Kilkenny Observer 18th August 2023

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Back Home, Mam More adult kids now back living at home  Special Report, Page 14

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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It’s not a fair cop Figures disclosing Garda staffing levels across the country show that the Kilkenny/ Carlow district has the third fewest Gardaí per capita in the country.

According to the figures, there are currently 190 officers per 100,000 people across the two counties.

Meath came out on top with the worst staffing levels with

just 142 Gardaí per 100,000.

This was followed by Kildare with 171 per 100,000 people.

The analysis found a major difference in the number of officers provided to different areas of the country.

For example, Meath has only one Garda for every 703 people, compared to one garda for every 392 people in Dublin.

Garda numbers have continued to decline as many recruit candidates offered places in the Gardaí College have not taken them up.

At the same time, resignations from An Garda Síochána are continuing to increase at a significant rate, while age-related retirements are also looking set to be higher for this current

year.

The Government and Garda headquarters had initially planned for five intakes, or classes, of 200 recruits to enter the Garda Síochána College, Templemore, Co Tipperary, this year. However, the first intake in February numbered 135 recruits while the second, in May, involved 154.

Sources said classes have been smaller than the hopedfor 200 as some candidates who successfully applied for to join the force have deferred taking up their place or changed their minds about a career in policing.

In other cases, if recruits spent some time living abroad, their records in those countries must

All fuelled up for Kilkenny Cannonball, the action-packed supercar spectacle, is set to roll in on September 15 to 17 with proceeds to The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and will be having a big dramatic finish line in Kilkenny City on Sunday, September 17 at 6pm.

Cannonball, fuelled by milesPLUS from Circle K, is the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet from the awe-inspiring power of Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to the grace and elegance of Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati.

Full story Page 4 PHOTO: Andres Poveda

More adult kids now back at home Newly released figures show that the number of young adults still living with their parents has almost doubled in the past decade.

And young men are less likely to leave the family home compared to their female counterparts, according to new data from Eurostat.

The latest figures show that

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

68% of Irish adults aged between 25 and 29 were still living at home last year. That compares to an EU average of 42%.

For women in this age group, 61% have yet to move out, while almost three-quarters (74%) of men have yet to fly the nest.

However, a decade ago, just 36% of those aged 25 to 29 were

still living with their parents.

A combination of high rents and a lack of affordable housing means more Irish adults than ever before are unable to leave the family home.

In 2019, fewer than half (45%) of Irish adults aged 25-29 were living with their parents, which was only just above the EU average.

In 2020 and 2021 the figures climbed to 52% and 61% respectively as the country struggled through the Covid-19 pandemic which saw many young adults return to their childhood home.

However, as other EU countries saw a decline in the number of adults living with their parents since then, in Ireland it

has increased still further and now stands at 68%.

In comparison, just 5.7% of Finnish adults aged 25-29 live with their parents, 4.4% of Danes and 6.3% of Swedes.

In France, a quarter of adults in their mid to late 20s are still living at home.

See Special Report Page 14

be checked as part of the vetting process, which was slower when it involved an international component.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents more than11,000 rank and file Gardaí in a near 14,000-strong force, said they were “worried” at the continued fall in Garda numbers.

Sound of Music for 50 years Founded in 1973 by Kilkenny theatre legend Donal O’Brien and the late and great Kitty Drohan, Kilkenny Musical Society is this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

This group of local singers, actors, musicians and dancers performed their first production of ‘The Gypsy Baron’ in the spring of 1974 in the Friary Hall, Kilkenny and this was to become the home of the society until 1992.

Full story Page 10

Your work rights when you’re ill In the past, as an employee you had no legal right to receive payment from your employer during periods of sick leave and you had no entitlement to statutory payment during the first three days of a medically certified absence.

However, since January a new sick pay scheme was introduced to provide workers with some level of financial support during illness.

John Ellis Page 16

Peadar Malone’s chirpy smile Peadar Malone was laid to rest on Monday, August 7. I loved Peader. Everyone did as evidenced by the chock-a-block crowd in St Patrick’s Parish church that morning. Standing room only. Not to mention the huge crowd standing outside.

Half of the parish was there plus a huge contingent from the ‘Continent’ .

Gerry Moran Page 20

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

News

Gear up, Cannonball is coming to Kilkenny Cannonball, the actionpacked supercar spectacle, is set to roll in on September 15 to 17 with proceeds to The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and will be having a big dramatic finish line in Kilkenny City on Sunday, September 17 at 6pm.

Cannonball, fuelled by milesPLUS from Circle K, is the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet from the awe-inspiring power of Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to the grace and elegance of Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati.

Cannonball has already raised €1,538,602 for Irish Charities and brings a unique and inimitable electric atmosphere to host towns all over the country making it a widely-anticipated free family event for spectators.

This year the official charity of Cannonball is The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation – the Irish children’s charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care, respite support and end-oflife care for children from birth to six years of age who have highly complex and lifelimiting medical conditions.

There are currently more than 400 children under the care of Jack and Jill right across the country and the charity’s mission is to empower

Return journey: Cannonball arriving into Kilkenny City back in 2018 had record crowds on the parade

parents to care for their child at home, because there is no care like home care for a Jack and Jill child.

Cannonball offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness the world’s most prestigious and sought-after supercars up close and enjoy the unique festival atmo-

sphere that Cannonball is renowned for. The Brazilian dancers, giant screens, music and fanfare brings all the glamour of carnival and live DJs, bands and festivals in host towns get the party started. The Cannonballers and celebrities in colourful costumes add to the melee.

From Spiderman to Star Wars, Cat Woman to Wonder Woman, cheerleaders to Charlie’s Angels, Batman, the Joker and more, it is a totally unique free family day out.

This year, organisers are also calling on spectators to dress up in fancy dress with prizes for best dressed.

Cannonball was founded

by Kildare businessman Alan Bannon and the benefit to the host towns for this event is estimated at €2,567,000 per year. Cannonball is fuelled by milesPLUS from Circle K as the main headline Sponsor for 2023 and all official fuel stops on the route

where spectators can see the cars will be announced in the coming days. The tour sponsor this year is Apache Pizza and Cannonball official partners include Karl Goodwin Motors, AB Signs, HONE Energy and Majestic Ireland Road Trips. * See cannonball.ie

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News

Shortlists for Irish-language Book of the Year The shortlists for the IrishLanguage Book of the Year Publishing Awards has been announced by An tOireachtas, in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge. The awards consist of three categories: Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (Book of the Year for Adults), Gradam Réics Carló (Book of the Year for Children) and Gradam de Bhaldraithe (Book of the Year

for publications translated into Irish).

Twenty books in total have been shortlisted this year – seven in the category, ‘IrishLanguage Book of the Year for Adults’; seven in the Children’s Book category and six in the category for Translated Works.

The nine publishing houses shortlisted include An

tSnáthaid Mhór; Barzaz; Cló Iar-Chonnacht; Cló Léann na Gaeilge (CLÓ); Dalen Éireann; Futa Fata; Leabhar Breac; LeabhairCOMHAR agus Picnic Press. Full details of works are available below.

“The requisite set of skills for successfully stewarding a book on its journey from the author’s first draft

all the way into the hands of the reader is a multifaceted one in the fast paced world of today”, said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas. “And we are fortunate to have so many leading edge publishers bringing beautifully crafted Irish-medium books to the market. I congratulate the publishing houses appearing

One in two women in politics face abuse A total of 52% of women attending their election workshops as part of their preparation for the 2024 local elections reported incidences of abuse.

These women and all women in rural Ireland who are getting ready for the 2024 local elections have made their views on safe participation in public life known via the See Her Elected organisation to a task force established by the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Séan Ó Fearghaíl, and the Cathaoirleach, Senator Jerry Buttimer in Leinster House.

Women want to see political parties be much more proactive at stamping out abuse and harassment that happens within the setting of party meetings or which involves party members. Strong scepticism at the commitment of social media platforms to the safety of those in public life was also expressed, and women have asked the task force to tackle this.

Ideas that they would like to see considered are a central point of contact to call as and when harassment and abuse unfolds, and they question why home addresses are required on nomination papers.

See Her Elected (SHE) – the award-winning Government funded programme to support women in rural constituencies to become county councillors – surveyed women attending their election workshops as part of their preparation for the 2024 local elections.

Incidences of abuse were catalogued by 52%, with 48% never having encountered abuse or harassment.

The threat of abuse doesn’t emerge as the absolute deterrent to women running in the local elections that might be expected. Judging perpetra-

tors as people who consider that women have no place in politics, their actions can often spur women on. Dr Michelle Maher, Programme Manager with See Her Elected, explained that women “often voice an opinion in SHE election workshops that if they allow such people to put them off running, nothing will ever change.”

The See Her Elected submission to the task force provides a unique insight into what women in rural Ireland encounter once they make their political ambitions known.

Much of what goes on can be insidious in nature and hard for women to constantly call out such as “a complete refusal to use my proper name on multiple occasions or bypassing or trivialising my contribution.”

Women told of “being shouted at and told to leave politics to men” and being “laughed at and told my husband would be better for the job. I was given out to and told it wouldn’t be fair on my children and I was told I didn’t have the looks for politics.”

Rather than being supportive, there were accounts of women being undermined by their party locally.

Dr Maher explained that “one woman recorded how at meetings there was an attack on her character, and her point of view was dismissed. Demeaning language was allowed, and she could see that decisions were made outside of the official meeting. Another woman who had publicly said at a political meeting that she was thinking of going for election was accosted twice the following week by the elected representative and a supporter because in their opinion “she would split the vote.”

on this year’s shortlists as well as the authors, illustrators, editors, designers and translators involved in the publication of all of these exceptional books.

“Readers will be spoiled for choice with the range and diversity of works shortlisted which include novels, collections of essays and poetry, picture books for our young

readers and exquisite translations from other languages,” she said.

The winners of the awards will be announced at an awards ceremony at the end of September. A collective prize fund of €17,000 will be awarded. * Details of all publications are available at www.antoireachtas.ie.

Siobhán Talbot steps down from Glanbia

Siobhán Talbot is to retire from Glanbia after 10 successful years as Group Managing Director. She will step down from her position and from the Glanbia Board on December 31 and will retire from the Kilkenny based group in January 2024.

Hugh McGuire, currently Chief Executive Officer of Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN), will be appointed CEO of Glanbia plc and join the Glanbia Board as an Executive Director as of January 1.

Donard Gaynor, Chairman of Glanbia, said: “On behalf of the board I would like to express our deep gratitude to Siobhán for her leader-

ship and contribution to Glanbia over the past 10 years as Group Managing Director. A deeply principled and values-driven leader, Siobhán has provided outstanding strategic direction to Glanbia, reshaping the business and its culture to become a clear leader in the world of better nutrition. She led the creation of a focused business which is aligned to growing consumer trends with clear purpose and values, a strong balance sheet and continued ambition for growth which are all key parts of her distinguished legacy.

“The board is delighted to appoint Hugh McGuire

as CEO of Glanbia effective January 1. Hugh has led the growth and evolution of GPN with unrelenting focus to become a global leader and a key earnings generator.

He combines a passion for our business and our served markets with entrepreneurial flair and a growth mind-set.”

Siobhán Talbot said: “It has been my great privilege to lead Glanbia over the past 10 years. I am very proud of how the organisation has evolved, grown and strengthened over this period. It is well positioned for the next phase of growth with great people, culture and capabilities. I want to thank my leadership team and all my colleagues

right across the group for their hard work and commitment to Glanbia and their personal friendship.

“I would like to wish Hugh well as he takes the helm in 2024 and I look forward to working with him on the leadership transition over the coming months.”

Hugh McGuire said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed as the next CEO of Glanbia, an organisation I have been proud to serve over the last 20 years.

It is a business and a sector that is closely aligned to my own passions and values and I’ve been privileged to be part of its transformation journey.”

Threshold and students join in Scamwatch fight The national housing charity Threshold has joined forces with the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) and the Union of Students Ireland (USI) to raise awareness of rental scams ahead of the new academic year, next month.

The Scamwatch campaign launches as thousands of students begin searching for accommodation across Ireland.

Each year, hundreds of students are targeted by false “landlords” and scammers seeking to con them out of their

savings by offering accommodation units and properties, that they either purport to be renting, or don’t exist.

The new campaign highlights the “dos and don’ts” for students and provides them with contact information for Threshold, ICOS and USI where they can request advice about their rights as private renters and safeguards they should take to avoid scams. See www.threshold.ie/faq/how-to-spot-ascam/ for more information.

John-Mark McCafferty, CEO

of Threshold said: “Threshold is increasingly aware of a surge of rental scams, particularly ahead of the academic period, with students unfortunately being easy targets. In a highly competitive, low supply rental market, scams are on the rise.

It’s important that students and all renters nationwide are aware of such scams and take the appropriate actions to prevent themselves from falling into these traps.

“To avoid rental scams, it is key that renters take precau-

tions, such as requesting a written agreement of rental terms and conditions and using a secure payment method – and not cash in hand – after the contract has been signed and witnessed in the presence of the other party. Never rush headlong into anything – scammers do apply pressure, which is one of the telltale signs. We encourage any student or renter who is unsure if they are being scammed to contact our advisors for free advice support.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter Paul Hopkins

Imagine if Humphrey Bogart had vaped A lifetime ago I argued that to smoke was to be cool and hip like those idols in the Saturday matinee. I mean, be honest, what would Bogart and Bacall and Casablanca have been like were it not for those off-grey wisps trailing across Bogie’s face as he looked longingly and lustfully into Lauren’s eyes? (Cigarette smoke plays wonders with soft focus).

By the time I was rearing a family, the jury was well and truly back in with a damning verdict on the health implications of smoking tobacco.

The past eight years I vape.

E-cigarettes and vaping is a way to ingest nicotine – without the smoke and tar that comes from burning tobacco. The vaping device, a mod, contains a battery that heats a liquid spiked with nicotine, producing a vapour the user inhales.

Finally, I thought, a way to smoke that wouldn’t totally

derail my health, given that manufactured cigarettes contain at least 400 poisonous and proven carcinogenic compounds not, allegedly, found in vaping juice, which is basically nicotine in a vegetable suspension.

I vape now, and find it a much more satisfying – if smoking could be said to be satisfying – way of getting my daily nicotine fix. And judging by the slew of vaping shops up and down the country, I am not alone.

The economic saving is a given: smoking a pack of fags a day will set you back €112 a week, the annual equivalent to the cost of a good holiday abroad. Vaping, after the initial set-up costs for a mod and a tank for the juice, sets me back the princely sum of €7 a week.

I like, too, the aesthetics of vaping, and the ergonomics of the machines, of which I now have as many as, once,

I had train sets in my attic.

Also, my local pub allows me to vape discreetly. (When it’s a full house, I desist).

What of the health implications, though? The jury is apparently calling for a retrial of vaping, following recent

deaths, allegedly from electronic smoking, in the US and hundreds of others taking ill. RTE’s Claire byrne radio show was wallto- wall pro and anti vaping last week. Vaping per se off the hook when it comes to

asking if it is healthier, or better still, less harmful, than tobacco smoking.

You are, after all, inhaling nicotine into your lungs.

Nicotine is addictive but only minimally potentially poisonous. However, it is the suspensions and artificial agents used, particularly in flavoured juices – hugely popular with young users – that are questionable.

The reality is that we know nothing about the longterm health implications of vaping, given the habit has been around for only 15 years or so. There has not been enough, if any, research done on the matter. Given the numerous manufacturers of vaping machines and juices, there is no official record of the exact constituents of these varying juices or of the safety of some of the gadgetry, what with occasional reporting of mods exploding in people’s faces.

Like the tobacco business was – still is – a multi-billion dollar industry, worldwide, the market for vaping products was estimated at about $14.5 billion last year, and growing rapidly. You can be certain that there are vested interests hell-bent on keeping the lid tight on any harmful health implications associated with this vaping trend.

With the jury just left the room, the medical profession here, and elsewhere, is divided on the issue. Medics here are keeping a close eye on developments with the FDA in America. “It’s all very days early yet,” says Professor Stephen Lane, a consultant respiratory physician at Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin.

Meanwhile, you can bet your bottom euro a hefty tax will soon be slapped on vaping, long before the jury comes back on its health implications.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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News In the year 1973, Ireland was a changing landscape, socially, politically and economically.

Our country had joined the EEC, Fianna Fail’s 16 year reign in Government came to an end, and the first edition of the Sunday World newspaper went on sale. But here in the marble city another odyssey was beginning. The formation of what is now one of the foremost amateur musical theatre societies in the country – Kilkenny Musical Society.

Founded in 1973 by Kilkenny theatre legend Donal O’Brien and the late and great Kitty Drohan, Kilkenny Musical Society is this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary. This group of local singers, actors, musicians and dancers performed their first production of 'The Gypsy Baron' in the spring of 1974 in the Friary Hall, Kilkenny and this was to become the home of the society until 1992 when their production of 'The Merry Widow' became the last show to be staged in the Friary Hall.

The opening of the Watergate Theatre in early 1993 was a milestone in the development of Kilkenny Musical Society and their production of “The Pirates of Penzance” in May of that year marked their debut in a professional theatre and introduced the society to the demands of staging a musical production in a professional technical arena. Every year since then

“First production of 'The Gypsy Baron' in the spring of 1974..

Kilkenny Musical Society celebrates 50 th anniversary

has seen the society staging a musical to the highest of professional standards, accruing an impressive list of accolades along the way. Most noticeably their 2014 production of 'Michael Collins: A Musical Drama' which scooped first place at the national awards in Killarney.

Despite the devastating

affect of covid on the arts and performers across all genres, Kilkenny Musical Society returned as vibrant and passionate as ever with their 2022 production of The Adams Family which played to packed houses and rapturous applause.

Ahead of the eagerly awaited announcement of their 2024

production, Kilkenny Musical Society will be staging a nostalgic trip down musical theatre memory lane with a glittering array of past, present and perhaps future stars of the society’s impressive cohort. The Watergate Theatre will be the venue for what promises to be a fantastic concert remembering

all of the shows that have endeared Kilkenny musical society to its audiences. But the society needs you, its past performers!

An information night for all past and present members of the society took place in the Ormonde hotel on Monday, August 14.

This was a wonderful oppor-

tunity for all those who have played and continue to play a part in the extraordinary tapestry of Kilkenny Musical’s Society’s illustrious history and exciting future, to come together to celebrate 50 years of music, laughter and friendship. Further information can be found on the society’s social media platforms.

Landowners fined over river pollution Inland Fisheries Ireland has secured combined fines of €8,500 against two separate landowners for destroying stretches of their local rivers in Laois and Tipperary.

