Kilkenny Observer 17 October 2025

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The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 17th October 2025

Madam President Why we need to rethink the run for the Park 

Marianne Heron, Page 12

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Kilkenny's Spookiest Event Jurassic Newpark’s must-do Halloween experience  See Page 5

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

EVERY FRIDAY

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The Kilkenny

Observer CAB nabs Pollagh farmer kilkennyobserver.ie

Goresbridge man owes €4.9m taxes in Revenue battle A Kilkenny farmer who owes €4.9m in taxes has had a house he owns sold at auction by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in one of its longest-running cases.

The five-bedroom house in need of “complete refurbishment” on the South Circular Road in Dublin fetched €750,000 when it went under the hammer last week.

The proceeds will go to-

wards Thomas McDonnell’s outstanding multi-million euro tax bill in one of Cab’s oldest cases.

Mr McDonnell, who farms at Pollagh, Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny, and has no criminal convictions, has been under investigation by Cab for almost 20 years.

He came to their attention over a tax liability of €1.2m for the years 1991 to 2006.

Mr McDonnell failed to discharge his tax liability.

The bureau then instigated Revenue proceedings against him in the High Court in 2009, which the Mr McDonnell defended. However, the High Court ultimately found in Cab’s favour and issued a judgment against Mr McDonnell in May 2013.

The original debt of €1.2m now stands at €4.9m after

interest and penalties. Cab has struggled to recover the money for the taxpayer.

The bureau seized around 125 cattle from Mr McDonnell’s Kilkenny farm following a raid on the premises in 2017. The cattle were removed in trucks from the under armed farmland guard. The animals were later sold.

Mr McDonnell’s Victorian-

era house on the South Circular Road was seized under the Cab’s Revenue enforcement powers and came on the market earlier this year.

Although in poor condition, estate agents said the house contained many original features, including high ceilings, fine cornicing and central roses. It still had its original doors, staircase, sash windows with shutters,

St Luke’s Annual Memorial Mass

Nine-year-old Stevie is our one-off wonder

The Annual Memorial Mass at St Luke’s General Hospital, in memory of patients who have died at the hospital in the past year, will take place on Tuesday, October 21 at 7.30pm. The annual mass will take place in St Canice’s Parish Church, Kilkenny.

The Hospital’s End of life Care committee is inviting all those who wish to remember patients who have died at the hospital from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025 to come to the service to remember their loved ones.

The service will be streamed live from via webcame at www.stcanicesparish.ie.

See also Page 6

Kilkenny’s Stevie Mulrooney recently recorded a Whitney Houston song at the Production Suite studios in Dublin with the help of grammy nominated producers Graham Murphy, Chris O’Brien and Musical Director Paul Harrington.

The new Album called Out Of Your Tree: The Record will be launched at a live concert on Saturday, November 8, at 6pm in St Brigid’s Church, Stillorgan, Dublin.

It is a one of a kind charity concert featuring a snooker player, a priest, actors and others.

Artists performing live include Ken Doherty, Olivia Tracey and Gaelscoil Osrai student, Stevie Mulrooney.

Stevie is no stranger to the stage having performed live at the National Concert Hall as part of Phil Coulter’s Legacy tour. He also performed an unforgettable version of Ireland’s Call to 53,000 people at the Aviva Stadium and has sang a number of times at the RDS.

Callan Heritage local heroes

All proceeds will go to Our Lady’s Hopsice and Care Services. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Council short-listed for award Kilkenny County Council, with its Information & Activities Programme for Older People, has been short-listed

by Chambers Ireland for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2025. In its 22nd year, the awards feature a total of 98 Local Authority projects shortlisted across 16 categories, reflecting the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level, and one Local Authority will EVERY FRIDAY

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Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

be awarded the overall award and named Local Authority of the Year 2025.

There are eight councils short-listed.

A record number of 259 submissions were received from 26 Local Authorities, underscoring the importance of these awards in showcasing the exemplary service provided by Local Authorities to their communities.

The awards are held an-

nually in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Speaking on the announcement of the shortlisted projects, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, said:“These awards provide a wonderful opportunity to champion the innovative work being done in local authorities all across the country.

“Local authority projects contribute to life in our communities in a multitude of ways. I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all.”

Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said: “This year, we are proud to introduce a new category, Celebrating Irish Language and Culture, which honours initiatives that preserve and promote our rich heritage.

> GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM EDITOR E: editor@kilkennyobserver.ie

fireplaces and cast-iron railings.

Cab said the sale of Mr McDonnell’s property would help to repay some of his debt.

“This is one of a number of enforcement actions taken by the bureau against Mr McDonnell in pursuance of this debt. Enforcement actions are continuing,” a statement from Cab said.

SPORTS E: sportseditor@kilkennyobserver.ie

“The awards showcase the inventiveness and innovation that Local Authorities are delivering, which so often goes unnoticed. Their efforts not only enhance community life but also demonstrate the ever-expanding scope and impact of local government today.”

The winners will be announced on November 27 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood, Santry, Dublin.

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Callan Heritage Society will host a talk titled ‘Remarkable Clean People’ in the Edmund Rice Centre, Westcourt, Callan on Thursday, October 23 at 8.00pm.

The speaker is Donal Cadogan who will relate the lives of remarkable but ‘ordinary people, thus omitting such famous people from the general area such as Blessed Edmund Rice, James Hoban and John Locke.

Childcare crux As childcare and Early Learning costs continue to rise in Ireland, with very little, if any, help in the recent Budget for hard-pressed parents and guardians, we take a look at how the rest of Europe fares when it comes to taking care of the little ones.

Special report, Page 14

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AI sparks fears of Irish job-apocalypse Young people entering the workforce are facing a “jobapocalypse”, as business leaders invest in artificial intelligence (AI) rather than hiring new employees, according to a study of global business leaders.

Employers are prioritising automation through AI to plug skills gaps and allow them to reduce headcount, instead of training up junior members of staff, a report by the British Standards Institution (BSI) found.

Four in 10 (41%) of bosses said AI was allowing them to cut the number of employees in a survey of more than 850 business leaders across eight countries: Ireland, UK, US, France, Germany, Australia, China and Japan.

Nearly a third (31%) of those surveyed said their organisation was looking at AI solutions before considering hiring a person, with twofifths expecting this to be the case within five years.

For a long time, if you were fortunate enough to make it to university, the path to professional life seemed straightforward for Irish graduates. Of all the mutable factors now muddling that road, AI might be the most highly charged.

In July, a Morgan McKinley Quarterly Employment Monitor report showed that

graduate hiring in accountancy and related areas is now being significantly impacted

by AI and automation.

Coverage around AI tends to be dramatic, often exaggerating or catastrophising its impact beyond what is known. It is worth noting a reduction in graduate roles in the UK is also influenced by factors such as offshoring, the geopolitical landscape and, for the UK, Brexit. Major companies argue that jobs are not disappearing because of AI, but that the nature of work is changing.

Another UK survey shows two-fifths (39%) of leaders said entry-level roles had already been reduced or cut as a result of efficiencies made by using AI tools to conduct research or carry out administrative and briefing tasks.

While more than half of respondents said they felt lucky to have started their career before the use of AI became widespread, just over half (53%) also said they believed that the benefits of AI implementation in companies would outweigh the disruption to the workforce.

AI is being rapidly adopted by businesses, according to the business leaders surveyed, and three-quarters (76%) said they expect new tools to deliver tangible benefits to

their organisations within the next 12 months.

Alan Smeaton, a Professor of Computing at DCU and a member of the Government’s AI Advisory Council, broadly agrees with that sentiment, though he does warn against the damage of a widespread reduction in graduate roles.

Prof. Smeaton cites futurologist Roy Amara, and more specifically Amara’s Law, which says that we tend to overestimate technology’s impact in the short term and underestimate its long-term impact. “[We say] it’s going to change the nature of everybody’s jobs and there’s going to be loads of redundancies, but in the long term is where the real impact will be,” Smeaton says.

“Amara’s law has been proven true time and time again. I think we’re still in the early stages of realising what AI can and can’t do for our jobs.

“It cannot replace people; it can help with tasks.

“Some people get scared about this because they’re scared of the change that it’s going to introduce. AI can’t automate any task that we do which requires us to make a decision, where we need justification, explanation and transparency,” he says.

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As flu season hits, St Lukes wash their hands of it St Luke’s Hospital has come out on top when it comes to the hospitals with the best and worst scores for staff washing their hands as the winter flu season approaches. So, too, has Wexford General Hospital.

Handwashing is a key infection- control measure, and the most recent inspections show several hospitals were still failing to meet the staff hand-

washing target of 90% when observed during various critical points concerning the care of patients.

In some cases, standards have slipped since the pandemic.

The lowest score was recorded at Naas General Hospital, with 83.8% compliance, followed by Mayo University Hospital at 84.8% and

the Mercy Hospital, Cork on 85.7%.

Tallaght University Hospital scored 86.7%, followed by the Blackrock Clinic and the Mater Hospital, both on 87.1pc, while Sligo University Hospital and Connolly Hospital in Dublin were each on 87.6%.

St Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, managed a compli-

ance of 88.1%, with Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital on 88.6%, while the Midland Hospital, Mullingar was on 89% and University Hospital Limerick on 89.5%.

All the other hospitals edged over 90% or more, with St Luke’s on 90%, the Eye and Ear Hospital on 91% and Wexford General Hospital scoring 91.9%, along with Cork Uni-

HSE lobbied for ‘own home’ to be part of Fair Deal Spry Finance, the country’s sole provider of lifetime loans, has asked the Health Service Executive, through the banking sector’s lobby group, to allow life loans used to finance home care support for older people to be written off through the Fair Deal Scheme.

The scheme provides HSE funding for nursing-home care in return for a portion of residents’ income and assets but it does not currently fund support for long-term care in a person’s own home.

Each Fair Deal applicant’s contribution towards nursing home care includes 7.5% of the value of any asset – typically the family home – every year for three years.

Fair Deal applicants who have taken out a lifetime loan, which allows the over-60s to release equity in their home by borrowing a lump sum secured on the property, can use that loan as a deduction when calculating their asset contribution – as long as the loan was used to buy, improve or repair their property.

But loans taken out for ‘lifestyle’ reasons, including for care in the home, are not considered a deduction. This means applicants are assessed on the full market value of their home, which increases their asset contribution.

Spry CEO John Moriarty said there was a growing appetite among older people to spend the rest of their days at home with the help of a home care service and that they were taking out life loans to fund that. He asked the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, a banking lobby group, to request that the HSE facilitate this.

“We had a response but they said the policy is to only to give a deduction for home purchase or home improvements or repairs,” he said.

At it currently stands, the Fair Deal Scheme provides financial support for essential long-term nursing home costs, covering accommodation, basic nursing care, and

daily personal care assistance.

The Fair Deal Scheme excludes certain personal expenses, like hairdressing, social outings, therapies, and extra amenities.

Identifying these uncovered costs allows families to budget effectively and maintain comprehensive, individualised care for their loved ones.

While the Fair Deal Scheme does not cover home care services, Comfort Keepers offers guidance on alternative funding options and assists families in understanding available support for in-home care.

Eligibility for the Fair Deal Scheme is based on several criteria. Applicants must be ordinarily residents of Ireland, meaning they have lived in the country for at least a year or intend to live there for at least a year.

A HSE healthcare professional conducts a care needs assessment to determine if longterm nursing home care is the most appropriate option. This assessment evaluates the individual’s ability to perform daily activities and their current use of health and personal social services.

The financial assessment calculates the applicant’s contribution towards care costs based on income and assets.

Applicants contribute: • 80% of their assessable income • 7.5% of the value of any assets per annum The first €36,000 of assets for a single person (€72,000 for a couple) is excluded from the assessment. The principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of care.

For couples, the contribution is calculated as: • 40% of the couple’s combined assessable income • 3.75% of the couple’s combined assets per annum The first €72,000 of assets is excluded from the assessment.

The principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of care.

versity Hospital.

The top performer for staff washing was Crumlin hand­ Children’s Hospital in Dublin, with 99% compliance. The private Beacon Hospital, Dublin scored 98.6%, Louth County Hospital got 97.1% and St Columcille’s Hospital in Dublin was on 96.7%.

Beaumont Hospital managed 96.2%.

Regionally, University Hospital Kerry had compliance of 93.8%. University Hospital Galway and St James’s Hospital had a compliance rate of 93.3% and St Luke’s, Rathgar had 94.8%.

Maternity hospitals also did well according to the survey conducted by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre showed.

A dog may help women age better

Dogs may be able to slow down biological ageing in women, a study suggests.

Owning or working with a canine companion puts the brakes on some processes linked to ageing, a study of female military veterans in the US found.

The research is among the first to examine the impact working with service dogs has on cellular health and found a one-hour session a week led to improvement.

A research team led by scientists from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) conducted a study on 28 female veterans.

Women in the study volunteered to train service dogs that were ultimately destined to help other wounded soldiers. The study, published in the journal Behavioural Sciences, examined whether this benefited women and found evidence that it might.

Researchers looked at the length of participants’ telomeres, which are structures found at the end of chromosomes, to determine the speed at which they were biologically ageing, and also recorded data from saliva samples and heart

rate variability.

The researchers gave participants - who were divided into a service dog training group and a comparison group that watched dog-training videos - wearable monitors to track these factors.

Psychological stress was also monitored, using questionnaires that measured PTSD symptoms, perceived stress and anxiety at multiple points during the study.

The findings showed “promising” benefits associated with service dog training, particularly for

veterans with combat experience.

Forces’ veterans who participated in the dogtraining programme showed an increase in telomere length, suggesting a slowing of cellular ageing.

Those in the control group exhibited a decrease in telomere length, indicating accelerated ageing.

The mental health improvements were similar across groups, suggesting that simply participating in the study and receiving structured attention may have offered therapeutic value.

MEP Ní Mhurchú and Irish Water’s spending Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has warmly welcomed an investment of €1.4 billion of taxpayer’s money in Uisce Éireann in the recent Budget. She has raised concerns on some aspects of their spending saying it sends the wrong message to small businesses who are paying water rates.

She described investment in Uisce Éireann as a vital part of fixing our housing

crisis but has raised concerns about how public money is being spent and has called on any public body in receipt of taxpayer’s money to “spend the money as if it were their own” Ní Mhurchú made her comments as figures released to her by Irish Water showed the utility spent almost €9.5 million on compensating the public who have sustained injuries or had

property damaged by Irish Water between 2020 and July 2025. This is the first time that Uisce Éireann have released these figures.

Ní Mhurchú also received figures from Uisce Éireann, under FOI, that reveal that Irish Water spent €364,422.57 in three years on external public relations consultants, even though Uisce Éireann has their own in-house media and communications

team.

The same FOI request also reveals that Irish Water spent €103,833.50, exclusive of VAT, in 2024 alone on media monitoring services to monitor what media are saying about Uisce Éireann. Uisce Éireann also spent €25,000 in 2024, exclusive of VAT, on a media distribution software platform to distribute their press releases to a range of media contacts.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Hi honey, I’m home... but I am working Just five per cent of Irish business leaders think that forcing workers to return to offices will strengthen their teams. The finding comes amid a continuing push by some companies to restrict working-from-home policies, five years after the Covid pandemic upended the working model of many businesses.

A white paper published last week by the Irish Management Institute (IMI) found a “deep ambivalence” among employers regarding enforced return-to-office policies.

Almost 40 per cent think such policies may ­damage retention and work-life balance.

The move to get more workers back to the office comes at a time of near fullemployment, when workers have more options to move to new employers, even as overall jobs growth slows.

Meanwhile, up to 95% of all workers favour some form of working from home or a mix of home, workplace and

hybrid of sorts, according to a study by NUI Galway. Obviously, if you are a nurse, a train driver or an astronaut you don’t figure in the mix.

Research suggests that some 44 per cent of us continue to work remotely, part-time at least. Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig, CEO of Sigmar Recruitment, says that, although the new culture of remote working creates opportunities for both staff and employers, he warns it could also be a “double-edged sword” for workers who persist with it full time – the potential hiring pool will increase if employers are now able to take on remote staff based even abroad.

The ramifications of working from home, granted, can be good for quality of life, less stress with no commuting and better parenting time, better productivity – though some bosses would question this – and the flexibility of working hours.

I have, effectively, worked from home since 2012 and it has worked out just fine.

I have weeks where I might condense a week’s work into three or four days or, other weeks, spread the load out over the seven days. It depends on my whim or other commitments, for working from home allows making time for such other commitments.

A mere 300 years ago, before the Industrial Revolution, there was no such thing as grinding it out for five days in order to run to a Saturday football game or have a day of leisure on Sunday.

From when Man first roamed the earth, working and living were one and the same. Every day our ancestors did their bits and pieces, toiled away. Every day they enjoyed the company of their tribe. The five-day work-week is a social and cultural artefact, not an evidence-based structure for maximising pro-

ductivity or well-being.

Here’s another thing.

Thanks to technology, the eight-hour, ‘9-to-5’ workday is a misnomer. We think it exists, but it doesn’t. We are constantly checking in and refreshing our inboxes. And this ‘extra time’ spent on work either goes unnoticed by employers or unregulated by employees.

Those who have the choice to work from home are reassessing what truly matters in life. Commuting parents, who once rarely saw their children awake, have got used to the casual intimacy of being around them most of the day.

The money saved from not commuting, lunches et al, is adding up; and by now we are au fait with the environmental benefits of reducing traffic on our roads.

There are drawbacks, of course, what with children under your feet and partners sparring once too often. Easy access to the fridge has meant weight gain for some, while others have languished at their screens for hours, sitting in awkward positions with no breaks. Excessive screen-time and sedentary behaviour is associated with a range of health issues, including eye problems, higher risks of

“Deep ambivalence among employers regarding enforced return-to-office...

cancers and cardiac issues.

Avoiding the daily commute may save time and money.

However, commuting serves a valuable function often overlooked: it gives us time to readjust between work and non-work roles, especially important in demanding jobs.

Also, when we lose this ‘buffer zone’ of commuting, too often the time saved is gobbled up by more work, and long hours can bring even more stress, poor sleep and the dreaded high-blood pressure.

Sadly, not every one has those close family relationships, so contact with fellowworkers can be an essential source of support for many.

Research shows that those who indulge in office ‘small talk’ experience “more positive emotions” and end the workday in a better frame of mind.

The spontaneity of such small talk is hard to replicate in a virtual context.

That I do miss...

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Domestic abuse 'grave concern' Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South Kathleen Funchion has raised Ireland’s escalating gender-based violence crisis in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, calling for real investment, action, and accountability from both the Government and EU Member States.

The EU Parliament was re-

sponding to an Oral Question by the Parliament on a gender-equal society and the Commission’s Roadmap for Women’s Rights.

MEP Funchion said: “An equal society cannot exist while any woman or girl lives under the threat of genderbased violence.

“In Ireland, we are facing a

growing epidemic of violence against women and girls. In the past eight years, reports of domestic abuse have risen by 162%," she said.

“While it is positive that more women are now coming forward and finding the courage to speak out, the reality is that the supports they need are still falling far

short," Funchion said.

“When a woman finally escapes abuse, often still living under the threat of further violence, she should never be met with waiting lists, underfunded services, or closed doors.

“Both the Government and the European Union must lead with action," the Ireland

South Sinn Fein MEP said.

“We need investment in refuge centres, short-term and step-down housing, and education and awareness programmes that challenge misogyny and sexism."

Most importantly, she said, we must provide long-term, guaranteed funding for the organisations that offered a

lifeline to women in every community.

“Those who work in these services are doing lifesaving work every single day. It’s time to show that we value them and the women and families they support with real commitment and lasting investment,” Ms Funchion told the parliament.

Coolmore farm sees protest over 'severe' hedge cutting in Magnier owned land Environmental campaigners in Tipperary recently held a small protest outside a Coolmoreowned farm to highlight their concerns about "severe” hedgecutting practices on John Magnier-controlled land.

Hedgerows Ireland, which last month successfully overturned Coolmore's planning permission to demolish an old farmyard on Parkville outside Clonmel, said it was alarmed at the hedge-cutting and treepruning activities it witnessed on the farm last week.

Among the placards held by protesters was one saying "hedgerows are our rainforests, Mr Magnier”. Another said "preserve family farming” and called for people to sign a petition to "end billionaire land investment”.

At one stage, a Coolmore security man was seen recording protesters.

Bloodstock billionaire John Magnier and his family connections are reported to have amassed an almost 11,000-acre land bank across Tipperary.

Coolmore, the world-leading equine bloodstock business, is headquartered in Fethard.

It has said its land holdings are ­required "to meet low-density, high-value bloodstock needs as well as associated fodder, pasture management and biodiversity requirements”.

Alan Moore, spokesman for Hedgerows Ireland, said he was very disappointed at the hedge-cutting activities he saw in Parkville, which he said resulted in many hedges being reduced to around one metre in height. He said this turned the hedgerows into "almost useless landscape features”.

He said despite Coolmore having the best advice available to it, it had "unfortunately removed most of the trees from the hedges in Parkville”. He said contractors had cut back the hedges "very severely” using heavy machinery, including a mulching head on a track machine.

"A mulching machine has no place in proper hedge management,” said Mr Moore.

"The trees that they cut back to stumps were mainly tall

whitethorn bushes, some over 20ft in height, which had matured over many years.

"Until a couple of days ago they were laden with fruit and berries, a vital food source for our bird population, some of which are red-listed. A handful of ­remnant trees have been spared, we think in part because of our protest in recent days. They merely serve to show what has been lost.”

Mr Moore said protesters spoke to one contractor who said their work was "a hedge rejuvenation exercise”, which he could not understand.

"Trees in hedges have a special ­importance in providing hunting ­corridors for birds such as owls,” he said. "After our intervention when most of the trees were gone, it seems they have left some token trees.”

Mr Moore points to a paper from ­ Teagasc, the farm advisory body, that says mature whitethorn hedges should never be "topped”.

Hedgerows Ireland believe Coolmore engages in more severe cutting of hedges than many other farms because of an "obsession with an American style of neatness”. Mr Moore said there may also be "a mistaken belief that they are taking up room and shading grass”.

"Mature hedges deliver much better on all services such as carbon storage, flood control and of course shelter and shade,” he said.

"We have repeatedly asked to talk to Coolmore, to sit down and share our views. As the biggest landowner in ­Tipperary, what they do really makes a difference to the countryside and others tend to copy what they do.

"In the past, Coolmore typically ­removed internal hedges on newly bought land. So, it's good that they haven't removed the Parkville hedges. We think they realise what an outcry that would cause on this farm which is in full sight of a main road, but they have effectively wiped out most of the values of the hedges by their severe management.”

Hedgerows Ireland was also concerned about the level of land consolidation happening.

Sure, it's a run in the park ...

Participants in Vhi’s free six-week Couch To Parkrun programme pictured at Kilkenny Parkrun last Saturday, October 11, the final day of the programme which was created to encourage newcomers to experience the physical and mental

health benefits of Parkrun participation.

Before the Parkrun began, programme participants were awarded a certificate and goodie bag by Vhi representative Niamh Walker to celebrate their achievement.

Vhi’s six-week Couch to

parkrun programme is still available to download for free at www.yourhappypace. ie. A total of 300 people were selected through the registration process to take part in the programme which was hosted in 6 locations nationwide:

• Ballincollig Parkrun, Cork • Kilkenny Castle Parkrun, Kilkenny • Poolbeg Parkrun, Dublin • Letterkenny Parkrun, Donegal • University of Galway Parkrun, Galway • Mungret Parkrun, Limerick

Swedish firm latest Agri Aware patron DeLaval, a leading supplier and innovator of dairy milking solutions has become the latest organisation to become a patron of Agri Aware.

