TV & Streaming

10

of the best Christmas movies to stream...

e Christmas season is in full swing, and with it, the annual feast of all things yuletide-themed and appropriately festive on streaming. Christmas is a holiday that’s inspired a wealth of enduring comedies about the value of family, community, love, and sel essness during the darkest and coldest time of the year. It’s also spawned no shortage of lms that push at the boundaries of those well-worn tropes, twisting their holly jolly exterior inside out into cerebral and occasionally macabre stories that probe at the very darkness the holiday is meant to fend o . In the spirit of the season and all its incarnations, we’ve pulled together a list of treasured classics and eclectic oddities for audiences to watch in the lead up to Christmas. Like Santa’s big ’ol toy sack, there’s something here for everyone! Here are 10 of the best Christmas movies available to stream on Net ix, Amazon Prime, Apple + Disney +, and more!

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

Is Batman Returns a superhero movie that happens to take place around Christmas, or a gothic Christmas lm that happens to have superheroes and villains in it? In any case, Tim Burton’s 1992 follow-up to the original Batman is an awesome lm lled with cool visuals, exciting action sequences, attempted murder, and a nail-biting nale centred on kidnapped babies, a bat-shaped boat, and an army of rocket-strapped kamikaze penguins. It’s also a story about two strange people who nd comfort in each other’s strangeness, an orphan who grows up seek revenge against the parents and society that shunned him, and a nefarious industrialist looking to make a quick buck at any cost. ough it may test the limits of what you might consider a ‘Christmas movie’, Batman Returns is a fantastic seasonal watch and a fun weird lm for the whole family.

Better Watch Out feels like a reaction piece 26 years removed from the original Home Alone. e latter is a family comedy lm whose premise could’ve easily been played out like a home invasion horror movie, if not for the plucky Ferris Bueller-esque charisma of Macaulay Culkin and the dopey oa shness of Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. Better Watch Out inverts that dynamic, introducing inventive twists and turns that take the unspoken horror story at the heart of that aforementioned lm and transforms it into something way darker and more disturbing. is is a not feel good Christmas story; this is a psychological horror movie that plays with the idea of whether or not the behaviors of a kid like Kevin McCallister could be considers a sign of latent sociopathy. To say any more would risk spoiling the lm, but rest assured: Better Watch Out is an engrossing holiday horror drama if you have the stomach for its occasionally gory thrills.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, tinsel-lined horror movie, you can’t do better than Bob Clark’s Canadian slasher ick. (Apologies to Jack Frost, the serial-killer snowman movie — Black Christmas is just better!) Originally released in the U.S. as Silent Night, Evil Night, the low-budget horror movie crackles like a warm re blown by a chilly gust of wind. Clark uses shadows and lurking horrors to turn a sorority house into a something ripped from a Shirley Jackson paperback cover, and while the transgressions within don’t nd too much inspiration in Christmas iconography, there is a “wrapping job” that will leave you gasping.

If you haven’t seen It’s a Wonderful Life or if it’s just been awhile, then you might not know how the lm, from intro to credits, is unapologetically weird and transgressive. All that Christmas Carol-esque stu in which an “angel” shows George Bailey (James Stewart) what his town would have looked like had he never existed is just a fraction of the lm. It’s preceded by 30 years of Bailey’s life, punctuated by the Great Depression and World War II. And that helpful angel? He and his “boss” are introduced as sentient cosmic dust. e lm is a holiday cobbler stu ed with bits of Charles Dickens, Rod Serling, and Billy Wilder. Don’t let its reputation as sappy holiday detritus get in the way you enjoying of an exceptional lm — Christmas or otherwise. What’s more Christmas-y than a story of a loving parent going to whatever lengths necessary to preserve their child’s happiness? ’80s action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a patently bizarre turn of reverse-typecasting, stars in Jingle All e Way as Howard Langston, a mattress salesman whose workaholic attitude comes at the cost of his duties as a family man and father. Desperate to ful ll his son’s Christmas wish, Howard embarks on a search for a Turbo Man action gure. Problem is: it’s Christmas Eve and they’re all but entirely sold out. Complicating his mission is Myron (Sinbad), a postal worker and fellow negligent father who shares the same goal. Jingle All e Way is a Christmas comedy that focuses on the exasperation and escalating stakes between Howard and Myron amid a gauntlet of ruthless holiday shoppers and a Jetpack-enabled nale. If that doesn’t scream “Christmas” to you, I don’t know what does.

