Kilkenny Observer 17 July 2026

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Friday 17th July 2026

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Kilkenny Pride Festival 23rd – 26th July  See Pages 31 - 40

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

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Water rats at play

Homeowners can report people breaking the ‘hosepipe ban’

Can you see yourself as a snitch? A bit out of sorts?

Would you rat on your neighbour, your cousin in Wexford, or your brother-in-law in Waterford?

You could, if you were downright hot and bothered and angry enough. The Government thinks you just might talk. Homeowners will be able to report neighbours or

anyone they see breaking the ‘hosepipe ban’ in force this weekend for six counties for six weeks.

The order is for Dublin and south Tipperary – as well as parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow – until Wednesday, August 26. Not yet Kilkenny and Carlow, but, sure, it’s early days.

The order bans hosepipes

for watering gardens, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools to “safeguard public water supplies for essential purposes”.

Breaching the order can lead to offences carrying fines of up to €5,000.

Homeowners can report neighbours or anyone they see breaking the ban by calling Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278. While the utility said it is

not encouraging people to report one another, it is asking for personal responsibility and excessive misuse to be flagged.

Clara Eustace, Communications Technical Lead with Uisce Éireann, said those who ignore the ban “have the potential to incur an €125 fine”, though she said the utility did not expect widespread enforcement given high compli-

ance during previous bans.

Mairéad Conlon of Uisce Éireann said enforcement would only arise in cases of “excessive use and repeated times when Uisce Éireann has tried to engage with the person”.

It comes as a high temperature advisory is in place nationwide for another week.

Night-time water restrictions

Kelleher on ‘surprise’ of abortion bid

Senator: ‘Act now on horror’ of femicide After just seven months, the number of women killed this year has already exceeded last year’s total after the violent death of American Jamey Carney (43) in Killarney, according to Carlow-Kilkennybased Senator Patricia Stephenson.

“These are real women who lived real lives, lives that were abruptly cut short in the most horrendous circumstances,” the senator said.

“According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch, eight women have died violently so far this year. That is a horrifying milestone.

“It’s clear from how often we hear of the killing of women in Ireland that we are going backwards with regards to femicide.

This paints a barbaric, medieval picture of our country,” she said.

“This is an all-island epidemic. Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places in Europe to be a woman. This is a crisis which demands urgent attention.

“Since the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. This is unacceptable, and the level of action being taken by Government to address violence against women is meagre.”

The disturbing reality was that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence was widespread in Ireland. Women were the most at risk. She said we must do more to tackle it.

“A key issue facing survivors is the lack of safe housing. The Social Democrats want to make women and children priority groups in Government housing strategy to rebuild their lives.

“Our justice system often works against survivors of gender-based violence. “

are already in place on 35 water supplies, mainly affecting parts of Donegal, Cavan, Longford, Meath, Galway, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford.

Water torture springs to mind... what with your man next door off to play golf on courses not affected by the ban.

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher, who played a key role in developing abortion legislation ahead of the Repeal referendum, has said he is surprised it is being revisited so soon afterwards.

The Oireachtas Health Committee will decide whether it will scrutinise a Sinn Féin Bill proposing to abolish the legal requirement that women should wait three days after an initial medical consultation before they can access abortion services.

The Bill passed in the Dáil last month by 80 votes to 76.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, whose TDs were given a free vote, were divided on the issue.

The Cork politician said he would have voted to abolish the three-day wait if he were still a TD.

Doors open on new Cois Nore

Ahoy there girls! Tell us a story Irish Ferries is inviting children from across Kilkenny to get creative with the launch of Limericks for Kids, an initiative to encourage creativity and storytelling while celebrating the wonder of ferry travel, with a prize pot worth more than €10,000.

In a bid to ditch the screens and get writing, Irish Ferries invites children – like Ellie Greenan and Eibhlin Ross – to submit their very own limericks on the theme: A Ferry Good Holiday.

Full story Page 6

Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre is opening the doors of its new home on the Waterford Road for the public to view this Saturday, July 18, from 2pm-4pm.

The refurbishment of the property that has taken place over the last year is now complete and all services have transferred from Walkin Street.

Cois Nore House is the culmination of several years of work to realise the vision of having a Kilkenny home for Cois Nore services.

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News

Portraits of the artist in shadows of rural Ireland Kilkenny-based visual artist James Wellwood’s solo exhibition As It Darkens, curated by Mark O’Gorman, will be presented by Engage Art Studios as part of the 2026 Galway International Arts Festival.

Exploring themes of memory, transience and place, the exhibition draws on Wellwood’s ongoing engagement with the rural landscape of the Kilkenny dairy farm where he grew up.

Through painting and sculptural processes, familiar locations are reimagined through the shifting perspectives of childhood, adolescence and adulthood, considering how place is encountered both physically and psychologically.

Shaped by observation and the gathering of source material, Wellwood’s process is informed by the concept of soft fascination, a relaxed state of attention that engages interest without demanding focused effort. His narrative-based practice documents everyday experiences and immediate surroundings, often drawing from photographs taken on his phone.

These images capture quiet, intimate moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, forming the basis of a site-responsive, project-based visual diary grounded in places of personal significance.

Rather than depicting the

landscape from a single fixed viewpoint, the works emerge through walking, repeated encounters and the gradual accumulation of experience.

Painting becomes a means of slowing these moments down, allowing personal narratives to surface within each composition.

The resulting works reflect on how

memory, perception and time shape our understanding of place, revealing not only what we see but how a space is gradually experienced and remembered.

The exhibition runs from now until July 26, open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am–4pm (closed Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays). The exhibition features a commissioned text by artist Laura Fitzgerald.

James Wellwood (27) graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art (Painting) from Limerick School of Art and Design in 2024. His narrative-based work documents everyday experiences and his immediate surroundings, with a particular focus on rural spaces.

In recent years, his practice has become increasingly multidisciplinary, working across painting, drawing and sculptural processes.

His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at The Hunt Museum and Ormston House (Limerick); Outset Gallery and 126 Artist-Run Gallery (Galway); GOMA (Waterford); Dunamaise Arts Centre (Portlaoise); and iP12 House (Chania, Crete).

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Heavy rucksack not the only burden on back to school One in four parents expect to have to borrow money to fund the cost of preparing children to return to school.

The percentage of parents getting into debt is down on last year, but the average amount borrowed has risen to €430, according to research for the Irish League of Credit Unions.

School costs are weighing

heavily on families, according to the survey, with 59% of parents saying covering backto-school costs is a financial burden.

The survey was conducted last month by iReach Insights and received responses from 752 parents.

This year’s survey also captures additional costs, such as laptop devices, branded

sports clothing, school lockers and grinds.

Primary school parents expect to spend a total of €1,607 across the school year.

This is made up of €623 in upfront back-to-school costs and a further €984 in running costs over the year.

Secondary school parents are expected to spend €2,142 across the school year.

Upfront back-to-school costs are estimated at €1,115, with another €1,027 set to be spent over the year.

Many of the costs have eased due to supports such as free schoolbooks and school meals.

Despite this, almost half of parents said back-to-school costs are higher than last year.

For those that said the costs were higher, the main reasons were school uniforms, branded or crested items and school trips.

Secondary school parents are particularly exposed, with 51% required to buy uniforms from a named supplier, compared with 34% of primary school parents.

Almost one in four said they

were forced to deny their children certain back-to-school items because they cannot afford them. The findings also show that 81% of parents said their child’s school asks for a “voluntary” contribution, up from 78% last year.

The survey found 27% expected to get into debt this year to fund school costs, down from 33% last year.

Pioneering AI will take good care of elderly Bluebird Care Ireland has become the first home care provider in Ireland to deploy an AI assistant to its frontline workforce, with a nationwide rollout to more than 2,000 carers and support staff across its 22 franchises.

It has home care services in Kilkenny and Carlow.

The tool, called Cloda, gives carers instant access to Bluebird Care’s own policies and procedures, written by the Bluebird Care team with quality and compliance guidance from HCI, from a mobile device while working in a client’s home.

The rollout cuts the administrative burden on carers significantly, freeing more of their time for direct care, and gives families greater confidence that their loved one is being supported by a carer with instant access to the right guidance every time.

The investment lands at a pivotal moment for Irish home care. The number of people aged 65 and over in Ireland is projected to exceed one million by 2030, and home support hours required are projected to grow by between 57% and 91% by 2040. The sector is also preparing for statutory regulation under the forthcoming HIQA framework, which will introduce formal oversight of home care providers for the first time.

A carer working in a client’s home can ask a question in plain English, for example, about medication protocols, safeguarding procedures or infection control and receive an answer drawn directly from Bluebird Care’s own approved documentation. The system is locked to Bluebird Care’s own content; it does not share client information with external systems, and every interaction creates a clear audit trail.

While AI tools have been deployed elsewhere in Irish healthcare, this is the first time an AI assistant has

been rolled out at scale across a national home care network in Ireland. Bluebird Care’s 22 franchises operate across every county in the country, making the rollout one of the most significant digital health initiatives in the Irish community care sector to date.

The investment also strengthens Bluebird Care’s position as a progressive employer in a sector competing hard for talent. By reducing administrative load and giving carers modern, mobile-first tools, the rollout supports recruitment and retention at a time when the home care workforce is under significant pressure nationally.

Mark McInerney, Chief Operating Officer of Bluebird Care Ireland, said, “This is a landmark moment for Bluebird Care and for home care in Ireland. Our carers do extraordinary work every day, often independently in the community, and Cloda gives them instant access to the policies and procedures that underpin good care, in plain language, on their phone. It significantly reduces the time they spend on administrative tasks and gives them more time for the people they care for.”

Cloda has been developed

by HCI, a leading provider of quality and compliance solutions to the Irish healthcare and social care sectors.

Regina Connell, Chief Operating Officer, HCI, said: “Cloda makes approved policy and procedure information easier to access and understand, helping frontline teams work with confidence and consistency while staying aligned with best practice.”

The rollout will be supported by training, ongoing measurement and a programme of continuous improvement across the Bluebird Care network, with phased implementation across all 22 franchises during 2026.

Set sail with your creativity Irish Ferries is inviting children from across Kilkenny to get creative with the launch of Limericks for Kids, an initiative to encourage creativity and storytelling while celebrating the wonder of ferry travel, with a prize pot worth more than €10,000.

In a bid to ditch the screens and get writing, Irish Ferries invites children – like Ellie Greenan and Joey Ricketts, above – to submit their very own limericks on the theme:

A Ferry Good Holiday.

By entering the competition, which will run until October 31, young wouldbe writers will have the chance to win big from the Irish Ferries prize fund of more than €10,000.

With lots of monthly prizes and an amazing grand prize of a €2,000 Irish Ferries voucher, children can showcase their creativity for a chance to win fantastic prizes across two age categories: nine years and under, and 10–15 years.

Speaking about Limericks for Kids, Irish Ferries Consumer Marketing and Sales Director Nora Costello said: “Limericks are one of the most playful ways to get children into writing; there’s no pressure, just imagination and a good sense of humour.

“This is a great opportunity to spark creativity and give families something really positive to get involved in together this summer. Perhaps we’ll uncover the next genera-

tion of young poets.”

Entries, comprising a five-line poem on the theme of holidays or travel, can be submitted on the Irish Ferries new mobile app, its website, by email to limericks@irishferries. com or onboard any of Irish Ferries’ sailings until October 31.

• For more information, visit www.IrishFerries. com/limerick or contact Fionnuala.Oleary@sherrypr.com.

Farmers quitting ACRES scheme voluntarily The majority of farmers who have left ACRES (AgriClimate Rural Environment Scheme) have done so voluntarily rather than being removed for breaches of scheme rules.

Nearly four out of five farmers who have left the €1.5 billion flagship agrienvironment scheme withdrew of their own accord, new figures from the Department of Agriculture show.

Of the 2,965 participants who have exited the scheme, 2,366 withdrew

voluntarily while 599 were removed for breaches of the terms and conditions.

The scheme has been criticised due to payment delays, particularly in the early stages of rollout, with an average annual payment to date of €5,053 per farmer.

A department spokesperson said: “the overall number participating fluctuates as participants may withdraw from the scheme or have their contracts rejected due to breaches of the terms and conditions”.

“The department does claw

back money when farmers withdraw or are removed from the scheme. Figures aren’t currently available for the exact amount that has been recouped.”

The terms and conditions state that if the contract is not fulfilled, any monies paid to date would be recouped unless force majeure is applied, the spokesperson said.

“It should also be noted that participants may be reinstated into the scheme if a review or an appeal of the decision is successful.”

As of July 2026, €786.9m in core payments and almost €8.5m in Non-Productive Investments have been issued, according to the spokesperson.

Participation in ACRES has remained strong since the scheme opened in 2023.

There were 46,250 participants in spring 2023, with numbers falling slightly to 45,229 by December 2023.

Following the opening of Tranche 2 in January 2024, participation increased significantly, reaching a peak of 54,309 by December 2024.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Scorched earth... and childhood summers With the on/off heatwave this summer, if you think this is as good as it gets, think again. New research shows that Ireland could reach peak temperatures of up to 45C (113F) within the next 30 years.

Prolonged periods of heat above 40C would also bring about far-reaching impacts on our daily life, including on our already erratic water supply, food production and on our health.

In the 50 years since the often-recalled record-breaking heatwave of 1976 – remember that? – scientists say that the influence of human-induced climate change means that, should similar weather patterns occur again, we could expect our weather to be so much hotter.

Warming has been happening at the rate of approximately 0.25C a decade since 1976. Not only does this mean a more widespread area experiencing a prolonged spell of temperatures above 30C, but

a large part of Ireland would see highs of 34-38C. According to Ed Hawkins, Professor of Climate Science at the University of Reading, such heatwaves will also become more common in the years ahead and “what felt like a freak event to grandparents in 1976 will become a new normal for their grandchildren”.

A future forecast, using climate models, for a heatwave in just 30 years’ time shows parts of south-east Ireland reaching up to 45C – temperatures unimaginable in 1976.

While the summer of 1976 remains a standout period in our climate history, some aspects of it have already been eclipsed. There have been five summers since that one 50 years ago – can you name any year? – that have been hotter in terms of the average (day and night combined) temperature, and the highest temperature of 35.9C that summer has been exceeded

on six occasions in the last decade alone.

The warmer world in which we now live means the intensity and frequency of future heatwaves will force us to change our daily lives.

Daily routines will need to be adapted, work hours shifted, summer sporting events moved to cooler seasons and buildings and infrastructure made more resilient.

One of Ireland’s leading climate scientists has warned we should all be “petrified” of the future heatwaves that could be driven by climate change. Professor Peter Thorne, director of the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units group at Maynooth University and chairman of the Climate Change Advisory Council, says we should be “panicking” now as conditions could ultimately become “unsurvivable”.

Oh, dear ...

Scorched into the minds of those of us still around today, the heatwave of 1976 is still

recognised as one of our most iconic weather events. Images of dried river beds, nearempty reservoirs and queues of people waiting their turn to collect water from standpipes accompany memories of relentless sunshine and heat.

The summer stood out for not just how high temperatures got, but also for how

“Far-reaching impacts on our daily life …

long the heat lasted.

The country experienced two distinct peaks: one that straddled the end of June and early July, with another through the middle part of August.

There were an incredible 15 consecutive days, from June 23 to July 7, when some places recorded a temperature of 32.2C (90F) or higher.

All of which prompts the question: how come the summers of old, when a child and teenager, seem to have been much longer and so much hotter?

Growing up, summers seemed to have lasted forever.

It felt like the season had no end. In adulthood we are all too aware of the fleeting nature of summer – from the moment it begins.

So what gives? How does the season that once felt neverending now seem to disappear before we have even had time to find the sunscreen?

According to scientific thought, the answer lies in the

mechanics of memory, specifically which moments get stored and which ones simply slip away.

When we look back to those crazy days of summer, our sense of how long they lasted comes down to how many moments we actually remember of that time in our young lives. The novel experiences – firsts, surprises, anything that caught our brain off guard – are the moments most likely to stick. In childhood, those moments are everywhere. Everything is happening for the first time. Everything seems new, and therefore our memories are more pronounced and drawn out. Hence, the summers seemed longer and hotter.

As we get older, most things no longer seem like the first time. The many summers, the many Christmases and birthdays are merely compacted into chunks of memory to which we seldom give more than a passing thought.

If ever ...

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News

Oh boy, the news is not good for our men's hormones The average levels of the hormone testosterone may have fallen by more than 50% among men in the last five decades, according to a new study warning about an ongoing male fertility crisis.

Testosterone is widely known not just for its role in sperm production and libido regulation, but also for helping manage mood, energy levels, overall me-

tabolism, muscle mass and bone density.

In new research, scientists conducted a review of six long-term studies that tracked changes in testosterone among men.

Overall, the analysis included data on testosterone levels in nearly 118,600 men between 1972 and 2019 from five countries – Israel, the US, Brazil, Finland and

Denmark.

The findings confirm men's average testosterone levels in 2019 had decreased by more than 50% compared with 1972, said researchers led by Hagai Levine in the Braun School of Public Health at the Hebrew University-Hadassah in Israel.

There were confirmed signs of declining testosterone levels in every individual

study included in the analysis.

Taken together, the average reduction rate since 1972 was 54%, and the pace of decline seems to have accelerated particularly after 2000, scientists said.

This is roughly a 1% drop each year, indicating that the fall in testosterone levels is a strong trend and not due to chance or statistical error,

they added.

Obesity and diabetes could be the major causes behind the decline in male hormone levels, according to the scientists.

As body fat levels rise due to obesity, testosterone gets converted into the female hormone oestrogen, lowering testosterone levels.

Insulin resistance in diabetic patients and chronic

high blood sugar can impair the function of the brain's hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

This can, in turn, reduce the brain signals that tell the body to produce testosterone, researchers say.

The study was presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 2026 in London last week.

More setback for school children with special needs There is another setback for children with special needs, with their parents criticising the Department of Education for bringing forward the special education deadline from October to September – and announcing it in the middle of the school holidays.

Parents, teaching staff, the Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN) and opposition TDs have all railed against the announcement made just weeks ago.

The National Council for Special Education's Parents Notify portal has a deadline of Tuesday, September 1, for 2027/28 special education school places.

But parents say they are scrambling for documentation during the school holidays and criticised the level of official communication about the important date.

Parent Evelyn Byrne, who is co-founder of Charlie's Voice, a charity for children and young adults with speech and language communication needs, has described the move as "another kick in the stomach".

Her son Charlie (12), who is autistic and has verbal dyspraxia, will be starting sixth class in September.