Originating in Sweden, the company is a renowned name in dairy farming solutions operating in over 100 markets, providing equipment, software, and services to improve dairy production efficiency and sustainability for farmers.

DeLaval joins over 55 patrons of Agri Aware, strengthening the agri-food educational body’s mission to enhance ag-

ricultural literacy amongst the general public. The company brings valuable expertise in informing consumers about the journey of raw materials, in this instance in the case of dairy in an effort to foster greater transparency and trust in the agrifood sector.

Speaking about becoming a patron of Agri Aware, Ciaran Murphy, Sales Territory Manager UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to become a patron of Agri Aware and to support its work in promoting understanding and ap-

preciation of Irish agriculture.

At DeLaval, we’re passionate about helping farmers produce milk more efficiently and sustainably, and we believe education plays a key role in building trust between farmers and consumers. We look forward to working with Agri Aware to share the story of modern dairy farming and the innovation behind it.”

Also commenting on DeLaval becoming a patron was Agri Aware's Executive Director Marcus O'Halloran who said: “It’s with great pleasure that we

welcome DeLaval as the latest new patron of Agri Aware.

DeLaval shares many of the same ethos that Agri Aware strives to deliver on behalf of the agricultural sector here in Ireland and it’s those same shared visions that we hope to work in tandem with the team in DeLaval through our body of work.

"DeLaval joins a growing patron base that are committed to Agri Aware’s mission of enhancing agricultural literacy amongst the general public,” he said.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Time to change the way we elect presidents The Presidential race has been a bit like that song: There were 10 green bottles hanging on the wall. What started out with a row of colourful possibilities, some welcome Bob Geldolf to Michael Flatley, others less so Conor McGregor and yer wan with the tasteless handbag, Maria Steen (baby blue, what was she thinking?).

Now with the withdrawal of FF candidate Jim Gavin we are down to just two candidates.

We have become used to having a choice since the days of President Patrick Hillery 1976-1990) when the Presidency was a shoe-in reward for service in politics.

Since then the two Marys Robinson and McAleese and outgoing Michael D have done us proud, each enhanced the role of Head of State in their own unique way.

They have set the bar high, raising our expectations for

an imaginative approach to the role.

Now we are faced with a limited choice, one political nominee and one independent, the latter with the backing of the parties of the Left and also with Sinn Fein’s ‘game-changer’ support, when they weren’t prepared to put up a candidate of their own.

For me there’s the uncomfortable feeling that, while we are meant to be voting for an individual, the party backing the winner of next week’s election will see this as a political victory.

We need a wider choice of candidates in future and perhaps we need to change the present restrictive and cumbersome section process where, to stand, individuals must have either the backing of 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. Maybe we need a more rigorous vetting process too, to avoid candi-

dates being felled by skeletons falling from their cupboards, for when they fall the political consequences can be far-reaching.

Campaigns, interviews and debates are meant to be a way to get to know presidential candidates better and to see how each of them might perform as head of State.

It seems to me that the way TV debates are conducted currently are a very poor way to gain that kind of insight.

They are more about savaging by hot shot interviewers like News talk’s Kieran Cuddihy, who fired-off a hail of accusations about missteps years in the past with little opportunity for candidates to talk about their vision for the Presidency.

The candidate who is most adept at dodging verbal bullets is likely to be seen as the winner.

Aggressive probing by interviewers can be a turn off.

In the Virgin Media debate

I found myself wondering if Heather Humphries’ fringe was getting in her eyes and worrying how Catherine Connolly’s likening Germany today to the Nazis

“We are living in extraordinary times of instability ...

arming for the Second World War and Holocaust might go down with our ally, who along with the rest of Europe is strengthening defences against Russian aggression.

We are living in extraordinary times with instability caused by President Trump’s unpredictability, with menace from Putin on our doorstep in Europe and with Israel’s eradication of Gaza, peace deal now notwithstanding. At home there is the need to pave the way for a united Ireland, (not just by pointing a ballot box at us like a Kalashnikov without building practical foundations and trust) and the need to resolve the housing and infrastructure crisis. What kind of President do we need in these circumstances?

Perhaps we need someone reassuring, capable of bringing us together in accord, rather than intellectual fireworks and searing critiques.

Someone who will build

social participation rather than stirring alienation and division of the kind we are seeing in Europe with populist rightwing movements like Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France and Nigel Farage’s Reform in Britain.

We need someone who can foster unity and be prepared to encourage all the work that needs to go into making sure that it would be an Ireland inclusive of all traditions.

Ireland has changed enormously in the last 50 years: we have a new identity and we need someone to speak to who we are as a people as our last three presidents have done, uniting us rather than provoking division.

A week, a day even, can be a long time in politics. The turnout next Friday will be a barometer for our support for the electoral system. In 2018 it was just 43.9% down 12.2% – this time around it may show need for change.

From Dublin dreams to Kilkenny coffee: Balancing blood sugar naturally a family’s journey of passion and people

Some dreams take time to ripen, and for Krisztina and Jonathan Quintos, the dream of opening their own café has been more than a decade in the making.

The couple first met in Dublin in 2011 while working in the same restaurant — Krisztina as a manager, Jonathan as a chef. They quickly discovered a shared passion for food, hospitality, and people. Over time, their bond grew stronger, and so did their dream of one day running a place together.

Now married and raising their young daughter, Bianca, Krisztina and Jonathan have finally turned that dream into reality with the opening of Brewtaly, their Italian-style café in the heart of Kilkenny City at 34 Rose Inn Street.

Jonathan, originally from Italy, has been a chef at Ristorante Rinuccini, one of Kilkenny’s most respected restaurants, for the past 11 years.

His deep knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine and his love of cooking form the soul of Brewtaly. Krisztina, with years of management experience and a warm, people-first approach, brings the welcoming spirit that makes guests feel at home.

“We’ve always shared a vision,” Krisztina says. “Food brings people together. We wanted to create a place where everyone feels welcome —

whether it’s for a quick coffee or a meal with friends.”

Jonathan agrees: “I grew up in Italy, where food is family. To bring that feeling to Kilkenny, a city we love, is very special. Brewtaly is more than a business to us — it’s part of our story.”

At Brewtaly, guests can expect freshly brewed Italian coffee, homemade pastries, vibrant salads, and simple but authentic dishes that highlight Jonathan’s culinary background. And with Bianca often joining her parents as their ‘little helper’, the café is truly a family affair.

For Krisztina and Jonathan, Brewtaly is not just about coffee and food — it’s about people.

“We love meeting customers, hearing their stories, and sharing ours,” Krisztina says.

“This is our dream, but it’s also something we want the community to feel part of.”

From a busy Dublin restaurant in 2011 to a family-run café in Kilkenny, the Quintos’ journey is one of passion, perseverance, and love. And now, over a cup of coffee and a taste of Italy, that dream is finally being shared with the city they call home.

CLAIR WHITTY Are you craving sugar and carbs or have been told that your pre-diabetic? It’s not the best news to get, but many of you can turn it around, maybe even preventing you from going on medication, just by making dietary and lifestyle changes.

Your first step will be to take a look at where the sugar is in your diet. This can be hidden in the likes of breads, crackers, fruit drinks, yoghurts, as well as in the obvious sugary drinks, chocolate and cakes, so cutting back on these foods can help. It is best to include protein with each meal, lean protein sources such as beans, tofu, fish, or eggs are Ideal. Choose slow-release carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, lentils, and vegetables, these will release glucose gradually, helping to avoid sudden spikes and crashes. Pairing carbs with protein or healthy fats (such as nuts, seeds, or avocado) further stabilises blood sugar. Fibre also helps the body manage glucose

more effectively by slowing absorption.

Long gaps without eating can cause dips in blood sugar, leading to fatigue and irritability, so try not to skip meals. Aim for regular, balanced meals and, if needed, healthy snacks such as hummus with vegetable sticks or apple slices with nut butter.

Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, meaning the body uses glucose more efficiently.

Even a brisk 20-minute walk after meals can help bring blood sugar back into balance.

Keep an eye on your stress levels and how well you are sleeping. High stress and lack of sleep trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that can raise blood sugar. Relaxation practices such as yoga, deep breathing, or meditation, combined with consistent good quality sleep, support overall stability.

There are also some natural supplements that may help you on your journey. Popular choices are Chromium, Cinnamon, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Take a look at Terranova Cinnamon, Chromium & Alpha Lipoic Acid Complex, I like that it contains all three so you don’t have to choose between them. Cinnamon and Chromium are both linked in research to glucose metabolism, while alpha lipoic acid (ALA), an antioxidant that has been studied for its role in supporting insulin sensitivity. This is a popular supplement with customers who are looking to balance blood sugars naturally.

Hopefully, these tips help you get back on track.

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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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

News The recent Budget did little to go any way to help young parents faced with the increasing cost of childcare.

Ireland has some of the highest childcare costs in Europe, with more and more parents struggling to cope with increasing fees.

The amount of income Irish parents must spend on childcare is almost double Europe’s Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average. Figures from the intergovernmental body have ranked Ireland joint fourth in Europe alongside Cyprus when it comes to net childcare costs.

Only the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK are higher than Ireland. The data is based on a couple with average earnings and two children, and compares costs from 2023.

In practice, Irish parents are paying around €190 a week on average for early years childcare, according to Pobal which, among other things, supplies services for early childhood care In Dublin, this rises to well over €200 a week. The highest median fees in the county can be found in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, where it is almost €260 a week.

But many parents are paying more than this, as these figures are from the 2023/2024 year.

A report from The Journal Investigates has disclosed that some parents are now facing huge fee increases as over 50 childcare providers have withdrawn from the Government’s grant scheme.

The Core Funding scheme provides funding to early learning and school-age childcare providers towards their operating costs in return for fee freezes and caps.

But providers say this doesn’t cover the rising costs they’ve experienced, arguing they have had to withdraw to survive.

For the parents who have children attending these providers, they have been hit with fee increases to cover the cost of the Government’s grant, often by more than €70 a week.

“Some providers have regrettably chosen to withdraw from Core Funding,” a spokesperson for the Department of Children said, adding that 84% of open services have continued their participation in the scheme.

Two providers withdrew in the 2022/2023 school year. This jumped to 24 in 2023/2024.

Significantly, this trend has continued into 2024/2025 with 25 providers notifying the Department they would no longer be continuing in the scheme ahead of the new school year.

So how does this compare to some of our European neighbours, and are Irish parents the only ones feeling the pinch?

One country where the cost of childcare is cheaper than in Ireland is Italy, where

As childcare costs keep rising, how does Europe compare?

“Irish parents are paying around €190 a week for early years care..

despite lower wages and fewer government grants, parents can pay significantly less.

In Italy, the cost of childcare can vary depending on the provider, the municipality, and the income level of the parents.

There is also a sharp difference between the cost of childcare for under threeyear-olds and for those between three and five years old, with the latter typically much cheaper.

Italian consumer organisation Altroconsumo reported in 2024 that full-day childcare in municipal nurseries in Rome can cost up to €524 a month on average.

This is significantly less than many providers in Ireland, where costs can range from €800 to well over €1,000.

Though childcare costs are more expensive in Milan – coming in at €669 a month on average – this is still substantially cheaper than here, where parents could expect

to pay double that amount.

Italian families can also claim back up to €600 or so a year from their income taxes for childcare, and a “nursery bonus” of between €1,500 and €3,600 a year is given to parents depending on their income level.

Irish parents receive discounts on childcare through the National Childcare Scheme, which provides either a universal subsidy or an income-assessed subsidy.

The universal subsidy provides €2.14 an hour towards childcare for up to a maximum of 45 hours per week.

For a provider that is open year-round, this subsidy would amount to just over €5,000 per year.

Further support is available to parents of young children through the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, which provides 15 hours per week of free childcare for children between the ages of two and five.

While these Government subsidies are greater than can be found in Italy, the relative cost of childcare remains far higher in Ireland due to the substantially higher fees charged by providers.

But things aren’t perfect in Italy either. Though costs may be cheaper than in Ireland, the main issue facing Italian parents is the acute shortage of childcare places that can make waiting lists very long.

The Italian national statistics office has reported that 60% of nurseries across Italy have children on the waiting lists.

This is also an issue in Ireland, with Pobal data showing that there are currently 77,000 children on waiting lists for childcare places around the country, though some children are likely on multiple waiting lists.

The scarcity of places in both countries means that for parents who have a childcare place, it can be very difficult

to find another provider, no matter the cost.

Childcare is also significantly cheaper in France, with fees calculated using a person’s income and the number of children they have.

The more children you have and the smaller your income is, the less expensive public and private childcare centres get.

For example, a person on minimum wage with one child could expect to pay roughly €170 a month for childcare.

This is below the national average for the weekly cost of childcare in Ireland, showing the stark difference between the two countries.

A different French parent with a net monthly income of €8,500 and one child would have fees of around €950 a month.

By tying the cost of childcare directly to a family’s income, those on lower incomes are protected from

paying high fees, while those who can afford to pay more are required to.

Reducing the rate paid as the number of children increases also prevents larger families from being hit with an increased burden.

In Spain, the cost of raising children has increased significantly in recent years, mainly due to inflation and the rise in the cost of living.

Data from Save the Children published at the end of last year found that the average monthly cost of raising a child in Spain has increased by 13% compared to 2022, reaching €758 a child.

For children under six, the highest cost is childcare. It accounts for as much as a third of all money spent on younger children.

This increase is a concern for Spanish parents, with nearly 900,000 households unable to afford raising children even if they dedicate their entire income to it, according to the charity.

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News

Kilkenny County Council launches 22 affordable homes at Abbey Hill, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Kilkenny County Council is proud to announce the official launch of 22 new affordable homes at the Abbey Hill development in Thomastown. These high-quality 2- and 3-bedroom houses are now available to eligible First-Time Buyers and those qualifying under the "Fresh Start" principle, through the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.

Strategically located on Ladywell Street, Abbey Hill offers residents a vibrant community setting within walking distance of Thomastown town centre.

The homes were built by Kilkenny-based Ormonde Construction, reflecting the Council’s commitment to supporting local suppliers and labour while delivering energy-efficient, modern housing solutions.

Applications for the scheme are now open via the Kilkenny County Council online portal: https://kilkennycoco.ie/abbeyhill . The Affordable Purchase Team will oversee the application process, including eligibility assessments. Full details, including property specifications and qualifying criteria, are available on the Kilkenny

County Council website.

“The launch of these affordable homes at Abbey Hill marks a significant

milestone in our ongoing efforts to meet local housing needs,” said Ian Gardner, A/ Director of Housing & Com-

A shortage of burial plots at Kilbride Cemetery has sparked concern among local officials and residents.

At a recent CallanThomastown Municipal meeting, Cllr. Joe Lyons warned that the cemetery is fast running out of space.

“There are fewer than 30 plots remaining in the new section,” he said, “and the main and older sections are now full. Urgent action is

are creating real opportunities for individuals and families to achieve homeownership in a thriving

community.”

Boyd’s Auctioneers will manage property-specific inquiries and coordinate viewings for eligible applicants. All applications and eligibility checks will continue to be handled directly by the Kilkenny County Council Affordable Purchase Team.

About Kilkenny County Council Kilkenny County Council is the local authority for County Kilkenny, dedicated to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous environment through services in housing, planning, infrastructure, and community development.

About Ormonde Construction Ormonde Construction is a leading South East-based construction firm with a reputation for delivering high-quality residential and commercial developments across the region.

About Boyd’s Auctioneers Boyd’s Auctioneers is a trusted Kilkenny-based property firm offering expert sales and auction services to the local community.

Grave concern at Kilbride Cemetery

BY JOE LYONS

munity at Kilkenny County Council. “By collaborating with Ormonde Construction and Boyd’s Auctioneers, we

needed to secure land for future burials.”

The issue has become a pressing one for families in the area who rely on the cemetery for interments.

Cllr. Lyons stressed that without intervention, the community could face a serious problem in the near future.

Area Engineer Declan Murphy responded that he would liaise with Kilkenny County Council’s Environmental Department to explore solutions. He promised to bring back a plan to address the shortage and ensure the

cemetery can continue to serve the community.

The discussion highlighted the need for careful planning and proactive management of burial space. Both Cllr.

Lyons and Mr. Murphy emphasized that timely action is essential to prevent a crisis and maintain Kilbride Cemetery as a vital community resource.

Residents will be watching closely as plans take shape to secure additional plots and safeguard the cemetery’s future.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

It’s time to get your own budget in order Last week we reviewed the Budget’s emphasis on fiscal restraint and “strategic priorities” over expansive relief measures. We saw that expenditure will rise by €9.4 billion to €117 billion including plans to offer modest increases to certain sectors of society, such as €10 weekly to core payments like State pensions and a 65 cent rise in the minimum wage to €14.15.

Sector-specific incentives were also unveiled, providing targeted support including a VAT reduction from 13.5% to 9% for hospitality and new apartments. Yet, broader cost-of-living pressures persist amid criticisms from opposition figures like Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty, who termed the Budget a “blueprint for never-ending crises”.

Be that as it may, we must paddle our own canoe and not be expecting handouts from the Government. We will probably get them again nearer the next election. But we must pursue our own

strategies to strengthen our household budget.

Take mortgage protection insurance for example. This is mandatory for the majority of people taking out a mortgage and designed to cover the outstanding loan balance upon the policyholder’s death.

Many borrowers accept costlier options from their lenders due to mistaken beliefs. Research indicates that first-time buyers who fail to compare providers could pay €10,000 in excess premiums in the lifetime of their mortgage.

For instance, a 35-year-old

non-smoking couple setting up a €500,000 mortgage over a 30-year period would pay €53.47 monthly with one of the pillar banks, totalling more than €19,000. Comparable cover from Zurich or New Ireland costs €43.18 monthly, giving €3,700 in savings.

Smokers fare worse: €103.12 versus €80.32 monthly, equating to €8,200 saved. Similarly, a 40-year-old single nonsmoker with a €300,000 loan over 25 years pays €32.61 at PTSB or €27.29 at Bank of Ireland, but just €22.26 at Zurich, €22.54 at Royal London Ireland which includes a free first month.

Daragh Cassidy of Bonkers. ie notes that borrowers often overlook this flexibility, assuming the offer from the bank is obligatory. “Mortgage customers are free to shop around,” he says, adding that online brokers can speed up the process while reducing costs. These monthly savings of €10 to €20 accumulate substantially over decades, equivalent to routine discretionary expenses.

Existing homeowners stand to benefit equally, particularly amid anticipated ECB rate reductions. Royal London Ireland’s analysis reveals brokersourced policies are up to 28% cheaper than bank equiva-

lents, owing to access to multiple insurers. A 30-yearold couple with a €250,000 mortgage over 35 years saves €8 monthly (€3,000 total) via a broker. For a 50-year-old pair with €500,000 remaining and 15 years left, the figure is €32 monthly (€6,000 saved).

Joe Charles, Proposition Director at Royal London, attributes this to brokers’ competitive sourcing: “They secure the optimal product and price for individual needs.”

As Budget 2026 prioritises long-term stability we cannot, and should, not rely solely on State intervention. By utilising comparison sites like Bonkers.ie or consulting a financial advisor you can save thousands without undue effort.

This proactive approach aligns with the Budget’s ethos of prudence, transforming “fiscal caution into tangible personal gain”. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

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Ó hArgáin calls for support for Connolly as a real alternative Uachtarán Kilkenny City Labour Party Councillor and former Mayor of the city has called for fulsome support for Catherine Connolly in next Friday's Presidential Election. He said her election would mark a continuation of the legacies of former President Mary Robinson and outgoing President Michael D. Higgins.

Speaking after meeting Ms. Connolly at a Labour Party and Trade Union event in the headquarters of Mandate Trade Union on Sunday night, Cllr. Ó hArgáin said that the choice for voters in Carlow/Kilkenny is now crystal clear: 'I commended Catherine on Sunday night on the dignity with which she has run her campaign since she entered the race in July. She has run a vibrant campaign, full, not just of political activists from all the parties of the left, but also from enthusiastic young people in a way I have not seen them active since the Marriage Equality and Repeal referendum campaigns. We have also been joined by a huge number of women in a way that I haven't seen since I worked full time on Mary Robinson's campaign in 1990.

She has dealt with the increasingly desperate and panicked attacks from Fine Gael and indeed Fianna Fáil in the past week by giving straight and honest answers to the questions put to her.

She has come across as the straight talker that we have known her to be for many years. None of us will have agreed with her on every point but we know that she represents the best of the values of the left. She is a passionate voice for equality, speaks regularly on issues surrounding violence against women and has fought for a new approach to our housing crisis and the serious shortfalls in our health service.

As an experienced barrister, she fully understands the constitutional role of the President and would be appropriately suitable to fulfil her role in examining legislation passed by the Oireachtas before signing it into law or very rarely deciding on whether or not legislation

should be referred to the Supreme Court.

Mar Ghaeilgeoir atá turas iontach teanga taistealtha aici féin, is féidir léi ionsparáid a thabhairt do dhaoine atá ag filleadh ar fhoghlaim na teanga arís. Ní hamháin gur thug sí geallúint di féin na blianta ó shin go gcuirfeadh sí feabhas ar a cuid scileanna teanga ach chuir sí i gcrích an gheallúint sin. 'Beart de réir briathar' a dheireann an seanfhocail agus tá an beart sin taispeánta ag Catherine. Catherine has travelled her own language journey, realising the importance as a TD representing Gaeltacht na Gaillimhe of having a strong command of the language.

That importance extends to the whole of our country and I look forward to seeing Uachtarán Connolly celebrating our Gaeltacht areas, our Gaelscoileanna and indeed the huge advances made in a vibrant wave of young people shaking off the old baggage around our language.

On the issues of Irish unity and our neutrality, I believe that Catherine will be the voice for peace and progress that she has promised to be.

Finally, Catherine has achieved what many have said was impossible. She has united the broad left of the Irish political spectrum. A victory for Catherine Connolly next week would give a clear signal that an alternative to the decade of Fine Gael and Fáil unity on the conservative side of politics is now really possible. I urge Labour party supporters and all those who want to see a continuation of the march towards a progressive Ireland to make a plan to vote for Catherine Connolly on Friday the 24th October. Every vote will count.

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Family fun day

S

ome Kilkenny folk will know where the Auxiliary Hospital is in Kilkenny. For those who are unsure as to the location, it is that building on Wolfe Tone Street with the Mick Minogue elephant artwork on the outside wall. The venue is home to T.A.S.K. TASK (Training and Support Kilkenny) is a full time rehabilitative training programme for adults. They are part of the Kilkenny mental health service.

Their programme helps people to improve and maintain mental wellbeing, develop coping strategies and self care skills, and primarily regain confidence.

The workforce provides training and workshops in such areas as gardening, horticulture, furniture upcycling, camera club, sports and recreation as well as health and wellbeing. Another string to their bow is the provision of spaces to a number of artists, many of whom were part of the Fringe Arts Festival 2025.

Last Sunday, The Kilkenny Observer attended the family fun day at the Auxiliary, which included face painting, apple pressing, children’s treasure hunt, upcycled furniture, music and refreshments.

The annual Sale of Works opened in a Marquee on the ground with the sale of upcycled furniture, arts and crafts.

It was an incredible day and congratulations to all involved in the organisation.

Family fun day a success as Auxiliary opens its doors

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Family fun day

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Earning your salt ... and the big cheese Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, which is getting bigger and better with each passing year, is upon us and I heartily compliment all involved in its planning and presentations. Thank you.

