 40 degrees Celsius small greyish-white spots in your mouth loss of appetite tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy.

Many people with measles also develop small greyishwhite spots in their mouths.

These appear before the rash and usually last for a few days. A rash appears around two to four days after the first symptoms and fades after about a week.

If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical advice. People are advised to phone prior to attending their GP, Emergency Department or other healthcare provider to inform them they have these symptoms.

To reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others, people should avoid: work, school or childcare for at least four days after they developed the measles rash. And also avoid contact with young children and pregnant women Statistically, if 1,000 people get measles, one or two will die; 50 will get an ear infection; 40 will get pneumonia or bronchitis; five will have convulsions and 160 will get diarrhoea Typically, one in 1,000 people will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain). For every 10 children who develop encephalitis, one will die and up to four will have brain damage.

One in 8,000 children under two years of age get SSPE (brain degeneration), which may be many years

after measles and is always fatal. One in 6,000 people will get a blood clotting problem.

The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination is the best way to protect people from measles.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are necessary to be considered fully vaccinated.

The first dose is given by a GP when a child is 12 months of age. The second dose is generally given by school vaccination teams when the child is in junior infants.

If a person is unsure if they or their child has received one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, they should contact their GP. A person can also request their vaccine records from the HSE. An MMR catch-up programme was launched through GP centres in November 2023, aimed at children and young adults who did not receive one or both doses of the vaccine.

Some GPs are also offering MMR boosters to older adults. A person should contact their GP for more information.

The HSE runs informa-

tion campaigns targeting migrants who may not have received the MMR vaccine (in a number of languages), as well as members of the Travelling and Roma communities.

The overall uptake of the MMR vaccine in Ireland in 2021/2022, the latest figures available, was 87.5%.

The WHO recommends a 95% uptake rate of the MMR vaccine to ensure herd immunity. Some people cannot be vaccinated – for health reasons, pregnancy, or if they are less than one year old – and rely on mass immunity among the general population.

The HSE said: “The importance of taking precautions to protect both the individual and the community from measles cannot be understated.

“While measles is preventable through vaccination, the virus spreads very quickly between people who are not vaccinated.

“It can have severe consequences, particularly for babies and vulnerable groups,” rhe HSE Spokesperson said.

A recent Irish study estimated that almost one-in-

HOW THE PANDEMIC DID NOT HELP The HSE’s taskforce on measles has said the pandemic may have contributed to a lower uptake of the measles vaccine.

Dr Lucy Jessop told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that, while most parents now have confidence in the vaccine, complacency about measles and the pandemic may be behind the recent low uptake of the MMR vaccine, which fights against the disease.

“I think in the main people now realise it’s a safe and effective vaccine,” she said.

“I think the current decrease in uptake is more to do with the Covid vaccine pandemic, maybe missing out on appointments.”

Dr Jessop said the alarm caused by the recent case shows how uncommon the disease has become due to the success of the vaccine.

There are currently nine reported cases throughout the country. There were four measles cases reported in Ireland in 2023, two cases reported in 2022, no cases in 2021, and five cases in 2020.

There were no deaths reported in any of those years. five males aged 18 and 19 are unvaccinated against measles.

The HSE spokesperson said some parents are or were hesitant to vaccinate their children “due to concerns about vaccine safety, often fuelled by misinfor-

mation”.

One of the reasons some people are reluctant to vaccinate their children is because of now widelydiscredited study from the late 1990s.

British doctor Andrew Wakefield published a

study in the Lancet medical journal in 1998 that linked the MMR vaccine to autism.

However, the findings were later disproved. In 2010, the study was retracted and Wakefield was struck off the medical register in the UK. In the past 30 years, more than 500 million doses of MMR vaccine have been given in over 90 countries.

“Experts from around the world, including the World Health Organisation, agree that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism,” the HSE spokesperson said.

“Numerous studies have proved that the vaccine is safe, however the misinformation may continue to circulate and can influence vaccine decisions.”

A decline in uptake rates may also be partially due to complacency.

There have been relatively few measles cases in Ireland in recent years because of the success of the MMR vaccine.

Due to the fact cases are rare, some people “underestimate the severity” of measles and choose not to get vaccinated or vaccinate their child, the HSE said.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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Theatre

BY GEOFF ROSE

On one of his many visits to Kilkenny to see productions of his plays, Jack Keyes Byrne (aka Hugh Leonard,) remarked that he felt like an imposter, when it came to the Theatre.

This from a playwright and author who had successfully won 4 prestigious ‘Tony’ awards on Broadway for his play Da in 1978.

Previously, he had the play rejected by the West End in London as being ‘too Irish’.

The play, a classic memory play, tells the semi-autobiographical story of a son haunted by his Irish father, who has just died. It is set in Dalkey in 1968, and times and places remembered, and its main character, an expatriate writer named Charlie Tynan, represents Hugh Leonard, who, like the character was adopted.

The play deals with warmth and humour with Charlie’s relationships with the two father figures in his life. “Da”his adoptive father, and Mr Drumm, a cynical civil servant who becomes his mentor.

The play went on to win Best Play, Best Actor, Best Direction, and Best Supporting Actor, leading Leonard to observe “Da, of course, is my favourite play”.

The play broke all box office records during its run on Broadway and elsewhere, and it continues to this day to be an exceedingly popular choice with audiences both here in Ireland and abroad.

A reserved and somewhat shy man, he nevertheless was very convivial company, and while in Kilkenny he answered the many questions asked of him, by the casts of the many productions staged here in the 1970s and 80s.

The history of Da, is one of many successes, and it has come to be Hugh Leonards

Author and playwright Hugh Leonard remarked that he felt like an imposter, when it came to the Theatre

A trip down memory lane as Hugh Leonard’s Da travels to Thomastown

The Patrick Pearse Motel, written by Hugh Leonard ,and performed by the New Theatre group Kilkenny. Included: Mike Kelly, Joan Landy,Tadgh McKeon, Tony Patterson, Donal O’Brien Paul Cody. Front: Ann Hurley , Hugh Leonard and Judy Falkner

best known play, it was made into a film with Martin Sheen, and Barnard Hughes in the title roles, with the Author himself playing a pall-bearer

in a funeral scene.

In a writing life that spanned 50 years, Hugh Leonard wrote 30 full length plays, 10 one-act plays, 3 volumes of essays, and

3 full length novels, as well as contributing a weekly column to the Sunday Independent, that were subsequently published in book form and

became best sellers.

His memoir Home Before Night was followed by Out After Dark, and among his many successful Television

Hugh Leonards play ‘A Life’ presented in Kilkenny in 1993. Cast included: Olive Morrissey, Liam Conway, Paul McCorry, and Geraldine Patterson. (photo Michael Brophy)

adaptations was James Plunkett’s, Strumpet City.

His film script for Widows Peak was filmed in Inistioge, Co Kilkenny, starring Mia Farrow, and Joan Plowright.

Hugh Leonard has left a lasting theatrical legacy that grows with each passing decade.

He passed away, peacefully in the Blackrock Clinic on February 12th 2009, aged 83.

He is survived by his daughter Danielle.

Lake Productions Kilkenny will present Da by Hugh Leonard at Thomastown Community Hall in March.

Cast includes: Joe Murray, Michael Hayes, Declan Taylor, Claire Henriques, Sean Hackett, Derek Dooley, Anne Murray, and Clare Gibbs. Ger Cody directs.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

So then customer, will that be card or cash?

Is cash on the way out? Last August in the UK, cash was in such short supply that the Treasury moved to protect public demand for physical money by announcing that banks would be fined for failing to provide free access to cash withdrawals for consumers and businesses.

Recently I went to the cinema and was not allowed to pay by cash, card only, and the other day I went to another place of business and was refused the facility to pay by card, cash only. So who was right? Both seemingly.

According to some on-line media streams you can demand the facility to pay by cash and the business must allow it – that is incorrect.

The consumer’s right to use cash “is rooted in contract law, ensuring that businesses must accept legal tender when offered by customers to settle debts which is in line with Article 128 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Council

Regulation no 974/9”.

What this means is if you have a debt and you wish to settle that debt using cash, the business entity cannot refuse to settle the debt in that that way and then sue you for your failure to pay your debt.

However, legally, businesses are allowed to refuse cash payments if its clearly stated before a purchase is made which seems to conflict with the Central Bank’s belief that cash plays a crucial role in meeting the financial needs of vulnerable populations and those not digitally active.

In the last 10 years we have witnessed a huge transformation in the way people pay for services. Traditionally the majority were cash transactions but there has been a huge surge in the adoption of electronic payments especially during Covid when people were reluctant to handle cash.

Despite the surge in electronic payments, cash continues to play a vital role in

the Irish payment system. Yet the banks seem not to want to deal in cash if at all possible. This is evident in the sale of ATMs to private operators; in 2018, Ulster Bank sold the ATMs they operated under the EasyCash brand to Euronet, while in 2020 Bank of Ireland also sold 700 non-

branch ATMs to Euronet and AIB more than 500 to Brinks.

These ongoing changes in the retail banking sector reflect broader challenges faced by the industry. For example AIB wanted to convert 70 branches to “cashless facilities” and sent us off to the Post Office to conduct

our cash business. They had to row back after a huge backlash from business groups, consumers, farming and rural organisations and politicians.

A comprehensive review conducted by the Department of Finance in 2022 highlighted 34 separate recommendations that needed to be addressed, including the use and availability of cash.

Finance Minister Michael McGrath confirmed plans to introduce new legislation aimed at protecting consumers’ access to cash.

A key aspect of this legislation involves oversight of independently-operated ATMs, which now make up about 60% of the ATMs in the country. These ATM operators are to be – and should have been – authorised and supervised by the Central Bank.

Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance Seán Fleming, says: “The Government wants a

healthy retail banking sector that delivers for the public.

To compliment the Retail Banking Review, the Credit Union Amendment Bill was published to help credit unions grow as a key provider of community banking and meet the challenges posed by the changing domestic banking environment.”

Ireland’s journey towards a cashless society is driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global trends.

As the Government works towards legislation to safeguard access to cash, it faces the challenge of balancing the convenience of digital transactions with the needs of diverse consumer groups.

The coming years will likely see continued efforts to strike a delicate balance, ensuring financial inclusion while embracing the benefits of an increasingly digital economy. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

News Science & Wellbeing The Courts and Tribunals Judiciary for England and Wales recently published guidance making clear that judges are allowed to use generative AI when preparing legal rulings, as long as they are careful about how they do it.

And if judges are going to do it (and it seems some very much do), when the very point of their job is to create legal rulings drawing on their experience and authority, it’s worth asking what AI will do to the meaning of work.

What do we mean by “meaning of work”?

AI optimists often point to how technology takes away boring tasks and frees people up to do more challenging and interesting work. The arrival of the word processor killed the typing pool but it didn’t render professional typists permanently unemployed.

But having a job isn’t the same as getting a sense of meaning from one. And, while money is a reward for work, it’s not necessarily what someone misses most if they lose their job, explains Eva Selenko, Professor of Work Psychology at Loughborough University in the UK. Instead, she says, it’s the sense of purpose and responsibility, and the ability to meet other people, that they miss. “It gives us a place in society, it gives us an identity. Many people tell me ‘work is not my identity,’ but work is part of who we are, whether we like it or not.”

And while Prof. Selenko sees benefits in AI doing parts of people’s jobs more efficiently, she says there is evidence to show that automation can have a serious effect on our sense of meaning at work. For example, a 2021 study by academics in Germany looked at financial consultants whose job was to talk to customers, collect information from them, and then approve or deny their loan applications.

They had full control over approval of a loan, drawing on their expertise and experience in the field.

When their employers installed AI software to automatically approve or deny loans with no way for a human to override the decision, the consultants’ role was essentially reduced to data entry and customer service.

cused their interactions with customers on other financial services through which they could offer more professional value. Meanwhile, less experienced consultants found the AI allowed them to become better at their jobs because they hadn’t yet become seasoned advisers who were good at doing it the old way.

So both groups shaped their work around the new technology to find new meaning.

2. Embrace the new rewards In some cases, jobs in the age of AI are likely to be just as rewarding, even if the work itself looks nothing like it used to. An example from recent history: libraries are very different places compared to what they were in the 1990s. When the internet went mainstream in the late 1990s, search engines transformed the role of librarians.

They went from experts in cataloging and retrieving information, to experts in helping people navigate the sea of information readily available to them. It’s not hard to find librarians who take pride in their work in this new environment. The world still needs them, they just need to do something different.

What AI will do to the meaning of work The study found experienced consultants felt threatened by the change, because it rendered them unable to help the customers with their creative problem solving skills.

All they could do was relay a decision from a computer.

The meaning they drew from that was their job was gone.

Replacing tasks with AI can destabilise workplace harmony, says Prof. Selenko.

“If certain tasks are replaced or supplemented, that can create stress, especially if you have been wedded to how you do things for a long time.

It questions ‘how do we do things here’ and it’s not very comfortable if you’ve been doing things successfully for a long time. So especially for people who are very committed to certain procedures and processes, this will be more difficult, I anticipate.”

Prof. Selenko also points out that some tasks are not very creative or rewarding but they are relaxing, and help rest your brain before you do something more advanced.

“The cheap cognitive tasks that you have to do, they’re actually good for you. Format-

ting your reference list is not necessarily very intellectual work, but it’s something that still needs to be done, and then you can turn to more creative, more in- depth work.

So the question is, how will people cope with not having to do the routine things anymore?”

With AI likely to embed itself into an increasing number of jobs in the near future, how do we — workers and employers alike — ensure that a sense of meaning is maintained? Feeling satisfied in a job is important for

teams, but it’s also important for leaders because unsatisfied workers are more likely to quit.

Here are a few possibilities for how this all shakes out: 1 Adapt to find new meaning When the financial consultants surveyed in the 2021 German study had the bulk of their job automated, some among the more experienced staff took the opportunity to minimise the amount of time they spent on the loan application. Instead they fo-

3. Amplify the human connection AI can be useful for increasing efficiency, but it can’t necessarily do the more ‘human’ parts of a role, which are harder to quantify. Rachel Happe, an organisational and business strategist, gives the example of a sales lead generation role, which could be both a numbers game of creating leads, but also require a level of human connection to help turn those leads into customers.

If it’s the human connection that gives your sales job meaning, you might find that ≠--even if AI puts you out of a job, employers will soon want you back because software simply can’t replace the intangible value of what you do.

“If your job is to interact with more leads, AI can replace that. You don’t even need to respond to emails now because of AI. What’s lacking in there is any kind of connection; that’s not what any metrics count,” says Happe.

Why we need some good shut-eye to think clearly If you’ve ever been seriously sleep-deprived, maybe after an international flight or staying up all night tending to a newborn, then you may already know how it can warp your perception.

Serious sleep deprivation changes how your mind works. “When we can experience extreme sleep deprivation, so this is like very little sleep for multiple days in a row, we can have hallucinations,” says Dr Jade Wu,

an internationally renowned sleep psychologist and author of Hello Sleep.

“We see things that aren’t there, and we’re hearing things that aren’t there.

There’s a general fuzziness in our ability to process our sensory input.”

Most of us are not sleepdeprived to the point of hallucination. The notion of a ‘one in three’ figure refers to the milder and more common types of sleep depriva-

tion resulting from one or two nights of poor sleep.

Even in these cases, however, sleep deprivation can warp your perception.

“When we sleep, part of what happens is that our brains make sense of the things that we have seen.

It makes sense of our emotions and how they relate to the things we have seen,” Dr Wu says.

“It gets rid of information that is not important and

keeps information that is important.”

If you get even a few bad nights of sleep, your brain will likely store memories differently. They get jumbled up. What should usually get dumped gets consolidated.

Your memory does curious things. For instance, a sleepdeprived brain might focus on or disproportionately remember negative or inappropriate emotions. A study from 2020 found that sleep-

deprived people are more likely to experience negative and intrusive thoughts.

Sleep deprivation can play tricks on your perception of time. “When you’ve had insomnia for a little while, then you start to have a distorted perception of time during the night,” Dr Wu says. “A lot of insomnia patients will think they’ve been awake for hours when they’ve really only been awake for minutes during

the night,” Dr Wu said.

It is remarkable how many of our higher faculties depend on a good night’s sleep. Not only are we more alert, but we tend to be calmer, more patient, and far more capable at a range of cognitive tasks. Sleep is even more structural than that.

The way we perceive reality and the way we process or calibrate our senses will all depend on getting some good shut-eye.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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Travel & Leisure 1. Hallstatt, Austria Hallstatt [main photo] lies deep in the Austrian Alps and is a must-see for its charming Alpine scenery.

The town is nestled between Hallstatt Lake and the steep Hoher Dachstein mountains.

The picturesque pastelcoloured houses against the breathtaking Hallstatt lakeside are full of antique charm. The intricate Alpine architecture, cobblestone streets, beautiful spring blooms, and the reflections on the lake look like they are straight from a storybook. The streets are lined with tiny and quiet artisan shops selling Austrian delicacies and souvenirs to bring home.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany Tucked in the heart of Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval gem that can transport tourists back in time with its well-preserved architecture, streets, and enchanting atmosphere.