I had never seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation until a few years ago when a friend of mine, aghast in utter disbelief at this fact, nally forced me to sit down and watch it with them. I understand now why my friend was so shocked: It’s an hilarious comedy, so hilarious in fact that I’m surprised I hadn’t seen it sooner. Chevy Chase is pitch-perfect in the role of Clark Griswold, a salaryman and put-upon father at his wit’s end trying to pull o the perfect family Christmas celebration. As each of his carefully-laid plans either hits a snag or utterly falls apart, so too does Clark’s disposition; transforming from a mild- mannered family man into a living powder keg of seething rage barely holding it together under a façade of holiday cheer. At least he’s got a Christmas bonus coming up, right?

Christmas movie? Halloween movie? Split the di erence: Tim Burton and stop-motion animator Henry Selick’s macabre holiday musical is the perfect anksgiving movie. e story of Jack Skellington guring out how to stay in his holiday lane is still a quirky sight to see, with lots of strange details packed into the every frame. If you’ve seen this one too many times, fall down the YouTube rabbit hole of Danny Elfman performing the soundtrack live.

e Santa Clause is a classic Christmas comedy, one that o ers a whimsical (albeit slightly macabre) answer for how ‘ol Kris Kringle is such a perennial symbol of the holiday despite ostensibly being a bajillion years old. Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a divorced father and toy salesman who, in a Highlander-esque twist of fate, accidentally kills Santa Clause and subsequently becomes the next man in line to hold his title and responsibilities. rough the struggle of coming to grips with his new identity while trying to convince others of his new role, Scott grows as both a person and as a father; learning the true meaning of Christmas through the rsthand embodiment of one of its most central gures. It’s heartwarming and hilarious in a way that’s stood the test of time and a feel good Christmas movie for the whole family.

White Christmas deserves the biggest and best screen in your home. Director Michael Curtiz shot the 1954 musical in VistaVision, the high resolution format of its era, and the impact of the decision shows in the modern restoration, a presentation as rich with colour and detail as any modern action ick. A huge TV atters the classic sets and elaborate dance numbers and even though the audio is mono, a nice set of headphones or speakers elevates its classic songs, belted by Christmas music legends Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. One humongous asterisk: the lm does away with the explicitly racist blackface number of its predecessor, Holiday Inn, however it still includes an entire routine dedicated to the joys of a minstrel show. Be prepared to explain the horri c context to younger family members and fend o complaints of sensitivity from any ghoulish relatives.

