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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Irish war babies fear

IRISH surrogate babies risk seeing the Ukraine women carrying them becoming the child’s legal mother if they leave the war and give birth outside of their home country. Irish Families Through Surrogacy (IFTS), one of the country’s main advocacy groups for surrogacy, said it had been advised that contracts between Ukrainian women and Irish families would become “null and void” once the surrogate mothers gave birth outside Ukraine.

Pregnant women who want to ease the war with their own families risk becoming legally responsible for newborn babies which they had been carrying for Irish couples. Irish families are now paying to send pregnant women from dangerous cities to the Ukrainian countryside, helping them cross the border into Poland until they can find a solution. They are seeking legal advice about the possibility the contracts are upheld if the babies are born in Czech Republic.

Cathy Wheatley, a campaigner with IFTS, who had her twoyear-old twins with the assistance of a Ukrainian surrogate told Irish media Irish families were “hugely concerned” about the pregnant women who will be “traumatised” by what is happening in Ukraine. Ms Wheatley said IFTS had received legal advice that “if [the surrogate mothers] go to the Czech Republic, and they have the child in the Czech Republic, they are going to uphold the contract” but they

were still waiting to have this confirmed. Meanwhile, more than 20,000 offers to provide accommodation to Ukrainian refugees have been made, according to a report in the Irish Independent understands. There have been over 15,000 offers made through the Government’s pledge portal which includes spare rooms and vacant second homes. However, a further 5,000 housing offers have been made through other non-govern-

mental organisations (NGOs), bringing the total to over 20,000 offers. The Red Cross will begin contacting “small numbers” of people who have made some of the 15,000 pledges this week to start the process of housing incoming refugees. Government officials will also be in place at Dublin and Shannon Airport to assist Ukrainians on their arrival in Ireland. Comment & Analysis Pages 6,8,12 and 14

Cushendale vye for top award

A local craft manufacturing business from Graiguenamanagh will represent Co. Kilkenny at the National Enterprise Awards. Philip and Mary Cushen, along with their daughter Miriam, from Cushendale Woollen Mills have been nominated to represent the county at the awards in June. Full story, Page 4

Travel safety Although numbers continue to remain, we are learning to live with Covid19, most like with the introduction of annual booster shot, People are travelling again, or at least thinking about doing so. So, what do we need to know to travel safely?

Children being ‘over-prescribed’ antidepressants

Full story, Page 10

Better broadband The communities of Piltown and Fiddown, close to the Kilkenny-Waterford- Tipperary border, have built their own Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network, having long, lost faith the National Broadband plan. Full story, Page 21

INSIDE Paul Hopkins............... P8 Marianne Heron.......P12 John Ellis ...................P16 CHILDREN in Ireland have been medically prescribed antidepressants on more than 30,000 occasions in the past 10 years, according to new figures. In just under one-third of these cases — 8,998 — the children were aged 11 and under, according to the data released under the Freedom of Information Act. In the first 11 months of EVERY FRIDAY

last year, with statistics for the month of December unavailable, children aged 15 and under were prescribed anti-depressants on 3,290 occasions. Of this number, 858 were aged 11 and younger. The year before, the figure was similar, with 3,303 prescriptions for antidepressants for children aged 15 and under, with 909 children who

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were aged 11 and younger. There has been a marked increase since 2017 of children being prescribed the medication. The new data, which provides a county-by-county breakdown, comes amid the Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) scandal. A major report into south

Kerry CAMHS was published in January and already 240 families there have received apologies from the HSE over the sub-standard care, including the prescribing of excessive medications to children. The national data does not reflect a spike in anti-depressants being prescribed to children in Co Kerry.

medics did not prescribe antidepressants to children unless it was deemed the only course of action necessary. However, there were “major gaps in services” in treating children in psychological distress because the HSE had failed to adequately staff CAMHS teams nationwide. PICTURE POSED

Health & Science......P18 Travel & Leisure.......P19 Gerry Cody ...... P16 & 41 Picture Special .... P32-33 Food & Drink ............P42 TV & Streaming .......P43 Sport ...................... P48-51

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Cushendale Mills vying for Enterprise award A LOCAL craft manufacturing business from Graiguenamanagh will represent Co. Kilkenny at the National Enterprise Awards. Philip and Mary Cushen, along with their daughter Miriam, from Cushendale Woollen Mills have been nominated to represent the county at the National Enterprise Awards in the Mansion House, Dublin on June 2. At the presentation Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Fidelis Doherty said: “The National Enterprise Awards highlight the achievements and contribution of small business and showcase their success. “We would like to congratulate Cushendale Woollen Mills on their achievements to date and wish them all the best in the next stages of the competition.” Cushendale Woollen Mills in Graiguemanagh is the sixth generation of the family business and one of last remaining mills in Ireland which continues to operate as a vertical mill, working with the sheep’s fleece and processing it, all under the one roof. Cushendale has unique distinguishing characteristics by way of its rich and authentic heritage, using a distinctive process including traceability and sustainability and its ability to position

Making it Happen: at the County Enterprise Award to Cushendale Woollen Mills,from left, Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty, Miriam Cushen, Philip Cushen, Mary Cushen and Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny

itself in the bespoke luxury market. It also offers an authentic ‘mill retail experience’ where visitors can view a range of exceptional textiles showcased against the backdrop of the historic mill. They have a strong Irish customer base and also export to Japan, whilst the US and Canadian markets have been growing significantly in recent times. Since the inception of the Local Enterprise Office and formerly the County Enterprise Boards, Cushendale Woollen Mills has been supported with grant assistance towards salary costs and capital investment. In recent times, they have also availed of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme to enhance their online presence and ecommerce website. The Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters Grant has supported the business to attend international trade fairs and developing marketing material specifically for their targeted export markets. Run every year by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices, the National Enterprise Awards were set-up to celebrate the achievements of Ireland’s micro-enterprise sector. Previous national winners from Kilkenny included Mileeven, Mechanical Modular Solutions and MyBio.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

News

Rationing diesel not acceptable say truckers

Covid: some 3.5 million triage calls with GPs, 6,571 deaths, and all costing €166,582,360 THERE were more than 3.5 million triage consultations with GPs by phone for Covid-19 during the pandemic — and hundreds of thousands of physical examinations. In total costing €166,582,360 GPs were told by the HSE in initial guidelines that most patients could be managed in the community, but doctors were on high alert to detect early-warning signs of deterioration or viral pneumonia among cases that would require hospital care. At the start of the pandemic two years ago, GPs were asked by the Government to carry out remote triage by telephone, but just over 406,000 Covid respiratory assessments were carried out in practices. Figures from the HSE reveal the total cost of Covid assessments by family doctors was just over €136m between March 16, 2020, and January 4, 2022. “There were 3,539,412 remote consultations and €166,582,360 paid for the

claims,” it said. The bill for the 406,640 respiratory assessments for Covid was €30.4m. Up to the end of the first week in March, there were 11.4 million tests completed in Ireland during the pandemic, with 1.3 million coming back with a positive result — a positivity rate of 12%. The figures reveal slightly more females tested positive on PCR tests than males. Meanwhile, the highest number of confirmed cases was among the 35 to 44 age group, with more than 241,000 positive test results. The lowest number of confirmed PCRs was among the over-85s, with more than 15,447 cases, while 75- to 84-year-olds had the secondlowest incidence, with 28,505 cases. Positive PCRs records for infants under the age of four numbered more than 61,000 during the pandemic. The highest number of hospitalisations was among 75to 84-year-olds, with 5,580

DIESEL rationing for truck drivers as a result of the escalating energy crisis will not be acceptable, the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has said. Home-heating oil is also being rationed to a maximum 500 litres a delivery by many suppliers around the country to prevent people from stockpiling it and make sure there is supply for the broader community. While the vast majority of private motorists can’t stockpile fuel, farmers, hauliers and transport companies do have more scope for storage. Kevin McPartland, CEO of the Fuels For Ireland group which represents fuel suppliers, said quotas were being put in place to curb stockpiling. “Hauliers and other major bulk-buyers have an allocation, so they tell the oil company in advance what they think they’re going to need next month,” he said. “Ordinarily, if they have an extra busy month, and they need an extra 20%, that could be given to them, and if they had a quiet month they might order less. “However, at the moment when companies are looking for more than their 100% allocation, they are definitely not getting it. A lot of the time they’re getting 80% of their allocation.

brought to wards around the country. Through the pandemic in Ireland there were just under 30,000 cases of hospitalisa-

tion, with 2,515 requiring treatment in ICU. There have been 6,571 deaths from the virus in Ireland up until the start of this

week. The highest number of deaths was recorded in February 2021 when 101 deaths were reported in a single week.

Russian default and sanctions will not lead to a global crisis, says IMF chief A RUSSIAN default on its debts after Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine is no longer “improbable,”according to International Monetary Funds (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva but would not trigger a global financial crisis. Washington DC-based Ms Georgieva said the sanctions imposed by many nations were already having a “severe” impact on the Russian economy and would trigger a deep recession there this year. The war in Ukraine would also drive up food and energy prices, leading to hunger in Africa, she said. Ms Georgieva told CBS’s Face The Nation programme: “In terms of servicing debt obligations, I can say that we no longer think of Russian default as an improbable event. Rus-

sia has the money to service its debt, but cannot access it. What I’m more concerned about is that there are consequences that go beyond Ukraine and Russia.” Last week, the World Bank’s Chief Economist Carmen Reinhart warned that Russia and its ally Belarus were “mightily close” to default. Asked whether a Russian default could trigger a financial crisis around the world, Ms Georgieva said: “For now, no.” The total exposure of banks to Russia amounted to around $120bn, an amount that, while not insignificant, was “not systematically relevant,” she said. Last week, she said the IMF would downgrade its previous forecast for 4.4% global economic growth in 2022 as a result of the war. Separately, Russia said it was

counting on China to help it withstand the blow to its economy from sanctions, but the US has warned Beijing not to provide that support. The Russian finance minister, Anton Siluanov, said Moscow was unable to access $300bn of its $640bn in gold and foreign exchange reserves, but still held part of its reserves in the Chinese currency, the yuan. “And we see what pressure is being exerted by western countries on China in order to limit mutual trade with China. Of course, there is pressure to limit access to those reserves,” he said. “But our partnership with China will still allow us to maintain the cooperation that we have achieved, and not only maintain, but also increase it in an environment where markets are closing.”

Russia is due to make two interest payments on 16 March. However, it will have a 30-day grace period to make the coupon payments. Siluanov said on Sunday that it would be “absolutely fair” for Russia to make sovereign debt payments in roubles until its foreign exchange reserves were unfrozen, according to Interfax. The IMF head expressed concern about the spillover effects from the war on the immediate neighbours of Russia and Ukraine because they have close trade relations with both countries, and about the large numbers of of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict, Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since the second world war. The IMF is also “very worried” about those countries that have yet to recover from

the Covid-induced economic crisis, which will be hit hard by the surge in wheat and other commodity prices. “For them, this shock is particularly painful,” Georgieva said. Other countries are very dependent on energy imports from Russia. “Yes, war in Ukraine means hunger in Africa, but war in Ukraine also has social implications for many, many countries through the three channels,” she said. “One, commodity prices, energy, grains, fertilisers, metals ... the impact that has on inflation and in countries where inflation has already been high, this is dramatic.” Finally, economic growth remains robust in countries that have been quick to recover from the pandemic, the IMF chief said.

Improved service online at library KILKENNY library sis introducing a new online system for members, which will offer an enhanced experience, managing your library accounts online, browsing our catalogue of 12 million items, and ordering items. Launching on March 29, the new system has many improved features, such as: • Managing reading lists • Offering recommendations to readers and links to useful resources. • Members can reserve eBooks and eAudiobooks as well as physical books in one searchable catalogue “We are looking forward to offering our library members and enhanced and modern platform to do their library business,” said County Librarian Josephine Coyne. “We always strive to ensure our services are as accessible and easy to use as possible, and this is certainly a step in the right direction.” Unfortunately, there will be some service disruption in the lead up to the launch of the new system when online accounts will not be available from March 21-28, and requesting items will not be possible.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

The indelible human spirit that defines Ukrainians In half a century plying my trade in journalism, I have found myself on three occasions smack bang in the middle of what are euphemistically termed ‘conflict zones’. In short, war of one kind or another. For three years in the late ‘70s I covered the Rhodesia/ Zimbabwe ‘bush war’ for the Irish Press group and RTE radio. In 2004 I went under cover to report for Independent News & Media on the drug cartels, the myriad kidnappings by leftist guerrillas and the wanton actions of the right-wing death squads in Colombia during the time of the IRA Three. In 2008 I was imbedded with the UN covering the violent political, economic, and humanitarian crisis that erupted in Kenya that was, effectively, a civil war that in a matter of two weeks saw some 1,500 souls hacked to death, and 600,000 people displaced.

In each of those three ‘conflict zones’, I had a close brush with death. In Zimbabwe I was fired upon during an attack by the guerrillas of Robert Mugabe on a convoy from what is now the capital Harare to Bulawayo on the border with Botswana. I was hit by shrapnel in my chest, shrapnel that remained lodged there for 32 years before a surgeon removed it when I was undergoing open heart surgery for a congenital defect — that story for another day’s telling. It was also the first and only time I ever peed my pants. While on the ground in Colombia the covert ops of myself and two other Irish journalists were exposed to the right-wing authorities and we had to be furtively airlifted out of Bogota. The alternative did not bear thinking about. In Kenya I found myself, with my two ‘body-guards’ — mere boys — caught with a UN envoy in the middle of a sud-

denly erupted battle in the Great Rift Valley. Although I did not pee my pants then, I sure as hell wanted to. In Zimbabwe I was a very young man, thought myself, as youth does, invincible — going to live for ever come hell or high water. Colombia and Kenya I was that older man, resolutely conscious of my own mortality. My relatively low-key brushes with the Grim Reaper do not — emphatically do not — by any stretch of the imagination begin to compare with what is happening right now in Ukraine, or indeed in Yemen, South Sudan or Syria or many of the world’s other ‘conflict zones’; in effect the utter horror of war, where human suffering and death is happening on a momentary basis. That is not why I bring to you a re-accounting of my ‘smalltime’ adventures. It is rather to bring up the subject of the in-

‘IDEAS Kilkenny’ competition open for innovative TECH start-ups At the launch of the ‘IDEAS Kilkenny’ competition, John Duggan, Co-Founder and Director, Loanitt.