Typically referred to as just Rothenburg, this is the perfect destination for travellers looking to indulge in Renaissance palaces, medieval fountains, and museums. Nearby is the mustsee Medieval Crime Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the town’s darker history, with exhibits on witch trials, torture devices, and medieval law enforcement.

3. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia Sidi Bou Said [pictured] is known for its white and blue ancient architecture and cobblestone streets, which perfectly blend Greek architecture and Tunisian heritage. This small town is called ‘Santorini’s Twin’ because of the blue and white buildings. Perched on top of a hill, Sidi Bou Said will let you enjoy out-of-the-world charm while taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Many rooftops would let you take in the sea in its full glory.

Sidi Bou Said is also lined with tiny art galleries and Museums you want to see.

While there, Museum Dar elAnnabi is a must-visit.

4. Cassis, France Cassis is a captivating gem that perfectly embodies the charm of the Provence region. It is difficult to resist the pastel-hued buildings lined down rocky cliffs while overlooking the azure waters. This fishing village is picture-perfect and an ideal destination for anyone looking to go back in time.

The beautiful castle that overlooks the small town is also a sight to behold. If you are into vintage life, you will fall in love with the vibrant yet intimate cafes, artisan boutiques, and buildings with cascading bougainvillea.

5. Giethoorn, Netherlands Giethoorn is also known as the ‘Venice of the North’ thanks to canals and quaint bridges throughout the small town. The canals are also

Ten hidden gems well worth a visit

lined with thatched-roof and antique cottages, maintaining the ancient allure you want to get a piece of. Watch out; while the cottages offer a rustic tranquility you wish to experience firsthand, they are people’s houses, not museums. Giethroon is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to go off-grid and return in time. To date, there are no cars that go to the area.

The only way to get around the village is by boats in the narrow canals, on foot, or by bike.

6. Bibury, England Located amidst the hills of the Cotswolds, Bibury is a small town renowned for its honeycoloured stone cottages and scenic countryside. It is the place to go to experience timeless English countryside charm. While in Bibury, take in River Coln, which gently meanders through the village.

The ancient stone bridges, The Arlington Row, which is a row of picturesque cottages that date back to the 17th century, are a must-see. Visiting the

nearby St Mary’s church, adorned with Norman Heritage and Gothic finishing, lets you plunge deeper into the village’s architectural glamour.

7. Eze, France Eze is a middle-aged village perched on a hilltop between Monaco and St Jean Cap Ferrat, overlooking the French Riviera. While the town’s antiquity is a sight to behold, the panoramic views of the Mediterranean it gives you are magnificent.

Characterised by its narrow

cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and scenic views of the Mediterranean, Eze is a gem any fairy-tale enthusiast will love. The attention to detail in this small town is unbelievably impressive. From the antique facades and iconic castles, Eze has so much to offer to the eyes. While there, watch out for Chapelle de la Sainte Croix and Mediterranean flora, such as the succulent cacti.

8. Colmar, France Colmar in the Alsace region resembles a village pulled

from a dreamy fairy tale with its well-preserved medieval architecture, colourful halftimbered houses, wooden floral boxes, and flower-lined canals. This small town full of Alsatian allure is perfect for any history and art lover who would love to look deeper into medieval architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks. While Colmar already has more than enough for tourists to indulge in, do not miss the boat rides in the ‘Petite Venise’ canals.

9. Gruyères, Switzerland Gruyeres lies on the lush green hills of Fribourg’s Swiss Canton. This small town’s fairy-tale beauty is dotted by traditional architecture, cobblestone streets, medieval charm, and a rich culinary heritage.

Perched on a hilltop, Gruyeres offers a stunning view of the Swiss countryside, famed for its beauty. Besides the views and historical charm this small town gives, the city has also maintained its eponymous cheese

production, a tradition the town has preserved for over 900 years. To take in the history allure, learn the cheese-making process and sample fresh cheese at Maison du Gruyere cheese factory.

10. Sintra, Portugal Sintra is renowned for its ancient, colorful palaces and romantic gardens, making it a dream for fairy-tale enthusiasts. Sintra’s most iconic landmark, Pena Palace, dates back to the 19th century and lets tourists take a deep dive into the whimsical architecture while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. On the other hand, the Moorish Castle enables you to get in touch with Portugal’s Islamic history as you take in its ancient towers and views over the Atlantic.

The charming cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and cafes only add to the already enchanting ambiance of Sintra, just a short drive from Lisbon.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Some thoughts at being 70 – or thereabouts!

And so I have reached the venerable age of 70. Plus vat! Was going to write the venerable OLD age of 70 but, as everyone knows, 70 isn’t old anymore. Everyone knows that 70 is the new 60!

Being 70 may also be the age when you delude yourself. About your age! Bottom line is, I have reached the biblical age of three score and 10 (and then some) and here’s a thought, a biblical one as it happens, from Matthew 5.5: “And the Meek shall inherit the earth.”

And, because I am not impressed with capitalism, communism, socialism and most isms, I rather like the sentiments of Matthew 5.5. Except, it’s taking a long, long time to come to pass. Furthermore, at the rate we are abusing the planet there may not be an earth to inherit by the time the Meeks’ moment comes around.

And then – another thought. Should the Meek inherit the earth would we end up with yet another ism – Meekism! Which would not augur well for the survival of the species. When the aliens arrive (and they will before the Meek inherit the earth) and Meekism is running the show sure we’ll all just stand around like sheep, bleating pathetically and beating our breasts in submission. So, scratch Meekism. Bah humbug to that.

At 70 plus one knows one’s own mind (we would hope), what we like, who we like and why we like them. What I still like is a fillet steak, medium rare, surrounded by a crop-circle of onions and a mound of mashed spuds with a dollop of real butter. Bad for the cholesterol, of course, which is why I’m on the tablets.

It’s damn difficult to hit

70 without having a collection of pharmaceuticals, of some sort or other, on your bedside locker.

As for what I like in people – I like, I love, warmth, kindness and generosity, generosity of spirit, people with a giving, caring heart. I also like a sense of humour but kindness, warmth and generosity trump most qualities (for me). Another quality that I very much admire is compassion. I admire compassion possibly for selfish reasons; perhaps someday, or night, or early morning (3 am. most likely) I may come knocking on someone’s door in need of solace, a stiff drink or a bed. Possibly all three!

I’d like to think that I would not be turned away. I would also like to think that I would not turn anyone away. It did happen a few times with someone I knew.

And I didn’t turn him away.

But when it became a habit I called a halt. My compassion, I regret to say, is limited. Compassion is fine

The age when you delude yourself about being your age..

in theory but decidedly difficult in practice. Which is why I rate it so highly.

And what do I dislike in people? Oh, I’m far too mellow and mature to go there. Oh no, I’m not. I dislike, abhor actually, the sweet-smiling, soft-spoken, gossip who pours poisonous words into peoples’ ears and slips the blade of envy into their backs with the precision of an assassin.

I dislike the snide, the smug, the smarmy, the judgemental and the righteous (who always know the right thing to do – for them). Nor can I abide mean people; people who are ‘as tight as a gnat’s arse’ and who wouldn’t give you the steam off their youknow-what, to quote my father. I dislike the vengeful, the venomous, the toxic, and I had better stop as I’m beginning to sound like a grumpy old septuagenarian

(which perhaps I am!).

Actually that’s a species I don’t much care for either – grumpy old men.

And grumpy old women.

Grumpy people. Full stop.

Apart from those dislikes I pretty much love everyone!

As for politics, many politicians, including members of the Government, are half my age which scares me. Hopefully they possess more sense than I did at that age and a lot more wisdom which I am meant to have in abundance now as wisdom, or so they say, comes with age. But what’s this else they say: sometimes age comes along all on its own!

Finally, do I feel old? Well, I’ll put it like this: I feel guilty when parking in an Age Friendly parking spot which I am perfectly entitled to do (but don’t).

Guess I don’t feel 70, or thereabouts, after all!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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News

Call for submissions Kilkenny poetry broadsheet issue 24 Kilkenny County Council Arts Office is delighted to announce their annual call out for submissions for the twenty fourth issue of the KILKENNY POETRY BROADSHEET. The aim of the publication is to give Kilkenny writers, born or based in Kilkenny, a platform for their work. We are thrilled to have James Harpur as this year’s editor. Last year over fifty writers answered the call out for submissions, sending in 105 poems for consideration.

Twelve poems were selected

by Editor Afric McGlinchey for publication and a further ten poets were shortlisted.

Following publication, the Broadsheet is available free throughout the city and county via the library branches and other venues.

Closing date for receipt of submissions is no later than 4pm on Friday 29th March 2023 For details on how to submit work to the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet visit the Kilkenny Arts Office website at: https://kilkennyartsoffice. ie/kilkenny-poetrybroadsheet-open-call-forsubmissions-issue-2024/

James Harpur has published eight books of poetry, including The Examined Life (2021), a verse memoir of his time at boarding school. He has also published a debut novel, The Pathless Country, set in Galway, Dublin and London in the years leading up to the 1916 Rising. It was winner of the JG Farrell Award and shortlisted for the John McGahern Prize. He is a member of Aosdána and lives in West Cork. You can visit his website at: www.jamesharpur. com

Full Day Workshop: POETRY AND MEMORY Date: Saturday 16th March

2024 Time: 10.00am - 4.30pm Location: Butler House, Kilkenny Bookings: Email: deirdre.southey@ kilkennycoco.ie or phone 0567794547 Deadline for bookings: Monday 12th March Cost: €15 The Arts Office has organized with Broadsheet editor James Harpur to run a special full-day workshop prior to the poetry submission deadline. This will be a day to experiment and delve into the past and re-create memories into poems. In the morning we will look at poems associated with childhood and the ‘golden age’ of innocence and discuss what details we remember from our own pasts and what makes them so luminous.

The workshops are open to all writers, from those beginning their poetic journeys to those who are more experienced and have been published. What is important is an open heart, an open mind, and the willingness to have a go!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

Global Report

Hamas, whose name stands for Islamic Resistance Movement, wants to create an Islamic state in place of Israel.

Hamas rejects Israel’s right to exist and is committed to its destruction. Hamas became the sole ruler of Gaza after violently ejecting political rivals in 2007. It has an armed wing and was thought to have 30,000 fighters before the start of the war.

Hamas has justified its attack as a response to what it calls Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.

These include security raids on Islam’s third holiest site – the al-Aqsa Mosque, in occupied East Jerusalem – and Jewish settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.

Hamas also wants thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israel to be freed and for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel and Egypt – something both countries say is for security.

It has fought several wars with Israel since it took power, fired thousands of rockets and carried out other deadly attacks.

Israel has repeatedly attacked Hamas with air strikes and sent troops into Gaza in 2008 and 2014.

Hamas, or in some cases its armed wing alone, is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the US, the EU, and the UK, among others.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as condemned the “appalling” attacks by the militant group.

Iran backs Hamas with funding, weapons and training.

Israel immediately began a massive campaign of air strikes on targets in Gaza, in response to the Hamas attack mom October 7 last.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s aims were the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages – of which 32 are now confirmed dead.

Israel launched a ground invasion three weeks later. It has also bombarded Gaza from the sea.

Attacks were initially focused

What Hamas is and why it is fighting Israel Your guide to the history behind the Palestine conflict on northern Gaza, particularly Gaza City and tunnels beneath it, which Israel said were the centre of military operations

by Hamas.

All 1.1 million people living in the north were ordered by Israel to evacuate south for their safety.

Following a temporary truce in late November, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was extending ground operations to southern Gaza.

Troops reached the heart of the second biggest city, Khan Younis, where the IDF said it believed top Hamas commanders were hiding.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced people from the north were forced to move further south. The IDF also pushed into refugee camps in central Gaza.

More than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed, and tens of thousands injured by Israeli strikes since the start of the war, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

It says most were women and children.

The IDF says it has killed about 9,000 Hamas fighters, in addition to more than 1,000 of the attackers inside Israel.

It has not said how it came to this figure.

Israel says more than 200 of its soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

Homes and other buildings in Gaza have suffered from extensive damage and destruction.

What Gaza’s death toll says about the war At least half of Gaza buildings damaged or destroyed, new analysis shows Israel cut off supplies of food, water and fuel, to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. It led to severe shortages among Gaza’s population.

Israel has since allowed in humanitarian aid, medicines and limited amounts of fuel.

However, the amount of aid getting into Gaza is well below pre-war levels.

The UN has accused Israel of obstructing the delivery of aid, while Israel has blamed the UN for problems.

In mid-January, the UN de-

scribed the situation in Gaza as “horrific”, with shelters overflowing, and food and water running out. It warned of a growing risk of famine.

Gaza’s health system is in a state of collapse. Only 16 out of its 36 hospitals are partially open.

They are overwhelmed by the huge number of injured and are struggling with shortages of staff, medical supplies, food, fuel and water.

The Gaza Strip is a 41km (25mile) long and 10km-wide territory between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. Previously occupied by Egypt, Gaza was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.

THE HOSTAGES Most of the 250 men, women and children abducted by Hamas were civilians.

They included elderly people and those with disabilities and medical conditions. The youngest was nine months old.

In Gaza, Hamas hid them in tunnels and fighters’ homes. Unconfirmed reports suggest some have been held by other militant groups.

During November’s truce, 105 hostages (81 Israelis and dual nationals, and 24 foreigners) were released in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Four hostages had previously been freed by Hamas and one rescued by the IDF. Three hostages were accidentally killed by Israeli troops who mistook them for Hamas fighters.

Latest reports say 32 has now been killed.

Israel withdrew its troops and about 7,000 settlers from the territory in 2005.

Home to 2.2 million people, it is one of the world’s most densely populated places.

Just over three-quarters of Gaza’s population are registered refugees, or descendants of refugees, the UN says.

Israel controls the air space over Gaza, its shoreline and its shared border, and limits the movement of people and goods.

The West Bank and Gaza are known as the Palestinian territories.

Along with East Jerusalem and Israel, they formed part of land known as Palestine from Roman times until the mid20th Century.

In 1948, part of Palestine became Israel, which was recognised by the UN the following year.

The West Bank – including East Jerusalem – and Gaza are recognised as Palestine by many countries and bodies, although it does not have UN member status.

Those who do not recognise Israel’s right to exist refer to all of the West Bank, Jerusalem, Gaza and Israel as Palestine.

The UN considers the West Bank and Gaza as a single Israeli-occupied territory.

However, the two areas are run by rival Palestinian administrations.

The West Bank is governed with limited self-rule by the Palestinian Authority (PA),

under President Mahmoud Abbas, and Israel has overall control. The PA officially recognises Israel. Hamas, in Gaza, does not recognise Israel.

The future of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is one of the most difficult issues of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

An internationally backed plan for peace is known as the “two-state solution”.

It would mean an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

This Palestinian state would exist alongside Israel.

Israel’s most important ally, the US, sees a two-state solution as the way forward once the Gaza war ends.

A two-state solution is also formally supported by the PA. However, since 1967, Israel has built about 140 settlements housing some 700,000 Jews in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The settlements are regarded as illegal by most of the rest of the world, though Israel disputes this.

The PA insists all settlements must be removed as part of any future peace deal.

The idea of a two-state solution has never been officially advocated by Israel, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his opposition.

He says Israel must retain full security control over the West Bank and Gaza.

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News

Kanopy: Kilkenny Library’s new springtime streaming service Kilkenny County Council Library Services are trialing a new streaming service called Kanopy, which will provide library members with access to hundreds of fantastic online movies and documentaries absolutely free.

Kanopy hosts an extensive array of feature films from all genres, including Drama, Comedy, Thrillers, Action and Adventure, Science-Fiction, Horror, etc. It also has a wideranging collection of hit TV shows from which to choose, such as the excellent crime series Luther, starring Idris Elba, or the hilarious comedy series Shakespeare and Hathaway.

For film connoisseurs, Kanopy includes an eclectic array of World Cinema, Indie and Art House gems, such as Michelangelo Antonioni’s iconic masterwork ‘L’Avventura’ (1960), or Alejandro Jodorowsky’s surreal cult classic ‘The Holy Mountain’ (1973). The Classic Cinema catalogue will whisk you away down memory lane in the exalted company of film legends from the golden

era like Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Barbara Stanwyck and Humphrey Bogart.

The Kanopy platform also includes an inciting collection of documentaries on a broad range of topics, from politics to popular science.

LGBTQ cinema options are available, along with silent films, Sundance and Cannes film selections, and even instructional videos in all major subject areas.

An assortment of familyfriendly titles will ensure wholesome entertaining nights-in, while Kanopy Kids is not only enjoyable but supports early literacy.

“Whether you simply

want to dip your toe in, or submerge your senses, catch that movie you missed or revisit an old favourite, Kanopy truly has something for everyone” comments executive librarian Sophie Walsh.

With and easy-to-use interface that can be streamed on a range of devices including laptop, desktop, TV, tablet or phone; and a wealth of titles carefully selected from all the major studios, Kanopy is a visual feast for film fans and fanatics alike.

