Kilkenny Observer 19th November 2021 by Kilkenny Observer

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 19 November 2021

Farming Blues Who’d be a farmer in today’s climate?  Marianne Heron page12

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Christmas Fare The better festive markets in Europe  See page 19

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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We need to be vigilant IT is, as someone remarked, beginning to feel a lot like Christmas — Christmas of last year — as the Government has put in place new clawbacks on the easing of restrictions because of the rising number of Covid-19 victims. There is some inevitability about it all, like Groundhog Day. Some brakes have been applied to what had largely been a full reopening and there will now be disappointment, worry and some Christmas plans in doubt; like the company Christmas

EDITORIAL COMMENT party and that visit to Santa’s grotto in department stores. Daily case numbers are regarded as unsustainable — with around 25 cases in every 1,000 translating into hospital admissions. Also Ireland has reached and passed the figure of 500,000 Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. It’s a

sobering figure given the impact each case can have on individuals, families and those around them. Doctors say a disproportionate number of people in ICU are not vaccinated and the health system cannot not cope. The latestNphet projections show the optimistic figure is a peak of 5,000 cases a day and the pessimistic figure

Marianne is on the ball after her cancer treatment A YEAR after a life-changing diagnosis, Kilkenny camogie champion Marianne Walsh has become an inspiration to her community and many more. From Mooncoin, Marianne’s life changed a year ago when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Just 12 months later, and five months after finishing chemotherapy, Walsh was taking to the pitch in John Locke Park in Callan for the recent Iverk Produce Kilkenny Junior Camogie Championship. The match finished 3-07 to 0-08 to her native Mooncoin, defeating Piltown in a significant win. Speaking to KCLR’s Áine Fahey, the 26-year-old admitted that the first thought she had upon hearing the diagnosis was of her club. “The first thought that came into my head when I was sitting in that doctor’s office was ‘Jesus. Can I play camogie next year now?’ That would not even enter people’s minds at some stage but this is my life. Those girls on that panel are my family,” she said. EVERY FRIDAY

With a song in his heart...

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is 12,000 cases a day. The best case is seen as 200-220 ICU cases and around 1,000-1,200 hospitalisations. Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan is advising all of us “to stay at home as much as possible” and warning that up to 400,000 could be infected with Covid-19 by Christmas. Dr Holohan has said 200,000 people, or even double this, would likely be infected by the virus in December if we all didn’t change our behaviour. All the indications now are that the

IRELAND’S Junior Eurovision hopeful is set to take on a grand finale in Paris next month. Teenager Maiú Levi Lawlor (pictured) is representing Ireland in this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest at La Seine Musicale in Paris on December 19. Competing against 19 other countries, the 14-year-old from Greystones, Co Wicklow is hoping that his Irish language song ‘Saor’ will prove a winning tune at the prestigious event. The new entry, which was released this week, was written by a team made up of Niall Mooney, Lauren White Murphy and Anna Banks. The song examines the feelings of teenagers emerging from the struggles of our Covid lockdown and how they will now live life to the full, which is sure to resonate with many young people worldwide. It is uncertain if the contest will be held in person or remotely once more.

peak of this fourth wave may arrive during December. We all face uncertainty, unsure of where everything is going. But, now, more than ever, we need to be extra vigilant and adhere to proper social distancing and proper hygiene. If nothing else, as humans we have a moral obligation to look out for, and after, each other. Stay safe, everyone. Covid Updates, Page 10

Start-up businesses on the up locally

Kilkenny and Carlow are among 10 counties where the number of new start-up businesses is rising. The figure is up 4% in Kilkenny between July and September compared to the previous three months. See also Page 22

MRI scanner is finally at Luke’s St Luke’s Hospital has, at long last, seen their new MRI scanner delivered onsite. It’s expected that the MRI will be fully functional by mid-December.

Scam warnings Kilkenny gardai have urged people to be alert for scam calls and texts after it dealt with four incidents of fraud locally within a 24-hour period. See John Ellis, Page 16

100 more jobs Kilkenny headquartered engineering and construction company Modubuild are to recruit at least 100 additional staff across all parts of their business as part of their plan to grow capacity to meet increasing client demands.

INSIDE

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News

Christmas song a gift for homeless THE Christmas song ‘This Time of Year’, released by Friends Of Peter McVerry Trust, will raise money to support families living in homelessness this Christmas. The new track, written by John Evans and performed by Alan Bremerton, conjures up seasonal images of carol singing and wreaths hanging on doors but urges us all to remember that no-one should be cold at this time of year. All of the money raised through online sales of the song will be donated to Peter McVerry Trust, the national housing and homelessness charity. John Evans, songwriter, explained the inspiration behind the song, told The Kilkenny Observer: “The song celebrates Christmas and

CLAIR WHITTY

WHAT better way to relax and unwind at the end of the day than to have a relaxing bath? This is one place where you should find some peace, quiet, and tranquillity. A few moments alone where you can switch off from the world, no mobile devices, no one to distract you. We all need time to unwind. It could be walking, reading, meditating, or for some a relaxing bath before bed is perfect. Set the scene, light up some candles, dim the lights, play some relaxing music. Add Weleda Lavender Bath Milk to your bath. It’s ideal for when you feel mentally exhausted, over stimulated,

that familiar Christmas feeling, but reminds us that we shouldn’t take it for granted. Unfortunately, ‘food on every table and presents by each tree’ will not be a reality for the hundreds of families in Ireland who don’t have a place to call home this Christmas. “Partnering with Peter McVerry Trust to raise money for their family homeless services feels like the perfect fit for this song. We hope to raise enough money to make this a special Christmas for the families, especially the children, who are living in their services,” he said. Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, said: “Winter is the busiest time of the year for our charity and this year we will work with

over 10,000 people, a 20% increase on last year. The release of ‘This Time of Year’ is a timely addition to our Christmas Fundraising Appeal as unfortunately the fundraising environment has been incredibly challenging since the onset of Covid-19 in Ireland. “We hope that radio stations nationwide will back the song and members of the public will purchase and enjoy the track for many Christmases to come.” ‘This Time of Year’ is available to purchase and dow~nload on Bandcamp: PMVT. bandcamp.com. You can support Peter McVerry Trust’s Christmas Fundraising Appeal by visiting www.pmvtrust. ie or calling 01 823 0776.

Bath time bliss

muscles, with essential oil of lavender to calm the mind and relax the body. Working together to help you relax and unwind from the stresses of daily life. Relax with a cup of herbal tea like Salus Lemon Balm or Chamomile, and finish your routine with a spray of Tisserand Pillow Mist Spray. Simply spray into the air, around your body, and on to your pillow, to help relax and prepare for a blissful night’s sleep. It’s perfect for minds that struggle to switch off at bedtime. It contains soothing Lavender, warm Sandalwood & calming Jasmine. Bath Time Bliss, create your own routine to help you relax and unwind at the end of the day. Shop online www. naturalhealthstore.ie

or restless. The soothing fragrance of lavender calms and balances the nervous system. Soak in the bath for about 20 minutes. Then, after your bath, massage some BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Spray into your damp skin, preferably about thirty minutes before sleep. Magnesium is known as nature’s natural relaxant and has a calming effect on the whole body. It will help relax tired, aching muscles, and ease restless legs. While the essential oils of lavender and camomile will help quiet the mind, something most of us could do with. On the other hand, if you have sore, achy muscles, you might prefer to use BetterYou Sleep Magnesium Flakes which you can add to your bath. These flakes can help soothe achy, tired, sore

Call in to see us at Market Cross Shopping Centre and see the wide range of products we have. Plus, we have some great gift ideas too. Shop online www. naturalhealthstore.ie Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie • 5ml delivers 150mg (43% NRV) magn • Clinically proven to aid sleep*Absorbs rapidly into the skin, helping prepare the body for sleep • Naturally relaxes tired musc • Lavender and chamomile help slow sensory activity and quieten the mind.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

News

Vicky: ‘Allow me die with dignity’ “I APPEAL to our Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and all members of the 33rd Dail: please do not wait until I am dead to do the right thing and right the wrongs of the past.... Allow me to die with dignity, on my own terms. Let that be my legacy.”

These are the words of Kilkenny native, Limerick resident Vicky Phelan, expressing her anger in an opinion piece in the Sunday Independent at the State’s response to Ruth Morrissey’s death and the continued hounding of women suffering from cervical cancer. “Ruth Morrissey is dead.

She knew she would die from this disease. What she didn’t know, or reckon on, was that she would spend the last two years of her life fighting,” says Ms Phelan. Citing the apologies from CEO of the HSE Paul Reid on the morning of Ruth’s funeral and from Micheál Martin in

the Dáil she said: “I am here to tell you now, while I still can, that I don’t want your apologies. I don’t want your tributes. I don’t want your aide de camp at my funeral. I don’t want your accolades or your broken promises. “I want action. I want change. I want accountability.

“And I want to see it happen while I am still alive, not after I am dead.” “If we were concerned about 45% of Irish women’s smears going to US labs at the time of my case, should we not be alarmed that that figure is now 90%?” she said. Vicky Phelan wants the Gov-

ernment to enact the legislation to provide for mandatory open disclosure; implement all the outstanding recommendations from the Scally Report; and set up a new steering committee to oversee CervicalCheck which is independently chaired and gives more than a passing nod to patient advocates.