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

AGM The Clara GAA AGM took place online on Friday evening and went o without any hitches. A few positions were le vacant for now, most notably a Chairman, a role that Mick Prendergast stepped down from a er three years of sterling service. It was great to see Jimmy Fitzpatrick return to the position of Groundsman as everyone will know that the grounds will be in pristine condition with Jimmy at the helm. Patsy Whearty, John Prendergast and Micheál Nolan have done a wonderful job of grounds maintenance while Jimmy took his sabbatical. Another notable appointee was John Murphy, who takes over from the stepping down Tom English as Bord na nÓg Chairman. COUNTY SEMI LOSS The Clara U21s su ered a bitterly disappointing 1-18 to 0-7 loss to Carrickshock in a Roinn D county semi final in Hugginstown on Sunday. Carrickshock opened the brighter and were a goal and a point to no score ahead a er six minutes. Paul Cody then scored a point from play and Conor Kealy added two points to leave the water break score at 1-3 to 0-3. Clara would have been quite happy with this situation as they were playing into the teeth of a strong wind which most observers reckoned would be worth at least six points. Incredibly Clara never scored from play again. Despite this they reached the half time whistle only 1-7 to 0-5 behind, thanks to two pointed Conor Cody frees and some heroic defending, most notably from central men Evan Whearty and Martin O Connell. Carrickshock took complete control on the restart and outscored Clara eight points to one in the third quarter. The lone Clara point came from a Martin O Connell free. As if things weren’t bad enough, Paul Cody also saw red in this quarter following a rash tackle. The game petered out to its inevitable conclusion, with Carrickshock on top all over the field. One more Conor Cody pointed free was all that Clara could muster and they will be hugely disappointed with their performance. The loss of Shane Staunton was huge but credit to Carrickshock for an outstanding second half performance. They were fully deserving of their victory. Credit to the Clara management of Johnny Shortall, James Dowling and Conor (Curly) Phelan for their e orts. Team - Jack Murphy, Brandon Ryan, Evan Whearty, Jack Carrigan. James Casey, Martin O Connell 0-1f, Noelie O Brien. Dara Glynn, Conor Cody 0-3f. Charlie Ryan, Paul Cody 0-1, Luke Whelan. Conor Booth, Jim Kehoe, Conor Kealy 0-2. FOOTBALL Clara U15s were beaten at the semi final stage in Gowran on Saturday.They came up against a very strong and physical Gowran team with 18 of their team sheet born in 2006. Clara started well, scoring first and were 0-2 to 0-1 ahead at the first water break. Gowran got to grips and went in two points up at the interval. Clara started the second half again slightly the better team and brought the deficit back to a single point at the water break.Gowran powered ahead but if Tommy Delaneys strike had not blazed just over the crossbar the game could have been back in the melting pot. Gowran finished much the stronger, scoring 1-2 in the last five minutes. The scoreline 2-9 to 0-6 was not a true reflection of this game, which was keenly contested throughout. The Clara backs played well all day with Davy Barcoe and Hugh Kelly the stand out players . Conor Hoyne, Tommy Delaney, Joe Power and Luke Lawlor fought hard all day. Team - Orí Phelan, James Cody, Philip Carrigan, Hugh Kelly. Daniel Ryan, David Barcoe, Alex Firbank.Tommy Delaney, LukeLawlor. James Bergin, ConorHoyne, Eoin Corr. Dylan Cummins, Liam Carrigan, Joe Power. Subs used Conor Galvin, Bill Kealy, Padraig Meany, Tom Boyle, Tom Murphy. BOXING Congratulations to Aidan O’Connell of Clara, a member of Paulstown Boxing Club, who won the 65 kg All Ireland Boxing Final recently to become National Champion. This happened on Saturday 11th of December in Trinity College Dublin. Aidan forced his Mayo opponent to take a standing count in the first round before stopping him in the second round. He is a son of Michael and Joanne O Connell. Well done Aidan. Brilliant achievement!

Aidan O’Connell of Clara, a member of Paulstown Boxing Club, who won the 65 kg All Ireland Boxing Final

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of this weeks Club Lotto (Dec 7th) .Next Weeks Jackpot will be €9,400 Numbers Drawn were 1, 4, 11, 20 Bonus 15. Play again at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw 1. Marion Murphy c/o Dan O’Driscoll 2. Michael O’Halloran 3. Benny c/o Mary Cody 4. Alice Walsh c/o Mick Nolan 5. Patsy Whelan c/o Hugh Mahon 6. James Dineen c/o Hugh Mahon 7. Margaret Doyle c/o Esther Maher 8. Fiona Noonan c/o Online 9. John Rowe c/o Online 10. Orla Murphy c/o Online Thank You for your continued support