The festival really brings the Parade alive and creates a vibrant, colourful, almost carnival-like ambience in our medieval city. With the festival in mind this week’s column is about food, not least some food related phrases which we know well but not, perhaps, their origins.

The apple of his/her eye In Biblical rimes the pupil of the eye was known as the ‘apple of the eye’ because it was believed to be a solid sphere, like an apple. The phrase occurs in the Old Testament in Deuteronomy in the reference to God’s care of Jacob – “He kept him as the apple of his eye”.

above a fire. The local word for this type of cooking was barbacoa which that expedition brought back to Europe.

By the 17th century barbecue had entered the English language and the rest, as they say, is history.

To give someone the cold shoulder This referred to a bland cold shoulder of mutton which was served to a guest who had outstayed their welcome.

On arrival the guest would have been treated to a hot roast of beef, the cold shoulder was a subtle sign to leave. The meaning has well extended beyond the realm of hospitality and now means

that we want little to do with an individual.

Barbecue We can thank Christopher Columbus for the barbecue. On his first expedition to the Caribbean in 1492 he encountered many new practices of cooking. One of these was the method of cooking meat and fish on a framework of sticks and posts

Cafeteria & coffee The first cafeteria opened on September 4, 1885 on New Street in New York. Called the Exchange Buffet, it was a selfservice restaurant which led to the development of what were to become ‘fast-food’ restaurants of every description. The name is derived from cafeteria, Spanish for a ‘maker or seller’ of coffee.

Coffee first arrived in Europe from southern Arabia, via Turkey, so understandably its name in various European languages reflects its point of origin. Coffee, ‘café’ in French and ‘caffé’ in Italian come from the Turkish kahveh which came from the

Arabic for coffee, qahwah.

To earn your salt In Ancient Rome soldiers were paid an allowance to buy salt which was known as ‘salarium’ (sal being the Latin for salt) This is the origin of salary and anyone who ‘earns their salt’ therefore earns their ‘salary’.

The big cheese Although cheese, as in the ‘big cheese’, uses the same spelling as the food that’s as close as the two meanings come. A ‘big cheese’ as in an important person is derived from the Hindu word chiz, meaning the ‘correct thing’. The English derivative is probably a reference to the manner in which an important person should be treated.

To egg on The egg referred to here is an old Norse word for the sharp

side of a blade. This makes sense of ‘to egg on’, meaning to urge and encourage and is easier to understand. Anyone encouraged by the sharp edge of a blade or sword or dagger is more than likely to comply with what is requested.

Gone to pot In earlier times it was common to keep a pot over the fire into which leftovers were put to be served up as a mish-mash. Pieces of meat and vegetables that could not be used in any other dish ended up in the pot and this practise gave rise to ‘gone to pot’ meaning ruined or no longer of use.

Ham-fisted To be ham-fisted is to be clumsy. The expression refers to large hands which are shaped like hams and are less than ideal for dextrous manual tasks.

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News

Kilkenny College of Beauty and Sports Therapy under new ownership An exciting new chapter begins From an early age, beauty was more than a profession for Laura Benker —it was a calling. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a specialist in brows, lashes, and makeup of all kinds, mastering the art of enhancing natural beauty while empowering clients to feel confident in their skin. Whether it’s creating bold editorial looks or delivering subtle, everyday elegance, her artistry has always been rooted in passion and precision.

But as any true artist evolves, so too do their ambitions. In recent years, she discovered a new passion: teaching. What began as a desire to share knowledge quickly turned into a mission to mentor, guide, and inspire the next generation of beauty professionals. The transition from practitioner to educator has been a natural one, driven by a belief that education is the most powerful tool we can offer.

Helping others learn the skills to turn their passion into a career is incredibly fulfilling to Laura. Her goal is to create an environment where students feel supported, inspired, and empowered to follow their dreams.

With prestigious certifications

including ITEC, CIBTAC, and the highly regarded CIDESCO— Laura aims to embody the standard of excellence that the college has always strived to maintain. These globally recognized accreditations speak to a commitment to professionalism, skill, and ongoing education, setting the tone for what students and staff can expect under this new leadership.

Under her direction, Kilkenny College of Beauty and Sports Therapy will be expanding its course offerings to include a broader spectrum of beauty and sports disciplines, tailored to meet the needs of modern students and the ever-evolving industry. From intensive professional certifications

to hands-on workshops, the college aims to provide flexible, highquality training that allows students to thrive.

The future also holds exciting developments in community outreach, industry collaborations, and advanced education pathways.

With a finger on the pulse of current trends and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve, she is focused on ensuring the college remains a hub for innovation, excellence, and opportunity.

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to upskill or a newcomer eager to begin your beauty journey, there has never been a better time to join Kilkenny College of Beauty and Sports

Therapy. With Laura at the helm, students can expect not only expert training but also mentorship from someone who truly understands the power of doing what you love.

This new chapter marks more than just a change in ownership—it signals a renewed dedication to the values that have always made this college special: passion, professionalism, and purpose.

Welcome to a new era of education, empowerment, and Laura Benker excellence.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

Born to be wild, live free My 34year old son said to me recently, “I think we were the last generation of kids to run free in the countryside….”, He had a good point. We live near the River Nore and when my lads and their pals were at National school, they would go out in the morning during the summer holidays and most weekends, armed with sticks and sandwiches and not be seen till they returned later on generally filthy dirty, exhausted and hungry. One day, a lad had a pedometer and they covered 17 kms just messing around in the fields, the woods and along the river. They climbed trees, paddled, fished and made camps.

None of them was older than 11 and the youngest about 8. They all survived the nettles, splinters, scratches, arguments, cuts and bruises. It was a

healthy, wholesome, muddy adventure. Nobody had a mobile phone back then.

What a sad contrast to these Irish statistics: 34% of children of 8 -15 don’t play outside during the week and only 20% at weekend; 37% have never seen a hedgehog and only 45% have a nature table at school. Some 7-8 yr olds watch 21hours of TV a week. 22% teens have diagnosed mental health issues, Up to 35% teens in Dublin study have selfharmed; in 2022 over 15,000 took anti-depressants and over20% are overweight.

(Ref: The Irish Times) The amount of time on social media is as yet uncalculable!

Many people are becoming obese and sadder! Children ARE the future and it’s urgent that we do all we can to ensure that they grow up as healthy, fit and balanced adults.

Starting at national school, kids need to learn all about the environment, how food is grown, be outdoors and most important, to develop a deep love and appreciation of Nature. If they have to watch TV… watch David Attenborough and nature programmes.

Learning about soil and healthy plants is vitally important for us all. I recently did a course at Westcourt in Callan and Ronan, the teacher/ gardener was brilliant.

Did you know, there are more organisms in a handful of compost than there are people on the planet? Our lives depend on all these tiny microorganisms which all need protecting. Pesticides and fertilisers kill these little miracles.

According to UK statistics, outdoor lessons can reduce symptoms of ADHD by

30%! “Forest Schools” introduce kids to the wonders of Nature eg. worms, mud, caterpillars, dirt, seeds and so much more. Nature is good for all of us…. However, we

Nature raises children stronger than any screen can

are in danger of leaving behind a generation who have never been exposed to the myriad benefits of the Great Outdoors. If our kids and grand- kids are alienated from the wild how will future generations relate to our great backdrop which so badly needs to be protected?

We are part of Nature and Nature is part of us. We are all born to be wild and Nature is a great healer. So many of today’s ills are to do with a feeling of separation from Nature. Did you know, our lives depend on trees and plants for the air we breathe?

We breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, they breathe in carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen. Trees are an integral part of our life cycle. We will die if the trees die… it’s that simple. For far too long humans have

looted and exploited the very organisms our lives depend on for profit. It is unsustainable and unless we change, this is our legacy.

We don’t inherit our world from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.

Farmers and growers who use organic methods need all our support to look after all the little critters in the soil. Soil health is vital for human health. Processed food is full of chemicals and additives. Remember, we literally are what we eat….

Walks in Nature are good for mind and body whatever our ages. Let’s make the most of the autumn while the days are still longish, let the kids get as dirty as possible…. Winter is long enough to be cooped up indoors. www.judithashton.com www.beprepared.ie

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Good news for Urlingford

€781,600 secured for Urlingford Town Centre Regeneration Project

BY JOHN MCGUINNESS - TD

Urlingford is set to benefit from a major boost to its town centre, with Deputy John McGuinness confirming today that the Town Centre Regeneration Project has been allocated €781,600 in funding.

The announcement forms part of a larger national initiative by Minister Dara Calleary, who unveiled €20.5 million in funding for 30 Landmark Rural Regeneration Projects across Ireland.

Deputy McGuinness welcomed the news, describing it as “fantastic for Urlingford.” He explained that the project will focus on redesigning public spaces to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, while creating a

more vibrant town centre.

“This project will breathe new life into vacant properties along the main street, encouraging further investment and making Urlingford an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit,” he said.

The funding is intended to tackle dereliction, enhance town vibrancy, and transform underused or heritage buildings into creative hubs, visitor centres, museums, libraries, and community spaces. “It’s about giving our towns and villages a fresh lease of life and creating spaces that serve local communities for years to come,” Deputy McGuinness added.

The allocation comes through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), which supports initiatives aimed at revitalising town centres, increasing footfall, promoting pedestrian-

friendly areas, boosting tourism, and stimulating economic growth in rural Ireland.

The announcement was made by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, during the official opening of the Shackleton Experience in Athy. Minister Calleary highlighted the importance of these projects in transforming rural communities and fostering economic and social development.

With this funding, Urlingford is set to undergo significant transformation, turning its town centre into a safer, more vibrant, and economically thriving hub. Both local residents and visitors can look forward to a rejuvenated town that celebrates its heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and creativity.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 139

"Between the future and the past is Today"

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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News Connolly’s RED MILLS Leader Natural Dog Nutrition are thrilled to welcome back Madra Monday and this year, it's bigger, better, and more wag-worthy than ever before!

On Bank Holiday Monday, October 27th, The Parade in Kilkenny will once again transform into a haven for dog lovers and food enthusiasts, with an exciting lineup of dog shows, activities, and expert talks tailored for the entire family, including our fourlegged friends!

We’ve listened to your feedback, made key improvements, and packed in even more fun, including a brand-new Dog Show Arena and enhanced event layout.

Whether you’re returning or discovering Madra Monday for the first time, this year promises an unforgettable day for dogs and their humans alike.

And best of all, every cent raised from dog show entries and donations on the day will go directly to Cara Rescue Dogs, helping dogs in need find safe and loving forever homes.

Event Highlights Sponsored by Connolly’s RED MILLS Leader Natural Dog Nutrition include: Dog Shows and Demonstrations: Get ready to cheer on talented pups as they compete in a range of friendly dog shows.

Don’t miss your chance to participate! Register your dog

festival-goers can get their faces painted as their favourite animals and balloons created of their furry friends adding to the family-friendly atmosphere of the day.

Connolly’s RED MILLS Leader Natural Dog Nutrition

Pawsome Photo Booth: Capture memories with your pet at the Pawsome Photo Booth, complete with fun props for dogs and their owners alike.

This unique event promises to deliver a day of bonding, learning, and endless fun, all while reinforcing the commitment of Connolly’s RED MILLS to supporting animal wellness and community initiatives.

“Madra Monday” at Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2025 Bigger, better, and more tail-wagging than ever!

A free dog-friendly extravaganza on bank holiday Monday, October 27th The Parade, Kilkenny City | 12–4pm online for their moment in the spotlight.

Expert Talks on Dog Health and Nutrition: Led by specialists from Connolly’s RED MILLS, these sessions provide valuable insights into

canine wellness, nutrition, and training tips to keep your pet healthy and happy.

to build confidence and for owners to enjoy watching their pups make new friends.

Puppy Playground: A special area for young dogs to play, socialize, and let off some steam. Perfect for puppies

Doggy Pick ‘n’ Mix & Toys: Spoil your pet with a selection of dog-friendly treats from the Leader Dog Food range.

Puppuccino Station: Treat your pet to a delicious, dogfriendly puppuccino, making sure they don’t miss out on the festival’s treats!

Face Painting and Balloon Making for Kids: Young

How to Register for Dog Shows Entry to the dog show costs €3 per dog with each dog allowed to enter up to three classes.

Spaces in the dog shows are limited, so dog owners are encouraged to register their dogs online through the Savour Kilkenny website or Connolly’s RED MILLS event page to secure their spots.

All proceeds from dog show entries and donations on the day will go to Cara Rescue Dogs, supporting their incredible work in rescuing and rehoming dogs across Ireland.

For more information, registration details, and event updates, please visit: https://redmillsstore.ie/ pages/madra-monday

Kilkenny IMC Barrack Street Cinema are screening my new documentary film, entitled Loughmore to the Front on Monday 20th October at 8pm

By Nicholas Ryan Purcell

Loughmore

You are probably wondering what relevance Kilkenny has to Loughmore in Tipperary?

1. The Butlers of Kilkenny Castle married into the Purcells of Loughmore Castle in the 1200s.

2. My ancestor, Nicholas Purcell, who lived from 1651 to 1722 was the last Baron of Loughmore Castle and fought in the Siege of Limerick. He was eight times great grandson of the owner of Kilkenny Castle, James a commissioned Butler. frame paint3. On 23rd ing of a Purcell June 2024, painting to The Loughmore vilCottage Tealage held a PurAncestor Nicholas rooms in Loughcell Picnic where Purcell more last year.

Purcell connecThe documentary tions from Tipperary, film took one year and Kilkenny, England and four months to put together.

America gathered for the PurI had an assistant editor cell Picnic. The Purcell concalled Tom Gallagher who is a nections to Kilkenny originate retired school principal from from brothers Hugh Purcell Ballycahill, Thurles County (born 1195) and Walter (born Tipperary who helped me 1160), whose father Hugh to make the documentary had come from Normandy 'snappy' and also my own originally. Walter moved to a family helped me with the place called Kilmenan, north editing. of Kilkenny City.

The documentary idea 4. A man named John began in May 2023 at The CotPurcell, who represented the tage Tearooms in Loughmore Purcells of Kilkenny brought

village when local lady, Catherine Purcell Maher asked me if I could film an interview of the local parish priest, Monsignor Maurice Dooley.

When I visited him, he asked me to prove my connection to Loughmore Castle and fortunately, my mother Dorothy Ryan Purcell had drawn up a Purcell family tree years ago. The drone filming was done by Robert Healy Media in Thurles and his colleague, Paul O'Regan. Music was by Siobhan Armstrong, harpist from Kilkenny.

The documentary runs for one night only on Monday 20th October at 8pm for 1 hour 45 minutes.

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Opinion

Paddy Power - The Bird Man of Skeaugh

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The fictional Dr. Doolittle had the power to talk to the animals. Pure fantasy of course.

And the mythical Pied Piper of Hamelin could compel the rats to leave an infested medieval town.

But in Callan we had a man who could well be described as Doolittle and the Pied Piper rolled into one. Paddy Power of Skeaugh had a special gift for communicating with the bird and animal kingdoms.

The old saying about a person who could “charm the birds out of the trees” was never meant to be taken literally.

Yet Paddy did it thousands of times in the course of his colourful life. And his prowess with a catapult earned him accolades from the top brass in Ireland’s elite Defence Forces.

Speaking to Sean Holden, he recalled that he grew up in a street in Callan where almost every house had a bird, mostly budgies or canaries, chirping away outside their front doors. Paddy learned to mimic the sounds made by birds and then discovered that he could literally “call” them from the sky or out of a bush.

He told Sean: “I could stand in my back yard as a youngster and whistle to a particular bird, and that bird would immediately fly to me, into my outstretched hands.”

As his power grew, Paddy found himself calling birds of all kinds, such as larks, thrushes, blackbirds, crows, goldfinches, swallows, jackdaws, and Willie wagtails.

Sometimes, when he called a bird, other birds not specifically targeted by his signal would approach him. On one occasion, he was calling a jackdaw perched on a rooftop.

To his consternation, hens and a rooster came hurtling towards Paddy, clucking and cock-a doodling around the yard until he persuaded them to leave.

At first, he released each bird after attracting it towards him, but then he began to collect birds, and pursue his lifelong passion for pigeon racing.

When he retired from his job at the local Bacon factory, he devoted all his free time to this hobby.

At the time Sean Holden interviewed him in 1987, Paddy had 200 racing pigeons and around 300 native birds of all sorts in his vast avifauna complex in Skeaugh. He was a prominent member of the Kilkenny Cage Bird Society, and held guests spellbound when he elaborated on the virtues of bird keeping and pigeon racing at the aptly named Perch lounge in Kilkenny, where the society met.

A multi-sonorous orchestra

(Group picture of Darts Team in Somers pub shows Back Row: T. Woodgate, Paddy Power, J. Brett, L. Tyrell.

Front Row: P. McGirr, G. Freaney, R. Quirke, Neil Somers.

of bird noises, a never-ending cacophony of tweeting, warbling, squawking, and chirruping greeted visitors to his home in Skeaugh. Some people wondered how Paddy put up with this perpetual racket in the garden. But he was deeply committed to his birds. When he won a holiday to Kenya worth £2000, he turned it down, as it would mean leaving the birds unattended for a fortnight!

Paddy was equally famous for his ability to communicate with man’s best friend.

He would put two fingers in his mouth and emit a shrill, ear-splitting whistle that brought dogs from all points of the compass to his side.

If he whistled late at night, when self-respecting canines were locked in or asleep, or both, the town would erupt in a ferocious frenzy of howling, keening, and barking. A bit like the ghostly Hound of the Baskervilles baying at the moon-its cry of woe amplified a hundredfold and drawing forth a string of curses and sleepy-eyed complaints from householders in the town.

When Paddy served in the army, he was the only soldier allowed two bivouacs-or tents.

This was to accommodate the dogs he insisted on bringing with him on manoeuvres. On one memorable day in the mid-50s, he was about to leave Callan in a lorry that was part of a long convey of military vehicles heading to County Wicklow for a major “war games” event.

As the engine began to rev up, a fellow trooper casually asked Paddy if he had forgotten to bring his two or three

Green Street Callan in 1964

dogs with him for the big day.

Or if he felt that perhaps they might be difficult to control and keep an eye on in the midst of the mock battles and other activities that required his full attention.

Without saying a word to his friend, Paddy leapt from the back of the lorry, ran around to the driver and said, “Hold on for two minutes, I have to call someone”. Thinking Paddy wanted to make an urgent telephone call, the driver agreed to wait. The lorry was parked in Green Street. The rest of the convey in front of it moved on, while the lorries behind were delayed as Paddy walked calmly towards Chapel Lane.

Standing at the entrance to the lane, he let off a bloodcurdling whistle that sounded, in the words of a nearby female witness, “like an air raid siren and an angry bee buzzing at the same time”.

For a second or two, nothing seemed to happen. The lorries were held up and bystanders waited to see if any dog would answer the call.

Then a few barks were heard in the distance, growing louder by the second, followed by

a blowing of horns and excited yelling from townspeople as dogs came charging from all directions, converging on the spot where Paddy stood from the Clonmel Road, Bridge Street, the Fair Green, and Newmarket Lane: The barking reached a deafening crescendo. Scenes of canine chaos developed on Green Street.

Within minutes, mutts and mongrels of every breedand half breed-imaginable mobbed Paddy: Watch dogs, bull dogs, sheep dogs; pooches, poodles, pointers and spaniels; a Chihuahua and an Alsatian. A grand total of thirty-five canines had assembled, dutifully awaiting instructions from their temporary master.

Paddy ushered them aside and returned to the lorry, emitting another spine-tingling whistle that sounded slightly different to the previous one. The dogs followed him as he raised himself back into the lorry. Twenty or more of them hopped into the vehicle, where they shared the confined space with the soldiers. The rest were reluctantly taken into other lorries.

Under Paddy’s supervision,

the thirty-five Callan dogs were released into the Glen of Imall later that evening.

When an officer asked why he had taken so many dogs with him, Paddy explained that he wanted to give them a day out.

“You know”, he said, “a bit of fresh air, and the run of the County Wicklow countryside.”

As Paddy and the other brave defenders of Ireland’s neutrality and freedom from foreign invaders went about their business-rehearsing for any unprovoked attack on the homeland, the motley army of mutts chased everything that moved in the Glen of Imall, including farmers, army officers, other dogs, sheep, rats, their own shadows-it was getting dark at this stage-and unsuspecting joggers.

Meanwhile, back in Callan, anxious and bewildered dog owners were scouring the town and countryside, searching for their beloved pets. A large notice, pinned up in the local Garda Station and in the church porch weeks earlier as part of a sheep worrying awareness campaign, had posed the chilling question: “Do You Know Where Your Dog Was Last Night? Examine Your Conscience!”

Not even the most direfully suspicious and doomladen dog owner in the town guessed that a sizable percentage of Callan’s canine population had been transported to the Glen of Imall.

As dawn broke the following day, Paddy’s army buddies asked him how he could possibly retrieve all the dogs, since they were running riot across the countryside. Paddy emerged from his tent, drank

a glass of water, and faced the rising sun with his fingers again placed strategically in his mouth. Closing his eyes, he whistled a direful signal into the vast Wicklow wilderness.

Again, a chorus of barking followed as the dogs came racing back towards him, wagging their tails in satisfaction and fulfillment. The thousands of troops seated around campfires could only shake their heads in admiration.

The dogs were returned safely to Callan, ending hours of frantic speculation as to where they had been.

Though not too happy with Paddy’s canine escapades, his superior officers in the army were suitably impressed by his “eagle eye”. He told Sean Holden of a Captain George Glendon who complimented him on his exceptional scouting abilities and marksmanship.

When pals went fishing with rods, Paddy shot trout with a catapult, a skill he acquired in his teens. Even in later life, he was a familiar sight on the big bridge in Callan, taking careful aim at a fish, which he could see under water. He was more precise and accurate with his chosen weapon than the guidance system of a Cruise Missile.

Paddy’s ability to talk to rats made even his closest buddies cringe in horror. He could put his hand into a hole in a wall known to contain a rat, grasp the petrified creature, and pull it out, clasping it firmly in both hands. He could then calm its nerves by whispering words of comfort to it. Not that he particularly liked rats.

He just relished the challenge of confronting one of man’s oldest fears.

Paddy’s knowledge of rats and their subterranean ways resulted in Callan people seeking his advice and assistance in solving their pest control problems. When still in his teens, he was credited with a “miracle”, arising from an encounter with a rat.

A man who was confined to bed with an unknown ailment sent for Paddy and asked him to lay a trap for a rat he had heard shuffling about in a downstairs room of his house.

Paddy laid the trap at the exact spot he assumed the rat would appear, and it caught the intruder. But the rat was only stunned. Paddy removed it from the trap and took the disorientated rodent upstairs to the invalid. He was sure the man would be delighted to see his furry foe neutralised, if not exactly dead.

As soon as the bedroom door opened, and the man saw Paddy with the large, twitching rat in his hands, he leapt from the bed with staggering energy, ran down the stairs, and out onto the street in his night gown.

“I had cured the man”, said Paddy, “It was a miracle!”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

Savour kilkenny

An action-packed weekend for families at Savour Kilkenny — now with an expanded Monday programme!

This October Bank Holiday Weekend, children and families can enjoy a packed line-up of hands-on workshops, interactive entertainment, and Halloweenthemed events as Kilkenny sets to be a part of Ireland’s Home of Halloween.