THE inaugural ‘IDEAS Kilkenny’ competition is now open for entries. The competition is open to people in Kilkenny with a Tech related business idea or in the early stages of trading (less than 18 months). If you have an original and innovative idea within the technology sector (e.g. AgriTech, AI, Ecommerce, FinTech, Gaming, Healthcare, ICT, IOT, Robotics, etc.) and intend setting up a business in Kilkenny ,or already in the early stages of development, check out this competition. The initiative will involve a series of business workshops and one-to-one mentoring culminating in a finale comprising of an investor ready pitch for an investment fund

worth €10,000 (€6,000 in the Start-up Category and €4,000 in the Ideas Category) . At the launch of the ‘IDEAS Kilkenny’ competition, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fidelis Doherty said “The Local Enterprise Office is the first stop for any entrepreneur who is looking to start or grow their business. This competition aims to encourage and support people starting out on their entrepreneurial journey”. Also speaking at the launch, John Duggan, Founder and Director of Kilkenny based Fintech company Loanitt, now the largest financial intermediary in Ireland and started their journey with the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny just 3 years ago, said “from the

outset, Loanitt was supported with a range of supports from LEO Kilkenny including the Business Start-Up Priming Grant, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, mentoring supports and participation on the Management Development Programme”. He added “we also learnt a lot through participation in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Competition in terms of refining the business proposition and developing an investor ready pitch which helped to prepare for future funding applications. I would encourage anyone with a Tech related business idea or start-up to get involved in the ‘IDEAS Kilkenny’ competition”. At the first stage of the competition, applicants are invited to submit their entries via an online application form on www.localenterprise. ie/kilkenny Closing date for entries is Wednesday 23rd March. Participants will then by supported to refine and finalise their business proposal and the winners will be announced at the end of May 2022 following a competitive pitch process. For more information about the ‘IDEAS Kilkenny’ competition, visit www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny

delible spirit of Man, that can be, and is, at the core of our human nature. That incredible spirit of defiance that we see right now rising up in the ordinary and decent people of Ukraine, led by the gallant defiance of its president, Volodymyr Zelensky. And, indeed, the gallant efforts of the many journalists covering this story on the frontline, not least our own Orla Guerin, the veteran Feargal Keane and the indomitable Tony Connelly. I have seen up close and personal this ‘indelible human spirit — in Zimbabwe, in Colombia and in Kenya — where humankind, our brothers and sisters, had stood valiantly against the coming of the oppressor, the onward wrenching, jackboot march of the killer. Such indelible human spirit is what separates the good guy from the bad. Good is that lack of self-centredness, that ability to empathise with

others, to have and show compassion. When under cover in Colombia, I met a young Irish woman. She had a degree in international politics from Galway university. It was her first day, after weeks of intense training, on the ground in Medellin — home

‘At the core of our human nature...

”

to the infamous Pablo Escobar — with Peace Brigades International (PBI) in probably the then most dangerous country in the world. The PBI are unique in that their work is to walk, like a guardian angel, alongside people who have been targeted for assassination by rightwing death squads, leftist guerrillas, narcos or government agents (take your pick), in an unarmed and peaceful show of solidarity in the hope of keeping their charge alive. I asked her how she was. Fine. How did she feel? Scared. Why do you do it? Put your life on the line ... for complete strangers? Her answer came quick and unfailing. Someone has to do it ... don’t they? Marianne Heron, Opinion Page 12

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Covid: So, what do we need to know to travel safely? Reports on Covid-19 across Europe for the first week in March show that the is falling overall. The European Centre for Disease Control says that, although the Omicron wave has peaked in most countries in terms of reported cases, increasing case rates among those aged 65 years and older were reported in some regions.

One country, Liechtenstein, was categorised as of very high concern. Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, and Slovenia were deemed high concern. Of moderate concern are

Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. The situation can change depending on variations in case levels. But as of last week the following were the rates for seven-day Covid-19 incidence per 100,000

in popular countries: 264.2 in Spain, 655.0 in France, 704.4 in Portugal, 1,135.6 in Greece, 199.4 in Malta, 483.8 in Italy and 613.5 in the UK. This compares to 541.3 per 100,000 in Ireland at the time. As of early March, France led the way in Europe for booster shots with 87.3% of its adults boosted. This compared to

77.9% in Malta, 71.9% in Portugal, 61.5% in Spain, 59.1% in Greece and 71.9% in Italy. Booster take-up is at 66% in England, and 72% in Wales and Scotland. Countries are at different stages of lifting restrictions but they have been eased in most cases. Depending on the virus the odds are that much of the re-

maining rules will be gone in most European countries. A good website for what you can and cannot do in each EU country is https://reopen.europa.eu/ You need an up-to-date EU Covid cert. Check also to see whether you need to complete a health control form before leaving. Travel, Page 19

Govt 'must act' to support our children failed by education THE Children’s Rights Alliance is calling on the Government to take action to support children and young people failed by mainstream education. This call was made at its National Conference on Social Inclusion & Alternative Education, held online recently. Alternative education has developed in many countries as a response to state-provided mainstream education and offers an informal, student-centred curriculum and a focus on experiential learning to support the personal, professional, and emotional development of each student. In March 2018, the Department of Education launched a welcome review on the current and future provision of Out of School Education intended to ‘identify the needs of the cohort of children who have disengaged with the mainstream education system or are at risk of doing so’. However, the results of this review have not yet been published. Speaking at the event today, Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, said: “A ‘one size fits all’ approach to education does not work. The reality is that mainstream education does not meet the needs of every child and isn’t always the best option for some children to reach their full potential. "We need to see the publication of the findings from the Department's research on alternative education to harness the potential of each and every young person and ensure that they have a positive experience in education. The Government must take action to support the children for whom mainstream

education fails.” Research has shown that there are many positive outcomes of alternative education for children including: • Improvements in literacy and numeracy with positive engagement with assessments and exams. • Improved engagement with studies, improved rates of attendance and improvements in behaviour. • The development of students’ aspirations and future pathways to work and education. • Increased self-esteem, wellbeing and resilience levels for students and increased positive community engagement. Ms Ward said: “Each year, 4,500 young people drop out of school before completing their Junior Cert. One of the main misconceptions about early school leavers is that they are academically incapable of completing mainstream education. However, 53 per cent will continue their education in places like an alternative education setting or Youthreach, where they receive necessary supports and a more participant-centre form of education. "With demand far-outweighing the places at many of these alternative education settings, it is no longer enough to expect them to step in and plug this gap. In order to build a truly child-centred education system in this country, the Government needs to consider how we can expand upon, and fund, out of school education provision to ensure no child gets left behind.”

Gardai seize car not taxed for 2,500 days! A CAR was seized by Gardai in Kilkenny after they discovered the owner had not taxed the vehicle for 2,500 days. The driver was stopped at a checkpoint in Kilkenny earlier this week, but the vehicle – which was imported into the country back in 2015 – had

come under the radar of the Garda Mobility App just days earlier. A Garda spokesperson said: “Garda members met this vehicle at a checkpoint on one evening after checking it on the mobility device while en route to a call."

On the look out for the fittest cat in Kilkenny COULD Kilkenny be the home of Ireland’s fittest man or woman? That’s a question being asked by organisers of Ireland’s first National Fitness Games – a weekend-long ‘festival of fitness’ being held at Dublin’s UCD Sports Campus from Friday, 22nd to Sunday, 24th April inclusive. Supported by Irish banana distributors Fyffes, the event follows a formula established in the UK involving tests of power, endurance, strength and speed. Included will be weighted runs, rowing machines, sandbag carries, kettlebell snatches, assault bikes, deadlifts and more from which ‘Ireland’s Fittest Male and Female’ will emerge. An attendance of over 2,000 is expected from individuals, team and corporate groups. Further details can be viewed online at www.nationalfitnessgames.com

8,000ha forestry target 'will be challenging' MORE needs to be done to substantially increase our afforestation rates, the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has said. The target to plant 8,000ha of forestry annually to 2030 “will be challenging to meet in the next decade”, according to Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue. This target was ambitious when compared with recent afforestation rates, he said. “Clearly more needs to be done to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade. “The

rate of sequestration changes over time as a forest develops and matures. “When forests are young, the sequestration rate is low, but as the trees mature their ability to sequester carbon dioxide increases. “The national forest estate is an important store for carbon, estimated at over 312m tonnes,” he said. Projections of the greenhouse gas balance show that Ireland’s forests will transition from a sink to a source by 2024, he said. “This trend is primarily re-

lated to the increasing rate of felling in private forests and the extent of historical afforestation on peats. “However, as these forests are replanted, they will again sequester carbon and the strength of the forest sink will increase as these forests mature down the years to come," the minister said. Some 103 afforestation licences were issued during January and February, department figures show. At the current rate of approval, the Department is on track to deliver less than 650 affores-

tation licences this year. The Department’s target is to issue 1,040 afforestation licences this year. The minister said that Ireland’s forests and harvested wood products play a significant role in climate change mitigation by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. “Carbon sequestration by forests is influenced by a range of factors including species, soil type, site conditions and management practices," Minister McConalogue concluded.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Opinion

Ukraine: the peaceful weapon of women’s power AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

I am literally climbing the walls. My beloved has Covid and as a close contact I am isolating. I can’t find my usual solace in the radio or the papers; I find the reports on Putin’s genocidal war on Ukraine unbearable. I feel shame and despair at that as yet nothing effective has been done to stop millions being driven from their homes as refugees from the death and destruction rained on people and cities in the Ukraine by Putin’s Russian army. Sorrow and the presence of Covid can turn you to other pursuits and so for distraction I am climbing the walls of my study to repaint them. As I try not to drip paint, I find myself thinking: “How can any woman bear what Putin is commanding his soldiers to do?” How can Russian mothers, wives or sweethearts send out their men to kill and bomb the innocent people of Ukraine with whom they have a close relationship? It’s like killing your sisters and brothers. How can any woman close to Putin bear to look him in the eye if they know

what is really happening? Do his daughters Maria and Katerina or former wife Lyudmila know the devastation Putin is causing or are they blinded by Russian propaganda about the assumed ‘threat’ of the Ukraine joining NATO and Putin’s ambition to balkanise Ukraine and control the Crimea, Donbas and access to the Black Sea? Would this be happening if

Russia had a woman as president? It is unbearable for Ukrainian women to have to flee their homes with their children, leaving behind their men to defend their country in the face of advancing tanks and indiscriminate bombing. It is unbearable to watch the tragedy unfolding and in response so many people here in Ireland are rallying to do

anything they can to help. The EU, US and UK are applying sanctions but sanctions take time to work; meantime people are being slaughtered and the Ukraine is being brought to its knees. As a neutral country the dilemma over whether to call out Putin’s bullying by threatening to strike back, (Putin can hardly be that crazy that he would opt for MAD,( mu-

tually assured destruction,) or to deploy a no-fly zone over Ukraine are not our decisions to take. Distractedly dripping paint, I wonder, short of mustering an international peace march into the Ukraine what kind of collective action women could take to stop this heinous war? First, it seems to me that those with connections in Russia need to let

women there know the truth about the apocalypse waged on Ukraine. Confronted with unbearable reality, Russian women need to act and to do so in the most effective manner possible... call a nationwide strike. When women stop, the world stops. When women put their boots on the ground to strike, change happens. Everyday life cannot function without women’s contribution: not only in employment but in all areas where women’s work is taken for granted. Children are not minded, meals are not cooked, no housework done and sex would be unavailable. When thousands of women took the day off to protest in Iceland in 1975 banks, schools and shops were forced to close, men had to take their children to work. Today Iceland comes top of the world Economic Forum’s equality list. After the Ford sewing machinists in Dagenham went on strike in 1968 and clothing workers in Leeds went on strike in 1970 equal pay in the UK followed. Women’s power to stop is an effective, peaceful weapon. If Russian women were to use it and put their boots on the ground, it could be the most effective way to end this unbearable war. See Ukraine, Page 14

Let’s celebrate Mother’s day CLAIR WHITTY

MOTHER’S Day 2022. It’s difficult to believe that after two years we can finally meet up for Mother’s Day and maybe go for coffee or lunch, and hug each other properly to celebrate the occasion. This year I have fantastic news, my daughter is now a mother too, she had her first baby on Valentine’s Day 2022. I am now a grandmother and have entered a new phase of life which I am sure I am

going to enjoy. I don’t put too much pass on gifts for Mother’s Day, I used to say to the lads when they were younger not to be buying me things, that a hug, a home-made card, or maybe do some little thing in the house for me would be good, any of those ideas would be perfect. That was and still is all I need. Or a phone call if they can’t make it home and they have the time in their lives to call. I do however treat it as my day, and I generally take it easy, that usually works out quite well. Now, if I was to treat myself to a gift, and there is no harm

in that, I would get myself one of the Trilogy Facial Serums, I haven’t had one in a while. I forgot to replace the last one I had. I have tried several of the Trilogy Serums and I have to say I like them. But I think I prefer the CoQ10 Booster Serum most of all. I think it’s partly psychological, the word booster on the pack, my skin always has a lovely glow when I use it. And now that the masks are coming off, I know I will be more conscious of how my skin looks so it’s a perfect time to treat myself. The Serum should boost skin recovery, improve radiance, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too. This CoQ10 Booster Serum has proven results showing an average reduction of wrinkles by 27% over six weeks, I like the sound of that. It contains tamanu, macadamia, and black caraway oils to nourish and refresh the skin. Whatever way you celebrate Mother’s Day, I hope it will be a good one and that you have a great day. Shop online at www. naturalhealthstore.ie Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Ukraine Invasion THE world, virtually, united in its rush to slap sanctions on Russia following President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. Most target its major industries, like defence, oil and gas. But much of Russia’s ostensible wealth is held by dozens of billionaires, and they keep it in accounts and assets, like super-yachts, around the world. For them, national sanctions are easily evaded. Seeing that, and noting oligarchs’ potential leverage with Putin and other Russian government officials, nations have imposed sanctions on those oligarchs personally, freezing their assets and frustrating their efforts to make — or spend — money. What’s an oligarch? Oligarchy is a term for governance by a few at the very top. Oligarch has become a common term for wealthy Russian elites who are thought to be close with the Kremlin or Putin himself, and who are believed to have derived their wealth at least in part from their relationship with the state. In 2019, Putin himself defined oligarchs as “those who use their proximity to the authorities to receive super profits”. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian government transferred many state-run industries to private ownership, and much of the nation’s wealth came under the control of a small group of men with political connections. Brooke Harrington, a sociology professor at Dartmouth College, recently explained the practical function oligarchs serve in Putin’s Russia: “They provide invaluable public support for the regime, lead key companies and institutions, and distract attention from and, by some accounts, help conceal the president’s own enormous wealth.” How many oligarchs does Russia have?

An oligarch sanctioned: Roman Abramovich, billionaire owner of Chelsea

Your guide to who or what an oligarch is.... Because ‘oligarch’ is not a formal designation, there is no exact count. In 2018, the US Treasury Department produced a list of 96 Russian individuals it considered to be oligarchs. It was drawn up mostly by pulling Russian names from Forbes’ list of wealthiest people. Russian dissident Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation

has identified 35 “kleptocrats and human rights abusers” it deems worthy of sanction, although some on the list are government functionaries, not wealthy oligarchs. How many Russian oligarchs are facing sanctions? With so many countries considering and levying

sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion, the answer is a moving target. To date, the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Switzerland and the European Union have placed sanctions against at least 24 wealthy Russian individuals. How do sanctions against an individual work?

First, his or her name and any aliases, business names, sometimes even identifiers of their boats or planes are put on a public list maintained by the sanctioning government. That list tells banks who they should avoid. Financial institutions are expected to do the rest. Sanctions aren’t bulletproof. Banks don’t

closely vet every transaction they handle, and if a sanctioned name is not obviously linked to an account or transaction, banks may not act. Anonymous shell companies, numbered cryptocurrency accounts and straw-man arrangements (having someone else make transactions on behalf of a sanctioned individual) are possible tools to avoid sanctions. Another popular strategy: Moving assets to countries that don’t cooperate with sanction regimes. How are sanctions on oligarchs supposed to stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? The logic is straightforward: Sanctions pressure those with influence in Russia to change the direction of the war in Ukraine. If oligarchs are the most influential figures in Russian politics, sanctions are a direct way to twist their arm to get on the side of peace. The impacts of these sanctions can be immediate. Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov reportedly had to say goodbye to his superyacht crew, for instance, because U.S. and EU sanctions meant he had no way to pay his crew’s wages. Usmanov also had a practical reason to let his crew go: German authorities have prevented the vessel from leaving its dock in Hamburg. Oligarch Roman Abramovich (pictured), sensing sanctions were possible, tried to unload his ownership of the Chelsea FC British soccer club earlier this month. With British sanctions against Abramovich in place Thursday, Abramovich’s assets are frozen. He is barred from transactions that would allow him to transfer ownership of the team. Recently, Abramovich and a few other Russian oligarchs have made public statements against the war. Some believe that’s a sign the threat and imposition of individual sanctions are working.