THANK YOU MARGARET HANLON There was plenty of words of gratitude, respect and good will towards one of our greatest ever club administrators at Wednesday night’s AGM 2021. A er over 20 years as Club Secretary Margaret Hanlon steps aside. The room stood to applause as Club Chairman Johnny Holohan signed o on a tenure as Secretary that has helped shape the club to what it is today. Margaret has been the centre of all the clubs dealings,she’s been the go to person for information, for support, for guidance and for reigning you in if necessary! Straight talking ,honest, trustworthy and always obliging, Margaret will be missed by players,coaches,administrators and supporters because when they needed something they rang Margaret. She would always have the answer. So thank you Margaret Hanlon for your commitment to O’Loughlin Gaels GAA. Enjoy supporting teams, going to games and watching the club grow. ROINN C SHIELD FINAL O’Loughlin Gaels 2- 12 B&W/Barrow Rangers 3-7. In tough conditions the girls had to fight hard to the bitter end. The first half saw the Gaels go well ahead 1-8 to 0-2 by 25 minute mark helped by a Kate Furlong goal, only to see that gap reduced by the break a er the home side notched up 1-2 without reply just before the break leaving the half time score at 1-8 to 1-4. With a strong wind in their backs the home side worked hard to get on level terms early in the half and went 2 points ahead soon a erwards. To their credit the city girls upped the work rate and got the game back on equal footing again but a third home side goal put the opposition back in front and it looked like they might see the game out. The combined forces led by the minimum in the dying moments of the game. Not for the first time in the game a clearance from Abigail Egan, a er stoic defending by Tara O’Keefe,was picked up by Aoife Shealy who made a sniping run through the opposition defence, o loaded the ball to Eva Collins who made no mistake in finding the net. Time was up within moments and the Gaels took the spoils. Well done to both teams who provided a hugely entertaining game. Well done to all involved Sponsors : MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre FOOTBALL Our footballing heroes will take on the O aly champions Clonbollogue at Freshford on Sunday (Dec 19th) at 11am in the AIB Club Leinster Junior SemiFinal. A er beating the Wexford Champions the lads will be anxious to extend their journey and take the club supporters with them. Please support the lads. Tickets only are available online...all the details on club social media or through LeinsterGAA.ie. Sponrs: Pat Carroll’s , Ballybought St. CLUB OFFICERS 2022 GAA Chairman - Johnny Holohan, Secretary - Joan Galwey, Treasurer - Sean Casey, Vice Chairman / Fundraising - Bryan Skehan, PRO - Eoin Lawlor, Hurling & Football Eddie Buckley, Juvenile /Games Development/ Irish O icer - Brian Fox, Development: Sean Hogan Grounds, Eddie Maher, Social - Ruth Comerford Handball John Morrissey, Registration Niamh Carroll, Delegate - Luke Roche CAMOGIE Chairman - Eoin Lawlor Secretary - Geraldine Sheridan Hogan Vice Chairman/ Delegate- Gerry Buckley Treasurer - Linda O’Leary PRO - Catriona Loughrey Daly, Juvenile Chairwoman - Orla Skehan Juvenile PRO - Dierdre Roche, Games & Coaching Development - Amy Bryan Children’s O icer – Vacant, Registration/ Delegate - Joan Galwey BRIDGET JOHNSTON O’Loughlin Gaels GAA club and community wish to extend it’s deepest sympathies to the Johnston Family and friends at the passing of Bridget Johnston. Bridget and her family are synonymous with O’Loughlin Gaels and the locality and will be greatly missed by all on the Hebron Road and surrounding areas. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dílís

Club chairman Johnny Holohan presenting flowers to Margaret Hanlon marking the end in an era for our club O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club Minor Roinn C Shield Final Winners

O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club u22s Kilkenny Camogie County Champions