Ms Byrne and her husband, William, will be applying for a special class place in a secondary school for Charlie for September 2027, but are currently without copies of his student support plans for the application.

Information required to submit to the portal includes your child's PPS number, date of birth, home address, Eircode, relevant professional report(s) and student support plan.

According to the department, parents without the

correct documentation can apply and will have until Tuesday, September 15, to submit such documentation "or as soon as possible thereafter".

It has said the deadline is separate from making a school application.

Parents will be able to do so if they receive a letter of eligibility following the department reviewing applications made through the Parents Notify portal.

Ms Byrne told the Irish Independent: "And then we received a sanction letter for July provision [now known as the summer programme] on June 23, at which point it was too late to find a tutor.

So we won't have homebased provision this year."

Then came news about the special education deadline.

Charlie was assessed by a psychologist in second class. His support plans are the documents the family must wait on.

"I don't have copies of them, so I will have to until September to get that, and hope that someone in his school will have the time to provide us with that information," Ms Byrne said.

But in her opinion, potentially thousands of children could miss out on special educational places if their parents are not informed of the deadline being brought forward.

The IPPN has said it will not be communicating directly with principals and deputy principals until schools reopen in late August.

Special needs assistant (SNA) and advocate Samantha O'Flanagan also said the announcement of the new deadline during the summer holidays would put large numbers of parents at a disadvantage.

Kilkenny's best of PALs ...

Physical Activity Leaders (PALs), an initiative of Age & Opportunity that empowers older adults to become leaders of physical activity within their own communities, recently took place in Kilkenny. Participants were trained to lead fun, safe and inclusive activities in their local groups, helping to improve health, wellbeing and social connection, and support active ageing.

In the past six weeks, a fantastic group of older

adults from local community groups in Kilkenny came together to develop the skills and confidence to become PALs. Throughout the programme, participants learned a variety of enjoyable and practical activities, including strength and balance exercises, fun games and group-based physical activities that they can now bring back to their own groups.

Donna O'Donoghue, from SOS Kilkenny, provided in-

valuable support in helping to deliver the workshops locally, and O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club generously facilitated the programme in their excellent facilities.

Congratulations to all the newly qualified PALs on completing the training. Age & Opportunity wish them every success as they return to their local groups to lead activities, inspire others and continue promoting active, healthy ageing across the Kilkenny community.

If you are part of an older adults' group and would like to learn more about the PALs Initiative, or are interested in taking part in future training, please contact Máire Murphy, PALs Co-ordinator at Age & Opportunity, by email at maire. murphy@ageandopportunity.ie.

For more information about Age & Opportunity, visit www.ageandopportunity.ie.

Would you know what to do in a crash?

Just one in four drivers (25%) say they are very confident they would know what to do if they were involved in a collision, according to new research from Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva).

The Aviva study, conducted among 1,000 drivers nationwide, highlights how confidence shapes what drivers do after an incident – from how they respond at the scene to how they drive afterwards and whether they decide to make a claim.

The Aviva study shows that while collisions are a common experience over

time, many drivers are not fully confident about how to respond if one happens.

Just more than half (54%) say they are somewhat confident, while more than one in five (21%) say they are not very confident or not confident at all. This suggests that many drivers may feel unsure in the moments after a collision.

This lack of confidence comes at an important time for road safety. With fatalities on Irish roads rising in recent years – 190 in 2025 – how drivers respond in the moments after a collision,

and how they drive afterwards, can play a key role in keeping themselves and others safe.

For many drivers, being involved in a collision appears to change how they drive afterwards.

Only 4% say a collision had no lasting impact on their driving. Many say they have become more cautious, with 19% saying they now leave more space between themselves and other vehicles.

Aviva advises several practical steps that can help drivers stay safe and feel confident about what to do next:

• Stop safely and make the scene safe, using hazard lights where needed.

• Check for injuries and call the emergency services.

• Exchange key details with other drivers, including insurance information.

• Note important details such as the time, location, road conditions and any damage.

• Take photos of the scene and vehicles involved.

• Contact An Garda Síochána where needed, especially if there are injuries.

• Notify your insurer or broker as soon as possible.

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Families enjoy National Play Day 2026 in Kilkenny Castle Park

Photos: Patrick Bramley, Ulabstudio Kilkenny County Council’s Community Section,

in partnership with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, successfully hosted National Play Day 2026 on Saturday,

4th of July 2026 in the beautiful surroundings of Kilkenny Castle Park.

The free family event, delivered in collaboration

with the Office of Public Works (OPW), Healthy Ireland, Sonix Entertainment, and

the Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC), attracted large numbers of families from across the county for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and outdoor play. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing this year’s event as the biggest and best to date.

National Play Day is an annual celebration of the important role that play has in children's lives, encouraging families to spend quality time together while highlighting the value of play for children's development, learning, wellbeing, and social connection. This year’s theme, “Play for All,” focused on ensuring that children of all ages and abilities could participate and enjoy a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Children and families enjoyed a wide range of free activities and workshops throughout the afternoon, including magic shows, yoga sessions, storytelling, giant games,

balance bikes, colouring activities, and soft play areas. The event provided countless opportunities for exploration, imagination, creativity, and active outdoor play.

Outdoor play remains a vital part of childhood, helping children to develop physical skills, confidence, resilience, and creativity while developing a sense of adventure and discovery.

Events such as National Play Day also provide valuable opportunities for families and communities to come together and connect through creativity and play.

Kilkenny County Council would like to thank all partner organisations, volunteers, facilitators, and attendees who contributed to the success of the event.

Their support helped create a memorable day for families across the county and reinforced the importance of providing accessible play opportunities for children and young people.

National Play Day is supported through funding provided by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, which supports local authorities nationwide in creating and hosting play and recreational opportunities for children and young people in their communities.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Time to stop carnage caused by e-scooters It would put the heart across you is a pretty graphic saying. Racing heartbeat, breath holding and a prickle of alarm about danger are some of the things that describe it. I had the heart put across me the other day as three young lads careered up the main street in my local town on e-scooters.

Two were in the cycle lane, being raced by another on the pavement. They wore no helmets, travelling at near or over the 20kph limit.

It was the same day that physicians at Temple Street Hospital CHI reported that six children were in intensive care, four of them on life support, following serious accidents on escooters. E-scooter injuries now account for half the children in intensive care at the hospital. The figures involve children, when 2024 legislation limits e-scooter riding to over-16s. Accidents involving over-16s, espe-

cially in the 16 to 24 group of riders, are equally worrying, amounting to what the HSE has labelled a serious emerging health concern, and they have called for action.

E-scooters can be an efficient, inexpensive way to get about in our trafficchoked urban areas. But the incident above is by no means the first time I have had the heart put across me by young lads riding dangerously on these scooters.

The majority don’t involve other vehicles but are single-rider incidents, caused by kerbs, potholes and skids. On a scooter, given the high centre of gravity, the rider is likely to be hurled over the handlebars and the results are five times more likely to result in serious injury than when on a bicycle. Doctors describe child accident victims, typically boys aged 12-15, as falling “like little

catapults,” often suffering crushed skulls and severe brain damage. Victims may suffer long-term effects and have difficulty returning to school. As one physician put it: “Brain damage can’t be repaired.”

The number of serious injuries involving e-scooters has doubled between 2021 and 2025, according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA). In 2021 there were 33 serious injuries; by 2025 that had risen to 79, probably in line with increased ownership, where 5% of adults use scooters regularly. There were nine fatalities in that period. Three quarters of those involved in accidents were young urban males under 25, a quarter were riding on footpaths and one in 10 were carrying a passenger, both of the latter being illegal.

Dr John Cronin, Emergency Medical Consultant at St Vincent’s and a member

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 177

"There are generations to come"

of the RSA, commented: “We’re seeing a high and growing number of incidents, particularly among younger people, often involving no helmet or use

“E-scooters ... I am ruling nothing out...”

in inappropriate or unsafe settings. E-scooters offer real mobility benefits, but without responsible behaviour, they also bring a high risk of injury.”

Something needs to be done to prevent the carnage, but what? The College of Physicians have called for a total ban on escooters. A bit draconian for responsible riders when the real problem is with children and youths. Lads will be lads when it comes to thrill-seeking, known as young male syndrome driven by evolution and social competition. Maybe young lads should be banned from scooting, but they are going to take risks anyhow.

Currently, e-scooters don’t require insurance, nor are tests required for a licence, both of which might help to lessen the accident rate.

The Gardaí have stepped up enforcement of regulations

around scooters, involving speeding, under-age riding and failure to wear helmets.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, is weighing action on the problem, he told me in a weekend phone call.

“I confirm that I am looking at all options in relation to e-scooters. I am ruling nothing out.

“My focus is to ensure the measures I take will be effective and improve safety for all road users.

“Everyone has a responsibility, and I appeal to parents not to buy an escooter for any child under the age of 16 years as it is illegal. The reports from CHI this week on the number of children on life support is frightening.

“My officials are preparing an option paper for my consideration.”

Action following from the paper can’t happen too soon.

Procydin the new kid on the block Procydin the new kid on the block. Well, it is new to us here CLAIR at Natural Health WHITTY Store but it has been a popular supplement in South Africa for many years. I have to admit that when I saw it coming in, my first thought was, another new supplement! My second was, it’s just Grape Seed Extract. After that we started to get some amazing feedback from customers which I would like to share with you.

The main ingredient is Grape Seed Extract, as well as vitamin C and E and citrus bioflavonoids. The combination of antioxidants and bioflavonoids work well together to help support healthy joint health. It supports collagen formation and elasticity which helps joints and healthy skin. May help to improve overall blood circulation which could help overall cardiovascular health.

But I think you will be most interested to hear the feedback I have. Patrick at our Wexford store lifted a heavy box, the wrong way of course and caused a flare up of an old injury that led to serious back pain and discomfort.

He began taking Procydin and within a couple of days he was in much less pain and discomfort and was able to move with ease again.

Cal had knee surgery and he took it to help recovery and is delighted with how well he is feeling and thinks that it did help with his speedy recovery.

Wendy had very sore knees after walking several hundred miles on the Camino and she wanted to be ready for her next venture two weeks later, a marathon. She took Procydin alongside other joint supplements and was delighted that she could complete her goal without groaning all the way.

There was a lady who had terribly sore joints in both hands. She noticed results in a short time and was delighted because she had more energy too.

We had a customer visit the store to buy a second box, having been thrilled to be able to complete a round of golf in comfort again after taking Procydin.

This is only some of the amazing feedback that I have to share with you. For more information call in to see us or check it out with us online. The best of luck with it if you try it.

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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By Lauren Pelley ---------------------------------------In 2023, Paul Lonergan spent months trying to find out the cause of his never-ending sore throat. After going back and forth between doctors, the Toronto resident eventually got a shocking diagnosis: he had a large tumour at the base of his tongue.

“I realised I had a fight on my hands,” the 68-year-old said.

Lonergan endured seven weeks of radiation, alongside chemotherapy — a gruelling set of treatments that put him in and out of the intensive care unit — in order to destroy all signs of his tumour.

But was his cancer actually cured?

Through a clinical trial offered by his medical team, Lonergan received a ‘liquid biopsy’ to find out. The relatively new approach to cancer detection uses simple blood tests to spot traces of tumour DNA that can’t be seen in traditional scans and exams. In Lonergan’s case, the testing showed he still had tumour fragments flowing through his blood, suggesting his successfullytreated tongue cancer could eventually come back.

The Canadian was offered experimental immunotherapy and has since been cancerfree, according to later rounds of liquid biopsies that scoured his bloodstream for the tiniest traces of the disease.

Few in the Western world have access to this emerging form of cancer monitoring, which is still largely confined to the world of clinical trials or pricey private clinics. But there’s growing hope that this could change.

Dr Ramy Saleh, a cancer researcher and medical oncologist at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, said the approach has the potential to “revolutionise” how clinicians watch for disease recurrence.

“I think the challenge with liquid biopsies,” he said, “is we’re just discovering the tip of the iceberg.”

Now, a Toronto-based team is launching a massive, yearslong research project to figure out how to use this emerging technology in routine patient care — with a goal of finding better ways to protect cancer survivors from having the disease come back, while sparing some from enduring costly, invasive treatments.

Five-year clinical trial underway Led by scientists from the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, the clinical trial will offer liquid biopsies to more than 7,000 patients — individuals who’ve already gone through traditional “curative” treatments for various types of cancer — in the next five years.

“What we are trying to do is to see whether these sensitive tests can detect circulating tumour DNA that would suggest that the cancer may have a possibility of returning

Curing cancer: the fight on our hands How Canada is leading the global race to battle the disease and relapsing,” said study lead Dr Lillian Siu, a senior scientist at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a scientific lead at the Peter Gilgan Centre for Early Cancer Detection Research.

Since it’s all about the detective work to find hidden signals of disease, Siu’s team dubbed the project SHERLOCK, short for a ‘Study of High-Precision Evaluation of Molecular ResiduaL Disease Through a PlatfOrm for Cancer TracKing and Interception’.

“What SHERLOCK is trying to do is to take it one step earlier, that before we can see [cancer] on a routine clinical exam or CT scan, we can actually detect it in the blood first,” Siu said.

“And the hope, obviously, is when you detect it so early, we can do something about it earlier, and hopefully offer these patients a better chance at receiving curative treatment.”

In recent years, however, globally the technology started to improve, allowing for more typical amounts of blood to be drawn for each test, opening up new avenues for cancer monitoring.

“Now we have what we call ‘ultra-sensitive technology’ that allows us to find molecules of DNA in the blood, which we previously did not have the ability to detect,” Siu said.

There’s now a growing body of research already suggesting liquid biopsies might be a powerful tool for detecting residual disease after cancer surgery, while other studies show links between catching tumour fragments early and those patients experiencing longer survival times, or a lower risk of disease pro-

gression, for several types of cancer.

This technology is already in use as a diagnostic tool in at least one Ontario hospital, and was announced as a new option to monitor lung cancer patients in New Brunswick in 2024.

‘Early days’ for this technology Dr Christopher Booth, a medical oncologist and health services researcher at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., says liquid biopsy use for cancer survivors raises some thorny ethical issues.

If you’re in remission for colon cancer or breast cancer, and you’re feeling good, your CAT scans are clear, would you want your doctor to tell you that you might have cancer cells floating around in your body? Would you want to know that?”

While Booth stresses this kind of screening method may take a “psychological and emotional toll” on some patients, he says others do want to know and act early, and he praised the UHN team for tackling how to best use this emerging technology.

What’s already clear is these tests aren’t perfect, Booth said. Liquid biopsies can produce both false positives — cases where a patient can be told there’s some cancer DNA floating in their bloodstream, but they actually don’t have cancer — and false negatives, where the test shows they’re cancer-free, though the disease is brewing somewhere in their body, he explained.

“Some people would want to know because they can plan their life accordingly. Other patients might not want to know,” he said. “And then you

add on top of that the possibility of a false negative or a false positive test, and there can be significant emotional burden.”

Multiple experts also stressed these aren’t simply one-and-done tests. To catch cancer early, you would

need to repeat blood work at regular intervals, but knowing the ideal method for various types of cancer requires ongoing study.

One liquid biopsy tool designed to screen for over 50 types of cancer, Grail’s Galleri

The search globally for a cure • Preventable cancer: Up to four in 10 cancer cases could be prevented globally, with tobacco, alcohol, high body mass index, physical inactivity, air pollution and ultraviolet radiation being significant preventable causes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have identified these causes and their impact on cancer cases.

• Research and development: The innovation ecosystem in oncology continues to operate near peak levels, with a focus on novel treatment modalities and clinical development productivity. The use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has rapidly increased in many high-income countries, particularly in pre-metastatic cancers and earlier lines of therapy.

• Cancer prevention and survival: The World Cancer Research Fund emphasises the importance of diet, weight and physical activity in reducing cancer risk and improving survival rates. Their research has transformed the field of cancer prevention.

• Curestarters: Worldwide Cancer Research scientists have made significant discoveries in cancer research, including new insights into cancer development, spread and risk factors.

• Global collaboration: Greater international collaboration on cancer clinical trials is required, especially between the US and China. This collaboration could accelerate the development and delivery of more effective treatments and prevention.

test, failed to meet its main objective in a landmark UK clinical trial, researchers revealed earlier this year. The long-awaited results confirmed the test failed to meet a key trial endpoint of a significant reduction in Stage 3 to Stage 4 cancer, dashing hopes that the country’s health officials would invest in the technology for patient care.

Hope is to make tests routine, despite costs The good news, Saleh said, is that the number of clinical trials being conducted around the world has quadrupled in recent years.

“Which means there’s a lot of excitement about this technology,” he said. “Our challenge is trying to see how the [public system] can pay or cover those costs.”

Saleh himself is studying how to use liquid biopsies for patients battling bladder cancer.

“I tell them: It’s not only one time. We have to do it every three to four months to make sure that you’re OK, but some of those tests cost in the $5,000 range, so it’s not something that you can easily absorb as a cost as a patient.”

The hope, Saleh says, is that projects such as UHN’s clinical trial offer clear evidence that liquid biopsies will actually save the health-care system money while improving quality of life for many patients.

“It’s going to be a game changer on that end,” Saleh predicted.

----------------------------------Lauren Pelley is a senior health and medical reporter for CBC News. She’s a twotime media award winner for in-depth health reporting

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Your Money & You John Ellis

Savings: how to get more for your buck If you’re one of the many households with savings parked in an easy-access account, the past decade has taken a quiet but heavy toll.

Over that time, the average demand-deposit account has lost more than 21% of its purchasing power to inflation.

That’s not a line on a graph.

It’s money that simply doesn’t go as far when the bills arrive or the weekly shop needs to be done.

Households in Ireland hold around €175 billion in savings. Close to €156 billion of it sits in demand-deposit or current accounts earning an average of just 0.14%. For every euro in a term deposit, eight euro remain in these low-return accounts. Raisin Bank’s Eoghan O’Hara calls it the hidden cost of financial inaction. Even the average term deposit rate of 1.85% is struggling to keep pace with inflation at 3.4%, though those who have moved money across are still earning

more than 13 times the return available on standard demand accounts.

The squeeze isn’t confined to your savings. It shows up in places people feel every week.

A pack of six large eggs now costs €2.47, up 10% in a year.

Fresh cod fillets have risen 16% to €26.79 a kilo. Beef, pork, lamb and roast beef have all moved higher too.

Home-heating oil has jumped almost 49%, with a thousand litres of kerosene now around €1,210. Petrol and diesel remain more expensive than a year ago, despite the excise

cuts.

Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf and the ESRI have both warned that higher energy costs early in the year are still working their way through supply chains, with further price pressure expected later in the year.