Support for cancer centre is on these Christmas cards KILKENNY has its very own collection of three unique Christmas cards for 2021, designed by the world-famous Cartoon Saloon animation studio based in the city. The trio of cards depict Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House and St. John’s Bridge over the River Nore, and the proceeds of the card sales will give a much-needed boost to Cois Nore, Kilkenny’s cancer support centre. To add to the local input the card is printed by Modern Printers, Kilkenny, who are long-time supporters and patrons of Cois Nore. The formal launch of the unique collection took place at the beautiful Butler Gallery recently, and (pictured) Bill Cuddihy Chairman of Cois Nore, thanked Anna O’Sullivan and the Butler Gallery team for their support. “This fantastic Gallery deserves to be seen by everyone — entry is free — and the atmosphere and elegance of the Gallery makes it a must visit attraction. The exhibi-

tions are stunning, and we are fortunate to have this free facility on our doorstep and we very much appreciate the Gallery making the space available to us for the launch of our Christmas Cards.” Cois Nore has once again teamed up with Cartoon Saloon to give people a chance to send friends and family these beautiful cards. The three cards were designed by Maria Pareja of Cartoon Saloon, who has once again responded in the fantastic colourful and distinctive Cartoon Saloon style. “Kilkenny has been a source of inspiration to the work of Cartoon Saloon, and our design of the Christmas cards for Cois Nore is our way of supporting the valuable work of Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre and bringing a little joy to the people who receive the cards.” Cards are available on the Cois Nore website, www. coisnore.ie/online and through selected retail outlets.

Ambulance service needs to be better, says TD THE Sinn Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny, Kathleen Funchion TD, has called on TDs to support the Ambulance Service and back the party’s motion in the Dáil. The motion would deliver an urgent review of ambulance resources, to ensure it is properly funded and has enough staff. Ms Funchion said: “Sinn Féin’s motion stands up for

staff, stands up for patients and supports our Ambulance Service to do their important work. “It would deliver an urgent review of ambulance resources, to ensure it is properly funded and has enough staff.” She said ambulance workers were burnt out from long, exhausting shifts. “Also, far too often patients are left waiting far too long for

medical help. Here in Kilkenny we all know people who have been left waiting in pain for far too long, causing them huge stress and upset. This is not the fault of ambulance staff, but those who have failed to invest in the services. It’s clear that emergency services are at crisis point. “These issues have been going on for far too long. The Government has failed to act

time and time again, while this crisis has only worsened. It’s clear that we need an urgent review of ambulance resources. “We need to expand our ambulance fleet and ensure that rural communities are properly served. We need to increase hospital capacity to avoid patients being left waiting in ambulances, the TD said.

Council CEO in dock over threats to radio show THE chief executive of Wexford County Council has been accused of threatening to pull commercial funding from South East Radio in response to damaging on-air coverage. The allegations are based on an exchange of emails involving Tom Enright who is under investigation by the Standards

in Public Office Commission (Sipo). At a hearing, the Commission was told Mr Enright felt content aired on South East Radio’s Morning Mix show in March 2019 was “biased, unprofessional and unfair” and that he could not ignore what he felt was damaging behav-

iour. He is accused of applying pressure to the station to alter its practices through the potential to withdraw finance. The complainant, Karl Fitzpatrick, who is a host of the station’s Business Matters programme, later told Mr Enright he intended to make a formal ethics complaint in regard to

threats of funding withdrawal. In October, 2019 Mr Fitzpatrick filed complaints alleging the chief executive was in breach of the Local Government Act and the code of conduct of employees in relation to the content of an email exchange in August. The hearing continues.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Back to the future… hopefully it will work OKAY so, you are walking down the street. Suddenly, you fancy a bottle of diet whatsit. Immediately, next to you, a vending machine appears, filled with those diet what’sits. You grab a bottle, slug away to your heart’s content, and continue on your way. Next, your other half offers to go to the shops for some goodies but can’t for the life of them remember what it was they needed to begin with. However, help is at hand when your brain-computer interface thingy recognises the needed item and transmits a link to your partner’s AI device, along with what store and aisle it is located in. Who said shopping isn’t fun? Welcome to the Metaverse, ‘alternate digital realities’, where people will work, play, and socialise. You can call it the Metaverse, the Mirror World, the AR Cloud, or the Spatial Internet, but one thing

is for sure — it’s coming and it is the biggest thing since sliced pan, or, at least since www. entered our reality three decades ago. At the moment, we can only experience the internet when we actually turn it on, but with this forthcoming new connectivity, devices and technologies, we’ll be able to experience it all around us every single waking moment. I know. I’ve trouble, too, visualising it. But think of it like this. If you think of, let’s call it, Web 1.0 as the internet that connected us to information, and Web 2.0 as the social-media interaction, which connects people, then Web 3.0 (which we’re now entering) is connecting people, places, and things. Every single thing, in fact. Sometimes, these people, places, and things will be in a fully virtual or synthetic environment, or sometimes in a

physical world with some level of augmentation. It’s kind of whatever you fancy yourself. While Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg has been running around like the kid who got the cream the last few weeks mouthing on about the Metaverse, the reality is that it is still some ways off, a brave new augmented virtual/real everyday interaction 24/7. In the meantime Metaverse — the term first coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel Snow Crash — is now being hurled into such wide and varied use that it has come to mean something no more specific than the future. Or for anything that takes us a step closer — like those smart thingy glasses — to this future reality, if reality we can, indeed, call it. It is coming though. If someone had told you three decades ago that all your music library and film col-

lections could be held on a device in the palm of your hand, along with which you could see and chat for free with someone in Australia and also control all your financial transactions and shopping on same said device, you would have thought them mad. The idea of the Metaverse, if you can get your head around it, is similarly no more mad. One day will be the reality, say, where you will not have to be be in the same room as someone in order to make love to them. The Metaverse could give a whole new dimension to infidelity, wouldn’t you know. “ No darling, I was home all last night. Honest. Ask Siri...” The smartphone era changed our relationship with technology in ways that were as profound and shocking as they now seem banal. Leaders in technology, like Ethan Musk, Bill Gates and Jeff

Bezos, and in entertainment and fashion, have rushed to stake their claim in the coming world of the Metaverse, though few seem to agree about what exactly it is. The important thing — wouldn’t you know, damn it — is it’s coming.

‘Not have to be be in same room to make love to someone . .

”

Think back 10 or 15 years to when smartphones and apps were new, and social media was on the rise. Lots of people believed that the supercomputer-in-your-pocket era would change, well, a lot of things, even if they didn’t quite know how. Metaverse navel-gazers who, like Mark Zuckerberg, can seem eager to just jettison the last era’s baggage — has not Zuck renamed, rebranded his Facebook? — believe we’re on the cusp of even bigger changes. If all this sounds more wishful thinking than visionary, despite the sci-fi branding and ‘decades from now’ talk, that’s because it, at the moment, is. But sometimes, just sometimes, a great notion, or a mere idea, has a way of creeping into our reality. We may be seeing the future, but will it work? See Page 18

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Covid Update

Pandemic pay ‘needs rethinking’ THE Government needs to look again at its decision to end the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), the Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said. Ms McDonald was speaking on RTÉ’s Six One News after Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the return of some

Covid-19 restrictions. She said people could not

be driven out of work or have their businesses crushed and be expected to live on fresh air. Earlier the Taoiseach told the Dáil there were no plans to reopen the PUP or to delay planned cuts to the payment. Micheál Martin said the Government had consistently heard that employers were

struggling to fill job vacancies across the economy. Recipients of the PUP will see the amount they receive reduced further from her on. The move is part of the ongoing process of gradually winding down the payment. Those currently receiving €300 a week will see their

payment fall to €250, while those on the €250 rate will see it drop to €203, the current maximum rate of jobseeker’s benefit and allowance. Those whose payment reaches the €203 rate are then transitioned over to the main jobseeker’s payments. According to the most recent

figures issued by the Department of Social Protection two weeks ago, there were around 78,000 people still in receipt of the PUP. It is expected that when the next update is issued this week, the numbers will have fallen below 70,000, as more people return to work.

Covid-19 booster shot ‘not enough’: expert A COVID-19 booster vaccine isn’t enough to bring down cases, Professor Sam McConkey has said. The infectious disease specialist said vaccines alone were not enough to control coronavirus.. He was speaking as the Cabinet met to discuss Nphet’s latest recommendations, among which are plans to administer up to 270,000 booster vaccines every week and possibly reducing the six-month gap between initial vaccination and booster shots. Nphet has recommended the wider use of Covid-19 digital certificates, antigen testing a return to working from home for office workers. Speaking to Newstalk, Prof. McConkey (pictured) said: “Unfortunately we’re now

Sisters doing it for themselves Zahra, 19, and Sofia, 12 Khodabacksh from Bennettsbridge, pictured above, took part in the recent world Irish dancing championships in Killarney in November. Sofia brought home a world medal while her sister Zahra took home a gold medal for 1st in her reel 5th in jig and a world globe for 5th overall in the world . Both girls dance for Kilkenny Academy. Their teachers are Evelyn White, Janine English and Sarah Murphy. Congratulations, and well done.. discovering that the vaccine alone is not enough. People would love to go back to so-

cialising and enjoying ourselves. But if we do that at present, we’re realising that

the virus will start spreading more — and is now spreading more. It’s finding a new

normal, and that will determine our interaction for 2022.”

Back to the future: the new rules at a glance THE Taoiseach has announced fresh restrictions as Covid-19 infection rates surge across the country. Micheál Martin said without the success of the vaccination programme, there is “no doubt Ireland would be in full-scale lockdown”. However, he said new curbs have been introduced in a “collective effort to keep our economy and society open” and keep people healthy and safe. Here are the latest Covid-19 decisions:

Close contacts Advice that comes into immediate effect is that household close contacts who are fully vaccinated and showing no symptoms should now restrict their movements until they have three negative antigen test results within five days. Healthcare workers will be subject to further guidance on derogations from this directive by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. Antigen tests The Government also advises

people to take regular antigen tests if they are asymptomatic and have visited riskier environments. People are urged to limit their activities in indoor and crowded environments, where distancing is difficult. They should “hold off on visiting vulnerable people after undertaking these activities”. Hospitality Closing times for all licensed premises have moved back to midnight, 30 minutes earlier. All customers must have

vacated the premises by that time. This will apply to restaurants, bars and nightclubs but will not apply to guests staying in hotels. Wedding guests staying at the venue will be able to remain on the premises after midnight - those who are not hotel residents must leave. Working from home Everyone should revert to working from home unless it is necessary to attend the workplace in person. Engagement has taken

place between Government, employers and trade unions on updating guidance for those working from home. Covid-19 certs extended Statutory requirement for Covid-19 passes (based on vaccination or recovery) will be extended to cinemas and theatres — which many are already applying to allow for greater capacity. Work is “continuing with agencies and inspectorates to strengthen compliance and inspection activities,” according to a Government spokesperson.

