Kilkenny Observer 19th May 2023

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Refugees crisis grows The State’s handling of the refugee crisis amid warnings of an escalation in violent anti-immigration protests and continued accommodation shortages has led to bitter wrangling between Cabinet ministers.

The Equality Minister, Roderic O’Gorman has warned colleagues that TD, newly available accommodation for International Protection (IP) applicants would not avoid the ongoing situation that sees some refugees being forced to camp out on the streets as is

the case in Dublin city centre.

The Coalition is struggling to grapple with the refugee crisis following violent protests in Dublin and an ongoing blockade of accommodation in Inch, Co Clare.

Mr O’Gorman’s appeal for further support from colleagues encountered opposition from Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien at a Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, at the same meeting Justice Minister Simon Harris told of the serious concerns of Gardaí about the

potential for an escalation of far-right protests against those camping on city streets and against counter-demonstrations.

Mr Harris warned of the potential for demonstrations to turn “quite nasty” in the coming weeks with Gardaí having already policed more than 120 anti-immigration protests so far this year.

Mr O’Gorman told colleagues that, while accommodation becoming available in the next few weeks should reduce the number of unac-

commodated refugees substantially, his department would still need further housing solutions.

However, Housing Minister, Mr O’Brien said his department was providing some temporary accommodation at a time when it was already under pressure.

He raised the need to do more by way of the provision of pod accommodation for refugees, which is considered quicker to deliver than modular housing.

He also said that it had taken

a number of months to sort out lease arrangements with Mr O’Gorman’s department for accommodation that had been provided.

Mr O’Gorman’s comments were seen by those present as an effort by the Greens to implore Cabinet colleagues for further support on accommodation. The issue was raised

by Greens leader Eamon Ryan during ‘any other business’ at the end of the Cabinet meeting and the other senior Green minister, Catherine Martin, also spoke on the issue.

Diana Bura our young scientist

Kilkenny Flower Club’s Plant Sale and Coffee Morning will take place this Saturday, May 20 in Dunmore Community Hall, R95 NX08, from 10am. to 12pm. Admission is €5 and entitles you to tea/coffee and cake. It is a lovely way to spend a morning, meet friends, chat and treat yourself to something nice for your garden. The charity chosen this year is ‘As I Am’, Ireland’s national charity for autism.

Majority of workers want four-day week

PHOTO: Julien Behal

Combatting violence against our women

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Parliament for the Ireland South constituency who told The Kilkenny Observer: “This is an important step in the EU’s fight against domestic violence and violence against women.

“We are finally turning words into actions and strongly affirming that gender equality is at the very heart of

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Inflation is easing they say.

Consumer prices only rose by 0.5% month on month according to the figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the 19th straight month where the annual increase in the CPI has been at least 5.0%.

The CSO published the national average prices for April showing increases on basic foodstuffs – sugar up more than 35%, milk more than 20%, butter nearly 19% and eggs up 18% with the overall annual grocery bill up by €1,200 in the past year.

John Ellis Page 16

Plant a tree and eat some cake

Diana Bura, the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2016 winner, at the announcement that the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition returns to the RDS from January 10 to 13, 2024, and will celebrate 60 years of the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

The exhibition is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people on the island of Ireland, an all-encompassing celebration of science and technology under one roof.

BT Ireland, the communications services company, and the education charity, Young Scientist & Technology of the Year Limited (YSE ltd), have also announced that they have extended their partnership for a further three years through to 2026.

Applications will open in late August 2024.

Full story Page 4

A legally binding international instrument to combat violence against women and domestic violence, is one step closer after the European Parliament has voted to give its consent for the council to ratify the Istanbul Convention.

The vote has been welcomed by Deirdre Clune Member of the European

Prices worrying food for thought

our core European values.

“This decision will step up the protection of all victims and the prevention and prosecution of these horrendous crimes in an integrated manner in all EU Member States,” she said.

The Istanbul Convention entered into force on August 1, 2014, with Ireland signing

the convention in 2015 and ratifying it formally in 2019.

“One in three women in the EU has experienced physical and/or sexual violence – around 62 million women.

The Istanbul Convention is recognised as the most effective tool for combating gender-based violence, as it imposes concrete obligations.

“Yet, we have still some distance to travel. I now want to see the European Parliament adopt the directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, which will enshrine minimum standards in EU law for criminalising certain forms of gender-based violence,” MEP Clune concluded.

The majority of Irish workers want employers to introduce a four-day week, with many preferring a reduction in working hours to a hefty pay rise.

According to a survey from recruiter Robert Walters, 91pc of the 3,000 respondents, 1,000 of which were from Ireland, stated they would welcome the implementation of a fourday week. Almost half said this working model would grab their attention on a job description.

Full story Page 6

Safer road move A safer junction for residents exiting from Kilkenny’s Glendine Heights to the Ballyfoyle Road is in review. Having received several requests from local residents about safety concerns Cllr John Coonan has put forward a notice of motion for Kilkenny Municipal District to undertake an analysis of what measures can be put in place to ensure greater safety for road users.

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News The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition returns to the RDS from January 10 to 13, 2024, and will celebrate 60 years of the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. The exhibition is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people on the island of Ireland, an all-encompassing celebration of science and technology under one roof.

BT Ireland, the communications services company, and the education charity, Young Scientist & Technology of the Year Limited (YSE ltd), have also announced that they have extended their partnership for a further three years through to 2026. The threeyear sponsorship extension will see BT Ireland continue as custodian and organiser of the exhibition.

Applications for the 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition will open in late August 2024 and students from across the Ireland are encouraged to submit project proposals and be part of the country’s leading live STEM event.

Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland, said, “We’re extremely proud of our history with the exhibition and we are thrilled to be extending our partnership with the Young Scientist and Technology of the

The search for budding young scientists

Looking to the future: Diana Bura, BTYSTE 2016 Winner and Dr Tony Scott, BTYSTE Co-founder PHOTO: Julien Behal

Year for another three years.

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has

become part of our organisation’s DNA, with 200 of our colleagues volunteering

their time each January to help make the exhibition a success.

“The exhibition is much more than a competition, it is an unforgettable experi-

ence of a lifetime for the students who take part. We continue to see the positive impact the exhibition has on fostering young talent in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths in Ireland.”

UCD Professor Pat Guiry, Chair of YSE Ltd, said, “We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with BT Ireland which has helped the exhibition reach new heights, increasing engagement levels amongst students and the public and strengthening relationships with exhibition partners. They have introduced a science festival around the annual exhibition as well as extending the exhibition to primary school students through the Primary School Science Fair.”

Since 2001, the Primary Science Fair has been a core component of exhibition week. It encourages 3rd to 6th class primary school students to develop their interest in STEM in a noncompetitive environment.

The Primary Science Fair takes place on the Thursday and Friday of exhibition week at the RDS. The BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp has been a very successful initiative, which has been an extension programme of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for 14 years.

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News

Our kids top of the world in reading and maths Our 10- and 11-year-old children are holding their own among the best in the world when it comes to reading.

Ireland is part of a small set of high-achieving countries, as measured by the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (Pirls) of 2021.

Pirls is one of a number of reports showing that the overall performance of primary pupils

in reading and maths has remained stable in the face of school closures during Covid in 2020 and 2021.

Comparisons with the outcomes of a range of similar tests in 2014 and 2016 show no statistical differences in achievement levels between those years and 2021.

The five-yearly Pirls assessment covered 57 countries and

Our diet is a ‘disaster’ for our health and climate Our current food system is “like a slow-motion disaster” aiding premature death and disability, according to the Climate and Health Alliance which says our dietary habits need to change radically as part of an ambitious plan to protect public health and the environment.

In a new report, Fixing Food Together, the alliance outlines the consequences of how our food is produced and consumed. The paper’s lead author is Irish Heart Foundation dietitian Orna O’Brien.

The lobby group wants a special Cabinet sub-committee to oversee a food revolution. It views the farming industry as a key part of the solution.

It also warns that a lack of policies to shape a healthy food environment has caused ultra-processed foods and excessive red and processed meat to dominate the Irish diet at the expense of fruit, vegetables, plant protein and sustainable seafood.

“This is like a slow-motion disaster unfolding before our eyes,” said Tim Collins, chief executive of the Irish Heart Foundation.

“The global food system we have created can feed the world but has also made us heavier and sicker. It destroys wildlife, pollutes our rivers

and air and produces a third of our greenhouse gas emissions.

“In Ireland, we now have a disturbing over-consumptionunder-nutrition paradox.”

It recommends six key areas where Ireland needs to drive change. This includes ending the junk-food cycle and promoting transition away from over-consumption of processed foods to a more plantbased diet including beans, peas and lentils.

A reduction in food waste, improving agricultural practices and land use, and using a policy approach to cause behavioural change is also sought.

The report coincides with new Ipsos research, commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation, showing just one in five of us understand how large an impact reducing our intake of red and processed meat will have on greenhouse gases.

“Poor diet kills one in five people globally,” said Mr Collins. “We need to realise if we eat to maintain a healthy weight and not overeat, this reduces food waste and means we are not contributing to extra greenhouse gas emissions.

“It is no longer acceptable to chase economic gain at the expense of the environment.”

Mr Collins said.

included 4,663 pupils across 148 schools in Ireland.

Testing was originally scheduled in the northern hemisphere for spring 2021, but was disrupted by school closures.

While most pupils took it towards the end of fourth class, Ireland was among the countries where the assessment was delayed to the start of fifth class.

It meant that participants in Ireland were, on average, about six months older, aged about 11, than they would have been had they done it in the spring, which is likely to have given them some advantage.

Because of this, the Educational Research Centre (ERC), in Drumcondra, which oversees Pirls testing in Ireland,

urges caution in comparing performance between countries in 2021 and with regard to trends.

According to the ERC, pupils “probably performed better in autumn 2021 than they would have in spring 2021, although it is unlikely that the difference would have been extreme.”

The ERC also notes that children in Ireland spent a lot

of time reading during lockdown, which, it says “might explain their strong performance in Pirls”.

Of countries that tested at the end of fourth class, Singapore topped the table, with a score of 587, followed by Hong Kong at 573. Among those testing at the start of fifth class, Ireland led the way at 577, followed by Northern Ireland at 566.

it really helped to retain his identity,” she said.

‘Supporting The Alzheimer’s Greenway Challenge feels like I can give something back in a way.”

Three different route options are available on this challenge to suit everyone:

Denise to take Greenway challenge in memory of Dad

Online fitness & nutrition coach and Kilkenny native Denise Murphy is calling on people to support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Greenway Challenge fundraising campaign.

Sponsored by Payzone, the challenge takes place on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1 to raise funds for vital dementia supports and services. The challenge is also a good reason to get active this summer!

Denise Murphy’s father, Michael Shanahan, passed away in February after living with Young-Onset

Dementia (YOD). Mr Shanahan was diagnosed with the condition in 2013. Denis Murphy has teamed up with The ASI to help other families in Ireland impacted by the condition.

She said, “I know first-hand how vital The ASI’s services are; their support is a lifeline for families living with dementia.

“Dad received the most amazing care from staff at The ASI’s Kilkenny Day Care; he absolutely loved going there.

They offered so many activities; his favourite was the music sessions. Dad always loved singing and dancing;

The Challenge: • Features an option for everyone from walkers to experienced cyclists.

• Takes place along the picturesque Waterford Greenway in the Sunny South East.

• The Waterford Greenway Challenge kicks off at Dungarvan, through the foothills of the Comeragh mountains and along the River Suir to finish in Waterford city.

• Walk the Greenway over two days – June 30th and July 1st • Cycle from Dungarvan to Waterford in one day on July 1st (46km) • Cycle from Waterford to Dungarvan and back to Waterford in one day on July 1st (92km) * Register to take part in Alzheimer’s Greenway Challenge at https://alzheimer. ie/get-involved/fundraisingevents/greenway-challenge/

Four-day week ‘would be better’ than a big pay rise The majority of workers want employers to introduce a four-day week, with many preferring a reduction in working hours to a hefty pay rise.

According to a survey from recruiter Robert Walters, 91pc of the 3,000 respondents, 1,000 of which were from Ireland, stated they would welcome the implementation of a four-day week.

Almost half said this working model would grab their attention on a job description.

The allure of a shorter work week outweighed other perks for workers, including remote working.

The ability to work from anywhere ranked second in the list of employee preferences, with 35pc of those surveyed interested in flexible work arrangements.

Only 15pc of respondents said they would opt for a 10pc-15pc pay rise over the option of a four-day working week.

Half of those who wish to move to a four-day working week also revealed that they expect their full pay to remain unchanged from current levels.

After an era of hybrid working, workers are no

longer enticed by promises of free food in the office or work socials, according to the findings.

Just one percent said they would prefer free lunch or breakfast to a four-day week.

In fact, almost three quarters of respondents said they would be willing to give up relationships with colleagues in order to work fewer days a week.

“Workplaces have only just turned a corner and started to see more faces in the office - with that has come a burst of energy, collaboration, creativity and productivity,” Robert Waters Ireland Manager Suzanne Feeney said.

“It is a slight kick in the teeth to hear that a progressive wellbeing initiative such as a four-day week could have

such a detrimental impact on workplace culture and business relationships,” she added.

A trial of 12 Irish SMEs last year, backed by Fórsa in partnership with Four Day Week Ireland, UCD and Boston College revealed that 100% of employees indicated they preferred the reduced working week schedule after the pilot ended.

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Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter Paul Hopkins

Climate exchanges at the back of the supermarket I am coming out the back of my local supermarket around seven on a Sunday evening recently, when the heavens open.

I stop short of the main exit door, the rain splashdancing ferociously across the car park. I have parked my car at the very far end, with the notion that every bit of exercise helps. I have no issue when getting what’s left of my head of hair drenched but getting my venerated Replay runners soaked beyond sustainability will leave a dark cloud hanging over me, so I decide to wait it out.

To see how the heavens might unfold.

In the back of the supermarket are two lads.

Sheltering also from the untimely outbreak, those April showers, immortalised in song down the decades. They have been

on bikes, perhaps scooters – I cannot recall with certainty.

“Do you think it will ease up, lads?” I inquire.

The boy with the long, dark hair says: “Yes, I think so. You see the way the cloud up there is rolling and how the wind is blowing... I think we will be okay pretty soon.”

“Do you think so?” I say. “ Yes, I do,” he says with great certainty.

His friend, smaller in stature and with a crop of sandy hair, is listening intently.

“Are you interested in such things? You know, weather, climate, all this talk about change.”

“We are,” they both chime.

“Funny,” I say to the tall lad, “but I had a Canadian colleague who came to live in Ireland and his wife was a woman who

studied clouds, their science, their shape, humidity and so forth.”

He thinks for a moment and then says: “You mean she’s a nephrologist.”

“Is that what they call it?” I say. He smiles.

The taller lad, when I inquire if he is from around these parts – his accent suggests otherwise – says, yes, he is but his mother is from America.

His father is a west of Ireland man.

“I see,” I say, looking to the skies for any sign of a break, the parked cars fully mirrored in the persistent pools of relentless rain. “That’s interesting, the west of Ireland connection, because it is from there that the emigrant ships set sail after the famine for America, and in those decades of emigration since.”

It seems I am not telling

them anything they do not know.

“Yes,” says the sandyhaired boy. He has a serious countenance. “In Galway there is a walkway that is remembered as being that from which emigrants set sail for America.”

Now, I am learning something for, in all my years enjoying the craic of Galway, I never knew such a memorial existed.

The boys have been friends for five years, they tell me. Both in sixth class – but in different schools, says the shorter boy – and will be going to secondary school in September.

“Any ideas what you’d like to do when you leave school?”

The tall boy is quick to respond. “Something meaningful,” he says.

“Yes, something meaningful, that contributes,”

says his friend with that serious look.

“You know what, lads,” I say, “I think it’s great that two young boys like yourselves can have the time and the interest to talk to an old guy with a walking stick.”

The sandy-haired boy says: “It’s not about your age. It’s about what you have to say. It’s about what we have to say to each other. That’s what’s important.”

The other nods vehemently.

The rain onslaught ends as quickly as it erupted.

Even a little evening sun is breaking through.

The boy with the long hair says: “Without meaning to cut the conversation short, I think you should make a break for it now.

“It will be back.”

As I put one foot in front

of the other with the aid of my stick, I say: “We’ll meet again, men. And talk again. And don’t give up.” And I head towards my car, sidestepping the puddles.

“Yes, we will,” they call after me.

Every generation, since Man immemorial, thinks the generation coming up behind it is of little essence or consequence.

The young have always got a bad press. And have always proved to the contrary.

As I look in my car mirror to reverse, I smile at myself and say: “It’s about what you have to say to each other...”

After my brief encounter with these two fine young boys, somehow the future – like the now evening sun – seems somewhat brighter.

Assured, even...

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Time for that booster shot

The HSE is reminding everyone aged 70 or older and those aged 12 years or older with a weak immune system and who have not received their COVID-19 spring booster vaccine to get it as soon as possible.

Vaccines are available at the HSE’s five vaccination centres across the South East, including its facility which has relocated to

new premises in Clonmel (at St. Luke’s Hospital, Western Rd., Clonmel, Co. Tipperary E91 PR83). The HSE’s Clonmel Vaccination Centre had previously operated at the Clonmel Park Hotel from March 2021 until it moved to premises at the Gortnafleur Business Park in Clonmel in February 2022 and finished up there at the end of March 2023.

A number of GP Practices and Pharmacies across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Pharmacy information is available at https:// www2.hse.ie/ser vices/ pharmacies-covid-19/ Vaccinations are continuing to be delivered by the HSE to those who are

homebound and residents of long stay residential care centres.

To get an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccine at a HSE vaccination centre you can book via https://www2. hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vacc i n e / g e t - t h e -v a c c i n e / booking/ , call HSE Live on (1800) 700 700 or present at walk in-facilities detailed on

the HSE web site at https:// www2.hse.ie/services/covid-19-vaccination-centres/ Derval Howley (Head of Service/Health and Wellbeing, HSE/South East Community Healthcare) says, “Vaccines are proven to be your best protection against serious illness from COVID19. If you haven’t had your COVID-19 Spring booster yet, you’re at risk. We know

people’s immunity weakens over time, especially in older people. One of the strongest risk factors is age. This latest booster will keep them protected from serious illness and boost their immunity against infection from COVID-19.

"We aim to complete this COVID-19 Spring booster programme by the end of May.”

And the Beat 102-103 goes on

China: €8 million campaign Bord Bia is launching a series of meat promotional campaigns with the European Union in China worth €8 million. The co-funded campaigns to promote meat from Europe will also build awareness of Ireland as a supplier of high-quality, safe and sustainably produced beef, lamb, pork and poultry.

Coinciding with the ministerial-led trade mission to China, Bord Bia is hosting a chef masters event in Beijing, Sustainable European Meat from Ireland, and a trade seminar in Shanghai to promote the best of Euro-

pean beef, lamb, pork and poultry from Ireland.

On day one of the trade mission to China Bord Bia will host its first chef masters’ event, Sustainable European Meat from Ireland, in Beijing which will bring together the top players in the Chinese foodservice sector for an expert showcase of how Irish beef and pork can be adapted to Chinese cuisine.

The chefs masters’ event will also provide the opportunity for new and existing Chinese customers to connect with Irish meat

companies and sample Irish beef during a networking reception at the end of the seminar.

This will be followed by a trade seminar in Shanghai which will bring together two of Bord Bia’s EU cofunded campaigns; European Beef and Lamb – Ireland, Working with Nature and European Pork and Poultry: Excellence in Food Safety and Quality Assurance.

The three-year, €4.8 million EU co-funded campaign, European Beef and Lamb – Ireland, Working

with Nature campaign has been building awareness of beef and lamb across China, Japan, Korea Republic and the US since last December.

The campaigns are timely given the resumption of Irish beef exports to China earlier this year.

The three-year, €3.8m. EU co-funded campaign has been building awareness of Ireland’s quality assurance and food safety credentials in China and Mexico since 2020.

In addition to these physical activities, the campaigns will undertake a suite of

digital promotional activities, such as website and social media, advertising and recipe video development showcasing how meat from Ireland can be adapted to reflect a fusion of Western and Chinese cuisines.

Bord Bia’s Senior Manager EU Promotions Declan Fennell said: “These cofunded campaigns with the EU are pivotal in extending the global footprint of Irish meat in China and are expected to result in €37 million in return in Irish beef and lamb exports to the market.”

Nominate a local health charity to receive €5,000 Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland is inviting people in Kilkenny to nominate a health charity to receive €5,000 as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

Now in its fifth year, the Movement for Good Awards will once again see more than

€1million gifted to charities throughout Ireland and the UK. Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, part of the Benefact Group, is encouraging people to nominate, this time a health charity, to win one of ten €5,000 special grants.

This new special draw

is designed for charities whose core charitable purpose is the advancement of health or the saving of lives.

Nominations for the health charity special grants are open from Monday 15 May to Friday 19 May 2023.

Winners will be drawn at random and the

more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

Since the awards began, many Irish health organisations have benefitted, including Accessible Counselling Tullamore, Active Connections and Breakthrough

Cancer Research which are both based in Cork, Friends of the Coombe and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Some other previous entries have been successful on multiple occasions including Navan’s Little Blue Heroes Foundation, the Central Remedial

Clinic in Dublin and the Community Crisis Response Team which is based in Limerick.

It’s quick and easy to nominate a charity supporting Physical and Mental Health – just visit https://health. movementforgood. com/ecclesiastical and cast your vote.