Renewed concerns over oil supplies have added another layer of uncertainty.

Against that backdrop, one area has offered a measure of relief. The average new mortgage rate fell to 3.48% in May, the first time in more than three years it has matched the eurozone average. Daragh Cassidy of Bonkers.ie points out that Ireland is no longer among the more expensive countries for borrowers.

The improvement, however, may not last if the European Central Bank raises rates again in the coming months.

Anyone coming to the end of a fixed-rate deal or sitting on a variable rate would be sensible to start comparing

what’s available now rather than waiting for the renewal letter.

It’s worth looking beyond teaser rates that pull you in and then disappear. If you’re willing to lock money away for set periods, you can secure better returns. Spreading savings across terms that mature at different times also keeps some access without giving up the higher rates now available from several providers paying 3% or more.

If your money has been sitting in the same account for years, take a proper look at whether it’s still working for you. And if you’ve a mortgage coming up for renewal or you’re on a variable rate, now is the time to compare what’s out there rather than just accepting the first renewal letter that lands. Small steps, but they add up when prices keep climbing. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Br. Colm O'Connell:

The Godfather of Kenyan running Missionary Patrician Brother, Colm O’Connell, the legendary Irish missionary, and athletics coach known as the “Godfather of Kenyan Running”, recently visited his old colleague and good friend Michael Murphy in Bennettsbridge.

Bro. Colm is from Mallow, Co. Cork. He lives in Iten in Kenya and has spent the last 50 years teaching, lecturing, and coaching athletics. He is presently back in Ireland for a short holiday with family and friends and recently visited his old school friend and colleague Michael Murphy and family in “Gaffer’s Barn”.

Michael worked with Bro. Colm in St. Patrick’s High School, Iten in the 1980s. The school which was founded by the Patrician Brothers in the 1960’s.

On arriving in Kenya over 50 years ago Bro. Colm got involved in coaching athletics mainly in middle distance events. He had the ‘Midas touch’ and many of his athletes went on to win world championship titles and gold medals in the Olympics. It was in Kenya he discovered his passion for coaching and learning from those who had gone before him.

A modest man, Colm has

Marion and Michael Murphy with Br. Colm O'Connell

built up a worldwide reputation as an Athletics Coach.

Iten, where he is based in Kenya, is known as the Home of Champions. It is at a very high altitude in the Kerio Valley and athletes from all over the world visit to train there. He is retired now but was Principal of St. Patrick's High School which became one of the best high schools in the country.

Colm has trained twenty-five world champions and five

Olympic gold medallists at St. Patrick's school.

Among his most noted winners are, Peter Rono, 1986 World Champion. David Rudisha, world, and Olympic record holder who won gold medals in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic games.

Janeth Jepkosgei, World Champion, and silver medallist in 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Wilson Kipketer, silver medallist in 2000 Sydney Olympics.

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Watergate Theatre Collective ICMSA wait for announcements presents Calendar Girls by Tim Firth of June milk prices but say

average milk suppliers are “down thousands on first half of 2026 compared to 2025”

Watergate Theatre Collective presents Calendar Girls by Tim Firth from 22nd – 25th July. We look forward to bringing the spirit of this inspiring and uplifting story to life on the Watergate stage.

Directed by Christine Scarry, and with a talented cast of 14 performers, this fresh staging promises laughter, tears and a heartfelt celebration of friendship, community, and courage.

The Cast • Chris - Claire Henriques • Annie - Dee Gibney • Ruth - Nancy Rochford Flynn • Jessie - Paula Drohan • Celia - Sarah Brennan • Cora - Sophie Blaney Parslow • Marie - Kevina Hayes • John - Fergal Millar • Rod - Peter Madden • Lawrence - Owen Finnegan • Liam - Ben Nunan • Brenda - Maeve Tierney • Lady Cravenshire - Mary O’ Brien • Elaine - Katherine Hession The production includes set-design by John O’ Donoghue, lighting design by Colm Eaton

and the production management and stage management skills of Sarah Brennan and Nicola Brennan. Tickets can be purchased at watergatetheatre.com or through the box office on 056 7761674.

For the 2026 production, Watergate Theatre has teamed up with Cois Nore to give customers the option to support Cois Nore by making a donation of any amount when completing their booking.

The Story When Annie's husband John dies of leukemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Women's Institute members to pose nude with them for an "alternative" calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their newfound fame.

Speaking in advance of the June round of milk price announcements, ICMSA Dairy Chairperson, Noel Murphy has stated that while the association expected milk prices to “comfortably hold” and he again repeated his conviction that Co-ops and processors must be cognisant of the kind of financial pressures their suppliers were under and endeavour to pass back every

cent they can.

“The contrast between the first six months of 2026 and 2025 will become fully apparent once the the June payments hit the bank accounts, but initial estimates indicate that there is approximately 12cpl difference between prices achieved in the first half of 2025 and that of 2026.

Using CSO data and estimating milk price and supply for

June, ICMSA calculations show an average base price 37.6 cent per litre at base constituents for 2026. This compares to 49.5cpl in 2025.

These results vividly illustrate the 2026 experience ‘on the ground’ for dairy farmers and with increased inputs costs for the 2026, the contrast and the pressures they’re under could not be starker.

That 12cpl would amount to around €31,000 on a standard 500,000L per annum dairy farm and hovering around the average yearly income in large parts of the economy. If external factors are neutral, then it’s imperative that our Co-ops and processors squeeze every last cent they can out of their sales and funnel that money back directly to their farmers-suppliers. They must know how pressurised their suppliers are – and if they don’t know then there’s something very wrong with their understanding of their business”, said Mr Murphy.

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Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere

“Loneliness is a serious issue in rural Ireland”, says Kilkenny T.D. Brendan Corcoran and Gerry Cody who will appear in The Quiet Land in August at The Concert Hall, Thomastown, as part of the AKA festival

By Tom Dayton As Lake Productions enter the final few weeks before their production of ‘the Quiet Land’ by Irish playwright Malachy McKenna, Tom Dayton for the Kilkenny Observer newspaper contacted Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere a T.D for Carlow Kilkenny and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Affairs to ask him his thoughts on rural Ireland and the struggles facing people living there.

Peter Chap Cleere , T.D, at the ploughing championship with Australian Ambassador to Ireland Chantelle Taylor

ways, but rural healthcare services continue to face serious pressures.

Many elderly people must travel long distances to see doctors, attend hospital appointments or access specialist care. Rural GP practices sometimes struggle to recruit medical staff, leading to longer waiting times and reduced services. For older people with mobility issues or chronic illnesses, travelling for healthcare can be stressful and exhausting.

At the same time, the healthcare needs of the ageing population are increasing.

on fixed pensions and may struggle with rising living costs. Heating older rural homes can be expensive, particularly during winter months.

Fuel costs, electricity bills and home maintenance can place significant strain on older adults who are already managing limited incomes”, said Chap.

In conclusion, the difficulties faced by elderly people in rural Ireland have changed considerably over time according to Peter. “While older generations experienced poverty and limited healthcare, they often benefited from stronger family networks and close-knit communities. Today, elderly people are more likely to face loneliness, transport difficulties, healthcare challenges and digital exclusion” explain Mr Cleere.

Referring to the forthcoming production by the Lake theatre group, Mr Cleere said that ‘The Quiet Land’ is a powerful piece of writing, that highlights the beauty of living in rural Ireland but also the trials that people living there face.

Finishing our conversation, Mr Cleere said that it is important to address these issues.

“Although living standards have improved in many ways, many older adults in rural Ireland continue to struggle with isolation and lack of support. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure that elderly people can live with dignity, independence and a strong sense of community. The T.D congratulated Lake Productions who will present ‘The Quiet Land ‘ by Malachy McKenna , which focusses on the very topic of the elderly in our community. “Groups such as Lake Production and author Malachy McKenna contribute greatly to rural Ireland when they put the spotlight on the subjects affecting people living in isolation,” said Peter Cleere.

Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere is a T.D for Carlow Kilkenny and is Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Finance An area that Peter is well versed on is Finance. “Financial pressure is another important issue. Many elderly people in rural Ireland live

‘The Quiet Land runs at The Concert Hall in Thomastown , August 13th and 14, featuring local Kilkenny actors Brendan Corcoran and Gerry Cody .

Setting Set in the "hidden Ireland" far off the modern motorways and ring-roads, The Quiet Land sees Eamon and Nashee lean on a fence and converse in the lowkey, shorthand code of nearneighbours. Historically, their conversations belonged to a gentler time—rich in subtext, dry wit, and long pauses where silence was as telling as speech. However, today's conversation is far from gentle. Facing the bitter reality of modern rural isolation and ageing, the men have grown desperate.

They find themselves confronting heartbreaking truths and deep loneliness, while struggling to make sense of a world that is encroaching on them. Their lifelong friendship is tested to its absolute limit as they are forced to ask themselves if things can ever be the same again on their hillside. The Kilkenny Observer met Peter Chap Cleere at his office on Patrick street for a chat. We first asked about the challenges facing rural Ireland.

Many Challenges “Elderly people living in rural Ireland face many challenges in modern society, despite improvements in healthcare, technology and living standards.

While older generations often experienced hardship and poverty, they also benefited from close community ties and strong family support systems. Today, many of those traditional supports have weakened, creating new difficulties for older adults who wish to remain living independently in rural areas.

Problems such as loneliness, poor transport, limited healthcare access and digital exclusion have become major concerns for elderly people across rural Ireland”, said the Carlow Kilkenny T.D Peter went on to say that in the past, rural Ireland was far more community-centred than it is today. Families were generally larger, and it was common for several generations to live near one another. He elaborated: “Elderly

Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, T.D for Carlow Kilkenny and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Affairs at the ploughing match with Minister Sean Canny and members of the IFA

parents were often cared for by relatives, neighbours and members of the local community. Villages were busy social centres where people regularly met in shops, churches, post offices and pubs.

Even though many people had fewer financial resources, older adults usually had regular social contact and strong relationships with those around them. This sense of belonging helped many elderly people avoid the isolation that is increasingly common today”, continued the Skeoughvosteen man Major changes The former mayor of Kilkenny city agreed that modern rural Ireland has changed significantly. This, said Peter, is due to emigration, changing lifestyles and smaller

family sizes. “Many younger people move to towns, cities or abroad in search of work and education opportunities, leaving older relatives behind in isolated rural communities”, said Mr Cleere.

Peter commented that as a result, many elderly people now live alone and may go long periods without social interaction. Loneliness has become one of the most serious issues affecting older people in rural Ireland. Without nearby family members or neighbours to visit regularly, many older adults experience feelings of sadness, anxiety and disconnection from society.

Healthcare Peter stressed that Healthcare access has improved in many

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Kilmoganny set for August festival Kilmoganny ( Cill Mocheana) is a place rooted in history. That it is a beautiful place to visit is a bonus. St Mocheana’s church was attached to Kells priory of Kells at an early date.

It was dedicated to St Eoghan and the present RC church is dedicated to this saint also. A Protestant church was erected on its site in the 19th century and a pattern was held there in August.

And so, no surprise that a festival will take place in the beautiful village of Kilmoganny which nestles north of the range of hills which forms the watershed between the rivers Nore and Suir.

The festival begins at 5.30 on Sat evening with the Launch of the Walkathon.(walk in memory of a loved one). This will take place at Kilmoganny GAA walkway and continues throughout the night until 1pm next day.

There will be a very popular event that evening at 6pm when a Camogie Blitz will take place.

And if the children are looking to get involved , then fear not. A ‘Kids’ Disco will take place. All are welcome. And do not worry as there will be plenty of stalls there to keep you occupied. And before you ask, yes, parking will be available.

On Sunday, why not kick of your morning with a full Irish breakfast.

Drumlish, Co Longford singer Declan Nerney performing at Kilmoganny

The breakfast, will be guaranteed to get you off to a nutritional start, complemented by home made brown and white soda bread. All this food will be produced by the local ladies and prepared in St Eoghan’s centre . And just to top it off, breakfast will be served by the Dunamaggin hurlers. A special concession price will be available for families.

Music is the name of the game on Sunday with a Gart Brooks tribute act taking to the stage at 2.pm.

Then from 3pm Declan Nerney will take over, no doubt giving his

usual and splendid mix of music .

And all with dance floor and seating!

Declan was born in the heart of

Ireland in Drumlish Co Longford, at a unique period of time in the music scene worldwide. A revolution in rock and pop brought us The Beatles, Elvis, and the Rolling Stones, while here in Ireland the magnificent showband boom was about to explode. Declan was being heavily influenced by these greats and indeed was getting the rare opportunity to see most of the top showbands appear in his native town of Drumlish. He would cajole his mother into seeing Joe Dolan, Big Tom, Philomena Begley, The Capital Showband, and many more perform when they appeared at the marquee. From his vantage point close to the stage, he would absorb every move made by the guitarist in the bands, watching his fingers slide along the strings, hoping that one day he might be up there perform-

The Dunnamaggin Intermediate hurling team 2026 , ready to serve ‘the full Irish’

ing just like Dan O’Hara or Seamus McMahon. Declans stage show is like no other and definitely not to be missed.

Then at Dunphy’s lounge enjoy a Barbeque before for an hilarious comedy called’ Love Ireland’, written by Lorainne Moore and Aoife O’Neill. The show begins at 8pm and the package includes Barbequue , show , band and DJ. All for €15.

To wrap up proceedings prepare yourself for an excellent band `Millemium` followed by DJ and Disco.

The festival in Kilmoganny takes place on the 1st and 2nd August.

Tickets are online atGr8events or you can pay at the gate with cash or card. Tickets also available at Pete’s shop in Kilmoganny. Tickets €20 Children free.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Face to face with King Henry Shefflin!

As King Henry reigns again (and I wish him every success and more glory days in Croker) time for yours truly to revisit a visit I paid the legendary hurler some years back.

And so I come face to face with Henry Shefflin, the most decorated player in GAA history and arguably the greatest hurler of the modern game. I take advantage of a gap in my day to visit him.

A discreet inquiry and I am directed to Mr Shefflin’s whereabouts.

I calmly approach Henry, look him straight in the eye and say: “Dude, you’re looking cool.” I say no such thing. The day I call someone ‘Dude’ is the day someone should call for help. For me!

“You look well, my friend,” is what I say. Not that Henry and myself are friends. We’re not. It’s just that I was used to seeing Henry so often on the field of play, on the telly

and in the newspapers that I, like many a Kilkenny person, came to look upon him as a friend.

Henry Shefflin, holder of a record 10 Senior All-Ireland Hurling medals and 11 AllStar awards is a friend to all Kilkenny men, and women,

not least those of us who follow the holy game of hurling.

Henry and myself are both in the capital and our meeting is quite spontaneous, thanks to the aforementioned gap in my day. And it was somewhat strange

meeting Henry in mufti i.e. without the familiar, and famous, black and amber ‘uniform’. He looks the same, but different. And here’s a question, as often as we’ve seen him grace our television screens – what colour are Henry Shefflin’s eyes?

Well today, up close and personal, I see that they are blue. Greyish-blue I reckon and they perfectly complement the trendy grey jacket he is wearing. All considered, Henry is cutting quite a dash.

“I’m proud of you, Henry,’”I hear myself say, “and I want to thank you personally for all the enjoyment and entertainment that you have brought me, and my fellow Kilkenny hurling devotees, down the years. It’s been special, a rollercoaster of excitement and joy the likes of which we may never experience again.”

And then the cheeky question: “So, who togged you

out, Henry, because in true Kilkenny parlance, you look ‘deadly’ and I really like the dark denim jeans.”

As I mouth on, I suddenly became aware of a presence behind me. A presence I have been hitherto unaware of because when I came in it was just Henry and myself.

The presence is that of a Japanese couple who have obviously overheard my few words with Henry and who are now whispering nervously to each other. These two visitors to our National Portrait Gallery in Dublin (for this is where I am) have come to see the portraits of our national heroes but hadn’t bargained on an animated ‘monologue’ in front of one of them! They took one look at yours truly and scurry off. Time to be scurrying along myself as the National Portrait Gallery begins to fill but I can’t complain as I’ve had Henry all to myself

for a one-to-one for a good 10 minutes.

But first a photo to capture this historic painting of Henry (the first GAA player to have his portrait hung in the National Gallery) painted by the artist Gerry Davis, a Tipperary man if you don’t mind! And that’s when security amble over, nod politely to me and point to the small icon of a camera with a large X running through it at the bottom of the portrait. Suitably chastised I wander off to view the rest of the portrait collection which ‘acknowledges the contribution made by outstanding individuals to Ireland’s social, political and cultural life’: WB Yeats, Mary Robinson, Gay Byrne, Ronnie Delaney to name but a few.

And I feel proud that our ‘King’ Henry with hurl flung over his shoulder, like a latter day Cú Chulainn almost, stands gallantly, and heroically, among them.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

Wake up to your five senses How much attention do you really give to your incredible five senses? Your sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch?

Sight enables our eyes to detect light and interpret it as images, shapes, colours and distance.

Hearing enables our ears to detect air vibrations, allowing us to perceive different sounds and volumes.

Smell enables our noses to detect airborne chemicals, allowing us to recognise a wide range of odours.

Taste enables our tongues and taste buds to detect chemicals in food and drink, helping us distinguish sweet, salty, sour, bitter and savoury flavours.

Touch allows the skin to sense texture, shape, temperature, pressure and pain.

To experience our world with all five senses is truly a miracle. I try to be as aware

as possible of all five and to appreciate each one’s gift every day, and not to take any of them for granted.

Ian Bogost, a columnist for The Atlantic, has just written a book, The Small Stuff, The Sensory Enchantment of Everyday Lives. He explains that, to find happiness, we don’t need to totally change our lives, but simply to tune in and become aware of all the small sensations and pleasures around us.

Our lives can be filled with busyness, stress and the pursuit of instant gratification.

In this mad rush, we risk losing ourselves, and it’s easy to miss the small, beautiful things and moments that make up our daily routines.

We need to find a way to claw back some modicum of sanity.

Our world is full of sensory magic if only we take the time to notice it.

We live in an increasingly automated world where

we’re trading efficiency for our humanity. What’s not automated these days? Ian Bogost cites self-flushing toilets, automatic taps, notouch soap dispensers and high-speed hand dryers. Not to mention infuriating robotic phone voices: “press 1 for this, 2 for that and 3 for the other.”

Cars self-drive, AI thinks for us, food arrives in packets, Alexa runs our houses and an intimate relationship with a robot is possible!

We all have the power to go inside ourselves, appreciate the miracle of the human body and tune into our incredible five senses. We literally need to “wake up and smell the coffee”.