CLAIRE MAHER The people of Freshford and the surrounding areas were shocked and saddened recently to hear of the death of a devoted wife and mother daughter and sister. Claire Maher late of Ballyroe Freshford a er a short illness. Claire and her husband Tommy are well known and respected in the locality. The deceased was only in her 50s and was originally from Maynooth Co.Kildare. Claire was a quiet and good living lady a devoted wife and mother and followed the camogie and sports which her daughter Carmel was involved in. Funeral Mass took place in Tullaroan Church on Wednesday of last week followed by burial in Tullaroan Cemetery. She is deeply mourned by her husband Tommy, daughter Carmel, mother Mary, brother Ronan, sister in law, brother in law, nieces nephews and extended family to whom sincere sympathy is extended. CAMOGIE CHAMPS Congratulations to Freshford side who won the U22 county camogie final on Sunday last defeating Mooncoin on a scoreline of 2-8 to 0-4 at Danesfort. Well done to all the girls and their management team and all involved in the victory. IONAD LACHTAIN CHURCH ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTRE Next weekend is the final opportunity to shop local for Christmas presents at Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre. A wide selection of local cra s is available to purchase including knitted garments and toys, wood turning, Origami cra s, paintings, soaps and local literature. Deliver your Christmas presents in newly designed Freshford souvenir bags. While visiting, take time to view the Prendergast (nursing) and Barnaville (print) Collections in the museum. The displays include a newly arrived famine pot and a unique Freshford Cavalry medal dating from 1796. During opening hours (Saturday, 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.) and Sunday (12 noon to 4.00 p.m.), the east window in the Church will be lit up with a newly installed lighting system presented to Ionad Lachtain by the late Gerry O’Reilly and the Acorn Club.For gi ideas visit www.ionadlachtain.com or see Ionad Lachtain on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM. ST VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY. Thanks to all who contributed to the annual Christmas collection for the St. Vincent de Paul Society last weekend. Please note that donations can be made anytime in the blue SVP envelopes which each household has received through An Post. These envelopes can be le in the parish collection box in the porch at Freshford Church or in the collection basket at Tulla Church. ENGAGEMENT Special congratulations go out to local Hurling star Darren Brennan and his fiancée Chloe who announced their engagement last weekend. Darren plays in goal for St.Lachtains Intermediate hurlers and has played with the club since his school boy’s days. He is sub goalie for Kilkenny Senior Hurling side also. They are wished all the best from all who know them. DAY CENTRE Freshford Day care centre continues each Wednesday at 2pm in the GAA Club rooms. The Centre had been closed since the start of the pandemic. It is hoped that all former members will return to the centre and new members are also very welcome both male and female. You will get a cup of tea and have a chat and maybe a game of bingo. TRACTOR RUN Threecastles Gaa club organised a plough through the city tractor run last Sunday in support of Down Syndrome Ireland rolling through the city centre from 5pm to-6pm with a good turnout .The organising committee thank all those who helped in any way and all those who donated so generously. SOCCER Freshford Town had no teams in action at the weekend. The U 10 game was called o on Saturday and the Junior game was also called o on Sunday morning. The Junior sidetook on neighbours Tullaroan in a challenge game at Woodview and came out winners. The Junior side had their first game of the season recently when they took on St.Canices at home. The game was tied at 1-1 at