In Co. Laois Mr Michael Hosey was convicted of carrying out works on 800 metres of river channel at Trumera, Mountrath.

In Co. Tipperary, Mr Milo Cuddihy was convicted of carrying out instream works on 300 metres of the Lingaun River at Breanormore.

Lynda Connor, South-Eastern River Basin District Director at Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) said: “These were acts of ecological destruction. The actions of the defendants demonstrated a real disregard for the rivers."

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

No room at the inn for a Constitutional Amendment At first encounter the idea that a right to housing should be included in the Constitution doesn’t make sense. Surely, it’s absolute nonsense to make a promise to house citizens when there are 60,000 families on the waiting list for housing or double that if the number of families in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAPs) – where local authorities contribute rent to private landlords, costing €750m. a year – are included.

The State built 30,000 houses last year – a 45% increase over the previous year– but are barely able to to keep up with demand where the population is swelling and the price of privately developed new homes makes them unaffordable for Generation Rent. Giving a guarantee of homes, where the housing

crisis, seen as the No. 1 issue by voters, can’t be resolved, sounds a bit like trying to fry chips without oil.

The current cure all “sure the State has loadsa cash“ isn’t the answer. Throwing money at the housing famine isn’t enough.

The problem is far more complex.

The housing rights question has arisen due to the interim recommendations of the 2021 Commission on Housing. However the commission are said to have had a split about the type of Amendment required and it is far from clear how such a right might work in practice.

The Irish Constitution is now a bit like a patchwork, as since it was first drawn up there have been 38 Amendments, both to bring it up to date with changed times or to grant

new rights. Many Amendments have been backed by legislation and have had prompt practical effect: there was the Amendment to allow Ireland to become a member of the European Community ( 1972), to lower the voting age in the following year and the same sex marriage referendum in 2015, among them.

Ask yourself if people should be housed and the answer is almost certainly ‘yes’; But whether having a right to housing should be inserted in the Constitution is a tricky question. For one thing there are two kinds of rights in the Constitution, prescriptive ‘this is the way things should’ be kind or rights which are not enforceable or the kind with teeth backed by legislation.

A majority of the commission favour the latter approach which opens up

all kinds of questions and probably a considerable can of worms.

For one thing, there is the question of what kind of housing should be provided. The Government could follow Finland’s shining example with their Housing First 2008 policy where people in need of homes are offered social apartments.

For another, who would decide on eligibility for the right to a home.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned about the possibility of legal challenges where those who haven’t been housed could take the Government or local authorities to court and then money, which might otherwise be available to housing, gets eaten up in legal fees. Imagine the 60,000 waiting on the housing list taking a class action against the State or

disgruntled millennials, fed up with staying with their parents, demanding damages from the State for their plight.

An alternative point of view is that it needs to be done to speed up a solution to the housing crisis. Aoife Kelly Desmond, Chair of the Home for Good Group argues that the Constitution is unbalanced in favour of private property and that this has failed people in need of housing. ”It perpetuates high levels of dereliction and vacancy across the country and has contributed to a national housing crisis .While a constitutional right to housing wouldn’t solve our housing it has an enormous potential to be a catalyst for change.”

Personally, I doubt it.

Amendment lite would be an ineffective virtue signal and window dressing. The

alternative version – given the complexity and amount of legislation required – would take a long time.

Better surely to act now and sort out the problems which are delaying the delivery of housing where clearly the biggest need is for social and affordable homes.

The planning system needs to be streamlined, land needs to be unlocked, the hands of local authorities untied, more construction workers trained with a restoration of apprenticeship schemes with a recruitment scheme for overseas workers in the short term.

Most of all politicians need the will to act now rather than use the Constitutional Amendment as a can to kick the housing crisis down the road.

We all know that people need and ought to have homes.

Get ready for Back to School CLAIR WHITTY

It’s back to school time already, what a fast year.

Many of you will be busy getting school books and uniforms sorted. After a busy summer you might be considering giving yourself and your kids an energy boost before going back to school. Or maybe your concern is how to support their immunity to prevent missed days from school.

So, to get you ready for all of this you could top up with a boost of Floradix Liquid Iron. This is very absorbable and easy to digest,

great to support energy levels and cognitive function.

It contains Iron, B2, B12, and vitamin C to contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Topping up with Floradix Iron is ideal for children and adults, and is especially important if you are vegetarian. Floradix is also available in a version specially adapted for children & teens with a fruity raspberry flavour called Floradix Kids. They have no preservatives, colours or artificial flavourings.

For a more comprehensive support try Revive Active’s Junior Revive for children aged 4-12 or Teen Revive for teens aged 13-18. This supplement has a wide range of nutrients to support

your child’s energy, brain, heart, bones and immune system. It contains 22 active ingredients which includes 18 vitamins and minerals, 4 fruit and vegetable powders, Choline, Live Friendly Bacteria, Fibre and Beta Glucans. It comes in an unflavoured powder that is easy to take. Simply add it to juice, a healthy smoothie or yogurt of choice. I love that you only need to take it Monday – Friday to coincide with your morning school routine.

If you want a supplement whose sole focus is immunity then you might like to try Better You Vitamin D& K2 spray for kids. A simple spray onto the inside of the cheek is all you need to do!

A lot of children will not eat fish so adding in a fish or plant-based omega 3 supplement such as Eskimo 3 For Kids is important.

This helps ensure that they have adequate essential fatty acids for normal brain function, immunity, energy.

It’s needed for everything really. It supports learning by improving cognitive function. Eskimo 3 for kids is available in Tutti Frutti or Orange flavour.

Phone or visit us for more information.

Shop online www.naturalhealthstore.ie

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News

SPECIAL REPORT Newly released figures show that the number of young adults still living with their parents has almost doubled in the past decade.

And young men are less likely to leave the family home compared to their female counterparts, according to new data from Eurostat.

The latest figures show that 68% of Irish adults aged between 25 and 29 were still living at home last year.

That compares to an EU average of 42%.

For women in this age group, 61% have yet to move out, while almost three-quarters (74%) of men have yet to fly the nest.

However, a decade ago, just 36% of those aged 25 to 29 were still living with their parents.

A combination of high rents and a lack of affordable housing means more Irish adults than ever before are unable to leave the family home.

In 2019, fewer than half (45%) of Irish adults aged 25-29 were living with their parents, which was only just above the EU average.

In 2020 and 2021 the figures climbed to 52% and 61% respectively as the country struggled through the Covid19 pandemic which saw many young adults return to their childhood home.

However, as other EU countries saw a decline in the number of adults living with their parents since then, in Ireland it has increased still further and now stands at 68%.

In comparison, just 5.7% of Finnish adults aged 25-29 live with their parents, 4.4% of Danes and 6.3% of Swedes.

In France, a quarter of adults in their mid to late 20s are still living at home.

The rate is 20% in Germany and 17.3% in the Netherlands.

More adult kids now back living at home

Just Croatia, Slovakia, Greece and Italy have higher rates than Ireland of such adults living at home.

The average age at which young Irish men move out is now 27.4 years, while for women it is 26.5 years.

Ireland is an outlier in Western Europe, and sits among the Balkan and Eastern European countries where socio-economic circumstances and a lack of viable job opportunities often mean adults remain in the family home into their late 20s and early 30s.

Finns, Danes and Swedes all tend to move out of the

family home before turning 22. Dutch, Germans and French young adults usually move out before turning 23.

Among 20- to 24-year-olds, Ireland’s rate is also quite high, with 89% still living at home. The EU average for this age group is 74%.

However, a lack of rental accommodation and affordable housing to buy means many young Irish people cannot afford to move out.

Ireland has the most expensive housing market in the EU, and rents are well above the EU average.

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien last week conceded

that the country had a “very significant housing problem” and said he wanted to see more support for renters in the October Budget.

Among the measures he wanted introduced were an increase in the renter’s tax credit to almost €800 and to extend the Help to Buy scheme for first-time buyers for another two years.

Psychiatrist Dr David Coleman has said hat the phenomenon in Ireland was likely more circumstantial – due to the cost of living and lack of affordable housing – rather than cultural or a generational change.

Dr Coleman said the psychological phenomenon of adult children who are very delayed leaving, or never move out of, their family home to live independently of their parents likely came down to opportunity or lack thereof.

“Economic factors are the most significant reasons for adult children remaining at home, or returning home after a period of independent living. For example, in the Nordic (countries), where cost of living is lower compared to income levels, there are fewer adults remaining at home than in southern

Europe,” he told the Irish Independent.

“In some countries, like Italy for example, they have found that adult children remaining at home has become part of the culture and that many parents prefer their adult children to remain at home.

“Continuing education is another significant factor that delays young adults from leaving home.

“The financial capacity of parents is also a factor.

Parents with higher incomes are more likely to have adult children still living in the home than those with lower incomes.”

High-speed broadband continues to roll out National Broadband Ireland, the company delivering the new future-proofed, highspeed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan on behalf of the Government, has said that almost 1,500 Kilkenny properties in its Carrick-on-Suir deployment area will be able to connect to its high-speed fibre broadband network at the end of autumn.

The area also includes the rural areas and townlands surrounding Piltown, Fiddown and Killamery.

A total of 19,000 premises in Co Kilkenny are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest

investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Kilkenny will receive €72M of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

Construction works are underway to connect 1,456 homes, farms and businesses

in the Carrick-on-Suir deployment area and broadband on NBI’s high-speed network is expected to be available between October and December later this year. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living near Carrick-on-Suir to visit nbi.ie/

eoi to sign up for notifications on when they will be able be able to join the network.

Works have already been completed in other parts of Kilkenny and there are a total of 9,770 premises that are available to pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county with 2,810 connections made so far. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

The Carrick-On-Suir deployment area is comprised of 4,860 homes, businesses, farms and schools across counties Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Waterford. The area will see an investment of approximately €19M to deliver the new high speed

fibre network. This will enable e-learning, remote monitoring of livestock or equipment, e-health initiatives, better energy efficiency in the home, and facilitate increased levels of remote working.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that Kilkenny premises in the Carrick-on-Suir area will be able to order high-speed broadband services through the National Broadband Ireland network by the end of this year. This will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides. Presently surrounding areas of Johnstown can order high-speed fibre broadband

to connect to the National Broadband Network.”

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.

Some 62 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 51 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the National Broadband Ireland network, visit NBI.ie/buy.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Your peace of mind in time of illness In the past, as an employee you had no legal right to receive payment from your employer during periods of sick leave and you had no entitlement to statutory payment during the first three days of a medically certified absence.

However, starting in January of this year, a new sick pay scheme was introduced to provide workers with some level of financial support during periods of illness.

The new sick pay scheme, officially known as Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), aims to ensure that you are provided with a portion of your normal pay while on sick leave. Under the scheme, you are entitled to three days of sick pay a year in 2023. The introduction of the sick pay entitlement is being phased in over four years, offering a gradual progression towards greater sick leave coverage. This entitlement will increase each year – five days in 2024, seven days in 2025, and 10 days in 2026. You will

be entitled to take these days together if required or on nonconsecutive days.

Your employer is now obliged to provide you a payment at a rate of 70% of your normal pay, up to a maximum of €110 a day. To qualify for SSP, you must be working for your employer for at least 13 continuous weeks before falling sick and you must be certified as unable to work by a doctor.

Katherine McVeigh BL and Anne Conlon BL, committee members of the Employment Bar Association of The Bar of Ireland who examined the bill, pointed out that the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Report on the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Sick Leave Bill 2021 recommended that all employees be entitled to statutory sick pay, particularly where employers can request medical certification, without any minimum service require-

ment.

In any event, once entitlement to sick pay from your employer ends, and you still need time to recover, you will need to see if you qualify for illness benefit from the Department of Social Protection subject to your PRSI contributions.

The scheme brings several benefits to both you as an employee and your employer.

You will have peace of mind

knowing in the short term you won’t face financial difficulties due to illness, reducing the pressure to return to work prematurely. Your employer, through the scheme, recognises the importance of your wellbeing by providing adequate time and income to recover and demonstrate their commitment to your welfare.

And for the employer the phased implementation takes into consideration the

economic challenges faced by businesses, making the scheme more adaptable and affordable for employers.

When the drafting of the scheme was approved in June 2021, Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar highlighted the scheme’s significance saying: “Ireland is one of the few advanced countries in Europe not to have a mandatory sick pay scheme and, although about half employers do provide sick pay, we need to make sure that every worker, especially lower paid workers in the private sector, have the security and peace of mind of knowing that if they fall ill and miss work, they won’t lose out on a full day’s pay.

“I believe this scheme can be one of the positive legacies of the pandemic as it will apply to illness of all forms and not just those related to COVID-19.”

The introduction of the SSP scheme was met with a mix of feedback. While some view it as a necessary step

toward better worker protection, others have expressed concerns about its potential impact on business costs and operations.

Addressing this issue the Tánaiste said: “By phasing this in over a four-year period, we are taking a balanced approach to plug a well acknowledged gap in our social protections while also responding to the cost concerns of small businesses in the current economic environment. The scheme is designed to be fair and affordable with the minimum complexity and administrative burden for employers.”

As the scheme continues to be implemented over the coming years, its impact on worker protection, employer practices, and the overall labour landscape will undoubtedly come into sharper focus.. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

News Science & Wellbeing In her book on grief, Before and After Loss: A Neurologist’s Perspective on Loss, Grief, and Our Brain (2018), written after the death of her husband, neurologist Lisa Schulman notes that seeing the psychological aspect of grief as a form of open-ended brain-altering trauma is not common in most Western cultures, which places emphasis on “moving forward”.

In fact, Lisa Schulman argues, Western culture considers grieving a finite process which ends with ‘closure’, like a book, a movie, or TV series, with its season or series finale.

‘Closure’ entails “moving on” and “letting go” of the dead, ceasing the habits that bind us to the departed, summing up their lives and their relationships with conclusive insights that no longer invite brooding reflection, ambiguity, or regrets.

‘Closure’ delineates the line between healthy and unhealthy grief: without closure one is said to be stuck between the world of the living and the world of the dead, unable to ‘let go’.

In her book Closure: The Rush to End Grief and What it Costs Us (2011), sociologist Nancy Berns proposes that closure is an artificial, socially structured emotion that offers a false promise of completion and resolution. Unlike books and movies, grief is open-ended, without an expiration date; it leaves a permanent existential wound on one’s psyche: “grief never ends, and it is a natural response to loss.” The psychological connection with the dead provides recourse and allows integration of loss into the narrative of one’s life.

For a long time, psychologists and psychiatrists viewed grief as a journey — a gradual process consisting of five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. But there is no chronology or linearity in grief; it does not

How we live with grief

progress along predetermined stages. There is no grief journey. Psychologists and grief experts Jason Holland and Robert Neimeyer suggest that the five-stage model continues to persist due to the underlying cultural framework of the ‘monomyth’ — ak. the Hero’s Journey — that dominates much of our storytelling.

The Hero’s Journey is a structural model of mythological narrative (popularised by writer Joseph Campbell) in which the hero is called upon to perform a challenging deed to save himself and/

or his people. After a series of obstacles and setbacks, and with assistance from magical helpers, the hero ultimately succeeds, returning home wiser with newly acquired knowledge.

Holland and Neimeyer note that: “This epic narrative structure is easily enough seen in popular depictions of ‘the griever’s journey,’ which like Campbell’s ‘monomyth’ commonly entail a shift in the protagonist’s spiritual centre of gravity as he or she crosses a liminal threshold into an unknown and dangerous

world, typically undergoing a personal metamorphosis as the journey proceeds, before re-entering the known world transformed and bearing a special boon to confer on his or her fellows.”

The monomyth model offers two things, closure and hope for triumphant, growthoriented evolution toward recovery.

But in most traditional cultures, the dead never leave the living, and the ties with the world of the dead are regularly maintained through a variety of performative rituals and

celebrations. There is no closure to grief. All Saints Day in Poland, and Día de los Muertos in Mexico, for example, are intended to reaffirm our connection with the dead by visiting their graves as if they were still among us, just living separate and silent afterlives.

During the Obon Festival in Japan, people display paper lanterns outdoors to guide the spirits of the dead back to Earth; they are believed to return for that time to eat the food prepared for them by their families. The lanterns are then sent down the river

to help guide the spirits of the ancestors back to the afterlife.

During the annual Egungun festival celebrated by the Yoruba people of West Africa (and in the African diaspora, particularly in Brazil, Cuba, the Caribbean, and the US), the spirits of departed ancestors are summoned through elaborate performance rituals to seek their counsel and advice.

In the Orthodox Church, the soul of the deceased wanders the Earth for the first two days after death, saying goodbye to the familiar places and people.

On the third day, the day of burial, the soul starts a torturous journey to the afterlife during which it is faced with its sins and the demons responsible for them.

In Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, the dead are always present; their souls move among the living, making demands, entering and exiting their bodies, and influencing their lives. Jewish folklore is populated by various demons that restlessly wander the Earth atoning for their past sins.

In a way, these traditional religious rituals of the afterlife provide the traumatised brain with the comforting sense that the severance of the relationship brought by death is not finite but rather a temporary parting. Whether formalised through customs or religious or private performative gestures, the rituals of continuity have a neurological purpose.

The human brain trains itself to predict the order and location of things — losing a person close to us disrupts this ingrained understanding.

When you live with someone — say, a spouse or a child — for a long time, they become an extension of you, an extension of your virtual inner world. When they die, you are asked to imagine something your limited, human brain struggles to process.

A breath test that can detect liver disease A company in England has made a test that picks out the compounds from breath that reveal if people have liver disease.

While some people inherit the disease, it’s most commonly caused by hepatitis, obesity and alcoholism.

These underlying conditions kill liver cells, causing scar tissue to form until eventually the liver cannot function properly. Since 1979, deaths due to liver disease have increased by 400% globally.

The sooner the disease is detected, the more effective treatment can be. But once symptoms appear, the liver is already damaged. Around 50% of cases are diagnosed only after the disease has reached the final stages, when treatment is largely ineffective.

To address this problem, Owlstone Medical, a bio-

tech company in England, has developed a breath test that can detect liver disease earlier than conventional approaches. Human breath contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that change in the first stages

of liver disease. Owlstone’s breath test can reliably collect, store and detect VOCs, while picking out the specific compounds that reveal liver disease.

“There’s a need to screen more broadly for people with

early-stage liver disease,” says Owlstone’s CEO Billy Boyle. “Equally important is having a test that’s noninvasive, cost effective and can be deployed in a primary care setting.”

The standard tool for detec-

tion is a biopsy. It is invasive and expensive, making it impractical to use for people who aren’t yet symptomatic.