Young food lovers will be spoiled for choice at Savour Kilkenny this year with a range of fun, hands-on workshops designed to spark creativity and curiosity in the kitchen. At the Chocolate Mould Making Session, hosted

by The Chocolate Garden of Ireland, children aged six and up can design and make their own chocolate creations from mould to masterpiece. Budding artists will love the Superfood Superheroes Illustration Workshop, where they can invent food-inspired hero characters that blend healthy eating with imaginative storytelling with local artist Blaise Butler. For the youngest foodies, the Fussy Food Plates Workshop offers a playful, sensory experience for ages two to ten, turning colourful ingredients into edible works of art. The Cool Food School hosts a Zero Waste Cooking Workshop, showing children how to reduce food waste, cook creatively with leftovers, and value every ingredient encouraging mindful, eco-friendly cooking from an early age.

As part of Savour Kilkenny’s citywide celebrations, Market Cross

Shopping Centre will host “Savour the Spooktacular” on Saturday 25th October from 12 pm to 3 pm.

This Halloween-themed family fun afternoon features spooky magic, foodie challenges, interactive games and entertainment suitable for all ages, making it a perfect festival stop

for families in the heart of the city.

Meanwhile, over at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, the Young Food Producers Market with LEO Kilkenny returns on Saturday 25th between 1 pm and 4 pm. This showcase invites budding young entrepreneurs to exhibit, sell and

celebrate their food creations, giving them a platform to share their passion, connect with customers, and be part of the festival’s vibrant food community.

The Festival Quarter, home of the Savour Market returns on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th of October

and families can look forward to a weekend filled with fun, laughter, and a touch of Halloween magic at Savour Kilkenny 2025. Throughout the weekend, the Festival Quarter will come alive with face painting, stilt walkers, street performers, and the Gusto Halloween Circus Show, collectively creating a colourful, highenergy atmosphere that has become a firm festival favourite.

The festivities continue into Savour Monday on 27th October, with Madra Monday with Red Mills, a pet-friendly day-out inviting families and their four-legged friends to join in the fun with dog-friendly activities, treats, photo sessions, and pet-care tips, the paw-fect way to wrap up a weekend of food, family, and festive spirit.

Festival goer’s will also be delighted with the edition of the Monday Market for 2025, which is a reduced Savour Market on The Parade Plaza featuring 10-15 street food and artisan producer stalls, alongside CISE talks and workshops in the Old KBC Bank and Spice of Life Cooking Demos on the Taste Stage with KCLR as Savour Kilkenny expands the Bank Holiday Monday programme for festival goers in 2025.

This year’s family programme, has all ages covered this October Bank Holiday weekend, from budding bakers to artists to dog lovers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For the full family-friendly line-up and booking details, visit www.savourkilkenny.com

Ireland’s top culinary talent take centre stage at the Savour Stage - Savour Kilkenny 2025 Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October The Parade, Kilkenny City The Savour Stage makes its eagerly awaited return to the Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2025, bringing together some of Ireland’s most celebrated chefs, food writers, and culinary personalities for a weekend of food, creativity, and community spirit. Taking place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October, this free two-day event transforms the heart of Kilkenny City into a showcase of the very best in Irish food culture.

From comforting home cooking to restaurant-level finesse, the Savour Stage offers live demonstrations, expert tips, and engaging stories, inspiring food lovers of all ages to celebrate Ireland’s rich culinary heritage.

Saturday’s line-up begins with Orla Drumgoole, the social media sensation known as Irish Mammy Cooks, who will share her familyinspired recipes featuring local Kilkenny ingredients. She’ll be followed by Daniel Lambert,

Tom Phelan and John Kelly of The Lady Helen Restaurant

renowned for his inventive and bold approach to Irish cuisine.

A major highlight of the day will be TV Chef Aisling Larkin, proudly sponsored by Campion Insurance, presenting her signature family-friendly dishes that blend

wholesome nutrition with the comfort of home-cooked flavours.

Her warm, approachable style and relatable storytelling have made her one of Ireland’s most admired culinary voices.

The afternoon continues with Jeeny

Maltese in partnership with Oak Park Foods, Rory O’Connell in association with Avonmore, and the everpopular Sarah Butler at Home, who will also host a book signing after her demonstration. The day concludes with Clare Anne O’Keefe, hosting an elegant Cocktail Salon as part of Savour the Night.

Sunday’s programme opens with Tom Phelan, Head Pastry Chef at the Lady Helen Restaurant, Mount Juliet Estate. Known for his refined desserts and mastery of patisserie, Tom will present an exclusive patisserie masterclass, showcasing local ingredients and techniques to elevate home baking.

Local favourite Edward Hayden, broadcaster and Culinary Director at SETU, joins Anne Neary, supported by Dawn Meats, for their much-loved, humorous, and flavour-filled double act. Additional highlights include Paul Flynn (Smithwick’s Experience), Kevin Dundon (SuperValu Loughboy), Sophie Morris with recipes from her new cookbook, and a lively finale featuring James Kavanagh and William Murray from Taste Kilkenny.

A special feature this year is Rachel Allen, proudly sponsored by the National Dairy Council (NDC), the farmer-funded body championing sustainable, pasturebased dairy production. Rachel will demonstrate the versatility of Irish

dairy—showcasing milk, butter, cream, and cheese in delicious, balanced recipes. She will be joined

by Kate Fitzgerald, a young dairy farmer from Portlaw, Co. Waterford, who will discuss the sustainability practices driving Ireland’s dairy sector forward.

“We’re delighted to partner with Savour Kilkenny and Rachel Allen once again in 2025,” said Julia Pessina, Brand Manager at the NDC. “This collaboration allows us to tell the story of Irish dairy—from pasture to plate.”

Returning alongside the Savour Stage is the Taste Stage, shining a spotlight on Sustainable Food Systems. Hosted by MC Tracie Daly, it will feature chefs who source at least one-third of their ingredients from within a 20-mile radius, celebrating local producers and sustainable cooking. Participants include Laura Gannon (Cakeface), Graham Herterich (The Cupcake Bloke), Ken Harker (Stathams Kilkenny), Keith Grant (Grant Master Butchers), Luis Martin (MARA), and Hannah O’Donnell (VADA Restaurant, Dublin).

Together, the Savour and Taste Stages remain the beating heart of Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2025, offering audiences free access to Ireland’s leading culinary talent and a weekend full of flavour, inspiration, and community spirit.

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News

Digital 26: Empowering Ireland’s Craft and Creative businesses through AI and innovation

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Ireland’s vibrant craft and creative community will come together at Google’s Foundry in Dublin for Digital 26: Focus on Craft and Creatives — a unique, in-person event designed to help small creative businesses navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. With a programme packed full of insight, inspiration, and innovation, this event is set to be a game-changer for makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs looking to future-proof their businesses.

Hosted by Google and brought to life in partnership with Craftwork4All and the Local Enterprise Offices of Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow, Digital 26 is part of the wider You’re the Business digital upskilling initiative. This powerful collaboration aims to equip Ireland’s creative sector with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to embrace digital transformation in a meaningful way.

Cera Ward, Managing Director, Central Europe, Large Customer Sales at Google Ireland, highlighted

L - R: David Walsh, Gearóid Sheridan (Laois LEO), Fiona Bennett (Wexford LEO), Dearbhla O'Dwyer (Carlow LEO), Kieran Comerford (Carlow LEO), Cera Ward (Managing Director, Central Europe, Large Customers Sales at Google Ireland), Magdelena Seymour (Pure Oskar), Ann Marie Sweeney (Kildare LEO), Lisa Hutton (Carlow LEO), Ardian Malaj (Kilkenny LEO)

the significance of small and medium-sized businesses, saying, “SMEs are the backbone of Ireland’s economy, creating jobs, fostering talent, and driving innovation. The craft and creative community play a vital role in shaping Ireland’s culture and identity. At Google, we’re committed to supporting these businesses by helping them develop the digital skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing

world. We’re proud to host Digital 26 at The Foundry in Google’s EMEA Headquarters and welcome Ireland’s creative entrepreneurs to a day designed to inspire, upskill, and empower. Anyone in the craft and creative sector should register—this is a fantastic opportunity to explore how digital tools and AI can unlock new possibilities and future-proof your business.”

Digital 26 begins at 10:00

AM at Google’s iconic Gordon House in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock, with coffee and networking opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow creatives and Local Enterprise Office (LEO) representatives. A short opening session from Google and the LEOs will introduce the day’s theme: the transformative power of digital and AI for creative businesses.

Morning highlights include a keynote by a Google expert

on harnessing AI to enhance productivity, streamline content creation, and explore new market opportunities.

Attendees will also see a live demonstration of ViGenAir, an AI tool that repurposes content into professionalgrade promotional videos optimized for various platforms.

Following a networking lunch, the afternoon offers hands-on breakout sessions.

Participants can choose between Making Sense of AI, focusing on AI fundamentals and ethical applications, or Practical AI for Marketing, offering tactical guidance for using AI to boost brand growth, engagement, and online presence. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The day concludes with a panel discussion, My Digital Journey & AI, hosted

by Naomh McElhatton, founder and CEO of Stimul. ai. The session features Irish entrepreneurs who have successfully integrated digital strategies into their creative businesses: Magdelena Seymour (Pure Oskar), Kim Whyte (Pawpear), Kay Lyng (K Kajoux Jewels), Niav Riley

(Market Square Studios), and Kieran Comerford (Network of Local Enterprise Offices).

Kieran Comerford added, “We’re delighted to work with Google on this initiative.

Events like Digital 26 are vital in helping creative SMEs stay competitive and futureready. Digital skills and AI are no longer optional—they are essential for growth, innovation, and resilience.”

Digital 26: Focus on Craft and Creatives promises an energizing, practical, and inspiring day for any creative business ready to embrace digital and thrive in 2026.

Booking is available as follows: Kilkenny: https://www. localenterprise.ie/ Kilkenny/Training-Events/ Online-Bookings/Digital26-Craft-Creatives-@Google-with-Craft-Work-4-0All-Local-Enterprise-Offices. html Other Areas -No Transport Included Digital 26: Craft & Creatives @ Google with Craft Work 4.0 All & Local Enterprise Offices (No-Transport) - Local Enterprise Office - Carlow

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

Christmas Parties Written by Michael Doyle As we approach the winter months, many people are planning and preparing for their Christmas holidays.

This can be a time for them to relax, recharge, and do things they might not have been able to do. This can also be a time for them to return home, to reunite with friends and family who they have not seen frequently or in a long time, especially if they or their family have been working away from home or overseas. As people reunite with their friends and family, they can catch up on what they have missed, relive old memories together, and share any upcoming news or developments. So, in this article, we take a look at the importance of memories, how you can reunite with friends, family, and those you have lost contact with, and how you can share and create memories old and new with them.

The importance of memories They say a memory lasts forever, and the best gift to give someone is a memory.

Memories are important as they shape who we are and can give us a sense of connection, meaning and of self. Memories can also cause us to reflect on the loss of loved ones. By sharing memories of those who are no longer with us, people can

The importance of memories this Christmas gain comfort and celebrate the love and joy they brought into their lives. Therefore, it is important for people to relive old memories, old traditions, and keep them alive for years to come, while also

creating new memories, and embracing new chapters and spontaneity.

Sharing and creating memories For those hosting a reunion,

you may feel a bit nervous about your reunion. This could be because you really want the reunion to go well, are worried it might not go well, or you are unsure what to say or do during it. If you

do, it is ok, as it is possible they might feel the same way too.

If you are welcoming the reunion of a loved one, know you do not have to do anything crazy. Just by

listening to them, their experiences, and being there for them, you can ease any nerves they may have and help them feel at home again. If you wanted to, you could reunite with your family member by being nostalgic and relive old photos and memories.

You or your returnees might have exciting new memories to add to the photobook, further developing the bonds and history of the family. You could also plan some traditional activities or excursions, while leaving room for downtime where you can simply relax and talk to each other.

A last point, the truth that life is too short. So, get out there, and make the most of your time with your loved ones and with potential reunions. See if you can organise a family, school, or community reunion. How about trying something new?

You could talk to a person who you have not seen or talked to in a long time, consider burying the hatchet with someone you have had a falling out with, or check-in on an old friend and see how they are doing.

However you share your memories and enact your reunions this Christmas, we hope you and your loved ones can share and embrace the joy, comfort and understanding of memories old and new for all this Christmas.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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Christmas Parties

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

Christmas Parties Written by Michael Doyle As we approach the winter months, many businesses are planning or considering hosting their office party.

Office parties are the time to celebrate the business and thank the staff for their hard work throughout the year. Whether you are tasked with organising the party, or simply showing up to it, both can bring about stress or uncertainty. In this article, we look at how to organise an office party, and the benefits of hosting one, as well as advice on how to participate and behave during the party.

How to organise an office party: When organising an office party, it is important to plan thoroughly and well in advance to ensure is smooth and cost-effective. Therefore, consider the size of the budget, a date most suitable for the business and its staff, a venue alongside the cost, facilities, and capacity of it, and any entertainment for the party. You might also consider handing out detailed invitations to your staff, as this can signal your intent and the events importance, and can help invitees plan around the office party in an effort to attend the event. An important part of hosting an office party is to remind attendees of the policies and guidelines of the business, highlighting the party as a work-related

Make this year’s office party unforgettable! event, to reduce the risk of any disputes or accidents.

The benefits of hosting an office party: Hosting an office party is beneficial as it gives staff

something to look forward to and a chance to enjoy themselves. Office parties can also boost personal and working relationships between staff, as colleagues can socialise and get to know

each other better outside of work pressures. By hosting an office party, bosses can show an appreciation for their staff, and an investment in their well-being, which can increase employee loyalty.

Etiquette: As mentioned, an office party is a work-related event. So, for attending the party, do behave with the same manners and politeness as you would do at work, and dress appropriately

for the occasion, either formal or smart-casual, along with some festive styling where applicable. Also, ensure you drink within your limits while partying, have a safe plan home, and, most importantly, have fun. By adopting these steps, you and others can party safely and long into the night.

As for what not to do when at the party, it is important to note: don’t drink too much at the party or make rude or offensive comments to staff or bosses. Also, don’t make untoward romantic advances to a staff member or your boss, or 1. Capture any moments (unflattering or otherwise) of staff and 2. post them on social media without their consent.

Should any of these happen, it is likely you will damage your reputation, feel regret or humiliation, and you could place your job under serious threat.

The office party is an important occasion for the business, giving staff the chance to relax, unwind and enjoy a celebration of the business, its staff and their hard work. However, ensuring thorough preparation, planning, and having a clear outline of good etiquette for staff is key to a successful and stress-free office party experience. With the right planning from organisers and etiquette from all staff, you and your work colleagues can enjoy the celebrations and make your Office Party truly unforgettable!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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Christmas Parties

Calling all Kilkenny bands! Open call for the 2025 Yulefest Live Music Stage Discover our month-long programme of familyfriendly events, live performances and night-time spectacles from 17th of October to 9th November.

The festivities incorporate our long-standing Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, Kilkenny’s Toil and Trouble festival, and includes flagship family friendly activities throughout the county such as the “Witches and Wizards” Festival at Castlecomer Discovery Park, and Halloween fun at Nore Valley Park and Pumpkin Patch.

The programme also brings a mix of family activities, community events, traditional Samhain-inspired celebration, live music, theatrics, late-night fancy dress and guided tours across the city, celebrating Kilkenny’s heritage, creativity and community spirit in a safe, inclusive festival atmosphere.

“Home of Halloween 2025 celebrates Kilkenny’s creative spirit and community networks,” said tourism officer at Kilkenny County Council and coordinator of Kilkenny Home of Halloween, Martina Comerford.

“This year’s programme has

been developed with our local tourism and hospitality sector, local heritage attractions and artists and community groups to make the programme welcoming, comprehensive and memorable for everyone.”

“The programme is a wonderful opportunity to bring locals and visitors together to enjoy Kilkenny’s medieval streets, food and culture,” said the Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. John Coonan. “We’re proud to support all events that champions our local businesses, artists and heritage whilst also welcoming visitors to Kilkenny. It is also a huge opportunity for us to support and further extend Kilkenny’s Night-Time Economy in the city.”

Tickets, bookings and information: - Many headline events require advance booking; free community events will take place across the city and county. Early booking is recommended for workshops and live performances.

- Ticket prices, family passes, concessions and accessibility bookings will be available via the individual event organiser sites.

- Visit the official pro-

gramme of events at Home of Halloween Kilkenny | Visit Kilkenny Events and social channels for the full programme, event times and ticket links (see contact details below).

Accessibility, safety and inclusion: The festival organisers are committed to accessibility and safety:- Wheelchair access is available at most venues; specific accessibility information will be listed per event.

- A code of conduct and safety guidance will be in place across all events; attendees are asked to follow venue guidance.

Home of Halloween 2025 is presented in partnership with local community groups, arts organisations and Kilkenny-based businesses. All activity aims to support local artists and traders and to channel visitor interest into Kilkenny’s hospitality and cultural sectors. The Home of Halloween festivities are funded by our national partners Fáilte Ireland, who are aiming to reclaim the Halloween Season internationally and position Ireland as the authentic Home of Halloween.

The ultimate guide to dressing up for the annual Christmas party The work Christmas party is an opportunity to have fun, recognise your accomplishments, and spread holiday cheer among your coworkers. One important duty, however, must be completed before you can practice your dance routines and your finest party stories: choosing what to wear!

It's important to keep in mind that even while the office Christmas party is a chance to relax, it is still a work-related affair. Therefore, the first piece of advice is to always dress professionally. Choose clothing that complies with the dress code at your place of business, but don't be afraid to add a little seasonal flair to your look. A formal, kneelength cocktail dress for the ladies or smart trousers and a blazer for the men will be appropriate for the occasion.

Add Christmas themed accents without making it too tacky. For a truly festive look, women should think about wearing a dress with sequins, metallic elements, or maybe a hint of red or green. For men, adding a festive tie, a pocket square with a Christmas theme, or some cufflinks can greatly enhance your appearance without

going too crazy.

The festive casual dress code achieves the ideal harmony between casual comfort and festive attire. Ladies, consider casual yet fashionable ensembles like a jumper dress with ankle

boots or jeans and a lovely top.

Gents, you can still enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while looking sharp in a smart-casual shirt and dark pants.

Festive parties have become synonymous with ugly Christmas

sweaters. Why not fully embrace in the festivities with an outrageously fun, garish sweater if your office favours a more laid-back environment? The idea, as always, is to smile and embrace the tackiness since this can be a fantastic icebreaker and conversation starter.

If your workplace is hosting a more formal event, consider being classy and elegant. Ladies, think of wearing a floor-length gown with spectacular jewellery in a deep shade of crimson or emerald green. For men, a sharp suit with a subdued Christmas tie or pocket square might strike the ideal note between formality and holiday cheer.

Let's move on to accessories and other adorable finishing touches you can add to your wardrobe to make it look even more festive now that you know what to wear! Your secret weapon for transforming an ordinary dress into a festive look can be accessories. Consider candy cane bracelets, snowflake-shaped earrings, or perhaps a tree-shaped brooch. These subtle adjustments can give your clothing a lively feel while still keeping it professional.

Ladies, take advantage of this

opportunity to play around with your hair and makeup in ways you might not normally do. To get into the holiday spirit, consider shimmering eyeshadows, a bold lip colour, or even a little glitter.

Your entire appearance can be unified with loose curls in your hair, a stylish updo, or even a festive hairpin. Men should not be forgotten either; feel free to dress glam whenever the mood strikes.

Your comfort and confidence are very crucial when choosing an outfit for a work Christmas party.

After all, your best accessory is your confidence! If you feel good in what you're wearing, whether it's a sequined dress, a handsome suit, or something more casual, it will show in your demeanour and interactions throughout the evening.

The key to a successful business holiday party dress code is striking the ideal balance between fun and professionalism. There are many possibilities, from black tie to ugly Christmas sweaters, that let you show off your individual flair while staying true to the mood or topic of the event. So go ahead, embrace your holiday spirit, and have fun with your fashion!

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Homes & Gardens Get ahead of the frost

GARDEN NOTES

Move potted herbs like rosemary, thyme and parsley It’s time to get the garclose to the house or den tucked up before into a sheltered porch winter really bites. so you can keep Start by mulchcooking with them ing flower borders through the colder with a thick layer months. It’s also a of compost, bark, good moment to or leaf mould - this sow sweet peas in not only insulates pots for strong, early gpointstudio roots from frost but blooms next summer. also improves soil for the Keep raking fallen year ahead. leaves off lawns to prevent the Lift any tender plants such as grass from being smothered cannas, dahlias and begonias, and add them to your comand store them somewhere post or leaf mould pile - your cool, dry and frost-free until garden will thank you for it spring. come spring.

Easy living on the edge of the City

Harrowville, Dublin Road, Kilkenny | Price: €607,000 | 4 Bed & 3 Bath | 157 m² | BER: A3 HOUSE OF THE WEEK Just a short walk from Kilkenny City, No. 4 Harrowville sits neatly off the Carlow Road in a small, well-kept development built in 2020 by Ragget Homes.

The location strikes a balance between peace and convenience - close enough to stroll into town, yet tucked away on a quiet service road with its own parking and a shared

green space that gives the area a friendly feel.

Inside, the house feels bright and well cared for. A wide hallway sets the tone, leading to a front sitting room where a large picture window fills the space with natural light.

French doors connect through to the open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area the social heart of the home.

Double doors open to a

south-facing garden, enclosed and private, with a paved patio ideal for morning coffee or weekend barbecues. A utility room and guest WC make the ground floor practical as well as polished.

Upstairs, the main bedroom includes a stylish en suite and dressing room, while two further doubles share a family bathroom fitted out with both bath and shower. The attic

offers extra storage - you can never have enough storage!

With shops, schools and Kilkenny’s city centre all close by, No. 4 Harrowville offers an easy blend of modern design, everyday comfort and thoughtful detail. Aa movein-ready home that’s built for real life.

Agent: Fran Grincell Properties

What exactly is a heat pump – and should you get one?

HOME SMART If you’ve been hearing a lot about heat pumps lately, you’re not alone.

With energy bills climbing and a big push for greener homes, more and more Kilkenny homeowners are looking into this smart technology. But what exactly is a heat pump - and why is it being called the future of home heating?

A heat pump is a clever system that moves heat rather than generating it. In winter, it extracts warmth from the outside air (yes, even when it’s cold) and transfers it into your home. In summer, many models can reverse the process to provide cooling, a bit like an air

conditioner.

The most common option in Ireland is the air-to-water heat pump, which connects to your radiators or underfloor heating system. There are also groundsource heat pumps, which draw heat from the earth via buried pipes - efficient but more expensive to install.

Heat pumps can be up to three times more efficient than traditional boilers, which means lower energy bills and a much smaller carbon footprint.

Because they use electricity, they pair well with solar panels - making your home even more sustainable.

Not every house is ready for a heat pump. They work best in well-insulated homes because they deliver a steady, gentle heat rather than a quick blast.

Many homeowners also need to upgrade radiators or switch to underfloor heating to get the most from the system.

The good news? The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers generous grants - up to €6,500 for a heat pump

system - to help with the cost.

An SEAI-registered contractor will carry out a technical assessment of your home before installation to make sure it’s suitable.

Is it worth it?

If you’re planning a renovation, new build or just want to future-proof your home, a heat pump is worth considering. While the upfront cost is higher than replacing a boiler, the long-term savings on energy bills - and the environmental benefits - can make it a smart investment.

More info: Visit seai.ie for details on heat pump grants, technical requirements and registered installers in Co Kilkenny.

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Health & Beauty katemangostar

Simple ways to drink more water

Drazen Zigic

Get to know your gut HEALTH There’s a good reason gut health has become such a hot topic - scientists now know that the trillions of bacteria living in our digestive system do far more than just help us digest food.