the break but the home side came out winners on a 3-1 scoreline.Scorers for Freshford were Ml.Burke and Liam Hickey. In the schoolboys section last week the U13 took on Stoneyford away and came out winners on a 2-0 scoreline with goals from Cian Dalton and Charlie Kavanagh. The U15 boys beat Thomastown 4-1 at home with Ml.Bergin getting a hat trick and the other goal coming from M.JBanville. The U17 boys went down to a strong Bridge Utd side on a score of 3-1 with SeanKennedy getting the Freshford goal. The U11s were in action against Callan with some great goals also. U8s The training sessions for U8s will resume on Saturday next at the Sportsfield at Woodview from 12noon to 1pm with Gary in charge as usual. All boys from 5 to 8 years old are welcome so go along and join up. MACRA na FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel, drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development O icer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie GAA NEWS St Lachtains u20 hurling side had win in the opening round of the championship recently at Freshford when they defeated Dicksboro. They now face into semi final action next weekend when they take on Galmoy/ Windgap on Sunday next at Galmoy with throw in at 12.30pm. Best wishes to all players and management involved. All updates on all activities at St.Lachtains GAA can be followed on their social media pages both on Facebook and Twitter The final of the U20 between The Emeralds and Tullaroan took place at Pairc Lachtain on Sunday a ernoon last with The Emeralds coming out winners by 2 points a er a very entertaining game in front of a good attendance. WALKING GROUP A walking group has started recently and will continue on Thursday evening leaving the GAA clubrooms at 8pm All new members regardless so fitness levels are most welcome. It is open to all and everyone is encouraged to bring a friend along . PARISH NEWS With attendance at Masses almost back to normal Mass in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 8pm. While the obligation to attend Sunday mass is still suspended you are encouraged to return. Safety measures remain in place which includes wearing of masks, social distancing and hand sanitising and full sanitation of the Church a er every celebration Mass on Christmas Eve at Tulla Church at 7.30pm and in Freshford Church at 9.30pm. Mass on Christmas Day at Freshford Church at 11am. And on Sunday 26th Dec. at 11am. The restoration of the Stations of the Cross in the Church continues with ten now completed and just four more to go. In order to continue the work you are invited to sponsor one of the stations maybe with your family or a group of your friends. The sponsors will be included in a special roll of honour displayed in the church as a lasting legacy. For further information re same you are asked to please contact Monsignor Kennedy NOTICES The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish O ice. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be le in or emailed to the Parish O ice by 11am on Thursdays. MASS CARDS Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish O ice or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish o ice on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford/Threecastles Community alert group remind you that the annual text alert scheme membership is now due. It cost just 10euro per phone number and you can pay membership to any committee member. If unsure or for more information please call Jacinta on 0877658671 or Anna on 0858277965 . New members are welcome and the group wish to thank you all for your continued support. With winter upon us now and the dark evenings and long nights you are reminded to take care of yourself and take care of your elderly neighbours or friends. HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life di icult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 28 4342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