Human trafficking concern for fleeing refugees AT LEAST one man has been detained in Poland suspected of raping a 19-year-old refugee he’d lured with offers of shelter after she fled wartorn Ukraine. Another was overheard promising work and a room to a 16-year-old girl before authorities intervened. Another case inside a refugee camp at Poland’s Medyka border, raised suspicions when a man was offering help only to women and children. When questioned by police, he changed his story. As millions of women and children flee across Ukraine’s borders , concerns are growing over how to protect the most vulnerable refugees from being targeted by human traffickers or becoming victims of other forms of exploitation.

“Obviously all the refugees are women and children,” Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams, the UNHCR’s head of global communications, told the Associated Press as he visited borders in Romania, Poland and Moldova. “You have to worry about any potential risks for trafficking — but also exploitation, and sexual exploitation and abuse. These are the kinds of situations that people like traffickers ... look to take advantage of,” she said. The UN refugee agency says more than 2.5 million people, including more than a million children, have already fled war-torn Ukraine in what has become an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Europe and its fastest exodus since World War II. In countries throughout Europe, including the border

nations of Romania, Poland, Hungary, Moldova and Slovakia, private citizens and volunteers have been greeting and offering help to those whose lives have been shattered by war. From free shelter to free transport to work opportunities and other forms of assistance — help isn’t far away. But neither are the risks. Police in Wrocław, Poland, said they detained a 49-yearold suspect on rape charges after he allegedly assaulted a 19-year-old Ukrainian refugee he lured with offers of help over the internet. The suspect could face up to 12 years in prison for the “brutal crime,” authorities said. “He met the girl by offering his help via an internet portal,” police said in a statement. “She escaped from wartorn Ukraine, did not speak

Polish. She trusted a man who promised to help and shelter her. Unfortunately, all this turned out to be deceitful manipulation.” Police in Berlin warned women and children in a post on social media in Ukrainian and Russian against accepting offers of overnight stays, and urged them to report anything suspicious. Tamara Barnett, director of operations at the Human Trafficking Foundation, a U.based charity which grew out of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Human Trafficking, said that such a rapid, mass displacement of people could be a “recipe for disaster.” “When you’ve suddenly got a huge cohort of really vulnerable people who need money and assistance immediately,” she said, “it’s sort of a breeding ground for exploitative

situations and sexual exploitation. When I saw all these volunteers offering their houses ... that flagged a worry in my head.” The Migration Data Portal notes that humanitarian crises such as those associated with conflicts “can exacerbate pre-existing trafficking trends and give rise to new ones” and that traffickers can thrive on “the inability of families and communities to protect themselves and their children.” Security officials in Romania and Poland told The Associated Press that plain-clothed intelligence officers were on the lookout for criminal elements. In the Romanian border town of Siret, authorities said men offering free car and bus trips to women have been sent away by the local officials.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Your Money BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

IT is springtime once again. The days are longer, the sun is shining into every nook and cranny showing up the cobwebbed corners of the house. Hence, the spring clean, the deep scrub. While you are putting some elbow grease into sprucing up your home ,why not spend some time getting your finances into tip-top shape too – here’s what you need to know Shop around for valuable savings It is very tempting to just leave policy and utility renewals to automatically roll on, but you may miss out on savings if you do. The current price spikes in utilities should have spurred us all on to seek better rates from other providers. There is then the knock-on effect to all businesses and so, when renewing your insurance policies, it is imperative to make time to shop around. You will now notice on your renewal papers that the last number of years premiums you paid are listed. This is to give an indication to you of how your premium is either rising or falling over time. Just because the premiums are reducing each year does not mean that there are no other

your family’s lifestyle, your home, your children’s education – could be in jeopardy. You are a money-making machine! The money you earn pays for almost everything you have. You don’t think twice about insuring your home, car, or healthcare but what about your income – the one thing that pays for everything? With income protection, you take control of your financial security thus giving you peace of mind. By paying a monthly premium, you will receive a regular income for the complete duration of your illness until such time as you return to work or retire.

Time to spring clean your financial affairs

savings to be had by shopping around. It’s also important to spend the time ensuring that you have sufficient levels of cover. For instance, with the cost to build a house rising significantly it’s imperative you have proper levels of cover in place should disaster strike. Get to know your options for protection As the saying goes, ‘he only certainties in life are death

and taxes. We can’t predict what life has in store and when it comes to things like premature death or serious illness we usually think: “It will never happen to me.” It is important to protect our loved ones and ourselves by planning in advance. One piece of advice – when you are completing an application for any type of cover eg. life or serious illness, be very careful how you answer the health questions. If you think

something is irrelevant or no need to mention that, think again! Be as comprehensive as possible. Better to give too much information “han too little. Options when saving for retirement. Choosing to start a pension is an important step in your life. It’s one of the ways to secure your future and ensure the lifestyle you’ve planned for once your working life is over.

Kilkenny writer Shortall brings Orphan Disease home to Kilkenny Ailbhe Reddy plays the Medieval Mile Museum on Sunday April 10th as part of April Sounds in aid of Ukraine emergency appeals

And a pension is one of the smartest ways to save. There are valuable tax incentives available on pension contributions (subject to Revenue limits). The earlier you start the better but it is never too late Real protection starts with income Think about how you’d cope if your income suddenly dried up due to ill health or injury? The things you care about – This April 23rd a new play by Kilkenny-born Catherine Cronin comes to the Watergate Theatre. The one-woman show, Orphan Disease, opened in Zurich, Switzerland last August with the company Close Encounters Theatre (CET). Cronin has been living in Zurich for over twelve years but Kilkenny and Ireland remain close to her heart and her work. This is certainly evident throughout Orphan Disease. In December 2018, Cronin was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, and, later, the BRCA2 gene mutation. This incident forced her to re-evaluate her life and goals. She emersed herself in writing which emboldened and encouraged her to face her illness with strength and positivity. During the pandemic, she joined an online writing course with CET and was later approached by the company’s artistic director to write a play about her experience with cancer and the impact the BRCA2 gene had on her family. The journey of Orphan Disease has been a cathartic experience for Cronin and her family. Cronin’s paternal grandmother, Annie Dwan, passed away

Are you claiming all tax reliefs available? Based on research completed by Bank of Ireland only 1onein 5fivepeople have the confidence to conduct tasks relating to tax reliefs and welfare benefits. Income protection, pensions, medical expenses are amongst the most unclaimed tax reliefs. Look over all your outgoings and see what can be reclaimed. Finally, get advice. Many people find financial decisions and financial planning quite tricky and often put it off. Contact a financial adviser who will give you valuable ideas about where to start. John@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633 at a very young age from breast cancer and, likely, carried the BRCA2 gene also. Orphan Disease explores the two very different journeys these women had in two very different time periods, , all while walking the line between tragedy and comedy. While Orphan Disease is her first play to come to the stage, it is not the first play Cronin wrote. Last summer, her piece, Håber Undone, was chosen to be one of three plays featured in Druid’s Debut online series. It was directed by Sarah Baxter and starred Kate Kennedy, Ian Toner, Brian Doherty, Adetomiwa Edun, Charlotte McCurry, and Peter Corboy. It told the story of scientist, Luna, and her desperate attempts to find solutions to climate change and to her own personal issues. Cronin recalled in the show’s live post-discussion that Luna had been an invaluable companion throughout her chemotherapy treatment. Today, Catherine continues her treatment for cancer but thanks to an excellent medical team and a life enriched by following her passion for writing, the prospects for a longer, healthier life are now much more realistic than back in 2018. This show unpacks the loss and pain of cancer but also leaves the audience with a lifeaffirming and hopeful message. Orphan Disease was directed by Tara Brodin with Emma Kelly working as the play’s dramaturg. Tickets are available at the Watergate.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Science & Wellbeing VITAMINS and minerals are two of the main types of nutrients that your body needs to survive and stay healthy. Find information on some of the essential vitamins recommended for older adults and how to get the recommended amount within your diet. Vitamins help your body grow and work the way it should. There are 13 essential vitamins — vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate). Different vitamins do different jobs to help keep the body working properly. Some vitamins help you resist infections and keep your nerves healthy, while others may help your body get energy from food or help your blood clot properly. By following the dietary guidelines, you will get enough of most of these vitamins from food. Like vitamins, minerals also help your body function. Minerals are elements that our bodies need to function that can be found on the earth and in foods. Some minerals, like iodine and fluoride, are only needed in very small quantities. Others, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are needed in larger amounts. As with vitamins, if you eat a varied diet, you will probably get enough of most minerals. It is usually better to get the nutrients you need from food, rather than a pill. That’s because nutrient-dense foods contain other things that are good for you, like fibre. ONE of the main causes of strokes and heart attacks, along with stress, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, are clogged arteries, since they obstruct the normal blood flow. Our circulatory system is an intricate network of capillaries, blood vessels, and arteries, and these tubes carry oxygenated blood through your body, in order to fuel all our body’s functions. When oxygen is used up, we exhale carbon dioxide from the lungs, inhale more oxygen-rich blood, and repeat the cycle. Blood flows freely in lear and open blood vessels. Yet, at times, small blockages accumulate inside the blood vessels, called plaques, and develop when cholesterol sticks to the wall of the artery. Since it senses the issue, the immune system sends white blood cells to attack the cholesterol, which stimulates a chain of reactions that cause inflammation. Fortunately, there are natural ways to lower the risk of heart health issues, and the following foods will help you clean the arteries: 1. Salmon This type of fish is believed to be the most beneficial food for the health of the heart. Salmon is abundant in healthy fatty acids which are naturally present in the fish. These fatty acids can reduce the level and prevent the occurrence of cholesterol and triglycerides

Vitamins and minerals for ageing adults ‘Different jobs to keep body ...

Most older people can get all the nutrients they need from foods. But if you aren’t sure, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to find out if you are missing any important vitamins or minerals. He or she may recommend a vitamin or dietary supplement. If you do need to supplement your diet, look for a supplement that contains the vitamin or mineral you need without a lot of other unnecessary ingredients. Read the label to make sure the dose is not too large. Avoid supplements with mega-doses. Too much of some vitamins and minerals can be harmful, and you might be paying for supplements you

don’t need. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend brands that fit your needs. Vitamins and minerals are measured in a variety of ways. The most common are: mg – milligram (a milligram is one thousandth of a gram) mcg – microgram (a microgram is one millionth of a gram. 1,000 micrograms is equal to one milligram) IU – international unit (the conversion of milligrams and micrograms into IU depends on the type of vitamin or drug) Sodium is another important mineral. In most diets, sodium primarily comes from salt (sodium chloride). Whenever you add salt to your food, you’re adding sodium. But most of

the sodium we eat doesn’t come from our saltshakers — it’s added to many foods during processing or preparation. We all need some sodium, but too much over time can lead to high blood pressure, which can raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. How much sodium is okay? People 51 and older should reduce their sodium intake to 2,300 mg each day. That is about one teaspoon of salt and includes sodium added during manufacturing or cooking as well as at the table when eating. If you have high blood pressure or prehypertension, limiting sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, about 2/3 teaspoon of salt,

‘Different jobs to keep body ...

may be helpful. Preparing your own meals at home without using a lot

of processed foods or salt will allow you to control how much sodium you get. Try using less salt when cooking, and don’t add salt before you take the first bite. If you make this change slowly, you will get used to the difference in taste. Also look for grocery products marked ‘low sodium’, ‘unsalted’, ‘no salt added’, ‘sodium free’, or ‘salt free’. Also check the nutrition facts label to see how much sodium is in a serving. Eating more fresh vegetables and fruit also helps — they are naturally low in sodium and provide more potassium. Get your sauce and dressing on the side and use only as much as you need for taste. In order to get the recommended daily amounts of vitamin C, you need to drink two glasses of fresh orange juice every day. by doing so, you will provide your body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining your health.

Five foods to cut risk of heart attack

3. Coffee A number of studies have confirmed that drinking two to four cups of coffee on a daily basis can reduce the risk of heart attack by 20%. Still, do not forget that excessive consumption of coffee can be harmful to your stomach. 4. Nuts Nuts are abundant in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats. Nuts are also pretty beneficial for regulation of the levels of cholesterol in the blood, as well as for boosting the memory and the health of the joints. In order to enjoy the benefits of the nuts, you need to consume one handful of almonds and walnuts on a daily basis.

in the blood and inflammation. Other healthy types of fish that also need to be included in

your diet are mackerel, herring, and tuna. Do not forget that the fish you buy needs to be organic.

2. Orange juice Pure, natural orange juice is rich in antioxidants, compounds that support the health

of the blood vessels. Furthermore, these compounds help in the reduction of the high blood pressure.

5. Persimmon fruit The persimmon fruit is abundant in fibre and healthy sterols, which is very beneficial when it comes to reduction of the cholesterol levels. This fruit has a sweet flavour, which is the reason it is called ‘divine fruit’. Include this fruit in your everyday diet by adding it to the cereals and salads you consume.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Travel & Leisure Consider this your official piece of advice: Buy your airline tickets for summer travel soon. Fuel prices are going skyward around the world, and soon you’ll have to pay more to fly. As the oil market reorganises and the price of crude hits global heights not seen since 2008, the Thai Airlines Association, which represents seven airlines in Southeast Asia, has petitioned its government to grant the authority to levy fuel surcharges for domestic flights in Thailand. It’s almost certainly the beginning of an industry trend, and it puts a new urgency on planning your summer travel now. “People have got to realise that the longer they leave it, the more likely they are to have a fuel surcharge slapped on their airfare,” independent aviation analyst John Grant told the BBC World News. As the situation in Ukraine deteriorates, the recovery of the tourism industry is threatened not only in Europe but also in Turkey, Southeast Asia, and anywhere else Russian tourists will be unable to go due to economic constraints and other restrictions. That declining demand could result in generally lower base fares, but the increase in the price of oil is bound to offset most of those savings. Casual customers may not always realise when a fuel surcharge is being levied because it’s usually folded into the multitude of other taxes and surcharges that are tacked on, but a fuel surcharge dramatically affects the cost of airfare. For international tickets, fuel surcharges can account for

THOUGH a relatively small country, has had an enormous cultural impact on the world. When you think of Scotland, you think of many things: kilted bagpipers, Scotch whiskey, haggis, lamb’s wool clothing, and so on. And although Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, its culture is markedly different from its neighbour, England. Glasgow and Edinburgh are Scotland’s two biggest cities, and any Scotland travel plans should make ample time to explore the craggy alleyways, historic castles, and centuries-old pubs both offer. Things not to miss in Scotland * The Royal Botanic Garden, located in Edinburg, was founded in 1670, and has assumed a hugely important role in biodiversity research worldwide. * The Scottish Seabird Centre is much newer—it was opened by Prince Charles in 2000—and houses an abundance of local birds, including puffins and gannets. Sir David Attenborough has called it one of the Twelve Wildlife

Fuel surcharges coming, so book your air ticket soon

several hundred euro of the final price. (There are ways for customers to determine the precise amount added to an airfare, but it’s complex.) It won’t matter if you intend to cash in miles and points for your upcoming holiday. Fuel surcharges are also applied to

those redemptions. Given the shadiness of the airline industry, once fuel surcharges are introduced they tend to stick around. In 2008, major carriers came under scrutiny for retaining the extra fees long after the market price of fuel had subsided, and other airlines

(including British Airways, which is notorious for its fuel costs) were found to have colluded to illegally fix the cost of the surcharge. The widespread arrival of fuel charges for travel in 2022 seems imminent. In addition to the Thai carriers’ request, private

charter jet operator Wheels Up has already announced a fuel surcharge will go into effect April 9, and increases are also bearing down on the container shipping industry. Fuel costs for flights are the most obvious manifestation of increased oil prices, but the expense could also affect

numerous castles left behind by historic royalty. Two of the most stunning are Edinburgh Castle and Eilean

Donan Castle. * The Orkney Islands are a stunning archipelago off the northern coast with

ground transportation, cruises, and tours. During the financial crisis of 2008, many cruise lines imposed fuel surcharges. At CruiseCritic.com this week, www.frommers.com author Fran Golden asked the heads of the major cruise companies if they intend to levy the charges again. Only Royal Caribbean was able to definitively rule them out. Some land-only tour operators, including Globus and the Travel Corporation, told Travel Weekly that their prices for the upcoming travel season have already been negotiated so they don’t expect prices to increase by fuel surcharges — but that security changes depending on the financial situation of the company you buy your vacation from. The best way to avoid paying fuel surcharges is to buy before they’re imposed. “We may see price increases affect future bookings in a similar way to what we experienced back in 2008, so booking now is the best way to lock in the best price,” a vice president for tour operator Collette told Travel Weekly.

fuss for the smoky, peaty whisky is all about.