Start your cinematic streaming odyssey today by visiting: kilkennylibrary.ie

Exciting times ahead for the Butts

Kilkenny County Council have been successful in securing funding to prepare a comprehensive regeneration plan for the Butts area, in Kilkenny City.

The Butts Community is one of the oldest, estate type communities, in Kilkenny City and was built at a time when families didn’t have cars, work was close by and large rear gardens grew vegetables. If constructed today it would most likely be designed very differently to meet the requirements of modern family living.

The need to review fully the structures, services and amenities in the Butts Area has been raised by residents and local elected representatives for many years and officials of Kilkenny County Council submitted a proposal to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for funding to carry out a detailed assessment of the area and to engage fully

with residents to determine what measures could best benefit the community now living there.

Funding in the amount of €850,000 has been made available to prepare a detailed plan of actions for the Butts Area Regeneration and preparations to begin that process are under way.

Welcoming the funding announcement Mayor Joe Malone commented: “This is a unique opportunity to do a detailed analysis of the views of people, the needs and opportunities in the area and

to prepare plans to deliver real change for the Butts.”

An outline of the process to be involved in the preparation of a plan for the Butts Area Regeneration was provided to the elected members of Kilkenny Municipal District on Friday and engagement with residents will commence as early as possible. This exciting project will be led by the Town Regeneration Officer, Annette Fitzpatrick and will represent a community engagement project supported by design and planning to deliver real town centre first regeneration.

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Theatre

Chaos galore as Open Door present Benfield farce Laois Open Door theatre are all set to bring their Spring production ‘Flying Feathers by Derek Benfield to the wonderful Thomastown Community Hall on February 24th When Chief Constable Henry Potterton and his sister arrive at the peaceful country house of their late, lamented brother Bernard, they are astonished to find several scantily clad ladies wandering about.

During Bernard's visit to a religious commune, his housekeeper turned the place into a "house of sin" and now she hastily tries to hide the truth.

This leads to hilarious comings and goings, and when Bernard turns up alive, the household is thrown into further chaos.

GOOD RECORD Laois Open Door Theatre, formed in 2000 and based in Portlaoise, is an amateur drama group that has played an important part of the Laois cultural scene for many years.

It has staged many excellent theatrical productions ranging from serious drama such as ‘Eclipsed’ by Patricia Brogan Burke to the dark comedies of Martin Mc Donagh such as ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ and ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’ to name but a few.

This season’s production is the hilarious farce “Flying Feathers”

by Derek Benfield.

The play is set in the country

residence of the late Rev. Bernard Potterton who had gone to join a religious commune in Scotland.

In his absence the new housekeeper Mrs Winthrop has used her initiative in a “creative manner” and has adapted the residence to meet “the needs” of her male visitors resulting in hilarious confusion when Bernard’s brother Henry, a Chief Constable, arrives unannounced with his sister Sarah.

This leads to hilarious comings and goings and when Bernard turns up alive the household is thrown into further chaos. Following on from their wonderful reception in Thomastown Community Centre last year with the comedy ‘It’s the real McCoy’ they are eagerly awaiting their visit there on Saturday February 24th @8pm.

It has the makings of an evening of light hearted entertainment guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The cast is as follow: Sarah Potterton: Gemma Mahon Henry Potterton: Aaron Shiel Mrs.Winthrop: Caroline Larkin Polly: Sarah O' Sullivan Debbie: Roisín Byrne Sally: Jane Doheny Roger Featherstone: Dermot Muldowney Mr.Tunnicliffe: Michael CreagVisitor: Kieran Brosnan Director: Eadaoin O'Connell

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

Opinion

Old time fun and games

Dancing Lancers in West Street

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Over the decades of the twentieth century, Callan exiles in New York and other American cities spoke sadly and thoughtfully of another time and place…out of sight but not out of mind… They cast their minds back to when they danced lancers in the middle of West Street.

Some of them recreated these funfilled episodes from the “Old Country”, especially at weddings and birthday parties. Platform dancing had been a highpoint of the craic that brought Callan to life once a year.

It all started back in 1924, when Martin Kelly encircled himself at the gate of the Co-op Creamery with other residents of the street he was born in. He had an announcement to make. Adults and children flocked to him to hear of his new brainwave: He suggested the organising of annual offbeat sporting events in West Street.

He cast a spell over the large assembly as he explained his grandiose yet perfectly down to earth vision of a street animated by open-air competitions and fun activities.

Next day, Martin gathered together a few of his pals from the street to form an ad hoc committee: Peter Roughan, Martin Holden, Pat Bergin and Jimmie Robinson.

The first meeting to plan strategy was held in Pat Bergin’s comfortable and spacious ass and cart, which was anchored outside the entrance to the Creamery.

In the course of the fivehour intensive negotiations and deliberations (the ass had to be fed three times during the meeting), the Committee decided that a

Part five

Callan Camogie team 1938 Back Row: Peg Hennessy, Kit Cahill, Peg Costello, Nan Kelly, Biddy Kelly, Marie Gettings.

Middle Row: Biddy Roche, Nan Roche, Rita O Malley, Minnie Hoyne.

Front Row: Annie Healy, Vinnie Hoyne

variety of sports events would be staged; and that the actual sporting grounds would consist of the street extending between the two Creamery gates.

The local “young lads” would be assigned to collect money to establish a prize fund.

Within days, Callan teemed with collectors, all hoping to swell the coffers of the West Street Sports Committee. The fund-raisers worked hard: Like most other people in the town, they wanted to see nice prizes for the winners and runners-up in the forthcom-

ing events. Martin Holden (father of Peggy HoldenWalsh, who later resided at Canon Kennedy Court) acted as Treasurer.

Martin Kelly’s eyes lit up with relief and excitement when the children flocked to his house with the result of their Quest: To his amazement, they had gathered a staggering twenty-five shillings. They presented the sack of halfpennies to Martin, who relayed the good news to the committee.

He thanked them profusely…the obliging youngsters who went out of their way to

support the planned festival of novelty games: Prominent among them were the Crokes, Healys, Holdens, Robinsons, Hogans, Ryans, O’ Neills, Keeffes, and Griffins… family names that once dominated the vigorous and hearty social landscape of that part of town.

A list of sporting events was drawn up and a “programme” advertising the fun and games was nailed to the electric light pole that stood outside Martin Kelly’s house.

The big day came and went.

It delighted town and country folk of all ages. Though Kells pipers band in Bridge Street

Ballyline team 1938 Picured are: Back Row: Mick Coonan, Harvey Gyles, Micksy Connell, Billy Kirwan, James O’ Neill, Phil Cahill, John Walton, Jimmy Giles, Paddy Cahill, John Nolan, Paddy Cuddihy.

Middle Row: Thomas O’ Neill, Paul Giles, Dick Cahill, John Donnelly, Des Fitzgerald, Thomas Larkin, Peter Kearney.

Front Row: Jimmy Cahill, Tom O Shea, Paddy Larkin, Bob Woodgate

successful, Martin and his group felt that the following year’s event should be more imaginative, challenging, and entertaining.

Running was fine, they agreed, and the Egg and Spoon races had a lot going for them…as indeed had the sack races, a turkey plucking competition and the much hyped “Throw a Turnip at the Scarecrow” Tournament… but the event lacked a “bit of gizz” according to Martin Kelly, and this, he advised, could best be injected into the proceedings by encouraging folks to “step it out”.

It did not need to be strictly Irish dancing, Peter Roughan opined…just anything that would liven up the street should fit the bill. Musicians were approached…and there was no shortage of them in Callan.

To be continued...

(More stories of those bygone times can be read in my book Callan in Words and Pictures, which is available from Amazon)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

Clogh Writers Group

In November of 2023, Clogh Writers group launched ‘Where I am’, a collection of poetry and prose from eleven different writers.

As co-ordinator of the writers group Jane Meally said: “Where I am” is a publication where each writer communicates their passion to the reader.”

Having attended the launch in Clogh, The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper was quite taken with not only the publication, but the work ethic of the writers group. Over the next 11 weeks we reproduce some of that work, and are delighted to work hand in hand with this North Kilkenny writers group.

WEEK 2 : This week we feature the work of Kevin Dowling

Days Like This On days like this when sun smiles and laughter fills the air with song it’s easy forget there will be times when tears flood your eyes, when you dread the phone’s shrill call or a midnight knock brings trouble. So, remember this well, fill your heart with treasure to bring out when most needed, for on days like that you will not recall days like this.

Kevin Dowling

Ghost Story On a night brilliant with stars wind wrapping ‘round you like a shawl You pass the tree huddled lane forbidding even in daylight.

A movement catches your eye of which you will never speak.

That path guarded by a headless dog, neighbours whisper.

Stories shyly shared like best china brought out when visitors call.

That Halloween story forgotten,‘til a bright Saturday morning you claimed a black dog lay under the table while you smiled indulgently at my attempt to chase it out.

Kevin Dowling

Pheasant Season My mother reared pheasants for the local club, feeding them grain for the coming season.

Hearing her voice, they’d follow her across the yard, almost pets. Months later they’d return, nesting nearby. When November came, she’d shoo them, safe into their old pen.

After my father returned late and empty handed from the hunt, she’d ask, ‘Any luck?’

When he smiled, shaking his head out she would go to let them loose. ‘The poor wee chicks,’ she’d say and they both laughed, watching as they tumbled out, chirping in the cool night sky.

Kevin Dowling

Sunday Records

Two Left Feet

Sunday mornings after Mass, while we watched ‘the big match’ in glorious grainy black and white, Anne came over, a treasure of records under her arm.

Mother whooshed us out to play as you chatted over tea and old songs. Later you danced across the kitchen, giggling ‘excuse me’ as you bumped the table, and the record would skip, its small voice trapped ‘til you teased the needle back into the well-worn groove.

Turning up the volume, the lilt of Larry Cunningham beautiful in the grey London sky.

(learning to dance) We gathered in a draughty hall. ‘Left, right, left, sweep the feet, turn.’

The instructor marched me down, then back Wagon Wheel repeated over and over, his fixed smile struggling to be patient, both my left feet finding it hard, the command from head to leg not yet natural.

We started with foxtrot, then waltz, then more, dances feeling easier as night wore on.

‘Don’t forget to smile,’ he said. I smiled forgetting myself.

‘Mind her feet, don’t look down.’

Later as we tidied up the teacher smiled. ‘You’ll get there yet, see you next week.’

I never quite made it, never became graceful, more duck than swan though sometimes I surprise myself.

I have great friends from those winter nights and we often laugh at remembered stories but that song still haunts me.

Kevin Dowling

Kevin Dowling

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

COMPETITION TIME

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WITH

The Kilkenny

Observer

Red Mills Race Day and Style Event FEBRUARY 17TH 2024

WIN a €300 voucher SPONSORED BY THE KILKENNY OBSERVER

Connolly’s Red Mills have sponsored this much loved race meeting for over 40 years, and the Style event which was added in recent years is a wonderful opportunity to get all dolled up and be in with a chance to win some pretty amazing prizes.

The Kilkenny Observer are holding a competition to mark this great occasion.

The prize is a €300 voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Store at Cillín Hill, Kilkenny.

Just complete the entry form below with your details and answer to the competition question to be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize. You will have the opportunity to shop at Connolly’s Red Mills Store who feature brands such as Schoffel, Fairfax & Favor and Dubarry.

Good luck everybody.

✁ COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

Name .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mobile.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Email....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Question: What date is Connolly’s RED MILLS Race Day 2024?

Answer..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HOW TO ENTER COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM ABOVE YOU CAN DELIVER THE COMPLETED ENTRY FORM BY POSTING OR DROPPING IN TO, THE KILKENNY OBSERVER, UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY

Competition Rules 1.

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7.

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This competition is sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer The prize will be a €300.00 Voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Store at Cillín Hill The closing date for entries is Wednesday, February 28th 2024 at 5.00pm.

The winner will be chosen by an open draw held at the office of The Kilkenny Observer on Friday 1st March 2024.

After being notified the winner will be announced in our edition of March 8th.

The prize is non-transferable; no cash equivalents may be claimed. .

All competition entries must be completed on the above form only.

The winner will be advised by phone / e-mail .

After being notified the name and photograph of the winner will be published in the next edition of The Kilkenny Observer.

Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering the competition.

The competition is not open to The Kilkenny Observer employees or their families.

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News

A powerful choice!’ St. Patrick’s Day parade Kilkenny Grand Marshall 2024 It’s that time of year again, the days are getting longer, and we are marching towards St. Patrick’s Day; a celebration of all the best parts of our culture and our community here in Kilkenny City.

With preparations in full swing for our festival and Parade, just one question remains Who will lead this year’s parade? And so, without further ado, the St. Patrick’s Festival Team would like to announce that the Grand Marshall for this year’s Parade is…. Richie Power!

Carrickshock and Kilkenny hurling legend and one of the County’s best loved sons, Richie Power is a modern hurling icon with almost unparalleled success at both club and county level. His achievements include 8 All-Ireland Senior Medals, 2 All-Stars, 9 Leinster Titles, an All-Ireland intermediate club medal with his beloved Carrickshock, 2 Railway Cups and 2 All-Ireland Minor Medals. The list goes on.

Described by his teammate Jackie Tyrell as “A Genius”, Power was the most feared centre-forward in the country

for well over a decade, terrorising his opponents and thrilling the Kilkenny faithful with his fearless style

of hurling. A persistent knee injury forced him into early retirement in 2018, but it’s fair to say he left nothing out

there on the pitch. Richie has now moved on to the world of coaching, having led his own club and recently being

announced as the manager of Wexford Hurling Club T Shelmaliers.

In recent times, Richie has made headlines with his celebrated memoir- “Power, a Family Memoir’, co-authored with journalist Dermot Keyes, which was launched in front of a huge attendance in Langton House Hotel in November. The story of the successes of his Dad, Richie Snr., and his brothers Jamie and John, is a searing insight into the highs and lows of his sporting and personal life. It outlines his and his family’s struggles and mutual support with his gambling addiction and this story was also at the heart of a wonderful edition of ‘Laochra Gael’, the flagship sports programme on TG4.

One reviewer said, ‘Their story is truly inspirational on every level, and deals with triumph and the more difficult times in life’.

Announcing the selection of Richie for the role, Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District and Chairperson of Kilkenny’s St Patrick’s Festival Committee, Cllr.

Joe Malone said “Richie is the perfect man to lead this

year’s parade, not only as a fearless leader on the pitch, but off the pitch too. As someone who has spoken so honestly and publicly about his own personal demons, his confrontation of them and his victory over them, Richie Power is the kind of role model we all need today.”

Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, Tim Butler said “The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the centre piece to our festival and will take place on Lá le Pádraig, March 17th at 1.30pm when Richie Power will lead over a thousand parade participants, visiting Mayors and Dignitaries through the City. We are honoured that he has accepted this role and his selection is very much in keeping with the overall theme for this year's Parade “Kilkenny Cats: Tales and Legends”.

With history and stories from witches and cats to Tudors and castles and present-day legends in sports stars, musicians, artists, and community leaders. Kilkenny has it all and communities are encouraged to come out and join in this year’s parade.”

New plaques highlight additional section of Kilkenny’s City Walls New information plaques have been installed at five sections of Kilkenny’s City Walls. These tasteful signs are part of Kilkenny County Council’s strategy to highlight our heritage, and provide information for local people and visitors about the former medieval city walls.

Co-funded by the Heritage Council’s Irish Walled Towns Network and Kilkenny County Council, the signage has been installed at Troy’s Gate; Black Friar’s Gate; the Black Abbey carpark; Ormonde Street and Ormonde Road. This new signage complements existing city wall signage at Talbots Tower, James Street and Chapel Lane addressing the recommendations for interpretation in the Kilkenny City Walls Conservation Plan.

Black Friars (Freren) Gate, built in the 13th Century was named after the Friars in the nearby Dominican Friary (Black Abbey) who wore black robes, and were key holders for the gate. A gatekeeper, who lived in a tower above the gate collected taxes and controlled access into the

Angle-Norman borough of Hightown.

Troy’s Gate was one of four gates into the medieval borough of Irishtown.

Irishtown grew up around the ancient monastic settlement of St Canice, which was

founded approximately 500 years before the AngloNormans came to Ireland.

The gate gets its name from the de Troyes who were Anglo-Norman knights.

Kilkenny County Council are grateful to the Rt Reverend

Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of Cashel, Waterford, Lismore, Ferns, Ossory and Lions for his permission to install the signage at the entrance to his residence.

Although much of the original two miles of medieval

New City wall plaque at Black Friars Gate. L-R Regina Fitzpatrick, Heritage Officer, Cllr Maria Dollard, Ronan Hanrahan, TY student, Cllr Joe Malone, Cllr David Fitzgerald, Eimear O’Connell Project Coordinator of the Irish Walled Towns Network, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, Diane Seale, Heritage Office, Kilkenny County Council.