Carlow and Waterford show high rate of the rogue microbe THE incidence of infections is now highest in Carlow, Waterford Louth, Westmeath, and Leitrim as Ireland is yet again in the eye of a Covid-19 storm.

While the national 14-day incidence is 1,146.4 per 100,000, it is as high as 1,638 per 100,000 in Louth, making it the worst-hit county. The 14-day incidence per

100,000 is 1,541 in Leitrim, 1,521 in Carlow and 1,518 per 100,000 in Westmeath. The picture has emerged as a new series of measures were announced by the Government

yesterday in a desperate bid to slow the spread of the virus. The rise of Covid-19 is widespread across the country, leaving no county unscathed. And, now, there is increasing

speculation that a visit to Santa’s grotto, the countdown to Christmas, in many department stores throughout the country may be a ‘no-no’, according to latest reports.

Local whiskey seeks expansion WD O’Connell Whiskey Merchants, an independent whiskey bottler in Waterford, has launched a funding round potentially worth €1.5m as it targets further expansion of brands into new markets. Daithí O’Connell, founder of WD O’Connell, said the round had already attracted interest from potential investors. It had primarily focused its efforts overseas, particularly in Hong Kong and the US.

No levy sought on vacant sites Kilkenny County Council did not collect any monies from developers in vacant site levies last year. And it is one of 17 local authorities that did not even issue a demand to developers in 2019, the Irish Mail on Sunday reveals. Some 25 local authorities – including Kilkenny Council – failed to collect any levies whatsoever from developers who control vacant sites.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

Opinion

Why it’s not all making hay down on the farm AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

THERE was a time when I wanted to be a farmer’s wife. I loved the warmth of a cow’s flank when milking, the smell of the hay barn and catching brown trout in the river on my uncle’s farm in Co Down. I cherished that rural dream for years despite my very different life path. Not any more though, Farming is a hard life, however much the land is loved. John Connell’s ‘The Cow Book’, a story of life on a family farm, tells it how it really is with all the blood, sweat and tears of joy. My uncle had to give up the farm. He couldn’t make enough money to survive and went to teaching in a boys’ prep school, happily herding boys into geography and woodworking classes. You certainly don’t go into farming to make money, the average farm income is €23,848. Only 36 % of farms in Ireland were classified as being viable by Teagasc in 2016, 29% of farm households were sustained by offfarm income and 35% were economically vulnerable. All figures suggest that farming

is more than just employment; it’s a way of life where attachment to land runs deep. Aside from that you would need to be a genius to keep on the right side of regulations, banks and the ever-changing agricultural policy. But it wasn’t any of these considerations that killed off my rural dream. It’s the insidious notion that farmers are the ones to solely blame when it comes to global warming. It is true that agriculture the dairy sector in particular is the largest contributor at 30 %to greenhouse gas emissions. But it must be alienating to have the finger pointed at you and to feel that your very way of life is under attack, especially when we are all responsible helping to make a sustainable future. Why, when change was needed, was the national dairy herd encouraged to increase by 50% in the last decade? It wasn’t just that the national herd grew but that farming methods used to increase milk yields like extra fertiliser or the type of cattle feed increased emissions. Now, from being told to put their foot on the accelerator pedal dairy, farmers are being told to put on the brakes on. They have gone from being portrayed as heroes of a world class grass-based industry

to being zeroes in terms of climate responsibility. In my book they are heroes. We are incredibly lucky in Ireland with a temperate climate, plentiful rain and we are pretty much self- sufficient in food. If we turned off the supply of the exotic foods travelling air miles from around the world we would still have enough

to eat, although it would mean sticking to cabbages and forgetting about the avocados. The only food insecurity we have experienced recently was the shortage of flour and yeast during the pandemic when so many of us tried home baking. My own very patchy attempts at vegetable and fruit growing during lockdown brought

home just how tricky producing food can be. Like the rest of us, farmers are going to have to change and adapt and we don’t hear half enough about some of the initiatives under way which would help to lower agricultural emissions to between 21 – 30 % by 2030. Different feeds and different breeds of cattle, less

fertiliser, grassland mixed with nitrogen fixing plants like clover, planting trees are just a few of them. Given the need to include more plantbased food in our diet there must be plenty of opportunities for alternative crops. We shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds us when we are all in this together. See also Page 22

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

News NEARLY 200 countries adopted the Glasgow Climate Pact at talks known as COP26, after nearly two weeks of wrangling on everything from how much to limit global warming, what to say about fossil fuels and whether the worst-hit countries by the climate crisis should be compensated. Some are calling it a success, others a failure, and many say it’s something in between. Here’s what’s in it so you can decide for yourself. First ever mention of fossil fuels ... with a lot of caveats. The agreement makes unprecedented mention of the role of fossil fuels in the climate crisis. That’s something that even the landmark Paris Agreement was unable to achieve. The Glasgow Climate Pact calls for the phasing down of unabated coal and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. The language was originally stronger but was watered down several times. It looked like it might even have been scrapped near the end when India, with Iran’s support, made clear they wouldn’t give their blessings on it. The pact requires all 197 parties to agree on the final text. But at the 11th hour, India said it would accept the language with one tweak — that coal should be phased “down,” not phased “out,” in what some observers see as a get out clause that would allow continued use of coal. When asked for her opinion on the whole agreement, even Greenpeace International Executive Director Jennifer Morgan saw the inclusion of coal as a win for the climate. “It’s meek, it’s weak and the 1.5C goal is only just alive, but a signal has been sent that the era of coal is Sharma faced questions over the way he handled the lastminute change, for which he later apologised. “This will not bring us closer to 1.5 but make it more difficult to reach it,” said Swiss Environment Minister Simonetta Sommarug, receiving a long round of applause. But Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, who had opposed the language, said that it would be diIcult for his country to end coal use and fossil fuel subsidies while it tries to address poverty. “How can anyone expect developing countries to make promises about phasing out coal and fossil fuel subsidies?” he asked. “Subsidies provide much needed social security and support,” he said, giving the example of how India uses subsidies to provide liquified natural gas to low-income households. Perhaps the most consequential change was language that requests parties to come to COP27 next year in Egypt with updated plans on how to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Under the Paris Agreement, countries were only obliged to update their goals by 2025. The idea is that countries will

SPECIAL REPORT

What was won and lost on climate at Glasgow COP26 ended with the Glasgow Climate Pact. Here’s where it succeeded and where failed, according to a report by Angela Dewan & Amy Cassidy of CNN increase their ambition more regularly, which should mean an acceleration to net zero — a state where the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is not greater than the amount removed from the atmosphere. The latest landmark climate science report, published by the UN in August, called for emissions to roughly halve by 2030 and for the world to reach net zero by mid-century to have any hope in keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The question now is, will countries actually do it? “By agreeing this emergency package they have responded to rising climate damage with an action plan to keep 1.5C within reach,” said Nick Mabey, co-founder and executive director of the E3G climate think tank. “But the real task begins now as every country must go home and deliver on their Glasgow promises.” Rich countries agreed more than 10 years ago to transfer $100 billion a year to developing nations to help their transformation to low-carbon

economies, and adapt to the climate crisis. Adaptation can involve anything from building sea walls to prevent flooding, to moving communities back from the coast and retrofitting homes to better withstand extreme weather events. Not only had the rich world failed to deliver the $100 billion by the 2020 deadline, developing nations say it’s nowhere near enough in the first place. They had been calling for a 50-50 split between mitigation — measures to reduce emissions — and adaptation which helps them deal with the consequences of climate change. Far more money has flowed to measures focused on cutting emissions. The Glasgow Climate Pact includes a doubling of money for adaptation by 2025, from 2019 levels, which is progress in this area. But the $100 billion target is still ob track, likely to only be met by 2023, as a COP26 Presidency report found. There are also questions over whether developed nations will maintain that level of funding annually. “It is inexcusable that devel-

oped countries failed to meet their commitment to deliver $100 billion annually starting in 2020, even as they provide hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies for fossil fuels,” said Ani Dasgupta, President and CEO of the World Resources Institute. “It is significant that the final outcome at COP26 puts developed countries on the hook to report on their progress towards the $100 billion goal. Countries also made headway

‘First ever mention of fossil fuels..