They play a big part in everything from mood and sleep to immunity and energy levels.

Here in Ireland, researchers at APC Microbiome in Cork are leading the charge, studying how the food we eat and our everyday habits affect these gut microbes. Their work shows

that simple changes - like eating more fibre and fermented foods - can make a real difference to how well our guts (and minds) feel.

A big focus this year is on “synbiotics” - a mix of probiotics (the good bacteria) and prebiotics (the food they feed on). Together they can support digestion, reduce inflammation and may even help heart health.

So, what can you do at home?

Start by adding more fibre-rich local foods to your diet such as oats, beans, apples and root veg. Try yoghurt, kefir or sau-

erkraut a few times a week and go easy on processed foods.

And don’t forget: gut health isn’t just about what’s on your plate. Sleep, stress and even spending time outdoors all help your microbiome thrive.

Looking after your gut doesn’t need to be complicated - a few small tweaks to your daily routine can leave you feeling lighter, brighter, and more balanced from the inside out.

Healthy gut tips 1. Eat more fibre: Fill half your plate with veg, fruit, beans, and whole grains - they feed your

HEALTH HACK

good gut bacteria.

2. Add fermented foods: Try yoghurt, kefir, kombucha or sauerkraut a few times a week for a natural probiotic boost.

3. Cut back on processed foods: Less sugar, fewer additives and more real ingredients keep your microbiome balanced.

4. Manage stress: Your gut feels stress too. A short walk, deep breathing or quiet cup of tea can help.

5. Sleep well: Aim for 7–8 hours a night - your gut microbes thrive on routine and rest.

Staying hydrated isn’t just about quenching thirst - it helps your skin glow, supports digestion and keeps energy levels steady.

But many of us still fall short of the daily 1.5–2 litres we need.

An easy fix? Start your morning with a glass of water before your usual brew, keep a reusable bottle nearby and set

The power of fresh air EXERCISE

Why muscle matters more than you think

Freepik

DC Studio

EXCERCISE When we think of strength training, it’s easy to picture heavy weights and gym mirrors - but building muscle isn’t just for bodybuilders. It’s one of the most important things we can do for our long-term health, especially as we get older.

After the age of 30, we naturally start to lose muscle mass - a process called sarcopenia.

Less muscle can mean slower metabolism, weaker bones and greater risk of falls or injury.

The good news? It’s never too late to turn that around.

Simple, regular strength exercises help keep your body strong, your balance steady

and your energy levels up. You don’t need fancy equipment either - your own body weight does the trick. Try squats while brushing your teeth, wall pushups during TV ad breaks or lifting tins of beans as makeshift weights.

Even two short sessions a week can make a big difference. Pair it with a brisk walk

or bit of stretching and you’ve got a recipe for better posture and mobility.

And it’s not just physical - research shows strength training boosts mood and helps you sleep better too.

So whether you’re 25 or 75, it’s worth flexing those muscles.

Your future self will thank you for every lift, stretch and stride.

reminders on your phone. Add lemon, cucumber or mint for flavour if plain water feels dull.

Eating water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber and oranges also helps.

Remember - by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already a bit dehydrated. Sip steadily throughout the day and your body (and skin) will reap the benefits.

A few minutes in nature can do wonders for body and mind.

Studies show that being outdoors lowers stress, improves focus and even boosts immunity. The simple act of walking among trees - known as “forest bathing” in Japan - helps slow your heart rate and lift your mood.

You don’t need to hike a mountain - a stroll through Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny Castle grounds or along the River Nore can have the same calming effect. Try leaving your phone at home and really notice the sounds, smells and colours around you.

A little time outdoors each day is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to reset.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

Food & Drink Fermentation nation FOOD CRAFT Ireland’s growing fascination with fermented foods is bubbling over - quite literally and the sold-out Introduction to Fermented Foods course at Teagasc Food Research Centre in Moorepark, Fermoy, proves just how popular this ancient food craft has become.

Fermentation is one of the oldest forms of food preservation, but in recent years it’s taken on a new life. From tangy kombucha to creamy kefir and probiotic-rich yoghurts, these “living foods” are being rediscovered for their flavour, creativity and gutfriendly benefits.

Teagasc’s course offers a hands-on introduction to the science behind the process, exploring everything from choosing raw ingredients and understanding starter cultures to mastering fermentation environments - aerobic and anaerobic - and experimenting with flavouring through secondary fermentation. Participants also learn about equipment, hygiene and safety requirements essential for anyone considering turning a kitchen hobby into a food business.

What makes this programme special is its balance between theory and practice.

Delivered by experienced researchers and food scientists at Teagasc Moorepark, the

sessions combine lecturestyle presentations with small-scale lab and kitchen experiments, allowing participants to see fermentation in action - and taste the results.

While this month’s course is fully booked, the enthusiasm signals a strong appetite among producers and food lovers for sustainable, smallbatch methods that bring out nature’s best flavours. Whether you’re brewing kombucha at home, experimenting with sauerkraut or dreaming of launching your own fermented food venture, courses like these show that the future of food might just lie in its most ancient traditions.

For updates on future Teagasc food innovation courses, visit www.teagasc.ie

Warm Spiced Apple Crumble Pots RECIPE There’s no better way to celebrate autumn’s bounty than with a comforting apple crumble - especially when local apples are at their sweetest.

This easy, single-serve version delivers all the flavour of the classic with a little less fuss.

A local spread - Kilkenny flavours to savour

Ingredients (serves 4): 4 medium apples (peeled, cored and chopped) 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon A squeeze of lemon juice 75g plain flour 50g butter (chilled, cubed) 50g oats 2 tbsp caster sugar Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).

2. Toss the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Spoon into four small ovenproof ramekins or one small baking dish.

3. In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour until crumbly.

Stir in oats and caster sugar.

4. Sprinkle the crumble mix evenly over the apples.

5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

To serve: Top with a dollop of cream, custard or ice cream.

Tip: Try adding a handful of blackberries or a drizzle of local honey before baking for extra autumn flavour.

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PRODUCERS The classic charcuterie board (see above) - brimming with cured meats, cheeses and other delicacies - has had a real revival. But as more people look to support local producers and eat responsibly, there’s a new twist to the trend: sustainable charcuterie.

At its heart, sustainable charcuterie is about quality over quantity - meat sourced from small Irish farms where animal welfare, land care and

traditional skills come first.

Luckily for those of us in Co Kilkenny, some of Ireland’s best artisan producers are right here at home.

Start with Breagagh Valley Artisan Meats Chorizo locally made and nitrate free. Add in The Little Green Grocer’s locally stocked artisan cheeses, such as creamy Knockdrinna goat’s cheese (Stoneyford) and end with Kilkenny’s own Truffle Fairy chocolate shards for a sweet finish.

For something special, seek out Goatsbridge Trout

Pâté - a delicious, sustainable Jerpointchurch twist on the traditional pâté spread - or Mooncoin Beetroot Relish, whose earthy sweetness balances the salt of cured meats beautifully. A drizzle of Highbank Orchards’ organic apple syrup adds a local flourish, and if you’re pouring something alongside, try a Maltings Red Ale from Kilkenny city.

Building a sustainable board is about balance: choose smaller portions, waste nothing and use reus-

able wooden boards or slate instead of disposable trays.

Look out for these producers at local farmers’ markets or during the Savour Kilkenny Festival - it’s a great chance to meet the people behind the food and see how sustainable eating starts with supporting your own community.

Whether it’s a Friday-night graze or a festive get-together, a charcuterie board built from Kilkenny’s own bounty proves that “local” really does taste better - and kinder.

Why we still love a spiced pumpkin latte DRINK Love it or roll your eyes at it, there’s no denying this creamy, cinnamon-dusted drink has become an autumn ritual for many.

The original idea was simple: combine smooth espresso, steamed milk and a hint of pumpkin purée with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. The result? A drink that feels like a cosy jumper in a cup.

What began as an American coffee shop experiment two decades ago has taken root here in Ireland too, with cafés across Kilkenny now adding their own twist.

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Many local baristas are making their versions more wholesome and sustainable - think locally roasted beans,

homemade pumpkin syrups and plant-based milks. Some even skip the sugar-heavy syrups altogether, blending

real pumpkin purée and natural spices for an earthier, more comforting taste.

For the home barista, it’s surprisingly easy to make your own. Simmer together milk, pumpkin purée, a spoon of brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Add a shot of espresso (or strong coffee), top with frothed milk and finish with a dusting of spice.

Whether you’re sipping it on a crisp morning walk or curled up by the fire, the spiced pumpkin latte isn’t just a drink - it’s a small, aromatic reminder to slow down and savour the season.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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What’s On Your week in 6 picks

Tron: Ares

TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES, AND MORE—OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK

- dazzling to watch, harder to feel

What to Watch: I Swear - A biographical drama about John Davidson, a Scottish man diagnosed with Tourette’s in adolescence. The film follows his struggle with tics, bullying and isolation and his later journey toward advocacy and self-acceptance, balancing raw honesty with warmth and quiet humour today.

What to Read: Paper Heart - From the bestselling author of PS I Love You, Cecilia Ahern, comes a heartwarming tale of courage and connection. When shy dreamer Pip meets an astronomer who opens her eyes to the stars, she begins to rediscover herself - and a world full of love, hope and endless possibility.

What to Stream: My Father, the BTK Killer - When Kerri Rawson learns her loving father is actually the BTK serial killer who terrorised Wichita, USA for 15 years, her world collapses. My Father, the BTK Killer follows her harrowing journey to reconcile the man she knew with the monster he was. Now streaming on Netflix.

What to Play: EA Sports FC 25 - The latest installment offers fun, fastpaced gameplay with standout additions like the Rush mode, FC IQ and enhanced tactical options. Career Mode gains depth with improved player roles, youth development and weather effects. While familiar overall, these engaging features and polished on-pitch action make it an enjoyable football experience.

What to Learn: Maths Week - Escape the Sum - Celebrate Maths Week at Castlecomer Discovery Park on Saturday (October 18). Kids of all ages can explore the fun side of numbers through interactive games, puzzles and creative crafts. Younger children enjoy playful hands-on activities, while older kids tackle engaging challenges that build confidence and spark curiosity.

Entry €8.

MOVIE Tron: Ares gives viewers a fresh trip into the neon-lit world born in Tron (1982) and continued in Tron: Legacy (2010).

Directed by Joachim Rønning, the film stars Jared Leto as Ares, a powerful AI who crosses from the digital world into ours. He joins Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie TurnerSmith, Gillian Anderson and Jeff Bridges returning as Kevin

Flynn.

The film is ambitious. Stunning visuals, pulsing action sequences and a moody, dark sci-fi atmosphere powered by the soundtrack of Nine Inch Nails are the highlights.

Critics and fans alike agree that Tron: Ares is a sensory spectacle - especially in IMAX - and the music is one of its strongest assets.

However, not everything has landed smoothly. While many applaud the techni-

cal achievements, script and character development are often seen as weaker points.

Some reviewers call the plot “vapid,” overly nostalgic or repetitive. Dialogue is criticised as clunky and several say the film spends too much time explaining digital rules and not enough letting the drama unfold naturally.

Its reception on Rotten Tomatoes is mixed - the votes hover around the mid-50s for critics, though fans and online

communities are more forgiving, often applauding the film’s heart, spectacle and the love for the Tron franchise.

Ultimately, Tron: Ares may not rewrite the rules of science fiction cinema, but if you enjoy immersive visuals and high-voltage sci-fi setpieces - and don’t mind a plot that leans on legacy - it could make for a thrilling movie night.

IMC Barrack Street, Kilkenny.

Folk icon Mary Gauthier heads to Kilkenny WATERGATE THEATRE | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 | 8PM Acclaimed American folk singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier will perform in Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre, with special guest Jaimee Harris on Thursday night.

The concert promises to deliver “an intimate evening of storytelling and song”, drawing from Gauthier’s most recent album Dark Enough to See the Stars as well as highlights from her 30-year career.

Known for her ability to “transform raw emotion into poetic truth”, Gauthier’s work sits at the heart of modern Americana. Her 2018 Gram-

my-nominated album Rifles & Rosary Beads - created in collaboration with wounded Iraq war veterans - earned widespread praise for its honesty and compassion, while her latest release returns to deeply personal territory, reflecting on love, loss and hope.

Mary’s songs have been recorded by dozens of artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Boy George, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Bettye Lavette, Mike Farris, Kathy Mattea, Bobby Bare, Amy Helm and Candi Staton and have appeared extensively

in film and television, most recently on HBO TV’s Yellowstone.

In addition to her acclaimed albums, Gauthier is also the author of Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting (2021), a moving reflection on the creative process and how music can mend the soul. Fellow artist Brandi Carlile has called her “a voice we need now more than ever,” while critics consistently praise her as one of the most affecting lyricists of her generation.

Tickets: €31.50.

Where to Visit: Halloween at Nore Valley Park. Nore Valley park’s Halloween celebration is back with pumpkin picking, carving, farm fun and tasty treats by day - and spooky adventures by night. Enjoy torchlight treasure hunts, bonfires and the famous scare maze.

Tickets: €10 - €12.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

Short story

BY KEELA AYRES

“It’s not a bother to you Sadbh. He’ll open up to you for sure.”

The sun cast its light over the wind chime, showering the office in a rainbow of jewelled fragments. Sadbh was getting yet another pep talk from Mrs Delaney, a well-meaning yet comical character known cruelly as ‘Insanely Delaney’ by the rest of the staff. Her greying hair was stacked in another one of her puzzling buns and she carried a faint whiff of coffee and cigarettes about her.

It was only Sadbh’s first week of volunteering since she finally got her Masters for counselling psychology in Limerick a few months ago. Since she was 15, all she ever wanted to do was to improve the wellbeing of those who needed it. Now just shy of 24, that dream was going to become a reality. Well, it would, if this yapper of a woman would ever leave her office.

“I just don’t know if I’ll be any good at connecting with him,” twittered Sadbh, fiddling with the pendant around her neck. Her outfit was a V-neck turquoise jumper paired with a royal purple maxi skirt. Her ‘battle armour’ as she liked to call it. She liked to convince herself that if she dressed confidently, it would translate into her demeanour.

“Oscar is my first ever client.

If I can’t help him, then what use will I be as a counsellor to anyone else?”

Mrs Delaney let out a curt snort, her left nostril erupting with a sharp blast of air.

“Ah would you stop! You’re too hard on yourself girly, just give yourself a chance with this lad. It’ll take a while for him to feel comfortable anyway.” She rose from the padded chair across from Sadbh, dusting her collection of biscuit crumbs idly off her lap onto the periwinkle carpet. Sadbh bit back a scowl; that’s the third time that she’ll have to hoover up after her. “I’ll be off now; I have Debbie in a few minutes. You’ll be grand!

You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t good enough!”

The arrival Her words hung in the air as she scooted out the faded birch door. Sadbh gave the back of her neck a rub, as if she could feel their weight sink into her. A clock in the shape of a sunflower informed her it was five to two now, only minutes until Oscar’s arrival. She darted around the room to prep it for him, squeezing between the narrow gaps where the desk and the chair were perched. Poky as it was, Sadbh had made her space as inviting as she could. The other staff members delightedly remarked on the quirky details she had introduced, from the hand-knitted throws she spent countless nights on, to the pastel prints a late friend had painted for her that were proudly displayed on the peeling walls. The feel of an office is a reflection of its owner, she wanted it to be the colourful comfort in the vapid seas of beige and browns.

A careful knock accompanied by a blurry shadow that filled the grainy window nearly caused the Kit Kat wrapper to escape her grasp.

“Come in!” she choked, crouching and giving it a frenzied toss into the wastebasket.

A lanky figure slowly crept up and parked himself in front of her desk, cocking his curly head with a fascinated curiosity. “Are you Miss O’Keeffe?”

Sadbh frantically leapt up to address him, only to knock her forehead off the desk’s scuffed edge. “Ow! Yes, that’s me. Although no need to call me that.” She settled herself into her armchair. Oscar mimicking her with a perplexed stare. A grin spread across her lips. “I don’t do formalities, it’s just Sadbh to everyone. Even you Mr Kennedy.” He allowed himself a soft giggle, a warm flush traced across his cheeks.

The stiffness was beginning to fade, her first victory.

Curious From the outside, he seemed like any other 17-year-old.

Tall, pale, a crown of dark overgrown ringlets that fell just to his ears and a slight dent in his nose, broken from some sort of regretted gallivanting. His chin and forehead were dotted with acne and his eyes, the most intriguing shade of aqua. Aside from that and his clothes; a pair of black joggers, white platform trainers with mucky laces and a baggy hoodie covered

“What are you writing about me?! Who are you going to tell?” demanded Oscar, pulling at her long ginger plait as he held the notebook over his head out of her reach.

This week, The Kilkenny Observer welcomes Keela Ayres with her short story ‘The long haul’.

Keela first submitted a series of short stories while a student at The Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny

“Oscar is my first ever client. If I can’t help him, then what use will I be as a counsellor to anyone else?”

The long haul was going to be tough with messily sketched eyes, you would wonder why he was even here at all. What could’ve happened for Oscar to end up here seeing her?

Sadbh cleared her throat and reached for her floral notebook, drawing her pen to the first ivory page. She was no longer slumped in the security of her cushions; she was responsible for this boy’s wellbeing now. “Is there any particular reason as to why you came to see me today?” she paused and waited for his reply, twiddling with her chain once again. Oscar’s brow began to knit in worry, his awkward shuffling answering for him.

The moment the question

left her lips, the room was clouded with uncertainty again. His eyes inspected everything in the office but her, as if the intensity of her gaze would consume him from the inside out. Whatever it was that had happened, he wasn’t going to disclose it to her on a whim. Sadbh scribbled a careful note down, knowing she must proceed with caution. She allowed for a pinch of silence to settle between them. She had to let him advance on his own terms.

His sights finally settled on the sunflower clock before he offered a reply. “I’ve been feeling, I don’t know, like depressed? It’s been this way for

a while now.” Sadbh adjusted her circular frames with her index finger before jotting down another sentence. “Do you know why you’re feeling this way, Oscar? Is there anything specific that caused this?” He focused in on the watercolour orchid above her cabinet, his right leg bouncing up and down in an erratic motion.

“School mostly. Being at home doesn’t help much either. It’s hard to pick just one thing.” Sadbh nodded, keeping a careful watch on his movements. His tone was low and defeated, almost as if he was convinced that what he said didn’t matter. But every twitch and fleeting focus on

a new object told her otherwise. He wanted to be taken seriously, he just didn’t know how. At least he was giving her a sense of how to help him now.

Nightmare “School was a nightmare when I was there too. All this pressure about exams and colleges! Don’t even remind me about the people in my year. You’ll be in 6th year soon, right?” she added.

Oscar kept his head bowed to the carpet now but gave a quick nod. “I’m dreading it.

I’ve no clue what I’m even going to do after I’m done secondary. I just want to get out of the house as quick as I

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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Short story

“School was a nightmare when I was there too. All this pressure about exams and colleges! Don’t even remind me about the people in my year.

“I understand that your family must be a sore spot for you Oscar. It seems that there’s some unresolved tension between you all.

Does this stem from one parent or both?” Sadbh had to hazard her question without stammering. The gravity of the situation was only really beginning to sink in now. She reached for her notebook again, with Oscar observing the speed at which she wrote her paragraphs.

The pen flew with a fluidity of purpose, only barely keeping up with the expanding thoughts that ran through her mind.

“Are you going to tell them I’m here?” he quizzed, still engrossed in the mysteries that lay in Sadbh’s notebook.

Oscar now sat completely still and upright, as if frozen in place. She looked up to see him focused on the notebook, his new object of fixation.

“What is said in my office, stays in my A lanky figure slowly crept up office.

Unless and parked himself in front of her I have reason to desk, cocking his curly head with a believe that you or fascinated curiosity. someone you know is at risk.” He nodded, keeping his sight set on the floral lined cover. He hadn’t broken eye can.” Sadbh knew she needed contact since she started to focus on Oscar’s homelife. writing again.

“What are things like with Without hesitation, Oscar your parents? How would you dived across her desk and describe them?” snatched Sadbh’s notebook He finally met her eyes for from her in a mere matter of the first time since he walked seconds. She let out a horriin. But instead of fear or fied screech, lunging to grab timidness, a burning rage it back. “You’re not supposed was now etched across his to see that!” All professional features. courtesy went out the window He let out a snicker cloaked as she began to tussle with in spite; “It’s their fault I’m Oscar, who kept an iron-tight even here to begin with. They grip on the spine of the notenever listen to anything I book. The pair fell to the floor say because they’re too busy as they fought for the ownerscreaming at me. They don’t ship, pushing and swiping even know I’m here; my like siblings in a barbaric English teacher was the one scrap. who told me about this place.”

“What are you writing about Oscar folded his arms against me?! Who are you going his chest, a grimace replaced to tell?” demanded Oscar, the polite smile that was pulling at her long ginger plait now long gone. Sadbh had as he held the notebook over long forgotten her notebook, his head out of her reach. Her sitting with a confession that waves cascaded free from she was struggling to navithe confines of the hair tie as gate. The mere mention of his Sadbh pushed his left arm family had cast a scorn over away from her head and onto Oscar that she didn’t even the carpet. think was capable. How could they not even know their son Private was in counselling?

“I’m not going to tell anyone,

they’re my private notes!” she yelped, leaning over and finally snatching it back from him. Oscar burst open the cover and tore a bundle of pages out, showering the office floor in an explosion of paper scraps. Sadbh pushed him back in an attempt to salvage them only to be met with a panicked slap across the face.

Silence greeted them once again, minutes dragging by like hours. Sadbh sat defeated on the carpet as the paper laced her skirt. She tried choking back the lump rising in her throat but hot tears escaped her eyes, dotting her glasses as Oscar stood over her, his hand convulsing with guilt. “I take notes as a way of keeping track of each patient, I’m not supposed to show them to anyone. I understand you’ve been through a lot but this isn’t going to work unless you trust me.”

Oscar dropped to his knees so he could be at eye level with her, his face tear-streaked and scarlet with shame.

He sobbed uncontrollably, hunched over in front of her as she could only watch in petrified shock. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m so sorry Sadbh. I want to trust you; it’s my parents I can’t trust.

They’ll only try kick me out again or something worse.

I just don’t want to feel like this anymore, I feel like I’d be better off if I wasn’t here.”

As his sobs got louder and higher, Sadbh embraced him and let him release the pent-up frustration he’d been hiding for so long. Every terrible thought, insecurity and memory that plagued him was entrusted to her. Things she wouldn’t wish on anyone.

The session ended with him endlessly apologising and thanking her, to which she could only smile and say, “It’s my job, it’s what I’m here for.”

She spent the rest of the afternoon curled up at her scuffed desk, gazing mindlessly at the same print like Oscar had. She was determined to be in it for the long haul, nothing would change that. She just didn’t realise how hard it’d actually be.

"Keela Ayres is a 3rd year student, currently studying Arts & Humanities in Carlow College.

Her latest story involves the topic of mental health, and how one of the hardest things when dealing with it, is to ask for help. Despite being a fabrication of fiction, the issue is all too real."

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

Planning notices

Planning notices 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 Ken, Evelyn and Wesley Whiteford. Permission to construct (i) slatted Shed with loose area (ii) walled silages and all associated site works. Demolition of storage shed also required at Warrenstown, Johnstown, 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 Smithstown Dairy Partnership am applying to Kilkenny County Council Planning Permission for the construction of an underground slurry storage tank and all associated site works at Smithstown, Maddoxtown, Co. Kilkenny.