Photo: Vicky Comerford

city walls have been lost over the last hundreds of years, the foundations of the walls still exist beneath the streets of Kilkenny. And in some sections, such as beside the Black abbey carpark, an impressive section of the walls still stands. This original wall had a parapet from which the Anglo-Normans patrolled the city.

Remains of the wall lie beneath Ormonde Street and Ormonde Road demarked by the paving on the footpaths and the new signage. When Ormonde Road was created in 1836, this section of the wall was removed. It had joined Talbot’s Tower to St Patrick’s Gate, one of the seven gates into the borough of Hightown.

Kilkenny’s city walls were built by the Anglo Normans in the 13th century. They gave protection for the colonists living inside, and were a symbol of authority over the native Irish. The construction of the city walls in the 13th century was the largest civic project ever undertaken in Kilkenny, and

measuring over two miles in length, the walls were the longest in Ireland at that time. 25% of the city walls still stand above ground today, the rest remain as archaeology hidden beneath our feet.

County Kilkenny has a rich medieval heritage which includes a number of walled towns and villages, of which Kilkenny City is the best known. The others are Callan, Gowran, Inistioge and Thomastown. The National Policy on Town Defences sets out national policy for the protection, preservation and conservation of walled towns and cities.

According to Kilkenny County Council Heritage Officer, Regina Fitzpatrick, “The city walls are of great importance both locally and nationally due to their survival and the fact that they define the layout of the medieval city. We hope that these plaques will create awareness and engage local people and visitors alike to this rich feature of our heritage”.

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Exhibition Photos of exhibition by Ben Farr Kilkennyman Ben Lanigan has just launched his first solo exhibition in Belfast.

The exhibition consists of work ranging over two years exhibiting his investigation of understanding how to represent his subject matter and the space they live in.

Originally from Kilkenny, Ben moved to Belfast in July 2020 to study fine art at Ulster University.

Both sides of Ben’s family are naturally creative with his grandfather Jack Lanigan known for his amateur dramatics with groups such as the Don Bosco players and the New Theatre group.

Jack was also a painter in his spare time and a keen set designer.

On Ben’s maternal side of the family his grandfather Jim Cody was well known in the music circle, being one half of the ‘Wetlands orchestra’.

Jim played accordion and was very fond of a seisiún.

Ben hasn’t forgotten his roots and thinks about Kilkenny frequently with some of his childhood memories of growing up in Clonmoran shown in his paintings.

One such piece is ‘Wetlands Absence’ which is an ode to his grandparents Jim and Sally Cody.

Ben finds Kilkenny creeping more and more into his work where he aims to emulate a home away from home.

He is son of Ger Lanigan and Jacinta Cody and spent his early learning years attending St Patrick’s De La Salle in Kilkenny, and later moved on to St.Kieran’s College.

Ger says that he received some great life lessons while attending St Kierans and reflects on Michael Kelleher as a great influence. “He was the epitome of a good teacher, always there with encouragement for every student,” said Mr Lanigan.

After this exhibition he will go on to prepare for his final year degree show in June 2024.

‘Looking, to define space’ is both the idea of searching to define what can be perceived as space in the real world and on canvas.

As well as this, it is also the action of ‘looking’ which he

‘Looking to define space’ Ben Lanigan holds first exhibition in Belfast

Wetlands Absence by Kilkenny artist Ben Lanigan

Arist Ben Lanigan pictured at the ‘Arts for All’ venue in Belfast for the opening of his exhibition ‘Looking to define space’

finds himself doing quite a lot.

This body of work emulates a calm and harmonious approach to the everyday

Jack Lanigan (above) and Jim Cody (right), grandparents of Ben Lanigan. Ben credits both men as being an inspiration for him and for sowing the seed for his love of the arts

subject matter.

While walking around Belfast it can be easy to take for granted the beautiful buildings and roof

tops around us.

Recently Ben has found himself focusing on these buildings, interested in their

Photographer Ben Farr captures the beauty of the ‘Arts for all space’ in Belfast on the night Ben Lanigan launched his exhibition ‘Looking to define space’

shadows, symmetry and stories.

Inspired by artists such as David Hockney, Hiroshi Nagai and Edward Hopper, he has taken snippets of each artist’s outlook on life to piece together his own approach.

Ben enjoys similar subject matter, such as intimate space in which he portrays in ‘Wellwood hills’ The Kilkenny Observer met with Ben on his recent visit to Kilkenny when we asked how he summed up his work?

“The best way to describe this piece is to think of your sitting room while you’re at work, it’s still there but you’re not, it’s a liminal representation.

Life continues in the background even though there is no one at home. An underlying thought of how we as humans often forget and abandon what makes us calm and feel safe in pursuit of artificial Happiness comes to

Ben Farr and Elanor Gilmore stand beside the painting titled ‘Wellwood Hills’. Bens inspiration for this piece came from a visit to the couples apartment

mind”, commented Ben. As a painter, he uses various processes to achieve his pop art style. Paper collages are a favourite of his as this allows him to pick and choose what colours work well together and have a first-hand reference for the final piece.

Other methods include digital collage which allow for an opaquer finish.

Sometimes these techniques go hand in hand or feed into each other allowing for a finished outcome whatever the medium.

Ben aims to allow the audience to take a minute to think, look and feel at ease while enjoying his work.

Over the past eight months Ben has heavily relied on his art to get him through difficult times in his life, and his work is a form of creating a new world for him to think positively and feel comfortable in his surroundings while also exploring the world we live in, learning how to define space.

More of Ben’s work can be found on his Instagram: @ art_by_benjaminlanigan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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News

NEW CCTV laws signed into law by minister Ossian Smyth Cllr Maria Dollard who is chairperson of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful has welcomed the news that her party colleague, Minister Ossian Smyth has now signed into law the legal right for County Councils to use CCTV for litter and dumping black spots.

In recent years, County Councils who tried to prosecute for dumping and littering were stopped when offenders claimed their ‘privacy was breached’. Under the new laws County Councils may also use drones, bodycams and covert cameras to tackle commercial fly tipping and illegal landfills.

“At the recent Environmental SPC of Kilkenny County Council we discussed how the process works and what conditions must be met to justify the use of CCTV. This technology is badly needed as littering has become a persistent scourge in many parts of County Kilkenny.

Certain

conditions will have to be met before installation of cameras. KKB and other Tidy Towns groups are well placed to report black spots to Kilkenny County Council. For example, as an immediate priority, I will be engaging with Kilkenny County Council Environment Department to see cameras installed at the Skate Park in Kilkenny city.”

At a litter pick on Saturday 10th Feb, volunteers including Cllr Dollard were appalled to see litter strewn all over the skate

park including very dangerous broken shards of glass.

The matter was reported immediately to Kilkenny Coco Environment section.

“I was horrified to see a great many glass bottles smashed to pieces all over the Skate Park, with dangerous glass shards everywhere. Our children and people of all ages who skate here deserve better. There could be a serious injury to a young child as much of the small glass pieces were clear and almost invisible to the eye. We picked as much up as possible with litter pickers and by hand but simply couldn’t pick it all up. I am asking for the Skate Park to be prioritised on the basis of the risk to children and others who use the Skate Park. The litter in the Skate Park is not coming from the Skaters who take great pride in their space but others who use the park to party and leave their rubbish all over the ground despite plenty of bins being available to them. CCTV should help to catch the culprits or stop this behaviour” Kilkenny County Council will be putting in place the policy and procedures now to ensure the tools of CCTV, drones and bodycams will be used effectively to stop those that persist in littering the towns and country sides of Kilkenny.”

Mick and friends

Singer/Songwriter Mick Hanly returns to The Salmon Pool in his adopted Thomastown, with fellow Moving Hearts members Anto Drennan and Eoghan O'Neill on March 2nd.

The guitar skills of Anto Drennan are widely sought after by such luminaries as Mike and The Mechanics, The Corrs, Clannad, Paul Brady, etc. Eoghan O'Neill is also in the same league. Founding member of Moving Hearts, he also toured with Chris Rea, Riverdance (Musical director), Celtic Woman. He has also played on most of Mick's albums.

Mick provides the stories and songs in his own inimitable style.

As a threesome, they have a well honed musical empathy and produce a show full of great sounds and lots of entertainment The Salmon Pool, Thomastown Tickets 20e. Telphone. 086 8159451.

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Elizabeth Power intend to submit Significant Further Information to Kilkenny County Council subsequent to Planning Application Ref Number 23/60342, to retain plant room, utility and pumphouse and all associated site development works at Baunreagh, Clonmoran, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 2 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, Siobhan Lawlor intend to submit Significant Further Information to Kilkenny County Council subsequent to Planning Application Ref Number 23/60488, to retain existing rear extension and all associated site development works at 5 Elm Green, Ardnore, Kilkenny R95 YW2P. 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 2 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 NOTICE OF FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS SUBMITTED UNDER PLANNING REFERENCE NUMBER: 23-60403 Planning Permission is sought by Eoin Lyons and Arlene McGrath to construct a single storey dwelling house, domestic garage, provision of a new treatment plant & percolation area, new vehicular site entrance and all associated site developments works at Grange, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans has/have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is/are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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Recruitment

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Thai green chicken curry Prep: 10 mins Cook: 30 mins Serves: 6

Don’t call the local takeaway – impress friends and family by cooking this fragrant and creamy Thai green chicken curry. It’s easy and quick to make.

STEP 3 In a wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil until very hot, then drop in 1 chopped garlic clove and cook until golden, this should take only a few seconds. Don’t let it go very dark or it will spoil the taste.

STEP 4 Spoon in 1 rounded tbsp Thai green curry paste and stir it around for a few seconds to begin to cook the spices and release all the flavours.

STEP 5 Next, pour in a 400ml can of coconut milk and let it come to a bubble.

Ingredients • 225g new potatoes, cut into chunks • 100g green beans, trimmed and halved • 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil • 1 garlic clove, chopped • 1 rounded tbsp or 4 tsp Thai green curry paste (you can’t fit the tablespoon into some of the jars) • 400ml can coconut milk • 2 tsp Thai fish sauce • 1 tsp caster sugar • 450g boneless skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces • 2 lime leaves finely shredded, or 3 wide strips lime zest, plus extra to garnish • good handful of basil leaves • boiled rice, to serve

STEP 6 Stir in 2 tsp Thai fish sauce and 1 tsp caster sugar, then 450g bitesize chicken pieces. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked.

STEP 7 Tip in the potatoes and beans and let them warm through in the hot coconut milk, then add 2 finely shredded lime leaves (or 3 wide strips lime zest).

STEP 8 Add a good handful basil leaves, but only leave them briefly on the heat or they will quickly lose their brightness.

STEP 9 Scatter with lime to garnish and serve immediately with boiled rice.

STEP 1 Put 225g new potatoes, cut into chunks, in a pan of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.

One-pan nachos with black beans Prep: 15 mins Cook: 15 mins Serves: 4-6

STEP 2 Add 100g trimmed and halved green beans and cook for a further 3 minutes, by which time both should be just tender but not too soft. Drain and put to one side.

• soured cream, to serve

Enjoy this colourful sharing dish with nachos, black beans, salsa, avocado and melted cheese. Everyone will enjoy digging into it straight from the pan.

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

Arrange the tortilla chips over twothirds of the tray, spoon most of the salsa on top and scatter over half of the cheese.

Ingredients • 175g yellow or blue tortilla chips • 200g fresh tomato salsa • 150g medium cheddar, grated • 1 red pepper, quartered, cored and finely chopped • 400g can black beans, drained • 1 avocado, diced

STEP 2 Mix the remaining salsa with the red pepper and beans, and tip onto the empty third of the tray. Scatter over the rest of the cheese. Bake for 10-15 mins or until the cheese has melted. Scatter the avocado over the beans and add dollops of the soured cream to serve.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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5 What the people of South East love to stream The reviews are in, and the TV series that the people of Leinster hotly anticipate this year are True Detective: Night Country (27%), Bridgerton (23%), Squid Game (20%), and Love Island (19%). That’s according to new research by Vodafone Ireland, commissioned to launch Vodafone TV PLAY. Vodafone TV PLAY is the first smart entertainment hub of its kind in Ireland with immersive built-in audio, designed by Bang & Olufsen and Dolby Atmos technology.

Right now, TV is evolving more so than ever, and regarding how it will develop in the next five years, the top three predictions are: virtual reality and im-

mersive viewing (55%), followed by AI-driven TV recommendations (47%) and 3D and holographic imagery (46%).

The survey also revealed that 43% of Leinster people believe TV content will be catered to various formats for easy on-the-go viewing and reacting in real-time, while 42% predict new integrated features for sharing, interacting and commenting on social media.

Drama was voted as the favourite TV and movie genre in Leinster by 63% of TV viewers, followed by 48% who chose comedies and documentaries in their top three choices. The survey reveals that 55% of people in Leinster prefer to

good ones to stream this weekend 1. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Daniel Craig reprises his role as the sharp-witted Detective Benoit Blanc. Rian Johnson steers us back into a world of intrigue on a tycoon’s secluded retreat, where what starts as playful sleuthing quickly spirals into genuine peril.

Starring big names like Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, and Kathryn Hahn, the 2022 movie deftly mixes laughs with edge-of-yourseat moments, presenting a riddle that’ll have mystery buffs racing to piece together the clues. On Netflix.

2.The Killer

watch movies with others, and of these, 53% say partners are their go-to viewing company, followed by 10% who regularly watch TV with their children and friends respectively.

When it comes to what genres bring Leinster people closer together, dramas tops the list for 39% of people, followed by comedy for 36% and documentaries for 31%.

When making the decision whether to watch live TV or a streaming service, 40% of people in Leinster still prefer watching live TV, while 38% prefer to watch their favourite shows using streaming services.

The research also reveals

that there is a big difference in the viewing habits of different generations in Ireland. 63% of Gen Z and Millennials love to stream content, while live TV is the go-to for 56% of Gen X and 75% of baby boomers.

Vodafone’s new TV PLAY hub offers the best of both worlds, with live TV as well as streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and a range of NOW TV bundles and passes.

The right setting (cosy surroundings and the right ambiance) is the most important factor for the perfect night in watching a TV or movie, according to 79% of people in Leinster polled.

Meet Mr & Mrs Smith... they are spies Mr & Mrs Smith is off to a promising start at Amazon.

The eight-episode series debuted on February 2 to become the No. 1 series on Prime Video in more than 130 countries. It is now one of the Top 5 new series debuts ever for Amazon in terms of total viewers.

Amazon, as is typical, remains tight-lipped about the exact viewership data.

All eight episodes were released at once, which gives it an advantage in terms of viewing time.

Mr & Mrs Smith stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as two lonely strangers who land jobs working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glamorous life of espionage, wealth, world travel, and a dream brownstone in Manhattan.

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

The catch? New identities in an arranged marriage as Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Smith.

Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone. Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other. What’s riskier: espionage or marriage?

The guest cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Eiza González, Sarah Paulson, Sharon Horgan, Ron Perlman, Billy Campbell, Úrsula Corberó, Paul Dano, Michaela Coel, John Turturro, Parker Posey, Wagner Moura.

The series was created by Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover.

The Killer from 1989 places Michael Fassbender in the shadows as a meticulous assassin whose solitary life is as cold as his methodical approach to his craft. With each target, he finds himself spiralling further into a psychological maelstrom, questioning his sanity amidst the silence of his waiting game. David Fincher’s sleek thriller hooks us once again with a plot that’s as bizarre as it is captivating, anchored by Fassbender’s masterfully understated performance. On Netflix.

3. The Postcard Killings

A haunting journey across Europe unfolds in The Postcard Killings (2020), where Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays a New York detective hunting the murderer of his daughter.

Before each victim is discovered, a mysterious postcard arrives, pulling the detective into a grim labyrinth of artistic expression and long-held grudges. Danis Tanovic steers this cinematic journey with Famke Janssen illuminating the shattered soul of a man teetering on the edge of fixation. On Netflix.

4. Reacher

Enter Alan Ritchson — an actor who’s every bit the imposing figure that Reacher is meant to be, while perfectly personifying the character’s righteous sense of justice and investigative smarts. For those who are unfamiliar with the character, Jack Reacher is a nomadic ex-military police investigator who spends his time wandering across the US with nothing but the clothes on his back, his toothbrush, and enough money for bus tickets. Reacher always finds himself seeking justice for those who’ve been wronged. Watch on Amazon Prime Video.

5. Daisy Jones & The Six

Loosely inspired by the story of Fleetwood Mac, Daisy Jones & The Six follows the meteoric rise of a rock band in the 1970s, and the inner turmoil that threatens to bring the whole thing down. Struggling to break out, The Six frontman Billy Dunne (Sam Clamin) immediately clashes with Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) when she’s brought in as the band’s missing ingredient.

Despite their obvious chemistry, Billy is determined to keep Daisy at arm’s length for the sake of his marriage to Camila (Camila Morrone), who can see their attraction to each other from a mile away. On Amazon Prime .

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Ollie O' Neill This day two weeks ago on Friday 2nd February, the very sad news emerged with the passing of Ollie O'Neill following an illness bravely borne.