toward developing a new financial goal that goes beyond 2025. Nations also agreed to at least double funding for adaptation by 2025, implying at least $40 billion, which is very important progress.” No ‘liability’ fund to pay for climate crisis destruction Climate activists protest as they build a human corridor at the start of the Closing Plenaries session, protesting “Polluters OUT, People IN” on November 11, 2021. This is a point with which many developing and climate vulnerable countries will be going home disappointed. There were high hopes that a dedicate fund would be set up to pay for the damage and destruction the climate crisis brings to the hardest-hit countries. The idea was that the rich nations would pay into it, and if a country experiences an event like floods that destroy homes, this money could help them rebuild. This is called “loss and damage” in climate speak. The agreement does recognize the importance of loss and damage and agrees to boost technical assistance to abected countries. But instead of agreeing to a dedicated fund, it calls for more dialogue, meaning an actual fund may years away, if it happens at all. US climate envoy John Kerry confirmed after the decision that his country was against such a fund for now, while the European Union had previ-

ously said it would not support it. Rachel Cleetus, policy Director and Lead Economist in the Climate and Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists said Australia was also blocking progress. CNN has reached out to the delegation. “A proposed Glasgow Loss and Damage Facility to channel new and additional funds for loss and damage failed to materialize after being blocked by richer nations including the United States, Australia and the European Union,” Cleetus said. “The final COP26 decision is overwhelmingly compromised by countries that have contributed most greatly to the climate crisis and once again denies justice for climate vulnerable developing countries.” It took six years but a Paris rulebook is finally finished. Almost If there’s any sign of how slow progress by consensus can be, it was only on Saturday that the world agreed to the outstanding rules of the 2015 Paris Agreement. There had been concern over the creation of carbon emission markets, known as “Article 6,” which is so technical that the world couldn’t agree on its wording and substance over the last five years. There were concerns about a loophole that could have allowed some countries to double count their carbon credits.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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News BY DAVE JOYNES -------------------- WHEN my wife Jane and I retired to Wexford five years ago, our intention was to find our final, forever home and generally enjoy life in our later years. During those five years we have worked hard, inside and outside the house, to bring the property up to where we wanted it. We now have three cats and two dogs and have a reasonably good lifestyle. During our lives Jane and I have lost quite a few family and friends to cancer. It’s not something you get used to, but, as cancer is rife in the world, it’s something you feel you have to accept as part of modern living. Then three years ago my brother was informed that he had this insidious disease. As a warrior and a vibrant soul, he fought against it and several times during those long three years he told me that the doctors had informed him that he had won. But inevitably it came back again and Alan fought his final battle a few months ago. I found this very difficult to accept as he was the relative that I thought would be there for all of my life; he was 71, two years older than me. I grieved, but I also found myself becoming angry that, after all this time, cancer was still killing people. I had a need to do something about it. I talked long and hard with Jane and she agreed that we should look into ways of helping those that were trying hard to battle cancer. Then, tragically, Jane was informed that her only brother, Russell, had committed suicide. He had left no explanation and we and his family and friends had noticed no signs that he had intended to take such an horrific action. We talked through what we could have done to prevent it and, while logically you know there was nothing you could have done, emotionally you feel terribly guilty. We could have talked to him more often, we could have had him with us for a holiday, we could have done so many other things. But now, too late, all too late. And so, we grieved again. The consequences were that Jane and I re-evaluated our lives. We looked at what we had and compared it with others that were going through the pain of cancer, others that needed some form of therapy to alleviate their mental illness. I have anxiety attacks. Thankfully, they are sporadic and I have a wonderful and patient wife who helps me through them. I have also researched

Why we are selling our home to help others and found some mental and physical exercises to combat these times. I believe that I can therefore understand some of the feelings that would-be suicidal folk go through. The overwhelming feeling of the world being against you, being unable to breathe, feeling physically unable to bounce back. We had to do something to help. During the period after my brother’s death, we found a site, Raffall.com. This is a reputable company that allows individuals a platform to host raffles of any sort and from anywhere in the world. They also allowed for an amount, up to 10% of the revenue made, to be donated to

‘Her only brother had committed suicide..

”

a charity of the host’s choice. We decided that we should try this but needed our prize to be valuable enough to be attractive and allow us to donate as much money as possible to Worldwide Cancer Research, a charity that gives to cancer research in any country. The only prize of such a value was our forever home. We decided that we would raffle off our house and 0.75 acres of land. To make things easier for the winner we would also give them £5,000 and pay for their legal fees and stamp duty. We have our own private well water and sewerage, and the only payment, other than electricity and heating oil, is just one payment a year of approximately €280 for local property tax. Then, of course, the tragic death of Russell made it necessary for us to also try to donate to a Mental Health charity. Therefore, we now had to make the raffle attractive, not only in

Luck of the draw: Dave and Jane Boynes... and a view of their lovely home, outside and in the kitchen/ dining area

the prize, but to also to make the cost of tickets as low as possible while trying to acquire enough revenue to donate to the two charities. We decided that £12.50/€14.00 a ticket was the right amount and 50,000 tickets a low as we could take the total required. Our targets now are not only to make significant donations to charity, but to try to change someone’s life for the better. Should they buy tickets for the cost of a few cups of coffee, and if they then win the house, they will have the choice to live in it, to holiday in it, to rent it out or to sell it. That sounds fine, but surely, also knowing that you are giving every chance for someone you know to be cured of cancer, or prevent someone you know from taking their own lives, sounds even better. The link to the web site is: www.raffall.com/winawexforddetachedhome Thanks for reading our story.

If you wish to contact us, other than this email, our competition email is: winawexforddetachedhome@gmail.com. Our mobile number is 0830389661. We are on Instagram: winawexforddetachedhome; Twitter: @winawexfordhome; Facebook: winawexforddetachedhome We’re also on WhatsApp on the above mobile number. Our Link to our page on Raffall is www.raffall.com/ winawexforddetachedhome

Circle K lottery win goes to mental health charity CIRCLE K’s Waterford Road, Kilkenny store has donated €7,500 to local mental health charity, Teac Tom. The store , part of Ireland’s largest forecourt and convenience retailer, won the donation as prize money for selling a Lotto jackpot ticket earlier this year and follow-

ing the win, donated their winnings to Teac Tom. Teac Tom is a mental health charity that provides counselling and support services to those in the local community struggling with their mental health. Currently, Teac Tom provides 80-100 free sessions of

counselling a week. As well as individual counselling, the charity also provides group therapy for family and friends, sibling support groups and play therapy. Teac Tom receives no Government funding and relies on the support of individuals, community groups and

businesses. The donation from Circle K will provide 150 hours of counselling by the charity’s professional and fully accredited team to those in the community. Marie Richards, Site Manager at Circle K Waterford Road said: “When we found

out we had won our own prize, we unanimously agreed that we wanted to donate the money to a local cause that was important to us. Teac Tom provides a vital service to the local community and, following the impact Covid-19 has had on fundraising efforts, needs

our help more than ever.” Angela Hayes, Founder of Teac Tom, said: “Fundraising activities have been impacted by the pandemic, and generous donations like this really do mean the world and allow us to continue to offer our services to the local community.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

News Your Money

When you and your money are easily parted BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

WHEREVER there is even the slightest opportunity of making some easy money, you may be sure that criminals lie ready to pounce. The internet opens up many such opportunities, and charlatans appear to be waiting around every virtual corner with the latest online scam. Especially at Christmas time when our minds are full and busy we can easily be taken in by a seemingly great opportunity or special online offer. According to recent bank research people looking for games’ consoles, bicycles and clothing are at a higher risk of encountering a scam. Payment in advance scams Social media platforms, online marketplaces and auction websites are increasingly being used by criminals, where a customer pays in advance for goods or services that do not exist and never received. More that €27m was lost to these frauds in the first half of this year. Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats around. Phishers take on the guise of someone trustworthy – a bank, finance company, even friends or colleagues – in an attempt to get you to hand over information, usually financial details, or get you to click a malicious link via email or messaging apps. Smishing (phishing by SMS) The Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection are the two highest-profile public organisations that have been impersonated in recent months as part of phishing attempts made via SMS (text messages). You receive a SMS from an unknown number telling you are entitled to the Covid19 pandemic unemployment payment for instance. When you click on the link, you are then asked to provide your bank account details., which you do and what little you have disappears! Christmas e-cards Many are genuine but be very careful as cyber-criminals are creating their own versions, which contain a virus (malware) that will embed itself onto your device without your knowledge and then silently collect personal data.

Spoofing You receive a call from a number that is vaguely familiar, quite like your own in fact or from your bank or a Government department and you call it back and find you are calling Guam! You hang up at a small financial cost but behind it all is a software package that masks, and changes numbers making tens of thousands of calls to people every day and each little victory rakes in hun-

dreds of thousands of euro for the scammers.

the device. Then, they ask for money to fix the problem.

Tech support scam Tech support impersonators contact you to tell you that your computer or device is infected. Then prompt you to download an application that lets them control your computer remotely. These cybercriminals download actual viruses or give the illusion that something is wrong with

How to spot and deal with the scams. Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It is OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or stress you. Remember Microsoft, Google, Apple etc will never ever call you to tell you that

ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

“SIT down next to me” sing the rock band James. It is a call to people who are suffering bad periods in their life, times of stress, perhaps a complete desertion of optimism. In other words, all of us. “I’ll sing myself to sleep, a song from the darkest hour, secrets I can’t keep, inside of the day”. How many of us have laid awake at some ungodly time of the night worrying about things we just can’t put out of our minds to be dealt with at a more reasonable moment of our lives? The purpose of the tune is to reach out to people who are struggling and offer them companionship, at least through song. The singer is admitting that he has been there, knows how you feel and wants to give others reason to hope. Of course, it is limited the power a song has to change our lives. This is true also of friendship. Things on their own don’t radically alter our situation. In fact, even money, which many people believe is the key to happiness, fails miserably in this regard. It’s well-document-

something is wrong with your computer. Banks will never ever call and look for your online details especially passwords and usernames. Review your emails and texts carefully. Look for inconsistencies like misspelled names, especially poor grammar in the text and links that don’t lead to the place they should. Similarly, beware of any tech support that charges large sums of money to fix your PC or Mac. The costs are often half or more of what your device is worth. Better go to your local computer whizz for support. If you think you’ve fallen for a scam contact your bank immediately and report it to the Garda Fraud department. Use the likes of PayPal or Revolut for online payments. Revolut will issue you a virtual card and when used is destroyed and replaced with a new card for your next transaction. Give yourself a Christmas present, a comprehensive protection solution like Norton 360 which will add layers of protection to your online banking, social media and internet browsing. Remember the old adage: “If it is too good to be true, then it usually is.” John@ellisfinancial.ie - 086 826263