Regional radio station Beat 102-103 have revealed a new-look midweek morning programming schedule on the back of record daily JNLR listenership figures.* For the first time in the youth-focused Beat 102-103 radio’s 20-year history, more 100,000 people now listen in daily – up from a still impressive 97,000 in the last quarter of 2022. What’s more, weekly listenership is also on the rise with 162,000 people in South East tuning in across a seven-day period.

Celebrating a JNLR record of his own with his everpopular Beat Breakfast with Niall and Sho attracting a new high of 52,000 listeners, Head of Station Sound Niall Power revealed that it has been a goal since he began his role to “surpass the 100,000 barrier."

“We now have 101,000 listeners in the South East every day – that’s a pretty impressive statistic!” he said.

Not content with resting on its laurels, Beat is using the record listenership figures as a launchpad for a revised midweek morning programming schedule.

Beat Breakfast will continue as normal but will now be followed by an all-new show hosted by Carlow native and Beat Breakfast producer Cillian Doyle. The 60-minute show, dubbed Beat Throwbacks, is set to feature the biggest tracks from the late Nineties and early Noughties with a healthy dose of feel-good audience engagement.

Completing Beat’s revised AM schedule is Bring the Beat. Hosted by Waterford’s Michelle Heffernan, the four-hour-long slot kicks off at 11 am and aims to bring the hottest trending tunes and plenty of Michelle’s trademark risqué banter.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

It may be time to reconsider our neutrality The presence of Russian ships loitering with mysterious intent in Irish waters for the second time in a matter of weeks is a chilling reminder of how warfare has changed. It also adds fuel to any future debate about Irish neutrality – should we run for protective cover with the 31 NATO member nations which undertake to defend fellow members against attack by a third party?

The ships inside Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have been monitored by both the Irish Air Corps and the Maritime Defence Force. Their presence has been interpreted in some quarters as a test of Europe’s weak flank. The Russians have not so far broken any international law but the ships could be taken as threat

by Russia to the busiest data communication cables in

Europe. The network of 16 cables under the Atlantic carry 97% of global internet connections between Ireland, the US, Britain and Europe and an attack on them could cripple Western economies.

Neutrality has been part of our national identity since the 1930s but, nearly a century later, it can seem like a nostalgic attachment. Warfare has changed.

Now disruptive techniques include covert sabotage, cyber attacks, disinformation and interference in elections. Recent examples that show the kind of havoc that can be wreaked include explosions and leaks on the Nord Stream gas lines 1 and 2 (denied by the most likely culprit Russia); the criminal cyberattack on the HSE last year which cost around €80 million; and alleged interfer-

ence in the US elections.

Perhaps our stance on neutrality, which has always been partisan, given arrangements like the Donegal Corridor for allies during WWII and refuelling NATO military aircraft at Shannon, should alter given a changed world.

A discussion on our neutrality – along the lines of the Shared Island initiative and the Citizen’s Assembly – has been promised here for later this year but this will not, we are told, be a prelude, to joining NATO. Perhaps it should be and certainly there is a greater willingness by the public to reconsider our neutrality. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, support for joining NATO has increased to 48% according to a poll last year. Should we continue to stay neutral, while benefitting from the protective effect of our stron-

ger neighbours and possibly an unconfirmed secret deal made with Britain to protect Irish airspace post 9/11, without contributing?

Ireland is hardly in the position currently to defend itself or participate effectively. We have the lowest spending on defence of any of the 28 EU member states at 0.3 % of GDP compared with nearest neighbours Britain and France at 1.8%. While Ireland plays an honourable part in peacekeeping and takes part in other non-combative roles, we are hardly sharing the burden of European security and the number of personnel in the combined army, navy and air corps amounts to under 10,000.

Only three other member states – Austria, Cyprus and Malta – are now neutral, opting out of Article 42 of the Treaty of the European

Union. Finland became the most recent member to join NATO and Sweden is about to join, both in the wake of Russian aggression.

One of the reasons Ireland hasn’t joined NATO is due to the sovereignty claim over Northern Ireland by NATO member Britain, an objection which would disappear in the event of a united Ireland.

What are the implications of joining NATO? Given that we meet the criteria as a functioning democracy we would have to have a commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, something already demonstrated through our peacekeeping missions and membership of NATO’s Partnership for Peace. The ability and willingness to make a military contribution to NATO operations are also required. This

New street name signage unveiled in core area of Kilkenny city

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Kilkenny County Council has unveiled new high-quality heritage street name signage in the core area of Kilkenny City.

The signage was developed in consultation with Conservation, Planning, Elected Members and the Irish Language Commissioner.

The traditional design of the signage is sensitive to the medieval city, featuring the ‘Celtic Gaelige’ font, and matching seamlessly with existing

heritage signage. It replaces the maroon and white street signage and will aid legibility and wayfinding for both visitors and locals alike.

“The new street name signage is an important addition to the City, providing an updated and cohesive look to the core area,” said the Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. David Fitzgerald, “we worked closely with a range of stakeholders to ensure that

the design was sensitive to the City’s heritage and would aid visitors and locals in finding their way around.”

The new signage will be an asset to the City, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and making it easier for both residents and visitors to navigate through the City Centre. Kilkenny County Council thanks all those who contributed to the consultation and design process.

Are you stressed about exams and worried that anxiety or panic could hold you back from being able to concentrate?

CLAIR WHITTY

Lots of people find natural remedies helpful for stress and anxiety but high-level anxiety on the day of an exam is a different story. Sometimes a combination of supplements might be needed. You may have been taking supplements to help you cope on an ongoing basis. Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, B

Complex, L Theanine and Magnesium are common choices.

These are ones that I often write about and are fantastic for stress and anxiety. These help your body to cope so that you can feel calm and focussed. But, at times like this when you have exams and there is increased anxiety you may need something extra to get you through.

You might find the supplement you are taking is suddenly not controlling the anxiety like it normally does.

If your anxiety is now at this heightened level you could take

would come at a steep price given that members of NATO are expected to raise their military spending to 2% of GDP by 2024.

The Russian ships could be investigating the whereabouts of the undersea data cables and looking at means of sabotage, maybe as a means of striking back if the war in Ukraine goes badly for Russia. Eirgrid, which is responsible for the cables, has to use a private company for undersea protective surveillance of the cables using GPS. It would be an ironic thing if, in a country where so much of our wealth depends on information technology, the means of its transmission can be seen our Achille’s heel, a weak point on Europe’s flank.

Maybe it’s time to consider that saying, there is safety in (NATO) numbers.

Rescue Remedy or Jan De Vries Emergency Essence alongside any of the above. Flower remedies help in the emergency to help you feel calm. Rescue Remedy comes in drops or spray form. If you prefer you could take the Rescue Pastilles.

I find those really handy and frequently use them for feelings of panic before events.

L Theanine is traditionally used for panic and panic attacks. It helps to calm an overthinking mind. Check and see how much is in your supplement for your daily dose. You might need to add in some extra. Common dosage is 400mg per day but in emergency times and short term I would take a little extra, up to 600mg spread throughout the day. L Theanine is perfect for times when you need to focus, not overthink, and ease panicky feelings.

A.Vogel Passiflora Relax Spray contains Passionflower and Lemon Balm. But what I like about this product because is that it is one that you can take with you on exam days. You could use this with the Rescue Remedy or other supplements to give you that little extra support on exam day.

Natural remedies are an aid, a support to help you through.

Relaxation, your diet, gentle exercise, sleep, talking to someone about how you are feeling are important too. If you have any questions visit us, phone, or email, we would love to help.

Shop online www.naturalhealthstore.ie

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News

SPECIAL REPORT

By Barry McLoughlin -----------------------------Counting cows is what Irish farming has been reduced to in the national discourse.

Reducing the ‘national herd’ is the primary question that the media put to politicians and policymakers – it’s a simple concept to explain and arouses extreme positions on both sides.

The problem for farmers is that what is a critical policy for environmental and economic survival, is now presented as a simple, binary issue – four cows bad, two cows good. But good public policy is rarely simple, and farmers need to be more imaginative about how they win the hearts and minds of the public on this issue.

Recently, Minister Eamonn Ryan was asked on RTE radio if the Green Party supported a cattle cull to reduce the national herd. Unsurprisingly, the minister’s answer was a mix of aspirations towards higher farm incomes with less work for farmers overall. Do less and get more.

But farming shouldn’t be an industry to be pitied, to be propped up, or worse, to be feared. If farmers continue to allow themselves to be defined by the number of belching cows they refuse to kill, they are missing a massive opportunity to educate consumers on what solutions the sector can come up with to the food security/environmental impact conundrum.

Farming has been handed the responsibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 5.5 megatonnes, or 25%, by 2030. This is a significant target, and the cows are right in the centre of the target because of the methane that they produce.

Methane is a particularly nasty greenhouse gas as, according to Teagasc, it is 28 times more effective

Can farmers enhance trust with consumers on climate action? in trapping heat over 100 years than carbon dioxide.

It also hangs around the atmosphere for up to 12 years, so the race is on to reduce every molecule emitted.

Unfortunately, the science from Teagasc also suggests that methane from ruminant livestock (cattle and sheep) accounts for 58% of Irish methane emissions. So simple mathematics leads to simple policy ideas – if we have fewer cows the problem can be solved.

The problem is that no two cows are the same.

Some cows are genetically better at producing less methane. Some cows have access to types of feed or feed additives that promote less methane production.

Teagasc itself has a number of research projects that are designed to look at ways to make the cows less of a problem. Farmers’ groups point to the fact that some research is based on international data, not national data.

So more research and time are needed when already farmers are up against a deadline. And

The problem is that no two cows are the same...

understandably they get defensive when the herd they have been encouraged to invest in is discussed in national media as a problem that could be easily solved with a nice neat cull and a few Euro for your trouble.

Defensiveness is a fine position when you are communicating with your own people, but it is not a strategy. Farmers in Ireland produce good food well and efficiently. A recent corporate reputations survey put Bord Bia in the top 10 trusted brands in Ireland, whilst food and beverage

brands were seen as having ‘strong’ reputations.

By fighting the wrong battle with policymakers, or by rising to provocations from the more extreme ends of the green movement, farmers are wasting time that they could be using to communicate a clearer message to the consumer.

That message needs to be simple - we will work to do our part to help the environment, to reduce emissions, and you can trust us to do it. It will cost you more at the till, but you will be purchasing something that every scientific and management effort has been made to make it better for the environment.

Both the energy and transport sectors have the same problem to address and communicate to the same audience – we need to reduce emissions and be more efficient. They are doing a better job of bringing people along with them, due in no small part to the significant financial supports both energy and transport are getting to make the change. Farmers don’t have the luxury of a vast fund to manage this transition to greener, more expensive food.

Consumers want real evidence that those supplying their food are working towards a greener economy. If farmers start building that trust with the consumer and convince them that they are working imaginatively with the green agenda, instead of fighting it one cow at a time, they can convince the consumer to help them hit that 25% target. And that consumer should be the No. 1 audience for farmers – mindful that consumer and farmers will still be in business long after 2030 has come and gone.

--------------------------------*Barry McLoughlin is a farmer and the Head of Client Engagement and a Senior Consultant at The Communications Clinic.

Mission builds on record high exports to US Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD has been leading a joint Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland Trade Mission to New York and Boston to boost trade relationships with key IDA client companies and promote world class Irish companies with leading market positions in the US. The Trade Mission has been taking place on the back of record Irish exports to North America of $5.5bn in 2022. North America now accounts for 17% of all exports

by Enterprise Ireland backed companies.

There are currently 900 Irish owned companies exporting

to USA, an estimated 73% of these having a full-time presence in the market, ranging

from sales offices to manufacturing operations with thousands of employees.

Irish companies employ more than 100,000 people across the 50 states, 78,000 of these are employed by EI client companies. Priority sectors in the US for EI companies include financial software, life sciences, telecommunications, tech solutions, digital media, oil and gas, international education, cleantech, consumer goods and food FDI. US companies choose Ireland as an entry point to Europe, the world’s largest single market area. From Ireland, they gain access to a highly skilled, English speaking, flexible work force which shares many cultural and historic ties with the US. In

2022 IDA clients from the US had almost 950 operations in Ireland, employing over 210,000 people directly.

In 2022, IDA Ireland secured a total of 242 investments, of which 167 investments came from North American investors, accounting for over 18,500 new jobs, and including 64 first time investments from new name companies.

The established partnership across a diverse base of US corporates has driven ongoing growth and expansion with investments in research & innovation, sustainability and future skills development in Ireland. US companies will have a continued need to have an interna-

tional presence, and IDA will continue to position Ireland as the number one location from which US companies can internationalise their businesses.

Minister Coveney said, “I am delighted to lead this trade visit to the US to build on existing trade relationships and highlight the leading Irish companies that are blazing a trail in the US market, in particular on the East Coast. Visits to key trade cities such as New York and Boston, which have a strong legacy of Irish enterprise and innovation, play a key role in promoting thriving entrepreneurship between both nations.”

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Inflation, or whatever, is worrying food for thought Inflation is easing they say.

Consumer prices only rose by 0.5% month on month according to the figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) last week, the 19th straight month where the annual increase in the CPI has been at least 5.0%.

The CSO published the national average prices for April showing increases on basic foodstuffs – sugar up more than 35%, milk more than 20%, butter nearly 19% and eggs up 18% with the overall annual grocery bill up by €1,200 in the past year.

Commenting on these figures and putting a monetary value on the increases, Anthony Dawson of the CSO said: “The national average price of several items rose in April 2023. There were price increases for an 800g loaf of white sliced pan (+23c), an 800g loaf of brown sliced pan (+18c), two litres of full fat milk (+44c), and a pound of butter (+66c) when compared with April 2022.”

Along with that, the most significant increases in the year were seen in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels which was up 20.7% and food and non-alcoholic beverages which rose by 13.1%. Electricity up 51.3%, gas up 55.8% and then add the higher mortgage interest repayments up 41.0%. Interest rates gone from 2.92% on average in February to 3.54% for March –greater than any other European country.

There is all manner of advice flowing around in media streams from the sane to the outright bizarre. Seemingly we “love cheap” forgetting the downside and we will eat anything as we don’t care about quality. The idea is mooted that we are in an emergency situation and the market is failing and the Government should move to cap food costs.

The Government is being accused of sitting on its hands, but it has little power to command the retail sector

to drop prices. Minister of State Neale Richmond called an emergency meeting of the Retail Forum last week.

Nothing came of it really. In a statement Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said: “The retail sector fully appreciates the concerns of customers at the high levels of food inflation. Retailers are actively working to minimise the impact on consumers of massive EU-wide commodity price increases, and this will continue. Specific pricing decisions are a matter for individual retailers, but intense competition in the sector will ensure that consumers benefit from falling commodity prices. This is happening already and will continue.”

Mr Richmond said Irish food inflation had been among the lowest in Europe in recent years with the EU average at 27% over the last two years, while Ireland was 17%. Last year average EU food inflation was 19%, while here it was 13%.

Energy and commodity costs are exacerbating the problem, Mr Richmond said.

“There is a significant lag in how energy and commodity cost increases translate into

consumer prices. Retailers held off increasing prices for a long as possible last year but could not absorb the massive cost increases indefinitely. We expect general inflation and

food inflation to ease as we move through the year.”

Why are we in this mess?

Because of everything outlined above?. Yes. But are these not just the symptoms?

If we are in an emergency is it not due to a deeper problem that needs to be faced – the commodification of food?

In the abstract of the thesis ‘Food: To Feed Or To Profit” written by Emma Vandenbroeck, she says: “In the last century, food increasingly has become commodified in which it has become constructed as a mere commodity in a global food system. By putting the profit-generating capabilities of food first, the main goal of the food system lost track of its original purpose [which was] to feed the population.”

Whatever it is, a few cents off the loaf of bread and bottle of milk isn’t really going to help..’ john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

Edward is new chair person of Drama League of Ireland Graignamanagh man Edward Hayden has been elected the new Chairperson of Drama League of Ireland.

The election is a wonderful honour for the celebrity chef and drama enthusiast and was a very popular choice among committee members.

The 12 members of the new DLI Board 2023-24 are Edward Hayden New Ross Drama Workshop, Willie O’Brien Trim Drama Group, Karen Carleton Balally Players, Ollie Kenny Backstage Theatre Group, Joanne Keane Balally Players, Eugene O’Sullivan Coachford Players, Mary Newman Moat Club, Emma Jane Nulty Dalkey Players, John Lennon Moat Club, Philip Howlin Camross Drama Group Fiona Brennan and Christine O’Brien Backstage Theatre Group.

There was a great attendance at the AGM on Zoom, where the work done by the Board over the last year was outlined, drama related issues were discussed and plans for the coming year proposed.

The new DLI Board is looking forward to the year ahead, and will endeavour to promote and support amateur drama throughout Ireland.

Speaking with The Kilkenny Observer newspaper, Mr Hayden said he was delighted to be taking on the role as chair of the Council and was very much looking forward to the year ahead.

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Opinion

Tim Kennedy: He loved Shakespeare, hurling and everything Irish…

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

A teacher who transformed the lives of many pupils via his enlightened approach to learning has bid goodbye to the world.

Last week, hundreds of his past pupils in Callan and district were saddened to hear that Tim Kennedy, who taught for decades at the CBS in West Street, and later at Coláiste Éamann Rís, had died unexpectedly. He left a long-lasting and immensely favorable impression on his classes.

Tim was a native of Thurles who made Kilkenny is home, residing at Maidenhill on the Kells Road.

I remember him in the 1970s, when he taught a range of subjects, including Irish, English, history, geography and civics in Callan. He had a special devotion to the Irish language and culture and would often digress from hum-drum grammar tutorials to regale a class with stories

of ancient Celtic warriors…or more recent chapters in the long sad tale of Ireland’s struggle to find its way in the world.

Past pupils will tell you that even today they can recite lengthy pas-sages of Irish prose by heart, even in their sleep, thanks to The late Tim the passion and Kennedy dedication of Tim Kennedy.

Hand-in-hand with his penchant for the Gaelic went a passion for the National Game. He mentored hurling teams and helped to put Callan on the Gaelic Athletic map in the early 1980s. The local John Locke’s hurling club has fond recollections of his association with the sport. Though he participated in, and encouraged, others sports, he emphasized the inseparable historic link between hurling and the preservation of our

“first language.” fond He had a fondness for music, but especially, sur and not surprisingly, trad sessions where the fiddles and badhrains sent pulses racing, and all that is best in our musical heritage

found vocal or instrumental expression in pubs, clubs and concert halls.

He loved theatre too. Shakespeare in particular, whose plays he delved into in later years with even greater alacrity following his retirement from teaching. The bard’s unique place in world literature had always enthralled him.

He took part in adaptations of Irish drama, memorably drawing plaudits for his rendition of Sullivan's John, to the The old CBS in West Street Callan where Tim Kennedy taught

road you have gone.

He was equally attracted to cinema and the dramas of the Big Screen. No matter what the subject, he’d allude to a film he’d seen to illustrate a point or better acquaint the class with some tricky concept or life-experience.

He made the Civics and Christian Doctrine classes brighter and more informative by bringing his extensive knowledge of current affairs and keen grasp of theological and Geo-political issues to bear.

In his history class, the often intimidating or off-putting pages of the past came alive... thanks to his ability to capture the great ebb and flow of civilization with graphic and accessible language.

He always found the most apt image or metaphor to bring bygone happenings right into the classroom, so that, to coin a phrase from his beloved cinema, us pupils sitting at our desks (or daydreaming) trying to figure it all out could see the past in "Glorious Technicolor."

Apart from his love of our native tongue, he had a flair

for all languages, especially French. He loved France itself and everything about it. This showed in history lessons whenever the role of France on the world stage, past or present, came into focus.

In later life he joined the Alliance Francaise, which aimed to promote French language and culture in Kilkenny. He engaged enthusiastically with the Alliance, sharing his own valuable insights and philosophical angles on a host of topics….learning and teaching at the same time.

Those who knew him will have more to say, but I remember Tim Kennedy as a teacher who went out of his way to help the class; as a man who excelled in his profession and for whom teaching was not just a job or a chore, but his special calling in life.

May he find peace and contentment on the “Other Side.”

Survived by his beloved wife Joan, son John, daughter Niamh, brothers Michael and Pat, sisters Mary, Joan and Anne, brothers-in-law, sistersin-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

News Science & Wellbeing An agreement to purchase electricity from a nuclear fusion generator has been signed by the Microsoft corporation. Nuclear fusion, often called the Holy Grail of energy, is a potentially limitless source of clean energy that scientists have been chasing for the better part of a century.

A company called Helion Energy thinks it can deliver that Holy Grail to Microsoft by 2028. It has announced a power purchase agreement with Microsoft that would see it plug in the world’s first commercial fusion generator to a power grid in Washington.

The goal is to generate at least 50 megawatts of power — a small but significant amount and more than the 42MW that two offshore wind farms have the capacity to generate today.

To say that’s a tall order would be the understatement of the year. “I would say it’s the most audacious thing I’ve ever heard,” says University of Chicago theoretical physicist Robert Rosner. “In these kinds of issues, I will never say never. But it would be astonishing if they succeed.”

Experts’ optimistic estimates for when the world might see its first nuclear fusion power plant have ranged from the end of the decade to several decades from now. Helion’s success depends on achieving remarkable breakthroughs in an incredibly short span of time and then commercialising its technology to make it cost-competitive with other energy sources. Nevertheless, Helion is unfazed.

“This is a binding agreement that has financial penalties if we can’t build a fusion system,” Helion founder and CEO David Kirtley told The Verge. “We’ve committed to be able to build a system and sell it commercially to Microsoft.”

How might a fusion system work? Simply put, nuclear fusion mimics the way stars create their own light and heat.