Ollie was best known in Boxing circles for been head coach of his native Paulstown, while he was such a hugely influential and well respected figure both locally and nationwide.

Several members of Paulstown Boxing Club who were coached by Ollie went onto become All-Ireland Champions, and many of those would go on to represent Ireland in various International competitions.

Among those who represented Ireland was Ollie's son Darren who gave tremendous to the sport having won Gold and Silver Medals in the EU Championships and a Silver Medal in The European Champion-

ships in 2010, while he was also Captain of the Ireland Squad at the 2012 Olympics in London as The Irish won 4 Medals including a historic Gold Medal for Katie Taylor.

Darren also had the honour of carrying The Irish flag in the Closing Ceremony at The London Olympics.

Ollie's two other sons Aidan and Daniel also won National titles and between them and Darren, the trio won a combined total of over 20 All-Irelands.

In recognition of his sterling work, dedication and committment to the sport, Ollie was a most popular and deserving winner of the IABA Lifetime acheivement award in 2022.

The award was extra special as it was the 50th anniversary of Paulstown Boxing Club since it was first found in 1972.

In particular, Ollie was so

generous and encouraging especially towards the juveniles who benefited so greatly from his coaching, advise and words of wisdom.

Several of the new generation of IABA coaches would have been coached by Ollie, and without a doubt they learned an awful lot about his guidance and knowledge

that he passed on to them.

Also, so many well known Boxers who represented Ireland would have come to Paulstown for sparring in preparation for major competitions, including Katie Taylor who got to know the O'Neill family very well.

Ollie was a highly well known and respected figure

in GAA circles as a referee in both Hurling and Camogie and he served his Club Barrow Rangers both as a player and coach with Darren, Aidan and Daniel all playing with the Paulstown/Barrow Rangers Club at various stages over the years.

The trio often helped out their Dad on umpire duty while he was refereeing.

Ollie was also a long serving employee with Connollys Red Mills and he will most certainly be remembered and in the thoughts of many on Red Mills Day tomorrow (Saturday).

Sadly, Ollie was diagnosed with MND in 2022 but he continued to remain centrally involved with Paulstown Boxing Club up until very recently, and he remained busy with all the actitivies that were happening within The Club.

Just before Christmas, Ollie was ringside as Paulstown hosted their annual Christmas Tournament while their was also an underage Tournament that took place within the Club, as

both Tournaments brought about fighters from around the County and South East Region.

Ollie was always obliging in his dealings with the local media, and he always spoke of opposition fighters with great respect and dignity that highlights the high respect and esteem that he was held throughout in Boxing circles.

He will never ever be forgotten for his love and dedication to the sport and while he will be irreplaceable especially in Paulstown, he will always be remembered.

His legacy and inspiration will live on, particularly for future generations who will attempt to live up to the high standards and respect that he so successfully acheived, and so many of those that he coached acheived the dreams that he aspired them to.

Paulstown Boxing Club along with the other Clubs around the County will try and honour him in the best way possible, by giving 100% in trying to be the best they can possibly be.

Back pain is a fact of life - Why that’s not such a bad thing

BY PAUL BOLGER

Nano Physiotherapy

Are you alive? Breathing?

A human being? If you have answered yes to these questions, then you will almost certainly suffer from back pain at some stage in your life (research tells us that up to 95% of us will!).

Sounds like a gloomy prospect, but it might not be as bad as it first seems.

Back pain is very rarely due to serious damage (e.g. spinal fracture) or major medical pathology (e.g. infection, cancer). These relate to just 1-2% of back pain cases.

A small percentage of cases might need invasive treatment, like surgery, due to the risk of permanent damage to the spinal cord or the spinal nerves – with only about 5% of cases falling into this category.

A few concerning signs following back injury that require immediate medical review include: • Sudden or worsening loss of strength/ control of the legs/ feet • Progressive and significant numbness or altered sensation • Sudden changes in

bladder or bowel function Most cases of back pain can be classified as ‘non-specific lower back pain’. If someone like this went to 10 different therapists, they might come away with 10 different diagnoses (sound familiar?).

Usually, back pain runs its course – and recurrence is common For most people, back pain might last several days, weeks or sometimes months. Usually, treatment is not required. Like other ailments we experience in life (such as depression, flu, and migraine), back pain can return multiple times over the years, with those suffering an instance of back pain more likely to go through another bout down the line.

This should not be cause for despair – as most of these cases do not cause disability or serious distress.

What to do?

There is no point in trying to completely prevent back pain – countless billions have been spent on diagnosing and treating back pain and the problem remains.

If back pain is an issue for you, spotting your triggers and adapting to them is a great place to start.

Homework.

For those for whom back pain is an ongoing issue, take some time to consider what triggers your back pain? Do you have physical triggers (e.g. too little exercise, or too much of certain activities)?

Do other factors play a role (e.g. long periods of disrupted sleep/ stress/ emotional demands)? Do you have useful strategies that help (e.g. relaxation, heat, exercise)? Or strategies that hinder recovery (e.g. avoiding movement, turning to alcohol/ excessive medication, etc)?

A registered physiotherapist can help you. I recommend a therapist who empowers you with

tools and strategies that put you in the driver's seat (not a therapist who fills you with fear or a sense that you have no say or control). www. nanophysio. ie.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA SENIOR FOOTBALL Clara faced off against county champions Mullinavat on Saturday in Clara and lost out on a 1-9 to 0-7 scoreline. This game was very tight until the last 10 minutes when two black cards dished out to the Clara men had a telling effect. Mullinavat led 0-5 to 0-4 at halftime, the Clara scores having come from two Cian Kelly frees and one each from brothers Tom and Liam Ryan.

Cian Kelly kept up his impressive free taking in the second half and three times he tied up the game again. That last free came at a time when Clara were reduced to 14 men following the first black card. Then just as that player resumed after the 10 minutes a second Clara player received a black card. This time the offence appeared to be totally accidental. Mullinavat grasped the opportunity and pounced for a goal and they added two further points against a tired Clara outfit to push the margin out to a flattering five points.

Team - Rory O Keeffe, James Dowling, David Langton, Sean O Shea. Liam Ryan 0-1, Conor O Shea, Dara Glynn. Alan Coleman, Jack Langton. Cian Kelly 0-5f, Kevin Nolan, Martin O Connell. Tom Ryan 0-1, Killian Phelan, Paddy Bolger. Subs used Alex McDonald, Dillon Cummins, Tommy Delaney.

SOCIAL CAMOGIE Social Camogie, Are you interested? If so let us know it might be for a once off blitz or maybe forming a social team for fun and fitness.

Let us know (T and C will apply). For information please contact David Shortall, Camogie Club Secretary 089 256 4724.

SAINTS PREVAIL St. Kieran’s College earnered their 56th Leinster title in Nowlan Park last Wednesday when they easily brushed aside the challenge of city rivals Kilkenny CBS. Well done to the Clara quintet of Rory Glynn, Cian Kelly, Harry Boyle, Sean Carrigan and David Barcoe who togged out for the winners.

LORETO ADVANCE Congratulations to Emma Corr and Lucy Boyd who were on the Loreto Kilkenny senior camogie team that beat Maghera after extra time to book their place in the All Ireland final. Good luck to Emma, who captains the side, and Lucy in that.

ASHBOURNE Hard luck to Keara Ryan, Emma Shortall and Gráinne Glynn who were on the DCU squad that lost out to last year’s champions TUD in the semifinal of the Ashbourne Cup. The game was played in the Connacht Airdome and just a single point separated the sides.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP Membership for Clara GAA, Camogie and LGFA is now available through your Foireann account - www.foireann.ie - This must be completed by all players before training resumes. Thanks to all who have done so to date. New members are always welcome.

Anyone requiring assistance can contact - registrar.clara@gmail. com or any committee member.

Last One Standing - Thanks to all who entered this years competition. 49 players now remain. Don’t forget to pick your team for this weekends round of games.

Ireland Lights Up - This Thursday 15th sees the final night of this initiative. All are welcome to come and walk, with company, at your own pace from 7 to 8pm. Thanks to all who took part and to our leaders who organised everything.

CLUB LOTTO Lotto results 6th February, Numbers drawn - 4, 23, 27. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Ed Mulrooney, Ronan Phelan, Pam Cummins, Anne Marie Gleeson, Jack O Keeffe. Thanks for your support.

FRESHFORD BEST KEBAB Congratulations and well done to the staff of Brennan sisters Takeaway in the village. They won gold at the Irish Takeaway awards on Tuesday night last at Tullamore Court Hotel. The business has been in the village for the past ten years and is growing in popularity. They have won the best kebab for past two years and again on Tuesday night and also received a Highly Commended Certificate. Well done to all involved and keep up the good work.

NOT FOR THE BIRDS Cllr. Michael McCarthy was pleased to announce recently that a new Anti-Seagull bin has been installed on the Green in Freshford.

“It will replace the existing bin and is a timely and targeted measure to prevent birds from dislodging rubbish and spreading it in the immediate area. This should now end the littering in that area which was a major issue during the summer months. Great credit is due to the Area Engineer, his staff, and the Environment section for their help in addressing my concerns and maintaining overall cleanliness in the town.” Cllr. McCarthy said NEW BABY Congratulations to Shauna McGrath The Mills Freshford and her partner Wayne on the birth of their baby boy recently.

CAMOGIE A number of local girls were involved with Kilkenny and college teams over the weekend. Ava Dermody was part of Kilkenny Minor camogie team playing Offaly at Birr on Sunday last.

Also on the Kilkenny Minor B side were Katelyn O’Connor, Michelle Killeen and Abbi Whitty who played Laois at Timahoe on Sunday last also.

Local girl Sinead Farrell who was part of the UL Camogie team beat TUD in Electric Ireland Ashbourne Cup fine in Galway on Sunday last.

BIRTHDAY BOY A very happy birthday is wished to local man Joe Morrissey, Woodview who is celebrating a very special birthday this week.

Joe who is widely involved in the local community including Tidy Towns and Loop Café however would not divulge how young he is.

AGM

Nathan on the right with his trophy for 3rd place

St Lachtain’s Ladies Gaelic football AGM takes place on Friday 23rd February at 8pm in the Clubrooms. All welcome to attend and anyone wishing to become involved in any way also very welcome.

SQUASH Freshford Squash Club wish to congratulate one of its young members Nathan Walsh on finishing third overall in the Leinster Junior open recently in Dublin. This was a fantastic result for young Nathan who started off as number 5 seed in the group. Well done Nathan, keep it going and here is hoping one day you will make the Irish team.

Also congratulations to local man Pat Morrissey on getting to the final of the Ulster Senior masters in Belfast recently.

SOCCER Freshford Town had a few teams in action in the schoolboys/girls section at the weekend. The U11 boys were beaten by Spa Utd on a 2-1 score in their home Cup game.

The U15 boys went down 1-0 to Dean Celtic in their home league game.

Meanwhile the U13 girls drew 1-1 with Callan in their home game.

AUCTION There will be a Monster Auction of top quality Firewood (Beech,Ash etc) in Galmoy Village at 11.00am on Sunday February 18th. Also on offer, there will be Turf, Bales of Hay, Silage, and Straw as well as many very attractive vouchers including Fertiliser, Beef Nuts, Farm Implements etc. Great Bargains. All Welcome. Don’t be late!

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

GAA Walking Group The walking group will meet up this Tuesday and every Tuesday at 7PM. This group is open to all the community both young and old.

Membership: Membership is now open for 2024. There are various options available for the year including family and walkway options. There is a small charge for walkway membership to go towards construction and maintenance costs. The walkway was 2/3 grant aided with the club covering the rest of the cost. Our walkway is open to all the community. Contact any committee member or see our ClubZap page for details, download the ClubZap app and search for St Lachtains.

On Senior panel Local hurling star Darren Brennan was sub goalkeeper on the Kilkenny Senior Hurling side which beat Cork by one point on Saturday evening last in Cork Another local hurler Cathal Hickey was part of the St. Kierans hurling side who beat CBS in the Leinster final at Nowlan Park.

COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford Threecastle Community alert held their AGM recently in the Community hall. The following officers were elected for the forthcoming year, Chairperson, John Bergin, Secretary, Jacinta Power, Treasurer, Ml Cormack, PRO, Anna Morrissey.

The Freshford Community alert annual fee is now overdue and you are asked to please pay same as they will be removing unpaid members. Envelopes are available from Community members and new members are very welcome to join up.

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

LOOP CAFE The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and your continued support would be

greatly appreciated. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café.

They are also looking for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so.

ATHLETIC CLUB Nena Athletics Club continues its fit4life in the Freshford area and all are welcome from walkers wanting company to runners training for marathons and everyone in between. Very experienced leaders are leading a program established by Athletics Ireland that caters for all experience and abilities. They meet each Tuesday morning and Thursday evenings in Freshford GAA club. If you are interested please contact us on nuennaac@gmail.com or call Caoimh on 0874175550 PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

Notices 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 SENIOR FOOTBALL The senior footballers continued their early season form on Saturday afternoon with a resounding 2nd round league 3-10 to 1-05 victory over Tullogher- Rosberson on their home ground.

After the evergreen David McCormack opened the Village account with an early point, Sean Manogue, Willie Spencer and Fionn Cody increased the visitors lead at 0-04 to 0-00 after just 18 minutes. With Willie Spencer (0-02) and Eoin Deely dominating the aerial duels at midfield, in the 22nd minute a neat pass to David McCormack saw him toe the ball to the net in a one on one contest with the Tullogher netminder for a commanding 1-05 to 0-01 lead. Before the home club could draw breath, another sniping move saw nippy corner forward Fionn Cody finish to the net -- his second three pointer in a week -- to give James Stephens a 2-07 to 0-01 half time lead. As expected, the Tullogher fightback started from the 2nd half throw-in, kicking three unanswered points from play in the first 10 minutes. They continued their pressure game winning many turnovers from the pressurised Village defence which they used to full advantage. On one turnover they swiftly moved the ball upfield, and, with a speculative kick over the Village defence the ball ended in the net to close the gap at 2-07 to 1-04. Responding to this set back the James Stephens defence tightened up with strong leadership from David Hennessy, James Tyrrell, Sean Ruth and Sam McEvoy putting in hard tackles preventing the Tullogher forward making any further headway. With the Village midfielders resuming control and making quality deliveries to a lively attack in which Sean Manogue, Oisin Bateman, Jamie O’Keeffe and Fionn Cody excelled it was only a matter of time before further scoring opportunities would arrive. Late in the game Fionn Cody slotted home a third goal -- his 3rd three pointer in two fixtures -- courtesy of a slick passing movement started by David Hennessy with a pass to Oisin Batenman who found the in-form corner forward hovering on the edge of the square to finish to the net. Substitute Allen Larkin finished the scoring for The Village with a point from play for a deserved 3-10 to 1-05 victory.

Next up, a 4th round fixture against Lisdowney on Saturday next at 1.30pm in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain.

STEPHEN MURPHY R.I.P A veil of sadness overcame the club’s membership on Thursday afternoon on hearing of the sudden death of Stephen Murphy, Thomas Square and formerly of Maple Drive. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his partner Frances and children, Aran, Christy and Roisin as well as to his father and mother, Des and Catherine Murphy, brothers Declan, Malcolm and Joe and the extended Murphy family. Coming from a family with deep roots in the James Stephens club, Stephen lined out at wing forward on the club’s 1993 Kilkenny U-14 hurling league and championship winning side. However, Stephen’s preferred leisure pursuit was always through his music interests. A self-taught talented guitar player, Stephen enjoyed the regular music sessions and gigging with his friends in R6 and as a solo artist at local venues. As one of his friends recalled “ Stephen’s biggest ticket item in music was supporting Bob Dylan with a solo performance on stage at his

Nowlan Park concert some years ago”. On Sunday morning in an impressive turnout of club officers, members, former teammates and school friends from the city clubs James Stephens, Dicksboro and the CBS secondary school all together provided a guard of honour from Larchfield to St.Patrick’s church for his funeral Mass during which his musician pals paid their own tribute after which Stephen was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery. “ Air dheis laimh Dei go raibh a anam dilis” SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Thursday evening’s draw for the 2024 Kilkenny senior league/ championship placed the club in group A with Dicksboro, Tullaroan, Glenmore, Bennettsbridge and Thomastown. The first round on the weekend of the 4th August will see the club take on the newly crowned 2023 All-Ireland Intermediate club champions, Thomastown. To be sure, many serious challenges lie ahead.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Clubman Cian Kenny put in another highly effective performance scoring two points in the process to help The Cats claim a one point victory over Cork in Saturday night’s 2nd round National league fixture under lights in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. His high energy work rate, spraying passes from midfield to the free flowing forward line in the first half unlocked the Leesiders defence on a number of occasions to help Kilkenny build what seemed an unassailable nine point lead at 0-13 to 0-04 by the 26th minute until Conor O’Callaghan’s late goal inspired a Cork comeback.

Building on that score The Rebel county pounded the Kilkenny defence throughout the 2nd half and eventually drew level with ten minutes left on the clock resulting in a nail biting finish with the Kilkenny men much relieved to depart the famous Cork GAA stadium at the final whistle with a hard won single point victory.