You are the key to overcoming your difficulties ed that people who are miserable before winning the lottery are almost always miserable afterwards too. What a song, and friendship, have the power to do is offer us a moment of relief. And those moments of relief can add up to the change we crave. They both provide opportunity to break out of a very unhealthy habit, wallowing in our difficulties. Negative emotions by nature pull us down and keep us company even when we wish they would leave. It’s very easy to just give up and allow them to take over. This doesn’t mean that people who are really suffering should just get on with it. That idea is both crass and futile. There are times when we really need help and nobody should hesitate in getting it. However, changing a bad situation starts with our own actions. Actively seeking out moments which

bring us relief, whether that be listening to music, talking with a friend or something else, is the very path which takes us to improved wellbeing. Other things, including friends, can help, but only if you afford them the opportunity. “Now I’ve swung back down again, it’s worse than it was before, if I hadn’t seen such riches, I could live with being poor” says another part of the song. Whilst this is a cry about the pain of seeing the world come tumbling down again, it also has a potent undercurrent of determination. A resolve that things don’t have to be bad, that there is no need to just accept a situation and that a drive to improve conditions is the key to getting back to where you want to be. You can do it, you just need to be resolute and believe in yourself! And always remember, help and support are available.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

kilkennyobserver.ie

Science & Wellbeing AUGMENTED reality (AR) and the Metaverse are media technologies that aim to present content in the most natural form possible — by seamlessly integrating simulated sights, sounds, and even feelings into our perception of the real world around us, writes Louise Rosenberg on Bigthink.com This means AR, more than any form of media, has the potential to alter our sense of reality, distorting how we interpret our direct daily experiences. In an augmented world, simply walking down the street will become a wild amalgamation of the physical and the virtual, merged so convincingly that the boundaries will disappear in our minds. Our surroundings will become filled with persons, places, objects, and activities that don’t actually exist, and yet they will seem deeply authentic to us. This is terrifying because augmented reality will fundamentally change all aspects of society and not necessarily in a good way. AR will become central to all aspects of life, touching everything from how we work and play to how we communicate with each other. It will likely happen in this decade — and yes, it will be magical. But at the same time, there is growing concern about the negative consequences, and it is not about bad actors hacking the technology or otherwise hijacking our good intentions. No, that the legitimate uses of AR by the powerful platform providers will control the infrastructure is the terrifying issue. We find ourselves in a society where countless layers of technology exist between each of us and our daily lives, moderating our access to news and information, mediating our relationships with friends and family, filtering our impressions of products and services, and even influencing our acceptance of basic facts. We now live mediated lives, with all of us depending more and more on the corporations that provide and maintain the

Why tomorrow’s world is terrifying Social media manipulates our reality by filtering what we are allowed (or not allowed) to see. Dangerous times because too many people use social media to promote fake news. The Metaverse has the potential to amplify these dangers to incomprehensible levels intervening layers. And when those layers are used to manipulate us, the industry does not view it as misuse but as ‘marketing’. And this is not just being used to peddle products but to disseminate untruths and promote social division. The fact is, we now live in dangerous times, and AR has the potential to amplify the dangers to levels we have never seen. Imagine walking down the street in your hometown, casually glancing at people you pass on the sidewalk. It is much like today, except floating over the heads of every person you see are big glowing bubbles of information. Maybe the intention is innocent, allowing people to share their hobbies and interests with everyone around

them. Now imagine that third parties can inject their own content, possibly as a paid filter layer that only certain people can see. And they use that layer to tag individuals with bold flashing words like ‘alcoholic’ or ‘immigrant’ or ‘atheist’ or ‘racist’. Those who are tagged may not even know that others can see them that way. The virtual overlays could easily be designed to amplify political division, ostracise certain groups, even drive hatred and mistrust. Will this really make the world a better place? Or will it take the polarised and confrontational culture that has emerged online and spray it across the real world? Now imagine you work behind a retail counter. AR will change how you size up your

customers. That is because personal data will float all around them, showing you their tastes and interests, their spending habits, the type of car they drive, the size of their house, even their gross annual income. It would have been unthinkable decades ago to imagine corporations having access to such information, but these days, we accept it as the price of being consumers in a digital world. With AR, personal information will follow us everywhere, exposing our behaviours and reducing our privacy. Will this make the world a better place? I don’t think so, and yet this is where we are headed. The metaverse could make reality disappear Over the last decade, the abuse of media technolo-

gies has made us all vulnerable to distortions and misinformation, from fake news and deepfakes to botnets and troll farms. These dangers are insidious, but at least we can turn off our phones or step away from our screens and have authentic real-world experiences, faceto-face, that aren’t filtered through corporate databases or manipulated by intelligent algorithms. With the rise of AR, this last bastion of reliable reality could completely disappear. And when that happens, it will only exacer-

How the cup of tea may be your only man... THE term Blue Zones, coined by longevity expert, journalist, and author of The Blue Zones Kitchen, Dan Buettner, refers to the regions of the world where people live the longest. The five regions are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California. Those who live in these parts of the planet, writes Elsie Yang, share a few common lifestyle characteristics that appear to aid in their longevity. For example, explains dietician Samantha Cassetty.”People in the Blue Zones also walk and move consistently

during the day rather than spending an hour at the gym and then sitting the rest of the day at work, in a car, and on a couch.” Additionally, citizens of the Blue Zones tend to maintain routines to help them manage stress, a sense of community, and strong family ties. Eating habits are also a key commonality, Ms Cassetty says. “Blue Zone people eat a predominantly plant-based diet, and they eat until they’re content rather than full or stuffed. They also tend to eat less as the day goes on,” she explains. Surprisingly, regular (though moderate)

consumption of alcohol is part of that diet, and so is a reliance on fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, and other antioxidant-rich foods. Enter the cup of tea... “Tea is a very common drink in all of the Blue Zones,” Ms Cassetty says. “Tea that stems from the Camellia sinensis plant is high in antioxidants, which proactively guard your cells from free radical damage and oxidative stress — both of which are processes that underlie the progression of many diseases. Based on what we know about tea drinkers and the protective

compounds in tea, it’s likely that it plays a role in the healthfulness and long lifespans seen in these areas.” There is one type of antioxidant known as Ltheanine found in black and green tea leaves that makes these types particularly beneficial for health. “L-theanine is an amino acid that may affect certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine,” explains registered dietician Keri Gans. “It may produce a calming effect in our body, as well as improved alertness.” Moreover, research suggests that L-theanine found

in green tea may have neuroprotective properties and possibly decrease your risk for dementia. The only food source of Ltheanine? Tea. That’s it. “L-theanine benefits are bountiful,” agrees Cassetty. “It has been shown to help improve working memory, attention, and executive function, which impacts the ability to organise information and follow through with tasks. On top of these benefits, L-theanine can potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.” Time to put the kettle on....

bate the social divisions that threaten us. After all, the shared experience we call “civilized society” is quickly eroding, largely because we each live in our own data bubble, everyone being fed custom news and information (and even lies) tailored to their own personal beliefs. This reinforces our biases and entrenches our opinions. But today, we can at least enter a public space and have some level of shared experience in a common reality. With AR, that too will be lost. When you walk down a street in an augmented world, you will see a city filled with content that reinforces your personal views, deceiving you into believing that everyone thinks the way you do. Consider homelessness. There will be those who choose not to see this problem for political reasons, their AR headsets generating virtual blinders, hiding soup kitchens and homeless shelters behind virtual walls, much like construction sites are hidden in today’s world. You can’t ever leave the Metaverse. You won’t just take off your AR glasses or pop out your contacts to avoid these problems. Quicker than any of us can imagine, we will become thoroughly dependent on the virtual layers of information projected all around us. It will feel no more optional than internet access feels optional today. You won’t unplug your AR system because doing so will make important aspects of your surroundings inaccessible to you, putting you at a disadvantage socially, economically, and intellectually. Paul Hopkins, Page 8

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Travel & Leisure EUROPEAN Christmas markets are the ultimate way to get in the holiday spirit, writes Sara Rodríguez. So much that travellers from all around the world rush to join the lit- up, busy streets at this time of the year. From the food stalls offering gastronomic delicacies to the enormous displays of gift items to choose from, nobody does Christmas markets like Europe. The splendid Christmas decoration arrangements, live performances of music, and the overall vibe of the markets pulls customers just like honey attracts bees. So, instead of wasting away these precious holidays by staying in bed and having a Christmas movie marathon all by yourself, try something a little different and a little more exciting — allow yourself the pleasure of witnessing the dreamy Christmas markets of Europe! But before you go book your trip, grab your cup of hot chocolate and read on to learn about the best Christmas markets in Europe! 1. Cologne Christmas Market (Germany) Germany is one of the best Christmas destinations. The Cologne Christmas markets are the most renowned and popular among visitors. And rightfully so — who would want to miss out on shopping at a place with the famous and enchanting cathedral as its backdrop? What’s more, the fairy tale prayers of every kid have been answered in the form of the Saint Nicholas Village. Not only is this marketplace filled with gnomes and other mythical creatures, but there is also a storytelling session! And at last, there is an ice skating rink that will also be a great way of lightening up the evening. One of the best Christmas markets in Europe for families! Markt der Engel is another

Five of the better Christmas markets to visit in Europe Christmas market in Budapest adorned in hundreds of lights. If you catch a glimpse of it from far away, you’ll see that it looks no less than a bunch of stars twinkling and sparkling! Cologne is one of the best Christmas markets in Germany! Cologne Christmas Market dates are from November 25 to December 22. 2. Budapest Christmas Market (Hungary) The magical Christmas markets in Budapest are some of the best because of their timeless and beautiful architecture. From Vörömarty Square to St. Stephen’s Basilica, all these markets have something unique in store for all their visitors. The tasty variety of food, the shopping stalls, and the music performances all contribute to the appeal of these Christmas

markets in Budapest. These markets are filled with locals during the holidays, and the Christmas spirit is at an alltime high in this city. One of the best Christmas markets in the world! Christmas in Budapest is magical! So, what are you waiting for? Choose the city you love and book a trip to one of these lively Christmas markets for an experience worth reminiscing about forever! Budapest Christmas Market dates are November 24 to December 24. 3. Paris Christmas Market (France) Paris is known to be the City of Lights, but during Christmas time, the city evolves into pure magic. It’s one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe!