When did you last make a coffee and really tune into the process? Did you open a pack of coffee and inhale the odour? Did you carefully spoon it into a machine, mug or pot, turn the tap on, hear the running water, pour it into the kettle, watch the boiling

bubbles, feel the weight of the kettle and its heat... all the micro-processes until you actually lift the full cup of coffee to your lips, inhale and sip, feeling the heat in your mouth etc.? Did you?

Or did you rush into a shop, swipe your card, grab and go? Running and gulping,

“Slow down and let your senses guide you

headphones on, zooming off to goodness knows where, constantly looking at your phone as you cross the road, narrowly missing bumping into another human being doing exactly the same thing!

Ouch! I don’t like this “modern” world, and we sell ourselves very short if we wholeheartedly embrace this dystopian reality which is marketed as time-saving, efficient and economically a great leap forward.

Do we really have more time? Are we any happier? Are we more connected or more isolated in our little boxes with our headphones on, watching increasing amounts of AI slop? It’s crept up on us with stealth, like a predator stalking its prey. We are the prey and most people don’t realise that we are victims. Many believe they are in control of what they do, see, watch, eat, hear and feel. Far from it. We’ve all passively, unwittingly bought

into some billionaire’s vision of the future.

Slow down. Take time to listen to the natural sounds, near and far, all around you.

Whilst preparing a meal, go slowly with awareness, chop, chew and taste the food in your mouth.

Look around... be aware of the beauty, the colours, the shapes and everything in your field of vision.

Be aware of odours and all the subtlety of smells.

Train your fingers to feel the textures they touch. Check out my YouTube TED X talk: “The Power and Importance of Human Touch.”

Let’s stay slowly focused as we remember our five senses.

Let’s consciously choose to step away from a collective insanity into our essential humanity.

And I haven’t even mentioned the one that truly makes us human, our precious sixth sense...

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What’s On

Your picks for this week

Public Image Ltd live at VielNulVier, Belgium, Commons Wikimedia

TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE - OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie brings Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol’s cult Canadian comedy to cinemas. Johnson directs and co-writes with McCarrol, with both starring as hopeless Toronto musicians trying to land a gig at the Rivoli. When a plan goes wrong, they are thrown back to 2008. Expect mockumentary chaos, timetravel jokes, real-world stunts and a very odd love letter to friendship, ambition and Toronto. IMC Kilkenny.

Two nights of music at Castle Mills CANAL WALK, KILKENNY CASTLE | FRI 17 & SAT 18 MUSIC A new boutique concert brings Public Image Ltd, Matt Berninger and a strong supporting line-up to a riverside venue in Kilkenny this weekend.

Live at Castle Mills makes its debut tonight (Friday) and tomorrow, with two evenings of live music under a big top beside the River Nore.

The event takes place in parkland at Canal Walk, beside the grounds of Kilkenny Castle and around five min-

utes on foot from the city centre. Organisers describe it as a smaller, comfort-focused alternative to a large outdoor festival, with the performances taking place in a covered tent.

Friday’s bill is headed by Public Image Ltd, the influential post-punk group fronted

by John Lydon. They will be joined by Northern Irish rock band Ash and Kilkenny’s own Kerbdog, bringing together three acts with decades of live experience.

On Saturday, Matt Ber-

ninger, lead singer of The National, takes centre stage for his only Irish solo show of the year. His set will draw on his solo work, including the 2025 album Get Sunk. Acclaimed Cavan singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill and Kilkenny band Engine Alley complete the second evening’s line-up.

Gates open at 5pm on both days, giving concertgoers time to explore the site before the music begins. The Castle Mills Food Tent, created by Medley Events, will serve street food inspired by Spain,

Japan, Thailand, Mexico, the Mediterranean and Ireland, using produce sourced from Kilkenny and elsewhere in the country. Food and drink services will be cashless.

There is no parking at the venue, so best to use citycentre parking and walk to the site. Accessible routes, viewing facilities and toilets will be available. Under-18s must attend with a parent or guardian.

Tickets for both nights remain available through the Castle Mills website.

Nolan tackles Homer’s epic Odyssey IMC KILKENNY | FRI, JULY 17 MOVIE Christopher Nolan returns to cinemas this month with The Odyssey, a large-scale adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic.

The film opens in cinemas on July 17 and stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca who spends years trying to get home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he faces gods, monsters, temptation and danger while his wife Penelope and son Telemachus wait for his return.

The cast also includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron, giving the film one of the strongest ensembles of the year.

For Nolan, whose previous

films include Oppenheimer, Dunkirk, Interstellar and The Dark Knight trilogy, The Odyssey is a move into ancient myth on a huge scale.

The story gives him plenty to work with: a long sea journey, battles of will, family loyalty, pride, survival and the cost of war.

Nolan has said the challenge is making a story that is thousands of years old work for modern cinema audiences, including people who have never read Homer. That makes the film both an adaptation of a literary classic and a bigscreen adventure in its own right.

The film has been shot using new IMAX film technology, with the official trailer describing it as a mythic action epic filmed across the world.

What to Read: Jo Spain’s Never To Be Found is a psychological thriller built around the Japanese idea of Johatsu, people who choose to vanish and start again. Veronica helps desperate clients disappear, arranging new identities and quiet escapes from debt, abuse or broken lives. But when one vanished man may be a killer, her secret work becomes dangerous. This is a sharp, high-concept crime story about trust, guilt, moral compromise and lasting consequences.

What to Stream: Millie Bobby Brown returns as Enola Holmes in Netflix’s third adventure, which sends the young detective to Malta. Her plans to marry Tewkesbury begin to fall apart when Sherlock disappears, pulling Enola into a more dangerous case than before. Louis Partridge, Henry Cavill, Himesh Patel, Helena Bonham Carter and Sharon Duncan-Brewster also return. It’s mystery, family tension, romance and another fast-moving Holmes investigation, with Enola still leading from the front.

What to Listen to: Snow Patrol team up with Kylie Minogue on These Alarms, a standalone single originally written with Kylie’s voice in mind. First recorded during sessions for The Forest Is The Path under the working title KYLIE, the song was held back until she could join it properly.

With Gary Lightbody and Kylie sharing vocals, expect a bittersweet, synth-driven duet about longing, loneliness and wanting something real amid emotional noise and connection.

What to Play: Echoes of Aincrad brings Sword Art Online back to its deadliest setting in a single-player action RPG. Players create their own adventurer, explore Aincrad, fight alongside an AI partner and take on realtime battles built around weapons, skills and the Switch system. Launching July 10, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, it aims to recreate the anime’s trappedin-a-game tension with custom progression, tactical choices and high-stakes boss fights.

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

Homes & Gardens

Bring summer scents indoors HOME HACK Jana Ohajdova

One of the easiest ways to give your home a fresh summer feel is by appealing to the senses. Start by opening windows early in the morning or later in the evening to let cool air circulate and naturally freshen your living spaces. Cut a few sprigs of rosemary, mint or lavender from the garden and place them in small jars or vases around the house for a subtle fragrance.

Bowls of lemons, limes or oranges not only brighten a kitchen worktop but also add a fresh citrus scent that’s synonymous with summer. If you’re lighting candles, choose natural soy or beeswax varieties scented with botanical fragrances such as lavender, eucalyptus or citrus rather than heavier winter aromas.

Finally, bring in freshly cut flowers or foliage from the garden.

It’s a simple, inexpensive way to make your home feel brighter, lighter and full of the scents of the season.

Plants for drier summers GARDEN NOTES Matvei

Set the scene for stylish summer dining

HOMES Outdoor dining doesn’t need to feel formal or over-styled.

For Kilkenny-based interior stylist and decorator AnnMarie Henderson, the key is to keep the setting comfortable, practical and inviting.

“I love using natural textures, wooden bowls, terracotta pots, fresh flowers or simple greenery,” she says. “Soft layers work better than lots of decorations.

A relaxed table should feel welcoming rather than overly arranged.”

A beautiful tablecloth is AnnMarie’s starting point for most outdoor tablescapes. She pairs it with linen napkins, simple

candle holders and small bud vases filled with seasonal flowers or greenery clipped from the garden.

This summer, she is drawn to soft, earthy colours including sage green, stone, oat, muted blue and warm terracotta.

These tones sit naturally in an outdoor setting and can be mixed easily with existing tableware.

Creating a stylish table doesn’t have to involve buying everything new. AnnMarie recommends ‘shopping’ around your own home before heading to the shops.

“Bring together candles, small vases, baskets and serving boards from different

rooms,” she suggests. “Fresh greenery from the garden can look every bit as effective as an expensive floral arrangement.”

For a casual family barbecue, keep the table colourful, easy-going and practical, with plenty of comfortable seating.

Terracotta pots planted with basil or chives make simple decorations and can also be used while cooking.

An evening meal with friends can feel more special with a few extra layers. Add tall candlesticks, napkin rings and soft candlelight, while keeping the centre of the table low enough for guests to talk easily.

Small bud vases are one of

Julia M Cameron

Ann-Marie’s favourite finishing touches. They add charm without blocking conversation and only need a few garden flowers. She also suggests placing condiments on a raised wooden or tapas board to make everyday items look more considered.

Her most important advice is to avoid doing too much.

“Focus on one or two beautiful elements, such as a lovely tablecloth and matching bowls or bread baskets. Get the basics right, be thoughtful about what you buy and let the food, conversation and company take centre stage.”

Ann-Marie, Henderson, The Snug Room.

Keep your garden thriving GARDEN

Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s drier counties, so choosing plants that cope well with warm weather can make gardens easier to maintain and more resilient, says Billy Fahy, Lush Landscapes.

Drought-tolerant varieties are particularly useful in sunny beds and borders. Lavender, echinacea, sedum, verbena, achillea, rosemary and hardy geraniums can all perform well through dry spells once their roots are established.

Ornamental grasses such as stipa add movement and texture, while salvias, coreopsis and gaura provide long-lasting summer colour. In gravel gardens or well-drained areas, thyme, santolina and rock roses are also good options.

Even drought-tolerant plants need regular watering during their first year. Water deeply to encourage strong roots, then apply a generous layer of mulch to help the soil retain moisture.

Before buying, check each plant’s preferred soil and position.

Matching plants to the conditions in your garden will give them the best chance of thriving.

July is a month for maintenance, says Kilkenny-based garden landscaper, Billy Fahy, with regular watering, feeding and deadheading helping gardens remain at their best.

“Water deeply in the early morning or evening, particularly containers, hanging baskets and newly planted trees and shrubs,” he advises.

During a typical warm spell in Kilkenny (22–28C), pots and hanging baskets may need watering every day, while new plants should receive a thorough soak every two to three days until established. Mature plants in beds generally benefit more from deep watering once or twice a week than from frequent light sprinklings.

Always direct water towards the soil rather than the leaves so it reaches the roots.

Adding a generous layer of mulch around plants will also conserve moisture, suppress weeds and help beds cope

during dry spells.

To keep colour going into autumn, deadhead flowers regularly, pick sweet peas frequently and feed tomatoes, baskets and flowering plants each week. Billy recommends combining plants of different heights to give borders greater impact.

Dahlias, tall salvias and Verbena bonariensis work well at the back, with rudbeckia, echinacea and phlox through the middle. Geranium ‘Rozanne’, nepeta and low-growing annuals can fill gaps along the front.

“It creates colour, movement and interest all season long,” he says.

Lawns also need different treatment during dry weather.

Raise the mower blades and allow grass to remain slightly longer, as this helps it retain moisture and cope with drought. Brown grass is usually dormant rather than dead and should recover when rain returns.

Other useful July jobs include tying in tomatoes and

climbers, staking tall perennials, controlling weeds and watching for aphids, slugs and potato blight. Hedges can be given a light trim once gardeners are certain no birds are nesting.

Billy’s final advice is to work

with the weather rather than against it.

“As gardeners, we notice every weed and gap, but take a step back and enjoy what you’ve created. Every garden is a work in progress.” Billy Fahy, Lush Landscapes.

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Opinion

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Continuing the story of the days when religion ruled in Callan and Fr. Bob (not his real name) patrolled the district with a blackthorn stick in search of courting couples in the ditches. You can read the previous parts on the Observer website.

When the Missioners came to town, they put the fear of God back into anyone who might have gone lukewarm in the expression of his or her faith.

The Devil was mentioned so much that mass-goers, even the most ardent believers, wondered if the preachers were a bit obsessed with Old Nick, or the Prince of Darkness… as he was also called.

Father Bob loved the Mission. Its Zero Tolerance attitude to sin appealed to him.

The only dampener for Fr Bob was the occasional anti-drink sermon…it spoiled the feel good factor projected by all the hellfire and damnation talk.

God had changed water into wine, and sure the Good Lord might have changed water into whiskey or beer if that’s what the auld disciples were having on the night, he pleaded, when the Bishop, and visiting Missioners, cautioned him on his attachment to Callan’s pub culture.

He liked one sermon given by a Limerick Redemptrist: The Missioner had fired the collective imagination of his flock with images of blazing cosmic infernos, ghastly demons with red hot pitch forks and long swishing tails gathering all the sinners on the day of Judgment and herding them into boats to convey them to the Sea of Flames.

The visiting cleric enlarged on the relative discomforts and horrors of the Seven Circles of Hell, listing the variety of tortures devised by the Devil to bring horror to a fine art.

Just when parishioners thought it couldn’t possibly

Sins, Missioners, and the Blackthorn Stick...

Scene from unveiling of Edmund Rice monument in Callan in 1950

get worse, he would pluck even more graphic and mindblowing images out of his treasury of hard-hitting nouns and adjectives to describe the fate that awaited anyone who even thought about committing a sin.

And he contrasted this awful doom with the blissful state to be enjoyed by people who behaved themselves on this earth. They would be up in Heaven, basking in divine glory, and the lost souls in Hell would forever cast their eyes heavenward, to glimpse with envy the fantastic time being had by all the good people,

who sang with angelic voices and were shrouded forever in glowing white robes.

There would be no fire brigades in Hell, he reminded his petrified listeners, and the smoke from the burning pit, billowing upwards through time and space, almost reached the floor of Heaven itself.

Fr. Bob said it was the best description of Hell he had ever heard, and congratulated the priest on his eloquence. The anxious, panicky, and neartrembling congregation filed out of the Big Chapel in a state of pure terror…

Most of them had done penance before the Mission, or half way through it, but the reassuring rattle of that shutter sliding across to reveal a forgiving priest could not come soon enough for them.

Confess today…Tomorrow it may be too late was the catch-cry that sent them post haste to the church. What if a sin had been forgotten? Your memory could fail you, but the Recording Angel would have noted it in the Book of Life and St. Peter would remind you at the Gates. There was no escaping the sword of Divine Justice in those days.

Green Street Callan in a different age

Old fashioned nuns as depicted by P Cuddihy J Lyons and Joe Cuddihy at the Callan Carnival

On a lighter note: After one hell-raising sermon about the Last Day, two well-known Callan characters exited the church in Green Street. The Missioner had described a scene of abject misery and devastation wrought by legions of angels and demons, heavenly hosts, dragons, and Beasts of the Apocalypse on the earth as the end of the world devoured all humanity.

Tom was silent for a few minutes, standing in the chapel yard, as he contemplated the doom and gloom that lay in store for the world.

Turning to his friend Vincent, he moaned: “Jeepers, the Last Day is going to be a terrible day altogether.”

Vincent chided him: “It’ll be nothing compared to the day after…when they’re cleaning up after all them feckers”.

“Right you are, Vincent”, said Tom, “And ‘tis you and me

that’ll be given the scrubs and the shovels…like always.”

After serving with distinction in Callan, Father Bob became Parish Priest of a nearby village. He decided against morality patrols in his new parish.

The population was too small to warrant a crusade of the kind that proved so efficacious in Callan.

And the times were changing. As the swinging sixties approached, increasing numbers of courting couples objected to being beaten out of ditches on dark nights.

So the Blackthorn Stick was decommissioned. Fewer volunteers answered the call when asked to assist in the enforcement of Catholic morality. They just remained in the pubs, refusing to budge when the call came.

The good old days of Catholic supremacy had begun to fade…

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

Kilkenny Pride Festival 2026 23rd - 26th July

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Kilkenny can take great pride in Pride but more needs to be done to support young LGBTIQ+ people - Noonan SENATOR MALCOLM NOONAN

Green Party Senator Malcolm Noonan has praised the organisers of Kilkenny Pride weekend saying that the city can be proud of the incredible work that goes into the weekend and that it is delivering economic benefits to the city.

He also said that while the Pride movement is growing around Ireland and the world, that more can be done to support young LGBTIQ+ people, particularly as homophobic and transphobic online commentary is gaining in influence and that this is concerning.

‘This is an exciting time in Kilkenny as the Pride Festival grows in influence.

I really would urge local business in the city to lend their support by decorating shopfronts and shop

windows with bunting and flags.

‘While it may seem on the face of it that gay, lesbian and trans people in Ireland are fully included in society, the reality is that many still face higher levels of poverty, of exclusion, issues of access in our health system and fear of discrimination. I welcome the fact that a coalition of LGBTIQ+ groups have put together a pre-budget submission, seeking greater supports for young people in particular and to ensure that we build a fully inclusive Ireland for the benefit of all’ said Senator Noonan.

He said that Oireachtas members were recently presented with a report that highlighted economic disadvantage among LGBTIQ+ people and that there is a key role for government departments to help address such challenges.

‘It’s vital that this coalition can build momentum behind a campaign for

better and more targeted funding, tackle online discrimination, provide greater access to healthcare and ensuring that LGBTIQ+ people have good economic opportunities here’.

‘The Green Party will continue to work in government with organisations and with politicians of all political parties and independents to ensure that we co-create a fully inclusive society, where everyone feels valued and has a part to play’.

Senator Noonan said that for now it is important to show support locally and for all the colours of Pride to be visible on the city streets over the weekend of Pride. ‘I wish to thank all the organisers of Kilkenny Pride and to wish them all the best over the weekend of festivities. I do hope that the city is decked out for the weekend as a show of solidarity and in celebration of diversity and inclusion’.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

Support Kilkenny Pride Festival 2026 Help us celebrate, educate and unite Kilkenny Pride Festival is a powerful celebration of love, identity and community. It brings colour, joy and visibility to the LGBTQ+ community in the southeast of Ireland. But this celebration does not happen on its own. It relies on the support of donors, volunteers and allies like you.

By donating to Kilkenny Pride, you are directly supporting a range of events and initiatives that promote inclusion, acceptance and equality. Every euro helps host safe and welcoming celebrations, run community workshops, provide resources and ensure that LGBTQ+ people, especially those in rural areas, feel seen and supported.