In our sun, hydrogen nuclei fuse together, creating helium and generating a tremendous

A new vaccine has been found to treat pancreatic cancer, prevented the disease from returning in 50% of patients who received it, according to scientists.

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously hard to detect and treat, widely known as a “silent disease” because symptoms, including abdominal pain and weight loss, often don’t arise until the cancer cells have spread to blood vessels and tissue, at which point treatment is difficult.

But what makes this form of cancer so aggressive is also what makes it a good candidate for this new treatment, according to a report on the breakthrough in The New York Times.

Scientists at the German firm BioNTech – which gave us a Covid-19 vac-

Microsoft bets on the future of nuclear fusion power

amount of energy.

The most advanced attempts at generating electricity through nuclear fusion involve shooting powerful laser beams at a tiny target or relying on magnetic fields to confine superheated matter called plasma with a machine called a tokamak.

Helion uses neither of those methods. The company is developing a 40-foot device called a plasma accelerator that heats fuel to 100 million degrees Celsius. It heats deuterium (an isotope of hydrogen) and helium-3 into a plasma and then uses pulsed magnetic fields to compress the plasma until fusion happens. (The company has a Youtube video that illustrates the process in much more detail.)

Helion claims that the machine should eventually be able to recapture the electricity used to trigger the reaction, which can be used to recharge the device’s magnets. “We electrically recover all the energy we put into fusion so that we can actually build systems that are smaller and cheaper and we can iterate on them a lot quicker,” Kirtley says.

Figuring out how to be energy efficient is crucial to make fusion power a reality.

After all, you need extreme heat and pressure to force atoms to fuse together. And until recently, researchers hadn’t been able to do this without burning through more energy than the fusion reaction actually produced. In December, lasers achieved a huge breakthrough called “fu-

Vaccine success for pancreatic cancer

sion ignition” — meaning that for the first time, researchers were able to trigger a fusion reaction that resulted in a net energy gain. That’s a major milestone Helion has yet to accomplish.

Getting enough helium-3 fuel could be another big challenge, Rosner says, without a way of producing commercial quantities of it.

It’s a very rare isotope that’s used in quantum computing and medical imaging.

Helion, however, says that it has patented a process to make helium-3 itself by fusing deuterium atoms together in its plasma accelerator. Part of the appeal of nuclear fusion in the first place is that it can run on hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element in the universe.

Assuming Helion can pull this all off, it still has to ensure that it can do so in an affordable way. The cost of the electricity it generates for consumers would need to be comparable to or cheaper than today’s power plants, solar, and wind farms. The company isn’t sharing what price it agreed to in its power purchase agreement with Microsoft, but Kirtley says the company’s goal is to one day get costs down to a cent a kilowatt hour.

Helion’s funders include OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Microsoft has made a multibillion dollar investment in OpenAI to boost its development of popular tools like ChatGPT. Altman is Helion’s board chair and largest investor, The Washington Post

reports, and may have been involved in brokering Helion’s power purchase agreement with Microsoft. Kirtley tells The Verge his company has been working closely with Microsoft’s data centre group for the past few years to better understand their energy needs and get Microsoft comfortable with its technology.

“Helion’s announcement supports our own long term clean energy goals and will advance the market to establish a new, efficient method for bringing more clean energy to the grid, faster,” Brad Smith, vice-chair and president at Microsoft, said in a press release.

But as has been the case with dreams of nuclear fusion for decades — we’ll have to wait and see.

cine – developed a vaccine that can be tailored to each patient’s unique genetic makeup, to train their immune system to destroy pancreatic cancer cells.

In a small study published by the journal Nature, scientists said they tested the vaccine on 16 patients in New York City, and half of the patients were still remaining cancer-free after 18 months — a success for the trial.

New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre took tumour samples from 16 patients and sent them to Germany.

There, a team of scientists at BioNTech analyzed the proteins in each sample’s cancer cells.

Like the Covid vaccines, these utilised messenger RNA to instruct a patient’s

immune system to destroy the cancer cells. The key difference was each vaccine being tailor-made to each patient’s mRNA. The results were promising but not conclusive Eight out of the 16 patients did not experience a relapse 18 months after the treatment. Even more encouraging, one patient’s new cancer growth in their liver disappeared after they received the vaccine.

Because the patients were also given chemotherapy and another cancer drug, it’s hard to say how much of an impact the vaccine alone had. And in the other half of the patients treated, the cancer returned after about a year.

Despite obstacles, custom vaccines may be the future of cancer treatment.

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Travel & Leisure There is nothing like autumn – or fall as is called – on on the East Coast of America. Nothing quite as intoxicating as witnessing the foliage of the Appalachian Mountains turn into bright oranges and reds seemingly overnight. What about a New England summer, when the hydrangeas bloom all over Nantucket Island and Martha’s Vineyard?

The cherry blossoms in Washington DC draw crowds from around the world in the spring, and there’s a reason so many people can’t get enough of the South’s beaches in the wintertime.

Here are 13 wonderful places to visit on the East Coast of the US. 1. Bluffton, South Carolina You might expect Charleston to appear on this list, but the smaller coastal town of Bluffton with its mossdraped oak trees and location along the May River earn it the “most beautiful” spot.

Montage Palmetto Bluff, named one of the best resort hotels in South Carolina in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, is one of the area’s top highlights, but visitors should also explore downtown Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina The full Blue Ridge mountain range spans 550 miles from Pennsylvania to Georgia, but Virginia and North Carolina lay claim to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The meandering drive grants visitors access to over 200 scenic overlooks, where they can stop to take in the sweeping views accented by the blue haze that gives these mountains their name.

Like many New England college campuses, Yale University’s grounds carry that unique mixture of excitement, nostalgia, and general wonder you can’t help but want to experience. The university’s Old Campus is immediately recognisable with its distinct layout of lawns, trees, walkways, and impressive Gothic architecture.

Baker’s dozen worth seeing on US East Coast

9. Vermont’s Covered Bridges More than 100 covered bridges, dating from 1820, can be found in Vermont.

Their photogenic nature — especially during the peak of fall — is often the catalyst behind visitors exploring the Green Mountain State.

Depending on which driving tour you embark on, you can see popular sights like Pulp Mill Bridge in Middlebury and Windsor Cornish Covered Bridge, the longest two-span covered bridge in the world.

10. Biscayne National Park, Florida Travellers can explore the waters of South Florida’s Biscayne National Park in a variety of ways — kayak, paddle board, and sailboat among them — but it’s known as one of the best places to scuba dive in the US. The national park is over 90 percent water and home to a mangrove forest, coral reefs, sea turtles, manatees, and over 600 native fish species.

11.Lake George, New York Upstate New York boasts one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Thanks to a watershed that doesn’t produce much pollution, Lake George’s waters are clear, clean, and safe to swim in. It’s a gem within the Adirondack Mountains that makes for the perfect summer getaway.

3.Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, North Carolina Western North Carolina is home to more than 250 waterfalls, many of which are found in the breathtaking Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, a mountainous area 70 miles from Asheville. Whether you’re visiting during the lush summer or vibrant fall, a hike to nearby Dry Falls or Cullasaja Falls shouldn’t be missed.

4. Acadia National Park, Maine Coastal Maine’s Acadia National Park is open year round, but you’ll need to visit between October and March to experience the famous first sunrise from Cadillac Mountain. Summer trips are just as magical, though, especially at popular spots like Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and Bass Harbour Head Lighthouse.

5. Siasconset, Nantucket No other words describe Siasconset Village (more commonly known as ‘Sconset) better than “charming” and “photogenic”.

A 40-minute bike ride from Nantucket’s downtown

12. Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania The self-titled ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania’, Bushkill Falls is a series of eight waterfalls in the Pocono Mountains.

Adventurous travellers can see them all — including Bushkill Falls (the main waterfall), Bridemaid’s Falls, and the Lower Gorge Falls — by setting off on a challenging two-mile, twohour hike.

district, the village is popular for its two-mile public footpath, the Sconset Bluff Walk, which weaves between grey-shingled cottages and their accompanying mower gardens with views of the ocean down below.

6. Cumberland Island, Georgia One of Georgia’s best-kept secrets, Cumberland Island

— and its uninterrupted white-sand beaches, marshes, and maritime forests — is only accessible by ferry or private boat. At 16 miles long, the barrier island has just one hotel, Greyfield Inn, a population of wild horses, a historic district with ruins of a Carnegie-built mansion, and 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated wilderness.

7. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, New York Now over 100 years old, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is more than just a place within the Concrete Jungle to admire mowers and over 18,000 kinds of plants. It’s a 52-acre haven designed for inspiration, conversation, and education. Visitors can even take classes on moral design, pruning,

propagation, and more.

Walking through the different areas — including the Rose Garden, Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, and the Desert Pavilion — will leave you with a greater appreciation for the natural beauty found all over the world.

8.Yale University, Connecticut

13. National Mall, Washington There’s hardly a more iconic spot in Washington, D.C. than the National Mall.

Dotted with monuments — Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument, to name a few — the area also has pedestrian-friendly lawns and walkways. Its true beauty, however, really reveals itself when the Japanese cherry blossom trees bloom in the spring.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Halberds, cock-fighting, and bull-baiting This week, some interesting facts about Kilkenny. St Ledger’s Cross was the name given to the intersection of Walkin St, Parnell St, New St and Friary St. It was called after Thomas St Ledger who had built a house on the site towards the end of he 16th century. Scald Crows Cross was the original name given to the intersection of Walkin Street, the Old Callan Road and St Rioch St. It later became known as the Lighthouse Cross. Croker’s Cross was the old name given to The Parade. An ancient cross stood at the intersection of the Castle Road, Patrick St, High St and Rose Inn St. The Parade was created by James Butler, the first Duke of Ormond (1610-1688), who demolished the east side of Castle Street (now the Castle Road) to create a space in front of the castle for military parades.

St Canice’s Cathedral was badly damaged by Cromwell’s troops in 1650. In 1672 it was repaired. One of the bishops who oversaw the restoration was one Charles Dodgson, grandfather of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson better known as Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland.

The Butts area of Kilkenny derived its name from the practice of archery. In 1517 the local council ordered young men to practice archery at the town butts.

In 1567 the council ordered “all freemen, 18 years to 50 years, to keep long-bows and arrows”. The merchants of Kilkenny were very aware of their ancient warrior ancestry. They were still the swordsmen of Kilkenny, prepared to defend their property. In 1642 the corporation ordered “that every merchant and freeman shall keep in

their shops a good halberd (sword) or short pike and that every merchant wear a sword in the street on pain of five shillings fine”.

The River Breagagh, which can be seen just beside the Watergate Theatre, divided Irishtown from Englishtown.

The Breagagh, a tributary of the river Nore, gets its name from the Irish, meaning false, because in summer the river practically disappears from view while in winter it can cause severe flooding.

Paying tax has been problematic for people throughout all ages. In Alice Kyteler’s time there was a tax on windows that let in daylight, hence the phrase: “daylight robbery”. The blocked up windows in Kyteler’s Inn, which can still be seen, were a means of avoiding tax.

In 1700 New York with a population of 3,900 was a smaller city than Kilkenny

while Philadelphia with 5,000 was marginally bigger.

In 1851 Kilkenny was the most Gaelic speaking county in Leinster.

Cock fighting was very popular in Kilkenny. A corporation order of 1747 reads: “That a cock pit be

‘Very aware of their ancient warrior ancestry..

built and that Ambrose Evans, Mayor, be one of the overseers.” The pit was built in St Mary’s Churchyard and another in John Street. In 1767 cock-fighting was made illegal. Bull-baiting was also a popular and legal sport in Kilkenny. A corporation committee called ‘The Grand Council of Bullring’ looked after it. The bullring itself was situated at the back of the Watergate Theatre. It was later transferred to James Green where the last bull bait was held in 1837.

The first football match under GAA rules was played at the Fair Green in Callan on February 15, 1885 between Callan and Kilkenny and ended scoreless. Football was much more popular than hurling in Kilkenny at that time. The Doyle brothers, Dick, Eddie and Mick, from Mooncoin created a hurling record

that may never be beaten.

They have won 18 senior All Ireland medals between them. Dick won seven, Eddie won six and Mick claimed five.

The Mayfair Ballroom, soon to be our new library, and the centre of social activity for almost 20 years, opened on Stephen’s night 1943. Music was by Mr. Kelly’s Classics while Mrs. Lawlor & Son, Naas, provided the catering. In 1964, months before his death in an air crash, Jim Reeves, the American country star, drew a record 1,700 people to the Mayfair. Other stars that appeared there included: Ray Charles, Chubby Checker, The Everly Brothers and Dusty Springfield. The late Kieran Crotty, TD, had his wedding reception there as none of the local hotels could accommodate all the guests.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

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Opinion

A cut above the rest...

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Paddy O’ Halloran was the barber to whom Callan lads of all ages turned to for a haircut from about 1950 onwards. His shop in Bridge Street remained an integral feature of the street- and the town- up to the day of his passing in 1995.

Paddy became apprenticed to a barber shortly after leaving school in the late forties, before setting up his own business. Males ranging in age from eight to ninety-eight filled his shop each week for more than four decades.

Paddy was a great socialite, a factor that played a huge part in his success.

Fellows who just wanted a chat, or to hear the latest news or gossip boosted the numbers of customers on any given workday. You’d be sure to meet someone interesting or informative in the shop…apart from whatever topic of conversation Paddy had initiated.

You’d hear more about local current affairs, the sporting scene or the latest scandals in Callan while waiting to have your hair cut than you would

at the Cross or in the pubs.

He had an uncanny understanding of almost any gripe, grievance, viewpoint, or situation brought to his attention by a talkative customer. He’d size up the fellow within seconds and manage to attune himself to the man’s wavelength and then be one or two steps ahead of him in grasping the fundamentals of the topic he’d raised.

His powers of concentration were phenomenal: He could have a wide-ranging chat about any subject under the sun, while clipping a head or shaving a man with a cut-throat razor…and at the same time be pointing to an article on the sports page of a newspaper and looking out the window to see if such and such a person was passing the shop yet.

A noted pillar of local society prayed one day when Paddy began a comprehensive and flowery description of a sporting event.

As the blade sliced away Jack’s facial hair, beads of sweat broke out on his forehead and he recited a Decade of the Rosary, beseeching God and Our Blessed Lady not to allow his untimely departure to the next world.

But he needn’t have worried:

Pat Delaney and John Sinnot waiting for a cut

Nobody ever had cause to complain about Paddy’s skill as a barber. He cut tons of hair from the heads of Callan men without shedding a drop of blood.

You didn’t need to be a customer to start him off on one of his favourite themes: In between cutting and shaving, he stood in the doorway facing the street to greet passers-by, having a friendly, shrewd, or convivial word for everybody.

Those who knew Paddy have never quite gotten over his absence from the doorway of his little shop.

Jack Marnell and the Pope A legendary yarn associated with Paddy’s barber shop concerns a man called Jack Marnell. Jack had a big heart and a wonderful sense of

humour, which made him a target for every wise-cracker in town. But one day he had his revenge, which involved gag that’s never failed to bring a smile to Callan faces.

Jack was having a haircut in Paddy’s barbershop.. Six other local men awaited their turn, and Paddy saw his chance to start a bit of slagging.

As he clipped away at Jack, the barber addressed one of the other men in the shop, asking him if he had visited any intriguing places or met any interesting people lately. Turning around, he winked to the man, but Jack saw Paddy doing this in the mirror facing him.

The other man said he had just returned from a trip to Aras an Uachtarain, where he had met President De Valera.

And what did he say to you? asked Paddy. “Oh he compli-

Bridge Street in Paddys time with Rita Wallace chatting to Margaret Fennelly

mented me on my part in starting up the local branch of Fianna Fail, and he had good reports about me”, he revealed.

“And what about yourself?” Paddy asked another customer. The second man described a holiday in South Africa, where he had shot a lion, two tigers, and a rhinoceros, each with a single shot in the forehead.

Paddy whistled admiringly, and encouraged the rest of the lads to tell their stories.

A third man claimed to have seen a ghost that scared the wits out of him, and the fourth recalled speaking to Padraig Pearse a week before the Easter Rising. As they rambled on, all the men looked sideways at Jack Marnell, wondering what outrageous story he’d come up with to best their own.

When they’d finished bragging, Paddy gave a delicate cough and said: “Well, Jack, I suppose you haven’t met anyone extraordinary or been abroad lately, or have you?”

Paddy had completed Jack’s haircut and Jack was examining the job he did in the mirror.

As he viewed his reflection closely, scrutinising the handiwork, he began to speak.

“Oh begob, Paddy, I have”, he

Barber Paddy O Halloran back in the day

declared, “Last month, I went to Rome and who did I get to meet but the man himself, the Pope, the holiest man in the world. He was in a lovely golden armchair. Four strong fellows carried him high above the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, and yer men, the Swiss Guards marched alongside. And would you believe? He called me over to him.”

Barely containing his amusement, Paddy quipped “and ah, Jack…you won’t mind me asking: what did the Pope say to you?”

Paddy nudged one of the lads as he waited for an answer.

Without blinking an eye, Jack replied: “He looked at me and he said: Who in the name of Jesus cut your hair?”

Get to know the Megane E-Tech electric at O’Briens Kilkenny on Thursday 18th to 20th May O’Briens Kilkenny will host a Megane E-Tech electric sales event this week – 18th to 20th May for customers looking to switch to electric.

Praised by motor writers for its design, road handling, range, price and competitive edge, all new Megane E-Tech 100% electric is now available to order and collect at O’Briens Kilkenny with more stock arriving in the coming weeks.

Megane E-Tech electric is the first of a new generation of electric vehicles built on the advanced CMF-EV platform, styled within the brand’s ‘sensual tech’ design language and

the first model to wear the new ‘Nouvel’R’ logo. With an electric driving range of up to 450km (WLTP), all new Megane E-Tech 100% electric also features a class-leading digital experience with a 12.3-inch dashboard display, 9-inch multimedia display, and Android Automotive OS with integrated Google services. With up to 26 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features available across the range the model also has a 5 star NCAP rating.

Megane E-Tech electric is available with a 60kWh battery with 450km range, a 220hp electric motor, 130

kW DC charging and also a 40kWh battery with 300km range, a 130hp electric motor, and 85 kW DC charging with 22kW AC charging standard on all versions. Three trim lines are available - Equilibre, Techno, and Launch Edition.

With the SEAI grant available for electric vehicles being reduced from €5,000 to €3,500 from July 1st customers looking to purchase a Megane ETech electric can still save by availing of a reduced APR of 4.9% (down from 5.9%) on all cars ordered at O’Briens Kilkenny by 30th June and registered by 31st July. As part of this offer the

max GMFV will also be increased to 50%, giving customer savings in the monthly finance payments of almost €2,000 over the finance term.

This offer will be welcome by customers looking to switch to electric or upgrade their EV and will be further enhanced at O’Briens Kilkenny where in house offers will be available – such as a trade in bonus and a free home charger.

O’Briens Kilkenny are also offering 24-hour test drives for customers looking at purchasing a Megane E-Tech electric.

Prices for customers, including the

€5,000 SEAI grant, start at €37,495 for the 40kWh versions and €41,995 for the 60kWh versions.

Renault’s in-house bank, Mobilize Financial Services offer PCP from €249per month with 4.9% APR. Customers can ask at O’Briens Kilkenny for specific additional offers.

Visit O’Briens Kilkenny from 18th to 20th May and avail of great offers and test drives.

For more information on the Megane E-Tech 100% electric sales event www.obrienskilkenny.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

Global Report Just a day after being found liable for battery and defamation of a woman who says he raped her in the 1990s, former President Donald Trump took questions in a live town hall event on CNN whose journalists he called “the enemy of the people” while running for the presidency and serving in office.

Before the jury foreperson announced the verdict at a courtroom in lower Manhattan, the immediate stakes for Trump — and CNN — were already high. Now they are even higher.

For months, Trump has been furious at Fox News, which serves as a pillar of the Republican Party and its controlling owners Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, who have been auditioning Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a GOP presidential candidate before Fox audiences.

Just hours before the verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s civil suit against him, Trump wrote an angry post on his Truth Social account inveighing against the Murdochs, Fox corporate director Paul Ryan (“worst Republican Speaker ever”) and their premier newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, as well as Fox, which he wrote was “rapidly disintegrating.”

(Indeed, its prime-time ratings have plunged since it fired star Tucker Carlson late last month, though Fox officials suggest they will rebound once a permanent replacement is named.)

The CNN appearance was intended to allow Trump to demonstrate his independence from a network often favoured by his fans. It hasn’t been a complete Fox blackout; Trump has given interviews this year to conservative Fox hosts Sean Hannity and Mark Levin, as well as Carlson before his departure.

He also spoke to a Fox News digital reporter after the verdict in Carroll’s suit went against him.

CNN has much to prove. In his first year on the job, Chairman and CEO Chris Licht has sought to put his mark on the network by draining it of the relentless criticism of Trump in response to the crises and controversies that defined his administration.

Many Republicans argue

The news behind that Trump interview that CNN had become too ideological.

Licht canceled Brian Stelter’s media criticism show Reliable Sources and shifted prime-time star Don Lemon to the morning. Both hosts had been outspoken against Trump. Lemon was fired this spring after accusations of sexism both on air and toward his female co-hosts.

Lemon and his attorney contest those allegations. Licht has told his staff they are reestablishing the channel’s original identity.

David Zaslav, the chief executive of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, said,“The US has divided government. We need to hear both voices. Republicans are on the air on CNN. Democrats are on the air. All voices should be heard on CNN.

“Our network is about the best version of the facts,” Zaslav said. “This is a new CNN.” Zaslav has dismissed concerns about CNN’s tepid ratings, saying the channel could draw stronger audiences with more partisan fare. Carrying Trump on the air could cause viewership to spike, at least for the night.