The inside guide to seeing Scotland

Wonders of the World. * No Scotland visit is complete without taking a tour of some of the

As Ukraine deteriorates, tourism industry is threatened..

Neolithic ruins from the Bronze and Iron Ages. * Take a Scotch distillery tour to find out what all the

When to go to Scotland Scotland’s landscape and climate? They are unmistakably British, but don’t be fooled. If you travel to Scotland, you should certainly visit the North Sea gently lapping the beautiful coastline, shack up in the mountains buried in snow, or venture into the forests to see the wildlife. When you go to Scotland should depend on what you want to do. Edinburgh tends to become crowded during the tourist season, which starts in April and is over by September. You might expect Scottish weather to be quite cold due to its northern location, but that is not the case—winters are milder due to the warming effect of the Mid-Atlantic Drift. The weather is best from May through September, although the rainiest days of the year take place in July and August. The eastern coast of Scotland tends to be drier than the west and is also the warmer place to visit, should you desire to lodge near the coastline.

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When positive action is controlling the controllable ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

LIVING costs are rising fast and predictions are they will worsen over coming months. This is, at least for the individual, uncontrollable. You can choose to worry about it but sadly any fretting is likely to be futile. That doesn’t mean just getting on with things is the best course to follow. Instead, direct efforts towards positive action which are within your influence. The first thing you can do is look at your outgoings. Is there anything you can cut back on or remove entirely? Sometimes performing such a simple exercise can reveal we are paying for something which isn’t really needed. Do you watch the movie or sports channels enough to get value from them? Are you a heavy internet user or could you get away with a more basic plan? Once you’ve exhausted that avenue, investigate whether you can change utility provider for any or all

of your household necessities. It’s not unusual to find cheaper electricity, gas, oil, television, phone or internet suppliers which can knock hundreds off spending. Once the term of a utility contract has expired, there are usually no penalties for switching to another company. Even if you are still apparently tied to a contractual period, very often there are clauses whereby you can end these terms immediately when prices rise substantially. Do your own research when trying to find the better options. Sometimes companies try to entice you to remain with them, or switch to a favoured alternative, when better deals can be found elsewhere. In these days of fast internet, a quick online search will provide you with sites where you can compare all the offers available in your area at the click of a button. The same is true with retail. Shop around. Prices of the same, or similar, products in one shop can be very different to those of another. Here too big savings can be made! Be a smart consumer.

Many of us love a nice coffee in the morning or glass of wine in the evening. Although espresso machines seem a big expense when you buy them, once you have one, you can make your own coffee for a tiny amount of the cost you would spend in a cafe. The same is true of other luxury products like alcohol. Buying from a shop is much cheaper, and there’s usually a much bigger range, than from a pub or restaurant. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat yourself from time-to-time but when needs must, the clever shopper looks for alternatives. Making your own lunch saves a lot of money too compared to eating out every day. Instead of spending time worrying about the uncontrollable, put your efforts into changing what you can. Concerning yourself with things outside your sphere of influence will end up costing you something far more valuable than money; your health. No amount of finance compensates for that so make protecting it your primary goal!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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News THE communities of Piltown and Fiddown, close to the Kilkenny-WaterfordTipperary border, have built their own Fibre-to-thePremises (FTTP) broadband network, having long ,lost faith the National Broadband plan. The plans of the voluntary Broadband 4 Our Community (B4OC) group have become a reality with the connection of the first homes and businesses in the community to the broadband network. A total of 750 homes and businesses in a 3.4 square kilometre area now have, or will soon have, access to at least 150MB speeds and a future-proofed high-speed broadband service they can afford. The community-owned, community-driven and managed by B4OC, a locally-based, not-for-profit company whose volunteers came together following a town hall meeting organised by Piltown Community Enterprise (PCE) three years ago. The local people’s vision of the project and the benefits to their community both now and into the future, has brought the project alive , making it the first of its kind in Ireland. Hundreds of families who struggled with speeds of between 1MB and 6MB also have the fibre power they need to work and study from home, to conference call and stream and really enjoy the benefits of living in rural Ireland. B4OC’s vision and aim since the project was first mooted by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (KLP) back in 2019 was to deliver true, future-proofed highspeed broadband for the community of Piltown and Fiddown, Project Manager Jim O’Brien told local media. The IT graduate, who returned to college in 2018 after a career in construction, lives locally and struggled to remotely access his course materials. He bought a dongle, moved to his garage IN response to the increasing demands on young people, Jacqui Freyne, Athletics Ireland Performance Pathway Manager, has developed the ‘Performance Pathway Diary’, where young athletes can log both their training and academic commitments. And South East Olympian Thomas Barr has given the project his full support, telling young athletes: “Continue working hard and stick at it...” From her work with athletes over the past number of years ,especially during the pandemic, Jacqui felt there was a need for a resource tool such as diary to help young athletes. Working in conjunction with each other, sporting experts such as Olympian and Performance Psychologist Jessie Barr and Head of Performance Life Skills at the Sport Ireland Institute Eoin Rheinisch looked a focused and efficient resource for young people on their journey to becoming se-

Locals do their own online research to launch their own better broadband

and finally got 13MB speeds, up from just 5MB. He said the support from local businesses and the wider community had been incredible. “KLP and its philanthropic funding partner, the Tomar Trust, supplied technical assistance, planning, training and capital funding to the community to develop and

advance the project. After that, the community drove on and did everything else,” said Mr O’Brien. “Businesses donated bits, gave us other items we needed at cost and dug deep with us. My own father-inlaw is a retired fitter and he has been out in the trenches and up poles with me as

we built the infrastructure. All of this has been built on private lands and sits into the landscape. We’ve now completed Phase 1 and have a few phases to go now.” The two villages are among approximately 20 similarsized villages and towns in Kilkenny classified on an EU standard set over a

dozen years ago as having “adequate broadband” and, hence, not included under the National Broadband Plan. But much has changed in what’s regarded as “adequate broadband” since 2010 and the reality on the ground now is far different. Locals in the Piltown-Fiddown area were adamant they would not be

Performance diary aims to keep athletes on the right pathway

nior high-performance athletes. The diary is designed to combine all of the commitments facing young athletes from their education to their training in a single space. The diary offers resources for

tracking and analysis of performance to wellness spaces for athletes to have an outlet for their emotional and mental health. Throughout each of the tools there is a priority on functional design and visual communication through

colour and symbols, designer and past Performance Pathway athlete Emma Prendiville used both her experience and expertise to collate. This is to assist both athletes and their personal coaches to have a holistic view of the athlete’s

performance as well as to plan training sessions in harmony with their education commitments. Alongside following the traditional journal writing aspect of diaries, the Performance Pathway Diary offers accurate

left behind. “This is a network in which our community is invested,” B4OC Chairman Brian Doyle, explained. “Given that laying fibre-optic cable is expensive, using the future-proofed FTTP model employed by the telecommunications industry was the only way forward. “Doing it mostly ourselves meant that our costs were greatly reduced. This is a service by the community, for the community which is owned by the community and run in its interest. It is a much leaner development model and operates on a notfor profit community-owned basis. We even hope to be able to pay a community dividend and the intention is that this money would finance other community projects.” The project received significant capital from local businesses as well as attracting a match-funding contribution from the philanthropic trust. Declan Rice, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership CEO, said: “Community development and ownership of future proofed ‘fibre to the premise’ (FTTP) networks should be as familiar as local ‘group water schemes’, of which there are many hundreds. Installing FTTP networks is not rocket science, in many ways it’s easier than a group water scheme to install. “While a fibre network will require some seed money to get started, and needs wider landowner and community co-operation, as PiltownFiddown has shown, it can be done. The multi-skilled, voluntary board includes Brian Doyle (Chairman), Mary Morgan (Secretary), Jill Dowley (Treasurer), Gerri Hickey (Liaison Officer), Kevin Barry (Vice-Chairman), Paul Walsh, John Murray, Shane Hickey, Vernon Buckley and Pat Quinn. *Please see www. betterbroadbandforpiltown. com expert lead information from areas such as recovery and nutrition to injury prevention. Many people including experts such as Ciara McCallion (Sport Ireland Institute Physiotherapist), David Tobin (Sport Ireland Institute Nutritionist), Martina McCarthy (Sport Ireland Institute Senior Strength & Conditioning Consultant) and Emma Saunders (Sport Ireland Institute Performance Life Skills) have all had significant contributions to this information and its delivery in the diary. Unique to the Performance Pathway Diary, is the input from established senior athletes from the realm of athletics such as Phil Healy, Fionnuala McCormack and Thomas Barr, featured throughout the diary are words of encouragement and advice from these figures such as: “Continue working hard and stick at it” – Olympian Thomas Barr

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

News

TEAM TEAC TOM: Philip O’ Neill on life in the counsellor’s seat You are a valued and respected member of the team – how did you come to be involved with Teac Tom? I met Angela in 2008 in Croí Nua, part of the Aislinn Centre. We shared a lot of the same ideas and goals about helping people. We started off in the Friary Hall and it was a learning curve as we didn’t have our own space at the time. We offered free counselling services to people who had been impacted by suicide. The dream was to have a standalone place for Teac Tom and eventually that came to be. I was delighted to have a place to call home. Now we have more than a dozen counsellors. TEAC Tom opened the doors of its first house in 2015. Located at 15 Ormonde Road there is a safe and welcoming space through the bright blue doors. The team, led by CEO Angela Hayes, is supported by Rory Connellan, Clinical Services Manager and Valerie O’ Sullivan, Marketing Executive. A support team of administrative assistants, volunteer listeners, student counsel-

lors, play therapists and professional counsellors ensures that anyone who contacts Teac Tom gets the help and support that they need. The experienced team supports people with a range of mental health issues, especially those who have been impacted by suicide. One of the longest serving counsellors with the team is Philip O’ Neill.

How did you get into counselling to begin with? I did my Diploma in Addiction and I loved it. Then, as I worked with more families, I felt there was something missing and that was Life Coaching skills. Life coaching is about focus, awareness, problem solving. I wanted to give the kids (in recovery) tools to cope outside once they left a very safe

environment and be able to live with family members and be a part of their community. When I was younger, I was always uncomfortable in my own skin, I didn’t trust myself or believe in my own potential. A lot of very nice people helped me along the way, and I wanted to do the same for others.

innate feeling that they know what is right for them. It’s crucial that people trust that gut feeling. To act on and to do whatever you feel is right and necessary for you. I rely on them to hit the right buttons. People find their own way around issues once you open the door for them to talk.

Trust is obviously a very important part of the counselling relationship. Is that hard for some people? Thousands of people have sat in that chair opposite me, and they have all trusted me to do my job. There’s no halo over my head, I just trust what I’m doing. When people come to me, they are messed up. They are like a nervous wreck and many of them are at death’s door. But when they come in, they go through the journey. They will learn nothing in a session or two, you must follow through in life and commit to the eight sessions, maybe even more. The one thing I ask of them is a verbal contract to promise to keep coming back. Some of them might need to go on and do more sessions and others were OK after a couple of sessions so it varies a lot from person to person.

How would someone know when the time has come to get professional help? For some people it isn’t always about counselling, but in a way the process is the same. When you sit with somebody you are counselling them because you’re having a conversation that goes both ways. You are being listened to, you are communicating, and you are offering a difference of opinion. It’s a conversation that’s going on. The doctor can be a line of help for that conversation, a person in the community, a family member; whoever it is that you feel you can trust to talk to. Then you can make the move to counselling if you feel you want to get more professional support.

What advice do you have for people who are worried and how they can mind their own mental health? We all need a bit of reassurance that life is going to be ok! What I’ve learned over the years is that people always have that

What do you love most about your work? I’m glad to have my qualifications behind me but they don’t tell the full story of whether I’m doing my job well. I abide by the core conditions of counselling; respect, rapport and unconditional regard for another. I hold those close to me and I feel I can never go wrong with a client because I always work

with the client’s best interest at heart. After that it’s the team here. I can talk to Angela and Rory very openly. When I meet a new client, we go on a journey together. I don’t know where it’s going to take either of us, but I delight in every time I meet somebody new. I’m very happy in my work. Finally, what do you do to look after your own mental health? I have a great relationship with my wife and kids and that’s where I get a lot of my strength. I pray for my own strength, to be able to get up and be present in the moment and not to miss the beauty of that. I walk. I talk to colleagues, and I put myself out there. I just try to mind myself and be kind. I don’t hold onto things. I don’t believe in holding onto anybody living rent-free in my head, if they are causing me problems, I get rid of them. Philip holds Diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Life Coaching and a Degree in Psychotherapy Counselling. He is accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). If you would like further information on our counselling services or to book an appointment, please get in touch with our team. thethomashayestrust@gmail. com / 056 7796592 / Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @teactom

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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News

Tara McCarthy to step down as CEO of Bord Bia BORD BIA, the Government agency responsible for the promotion of the food, drink, and horticulture industry globally, has announced that its Chief Executive Officer Tara McCarthy (pictured) is to step down from her role later this year. Ms. McCarthy will take up a new position in

the private sector in June 2022. Bord Bia Chairman Dan MacSweeney paid tribute to Ms. McCarthy saying: “On behalf of the Board of Bord Bia, I wish Tara the very best for the future and thank her for her tremendous efforts on behalf of Bord Bia and for her dedication and commitment

to our client companies and the food, drink, and horticulture sector. “Tara has made a significant contribution to Bord Bia, and the organisation is in a very good place due to her leadership, energy, and drive over the last five years. The search for a successor to Tara begins immediately

and, in the interim, I have full confidence in the leadership team in Bord Bia to continue to successfully execute our new and exciting strategy.” Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said: “I thank Tara McCarthy for her energy, leadership and commitment to Bord Bia and the