The arrival of the festive season transforms the city — once you land here, you can feel it in the air. Christmas in Paris is magical! The main tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame look even more breathtaking while adorned with Christmas lightning. Many of these popular spots serve as the exact location for the winter marketplaces. The residents here value the festive seasons and their traditions, and therefore the beautiful Christmas markets set up here are held in high esteem by the Parisians. The Tuileries Garden Christmas Market of Paris has over 100 stalls selling the usual Christmas stuff with many food items. There is an ice rink, and the articulately decorated carousel screams Christmas like anything.

The Marché de Noël in Notre Dame is another popular location that, when transformed into a traditional Christmas market, is the place to be. You can taste some regional gastronomy and drink mulled wine. It is also the place where the oldest tree of Paris is situated, and even though the market isn’t enormous, it has a dramatic look, and the arts and crafts stalls make it a worthy visit. It Paris Christmas Markets dates are November 20 to January 2. 4. Stockholm Christmas Market (Sweden) Stockholm is a picturesque city that celebrates Christmas with classiness and passion. One of the best Christmas markets in Europe! The whole town is charged with electricity ahead of

Christmas, and one of the things locals love to do during this time is visit Christmas markets. These Swedish markets are packed with adventurous activities, food, and some fantastic stalls where you may splurge your money. There’s a famous farmer’s market in Fulkunagagatan that operates on Saturdays only and begins during the end of November till the week before Christmas Eve. Here, you’ll find a massive variety of local Swedish produce, including fresh dairy products like cheese and sweets. No better place to snag some daytime picnic essentials! There is also a vegan market arranged by the restaurant ‘Hermans’ located in Fjällgatan. This Christmas market is a vegan’s dream come to life. One can acquire 100% vegan products from here, including sweets of all kinds, jewelry, health products, and more—a must-visit for all the vegans out there! Stockholm Christmas Market dates are November 20 to December 23. 5. Salzburg Christmas Market (Austria) Salzburg was once the hometown of the genius composer Mozart and is now filled with many Christmas market stalls that sell vintage items. The market does not have varieties of thousands of goods, but the quality of the things one will find here will speak for themselves. If you’re looking for a cute little souvenir to cherish forever, this is definitely your place! Plus, you can spend your evening here being entertained by the carousels and Christmas Carols. The era of the Christmas markets in Salzburg began during the 15th century, and since then, it has managed to charm the socks off of everyone! The Christkindle Market in Salzburg was the first-ever set up in 1974.

And the five money-saving secrets travel agents know WHEN planning a holiday, it can be tempting to just do it all yourself, with maybe a little help from a travel website, writes Miranda Marquit. However, you might be surprised to discover that a travel agent can be a moneysaving resource during the planning process. Not only that, but many travel agents charge small fees, or even no fees at all. If you’ve never used a travel agent before, here are five secrets almost all travel agents know. You can beneOt from these secrets to save money on your next trip. Before you start planning your next holiday, consider speaking with a travel agent. Even though they might get a kickback for helping you plan your trip, it doesn’t mean they aren’t full of helpful hints and good secrets. In fact, here are some of the top things travel agents know — and using these secrets can save you money.

1. How to get better flight prices With airline prices expected to continue rising through the end of 2021, and into 2022, getting help finding cheaper flights can be a huge deal. In general, you’re more likely to find travel agents helpful if you’re flying internationally, or if you’re arranging group travel. Depending on the situation, a travel agent might have access to special deals, as well as rates for different airlines. 2. They can fix unexpected problems while traveling When something goes wrong, trying to get back on top of the situation can mean hours on the phone with the airline. You could even find yourself in a long line at the airport, hoping to get on the next flight. When you have a travel agent, though, you might be able to jump ahead. Call your travel agent, and they will handle the rebooking, and might even be

able to get you vouchers. In the past, when I’ve used a travel agent, they’ve been able to get me a hotel room for the night — no cost to me — and helped me get on my way as quickly as possible. Having that insider point of contact who can handle the issues and knows the rules surrounding vouchers and compensation can save you time and trouble when an issue arises. 3. They have access better hotel pricing Hotels have more flexibility in pricing than you might think. Additionally, some hotels are moving toward more dynamic pricing for the future, working on ways to ensure that empty rooms don’t stay empty. A travel agent knows that a hotel with an empty room — especially if it’s during a traditionally slow time or if there’s been a last-minute cancelation — is a hotel that’s willing to make a deal.

Depending on the type of travel you do, when you go, and where you plan to stay, you might be able to score a better deal. Travel agents have contacts and relationships and might be able to Ond a good deal for you, as long as you’re reasonably flexible. You can also use one of the best hotel credit card options to get free nights and earn other perks. 4. They know all the government rules and regulations Not sure when you need a passport? How quickly do you need the passport? Can you speed up your time in line at the airpot? Travel agents have to be up on all the latest rules and regulations. They pay attention to where there’s a travel advisory, and they can let you know which checkpoints have faster lines for travellers. A travel agent can also help you figure out what will work best for

you and your particular itinerary. 5. You can save major money by staying just outside the main city When I traveled to New York City last, a travel agent friend of mine recommended I stay in Newark, NJ, which is only about a 25- to 30-minute train ride. I was able to find good accommodations at a low price, and easily get to and from New York City. Not only that, but I was able to find restaurants that were cheaper than the cost of many of the amenities in New York City. I’ve used similar strategies when staying outside other major cities, including Vienna, Austria. Travel agents know that there’s a price to pay for staying right inside the city. They can help you figure out cheaper places to stay, and where you can take advantage of low-cost public transit to get around so you don’t have to pay for a rental car and petrol.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

News

Farmers: ‘reduce cash flow pressure’ IFAC, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm, is encouraging Kilkenny farmers to prioritise budgeting and cash flow management to mitigate the impact of rising costs and tight profit margins. From a financial perspective, 2021 has been a good year on

KILKENNY based Mentor Her have been crowned ‘Best New Start’ company at the Connacht & Leinster regional final of the 2021 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition. The company fought off tough competition having delivered an investment pitch via video conference in front of an expert judging panel. Seedcorn is the island’s biggest business competition for innovative new start and early stage businesses in any sector. The winners from each of the four regions will go onto compete in the all-island final later in the month where the overall ‘Best New Start’ and ‘Best Early Stage’ companies will be announced winning €50,000 each, and ultimately the ‘Overall Winner’ will pocket €100,000 to contribute to their business growth. Established in June 2020 by Katie Doyle (pictured with her award), Mentor Her is a woman-to-woman mentoring service matching established mentors and ambitious mentees in corporate and entrepreneurial spheres. Commenting on their win, Katie Doyle said: “We’re thrilled to win the ‘Best New Start’ company in the Connacht & Leinster final and progress to the next round. When lockdown happened in March 2020, many women decided to re-evaluate their lifestyles and professional careers, they needed guidance on what they should do next which is where I got the idea for Mentor Her. “The Seedcorn competition has given us the opportunity to focus on the next step in our business journey, getting investment. So far, it has been an excellent exercise in understanding more

most Irish farms. Commodity prices are up for milk, beef, lamb and crops. Input prices were relatively stable for the first nine months and weather conditions for both grass and crops were excellent. Taken together, this combination of factors should result in higher profits in 2021 when compared to 2020.

Looking to 2022, while the outlook for dairy, beef, lamb and crop prices is bullish, rising input costs will hit profit margins. Currently, fertiliser prices have almost doubled when compared to this time last year while feed prices are up by about 20%. Fuel and energy costs are also rising. With

tight margins on many farms, good cash flow management will be critical in the coming months. Ifac estimates that dairy farmers could be facing a potential extra cost of four or five cent a litre over 2021 (€591 per ha); beef farmers are likely to see input costs increase by €187

per ha over 2021; tillage farmers could face a potential extra cost of €281 per ha over 2021. Philip O’Connor, Head of Farm Support at IFAC, said: “The combination of the impact of these cost hikes (potentially impacting profits by as much as 50% on dairy farms and 60% on livestock farms) as well as other

financial commitments such as drawings, loan repayments and tax, are likely to lead to cash problems for many farmers.” Now was the time to review cash flow and potentially look at your farm’s existing credit limits and funding options, not next spring if the farm were to run into cash flow issues.

New year will offer new start at WIT

Katie is sowing the seeds of mentor success about our company from an outsider’s point of view.” Since the competition’s inception in 2003, more than 3,100 companies have been through the programme and finalists have raised in excess

of €276m in equity funding, emphasising Seedcorn’s position as the premier competition for high growth startup companies on the island. Congratulating Mentor Her, Connor Sweeney, Seed-

corn Programme Manager at InterTradeIreland said: “It’s a great achievement to win the regional final, the standard of entries from Connacht & Leinster this year has been particularly high.

Congratulations to Mentor Her, they demonstrated innovation, confidence and enormous drive – all of which the judges look for when assessing the potential and longevity of a business.”