The announcement of CNN’s town hall with Trump engendered a backlash from both liberals and journalists who question the wisdom of putting Trump on the air live. During Trump’s drive to the White House in 2015 and 2016, the press failed repeatedly to cover him adequately.

His rapid-fire bombast and glibness with false claims and outright lies overwhelmed reporters’ ability to process the

implications of what he was saying in real time.

MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan argued against inviting Trump on. Failing that, however, he declared that CNN had an obligation to confront the former president about his record and his character, in and out of office. He said that CNN should start by asking Trump whether he had disqualified himself from the presidency, both for his actions ahead of the January 6 riot on the Capitol and recent comments that appeared to justify “terminating” parts of the US Constitution.

The CNN town hall featured Republican and non-committed New Hampshire voters at St. Anselm College. It was moderated by morning host Kaitlan Collins. She is wellknown to Trump, as a former

White House correspondent for CNN. CNN political director David Chalian said the network approached the event as it would one for any candidate, but called Trump a “unique candidate” in that he’s a former president — the first one to run for the White House in more than a century.

And Chalian acknowledged another distinction. Trump trashed governing norms. He was impeached twice by the US House, though not convicted in the US Senate.

Moderator Kaitlan Collins tussled with Trump [pictured] as a White House reporter.

She carries conservative bona fides as a former reporter for the Daily Caller, founded by Carlson. But she did not display a strong ideological affinity as a CNN White House re-

porter. Indeed, she was hardly seen as a pushover. Trump aides, irked over her coverage, once blocked her from attending a press conference.

(The Trump White House unsuccessfully went to court to revoke the credentials of her colleague Jim Acosta.)

That’s a more familiar dynamic for Trump and CNN. He earlier accused the network of “anger and hatred” toward him and said he considered it to be serving as the opposition to his administration.

“They made me a deal I couldn’t refuse!!!” Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social. “Could be the beginning of a new and Vibrant CNN, with no more Fake News, or it could turn into a disaster for all, including me.”

Russian boss ‘should go easy’ on the vodka Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has hit out at Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev, who recently called for the killing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he shouldn’t drink and post on social media, “Medvedev should drink less vodka before going on Telegram,” Kuleba said in an interview with German outlet Bild.

Medvedev, who is now the deputy head of the Russian Security Council — directly

under Russian President Vladimir Putin — has “a certain role in the nature of Russia’s strategic communications,” Kuleba said.

The former Russian president, who also previously served as prime minister, regularly makes controversial comments on foreign policy and the war in Ukraine on social media.

Critics say his posts are part of an attempt to retain some political significance while appearing more radical than Putin, thereby legiti-

mising the current Russian president’s decisions.

Following an alleged drone attack on the Kremlin last week, Medvedev said there were “no options left other than the physical elimination of Zelenskyy and his clique,” in a message posted on his Telegram channel. (Russia claims that Ukraine is responsible for the attack, which Kyiv has denied.)

In March, after the International Criminal Court issued an international arrest

warrant against Putin for war crimes, Medvedev said the Hague-based court was a “miserable international organisation” and suggested Russia could bomb it.

An eventual arrest of the Russian president, he added a few days later, would be a “declaration of war.”

For example, if Putin was arrested whilst visiting Germany, Medvedev said, “all [of Russia’s] assets — all our missiles etc. — would fly to the Bundestag, to the chancellor’s office.”

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Exhibition

Michael Hilliard (3rd class) St Johns school shows off his art model to Mayor David Fitzgerald Young Kilkenny students who entered The Carbon Neutral Art Competition pictured at a reception at City Hall. Also in the photo are Breda Maher ( Kilkenny County Council) , Denis Malone ( Kilkenny County Council) and Mayor David Fitzgerald

Attending The Carbon Neutral Art Competition at city hall were Selina Lavrinaviciute and Lucy Muldowney

Carbon neutral society to the fore as students present art exhibition with recycled material at City Hall Photos: Kilkenny Observer Newspaper The council chambers at Kilkenny’s city hall has seen many events over the years. It has hosted many dignitaries, paid tribute to many great people and has been the venue to promote many great causes.

Last week, was yet another great occasion, when the room at The Tholsel was transformed into an art exhibition space.

Hosted by Kilkenny County Council, ‘The Carbon Neutral Art Competition’ brought teachers, family and friends together to experience artwork and models of some of the city’s best known buildings.

Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral, Kennyswell, Nowlan Park and Graces Castle were just some of the work on display.

Speaking at the event, Denis Malone Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, paid special tribute to all involved and said that all of us, students and adults,

had a part to play in a Carbon Neutral society.

It was all part of competition to create a Kilkenny landmark using recycled materials.

Mayor David Fitzgerald said that the students had put an enormous effort into their individual projects and he thanked them and their teachers for producing such great work.

Cllr Fitzgerald said that it was very important that Kilkenny was part of The Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance which aims to help cities take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral by 2050 or earlier.

Last week, the mayor invited local children into City Hall to present them with prizes after they took part in a competition to create a Kilkenny landmark using recycled materials.

Certificates were presented to all schools who participated while first prize was awarded to Alexander Gray for his depiction of City Hall.

Mr Conor Wafer, from St Johns Senior School accepts a Mayors award certificate on behalf of his 4th class students from Mayor Fitzgerald

David Fitzgerald presents a Mayors award to 3rd class students of St Johns senior school. Accepting the award is staff member Anne Dineen

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Exhibition

Attending the Carbon Neutral Art Competition at city hall : Barbara Csabai, Tiago Adolfo, Daniel Fonseca, Emilya Fonseca, and Roberto Fonseca The Karaliunas family attended city hall for The Carbon Neutral Art Competition.

Pictured with Mayor Fitzgerald showing the model of Kenny’s Well are Amelia, Edita, Eitanas and Mindaligas John McCormack from St Johns senior school pictured with the Mayor at City Hall

Left: Denis Malone Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, reminisces about his former school of St Johns with Rene Ópacak who created the model of the school. Also in the picture is Cllr David Fitzgerald

Lisa Heffernan from St Johns senior school, accepts a Mayors award certificate on behalf of her 4th year students

OVERALL WINNER……A delighted Alexander Gray poses with Mayor David Fitzgerald after being awarded first place at the Carbon Neutral Art competition at city hall

With his model of Lady Desart Bridge, Oisín Power proudly displays his work at The Carbon Neutral Art Competition.

Oisín is pictured with dad Mark and Mayor of Kilkenny David Fitzgerald

Breda Maher, Community Climate Action officer, Kilkenny County Council pictured with Robbi Geoghan from St Johns school and Mayor David Fitzgerald at the The Carbon Neutral Art Competition held at city hall

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News

Most want to retire by 60 but cannot afford to The majority of Irish workers would like to retire at 60, with others keen to leave employment at an even younger age.

But one in 12 say they never want to fully retire, according to a survey by insurer Royal London Ireland, carried out by iReach.

The research found that six in 10 workers would retire

at 60, or even earlier, if they could do so. Twice as many men as women would give up working if they could, the survey of 900 people shows.

However, financial experts said many people find that when they get into their 60s they have insufficient pension funds built up to allow them to retire early.

The age at which workers

qualify for the State pension currently is 66.

One in five would like to retire at the age of 50 if they could afford to leave work at that age, the survey found.

Pension proposition lead with Royal London Ireland, Mark Reilly, said, “Retiring at 60 was the most preferred option. But what was interesting was that, while

people often joke of being able to retire early, the truth is that it’s not for everyone.”

Mr Reilly said this was clear from the finding that just one in five would choose to retire at 50 if the possibility was available to them. And the survey found that 8% say they never want to fully retire.

“This shows that there is a

Why profit rather than pay Anyone for is driving glamping? inflation Inflation has helped eurozone corporations to run up profits to record highs, according to research from the European Commission.

The EU executive said eurozone corporates’ profits contributed more to domestic inflation than wage costs last year, a pattern that is expected to continue in 2023.

Last year unit profits are estimated to have contributed 3.2 points to overall eurozone inflation, with unit profits growing at a record 9.3pc year-on-year in the final quarter.

Unit profits are expected to contribute 2.5 percentage points to eurozone inflation this year, falling to 0.4 points next year.

Pent-up pandemic demand for things like electronics, healthcare, transport and travel meant those sectors were able to build up profits, particularly once restrictions lifted last year, the commission forecast said.

“The strength of demand and the high inflation environment have been conducive to higher profit margins,” the forecast said.

It warned that continued high profits, coupled with expected high wage demands, could “delay the process of disinflation, risk a loosening of inflation expectations, and ultimately force central banks to tighten monetary policy more than otherwise would be the case”.

But EU economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said rising wages should eat into

profit margins next year.

“Corporate profit margins have been on the rise since 2021, providing a potential buffer for the absorption of wage increases,” he said. “The strong growth in labour costs is set to lead to a reduction in profit margins in 2024.”

The Commission’s research echoes findings by the European Central Bank (ECB).

ECB president Christine Lagarde hinted earlier this month that some firms were taking advantage of “high and volatile inflation” to pad margins.

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show profits in Irish-based corporations surged by almost a third in the final three months of 2022, compared with 2021.

Domestic firms saw profits rise 17%, more than twice the rate of headline inflation.

Listed firms including building materials giant CRH, Kilkenny food group Glanbia, pharmacy owner Uniphar and Penneys’ parent company Associated British Foods have all posted record 2022 results.

Ireland’s gross domestic product (GDP) is to expand by 5.5% this year and 5% next year, the Commission predicts, higher than previous forecasts and well ahead of the EU economy as a whole, which is expected to grow 1pc this year and 1.7% in 2024.

But it was more downbeat about Ireland’s domestic economy, predicting 2% growth in modified domestic demand this year and 2.3% in 2024.

Set on 120 acres of Kilkenny countryside with breathtaking backdrops of rolling hills, Ballyhale’s stylish and sustainable Mountain View is home to a multi-award winning wedding and events venue, luxurious and laidback glamping village, the setting of the South East’s largest and fastest growing weekly farmer’s market and their panoramic restaurant, The Greenhouse.

Originally a family farm and having first opened nearly 30 years ago as a golf course, this third generation family-run business has been lovingly grown into one of Ireland’s most beautiful getaways and alternative wedding venues. Palliative care nurse Bee O’Grady [pictured]along with her younger brother Michael O’Neill, from a family of eight siblings, are the inspirational driving forces behind this truly unique must-visit countryside hideaway which overlooks miles and miles of peace and quiet.

On the success of her beautiful family-run venue, Mountain View co-owner

and co-founder Bee O’Grady told The Kilkenny Observer, “At Mountain View, we are a family. Originally my parent’s farm and along with my eight siblings we have proudly transformed our 120 acres of rural beauty into a successful exclusive wedding and events venue, a boutique luxury glamping village, The Greenhouse restaurant with its spectacular panoramic views and of course our much-loved popular weekly farmer’s market.”

In addition to being home to one of Ireland’s most scenic glamping experiences, Ballyhale’s Mountain View is a multi award winning exclusive and

cohort of society for whom the ability to continue to work beyond the traditional retirement age is hugely important,” said Mr Reilly.

“There can be a lot of hours to fill when you retire so for many people, work gives them a sense of purpose and identity, as well as a daily routine, all of which can be lost at retirement unless ad-

equate preparation is put in.”

Significant changes to the state pension were put forward by the Government last September.

The changes, which have been described as among the biggest structural reforms of the system, are due to be phased in from January of next year.

all-inclusive wedding venue that boasts both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces on its private 120 acres. Crowned as a winner in this year’s national SaveMyDay.ie Wedding Venue Awards, Mountain View took the top spot in three award categories which is the most of any wedding venue across Ireland. They were awarded Ireland’s Best Alternative Wedding Venue, Ireland’s Best Festival Wedding Venue and an acclaimed Judge’s Choice award.

Sharon Doyle, Director of wedding and events at Kilkenny’s award winning wedding venue Mountain View, comments, “Whether a couple prefers to marry outdoors nestled amongst the trees or in our lovingly restored Cowshed, to party intimately in the stylish surrounds of The Greenhouse restaurant or to throw a big party celebration in the Grand Marquee, at Mountain View we will work with to-be-weds to make their wedding day truly unique and memorable for them

and their guests.”

Mountain View is also famed both regionally and nationally for its glorious food, including its handcrafted wedding menus and The Greenhouse restaurant with its delicious dinner, brunch, lunch and tempting cocktails. Head Chef Rory Nolan, who has worked previously at the Michelin-starred Chapter One restaurant in Dublin and Kilkenny’s Campagne under the internationally renowned chefs Ross Lewis and Garrett Byrne, puts a strong emphasis on “simplicity” in creating his menu and dishes and prides himself on using fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with the lowest food miles and best quality produce.

Local producers include organic fruit and vegetables from Callan’s Riversfield Organic Farm; meat sourced from Mark Williams, a sixth generation beef farmer from Kilkenny’s Summerhill Farm; organic chicken from Castlecomer’s Rings Farm; and Mountain View’s own on-site herb garden.

Calleary trade visit to Poland and Czech Republic Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, has begun Enterprise Ireland’s trade visit to Poland and Czech Republic.

Minister Calleary will visit several Irish companies operating in both countries, showcasing their success in the region and highlighting

the exciting opportunities for Irish companies in Central Eastern Europe to establish, scale and grow their business.

In 2022, Enterprise Ireland client exports to Poland rose significantly to €390m, 29% growth on the previous year, while Irish exports to the Czech Republic increased by

23% to €126m, illustrating the importance of Irish-owned companies’ success and growth in Central Eastern Europe. Poland is the largest market, with the Czech Republic, second largest single market for Enterprise Ireland client companies in Central Eastern Europe.

Minister Calleary said, “I

want to acknowledge the remarkable success of Irishowned companies in Central Eastern Europe and the important contribution they make to industry. Over 20,000 people in Poland and the Czech Republic are employed

by Irish companies across industries such as, pharmaceuticals and engineering.”

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friends and family members who are willing to assist with various tasks. Delegate responsibilities such as managing the guest list, organising transportation or coordinating the day-of activities.

This will alleviate some of the burden on you and your partner, allowing you to fully enjoy your wedding day.

Your guide to stress-free wedding planning Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming task, but with the right approach and a bit of organisation, it can also be a joyful and rewarding experience.

Setting the foundation The first step in wedding planning is setting a realistic budget. Determine how much you and your partner can afford to spend on your big day and allocate funds

to different categories such as venue, catering, dresses/ suits and decorations. Create a detailed spreadsheet to track expenses and monitor your budget throughout the process.

Next, establish a timeline.

Decide on a wedding date and work backward to set deadlines for booking vendors, sending out invitationsand completing other

crucial tasks. Having a clear timeline will help you stay organised and prevent any last-minute rush.

Choosing the perfect venue and vendors Selecting a venue is one of the most significant decisions you'll make. Consider factors such as capacity, location, ambiance and cost when evaluating potential options.

Book your venue well in

advance to secure your preferred date.

Finding reliable vendors is equally important. Research and interview multiple options for photographers, caterers, florists and entertainers. Ask for recommendations from friends or consult online directories and reviews. Remember to thoroughly review contracts before signing and keep a copy for your records.

Creating a dream team Delegate responsibilities to trusted individuals who can help bring your vision to life.

Consider hiring a wedding planner to guide you through the process and coordinate with vendors. Their expertise and experience can prove invaluable, especially if you have a busy schedule or want to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Additionally, involve close

The finer details Attend to the smaller details that will make your wedding truly unique. Plan the theme, colour scheme and decorations that reflect your style as a couple. Consider personalising your invitations, table settings, and favours to add a special touch.

Furthermore, focus on crafting a memorable experience for your guests. Plan entertaining activities, hire a DJ or live band and ensure there are ample food and drinks options to suit different tastes and dietary requirements.

Don't forget to arrange transportation and accommodations for out-of-town guests, making their experience hassle-free.

Wedding planning is a journey that requires careful attention to detail, organisation and communication. By setting a budget, selecting the right vendors, delegating responsibilities and paying attention to the finer details, you can create a memorable and stress-free wedding.

Remember to cherish the process and enjoy the celebration of love with your partner, family and friends.

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Say 'I Do' as the Wedding & Honeymoon Show returns to the RDS, Dublin

Save The Date: Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford & Laois Couples – We have something for you!

Ireland's largest, most exciting and diverse Wedding event, the Wedding and Honeymoon Show is back, and it's bigger and better than ever!

This year's event will take place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September at the RDS, Dublin, and is the ultimate destination for brides and grooms in the midst of

planning their dream day.

Across two days, the Main Hall in the RDS will transform into a one-stop wedding wonderland, bustling with hundreds of top-notch wedding suppliers, all gathered under one roof. From the traditional to the quirky, vintage to themed weddings, it will all be covered! Discover

handcrafted favours, organic menus, unique venues – both home and abroad, florists, bridalwear, beauty and honeymoon destinations, bringing together wedding experts from all over Ireland, making it the perfect place to plan your dream wedding.

No matter what your budget is, where your ideas are

The perfect venue for the perfect day The Haven Hotel is a truly unique and award-winning Wedding Venue set in stunning surroundings in the heart of Dunmore East. There is no better setting to celebrate with your family and friends.

Paul and Karen Kelly and their team are dedicated to perfecting your wedding celebrations and will be with you throughout your journey.

No matter what size of wedding you are planning, The Haven Hotel is your perfect Venue!

They can cater for small, intimate weddings in one of their smaller function rooms, up to 70 guests in their Ballroom, or up to 180 guests in their glass marquee.

NEW FOR 2024 is the brand-new Venue, built into the top bank of the lawns and will seat up to 300 guests for dinner.

The Haven is fully licensed to hold Civil Ceremonies inside and outside the hotel.

Exchange vows in the bay window of the Ballroom or on the patio with stunning views over the estuary as your wedding backdrop.

For more information, go to www. thehavenhotel.com/weddings or email weddings@thehavenhotel.com Photo credit: EvelynMcNamaraPhotography.com

taking you or who you are walking up the aisle with, The Wedding and Honeymoon Show welcomes everyone on the wedding planning journey.

Smart planning: You can book your entire wedding all in one day…helping you to stay organised and on track!

Here’s just some of what is instore for this year’s Wedding & Honeymoon Show: • Exclusive show only offers and discounts • Live catwalk shows featuring stunning gowns for every style and budget – helping

you to ‘Say Yes!’ to your dream dress • Expert advice from Ireland’s most trusted and talented wedding professionals • Fashion inspiration for grooms, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and more • Sustainable ideas and ecofriendly suppliers • Exclusive access to the ‘I Do’ School, hosted by Sara Kennedy, Ireland’s leading wedding experts, a must see for invaluable advice and inspiration for your special day.

• Top tips on how to say ‘I Do’ Abroad!

Before the big day arrives, this is one appointment every couple can’t afford to miss.

The Wedding and Honeymoon Show will take place at the RDS, Dublin on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2023 from 10am – 5pm.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.wed. ie or follow @WEDDublin for show updates.

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER: GET 15% OFF YOUR BOOKING BY USING THE CODE ‘OBSERVER’

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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Amazing wedding photography

by Aidona Photography There is something very special about photographing weddings. At Aidona Photography there are more than a few family snaps to mark the day.

Aoife captures so much more, from the nervous excitement during Bridal Prep to the First Dance surrounded by loved ones, and everything in between, creating your own unique wedding story.

The one thing you will have long after you say your vows are your photos. Her wedding photography style is candid and romantic and highlights all the beautiful moments of your special day.

“Oozing with professionalism, enthusiasm, kindness and such a caring manner.

She is incredibly creative, what she didn't think of during the day and made everyone so at ease and as so many guests told me were so much part of the day and really added to it. She should be getting prizes for what she can do with the camera.”

Amy Stapleton “Aoife travelled to Bunclody beforehand to capture all the special moments during all

the morning preparations.

Aoife is a true professional and is very passionate about her work and will not pass an opportunity to capture the right shot. Aoife went above and beyond anything we had expected so much so that she even assisted my beautiful wife Dee in getting into

her wedding dress.” Thomas Watkins Are you looking for a wedding photographer who captures genuine, real, candid moments, with minimal posing and interference? Then get in touch with Aidona Photography by calling Aoife on 086 360 7589.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

The indispensable role of a day of wedding coordinator An editorial by Jill Hughes from Planned By A Pro As couples embark on the exciting journey of planning their dream wedding, they quickly realise that orchestrating the perfect day involves an intricate dance of logistics, details, and timelines. This is where the invaluable role of a day-of wedding coordinator steps into the spotlight, ensuring a seamless execution that leaves the couple free to savour every magical moment.

At Planned By A Pro, we understand the importance of this often-overlooked wedding vendor. Led by Jill Hughes, our team of dedicated professionals has witnessed first-hand how a day-of coordinator transforms weddings into extraordinary experiences, delivering impeccable results that exceed expectations. The day-of coordinator is that secret weapon that guarantees a stress-free and flawlessly executed wedding day.

If you don't want to deal with last-minute tasks, supplier management, and issues that may arise before, during, and after your ceremony and reception, it's essential to assign someone the role of a wedding coordinator for the day. While

Elevating your wedding experience with expert execution and peace of mind many couples handle their wedding planning themselves, from booking the venue and suppliers to taking care of logistics beforehand, it's crucial not to get overwhelmed by the countless details involved in hosting a successful event on the actual day.

If hiring a professional coordinator isn't within your budget, you might need to rely on friends or family members to manage the details on your wedding day. However, keep in mind that they won't be able to fully enjoy your wedding as guests. Additionally, despite their best intentions, they may lack organisational skills or experience, which could limit their effectiveness. Ultimately, your goal is to ensure a seamless wedding experience for your guests while you get to enjoy peace of mind throughout the

day.