JUNIOR LEAGUE/CHAMPIONSHIP At Tuesday night’s County Board meeting the draw for the 2024 Kilkenny Junior Hurling league/championship took place resulting in the club being drawn in Group A with Thomastown, O’Loughlin Gaels, Lisdowney and Erin’s Own and facing challenging fixtures against the Group B teams that include city rivals Dicksboro, Clara, Mooncoin, The Rower-Inistioge and Ballyhale Shamrocks. The first round draw pitted the club against neighbours Dicksboro. Fixtures are to be played on a home and away basis.

VOLUNTEERING The Kilkenny Volunteer Centre has a number of requests to fill vacancies with worthy charities, clubs and support groups which they would like to fill in the near future. They include the Darkness into Light fundraising committee, assistants for the St.Vincent De Paul new shop premises, a person to attend the Victim Support at Court sessions and a coordinator to manage the Drop Off Point for the Hygiene Hub. Training will be provided for volunteers before taking up any of the above positions. If anyone is interested in any of the above worthy causes contact Kristina at 089 2584946.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 4 : 12 : 14 : 32.. There was no winning ticket. This week’s jackpot will be €12,200. The €40 consolation winners were Aine O’Sullivan, Cian Grace, Marie Burke, Richard Condron and Noreen O’Brien.

GOWRAN GOWRAN AC Registration now open for STOOK 2024 which is taking place on Sunday, 3rd March https://eventmaster.ie/event/vvQjTPoSb4 GOWRAN PANTO “Snow White & the Several Dwarfs” is taking place this week in Gowran parish hall. The show opened on Tuesday (Feburary 13th) and runs to Sunday (Feburary 18th) excluding Feburary 15th.

Tickets are selling fast. Sunday is completely SOLD OUT so hurry and pick up your tickets to this year’s panto.

Book now on https://www.gowranpanto.com/tickets. Use code FB20 to get a 20% discount on any tickets GOWRAN PARISH Gowran Community Housing for the Elderly. Pre Loved Beautiful Clothes Dalton House Gowran. Opening the 30th of March.

Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that you haven’t worn for sometime? Would you like to turn them into cash? Help a charitable organisation in the process! Aid the environment! Call 0860276332. NOW for further information!

GOWRAN AC Fantastic performances in Dundalk by juveniles and senior men who competed in the National Intermediate, Master and Juvenile B XC championships. The highlight of the day was James Kelsey running up in age U17 to medal and finish in 8th position. All of the athletes ran super in tough mucky conditions.

Results as follows Girls U13 Heidi Ryan 29th. Boys U13 Sean Farrell 70th. Girls U15 Lucy Cunningham Boys U15 Michael O’Keeffe 40th. Evan Ryan 56th. Boys U17. James Kelsey 8th. Charlie Ryan 15th Master Men +35. Matt Ryan. Master Men +65, Mick Walsh 37th Intermediate Men Matthew Holland 33rd, Johan Muller 35th, Sean Morrisey 43rd, James O’Reilly 50th GOWRAN PARK Connollys Red Mills Day takes place on Saturday 17th February.

Register for free tickets at Gowranpark.ie YOUNG IRELANDS MEETING A Young Irelands meeting took place in Dungarvan last Wednesday night to fill the vacant positions of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Patrick Farrell has been elected as Chairperson with John Comerford the new Vice-Chairperson.

A first general meeting of 2024 is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 28th Feburary, where The U-16 and Junior management Teams for the season ahead will hope to be finalised.

Wishing Patrick and John all the very best in their new positions.

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE DRAW The draws for The Senior, Intermediate and Junior Leagues were made in UPMC Nowlan Park during the week.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

Community & GAA Notes Young Irelands were drawn in Group B of The Intermediate League against Mooncoin, Tullogher-Rosbercon, St. Martins, Fenians and Blacks and Whites.

Young Irelands 1st game is against Mooncoin, with the competitions scheduled to start The August Bank Holiday Weekend.

CAREY PLAYS PART AS CATS WIN ON LEESIDE Mikey Carey started midfield and scored a point as Kilkenny won 0-21 to 1-17 away to Cork in Round 2 of The National League on Saturday night.

It was Mikey’s first start with The Black and Amber since The 2022 All-Ireland Final against Limerick.

LORETO QUALIFY FOR ALL-IRELAND FINAL Congratulations to Marie O’Keeffe who was part of The Loreto Kilkenny Team that qualified for The All-Ireland Senior Colleges Camogie Final, following a 2-14 to 1-12 win against St. Pats Maghera of Derry in The All-Ireland Colleges Semi-Final in The MW Hire Centre.

ST. KIERANS STROLL TO LEINSTER FINAL VICTORY Congratulations to The Young Irelands contingent involved in St. Kierans College landslide Leinster Colleges Final victory against City neighbours Kilkenny CBS. St. Kierans were always in control as they won 2-20 to 0-5 to win their 1st Leinster Senior title in 5 years since 2019.

Michael Walsh is once again part of the management Team again this year, while Ben Phelan, Cian Phelan, Diarmuid Langton, Jake Byrne and Jim Conlon are part of the panel as they now look forward to an All-Ireland Semi-Final.

Bobbie Brennan was part of The Kilkenny CBS defence who now turn their attention to preparing for an All-Ireland Quarter-Final.

U-16 HURLING At a recent County Board meeting, it was decided that The Young Irelands U-16s would compete in Roinn B in 2024 despite reaching The Roinn A U-15 Semi-Final with the same group of players that lost out narrowly to Dunnamaggin.

PRIMARY SCHOOL BOYS LOSE FINAL BY A POINT Heartbreak for The Gowran Primary Schoolboys who recently lost out by a point to St. Canices in The replay of the Final of The Roinn A Football Championship.

St. Canices won 1-6 to 1-5 as The Gowran Boys were denied The Country Cup/Roinn A Championship double for a second consecutive year after winning both competitions last year.

YOUNG IRELANDS FOOTBALL Young Irelands Junior Footballers played two matches over the past two weeks.

Their opening match played was a 2-2 to 1-5 draw away to Galmoy, and that was followed by a 3-8 to 1-8 defeat at home to Bennettsbridge. Their match at home to Slieverue was postponed presumably due to a waterlogged pitch.

DANNY DELIGHT DELIVERS GRADE 1 HAT-TRICK Danny Mullins had a day to remember as he rode a hat-trick of Grade 1 triumphs in the opening three races at The Dublin Racing Festival.

Danny got the ball rolling courtesy of 16/1 shot outsider Dancing City in the Nathaniel Lacy and Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle, before following up aboard the highly fancied Kargese (7/2) in the McCann Fitzgerald Spring Juvenile Hurdle, while the hat-trick was complete when IL Etait Temps (6/1) prevailed in a thrilling finish to win The Goffs Irish Arkle Chase.

With the wealth of resources at his Uncle disposal, Danny will have plenty to look forward to at The Cheltenham Festival in a months time and he is firmly an important part of The Team.

OLLIE O’NEILL Huge sadness around the county with the recent passing of Ollie O’Neill who was a very well known individual both in GAA and Boxing circles, particularly in his native Paulstown with Paulstown Boxing Club.

Ollie was a well known referee both in Hurling and Camogie, and he was a very familiar sight in Gowran where he often took charge of matches, and he was always obliging if available.

One of his last duties as an official was as a linesman for The Intermediate Championship Quarter-Final clash between Thomastown and St. Martins in October 2022.

Thinking of his family at this most difficult time.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN GORESBRIDGE RURAL DEVELTom OPMENT Healy The annual general meeting takes place on Thursday 22nd February at 19.30 in Ionad Dara community hall in Goresbridge MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF IONAD DARA The AGM takes place on Wednesday 21st February at 20.00 in Ionad Dara.

BARROW RANGERS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB Next jackpot is on Tuesday 13th February and is worth €4,600. For the weekly Lotto online tickets are available at www.lottoraiser.ie/BarrowRangers The Camogie Association’s Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Coaching Course schedule for 2024 is now available to view. See learning.gaa.ie/ICGG BRIDGE UNITED In the Premier Division Bridge United won with a score of 3-1 against Deen Celtic on Sunday 11 February. The Bridge scores were by Eoin Kavanagh, Conor English and Craig Wall.

The last man/woman standing competition is back starting on 17th February. To enter contact Jim on 086 3841726. €10 per entrant. The latest jackpot was on Monday 5th February and was worth €6,325.

CHURCH SERVICES Saturday 17th/Sunday 18th February: Mass in Goresbridge at 19.30, 10.00 and in Paulstown at 11.30am.

Church of Ireland services Sunday 18th, Morning Prayer at 10.00am in Shankill church, Paulstown and Eucharist at 11.30am in St Moling Church, Borris. Further information from the Dean of Leighlin at 087 276 7562.

DEATH OF ANTHONY DUNNE The death has taken place of Anthony Dunne of Goresbridge. Sadly missed by his loving father Pat, mother Therese, brother Aidan, Uncles, Aunt, relatives and friends.

YOGA CLASSES Every Monday from the 12th of February at 7pm in the Community Hall in Paulstown and continues for 5 weeks. €50 for the course.

Contact: Emma Flavin 083 0464823. Funds are in aid of Danny’s Fund for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis through autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) in Moscow.

DANCE FIT Is running every Tuesday at 8.30pm in Paulstown Community Hall. Contact Stephanie Lennon on ‘Dance Fit’ on Facebook or instragram where you can sign up via Google forms link. Cost is €8 per class. There is, also, a special Dance Fit in aid of Danny’s MS fund on Saturday 17th February at 11.30am in the Paulstown Community Hall. Cuppa afterwards.

MUSIC NIGHT In Blakes pub, Paulstown on Saturday 2nd March in aid of MS treatment for local man, Danny Byrne. For the same cause, a fashion show will be held on Wednesday 6th March in the Lord Bagenal hotel.

BRIDGE LESSONS Paulstown Bridge Club is holding lessons in playing bridge in a

relaxed informal setting. Further information available from Mary Quinn 086 1704459 or Mary Purcell 086 1659779 PIONEER NEWS The Carlow Regional Dinner dance with band (Theresa and the Stars) takes place on Sunday 25th February at 13.30 in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow. Tickets are at €30. There will be a raffle with tickets selling at €2 each or €5 for three. First prize: a food hamper.

Information from Eileen at 086 1664471.

DYLAN CARPENTER Congratulations to Dylan Carpenter of Paulstown on winning the quarter final in a great contest in the Leinster Championships on Sunday 11th.

TAR ISTEACH The shop is openly daily Monday to Saturday in the mornings.

Funds go towards local development. Good quality clothes and bric-a-brac are accepted.

SPARE BOTTLE TOPS Have you spare bottle lids?? Ones that you cannot drink from. If you can spare some bottle caps then please bring them to the Paulstown Community Hall, they will be used for an upcycling art project there is a container in the kitchen for them.

COMPUTER AND PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES Computer classes take place every Wednesday from 10am in Ionad Dara in Goresbridge. Photography skills are included as a related part of the course and may be taken separately. The courses, which are free of charge, are sponsored by Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board for all Digital Literacy and basic literacy needs. More information from Carmel or Thomas at 056 7763149.

CHOIR Have you a talent for singing for playing a musical instrument?

New adult and children members welcome to the Paulstown church choir. Contact the parochial office (059 9775180) FOROIGE Would you like to volunteer with Foróige to support young people in Paulstown For more information contact Aidan Gleeson (aidan. gleeson@foroige.ie) CUPLA FOCAL Would you like to brush up or practice your Irish over a cup of coffee? All welcome! Weekly Friday chatting in Irish over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow this Friday 16th February at 11am. Whether it is a few words or many, it doesn’t matter. Contact Ann on 085 7529485 for further information. Fáilte roimh chách.

SHANKILL CASTLE The gardens at Shankill are open on weekends (11am-16.00) for the remainder of the month of February for visitors to enjoy the snowdrops as part of Carlow Snowdrop Month.

DEFIBRILLATOR AEDs are a crucial aid in enabling individuals to survive an Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest. A unit is located outside Maher’s Shop in Goresbridge as well as inside the Ionad Dara community hall in Goresbridge.

LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS Scoil Bhríde is now accepting enrolments for the 2024/2025 school-year. Parents may contact the school office between 9am and 1pm on 059 9775168 for further information or email the office at office@goresbridgens.ie For applications for admission to Scoil Bhríde, Paulstown see the school website https://www.paulstownns.ie/home BENNETTSBRIDGE

GRAIGUENAMANAGH GRAIG NOTES To submit news items, club events, announcements etc notes can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm.

LOTTO. GAA AND SOCCER Jackpot now stands at €20,000. Numbers drawn on the 6/2/24were 2, 23, 25, 32, there was no winner. The following won €30 each Bernie McDonald, Mick Doyle,, Richard Doyle, Caitriona Gahan, Shane Kinsella, Tickets can be had from any Committee member GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW First Prize €450 Paddy Costello, Second Prize €50 The Yanks c/o Willie, Third Prize €25 Marley and Me, Money raised through TIDY TOWNS Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all year round.

CLINIC Cllr Peter Cleere will have his Clinic on Saturday morning from 9 am at his Office in Main St 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 March 8th at 7;30 pm.

CHURCH NEWS First Holy Communion Dates for Graiguenamanagh Parish for 2024 are Skeaughvosteen Church on Sunday May 26th at 9.30 am, and followed at Duiske Abbey Church Graiguenamanagh at 11am.

GRAIG LIBRARY NEWS Join us for an advanced chess class at Graiguenamanagh Library with Ruairi from Red Chess on Thursday February 15th from 2 pm to 4pm .Suitable for experienced chess players, aged 9 and upwards. Booking Essential, Email graiguenamanagh@kilkennylibrary.ie or call 056 7794178.

Kilcumney Players performance of The Seafarer in Goresbridge recently

Cupla Focal’ Irish mlanguage conversation circle Goresbridge

CHURCH NEWS On Sunday there was a large attendance at the last preparation mass ahead of the Confirmation on 25th February. Celebrant was Fr Pat Dalton and children and parents took part in the Liturgy and Offertory Procession.

Music during the mass was by Billy Molloy and Deirdre O’Brien.

MASS TIMES Thursday and Friday, Mass at 10.30am LENTEN STATIONS The Lenten Stations will be taken up next weekend in Tullaherin and Bennettsbridge.

TROCAIRE BOXES Trocaire boxes are available in the church porch. Donations help the work of Trocaire in the Third World. The boxes can be handed in during the Holy Week Ceremonies.

EDDIE BYRNE RIP The death of Eddie Byrne, Mount Carmel, Callan, Co. Kilkenny and formerly of Fr. Albert Place, Kilkenny City brings to mind the days when the missions were held in parishes. In most parishes there were stalls outside the churches for the duration of the mission.

Eddie and his late wife, Mamie, provided one such service and had a caravan parked outside the various churches, containing all kinds of religious objects, pictures, statues, rosary beads, relics, scapulars,prayer books etc. At the end of the mission the missioner would bless the objects purchased by the people.

Eddie died in St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, on Friday 9th February.

Predeceased by his wife Mamie, parents, Jack and Alice, brother Michael and sister Frances. Eddie will be deeply missed by his sons Sean and Michael, daughters-in-law Phyllis and Brid, brothers Kevin, Jimmy and sister Una. Also mourned by his grandchildren Declan, Ciara, Katie and Niall, great-grandchildren Molly and Cillian, nieces, nephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny on Monday, followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery.

Eddie was a brother of the late Michael Byrne, Woodlawn and sympathy goes to his niece, Sinéad Wall and family.

ADVANCE NOTICE The Annual Irish Dancing Display will be held in the Community Hall on St Patrick’s Day, Sunday, 17th March after 10.30am mass.

The traditional event is a collaboration between Stella Carroll School of Dancing and Bennettsbridge Ladies Club. The young dancers will compete for the Kathleen Conway Memorial Trophy.

MC Tom Shanahan will introduce the various acts. The usual raffle will take place with our star ticket seller, Mandy Simpson in charge.

Proceeds will go to the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care team.

Prior to the dancing, it is hoped to honour our Patron Saint by having the parish choir sing some of the traditional hymns associated with St Patrick,at the 10.30am mass.

GOWRAN VENTURE Gowran Community Housing for the Elderly are happy to announce the opening of a new fundraising venture on the 23rd of March Pre Loved Beautiful Clothes will open on the 23rd of March in Dalton House Pre Loved Beautiful Clothes will sell Good Quality Ladies Clothes.

Individuals who wish to sell in the shop will pay 40% of the selling price. Prices will be agreed between the organisors and the seller.

A meeting will be held in a few weeks time with any interested people who wish to leave in clothes to sell.

If you wish to leave clothes to in private contact 0860276332, all clothes will be “coded-no names”, on display and owners will not be disclosed to the public. If you have clothes in your wardrobe rarely worn but hate to part from them, you can turn them into much needed cash and help support a charitable cause.

No items will be sold in Pre Loved Beautiful Clothes for less than €20. In the meantime interested parties may contact 0860276332 for further information.