Meanwhile, blood tests are less invasive, but they can be inaccurate and can’t discriminate between different stages of the disease. “ In the past, breath tests have not been widely used because of the difficulties of reliably collecting and storing breath. But Owlstone’s technology could help change that.

The team is testing patients in the early stages of advanced liver disease, or cirrhosis, to identify and detect these biomarkers. In an initial study, Owlstone’s breathalyser was able to pick out patients who had early cirrhosis with 83 percent sensitivity.

In the past, breath tests have not been widely used

because of the difficulties of reliably collecting and storing breath. But Owlstone’s technology could help change that.

Study participants breathe into a mouthpiece attached to a breath sampler developed by Owlstone. It has cartridges are designed and optimised to collect gases. The sampler specifically targets VOCs, extracting them from atmospheric gases in breath, to ensure that even low levels of these compounds are captured.

The sampler can store compounds stably before they are assessed through a method called mass spectrometry, in which compounds are converted into charged atoms, before electromagnetic fields filter and identify even the tiniest amounts of charged atoms according to their weight and charge.

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Travel & Leisure

Nine most expensive cities

1. New York, United States New York topped ECA International’s Cost of Living Rankings for 2023 due to its skyrocketing inflation and soaring accommodation expenses. The city’s rents have reached record highs, and there are now 1.5 million people in New York living below the poverty line.

2. Singapore Land in Singapore is scarce and natural resources are limited, making the cost of living in Singapore high.

It is the world’s secondmost expensive city in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living 2021 study. On the list of cost of living cities maintained by ECA International, this city

rose from 13th in 2022 to fifth in 2023.

3. Hong Kong, China The very inflated real estate market is a major contributor since it drives up the cost of finding a place to live. The value of the local currency also plays a role, as it drives up the cost of living. The city has a high demand for land and homes but a low supply, prompting the suggestion of creating an artificial island to help alleviate the situation.

It went from first place in the most costly cities in 2022 to second this year.

to Geneva’s high cost of living, including the city’s prosperous economy, high incomes, restricted housing supply, high taxes, and high import duties. Switzerland is pricey, but Geneva’s unique blend of security, efficiency, cleanliness, and natural beauty pushes up the cost of living even further.

Many studies have found that the higher earnings and more advantageous employment contracts in the area more than makeup for the more significant cost of living. It comes in at number three in both 2022 and 2023.

4. Geneva, Switzerland The capital city of Switzerland has an abundance of costly variables that contribute

5. Westminster, London The fact that it serves as the global financial center is certainly a plus. Its ability

Seven wonders of the world 1. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Smack in the middle of Paris, we have the Eiffel Tower—a stunning monument featuring a gift shop, lookout, and cafe. The tower sits on the Champ de Mars greenspace across the River Seine. At night, the tower twinkles and sparkles, enhancing the mystical, magical quality

of the gigantic landmark.

2. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy Despite its unstable foundation, the Tower of Pisa in Italy stands (leans) strong, inviting visitors to relish the captivating design. As construction on the bell tower began, workers noticed the tower tilting, thanks to how the soil settled after

building the initial base. Today, the tower maintains its centre of gravity within the building, allowing it to remain standing.

3. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

to attract investment from both the West and the East simultaneously makes its markets unique. London has a substantially higher cost of living than the rest of the UK and even the rest of Europe. The costs associated with lodging, transportation, and sightseeing can add up quickly. In 2022 and 2023, it ranks number four.

6. Zurich, Switzerland Several factors contribute to Zurich’s status as one of the world’s most expensive cities, including high salaries and consumers’ purchasing power; high population density driving up prices of land and real estate; foreign producers and suppliers imposing significant price increases in Switzerland.

When Mumtaz Mahal passed away in 1631, her husband declared a memorial would be built in her honor.

Between 1631 and 1653, architects and engineers constructed the 42acre mausoleum on the Yamuna River in India. Today, one of the pristine wonders of the world sits on the Yamuna River attracting visitors worldwide.

4. Statue of Liberty, New York City The country of France donated the

Banking and insurance institutions, together with numerous company offices and the likes of Google, tend to drive up costs for everyone else.

Sixth in 2023 and seventh in 2022 on the list.

7. San Francisco, US Due to its proximity to Silicon Valley and the thriving tech industry, San Francisco has become one of the most expensive and prosperous cities in the United States.

It climbed from number 11 to number seven. The city’s efforts to maintain its unique character through strict laws and building requirements have increased prices.

Housing costs are a major contributor to San Francisco’s high cost of living. The typical

Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1885 as a symbol of peace and freedom. Today the copper statue represents the same ideals and is a beautiful backdrop to the New York City skyline.

5. Pyramids, Giza, Egypt The Egyptians built the pyramids as final resting places for pharaohs and buried gold, pottery, and statues inside the enclosures. But how did these people transport millions of pounds of stone, limestone, and granite to the desert?

That’s part of the wonder!

6. The Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China holds the world record

San Francisco home costs $1,286,246. Prices for even modestly sized residences (under 1,000 square feet) can reach six figures.

8. Tel Aviv, Israel This city falls from the sixth position to the eighth. The rising living costs, including transportation, food, and alcohol, plus the shekel’s strength against the dollar, have propelled Tel Aviv to the top.

9. Seoul, South Korea Seoul consistently ranks among the world’s top ten most expensive cities primarily due to its high housing costs and required security deposits.

This year, it jumped up one spot, from No 10 to No 9.

for the longest artificial structure in the world. The wall spans 13,171 miles and is built from granite, marble, and brick. The Great Wall served as a military measure to protect China from invasion and battles.

7. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy Where is the largest ancient amphitheater?

How about the biggest current amphitheater?

That’s right—Rome. The Colosseum was home to public gladiator fighting about 2,000 years ago. Thankfully, we’ve shifted to concerts and safer sporting events in amphitheaters today, but the Roman theatre remains open for historical tours.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Peadar: A man I liked, and loved dearly Peadar Malone was laid to rest on the Monday, August 7.

I loved Peader. Everyone did as evidenced by the chocka-block crowd in St Patrick’s Parish church that morning.

Standing room only. Not to mention the huge crowd standing outside. Half of the parish was there plus a huge contingent from the ’Continent’ (St John’s Parish) where Peadar hailed from (Maudlin St). You couldn’t but like Peadar Malone, that chirpy smile of his and the warmth he exuded were special. Very special.

Peadar and I frequented the same hostelry: O’Riada’s/ Peig’s where the late Frank ‘Fun’ Coyne was barman and often said to me: “Gerry, we’re like family here.”

Peadar and myself were part of that family and our paths often crossed when we’d have a friendly natter and chat.

And always I came away from that chat feeling positive and

good. It was a gift Peadar had – making people feel at ease and at home in his company.

Actually, I used to bump into Peadar on the High St more than in the pub and, as I’d see him approaching (heading towards O’Riada’s), I’d stop and say: “And where do you think you’re going?”

Peadar’s stock reply was: “To the Black Abbey, to say a few prayers.”

“Well be sure and say one for me.”

“Gerry, I’ll go one better, I’ll pray for you over a pint.”

On matters prayerful, was it just a coincidence that a line from one of the readings at Peadar’s funeral mass was, ‘Be dressed for action.’ How appropriate for a man who worked in Frank Walls, The Man’s Shop, for years. And the celebrant, Fr Kieran O’Shea. told us how Peadar dressed many a man for action whether it was for a wedding, Christening,

Confirmation or some such occasion. And, of course, Peadar himself was always well dressed, dapper for sure, and few people could wear a mauve sweater with the panache of Peadar Malone.

The most touching part of the ceremony was the eulogy delivered by Peadar’s three daughters Fiona, Sinéad and Joanne. “Where do I start with our father?” one of the girls began with. And where, indeed, does one start with the loveable Peadar? There was so much love and affection in everything they said that I left St. Patrick’s church, and I mean this sincerely, bathed in love.

Coincidentally, Saturday last I am walking down High St when I hear singing coming from the Town Hall. I joined the large crowd gathered around to listen. It was the Lady Desart Choir and Gillian Coulter, the conductor, was giving it her all. And

I loved their rousing rendition of River Deep, Mountain High, Creedence Clearwater’s Proud Mary and their

The warmth he exuded was special..

brilliant finale, Bohemian Rhapsody. And who did I spy in the middle of them all only Noel Power (of the Famous Aces) giving it socks and who should have been there, of course, was Peadar who sang with the choir and who was fondly remembered.

And I could see your face, Peadar, beaming with joy, as it always did whether you were singing in O’Riada’s, with the Lady Desart Choir or The Singing Grandads.

“Peadar, we are heartbroken,” the Lady Desart Choir’s website wrote. “We will miss you so much.”

Fr Kieran O’Shea’s parting words were: “Peadar came from the ‘Continent’ to the ‘Village’ and on to Eternity where he’ll be singing in the Choir of Angels, just as he did with St Patrick’s choir.”

Peadar was carried shoulder-high down the aisle of St Patrick’s surrounded by the love and affection of his chil-

dren, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nephews, nieces and sister Margo (Ann couldn’t make the Mass) as ‘The Parting Glass’ filled the church.

I sang the song later that night at the session in Cleere’s in memory of Peadar Malone, one of the most likeable, and loveable, men I have had the pleasure of knowing.

PS. And outside St Patrick’s church who should I bump into but another man who loves to sing and entertain us – the one, and only, Billy Murphy. Billy transported us all up to Michael St and Maudlin St, regaling us with tales of cowboys and Indians, not least Geronimo and Cochise, when the Murphy brothers played with the Malone brothers, living down the road. Thanks for the memories, Bill.

And I like to think that Peadar was listening in.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

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Opinion Part two

Learning the hard way: The stick and the leather The leather strap was used in almost all Irish schools

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Continuing the story of corporal punishment in a County Kilkenny school: previous articles and all subsequent ones can be read on the Kilkenny Observer website...

Recalling his school days in Callan Sean Holden had a vivid recollection of one teac her who struck moratl dread into every pupil.

“T’was while he was denying himself the fags that he took to using a hurley to slap us. He’d mainly use it, in fairness to him, to bang on our desks, or his own desk, to drive home some point he was making. He might go a bit lighter when slapping you with the hurley, allowing for its larger size, but it still nearly took the hand off you.

I preferred to be hit with the narrow end than with the wide end designed to hit the ball.

“One day, when he slapped a pupil with the hurley, another fellow at the back of the class whispered out loud: ‘Up Callan!’ Some of the lads laughed and yer man got very annoyed, demanding to know who said it. The culprit owned

Callan CBS pupils 1958

up, and the teacher beat him around the room with his hurley.

“We wished to God that lent would end so that the man could smoke again and get back to normal. By normal I mean just the usual slaps but none of the really rough stuff.

Sure you’d have been better off in a boxing ring than the classroom some days.

“But to be fair to him, this teacher was a great career guidance man. When lads were leaving primary school, if they weren’t going on to secondary, he’d move Heaven and earth to get jobs for them.

I felt sorry for the poor man

in later years. He had a lonely life, and nothing but his teaching and his vocation to keep him going. I met him at a past pupils party years later and the first thing I did was offer him a cigarette. He was still smoking like a trooper” Philip O’Keeffe of Bridge Street recalled a “strongboned” Callan CBS teacher of the 1930s and 40s who worked part time on a farm, giving him powerful knuckles that he used to devastating effect in the classroom.

“He was a great man with his fists”, Philip assured me, “and many a lad felt the force of his punches. He was a rea-

sonably good teacher, he got the results he wanted, but you never knew when he’d leave the marks of his knuckles on you. It was common for

Philip O Keefe had mixed memories of school days

pupils to leave school at the end of the day with bleeding hands or split lips.”

One teacher’s favourite punishment was to grab a pupil and shake him like a rag doll, joking as he did: “Shake well before use!”

Philip saw fellows being suspended by their hair by teachers who expected the entire class to laugh at the spectacle.

Another teacher memorably hung a boy from an iron hanger on the classroom wall close to a large crucifix, where the pupil was left hanging by his braces for a quarter of an hour. Before taking him down, the teacher turned to the class and jibed: “well now lads, was he the good thief or the bad thief, what do ye think?”

Nervous laughter greeted his witticism.

Philip emphasised that despite this rough treatment, many boys who attended the Callan CBS went on to respect their former teachers and held no grudge against them in later life. Other ex-pupils take a different view...

Callan CBC pupils 1958 Top: T. Maher, John Joe Carroll, Eddie Comerford, Br. Thomas, Sean Kennedy, K. Driscoll, Pat Forde.

Middle: Mickie Cunningham, Seamus Moore, Paddy Rochford, Michael Power, John Shea, John Gardiner, JJ Egan, Felix Somers, Tony Gavin.

Front: Oliver Murphy, T. Ryan, Paddy Denny, Ronnie Walsh, Mickey Kenny, M. Ryan, Martin Keating, M. Mackey.

To be continued...

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

Global Report Former US President Donal Trump is now twice impeached and thrice indicted but his support base is holding firm, according to all polls.

He remains the dominant figure among Republican voters who share his view that he is being unfairly targeted by a justice system bent on helping Democrat Joe Biden.

A mere hint of criminality or scandal used to be career ending for politician. President Richard Nixon resigned over Watergate; Vice-President Spiro Agnew quit after being charged with bribery, tax evasion and conspiracy; Gary Hart’s presidential campaign collapsed due to allegations of an extramarital affair; Anthony Weiner resigned from Congress after a series of sexting scandals.

But Trump has made the state and federal charges – now a combined 78 across three jurisdictions – against him a central plank of his campaign platform, casting himself as a martyr. At his rallies he portrays the cases as not just an attack on him but his supporters. He told a crowd last week in Erie, Pennsylvania: “They’re not indicting me, they’re indicting you.”

A few dissenting voices apart, Republicans have echoed and amplified these talking points with characteristic fervour. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that she “will still vote for Trump even if he’s in jail”.

Far from destroying his prospects, many observers believe, the latest and arguably most serious indictment for his alleged role in undermining American democracy will likely fuel a march toward the Republican party’s presidential nomination in 2024.

Rick Wilson, a veteran Republican strategist and cofounder of the Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump group, said: “Every time he’s indicted or under the spotlight, his num-

Trump: a martyr to criminal charges bers go up with Republican voters.

“I don’t see a pathway right now where Republican base voters suddenly wake up and say, ‘Wow, this is a bad guy and we’re going to change our minds, we’re going to to vote for Chris Christie or Ron DeSantis.’ All of them have failed on a fundamental level to make a case for themselves because the base will punish them if they attack him.”

Some Republicans in Congress are still willing to criticise Trump on certain issues and a few, such as Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, are outspoken in their conviction that he is unfit for office. Others,

such as Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, have either retired or been ousted.

But most party leaders have stayed silent and fallen into line, apparently terrified of alienating Trump’s fervent support base in what critics describe as political cowardice.

Even his main opponents in the party’s presidential primary race have dodged the issue or endorsed his claim of a Democratic witch-hunt and “deep state” conspiracy.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform: “I need one more indictment to ensure my election!”

He has also used the cases to

raise cash, sending out a flurry of fundraising emails and raking in millions. Even so, an analysis by the Associated Press found that so far this year the former president’s political operation has spent more on legal fees defending him, his staff and his allies than on travel, rallies and other campaign expenses combined.

And commentators say that, while the indictments could help Trump solidify support within his base and win the Republican nomination, his ability to capitalise on them will be more limited in next year’s presidential election, when he will have to win over more sceptical moderate Re-

publicans and independents.

In a July Reuters/ Ipsos poll, 37% of independents said the criminal cases against Trump made them less likely to vote for him for president, compared to 8% who said they were more likely to do so.

However, hours before the latest indictment was unsealed, alarm bells were set off among Democrats by a New York Times/Siena opinion poll that showed him running neck and neck with Biden at 43%.

Democratic leaders in Congress welcomed the latest indictment as proof that all are equal before the law.

But Biden has been circumspect about commenting on

Trump’s trials and tribulations.

The electoral and legal calendars are set to collide. A New York state criminal trial involving a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels is due to start on March 25 next year, and his Florida trial in a federal classified documents case is scheduled to begin on 20 May. Both would take place just months before the November election, as might a third trial in the case centred on his 2020 election lies.

But plenty of analysts agree that the White House should resist the temptation to weigh in on Trump’s woes.

Russia’s Navalny expects ‘Stalinist’ jail term Jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny says he expects to be given a ‘Stalinist term’ when he’s sentenced soon on extremism charges that could keep him incarcerated for decades.

Navalny issued a statement through his supporters that was published on the Meduza website days before his scheduled sentencing, saying he expects “it’s going to be a huge term.”

The 47-year-old Navalny said that the formula for calculating his sentence was simple and would involve “taking what the prosecutor asked for on July 20 — 20 years — and reducing it by 10-to-15 percent.”

“This is what’s called a ‘Stalinist’ term. They asked for 20 years so they will give 18 or something around it. It doesn’t really matter...its main purpose is to intimidate,” said Navalny, who has been in prison since February 2021 serving a com-

bined 11 year sentence on previous convictions called politically motivated.

The prosecutors also asked for 10 years for co-defendant Daniel Kholodny.

The Kremlin critic and anticorruption crusader is accused under six articles of the Criminal Code, including creating

and financing an extremist community, calling for extremism, rehabilitating Nazism, and involving minors in dangerous acts.

Navalny previously said on social media that he expected a sentence of 15 years to 20 years, despite what he claims to be “nonsensical” evidence

presented during his closeddoor trial.

In his opinion, a harsh sentence is necessary to intimidate hm and his supporters.

“By the severity of the sentence, the thoughts of opposition are knocked out of my head,” he said, calling for his supporters to stay calm.

He added that his supporters should take the repression against him and his supporters “coolly” and continue to fight the Russian authorities in some way “from transferring money to going to rallies.”

Navalny also expressed gratitude to his supporters, lawyers, and defense witnesses, and separately he thanked Kholodny, a former Navalny Live employee. According to Navalny, Kholodny “does not let himself be intimidated,” and he encouraged his supporters to “be the same.”

In August 2020, Navalny was hospitalised in serious condition after being poisoned with a nerve agent. He was medically evacuated to Berlin and discharged a month later.Navalny accused Putin of being responsible for his poisoning, In January 2021, Navalny returned to Russia and was immediately detained on accusations of violating parole conditions while

he was hospitalised in Germany which were imposed as a result of his 2014 anti-Russia conviction.

Following his arrest and the release of the documentary Putin’s Palace which accused Putin of corruption, mass protests were held across Russia.

In February 2021, his suspended sentence was replaced with a prison sentence of over two and half years’ detention and his organisations were later designated as extremist and liquidated.