What sets Jill and her team apart is their passion for turning your vision into a reality. A day-of coordinator is not just a logistical expert; they become your advocates, understanding your desires and executing them with finesse. Their primary goal is to alleviate the burdens of coordination and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the joy of your wedding day.

The beauty of hiring a day-of coordinator, like Jill, is that they step in at a critical moment: when all the planning is complete, but the wedding day itself looms large. They become your trusted partner, taking over the reins to ensure that your hard work and planning are executed flawlessly.

From overseeing supplier coordination and setup to managing the timeline with precision, they handle every aspect of your wedding day, leaving you free to embrace the love, laughter, and happiness that surround you.

Jill Hughes and her team at Planned By A Pro are dedicated to providing you with peace of mind, ensuring that every element falls seamlessly into

place. Their commitment to perfection and their unwavering attention to detail mean that you can relax, knowing that your wedding day is in expert hands.

So, as you embark on this exciting chapter of your life, remember the invaluable role that a day-of wedding coordinator plays. Reach out to Jill Hughes from Planned By A Pro to experience the magic of a perfectly executed wedding day. Let them transform your dreams into a reality, allowing you to relish every moment, unburdened by the logistics.

“The biggest surprise for us was that Jill made wedding planning seem so effortless and easy! You might be wondering why we needed a wedding planner?

Well, wedding planning can be so overwhelming and with our busy jobs, it just felt like too much. For us, Planned By A Pro stood out from the other options because Jill was so kind and easy to get along with! There was not one thing I would've done differently when deciding if we needed a wedding planner, Jill made us feel so calm. I was so happy! Margo & Gareth, Castle Leslie, 2022”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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Opinion

Girl Auction

BY NED EGAN

Part 18 Now remember the handsome young man named Simon Flynn.

Simon had been roughly handled; dragged from his midnight tick, in fact, by a strange spectral dream hound – whose baying was the last sound in his ears as he was so violently woken up. Not a young fellow to be easily rattled, he’s gone down to the stonecold kitchen, and made himself a mug of ‘tay.’ He sits now on an oak butt by the glimmering skeochgriosach, the candle flame flicker-waving here and there, pushed by the random breezes that were part of any chill kitchen in those times. The dreamcreature, or force, that had so roughly dragged him onto the yellow-clay floor of his room, was nowhere

in evidence. He’d also seen in the drowsy mist of his awakening brain a couple of fleeting forms – young girls – and he thought he’d recognised them as Molly and Babsie Connolly.

They had to be; there were no other girls in the area that would fit their cloudy images. And Molly held a special spot in his mind, anyway – and his heart.

The question was: Why the sudden dream?

Why the yank out of his tick? Simon wasn’t into spooks and puckawns. It gradually grew on him that the mystic dog wasn’t in the way of harming him. Nor was it out to frighten him, either – he was sure of that. The roaring had been to attract his sudden attention. He came to the conclusion that the dream was some kind of warning, some sort of signal. And no spectre would bother his head bawling around, or dragging him about, just for the fun of it. So,

there only remained the one word to face – and consider: trouble.

And who was in trouble?

Obviously not the sleepbothering madra – he’d be from a region unreachable by troublesome humans.

So the only answer was – the Connolly girls.

So, now that he knows there’s trouble afoot how to act? He has been trying to pursue his ‘suit’ with Molly for some time now… A procedure which that sweet maiden has been completely unaware of…

First, he back-tracks in his mind over the last few months, to see if there are any clues lurking in his memory that might help him cotton on to the mystery of his rude awakening. {Old hands’ now perusing these inky quarters will be aware that Simon once instructed the Mollers in the efficient use of the Four Ten shotgun.} That was on a balmy summer’s day, when he just ‘happened to be in the area.’ Looking for a

non-existent bullock was his little white lie: always excusable in evolving romantic circumstances.

Truth to tell, he’d earlier been in Dungratton – it was a Fair Day - and had spotted Mikey Connolly in what could be only politely described as ‘a state of utter inebriation.’

Aye, langered, mouldy, rotor - in the horrors: same thing.

While not disgusted, amazed or alarmed at the sight of the jarred fellow – it being quite normal of a Fair Day, and happened to the best of men - he saw it as a chance to have the cuairdeek with Molly – who was sure to be home along with Babsie.

The reports on the Mollers from his sister Bridie had always been great, and though he’d never got beyond the ‘hello’ stage himself – due to complete lack of opportunity - Molly looked a fine girl indeed.

Now Bridie joined Simon in their old midnight kitchen, discussing the strange dream Simon just had.

Simon spoke, quietly.

“What have we got to do, sis? Where do we start? I have a few ideas – but what do you say? I thought I saw something strapped on the Moller’s

shoulder, but I couldn’t be sure – it was so misty in that bloomin’ dream.

The only thing it could possibly be is the Four Ten; you know, her dadser’s shotgun.” “Ah yes, Sim – the ‘Famous Four Ten!’ I heard you gave Molly a few friendly lessons on handling that handy little gun during the summer. Nothing from herself {of course!} but from Babsie – who spied on you as you so very helpfully held Molly round the waist, teaching her how to ‘cuddle’ the gun-butt’ into her shoulder! “The Babs was gleeful – she asked me straight out if ‘them two would be getting married!’

A sparky wee sprite, that – but no fool.

I think she’s got hopes that you would put manners on the Mikey; and you do seem to be a favourite of those two. Ah, well, would that all things were so simple: what a great world we’d have…”

In the switching glints of the embers and the guttering tallow candle, Bridie caught the faint blush on the brother’s handsome face – and had her first laugh since she’d scrambled from her own tick, at his waking shout!

“Aye, Sim, your secret is well out and known

about! Just the girls, and you and me, mind you.

Oh, yes - and Ma and Da. They’re well-liked by the Babs, so she didn’t hesitate to chirp up about your teaching session!

Don’t worry about it: if only six people know a ‘secret’, it’s not bad going, around here…

“Anyway, I do believe what you saw was the Four Ten. The Mollers might have great faith in her Mam, but if the Dacent jumped out in front of them – and I’m sure he’ll have that big Purdey shotgun that he carries everywhere lately – there’d be little time for prayers.

We’ll go with your thinking Bridie, As you seem to know, I’m keen on Molly – and I think she is on me – so there’s no use me making plans.

I’d probably grab Da’s Twelve Bore, and tear off to Bilzies, shouting her name - which would wreck everything. I’m too wound up.

You’re the boss, for all of this night.”

Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Kilkenny Observer.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

kilkennyobserver.ie

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Sex on the beach cocktail

Lamb kleftiko

Prep: 10 mins Cook:5 hrs and 20 mins plus overnight marinating Serves: 6

Prep: 5 mins Serves: 2 Combine vodka with peach schnapps and cranberry juice to make a classic sex on the beach cocktail. Garnish with cocktail cherries and orange slices.

Seal a leg of lamb in a parcel then roast it long and slow with garlic, lemon, herbs and potatoes to soak up the delicious juices.

Ingredients • ice • 50ml vodka • 25ml peach schnapps • 2 oranges, juiced, plus 2 slices to garnish • 50ml cranberry juice • glacé cherries, to garnish (optional)

Ingredients • 6 garlic cloves • 3 tbsp roughly chopped oregano • 1 tbsp roughly chopped rosemary • zest 1 lemon and juice of 2 • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2kg leg of lamb • 1kg Desiree potato, halved or quartered • 5 bay leaves

Method STEP 1 Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour the vodka, peach schnapps and fruit juices into a large jug and stir.

STEP 2 Divide the mixture between the two glasses and stir gently to combine. Garnish with the cocktail cherries and orange slices.

For the mint yogurt • 250g Greek yogurt • juice ½ lemon • 1 tbsp olive oil • handful mint, shredded For the Greek-style salad • 1 ½ tsp red wine vinegar • 1 ½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 100g baby spinach • small bunch parsley, roughly chopped • ½ red onion, finely sliced • 175g cherry tomatoes, halved • ½ cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and sliced • 75g black Kalamata olives, stoned and quartered Method STEP 1 Crush together the garlic cloves and 1 tsp salt using a pestle and mortar. Add the herbs, lemon zest, cinnamon, some black pepper, crush a little more, then stir through 2 tbsp of the olive oil.

STEP 2

Using a sharp knife, create lots of holes all over the lamb, and rub in the paste, pushing it deep into the holes. Transfer the lamb to a large food bag, pour in the lemon juice and marinate overnight.

seasoning. Bring up the sides of the foil, then pour the marinade from the lamb over the potatoes and throw in the bay leaves.

STEP 3 The next day, take the lamb out of the fridge 1 hr before you want to cook it. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3.

STEP 5 Set the lamb on top of the potatoes and scrunch the foil together tightly to completely enclose the lamb. Lift into a roasting tin and roast in the oven for 4½ hrs until very tender.

STEP 4 Lay 2 long pieces of baking parchment on top of 2 long pieces of foil – one widthways, the other lengthways to form a cross. Pop the potatoes in the centre of the parchment and toss with the remaining oil and some

STEP 6 Remove tin from the oven and increase the temperature to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Unwrap the parcel and scrunch the foil and parchment under the rim of the tin, baste the lamb with the juices and return to the oven for

a further 20 mins until browned.

Remove the lamb from the tin, wrap in foil and rest.

STEP 7 Turn the potatoes over and return to the oven for 30 mins, then season with salt. While the potatoes are cooking, stir together all the ingredients for the yogurt.

STEP 8 Combine the red wine vinegar, oil and some seasoning to make a dressing for the salad. Toss together the remaining salad ingredients, adding the dressing when you’re ready to eat. Serve the lamb with the potatoes and meaty juices, with the salad and yogurt on the side.

Greek salad

• 4 tbsp Greek extra virgin olive oil

Prep: 15 mins Serves: 4

Method STEP 1 Place 4 large vine tomatoes, cut into wedges, 1 peeled, deseeded and chopped cucumber, ½ a thinly sliced red onion, 16 Kalamata olives, 1 tsp dried oregano, 85g feta cheese chunks and 4 tbsp Greek extra virgin olive oil in a large bowl.

Make a fresh and colourful Greek salad in no time. It’s great with grilled meats at a barbecue, or on its own as a veggie main.

Ingredients • 4 large vine tomatoes, cut into irregular wedges • 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, then roughly chopped

• ½ a red onion thinly sliced • 16 Kalamata olives • 1 tsp dried oregano

• 85g feta cheese, cut into chunks (barrel matured feta is the best)

STEP 2 Lightly season, then serve with crusty bread to mop up all of the juices.

Shirley Temple Prep: 5 mins Serves: 1 Combine lime juice, ginger ale and grenadine to make this sweet, refreshing non-alcoholic drink.

Finish off the mocktail with a maraschino cherry to garnish.

Ingredients • ice • 150ml ginger ale, plus extra to serve (optional) • 25ml lime juice • 15ml grenadine • 1 maraschino cherry, to garnis Method STEP 1 Fill a tall glass with ice, then pour in the ginger ale and lime juice.

STEP 2 Slowly pour in the grenadine, then garnish with the maraschino cherry. Top up with more ginger ale, if you like.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

5

JLo conforms to type in action film The Mother Jennifer Lopez is reconnecting with her action film roots, starring in the new Netflix film The Mother. In it, she plays the titular character, a veteran and expert sniper who gives up her daughter at birth in an effort to protect her. When forces later threaten 12-year-old Zoe, Lopez jumps into action, doing everything she can to keep her daughter safe.

The Mother celebrates Lopez’s physical ability and hyper fitness. “She is definitely performing a very physical role in a revenge action film [and] she’s bringing it to the next level. As an actress, that’s an incredibly difficult move to make, the jumps [and other action sequences],” says Angharad N. Valdivia, Research Professor at the Institute of Communications Research and Professor in the Department of Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois.

The protagonist of The Mother is physically tough, but she’s also incredibly street smart, a fact that doesn’t surprise Mary Beltrán, Associate Professor of Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas at Austin and author of Latina/o Stars in US Eyes. “Latinas have sometimes been more likely depicted as more able to handle themselves and be tough,” she says. “It’s almost like white women were not seen as viable action protagonists unless they transformed and became more masculine in some ways, whereas Latinas typically didn’t go through any

transformation at all.”

The Mother is a “pretough” character who actualises her strength rather than being forced to adapt.

And that can be a doubleedged sword. Hollywood often reinforces “notions of Latinas as more violent and potentially as more intelligent with their bodies than with their minds in a way in our real life, worlds, [we] usually don’t reward or see as moral . . . They’re not necessarily the traits that we ascribe to our political leaders or business leaders [even if] these are admired traits within the story worlds.”

And that’s not the only pitfall Latina action heroes have to contend with. Professor in the Department of Sociology at Virginia Tech and author of Gender in Film and Video Neal King says that women in action films generally have just two options in terms of their plots.

“Women are much more likely than the male heroes to find out the hard way that the bad guy is their boyfriend, or boss, or otherwise good friend. He’s right under her nose,” King says.

“And that’s not to say it never happens with guys, but it just doesn’t happen very often with the guys, where it happens all the time with the women.”

In addition to this oversampling of the close-badguy plot, women action heroes tend to also share a motivation: “There’s a history of women who are good at doing violence for a living, playing cops and adjacent, and they tend

National Geographic miniseries that follows Miep Gies, the woman who hid Otto Frank and his family from Nazis looking send Jewish people to concentration camps during WWII. You can anticipate two episode releases weekly on Tuesdays throughout May. Then there’s Ed: Sheeran: The Sum of It All. The four part docuseries will give viewers an intimate look at

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

to watch if you loved The Diplomat 1. Tehran

Breaking new ground, the acclaimed spy thriller drama Tehran, crafted by Moshe Zonder, made history as the first-ever Israeli series to secure the prestigious Emmy Award in 2021. This gripping narrative follows an undercover Mossad agent, posing as a skilled computer hacker, on a mission to dismantle Iran’s formidable air defences. However, as the operation unfolds, she finds herself unexpectedly reconnecting with her own heritage, blurring the lines between duty and personal identity. On Apple TV+

2. Homeland

Based on the Israeli series Prisoners of War, the captivating spy thriller Homeland, brought to life by the creative minds of Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, centres around a CIA officer grappling with Bipolar disorder. Convinced that a former U.S. Marine has aligned himself with the enemy, the series weaves a complex and enthralling narrative that relentlessly keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With powerhouse performances from Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, Homeland stands as a must-watch espionage drama that delivers on every front, leaving audiences captivated until the very last moment.

On Disney+

3. Citadel

Helmed by the visionary Russo Brothers, the creative force behind Amazon Prime Video’s grand endeavour, Citadel, the spy thriller takes viewers on a captivating journey through the intricate realm of espionage. With the talented duo of Richard Madden, known for his role in the Marvel universe, and the charismatic Priyanka Chopra leading the way, the series strikes a delicate balance between the complexities of spy craft and a riveting blend of technology, thrills, and a multi-layered plot.

4. Fauda

historically in these roles to protect kids, whether their own or others,” Dr King says.

In The Mother Lopez does both. She’s fighting off two of her exes to protect her daughter, and she’s flirt-

ing with stereotypes while also subverting them. She’s essentially playing within the established structure to carve out a niche for herself and her community — and it hasn’t been easy.

Ed Sheeran docu comes to Disney + Disney+ has a plethora of new content coming to the streamer for May from additions that premiered on Disney Channel first to original content and Marvel movies subscribers have been waiting to land on the platform like Spider-Man: Homecoming, Venom, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

The first title to drop this month is A Small Light, the

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the global phenom’s private life and his musical ventures as he goes through the highs and lows of a difficult time in his career.

For Star Wars Day, fans of the franchise can anticipate two major releases–the second season of Visions and Young Jedi Adventures season 1. The latter is geared toward younger audiences, it’s an animated series that can serve as an age appropriate

introduction to this galaxy far, far away.

Also on deck for May is American Born Chinese, the long anticipated live-action adaptation of the critically acclaimed and award-winning graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang.

The series stars Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Stephanie Hsu. Keep reading for the full list of what’s new on Disney+ this month!

Netflix’s Fauda stands tall as one of the longest-running spy series on the platform, with its highly anticipated Season 4 making its debut in January last year.

This gripping drama has already garnered a devoted fan base among enthusiasts of crime and espionage thrillers, solidifying its status as one of the most highly-rated shows on the streaming platform. Fauda immerses viewers in a world of suspense and tension, offering a riveting portrayal of Israeli and Palestinian agents, shedding light on both sides of the conflict. Praised by both critics and fans alike, the show excels in all aspects, from the exceptional acting to the stunning cinematography and meticulously crafted costumes.

5. The Family Man

Renowned director duo Raj & DK hit a home run with their popular espionage thriller, The Family Man. Anchored by the exceptional Manoj Bajpayee, the series takes us into the life of a middleclass man working for an investigative agency as he navigates the intricate dance between his professional duties and personal responsibilities. The second season left viewers on the edge of their seats with a gripping cliffhanger, leaving them eagerly awaiting news on the next season. On Amazon Prime Video

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

News

A quarter century of caring for their peers Since its establishment 25 years ago, SeniorLine has provided over two hundred and nineteen thousand hours of volunteer listening and support to older people.

SeniorLine celebrated its quarter century at the Senior Expo at the RDS this year including a public draw with prizes donated by hotels nationwide.

Ireland’s national confidential telephone line is open every day of the year from 10am to 10pm, the Freefone number 1800 80 45 91 offering callers the privacy and autonomy to contact at no cost from their own homes.

Volunteering is currently in the air. Last Monday, May 8, saw the launch of The Big Help Out UK where thousands of organisations and individuals are asked to make a difference in their own communities.

Irish National Volunteering Week takes place from Monday 15 May – Sunday 21 May, organised by Volunteer Ireland, this year’s theme is ‘Connecting Communities’.

SeniorLine has been connecting individuals and

communities for decades with the service being particularly relevant during and since Covid 19. Calls almost tripled in 2022, when the service received 28,600 calls from all parts of the republic. Coinciding with National Volunteering Week, SeniorLine highlights some current needs among older people.

Callers typically may be vulnerable, depressed, anxious, or at-risk with health and social problems. In 2022, 88% of callers were female, 35% of all callers were single, 26% were widowed and 10% were separated. There has been a 15% increase in the number of married people contacting

since 2020. Caller demographic has changed with an increase in callers aged 50-65, and reduction in callers aged 75+.

Traditionally, there has been an approximate 50:50 split between urban and rural callers.

In 2022, the figure was 62:38 with a majority of calls from rural Ireland. While a consistent increase in new callers is noted, many people contact regularly or daily for company, conversation information or to discuss various problems.

Loneliness and isolation remain the main reasons for callers contacting SeniorLine.

In 2022, 59% of all calls were due to isolation or loneliness, compared to 39% in 2020, this undoubtedly due to the pandemic-imposed isolation experienced by many older people living alone. Callers phoning with family problems increased by 2% since 2020, and callers needing support with financial worries rose by 1%. Information-seeking calls rose by 2%.

Callers also contacted SeniorLine last year because they were worried, stressed,

bereaved, experiencing elder abuse or suicidal ideation.

Health issues (physical, psychological, emotional) constituted 20% of all calls in 2022.

In National Volunteering Week, two volunteers explain what their role gives them.

Retired nurse Mary Whitfield has been volunteering for SeniorLine for 10 years. ‘Actively listening to someone has a real value. The main fact of a caller being able to verbalise a problem, tell us what is on their mind can clarify things for them. We can ask some questions to encourage them to reflect on how realistic they are being, and help them to see their options’, she says.

‘A number of callers tell us that they don’t know how they would survive without us. We give them someone to talk to.

Someone dependable, providing reassurance, encouragement to have another person’s point of view. People also love that they can phone us back if they need to, and that we are open every single day. That is really appreciated’, she said.

Conor McNulty volunteers for SeniorLine one afternoon a

Councillor Andrew McGuinness officially opens “AN CHEAD TINE” County Councillor Andrew McGuinness officially opened “AN CHEAD TINE” ART Organisation’s new Studios and Workspace last Saturday at No 10, Del la Salle House, The Parade, Kilkenny.

All who attended viewed the eclectic exhibition of paintings by these talented local Kilkenny based artists, Ross Stewart, Mary Doyle Burke, Graham Carew, Niamh Curry, Kate McMeekin and Jade Butler. There was also artwork on exhibit by two of the organisations committee volunteers who are also full-time practicing artists Marco di Sante & Lena Donoghue. The exhibition spanned across the 6 studio spaces and the gallery area in the spacious stairway of Del la Salle House, a building which oozes of history and character. There is such a beautiful calmness and light feeling in the building with sunlight flooding in the tall Georgian windows throughout the day, a perfect place and space for an artist to create.

Director Mary Doyle Burke founded the organisation, last August due to a unique need for supportive workspaces for local artists. She had studied Fine Art at Ormonde College back in 2019 and having returned to Kilkenny in 2022 after graduat-

ing as a mature student at Waterford Institute of Technology (SETU) with BA Hons in Visual Art, she took up a studio in the city. After networking with a lot of local people on the ground during the Arts festival she felt there was need for space in the city to provide local artists an outlet to either create or exhibit work. With this in mind she formed the organisation.

It is a not-for-profit organisation, integral to the visual arts ecology and cultural landscape of Kilkenny. It is now run voluntarily by a Board of Directors and artists. The organisation aim is to provide a supportive working environment that addresses key points in the creative cycle by which art is made.