We have got it right when it comes to our remote work ZOOM has cited Ireland’s Connected Hubs network as a leading international example of how remote working should be promoted to drive regional economic and social development. Led by the Western Development Commission, Zoom has partnered with Connected Hubs to provide users of 200 plus hubs with access to its suite of tools and services, optimising their ability to connect and collaborate in co-working spaces. As it works towards onboarding 400 hubs nationwide, Zoom Global Chief Information Officer Harry Moseley has recognised the Connected Hubs programme as a novel approach in bringing the ambitions and objectives of the Government’s Remote Working Strategy to life. “Connected Hubs is a prime international example of how remote work can be promoted to drive sustained regional development and economic growth. One fundamental change that I’ve witnessed over the past two years is how work is no longer defined by being in a certain location at a certain time, but rather by the outcomes and objectives an employee achieves. “For those who previously felt compelled to move to a major urban setting to develop a career, Connected Hubs offers a real opportunity for them to return home and breathe life back into the social and economic fabric of Ireland’s regions. “As the leading peer-to-peer unified collaboration platform in Ireland, Zoom aims to empower Connected Hub users to deliver their best work from anywhere. Central to this is ensuring hub users have access to the latest tools and technologies from Zoom, enabling them to drive collaboration, which is seamless, enjoyable, and more productive. It’s incredibly energising to see how the Connect Hubs network is positioning rural and regional Ireland at the heart of innovation and technology change. This approach we believe can and should be replicated in other global juris-

dictions and positions Ireland as an early world leader in remote working.” Zoom’s partnership with Connected Hubs, announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, provides hub users access to a bespoke package of Zoom services at a reduced rate of €10 a month. This includes Meetings and Webinar licences allowing up to 500 attendees to join, which would cost €130 a month if purchased separately. Hub users will also benefit from Zoom Rooms licenses, which are designed to facilitate hybrid meeting spaces, and a suite of other productivity enhancing tools such as Zoom Chat, Zoom Whiteboard and Zoom Apps. CEO of the Western Development Commission, Tomás Ó Síocháin said: “The support shown by a global tech company the size of Zoom signals a strong endorsement of the approach we’re taking in promoting remote and flexible working across Ireland. “We see the Connected Hubs programme as an excellent opportunity to rebalance some of the challenges we’ve faced in Ireland’s outlying and rural regions over the years. In doing this, the collaboration with Zoom is an important step for us as we work with hub users to identify their needs and ensure they have access to the right technology options to enjoy the benefits of remote working,” he said. “We’re confident that the Connected Hubs initiative, building on this and similar partnerships, will also help stimulate local economic activity supporting the ambitions set out by the Department of Rural and Community Development in it’s Our Rural Future strategy. At the heart of this is transforming digital connectivity for rural communities and enterprises, ensuring equality of access to digital services and supporting the diversification of rural economies and jobs through digital technologies,” said Mr Ó Síocháin.

wider agri-food industry. She has guided the organisation and supported the industry through many challenges, including the impacts of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Tara has nurtured top talent, as well as building Ireland’s voice in thought leadership on sustainability, with benefits for the sector as a whole.”

Boxing clever: Donncha O’Callaghan described the Marble City club as a welcoming club with a great sense of community spirit

€5,000 thrown in the ring for Marble City club KILKENNY’S Marble City Boxing Club is to receive €5,000 funding under this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative hosted and organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand. Under the scheme – similar to that which proved successful last year when the Kilkenny county award was presented to Kilkenny Hockey Club – a fund of €130,000 is made available by Valero for distribution in

equal amounts of €5,000 to a successful applicant in each county. The €5,000 will be used to develop the club’s facilities in Roachpond, Kilkenny. Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport Ambassador, former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster Donncha O’Callaghan. Describing it as “a welcoming club with a great sense of community spirit”, he praised its plan to carry out renovations in order to provide extra space to increase

its membership. Pointing to what he termed “the invaluable contribution” that sports clubs make to the heart of community life in Ireland, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, congratulated the Marble City club. “Special to us, and the purpose for which our Texaco Support for Sport initiative was introduced, is the opportunity it presents to ease the financial pressure on members by providing new and additional funding so

often required to help clubs achieve their objectives and play a pivotal and positive role in their communities,” he said. Marble City Boxing Club caters for individuals from all backgrounds, striving to foster an environment in which members can grow and channel their energies in a positive manner. In 2019, the Club was awarded the ‘Best Boxing Club in Leinster’ title, based on the amount of champions it produced in a single championship.

Year-long festival will honour St Lachtain THE community of the parish of Freshford will commemorate the 1,400th anniversary of their patron saint, Lachtain, with a year long festival of events beginning on Saturday, March 19. The festival will celebrate the Millennium Quater Centenary (MQC) and more than 1,400 years of worship on

the site of St Lachtain’s Church of Ireland. The parishioners will gather at 3pm. on Saturday in St Lachtain’s Church of Ireland for a religious service entitled ‘Celebrating Our Shared Christian Heritage’. After the opening of the service, which has been devised by Monsignor Kieron

Kennedy,PP and Canon Richard Marsh of the Church of Ireland, there will be a procession to St. Lachtain’s Roman Catholic Church where it will conclude. Both Bishops of Ossory will attend. Bishop Nulty, acting Bishop of Ossory, will preach at the Church of Ireland and Bish-

op Burrows will preach at the Roman Catholic Church. There will be a reception afterwards at Freshford Community Hall. Events in April include a War of Independence Commemoration on Easter Sunday and Kilkenny Fleadh Cheoil in Freshford on April 23/24. Great days ahead...

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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News

Top tips & fabulous fashion at The Cheltenham Preview evening at Red Mills What: Cheltenham Preview Evening at the Red Mills Store Where: Red Mills Store, Cillin Hill, Kilkenny Who: KCLR’s Sue Nunn & Matt O’Keefe with panelists Jane Mangan, Paul Hennessy, David Mullins and Eddie Scally. AVID racing fans and punters hoping for some insider tips gather at the Red Mills Store in Cillin Hill last Thursday to

represented across the pond next week with locally trained horses including Heaven Help Us (Paul Hennessy), Put The Kettle On (Henry de Bromhead), Winter Fog (Emmet Mullins), and the

highly rated Sir Gerhard and Dysart Dynamo for last year’s Cheltenham Leading Trainer, Willie Mullins. Guests on the evening also enjoyed a look at the latest ladies and mens fashions from

welcome a panel of experts for an evening of punditry ahead of this week’s Cheltenham Festival. KCLR presenters Sue Nunn & Matt O’Keefe chaired the proceedings for an outside broadcast, joined by RTE, ITV & Racing TV broadcaster Jane Mangan, local Cheltenham winning trainer Paul Hennessy former jockey David Mullins, and Gowran Park manager Eddie Scally. The panelists offer their own unique insight into what preparations are involved for the equine and human athletes heading over to the biggest National Hunt festival of the year, and discussed Ireland’s chances as our trainers, jockeys and horses including Honeysuckle, Sir Gerhard, Dysart Dynamo come head to head with our British counterparts in what’s sure to be a thrilling week of unmissable sporting action. Kilkenny will be well

the Red Mills Store, and the new look Red Mills Café which boosts additional seating space and an exciting menu in partnership with celebrated local eatery La Rivista. Whether you’re looking to have a flutter for the week that’s in it, or you want to brush up on your racing knowledge, there’s tips and stories a plenty throughout, and you can listen back now on kclr96fm.com.” Enquiries to: Ailish Durkin at Red Mills – Ailish.durkin@redmills.ie

Rolling with the Roses at KBowl

Back row : Aoife Kearns, Avril Collins, Caoimhe Carrigan, Clodagh Cassin, Stephanie Lennon, Laura Reynolds, Laura Whelan and Leah Dowling Front row : Elena (KBowl) Emma Kate O Dwyer and Sadhbh Berry .

KBOWL Kilkenny hosted some of this year’s Kilkenny Rose Hopefuls last Saturday, for an evening full of fun, chats, and plenty of Bowling . It is one of a few of our annual gatherings that the

Kilkenny Rose Team, together with MacDonagh Junction and the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel organise for the girls interested in going forward to become the Kilkenny Rose 2022. It’s a fun journey and we

are still accepting applications from other girls out there who are thinking about joining us. So, don’t delay and apply today on www. roseoftralee.ie/apply or contact Kilkenny Rose on social media.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Kilkenny Business Awards 2021

Sarah Dowd, Sarah Lawlor and Ciara Lawlor

ilkenny’s Business of the Year was unveiled at the Kilkenny Business Awards 2021, held this evening, Saturday 12th March, at the Conference Centre at Lyrath Estate Hotel. (The event was postponed from November due to Covid concern) Dore Optometrist Independent Opticians in Kilkenny for over 30 years. Family run, personalised service with state of the art equipment, specialising in beautiful eyewear! There were 450 local business people at the black tie event. 18 category winners, the Presidents Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and then the overall Kilkenny Business of the Year. The evening began with a Champagne reception, four course dinner and dancing. Music was by The Party Girls.

12. Hospitality Excellence Award Mount Juliet Estate

Full list of winners below:

President’s Award Anna O’Sullivan of Butler Gallery

1. Best Business Pivot of the Pandemic Award CF Pharma

13. Innovation in Business Award Loanitt 14. Investment in Skills Training & Development Award Mint MediSpa 15. Retailer of the Year Award Lily Rose Boutique 16. Small Business of the Year Award Rafter Gastropub 17. Social Media & Digital Marketing Excellence Award Newpark Hotel

2. Craft & Design Award K Kajoux Jewels 3. Culture Heritage and Tourism Award Shenanigans Walks

Overall Business of the Year Award Dore Optometrist

4. Customer Service Excellence Award UPMC Aut Even

Some special guests: • Minister for State for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, who gave an address. • Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Fidelis Doherty • Mayor of Kilkenny, Councillor Andrew McGuinness • Australian Ambassador to Ireland, Gary Gray

6. Employee of the Year Award CF Pharma (Sarah Deegan) 7. Employer of the Year Award Hibernian Hotel 8. Environmental Excellence Award Value Centre 9. Exporter of the Year Award Modubuild 10. Family Business Award Dore Optometrist 11. Food and Drink Producer Award The Fig Tree

The Flaherty family and Paddy Delaney

Dore Optom KilkennyBus

All pix: Danny Lahart

18. Technology and eCommerce Excellence Award UPMC Global Technology

Lifetime Achievement Award Xavier McAuliffe who built Lyrath Estate

5. Emerging New Business Award Dialize Clothing

Tecki and Edmond Brett with Noreen and Pat Fitzgerald

Terry Clune was also attending on behalf of the main event sponsors TransferMate. The charity partner was Amber Women’s Refuge. A sum of €4,685 was raised in aid of the charity| www. amberwomensrefuge.ie The 2022 Kilkenny Business Awards will take place on November 19th, at Lyrath Estate Hotel. For more information visit www. kilkennychamber.ie

Robin Maher, Ria Delaney, Gary Condren and Keith Ryan

The Healy Family

Miriam Lloyd, Elizabeth Cuddihy, Annalese Duffy and Antonia McCluskey

Gary Condron, Ollie Walsh and William Murphy

Cllr Martin Brett, Mayor Andrew Mcguinnes, Daithi de Roiche, TD John McGuiness and Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick

John Hurlwy, Cinty Cleere and Paschal Bergin

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Kilkenny Business Awards 2021

Sharon Quinn, Aidan Quinn, Conor Walsh, Kerri Anne Walsh, Tracey Daly, Caoimhe Quinn and Shane Gallagher

Roisin Terry, Alison Muldowney, Lisa Beehan, Daniel Cleary, Keith Doyle, Kevin Dollard

etrist wins iness of the Year 2021

Brenda Rowan, Richard Dore, founder of Dore Optometrist, Terry Clune of TransferMate (main sponsors of The Kilkenny Business Awards), Richie Dore, Kay Fitzpatrick, Lauren Beehan and Gráinne Burke.

Patricia, Lucinda and Bernard Flaherty

Staff from Fig tree with owners Thomas and Helen Clarke

Margaret Egan, Tom O’Connor, Melanie Seed, Jim Hayden, Mags Whitely and Chris Egan

Pat Brennan, Colin Ahern and David Cahill

John, Caroline and Sean Duggan, Hawkeye Falcolnery

Mary Graham, Sarah Moore and Jean Murphy representing Amber Womens refuge

Paul Mahon and Zoe Mahon Wong

Sinead Gibbons and Rob Fanning from Rothe house

Valerie O’Sullivan and Angela Hayes

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Picture special Johnny and Claire Delaney

Matty Donnelly

Donnacha Ryan

Jimmy Delaney with his dogs Misty and Milo

Suzanne and Blanthnaid Ryan

Kathy Connolly and her dog Rosie

About Out &

WITH

Danny Lahart

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Picture special Dermot and Diarmuid Ryan Maureen O’Hara, Simon, Toni and Daniel Kiersey

Kevin Bruce

Roberta and her dog George

Colin and Michelle Carew

Gareth Hanlon

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

The Kilkenny

Observer Lorna Fletcher of the Kilkenny Observer with Cois Nore Manager, Mary Dolan. The 5K for Cois Nore will be taking place this Friday, 18th March, in the Castle Park. Registration is available online via coisnore.ie/5k and in person on the day

The Kilkenny Observer, together with our advertisers have teamed up with Cois Nore to raise funds for Kilkenny’s Cancer Support centre Cois Nore – Kilkenny’s Cancer Support Centre – a local service for local people

ois Nore is Kilkenny’s Cancer Support centre, which provides free confidential support and both professional and voluntary services to people of all ages affected by cancer and their families to enable them to live well with their diagnosis. According to Bill Cuddihy, Chairperson at Cois Nore “The Board, management and staff, and volunteers of Cois Nore are determined to develop a responsive well governed charity, fully adhering to best practice and subscribing to the highest standards of probity and transparency. And the people of Kilkenny can be

confident that their generosity will be matched by Cois Nore’s ambition to provide high standard local services to local people. We recently adopted its Strategic Plan for 2022-2024, setting out objectives and goals to support this ambition” Centre Manager, Mary Dolan advised “Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre offers a range of practical, emotional and therapeutic supports to people with a diagnosis of cancer and to their families including children and young people. Our main objective is to create a safe and confidential setting where our professional staff members and trained volunteers can provide compassionate,

practical and emotional support. Our service covers all areas of Kilkenny city and county, and all services are provided free of charge.”. Services include counselling, lymphoedema massage, reflexology, group supports and activities. Services are available free of charge to people across a broad demographic spectrum. The real Cois Nore heroes are the ‘Link’ volunteers -a dedicated group who act as the link between the Cois Nore client and the appropriate services. Cois Nore also works with many community groups, businesses and individuals across Kilkenny on fundraising initiatives who all volunteer their time generously.