The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during Office hours i.e. 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the 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 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

RE: Outline Planning Permission is sought by Martin O’Connell to construct a two-storey and single-storey element new dwelling house, detached garage, private well, sewage treatment unit and percolation area, new site entrance and all associated site works at Ballinvally, Flagmount North, County Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056-7753933 web:www.gmarch.net

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Brid Hennessy and Jason Quinn intend to apply for Planning Permission to construct a new single storey dwelling house, new single storey detached garage, new vehicular site entrance, new proprietary sewage treatment system and percolation area and all associated site development works at Kilmacar, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 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, Brendan and Michelle Costelloe, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for a single storey private residence, detached garage, splayed site entrance, driveway, borewell, wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter and all associated site works on lands located at Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of William and Georgina Bergin for: Retention Planning permission of constructed rear extension to dwelling and constructed detached garage Full Planning permission to: 1. Upgrade wastewater system to current EPA Guidelines. 2. Improvement works to existing entrance and roadside boundary at Maxtown, Callan, Co. Kilkenny R95 V3Y6.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews GIRL GUIDES Kilkenny Girls Guides PRO, Margaret Patterson, is seeking volunteers to join their teams of volunteers to assist with their non-formal education programmes for girls, the Brownies, aged 7 to 10 and Girl Guides aged 10 to 14. The programmes also involve games and fun events. Margaret would like to hear from adults who would be able to give, at least, a two hour commitment per week on either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Training would be provided and Garda vetting is also necessary. For further information contact Kilkenny Volunteer Centre 089 2584946 or email kilkennygirlguides@gmail.com.

COIS NORE CONCERT Cois Nore co-ordinator Sheila Murphy advises that the Cois Nore Candlelight Concert will take place on Saturday night, 1st November in St. Mary’s Cathedral starting at 8pm. Among those performing on the night will be soprano, Niamh Sheehy, the Cois Nore Choir and tenor, Joe Roche and with more to be announced. Tickets for the concert cost €25 for adults and € 15 for U16 year olds. For more information phone 056 7752222 or log on to coisnore.ie/candlelight CLARA CLARA CROWNED CHAMPIONS Clara stormed to victory in the Under-13 Camogie Final, defeating Saint Martin’s 4-12 to 1-5 in a performance full of teamwork, discipline, and energy.

From the outset, Clara’s slick passing and constant movement kept the pressure on, with every player contributing to a well-oiled team effort. Their attitude was top-class, focused, supportive, and relentless. Saint Martin’s battled bravely and showed great heart and no shortage of skill, but Clara’s structured play and sharp finishing proved too strong. A brilliant game, played in the right spirit. Huge credit to both teams!

Team - Orla O’Keeffe, Anna Galvin, Róisín Moseley (C), Ella Carrigan, Ella Cooke, Tara Boyd, Sarah Mulrooney, Laura Fitzgerald, Pearl Treacy, Orla Tierney, Grace Scanlon, Lydia Phelan, Tilly O’Regan, Emer O’Callaghan, Maeve Hoyne, Rachel Comerford, Ava Kehoe-Hanlon, Abbie Carrigan, Mary-Kate Curran.

U14s TRIUMPH AS WELL Under-14 Roinn C Camogie. FinalClara Dig deep to defeat Mooncoin. Clara were crowned champions after a hard-fought 2-8 to 2-4 win over Mooncoin in a thrilling Under-14 Camogie Final. The match was a showcase of work rate, teamwork, and discipline, with Clara’s passing and movement creating scoring chances and keeping the pressure on. Their positive attitude and relentless energy were evident from start to finish.

Mooncoin pushed hard, matching Clara in intensity and finding the net twice, but Clara’s second-half substitutions proved crucial. Fresh legs brought renewed drive, tightened up the defence, and added pace to the attack—ultimately tipping the balance in Clara’s favour.

A fantastic contest played in great spirit. Well done to

both teams!

Team - Lydia Phelan, Ellis Beatty, Róisín Moseley, Aine Bowden-Mullen, Laura Fitzgerald, Ella Tierney, Ella Cooke, Shona Brennan, Emily O’Keeffe, Emer O’Callaghan, Kate Mulrooney, Orlaith Carroll, Orla Tierney, Amy Breen, Laura Beatty, Rose Kennedy, Maeve Hoyne, Ella Carrigan, Tara Boyd, Pearl Treacy, Tilly O’Regan, Sarah Mulrooney, Orla O’Keeffe, Anna Galvin, Ava Kehoe-Hanlon, Grace Scanlon, Abbie Carrigan.

CLUB LOTTO The Lotto results for 7th October were as follows, the numbers drawn were 11, 22, 28. There was no jackpot winner. €30 each went to Ann O Shea, John O Sullivan, Statia O Carroll, Dermot Langton, Michael Dreeling. Thanks for your continued support and best of luck, with next week’s Lotto CONCERT The Cois Nore Candlelight Concert will be taking place this year on Saturday 1st of November in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 8pm. There will be performances by Niamh Sheehy Soprano, Cois Nore Choir and Joe Roche Tenor with more to be announced. Visit coisnore.ie/ candlelight for more information about tickets or call 056-7752222.

and Junior county finals it’s time for supporters and the people of St. John’s parish to support our teams.

We can be certain the players, team managements and the club itself will do everything possible in preparation for the game. Now it is essential that supporters do likewise, flying our colours with flags and bunting on display, putting out signs and of course being there at the finals to cheer on our teams. It is wonderful for the club to be in the position it is in so the appeal is to everyone to “put on the jersey” and support our great players.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated October 7th. The numbers drawn were 6, 8, 21 and 27. The bonus number was 10. Play now at https:// oloughlingaels.com/olg Promotors Draw. 1. Graham Browne c/o Damien O’Connell. 2. Paidí and Niamh c/o Ml Nolan. 3. Ciara Tynan c/o Ml Nolan. 4. Caroline Ryan c/o B Maher. 5.

Francis Walsh c/o B Walsh. 6. Jim Nugent c/o JJ Cullen / Dinny. 7. Clare Mahoney. 8. Padraig Meaney c/o Online 9. Ellen O’Brien c/o Online. 10. Eileen Cleere c/o Online. Thank You for your continued support.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

WEDDING BELLS The wedding took place on Friday afternoon last at St.Lachtains Church Freshford between Lorraine Bowden daughter of Michael and Liz Bowden, Woodview Freshford and Niall Gleeson son of Billy and Marian Gleeson Ballyragget. The ceremony was performed

by Rev. Fr. Mark Condon PP. The bride was attended by her twin sister Majella as maid of honour and her sister Nicola as bridesmaid. Bestmen were Eoin and Liam Gleeson brothers of the groom. The bride wore a full length white dress with lace straps and bodice with long flowing train and her long veil flowing down the back. Her attendants wore full length dresses of pale blue. Reception was held in Hotel Kilkenny. The couple will reside in their newly built home at Ballyroe Freshford and are wished all the best in their newly married life together.

SQUASH More huge congratulations are extended this week to local squash enthuiasist and young star player Nathan Walsh from the village. Nathan finished third overall in the Ulster Junior open last weekend. Nathan played three games on Saturday winning all three tough games and played in the semi final on Sunday afternoon coming up against the number one seed in what turned out to be a very tough encounter losing out 3-1. He then played for 3rd or 4th place later in the day which turned out to be a fantastic game between Nathan and his opponent from Dublin Samuel Hann.

The game went all the way with Nathan coming out on top in the 5th game winning 11-8 to take third place with a 3-2 win. Well done Nathan with all his hard work paying off.

SYMPATHY

SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND Last weekend proved to be a very successful one on the field of play for O’Loughlin Gaels as both the Senior and the Junior teams won their championship semifinals and set up a bumper county final weekend for the club.

First in action on Saturday last were the Junior team who faced St. Patrick’s Ballyragget. O’Loughlin’s survived a nervous start in this game, after which they found themselves 1-3 to 0-1 in arrears, to gradually take control of and register a deserved 1-21 to 2-14 win, the goal a well taken effort from Alex Sheridan. They now face Barrow Rangers in the final.

On Sunday it was the turn of the Senior hurlers who faced Mullinavat in their semi-final in UPMC Nowlan Park. As has been the case in the many games between the two teams it was a tremendous tussle and while O’Loughlin’s led on a number of occasions by four or five points the southern team came right back into the game and by the end the team in white and green were defending a two point lead desperately as they faced a final close-in Mullinavat free. Thankfully for O’Loughlin’s it went over the bar and they qualified for the final on a score of 1-20 to 2-16.

The county final will be O’Loughlin Gaels fourth appearance in the decider in five years, a remarkable level of consistency. It will be against great rivals, Shamrocks’s Ballyhale, a team who have won multiple county Senior and All-Ireland titles, and will be a game every supporter will look forward to.

SUPPORT OUR TEAM As O’Loughlin’s face into the challenge of their Senior

FRESHFORD

Nathan Walsh The people of Freshford were shocked and saddened at the weekend to hear of the unexpected passing of Debbie Queally (nee Hughes) late of Togher Crescent Urlingford. Debbie who was just 51 years old was formerly from Wood view Freshford and grew up in the area and her and her family are well known in the village and beyond. Her funeral mass took place in Church of the Assumption Urlingford on Tuesday morning followed by burial in St Kierans Cemetery

The Clara U14 camogie squad that claimed county honours

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 Johnstown. She is mourned by her husband Eamonn, son Liam, daughters Tara and Aoife, her parents Tony and Mary, brothers Martin, Tony, Barry and Ryan, sisters Tayna and Regina, mother and father in law, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

SAFETY FIRST The recent development of a car park at Freshford Cemetery is a most welcome project for people wishing to visit the graves of their loved ones. Open every day it will facilitate safe entry and exiting for all who wish to park there. Local Cllr Michael McCarthy says he is pleased to see the project through to fruition and he thanked the Municipal Engineer and all who contributed to the timely delivery of the long awaited car park.

A huge thankyou was paid to Liam and Ann Deacon for their generous gift of the site OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre will be visiting Ballyragget weekly, every Wednesday located at Dr.Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941 FOROIGE Freshford foroige youth club will resume recently and will continue each Monday evening. They hope to welcome new members along and welcome back past members .

GAA All quiet on the playing fields at the minute with the U21 hurlers the only ones left in action. They take on Graiguenamanagh on Saturday next in Graiguenamanagh with throw in at 4pm so go along and support the young hurlers.

The annual Philip Kinane tournament will take place at the end of the month.

BRIDGE Freshford Bridge club resumed recently in Threecastles Hall and will continue each week at 7.30pm new members are very welcome. Bridge Classes commenced on Monday 13th October. If you are interested in learning how to play bridge you are most welcome to attend these classes and for further information contact Anne Maria on 087 2271136 if you are interested.

SOCCER Freshford town junior side were beaten 1-0 by Stoneyford in their home league game on Sunday morning last.

In the schoolboys section the U13 boys lost out to Den Celtic on a 2-1 scoreline on Saturday. The U15 boys were defeated by Bridge Utd at the weekend on a scoreline of 2-0 Freshford Town academy training resumed recently and continues each Saturday, at Wood view at 9.30am.

U5 to U7s. You can contact any Committee member or coach for more information or through the clubs social media pages SPLIT THE POT The proceeds of the local Split the pot for the month of October is going to Freshford and District coursing club and the winners in weeks 3 and 4 were Pat Collins €240 and Mary Walsh €300. Envelopes are available at all local shops and businesses and are just €2 each SAUNA The new sauna which is up and running at the Millennium Park since August and has been very busy during the good weather. The new facility is still open and you can book your 40mins session online .

FUNDING Cllr Michael McCarthy welcomed 40k funding for the loop walk in Freshford recently. The funding under the ORIS scheme will go towards upgrade and enhancement works for the facility which is used frequently by the young and not so young. Great credit is due to the Parks Department of Kilkenny county Council for their interest, involvement and delivery of the funding according to Cllr McCarthy.

IONAD LACHTAIN St Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.00pm.

PARISH NEWS Mass times have been rescheduled for Freshford Tullaroan and Ballycallan. Saturday evening- Killaloe -6pm, Tullaroan 7.30pm. Sunday – Ballycallan 9.30am Freshford 11am. Killaloe, Tulla and Kilmanagh will share the 6pm Mass on a 1, 2, 3 basis. Weekly masses started from 15th September Monday 9.30am Kilmanagh, Tuesday and Friday –Freshford -9.30am and Thursday –Tullaroan at 9.30am.

The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and on the website also is any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish. The newsletter can be notified by phoning the office during the hours of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours 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 CHOIR Freshford Parish choir resumed on Sunday last after their summer break. New members are most welcome

ALTAR SERVERS Altar servers are now being recruited to serve in our two churches. Applications are open to children who have received their first holy communion (3rd class upwards) and application forms are available in the church or by contacting the school. Those interested are asked to fill out the form and return it to the parish office. Altar servers are supervised by parents and supported by parish safeguarding reps.

TIDY TOWNS Tidy town’s volunteers meet each Wednesday evening in the village and would welcome new volunteers. So please go along for a chat and to lend a hand to your community if you can spare an hour.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café in the village is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. They are always looking for people on both sides of the counter.

So why not support your own local café meet a friend for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee and some lovely homemade food. The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities. The Loop is looking for volunteers as well as customers. If you’d like to volunteer, please call the café at 056.883.2650 and speak with 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 U-16 “A” HURLING FINAL For the second Saturday in-a-row James Stephens supporters experienced disappointment as the U-16 hurlers let slip what seemed like a commanding nine-point half time lead, to eventually lose out to neighbours Dicksboro 1-15 to 1-12 in a thrill packed 2025 U-16 “A” hurling county final on a well presented Pairc Lachtain ground. Over the first 30 minutes the James Stephens players, with a huge work-rate, precision passing and deadly finishing by Ruairi Power (0-05), Briain Walsh (0-03), and Liam O’Brien (0-02) soared into a 1-10 to 0-04 half time lead. The goal came in the 8th minute when Sean Daly pounced on a knock down by goalkeeper Rhys Duggan Kerwick from a Liam O’Brien shot at goal. How matters were to dramatically change on the turnover. From the throw-in, Dicksboro set about dismantling the James Stephens lead with determination and knocked over three points in the first four minutes. In the 7th minute the constant flow of pressure won the Palmerstown club a penalty award which was duly dispatched to the net narrowing the divide at 1-10 to 1-07. With the James Stephens defence unable to arrest their opponents power play the buoyed up Dicksboro attack continued to advance hitting over two more points before William Moriarty registered James Stephens’ only point from play in the 16th minute to still hold the lead at 1-11 to 1-09. In the 20th minute Dicksboro drew level at 1-11 each after which they added four more single scores to Ruairi Power’s point in the 31st minute to claim the title at 1-15 to 1-12 in dramatic fashion.

U-11’s ON TOUR On Sunday of last week the U-11 squad travelled to the UCD Sports Complex (Dublin) to participate in the excellently organised Kilmacud Crokes U-11 hurling tournament. With teams from seven counties participating the young James Stephens players gained valuable experience while displaying a nice brand of hurling against some fine opposition over a long day’s competition. Divided into two even panels of 12 players both club sides fared well against opposition from Ballincollig (Cork), Ferns (Wexford), and St. Olaf’s (Dublin) in the group stages of the tournament .The final round of games saw the young Village lads pitted against the host club, Kilmacud Crokes, in what coach Billy Quinn reports were two outstanding games with some excellent skills on display by both sets of players.

As a result, both clubs will have an eye for a rematch next season when The Village will welcome ‘Crokes to Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan for the annual U-12 Seamus Fry Memorial tournament. Overall, a great experience for the young players as part of their ongoing development for which we thank the travelling coaches and the parents who not only cheered on the players during the competition but provided transport for the boys to Dublin.

FIXTURES Intermediate Hurling Co Final: All roads lead to Nowlan Park on Sunday next, 19th. October. at 3pm when we take on Danesfort in the Intermediate championship hurling final. We send our best wishes to the players and mentors. The title of County Champions, promotion to Senior status for 2026 plus the honour of representing Kilkenny in the Leinster Club Championship is the prize on offer to the winners. Please come along and support the lads and let’s hope we return home victorious.

The U14A Hurling final is on Sunday 19th, at 11am in MW Hire Dunmore, our U14’s take on Dicksboro in the county final. Again, your support here would be greatly appreciated by the young hurlers.

LIBRARY NEWS Librarian Allan Dunne advises that Loughboy Library will host an Energy Advice Clinic on Friday 24th October from 11am to 1pm. An energy expert from the South East Energy Agency will be on hand for one-to-one chats on how to make one’s home more energy efficient. It is also an opportunity to get advice on energy upgrades, insulation, heating systems and reducing energy bills. For the chat it is important to bring along a recent energy bill, a photo of your home and property details such as the year of construction, roof orientation and heating system. A limited number of slots are available so phone the library at 056 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie to book an appointment.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 3, 11, 14, 24. There was no winner. The €40 consolation winners were Breda Brennan, Noreen O’Brien, Jakes Leahy, Sarah Somers and A. Harold.

BENNETTSBRIDGE EAST END PRE-LOVED BOUTIQUE East End Ladies are busily highlighting the many beautiful pre-loved clothes which will be available in Bennettsbridge Hall this weekend, 18th and 19th October from 11am till 5pm each day during the special

fundraiser. A stunning wedding dress is just one of the fabulous finds available at the East End Pre-Loved Boutique Fundraiser!

Join the girls at Bennettsbridge Hall on October 18th and 19th to discover beautiful bargains for a great cause.

WEEKDAY MASSES Mass is celebrated every Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10.30 am CATHEDRAL DRAW The Cathedral Draw has been running for some years and during that time €800.000 has been raised, a figure which testifies to the generosity and commitment of so many people around the Diocese. Bishop Niall Coll has thanked all who supported the draw in the past and urges them to continue to do so. Contact Fr Dalton or any parish promoter if you wish to join.

OCTOBER STATIONS The October Station envelopes for the Priests Collection have been delivered and these can be handed in at masses. Your support is greatly appreciated.

YOUTH TRIP TO TAIZE A week in the Taize community is planned for Sunday, 28th June - Sunday, 5th July. It brings people together and an opportunity to meet people from other countries and cultures. It is open to Transition and 5th Year Students. The closing date for application is Friday, 24th October. For additional information, including cost and application forms, contact Patrick Bookle, Ossory Youth at 056 7761200. 0872129006 or pbookle@ ossory youth .com GATHERING There was a full attendance at the weekly gathering, as well as the usual chat and activity some decisions were made regarding up-coming events. The venue for the Annual Shopping day was decided. The group will visit the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on Wednesday, 26th November. Enquiries are being carried out to decide on the venue for the Christmas Dinner which will take place on Wednesday, 10th December. Members contributed generously to a collection for the Team Hope Foundation.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Butler family on the death of Gillian Butler, (née Becher) Cooltrand, Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny.

Gillian died in the wonderful care of staff at Castlecomer District Hospital, Kilkenny on Saturday, 4th October 2025. She was predeceased by her husband, James and sister Margaret. She is survived by her sons, Thomas and John. She will be sadly missed by daughters-in-law Annabel and Yuka, grandchildren Jago, Alice, Kento and Naoto and sister-in-law Jessica.

Funeral service took place in St. Peter’s Church, Ennisnag, Co. Kilkenny on Friday, 10th October. Burial was in the adjoining churchyard.

LOTTO There was no winner of the Jackpot. The numbers drawn wereNumbers, 5, 10, 14, 19. Consolation Prizes, Alan Simpson, Bennettsbridge, Jim Gorey, ℅ Fr Duggan, Leona Wemyss, Jerpoint, Bronze ℅ Olive Morrin, Josie Drea, Blackwell.

ART GROUP Art classes continue each Monday from 2 till 4pm. The Annual Christmas card project mounted by the Art group commenced this week. The Cards include art work of members and feature well known landmarks in the village and surrounds. This year the Carlow

Pizza time for U 12s in Amber following final training session

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Community & GAA Notes Kilkenny Home Care Team will share in the proceeds.

Date for your diary, the Christmas Art Festival will be held in the Community Hall on Sunday, 30th November from 11am until 4pm. More details in the coming weeks.

CAMOGIE It was a disappointing day for the U16s Camogie team losing out to Carrickshock in the County final. The girls played a brilliant match but were unable to pull away from the winners. The ‘Bridge girls achieved much this year winning the league and reaching the county final.

Their amazing dedication and commitment has been a joy to watch and support. The work of coaches is also acknowledged. The colours were flying high in the village for the week.

BORD NA N-OG The U12s had their last training session over the weekend followed by pizza in the Amber Restaurant.

It has been a great year for this group with plenty of hurling between matches and tournaments. Big thanks to Alan, Brendan, Tony and Luke for all their work with the lads this year. Best of luck to the chaps moving on up to U14.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN The on-going Pitch signage campaign has been very successful and several more places are still places available. Many thanks to all the business owners who have supported so far. If interested please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

NEW AWAY JERSEY AND BASEBALL HAT Our new away jersey is now for sale online on the club’s O’Neill shop. A baseball hat has also now been added to the range. Go to the website and simply enter Bennettsbridge in the search box to see the New Jersey and all other ‘Bridge gear for sale.

SPLIT THE POT Well done to Shane Egan who won 96 euro, Siobhan Ryan who won 30 euro and Nuala Crotty who won 20 euro. As well as boxes around the village split the pot can also be entered on the club spot app under fundraising. Thanks again for the support.

KILMANAGH WEEKDAY MASSES Mass Is celebrated on the following times Monday 9:30am Kilmanagh; Tuesday 9:30am Freshford; Thursday 9:30am Tullaroan; Friday 9:30am Freshford.

COMMUNITY ALERT A meeting of the Community Alert group will be held in Naomh Aodhan Community Centre on Thursday 23rd October at 7:30pm. All are welcome to attend. We would like to add some new members to the current committee. If you would like to be considered for election onto the committee please come along on the night.

CHRISTMAS MARKET Ballingarry Community Centre will host its annual Christmas Market on Sunday, December 7th, 10am2pm. If you wish to book a stall, please contact 087 244 4819.

SOCCER RESULTS K and DL Junior League Div Two : Bridge United 7 River Rangers 1. U17 Schoolboys League, Evergreen 4 River Rangers 2. U13 Schoolboys League, River Rangers 3 Spa Utd 0 SOCCER FIXTURES Saturday, October 18th, U18 Schoolboys League, River Rangers v Bridge Utd. U16 Schoolboys League. River Rangers v Southend Utd. U14 Schoolboys League Newpark v River Rangers. Sunday, October 19th K and DL Junior League Div Two, River Rangers v Callan Utd TEDDY BEARS PICNIC There will be a fundraiser for little Ollie Brennan on the 26th of October in Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh from 10am to 12 noon. It will be a fun morning for all the family. Your support would be much appreciated. Donations can be made also to https:// www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/OlliesJourney.

HALLOWEEN FANCY DRESS River Rangers will host their annual Halloween Fancy Dress in Ryan’s Pub, Kilmanagh on Sunday, October 26th at 8pm (Bank Holiday Weekend). Also included in the fun, is a ‘Walk On’ Rings Competition and Raffle.

Tickets for the raffle available from any club players or committee members, €2 each.

TRACTOR RUN A Tractor Run in aid of Mount Carmel Nursing Home will take place on Sunday, October 26th (Bank Holiday Weekend). Starting at 1pm, with registration from 12 noon onwards, from the Fair Green Callan. Refreshments afterwards in the Parish Hall.

CHRISTMAS ACORN It’s that time of year again when we start compiling our “Christmas Acorn” (news and reviews of the past year). Please send on any articles or photographs you want included to lanigan.eileen@gmail.com as soon as possible.