In March 2022, Navalny was sentenced to an additional nine years in prison after being found guilty of embezzlement and contempt of court in a new trial described as a sham by Amnesty International his appeal was rejected and in June, he was transferred to a highsecurity prison. In August 2023, Navalny was sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison on extremism charges.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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Retained Fire Service national dispute Statement on behalf of Kilkenny County Council This industrial action is part of a national dispute by SIPTU members of the Retained Fire Service. Please see below previously issued nationally by the LGMA on behalf of local authorities in response to retained firefighter industrial action.

Kilkenny County Council’s priority throughout this process is to ensure employee and public safety. A contingency plan is in place, which is under continuous review for the duration of the dispute. Local discussions are focused on operational matters for the safe delivery of services for both the fire crews and members of the public.

It is understood that all emergency calls will be responded to during the dispute, though some calls may have a delayed response due to the industrial action.

All households and businesses should ensure they have working smoke alarms and should continue to use 999 or 112 calls in the case of an emergency.”

Statement on behalf of local authorities in response to retained firefighter industrial action Local authority management are extremely concerned by SIPTU’s decision to escalate its industrial action, closing 50% of retained fire service stations on a rotational basis from 8am Friday, July 28th 2023.

This unprecedented action represents a significant increase in risk to the safety of the public and to the safety of firefighters and is totally disproportionate.

While there are acknowledged challenges in relation to retained firefighter recruitment and retention, and the sustainability of service, a clear pathway and plan have been developed to address these issues.

In addition, the recent Labour Court recommendation provides for a significant increase in earnings and improvements to conditions for retained firefighters. Further negotiation on pay is possible through the national pay talks, due to start in a matter of weeks.

Retained firefighter pay and conditions The retained firefighter role is a part-time role. Currently, retained firefighters earn on average €25,000 per year. This ranges from €20,000 in stations with the lowest activity to in excess of €55,000 in stations of high activity. The majority of retained firefighters have other employment or alternative sources of income.

The recent Labour Court recommendation would have provided a significant increase to firefighter earnings of €5,523 - €6,941 per annum. The increase would be achieved through a significant increase in the retainer, an increase of €1,200 to premium payments and a fire-prevention programme that would see a further €1,872 increase in earnings. However, this was rejected by SIPTU members.

Management have addressed structured time off for retained firefighters by reducing the obligation for response to alerts (from 75% to 45%) with no reduction in retainer, despite the reduction in availability. This will require the recruitment of 400 more firefighters, which management have committed to.

Further negotiation on pay is possible through the national pay talks, due to start in a matter of weeks.

Minister Darragh O’Brien has stated his commitment to advocating on behalf of retained firefighters during the talks.

It is simply not within the power of local authorities to provide any pay increase outside of the national pay agreement and we are calling on SIPTU to recognise this and call off unconstructive and unnecessary industrial action, which has a significant impact on public safety.

Management believe that a resolution is possible through acceptance of the current Labour Court offer and engagement with the forthcoming national pay talks.

Industrial action The further escalation of industrial action is not proportionate, given its impact on public safety and given the fact that pay talks are imminent, which can be used to address firefighter concerns.

Management’s absolute priority is the safety of the public and of firefighters.

Management has engaged extensively with SIPTU at national and local level in relation to emergency cover plans during the industrial action. Based on comprehensive risk assessments completed by management, we have a high level of concern in relation to the implications of actions being taken and their impact on safety.

• The complete closure of 50% of fire stations creates unacceptable and unnecessary risks for attendance and cover at incidents throughout the country.

• In addition, SIPTU has instructed members in the other 50% of fire stations not to use the Tetra secure radio system, which is the standard system in use for emergency services. Members are instead instructed to use mobile phone communication. Management believes this constitutes a significant increase in risk, particularly in areas with substandard mobile phone coverage.

• Also, SIPTU is instructing that the minimum attendance of appliances at incidents - however minor - be increased to three appliances from three stations. This will inevitably diminish the level of cover available for other incidents with potentially serious consequences.

These are disproportionate measures and management are appealing to SIPTU to recognise the increase in risk being caused and revise the instructions in the interests of public and firefighter safety.

Retained firefighters provide a vital community service and are very committed to their valuable work and to protecting the safety of the public.

Management continues to engage at national and local level with SIPTU to ensure the risk to the public and to firefighters is minimised to the greatest extent possible.

Management will continue to engage with SIPTU to ensure adherence to joint responsibilities under the Code of Practice on Dispute Procedures in relation to emergency services.

The public should continue to call 999/112 in the event of an emergency.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

Letter to the editor

Dear Sir I was quite taken by the Sinead O’Connor article (Kilkenny Observer: Page 8: August 4) by Paul Hopkins.

I think his article hit home the type of person Sinead O’Connor was, more than many of that column inches written in various publications las week. I think Mr Hopkins hit the nail on the proverbial head, and reminded us of the kind of beautiful person Sinead really was.

Thanks for that.

I enclose a letter written by Sinead which appeared in The Irish Times (From the letter page, July 30 1996), which you may like to republish.

Is Mise, Liam Burke Dunmore, Co Kilkenny R95T4A8

NORTHERN MAJORITY

SIR---- In Reference to Michael Pursers letter (July 24th) concerning Ireland and its Northern majority exactly what does he mean by "majority"? It makes me ill to hear Patrick Mayhew, and John Major, and God knows who else all talking about this "Northern majority" and its rights.

Everyone knows that in the province of Ulster there are nine counties, not six. And how did Ulster become known as "The Six Counties"?

For those like Michael Purser and Mayhew who seem to have forgotten, it was discovered that within the nine counties of Ulster the majority was in fact Catholic, so a false majority was created by simply chopping off three counties, leaving six counties and the loyalist "majority". Exactly to what or to whom are the loyal? Soon there will be no royal family to be loyal to.

Gerrymandering, I think, is what it's called. A false majority which was created by liars for liars. The real majority of the people in the province of Ulster are catholic and who ever cared about their "rights"? What about people's right to be Irish in their own country?

What has happened in Drumcree has shown the world once and for all that the real perpetrators of evil in Ireland have not been the Irish themselves. And certainly brought home for me why the IRA was formed in the first place. Which was: to protect a people whom the police could not protect.

If the police cannot protect the catholic people, then who will? Why does the Orange Order want to march through Catholic areas anyway? It is like marching past the house of a family whose daughter you have raped and chanting "Horray, we raped your daughter on this day".

I am sorry for my language and you can put it in stars. But I know that I am speaking the truest feelings of many, many Irish people, who do not get a chance to speak, when I say again that the lies that I see going on around concerning Ireland as told by the only people who DO get a chance to speak, make me sick in my stomach. So Michael Purser, your Emperor has no clothes.

What about their rights to be Irish in their own country?

Yours etc.

SINEAD O'CONNOR , London "

With thanks to Cathal McFarlane from Kilkenny, who travelled to Bray to pay respect to Sinéad O’Connor and captured these photos for The Kilkenny Observer.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

News

Exhibitions launched during Kilkenny Arts Festival

Letter to the editor

‘The Town I love So Well’

Dear Editor, I wish to respond and say well done to Letter to Editor ‘THE TOWN I LOVE SO WELL’ I can relate to all this letter writer stated. Daily, we are being terrorised by some young individuals on High Street. Tourists and elderly having to jump out of the way of paths, streets and pedestrian crossings to avoid injury.

Yes, I do ask “Where are our Garda?” It is pointless driving up and down the street, we need Garda Boots on the ground!! How thing have changed, over the last few months, we have no Garda visibility on our streets. It is law of the jungle with these, as the writer to The Kilkenny Observer called them “Thugs”, well done for your straight talking!!

Something has to be done about this and something has to be done immediately as somebody will be injured by this appalling behaviour.

Co. Kilkenny Reader of The Kilkenny Observer.

Cllr. Andrew McGuinness, Mayor Joe Malone and local artist Mary Hickey taken at her exhibition launch in Kilkenny Castle

Cllr. Andrew McGuinness and Cork Visual Artist Deirdre Frost, taken at her exhibition launch in St Kierans College on Friday.

Kilkenny County Council presents digital recordings of historic medieval buildings With the unveiling of digital recordings of the City's iconic medieval structures, Kilkenny County Council is taking a significant stride towards preserving and sharing its rich heritage. This initiative, aimed at enhancing both local appreciation and visitor experience, reaffirms the Council's commitment to conserving Kilkenny's architectural legacy.

Scheduled for release on August 16th, 2023, the first part of this exciting initiative showcases digital recordings of the renowned Shee Alms House. These recordings support the Council's ongoing efforts to promote heritage conservation and expand offerings for tourists and residents alike.

Commenting on the initiatiave, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael Doyle, said: “Celebrating Kilkenny City’s medieval heritage is more than just preserving the past; it's about paving the way for an inspiring future. These digital recordings open new avenues for discovery and

appreciation, ensuring that the stories of Kilkenny's historic buildings continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.”

Dating from the early 1580s, Shee Alms House is a historical gem that has recently benefited from conservation works supported

by the Historic Structure's Fund conservation grant from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, including 3-D rendered models, point clouds, and immersive walk-through videos, the public will soon

be able to virtually explore the captivating architecture of this 16th-century marvel.

Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Joe Malone, praised the initiative by saying: “As Mayor of Kilkenny City, I'm thrilled to witness our rich history come to life through these cutting-

L to R : Nicolaas Louw A/Senior Planner KCC, Dr. Paul Stevens, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael Doyle, Mayor Cllr.

Joe Malone, Francis Coady Conservation Officer KCC, Dr. Fergal Donoghue

edge digital recordings.

This initiative bridges time and technology, allowing us to explore our medieval treasures in a whole new light. These efforts reflect our commitment to both our past and our future, ensuring Kilkenny's legacy remains vibrant and cherished.”

Looking ahead, the Conservation Office of Kilkenny County Council plans to extend this digital preservation project to encompass other 16th-century landmarks in the City. With the generous support of the Heritage Council's Heritage Stewardship Fund, the Council will conduct two additional recordings of similarly aged buildings on Parliament Street in 2023.

Architectural Conservation Officer, Francis Coady, expressed the significance of these initiatives, stating, "Kilkenny's historic buildings are of national importance, serving as a testament to the city's merchant families and traders within its ancient walls. Documenting and presenting these architectural

treasures in digital format ensures their timeless legacy, underscoring Kilkenny's dedication to safeguarding and celebrating its medieval heritage."

From August 16th these digital models can be accessed through Kilkenny County Council's official website at: https://kilkennycoco.ie/eng/services/planning/conservation/ An event to showcase the laser scanning of 16th and 17th-century structures in Kilkenny will take place on 17th August next at 11:30 am in the Carnegie Library on John's Quay. The Event will be hosted by Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) for Heritage Week.

For further details, please visit https://www.heritageweek.ie/ Kilkenny County Council's latest initiatives not only bridge the gap between the past and present but also create an immersive platform for all to engage with and appreciate the city's remarkable medieval heritage.

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Community

Twilight host Erasmus VIP

In a recent post, Kilkenny Cllr. Maria Dullard replied, ‘another wonderful community project as Twilight work away quietly’. A statement so true that the work this Kilkenny Charity performs daily sometimes goes unnoticed by many of the institutions and organisations in the region. CEO Murty Brennan has said, ‘yes, we are aware our self-promotion is an area

where we let ourselves down.

We recently had one of our volunteers do a quantitative research on the number of people that our programmes have reached based on the reports we submit after each programme/project is completed. Those who were directly involved since 2016 is just short of eight thousand, and when we quantified those indirect participants, we were

pleasantly surprised to see over eighty thousand citizens of Kilkenny and the surrounding region have experienced the benefits of Twilight Community Group’s Activities’.

He added, ‘the plans for the coming five years are very exciting with the expansion of our International Cultural House and services. The main ethos of the Twilight Community Group is Communities

are Stronger Together. A hub where men, women, boys and girls are welcome in all their Diversity. To have a fully inclusive, equal and welcoming Diverse society, we must include all our Irish Community Groups from youth, all the way up to our seniors. We welcome everyone to join our Twilight journey and we are always open to new members and volunteers to help us on

our path to what we believe will benefit all communities of Kilkenny and the surrounding regions’.

From July 22nd to July 29th, Twilight held their ‘Virtual Inclusion Programme’ in Kilkenny. The participants came from across Poland, France and our local Kilkenny Community. This project was funded by the European Erasmus + programme. The programme covered the basics of camera operations, editing, publishing of videos and podcasting, and the important element sometimes forgotten; the skill of script writing. A good script is the basis for all productions, big or small. Social Media security is sometimes ignored by its users. The participants were all taken through Twilight’s ‘Seven Steps of Social Media Security’. How to stay safe online, to be very cognizant of what you post, and always be alert for ‘Fake News and Posts’.

The Twilight team of Krista Edelmane, Aidan Hickey, Alina Holub and Team Leader Mikolaj must be congratulated on their great work over the weeklong programme. As Twilight knows, all work and no play is not good for any programme and project. With that in mind, the ‘Football Association of Ireland’s’ regional development officer, Mr. Will Kinsella, held a fun filled afternoon of soccer skills coaching. The FAI have endorsed the Twilight Community Group’s integration through

sport programmes since 2017.

An evening in KBowl, and despite the weather, a day trip to the ‘rainy southeast’ seaside resort of Tramore, which was followed by the compulsory fish and chips.

Our wonderful Castle was part of the Groups itinerary, as was the Medieval mile museum and a trip up St. Canice’s Round Tower which is not for the faint hearted.

On the day before they all departed for the airport, Deputy Mayor Cllr. Martin Brett welcomed the participants to the Mayor’s Parlor and Council Chambers to present every one of the international and local students with their ‘VIP Erasmus Youths Pass Certificate’. Prior to this presentation, Deputy Mayor Cllr. Brett gave an interesting historical account of the Town Hall, wrapping up by inviting all present to sign the venue’s visitor book.

In the early hours of July 29th, the VIP bus departed for Dublin Airport and the curtain came down on another successful Twilight Programme.

If you, as a parent, youth or a young adult, would like to join Twilight and become a member of one of our teams travelling to another European country, now is the time to contact us for details.

Teams for 2024 are now being prepared!

Email info@twilight.ie or call 056 781 3105 / 086 325 5840.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

Exhibition

Full house at Neighbourho of ‘Reflections on a Life’ Photos with thanks to Pat Shortall

St Canice’s Neighbourhood hall was the venue for the launch of Davy Holohan’s art exhibition ‘Reflections on a life’.

A son of Peig O’ Brien from Greenshill and of Johnstown’s Eddie Holohan, Daithi has a wide and varied CV. Having attended Kilkenny CBS primary and secondary school he made his first foray into employment as an apprentice goldsmith with Rudolf Heltzel.

Traditional values resonated and he spent a year in Connemara studying Gaelic language and culture.

He did a pre-diploma course in the National College of Art and Design and then completed his studies in the Fine Art Department under the guidance of faculty head Campbel Bruce.

He was awarded a scholarship to Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He taught Life Drawing in Liberties Vocational School.

As a portrait artist Daithi is exemplary, and is perhaps its foremost exponent. Daithi treats his subjects with humanity and yet there is a depth and subtlety to be observed.

Attending the launch were neighbours from Wolfe Tone Street and Assumption place, fellow artists, members of the theatre fraternity, local councillors and representatives from the Fr McGrath centre.

Members of his family also attended including his daughter Shauna to whom the exhibition is dedicated.

At the launch Davy thanked all those attending for the support they had shown and he paid special thanks to Jenny Cooke and the staff at the community hall, particularly Eddie and Chris.

Leonard (o). Art by Davy Holohan

Artist Davy Holohan and his daughter Shauna at the Neighbourhood hall .The exhibition was dedicated to Shauna

Manager of the neighbourhood hall Jennie Cooke and Cllr. David Fitzgerald at the ‘Reflections of a life’ exhibition

Artist Davy Holohan who addressed the audience at the Community hall

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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Exhibition

od Hall forHolohan launch Below: Attending the Art exhibition ‘Reflections on a life’

by Kilkenny artist Davy Holohan are: Aoife O’neill, Davy Holohan, Shauna Holohan, and David Fitzgerald

A 2021 drawing by Davy Holohan titled Johnny P

‘Paddy’ by Davy Holohan

Ryan’s beer garden was part of the Davy Holohan exhibition

Mike Kelly, Brendan Corcoran and Cllr John Coonan at St Canice’s neighbourhood hall

Tom Kiernan attended the Davy Holohan art exhibition

Ballasalla, Johnswell featured at the exhibition

Committee members of The Fr McGrath centre Mike Kelly and Stephen Murphy at The Neighbourhood hall for Davy Holohan’s exhibition

View from the Ballycallan Road

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We all know that there are some events during the year that are a ‘not to be missed’ day. The Iverk Show is one of those. Held annually on the fourth Saturday of August in the village of Piltown, this agricultural and family show began way back in 1826.

The Iverk Show has always been regarded as a great place to meet family and friends.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. There are places to sit down and rest. It really is just one of those special days.

Here are some reasons why you should not miss this year’s show on Saturday the 26th August:

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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The Iverk Show

1. Arts and Crafts: the skills of the art and craft makers are fantastic. So much time and patience go into the making of these exhibits. This marquee is a must to visit!

2. Show Horses: we have the ‘All-Ireland Broodmare and Foal Team Championship Final’ for qualified mares and foals from all over the country. Watch the grooms show off these to their best on the beautifully manicured GAA pitch. The graceful ladies side saddle is magnificent.

3. Vegetables: on entering the Iverk Show grounds, the first competitions you will see are the vegetables. Do you ever wonder how an exhibitor can grow a carrot up to two feet long and perfectly straight? Well, you will have to come along and ask as we

cannot reveal the ‘growing for show’ secrets!

4. Poultry: have you ever put your head into the Red Mills

poultry marquee and walked around? It is a fascinating exercise. It is amazing how many different breeds there are – big ones, small ones,

heavy soft feathered, light soft feathered, bantams, Barbu d’Anvers and Pekins to name but a few. There are also some water fowls and much more.

5. Vintage Display: one of the most interesting areas of the Iverk Show is the vintage display, especially for those of us who are on the wrong

side of fifty. It can bring tears to the eyes as you recall parts of our lives of yesteryear. From old cars, tractors and machines to engines,

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Shorthorn, Hereford, Aubrac, Simmental, Blonde D’Aquitaine, Limousin, Charolais and Belgian Blue.

pedigree and non-pedigree dogs, small or large ones, from terriers to gun dogs, from rescue to fancy dress dogs. Unlike other sections in the show, entries are taken on the day.

tools and equipment, all tenderly and lovingly cared for.

One could spend a couple of hours reminiscing with their owners.