Examples of groups who volunteer their time to fundraise for Cois Nore include the Kells Kings Cycle group who hold a well-attended annual cycle (pre Covid) to fundraise for Cois Nore, the Nore Dragon Paddlers and Kilkenny City Harriers who are providing valuable support and guidance as Cois Nore holds their first 5K event on 18th March. The animation studio Cartoon Saloon have also partnered with Cois Nore in a voluntary capacity producing a unique range of designs for Cois Nore’s Christmas Cards and 5K T-shirts. Before Covid, Cois Nore relied entirely on fundraising activity for its income so we could not operate without

the volunteer effort of many groups and individuals across the county who fundraise for us. Since Covid we have been fortunate to have the support of government grants as well as volunteer led remote fundraising initiatives. Covid 19 has been very challenging for Cois Nore. As our income was derived significantly from fundraising (supplemented by small once off grants) the cancellation of fundraising events was devastating. But it was also an opportunity to regroup and review our operation. We availed of the funding grants offered by government and philanthropic organisations, and this has been invaluable in

helping Cois Nore to ‘get back on its feet’. In 2022, as the country opens up again Cois Nore will look forward to renewing its fundraising activities, with several big events planned for the year including the weeks 5K for Cois Nore, the Kells’ Kings cycle in August and a Camino walk in October. Other long missed services have also made a return, the most recent of which is their drop-in service. To allow for more space the Cois Nore drop-in service will take place in St. Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall, Butt’s Green, Kilkenny. Starting on Monday 21st, this service will be available every Monday from 2pm to 4pm.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Businesses Support Local Charity

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Businesses Support Local Charity

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Businesses Support Local Charity

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Businesses Support Local Charity

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Businesses Support Local Charity

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Businesses Support Local Charity

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Feature

Cois Céim in association with The Kilkenny Saturday Walkers group, take a look at St Patrick’s Day in 1903 when James O Mara an Irish politician successfully introduced a Bill that made it an official public holiday. Up to this date St Patricks Day was celebrated on the Sunday following March 17th.

Saint Patricks Day 1903 in Kilkenny

Capt. Otway Cuffe

Ellen Countess of Desart

A more recent photo of St Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny with Clogh native Willie Joe Meally adding to the spirit of the day

St Canice’s Boys Club P.R.O. , Billy O’Sullivan leads the Kilkenny Men’s Association in the great St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York city in 1983.

BANK holidays or public holidays as they became more commonly known were first introduced in 1871 by Westminster, but St Patricks day was not observed as a bank holiday until 1903 when James O Mara an Irish politician successfully introduced a Bill that made it an official public holiday. Up to this date St Patricks Day was celebrated on the Sunday following March 17th. With the introduction of the new holiday, the local branch of the Gaelic League led by Captain Otway Cuffe called on the Corporation to hold a public meeting and make arrangements to celebrate the feast day in a proper manner. A proposal was put forward appealing to the citizens to henceforth keep St Patricks Day as a National Holiday. All present signified their intention of closing their establishments and promises were made on behalf of several Clubs that their bars would be

St Patricks Band (1900 )gave a recital on the Parade which was most enjoyed by the public.

shut. The local papers reported of the great celebrations in Kilkenny to mark the beginning of a new era and of the splendid and imposing procession. Many of the streets were decorated with triumphal arches bearing scrolls lettered with appropriate mottoes, whilst houses along the proces-

sional route displayed banners of a patriotic and religious nature. The processionists assembled from 1.00.p m at St John’s Place and were led by the Mayor Patrick Hoyne who was attended by the sword and mace bearers. The four city parishes Confraternities were represented and carried banners of

St Patrick, and the Holy Family. The various city bands (five in number) took part followed by the city clergy. The parade wended its way through John St., Patrick St. Ormonde Road, Patrick St., High St Irish Town, Dean St., Black mill St. thence St Marys Cathedral where the Bishop of Ossory Abraham Brownrigg

presided accompanied by the professors and students of St Kieran’s College. Faith of our Fathers being sung by the sections of the Confraternities as they entered the Cathedral. Fr. Clifford of the Black Abbey delivered an eloquent sermon, after which the congregation rendered the hymn “Hail Glorious St Patrick”, the Bishop then gave Benediction. The function concluded with the hymn “The Church.” Later that evening St Patricks Band gave a recital on the Parade which was most enjoyed by the public, the music was so attractive young people danced, to the delight of onlookers. Kilkenny Theatre under the auspices of the local Gymnastic Club hosted a great gymnastics contest for a Silver Challenge Belt and Gold Medal presented by Ellen Countess of Desart, Gold and Silver medals were also

presented by Capt. Otway Cuffe. After the results were announced and presentations made the evening concluded with Irish reels and jigs The organisers proposed donating one fourth of the profits to the Irish Language Committee. So the first St Patricks Day bank holiday (1903) came to a close with the Gaelic League been complimented on initiating the vigorous canvas to have clubs and public houses closed, which gave sobriety, and a due sense of National honour. Douglas De Hide remarked at a meeting in the Rotunda in Dublin “there was not a drunken man to be seen in Dublin City” The Kilkenny Journal claimed the same could be said of our city. Indeed fifty eight years would pass (1961) before the bars could legally open for St Patricks Day and the citizens wet or drown the Shamrock.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Prep: 5 mins Cook: 35 mins Serves: 2

7 champagne cocktails you can make in minutes

Nestle leeks, potato and capers around salmon fillets to make this easy traybake for two. It’s great as an midweek meal, or for a more romantic occasion.

WANT to posh-up your bubbly? Mix fab cocktails like Kir Royale or a twist on the Bellini – and you can use prosecco instead of champagne.

Ingredients • 250g baby potatoes , thickly sliced • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 leek , halved, washed and sliced • 1 garlic clove , crushed • 70ml double cream • 1 tbsp capers , plus extra to serve • 1 tbsp chives , plus extra to serve • 2 skinless salmon fillets • mixed rocket salad , to serve (optional

1. French 75 Prep: 5 mins Serves: 1 Pour 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp sugar syrup and 50ml gin into a cocktail shaker then fill up with ice. Shake well then strain into a champagne flute. Top with a little champagne, leave to settle (as it will bubble up) then fill up with more champagne. Swirl gently with a cocktail stirrer then garnish with a strip of lemon zest if you like.

Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Bring a medium pan of water to the boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 8 mins. Drain and leave to steam-dry in a colander for a few minutes. Toss the potatoes with ½ of the oil and plenty of seasoning in a baking tray. Put in the oven for 20 mins, tossing halfway through the cooking time.

2. Mango Bellini Prep: 10 mins Serves: 2 Peel and chop ½ a very ripe mango and put it into a blender with 100ml champagne, blend to a smooth purée then divide between 2 champagne flutes. Top with more chilled champagne, pouring it slowly to avoid overflowing, then serve.

Creamy salmon, leek and potato traybake

3. Mimosa Prep: 10 mins Serves: 1 Pour 25ml fresh clementine juice and 50ml fresh orange juice into a champagne flute. Top with 100ml chilled champagne and serve.

STEP 2 Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the leek and fry for 5 mins, or until beginning to soften. Stir through the garlic for 1 min, then add the cream, capers and 75ml hot water, then bring to the boil. Stir through the chives.

4. Sgroppino Prep: 5 mins Serves: 1 Put 2 tsp lemon sorbet into the bottom of a champagne flute. Pour over 1 tsp vodka then top with champagne.

STEP 3 Heat the grill to high. Pour the creamy leek mixture over the potatoes, then sit the salmon fillets on top. Grill for 7-8 mins, or until just cooked through. Serve topped with extra chives and capers and a salad on the side, if you like.

Jacket potato with whipped feta & sumac

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 75 mins Serves: 1 The perfect budget-friendly, filling supper for one. The fragrant, zesty flavour of sumac is a refreshing contrast to the creamy whipped feta. Ingredients • 1 baking potato • 2 tsp olive oil • ½ tsp garlic salt • 50g feta • 50g Greek yogurt • 1 roasted red peppers from a jar (about 25g), finely chopped • ½ tsp sumac • few basil leaves, to serve (optional)

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas 6. Prick the potato all over with a fork and bake for 1 hr until it is golden outside and soft inside. Mix 1 tsp olive oil with the garlic salt. Cut a deep cross into the top of the jacket, drizzle the garlic oil into the cross and rub it all over the outside. Return to the oven and bake for 15 mins more until the edges are golden and crispy. STEP 2 Meanwhile, crumble the feta into a bowl, add the yogurt and whisk together until creamy. Stir in the red pepper with a good grind of black pepper and spoon the whipped feta into the jacket. Sprinkle with the sumac, drizzle over the remaining 1 tsp olive oil and scatter a few torn basil leaves on top, if you like.

5. Aperitivo spritz Prep: 5 mins Serves: 1 Drop a few ice cubes into the bottom of a wine glass. Pour 50ml aperitif (such as Aperol or Campari) into the glass followed by 25ml sparkling water and then fill up the glass with champagne. 6. Champagne mojito Prep: 5 mins Serves: 1 Put a few ice cubes into a wine glass then hold 5 mint leaves in the palm of one hand and clap your other hand over it – this will bruise the leaves just enough without making them bitter. Drop the leaves into the glass then pour over 25ml rum, juice ½ lime, 1 tsp sugar syrup and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir very gently then slowly top with champagne. 7. Porter & champagne Prep: 5 mins Serves: 1 Half-fill a champagne flute with porter or a light stout then top up with chilled champagne.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Community & GAA Notes

on Saturday 12th March, representing Kilkenny CBS. Billy will now go forward to represent Ireland at the SIAB Cross Country International in Pembrey Country Park, Wales on Saturday 26th March. Hazel Coogan, Billy’s younger sister, representing Loreto Kilkenny finished in a very respectable 40th position in the Junior Girls competition at the same event. Great stuff lads!

BEREAVED The community of Clara were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death recently of Tony Pierce, Clifden, Clara, Kilkenny. Tony was born and reared in Clifden, living at the old Clifden Post office where his mother and father were Post Mistress and Post Master.He went to Clara National School and Kilkenny Vocational School. Tony worked for over 40 years for Brannigans PRL, Kilkenny. He also worked tirelessly for Clifden Group Water Scheme for over 30 years, volunteering his time to represent his community and ensure good water quality and supply for his neighbours and friends. His love of History, Formula 1 and Travel took him to many places around the world but Tony’s main loves were his family, his wife Olive and daughter Antonia-Ly and his little pet dog. Huge numbers attended Johnstons Funeral Home and the following day at St. Colmans Parish Church. Tony’s requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr. Willie Purcell and Fr. Jim Murphy with music provided by Bridget Nolan and Noreen Cooney. Tony will be sadly missed by his heartbroken wife and daughter, family, friends and neighbours. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. O.G. SENIOR HURLING Clara played their first game of 2022 on Sunday when they clashed with Camross of Laois in a keenly contested Leinster League fixture in Clara. On an understandably heavy pitch the two teams served up a decent contest, with the home side taking the victory by the minimum margin. 2-16 to 1-18 was how it finished. James Casey opened the scoring with a fine point and after a couple of bad wides Liam Ryan hit a blistering shot to the Camross net. Any illusions of an easy win were quickly dispelled however as Camross settled to get a few scores themselves, despite playing into a strong breeze. Clara then hit a bit of a purple patch and led 1-8 to 0-4 after 20 minutes. Then Camross scored an unanswered 1-2 to leave just two points in it. Clara responded well and claimed four of the last five points of the half. This put them 1-12 to 1-7 ahead at the break. Camross scored 5 of the first 6 points of the second half and had their tails up but a Conor O Shea free was then followed by the most crucial score of the game. Paul Cody gained possession about 40 yards from goal and after making a bit of ground, he went for goal when a point seemed the safest option. He was rewarded for his courage when the top corner of the net shook, and suddenly the lead was back to five. This score just about gave them the breathing space to scrape home, as Camross scored six of the last eight points to come up agonisingly short at the finish. Best for the winners were Jack and David Langton and Shane Staunton in defence and Martin O Connell, Paul Cody and Liam Ryan up front. Team - Kevin Nolan, Paddy Ryan, Jack Langton, Tom Ryan. James Casey 0-1, David Langton 0-1f, Shane Staunton. James Nolan, Conor O Shea 0-4f. Jason Byrne, Martin O Connell 0-5, Paul Cody 1-1. Peter Nolan, Joe Connolly, Liam Ryan 1-4. Subs used Killian Phelan, Ciarán Prendergast, Dara Glynn, Alan Coleman, Evan Whearty. FOOTBALL POSTPONED The Clara/ Muckalee senior football league game which was to have been played on Friday in Muckalee had to be postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. A new date has yet to be confirmed. MINOR FOOTBALL The minor county semi final away to Tullogher also fell foul of the weather and will be refixed for another day. HANDBALL Well done to Rory Glynn who was part of a Kilkenny U16/17 team that claimed Leinster honours on Friday night in Garryhill, Co. Carlow. Rory and his partner Luke Hanrahan, also of O Loughlins handball club, won their two games 15-6, 15-14 to help overcome a slight Wexford advantage after the first couple of games. Ronan O Brien and Evan Doyle of Windgap, and Éanna O Keeffe were the other team members. The team was managed by Frank Manogue and John Morrissey, both of O Loughlins. ATHLETICS Congratulations to Billy Coogan who finished 9th in the Intermediate Schools Cross Country National finals in Belfast

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of the Club Lotto (Mar 8th).The numbers drawn were 3, 6, 7, 23 and the bonus number was 13. Nior bhuaigh eínne an chrannchur cumann anocht (Márta 8). Na úimhreacha a bhi tóghta amach ná 3, 6, 7, 23 agus an uimhir breise 13 Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,800 (March 15). www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: Pat Cody c/o Mary Cody. Nuala Bryan c/o Dan Driscoll Noel Hickey c/o Brian Murphy. PJ Delaney c/o Alan Cullen. Neil Loy. Tricia Webster c/o Paddy Greene. Theresa Burke c/o JJ Cullen. Lisa Eyre c/o online Nigel Skehan c/o Online. Eimear Skehan c/o Online ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE O’Loughlin Gaels Juvenile Hurlers and Camogie players will take part in this Thursday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. All players and family wishing to take part with their coaches are to meet at Workhouse Lane, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre at 12:20pm. Please wear your club gear and sponsors jerseys. We’re looking forward to a great big O’Loughlin Gaels turnout to celebrate our national day together. All welcome. HANDBALL NEWS More success in Carlow for our Handballers with Kilkenny GAA Handball . The Kilkenny under 16/17 team won the Leinster final with O’Loughlin Gaels Handball members Rory Glynn and Luke Hanrahan on the team. Luke and Rory teamed up together and were behind going in to their games, but they stuck their shoulder to the wheel and won 15.14 15.8. They were absolutely brilliant. A big mention for the other members of the team too - Ronan O’Brien and Evan Doyle from Windgap and Eanna O’Keefe from Kilfane. Not in photo is Mikey Stynes of Talbots Inch Handball Club. Well done to all the boys and their mentors John Morrissey & Frank Manogue both representing O’Loughlin Gaels Handball. Testimony to the huge work going on at O’Loughlin Gaels Handball. Also on Saturday O’Loughlins u15 player Daniel McCormack was part of Kilkenny GAA Handball team that beat Laois in the Leinster final at the u14/u15 40x20. Just reward for some great work at O’Loughlin Gaels Handball. CLIMB WITH CHARLIE In collaboration with the upcoming Climb With Charlie , a group of 9 local people including our own Cllr. Joe Malone , DJ Carey and 7 others are climbing Cross Mountain Medjuorge Bosnia on the 2nd of April for IMNDA and Pieta House. In preparation on Sat the 19th of March at 11am at the Hurlers Statue Canal Square a walk will take place down the Canal up onto the Bennettsbridge road at Black Quarry and finish at the front gate of the Castle. All are welcome to attend and donate on line at Climbwithcharlie.ie through the Joe Malone Group. On March 19th Charlie Bird will be joining and leading the walk along with his wife Claire and dog Tiger, as well as Newstalk Presenter Kieran Cuddihy, Rte Star Baz Ashmawy, Joey Holden former Kilkenny Hurler and others. https://www.idonate.ie/ event/3317_climb-with-charlie.html CLODAGH AND AVA ARE CHAMPIONS Congratulations to camogie players Clodagh O’Callaghan and Ava Butler who have had success in sport last weekend with their school teams. Clodagh picked up an All-Ireland Cross Country Winners medal while Ava’s team won a Leinster Schools Final in Badminton. Both girls are with Presentation Secondary School. MICKEY O’NEILL It is with great sadness we report the peaceful passing of Mickey O’Neill, one of O’Loughlins finest. Our sympathies to Mickey’s wife Margaret, and children Shane, Corey and Sarah, the O’Neill family and the O’’Loughlin Road community. May Mickey Rest in Peace Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís FEILE LACHTAIN 2022 History will be made in Freshford on Saturday next 19th March when both Bishops of Ossory will attend the opening ceremony of Feile Lachtain 2022 . No record exists of a similar occasion in the past. The ceremony was devised by Monsgr. Kieron Kennedy PP and Canon Richard Marsh of the Church of Ireland. It will begin at St.Lachtains Church of Ireland at 3pm. After the introduction a procession will take place to St.Lachtains Roman Catholic Church where it will conclude. Bishop Nulty Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory will preach at the Church of Ireland which Bishop Burrows, Church of IRELAND Bishop of Ossory, will preach at the Roman Catholic Church. There will be an informal reception afterwards in Freshford Community Hall. Feile Lachtain 2022 will commemorate the 1400th anniversary of our Patron saint Lachtain. It will celebrate more than 1400 years of worship in the parish and