CAMOGIE AGM St. Brigid’s Camogie Club would like to notify members of its upcoming AGM which will be held on the 8th of November 2025 at 7.30pm in the Tom Ryall Park clubroom. Nominations for Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, and Registrar can be forwarded to the Secretary by email secretary.stbrigids.kilkenny@

Camogie.ie before November 1st. Please ensure you have received permission from the person you wish to nominate prior to putting their name forward for any of the above roles.

LADIES CLUB Naomh Aodhan Ladies Club will meet each Monday evening at 7pm in Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, Kilmanagh. If you wish to join you can contact 086 373 99 83 for further details or just turn up on the night.

New members welcome.

LOTTO The results of the draw on 6th October. Numbers drawn were 7: 11; 16; 28. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners were Niamh Hoyne, Denis Kenny and Sean Ryan. Seller’s prizes went to Eddie Brennan and Josie Ronan.

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.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN ACTIVE RETIREMENT The Active Retirement Group meets again on Thursday 23th October at 11am.

BARROW RANGERS Congratulations to the Barrow team who played against Galmoy recently in the JJ Kavanagh County Junior Hurling semi-final. The final score was 3.22 for Barrow and 27 points for Galmoy.

The Goresbridge team included Richie Doyle, Paul Delaney, Darragh O’Connor, Kevin Brennan, Patrick Purcell, Kieran O’Neill Noah Scully, Gary Hill, Marc Drennan, Mikey Doyle, Billy Hanlon, Keith Flavin Shane McDonald, Jack Kelly, Joe Healy Jason Holden, Cathal Purcell, Conor Hanlon, Cathal English, Ciarán Breen, Tom Brennan, James Hogan, Philip Drennan, Eoin O’Neill, Paddy Purcell, Timmy Brennan, Martin Drea, Liam Healy, Cian Scully and Conor Dunne as well as Kilian Rudkins.

BRIDGE UNITED In Division 2, the Under-23s Bridge beat River Rangers (7-1). Bridge scores were by Daire Dwyer (3), Jake Barcoe (2), Matthew Murray (1) and Pierce Blanchfield.

A big win for the Bridge Under-11 girls last weekend against a very strong Thomastown team. The girls won 3 -2 with goals from Grace Hanlon (1) and Ciara Doyle (2). In the Girls Under-15 Division 1A, Bridge beat Highview (1-0). Bridge score by Kayleigh McCullagh.

Congratulations to the Under-16 boys who had a great win last week in the SFAI Cup beating a strong Ferrybank team (5-2). Bridge scores by Darragh Carroll (2), Ethan Drea and Cillian Culleton.

The Halloween soccer camp is taking place on 28-30 October.

CHURCH SERVICES Weekend masses on Saturday in Goresbridge at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 10am in Goresbridge and at 11.30am in Paulstown. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as well as at 10am on Wednesday in Goresbridge. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place each Tuesday from the end of mass in Paulstown to 5.45pm. There is children’s rosary in Paulstown church each Friday at 3.15pm for the month of October.

TALK THE TALK Cupla focal (Irish language conversation circle) continues this Friday at 11am in the Goodly Barrow.

DRAMA FESTIVAL (GORESBRIDGE) Opens on Friday 24 October for three nights. Tickets are for €15 for one night FUND RAISER FOR CHILDREN OF PALESTINE As part of Carlow Restaurant Week the Goodly Barrow will host a fund raiser for The Red Crescent in Palestine.

The food focus will be the Rooster Potato, developed in Carlow. 180 years ago the potato crop was at the centre of the Great Hunger in Ireland. Today, with over 66,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza and food and medical supplies blocked from reaching those who need it, there is a famine in Gaza.

HALLOWEEN A Halloween Party for primary school children will take place in the Paulstown Community hall from 6-8pm on Friday 24th October MENS SHED The Mens Shed meets at 11am on Tuesday 21th October in the cabin beside Paulstown community hall PHOTOGRAPHY Last chance for submission of photos for the 2026 Goresbridge Calendar. Email to colettemurphy62@ gmail.com or WhatsApp to 0872601672 STARTING SCHOOL Scoil Bhríde (Paulstown) have started accepting applications for admission. Information may be received from the school office (059 9726149) or through the website of the school www.paulstownns.ie SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone Tom Healy

Barrow Rangers online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser. ie. The results of the draw of 5th October were: 1. Millie Maher (€100), 2. Bee Dempsey Lakes (€20), 3. Jessie King (€20).

DONATIONS Tar Isteach is looking for good quality bric a brac, household items, it comes in and goes out twice as fast - also good quality men’s clothes and handbags.

YOGA Joyful heart-centered yoga classes for all levels continue on Thursdays and run until 23th October. Classes take place from 10.30-11.30 in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge.

Information - Catriona 087 6811240 ST MARY’S PARISH JUNIOR CYCLE RESULTS 2025.

Congratulations to all CBC students on receiving your Junior Cycle results! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have truly paid off. Keep aiming high as you continue your learning journey SYNOD MASS On Saturday 18th October people from every diocese in Ireland will come to Kilkenny to take part in the next phase of the National Synodal conversation for the church in Ireland. This day will start with Mass at 8am in St Mary’s Cathedral (the normal 9am Mass will be rescheduled to 8am on that day). It is hoped that many of the Bishops of Ireland and those people working that day will join us for that celebration. We invite you to come along to support the beginning of that work in prayer at that Mass.

TAIZÉ YOUTH PROGRAMME 2026 A youth trip to Taizé in France organised by Ossory Youth will take place from Sunday 28th June to Sunday 5th July 2026. A week in the Taizé Community is an opportunity for reflection and contemplation and a little step back from daily life. Tens of thousands of young people from around the world, including 25 from Kilkenny, will make the trip to Taizé next year. The programme, which runs from November 2025 to July 2026 is open to Transition year and 5th year students.

Closing date for applications is Friday 24th Oct. For additional information, including cost and application forms, contact Patrick Bookle, Ossory Youth at (056) 7761200, (087) 2129006 or pbookle@ossoryyouth.com PILGRIMAGE Medjugorje pilgrimage May 27th 2026, 7 nights, €949 pps (€849 if paid in full by Nov 3rd). Staying in Hotel Leone (half board). Spiritual Director Fr. Ted Sheehan.

Group Leader Sean O’Shaughnessy 0862959380 / medjugorjecork@icloud.com. Or contact JWT on 01 2410800. Places Limited. Early booking advisable.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE - A PILGRIMAGE EXPLORING GOD’S GIFTS Next year the Adult Faith Development Group are holding a pilgrimage to Northern Italy (Padua, Venice & Bologna) March (20th-26th). This pilgrimage will explore faith by means of reflecting upon some of the many wonderful pieces of art scattered throughout these cities. Italy is blessed with a remarkable array of religious art - frescos, paintings, sculptures, mosaics and stuccos. This pilgrimage will explore the religious and catechetical meaning of some of these masterpieces. Further details in parishes on posters or by email afd@ossory.ie or call 057 93 55050.

PRAYER TO ACCOMPANY THE SYNOD On Saturday 18th the next phase of the National Synodal Journey will take place in Lyrath. It is hoped that we will have adoration from 10am-6pm as the work of the synod is taking place. Ideally we would like 2 people for each hour. If you are available to be part of this adoration team in Lyrath, you can contact the parish office.

ST LUKE’S GENERAL HOSPITAL ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE MASS Mass will take place on Tuesday, 21st October at 7.30pm in St. Canice’s Church, Kilkenny R95 V440. This is an opportunity for families and loved ones of patients who have died in the hospital to come together for prayer and remembrance. All welcome.

ROTA Readers Next Weekend 11.00am – M. Whelan, 5.30pm – Sr. Nuala. Eucharistic Ministers 11.00am – B. Quinn, D. Quinn, R. Heffernan; 5.30pm-T. Lawlor, B.Cagney.

YOUR PARISH SAFEGUARDING REPS Sr Betty Cagney, Martina Lawlor LETS BE FRIENDS Invite your family members to support the Friends of St Mary’s Cathedral at www.stmaryscathedal.ie/friends DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 9th October 2025.

The Numbers drawn weres: 3 9 12 20.The Jackpot of €2450 was won by David Lawlor Draw Prizes – €50 Denise O’Connell c/o Online. €25 each Just Us c/o Ned Buggy. €25 each Eoin Fennelly c/o Online. €25 each Julia Scott c/o Ian Morrissey. Hurlers Co Op Niall Sheehan c/o Online Promotors prize Jimmy Murphy We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up and play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so U16 ROINN A CO CHAMPS Congratulations to our U16 Players and their Management Team who were crowned 2025 Champions after victory over James Stephens on a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-12.

MINOR A COUNTY CHAMPIONS A superb 2nd half performance saw Dicksboro surge to victory over James Stephens by 3-20 to 2-17 to secure the Kilkenny Vehicle Minor Hurling Roinn A Title for 2025 last Saturday in UPMC Nowlan Park. Well done to all involved.

SENIOR HURLING Hard luck to our Senior Players and Management Team who just came up short in Sundays Championship Semi Final. All in the Club would like to thank them for hard work and commitment throughout this year’s campaign.

CAMOGIE Our Senior Team will play Piltown in this year’s Michael Lyng Motors Championship Final on Saturday 18th October at 3.30pm in UPMC Nowlan Park. We are asking for all members, friends and family to come out and Support. Best of luck to all involved.

We have two Junior Teams out playing on Saturday the 18th of October beginning with our Junior D Team at 11am in Palmerstown and our Junior Team playing Tullogher Rosbercon at 7pm with a venue TBC MULLINAVAT AUTUMN CLEAN UP Mullinavat Matters has arranged an Autumn Clean Up around the village and on the approach roads from 9.00am to 12 noon on Saturday, 18th October. Activities include litter picking, weeding and sweeping. Bags and gloves will be provided. Participants are asked to bring sweeping brushes, shovels and hoes if they have them. Meeting outside Centra at 9.00am. All support welcomed.

SENIOR HURLING SEMI FINAL 2025 Despite an incredible effort by Mullinavat they suffered a one-point loss to O’Loughlin Gaels, 1-20 to 2-16, in Sunday’s exciting Kilkenny Senior Hurling semi-final at uPMC Nowlan Park. Mullinavat team: Sean Fitzpatrick; Eoin Dempsey, Thomas Aylward, Robin Davis; George O’Connor, Padraig Dempsey, Paidi Gahan; Ian Duggan, Joe Gahan; Mick Malone, Ger Malone, Conor Walsh; Liam Fennelly, Brian Phelan, John Walsh. Subs: Adam Mansfield for Conor Walsh, Conor Walsh for Brian Phelan, Peter McDonald for Michael Malone.

RAMBLING HOUSE The Community Centre will host its monthly Rambling House at 8.00pm on Saturday, 18th October. Everyone is welcome to attend an evening of music, song, recitation, stories and dance.

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Community & GAA Notes

U16 Players who were crowned 2025 Champions who helped organise and promote the lecture, and to Kilkenny County Council for funding under the Community Event Grant and Community Local Enhancement schemes.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society’s next lecture, which takes place on Thursday, 30th October, will be delivered by Conor Brady, ‘A Hundred Years of Ireland’s National Police Force: 1925 – 2025’.

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the merging of An Garda Síochána (which was established in 1923) and the DMP (Dublin Metropolitan Police) and since then it has been the only police service in Ireland.

Conor Brady is the author of two histories of An Garda Síochána. He was editor of ‘The Irish Times’, from 1986 to 2002. From 2005 to 2011 he was Commissioner with GSOC, the Garda supervisory body. He is Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Galway.

MULLINAVAT MATTERs The next general meeting of Mullinavat Matters will be held at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 4th November in the Community Centre. All welcome to attend.

KILMACOW

U16 Cup Presentation ROAD SWEEPER A road sweeper will operate through the village from 8.45am every second Wednesday. Mill Road to the bottom of Buckstown will be included in its route.

COMHALTAS CEOLTÓIRÍ The Mullinavat branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will hold its AGM in the Community Centre, Mullinavat at 7.00pm on Friday, 17th October. All members are asked to attend.

A RARE BREED The South Kilkenny Historical Society lecture programme resumed recently with a lecture delivered

by John O’Halloran, ‘A rare breed: The Irish and their animals through history’. John brought the attendance (in the Parish Hall, Mullinavat and on Zoom) through the roles played by various breeds of farm animals (goats, sheep, cows and dogs) throughout our history and also spoke about the efforts being made to save some from extinction.

John pointed out that he is an archaeologist by profession, but ‘fell into farming’ and also farms with his wife Marcella and daughter. He went on: ‘I took over the farm from my grandmother. They had a simple system of suckler cows. They would have had traditional

breeds, improved by British breeds in the 60’s and 70’s but over time they were replaced by limousin, a nonnative breed’.

John’s visit to the farm of Tom Keane ‘was a lightbulb moment’ and he described how the biodiversity was on a level that he had never seen before, where the main impetus was the Droimeann Cattle, a traditional Irish breed. As a result of the visit ‘we bought two and that year was the worst weather we had for a long time.

The non-native species were finding it really difficult and they wouldn’t eat the grass, whereas the Droimeann breeds were eating brambles, nettles and rushes.

We couldn’t catch them because they wanted to stay outside. From there we bought the same breeds and kept them on marginal land where they were happy’.

A very engaging, informative and interesting discussion followed the lecture, where issues such as climate change, organic agriculture and agricultural policy were discussed The chairman, on behalf of the society, thanked John for an excellent and informative lecture, which dealt with much more than the animals themselves, but was also ‘littered’ with numerous references to events and people throughout our history. He also thanked those

INAUGURAL GENERAL MEETING A general meeting will be held in the Community Centre at 8.00pm on Monday, 20th October with a report on the current status of Kilmacow Masterplan and to set up a committee to oversee its implementation.

Your attendance would be much appreciated.

COUNCIL WORKS ON N24 Works along the verge on the N24 from Rathkieran towards New Aglish will continue this week in preparation for the upcoming resurfacing of the road. There will be a traffic management system in place.

KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 4, 6 18 and 19. There was one Match 3 winner.

TABLE QUIZ Thanks to everyone for the great support of the table quiz held in the Fox’s Den on Monday Night, 6th October. Seventeen teams took part. Opportunity Knox with Harry Knox, Martina Sutton, Martin Cashin and Stephen Walsh were the winners. The amount raised from the table quiz was €730.

COUNCIL WORKS AT STRANGSMILLS

Works on the repair of the bridge on the L3405 at Strangsmills West will continue this week. A traffic light system is in operation for the duration of the works.

OLD SCHOOL DISCO Kilmacow Sports Complex will host a disco with classic hits by WLR DJ John Keane in the Seantí on Saturday, 25th October. Admission is €5. All support appreciated.

ST. PATRICK’S NATIONAL SCHOOL The school is now accepting applications for a parttime (10 hours per week) school maintenance/caretaker position. The closing date for applications and references by post, e-mail or phone is 22nd October.

Please ring 051 874 474 for details.

KIDS’ DISCO Kilmacow Youth Club will host a Halloween Disco for kids aged 12 years and under in Kilmacow Community Centre from 7.00pm to 9.00pm on Friday, 31st October.

All kids must be supervised by an accompanying adult.

JOHNSTOWN CONGRATULATIONS Double congratulations to St. Anne’s Camogie who succeeded in winning two county finals last week. The U14 girls won the U14 B Championship by beating Rower Inistioge, while the U16’s won their C Championship by defeating St. Lachtains, Freshford. Very well done to the teams and managements.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Garrett families on the death of their niece Suzanne Conroy, daughter of Dessie Garrett. Sympathy also to the Queally family Liam and Joan on the untimely death of their daughter in law Debbie (wife of Eamonn), Togher Cresent, Urlingford and late of Freshford.

COMMUNITY EVENT Shared plates in Josephines, Urlingford on Oct. 18th from 2 to 4pm, a celebration of Irish/Ukranian traditions through food and storytelling. Contact Suzanne Wallace KLP Development officer 0868239279.

BRIDGE Bridge classes are being run in Threecastles Hall every Monday at 7.30pm for 8 weeks. Contact Amme Maria 0872271136.

SPA UNITED AFC This week’s results U15 girls league division 1 Spa 1 Evergreen 3, Spa 1 Thomastown Utd 4, U13 girls league

Pizza time for U 12s in Amber following final training session

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Community & GAA Notes niques using characters inspired by the haunting tales of the Kilkenny Witch Trials). Whether you’re a budding animator or a curious creator, this workshop promises inspiration, skill building and a touch of historical intrigue. Booking is required is the workshop is suitable for 7 – 11 year olds. To book, phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie .

Afternoon Adult Book Club - On Tuesday, October 28th from 2.30 - 3.30, this month’s read is “Poor” by Katriona O’Sullivan. Copies of this book are currently available at the desk, so join in for some lively discussions. New members are always welcome! Phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie for further information.

Evening Adult Book Club - Also on Tuesday, October 28th from 6.30 - 7.30, the Evening Book Club resumes.

If you would like to meet fellow readers, enjoy new book recommendations and explore new authors then do join us. Everyone Welcome! Phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie for further information.

PROGRESSIVE 25’S Progressive 25 cards continue in Conahy Shamrocks Clubhouse on this Sunday evening, October 19th at 8.00 p.m. All are welcome.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD

Pizza time for U 12s in Amber following final training session division 1A Callan 1 Spa 2, U13 boys league division 1A Spa 4 Stoneyford 2, U13 boys league division 2A River Rangers 3 Spa 0.

LOTTO Spa Development/Fenians Lotto winning numbers 1,8,16,27, there was no jackpot winner, There was one match three so well done to Anne Marie Quinlan.

BALLYRAGGET THANK YOU Many thanks to all who have contributed to the fundraising event for the Cannon Malone hall both online and in the past weekends church gate collection. Work has begun on painting the hall.

MENS SHED The Ballyragget men’s shed was officially opened on Saturday morning by honorary president Fr Eamon O’Gorman there was a great turn out to see the great work done on the premises donated for use by John and Sean Phelan.

GAA St Patrick’s Junior hurling side played against O’ Loughlin Gaels on Saturday in the county semi final in Nowlan park the game ending in defeat on a scoreline of 1-21 to 2-14. The under 21 side will begin their campaign on Saturday against Slieverue in Slieverue at 4pm URLINGFORD U16 CHAMPIONS Congratulations to Emeralds U16 Camogie team who won the Roinn B County Final on Saturday last.

LOTTO EMERALDS URLINGFORD and GRAINE LOTTO, October 6 prize draw, the numbers drawn were 8, 20, 27, 30 bonus number 3.There was no match three winner. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Norma Bergin, Paula Scott, Billy Fitzgerald, Annemarie Frisby, Mary O’Leary. Promoters prize: Bingo.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME LTI Free LTI Course, which includes Driving Theory/Driving lessons starting soon, anyone interested in applying please call or drop in to the Centre.

SAVE THE DATE Knitting and Crochet Group Christmas Fair Friday, December 5 at 11am.

CLASSES Maths Grinds suitable for Junior Cert and 5th year students.

Classes: Free Admin / Payroll QQI Level 5, FREE Basic Computers.

SERVICES Some of the services available at the Centre: Senior Alert Alarms. Clothes Donations. Youth Club. Counselling and Play Therapy. Allotments. Cois Nore Advice Clinic. For more information, contact us on 0568838466.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP Our Active Retirement Group meet every Thursday from 2pm – 4pm. New members welcome.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT October 13th winner of Split the Pot is Mary Stanley who received €1051. Congrats on behalf of Emeralds Camogie Club. Tickets €2 on sale in participating busi-

nesses in town. Thanks to everyone for their continued support. Next week’s draw is for Urlingford Christmas Lights. Please support.

GRAINE CARDS The progressive 25 card game in Graine Hall every Wednesday at 8pm. All are welcome.

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

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

GORTNAHOE FOLK CHOIR The folk choir are looking to recruit new members to add to our choir. The choir sings once a month at the family masses in Gortnahoe and Glengoole. The choir also sings at different times throughout the year. New singers and musicians will be so welcome so please come along.

THE ROSARY The Rosary will be recited at Our Lady’s Grotto, Saturday before 6pm Mass.

GORTNAHOE PLAYGROUND GROUP Gortnahoe Playground Group presents a night of Halloween on Friday 24th October. Starting at 6.45pm with a Lantern Walk gathering at Campion Pumps at 6.30pm then making our way down the main street to Gortnahoe Community Hall. 7pm to 8pm under 8s Halloween disco, 8.15pm to 9.30pm under 12s Halloween disco. Shop available on the night and entry is €5.

SPIN CLASSES Gortnahoe Community Hall Wednesday 9.30am - Body Sculpt, Thursday 5.30pm & 6.15pm - Spin. See notice in the hall.

EQUAL VIBES Equal vibes are back in Gortnahoe Community Hall this Friday October 17th from 7pm to 9.30pm. It’s a night for people with additional needs and their carers.

The night comprises of music, singing, dancing and prizes galore. Everyone is welcome. €10 per ticket.

Please spread the word.

JIVE WITH TIM DANCE CLASSES Learn to jive, foxtrot, waltz, quickstep and line dance in Gortnahoe Hall, every Thursday night, 8.30pm. €10 pay as you go. Contact Tim on 087 162 8027 PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continues in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 7pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth. Bring mat and water.

BALLYSLOE SCHOOL Ballysloe NS 24 hour puckathon will take place this Friday 17th October 2025 starting at 10am in Ballysloe NS field. Calling all hurling enthusiasts help us by putting your hurling skills to good use and helping us to raise much needed funds for our school. Our small two-teacher school is full of heart, hurling spirit and big dreams with limited resources, we rely on the amazing support of parents and fundraising to give our children the best start in life. There is also a gofundme set up for donations.

GLENGOOLE COMMUNITY GROUP Household Survey to ascertain the needs of the village

going forward and to use to obtain funding for amenity areas and community facilities. Please fill out the survey on http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Glengoole 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.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 434910 SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Sean Hogan, Ballysloe who won €123 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for October is in aid of the Christmas lights for Gortnahoe. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

NORA HICKEY RIP The death has occurred of Nora Hickey (nee Mullhall) unexpectedly on 5th October at St Lukes Hospital Kilkenny. Predeceased by her parents Michael and Margaret (Mellison, Glengoole). Beloved wife of John and loving mother to Joe, Michael, Brid, Patrick, Eoin, and Margaret, beloved sister of John and Mary (Ryan).

Nora will be sadly missed by John, her children, grandchildren Johanna-Leni, Sadhbh, and Shay, daughters in law Lisa and Marleigh, brothers in law Michael and Seamus, sisters in law Margaret, Siobhan, and Mary, nephews, nieces, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Nora reposed at Joyce’s Funeral Home Borris last Wednesday. Requiem Mass took place on Thursday followed by burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery Borris. May she rest in peace.

CONAHY CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 6, 16 and 17. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prizes were Tara Keogh, Marie Kelly, Michelle Cahill, Laura Butler and Ella Rossiter.

The promoter prize winners were Peter Mulhall, Shem Butler and Helen Cahill. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

CASTLECOMER LIBRARY EVENTS Jigsaw Puzzle Swap - On Tuesday October 21st, from 4.00 to 8.00 p.m., we are hosting a jigsaw swap of adult jigsaws! If you have lots of jigsaws at home and are looking for something new, why not come along and exchange your jigsaw for another! This is a wonderful opportunity to explore new puzzle themes, connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts and find new puzzles to enjoy! Phone (056) 4440561 or e-mail castlecomer@ kilkennylibrary.ie to book a place.