Why your donation matters Visibility and belonging: In smaller cities like Kilkenny, visibility for the LGBTQ+ community is especially important. Pride provides a safe space where people can express themselves freely and proudly.

Community building: Pride events help combat isolation by bringing people together. Your donation supports inclusive spaces that encourage connection

and belonging.

Education and empowerment: Pride is also about learning and growth.

Funds go towards educational talks, workshops and initiatives that raise awareness, promote understanding and support advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

Volunteer driven and community funded: Kilkenny Pride is entirely organised by volunteers. Donations fund the essentials, including venues, sound equipment, insurance, security and materials for events and outreach.

How to donate We envision a city where every LGBTQ+ person feels proud, safe and celebrated. But that cannot be done without you.

Whether it is a one time gift or a recurring monthly contribution, your support goes directly towards creating a safer and more inclusive community for all.

If you would like to support Kilkenny Pride Festival 2026, you can make a secure donation online. https://www.idonate. ie/donate/cause/ KilkennyPrideFestival Your donation helps keep the rainbow shining brightly over Kilkenny.

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What does LGBT+ mean?

Across Ireland, the term LGBT+ is now part of everyday life. We see it during Pride celebrations, hear it discussed in schools and workplaces, and come across it on social media and television. But while many young people recognise the letters, not everyone fully understands what they mean or why they continue to matter.

LGBT+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. The plus symbol includes the many other sexual orientations and gender identities that are part of society, including queer, intersex, asexual and nonbinary people.

The most important thing to remember is that LGBT+ people are not new. They have always been part of our families, schools, workplaces, sports clubs and communities.

What has changed is that more people today feel able to talk openly about who they are and who they love.

For many generations in Ireland, this was not always possible. LGBT+ people often felt pressure to hide their identity because they feared rejection, discrimination or being treated differently. Ireland has changed greatly in recent decades, but understanding and acceptance remain important.

The L stands for lesbian, which generally means a woman who is attracted to other women. The G stands for gay, a term most commonly used for a man who is attracted to other men, although it can also be used more broadly to describe same-sex attraction.

For young people growing up today, it can be difficult to imagine that homosexuality was once against the law in Ireland. Samesex sexual activity between men remained criminalised until 1993. Many LGBT+ people lived in silence because being open about their identity could lead to rejection and discrimination.

Campaigners worked for years to bring about change. Over time, Irish laws and attitudes began to move forward. One of the biggest moments came in 2015, when Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through a national popular vote. For many LGBT+ people, the Marriage Equality referendum was a powerful moment of acceptance and hope.

The B stands for bisexual. A bisexual person

can be attracted to more than one gender.

Bisexuality is sometimes misunderstood, with people wrongly suggesting that it is a phase or that someone is unsure of their identity.

Bisexuality is a valid sexual orientation and an important part of the LGBT+ community.

The T stands for transgender. A transgender, or trans, person has a gender identity that is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Awareness of transgender identities has grown in Ireland, particularly among younger generations. In 2015, Ireland introduced the Gender Recognition Act, allowing many trans people to have their gender legally recognised.

The plus symbol is equally important because it recognises that not everyone fits neatly into a small number of categories.

Some people use the word queer as a broad term to describe their sexual orientation or gender identity. Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. Asexual people experience little or no sexual attraction, while non-binary people do not identify exclusively as male or female.

There are many different identities and experiences within the LGBT+ community.

For some young people, understanding their identity happens early. For others, it can take time. Some may use one label and later find another feels more comfortable, while others may choose not to use a label at all.

What matters most is that people are given the space and respect to understand themselves without pressure or judgement.

Ireland has come a long way, but being LGBT+ can still be difficult for some young people. Bullying, negative comments, social media abuse and fear of rejection can leave people feeling isolated.

That is why Pride and LGBT+ inclusion still matter. Pride is about celebration, but it is also about visibility, support and reminding people that they belong.

Understanding LGBT+ is not simply about knowing what each letter means. It is about recognising that people experience identity, gender and love in different ways. Every young person deserves to feel safe being themselves and nobody should feel they have to hide who they are in order to belong.

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Kilkenny Pride returns a Photos: Freddie Greenall

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

Young voices proudly celebrating Pride in Kilkenny Written by Sol Campion, member of Kilkenny Pride Youth Committee, age 17 We are the Kilkenny Youth Pride Committee!!! We're a group of 11 young people aged 16 through 20 based in Ossory Youth who organise events for young people to spread queer hope and joy.

In response to recent backlash and adversity, we strive to spread positivity, kindness, and compassion for others. We're here to be a voice for change and hope when other young people are unable to speak up.

This is what Pride is really about. LGBTQ+ individuals experience many challenges in their day to day, from hate speech to simply going unacknowledged. Pride is a time for everyone, regardless of how they express themselves, to be seen for who they are and have their voices heard.

Young people already don't have much of a voice in our society, and this is exasperated in the case of LGBTQ+ youths. This is why we are here, to speak up for the younger members of our community who can't because they go unlistened to, because it's not safe for them to, or because they are too afraid to.

If you'd like to show support for our cause,

you can attend our events this month from the 22nd-25th. Thank you!

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A celebration of love without limits

Weddings have always been about love, commitment and two people choosing to build a life together. They are days filled with excitement, emotion, family, friendship and celebration. For couples in the LGBTQIA+ community, a wedding can also represent something especially powerful: the freedom to stand proudly beside the person they love and say, “This is who we are.”

Ireland’s journey towards marriage equality reached a historic milestone in 2015, when the country voted in favour of equal marriage.

It was a moment of enormous significance for LGBTQIA+ people and their families, opening the door for thousands of couples

to celebrate their relationships with the same legal recognition as everyone else.

Today, LGBTQIA+ weddings are very much part of Ireland’s wedding landscape, bringing with them all the excitement, planning and anticipation that comes with preparing for the big day.

And when it comes to planning that day, there really are no rules.

Some couples dream of a grand celebration in a beautiful hotel or country house, complete with flowers, music and a packed dance floor. Others prefer something smaller and more intimate, surrounded by close family and friends. There are outdoor ceremonies, city celebrations, destination weddings and relaxed gatherings where the focus is simply on enjoying the moment.

The traditional idea of what a wedding “should” look like has changed too. There may be two brides, two grooms, non-binary partners or simply two people who want to celebrate their love in a way that feels right for them.

Couples can walk down the aisle together or separately.

They can wear wedding dresses, tailored suits, matching outfits, bold colours or something completely unique. They can keep traditions they love, leave out those they do not, and create new traditions of their own.

That freedom to make the day personal is what makes every wedding special.

The wedding industry also has an important part to play.

Hotels, venues, photographers, florists, jewellers, celebrants, musicians, hairdressers, beauty professionals and countless other suppliers help bring a couple’s plans to life. A warm welcome, inclusive language and an understanding that no two couples are the same can make all the difference.

Representation matters too.

When LGBTQIA+ couples see people like themselves included in wedding brochures, advertisements, websites and photographs, it sends a clear and welcoming message: your love is celebrated here.

For some LGBTQIA+ couples, reaching their wedding day may carry an added emotional significance. The road to acceptance has not always been

easy, and for some it may have taken courage, patience and the support of those closest to them.

That can make the sight of family and friends gathered together to celebrate their marriage all the more meaningful.

But when the music begins, the photographs are taken, the speeches are made and the celebrations get underway, an LGBTQIA+ wedding is, quite simply, a wedding.

There will be laughter and happy tears. There will be nerves before the ceremony, photographs that take longer than expected, speeches that bring the house down and guests who refuse to leave the dance floor.

Because behind all the planning, flowers, outfits, food and festivities is something beautifully simple: two people choosing each other.

Every couple has a story. Every relationship is different. And every wedding deserves to reflect the people at the heart of it.

Love does not come in one shape, one style or one tradition.

It is personal, individual and wonderfully diverse.

And that is always worth celebrating.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

The Ladies of Llangollen: a Kilkenny love story that defied convention Long before LGBTQ+ identities were openly recognised or understood, two Irish women from Kilkenny quietly challenged the expectations of their time. Known to history as the ‘Ladies of Llangollen’, Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby made a bold escape from their aristocratic lives in 18th-century Ireland — not to marry noblemen, but to live together in lifelong companionship.

Their story began in Kilkenny, and while their most famous years were spent in Wales, it was their Irish roots — and their determination to live freely — that shaped their remarkable journey.

From privilege to resistance Lady Eleanor Butler was born in 1739 into the wealthy and influential Butler family of Kilkenny Castle. Well-educated, fluent in French, and intellectually curious, she was outspoken about her desire not to marry. Across the River Nore, Sarah Ponsonby, born in 1755, grew up in Woodstock House, Inistioge. Like Eleanor, Sarah rejected the idea of becoming a dutiful wife in a strategic marriage.

They met in the early 1770s when Sarah was a teenager and Eleanor already in her thirties. Despite their age gap, the two formed a strong emotional and intellectual bond. At a time when samesex relationships had no social or legal recognition, they referred to their connection as a “romantic friendship” — a term used for deep, often lifelong, same-gender companionship.

The great escape from Kilkenny In 1778, determined to escape pressure to marry, Eleanor and Sarah attempted to elope.

Disguised in men’s clothing, they fled by carriage with their dog and a maid, hoping to reach England and live independently. However, they were quickly discovered and returned to their respective families.

Surprisingly, rather than being punished, the women were eventually allowed to leave — likely because their determination impressed even their conservative relatives. Later that year, they left Ireland for good and settled in Llangollen, North Wales.

A life together at Plas Newydd At a small house called Plas Newydd, the women created a home filled with books, Gothic furniture, and handcarved decorations. They lived quietly but attracted attention across Britain and Ireland. Their home became a salon for artists, writers, and thinkers — including Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott, and even the Duke of Wellington.

They dressed in unconventional clothing, managed their own household, and cultivated a private world of shared learning, gardening, and writing. Queen Charlotte admired their independence and granted them a royal pension.

Although they never described themselves as a couple in modern terms, their devotion was evident.

They remained together for over 50 years until Eleanor died in 1829, followed by Sarah in 1831. They are buried side by side in Llangollen, their gravestone reading: "They lived together in the retirement of friendship for more than fifty years."

Their legacy in Kilkenny Though they left Ireland behind, their story is rooted in Kilkenny. Kilkenny Castle and Woodstock Gardens remain enduring remind-

ers of their origins. Today, the Ladies of Llangollen are celebrated as early LGBTQ+ icons — two women who chose love and autonomy in a world that offered them

neither.

In Kilkenny and beyond, their story reminds us that the desire to live authentically — and to love freely — is timeless.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

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Growing up LGBTQIA+ in a social media world Social media is a huge part of growing up today. It is where young people chat with friends, share photographs, follow trends, watch videos and keep up with what is happening in the world. For LGBTQIA+ young people, it can also be a place where they discover more about who they are and realise they are not alone.

Growing up can be confusing at the best of times.

Young people are trying to work out who they are, where they fit in and what they want from life. Social media can make all of this feel even more complicated.

Every time they open an app, they can be faced with people who seem to have perfect lives, perfect friendships and complete confidence in who they are.

For an LGBTQIA+ young person, social media can be incredibly positive. It can help them connect with other young people who understand how they feel.

They can find supportive communities, see positive LGBTQIA+ role models and hear stories from people who have gone through similar experiences.

For someone who feels different or alone, especially in a small town or rural area, finding people online who understand can mean a lot.

Sometimes simply seeing another young person being happy and comfortable with who they are can give someone hope for their own future.

But there is another side to social media, there can be huge pressure to look a certain way, dress a certain way and fit in. Young people can find themselves comparing their lives with people they have never even met. They may wonder why they do not look as confident, have as many friends or seem as happy as everyone else online.

LGBTQIA+ young people can face even more pressure. They may feel they need to know exactly who they are and find the right label to describe themselves. But nobody should feel rushed into figuring everything out. Some young people know exactly who they are from an early age, while others take longer.

Some may change how they describe themselves as they grow, and others may not want a label at all.

There is also the reality of online bullying. Hurtful comments, cruel messages and homophobic or transphobic abuse can be extremely difficult for a young person to deal with.

Online bullying does not

always end when the school day finishes. It can follow a young person home through their phone and make it feel as though there is no escape from the negativity.

Privacy is another important issue. Coming out should always be a personal choice. No young person should feel pressured to share their sexuality or gender identity online before they are ready. Nobody else should make that decision for them by posting photographs, comments or personal information without their permission.

Social media can be a brilliant way to connect, learn, laugh and find your people.

But it should never decide how valuable someone feels.

Young people are more than likes, followers, comments and views. They do not need to have everything figured out, look perfect or explain themselves to strangers online.

Pride is about being able to be yourself. For LGBTQIA+ young people growing up in a world that is always online, perhaps the most important thing to remember is that there is no rush to figure everything out.

Be yourself, take your time and never allow a screen to decide your worth.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

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Food & Drink

Pack the perfect summer picnic

hello aesthe

Summer Berry & Feta Couscous Salad RECIPE Bursting with fresh berries, crunchy vegetables and creamy feta, this colourful couscous salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues or a light summer lunch.

It can be prepared ahead of time and travels well, making it a perfect addition to any picnic basket.

Serves: 4–6 Ingredients • 200g couscous • 250ml hot vegetable stock • 150g strawberries, hulled and quartered • 100g blueberries • ½ cucumber, diced • 1 red pepper, finely diced • 100g feta cheese, crumbled • Small handful of fresh mint, chopped • Small handful of parsley, chopped • 50g toasted flaked almonds (optional)

FOOD A successful picnic starts with comfort, shade and a little forward planning, says Paula Byrne from the Wildflower Café, Kilfane.

“A lightweight blanket or foldable chairs makes all the difference, and a sunshade or umbrella is worth bringing on a warm day,” she says.

Food safety is equally important. Paula recommends packing a small cooler or insulated bag with plenty of ice packs and chilling everything before leaving home. Drinks are best carried separately, as opening the food cooler regularly allows warm air inside.

“Freeze a few bottles of water and use them as extra ice packs,” she suggests. “They’ll help keep everything cool and provide cold drinks as they thaw.”

Foods with sturdy ingredients travel best. Sandwiches and wraps filled with cheese, cured meats, hummus or roasted vegetables are reliable choices, while pasta and grain salads dressed with vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and kept chilled.

Fresh fruit and vegetables such as grapes, apples, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes are easy to pack and serve.

Hard cheeses, crackers, nuts, olives, pickles and homemade

dips can be combined to create a simple sharing spread.

Paula advises avoiding foods that spoil or melt quickly, including soft cheeses, cream-based desserts and mayonnaise-heavy salads, unless they can remain properly chilled. Perishable meat and dairy products should not be left sitting in warm conditions.

For a homemade option, she suggests Caprese pasta salad boxes made with pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Lemon and honey yoghurt parfaits layered with berries and granola also travel well in sealed jars.

Her ideal hamper would include artisan bread, cheeses, hummus, roasted vegetables, cured meats, olives, fruit and a sweet treat, along with sparkling water and a flask of tea or coffee.

Reusable plates, cutlery and napkins reduce waste, while resealable bags are useful for leftovers. A small cutting board, safe picnic knife, hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect-repellent wipes are also worth packing.

“The item people forget most often is a rubbish bag,” Paula says. “Bring one for general waste and another for recycling, so it’s easy to leave the picnic spot as you found it.”

The scoop on real ice cream FOOD To mark World Ice Cream Day (July 19), Mary Healy, director of The Chocolate Garden of Ireland, explains why quality ingredients and traditional methods make every scoop taste better.

“Our ice cream has a high flavour intensity because we use quality ingredients and don’t whip a whole lot of air into it,” says Mary. “With mass-produced ice cream, cheaper ingredients and artificial flavourings can dilute the taste.”

Vanilla remains the most popular choice at the company’s Kilkenny café, closely followed by honeycomb. Salted caramel and pistachio are also firm favourites, while its background as a chocolatier gives the chocolate flavour an advantage.

“Our chocolate ice cream is simply spectacular,” says Mary. “It’s velvety, with the right flavour intensity and a beautiful creamy texture.”

For anyone tempted to try something different, Mary

recommends Irish cream and brown bread, cherry or coffee. She also suggests turning a scoop into an affogato by pouring a shot of hot coffee over vanilla ice cream.

“It’s traditionally made with vanilla, but coffee is also great over chocolate, salted caramel or honeycomb,” she says.

“Add a Biscoff crumb topping for a real treat.”

Premium ice cream contains less air, which gives it a denser texture. Rather than eating it straight from a very cold freezer, Mary advises leaving it to stand briefly before serving.

“Give it a couple of minutes to soften,” she says. “When it’s a little more melty on the tongue, you get much more flavour. Eat it slowly and relish it.”

The Chocolate Garden’s ice cream and sundaes are available from its Kilkenny shop and café and from the company’s Tullow premises, where the ice cream is made.

Tubs are also sold at the café in Altamont Gardens, while the business occasionally supplies local events.

Ice creams from The Chocolate Garden of Ireland

“Anyone who tastes our ice cream is always well impressed by its quality, taste,

flavour intensity - it’s a wellkept secret with limited distribution!”

For the dressing • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 tsp honey • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour over the hot vegetable stock. Cover and leave to stand for five minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff the grains with a fork and allow to cool completely.

Meanwhile, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey and Dijon mustard before seasoning to taste.

Once the couscous has cooled, add the cucumber, red pepper, strawberries, blueberries, feta, chopped herbs and toasted almonds, if using. Pour over the dressing and gently toss everything together until well combined.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if required before transferring to a serving bowl.

Serving Suggestion Serve chilled with grilled chicken, salmon or crusty bread for an easy summer meal. The salad also makes an excellent picnic dish as it can be prepared several hours in advance and stored in the fridge until needed.

Cook’s Tip: Swap the strawberries for raspberries or peaches, or add slices of avocado just before serving for an extra creamy finish.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews Friday 7th August. To book contact Stephen at 0857181325.

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

CLARA CLUB LOTTO There was no Jackpot winner after the following numbers were drawn on the 7th July 3, 7, 23.

However, the following received €30 Lucky dip, John Colgan, Evelyn Crotty, Eamon Dunne, Caroline Clifford and Mary Ryan.

ATHLETICS Pia Langton followed up on her National U20 record breaking win in Tullamore with a sensational performance at the Cork International Meeting in CIT. Among a field of top senior international talent Pia came tenth in a new personal best time of 2:05.72.