in particular on the site of St.Lachtains Church of Ireland. A series of events will run throughout the year. Information can be found on www.ionadlachtain.com and on Facebook and Instagram at Ionad Lachtain. All are welcome to attend Saturday’s ceremony and reception. IONAD LACHTAIN The Committee at Ionad Lachtain Heritage centre would like to aacknowledge work of Kilkenny County Council in complelting the railing and wheelchair access to the annex which houses the museum and craft shop. Thanks also to local Cllr. Michael McCarthy and the other local councillors for their support. NO MOBILE LIBRARY Another big loss to the village is the recent withdrawal of the mobile library. The service which was running every second or third Tuesday for the past number of years has now been withdrawn due to declining numbers. You can avail of other libraries or have special home delivery service if you wish by contacting Kilkenny County Library. BAPTISM Congrats to Michelle Bowden, Buncrussia Street, Freshford and her partner Mark whose baby daughter Pria was baptised at St.Lachtains Church last weekend. SQUASH The Masters Nationals was held in Fitzwilliam and Mount Pleasant Dublin last weekend. Two local men Pat Morrissey and Noel Walsh took part in the competitions. Pat beat Colin Travis Westwood 3-0 in the first game but lost out next day to Kevin Knox of Celtic Squash Club Waterford who went on to be the overall winner. Noel Walsh was 1-0 in his game against Ryan Crossman and was very unlucky to get injured and had to retire from the competition. Pat is off to Galway in April to represent Ireland in the Home Internationals. He would like to thank local businessman Damine Lennon THM on his generous sponsorship of the Over 40s Ireland team. Freshford Squash Club welcome new members anytime for squash and the gym. DEATHS The death took place last weekend of John Keoghan late of Lis Tullaroan. Although advanced in years his passing caused widespread shock and regret. Jack as he was known was widely known and respected in the area. His remains were removed to Tullaroan Church on Monday evening. Funeral mass took place on Tuesday morning followed by burial in Tullaroan Cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Agnes, sons Frank and daughters Catherine, Oonagh and Eithne, grandchildren, brothers, sister daughters in law, sons in law, nephews nieces and extended family to whom sincere sympathy is extended. The death also occurred last week at Tinnypark Nursing home of Mrs. Kathleen Dalton late of Sart Freshford. She was predeceased by by her husband Nicky. Her remains were removed form Kennedy funeral home to Tulla church on Thursday evening last. Funeral mass took place on Friday in Tulla Church followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. She is mourned by her sister Mary Rose, brother in law Kevin, sisters in law, nephews, and nieces to whom deepest sympathy is extended. COMMUNITY CAFE Freshford are to get a new Community Café. Work has commenced on the premises at Buncrussia Street Freshford and the volunteers are making great progress at present. The subcommittee are most grateful for the very generous donations of building materials from local families and businesses and greatly appreciate all the materials, time, labour, advice that has been given and they say that they are well on their way to having a fabulous community café by the community and for the community. SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side had another good win on Sunday afternoon last when they took on one of the table toppers Thomastown in a home league game. They finished convincing winners on a 5-0 scoreline. Scorers for Freshford were Shane Donnelly (2) Ml Kenny, Ml Burke and Niall Kenny. They have two games left to play and must win these two away games to win the league. In the schoolboys section the U13 boys took on river Rangers on Saturday at home and came out winners on a 2-0 scoreline with goals from Charlie Kavanagh and Jack Marnell The U17 boys were at home to Evergreen and the game finished level at 1-1. James Comerford scored for the home side The training sessions for U8s continue each Saturday morning (weather permitting) from 12noon to 1pm at the SPLIT THE POT The weekly split the pot draw started up again recently and

the lucky winner of €142 was Sonny O’Shea of Gathabawn. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. The draw is held each Wednesday and boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanaghs Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. This month’s proceeds are going to Freshford Community Café. The Committee would ask you to please support this fund raiser. DARTS The final of the A League took place on Friday night last in Connolly’s of Tullaroan when Kavanaghs took on the Valley. In the semi-finals Valley had beaten Farrells and Kavanghs beat Valley 2 to book their place in the final. The Valley came out winners on the night on a 5-3 score with Shane Pollard getting the player of the final. The final of the C League takes place on this Saturday evening at 8.30pm in Killeens when the Valley take on McGraths. COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford /Three castles Community Alert group hold their AGM on Friday 25th March at 7.30pm in Freshford Community Hall. All welcome to attend. WORKS Cllr Michael McCarthy welcomed the major improvement works that have taken place recently at St.Lachtains Church of Ireland in the village. The provision of a ramp and handrail will facilitate wheelchair access to the annex. This is a welcome development and will provide safety for all.The works are timely given the impeding important celebrations in 2022 to mark and commemorate the 1400th anniversary of the Patron saint Lachtain. Great credit is due to the Area Engineer and his staff for all their help Phase one of the macadam overlay on the Lisdowney to Lone road commenced last week also. MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie GAA St.Lachtains GAA Club will once again run an Easter Camp in April. The camp will run from Monday 11th April to Thursday 14th April at St.Lachtains GAA Grounds. from 10am to 2pm each day and will accommodate boys and girls from 6-13 years. Great fun is guaranteed with top quality coaches.The cost is €50 per child l(first 2 children per family)€40 for third child onwards.The camp can be booked online with link to book on St.Lachtains Facebook and Twitter pages. For more info you can contact Eoin on 087 6191381, Paugie on 087 9692153 or Michael on 085 1283075. The Clubs shop is open and 2022 range is soon to be uploaded onto the O’Neills club shop. Details can be found on St.Lachtains Social media pages or by O’Neills sportswear& searching for St.Lachtains Gaa. PARISH NEWS Attendance at indoor settings are now back to full capacity and attendance at Mass almost back to normal here to. Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. This year is the 1400 year celebration of St.Lachtain and it is fast approaching beginning with a special liturgical celebration at 3pm on March 19th when we will be joining with our Church of Ireland Brother and sisters on that special day. Further details will be published nearer to that date. The Stations of the Cross in the Church have now been completely refurbished. Help to complete this special project of restoration through donation or contriubution is more than welcome. You are also very welcome to sponsor a station either as a family or with a group The sum involved is €2,000 per station. NOTICES The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues

The victorious Kilkenny U16/17 Leinster Champions. Squad and management - L. to R. Frank Manogue, Rory Glynn, Luke Hanrahan, Evan Doyle, Ronan O Brien, Éanna O Keeffe, John Morrissey

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Community & GAA Notes and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish 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 PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be held from 9th to 13th May 2022 . Staying at the 4 star Hotel Astrid the trip costs €645 pps (single room supplement payable). Accompanied by spiritual director. Includes return direct flights from Dublin to Tarbes, coach transfers breakfast lunch and dinner each day, full religious programme, services of a Marian pilgrimage guide, mass daily and spiritual activities, all taxes and travel insurance. For more details contact C.Flynn on 089 4638769. 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 28434 2 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. DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Sunday last, March 13th the village of Dunnamaggin launched its five year plan a ‘Vision for Dunnamaggin’. The process took a year to complete because as Rosie from Workhouse Union says ‘community development is inclusive and collaborative and takes time to involve everyone and listen to and hear all voices. When there is a pandemic, it takes that little bit longer’. The end product with its recommendations has been worth the wait. ‘The plan itself is very real, implementable and sustainable’ said Declan Rice CEO of KLP. Local councillor Matt Doran agreed with Declan and pledged his support for the next stage – accessing funding for ‘Madges Garden’. Madges Garden will be a pocket park for the village that will have multiple uses - hosting monthly markets, a safe, accessible space for children to play and adults to gather, a sustainable pollen friendly garden and a reimagining of the sheds into an arts space for craft making and performance. None of the events we have run or the process of developing the Vision for Dunnamaggin would have been possible without the support of Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Kilkenny County Council. Most importantly it would not have been possible without the support of the community and the collaboration with local organisations including the GAA, Ladies Football and the Pat Walsh Committee. This Vision is a resource to be used by all of us to further the development of all the organisations within Dunnamaggin. March 27th 2022 the community gathering from 11.30am to 1pm will be a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning for Ukraine. Please come and support. April 17th - Easter Sunday our first market of the year will take place in Madges Garden alongside the Pat Walsh commemoration. KELLS HANDBALL CLUB U14/15 40x20 Team Leinster Champions. Well done to Timmy Corr and Daniel Hayes who were members of the victorious Kilkenny team who defeated Laois in the Leinster final. The other members were Padraig Egan (Windgap), Cian Doherty (Kilfane), Dan McCormack (O Loughlins) James Kenny (Talbots Inch) and Rian Dowling (Talbots Inch). Well done to all and best of luck in the All Ireland series. Well done also to Shauna Hayes and Conor Manogue who last Saturday won all their games in the Leinster Cuman na mBunscol. Shauna won the Girls U13 Singles representing Dunnamaggin N.S and Conor won the Boys U13 Singles representing Gaelscoil. They now move forward to represent Leinster in the National series. DUNNAMAGGIN GAA Medal Presentation Dunnamaggin GAA were finally able to hold two well overdue medal presentations on Saturday Night last, now that Covid restrictions have been lifted. The first was held in St.Leonard’s Hall Dunnamaggin where the U15 team were presented with their Roinn B Hurling Championship and Feile Division 1 Shield winner’s medals from last year. Next up were the Minor team from 2020 who were presented with their Roinn B Championship winners medals. Thanks to Michael Cody for presenting the medals and to all who provided and helped with refreshments on the night. Next up it was the turn of two adult teams to receive their medals in Townsends. The first up were well overdue when the U19 team from 2019 were presented with their Hurling League winners medals. Next up were the Victorious Junior F team who made history last year when the club fielded a third adult team for the first time. Huge credit is due to this group of players and their management team who fulfilled every fixture even when numbers were tight and got the ultimate prize when they were

Dunnamaggin U15B Champions and Division 1 Feile Shield Champions 2021 crowned champions in a cracking game against Piltown last year in Hugginstown. LOCAL LOTTO RESULTS Draw on 7th March 2022. Winning Numbers : 4,8,36. No Winner. Results for Draw for 5 x €30. Alfie b ( Olive Buckley ),Orla Buckley ( Olive Buckley ),Cathal Buckley ( Olive Buckley )Ann Marie Mullins ( Aidan Farrell ),Gwen Walsh ( Aidan Farrell). Jackpot next week Monday March 14th €6,100. Venue Delaney’s Bar Kells at 9pm. All welcome. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE We have lots happening in the centre at the moment. Lots of new volunteer roles on our database. Irish Cancer Society - Daffodil Day March 25th - Volunteers needed to help fundraise. Callan Community First Responders are looking for volunteers in the local area to train and respond to emergency call outs. Kilkenny Community Early Years project would love to invite new Board /Trustees to volunteer. Fr. McGrath Centre in Kilkenny would love the help of a Social Media and communications Volunteer to help reinvigorate their website or online presense to support their activities St Vincent de Paul are recruiting new Home Visitor Volunteers to support the work that they are doing with local families. The Mill Centre in Urlingford would love the support of a Volunteer Receptionist volunteer. POWERS DRAPERY CALLAN – OPEN CALL Róisin Power Hackett, a visual artist and granddaughter of Seamus and Della Power from Power’s Drapery Shop, Callan, is looking for your help. She is looking for stories and memories about visits to Power’s Drapery shop from people who are or were locally based with the intention of hosting an event in April when the stories will be performed. Email Róisin at roisin_ ph@hotmail.com or call 0851273346. Deadline for submissions is 31st March. HIVE MIND FREE courses that build digital resilience Hive Mind has created valuable online self-paced courses designed to help us build our digital resilience. Designed with community and voluntary organisations in mind, they improve our critical thinking skills, deepen our understanding of mechanisms behind disinformation and show us how to take control of our exposure online. They teach us ways of using technology to create positive change. Courses can be completed in one hour or less and are free of charge. Some of their available programmes are: Digital Campaigning Basics- covers core elements of a ‘peoplepowered’ campaign – a tool for mobilizing mass audiences to support your causes. Learn practical tools to create your own campaigns. Open Data for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) – this course equips civil society practitioners with knowledge and skills for data analysis, creating data-based digital campaigns, and bringing about a positive social change. Registration at https://en.hive-mind.community/trainings DON’T MOW- LET IT GROW Don’t Mow – Let it Grow (and save petrol!). A gentle reminder to reduce the number of times you mow your lawn this year. Not only will you save money, and help climate action, you’ll also help our bees, butterflies and other insects which need the nectar from native wildflowers like clover, birdsfoot trefoil and dandelions that grow in our lawns. To find out more contact the Heritage Office BURSARY SCHEME New Bursary Scheme for the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2022/2023. The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, recently announced a new bursary scheme, in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries. The objective of the bursary scheme is to encourage new local research and local history studies, and a meaningful examination of local, regional, and national events during the Struggle for Independence and Civil War period. Further information/bursary criteria at https://www.ria.ie/decade-centenaries-bursary. Closing date for receipt of applications 5.30pm Wednesday, 27th April 2022. GOWRAN PARISH Gowran Mass on St Patrick’s Day is at 10am.