6. Iverk Show Baking: one of the best jobs on Show Day must be the judging of the baking classes. Even as you walk past the exhibits, the

sight and smell would make your mouth water. The creations made by the exhibitors are magnificent. Their talent is truly to be admired.

7. Iverk Show Dog Classes: set on the beautiful GAA pitch, the two rings are perfect for show dogs to do their best. There are classes for

8. Cattle: 2023 will be no different from the very first Iverk Show, as cattle classes are a major part of the programme.

The big ones again are the three Aldi, ABP, Irish Angus All Ireland Bull Calf Championships. The ‘Maid of Avonmore’ returns as the ‘Maid of Tirlán.’ There are classes for

9. Fashion Show: The Iverk Show catwalk will be back in use again. Participating stores include Dove Hill - from Carrick on Suir. Connolly’s Red Mills Store, Lily Rose Boutique, Lady Lorna Designer Emporium and Vila - from Kilkenny. Corcra, Jillies Children’s Boutique and Pavoni - from Clonmel. Benetton, TRM, Regatta and Adara from Waterford. They will be displaying the latest fashion in ladies, gents, and children’s clothes. The models, as always, will be local people so it is a great opportunity - especially for young people who have a modelling career in mind - to give it a try. There is the bonny baby competition where every baby entered on the day gets a prize, and the ‘Best Dressed Lady’ also boasts some great prizes.

10. Of course, there is much, much more to see; free children’s play area, all day music, a new dance floor and tug of war are just some to name.

Free parking on the day.

Come early and enjoy your day at the Iverk Show!

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ICMSA say rumours on date of TAMS decisions “had better not be true”

Denis Drennan on his farm at Dunbell near Kilkenny

The Deputy President of ICMSA, Denis Drennan, said that the reports and rumours circulating that final decisions on TAMS application will not be conveyed until November at the earliest, are nearly unbelievable and will substantiate the association’s warning - made earlier this year - that delays and bizarre sequencing on the part of the Department’s oversight of TAMS would end up ‘writing-off’ the whole year.

Noting the association’s reluctance to ever comment on rumours or unofficial reports, Mr. Drennan said that the matter’s importance overrode that usual cautionary custom.

He said that everyone agreed that improved water quality is a priority in terms of the sustainability ambitions for the agricultural sector. Against that

background, the well-known Kilkenny farmer asked how it had made sense for the Department to operate a timeline that was effectively unworkable and wasted a whole year that farmers had been told could not be wasted.

“ICMSA and farmers in general are just at a loss to work out the sequencing that the Department is operating here. We all agree that TAMS is the area where we can get environmental results the quickest, and it is the most obvious ‘controllable’ - it’s entirely within our powers to get the processing done in a workable timeframe that works within the farming calendar.

That’s just not the way this has been queued up by the Department. We are now hearing rumours that decisions on approval should not be expected

until November at the earliest.

At that stage, what’s the point?

Who’s going to find a contractor and start the work at that stage, in that weather? Would it not have made so much more sense to bring forward the whole sequence so that the approval and construction was possible by early June when the weather and ground conditions would allow for faster and more efficient construction?

The Department’s sequencing and timeline on this - something that was entirely within their own control - has ended up wasting the whole year.

Genuinely, what is the point in giving a farmer the ‘go-ahead’ in November to begin construction work?”

The ICMSA Deputy President said that farmer frustration was more acute because these were not overly complex calculations and sequences to work out.

“We can’t understand why it’s deemed impossible for the Department to introduce obvious and logical sequences for these schemes. We keep being told that there’s no time to lose in terms of safeguarding water quality, and then we have a completely unworkable and illogical sequence like this that just wastes a whole year that we were told repeatedly we didn’t have,” said Mr Drennan.

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They drill quickly, effectively and at a price point that makes sense to all size quarry owners,

using an all-terrain drilling rig that can access just about anywhere.

nate well water, therefore, it’s imperative to have a filtration system in place.

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After their all-terrain vehicle drills a well and the well is completed, they can offer a full pump installation. The water pump that’s right for your property is dependent on a range of factors, including the depth and location of the well as well as the size of the property. They can advise and install the right pump for your property.

Gerry Comerford Drilling Ltd also offer a suite of water filtration options. A number of external factors can contami-

Grant Schemes The Irish movement provides grants to property owners interested in boring their own well. To homeowners who qualify, this grant is worth up to €6,000. Well drilling is covered in this work. If you’re interested in finding out more about the Individual Supply Grant Scheme – and how it can help cover some of the cost of your well drilling – get in contact with Gerry Comerford Drilling today.

Whatever your personal well drilling requirements, call Gerry Comerford Drilling on 087 815 7061 to discuss your needs.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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Aubrac: the breed for the future Aubrac Cattle are known for their performance off grass and their excellent feed conversion. The Aubrac breed has rapidly grown in popularity with Irish Farmers and particularly among dairy farmers. Aubrac cattle are renowned for their ease of calving and short gestation period. They produce a much sought after calf from dairy cows, growing to be very healthy animals who thrive very well. They make ideal replacements for the beef

herd while the bull calves finish and grade very well in the factory as bull beef or as steers. They are the ideal choice for the dairy herd.

There is a wide selection of AI straws available through the AI companies and through the Irish Aubrac Society.

There is also a ready supply of top quality stock bull’s available.

The Aubrac breed also has a huge role to play in our beef herds as they have all the desirable traits one could want

in their stock. They are easily calved, have a short gestation period and are extremely docile. They also thrive very well on low inputs. They are ideally suited for the new suckler schemes as they have very good star ratings.

Four and five star ratings are very much the norm for this fantastic breed.

For more information call Angela in the office on (051) 641 106. Alternatively, email info@aubrac.ie

The Tullamore Show Reserve Champion

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Launch of the Iverk Show 2023 at Kildalton College

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In memory Grandchildren of Dick O’Connell who came together to plant a tree for their grandfather: Emily Bradley, Rachel Kelly, Niamh O'Connell, Evie Wadding, Orla O'Connell, Jack O'Connell, Tom Kelly, Rosie Bradley, and Lucy Bradley

Family gather to plant tree as they remember dad Dick O’Connell The Kilkenny Observer was privileged to be part of a very emotional gathering on the Golf Links Road last weekend.

The O’ Connell family, residents of no 2, gathered en masse, to plant a tree in memory of their recently deceased father, Dick.

The ceremony took place on the green area fronting the family home.

For a number of years Dick had vociferously advocated the aesthetic advantages of a tree in this particular spot.

Late last year the Newpark Residents Association acceded to his wish and agreed to source and plant a suitable specimen.

Unfortunately, Dick’s protracted illness and eventual demise saw these plans shelved.

But Dick’s daughter Ann O’ Connell Kelly persevered.

With determination she pledged to fulfil her father’s wish.

She resolved to gather the

extended family together from around the world.

After many attempts they eventually assembled last weekend to ensure their father’s dream became a reality.

On behalf of the family Richard spoke from the heart when he declared “trees play an important role in the survival of the earth.

Humans produce the carbon dioxide that trees breathe and trees produce the oxygen that we need.

And so as this tree, mystical and magical, grows and develops, it will become a symbol of life and of humanity.

To future generations it will stand as a memorial to a great man, Dick O’Connell, a man we were proud to call our father.”

Missing from the pictures are Granddaughter Megan Ruth, Kate O'Connell Aoife Kelly and son in law Frank Bradley.

Michael O’Connell plants the tree to remember Dick O’Connell

Michael and Leanora O'Connell, Ann O'Connell Kelly, Niamh O'Connell, Richard and, Lesley O'Connell, Jack O'Connell, Sinead Bradley, Orla O'Connell, Rachel Kelly Rosie Bradley, Evie Wadding, Tom Kelly, Lucy Bradley, Emily Bradley

Michael and Leanora O'Connell, pictured at The Golf Links Road area where the new tree is planted

Family photo: Sinead Bradley, Richard and Lesley O'Connell

Family members of Dick O’Connell photographed at the recently erected Golf Links Road sign: Sinead Bradley, Richard O'Connell, Michael O'Connell, Ann O'Connell Kelly

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

Community

“Physical Activity is the single most useful thing that individuals can do to maintain their health and function and quality of life.” (World Health Organisation, 1997) great way to keep your body active. The exercises can be done at your own pace at home, on your own or with friends. The exercises will help build your strength and flexibility and may bring you many other benefits, such as:CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF: Diabetes, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Heart disease/Cholesterol, High blood pressure, Arthritis and Caner.

Many research studies have reported the benefits of physical activity for older adults and individuals with limited movement. Although you may not be able to go for a jog or even a walk there is still a lot you can do! Unfortunately, we sometimes stop exercising and spend endless hours sitting in our favourite armchair watching the TV or listening to the radio. Now you can sit in that chair and still have a physical work out. It’s true! even though I can hear Dougal Asking “Ah you’re pulling my Leg Ted!” “like the last time Ted! when you told me the money was only resting in your account” Back to what we are supposed to be talking about.

Chair based exercises are a

IMPROVED self-esteem, Reduced depression, Reduced anxiety and stress, Improved overall well-being.

INCREASED joint mobility, Improved balance, Fall prevention, Increased reaction time, Improved ability to carry out activities of daily living.

Research shows that you need to do 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a day to gain many health benefits. However, some of these benefits will be experienced even by doing low intensity gentle exercise.

These chair exercises are aimed at improving your ability to carry out your daily activities and so focus on: MOBILITY i.e. improving your ability to reach, grasp

and move about STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE i.e. improving your ability to carry, push and pull and lift BALANCE i.e. improving your ability to move about with ease, improve reactions AEROBIC FITNESS i.e. slightly improving your ability to sustain activities such as walking Before you start any exercise programme it is recommended you talk to your doctor. It is good to ask them if they think such a programme is suitable for you.

AND REMEMBER: WHERE THERE IS PAIN AND STRAIN… THERE IS NO GAIN. EXERCISE SHOULD BE FUN AND ENJOYABLE! Avoid all jerky or sudden movements and rapid twisting or turning of any part of your body. Do not tilt your head backwards as it can cause dizziness and other problems. You should wait up to 2 hours after eating a meal, smoking or drinking alcohol before you exercise.

Never exercise when you are injured or sick. If you get pains in your chest, dizziness or severe shortness of breath when you are exercising, stop

immediately and contact your GP. We at Twilight Community are currently expanding our services and outreach into the Communities. We have two qualified Fitness therapist and we are currently

planning a senior’s fitness morning in the Twilight International Cultural House, 15A Hebron Business Park, Kilkenny.

If you, or the senior group you may be a member of, are interest in a morning of fun

and activities. Why not give me a call for more details on another great Twilight Initiatives for the Senior members of our Communities. Call Murty Brennan on 086 3255840 or our Head office 056 7813105.

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Recruitment

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

STEP 4 To make the tzatziki, halve the cucumber lengthways and scoop out the seeds. Finely chop, then combine with the remaining ingredients, along with a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.

With

Chicken souvlaki

STEP 5 Heat the grill to its highest setting.

Line a roasting tin with foil and find 4 metal skewers long enough to sit across the top with a little space underneath. Remove the chicken from the fridge, take one thigh and thread it over 2 skewers, so it has a skewer through either side. Thread another piece of chicken on top, leaving a slight gap between each piece; you should fit 6 thighs on each pair of skewers. Position the skewers on top of the roasting tin and set aside while you finish the pittas.

Prep: 45 mins Cook: 40 mins plus at least 3 hrs marinating Serves: 4

Marinate the chicken for these Greek-style spiced kebabs as long as possible to soak up all the flavour and make it really tender. Serve with warm bread, salad and tzatziki.

Ingredients • 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

STEP 6 Heat a large frying pan (or two if you have them) over a medium-high heat and brush the breads with oil.

Gently lift one into the pan. It should sizzle, and bubbles should appear on the surface after 1-2 mins. When the underside is golden, flip it and cook for another 2-3 mins. Continue until all the breads are cooked, wrapping them in foil as you go. Keep the bread warm in the bottom of the oven while you cook the chicken. Alternatively, cook on the barbecue for 5-8 mins, turning occasionally.

For the marinade • 4 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried mint • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp coriander • 1 tsp sweet paprika • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • zest and juice 1 lemon, plus 1 lemon cut into wedges to serve • 4 garlic cloves, crushed For the pitta wraps • 250g strong white bread flour • 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast • 1 tsp golden caster sugar • 2 tsp olive oil, plus a little for greasing For the tzatziki • ½ cucumber • 200g Greek yogurt • small bunch mint, finely chopped • 1 small garlic clove, crushed • juice ½ lemon To serve • 1 butter or round lettuce • 4 large tomatoes, seeds removed, chopped

• 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced You will need • 4 long metal skewers Method STEP 1 Tip the chicken into a large bowl and add the marinade ingredients, along with 1 tsp salt and plenty of black pepper. Mix well, ensuring each thigh

is well coated. Cover and chill for at least 3 hrs, or up to 48 hrs if you have time.

STEP 2 A few hours before you want to eat, make the pitta. In a bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar and 1/ 2 tsp salt with your fingertips. Add 150ml lukewarm water and 2 tsp olive oil, and combine to a dough. Tip onto a work surface and knead for 8-10 mins

(or use a tabletop mixer for 5 mins).

Clean, then lightly oil your bowl, return the dough and cover loosely with cling film. Leave to rise for 1 hr or until nearly doubled in size.

STEP 3 Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll out to circles, as thin as you can. Cover with sheets of oiled cling film and leave to rise for 15-20 mins.

STEP 7 Put the chicken under the hot grill and cook for 15-20 mins, brushing with oil and any juices from the bottom of the tin regularly, and turning halfway through cooking.

Once cooked, remove from the oven and rest for 5 mins.

STEP 8 Cut through each pair of skewers to make four kebabs and serve in the warm bread, with lettuce, tomato, red onion, lemon wedges and tzatziki.

Charred courgettes, runner beans and ricotta Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins Servies 8-10 This vegetarian side dish of charred courgettes and runner beans sings summer and also has a small bite of hot chilli. It goes down well at barbecues.

Ingredients • 50g mixed seeds • 2 tbsp honey • ¼ tsp chilli flakes • ½ lemon, zested and juiced • 250g tub ricotta • 3 courgettes, thickly sliced on the diagonal • 400g runner beans • 3 tbsp good-quality olive oil, plus extra to serve • edible flowers, to decorate (optional) Method STEP 1 Toast the seeds in a dry pan until

they start to pop, then stir in the honey, chilli and a good pinch of sea salt. Once all the seeds are sticky and forming clusters, tip out onto a piece of baking parchment and leave to cool. Mix the lemon zest and some seasoning into the ricotta and set aside.

STEP 2 Toss the courgettes and runner beans in the oil, then season. Fire up the barbecue or get a griddle pan searing hot on the hob. Working in batches, cook the veg until charred and softened but still a little crunchy.

STEP 3 Spread the ricotta along the bottom of a large sharing platter and top with the veg. Squeeze over the lemon juice, then scatter over the honeyed seeds. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a scattering of sea salt, then dot with edible flowers for extra wow factor, if you like.

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Netflix’s shocking new TV show hits the No. 1 spot Netflix has a new No. 1 show, which means Lincoln Lawyer’s reign at the top of the TV charts has come to an end.

Painkiller is a star-studded affair that’s based on the true story of the origins of the opioid crisis in the US, although fictionalised in parts. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Disney Plus / Star got their first with their damning and sobering show Dopesick, starring Michael Keaton, Will Poulter and Rosario Dawson.

Netflix’s version is a rather more heightened look at the crisis, adding in a dose of satire for good measure, and stars Matthew Broderick as Richard Sackler, Taylor Kitsch [pictured] as someone trying to kick his

opioid addiction and Dina Shihabi.

Directed by Peter Berg – who worked with Kitsch on Friday Night Lights – the show weaves in a number of storylines, focusing on those in the midst of the opioid crisis, those who want to expose it and those who are the creators of it.

For obvious reasons, the critics are comparing Painkiller to Dopesick, with The Observer noting: “There are times that Painkiller feels like a cover version of the more atmospheric Dopesick. Nevertheless, it’s thought-provoking, with strong performances (especially from Aduba) and a firm narrative grip on a catastrophe that never stops sounding a grim, shrill alarm.”

draws comparison to The Office because of its workplace setting and relatable interactions.

It is a fast-paced sitcom

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

to tune into on Netflix 1. The Baby-Sitters’ Club

The Baby-Sitters Club is an ideal adaptation of Ann M. Martin’s beloved books in that it updates its protagonists, stories, and focus to speak to modern audiences — who, to be clear, includes everyone — without losing the classic camaraderie, all-ages storytelling, and character specificity that made reading each story so meaningful. Not only are the young adult performers all providing strong character work, but looping in Alicia Silverstone, Marc Evan Jackson, and Mark Feuerstein as the stand-out parents is inspired. Creator Rachel Shukert has crafted a world you never want to leave, and after Season 2 drops on October 11 for a good five hours, you won’t have to — enjoy!

Yahoo Movie also makes the comparison and Painkiller doesn’t come off well: “For audiences seeking another dramatic taste of America’s opioid epidemic, Painkiller rarely measures up to the Emmy winning Dopesick on Disney+,” its review notes.

There are some who are fans, though, with London’s The Times noting: “It’s a sobering, humane touch that keeps a fastpaced series grounded.”

The Financial Time is also fans, explaining: “While the decision to include real-life stories is effective, some viewers may feel the juxtaposition is exploitative.

Cumulatively, though, it’s hard not to feel the depth of the tragedy.”

It’s topping the charts

in over 50 countries, with second place A Perfect Story quite a way behind.

Former number-one show Lincoln Lawyer is now in third place.

The top 10 Netflix TV shows, as they stand, is as follows: 1. Painkiller 2. A Perfect Story 3. The Lincoln Lawyer 4. The Witcher 5. Heartstopper 6. King the Land 7. Fatal Seduction 8. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba 9. Terzi 10.The Uncanny Counter It’s worth noting that eight of these shows in the top 10 are Netflix exclusives, proving that its original content is still dominating the charts.

Perhaps the best thing since The Office Netflix viewers have revealed they have found their next must-watch comedy which is being compared to Ricky Gervais’ The Office.

Fisk, starring Kitty Flanagan, describes itself as ‘not another glamorous legal show’ and viewers have admitted they are already hooked.

The comedy’s first season, which first aired in 2021, was launched on Netflix on August 1 and has enjoyed a renaissance as a result.

One especially impressed user of the streaming giant wrote: ‘Watching ‘Fisk’, an Australian comedy that has me literally busting out laughing.

Fisk evokes Ricky Gervais’ The Office with its fastpaced style and workplace setting - as well as comedy value The ABC comedy likely

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about high-end contracts lawyer Helen Tudor-Fisk (Flanagan) forced to take a job at a low-grade suburban law firm after a failed

marriage and professional downfall.