The time moves her into the top 400 ranked 800m runner of any age in the world as her upward curve continues unabated

FRESHFORD SYMPATHY People of Freshford and the surrounds were shocked and saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Paddy Hogan in Lanzarote. Paddy formerly from Gaulstown, Tullaroan ran a very successful pub in Lanzarote for several years and everyone who went out there from the county had to call to see Paddy and he always made them all so welcome. He is mourned by his son, daughter, brothers, sister and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

CAMP Freshford longest running camp takes place from the 27th to 30th July at the local GAA grounds. This camp has been running for over two decades and is organised by local man JJ Grace and his team and have a wide range of activities catering for all boys and girls from senior infants up to 6th class. There are a few spaces available and for booking or more info please contact JJ on 0868629666 SOCCER NEWS The astro turf pitch is now open for bookings through sportskey online portal or contact any committee member or go to the social media page for more details.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS O’LOUGHLIN’S WIN UNDER 14 LEAGUE TITLE Congratulations to O’Loughlin Gaels, winners of the Kilkenny Vehicle Centre Under 14 Roinn A League played in MWH Training Centre, Dunmore defeating Mooncoin by 6-19 to 2-10. There were excellent performers all over the pitch for the winners including team captain Ollie Morrissey who received the trophy from Bord na nÓg chairperson Meave Hogan after the game.

The winning team and substitutes were, Kacper Kawka, Noah Power, Luke McKenna, Jack Hogan, Liam Savage, Andrew Phelan, Ciarán Savage, Dylan McGee, Tadhg Power, Leon Delaney, Ollie Morrissey, Padhraig Ryan, Robbie Geoghegan, John Hawe, Dylan Kelly. Substitutes: Johnny Delaney, Cathal Farrelly, Evan Mooney, Fionn Cashin, Jamie Duggan, Milo Buckeridge, Darragh O’Callaghan Danny Holohan.

Team Management: Daniel Wall, Brian Phelan, Liam Kelly, Robbie McGee, David Fogarty, Paddy Delaney.

Medic: Leona McGee. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated July 7th. The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 15 and 26. The bonus number was 25. Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com Promotors Draw:1. Murty Bambrick c/o P Greene.

2. Jack Fahy c/o M Deegan. 3. Leah Tyrrell c/o D Tyrrell. 4. Olyn Bergin c/o N Loy. 5. Nuala Bryan c/o D O’Driscoll. 6. Eddie Burke. 7. Des Byrne c/o M Deegan. 8. Tom McGrath c/o Online. 9. Annmarie Sheridan c/o Online. 10. KayleighMcGarry c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support.

SUMMER CAMP Excitement is mounting as the O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp is only two weeks away. The much anticipated O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp will commence on Monday 27th July and all of the boys

O’Loughlin Gaels Under 14 team captain Ollie Morrissey receives the trophy from Bord na nÓg chairperson Meave Hogan after the Roinn A Hurling League Final

and girls attending will enjoy coaching in the skills of the games, mini-games and activities with their friends and no doubt make many new friends. Well done to all of the coaches for their work organising the Camp.

While week one of the Camp is completely booked out there are still a few spaces available on Week 2 of the Camp which runs from Tuesday 4th to

The O’Loughlin Gaels team, winners of the Kilkenny Vehicle Centre Under 14 Roinn A League.

AWARD Freshford Town were awarded the FAI club mark award recently This is an award for grassroots clubs based on best practice in their governance management and administration. The programme aims to support and encourage clubs to improve standards off the field with the result of having stronger clubs and a stronger game. Well done to all at the club.

GAA St Lachtain’s U14 drew with Mullinavat in the opening round of Roinn B league/championship last week. The boys were in front with a minute to go but a Mullinavat goal secured a draw for the home side and the game finished Mullinavat 4-14 St. Lachtain’s 1-23 The Junior B hurlers won their first round championship game against St. Patrick’s of Ballyragget in Pairc Lachtain on Friday evening last. A good start saw the home team lead 1-3 to 0-1 after ten minutes. The early goal from Cian Dawson turned out to be the difference between the teams at the final whistle with St Lachtain’s winning in score of 1-12 to 0-12.

Team: J Burke, C O’Connor, J Bergin, J Bowden, L Kenny Landers, B Quinn, C Dalton, A Rafter, P Campion, M Campion J Whitty, C Dawson, J Campion. A Rafter, J O Connor.

RACE NIGHT The club will hold their annual race night at Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium at James Park on 17th July. Tickets are €10 each which includes entry to the stadium, race card and entry into the Prize Draw with first prize of €590. You can contact any committee member for purchase of tickets or sponsorship details LOTTO There was no winner of the jackpot last week.

Numbers were 4,5,7and12. The lucky dip winners were. E Dooley (€50), J, F and S Kavanagh, Mark Kavanagh (€25 each) Tickets are 2€ each and you can play online through Clubzap or from any of the local sellers SUMMER CAMP This year’s summer camp will take place from 10/13th August. Details can be found on the club’s social media page or contact Michael Farrell or Deirdre Dalton to register BRIDGE Summer bridge commenced recently in Threecastles hall (R95WK45) recently and continues each week at 7.30pm. All are welcome SPLIT THE POT Split the pot proceeds for June went to Freshford Tidy towns and last winner was Noel Bergin who won €120. The committee thank all those who supported them during the month. Proceeds go to different local club each month Tickets are just €2 and can be purchased in any of the local pubs or businesses PILGRIMAGE A Pilgrimage to our Lady’s Island Wexford will take place on Sunday 26th July. The bus will leave from Loughboy at 11.30am. further details can be obtained from Anna Rafter on 0851825571 PARISH NEWS Masses each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’s church at 9.30am (unless otherwise stated). Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening CEMETERY MASS The annual mass in St Nicholas cemetery Tulla will take place on Saturday 1st August at 6pm. People are asked to look after their family graves for the event.

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

OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941.

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

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

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

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

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

We welcome all GAA Club and Community notes for publication in The Kilkenny Observer email to sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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Community & GAA Notes you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon.

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

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB JUNIOR “B” HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP The club’s Junior “B” hurlers ran out comfortable winners 2-26 to 2-12 in their 1st round championship fixture against Danesfort on their own sunbaked grounds. It wasn’t all one-way traffic however as the teams matched each other point for point until Danesfort struck the Village net in the dying seconds of the half to take a 1-08 to 0-08 lead into the break. The scoreline might have been better for James Stephens had they converted a number of goal-scoring opportunities throughout the first 30 minutes. A few tactical switches and some inspiring words from the selectors at the interval stirred the Village into action for the 2nd half as they went on to outscore their opponents 1-08 to 0-01, the goal coming from lively corner forward Daniel Ring. After the water break the astute switching of Bill Whelan (5pts) from defence to bolster the attack coupled with the unerring accuracy of David Walton from frees and open play the home club struggled to keep in touch. With the defence marshalled by the evergreen Eoin Larkin from centre back in front of the dependable goalkeeper Padraig Joyce and with strong back up from James Tyrrell, Luke Hickey and Adam Butler there were few opportunities for the Danesfort attack to reduce the deficit. In the 50th minute when Daniel Ring again finished to the net from an impressive passing movement it gave the Larchfield lads an unassailable lead at 2-20 to 1-11.

Now in confident mode further white flags were raised by Ethan Butler (2pts), Matt McWey (1pt), Ross Whelan (1pt) and Bill Whelan (2pts) before Danesfort struck for a consolation goal leaving the final score read 2-26 to 2-12 in favour of James Stephens. Well done to all the players and the management team.

U-16 “B” CAMOGIE The U-16 camogie team coasted to an “all too easy” 5-19 to 0-06 victory over St. Anne’s in the Summer U-16 “B” league semi-final in the sweltering heat of Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan. After putting a marker down with a Maura Barton goal, in the first minute, the scores mounted up as the more skilful and athletic Village girls made their dominance count.

The win has earned the Village girls a place in the league final against neighbours Bennettsbridge in what is sure to be a real test of their championship ambitions in the weeks ahead. The winning panel includes Mia Holden, Emma Lennon, Sorcha Larkin, Katie Marie Murphy, Ellie Larkin, Jasmine Timmons-McEnaeney, Hannah Purcell, Daisey Coomey, Molly Anne Phelan, Ria Quinn, Caoimhe Egan, Emma Larkin, Molly Dunne, Maura Barton, Katie Jane Murphy, Millie Davey, Abbie MinogueLee, Grace Manuel, Freya Doyle, Holly Kelly, Sinead Healy, Caoimhe Quinn, Saoirse Egan, Hannah Devine, Emily Quinn, Maya Prior, Mary Kate Parsons, Julie Ann Fitzpatrick, Aoileann Cantwell, Roisin O’Shea and Ali McDonald (inj.).

U-16 “B” HURLING SEMI-FINAL The U-16 “B” hurlers kept their hopes of winning the Kilkenny U-16 “D” league title alive with an impressive 4-13 to 1-14 semi-final victory over Danesfort on Thursday evening in sunny Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan. A strong first half defensive display coupled with a brace of goals gave the Village lads a solid six-point lead at the break. Driven by top rate showings by Conor O’Hara and Syd Harkin the Village lads continued their determined hurling throughout the second half, striking the Danesfort net twice over the closing half to confirm their superiority finishing with a score of 4-13 to 1-14 to earn a place in next week’s 2026 Roinn “D” league final against John Lockes.

CEMETERY MASS A timely reminder to all that the annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated on Thursday evening 30th July at 7.30pm in the cemetery. As usual, complimenting the large gathering of St. Patrick’s parishioners, folk travel from far and wide in great numbers to remember departed loved ones, friends and neighbours and for the an-

nual friendly chat with folk they may not have met from year to year.

SUMMER CAMP The annual James Stephens Summer Camp will take place from Monday 10th to Friday 15th August running from 10.30 to 1.30pm, daily. The camp is for James Stephens club members, boys and girls aged from 5 to 12 years. Booking forms will be sent out in the next few days. The camp offers an ideal opportunity for young hurling, Gaelic football and camogie players to upgrade their skills in the national games in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere under the supervision of a team of experienced hurlers and camogie players. The fees for the course are €50 per child and €40 for each additional family member.

LIBRARY CHALLENGE With the summer season in full swing why not drop in to Loughboy Library and register for the 2026 ‘Summer Stars’ and, collect an Activity Booklet.

The challenge involves reading eight books over the summer to collect your Summer Stars medal and certificate. Entrants will also be entered in two draws over the holidays with a chance to win a special prize. For further information phone 056 7794176.

CRANNCHUR (LOTTO): Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite: 1, 4, 13, 21. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir (No winner). Na mionduaisneanna €40 Fiona Noonan, Tom McGrath, Eamon Tyrrell, Mary Grace agus The Brennan boys. Mar is gnath go raibh maith go leir as bhur dtachaoicht. (As usual our thanks to all for your continued support) BENNETTSBRIDGE COMMUNITY/TIDY TOWNS Thanks to the volunteers who were out strimming and litter picking in the playground at the weekend.

Please remember we have no community worker in Bennettsbridge at the moment so take your rubbish home with you. It is disappointing to see the rubbish being left at the boat slip. Please do not litter our lovely village.

Thanks to all the people who are watering the flowers in the village it is much appreciated.

CHURCH NEWS Mass times: Bennettsbridge, Wednesday 10.30am.

Thursday 10am. Sunday 10.30am. Tuesday 7,30pm.

Tullaherin Saturday 8pm.

CEMETERY MASSES The dates for the Cemetery Masses have been announced, Tullaherin Cemetery, Saturday, 1st August. Bennettsbridge Cemetery, Sunday, 2nd August 10.30am.

THOMASTOWN CEMETERY MASS The Annual Cemetery Mass in St Mary’s new Cemetery will be held on Friday, 31st July at 7,30pm.

The gates will remain open during the period leading up to the mass and you are asked to remove all rubbish after you have tidied your grave BAPTISM NOTICE Due to present circumstances baptisms can only be arranged on the following days, Gowran/Dungarvan Parish, Baptism on the second Saturday of each month. Tullaherin/Bennettsbridge Parish, Baptism on the third Saturday of each month.

All applications must be arranged at Gowran Parish Office. Registration forms must be filled in two weeks prior to Baptism date. Contact number, 056 77 26128.

CRAFTED IS BACK ON SUNDAYS The popular Crafted Cafe in the village is now open on Sundays for the summer season. Well worth a visit and all the goodies are home made from local produce.

CARDS RESULTS 23rd June. First Prize Jack Kavanagh/Jack Bolger (11 games). Second Prize Siobhán Donovan/Joan O’Gorman and Ger Kelly/Bridget Murphy (10 games). Table Prize Michael Kelly/Eugene Malone.

30th June. First Prize James and Veronica Muldowney, Johno and Marie Reid (11 games) Table Prize Martin Clarke/Pauline Keating 7th July. First Prize Siobhán Donovan/Joan O’Gorman (13 games). Second Prize Paul Gurrie and Rose Hayes (11 games). Table Prize Bridget Cottrell and Declan Twomey LOTTO On the 6th July there was no winner of the Jackpot.

The numbers drawn were, 1, 18, 27, 28. Consolation Prizes were given to, Ian Daly, Jerpoint, Joey McGee, ℅ R. Comerford, Kevin Davey, Woodlawn, Liz Griffiths, Bennettsbridge, Lorna O’Neill, Ballyreddin.

GAA Junior B Championship: Good luck to our junior E team who play Erins Own in Castlecomer next Saturday in their opening round. All support appreciated. Hard luck to the junior B team who lost out to

Thanks to volunteers who carried out strimming in the Bennettsbridge Play area

Conahy in the opening round of the championship.

They now face St Patrick’s in the second round.

Underage Games: Well, done to our under 13 boys competing in the Lisdowney sevens who had wins over Ballyhale and Graigue Ballycallan to qualify for the cup quarter final in a couple of weeks’ time.

The under 14 team lost out narrowly to Graigue Ballycallan in the Roinn B league semi final last weekend.

The under 16 team played Kilmacow away in their opening round of the league championship.

Our minors lost out by a point to Glenmore in their first round.

Our younger age groups are now in action in go games. Best wishes to all involved. Well done to the Bennettsbridge players involved in the county underage squads again last weekend.

FIELD DAY 2026 The 2026 Field Day has been provisionally booked for Sunday, August 21st.

SPLIT THE POT The next Split the Pot draw will take place on Friday July 24th at 6 pm. Thanks again for your support.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH HIGHVIEW ATHLETIC Huge congratulations to the teams and players, who recently picked up all their awards for the past season. It was without doubt the most successful year we’ve ever had at schoolboy/girl level and every bit of that is down to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches and parents and club secretaries. We’re incredibly proud of you and hopefully we can continue to build on this success going forward. (see picture feature in this section) SUMMER CAMP Last few places remaining for our summer camp!

Get signed up early to avoid any disappointment.

Always a great few days of football for the kids.

ULLARD CEMETERY Mass will take place at Ullard Cemetery this evening Friday 17th July at 7.30 pm BARROW BUS What are your plans this summer? The free Barrow Bus is a great excuse to plan a day out in one of the beautiful towns and village along the route. A riverside lunch at Mullichain Cafe in St. Mullins. Get active with Hydrobikes or Pure Adventure kayaking in Graiguenamanagh. Stroll the Barrow Way towpath to the Goodly Barrow cafe and museum in Goresbridge. Take a tour around the Shankill Castle grounds and garden in Paulstown. Bring the kids to the outdoor heated swimming pool in Bagenalstown. Book the Barrow Bus for your day out - https://barrowbus.palisis.com/ PRIDE AND HONOUR Cushendale Woollen Mills has officially been awarded the prestigious contract to manufacture the official corporate gifts for Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The familyowned vertical mill, operating in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny, since 1778, secured the contract through a competitive public tender issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The appointment represents a significant endorsement of Cushendale Woollen Mills’ longstanding reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, sustainable production, and premium-quality Irish textiles.

As one of Ireland’s oldest continuously operating woollen mills, the company has preserved traditional weaving techniques while embracing modern innovation, creating luxury products that showcase the finest natural fibres and authentic Irish design.

During Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, the bespoke gifts produced

by Cushendale Woollen Mills will be presented to visiting dignitaries, ministers, diplomats, and international delegates attending official meetings and events. These carefully crafted pieces will serve as ambassadors for Irish heritage, creativity, and excellence, reflecting the country’s rich textile tradition on the international stage.

The contract marks an important milestone for the Kilkenny-based business, reinforcing its position as a leading manufacturer of premium Irish textiles and highlighting the value of supporting indigenous family-owned enterprises with deep roots in Ireland’s cultural and manufacturing heritage.

FERRY BRIDGE Local people should be aware that the Ferry Bridge is due to close for repairs. The closure is set to begin June 24th and is expected to last until the end of August. Local Diversions will be in place.

HUB Once again, this year we are linking up with Munster Chernobyl Aid “Another Journey of Hope” to bring much needed supplies to the orphanages and

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

Community & GAA Notes hospitals in Belarus this September. We would greatly appreciate any donations of sanitary products, clothes, hygiene products etc. All items can be dropped to the Hub before September. This is a very important Humanitarian Aid mission as things in Belarus have become increasingly difficult.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN BARROW RANGERS There was no overall winner of the jackpot lotto draw of 8th July. Match 3 winner was Maurice Treacy (€100).

CHURCH SERVICES/ EVENTS Mass times: Goresbridge, Saturday at 7.30pm, Sunday 10am; Paulstown: Sunday, 11.30am. Weekday Masses: Goresbridge on Wednesday at 10am; Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am.

Adoration (concluding with Benediction) every Tuesday from 10.30am-6pm in Paulstown church.

The Legion of Mary meets each Thursday at 3pm in the parish hall, Paulstown. New members welcome. The Sacred Heart prayer group gathers every Friday after 10am mass in Paulstown.

Goresbridge church Cemetery mass: Friday 25th July at 7.30pm.

Church of Ireland services on Sunday 19th July: 10.00am at Shankill and 11.30am at Borris.

CNUAS MUSICAL CONCERT Advance notice: Friday 5th September at 8pm in Ionad Dara hall. Tickets available from Gerry Kavanagh, Martha Kelly, Mary Meaney or Ciara Murphy.

CEMETERY CLEAN UP A CEMETERY clean up takes place at 7pm on Tuesdays 22nd July.

TALKING THE TALK “Cúpla Focal” is a welcoming Irish language conversation circle held every Friday at the Goodly Barrow Cafe. The gathering provides a relaxed and friendly environment where people can practice speaking Irish, improve their confidence, and meet others with a shared interest in the language and culture.

Open to everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers, the group focuses on informal conversation, encouragement, and learning through everyday chat. Whether you want to revive your school Irish, sharpen your fluency, or simply enjoy a social evening with fellow Giliberti, Cúpla Focal offers an enjoyable and supportive space to use the language in a natural way.

SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development is also online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser. ie. The results of the lotto draw for 12th July were: 1.