In her speech Mary stated that “we focus on emerging artists but are also dedicated to supporting artists at all stages of career”. Also, she noted “that last September she approached manager Katie Quinn of Dunnes Stores, Kieran Street to enquire about letting the old restaurant space upstairs on their premises as a new Gallery for the organisation. Receiving a positive response here, a meeting was set up with the Dunnes Stores Head Office in Dublin”. After months of negotiations the lease is now

signed and a new venture begins for Kilkenny, soon with a new gallery to bring the best of Kilkenny art to the whole community of Kilkenny.

Back in December the organisation was awarded a grant under the Workspace Scheme from the Arts Council of Ireland to assist with the running costs of the Studios and the organisation have recently reached out in a Community Grant application to Kilkenny County Council. Andrew McGuiness

noted in his opening speech that it was a major achievement for a grassroots organisation to achieve funding from the Arts Council of Ireland and congratulated the board. He stated that here tonight at the opening if felt like the beginning of something good and wished them all the success and also support from the local County Council in their venture”.

“An Chead Tine” hope with their new gallery location down in Dunnes Stores to bring art

week. What has he learnt from life on the line? ‘I have learnt a lot about myself by listening to callers who just want to feel they are not alone. Callers may have a different frame of reference, which affects how they view themselves and others. I always try to put myself in their shoes and listen carefully to what they are saying and how they see their situation.

‘We have a model of listen-

ing which is to connect with, spend time listening and understanding and then seek to empower the caller. This approach, particularly desiring to understand will always help me do that’ he said.

to the community right in a setting of everyday experience. Many of their artists are already out working in the community. Graham Carew teaches with Kilkenny ETB, and paints murals in community settings right across the city and county, as does Niamh Curry. Mary is currently teaching art in designated primary schools in Kilkenny as part of the Creative Ireland funded Programme with Castlecomer Discovery Park and is working on an art project “The Irish Bog” funded

by Kilkenny Arts Office. Jade Butler is currently teaching Still Life Painting Classes every Tuesday and Thursday at our Studios and Kate McMeekin teaches to community groups in a variety of locations, Ross who is a renowned local painter is also busy working on many animation projects and also is creating work with “Cartoon Saloon”. Many of the above named artists had been working in their own collective formed last Autumn and have organised local art fairs and run workshops. The group connected with “An Chead Tine” last December and joined together. Many local artists have joined as volunteers since. From summer 2023 onwards, the organisation aim to deliver contemporary exhibitions which will be announced through an open submission call. This will provide a platform for local artists' to promote their work and practice. The organisation will also run Kilkenny’s biggest ever Winter Art Fair later in the year

and have plans to give workshops throughout the year.

Many thanks to all who have donated to our Go Fund Me Page and also to all local business who have sponsored or become friends of the association so far, The Fig Tree Café, High Street Kilkenny, Paris Texas, High Street Kilkenny, Urlingford Arms Hotel, Urlingford Co Kilkenny, Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street Kilkenny and Crafty Bride at Kilkenny Retail Centre, James St, Kilkenny. Also a special note of thanks and gratitude to proprietor Marion Kilbride of Crafty Bride who also generously sponsored the drinks reception for our opening night.

This Saturday 21st May on National Drawing Day “An Chead Tine” Art Studios are creating an Outdoor Open Drawing Studio in collaboration with Kilkenny Castle. It will take place on the Castle grounds.

Gazebo provided for shelter.

You can drop-in and stay for as long as you want, try out different drawing techniques, have access to art materials and a variety of subject matter. All welcome, beginners and experienced.

You can avail of one-to-one guidance from our professional artists Mary Doyle Burke, Niamh Curry and Marco Di Sante.

There will be two separate groups, one for Adults and one for U12s Get some drawing tips or improve your technique. Artist Niamh Curry will be hosting a live portrait drawing demonstration using charcoal at 12pm.

SeniorLine freefone 1800 80 45 91 10am-10pm 365 days a year www.thirdagireland.ie For information contact Anne Dempsey 087-7450721

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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kilkennyobserver.ie

News Community & GAA Notes

O’Dwyer c/o Online. 10. John Purcell c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support LEINSTER CHAMPION Congratulations to Laura Murphy who helped Kilkenny camogie to a Leinster Senior title on Saturday. Well done also to manager Brian Dowling. The very best of luck to both and Kilkenny Camogie for the All-Ireland series.

SUPPORT CLUB TEAMS Please support all our teams at O’Loughlin Gaels GAA & Camogie. We thank our sponsors Pat Carroll’s, (Adult hurling) McCarthy’s Eurospar (Juvenile Hurling) and MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre (Camogie) for their continued support of our teams. Please support our sponsors and them businesses.

LOTTO Lotto Results 9th May. Numbers drawn - 22, 24, 26. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Pat Campion, Siobhan Carrigan, Lorraine Bambrick, Ann Mullen, Hugh Kelly.

Thanks to all for your support.

SUPPORTERS CLUB Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club. For anyone wishing to join or pay their membership renewal please contact Martin Nolan of Clara at 086-2343254. Thanks for the support.

PILTOWN DRAW Hurlers co-op member draw tickets (Piltown tickets) are now available from Executive, Camogie and LGFA committee members, senior hurlers and camogie players or contact Dermot Nolan 0879206998. This is an important fundraiser for our club and your support is appreciated. First draw takes place on June 13th.

LEO IN YOUR COMUNITY The Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny will be holding a FREE business advisory clinic open to anyone in Clara and surrounding areas considering a new business start up or currently operating a small business. A clinic will be held in Castlecomer Library on Friday the 19th from 10am-12pm. For more information or to book an appointment see www.localenterprise.ie/ Kilkenny/Online-Bookings or call 056 7752662.

SENIOR HURLERS WIN The Clara seniors began their 2023 campaign with a hard earned one point win over neighbours Young Irelands of Gowran on a beautiful Saturday evening in Clara. It was the visitors who gained the upper hand in the first half and they led 2-9 to 0-9 at halftime. Liam Ryan and Paul Cody had contributed two points each, while Martin O Connell, Harry Boyle, Conor O’ Shea, Killian Phelan and Dara Glynn had each provided a point. Remarkably only one point in the entire half had come from a free, that a Gowran one by Tommy Phelan, as referee Eamonn Larkin’s unfussy style allowed for free flowing entertaining hurling.

Clara pride and resilience came to the fore in the second half as they set about reeling in their opponents. Paul Cody was Gowran’s tormentor in chief and he added four more points to his personal tally. Although Clara never looked like scoring a goal, the points flowed with regularity. Liam Ryan added two more and Dara Glynn chipped in with two frees and a 65. Sean Carrigan helped himself to a brace and Shane Staunton, Martin O Connell, Chris Bolger and John Murphy each notched one.

They scored six in a row at one stage as Gowran seemed to run out of steam around the middle segment of the field. A Killian Carey goal tied the game again following Clara’s six point burst but the home side rode their momentum and John Murphy struck the winner from distance after a Diarmuid Langton point seemed set to ensure a share of the spoils for the visitors. Overall a good tight entertaining game that both sides will take plenty of positives from.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Sean O Shea, Lester Ryan, Evan Whearty.

Jim Kehoe, Shane Staunton 0-1f, Conor O Shea 0-1. Martin O Connell 0-2, Liam Ryan 0-4. Harry Boyle 0-1, Paul Cody 0-6, Peter Nolan. Sean Carrigan 0-2, Killian Phelan 0-1, Dara Glynn 0-4, 0-2f,

Clara U9s with Bishop Niall Coll and match referees David Blanchfield and Eoin Cody 0-1 x 65. Subs used John Murphy 0-1, Chris Bolger 0-1, Brandon Ryan, Stephen Quinlan, Joe Connolly.

SENIOR CAMOGIE The Clara girls endured a tough morning in Kilmanagh on Sunday when they were easily put to the sword by a young, hungry St. Brigid’s outfit. Missing over half their team through injury and emigration, the Clara side tried hard but were no match for the home team. Clara had the bare 15 players and actually had to finish the game with 14 as Tamsin English picked up a bad knee injury that she simply couldn’t continue with.

Points from Emma Corr following a great Niamh Ward catch, Grace Barcoe (free) and a superb Róisín Kealy effort left Clara 1-7 to 0-3 adrift at halftime. They had shown great resilience up to this point and it seemed that they had wind advantage to come for the second period. But the wind had other ideas and seemed to change direction during the interval.

Playing against the elements again in the second half really took its toll on the Clara girls. St. Brigid’s replicated their 1-7 first half total and Clara could only manage a Grace Barcoe free. There were some great individual performances from the likes of Sarah Dunne and Emma Corr but St. Brigid’s had too much firepower for them. Others who showed well for Clara were goalkeeper Aoife Glynn, Katie Ryan, Laoise Nolan, Rebecca Nolan and Gráinne Glynn but they had to give way to a superior St. Brigid’s team.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Aoife Treacy, Katie Ryan, Sarah Dunne.

Tamsin English, Laoise Nolan, Margaret Kehoe. Emma Corr 0-1, Rebecca Nolan. Gráinne Glynn, Grace Barcoe 0-2f, Niamh Ward.

Maria Shortall, Aoife Ward, Róisín Kealy 0-1.

U9 CAMOGIE Clara U9 camogie participated in the Annual Diocese of Ossory U9 Hurling and Camogie Blitz in St Kierans College on Saturday 13th May. They competed against teams from Barrow Rangers Dicksboro and Windgap. Some fantastic skills were on show from all players. The matches were refereed by Kilkenny senior hurlers David Blanchfield and Eoin Cody. The medals were presented by the Bishop of Ossory Niall Coll.

U12 CAMOGIE Clara hosted their first U12 Blitz of the year on Saturday 13th May. The weather was fantastic for the games and the grounds in Clara were in fine condition throughout. Teams from Graiguenamanagh and Dicksboro provided some fantastic games. For many of the girls this was their first experience of playing on a bigger pitch and plenty of skill and determination was on show. Well done to all the girls and thanks to the Clara parents for providing some well deserved treats for the girls and visiting supporters afterwards.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of the club lotto dated May 9th. Numbers drawn were 18, 22, 23, 24 Bonus 3. Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw. 1. Rose Ann Byrne c/o N Loy. 2. John Skehan. 3.

Joan Corkery. 4. Ann Marie Healy c/o D O’Connell. 5. Rose Hayes c/o Esther Maher. 6. Rose Hayes c/o Paddy Greene. 7. Mags and Dinny c/o John Joe Cullen. 8. Amy Bryan c/o Online. 9. Claire

MARY COLCLOUGH RIP The local people of Freshford area were shocked and saddened to learn last week of the death of Mary Colclough late of Bohergloss, Freshford. Mary celebrated her 80th birthday recently and although she had been unwell for some years nevertheless her passing caused widespread shock and regret. A native of Johnstown she was a quiet and good living lady. She was a loving and caring mother to her ten children and to her grandchildren and loved them all dearly. She will be sadly missed by them all. Her funeral took place on Friday last in St. Lachtains Church followed by burial in St. Lachtains Cemetery. She is deeply mourned by her sons, Martin, Charlie, Anthony, Stephen, Vinnie, Joe, Robert and Ollie, her daughters Mary and Majella, her grandchildren, and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

FIRST COMMUNION The boys and girls of second class of St.Lachtains NS received their First Holy communion on Saturday last in St.Lachtains Church Freshford at 11am mass. The mass was offered by Monsignor K Kennedy PP the children were blessed with beautiful sunshine to add to their special day. Monsignor Kennedy paid tribute to the children and to their parents and teachers for the way in which they were prepared both spiritually and physically for the day.

The following received the sacrament: A.McCabe, A.Mackin,A. Murphy,C.O’Kane,ER Fox Franks,E Bergin,I.Cleere Walsh, Kand L Deacon, L.Kelly, L.Di Ruscio L.Stanley, S.Byrne, S.O’Rourke, S.McCarthy, Z.Thorpe Butler, F.Cullinane Doyle, B.Nolan, DJ Treacy Walsh,F.Carroll, J.Doheny, J.O’Gorman,L.Kelly, R.Carroll,R. Bolger, BIRTHDAY BOY Special birthday wishes go out to local man Martin Maher of Freshford who celebrated a very special birthday recently. Martin marked his 50th at a party with family and friends in Farrell’s Bar on Saturday night last.

SQUASH Congratulations to local man Pat Morrissey of Ard Lachtains, Freshford who was on the Irish over 40’s Squash team recently which finished second overall in a competitions held in Belfast.

IONAD LACHTAIN HERITAGE CENTRE Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 to 4.30. Gifts on sale to suit every occasion.

GAA St.Lachtains Junior B defeated Barrow Rangers in the third round of the league last week in Pairc Lachtain coming out winners on a final score of 0-22 to 0-15.

The Junior F beat The Rower Inistoge in the third round of the league at Freshford on Sunday evening last on a scoreline of 1-16 to 2-9. They were victorious against neighbours Lisdowney in Freshford the previous week. Keep up to date on all games involving St Lachtains by following St Lachtains GAA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram FITNESS SESSION Fitness sessions Boxing/fitness sessions at Community Hall Freshford. Have you had a diagnoses of Parkinsons, Alzheimers or other neurological condition? If so maybe you are keen to get some level of fitness back or work on you balance or upper body strength? These classes are just what you need. Classes take place each Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon - sessions cost just €10 each and are facilitated by a boxing coach. They will also give you the chance to socialise and meet other people, for more information or to sign up please contact Brenda Cooper on 0871369253 PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.with Mass in Tulla Church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

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

The Clara U12 Squad

MOLLY’S TRIFT SHOP Open Saturdays from 10-3. Brand new school shirts only €2.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

Beautiful summer blouses and dresses. 100% of proceeds go towards supporting the elderly in the parish. Come in and have a browse or leave a donation. Everything helps.

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT Last weekend the CKW region Leinster Matchplay qualifiers were held in Gowran. It was a good day for the host club with 7 of the 14 spots available going to the home players.

Monday saw the National Matchplay qualifiers start in Bagenalstown which concluded with Gowran players claiming 3 of the 4 places.

Well done to all the qualifiers and all the players who played over the weekend and during the week representing the club.

GOWRAN GIRLS CONTRIBUTE TO LEINSTER WIN Congratulations to Steffi and Tiffanie Fitzgerald, Ciara O’Keeffe and Selector Pat O’Neill, as Kilkenny retained their Leinster Senior Title in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday following a hard fought 1-14 to 0-13 win against Dublin on a Beautiful Warm Summer Afternoon.

Kilkenny will now turn their attention to the upcoming defence of The O’Duffy Cup (All-Ireland Championship).

Meanwhile, The U-12 girls played their mini games at half time of The Leinster Final as they were on hand to support The Young Irelands girls.

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR COUNTY UNDER AGE TEAMS There was disappointment for The Young Irelands Players involved in inter-County Under age Leinster Championship action last week.

Paddy Langton was a member of The Kilkenny U-20 starting Team that saw the defence of their Leinster and All-Ireland crowns end following a 1-18 to 2-13 defeat against Wexford in Nowlan Park last Wednesday night, with Tommy Phelan also part of the extended panel.

Meanwhile, Tommy’s brother Cian came on as a Substitute and scored a point as Kilkenny suffered a 2-20 to 0-14 loss against Galway in the Leinster Minor Final in Portlaoise on Friday night.

Kilkenny will have a daunting task against Munster Champions Clare in The All-Ireland Semi-Final in Semple Stadium, Thurles next Saturday.

INTERMEDIATES PERFORM WELL IN NARROW LOSS Young Irelands Intermediates produced a very encouraging performance as they lost out by a point away to Clara on Saturday Night (0-24 to 3-14).

There was a lot of young players involved on the evening including a few of last year’s Minors that were making their debut with The Intermediate Team.

DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR U-13 TEAMS Both Young Irelands U-13 Teams were victorious over the weekend.

The Young Irelands A Team won 5-10 to 3-7 away to Rower-Inistioge on Friday night, while The Young Irelands 13-a-side Team overcame Mooncoin 4-1 to 2-4 on Sunday Morning.

Both U-13 Teams are out in action again this weekend. The A Team are at home to Dicksboro in Gowran on Friday night from 7.30pm, while The 13-a-side Team are away to Bennettsbridge from 10.30am on Saturday Morning.

FEILE U-15 FOOTBALL Young Irelands U-15s lost 2-1 to 1-2 against Thomastown in The Feile Football Quarter-Final in Canon Kearns Park, Castlecomer on Saturday Morning.

YOUNG IRELANDS U-12 HURLING TOURNAMENT This year’s Young Irelands U-12 Hurling Tournament will be held in honour of Beatrice Treacy who passed away this week in 2017, with a host of Teams from across the County, with the action getting underway from 9.30am on Saturday Morning. With Cup and Shield Finals taking place Beatrice was a Young Irelands stalwart heavily involved in The Club for so many years with both Hurling and Camogie. She served as PRO of The Club for almost 20 years, while in Millenium Year(2000) she was Editor of The Gowran GAA Story.

She was also a founding member of St. Marys Camogie Club in Gowran, while she was very centrally involved in Kilkenny Camogie both as a County Board delegate and also was a Selector in Kilkenny’s First Senior All-Ireland in 1974.

Beatrice’s Granddaughters Steffi and Tiffanie were on The Starting Team as Kilkenny won the Senior All-Ireland last year.

YOUNG IRELANDS DOG NIGHT Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs will host their annual Dog Night in Kilkenny Greyhound Track on Sunday 28th May. There are a whole host of Prizes to be won on the night and a great night out is guaranteed. First Race is at 7.30pm.

KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The Kilkenny Country Music Festival takes place on Sunday 9th July with another top class line-up in store again this year.

Mike Denver is once again headline act with Olivia Douglas, Jimmy Buckley, Claudia Buckley, Brendan Shine, Trudi Lalor also performing with The Conquerors as backing band for the day.

James Lakes of KCLR is MC and check out https://kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie/ for any further details.

PILTOWN CO-OP DRAW Tickets for 2023 Hurlers Co Op Draw are now on sale. €50 per ticket. 5 draws with €125,000 to be won in prizes which include three cars and two holidays! Tickets can be purchased from any committee member or buy online at this link:https://bit. ly/3LXvvrs. This is one of their major club fundraisers and your support is much appreciated.

FIRST COMMUNION Congratulations to the boys and girls of Bennettsbridge Mixed School who received their First Holy Communion on Saturday last. Celebrants were Canon Pat Dalton and Canon Pat Duggan.

3rd to 6th class pupils sang in the choir and played recorder on the day. It was great to have the children singing and thanks

Bennettsbridge First communion 2nd class students with Fr. Dalton, Fr. Duggan, Principal Sheila Aylward and their teacher Caitriona O’Keeffe

went to Margaret for her music and direction. Billy Molloy was thanked for his help with the choir for the preparation masses.

All had tea and cake in the school afterwards courtesy of the Parents Association. A welcome return to the full communion celebrations of pre-covid times.

Thanks went to all who helped to make the day such a special one for children and parents. Special thanks to their teacher, Catriona who prepared the children helped by Sheila, Olivia and Tracey, also the four parents who organised the monthly masses.

On Corpus Christi, the 11th June, the children will have the opportunity to dress up in their communion clothes for the Thanksgiving Mass.

MASS TIMES Weekday Masses. Wednesday 10.30am. Friday 10.30am CAMOGIE DOG NIGHT The Bennettsbridge Camogie Club had a super successful evening for their race night last weekend. Thanks went to everyone who contributed to making the night a success! A sincere thank you to all our race sponsors, our many advertisers for your support and all those who kindly donated raffle prizes.

It was wonderful to see a huge crowd, young and not so young enjoying the evening so thanks to all that came and made the night what it was. Last but not least a huge thanks to our race night committee who had a pretty big task organising this event, your time is appreciated.

TIDY TOWNS The Tidy Towns volunteers are making great headway in their 2023 campaign. Last week the bedding plants were installed in all the bowls and containers around the village and it’s great to see the colourful displays. There is still a lot to be done and they would really appreciate a little more help. If you can help contact any of the committee members.

ART GROUP The art Group is sad to announce that one of their members has passed away. Veronica Wall had been part of the Bennettsbridge Art Group for almost two years. A gifted artist she was a generous and caring person. She will be sadly missed. Sympathy is extended to her family at his sad time.

Veronica died in St Luke’s Hospital on 13th May. A retired bank official, she had lived and worked in Kilkenny and was originally from Bellevue Terrace, Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Predeceased by her parents Ted and Nellie, brother Eamonn and her nephew Alan. She will be deeply missed by her son Johnny, sister Eleanor (Lyons), brother Lorcan, her adored grandchildren Fionn and Iarla, daughter-in-law Lisa, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family, friends and neighbours.

GATHERING GROUP Meetings continue each Wednesday with the usual activities.

The summer break will commence shortly. A coffee morning is being planned before the break.

LOTTO RESULTS Draw 8th May. Jackpot not won. Numbers, 5. 10, 18, 23. Jackpot now €7,150.00. Conso-lation Prizes, Sheila Kinsella, Ballyreddin, Bill Hutchinson, c/o Crafted, L and P Mahon, Blackwell, BB Syndicate, De Bally Boys.

LEO IN OUR COMUNITY The Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny will be holding a FREE business advisory clinic open to anyone in Bennettsbridge and surrounding areas considering a new business start-up or currently operating a small business.

A clinic will be held in Thomastown Library on Friday the 26th of May from 10am-12pm. For more information or to book an appointment see www.localenterprise.ie/Kilkenny/OnlineBookings or call 056 7752662.

GAA Inter county Hurling Best wishes to David Blanchfield and the Kilkenny team that play Dublin in Nowlan Park in the Leinster championship this weekend. Hard luck to Bill Hughes who was part of the Kilkenny squad that lost to Wexford in the under 20 championship last week.