Many others also commented on Twitter about how they ‘loved’ the ‘hysterical’ series as they recommended it to others.

Another viewer said: “Fisk was honestly really funny.

If you love the office, you’ll like this show. It was a delicious treat.”

Another asked: “Anyone else watching #Fisk on Netflix? Quirky, hilarious Aussie comedy!”

But these are all late comers to an already successful domestic debut for the show, which has already had a second season – although this is not yet on Netflix.

Fisk series 2 aired in 2022, and Flanagan won Most Popular Actress at July’s 2023’s Logie Awards on the back of it.

2. You

In need of a serial killer show this Halloween? Look no further than Sera Gamble’s diabolically dark thriller You, Season3 of which lands on October 15. An antihero tale with an extra emphasis on the ‘anti’, You follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) through a number of ‘love’ stories that see the one-time bookstore owner fall for a woman, assign her a role he needs filled, and then snap when her actual personhood breaks from his preconceived expectations. Addictive in its pacing and twists.

3. On My Block

An under-the-radar gem buoyed by passionate fan support, On My Block wraps its fourth and final season this month.

After starting as a coming-ofage comedy about a group of high school teens living in the (fictional) Los Angeles neighbourhood known as Freeridge, Season 4 takes a two-year time jump into the future, after the friends have gone their separate ways. Wouldn’t you know it, but they find a reason to come back together — this time, in response to a once-buried secret threatening to come out.

4. Bad Sport

For sport and for crime fans, the six- part documentary series tells a separate story in each hour-plus episode, all of which meet at the intersection of sports and crime. Featuring interviews with athletes, coaches, and law enforcement officials, Bad Sport investigates each tale with firsthand accounts and a studious eye.

5. Seinfield

There are a dozen different reasons why now is a good time to revisit nine seasons of one of America’s best sitcoms, and frankly, you don’t need a reason other than you just can. Jerry is always about one curled lip away from breaking the whole time.

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Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary Last year, The Young Irelands Rounders Tournament took place in Gowran for the very first time and it was a major success with several teams participating.

It's back once again this year in a shortened version, and at time of writing it is scheduled to take place next Wednesday evening in Gowran 23rd of August from 6-8pm, with the Finals scheduled for tomorrow week, Saturday 26th August that will be run off as part of Family Fun Day. The inaugural Tournament last year drew a huge response with 16 Teams competing from different townlands of Gowran/Dungarvan Parish, and the novelty aspect of that certainly added to and enhanced the competition.

The idea of a Rounders Tournament came about thanks to The Young Irelands Healthy Committee who do trojan work in arranging a variety of events throughout the year.

Last years Tournament was won by Steeples who won The Final against Scart.The Rounders Tournament brought about a wonderful community spirit in Gowran last year, and it's open to all ages of all abilities.

Rounders is a sport that was popular to so many having been played a lot in Primary Schools, and is often the forgotten sport of the

Rounders GAA. It's a striking and fielding game played with a round ball with plenty of similarities between Rounders

and Baseball, and it's actually very popular in the UK where more than 7 million play the sport, so it definitely has a broadening appeal beyond

Low back pain: Fix the problem and you won't have to worry about the pain EOIN EVERARD

It's gotten a bit confusing how we sometimes look at our health. When pain strikes the low back we usually think we just got a new problem or injury. But why then was coughing, shaving, or doing the laundry, so different this time? These are things we do every day. Rarely is a new episode of low back pain brought on by a well-defined injury or trauma. Trauma in most cases is usually quite trivial.

We confuse pain as a signal for something that is physically changing each time.

So what is the problem?

The problem is joint sprain or subluxation. This is a ligament problem and occurs with small micro traumas over many years, or sometimes with acute events such as car

accidents or falls. Over time the ligaments stretch, causing the joints and vertebrae to displace, irritating the delicate nerve fibres. But over a few days or weeks, the pain that accompanies this injury gradually lessens, and in many cases goes away all on its own.

But has the problem also gone away? Likely not, because when ligaments are traumatized, the repair mechanism involves scar tissue, which is less elastic than the original, and makes the joint vulnerable to re-injury and sometimes impairs the free and symmetrical motion of the spine.

Physiotherapists examine for this type of joint sprain using palpation for tenderness and oedema, and a G.P can also help confirm this by x-rays to see the directions the vertebrae have moved towards.

These specific analyses can tell us the vulnerable directions and how the vertebrae need to be repositioned to promote good alignment and good

Ireland.

Anyone that is interested in joining a team can get in contact with a member of The Young Irelands

Healthy Club Committee.

Check out The Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Club pages on Facebook for further details.

James Stephens Minor league champions 2023 posture.

The adjustment is designed to reduce this misalignment, and induce more symmetric motion. When movements are asymmetrical in the spine, they can lead to premature degeneration of the spine and arthritis. This may be why a simple task such as lifting a laundry basket can flare up the back so easily. You may be lifting with good form and posture but with an asymmetrical spine, the loading is very off balance. Sometimes the disks are so damaged that a simple sneeze is enough to cause excruciating pain. So when these trivial events seem to trip you up, it means there is an underlying problem that is not getting corrected.

Email everardpilates@gmail. com to get our free book Secrets to a Healthy Spine or for more information about back Pilates and availing of a free trial. Visit everardpilates.com/backfreetrial.

James Stephens are Minor A Hurling League Champions after Beating Dunnamaggin Monday evening in Dunmore

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Community & GAA Notes

MINORS DRAW Clara minors completed their run of matches in the Roinn A minor league on Monday of last week when they held city club O’Loughlins to a draw in Clara. In a very spirited performance the Clara lads led for most of the contest but overall it has to be said that a draw was a fair result. O Loughlins were first out of the traps with an Eoin O Brien point but this was one of only two times that they led in the whole match. Conor Hoyne was soon on the mark and went on to give a flawless display of sharp shooting and free taking for the whole evening.

He finished the game with a superb tally of 0-14, 0-9 of this in the first half. Dillon Cummins with a monstrous strike was the only other Clara scorer of the first half, and the hosts paused for halftime 0-10 to 1-6 ahead. Ruairc Sweeney had scored the goal for the city side and it was to prove a very important score.

Conor Hoyne took up where he left off with two pointed frees at the start of the second half. The game was finely balanced all the way through and every score was vital.

Eoin Corr and Tommy Delaney chipped in with points and Dillon Cummins struck another peach from distance.

The central defensive spine of Clara was hurling very well, namely Philip Carrigan and Hugh Kelly, as well as David Barcoe at midfield. But it took a great hand save from Conor Galvin to keep them in the hunt, while Philip Carrigan was fortunate not to concede a penalty.

O Loughlins scored two points in a row to take the lead for only the second time with 5 minutes remaining but Conor Hoyne hit one from play and one from a 65 to give Clara back the lead. An O Loughlins substitute equalised and the final whistle sounded, maybe prematurely according to some observers, but few could quibble with the result. As well as those mentioned John Bergin, Alex Firbank and Joe Power were prominent for the home team. Clara 0-19 O Loughlins 1-16.

Team - Conor Galvin, Tom Murphy, Philip Carrigan, John Bergin. Alex Firbank, Hugh Kelly, Daniel Ryan. Davy Barcoe, Dillon Cummins 0-2. Tommy Delaney 0-1, Conor Hoyne 0-15, 0-9f, 0-3 x 65, Joe Power. Padraic Meany, Eoin Corr 0-1, Bill Kealy.

U19s LOSE The Clara U19s bowed out of this year’s championship to Barrow Rangers at the quarter final stage in Paulstown on when they lost by the bare minimum. In truth this was one they left behind them and they will rue many missed opportunities on the night but Barrow Rangers to their credit dug out a victory that didn’t look likely with 10 minutes to play.

Conor Hoyne scored the first point of the game as Clara opened into a strong wind. However after Sean Carrigan pointed after 18 minutes the Clara men were just 1-3 to 0-5 adrift. Conor Hoyne had accounted for the other Clara scores through frees but the likes of Luke Lawlor and Hugh Kelly had carved out chances for Ned Langton, Harry Boyle and Tommy Delaney to run at the Ranger’s defence and draw frees. But then a lapse of concentration in defence allowed Barrow Rangers to score an unanswered 1-4 and the gap was all of 8 points. Joe Power was very unlucky for the first goal as his initial good save broke kindly to a second Paulstown attacker whose shot came off Joe and trickled over the line. The second goal was an unstoppable rasper after a searing run by Noah Scully. The gap at halftime was 2-8 to 0-6.

Sean Carrigan goaled a minute into the new half following a sustained bit of Clara pressure and when Conor Hoyne added two frees the gap was back to just a goal with barely 5 minutes gone. Barrow Rangers responded with three points of their own against a Conor Hoyne free and one from play by Harry Boyle.

Davy Barcoe thundered into the game at this stage and with Philip Carrigan, Ben Crow and Cian Kelly driving Clara forward from behind, four points in a row were scored to tie the game with 10 minutes to play. Sean Carrigan pillaged three of these and substitute Eoin Corr bagged the other. It now looked like breeeze backed Clara had all the momentum and would kick for home.

But Barrow Rangers hit back with two pointed frees and a 65 to go three clear again. Clara came again but two points from Conor Hoyne were separated by the dismissal of one of their players and the clock ran out on them. Alex McDonald early on, Zach Lawlor and Ben Murphy later on and sub John Bergin were others to catch the eye for Clara. The only comfort they could take here however was knowing that all of their squad are underage again next year.

Team - Joe Power, Alex McDonald, Zach Lawlor, Philip Carrigan, Cian Kelly, Ben Crow, Ben Murphy, Conor Hoyne 0-10, 0-8f, David Barcoe, Ned Langton, Harry Boyle 0-1, Luke Lawlor, Tommy Delaney, Sean Carrigan 1-4, Hugh Kelly. Subs used John Bergin, Eoin Corr 0-1.

Also Alex Firbank, Dillon Cummins, Tom Murphy, Daniel Ryan, Bill Kealy.

LAST GASP WIN The Clara Juniors had a terrific victory over Ballyhale Shamrocks in a top class Junior match in Clara on

Tuesday of last week. The sight of Henry Shefflin in the Ballyhale green made it a particularly exciting game for the players, especially the younger players. Some of those weren’t even born by the time Henry had bagged his third All Ireland senior medal!

A late Alex McDonald goal won it for Clara when he bravely batted a ball past Shamrocks goalie Mark Aylward. 1-14 to 0-15 was how it finished.

Team - Jason Barcoe, Jim Kehoe, James Dowling, Ben Crow. Peter Nolan 0-1, Tom Ryan 0-1, Harry Boyle. Killian Phelan 0-2, Conor Phelan. Luke Whelan, Joe Connolly 0-7, 0-5f, Cian Kelly 0-1. Sean Carrigan, Alan Coleman, Rory O Keeffe 0-2. Subs used Alex McDonald 1-0, Noel Kehoe, Ben Murphy.

Then on Saturday night the Clara lads were sent crashing back to earth with a chastening 4-26 to 2-10 loss to Dicksboro in St. John’s Park. The Boro have probably as strong a panel as any side in the country at present and Clara were short a few of their better players who were needed for senior duty the following day. The difference in class was soon evident and the Boro led 0-12 to 0-6 at halftime, despite having played against the breeze. The goals started arriving in the second half and although Clara gamely scored two of their own, they were completely outgunned by the city team.

Team - Jason Barcoe, Jim Kehoe, James Dowling, Ben Crow, Zach Lawlor, Tom Ryan, Cian Kelly, Harry Boyle 0-1, Conor Phelan, Luke Whelan, Killian Phelan 1-6, 1-0 pen, 0-5f, Rory O Keeffe 0-2, Sean Carrigan 0-1, Alan Coleman, Noel Kehoe. Subs used Ben Nolan, Adam Harding 0-1.

SENIORS WIN Clara gained their first points of the Senior League/ Championship on Sunday in Bennettsbridge when they overcame Danesfort 0-23 to 0-13. They were helped in no small measure by a very wasteful Danesfort side that struck 17 wides, many of them bad misses. Nevertheless Clara had some very good performances here, unlike the previous round against Dicksboro, most notably from Shane Staunton and Paul Cody.

Liam Ryan was another who began very brightly and shot three fine points in the first 15 minutes. These helped Clara into a 0-9 to 0-7 halftime lead, with David Langton and Martin O Connell also prominent. Danesfort began the second half with a spring in their step but were at their worst with their shooting at this juncture, and it was Clara that claimed the first 3 points through John Murphy, Chris Bolger and Paul Cody. Danesfort finally found the range and scored 5 of the next 7 points to reduce the deficit to two points. Clara’s two had come from the stick of John Murphy after Paul Cody had struck the post with a goal effort before cleverly crossing the rebound to John, and a terrific Shane Staunton effort from distance. That was as good as it got for Danesfort however and Clara reeled off the next eight points in a row, 7 from play from Paul Cody (2), Chris Bolger (2), Matt Kenny, John Murphy and Martin O Connell, along with a difficult free from substitute Dara Glynn. James Mullally stopped the rot for Danesfort before Martin O Connell closed out the scoring with his second point of the day.

Matt Kenny and Chris Bolger were much better in the second half and overall it was a satisfactory performance

by Clara but they will know that they will have to bring much more to next week’s meeting with Tullaroan to gain any points there. See People Sport for full report.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Conor Cody, Jack Langton, Paddy Ryan. Matt Kenny 0-2, 0-1f, Shane Staunton 0-1, David Langton 0-1. Paul Cody 0-5, Liam Ryan 0-3. Conor O Shea, Martin O Connell 0-2, Peter Nolan. Chris Bolger 0-5, 0-2f, John Murphy 0-3, Joe Connolly. Subs used Dara Glynn 0-1f, Harry Boyle.

CLUB LOTTO LOTTO: 8th August - No Winner, which means the Jackpot is on the rise - next week the Jackpot is €4450.

Lucky Dip winners - €30 each to Ger Prendergast, Noreen Brennan, Matthew Campion, Barbara Farrell, Alva Hoyne.

Bast of luck to all who support the Club and Parish Lotto.

Aoife Dillon and Orlaith Donnelly, Kilkenny Camogie u15s Leinster Camogie Blitz Winners

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of the week’s club lotto (Aug 8th).

Numbers drawn were 3, 7, 17, 23 Bonus 11. Play again at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw 1. Pat Cody c/o Mary Cody. 2. Mags and Dinny c/o JJ Cullen. 3. Michael Kinchella c/o Eileen. 4.

Sean Tyrrell. 5. Olywen Bergin c/o Ml Nolan. 6. David Goulding c/o Dan O’Driscoll. 7. Liam Dooley c/o Damien O’Connell. 8. Ann Marie O’Keeffe c/o Online. 9. Jackie Costigan c/o Online. 10. Maria O’Dhea c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support LEAGUE CHAMPIONS O’Loughlin Gaels 3-7 to 3-6 John Lockes The u13 boys are Roinn A league champions after a pulsating final against John Locke’s at Dunmore. The game was thrilling all the way through and with the final whistle looming and two points down the Gaels were awarded a late penalty. JJ Cahill stepped up and held

Ava Butler with the u15s Leinster Camogie Blitz Trophy

his nerve to dispatch to the net and earn the win for the St. John’s outfit. Well done to a super bunch, two big pieces of silverware under their belts and championship around the corner. Hon the Lough’s. Sponsors, McCarthy’s Eurospar TEAM NEWS Senior Hurling league Rd. 2 Hard luck to the senior hurlers who were beaten by neighbours, Dicksboro on Friday evening at the Kells Rd. A good rattle but it wasn’t to be.

It was hard luck to our intermediates who were beaten at Gowran on Sunday evening in Rd 2 of the League/ championship.

Well done to the u14s O’Loughlins Camogie team that got their league/championship off to a flyer at St. John’s Park on Sunday evening.

Next weekend sees plenty of action with our Senior and Intermediate Hurlers competing in Round 3 of the championships while the Intermediate Camogie team commence their League Championship on Sunday.

Fixtures are in the clubs social media LEINSTER WINNERS Well done to O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club players Aoife Dillon, Orlaith Donnelly and Ava Butler who were winners on Saturday with Kilkenny Camogie at the u15s Leinster Camogie Blitz. Lovely Hurling FAMILY RACE NIGHT Tickets are on sale for the club’s big fundraiser Family Race night. This is hugely important to help us complete our development goals. Our new floodlights are almost done and our next projects include a wall ball and astro turf area, dressing rooms and ancillary facilities. It needs a massive push by members, players and supporters to get these jobs done and help drive our young Gaels to be the greatest. Get your tickets through juvenile players and mentors, adult players and club administrators over the coming days.

FRESHFORD TWINS SPECIAL BIRTHDAY Special Birthday wishes go out to local man Eamon Ryan of Moate Freshford and his twin sister Deirdre who celebrated a very special 50th birthday last weekend. Eamon and Deirdre celebrated the occasion at a party with their family and friends in Kavanagh’s Bar on Saturday night last.

Special birthday wishes also go out to local girl Sinead Farrell, Kilkenny Street who celebrated her 21st birthday last weekend also. Sinead marked her coming of age at party in the family pub on Saturday night last.

HOME FROM AUSTRALIA Home on holiday in their native Freshford at the moment are the Rafter brothers Declan and Derek. Derek was also celebrating his 50th birthday and was part of the joint party with his friends Eamon and Deirdre Ryan on Saturday night last.

GAA NEWS St.Lachtains junior hurlers faced into the second round of championship action on Sunday afternoon last when they took on Tullogher Rosbercon at Palmersstown. After a good win against Cloneen in the opening round the game was close thoughout and Freshford were a point behind in the closing stages when Ally Rafter got a great point to draw the game. Tullogher however went ahead again but the local lads kept plugging away and got the all important equaliser to finish the game all square on a final score of Tullogher Rosbercon 1-14 St.Lachtains 17.

Next up is their game against Piltown on Sunday next at 12 noon.

Team; D Brennan, S.Dawson, H Burke, C.Bergin, B. Quinn,L Kennedy, B.Kennedy, P.White, P Donnelly, L.Hickey, C.Dawson, A.Rafter, C.Hickey, P.Killeen, S.Donnelly Congratulations to the U15 boys who won the Shield final in the Hurling Blitz in Ballinakill last weekend.

The local lads defeated St.Martins in the final to take the Shield with the Maggie Walsh Cup been won by the Harps of Durrow.

At Pairc Lachtain on Sunday last Lisdowney beat The Fenians of Johnstown in the Intermediate game played in good weather conditions and pitch looking prestige.