WATERFORD’S Institute of Technology (WIT) is inviting people already looking to the new year for change to attend a virtual open evening in November. WIT’s Department of Lifelong Learning is running a virtual springboard & part-time winter Open Evening on Tuesday, November 23 from 6.30 to 7.30pm to coincide with its part-time courses opening for applications. Neil Quinlan, Head of the Department of Lifelong Learning at WIT, advises adults interested in starting college in 2022 to attend the online event to meet WIT subject experts and find out what the best option is for them. “Over Christmas and in early January many people will be thinking about doing a course for personal or professional development. Our open evening is designed for anyone who wants to be prepared in advance for the New Year and find a course now that they would like to start in January. Part-time/flexible and Springboard courses are ideal for people who want to enhance their employability and promotion prospects. Short courses staring this January include project management, digital marketing and social media, payroll and computerised accounts, human resource management, and radio broadcasting. Further information including fees and indicative delivery model for each course is available at www.wit.ie/parttime with applications and payment available online. Interested people can register for the event at www.wit.ie/parttime. Zoom details for the event will be available on the event page on the afternoon of 23 November.

People with unmet literacy needs can avail of new, free courses THE Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is encouraging people with unmet literacy needs in Kilkenny and Carlow to avail of free literacy services. Minister Simon Harris recently published an Adult Literacy for Life – a 10-year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy. The strategy aims to ensure that every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital

literacy to fully engage in society and realise their potential. Minister Harris said: “This campaign is about reaching out to our fellow citizens, many of whom feel like they have been left behind as the country surges into a technologically complex century. “We might consider ourselves a modern and educated society, but there are still far too many who feel isolated, and too many who do not know how to learn these vital skills.

“It is not right that there are people in every county, including Carlow and Kilkenny, who dread having to check a bill, read a medical document, go online to access a service, or even send a message over Whatsapp. It is simply not right that too many of these people are afraid to ask for help,’’ the Minister said. “With this campaign, we are determined to address these problems head on and make Ireland a more inclusive, equitable and,

ultimately, a kinder society for everyone.” The Strategy makes a number of commitments including: • Increasing in the number of learners engaging with literacy and language support by 20,000 by expanding the range of courses available over the first half of the strategy’s lifetime; • Reduce the number of people adults in Ireland with unmet literacy needs, from 18% to 7%. • Reduce the number of adults

in Ireland with unmet numeracy needs from 25% to 12%; • Reduce the share of adults in Ireland without basic digital skills from 47% to 20%. There is a range of services available in your county through the Carlow Kilkenny Education and Training Board, with an adult education provider available on Tullow Road, Carlow and Upper Patrick St, Kilkenny City. “All you have to do is either phone of drop into your local

Education and Training Board, or freephone the National Adult Literacy Agency on 1800 20 20 65,” said the Minister. Phone lines are open 9.30am – 5pm Monday to Friday or text: ‘LEARN’ to 50050 and they will call you back. They are free of charge and aim to help people with reading, writing and digital skills.” For more information on Adult Literacy For Life, please go to www.adultliteracyforlife.ie.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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News

An evening of prayer as Archbishop Dermot returns to Kilkenny

THE former bishop of Ossory, Archbishop Dermot Farrell, returned to the Marble City on Tuesday 11th November. After three years as Bishop of Ossory, Archbishop Dermot was translated to the Archdiocese of Dublin in February 2022. Last Tuesday was an opportunity to greet our former bishop and acknowledge his time here in Ossory. On Tuesday afternoon the priests of the diocese greeted Archbishop Dermot in St Kieran’s College. Mgr. Dan Cavanagh spoke on behalf of the priests thanking him for the work and dedication that Archbishop Dermot did during

his time in Ossory. Fr Martin Delaney presented Archbishop Dermot an 11 volume edition of the Dictionary of Irish Biography along with two original texts: Archbishop Patrick Francis Moran’s History of the Archbishops of Dublin and a work of Mgr. Laurence Renehan on the Church History. Like Moran, Archbishop Farrell was a member of staff in the Irish College, Rome, both became bishops of Ossory and both left to become Archbishops – one in Sydney and the other in Dublin. Renehen, a native of Gortnahoe, was, like Archbishop Farrell, President of St Patrick’s College Maynooth; like Archbishop Farrell Renehan spent time in Ossory: Farrell

in Kilkenny and Renehan at school in Freshford. The archbishop also received a newly published work, What is Man; A Journey through Biblical Anthropology, translated by Fearghus O’Fearghail, PP of Windgap – the other Dr Farrell of Ossory. Evening Prayer was celebrated in St Patrick’ Church at which a large crowd of people from all over the diocese gathered to meet Archbishop Farrell. Many who attended had worked with the Bishop Dermot when he was bishop, serving on committees, pastoral teams and parishes. All were welcomed to St Kieran’s College for a cup of tea.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Much More Than Words THIS WEEK, in our look at the recently published book of poetry and prose by The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, we feature the work of Noel Cantwell, Eoin Coffey and Gerry Cody . Thanks to T.A.S.K and jbs for photos.

If ever a book deserved the award for ‘The Perfect Title’ surely that accolade must go to a new compilation of poetry Much More Than Words. Indeed its very title describes comprehensively the diversity of the treasures to be discovered within its covers. This volume of carefully crafted poems, interspersed with prose and enhanced with well-chosen

Noel Cantwell

images, is the second collection produced by The Involvement Centre Kilkenny and the first in a joint venture with The Recovery College. The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to promote the work of The Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, and so, will publish a selection of their work over the coming months.

Eoin Coffey

‘Much More Than Words’ can be purchased at the following Kilkenny outlets: Bargain Books, The Butterslip Khans Bookshop, James’ Street & The Book Centre, High Street. Price: €10

Ger Cody

A Dominion of Opinion

Waking up from a Dream

The Art of Knowing

Cut out the middleman With a ridiculous plan Incredulous interpretation Many of us observe the nation The word is hatred and defamation Pay for it, perception Adverse correction, the mad thirst Rejection, thinking and deduce Drinking let loose Dynamic problematic I vanish the problem is the project, Envisage, a rendition, can I get permission, Listen, only the infinite, can roam like an intricate Web of designs, remember the crimes, this is justice, Nonplussed with an opinion, rendition, mission, listen, Thoughts wraths, can’t be brought, lyrical onslaught, Stick on another nought, Can’t be caught Silence the talk.

Lost in translation That’s where it is It’s like coming out of slumber land It’s like the hidden hand The start of it now Because who knows Where this trail will end Or where it will begin Walking through this dream Today I saw the sun Felt the heat of it After a deep slumber In the unconscious mind Residing in A spinning orb The earth Or is it? Please explain Who knows Words can be deeply understood Stand over the knowledge As realities manipulated Where’s the next turn The officer in the sky knows Good orderly direction Not the opposite In this spiritual realm A pedestrianised street Left, right, or sideways The signs are all there The multitude of symbols In its essence Still within the depths Of this façade

We met at Temple Bar On the first Friday of every month Twenty or so theatre practitioners To discuss all things artistic. Some may have taken their role to the extreme Saw themselves as ‘Che Guevaras’ of the arts world Promoting what they thought was best for the Irish audience And what was necessary for the country to see We sat in an Outdoor Café The clientele, all knowing their place in life Armed with up to date Apple iPads and mobile phones For fear they may not have all the answers to hand. I am reminded of the salmon born in cool freshwater Fighting for territory and digging his nest Wearing himself out on the gravel That will eventually mark his death after spawning. Sitting at the Film Institute Discussing topics that seem irrelevant I empathise with the salmon as he digs his ‘redds’ As I too feel this delving has little relevance. Across from the restaurant The café of Focus Ireland opens its doors. The homeless and destitute gather. I see a tired Sr. Stan mingle with the unwanted. All of us on Eustace Street in Dublin Some discussing Beckett, Arts Grants, and the latest novels. Others off their heads on a substance bought in a laneway Paid for from money scavenged at the Luas stop at Abbey street. You attempt to figure out How the world is so different‒ All of us on the same street, yet miles apart. Sometimes it is difficult to know on what side of the street you belong.

Noel Cantwell

Eoin Coffey

Ger Cody

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Feature

Famine stone at MacDonagh Junction

Poetic words woven with love means Saoirse will always be remembered Photos By Pat Shortall

Kathleen Phelan : “I Imagined protecting her, placing my arms around her and assuring her that everything would be ok.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Feature

Marion Acreman : “These people were buried in coffins on the site”

Workhouse Child… .a poem by Kathleen Phelan. Artwork enhanced by artist John Walsh

Local Councillor Eugene McGuinness “This is a wonderful achievement and is a great community in action story”

Rebecca Woodlock and Poppy the dog attending the unveiling of ‘The Workhouse Child’ plaque at MacDonagh Junction

s unveilings go, this was special. It was low key, with just family and friends. And yet, it was as powerful and emotional as they come. Kathleen and Donny Phelan, along with family and friends gathered at the entrance to MacDonagh shopping centre to remember the dead. In a way, the guest of honour was Saoirse. An inmate at the onetime Kilkenny workhouse, Saoirse, forgotten for so long, was remembered with all those who were interred at the burial site. The event was thanks to Kilkenny woman Kathleen Phelan, whose poem ‘Workhouse Child’ will allow people to remember

all those who are buried at the crypt. Speaking at the unveiling of the Plaque, Kathleen thanked family and friends for bringing her idea of having a poem placed at the site to fruition. Kathleen admitted that although the process was long, the end result was worth it. She paid special thanks to MacDonagh Centre manager Marion Acreman, who backed the project from the beginning. She also thanked family and friends for their unflinching support. PASSION AND DESIRE THE KEY WORDS It was a project that was taken on with determination and gusto by Marion Acreman and her team. Marion speaks with a passion as she describes the work that went into creating a memory for those who were discovered at what was once a workhouse at the now much loved shopping centre. One member of the community who went the extra mile was Kathleen Phelan. As part of the process to remember the dead, members of the community were linked with individuals who were residents of the workhouse. CHILD C11 Kathleen was linked to child C11. Kathleen explained that the child became part of her existence. “I immediately became emotionally connected to child C11 who I imagined to be a little girl of about five years of age. I even imagined protecting her, placing my arms around her and assuring her that everything would be ok,” said Kathleen. Known to have written pieces of poetry in the past, it wasn’t long before Kathleen put pen to paper