Bernie Morrisey (€100) 2. Malcolm Nolan (€20) and 3. Bee Dempsey-Lakes (€20).

TAR ISTEACH Bric a brac including household items, unwanted gifts, unwanted toiletry sets, delph, dishes, cutlery are all welcome at the Tar Isteach shop in Goresbridge. Items should be in a saleable condition.

Quality handbags are welcome.

Tom Healy

KILMANAGH MASS SCHEDULE Mass will be celebrated at 6pm on July 18th in Kilmanagh.

CEMETERY MASSES Rosary and Blessing of Graves will take place in St. Aidan’s Churchyard, Kilmanagh on 31st July at 7:30pm and in St. Molua’s graveyard, Killaloe on 4th August at 7:30pm.

KILMANAGH PATTERN Kilmanagh Pattern and Naomh Nadáil’s Seisúin will take place in Ryan’s Bar, Kilmanagh on July 31st following the rosary and blessing of graves in St. Aidan’s Churchyard. There will be set dancing and an open trad seisúin from 8:00pm onwards. All are welcome.

SUMMER CAMP Graigue Ballycallan will hold a summer camp for boys and girls from 5 to 13 years on August 4th to August 7th. Cost is €50 per child and €45 for additional sibling. Main activities consist of hurling, camogie, gaelic, soccer, art, dance, music, games and parachute fun. Contact Darragh on 087 2716 431 for more information.

RIVER RANGERS AGM River Rangers will hold their Annual General Meeting on Friday, July 17th at 8pm in Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh. All members are

U14s Shield Final Winners

encouraged to attend.

VOLUNTEERING VACANCIES Kilkenny Volunteer Centre has a number of volunteer opportunities currently available with ALONE across County Kilkenny.

ALONE is seeking Visitation Support and Befriending Volunteers to provide companionship to older people in the community. Volunteers commit to approx. 1 hour per week, offering social contact, basic practical support, and encouragement to stay connected locally. This role helps reduce loneliness and supports older people to feel secure at home, with full training provided.

ALONE is seeking National Support and Referral Line Volunteers to support older people across Ireland. Volunteers commit to a minimum of one 2-hour shift per week, providing a listening ear, information, and support via phone. This role involves responding to calls, signposting services, and supporting older people in a friendly and professional manner. Full training will be provided.

ALONE is seeking Telephone Support and Befriending Volunteers to provide regular phone calls to older people. Volunteers commit to at least 1 hour per week, offering companionship, sharing information, and helping reduce loneliness. This role involves checking in on wellbeing, encouraging community connection, and supporting older people to feel safe and heard from their own homes.

If you find a volunteering role that interests you, visit our site to register or apply www.volunteerkilkenny. ie or contact us by info@volunteerkilkenny.ie. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, please get in touch to see how we can support you too.

GRAIGUE BALLYCALLAN GAA U14s: Well, done to our U14s on winning the Shield Final in the Conor Kennedy Tournament down in Moycarkey-Borris GAA Club.

Minors: Well, done to the Minors on their Round 1 win in the B League/Championship. A great battle between the two sides. At half time GBC were up by 11 points but the visitors came storming into the 2nd half to bring the final difference to only 2 points. We have a bye for the next round, so they won’t be back out until August 19th for Round 3 against Thomastown.

Full Time: GBC: 2-24(30) Mooncoin: 4-16(28) GBC scorers: Cormac Neary (0-10, 4 F, 1 65), Charlie Teehan (1-1), Keelan Lynch (0-4), Will Cody (0-4), John Hoyne (1-0), Ben McEvoy (0-2), Billy Ronan, James O’Connor (0-1) each.

MATCH FORECAST COMPETITION 2026 Our Club’s most vital fundraiser is back - the Match Forecast Competition for the 2026 Senior and Intermediate Leagues. How to play: The usual rules apply if you want to fill out the forecast manually and you will find those rules on the back of your forecast. Match forecast can be played online at http://www.forecaster.graigueballycallan.ie. If you do not have access to a promotor and wish to manually fill in a forecast, please get in touch and we can sort you out.

There is also the ‘Quick pick ‘ option. Much

like the lotto, selecting this box with an ‘X‘ will eliminate the player from having to enter a result

for each of the 60 games. If you want to do a Quick Pick, all you have to do is mark X in the box, fill in the usual details (name, address, seller, phone number and club) and please make sure to fill in your guess for the number of goals scored in all 60 games in the event of a tie breaker. Entry fee is €10. Forecasts must be returned by (.00pm two days prior to the 1st game, which is on Friday 24th July. Thank you to everyone who has supported our Forecast Competition over the years from clubs near and far and thank you in advance to any new players this year. All welcome to play.

Special mention to our Club’s main sponsor, Marble City Motors and to all of our other sponsors.

CLOTHES COLLECTION Naomh Aodhan Community Centre will be holding a Clothes Collection over the coming weeks. If you are thinking of doing a summer clear out, please think of us. We can take clothes, duvet covers, pillowcases, sheets, handbags, shoes (in pairs only), belts. We cannot take duvets or pillows (just the covers). If you want any further information, please contact 086 373 99 83.

LOTTO Results for 6th July. Numbers drawn were 30; 23; 21; 13. There was no winner. Lucky Dip winners were Aoife Drohan, Damian Delaney and Bill Minogue.

Sellers’ Prizes went to Mary Murphy and James Ryall.

BALLYKEEFFE AMPHITHEATRE EVENTS July 18th: Heaven Can Wait - Meat Loaf Experience.

July 25th: Rebel Rebel - David Bowie Tribute. August 8th: Hothouse Flowers. August 15th: Derek Ryan and Guests. August 22nd: Cry Before Dawn. Tickets: ballykeeffeamphitheatre.com 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.

MULLINAVAT RAMBLING HOUSE Mullinavat Community Centre will host its monthly Rambling House at 8.00pm on Saturday, 18th July.

Everyone is welcome to attend an evening of music, song, recitation, stories and dance.

MULLINAVAT LOTTO The winning lotto numbers on Monday, 6th July were 6,12, 20 and 23. There were three Match 3 winners.

KILMOGANNY FESTIVAL Declan Nerney and Band will perform in Kilmoganny GAA Grounds from 3.00pm to 5.00pm on Sunday, 2nd August. Music will begin at 2.00pm with a Garth Brooks tribute band. Admission is €20. Tickets are available at Pete’s Shop. All welcome for a great afternoon of music, dance, stalls, teas and refreshments and bar. Ring 051 648 637 for further details.

COUNCIL WORKS Road marking and lining works are due to be undertaken in the coming weeks on the R448 at Rossinan/Ballykeoghan and on the L7456 at Farnogue, as a follow up to recent resurfacing work at both locations.

MULLINAVAT GAA Shamrocks Ballyhale got the better of Southern neighbours Mullinavat in the Round One Junior A contest at sweltering Ballyhale. Shamrocks Ballyhale 3-21; Mullinavat 4-10. (A full report of this match can be read in the sports section of this newspaper)

KILMACOW ROSEDALE BOOK The book on Rosedale, ’40 years Caring and Sharing’ by Liam Dalton, is on sale at €20 in local retail outlets and directly from Rosedale.

LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 8,16, 17 and 23. There was one Match 3 winner.

KILMACOW HERITAGE The working group for the older graveyards will be carrying out maintenance work in Ballinamorahan from 2.00pm on Saturday, 18th July. All offers of help will be welcomed.

KILMACOW GLAS The group will host a nature walk at 9.00am on Sunday, 26th July. Please e-mail kilmacowglas@ gmail.com for more details.

HURLING AND CAMOGIE CAMP The Clubs will host a camp for boys and girls born in 2010, 2011 and 2012 from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Monday, 15th July to Wednesday, 17th July. Places are limited. Please text 086 280 5954 or e-mail secretary.kilmacow.kilkenny@gaa.ie for more details.

Shamrocks and Mullinavat in Junior A hurling match at Ballyhale

FERRYBANK FERRYBANK SHOPPING CENTRE Waterford City and County Council formally withdrew on 6th July their application for a judicial review of the decision by Kilkenny County Council to grant planning permission for the shopping centre.

CLOVER CENTRE

We Wewelcome welcomeall allGAA GAAClub Cluband andCommunity Communitynotes notesfor forpublication publicationin inThe TheKilkenny KilkennyObserver Observeremail emailto tosales@kilkennyobserver.ie sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

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Community & GAA Notes A report on the submissions to the Masterplan is due to be presented to the forthcoming meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

UPGRADE OF L3412 AT BELVIEW Kilkenny County Council has given notice under Section 177 (Planning and Development Act) of its intention to seek Part X approval for upgrade works on the L3412 to provide access to the IDA Ireland landbank at Kilmurry, Belview, Slieverue.

The closing date for submissions to An Commissiún Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin DO1 V902 is Wednesday, 5th August.

UPGRADE OF BELMONT AND ABBEY ROADS The public consultation process for the upgrade of the Belmont Road and the Abbey Road is anticipated to begin in September.

SYDNEY MARATHON Local Ferrybank resident Gerard Tobin will run the Sydney Marathon in August. He is seeking to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Please see the Ferrybank Facebook page for details.

JOHNSTOWN CEMETERY MASSES Cemetery Masses will be held onFriday July 17th Galmoy 7.30pm. On Tuesday July 21st at 7.30pm the Rosary will be said in the old graveyard Donoughmore, Johnstown.

KNOCK The annual parish pilgrimage to Knock will take place on August 6th with bus leaving Johnstown at 8am sharp. Fare € 50 which covers the bus fare and dinner in Moate on the return journey. Enquiries please to Marie Wilson 0868585158 or Sharkeys shop. Fare to be paid by July 27th.

ST KIERAN’S HALL 500 CLUB DRAW The lucky winners of the first draw were 1. €750 Ray Beehan, 2. € 300 Anna Ryan, Sharavaun, 3. €200 William Queally, 4. €100 Brid McGill, 5. € 100 John Brennan, Bawnmore. Congratulations to all the winners. The next draw will be held on Wednesday.

August 5th. There are five draws left at a cost of €10 per month.

FENIANS H.C The annual James Tynan Memorial Cup was played in the Sportsfield on Sunday featuring the Fenians v the Blacks/Whites. The Blacks/Whites emerged winners and were presented with the trophy by Dolores Tynan, mother of the late James.

Family all Ireland Hurling final and World Cup Final watch party in McCarthys Bar on Sunday July 19 from 2pm. Finger food, music, fun darts and meet ups on the day. A raffle will take place and raffle lines are for sale in the local shops. All funds raised will go to the Dillon Quirke Foundation. Some 50 young people from the area were screened recently under the Dillion Quirke cardiac screening programme.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/ FENIANS LOTTO This time the winning numbers were 8,12,19,21.

There was no jackpot winner but there was four match threes and these lucky winners were Fenians, Michelle Carroll, Eileen Nolan and Tom Mulhall.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The Mill Family Resource Centre, Urlingford, invites everyone to a fantastic Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Save the date and enjoy an afternoon filled with fun, activities, entertainment, and community spirit. Bring the whole family along for a memorable day together.

The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to provide a wide range of supports, services, and activities for individuals and families within the local community. The Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space, offering opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and social connection for people of all ages.

One of the upcoming opportunities available is the Local Training Initiative (L.T.I.) Programme. This free L.T.I. course will be starting soon and includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing participants with valuable life skills that can support employment and independence. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to call into the Centre or make contact directly for further details and application information.

The Youth club is back every Wednesday from 5.30 – 6.30pm. For Ages 10yrs – 12yrs The Mill Family centre is offering free courses for September, SNA level 5 and 6, Childcare and computer QQ1 level 4, Early learning and care cert. and advanced cert. QQ1 level 5, LTI level 4 and Office admin. and payroll QQ1 level 5.

A variety of essential community services are available through the Mill Family Resource Centre. These include the provision of Senior Alert Alarms, which offer peace of mind and safety for older members

of the community, as well as clothes donations for those in need. The Centre also facilitates a Youth Club, community allotments, and the Cois Nore Advice Clinic, ensuring access to practical advice and supports close to home.

Counselling services are available for both adults and teenagers, offering a confidential and supportive environment. Counselling supports include bereavement counselling, addiction support, and general counselling, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with professional guidance. In addition, Play Therapy is available for young people aged 4 years and over, providing a child-centred approach to emotional wellbeing and development.

Come along and browse our clothes rail, where you’ll find plenty of fantastic bargains at affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials, stylish outfits, or hidden gems, there’s something for everyone. Shopping from our clothes rail is a great way to save money while supporting a worthwhile cause. By choosing pre-loved clothing, you’re also helping to reduce waste and support sustainable fashion. Bring your friends and family, enjoy a browse, and discover some amazing deals while making a positive difference.

The Centre’s Active Retirement Group meets every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. This group offers a relaxed and social setting where members can enjoy activities, conversation, and companionship.

New members are always welcome, and the group continues to grow as a valued part of the Centre’s weekly programme.

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

CEMETERY MASSES The following dates has been set for the annual cemetery masses in the parish. All mass times will be at 7.30pm. Tuesday 28th July, Fennor cemetery and Tuesday 18th August, Boulick cemetery.

PASTORAL MINISTRY Would you like to serve as a Pastoral Minister within your parish and Parish Combination group?

A programme in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership will begin in October and lead to a two-year course of study in Mary Immaculate College, Thurles.

See poster on notice board at main doors of both Churches. Brochures available from Fr. Walton. Information from Katherine Dullaghan, Development Office on 086 1033761.

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine is on Sunday, August 2nd and will be led by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly. Music by the Cashel and Emly Diocesan Choir. Please check neighbouring parishes for details of organised buses.

PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continue in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth.

Bring mat and water.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. We had a packed hall for our July special last weekend and we appreciate the support from the parish.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Geraldine Byrne, who won €139 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Mary Willie’s, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220.

Split the Pot for July is in aid of St. Vincent de Paul.

The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

COUNTRY DANCE Sally’s Summer Country Dance in Gortnahoe Hall on Friday, 24th July. Entry €10. Doors open 8.30pm.

Dancing 9pm to DJ Tim and Sarah and John O’Gorman.

ANNUAL FAMINE WALK The Annual Famine 1848 Walk will take place in Ballingarry on Saturday, 25 July, marking the 20th anniversary of this important commemorative event. This year’s walk will be led by Minister Kevin Boxer Moran of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and promises to be a meaningful afternoon of history, remembrance and community spirit.

The event begins at 3.00pm at the National Flag Monument in the village of The Commons, where participants will gather before setting out on the

historic walk to Famine Warhouse 1848, the nationally significant OPW heritage site, museum and visitor attraction. Along the route, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on one of the most significant periods in Irish history while learning about the events surrounding the Young Ireland Rebellion of 1848 and the impact of the Great Famine on local communities.

The afternoon will include historical commentary, traditional music and refreshments, creating an enjoyable and informative experience for people of all ages. Whether you have a keen interest in local history or simply wish to support this important annual commemoration, the walk offers a unique opportunity to connect with Ireland’s rich heritage in the very landscape where history unfolded.

Everyone is warmly invited to attend this free community event. Families, history enthusiasts, walkers and visitors alike are encouraged to come along, remember the past and enjoy an afternoon of culture, learning and fellowship in the beautiful surroundings of Ballingarry.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Tom Moore, Urard and the Butler family, Lisduff on the death of Frank Moore, Moyne.

CONAHY HURLING The junior B hurlers had a good win over Bennettsbridge in the opening round of the JJ Kavanagh Junior B championship in Bennettsbridge on Friday last. Conahy led by 1-10 to 0-7 at half-time thanks to a well taken goal from Jack Murphy. A second goal from Paddy Mullan in the second half was the crucial score that set Conahy up for victory, as they advanced on a 2-17 to 0-16 score line.

They will now face James Stephens in the championship quarter-final on Tuesday week, July 28th.

TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Frank Gunner, Padraig Gunner, Conor Duggan, Darragh Horgan, Darren Cuddihy, Eoin Carroll, Jack Murphy, Edmond Delaney, Jack Rhatigan, Rob Ring, Patrick Kennedy, Brooklyn Synott, Kieran Mooney, Bill Murphy, Daniel Mooney, Paddy Mullan, Ben Duggan, Billy Mulhall, Conor Hennessy, Tommy Mulhall, J.P. Gamble.

The minor hurlers also enjoyed a good start to their league/championship campaign when they scored a fine victory over St. Martin’s in Coon in the Kilkenny Motor Centre Roinn B League/Championship on Monday night last. A pair of well taken goals from Patrick Kennedy and a goal from a free

by Billy Rowe set Conahy up for a 3-21 to 2-10 win.

They will face John Lockes (Callan) in the next round, with a date and time to be confirmed at the time of writing.

TEAM: Neil Webster, Brian Phelan, Tadgh Hennessy, Bobby Dooley, James Byrne, Jack Rhatigan, Finn Sherman, Billy Rowe, Darragh Horgan, Joe Boland, Patrick Kennedy, Jack Buggy, Sam Connellan, Rory Rhatigan, M.J. Buggy, Padraic Quinn, Camryn Kenehan, Mikey Hurley, Jack Gamble, Ben Byrne, Mounir Zouaoui.

The under-16 hurlers also won out against Blacks & Whites in the Duggan Steel Roinn C league/ championship in Skeoughvasteen on Sunday evening last. A solid team performance saw Conahy win out on a 5-14 to 2-6 score line. The locals will be back in competitive action in August.

TEAM: Padraig Murphy, Darragh McGee, Evan Buggy, Noah Meany, Mikey Hurley, James Byrne, Will Clarke, Bobby Dooley, Mounir Zouaoui, Cian Rhatigan, M.J. Buggy, Jack Buggy, Aaryn Kenehan, Jack Gamble, Brandon Maher, Ciaran Quinn.

The junior E hurlers are in action this Saturday afternoon at 2.00 p.m. when they play host to St. Martin’s in the JJ Kavanagh Junior E championship in Jenkinstown. Best of luck to all involved.

GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 22, 24 and 35. There was no winner of the €5,700 jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Clare O’Donnell, Joe Crennan, May Downey, Jimmy Tierney and Brigid Butler. The promoter prize winners were Margaret Buggy, Larry Bergin and Brian Lacey. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

FUTURE STARS SUMMER CAMP Registration is now open for the annual “Future Stars” GAA and Camogie Summer Camp taking place from Tuesday, August 4th to Thursday, August 6th in the Polo Grounds, Jenkinstown. Any child attending primary school in August 2026 is welcome to attend. Each day runs from 10.00 to 1.45 and the cost per child is €40. Check out the

ClubZap app or the club’s social media channels for further information.

NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat. Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) - Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area).

Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown).

Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory. ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie. Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m.

Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford Vigil – Saturday at 6.30p.m: ANNIVERSARY MASSES Richard and Mary Aylward, Boolyglass; Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 18th. July at 8.00p.m.

Ellen Doyle, Hugginstown; Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 19th. July at 10.00a.m.

ROTA (SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Rita O’Farrell. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Catherine Dwyer. Sunday10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m.

Natalia Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m.

Mary Murphy. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Crowley.

ANNUAL NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS PILGRIMAGE: A Day to celebrate the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly will be held on Sunday 26th. July at Knock Shrine commencing at 2.30p.m. with the anointing of the sick. It’s a day of grace and blessing for the whole family as we honour grandparents and the elderly. All are very welcome. Visit www. catholicgrandparentsassociation.org for more details.

ST BRENDAN’S N.S. NEWMARKET Following an open recruitment process, Mr Gary Kelly has been appointed Principal at St. Brendan’s.

N.S. He will take up his position at the start of the new school year. Gary is a native of Co. Kilkenny, he has most recently taught in Moneenroe National School. The Board of Management, Staff, pupils, parents and the wider school community look forward to working with Gary to continue the development of the school. We welcome him and wish him success in his new appointment.

A special word of thanks to Margo for her many years of dedication to primary education in our community and all wish Margo many years of good health and relaxation in her retirement.

HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, HUGGINSTOWN House No. 5 is now vacant. Any elderly person who is interested in applying please contact the Secretary, Lily Burke, Croan, Dunamaggan; Tel. 056 776 8008 for an Application Form LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 6th. July 2026. Numbers: 09; 13; 10; 30.

There was no winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn.

There was no Jackpot winner. There was however the following €30.00. Winners: Garry Comerford, Carrickmerlin; Robbie Power, “On-Line” Mary Ireland, Danesfort; Michael Irish, Hugginstown; Breda O’Meara, Croan. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Deirdre Rohan; Tommy Murphy; John Power.

STONEYFORD Stoneyford Churchyard Committee would like to thank all who attended the Cemetery Mass last weekend and who contributed so generously to the collection for the upkeep and maintenance of the Cemetery in Stoneyford. The amount collected was €420.00. Thank You. PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI The Adult Faith Development Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, will take place in March 2027. This journey, led by Fr Dermot Ryan and Fr Kieran O’Shea, will invite people to reflect on the art and architecture in these cities as a means to open conversations around various aspects of the faith. For bookings, please contact Kieran Troy of Myriam Tours 057 93 55050, info@myriam.ie or 085 179 2364 CHURCH SAFEGUARDING: If you have a child safeguarding concern or wish to raise a matter from the past you may contact: - Diocesan Designated Liaison Person, Mr. Fintan Fanning, 087 100 0232 email dlp@ossory.ie; Tusla Tel. 059 911 5570 or www.ossory.ie/safeguarding Parish Safeguarding Representatives: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

We welcome all GAA Club and Community notes for publication in The Kilkenny Observer email to sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

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Highview Athletic F.C. Chloe O’Reilly and Aoife Murphy - u15 league title

Harry, Caden and Fionn collecting the u12 league title.

Eabha Farrell - girls u15 POTY

Howard Buggy, U12 Boys Player Of the Year

Jacob Schad, Ryan O’Carroll, Dylan Ryan, John O’Keeffe and Luke Murphy. U14 league title.

Highview Athletic F.C. celebrate their successful achievements Huge congratulations to all of the teams and players who recently received their awards for the past season. The presentation was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements, commitment and dedication shown by everyone throughout what has been a truly memorable year for the club.

Without doubt, this has been the most successful season we have ever enjoyed at schoolboy and schoolgirl level. Across all age groups, our teams have displayed outstanding skill, determination and sportsmanship, producing performances that everyone associated with Highview Athletic can be incredibly proud of. These achievements did not happen by chance.

They are the result of countless hours of training, the dedication of our players, the guidance and encouragement of our coaches, the unwavering support of parents and families, and the tireless work carried out behind the scenes by our club secretaries and volunteers.

Every medal, trophy and individual award reflects the collective effort of an entire club working together towards a common goal. We are immensely proud of each and every player who has represented Highview Athletic with such passion and commitment throughout the season.

Congratulations once again to all of our award winners and to everyone who played a part in this remarkable year. We look forward to building on this success, continuing to develop our young players, and creating even more memorable moments for the club in the seasons ahead.

Sophie Ryan u16 POTY (collected

by Chloe o Reilly)

Jacob Schaad, u14 player of the year

Meaghan O’Grady, Rosanna Doyle, Chloe O’Reilly and Aoife Murphy - u16 girls league title

Harry Barron, u12 Player of The Year

Luke Murphy, John O’ Keeffe and Howard Buggy collecting the u13 league title

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

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News Sport Awaiting the outcome

JJ Kavanagh Junior A Hurling Championship round one Shamrocks Ballyhale 3-21; Mullinavat 4-10

Closing in on the clearance

Tough challenge

John Power at Ballyhale GAA Grounds Shamrocks Ballyhale made the ideal start to their JJ Kavanagh Junior A Hurling Championship campaign on Friday evening, overcoming near neighbours Mullinavat by eight points in a lively Round One encounter played in sweltering conditions at Ballyhale. With temperatures remaining high well into the evening, water breaks were required, but Shamrocks never allowed the heat to affect their sharp start as they burst from the blocks to leave Mullinavat chasing the game from the opening whistle.

The home side were simply

electric in the opening eight minutes, firing over five unanswered points before Michael Barron struck for the first goal of the evening.

John Fitzpatrick, Eoin Reid, Barron (two) and Luke Donnelly all found the target as Shamrocks moved the ball with pace and precision, while Mullinavat struggled to get to grips with the intensity of the Ballyhale attack.

Trailing 1-5 to 0-0, Mullinavat badly needed a response, and they got exactly that through Padraic Gahan. One of their standout performers throughout the hour, Gahan found the net to finally get the visitors up and running before CJ Fitzpatrick added a pointed free. By the end of

Still in play

the opening quarter, Shamrocks' lead had been cut to 1-5 to 1-1.

Although Mullinavat had settled, Shamrocks continued to hold the upper hand.

Their experienced players controlled possession and ensured they remained comfortably in front. Scores continued to arrive from play before John Fitzpatrick struck for Ballyhale's second goal on 29 minutes, giving his side a deserved cushion approaching half-time. At the interval, Shamrocks led 2-9 to 1-4 and looked well in control after producing a polished opening 30 minutes.

They appeared to have one hand on the result early in the second half when Luke

Donnelly and Michael Barron added quick points to stretch the lead to ten. At that stage, the contest looked as though it might drift away from Mullinavat. However, to their credit, the 'Vegas' men refused to throw in the towel.

Driven by Gahan and with greater urgency all over the field, Mullinavat produced their best spell of the evening. Jack Byrne Doyle and Jack Walsh both found the Shamrocks net as the visitors suddenly began to believe they could rescue something from the contest.

The Ballyhale lead, once ten points, had been trimmed to just three by the end of the third quarter, with the scoreboard reading 2-14 to 3-8.

For a spell, all the momentum belonged to Mullinavat as they piled on the pressure and forced Shamrocks onto the back foot.

Good teams, though, know when to respond, and Shamrocks did exactly that. After weathering the storm, they regained control during the closing quarter through the leadership of their experienced players. The crucial score arrived in the 46th minute when a mishit Conor Walsh free broke kindly inside the Mullinavat defence and Eoin Reid reacted quickest to finish the ball to the net, restoring a healthy advantage and taking the sting out of the Mullinavat revival.

The visitors continued to battle right until the finish and claimed a fourth goal in unusual fashion when Simon Aylward's late free from around midfield travelled all the way to the Shamrocks net. It was an excellent strike, but it proved little more than consolation as Ballyhale comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.

Shamrocks always looked the more composed side and their blend of youth and experience proved decisive.

Brian Butler marshalled matters impressively, while Eoin Reid delivered another influential display, capped by his well-taken goal. Michael Barron was a constant scoring threat throughout, John Fitzpatrick contributed important scores including a goal, and Luke Donnelly's work rate and accuracy were central to the Ballyhale performance.

For Mullinavat, Padraic Gahan was outstanding and never stopped driving his side forward. Eoin Dempsey also impressed with his work rate, while CJ Fitzpatrick contributed valuable scores from placed balls and Patrick Walshe battled hard throughout.

Ultimately, Mullinavat paid a heavy price for their sluggish opening. While they produced a spirited fightback and briefly threatened to turn the contest into a dramatic finish, Shamrocks always looked to have another gear in reserve. Their clinical opening, combined with timely scores whenever the visitors threatened, ensured the Ballyhale side opened their championship campaign with a deserved victory and two valuable points.

SCORERS: SHAMROCKS Eoin Reid 1-7 (0-5 frees), Michael Barron (1-4), John Fitzpatrick (1-2), Luke Donnelly (0-3), Conor Walsh (0-3), Chris Coady (0-1).

MULLINAVAT CJ Fitzpatrick (0-5, 0-3 frees), Simon Aylward (1-1, frees), Padraic Gahan (1-1), Jack Byrne Doyle (1-0), Jack Walsh (1-0), Eoin Dempsey (0-2), Patrick Walshe (0-1).

SHAMROCKS Patrick Hearne, Michael Kenneally junior, Cian Cullen, Brian Butler, Larry Cody, Conor Phelan, Gavin Butler, Dylan Aylward, Chris Coady, Luke Donnelly, Conor Walsh, Tom Cleere, Eoin Reid, John Fitzpatrick, Michael Barron.

Substitutes: Jack Holden for Tom Cleere, Liam Fitzpatrick, Sean O’Mahoney for Cian Cullen, Mark Phelan for Larry Cody.

MULLINAVAT James O’Keeffe, Michael Walsh, David Maher, Ian Mansfield, Darragh Davis, Simon Aylward, Donnacha Walsh, Eoin Dempsey, Patrick Walshe, Conor Duggan, Padraic Gahan, CJ Fitzpatrick, Conor Power, Fiachra Knox, Jack Byrne Doyle. Substitutes: Jack Walsh for David Maher, Stephen O’Shea for Fiachra Knox, Martin Davis for Jack Byrne Doyle.

Referee: Patrick O’Reilly.

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Hurlng matters - Preview

Sport

Gearoid Hegarty

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final Limerick vs Galway Páirc an Chrócaigh, Sunday, 3:30pm So, it’s All-Ireland hurling final time this weekend and the decider pits Munster vs Leinster. Most rightminded people would probably suggest that means the match will be between Kilkenny and one of the ‘big guns’ from Munster. Unfortunately, from a Noreside point of view, it’s not the Cats that will take on the formidable challenge of Limerick in Páirc an Chrócaigh on Sunday, but instead it’s Connacht’s finest stickmen, Galway. The hurlers from the west have been plying their trade in the Leinster Hurling Championship since 2009, and following their 14-point victory over Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s Dublin they were crowned provincial champions for a fourth time. Had Kilkenny have beaten the Dubs in the final group game in Parnell Park, it may have given then manger, Derek Lyng a third chance to get the better of The Tribesmen in 2026, but given the form of the Cats this year, the

boys in blue probably saved our blushes.

Since the Noresiders exited the championship, their earliest departure since the mid-90’s, there has been some inevitable change, with Henry Shefflin taking the hot seat from Emerald’s clubman, Derek Lyng. The most famous son of Shamrocks Ballyhale club, Shefflin had a controversial stint as manager of Galway, departing in 2024 to be replaced by Tribesmen legend, Micheál Donoghue who has successfully turned the fortunes of the maroon-clad team around. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that the Clarinbridge man was at the helm when they secured Leinster titles in 2017 and 2018 and the big one, the Liam MacCarthy in ‘17. The 2025 decider for the Bob O’Keefe Cup pitted Kilkenny against Galway, and it would be the black and amber that would triumph by eight points in early June.

This year has seen the Westerner’s rise again, Leinster kingpins for the first time since 2018, the title earning

Gavin Lee will hope to reach new heights

Looking for Li Treaty and Tribesmen set from

them a semi-final berth against Cork.

The Rebels, who had been hoping to redeem themselves following successive All-Ireland final defeats, failed to deliver in the last four clash, Galway running out 11-point winners in Croke Park,

putting in undoubtably their best performance in headquarters since lifting Liam in 2017 when they defeated Waterford. There may not be a Joe Canning on the Tribesmen’s side, but they have plenty of quality hurlers and a lovely mix of youth and experience.

The man knitting it all together, Micheál Donoghue appears to get Galway, and Galway appears to get Micheál Donoghue. When you strike this beautiful balance, good things can happen and that’s

taking place in the west. The likes of Daithi Burke, Mannion’s Padraic and Cathal, Tom Monaghan, Conor Cooney and Conor Whelan are seasoned campaigners, and they are pushed by the likes of Cillian Trayers, Tiernan Killeen, Jason Rabbitte, and Aaron Niland. In the win over the Leesiders, Donoghue’s charges had thirteen different scorers, impressive to say the least. The emergence of Jason Rabbitte has been a real find, and the Athenry clubman has settled into the senior side with ease and has

notched 2-11 in this championship campaign. The top scorer for Galway is Clarinbridge’s Aaron Niland, and the dead ball specialist has a healthy 2-36 tally from his seven championship outings and will punish any opportunity from placed balls. Another player in great form is Tom Monaghan. The Craughwell clubman is a real driving force in the opponent’s half and has 1-28 to his name in the championship.

Kinvara’s Conor Whelan is another reveling under Micheál Donoghue.

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Hurling matters - Preview

Super sub..

Conor Cooney

Liam...

Croker clash The former captain is viewed as a mercurial figure but has a healthy scoring return of 1-25 during the business part of the season and is capable of producing a little bit of stardust; Sunday could provide the stage for such magic.

Going into the 2026 final as favourites, are Galway’s opponents Limerick. John Kiely’s side are experiencing a little drought, last climbing the Hogan Stand steps in 2023, when they

completed their 4-in-a-row. There appears to be a renewed hunger and desire about The Treaty County this year, and the longest serving manager in the

country can take credit for reigniting the green flame. When the Galbally and Garryspillane clubman was appointed to the role in September 2016, it may well have been beyond his wildest dreams that such a period of domination and

success would follow. I think it’s fair to say that Limerick under Kiely have redefined modern hurling, especially in terms of strength and conditioning. The ‘green machine’ that developed in his reign struck fear into every opponent and to be truthful, no team could really live with The Treaty side. Yes, they do receive huge backing from the wealthy JP McManus, which possibly allows them to be extremely professional in the amateur GAA arena, but to a man, the squad

buys into Kiely’s ethos, and they execute the game plan with military precision.

In Nickie Quaid, they possess possibly the best goalkeeper in the game over the last number of years, while their defensive strength comes from warriors like Seán Finn, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash, Diarmaid Byrnes, William O’Donoghue and the controversial Kyle Hayes. Wing backs Byrnes and Hayes are regular names on the scoresheet, while the ‘corner men’ Nash and Finn are not averse to notching points from the deepest of positions. The engine room of Adam English and Darragh O’Donovan can more than hold their own which allows the front six to do their thing. In their semi-final win over old foes Clare, it was Aidan O’Connor that top scored, hitting 1-9 in their comeback Diarmuid win, and he has an Byrnes impressive 3-60 across his six championship appearances. Diarmaid Brynes has a fine record with 0-23 this season, and you wouldn’t back against him increasing that figure in the final.

Throw Aaron Gillane, Cian Lynch and Gearoid Hegarty into the mix and the talent and experience is there. Cathal O’Neill and Shane O’Brien have notched 5-28 between them, while one of their ‘veteran’s’ Tom Morrissey and David Reidy have been sprung from the bench to great effect.

As ever, the match ups will be key to each side trying to get the upper hand on the opponent.

The talent on both sides, all over the pitch is frightening, and the bench of both sides could be crucial in the heat of the Croker battle.

Messrs. Kiely and Donoghue will be confident that they have the tools to get the job done on Sunday, and both will look to the bench knowing that they can gain something from those men lying in wait. From a hurling point of view, let’s hope Cork whistler Colm Lyons lets the game flow, and we see a great spectacle in terms of physical battles and great scores. I’d say Henry will be watching, will you?

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th July 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Martin Cuddihy intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for the proposed amendments to previously granted Planning Permission Ref: 2560726. The proposed amendments consist of a revised site layout to facilitate a change in the proposed water supply, changing from the previously granted public water main connections to proposed private borewells and all associated site works at School Lane, Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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

We, James and Grace Cahill, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for (1) Planning Permission to demolish an existing single storey conservatory and replace with a larger single storey sunroom extension to the side of our existing dwelling house and all associated site works and (2) Retention Permission, to retain indefinitely an existing rooflight at first floor level on the front elevation of our existing dwelling house at Kylenaskeagh, Callan, Co. Kilkenny R95 CP74.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL NOTICE OF SIGNIFICANT FURTHER INFORMATION/REVISED PLANS. I, Emmett Gladney, in relation to a Notice of Further Information Request received from the Planning Authority on my planning application, planning reference 25/60544 for Planning Permission for (1) a proposed single storey dwelling extension and internal and external alterations to an existing dwelling house currently under construction which was previously granted planning permission under Pl. Ref: 18561 (2) upgrading of the proposed domestic wastewater treatment system as previously permitted under Pl. Ref: 18561 (3) relocating the existing single storey domestic garage as previously permitted under Pl. Ref: 18561 and (4) all associated site works at Ballyhendricken, Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny.

We, hereby give notice that Significant Further Information/Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development and includes Permission for completion of works previously permitted under Pl. Ref: 18561 and 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.

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Rence Ltd. intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to construct a new commercial/ industrial entrance to access lands and all associated site development works at Hebron Industrial Estate, Hebron Road, Leggettsrath West, Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Castlewarren Community CLG, intend to apply for permission for the construction of a new community centre consisting of meeting rooms, café, multi-purpose hall, toilets & other ancillary accommodation, site entrance with car parking, secondary wastewater treatment system with raised soil polishing filter, soakpits and all associated site works at Castlewarren, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intends to apply to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of my client Catherine Freyne.

Permission to construct Cubicle shed with slatted tank and all associated site works at Ballyhimmin, Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Kieran White intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing 2 no. bedrooms on first floor level, extension to right side of existing dwelling house. Planning Permission to carry out internal and external alterations/modifications and all associated site development works at Lacken, Rathmoyle, Co. Kilkenny R95 V213.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer

CONTACT OFFICE: 056 7771463/087 3820109 OR EMAIL: SALES@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. H.H.

St. Anthony Prayer

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. H.H.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. D.C.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

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Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

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