BENNETTSBRIDGE GAA SCRAPMETAL COLLECTION Many thanks to all who contributed to Bennettsbridge GAA scrap metal collection which had a very good response. Please contact Leo 086-8861906 or Tim 086-3441652 if anyone has more scrap to donate and they will arrange collection.

CLUB HURLING The senior hurler’s defeated The Rower by 6 points in the Byrne Cup last Saturday. Our minors lost out to a very strong Durrow Harps in the league. The under 13s defeated James Stephens in round two of the league and play Emeralds at home this Friday evening. The junior footballers defeated Emeralds in the championship quarter final and play Windgap in the semi-finals. Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for all club fixtures and changes.

MEMBERSHIP 2023 Membership for 2023 is now being collected by registrar Samantha McGarry or any committee member. Membership remains the same as last year. 120 for adult players, 80 for student players and 40 euro for non-playing members. Early payment would be most appreciated as the bills for 2023 start to come in.

BUY A BRICK CAMPAIGN We are in our fourth year of our buy a brick campaign. Thanks to everyone who has supported so far. Anyone new who wishes to contribute please see BBGAADEV@gmail.com. All contributions go towards club development and repayment of the loan on the club house as quickly as possible.

GOLF CLASSIC 2023 The Annual Golf Classic will take place in Gowran Park on June 9th this year.

HURLERS CO-OP DRAW Hurlers Co-op draw tickets are now on sale through all committee members. Prizes to the value of 125,000 are on offer including three cars and two holidays. The first of 5 draws will take place on June 13th. Tickets cost 50 euro and half of ticket money is returned to the club.

SPLIT THE POT The next draw will take place in the clubhouse this Friday at 6 pm. Envelopes are available around the village. If you want to play online with club force please see the clubs Facebook page for details. Thanks again for the continued support.

BALLYRAGGET LAP THE LOOP Naomh Bríd Camogie Club in Ballyragget are holding their fundraiser ‘Lap the Loop’ for Naomh Bríd on this weekend Saturday 20th-21st of May. The whole community are invited to the GAA grounds in Ballyragget on Saturday the 20th of May at 2pm to kick off the start of the 24hr ‘Lap the Loop’, where there will be people constantly walking/running around the GAA grounds for 24hours. Club members and non club members are welcome to take part at any stage during the 24 hours. There will be refreshments available to participants on the day. Naomh Bríd have over 100 players with camogie teams for all age groups from Under 6 to adults. Funds raised will go towards player insurance costs, referee fees, coaches’ training courses, first aid support, training equipment and refreshments for underage blitzes.

Part of the total funds raised will be donated to the O’Gorman Home in the local community. Everyone is welcome to take part.

Donations can be made through the following GoFundMe link https://gofund.me/eb367761.

TIDY TOWNS Judging has begun in the 2023 competition so all help to keep the outside of your own home would be most welcome. The group meets Wednesday and Saturday and new people are always welcome. Many thanks to all who are contributing The group would hope to expand the memory flower basket project this year, if anyone would like to purchase a basket the cost is € 35. Memory baskets purchased last year can be reused at a cost of € 15. For details please contact 0857403812 / 0872955864 FIRST HOLY COMUNION Congratulations to the Communion school class of 2023 on their First Communion last Saturday.

ST PATRICKS GAA Ómós do Tomás Ó Mórdha (Tommy Moore) Sunday 14th May 2023 marks the passing of one of the most renowned sons of our parish. This date marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Tommy Moore whose name adorns the cup presented to the winners of the All-Ireland Club Hurling Final each year. Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA Club are the current worthy holders of this trophy. Tommy was born in Lowhill, Ballyragget in October 1890 but spent most of his life in Dublin. He played hurling for the Faughs GAA Club for whom he won 6 county titles.

Tommy also played hurling for the Dublin county team during the period between 1915 and 1923. This was a period of success for Dublin hurling during which Tommy won 4 Leinster medals and 2 All-Ireland finals, lining out at midfield or wing forward throughout this period. Tommy went on to become Chairman of the Faughs club and held this position from 1929 to 1969.

Following his passing in 1973, a cup in his honour was presented to the All-Ireland club hurling final winners and his name has become synonymous with elite-level club hurling ever since.

The initial winners of the cup in 1974 were Blackrock from Cork, captained by John Horgan.

Contacts between St. Patrick’s and Faughs have been maintained over the years. In 2010, a team from St. Patrick’s was invited to play Faughs in a challenge match at the opening of playing facilities at the Faughs base in Templeogue. On that occasion, St. Patrick’s presented to Faughs a specially commissioned portrait of Tommy Moore, commemorating the connection between the two clubs and indeed the Faughs GAA club attended the St Patrick’s Diamond Jubilee in 2014 presenting the club with a marble plaque and tree to plant. On his anniversary, our thoughts are with his relatives and the Faughs GAA club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

LOTTO Club lotto stands at €20,000 last week’s numbers 2,5,12,19.

Tickets €2 The Kilkenny Co-op draw tickets are now on sale.

Tickets cost €50 for 5 draws with €125,000 in prizes to be won. €25 from each ticket sold is retained and reinvested into the club. To buy a ticket or a share of a ticket, tickets are available from local sellers until end May, ahead of the first draw on 13 June. Further details available from Tomás Healy 086-8585548, Ashleigh Butler 085-1466925 or Martin Bergin 087-2625396.

BINGO Fenians HC are resuming Bingo in St. Mary’s Hall, Johnstown at 8.30pm every Wednesday. Prizemoney €20,000. With a single book €7 and double book €9 All welcome. Money raised will go to support of the underage and senior teams.

SYMPATHY Sympathy to the Colclough and Glendon families on the recent death of Mary Colcough (nee Clancy). Mary RIP was originally

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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kilkennyobserver.ie

News Community & GAA Notes from Tullyvolty, Johnstown.

LOURDES ROSARY To coincide with the Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2023 the rosary will be recited in St. Kieran’s Church from Tuesday 23rd to Friday 26th at 7.30pm each evening.

FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF MARY Sr. Nuala Glynn on behalf of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, would like to thank most sincerely all who contributed to the collection for their missionary work at Masses recently... the amount collected Urlingford/Graine €2,110.00, Johnstown/Crosspatrick €1,446.00 and Galmoy €976.00.

GOLDEN JUBILEE On Sunday May 21st at 11.30pm a special Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Coll for the 50th Anniversary of St. Patrick’s Church, Graine. Following Mass there will be refreshments in the local hall. All parishioners are welcome to mark the last 50 years of living faith and community.

SPA UNITED AFC....

This wee’s results.U16 boys cup Spa 0 Bridge Utd 3, U14 boys shield Dean Celtic 3 Spa 1, U14 girls cup Spa 4 Stoneyford 0, U14 girls plate Evergreen 2 Spa 0, U14 girls league division 1 Spa 3 Bridge Utd 0, U13 boys league division 1 Evergreen 1 Spa 0, U13 boys league division 2 Spa 1 Lions 1, U12 girls cup Dean Celtic 2 Spa 0, U12 girls plate Spa 0 Evergreen 2, U12 boys cup Freshford Town 1 Spa 4, U12 boys plate Spa 2 Evergreen 1.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO....

Numbers drawn 6,9,11,26. Two match threes Eamonn Barry and Emile Sweeney.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 11am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 11am to 1pm HOLY COMMUNION Congratulations to all the children who received their First Holy Communion last weekend in Gortnahoe Church. We would like to thank the teachers, pupils and parents and all who helped to celebrate this wonderful Sacrament.

CASHEL AND EMLY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The annual pilgrimage will take place from the 17th - 22nd June 2023, anyone interested please contact the Parish council for further information.

YOGA AND NUTRITION WORKSHOP A 6 week yoga and nutrition workshop began last Wednesday 17th of May at in the Hill school, Grange. For more details contact Louise at 087 7718771. All are Welcome BLESSING OF NEW GROTTO Blessing of the new Grotto to our Lady in Glengoole Church Grounds will take place after 6pm mass next Saturday evening, 20th May. GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE GAA Last Sunday, the 14th May, was the official opening of Gortnahoe Glengoole GAA’s new pitch. The proceedings commenced at 12 noon. Vincent Ryan, Chariman of Gortnahoe Glengoole GAA was MC and welcomed everyone to the opening. Other guest speakers were Nigel Cooke, Chairman of the Development Committee, Michael Cleary, former chairman of the club, Joe O’Sullivan Mid Tipp Chairman. Fr. Jimmy O’Donnell blessed the pitch and all the new developments. The official opening of the pitch was performed by the Chairman of Tipperary County Board Mr. Joe Kennedy. This was followed by a parade of teams which included the Juvenile and Camogie clubs led by the Moycarkey Pipe Band. Followed by the national anthem sung by Jack Doheny. This was then followed by the Premier Intermediate match between Gortnahoe Glengoole GAA and Killenaule GAA .

A souvenir programme was published to commemorate the event. A hot lunch was served to everyone in the Community Hall. There was a huge attendance at the opening last Sunday and it was an opportunity for people to see the developments that took place over the last number of years. This included a new Pitch, new Walkway, AstroTurf, Ball Wall, Score Board and a new Car Park. The grounds also include a playground. Congratulations has to go to the officer boards down through the years also the Development Committee , Players and all the supporters that has given their time to bring this project to where it is today. This is a wonderful facility to have in the Parish.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday night at 7.00pm with doors opening from 6.00pm and will continue each Saturday night at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. We look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their family, it will be a great nights entertainment for all.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekend’s winner, Eoin O Shea from Renaghmore, Grange who won 294 in the Split the Pot draw.

Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of May will be in support of the Gortnahoe National School. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated FREE LIBRARY A lot of new books, especially Children’s Books have come in to Gortnahoe Community Hall library. They are free to take home and the library is based inside the main door of the hall. When the hall is opened anyone can go inside the main door and select a book or books of their choice and they will disturb no one in the hall. This is a Gortnahoe Community Hall Initiative and this idea will succeed with the local parish support.

MICHAEL COADY RIP The death has occurred of Michael Coady, St. Annes Terrace,.

Gortnahoe Village, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. 7th May 2023. Prede-

ceased by his son Richard. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Bridget (Biddy), sons Gerard and Darren, daughters Michelle and Laura, grandchildren, brother, sisters, daughters-in-law, sons-inlaw, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends. Michael reposed at his residence last Tuesday evening with removal to Sacred Heart Church Gortnahoe on Wednesday morning for Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Good Shepherd Cemetery. May Michael Rest in Peace

HURLING The intermediate hurlers took on O’Loughlin Gaels in their latest game in the Michael Lyng Motors Senior/Intermediate League in St. John’s Park on Sunday last. The home side had the better of the exchanges in the opening half, and with two opportunist goals led by 2-10 to 0-12 at the half way mark, though Conahy did perform very well throughout the half. They continued this good form in the second half, but could not translate this dominance into enough scores, and O’Loughlin’s managed to hold onto their lead throughout. In the end, the city side were able to hold out for a two point win, winning 2-15 to 0-19.

TEAM: Karl Downey, Liam Cass, Padraig Gunner, Conor Duggan, Ciaran Rice, Simon Callinan, Donal Cass, Eoin Carroll, Darragh Hennessy, Edmond Delaney, Tom Rice, James Bergin, Bill Murphy, John Mullan, Mark Gunner. Subs.: Padraic Delaney, Brooklyn Synott, Billy Mulhall.

FUNDRAISER A fundraising Cake Sale and Coffee morning will take place on Saturday, May 27th, in aid of the Conahy Shamrocks Under-15 hurlers who will take part in Féile na nGael on June 24th. All support from the community would be appreciated.

CAMOGIE Conahy Camogie Club were represented by Danielle Morrissey (Senior) and Roisín Phelan, Ellen Gunner and Emma Mulhall (Intermediate) on the Kilkenny Senior and Intermediate camogie teams who enjoyed victories in the Leinster championship on Saturday in UPMC Nowlan Park against Dublin and Wexford respectively. Unfortunately, Danielle suffered a knee injury in the senior game, and best wishes are extended to her for a speedy recovery.

GAA SUMMER CAMP Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Bórd na nÓg will once again host a ‘Future Stars’ Summer Camp this year. It will take place in the Polo Grounds, Jenkinstown from Tuesday 1st August to Thursday 3rd August (inclusive). The Camps is open to Boys and Girls between the ages of five and twelve and will take place on each of the three days from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. (with a lunch break from 12.00 p.m. until 12.45 p.m. Detailed and quality coaching will be given to all participants and Kilkenny InterCounty Players will contribute to the coaching, subject to their availability. Registration can be done online via the GAA club website – www.conahyshamrocks.gaa.ie .

GRAVEYARD MASSES The annual Graveyard Mass for Conahy Cemetery will take place on Sunday, June 4th at 11.30 a.m., while the Kilmacar Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, June 8th at 7.30 p.m.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto were 23, 29 and 34. There was no jackpot winner so the consolation prize winners were Marie Hogan, Brian and Emily Maher, Alan Delaney, Rose Kerr McGrath and Caitriona Bolger. The promoters’ prize winners were Kay Phelan , Toddy Lacey and Teresa Dollard.

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 11th May. Nos: 7 13 31 25.

Jackpot: €9350 Not Won Draw Prizes. €50: Mark and Olivia Dowling c/o Online. €25 each Kay Hogan c/o Phil Hogan

€25 each John Kerwick c/o Anne Kerwick. €25 each Deirdre O’Reilly c/o Deirdre O’Reilly Hurlers Co Op Karl Osborne c/o online. Promotors prize Jim Murphy Thank you for your continued support.

CONDOLENCES Dicksboro GAA & Camogie Club would like to send Condolences to the Walton Family on the passing of Joe Walton. Joe was a former member of our Club Executive Committee and a driving force behind the development and ongoing maintenance of our Club Grounds in Palmerstown. He will be sadly missed by all in Dicksboro. May he Rest in Peace.

DICKSBORO GOLF CLASSIC 2023 Dicksboro GAA & Camogie Club are delighted to launch the Annual Golf Classic at Kilkenny Golf Club Friday 14th July with some tee times still available for Thursday 13th also. Book your Tee Times early as they will fill up quickly. They’re are limited Juvenile Tee Times at discounted prices. Contact Seamus Rochford for any further details.

FEILE PEIL Well done to our u15 Feile Footballers who were narrowly defeated in Saturdays Final by John Lockes after previous wins over James Stephens and Thomastown. The lads performed brilliantly in all their games with great skill and passing of the ball. We wish John Lockes the best of luck going forward in the National Finals.

SUMMER CAMP 2023 Bookings are now OPEN. The Camp is suitable for kids of primary school age 5-13.

Week 1 Monday July 17th - Friday 21st July. Week 2 Monday Aug 14th - Friday 18th Please Book Early as Spaces are Limited. See our ClubZap for more details or any Committee Member.

PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is opened every Thursday from 8.30pm. 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 card table. We would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee also available so come along and enjoy.

MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish. Monday 15th. to Sunday 21st. May 2023. Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 20th. at 8.00p.m.; Sunday 21st. at 11.00a.m.

Stoneyford. Wednesday 17th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday 20th. at 6.30p.m FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Congratulations to the Pupils from Stoneyford School who will receive their First Holy Communion on Sunday 14th. Also to Teachers and Parents who helped in the preparation.

First Holy Communion will be celebrated with the Pupils of Monroe and Newmarket Schools on Sunday 21st. May at 11.00a.m. in Hugginstown Church. (No 10.00a.m. Mass) ROTA Rota for next week-end. 20th. and 21st. May 2023. (Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord) Readers: Stoneyford. Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power. Sunday 11.00a.m. Parents.

Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford. Saturday 6.30p.m. Barbara Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill. Sunday 11.00a.m. Ruth Crowley.

OSSARY PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2023 Lourdes Pilgrimage will take place from May 23rd to 28th this year. Accommodation in the Agena, Solitude and Padoue Hotels.

Price includes return bus journey to/from Loughboy Shopping Centre Car Park to Dublin Airport. Return flights from Dublin to Lourdes; Transfer to/from Airport to Hotel; Full board and hotel accommodation for the 5 nights. For further informa-

tion and bookings contact niamh@jwttravel.ie or Phone 01 685 2244 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS New Eucharistic Ministers needed in both Hugginstown and Stoneyford Churches for weekend Masses. Preparation Training can be done on-line in your own home with just a meeting in the local church for practical help. Please let me know if you can help.

It was suggested at the Parish Council Meeting recently that all present Eucharistic Ministers be contacted and to suggest that they partake in the new online preparation. We will then meet in both Churches to look at local details.

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF FATIMA Novena will take place from Saturday 13th. to Sunday 21st.

May in the Black Abbey, Kilkenny. Preacher: Fr Colm Mannion OP. Saturdays at 10.00a.m. and 6.10p.m. Sundays at 3.00p.m.

Monday to Friday at 10.00a.m. and 7.00p.m. All are welcome.

MOBILE LIBRARY Kilkenny County Council Mobile Library will visit Hugginstown on Tuesday 16th. May from 2.20p.m. to 3.00p.m.

AFTER SCHOOL FACILITY A kind, enthusiastic, patient, reliable person wanted to work in, or run, an After School Facility in Newmarket School from 1.30p.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday on school days. For further information please call 056 776 8919 COFFEE MORNING Plant Sale and Coffee Morning in aid of: ‘As I Am’ (the Charity for Autistic Adults and Children) will be held on Saturday 20th.

May from 10.00a.m. to 12.00p.m. in Dunmore Hall. R95 NX08.

Kilkenny Flower Club would appreciate your support for this worthy cause.

CEMETERY MASSES 2023 Mass in Calvary Cemetery on Friday 2nd. June at 8.00p.m.; Mass in Kilcasey Cemetery on Friday 16th. June at 8.00p.m.

Mass in Hugginstown Cemetery on Saturday 1st. July at 8.00p.m.

Mass in Stoneyford Cemetery on Friday 7th. July at 8.00p.m.

LOTTO Lotto: Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 8th. May 2023, Numbers: 22; 03; 10; 04. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00. Winners, Mary Carroll, Harristown, Breda Dunphy, Monroe, Tammy Williams, c/o P. Crowley, Tom Cassin, Ballygerdra, Lochlan Burke, Croan. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Teresa Fitzgerald, Tommy Murphy, Walshe’s Shop.

PADRE PIO NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Holy Cross Abbey, Thurles on Sunday 28th. May. Ceremonies will begin at 1.30p.m. If interested in travelling please contact: Kay Power 086 168 7073 or Lily Burke 056 776 8008 SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Coach Trip to Doneraile Court and Mallow on Saturday, May 27th. The cost includes coach hire, a guided tour of Doneraile Court, a walking tour of Mallow and an evening meal at the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel. For further information on booking places for the Coach Trip please contact: Brigid Barron, Kilmacow; 087 950 7295, or Mary Ryan, Carrigeen, 086 379 0655.

STONEYFORD 5K AND 10K CHALLENGE Challenge is on May 21st. Preparations are well underway for what should be another exciting day for runners from all over the South East and further afield. It will be a case of all hands on deck for a few hours as everyone welcomes our visitors. The day begins at 10.30am with a kids’ 1k for all national school aged children and will be followed at 11.00am by the 5k and 10k events. Runners or walkers can register on the day prior to the event or online at myrunresults.com. All locals are encouraged to come along and take part on the day, or simply come and cheer everyone one. To help out or for enquiries or more detail, contact Adele on 087 9384521.

U15 Feile Footballers

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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Community & GAA Notes

NEW MURAL Coláiste Abhainn Rí Transition year students and Bunscoil McAuley Rice 5th and 6th class have been busy painting a large-scale hoarding on Lower Bridge Street this week. The public artwork is a collaboration by artist Paul Bokslag, the two local schools, Nicola Teehan, Callan Tidy Towns and Town Team member Etaoin Holahan curator of Fennelly’s of Callan.

“The focus of the Streetscape Enhancement Measure is to improve the facades and streets in the town of Callan. Callan Tidy Towns applied for a grant to rebuild the hoarding which was in disrepair and covering a derelict building site. The idea was to make this area safer and brighten up this part of Lower Bridge Street while Kilkenny County Council plan the future for this derelict site”, said Nicola Teehan an active Callan Tidy Towns and Callan Town Team Member.

“I was aware that Etaoin Holahan, and Callan-based artist and designer Paul Bokslag had been working on a project called Wayfinders with Coláiste Abhainn Rí and Bunscoil McAuley Rice.

The students had been enjoying creative workshops, exploring the biodiversity of Bridge Street. Luckily, Etaoin and I decided to join the resources of both groups together for this creative Bridge Street public art project collaboration”, Teehan explained.

Callan Tidy Towns used their funding from the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme to replace the old hoarding, preparing it for project Wayfinders to create the design. The paper cuts reflected the young people’s ideas about the town’s bio and social diversity. The students have been very imaginative with their visions of the future of our shared spaces on Bridge Street,” said Etaoin Holahan. The mural’s final design

by Paul Bokslag was agreed in advance

by Mary Butler, Arts Officer Kilkenny County. The students and Paul’s designs are now being painted for this largescale public artwork.

Bridge Street Mural Art project was generously supported by an award from The Arts Council of Ireland, a Begin Together Arts Fund - Bank of Ireland and support from Kilkenny County Council, Callan Heritage Society, Callan Town Team and Callan Tidy Towns.

This new mural will really enhance this area of the town. The particular corner has been in severe dereliction for many years, when a new development was left unfinished. On the old site was the famous Myles Pub which was later owned by Chrissy and Paul Clarke. When the Clarkes retired they closed the bar and the licence was sold. Over the years the building fell into disrepair until a developer purchased the site but as mentioned already in the article a development was never completed.