Following approaches about a collection and a meeting of a few parishioners an envelope collection for Ukraine will take place at the church door on 19th and 20th March in Gowran and Dungarvan. The collection will remain open until Sunday, 3rd April. This weekend Ukraine Donation envelopes will be on the church pews this Saturday and Sunday and in both Gowran Pharmacy and Gowran Filling Station and there will be ones available on the church newsletter table. The total collection will be sent to the Irish Red Cross for their services to the Ukraine people. YOUNG IRELANDS CAMOGIE CLUB A Buffet and Boogie will take place on Saturday, 2nd April 2022 at 7pm in Gowran Park. Buffet and Boogie is the long overdue opportunity to have a club social event with friends, neighbours and teammates. In what promises to be a great evening, please come along for a night of great company, live music and a buffet meal. Tickets can be bought online, at Gowran Pharmacy, Hennessy’s or any committee member. THE KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival. ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED The festival is taking place on Sunday, 21st August. All acts will be announced in the coming weeks. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Lots of new volunteer roles available on their database. To find out more you can email on info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 089 2584946. Irish Cancer Society - Daffodil Day March 25th - Volunteers needed to help fundraise. Callan Community First Responders are looking for volunteers in the local area to train and respond to emergency call outs. Kilkenny Community Early Years project would love to invite new Board /Trustees to volunteer. Fr. McGrath Centre in Kilkenny would love the help of a social media and communications Volunteer to help reinvigorate their website or online presence to support their activities St Vincent de Paul are recruiting new Home Visitor Volunteers to support the work that they are doing with local families. The Mill Centre in Urlingford would love the support of a Volunteer Receptionist volunteer. SPORTS ROUND-UP WITH MICHAEL O’LEARY YOUNG IRELANDS STRONGLY REPRESENTED IN ST’ KIERAN’S SEARCH FOR ALL IRELAND GLORY. Very best wishes to the Young Irelands contingent involved in St. Kierans Colleges attempt to win the All-Ireland Senior Colleges Roinn A Hurling Final (St. Patricks Day) in Croke Park against Ardscoil Ris of Limerick. Tommy Phelan, Patrick Langton, Killian Carey, Padraig Naddy and Jimmy Lennon are all part of the St. Kieran’s Panel, while Michael Walsh is part of the management Team. Throw-in in Croke Park is at 4pm. CAREY AND CO LOOK TO BOOK CATS LEAGUE SEMI SPOT. Best Wishes to Michael Carey and the Kilkenny Seniors as they go in search of a League Semi-Final spot on Sunday Afternoon against near neighbours Waterford. A win would guarantee Kilkenny a Semi-Final spot, while the Deise are effectively already guaranteed their Semi-Final place. Throw-in in Nowlan Park is at 1.45pm. CAMOGIE GIRLS NARROWLY MISS OUT ON LEAGUE FINAL The Kilkenny Camogie girls narrowly missed out on a League Final place on scoring difference, as their League clash in Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork ended in a draw, 1-8 each. The Fitzgerald Sisters Steffi and Tiffany started once again for Kilkenny with Ciara O’Keeffe also part of the Matchday Squad, while Pat O’Neill is part of the Management Team. Cork go through to League Final as Group Winners on virtue of superior scoring difference. Meanwhile, Loreto Kilkenny’s All-Ireland Junior Camogie Final Replay against Ursuline Thurles scheduled (featuring the three Young Irelands players) was called off due to the Johnstown pitch being waterlogged following heavy torrential rain. U-19 AND U-21 DRAWS The U-19 and U-21 Draws for 2022 were made as Young Irelands know their opponents for the year in both competitions. In the U-19 Grade, Young Irelands have been drawn with Graigue-Bal-

lycallan, Piltown and Rower-Inistioge in the League, while in the Championship they have been drawn away to Rower-Inistioge. Meanwhile, the U-21s have been drawn at home to Lisdowney in the Championship Quarter-Final in a repeat of last December’s County Semi-Final in which Lisdowney won. Dates for those competitions will be confirmed at further notice. MINOR FOOT BALLERS LOSE OUT AFTER GALLANT DISPLAY. The Minor Footballers put up a valiant display before losing out 3-11 to 2-8 against St. Martins in Muckalee last Monday night week in the County Minor Roinn A Football Semi-Final. In retrospective, it proved to be a very good performance as St. Martins went on to win the County Final last Sunday morning 5-8 to 1-11 against a strongly fancied Dicksboro Team. Meanwhile, the Young Irelands U-13 Footballers are scheduled to host Dicksboro in the County Roinn A Semi-Final next Sunday Morning at 10.30am. PRIMARY SCHOOLS HURLING For the first time since 2019, Primary Schools Competitions will take place which will be a wonderful sight to see after such a long absence and Gowran National School will be busy in the weeks ahead. Gowran are at home to Danesfort at 3.30pm and in subsequent weeks they will be away to Gaelscoil Osrai next Wednesday 23rd March and also away to St. Patricks De Salle on Wednesday 6th April. Following the Easter Break, Gowran will be at home to Clara on Wednesday 27th April and they will conclude the Group phase with another home match against Scoil McCauley Rice National on Wednesday 11th May. Very Best Wishes to Gowran National School in the weeks ahead. GOWRAN MAN MASTERMINDS CARLOW MINORS TO COMPREHENSIVE VICTORY Gowran Man Alan Roche is managing the Carlow Minor Hurlers this year and last Saturday they recorded a comprehensive victory against Derry winning 3-22 to 1-7 in Abbotstown, Dublin. Next up is a trip to Pairc Tailteann, Navan to take on Meath on March 26th at 2pm. RICHIE HOGAN AND MICHAEL RICE EASTER HURLING CAMP 2022 The Richie Hogan and Michael Rice Easter Hurling Camp takes place in St. Kierans College during the Mid-Term Break from Monday 11th April to Thursday 14th April from 10am to 1.30pm daily. Ages 6-13, with Cost Price €55, with 2nd and 3rd child in family €45 each. Check out Young Irelands Club Social Media Pages for further details and link regarding Application Form. CLUB LOTTO LOTTO Results March 11th. Nos: 21–7– 1– 31. Jackpot: €8,350– not won Draw Prizes – €50: Martin Shasby c/o Deirdre O’ Reilly. €25 each Cathal O’ Neill c/o onine €25 each Kay Walkin c/o Paddy Maher . €25 each Pat Kenny c/o Paddy Maher. Co op draw ticket John Kennedy . Promotors prize Tommy Hackett. New weeks draw €8,500 18th of March 2022 SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club are marching once again in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Meeting up at 12.45 pm outside of Padmore and Barnes car park entrance on Wolfe Tone Street. Parade starts at 1.30 pm from the top of John’s Street and finishing at the end of High Street. Children can be collected at the entrance to Dunnes Stores car park near the Courthouse behind Elvery’s at 2.15 pm. We are asking for as many as possible to attend. The Children get a great buzz marching around with their friend’s dressed in Dicksboro colours. If a Parent can March as well all the better. Thanks Dicksboro Juvenile Club. SENIOR FOOTHBALL Our Senior footballers had a great win over James Stephens on Saturday in Palmerstown. MINOR FOOTHBALL Our Minor footballers were beaten in the Minor A County Final v St Martins in Muckalee on Sunday morning. 5-08 to 1-11. Hard luck to our lads who battled very hard throughout. U13 FOOTHBALL Our u13 footballers had a great win over James Stephens on Sunday morning in James Park. Our B team lost against Railyard. CLUBHOUSE Palmerstown Clubhouse reoped. Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is reopened Thursday from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward . Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners cards table. We are offering a particular welcome to all of our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee and all the usuals. We look forward to seeing you all CLUB REGISTER 2022 We are delighted to announce that Registration for Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club for 2022 is now open. There are a number of ways for existing and new members to register with the club. Click on the link below (For existing members enter your e mail address to retrieve all details from last year’s registration process). Go to the membership page on Clubs App and sign up. https://dicksborogaa.com/membership_signup

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

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Camogie

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Littlewoods Ireland Camogie League Division 1 Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork Cork 1-8 Kilkenny 1-8 CONDITIONS were the winner on a horrible day on Leeside last Saturday, as Cork and Kilkenny played out a low scoring draw in the final group game of the Littlewoods Ireland League. Despite this being a league game, some of the tackling and challenges on display, were more akin to that of championship camogie, but that’s what you get when these two old foes clash. Going into the match at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Kilkenny knew that only victory would see them secure a league final berth on April 9th. The home side on the other hand, with a much superior scoring difference, knew that if they avoided defeat, that berth would be theirs. Brian Dowling made three changes to the team listed, with Aoife Doyle, Miriam Bambrick and Michelle Teehan drafted into the starting XV, in place of Katie Nolan, Laura Norris and Lydia Fitzpatrick. The stripey women had the wind advantage in the opening period as they attacked the city end of the ground. They got off to a fast start when Tullaroan’s Miriam Walsh burst through the Cork defence and was fouled, but with the ref’s advantage played on and slotted over a lovely point to open the scoring. Denise Gaule doubled her sides lead some 30 seconds later from the placed ball, after a high tackle on James Stephens club woman, Niamh Deely. This physical approach was a constant theme throughout the game, Davy Fitzgerald has certainly added that to the rebel camogs. Some scrappy play ensued for the next number of minutes, before Aghabullogue’s Cliona Healy popped over a free to register Cork’s first point of the day on 8 minutes. Shortly after this came a worrying moment for Kilkenny. Kellyann Doyle went down injured and had to be replaced by O’Loughlin’s Laura Murphy. Piltown’s Katie Power need rifled over a nice point from play on 13 minutes, to extend the visitors lead to 2 points, before the all-action Miriam Walsh did likewise just a minute later. The game was very scrappy, again due to a combination of the conditions and the ‘Davy’ influenced style that the home side were adopting. Matthew Twomey’s side then created a great chance for a goal. Some nice team play saw the ball played into Cliona Healy who head straight for the Kilkenny goal, only to be denied by an outstanding save from one of the best goalkeepers around, Piltown’s Aoife Norris. Cork were pulling most players back within their own half and trying to counter attack when they won the sliotar back. They hunted in two’s & three’s and put serious pressure on any Kilkenny player in possession. Their out-ball was normally into their No.14, Sorcha McCartan. The former Down player has been showing well since switching allegiances to the rebels. The daughter of former Down All-Ireland winner Greg McCartan, Sorcha is looking like a very useful addition to the Cork cause. CONTINUED....

Spoils shared in Pairc Ui Puddle draw Cork advance to league decider Michelle Teehan chased by Cliona Healy

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Camogie Grace Walsh tries to halt Amy O’Connor

Denise Gaule celebrates scoring the penalty

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Camogie ... CONTINUED

Another point from the placed ball by Ciona Healy reduced the arrears to 2 points, as both sides struggled to read the wind that was blowing a gale in the stadium. A great surging run from Aisling Thompson left Barrow Rangers Miriam Bambrick in her wake, and the Milford woman slotted over a lovely point for her county’s third point. Cork were crowding out the visitor’s midfield and making it very difficult for the opposition to build any momentum and in doing so, they restricted Kilkenny’s ability to use the wind advantage. Neither side registered a score between the 18th & 27th minutes, as both teams hit 2 wide’s each as many disjointed passages of play became the over-riding feature of the match. This period of scrappiness was broken when Lisdowney’s Claire Phelan struck a monster score from the Cork ‘65 line for what was to be Kilkenny’s final score of the opening half. The home side would also add just one more point, again from the hurl of Cliona Healy, again from the placed ball. Halftime score, Cork 0-4, Kilkenny 0-5. The second period would see Cork with the howling wind at their backs and only a 1-point deficit to claw back. The rebels would come out of the traps at speed once play resumed following the interval. Amy O’Connor, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, played a delightful ball in behind the Kilkenny full-back line. The alert Katrina Mackey ran beyond the defence and capitalised on some hesitation by Aoife Norris to fire the ball to the Kilkenny net. The leesider’s were now 2 points up in the blink of an argumentative Davy Fitz eye! Kilkenny were rocked. From the puck out, Cliona Healy picked up the ball and pointed for her first score from play. Brian Dowling’s team tried to mount an attack straight after, but this was broken up by some tigerish tackling by the Cork defence. The home side worked the ball from back to front quickly and when it arrived with Aisling Thompson, she duly fired it over for a well-worked score. From a point down, to four ahead, it was looking like a home victory was on the cards. The Cats got the chance to reduce the deficit, when Cork were harshly adjudged to have over-carried. Windgap’s Densie Gaule sent the free over the bar to make it a onescore game on 43 minutes. Kilkenny needed an injection of energy and pace, and sent on St Martin’s attacking star, Katie Nolan and Clara’s Mary O’Connell. Following some uncharacteristic misses from the placed ball by Denise Gaule, Katie Nolan stepped up to hit one on 50 minutes, and sent it over to make it a 2-point game. The Cork defence were struggling with the pace and direct style of both Nolan & O’Connell, and it would be these two players that combined on 52 minutes to give Kilkenny a lifeline. Katie picked the ball up and ran hard towards the Cork goal.

Having beaten a number of defenders, she passed to Mary O’Connell who was illegally halted en-route to goal, PENALTY! Denise Gaule stepped up and hit an unstoppable shot past Cork captain Amy Lee for a muchneeded goal. Brian Dowling’s charges were now 1-point ahead. Funny old game. Referee McDonagh from Galway the harshly blew-up Laura Murphy for overcarrying. Killeagh’s Chloe Sigerson duly fired over the free from some 45 metres out to level matters. Then came another horrible moment for

Niamh Deely bursts through the tackle

Matthew Twomey and Brian Dowling shake hands at the end of the game

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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Camogie

Katrina Mackey with Sarah Crowley in pursuit

Kilkenny. Tullaroan’s Grace Walsh appeared to pick up a nasty looking injury and was helped from the pitch, appearing to be in some discomfort. The dynamic duo of O’Connell & Nolan then combined again to cause panic in the Cork defence, before the latter was crudely stopped in her tracks. Denise Gaule fired over the free to send her side into a 1-point lead in additional time. Cork knew they needed a score to not only draw the game, but to secure a final berth. They drove at the Kilkenny defence and this ended with Douglas’s Katrina Mackey being fouled. A high pressure free. Step forward Chloe Sigerson who made no mistake and brought the sides level again. Aoife Norris restarted play, but the long whistle sounded moments later. The sides could not be separated. All square in the puddles of Pairc Ui Chaoimh. 1-8 apiece. Cork advance to the Littlewoods Ireland National League Final on April 9th. For Brian Dowling and Co. Championship preparations can well and truly begin.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Against the odds...Laura Murphy digs deep

1-8 would very rarely win you many matches. It would prove a costly low score as Brian Dowling’s team lost out on a league final place by virtue of scoring difference. The elements were always going to make last Saturday’s encounter more difficult. the water on the pitch, the howling strong wind, it was never going to be pretty. More worrying than the result, could be the injuries sustained by Kellyann Doyle and Grace Walsh. Brian Dowling will be hoping that both players will be fully recovered in time for championship camogie. For Kilkenny, the displays from Niamh Deely and Tiffany Fitzgerald will have been pleasing for the management team. The injection of pace and energy that Katie Nolan and Mary O’Connell provided when introduced during the second half, showed what a championship starting XV will have. Claire Phelan has the necessary attributes to be a dedicated sweeper, she reads the game extremely well & can talk those around her through the game. Miriam Walsh was proving a handful for the Cork defence, but she needed more players in and around her last week. Since Davy Fitzgerald linked up with Cork, once could foresee a more defensive structure, but it certainly won’t be as pleasing on the eye during Paudie Murray’s tenure. Cork needs to be careful that Davy’s involvement doesn’t undermine the manager’s reign or overshadow proceedings on the pitch. Plenty for the backroom team to work on as they ramp up preparations for this year’s championship. The tools are there, they just need to sharpen up and play like we know they can. Rest assured, this panel will be there or there abouts come the business end of the season.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

Motors Classifieds

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Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Mary Moynihan, hereby apply for Full Planning Permission to erect a new single storey extension to the side of my existing house at 26 Mayfield, Kells Road, Kilkenny R95C2PR The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Michael Condon MRIAI, Architect, MRC Design Ltd – 1 City Wall, James Street, Kilkenny Ph. 087 2032869

TO PUBLISH PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street Telephone: 056 7771463/086 2395370 Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

News

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022

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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. B.S

The Miracle Prayer

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.M

The Miracle Prayer

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

(never known to fail). O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. M.B

The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 18 March 2022