SARSFIELD WINNERS Congratulations to three Freshford men who were on the victorious Sarsfield hurling team who won the Perth hurling championship in Australia recently. Seamus Hayes and the Guinean brothers Eoin and Paul were part of the winning Sarsfields side who defeated Western Swans on a final scoreline of 2-27 to1-14. Seamus played at full back Paul was at wing forward while Eoin was full forward and Seamus was given the honour of been captain of the team.

FUNDING Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee recently allocated a number of grants to the County. The Communities Support Fund is supported through the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Community Enhancement Programme. Cllr. Michael McCarthy, a member of the LCDC, congratulated all involved for their voluntary community work. Success-

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Community & GAA Notes ful local applications were, Freshford Community Café €12K. Freshford Squash Club €6K. Woodview Residents Committee €3.159K. Freshford Boxing Club €1.1K. Threecastles Community Hall €1K. Freshford Heritage Group €700. Freshford Day Care Centre €1K. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Ann Burke of Woodview, Freshford and all her family on the recent death of her sister Ms. Alice Thornton late of High Street, Ballyragget and formerly of Byrnesgrove, Ballyragget. Funeral mass took place in St. Patricks Church, Ballyragget on Friday last followed by burial in St. Finnans Cemetery, Ballyragget.

CAMOGIE Well done to St.Lachtains camogie girls Ciara Hickey, Emma O.Connor and Aoibhinn McCarthy who represented Kilkenny U15 teams in their Leinster Blitz at the weekend with both teams winning all their group games and finals CAMP GAA CAMP Will be held for boys and girls from 6-13 year olds this week from Monday to Friday at St.Lachtains GAA Pitch The camp is open to all in Kilkenny and beyond.

ATHLETIC CLUB Nena Athletics club have launched fit4life in the Freshford area. All abilities are welcome from walkers wanting company, to runners training for marathons and everyone in between. Very experienced leaders are leading a program established by Athletics Ireland that caters for all experience and abilities. They meet each Tuesday morning and Wednesday evenings in Freshford GAA club. If you are interested please contact us on nuennaac@gmail.com or call Caoimhe on 087 4175550 DEATH The people of Freshford, Threecastles and surrounds were saddened last weekend to hear of the death of Patrick (Pat) Russell late of Ardaloo, Threecastles. The deceased who had been unwell recently was a Council worker for many years around the village and area and became well known and respected by all in the community. His funeral mass took place in Jenkinstown Church followed by burial in Conahy Cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Nora, son Pat, daughter Christine, grandchildren, and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

PLAYGROUND Freshford Playground is now open and is looking so well.

Local kids and families and also visitors to the village are enjoying the new amenity. The long awaited playground is situate at Kilkenny Road and is a great facility in the village. Much credit is due to the hard working committee who worked so hard and kept plugging away for the playground over the years CAFE Loop Café is proving very popular indeed. The Cafe has been open for the past eight months or more and is now open on Sundays from 11am to 4pm. It is open each week from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. Serving some beautiful snacks and food from homemade scones, homemade soup and brown bread and lovely salads they have added some new delicious items to their menu. This is a great addition to the village and the community value it and are happy that they now have somewhere to meet with friends for that coffee and scone. The group are looking for volunteers to help with the running of this community café and also more customers to instill a community ownership so that the café is really a community café. The group would like to thank all those who have support the café since its opening. If you have a few hours a week to spare as a volunteer they would love to hear from you and if you don’t have few hours to spare why not call in and support the local cafe and bring your family or friends and help support this amenity.

IONAD LACHTAIN HERITAGE CENTRE Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.30pm.

Gifts on sale to suit every occasion.

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

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

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie.

Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW

is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

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

MINOR LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Congratulations to our minor hurlers who won the 2023 Roinn A league title this evening, Monday 14th, beating Dunnamaggin on a scoreline of 3:21 to 2:11. Full report next week.

SENIOR HURLING With just 8 minutes remaining of a highly competitive 2nd round, league /championship fixture in Thomastown and with James Stephens trailing Glenmore by six points at 2-16 to 0-16, the city men mounted a dramatic point scoring assault hitting over eight points to the Glenmore club’s two scores and still ended up on the wrong side of a 2-18 to 0-23 scoreline. In those closing minutes in a determined bid to save the game some eye catching points were delivered by Ross Whelan (2), Niall Delaney (1) from over 80 meters and Eoin Guilfoyle (4) plus a reflex save by Gavin Costigan (24min) yet Glenmore countered with two scores, the last a fine strike by Alan Murphy, 2-11 in total in the 31st minute to the deprive The Village a share of the spoils. From the throw-in, to minimise the scoring rate of a powerful Glenmore forward line, the James Stephens defence had to be on full alert to ward off a stream of attacks with Shane Donohoe, Luke Murphy, Adam O’Connor and Niall Brassil, in particular, to the fore. Niall Delaney and Ben Lawlor also tussled manfully against strong opponents. Equally the tight marking Glenmore defence offered few opportunities to the Village forwards largely depending on a faultless conversion rate from frees by Eoin Guilfoyle and two fine finishes by midfielder Luke Scanlon. Despite failing to register on the scoreboard credit must be given to the sterling efforts of Liam Rafter and Tadhg O’Dwyer to force fouls from their hard tacking opponents. In the 24th minute a game changing score was delivered for Glenmore by centre forward Alan Murphy who raced on to a breaking ball from a long delivery to drive the sliotar past a helpless Gavin Costigan and secure a 1-10 to 0-09 halftime lead for Glenmore. A second Alan Murphy goal in the 7th minute of the 2nd half restored the Glenmore lead to four points at 2-11 to 0-13 after Luke Scanlon, Ross Whelan and Eoin Guilfoyle had staged an early James Stephens revival. Over the next 12/13 minutes Glenmore went on to add a further five points to increase their lead to six points at 2-16 to 0 16 by the 20th minute despite quality scores from Niall Brassil and Eoin Guilfoyle’s that eventually signalled the late James Stephens surge of point scoring that just narrowly failed to save the day. The 3rd round fixture against neighbours Bennettsbridge is scheduled for tonight Friday in Danesfort.

U-19 CHAMPIONSHIP Ironically a Bill McDermott goal in the early minutes of the game was to prove a decisive score as James Stephens went on to forge a hard earned 1-16 to 2-11 victory over Graigue Ballycallan in their championship quarter final fixture in drizzly Tom Ryall Park on Thursday evening. With defences largely in charge both sets of forwards had to work hard for every score. Playing with the wind ‘Graigue applied lots of pressure but the tight marking of a solid half back line of James Bergin, Sam McEvoy and Sean Deely put paid to many of their promising attacks. The inside defenders, Stephen PowerKellett, Noah Manogue and Sam Larkin were equally unforgiving on their opponents. In the 10th minute, however, Ballycallan caught The Village men off guard, punishing a momentary lapse with a fine strike from a 20 meter free to the net. In the 25th minute, with the game finely balanced at 1-05 to 1-04 in favor of The Village, goalkeeper Billy O’Sullivan was called on to save a close-in shot following a neat passing movement by the Ballycallan forwards. In a fast moving game midfielders, Oisin Bateman and Ed Lauhoff covered acres of ground in support of the defence and opening opportunities for the forwards with each contributing two valuable long range scores over the hour. A fine Stephen Manogue point gave James Stephens the cushion of a narrow 1-07 to 1-05 lead at the break. For the 2nd half the positional switching of Jack Kelly and Bill McDermott brought greater freedom to the forward line. In the 5th minute Gaigue Ballycallan, having prized open the James Stephens defence, missed a goal scoring opportunity to take the lead thanks to a last second intervention by the Village backs much to the relief of the visiting supporters. James Stephens, while marginally in command depended on quality long range efforts from Andy Murphy (8 mins), and three unanswered points from Jack Kelly, Stephen Manogue (0-06) and Oisin

Bateman to keep their noses in front at 1-12 to 1-09 with 20 minutes played. Then roving corner forward Sean Casey stepped in with a well taken point followed swiftly by a Jack Kelly effort in the 23rd minute to open a five point lead for The Village. In a determined drive over the closing minutes Graigue Ballycallan searched hard for a goal, failing from a 20 meter free before hitting the net, too late in the 33rd minute to prevent a hard won 1-16 to 2-11 victory for James Stephens.

CLUB CAMOGIE On Tuesday evening of last week the club’s minor team put in a great effort before narrowly going down to Tullaroan/St. Annes in the Summer League semi-final in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain. After a lacklustre first half the Village girls trailed by 2-03 to 0-06, with corner forward Roisin Leahy the scorer in chief for the home team. A half time pep talk obviously stirred the Village girls into action with midfielders Emily Smith and Molly Birke leading the charge. With the defence in inspired form led by Cady Boyle, Sophie Meagher and Niamh Leahy, the forwards gradually reduced their opponents lead to a single score with positive contributions from Laura Leahy, Aine White and Roisin Leahy. However, after the Tullaroan/St.Annes girls broke through for a late goal, it was just enough to secure the victory despite the best efforts of the James Stephens girls to snatch a late equaliser.

U-14 CAMOGIE The U-14 camogie team started their 2023 championship campaign with a well-earned draw against Mooncoin on Tuesday evening In Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain. This was a closely fought encounter throughout the hour’s play which went down to the wire. With time running out the James Stephens girls broke through for a late goal to take a point lead into the closing minutes but the persistent Mooncoin girls fought back to win an equalising point for a share of the points at the final whistle. For James Stephens Lucy Walsh gave a commanding performance at centre back ably assisted by Orla Keating and Maisy Hoban. In attack Niamh Moore and Maura Barton grafted hard to help secure the deserved 2-03 to 1-06 draw for the The Village girls.

SENIOR CAMOGIE With the county players Niamh Deely, Michelle Teehan, Sophie O’Dwyer and Emma Manogue back in training the club’s senior team are preparing in earnest for their first foray in the Kilkenny senior camogie championship.

The preparations included competitive “friendly” fixtures against Waterford club team Gaultier, winning 0-14 to 0-11 and a narrow 1-09 to 0-09 defeat to Na Fianna (Dublin) in recent weeks. The girls first round fixture will be against Windgap at 1.45pm on Saturday, 19th August in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain. Support for the girls would be appreciated.

FAMILY FUN DAY Despite a busy schedule of club fixtures over the weekend there was a large turnout of players, parents, retirees and supporters for the popular Family Fun Day in Larchfield on Saturday evening. With plenty of novelty events, like face painting, wheelbarrow and three legged races for the younger generation to enjoy, the more mature enjoyed the musical playlist of DJ Scoo, AKA Noel Burke while debating the prospects of the club’s hurling and camogie teams over a few “bevies” and some tasty burgers prepared by Messers McGuire and Larkin. The winner of the draw for the DID Electrical sponsored 50” TV was U-15 panelist Gio Jovhany Fuentes Kavanagh.

Well done to the hard working committee, led by Ann Marie White, on another successful Family Fun Event.

SUMMER CAMP Once again, let’s hope the that the weather Gods are kind as over 200 budding James Stephens stars, male and female between the ages of 5 and 13 have signed up for the annual Summer Camp which started on Monday and runs to Friday next in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain. In preparation for the week’s events, GPO Nathan Culleton held a familiarisation evening with the team of coaches to ensure the popular coaching event runs smoothly with an emphasis on promoting GAA skills, in a safe and fun filled environment.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 7, 8, 14 23. There was no winner. This week’s jackpot will be €7,000. The consolation winners were Seanie Bourke, Liam O’Sullivan, Tom Maher, Orla Neary and Catherine Claffey. Again, thanks to the many folk who continue to support the draw.

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT Well done to Patrick Robinson finishing runner up in the National Intermediate Strokeplay in Riverdale. Patrick shot a final round -6 for a -12 54 hole total. Great stuff Patrick.

Great day for U16 players at Poulaphouca Pitch and Putt Club. All 6 boys represented themselves and the club brilliantly. In the Leinster Strokeplay 10-13 category.

Jack Mc Shane took second place and Harry Concannon third place. In the Leinster Inter County competition the Kilkenny team of Jack McShane, Harry Concannon, Michael Holland and Tomàs Carroll finished runners up to a strong Kildare team on home soil.

Great playing by all six players with four only playing in competitions since the start of this Summer. Next stop is

Seapoint course in a couple of week’s time.

BLACK ROCK HOSPICE REFURBISHMENT APPEAL Gerard Kelly is organising a fundraiser towards Blackrock hospice/Our Ladies Harolds Cross to show his gratitude.

Gerard and his family have lots of planned fundraising events happening in the next few weeks. Please lend your support to Peaceful Endings on GofundMe at https://gofund.me/6ce67244

ART EXHIBITION There was a great turnout in the Community Hall on Friday night for the official opening of the Bennettsbridge Art Group Exhibition. Family and friends gathered in support of the artists. Helen Comerford, renowned visual artist and a native of Thomastown launched the event. Helen was very impressed with the standard of work displayed and congratulated the artists on a fine exhibition.

Helen shared some of her early memories of her schooldays and touched base with two of her classmates from the Convent of Mercy, Thomastown, Anne Dobbyn and Joan Cleere. A very enjoyable time was had by all and some sales were recorded during the course of the evening.

Thanks went to all who helped to make it such a special night. Daphne Hunt presented a beautiful Lamber de Bie bouquet to Helen Comerford and Julie Moorhouse, tutor to the BB Group received a bouquet from Elma Kharaghani. Joan Cleere thanked all involved in the setting up of the event, special mention went to tutor, Julie and her son Stevie. She thanked her fellow artists for their support. Rather poignantly, some of the late Veronica Wall’s paintings were included in the display.

The exhibition continues daily up to Sunday, 20th August, from 11am to 5pm COMMUNITY CENTRE Bennettsbridge Community Centre was used to capacity last week, it being the venue for the GAA Summer Camp and also facilitating the Art Group for their Annual Exhibition. Thanks to the committee and especially Margaret who is always on hand to help out with juggling times and dates. The parish is lucky to have such a fine building at its disposal.

SUMMER CAMP The Bennettsbridge Summer Camp was a resounding success and full marks to the young people who organised the event. Enda Morrissey and Cormac Wafer had support from many young boys and girls who acted as leaders for the duration of the camp. David Blanchfield was a visible presence as well. Well done to the many boys and girls who participated.

CHURCH NEWS MASS TIMES Weekday mass times Wednesday 9.30am. Friday 10.30am. Weekend Masses. Tullaherin Saturday 8pm.

Bennettsbridge Sunday 10.30am SISTERS SAY THANKS A letter was received from Sister Nuala of the Dominican Sisters who spoke at masses last weekend thanking parishioners for their generosity, the sum of €1,550.00 was realised from a collection taken after masses which will help the sisters in their work.

LOTTO No winner of Jackpot last week. Numbers, 8, 21, 23, 25.

Jackpot now €2,200.00. Consolation Prizes, “Say Again”, C/o Fr Duggan, Adrian Costigan, Grovine, Paddy Walsh, c/o D. Power, Ciara and Lucy McEvoy, Gowran Road, John Drea, Blackwell.

GAA Club Games Bennettsbridge seniors lost out to Graigue-Ballycallan in round 2 of the league last Saturday on a scoreline of 17 points to 14. Best of luck to the lads when they take on James Stephen’s in Danesfort next Friday evening in round three.

Our under 19 team lost out to a very strong Tullogher team in the quarter final of the Roinn B championship last Thursday. The ‘Bridge lads gave their all but lost out by 4 points in the end. Hard luck to all the panel and management.

FIELD DAY The 2023 Field Day will take place this Sunday, August 20th. A great day is in store with events such as dog show, Bric-a-Brac, Wheel of Fortune, Go Carts. Face Painting, Hair Braiding, Cake Sale, Barbecue as well as hurling and camogie games Any-one wishing to help out or with any new ideas for the event, please contact Andrea Flynn on 087 1226882. Help is required on the morning for set up and also during the day manning the various events. Donations are also required and appreciated for our Bottle Stall, Bric-a-Brac for our Wheel of Fortune event. Donations can be dropped off at the following times at the GAA grounds, Saturday, 19th August, 9:30am-11am SPLIT THE POT Well done to Mary O’Connor who won 153 euro, Bill Nolan who won 30 euro and Crotty’s Pharmacy Team who won 20 euro. Please see the clubs Facebook page for details of how to enter online using club force.

Thanks for the continued support.

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 this fundraising draw, either in buying or selling as many tickets as possible. Tickets have and will continue to be given to club members to sell amongst their friends and relations. A website that will allow the purchase of tickets for the draw will be live in the coming weeks, and the draw will also actively be promoted on social media platforms. All support would be greatly appreciated for what will be a development to benefit both young and old in the community.

Summer Camp was a great success in Bennettsbridge

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 10th August 2023.

Nos: 11 22 29 31. Jackpot: €11,300 Not Won. Draw Prizes €50: Damien O’Connell c/o Tom Beirne. €25 each Catriona Morrissey c/o online. €25 each Jim Manning c/o online. €25 each, Harry Shine c/o online. Hurlers Co Op Draw Bridget Hickey c/o Deirdre O’Reilly. Promotors prize Phil Hogan. Thank you for your continued support SENIOR HURLING Our Senior Hurlers claimed a three point victory over O’Loughlins last Friday evening at the Kells Rd. Venue.

A brilliant second half display aided by Liam Moore’s goal saw us claim our second win. Next up is Danesfort Sunday 20th August at 3pm in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan.

The Junior Hurlers had a great win against Clara Saturday on a scoreline of 4-26 to 2-10. They will meet neighbours James Stephens on Sat 19th at 4pm in Palmerstown. Our Junior A Team finished up beating Dunnamaggin by a single point in a well contested match, they now progress to a Co Semi Final. Well done lads.

THANK YOU Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club would like to thank Philly Campion GPO for his exceptional work, commitment and dedication to duty during his time with our Club, St Canices School, CBS Primary and Pres Primary.

We were fortunate enough to have Philly with our Club for the last year and we wish him every success for his future.

ST. ANNE’S CAMOGIE CLUB A golf classic is being held at Rathdowney G.C. on Sat. August 26th for St Anne’s Camogie Club. Team of four €120. First prize GUI members only, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th prizes. To book a tee contact John on 087 6119596.

FIRST RESPONDERS Due to a high level of demand the group are holding a course on CPR, use of defibs, stroke identification and assisting a person who may be choking. The course is being held in the Hall in Crosspatrick on Tuesday Aug 22nd from 7pm to 10.30pm. Fee €5 to cover admin. costs. To book contact by text 0863600447.