The new mural will certainly brighten the area and with the forthcoming redevelopment of both upper and lower Bridge Street pending, hopefully it will help to totally rejuvenate the old street. When Neil Jordan was looking for the best place to make his cult movie ‘Breakfast on Pluto’ on visiting Callan he fell in love with Bridge Street, because of the wonderful buildings in the little narrow street and also particularly loved Margaret Fennellys old bar and grocery as well as Keoghs Bakery building, both of which were extensively used in the movie which starred, Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy, Stephen Rea, Ruth Negga and Brendan Gleeson. Here is to a wonderful new and rejuvenated Bridge Street and well done to all who have created a beautiful modern mural.

O’Loughlins lads basking in schools Leinster Final success with CBS Kilkenny

BYPASS NEWS Since the opening of the Callan Bypass in 1996, the road has opened up so many developments around the town.

In those 27 years the town has witnessed many changes with multiple housing developments. Of course that increase in housing also increased the population which also larger volumes of cars in and out of the town. We all know how difficult it can be sometimes trying to get on to the bypass or N76 which is the proper name for the road. A large number of accidents have happened on the road, particularly so at the Aldi exit.

These for the most part were down to motorists exiting the junction too quickly without due care as well as speed of traffic on the road. Recently Councillor Joe Lyons informed this column that the speed limit of the bypass will be reduced to 8o kilometres from the present 100 kilometres speed limit. This

change will certainly help in reducing risk of more accidents and no doubt with that reduction will certainly bring more attention from mobile camera vans, which is something most locals would welcome, because the speed of vehicles especially from the Clonmel direction can be frightening sometimes.

ROADWORKS Councillor Joe Lyons also inform us this week that new resurfacing works are to commence on the Callan Bypass this summer. The N76 comes under the direction of the TII ( Transport Ireland Infrastructure) which have allocated the funds for the upgrading. This will be welcome as it has been a long time since a major resurfacing has happened on the road. These roadworks will lead to major disruptions but with the TII directing the operation it will be completed very quickly. On completion of the works Mr. Lyons also said that

he has requested new sign posting at junctions off the bypass. This is badly needed as there is still major confusion at the Bretts and Haggartsgreen exits as they still do not indicate that there is no access to the town from that side, since the one way system came into being during the early part of the pandemic.

CALLAN FIRST RESPONDERS On Saturday 6thMay 2023, the Callan cardiac first responders were delighted to activate the community public access defibrillator / AED. It is located on the wall outside Supervalu, Green Street, beside the post box. This is a prominent location in the town, fully accessible 24/7 and monitored by CCTV. This is most welcome as now there can be a quicker reaction for the unit, if in the case there is an emergency. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike suddenly anytime, anyplace, anywhere, even if they appear healthy. In

Etaoin Holahan and artist Paul Bokslag with Bunscoil McAuley Rice 6th class students, Bridge Street, Callan

the case of an emergency, call 999/112, start CPR and get an AED. It can be accessed via the security code on the door The Callan First Responders wish to sincere thanks to the local businesses and the community for all the donations towards this life saving piece of equipment for the town. Fundraising has been on-going in the community so the AED is “To the community from the community”. It is up to all of to protect this most valuable piece of equipment and protect it from vandalism. With cameras in place, this should be a major deterrent. Callan First Responders in particular wish to thank Dermot McCabe of Supervalu for his support with fundraising, as well as facilitating the installation. Also to Stephen Walsh manager at Top Shop West Street, for his on-going support with fundraising through-out the year. Lynch Fencing sponsored the AED Cabinet, we are so grateful for everyone’s assistance. The Callan First Responders will hold regular CPR demos and encourage businesses to contact us for training. If you would like to enquire about training or joining as a volunteer you can contact us on Facebook or email us at callanfirstresponders@ gmail.com. Callan First Responders are always recruiting for new members.

They are currently responding to Cardiac / Chest pain and Stroke calls & need extra volunteers. Ambulances can be delayed & response times vary. We can be with you within minutes, until they arrive, communicating with paramedics on route. Training is fully certified by PHECC (Pre-Hospital Care Council) and free of charge to volunteers. Full driving license is essential as they respond to calls within 5 km of Callan. For more information you can watch a video on www.becomeacfr.ie or send an email to callanfirstresponders@gmail.com.

KILBRIDE MASS; Kilbride Cemetery Committee and Callan Parish Priest Fr. Willie Dalton have announced this year’s Blessing of the Graves and Cemetery Mass will be celebrated at the earlier time of 7.30pm. It will, as usual, be held on the last Friday of June, 30th that evening. You can notify your Family and friends, particularly those travelling from other counties and countries.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Dunnamaggin ladies football

Dunnamaggin Ladies Football Club was formed in 2015 and over the last eight years, The Club has gone from strength to strength thanks to the tireless work of the many wonderful volunteers and parents involved that now has teams competing at every age group right up to adult level.

The Club was formed on the back of the Dunnamaggin National Schools Team

winning the Girls Primary Schools Roinn D Final in 2014, and from that moment on interest in forming a Ladies Football Club increased.

A committee was put in place, and in 2015 Dunnamaggin Ladies Football Club held their first training session with membership quickly taking off.

They acheived Silverware in their first year by winning The U-12 Roinn D County Final,

and a lot of those girls would subsequently go on to win further County Finals as they progressed through the age ranks.

Dunnamaggin Ladies Football Club thrives on a wonderful community spirit, and a central feature to the success within the club has been The Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others that has brought huge numbers participating in a fun,

social and non-competitive environment.

The increasing amount of numbers particularly at Juvenile led to teams competing at every age group at underage, and their progession was rewarded especially during the dark days of COVID in 2020.

They won a clean sweep of underage titles at Juvenile Level at U-12, U-14, U-16 and Minor which was an amazing acheivement for a club that at the time was only 5 years old.

The U-12s won The Roinn C Final, The U-14 Roinn A Final was claimed against Kilkenny City, while Roinn B County Title Final wins were won at U-16 against John Lockes Callan and at Minor against Railyard.

Further success came their way last year in 2022 as they defeated John Lockes Callan 7-6 to 2-8 in The U-16 Roinn A Final, with the same group of girls adding to their Roinn A title two years earlier in 2020.

Also last year, Dunnamaggin

won The U-14 Roinn B Final against Tullogher, while further silverware was won with success with The U-15 Feile Team.

They won The U-15 County Shield Feile Final to progress to The John West Regional Finals where they won The Division 2 Plate in which a number of those girls featured in those two County Final wins.

They also have a Team competing at Adult Level now with several of the girls having come through the underage ranks.

As mentioned, a major part in the success is the wonderful trojan work done by the huge amount of volunteers and parents who help greatly with their time and effort.

One of those volunteers who deserves a special mention is Elena Byrne who has been

deservedly rewarded for her wonderful efforts at National Level.

Elena was named LGFA PRO of The Year for 2021 at The National Volunteers Award Evening in Croke Park, while earlier this year she was the recipient of The GAA Presidents Award for her Voluntary work in Ladies Football with both Club and County.

Dunnamaggin Ladies Football Club has thrived and continues to thrive since emerging 8 years ago with over 200 members involved, and with the wonderful enthusiasm shown both on and off The playing field, they can soar onto even greater heights.

Checklist for better Kilkenny City fitness and health and County EOIN EVERARD

Some articles are for reading and some are for doing. This is intentionally short this week as I want you to think how you can improve these

aspects of your life. Tick below the parts that you are doing right and ones that you can improve on. Here are 5 keys to better health and fitness, how are you doing on these: 1. Training 5 times per week.

2. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night

3. Eating 3 to 4 unprocessed meals with a good source of protein 4. Drinking 3 litres of water.

5. 5 or less units of alcohol per week.

Take the 5 minutes you would have spent reading this article and really think how might improve even one aspect of this that I am falling down on currently.

Bridge results

Kilkenny Bridge Centre is situated just off the Ring Road, Kilkenny.

There are 9 Bridge Clubs in the Bridge Centre and 2 Clubs play each night from Monday to Thursday.

There is a morning bridge on Tuesday mornings.

Beginners and Improvers Classes are ongoing.

All Clubs finish the end of May and re open in September.

There is Summer Bridge open to everyone on Wednesday nights and Tuesday mornings.

RESULTS Ormonde Castle Bridge Club- 8th May 1st Marguerite Walsh/Lucy Hanly 2nd Margaret Knowles/Sheila O'Mahony 3rd Yvonne Grant/Anna Morrisoson

Club 97 1st Mary LawlorMargaret Mullins 2nd Marie Madden/Regina Butler 3rd Christine Leonowicz/Linda Darlington 4th Miriam Martin/Mary O'Reilly Rothe Bridge Club 1st Linda Darlington/Geraldine O'Sullivan 2nd Catherine Philpott/Rita Morrissey 3rd Kathleen O'Shaughnessy/Kathleen Ferguson Kilkenny Bridge Club 1st Melanie O'Briain/Sheila Ryan 2nd Donal Higgins/Barbara Kearney 3rd Catherine McGoff/Margaret Knowles Club results can be sent to Marion at 087 654 4737 via Whats App or text.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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Hurling matters - Preview

Sport

Mikey Carey - back on board

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

2023 Leinster GAA SHC Round 4 Kilkenny vs Dublin UPMC Nowlan Park, Saturday 6pm

>> SHERRY

SAYS DUBLIN PREVIEW

Kilkenny welcomes the Dubs to UPMC Nowlan Park tomorrow evening in round four of this year’s Leinster Hurling Championship, knowing that victory will keep them on the right path for successfully defending their provincial crown.

With just two group games remaining, Derek Lyng will be seeking to record another win before the team makes the short trip to Chadwicks Wexford Park a week later to face Darragh Eagan’s struggling Yellowbellies.

Dublin will roll into town tomorrow, buoyed by recent results, particularly their recent win in Croker over Wexford. Micheál Donoghue’s men had 2 points to spare over the Slaneysiders and will not be lacking in confidence when entering Kilkenny’s den.

The men from the capital have a real talisman in Donal Burke and the Na Fianna man has been in fine form as his side have navigated their provincial campaign. Last day out Burke finished the game with 0-13, a tally which included 10 placed ball scores. Burke is to Dublin what TJ is to Kilkenny. His accuracy from the dead ball is unerring.

This season’s battle for the Bob O’Keefe Cup has seen Dublin records two wins and a draw from their opening three games. Their first outing saw them take the trip north to Corrigan Park to face Antrim and it took a late score from Cian O’Sullivan to claim a share of the spoils on a wet day in Belfast.

O’Sullivan hit 0-6 that day to keep top scorer Donal Burke company as they denied Darren Gleeson’s men a confidence boosting win.

Their second group game saw them face Westmeath in Parnell Park, and they had to go through the gears before a dominant second half performance saw them claim Darragh Corcoran looks at home in Cats colours

Cats out to beat boys in blue Lyng’s men ready for Dubs challenge

Captain Cody will look to lead the Cats attack

maximum points with 12 points to spare at the long whistle. The Lake County men lead for most of the opening period, but that man Burke again spearheaded the Dublin revival, notching 1-9 while Cian Boland hit 1-2 as no fewer than 10 men in blue got on the scoresheet.

Dublin’s game at headquarters against Wexford saw them see off the Yellowbellies challenge by 2-points, and again as mentioned, Donal Burke was in superb form notching 0-13, while Cian O’Sullivan hit 1-2 as they got the better of a Lee Chin led side.

There are some quality hurlers in the Captial other than star of the show Burke, and the likes of Alex Considine, Paul Crummey, Cian’s Boland and O’Sullivan along with Ronan Hayes and Danny Sutcliffe can all offer options to Micheál Donoghue as he seeks to engineer a huge upset tomorrow.

At the back Eoghan O’Donnell, Daire Gray, Paddy’s Smyth and Doyle will look to quell the Cats attack and try to prevent keeper Sean Brennan from being called into action too often. O’Donnell is their Rolls Royce in defence, and they will hope he leads by example

and keeps his man quiet.

The Cats are aiming to defend their Leinster title and to do that, they will most likely face-off against Henry’s Galway, but Derek Lyng will have reminded his charges to get the job done over the next two weekends to ensure his charges in black and amber arrive in Croke Park with momentum and in a good run of form.

Currently, Kilkenny sit just behind Galway on scoring difference, level on five points after the opening trio of group games. It’s as close as you can get – The Tribesmen have conceded just one point less than the Noresiders.

Westmeath were first up for the Cats, and they had a 22-point winning margin against Joe Fortune’s side. TJ Reid made his intercounty return and his first appearance since helping his Shamrocks Ballyhale side to another All-Ireland club title in January and top scored with 9 points in the facile victory in UPMC Nowlan Park. His clubmate Adrian Mullen was in fine scoring form too, hitting 0-6 while Thomastown’s John Donnelly notched 4 points in the win.

The second game saw an

intriguing tie with Henry’s Westerners, and this battle of the ‘big two’ didn’t disappoint with those in attendance witnessing a cracking game which ended all square, again TJ hitting 0-9 and shaking a little bit more rust off with another accurate display.

Like tomorrow’s opponents, Kilkenny made the journey north to Belfast to face Antrim and this game was a high scoring affair with 8 goals and 51 points registered over the 70-odd minutes.

While TJ finished with a tally of 2-10, it was Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan who returned to the starting line-up and bagged a hattrick of goals in an eye-catching display. The Kilkenny management team won’t have been pleased with the scoring tally given up to The Saffrons and will undoubtably have been working on tightening up things over the past week or so.

When the Cats met Dublin in the Allianz league in March, Derek Lyng’s men ran out comfortable winners at tomorrow’s venue, with Galmoy’s Billy Drennan starring.

An 11-point win over the blues in a game where Kilkenny never really got out of second gear. Again, Donal Burke top scored for his side with 11 points while Alex Considine was a constant threat to the Cats defence.

In recent weeks it has been reported that Young Ireland’s Mikey Carey has rejoined Derek Lyng’s squad, having opted out after last season’s All-Ireland defeat to Limerick, with the talented wingback deciding to travel across Asia and Australia. If Carey has decided to ‘stay put’ for the rest of the hurling season, this could well be a great bonus for the Marble County.

Captain Eoin Cody has been looking sharp recently and will hope to continue his good form against Dublin. His ability to link play with others in the Kilkenny attack will be crucial as the summer continues.

Cody’s understanding with clubmates TJ Reid and Adrian Mullen gives an extra dimension to the teams forward play.

Derek Lyng may decide to shuffle his pack again tomorrow, but I’d imagine the likes of Mossy Keoghan will be chomping at the bit to go again, following his 3-3 against Antrim. Graigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan will also be hoping to get another run-out against Dublin and his skill and pace are great assets to the team.

One player that has looked very much at home in the black and amber is another Shamrocks Ballyhale man, Darragh Corcoran.

The talented youngster has been deployed both at midfield and in defence and its at wing-back that he has looked most comfortable and more importantly dangerous.

Corcoran has tightened up the half- back line but also proved to be a great attacking weapon for the Cats and has notched some scores as well.

Kilkenny will be acutely aware of the challenge that tomorrow’s opponents pose, but there should be enough quality in black and amber to secure a third victory in this year’s Leinster Championship and head to Wexford a week later with everything in their own hands.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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Camogie - Review

Sport Dubs push

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster Senior Camogie Final UPMC Nowlan Park Kilkenny 1-14 Dublin 0-13 Kilkenny retained their provincial crown with victory over Dublin at UPMC Nowlan Park last weekend. Many had expected Brian Dowling’s side to have too much quality for their opponents, but this is a game that could have gone either way. The sides were level at the interval, and no doubt the stripeywomen would have been told a few home truths in the changing rooms at half time.

The first half was rather scrappy, with both sides coughing up possession and being let down by lapses in concentration and some poor handling. Referee Justin Heffernan got the final under way and the home side registered the first score of the game after just 33 seconds. The ball was worked to Kellyann Doyle who had made a clever run forward from her midfield berth and the Piltown woman made no mistake in splitting the posts.

Denise Gaule then pointed from the placed ball after Katie Power was fouled in the fourth minute. Another foul, this time on Julieann Malone provided an opportunity for Aoife Prendergast to get on the score sheet, but the Dicksboro player just pulled her effort wide of the posts.

A couple of minutes

Denise Gaule about to strike

Stripeywomen all the way

Provincial crown retained, but improvement needed

Katie Nolan notched a couple of vital frees Julieann Malone struck the crucial goal

later, Laura Murphy burst forward and was halted illegally and Prendergast made no mistake from the resulting free as she fired her team into a three point to nil lead after 7 minutes of action.

The next score would also come from the home side. Mullinavat’s Julieann Malone then showed some nice stick work before popping over a fine point as the reigning champions looked in complete control of affairs.

Dublin did get on the scoreboard eventually, and it a one of the scores of the game, with Aisling O’Neill rifling over a superb effort from close to the left sideline.

Another Aisling, this time Gannon, beat Tullaroan’s Grace Walsh before firing over to reduce the deficit to two points.

Piltown’s

Brian Dowling knows his side will need to improve

Katie Power was then fouled again, and Aoife Prendergast fired over the placed ball.

Aisling Gannon was then fouled and captain Maher slotted the free as they fought to stay close to their illustrious opponents. Maher got another opportunity to reduce the deficit to the bare minimum when Julieann Malone was adjudged to have over carried and she didn’t miss.

One of Dublin’s liveliest players, Aisling O’Neill then fired over another lovely point to bring the sides level at 5 points apiece. Brian Dowling’s charges were guilty of being sloppy in possession and making uncharacteristic errors as they struggled to regain the control of a game that was in danger of providing a big upset.

The sides swapped the next two points, first up was Dicksboro’s Aoife Prendergast who pointed from a tight angle, while Aisling Maher sent over a long range free after Katie Power was booked for a heavy challenge. Another of the Piltown contingent, Aoife Doyle then got on the score sheet, pointing from close range but there was still time for Aisling Maher to deadlock matters with another point before the short whistle as the sides headed to the changing rooms with 7 points each.

Gerry McQuaid’s charges kept Kilkenny waiting on the pitch before the second period began, and it would be the visitors who got off the mark first after the interval with a nice point from Grace O’Shea. Last year’s captain Aoife Prendergast was then fouled and Windgap’s Denise Gaule showed her class by pointing from out on the left.

Brian Dowling then sent on Dicksboro duo Asha McHardy and Jenny Clifford then replaced Katie Power and Aoife Prendergast as he sought to freshen things up.

Mullinavat’s Julieann Malone then scored a lovely point from play to edge her side ahead, before a brace of free’s from St Martin’s Katie Nolan to push the home team 3 clear with about 12 minutes remaining in the provincial

decider.

Dublin like earlier in the contest refused to lie down and hit the next three scores in game. The first of this trio of scores came from wingforward Elyse Jamieson-Murphy with a fantastic point. Some lovely skill and team play from the visitors resulted in the dangerous Aisling O’Neill firing over, before the same player dispossessed Grace Walsh before splitting the posts to level matters.

The atmosphere got even more tense; the Dublin management team sensed that the game was there for the taking, while their Kilkenny counterparts appeared worried at their sides inability to put the game to bed when leading by 3 points.

Katie Nolan was then given the chance to give her side the lead from the placed ball, but her effort struck the far post. Kilkenny players reacted more quickly, and one of the second half subs, Asha McHardy collected the sliotar before firing over edge the stripeywomen ahead.

The next score would prove crucial and ultimately be the winning of a very tough game. Kilkenny were awarded a free on half way and the experienced Denise Gaule stood over it. The Windgap player sent in a searching and testing ball around the edge of the square. Julieann Malone rose along with two Dublin players, won the ball turned and went to strike for goal. The keeper came to meet her, the sliotar hit came loose but the Mullinavat woman reacted and struck the ball to the net.

Kilkenny now had a four-point lead, this soon became five when Young Ireland’s Steffi Fitzgerald pointed shortly after the raising of the green flag. Dublin needed a goal, and quickly. They struck a couple of low efforts towards Aoife Norris’s goal, but they were off target. Aisling Maher did strike over another free, but time was up and a collective sigh of relief could be felt by the home contingent as the long whistle sounded. Provincial title defended. Now for the All-Ireland series. Final score, Kilkenny 1-14, Dublin 0-13.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

Planning notices Online

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Cliona and Michael Walsh of 92 Upper Patrick St, Kilkenny wish to apply for retention permission for a single storey extension to the rear of the property.

The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost making copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during Office hours i.e 9.00 am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, David and Anne Foley, wish to apply to the above authority for retention planning permission for the following, retention of front, side & rear extensions to dwelling house, retain the construction of garage/home gym, retain conversion and extension of existing garage into 2 storey granny flat and all associated site works at Annamult Road, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

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

Signed: David & Anne Foley PATRICK KELLY, (B.Sc. ARCH TECH), (087) 7719375 Pooles House, Doonane Hill, Wolfhill, Via Athy, Co. Laois

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Sarah and Justin Fox for permission consequent on the grant of outline planning permission Ref No: 21/810 to construct a dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Baunlusk, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Mark and Emma Dunne intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build a self contained unit and store to existing dwelling house, new entrance and all associated site development works at 5 Noremount, Kilkenny, R95 W70H. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Kieran Varley intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build a dwelling house, effluent treatment system and percolation area, private bore well, new entrance and all associated site development works at Legan, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

AIDAN GEOGHEGAN 1ST ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of Aidan Geoghegan, late of 5 Barrack Street, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

We think of you today We thought of you yesterday And every day.

The Miracle Prayer

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 21st May at 11am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.P.M.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

May your soul rest in peace Fondly remembered by his loving family

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.S.M..

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.A.S.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.S.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.DM.

48

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 May 2023