Local Lotto Draw Results 6th December 2021 - Winning Numbers : 12 , 15, 23. No Winner. Winners for Draw for 5 x €30 Mia Byrne ( The Shop ),Aisling Rowe ( Niamh O Donovan ), Brian Ireland ( Malachy Hogan ) , Michael Wilkins ( Mary He ernan) , David Gordon ( Pauline Walsh ) Jackpot next Week € 4,150 Draw in Delaney’s at 9pm on Monday December 13th. All Welcome.

GOWRAN DEVELOPMENT Additional lights installed on the green in Gowran in time for Christmas. Purchased with thanks to the money raised in the community by Spooktacular and a grant from Kilkenny County Council. MOLLY’S TEAROOMS The Christmas order book is now closed. Mince pies, fresh sponge cakes, cheesecakes and pavlovas are available to order right up to Christmas. GOWRAN PARK Flash sale on Go s Thyestes Chase tickets until Sunday, December 19th. Available at gowranpark.ie GOWRAN ABBEY NURSING HOME Gowran Abbey are running a seasonal ra le with 3 baskets of goodies up for grabs. Tickets are now available in the Nursing Home - 2 Strips (10 Tickets) for €5 - or 5 Strips (25 Tickets) for €10. Tickets can be purchased ‘In Person’ or by telephone (056 772 6500) using your debit/credit card! All ra le proceeds are solely used for enhancing the social adventures of residents. Good luck to all who choose to enter the ra le SPORTS ROUND UP MICHAEL O’LEARY UNDER 21 HURLING The Young Irelands U-21 Hurlers lost out to Lisdowney 1-12 to 1-8 in the County Roinn B Semi-Final in Gowran on Sunday a ernoon, where the strong blustery conditions proved challenging for fluent hurling particularly free-taking. Unfortunately, for the Gowran Men, they squandered numerous chances shooting 15 wides, with at least 10 of those coming in the first-half where they had a strong wind advantage. Lisdowney were dominant on the scoreboard for most of the half where they led 0-8 to 0-1 a er 21 minutes, before points from two Dylan Carey frees sandwiched in between a point from play by Patrick Brennan narrowed the gap by half-time. 0-8 to 0-4. Lisdowney stretched the advantage out to 5 points early in the second half - 0-10 to 0-5 - before a brilliant solo goal from Jack Brennan in the 36th minute narrowed the gap to two points. 0-10 to 1-5. The scores remained the same until the 45th minute before a goal from Aidan Tallis just before the water break restored their five-point advantage. 1-10 to 1-5. It was a significant goal and Lisdowney maintained control a erwards. Dylan Carey added three pointed frees throughout the closing quarter, but despite his best attempts with 0-7(all frees) and strong valiant defending from Sean Fitzpatrick, Cathal Darcy and Sean Middleton, they couldn’t get another goal to trouble Lisdowney’s aspirations. UNDER 15 FOOTHBALL Superb performance as U-15s storm to football final A Superb Team Performance from the Young Irelands U-15 Footballers saw them qualify for the County Football Final as they defeated Clara 2-9 to 0-6 in Gowran on Sunday Morning. In a low scoring first-half, the Gowran Boys led 0-4 to 0-2 at half-time with the outstanding Michael Keating and Alex Kenny among the point scorers. Points were exchanged early in the Second-Half, before Michael Keating crashed home a goal in the 38th minute following a brilliant surging solo run from the exceptional Matthew Murray. 1-5 to 0-3. Young Irelands Goalkeeper Richard Fenlon was called into action shortly a erwards when denying Clara a certain goal chance, before points were exchanged shortly as Michael Keating added a superb individual e ort in the 45th minute to maintain their five point lead intact. 1-6 to 0-4. Clara were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute, but Richard Fenlon saved their attempt. However, their e ort was retaken because of a foot block inside the penalty area, but again the Young Irelands goalkeeper came to the rescue with another superb stop. Buoyed on by that Penalty Save, the Gowran Boys finished strongly outscoring their opponents 1-3 to 0-1 over closing 10 minutes with the highly e ective Substitute Shane Simpson and Jake Kelly among the scorers. A superb team performance with outstanding displays throughout particularly from Matthew Murray, Kieran Timmins and David Langton who were magnificent in defence while Alex Kenny, Jake Kelly and Cian Phelan doing a lot of trojan work around the middle third area. Michael Keating led the way upfront as he always provided a constant threat. He scored 1-3 and played a part in several other scores, while the impact of the subs bench proved the strength in depth on show as they accounted 1-2 in the final 10 minutes. Young Irelands now play St. Martins in the County Final.

DICKSBORO CALENDER 2022 Dicksboro 2022 A3 Spiral Bound Wall Calendars now available to purchase.A must have Christmas stocking filler featuring every single player who wore the maroon and white this past year (fingers crossed) A beautiful production, thanks to Tom Beirne, Davy Ryan, Alan Condon, Jason Dempsey and the team at Kilkenny Print and Graphics.Limited availability so please get your order in and collect the calendar from the clubhouse on any Thursday night before Christmas. Please see all socials to purchase. U21 TEAM Our Under 21 Team had a very good work out on Sunday Morning Versus Holycross Ballycahill played in Holycross. This was key preperation ahead of a big battle against Mooncoin next Sunday in the Semi Final. Best of luck to all involved. MINOR CAMOGIE Well done to the Dicksboro Camogie Minor team who defeated James Stephens on Saturday in Johns Park. CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results Dec 11th Nos: 23,11,3, 32 Jackpot: €5,700– not won Draw Prizes – €50: Charlie Phelan c/o Jim McGarry €25 each Johnny Campion c/o Online €25 each Patricia Dalton c/o Davy Dalton €25 each McGuire c/o Online Co Op draw ticket Pat Mulrooney c/o Jim Murphy Promotors prize Jim Murphy New weeks draw 5,850 Dec.17th