Drawing for Animation Workshop (November Workshop) - On Saturday, November 8th from 11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., step into the world of animation with Fabian as he guides you through a dynamic crash course on the most thrilling principles of the craft. This hands-on workshop will explore character design (learn how to bring compelling personalities to life), visual language (discover how shapes lines and movement communication emotion and story), and animation drawing (practice expressive drawing tech-

MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.Vigil – Saturday at 8.00p.m., Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Vigil - Saturday at 6.30p.m.

Friday 17th. Feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch. Saturday 18th. Feast of St. Luke (Evangelist) PRAY FOR Anniversary Masses Margaret and John Phelan Stonecarthy, Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 18th.

October at 6.30p.m. Maura and Dick Power, Lismatigue: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 18th. October at 8.00p.m.

Months Mind Mass: John Poole, Hugginstown: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 19th. October at 10.00a.m.

ROTA (MISSION SUNDAY) Reader, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Neill O’Grady.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power. Sunday 10.00a.m Mary Carroll. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford. Saturday 6.30p.m. Natalia Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick; Sunday 10.00a.m.

Lillian Carr BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Awareness Month takes place from October 1st. to 31st. For further information, please log onto www. breastcancerireland.com.

DATES FOR 2026: First Holy Communion: Stoneyford School on Sunday 9th. May. Monroe and Newmarket Schools on Sunday 16th. May. Confirmation will be celebrated in Hugginstown Church on Wednesday 29th. April.

NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE MASSES: Mass for all who have died in our community during the past year will be celebrated on Saturday 8th. November in both Stoneyford and Hugginstown.

CONGRATULATIONS Well done and Congratulations to the Carrickshock Minor Hurling Team and their Mentors on winning the County Final.

MISSION SUNDAY 2025 Mission Sunday will be celebrated this year on next Sunday 19th. October. An extra Collection will be held after all Masses on next weekend for the Missions.

ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE MASS St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny: Annual Remembrance Mass will take place on Tuesday 21st. October at 7:30p.m. in St. Canice’s Parish Church, Kilkenny R95 V440. It is an opportunity for families and loved ones of patients who have died in the hospital to come together in prayer and remembrance. All are welcome to attend.

ANAM CARA “Anam Cara” supporting parents after bereavement, are hosting an Online Bereavement Information Evening on Thursday 30th. October at 7.00p.m. If you have any questions or need information on support for bereaved parents in the community, please do reach out.

Contact: Isabella (Elsie) Wiessner, Services Support Adm. Tel. 01 404 5378. Email: i.wiessner@anamcara.ie; Webpage www.anamcara.ie LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. The numbers drawn were 04: 20; 12; 21.There was two winners of First 3 Numbers Drawn There was no jackpot winner: €250.00. Winners: Pat Delahunty, Catstown, David Sutton, Ballycaum. €13.00 Seller of Match 3 Winners: James Irish, Kathleen Fennelly. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Tommy Hoyne; Tommy Murphy; Ger Carroll.

OCTOBER STATIONS The October Station Envelopes 2025 are available at the Church Porch. Your contributions are for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese. Your envelopes can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly - Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).

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

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News Hurlng matters - Preview

Village seek quick return to top table Danesfort out to upset the odds

Luke Scanlon attempts to block Michael walsh

Anthony Ireland Wall although outnumbered gains possession from Eoghan Kearney Pierce Costello and Ian Walsh

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Michael Lyng Motors IHC Final James Stephens vs Danesfort A place at the top table of Kilkenny club hurling is the prize on offer to the winners of this weekend’s Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate Hurling Championship Final in UPMC Nowlan Park. Having negotiated a tricky campaign in tier two, James Stephens and Danesfort will face-off against each other on Sunday, knowing exactly what’s at stake for the game’s victors. The ‘bookies’ favour The Village, but those clad in black and amber will be determined to upset the odds at headquarters when Sean Cleere throws the ball in at 3pm.

Having been relegated for the first time in their history following a disastrous campaign in 2024, the legendary Brian Cody stepped aside and was replace by another Village legend, Eoin Larkin. The eight-time Liam MacCarthy winner has a ninetime Celtic Cross clubmate beside him, in the form of Jackie Tyrell, and together with the rest of the management team they have gone about soothing the hurt of last year.

The Village found themselves in Group A of the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League and started life at this level with a game against St Martin’s in Ballyragget. A six-point win for Larkin’s lads was the perfect start with the new management putting faith in lots of young hurlers. It was

Left: Joe Fitzpatrick not getting away from Diarmuid Phelan too easily Right: Tadhg O Dwyer and Michael Walsh battle for Possession

an experienced head that top scored for the winners, Tadhg O’Dwyer notching 6 points. The quality within James Stephens saw them go unbeaten in the league phase, setting down a marker for all those with designs on achieving senior status.

For Danesfort, Group B saw them also go unbeaten, but they had two drawn games against Carrickshock and Young Irelands. Like Sunday’s opponents, Adrian Burke’s charges had a big win in the opening round, 14 points to the good against St Lachtains and they also registered wins against Fenians and Rower Inistioge to finish the group stages on eight points. As table toppers, the league final could be seen as a dress rehearsal for this weekend. James Stephens were deserved winners; a margin of nine points didn’t flatter them. Eoin Larkin made a number of changes for the league decider, while Danesfort on paper, looked to be near full strength.

When the knockout phase began, the Quarter final saw The Village take on Blacks and Whites at headquarters where they had a facile 21-point win. Not being tested could have presented some problems for the Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan men, but they were never going to tkae their eye off the challenge of Gowran in the last four. A Stephen Manogue major inside ten minutes, set the tone and Eoin Larkin would have been happy at the short whistle, leading by ten. Perhaps the foot came off the gas a little during the second period, but they controlled matters to win out by five.

Danesfort negotiated a tricky last eight tie with Mooncoin, with 2 green flags the difference at the long whistle. The semifinal saw them lock horns with Dunnamaggin which was a keenly contested affair, once again goals proving decisive. Brian McDonald, Colm Phelan and Sam Hayes all struck majors to help see Burke’s team home by five at the long whistle.

James Stephens will look to the quality and experience of Tadhg O’Dwyer, Luke Scanlon and intercounty star Cian Kenny to guide them back to senior level, but they have some talented youngsters in the squad also. Oisin Bateman, Ruairi Harrison and Sean Deely have all featured heavily, while U20 star Ed Lauhoff is a talented stickman.

Danesfort will need netminder Paddy Hogan to be on top form, while the half back line anchored

by Paul Murphy will be key to their chances of upsetting the odds. With Des Dunne and Daire O’Neill flanking the former Kilkenny great, this line provides much impetus to the Waterford Road based side. While Brian McDonald, Colm Phelan and Cathal Kearney have all impressed, its Anthony Ireland Wall that could provide a little stardust to the stripes.

The bookies don’t often call it wrong, but I think we will see a great game of hurling on Sunday with both teams giving their all. James Stephens want a direct return to senior, but Messrs Larkin & Tyrell may fancy provincial success if they claim the county title this weekend.

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Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship Semi Finals O’Loughlin Gaels 1-20, Mullinavat 2-16 There was no quarter given at headquarters in the first of the semifinals as O’Loughlin Gaels got over the line by the bare minimum against a brilliant Mullinavat team, who certainly ‘died with their boots on’ at UPMC Nowlan Park. In a game of great skill, non-stop action and huge physical clashes, it was Brian Hogan’s outfit that secured their place in the county final with Jordan Molloy outstanding for the St John’s Park side.

Mullinavat opened the scoring in the first minute, following a wide from Luke Hogan. A short restart found Liam Fennelly who sent the ball to Joe Gahan, and the midfielder powered forward before splitting the posts from ‘65 out. Brian Hogan’s men levelled matters immediately, a nice score from the impressive Fionan Mackessy off his left side.

Shortly after, the Loughs broke forward, and Conor Kelly raced clear before striking his shot into the ground on the angle, but Sean Fitzpatrick was more than equal to it. As the Vat cleared the ball out of defence, Liam Fennelly took a great catch before powering forward, only to be fouled, which gave John Walsh the opportunity to open his account in the semifinal from about 47 metres out via the placed ball.

A long clearance down field from Stephen Murphy saw Fionan Mackessy claim possession, and despite losing his hurl, he was able to pop a pass to Luke Hogan who powered away from Tom Aylward before shortening his grip to bat over.

Jordan Molloy then burst forward, and a cluster of Vat players prevented him from raising a green flag as the ball trickled behind for a ‘65, which Mark Bergin converted. Then came a big moment in the game. Brian Phelan flicked a hand pass to Mick Malone who got a nudge in the back from Jordan Molloy, penalty was the decision of Fenians referee Owen Beehan, John Walsh stepped up and blasted his shot past Stephen Murphy in the O’Loughlin’s goal.

The 2023 champions didn’t let this rock them, instead they replied with a major of their own. Paddy Deegan played a lovely ball out of defence which found Owen Wall.

The nippy forward turned Robin Davis and raced towards goal before unleashing a fierce shot on the angle which gave Sean Fitzpatrick no chance. O’Loughlin’s ahead by the bare minimum after 11 minutes of end-to-end action at UPMC Nowlan Park.

Colm O’Byrne’s men got the next score; Paidi Gahan sent the ball down field and Mick Malone picked it up and got away from Eoin O’Shea before popping the

Loughs hit jackpot in Vegas Boys battle!

1 point win secures final berth for city side

Brian Phelan Wins the aerial battle with Huw Lawlor

ball over the bar. Mark Bergin then converted a placed ball after Ger Malone took one to many swipes at the on running O’Shea. Some great blocking from Conor Kelly then gave Mark Bergin the chance to split the posts from play and this put the St John’s Park side 2 ahead.

Ger Malone then got a point after some good closing down by his teammates. Some nice movement from Owen Wall saw him collect the ball and off load to Conor Kelly and the result was a lovely point from out the field. The next point also came from The Loughs. Luke Hogan and Tom Aylward battled for possession under the old stand, and it was the intercounty panelist that won the

battle before striking over from tight to the sideline.

The next point came from lovely direct team play by O’Loughlin Gaels. Paddy Deegan burst out of defence and passed to Conor Kelly whose first thought was to spray the ball into space for Owen Wall to run onto. Wall did just that and passed the ball across the pitch towards Luke Hogan. Hogan popped a short pass to the supporting Mark Bergin who fired over for another tidy score.

Some good defensive work from Luke Hogan saw him close down the Vegas Boys as they tried to get up the field and the bustling forward’s pressure brought a free which the deadly Bergin converted to push the

lead to four points.

The Vat needed a score, and they got one courtesy of Ian Duggan, who rifled over off his left side after taking a pass from Joe Gahan.

Brian Hogan’s charges hit back straight away, Conor Heary finding Jordan Molloy in space and the wing back sent over a booming score from halfway to the cheers of the O’Loughlin’s supporters in attendance. If that score brought a cheer, the next one brought applause. Eoin O’Shea and Conor Heary exchanged passes before the former found Luke Hogan who struck over from about 60 metres out to extend the lead to five points at the short whistle.

After a little bit of ‘jockeying’ the 2nd half got underway, and Mullinavat got the scoreboard moving, thanks to a lovely score from Ger Malone after he had gotten Mikey Butler out of his way!

From Stephen Murphy’s restart the ball was moved to Jordan Molloy who gave a pass to Conor Heary.

Mark Bergin came round on the loop took the ball and slotted it between the posts to add another score to his tally. John Walsh got his sides second score of the half from a placed ball as the men in black and white tried to claw their way back into the game but once again, O’Loughlin’s tagged on another placed ball to maintain their

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Hurling matters - Review

Luke Hogan gets away from Tom Aylward and John Walsh

A determined Paddy Deegan Drives out of defence tackled

by Mick Malone

Jordan Molloy & Luke Hogan keeping tabs on Padraig Dempsey

superiority.

John Walsh tapped over another free after he was fouled by Ronan Buckley, the gap was down to four again. A well worked Sideline cut from Ian Duggan saw the ball moved to Brian Phelan who split the posts from close range to eat away at the Loughs lead. Another pinpoint restart from Stephen Murphy picked out Fionan Mackessy who cut inside before striking over, a quality score.

The next score came from Robbie Buckley, who jinked one way before turning and firing over from an acute angle. The Vat responded, John Walsh swiveling before firing over from distance before the same player struck over a booming free from

his own half to make it a 3-point game. Some more strong running from Jordan Molloy saw the county man give a pass to Jack Nolan and the midfielder got his name on the scoresheet.

Jack Nolan then turned provider, passing to the all-action Mackessy who fired over from 65 out to reclaim the 5-point lead. Then came a crucial score for the south Kilkenny side. A searching delivery into the Loughs defence caused a little panic and as bodies gathered near the goal, Mick Malone somehow managed to kick the sliotar over the line, in what appeared to be slow motion, it was game on in UPMC Nowlan Park. After a little

schemozzle, referee Beehan gave a free to the Loughs, and Mark Bergin did the rest. Eoin O’Shea then took a couple too many steps and John Walsh tagged on another score.

From the puck out, Murphy found Ronan Buckley, who played the ball down the line to Molloy. Jordan picked out Robbie Buckley, who showed a nice bit of skill to create the space to fire over.

John Walsh then sent over another cracking placed ball from his own half to bring it back to a 2-point game. Another big moment arrived with the game in stoppage time.

Owen wall appeared to take a belt to the head, which incensed the O’Loughlin’s management. With

mentors on the pitch, the game was halted and having consulted with his linesman, Owen Beehan Showed George O’Connor a red card. With the Vegas Boys seeking a defining score, Huw Lawlor, once more emerged with the ball and won a free on the sideline under the old stand. Fionan Mackessy stepped up and split the posts from halfway to nudge his side 3 ahead. From Fitzpatrick’s restart the ball broke to sub Adam Mansfield who popped over the score to leave two between the sides. The Vat attacked once more, this time a free was called.

With a serious number of bodies between John Walsh and the goal he struck his effort with venom, but

it rose just over the crossbar, the gap was the bare minimum, but time was not to be their friend, as Owen Beehan sounded the long whistle. Some battle; some game.

Final Score, O’Loughlin Gaels 1-20, Mullinavat 2-16.

O’Loughlin Gaels: Mark Bergin (0-8, 4fs and 1 ‘65); Fionan Mackessy (0-4, 1f); Owen Wall (1-0); Luke Hogan (0-3); Robbie Buckley (0-2); Jack Nolan, Conor Kelly, Jordan Molloy (0-1 each) Mullinavat: John Walsh (1-9, 8fs); Mick Malone (1-1); Ger Malone, Joe Gahan (0-2 each); Brian Phelan, Adam Mansfield (0-1 each)

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Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship Semi Finals Shamrocks 0-21 Dicksboro 1-16 The Palmerstown side got the scoreboard moving inside two minutes, Evan Cody gave the ball to Eoghan Moylan who spotted the run of Shane Stapleton.

The experienced attacker collected the ball and fired over to settle the early nerves of the Boro faithful.

They doubled their lead moments later when Matty Kelleher turned Killian Corcoran before striking over a nice score. A third score followed from the restart, Timmy Clifford popping a pass to Cillian Hackett who rifled over off his left side for a lovely point. Shamrocks then got their scoring started, Richie Reid nipping into nick the ball off Timmy Clifford before splitting the posts from close to the left sideline.

Despite their blistering start, Eamon Jackman’s team were dealt a huge blow when full back Padraic Moylan was forced off after just 7 minutes with a shoulder injury following a big hit from Paddy Mullen. The Boro notched the next point, a long range free from Shane Stapleton after Adrian Mullen was adjudged to have over carried.

TJ Reid got his first

14-man Shamrocks beat Boro to make final Henry’s leaders step up in semi win

Eoin Cody tries to get his pass away tackled by Niall Rowe

point of the game on nine minutes, after Niall Shortall was fouled as he headed for goal. A quickly taken sideline ball saw Cillian Hackett take possession before striking over to give the city side a 3-point lead once more.

Darragh Corcoran then found Niall Shortall who beat another Niall, the Boro’s Rowe before popping the ball over the bar to keep Shamrocks in touch. Liam Barron was then halted illegally by

Eoin Fennelly and TJ slotted the free to reduce the deficit to just 1 point.

With a final berth at stake, challenges were meaty and many, and Cillian Buckley was laid out after an encounter with Paddy Mullen’s shoulder, which led to a little bit of handbags amongst the players. TJ then dispatched another placed ball after referee David Hughes saw a good bit of grappling going on by Dicksboro on Eoin Cody which deadlocked matters after 18 minutes of action. Some great pressure from Shamrocks saw them turn over the Boro and resulted in a tidy point from Brian Cody to give Henry’s team the lead for the first time. The south Kilkenny side edged further ahead

when TJ won a ball, laid it off to Brian Cody who then found Adrian Mullen, and the former Cats captain rifled over a cracking point.

Dicksboro got the scoring going again, courtesy of Kevin Moore who fired over from the middle of UPMC Nowlan Park for a sweet score. They built on this by adding the next point, a lovely effort from Cillian Hackett off his left after he turned Brian Butler. Eoin Cody was next to get on the scoresheet, with a beautiful one-handed flick over the bar, despite the pressure from Niall Rowe. Then came the game’s only goal. A booming diagonal ball out of the Boro defence was pounced on by Liam Moore who raced clear before striking a fierce low shot past

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Hurling matters - Review Adrian Mullen and Anthony Clifford clash

push the lead out to 3 points.

Eamon Jackman then sent on rising star Patrick Lacey in place of Shane Stapleton as the Boro sought to inject more pace in their attack. Dicksboro got their first score in a while thanks to some lovely interplay and movement that ended with Timmy Clifford splitting the Shamrocks posts from distance. From the restart, Dean Mason went long, and Eoin Cody took a lovely catch before racing in field and passing to Adrian Mullen who struck a beautiful score of his left side. A quick restart by Darragh Holohan saw Eoghan Moylan in an attacking position and the wing back made the most of the rare foray forward to take a point.

Adrian Mullen then struck over a monstrous score from his own half, one of the best on the day to the delight of the Ballyhale supporters.

One of his intercounty teammates got the next score, a free from midfield from TJ, accuracy his middle name. Patrick Lacey then got a terrific score; Cillian Buckley picked him out from a free and the sub burnt Killian Corcoran before splitting the posts for the Boro.

Brian Cody was then fouled which gave TJ another score and kept the Shamrocks 4 clear of the opposition.

From the puck out, Timmy Clifford picked up possession, race down the wing before shortening the grip to fire over for a nice score.

Patrick Lacey then produced a carbon copy of his first point, this time he took the ball before sprinting clear of Joey Holden and rifling over, again from under the old stand to reduce the Shamrocks lead to two points with about 11 minutes remaining at UPMC Nowlan Park. The next score was all about teamwork. Eoin Kenneally took a sideline cut and picked out Liam Barron who popped his pass to Richie Reid. As usual, Richie scanned for options and picked out his brother who collected the pass before rifling over to the cheers of the Shamrocks support. Goal scorer Liam Moore, then showed his pace and skill before firing over to keep his side in touch, but you wouldn’t have known that the Boro had an extra man, credit to Henry & co.

Another burst of speed saw Liam Moore draw a foul from Killian Corcoran and Patrick Lacey notched his 3rd point since entering the game, his first from a placed ball. The next score would also be a Boro one. Netminder Holohan picked out Timmy Clifford who gave a nice pass to Cillian Hackett on halfway and the skillful forward sent over a lovely score to level things up in the second semifinal. Eoin Cody

Reid all about it!

Richie leaves Kevin Moore trailing

then won a free, which was brought forward, not that TJ needed any help, but it did make the conversion that little bit easier. Moments later, Ronan Corcoran was held up, the outcome another free, another point from TJ from inside his own half to put Henry’s men 2 up.

Cillian Hackett was then stopped in his tracks 65 metres from goal and again Patrick Lacey stepped up and split the posts to leave just the one between them.

With the clock in the red zone, Dean Mason’s restart was plucked out of the sky by Adrian Mullen who raced away from Joe Sheehan before rifling over off his right side close to the sideline. Leadership personified. Dicksboro needed another major score, ad they almost got it. Eoin Fennelly picked out Cillian Buckley who gave a nice pass to the on running Cillian Hackett who raced clear of Richie Reid before striking a shot which Dean Mason somehow managed to parry. Cillian Buckley picked up the loose ball and struck a shot towards goal, but again Mason defied logic to block the follow. A green flag looked certain, but all that came was ‘65. Goalkeeper Darragh Holohan sent the placed ball into the danger zone, and it appeared sub Anthony Clifford had flicked the ball to the net, but referee Hughes who had taken up a good position signaled for a square ball. When Clifford was hooked on the next attack, the long whistle sounded,

Dean Mason makes one of his many fine saves as Killian Corcoran and Timmy Clifford look in

Dean Mason in the Shamrocks goal to put the Palmerstown men back in the lead. Things got even better for the Maroon clad team moments later, when on the advice of his lineman, referee David Hughes flashed a red card to Paddy Mullen for a tap on the neck of Eoghan Moylan, who to be fair didn’t make a big deal of it. Henry was not happy as he remonstrated with the whistler.

Shamrocks notched the next score, another point for the diminutive Eoin Cody. The numerical disadvantage wasn’t causing too many problems, and this was evident with the next score.

Darragh Corcoran round TJ with a lovely pass and the veteran popped

the ball over to deadlock matters at the short whistle.

When the second period got underway, Eoin Cody opened the scoring with a superb effort from halfway to nudge the Shamrocks ahead in the semifinal clash. One of Henry’s nephews, Evan Shefflin was then forced off with an injury and was replaced by Ronan Corcoran.

The subs first involvement was to set up Eoin Kenneally for a wonderful point as they sought to get the upper hand in the encounter. Some nice place from Niall Shortall saw the ball worked to Eoin Cody and as the pacey attacker headed for goal he was cynically blocked by Mark Nolan.

TJ converted the resulting free to

Boro were beaten, Shamrocks survived. Final score, Shamrocks Balyhale 0-21 Dicksboro 1-16.

Shamrocks Ballyhale: TJ Reid (0-10, 8fs); Adrian Mullen (0-4); Eoin Cody (0-3); Richie Reid, Eoin Kenneally, Brian Cody, Niall Shortall (0-1 each) Dicksboro: Patrick Lacey (0-4, 2fs); Cillian Hackett (0-4); Liam Moore (1-1); Shane Stapleton (0-2, 1f ); Timmy Clifford (0-2); Kevin Moore, Matthew Kelleher, Eoghan Moylan (0-1 each) Shamrocks Ballyhale: Dean Mason; Killian Corcoran, Joey Holden, Brian Butler; Evan Shefflin, Richie Reid, Darragh Corcoran; Eoin Kenneally, Liam Barron; Adrian Mullen, Eoin Cody, TJ Reid; Paddy Mullen, Brian Cody, Niall Shortall.

Subs: Ronan Corcoran for Shefflin, Stephen Barron for Liam Barron.

Dicksboro: Darragh Holohan; Niall Rowe, Padraic Moylan, Evan Cody; Eoin Fennelly, Cillian Buckley, Eoghan Moylan; Joe Sheehan, Ollie Walsh; Timmy Clifford, Liam Moore, Kevin Moore; Cillian Hackett, Matthew Kelleher, Shane Stapleton.

Subs: Mark Nolan for Padraic Moylan, Patrick Lacey for Shane Stapleton; James Carroll for Ollie Walsh, Anthony Clifford for Matthew Kelleher.

Referee: David Hughes (St Marttins)

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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. A.N.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.C.

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.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.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. S.M.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17th October 2025

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin (never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power.

O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. M.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.G.

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.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. M.B.

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