MOLLY’S THRIFT SHOP Molly’s Thrift Shop will continue as usual, selling only Ladies clothes, hats, scarfs and shoes, men’s jumpers and sportswear. No other items will be accepted.

Sincere thanks to all who donated to us or purchased from us in the past year. The proceeds go to Gowran Community Housing for the Elderly. We had to reroof four houses last year and more needs to be done.

Funds were also donated to Dalton House Day-care Centre. We would like to thank all who donated money to us in the past year.

LOTTO No winner of Jackpot last week. Numbers, 4, 9, 16, 28. Jackpot now €5,950.00.

Consolation Prizes, Pauline ℅ Fr Duggan, The Dooley Children, Maria Dunne, Ballyreddin, Kay Cody, Stroan, joe Murphy, Bohergaddy.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED If you have some hours to spare, the people at Volunteer Kilkenny would love to hear from you. They need people for a wide range of activities. More details from, info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or 089 258 4946.

GAA National Hurling League Bennettsbridge was represented by Kevin and David Blanchfield in the national league win versus Cork on Saturday night . Well done lads!

Football Games The game versus Galmoy was not played and Bennettsbridge have qualified for the league final in a couple of weeks with the opposition to be confirmed. Our under 14 and minor teams both play Graignamanagh in the first games of 2024 next Sunday. Best of luck to all .

Club Spot The club has adopted a new app for all GAA business going forward, replacing clubforce. We ask as many people as possible to download this new club spot app.. Details are on the club’s Facebook page. This is a great way to communicate club business.

Membership, Split the Pot etc can be done on this so it is vital for as many as possible to download the app as soon as possible.

Athletics Development Meeting Games development officer Sean Kelly will be giving a presenta-

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Community & GAA Notes tion on Friday, 16th February at 7.30pm in the GAA clubhouse. Sean is highly qualified and specialises in athletic developmemt and the whole area of strength and conditioning in Juveniles. Sean has been with the Kilkenny minors for the last number of years. This is a very worthwhile presentation on Athletic Development for youths and really focuses on u14 to minors. We would be hoping to get a really good turnout for this and there will be lots of valuable information for parents and teens.

Bennettsbridge GAA Healthy Club step challenge Thanks to all who took part in the steps challenge that finished last Monday. We had nearly forty people representing the club in the challenge and it was a great way to begin the year.

Membership 2024 This year’s membership can now be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member. Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non-playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players. Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details.

Split the Pot The next draw takes place on Friday in the clubhouse at 6 pm.

Thanks to all for the continued support.

Club Shop Some new items of club gear have been added to the online O’Neill’s shop. Simply put Bennettsbridge in the search box on the O’Neill’s website to see all the gear.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 8th February 2024 Nos: 8 13 21 29 Jackpot: €15,050 Not Won Draw Prizes. €50: Eileen Galvin c/o Rita Long . €25 each Margaret Claffey c/o Online. €25 each Tom Delaney, c/o Tommy Hackett . €25 each Davy Dalton c/o Davy Dalton. Hurlers Co Op Draw Padraic Moylan c/o Online. Promotors prize Dohertys Bar We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up and play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.

EASTER CAMP Three Day Hurling and Camogie Camp March 25th - 27th 2024.

Skills and Drills and lots of fun. For ages 5-12 Only. €30 for 1 child discounts available for multiple children from same family. See ClubZap for more details or follow link https://Dicksboro GAA.COM/ PRODUCTS CONDOLENCES Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club would like to send heartfelt condolences to the Murphy Family on the passing of Stephen.

Beloved Father of Aran and Christy who are both a huge part of our Club and we are particularly thinking of them at this difficult time.

Our Deepest Sympathies to his partner Frances, his daughter Roisin, his Parents Des and Catherine, his brothers Declan, Malcolm and Joe and all his family and friends.

May he Rest in Peace JOHNSTOWN CHURCH NEWS Envelopes for the Sacristans collection in St. Kieran’s Church are in the porch of the Church.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to John and Mary Murphy and family who have been bereaved by the death of Mary’s sister Ena Dowling, Borrismore.

Sympathy is extended to Kathleen Renehan and family, and the Hickey family who have been bereaved by the death of Kathleen’s niece, Kelly Mc Neill, Dublin and Tenerife.

Ar Dheis De go raibh said.

AUCTION Galmoy GAA are holding a monster auction in Galmoy on Sunday February 18th at 11am. Lots of top quality firewood, turf, bales of hay, straw as well as very attractive vouchers including Fertilizers, Beef Nuts, Farm Implements etc. Great bargains to be had.

LOURDES 2024 The Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage will take place from May 22nd to 26th flying from Cork. All information from Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages. 012410800.

LIBRARY NEWS Urlingford Library is starting Art Classes for Beginners (watercolour, acrylics pastels) on Wednesday. February. 21st from 11am to 1pm.

On Saturday February 24th Ireland Reads Day there will be storytime and creation for children in the library from 10am to 1pm.

Make your own bookmark.

ST. KIERAN’S N.S. Enrolments are now being taken for year 2024/2025 for junior infants and all classes. Information and application forms available from the school. Call 0568831611 or email Johnstownns@gmail. com.

ST. MARY’S HALL Pilates and Bootcamp starting on March 4th. Monday nights Bootcamp 8 to 9pm, Thursday nights Bootcamp 8 to 9pm and also Thursday nights Pilates 6.45 to 7.30pm. Details from 0851734211.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 18,19,22,25 one match three Paddy Murphy. Next week’s jackpot €11,800.

SPA UNITED AFC Weekend results. U15boys league division 1A Clover Utd4 Spa 0, U15 girls league division 1 Stoneyford 2 Spa 0, U14 boys league division 2 Spa 3 Evergreen 2, U13 boys league division 2 Clover Utd 5 Spa 0, U12 boys league division 1A Spa 5 Paulstown 0, U11 boys Doran Cup Freshford Town 1 Spa 2. Also in action the U11 girls took on Freebooters and put in a great performance in very difficult conditions.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm SACRISTANS COLLECTION Sincere thanks to everyone who supported the collection last

weekend. If you have overlooked it, envelopes can be returned this weekend. We thank both sacristans for their work and dedication in both churches.

TROCAIRE BOXES Boxes are available in both church porches. Please take one and support the Lenten campaign.

TABLE QUIZ A table quiz will take place in Mary Willies this Friday night 16th February at 9pm. The quiz is in aid of Ciaran’s cancer treatment fund. Table of four €20. Raffle on the night with great prizes. Please support this fundraising event.

YOGA CLASSES Yoga with Jenny at Gortnahoe Community Hall, Morning and Evening Classes from 10am - 11am and 7pm - 8pm. Commenced on Monday, 12th February. 4 week block is €50. Contact Jenny on 0879420826. All welcome.

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 Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to the last two weekend winners of Split the Pot draw, Peg Corbett, Urard who won €175 and Paddy Bambrick, Grange who won €168. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for the month of February will be in support of the Prayer Garden beside Gortnahoe Church. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated TRAINING COURSE FOR EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS A Course for Eucharistic Ministers for the 4 parishes within the Group Pastoral area will take place on Tuesday 27th February in Lámh Cúnta, Bothar-na-Naomh. Thurles from 7:30-9:30pm. Fr. Pat Burns and the Pastoral Office will be facilitating the course.

VACANCY Millenium Family Resource Centre has a vacancy for a cook/chef for the Meals on Wheels Service. This is a part time permanent position funded by the Community Services Programme. Contact Julie O’Halloran on 083 1008075 for full details on the job description and specific criteria for applying.

SAVE THE DATE Meet and greet for parents and families of children/teens with autism. Friday 23rd February 6pm to 7pm in Millenium Family Resource Centre Glengoole. Creating a space for children and teens with autism to make friends and take part in activities. Refreshments provided but please feel free to bring along your own favourite food. Further information from Julie on 083 1008075/ julie@mfrc.ie MARY FEEHAN RIP The death has occurred of Mary Feehan, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin and formerly Georgespark, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Mary died peacefully in the loving care of nurses and staff at Maryfield Nursing Home Dublin. Predeceased by her parents Tom and Bridie, sister Kathleen and nephew Adrian. Deeply regretted by her loving brothers Paddy and Jimmy (Australia), brother-in-law Paddy, sister-in-law Moira, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and a close circle of friends. Mary reposed at Maryfield Nursing Home, Old Lucan Rd., Dublin 20, last Friday morning followed by requiem mass. Interment took place afterwards in Fennor Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL ST PATRICK’S GAA St Patrick’s GAA, thank you to everyone who has already renewed their membership again this year. Your support is great appreciated. For those of you who have not got a chance to yet, please see details and payment links below. It can either be done through the Foireann app, by cash to Tomás Healy, Martin Bergin or Enda Mooney, or by the relevant payment links Adult Non-player €50https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QS3CY3OA Adult Family couple Non-player €90https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/ Q54SU0YF Adult non-player + Piltown Ticket €90https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/ QHD8X49Z Adult Family Membership 3 or more adults €140 https://pay.sumup. com/b2c/QEL8O57E Thanks again to everyone for their support.

The Intermediate football side were in action against the Rower Inistigoe on a cold Sunday morning, unfortunately they came out of the wrong side of the result, they are out this weekend at home on Saturday against Barrow Rangers CONAHY GAA MEMBERSHIP GAA Club Membership for 2024 is now due and can be paid online via the club’s Clubforce platform over the coming weeks.

Alternatively, a number of membership collection nights will be held in the GAA Clubhouse over the coming weeks, with dates to be announced very soon. Please check the club’s social media for the various rates of membership available and club players in particular are reminded that membership must be paid prior to starting training and the playing of matches to ensure appropriate injury cover.

GAA Bórd na nÓg membership for 2024 is also due for all under-age players at this time. The cost is €50 per player and can also be paid via Clubforce prior to the start of training. Further details on this are also available on the club’s social media.

FOOTBALL The intermediate footballers narrowly lost out to Piltown in their latest game in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Intermediate Football League on Saturday last in Jenkinstown. Conahy will rue a few missed chances during the game, as the visitors were able to hold on in the end for a 2-10 to 2-8 victory. The locals have one final league game to play, this time against Glenmore, on Saturday

week, February 24th at 1.30 p.m. in Glenmore.

TEAM: Karl Downey, J.P. Gamble, Padraig Gunner, Ciaran Rice, Geoffrey O’Shea, Philip Cass, Donal Cass, Darragh Hennessy, Eoin Cahill, Edmond Delaney, Brian Rossiter, Billy Mulhall, Bill Murphy, Stephen McNamee.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 5, 21 and 29. There was no winner of the €1,600 jackpot, so the consolation prize winners were Mary Murphy (Jenkinstown Park), Tim, Rose and Annie Joyce, Jim and Caitriona Tierney, Walter McCullagh and Bridget Conroy. The promoter prize winners were Teresa Dollard, Toddy Lacey and Seamus Óg Brennan.

CONAHY HALL There are a number of tables currently missing from Conahy Hall.

Parishioners are asked to check if they have forgotten to return them and are in storage. If so, it would be greatly appreciated if they could be returned. Locals are also reminded that the Hall is available for any and all occasions, e.g., parties, meetings, classes, after funerals, etc., and is an excellently kept facility for everyone in the parish.

KILMANAGH SINGING CIRCLE On the first Saturday evening of each month from November until April, a committed number of musicians and songsters provide entertainment and craic to all who like to avail of it, especially the golden oldies of our parish. Musicians Lorraine Kenny, Liam Ronan, Gary Bourke, Tom McGrath, Tomas McCluskey and of course our own seanchaí himself, Jim Maher give two hours of enjoyment to us. Usually people in the audience join in the singing. The ever welcome cup of tea or coffee and confectionary are served at the end of the night. Let us offer our grateful thanks to all who arrange this event and to those who give of their time and musical expertise in bringing two hours of enjoyment to us in Halla Naomh Aodhán.

ANNE O’BRIEN Anne O’Brien of Tingarran has entered eternal life after a prolonged illness. Before her illness Anne was involved in Toastmasters and helping refugees who arrived in Ireland. Her requiem mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. in St. Molua’s Church, Killaloe with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballykeeffe. Sympathy is expressed to her husband Maurice, daughters Carmel and Marie, sons Michael, Walter and Brendan, relatives and many friends.

PHIL CAHILL The death has occurred of a former member of our parish community, namely Phil Cahill. He was born at Redhouse, Killaloe where he spent his childhood and youth. He was a popular member of Graigue Ballycallan Hurling Club. His profession was carpentry which brought him in contact with many people. The attendance on both occasions of his obsequies was one of the largest in our parish for many years. His requiem mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. and Fr. Danny O’Gorman, P.P. Mullinahone with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballykeeffe. Sympathy is expressed to his wife Nang, children Philip, Katie, Richard and Natasha, grandchildren Dóisa, Charlie and Dayna, brothers John and Donal, sisters Bernie, Kathleen, Carmel and Breda, sisters in law, brothers in law, nephews and nieces, cousins and many friends. He is predeceased by his sister Mary. Ar dheis Dè go raibh a anam Dílis.

PARISH LOTTO Results for 05/02/24. Numbers drawn were 18; 26; 29; 30. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners of €50 each were Gar Hickey, Aoife Murphy and Sean Thomas Cleere, New York. Sellers prizes went to Michael Murphy and Brendan Hayes. Next draw will take place on 12/02/24 at 8 pm.

VOLUNTEERING Darkness into Light - Event Organiser 2024 - This annual Pieta House fundraiser seeks new committee members to help organize the event in Kilkenny city this year. Meetings will take place at Springhill Hotel on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. For more information contact info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or 089 258 4946.

St Vincents Shop Kilkenny - The newly refurbished shop in Kilkenny City needs volunteers to help with the sorting, pricing, tagging donations and working on the shop floor and operating the till. No previous experience is needed. For more information contact info@ volunteerkilkenny.ie or 089 258 4946.

Thomastown Scout Group are looking for adult volunteer leaders to organise and facilitate club meetings, provide a safe and fun environment where young people aged 15-18 years can feel welcome. For more information contact info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or 089 258 4946.

Victim Support at Court are looking for Court Accompaniment volunteers in Kilkenny – Volunteers provide court accompaniment for crime victims and witnesses. Full training is provided. Contact info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or 089 258 4946 for details.

Hygiene Hub - Donation Coordinator for Kilkenny City - Hygiene Hub Ireland is looking for a Coordinator to manage a Drop Off Point and distribute essential items to local communities. For more information contact info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or 089 258 4946.

We also have lots of other fantastic initiatives happening in our Centre. If you are not registered, please do at www.volunteerkilkenny.ie. Once registered you will be kept up to date.

If you are an organization in need of volunteers, please get in touch to see how we can support you too.

KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

HUGGINGSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish: Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 9.30a.m. Wednesday at 7.30p.m.Vigil - Saturday 17th. at 8.00p.m.; Sunday18th. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford: Wednesday 14th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil – Saturday 17th. at 6.30p.m.

GUIDELINES FOR LENTEN PENANCE Abstaining from meat or some other food on Fridays; Abstaining from alcoholic drink or smoking; Making a special effort at involve-

ment in Family Prayer; Visit to the Blessed Sacrament; Making the Stations of the Cross; Helping the poor, the sick, the old or lonely.

PRAY FOR Joan McBride, Sheepstown. Michael Morrissey, Lawcus Fields.

Anniversary Masses James and Ellen Dalton, Boolyglass: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 17th. February at 8.00p.m. Bernard Cuddihy, Ballinteskin: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 18th. February at 10.00a.m.

ROTA Rota 17th. and 18th. February - (First Sunday of Lent) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Tom King. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Catherine Dwyer. Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Kitty Wallace.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill. Sunday 10.00a.m.

Lillian Carr CONFIRMATION 2024 Confirmation will be celebrated for Aghaviller Parish in Hugginstown Church on Thursday 22nd. February at 11.00a.m. Schools will be open for all pupils who are not receiving Confirmation.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024 For Stoneyford School on Sunday 12th. May in Stoneyford Church at 11.00a.m.

For Monroe/Newmarket Schools on Sunday 19th. May in Hugginstown Church at 11.00a.m.

PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE Weekend Residential courses available. 26th. to 28th. April and 20th. to 22nd. September 2024. Details: www.grasta.org or at info@ grasta.org CARRICKSHOCK GAA INVITATION The Club invites all to join ‘2024 Light up Ireland’ every Wednesday at 7.30p.m. at the “Waterboys Walkway” Hugginstown: Walk and Chat; All are very welcome.

LOTTO Lotto: Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 5th.

February 2024 Numbers: 08; 16; 17; 18. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00 Winners: Liam Brennan, Keatingstown; Ger Carroll, Harristown; Brenda Brenner, Hugginstown; Helen Green, Dungarvan; “The 4 of Us”, c/o James Irish. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Catherine Duggan; John Power; Mary Doyle.

OSSORY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The Annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024 is now available to book!