CONGRATULATIONS The Marriage of John Henderson, The Park, (son of Ger and Noirin) and Gwen Whitford, Foulkscourt, (daughter of Ken and Evelyn),took place recently. They are wished a long and happy life together.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to John and Angela O’Brien and family, who have been bereaved by the death, in an accident, of John’s grandnephew, Daniel O’Brien, Norway and Graiguenamanagh. May he rest in peace.

RETURNED TO TRAINING Spa United men’s teams are back in training for the upcoming season. They would like more players to join their squad. If you are interested contact the manager Rory at 087 1930521.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO...

Winning numbers 5,13,17,20, four match threes Jim Quinlan, Norma Duggan, Raymond Connolly and Sean Whyte.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO August 8 prize fund was: €14,100. Jackpot: €12,100.

Numbers drawn: 2, 17, 21, 30, bonus no 25. No winner and no match 3 winner. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Gabriel Lawless, Alan Holohan, N&M, F. Healy, Lelia O’Shea.

Promoters prize: Thomas Kavanagh.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Family Fun Day: Sunday, August 20 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Lines for the raffle are being sold at the Centre

and in shops around the town at €2 per line. 1st Prize Smart TV; 2 Samsung Tablet; 3 Food Hamper, and lots more...

COUNSELLING SERVICES Low cost Counselling Services, includes one-to-one, family and teens, aged 12+. General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression. Other counselling services available: Drug, substance and gambling addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 5+.

Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

SENIOR ALERT If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466.

URLINGFORD FUNDING SUCCESS Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee recently allocated a number of grants to the County. The Communities Support Fund is supported through the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Community Enhancement Programme. Cllr Michael McCarthy, a member of the LCDC, congratulated all involved for their voluntary community work. Successful local applications were: Mill Family Resource Centre €4,635; Urlingford Town Development €1,000; Clomantagh Squash Club €12,000; Urlingford & Graine Community Alert €1,000; Urlingford Town Team €375.

SET DANCING Has finished for the Summer months. Dancing will resume in October.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This weeks winner of Split the Pot is Brian Farrell who will receive €1,003. Congrats Brian! Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town or Revolut 086 269 0300 or 087 161 3426 with proceeds this week going to Urlingford Lawn Green Bowls. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 11am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 11am to 1pm DIOCESAN APPOINTMENTS We welcome Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly’s appointment of Fr James Walton as our new Parish Priest of Gortnahoe, Glengoole. A native of Cappagh, Ballingarry, we wish him every blessing and happiness as he takes up his new role on Saturday, 26th August. We also wish Fr Vincent Stapleton well on his appointment as Diocesan Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese.

MUSIC ON THE REEN Music on The Reen will take place this Sunday the 20th August at 2pm. Music, Singing and Dancing. Family Day Out, Facepainting, Coffee to a Tea and Raffle.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday night at 7.00pm with doors opening from 6.00pm and will continue each

Saturday night at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. We look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their family, it will be a great nights entertainment for all.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekend’s winner, John Jordan from Bawnreagh, who won €376 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of August will be in support of the Gortnahoe Juvenile Club. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

SYMPATHY Sympathies are sent to the Thornton family, High Street on the sad passing of Alice, she will be missed by her sons David, Aiden and Eddie daughters in law Mary Breda and Áine, her grandchildren Cian, Aodha, Cillian, and Jessie her siblings Ann, Christina, Bridgie, Christy, Jimmy and Paddy to her wide circle of friends she will be missed. Alice was laid to rest last Friday. May she rest in peace.

Sympathies are also sent to the Dermody family, High Street on the sad passing of Packie, he will be missed by his wife Liz, son Edward, daughter in law Anita his grandchildren James, Grace, Ella and Kate and also his sister in laws, brother in law, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Packie was laid to rest last Saturday.

CABARET The Ballyragget/Ballyouskill Lourdes Invalid Fund is having a Cabaret on Sunday 27th August in the Wheel Inn Pub, Ballyouskill. Music by Wicklow Man, costing €6 a ticket.

Tickets are on sale from any of the Committee members or usual outlets. Your support of this local charity would be greatly appreciated.

HURLING AND CAMOGIE Unfortunately it was a second loss in the Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate League for the intermediate hurlers on Saturday last when they were defeated by neighbours Young Irelands (Gowran) in Clara. The Gowran men led by 0-13 to 1-7 at half-time, and they slowly but surely increased that lead as the second half progressed, eventually winning 2-21 to 1-10. Conahy have a quick turnaround to their next game, when they face Lisdowney tonight at 7.00 p.m. in Ballyragget.

The senior camogie girls also begin the campaign in the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Senior Championship on this Saturday evening at 7.00 p.m. when they travel to Tom Ryall Park in Kilmanagh to face St. Brigid’s in the opening round. Best of luck to all involved.

DEVELOPMENT FUNDRAISER Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club have launched a major development fundraiser, and are seeking the support of everyone in the community to ensure its success.

The club are aiming to undertake a significant upgrade to the facilities in the Polo Grounds, which will initially see the increase of parking facilities, an extra entrance/ exit point to ensure safe access to the grounds, and the provision of an astroturf playing pitch and ball wall. This will come at a significant cost, and while the club are seeking National Lottery funding to assist with this, it must also fundraise a large portion of the cost.

The fundraiser will involve a ticket draw, with the winner receiving a new Hyundai Tucson car or €35,000 in cash.

Tickets for the draw will be €25 each, or three for €65, or five for €100. The club is appealing in particular to all GAA club members, parents of children involved in Bórd na nÓg activities and parents/player members of Conahy Camogie club to assist as much as possible with

PRIESTS IN THE PARISH Liam Cassin (Parish Priest) Peter Hoyne (Retired) MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish: Hugginstown: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.

Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m.; Sunday 20th. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday at 6.30p.m PRAY FOR Anniversary Masses: Adam Czekala, late of Castlemorris.

Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 20th. August at 10.00a.m.

ROTA Rota for next week-end: 19th. and 20th. August.

(Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Rita O’Farrell.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m Deirdre Rohan. Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Foran.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m.

Pat Kenny. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ann Power.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 7th. August 2023. Numbers: 18; 09; 26; 11.mOne Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: €500.00. Winner: Conor Walsh, Coolmore. €25.00. Seller of Ticket: Teresa Fitzgerald, Hugginstown. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Deirdre Rohan; Jimmy Sheehan; Teresa Fitzgerald.

STONEYFORD TEXT ALERT A.G.M Stoneyford Text Alert group will hold their A.G.M. in Stoneyford Community Centre on Wednesday 6th September at 8.00p.m. and everyone is invited to attend.

New members can join on the night. The subscription for the year is €10.00 per mobile phone number.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE After School Care Program will begin in Newmarket School in September. The person in charge has years of experience as a childminder and is looking forward to working with the children in the school. For further information please contact: 056 776 8919 SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Heritage Week 2023 Event: A Mystery Tour of Mooncoin will take place on Sunday August 20th. Starting point and time: Main gate Parish Church Mooncoin, at 2.30pm.

All are very welcome.

MABS South Leinster Money Advice and Budgeting Service: Kilkenny “MABS” 4 The Parade, Kilkenny Tel: 0818 072610 Free, Independent and Confidential Money Advice and Budgeting Service. Assisting people in dealing with their existing debts, mortgage arrears and helping them to begin to manage their resources THE PRIORY INSTITUTE The Priory Institute will hold a two week online Summer School on the Gospel of John. “The one who saw it has borne witness” (John 19:35) The Summer School will run from 14th. to 28th. August. The Summer School includes eight recorded presentations and two on-line Zoom discussions and is very flexible as it is delivered entirely online. Please visit our website to find out more and to register: prioryinstitute.com STONEYFORD SCHOOL S N Chiaráin Naofa are currently recruiting for 2 x School Transport Escorts for our ASD Class Students. The bus escort will accompany and support pupils with Autism on a mini bus from their home to and from school.

The bus escort must be available in the mornings and afternoons, five days per week for the school year. The bus escort is responsible for the safety of the children on board the bus/taxi and will be required to provide pupil care needs including, but not limited to, assisting the children getting on and off the bus/taxi, securing appropriate seat belts, etc. No official qualifications are needed, however, good communication skills and experience of caring for/working with children with additional needs is desirable. The post is approx 20 hours per week. The bus escort should be available daily, in the mornings from 7.00a.m. to 9.00a.mm and in the afternoons from 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. The bus escort will meet the bus driver each morning and afternoon at Stoneyford School. Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting requirements, occupational health check and verification of references. For further details contact mkieran@stoneyfordns.ie

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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Hurling matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling LeagueChampionship 2023 O`Loughlin Gaels 1-17 Dicksboro 1-20 Venue: Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan Referee: Michael O Sullivan Dicksboro made it two wins from two in this year’s St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling LeagueChampionship Group B when they defeated O’Loughlin Gaels by 3 points in an entertaining game at Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan last Friday night.

Many Gaels see these two teams as the most likely to wrestle the County title away from Shamrocks Ballyhale and ‘Boro boss Michael Walsh will be delighted with his sides start to this year’s campaign. Playing against a very strong wind in the opening period, the men from Palmerstown got two early scores, both from the placed ball via underage star Harry Shine.

Brian Hogan’s side got off the marker after about 3 minutes, courtesy of a free from captain Mark Bergin. The impressive Cillian Hackett struck over a fine point from play before a further brace of frees from the deadly Bergin drew the sides level after 13 minutes. O’Loughlin’s were dealt a blow when the lively Luke Hogan had to leave the field with a hand injury. Harry Shine then popped over another placed ball to edge the ‘Boro ahead halfway through the first half, before the same player got the first yellow card of the evening.

Aidan Nolan then rifled over a lovely effort from play before six scores on the bounce for O’Loughlin’s saw them take the lead. First up was a free from Mark Bergin, this was built on with two more points from Jamie

‘Boro by 3 as Harry shines

TJ Reid moves in to hook Eoghan Moore

Ryan and Stephen Murphy. Corner forward Conor Kelly then sent over a quality shot to highlight the strong wind that Brian Hogan’s side were playing with. Young wing-back David Fogarty hit a sublime effort before Conor Kelly struck his second of the day.

Michael Walsh’s side hit back with points from Harry Shine and Liam Moore, but O’Loughlin’s responded with efforts from Jordan Molloy and Paddy Butler to leave the half time score O’Loughlin Gaels 0-12, Dicksboro 0-7.

The Palmerstown outfit got the scoring going in the second period with a beautiful Bill Sheehan effort off his left-hand side near the sideline.

The accurate Bergin then popped over another placed ball before Timmy Clifford benefited from a turnover to split the posts for the ‘Boro. Harry Shine was then fouled by the returning Mikey Butler, and Harry pointed the free to make it a 3-point game. Four further Dicksboro points followed, a second each from

Bill Sheehan and Cillian Hackett, then two nice scores from Andy Gaffney and Ollie Walsh to leave the men in maroon in the lead.

The talented Liam Moore then raised a green flag for the Boro to make it a 4-point lead before Mark Bergin notched another free to get them back in the contest. Harry Shine and Mark Bergin then swapped points before a quick brace from Dicksboro’s full-forward Mark Nolan made it a two-score game. Jordan Molloy then notched his second of the day before Tom Kenny struck back for the ‘Boro to keep Hogan’s men at arm’s length.

O’Loughlin’s needed a goal and they eventually got one via sub Jack Nolan. Dicksboro tagged on another point to leave two between the sides entering the last couple of minutes.

No.14 Mark Nolan then sent over his 3rd effort of the day to leave a goal between the sides before the long whistle sounded, final score O’Loughlin Gaels 1-17, Dicksboro 1-20.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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Hurling matters Alan Murphy blasts home his first goal as Luke Murphy can only look on

St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League-Championship 2023 Round 3 fixtures Group A

Group B

Bennettsbridge, Erins Own, Glenmore, Graigue Ballycallan, James Stephens, Shamrocks Ballyhale.

Tullaroan, Dicksboro, O’Loughlin Gaels, Clara, Danesfort, Mullinavat.

Group A - Round 3 Fixtures

Group B – Round 3 Fixtures

Bennettsbridge vs James Stephens Tonight, 19:00, Danesfort Referee: Richard Dowling

Clara vs Tullaroan Tonight,19:00, Urlingford Referee: Peter Burke

Erins Own vs Glenmore Tonight, 19:00, St. John’s Park Referee: TBC

Mullinavat vs O`Loughlin Gaels Tomorrow, 14:00, Hugginstown Referee: Gavin Quilty

Graigue Ballycallan vs Shamrocks Ballyhale Tomorrow,16:30, John Locke Park Referee: Patrick O Reilly

Danesfort vs Dicksboro Sunday,15:00, Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan Referee: Gay Rafter

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League-Championship

>>SHERRY SAYS.........ROUND 3 PREVIEW

Mossy Walsh hit 3-4 in a big win for The Sash

Onto round 3 already. Some coaches and managers have spoken about the condensed nature of the fixtures and the impact that this could potentially have on player welfare. O’Loughlin’s manager Brian Hogan expressed his concern at having games 3 weeks on the spin following their first-round victory over The Sash recently.

Having lost narrowly to Dicksboro last weekend, the multiple All-Ireland winner will be keen to see his side return to winning ways when they take on Mullinavat in Hugginstown tomorrow afternoon. Both teams sit on the 2-point marker entering round 3, with one win and one defeat so far this season. The Vegas Boys had an opening round win over Danesfort, but then went down heavily to Tullaroan last weekend, conceding 6-21 in a bruising defeat. Hogan will be hoping that his team can run up a decent score to get The St John’s Park men back into contention, O’Loughlin’s definitely have the forward power to trouble Mullinavat. The ‘Vat will hope that Adam Mansfield and Oisin Knox are on point, while midfielders Ian Duggan and Padraic Gahan can trouble the scoreboard also.

Michael Walsh’s men will make the trip to Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan believing that they can make it 3 from 3 when they take on Danesfort this Sunday afternoon. With maximum points in the bag from rounds one and two, the Palmerstown outfit will look to kick-on again with victory over Willie Coogan’s ‘Fort side. Coogan will be hoping that the likes of experienced hands such as Richie Hogan and Paul Murphy will set the tone for the attacking trio of Ben Whitty, Robbie Walsh and Cathal Kearney to cause the ‘Boro rearguard problems, as they seek to get the first win of this campaign under their belts, having lost to Mullinavat and Clara in Group B. Tim Dooley’s Bennettsbridge outfit will face another tricky task when they meet James Stephens in Danesfort tonight. While this Bridge side may be in a transition period, John Donnelly & co will be keen to remain competitive in this year’s competition. Having got the better of Erins Own in round one, Dooley’s charges went down by 3-points to GBC last Saturday. Brian Cody’s Village team come into this round 3 game with a win and a defeat to show for their efforts thus far. Running out comfortable winners against GBC, their round two encounter with Glenmore in Thomastown last Sunday saw them lose out by the bare minimum in a tightly fought match.

Glenmore go into the third set of games in good form, having seen off two of the so-called bigger names in the opening two rounds in the form of Shamrocks Ballyhale and James Stephens. Next up for Bob Aylward’s team are the men from Castlecomer, who bounced back defeat to Bennettsbridge with a share of the spoils against Pat Hoban’s Shamrocks side. Alan Murphy, fresh from a MOTM performance against The Village, will look to continue his good form when they travel to St John’s Park to meet Erins Own. Sean Dempsey will look again to the likes of Jack Buggy, Dan Coogan and Michael Brennan to keep the scoreboard moving.

Current holders Shamrocks Ballyhale got their first point on the board as they go in search of a sixth County title in succession when they played out an entertaining draw against Erins Own at Tom Ryall Park last weekend. A later major from Sean Demsey’s side ensured a share of the spoils for the men Castlecomer. Pat Hoban will hope his charges can get the first win of this season’s campaign when they face-off against Eugene Cloonan’s Graigue Ballycallan team in Callan tomorrow afternoon. We know Shamrocks tend to start campaign’s slowly, but you get the feeling that the 9-times All-Ireland club winners will want to grab maximum points from this round three fixture. The men from Tom Ryall Park will look to Ryan’s Billy and Sean, Killian Eagan and Billy O’Neill to trouble the Shamrocks defence.

Tullaroan will look to build on their big round two win over Mullinavat when they take on Clara in Urlingford tonight. Having battled well against O’Loughlin Gaels in round one, The Sash will look to Shane Murphy to continue his good form and along with Mossy Keoghan and Gearoid Dunne, make the opposition defence work hard at the home of Emeralds later. Shane hit 3-4 last time out and looked very lively throughout the game, as Ken Coogan’s charges picked up their first win in the campaign. Martin Byrne will hope his Clara side can contain the undoubted threat that The Sash poses, and then look to Chris Bolger and Paul Cody to lead by example.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

Motors Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

JOEPARSONSGARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE • Hedge cutting • • Grass cutting • • Power washing • • Dry rubbish removal • • Tree pruning •

CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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Classifieds Motors

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AVAILABLE Chartered Accountant available to allow you to focus on your business, while having peace of mind knowing your administration needs and organisation is being taken care of. Accounting services offered in person or remotely. Offering assistance with financial administration, bookkeeping, receipts, purchases, bank reconciliation, payroll, revenue filings to include VAT and RCT. Income tax preparation and filing. Organisation of paperwork and systems to set up a process that works for you. Can adapt to your existing system or use cloud-based accounting system to produce monthly reports and end of year profit and loss statements. Freelance/as and when needed or on a contract basis. Prices negotiable based on needs. Giving you peace of mind to grow your business.

Aimee Cantwell FCA cantwellaimee@gmail.com 0864020520

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Aidan and Phena Mackey, are applying for retention permission to dwelling under construction (PLREF 19832) for alterations to elevations and floor plans at Screhan, Windgap, 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 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Byrne & McCabe Design Ltd, Architecture and Engineering Services (059 9725684).

We, Sean Barcoe and Leanne Nolan, are applying for permission for erection of a dwelling house, domestic garage/store, treatment system and percolation area and all associated site works at Crowbally, Dungarvan, 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 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Byrne & McCabe Design Ltd, Architecture and Engineering Services (059 9725684).

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Sean and Sharon O’Gorman, are applying for permission for erection of extensions to the rear of the existing dwelling house and retention of extension to front of dwelling house and all associated site works at Grangefertagh, 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 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Byrne & McCabe Design Ltd, Architecture and Engineering Services (059 9725684).

Planning Permission is sought by Eoin and Linda Dunne for: A single storey extension to the side and rear to include a new kitchen, family room, master bedroom and ensuite, for all associated internal and elevational modifications to the existing dwelling and for all associated site works and landscaping at 13 Springfields, Waterford Rd, Smithsland South, Kilkenny, R95 X4HE. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Monday to Friday and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023

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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. M.D.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. J.K.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. P.M.

St. Anthony Prayer

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.R.

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. J.K.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 August 2023