The departure will take place on 22nd. May 2024 from Cork Airport; flying direct to Lourdes with accommodation available in the hotels La Solitude, Padoue or Agena. With capacity being limited this year, it is strongly advised that pilgrims wishing to travel to Lourdes book as soon as possible. Should you require any additional information on the pilgrimage, please do not hesitate to contact 01 241 0800 or info@joewalshtours.ie. For Assisted Pilgrims please contact Fr. Anthony O’Connor 087 251 7766 or maoc50@me.com MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES Pilgrimages from April to October 2024: 7 Nights Apartment BandB from €273 per person sharing. Airport transfer available on request.

Contact us for details and book the dates that suit you. Tel. 01 443 4510 or Email: reservations@med-irishcentre.com: website www. med-irishcentre.com WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK The Holy Father’s message for this year is entitled: “It is not good that man should be alone” – Caring for the sick by caring for relationships. Echoing the Holy Father’s message, the Catholic Bishops renews its commitment to prayer and accompaniment of the sick.

Pope Francis reminds us of the fundamental importance of human relationships in the process of healing and comforting the sick.

He urges us to care for relationships with compassion and tenderness, while recalling the example of the Good Samaritan who approached his neighbour with deep compassion. The Holy Father also stresses that the sick, the fragile and the poor must be at the heart of the Church and at the centre of our pastoral concel.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Adult, Teens and Children’s Play Therapy, Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression, Drug and Substance and Gambling Addictions.

Play Therapy is now available for children aged 4 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.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

MEN’S NECKTIES If you have any unwanted men’s neckties we would appreciate if you would give them to us for a project.

JOBS TRAINING BOARDS 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.

COMPUTER CLASSES Computer classes will be commencing here in the centre from 10.30am-12.30pm from Tuesday the 27th February- Tuesday March 26th. Duration of course is 5 weeks.

LTI Recruitment taking place now for September. Please contact the Centre for details.

For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466

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

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kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz National Hurling League Cork 1-17 Kilkenny 0-21 Páirc Uí Chaoimh Referee: Johnny Murphy Kilkenny left the newly Supervalu sponsored Páirc Uí Chaoimh with maximum points from their round 2 Allianz hurling league clash, thanks to an injury-time winner from Thomastown’s John Donnelly. A late first half Cork goal reduced the half-time deficit to just three points, as Pat Ryan’s Rebels recovered from a terrible lackluster opening 25 minutes to set up an interesting second half on Leeside. The home side found their stride and actually took the lead for the first time in the game, just before the hour marker, but to the visitor’s credit, they found a way to get over the line.

Derek Lyng’s charges opened the scoring in the second minute after Limerick whistler Johnny Murphy blew for overcarrying. Eoin Cody, once again on placed ball duty and duly converted the first of what would be a 7-point haul for the Shamrocks Ballyhale man. The Cats doubled their lead less than a minute later following a well-worked short sideline cut that John Donnelly split the posts from.

The Noresiders fashioned a decent goal scoring opportunity moments later, but Cork netminder Patrick Collins did well to thwart Eoin Cody’s effort. The Rebels got off the mark in the 4th minute courtesy of their main man Patrick Horgan, who popped over a placed ball after an infringement by Bennettsbridge’s David Blanchfield. Two minutes later, another sideline cut, this time from Mikey Butler, saw the sliotar worked to Eoin Cody who rifled over his first point from open play.

The home side got their second point of the day after some great battling along the sideline which saw Midleton’s Conor Lehane split the posts with a fine effort from out on the left. Glenmore’s Shane Murphy, a late inclusion in the side, then went on a powerful surge forward and gave a good pass to Cian Kenny who fired over for the first of his 2-point salvo and the men in black and amber built on this with further scores from play from Adrian Mullen and Shamrocks teammate, Eoin Cody.

The Leesiders then found themselves in on goal, but a wonderfully timed challenge from David Blanchfield saw the danger averted. Kilkenny worked the ball back down the pitch and The Village’s Cian Kenny struck his second score of the game. Graigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan became the first of six Kilkenny players to have their name taken by referee, Johnny Murphy after an off the ball tangle

Super Cats valu for Páirc Uí Chaoimh win!

Mullen outstanding as Donnelly notches late winner with Robert Downey. Lough’s player Luke Hogan, who was making his senior league debut was causing problems with his physicality then won a free which Eoin Cody converted to leave his side 6 points ahead after 18 minutes of action at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Things got even better for the Cats with two more quality scores from Mikey Carey and a second of the day for former captain Adrian Mullen.

The hushed silence from the home supporters told you everything, they were silently expressing their disappointment at their side’s effort, or more accurately the lack of. Glen Rovers Patrick Horgan slotted a second placed ball for his side’s third point, but again Derek Lyng’s men hit back with the Shamrock’s duo

of Mullen and Cody on target again to increase the gap to nine points.

Cork centreforward, Conor Lehane was one of a few home players that looked up for the match and the talented forward struck the second of his 4-point haul on twentyfour minutes before Eoin Cody fired over another free to restore the visitors nine-point lead. This lead could and possibly should have been greater, considering the Noresiders had racked

Adrian Mullen scores For Kilkenny

up six wide’s at this point.

Another of the Midleton contingent, Tommy O’Connell then notched a lovely point to further enhance his reputation and claims for a regular starting berth in Pat Ryan’s side.

With three minutes of the opening period left,

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters - Review Shane Murphy gets in his tackle on Patrick Horgan

Sean Twomey gave a nice hand pass to Tim O’ Mahoney who let fly from more than ‘65 out to register the best score of the half and one which got the Cork supporters off their seats.

The running battle between Huw Lawlor and Patrick Horgan was a great watch itself, and the Kilkenny captain picked up a yellow card as he sought to hold up the bustling Cork No.14. Horgan popped over the point to reduce his sides arrears to six points. Another flowing move from back to front from the visitors

Mikey Carey gets his pass away as hes tackled by Ger Mellerick

saw Mikey Carey burst through on goal, but he was halted by some great defending, and as the Rebels tried to break-out, Carey was cautioned for a frontal challenge.

With the game in first half stoppage time, Cork sent a long ball in and around the house.

The hard-working Sean Twomey

a close with the Cats lead somehow down to just three points.

The Kilkenny management team made one change during the interval, with Billy Ryan being replaced by Tullaroan’s Martin Keoghan. Mossy made an immediate impact and with his first possession and found himself halted illegally by a couple of defenders.

Eoin Cody popped over his fifth placed ball effort and this was to be the end of the former Young Hurler of the Year’s scoring return. The all-action Adrian Mullen then rifled over another lovely point for his 4th of the evening, the Shamrocks Ballyhale man a constant threat to the Rebels cause. Darragh Corcoran was then adjudged to have fouled his man and Patrick Horgan opened his second half account. Robbie O’Flynn then scored a fine effort for the home side, but the Erin’s Own man tweaked a hamstring Eoin Murphy on and had to leave the The ready as Cork action minutes later. attack Another major chance for the home side came soon after, this time to the lively Shane Kingston. The talented Douglas man denied by a fine stop from All-Star keeper Eoin Murphy. John Donnelly then became the latest Kilkenny man to give his details to Johnny Murphy. This break in play saw Billy Drennan introduced in place of O’Loughlin Gaels Luke Hogan.

Cork then hit three scores on bounce, as they found their groove.

A brace of free’s from Patrick Horgan and a third of the game from Conor Lehane, who benefited from a poor pass from Mikey Butler before splitting the visitors’ posts to level matters on 51 minutes. Derek Lyng then threw on Kevin Blanchfield in place of Mikey Carey, who had put in a decent shift, but was treading of Courcey Rovers, gave a lovely ground with a yellow card. looping hand pass which bypassed Adrian Mullen then struck over his three Kilkenny defenders and found fifth point of the evening from close the strong running midfielder Conor to the sideline, before he turned O’Callaghan who steadied himself provider for a fantastic score from before striking his effort past the wing-back Shane Murphy. Fresh sprawling Huw Lawlor and Eoin from his side’s junior All-Ireland Muphy to the back of the visitor’s net. title, Tullogher Rosbercon’s Walter Johnny Murphy brought the half to Walsh entered the fray in place of

Conor Heary, as Kilkenny sought to add a little bit more aerial prowess to their ranks.

Then came another 3-point burst from Pat Ryan’s outfit. First up was sub Shane Barrett, the Blarney man notching a fine point before another placed ball from Patrick Horgan.

The third score came from the very impressive Conor Lehane, who sent the home side’s fans wild when his effort saw the Leesiders take the lead for the first time in the game on 58 minutes.

Kilkenny needed a response and a big last ten or so minutes, and they got just that. Walter Walsh drew a foul and a change in free-take saw Galmoy’s Billy Drennan split the posts with his first effort of the game.

A second point followed for the former U20 star when Cian Kenny was fouled. The James Stephens man was withdrawn and replaced

by Thomastown’s Peter McDonald.

Patrick Horgan’s on-going battle with Huw Lawlor was really interesting and the Cork man cutely drew a foul which gave him the opportunity to deadlock matters again, and he did just that.

Play was pretty frantic at this stage, with both sides battling hard to come out on top. Some great desire and hunger saw Billy Drennan gain possession and the Maynooth student split the posts with a lovely effort. Glen Rovers Hogan then registered his 9th point from the place ball to level matters again, as David Blanchfield found his name in the referee’s book. Then came another major chance, this time for Kilkenny. Billy Drennan cleverly flicked the ball towards Walter Walsh who picked it up beautifully and headed for goal. As the towering forward shortened his grip to bat the ball towards goal, Castlelyon’s Niall O’Leary attempted hook reduced the Tullogher man’s contact and allowed keeper Patrick Collins to make the save.

It looked like a share of the spoils was going to be the outcome for the second game running for Kilkenny, but nobody told John Donnelly that.

The Thomastown man burst through a pack of players and rifled a shot straight between the Cork posts with 71 minutes on the clock. Cork tried to respond, but the Cats stood firm to claim a big win on Leeside. Final score from Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork 1-17, Kilkenny 0-21.

Scorers for Cork: P. Horgan (010, frees); C. O’Callaghan (1-0); C. Lehane (0-3), T. O’Connell, T. O’Mahony, R. O’Flynn, S. Barrett (0-1 each).

Scorers for Kilkenny: E. Cody (0-7, 5 frees); A. Mullen (0-5); B. Drennan (0-3, 2 frees); C. Kenny, J. Donnelly (0-2 each); M. Carey, S. Murphy (0-1 each).

CORK: P. Collins; S. O’Donoghue (c), E. Roche, E. Downey; T. O’Mahony, N. O’Leary, R. Downey; T. O’Connell, C. O’Callaghan; L. Meade, C. Lehane, S. Twomey; S. Kingston, P. Horgan, R. O’Flynn.

Subs for Cork: G. Millerick for R. Downey (21); B. Roche for L. Meade (h-t); E. Twomey for C. O’Callaghan (42); S. Barrett for R. O’Flynn (44); M. Coleman for E. Downey (49).

KILKENNY: E. Murphy; M. Butler, H. Lawlor (c), T. Walsh; D. Blanchfield, D. Corcoran, S. Murphy; C. Kenny, M. Carey; B. Ryan, J. Donnelly, C. Heary; A. Mullen, L. Hogan, E. Cody.

Subs for Kilkenny: M. Keoghan for B. Ryan (h-t); B. Drennan for L. Hogan (46); K. Blanchfield for M. Carey (51); W. Walsh for C. Heary (55); P. McDonald for C. Kenny (64).

Referee: J. Murphy (Limerick)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

News Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

BILLY DUNPHY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT MONTHS MIND The family of the late Billy Dunphy would like to thank all those who sympathised with them on their recent sad loss, those who attended the funeral mass, sent mass card and floral tributes and a special thank you to his neighbours Thanks also to the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Lukes Hospital who looked after Billy in his final days.

PAULINE BRENNAN 1ST ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of Pauline Brennan,12 Archers Court, Loughboy, Kilkenny who died on 28th February 2023.

Pauline’s 1st Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Fiacres Church, Loughboy on Saturday 24th February at 6.15pm

A sincere thank you to Fr. Dermot Ryan for the funeral mass and our thanks also to the singers for providing the beautiful music.

A special thanks to Johnston Funeral Directors for their professionalism and kindness at this sad time.

Our sincere gratitude to the Presentation Nuns, Parnell Street.

Billy’s Months Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 17th February at 5.40p.m in the Friary Church, Kilkenny.

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.G.T.

NORAH GARGAN 13TH ANNIVERSARY

JOE MINOGUE 25TH ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Norah Gargan, late of 4 Parnell Street, Kilkenny who died on 18th February 2011

In loving memory of Joe Minogue, late of 7 Newtown Terrace, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny who died on February 5th 1999.

Aged 79 years Rest In Peace

In Memory of a wonderful Mam On this very special day We’ll shed a silent tear And think of you, as usual And wish you were still here Because although days like this Aren’t supposed to be so sad They’re always a reminder Of the happy times we had And just how much we miss you For your heart was kind and true And when we needed someone We could always count on you You were one in a million And we know that we were blessed To have you as a Mam For you simply were the best.

Miss you Mam From your loving family

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.I.D.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.I.D.

After Glow I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days I’d like the tear of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Always loved and remembered by his loving family.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.B.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

45

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 February 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

/ Miracle Prayers

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 February 2022

POWER In loving memory of our beloved family members

Young Irish Film Makers on the set of the National Youth Film school 2019

lm

OCHE of th ERSARY

19

IN PEACE

r dear sister Teasy, nswell, Kilkenny ebruary 2017.

s to lose you t go alone nt with you d you home

NORAH GARGAN 11TH ANNIVERSARY OUR LOVING FATHER

JOHN POWER In loving memory of Norah Gargan, 62ND ANNIVERSARY late of 4 Parnell Street, Kilkenny who died on 18th February 2011

In Memory of a wonderful Mam

ul memories our guide t see you at our side

On this very special day We’ll shed a silent tear And think of you, as usual And wish you were still here Because although days like this Aren’t supposed to be so sad They’re always a reminder Of the happy times we had And just how much we miss you For your heart was kind and true And when we needed someone We could always count on you You were one in a million And we know that we were blessed To have you as a Mam OUR LOVING MOTHER For you simply were the best.

JOHANNA POWER Miss you Mam 15TH ANNIVERSARY

From your loving family

Young Irish Film

JOHANNA AND JOHN POWER Makers on the set of the National 13TH AND 60THYouth ANNIVERSARY Film school 2019

Cherished memories of our parents ANNE O’NEILL (NEE HAWE) Johanna and John late of 3RD5ANNIVERSARY Dean Cavanagh Place, Kilkenny

ROBERT (BOB) ROBERT (BOB) CODY CODY 4TH ANNIVERSARY 6TH ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of our Your resting place loving we visit put flowers thereand with care mother,And grandmother But no one knows the pain wonderful sister As we turn and leave you there Anne O’Neill who died on 16th Your February memory 2021 is our keepsake R.I.P With which we never part

In loving Robert Cody, late ofmemory Drakelands of Middle, Kilkenny latepassed of Drakelands middle, who away on 18th February 2018.

Kilkenny who passed away on QuicklyFebruary and sadly came the call 18th 2018.

God has you in his keeping

We have in our hearts You Gave Usyou Love

Missed and so much You left this world soloved quickly your loving sons Martin and James We still wonder why daughter Rose and extended family For the saddest part of all You never said goodbye

You left us so many memories To us you were so dear No matter when we needed you We always found you near

n is broken ms the same s one by one ink again

OUR LOVING BROTHER STEPHEN POWER 2ND ANNIVERSARY ters and brothers For those of you who think of them today A little prayer to Jesus say Sadly missed and always loved by all your family

In loving memory of Robert Cody,

Without farewell you left us all

A sudden from Godthe on high Quickly andcall sadly came call You had no chance to say goodbye Without farewell you left us all Without farewell you fell asleep A sudden calloffrom God always on highkeep But memories you we’ll You had no chance to say goodbye Sadly missed by your family Without farewell youloving fell asleep But memories of you we’ll always keep Masses will be offered.

Sadly missed by your loving family Masses will be offered.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

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

This time I askpast youIthis special one Dear heart of Jesus, in the have asked (mention favour). many favours.

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within This time I ask you thisyour special one your heart where father sees it. Then (mention in his mercifulfavour). eyes it will become your own Take it dear heart offavour Jesus not andmine. placeAmen. it within your heartSay where yourthree father sees Then this prayer times forit.three days and your favour will beyour granted. in his merciful eyes it will become own Never been known to fail. favour not mine.

Amen.

Must promise of prayer.

Say this prayer three timespublication for three days andB.N

your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

You gave us all you had to give Gifts both big and small But most of all you gave us love The greatest gift of all From your loving daughters and sons, Ann, Susan and Elizabeth, Paddy Brendan, Andrew, Gareth, David, Thomas and also Edward (RIP), your sisters Margaret, Breda, Chrissie, Jean, Frances and Marie brothers Noel, John and Martin grandchildren, great grandson Jayden, nieces and nephews.

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B

The Miracle Prayer

r Mam and Dad

Young Irish Film Makers on the set of the National Youth Film school 2019

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.R

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M

46

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 16 February 2024

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