Pictured at the unveiling of the plaque at MacDonagh Junction: Rebecca Woodlock, Sinéad Phelan, Donny Phelan, Aoife Phelan, Poppy (the doggie) Kathleen Phelan, Deirdre O’Connor, Peter Dowling, Leona Wallace, and Esosa John

and penned a poem in the child’s memory which she named Saoirse. It was, according to Kathleen, “the most emotional poem I have ever written” Having completed the poem and following discussions with Marion Acreman at Mac Donagh Junction, the poem is now proudly displayed at the memorial crypt for all to see and ensuring that Saoirse and all who are buried will be remembered. And the timing was apt, as it marked the anniversary of the launch of ‘The Kilkenny Famine Experience’ CREATING A MEMORY IN THE COMMUNITY Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, Marion said that ‘The Kilkenny Famine Experience Community Project’ was a year-long initiative by the Centre Management team at MacDonagh Junction to create a memory and a one to one connection between the community and the people who were unexpectedly discovered in a burial site at the Workhouse in 2005. RESPONSIBILITY TO REMEMBER

“These people were buried in coffins on the site as no local graveyards could accommodate them at the time,” Ms Acreman said. Marion explained that each of the famine victims are now re-interred under special license from the National Museum of Ireland at the Famine Memorial Garden and the participants in the project left their fingerprint etched in brass on the crypt and learned about the stature and physical marks on the bones of the individual through the dedicated research of Dr Jonny Geber, Osteoarchaeologist. Marion went on to explain: “there was a responsibility on us to remember these local people, to bring their memory back into living history and to document the life of the people that lived in the Kilkenny Union Workhouse through the years of its existence. The privilege we had was to make this happen by way of group and individual learning sessions where we linked each of the 976 victims to a person from the community both in Ireland and globally. People with connections

Neighbours and friends who were at MacDonagh Junction: Robert O’Neill, Frank Cody, Gerry Cody, Kathleen Phelan, Marion Acreman and Cllr. Eugene McGuinness

to the site and none, wanted to be part of the collective group who would hold these people in their minds and send them prayer and positive healing.” A GIRL NAMED SAOIRSE Kathleen Phelan was one of the community who embraced the core ethos of the project in its truest form, she took on a young girl and named her Saoirse in order to personalise her memory. The poem now displayed at the memorial crypt at MacDonagh Junction is a beautiful addition to the entire Kilkenny Famine Experience which has seen over 8,000 visitor to date. The free self-led Audio visual tour tells of the elements of life in the Kilkenny Union Workhouse and has won local, national and international Awards. The story of Kilkenny’s Famine Experience is not single stranded, there are interwoven facts that explain elements of the Irish famine never previously known. Unfortunately Saoirse was not a survivor but now, at least, she will never be forgotten again, thanks to Kathleen’s deep love and beautiful words.

Recruitment

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Recruitment

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Feature

Do you have the right time? The Church of The Assumption, Callan. The church bell in Callan rang out of sync with the time set at Greenwich in London by one hour. ( photo Jbs)

BY JOE KEARNEY

Writer and documentary maker, originally from Callan

The events of the conflict form the background plot for local writer, Tomas Kilroy’s award winning novel, The Big Chapel

The Bridge in Callan. ( Photo P. Joyce Callan )

A clock adjustment to allow for greater productivity was introduced during British rule as far back as 1916

ALBERT Einstein stated that time is an illusion but try saying that to someone who asks if you have the right time? Now the key element in that particular enquiry is the need to know ‘the right time’. There was a period during the great time debate in my region of Kilkenny when you needed to observe caution asking a stranger for the right time. Depending on which side of the argument the individual supported, you could see yourself misinformed by a full hour at least. In 1956 a man cycling from Kilkenny city through the town of Callan and on to Mullinahone claimed he heard the noon Angeles bells ring out three separate times during his journey. Back then, the church bell in Callan rang out of sync with the time set at Greenwich in London by one hour. And to make calculations even more complicated a similar bell in Mullinahone was a further 25 minutes and 21 seconds adrift from its neighbour. There are those who claim the Callan bell is cracked and perhaps they are right. The bell was indeed damaged during the riots that occurred there as part of a Church Schism that raged in the town for over a decade in the late 1800’s. The events leading to the holy row revolved around an attempt by the parish priest to offer free education to local girls. His ambition was smothered by his boss the bishop of Ossory. That decision sparked a vicious and often bloody contention within the community. The events of the conflict form the background plot for local writer, Tomas Kilroy’s award winning novel, The Big Chapel. The book, first published exactly 50 years ago, highlighted how events in a small midland town can become the elements of a Victorian clerical scandal debated in Rome, the Houses of Parliament and within the pages of global newspapers. Perhaps it’s that rebellious spirit that made the introduction of what was locally known

as ‘The New Time’ a hard edict to follow. For a period in the 1950’s Callan’s church bells refused to follow the rules of Daylight Saving Time. Even though a clock adjustment to allow for greater productivity was introduced during British rule as far back as 1916, a stubbornly entrenched sector of our, mainly agricultural, community decided to turn their broad backs against ‘The New Time’. They refused to advance or retard their clocks to the syncopated dance of Greenwich Mean Time. Six miles up the road from Callan in the village of Mullinahone locals went a step further and calculated the discrepancy between the time at Greenwich and Dunsink observatories to be 25 minutes and 21 seconds. That computation when added to the Callan reckoning heard their bell ring out one hour and 25 minutes out of time with the chimes emanating from the belfries across the rest of the country. Support for the ‘Old Time’ came mainly from farmers and churchgoers. Some merchants supported the campaign, but local government and industry felt compelled to adjust their timepieces and hours of working to Daylight Saving Time. Like the schism from 70 years earlier the town sundered into rival factions and the battles recommenced. Public meetings often ended in bloodshed. My grandmother, a woman who punctuated her days to the sound of the bell from the Big Chapel was staunchly on the side of the old-timers. The peals sang to her across meadow and bog and were sacred music when they resonated into the shell of her ear. The sun in the sky and the church tintinnabulation was all the clock she needed. Hens and cows were unconcerned with Daylight Saving Time. They produced eggs and milk to the rhythm of the earth and why should she observe her days any differently? But events were heating up in the town and eventually a referendum was conducted to resolve the impasse. The ballots were counted, the results announced and the old-timers were shocked to discover they had lost out. The dance of life demanded that they be in step with the rhythm of Greenwich. A few like my grandmother remained out of sync but the waltz of time finally forced her into reluctant compliance. Einstein might be right and time is an illusion but try telltell ing that to the bell ringer in the Big Chapel or to my grandgrand mother when she finally stood on a kitchen chair and reached for the hands of the clock on the wall. SOURCES: First broadcast on Sunday Miscellany, RTÉ Radio 1, November 2021. The Kilkenny Observer wish to thank Joe Kearney, Sunday Miscellany, Kilkenny City Library, and Kilkenny digital archive. Photo of Callan Bridge by P.Joyce, Callan and sourced from Kilkenny Digital archive.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

Picture special Cora and Paul Muldowney

Nico and Nicholas Mironescu

Diarmuid and Darragh Connolly

The Callan family and Charlie Walker on a murder mystery tour.

Hilda and Gerry Griffin enjoying a weekend break in Kilkenny

t u o b A nny Out &

WITH

Kay Moran

Margaret Walsh and Leo

Da rt Laha

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Picture special Dara and Jo Scobie

Matthey McCarthy and Kealan Gray

Aine and Lisa Nangle

The Hennessy family

Anne and Joan Bolger

Jim Kavanagh, Anthony Martin, Eileen Morrissey, Martina Hayden and Carmel Everard.

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Dine Me

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

Food & Drink

Come

Healthy lasagne

With

Preparation and cooking time Prep:15 mins Cook:1 hr and 15 mins Serves 4

Enjoy our lighter version of the family classic – lasagne. It has bags of flavour, but comes in at under 500 calories a portion, as well as packing in four of your five-a-day. Ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion (250g), finely chopped • 320g carrots, finely chopped • 2 celery sticks (140g), finely chopped • 2 bay leaves • 500g 5% beef mince • 3 large garlic cloves, finely grated • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 2 tbsp tomato purée • 1½ tsp vegetable bouillon powder • 400ml semi-skimmed milk • 30g wholemeal flour • generous pinch of nutmeg • 6 sheets

wholemeal lasagne (125g) • 25g finely grated parmesan

Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion, carrots, celery and one of the bay leaves for 8-10 mins until the veg softens and is starting to turn golden. Add the mince and garlic, and stir-fry until the beef browns, about 5 mins. Tip in the tomatoes and a canful of water, the tomato purée and bouillon, bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for 20 mins, removing the lid after 10 mins to reduce the mixture slightly.

Remove the bay from the mince and white sauce, and discard. Spoon a third of the mince into the base of a 19 x 24cm baking dish and top with two lasagne sheets. Spoon over half of the remaining mince, then top

with two more lasagne sheets, the rest of the mince and the remaining lasagne sheets. Spoon over the white sauce and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 40 minutes until bubbling and a good golden brown.

STEP 2 Meanwhile, pour the milk into a medium pan with the flour and whisk over a low heat until the mixture is lump-free. Add the second bay leaf and a good pinch of nutmeg, and continue to cook, whisking, for 8-10 mins until thick. STEP 3

White chocolate cookies Prep:10 mins Cook:12 mins Serves 10 Bake a batch of these soft American-style cookies, studded with chunks of white chocolate. Leave to cool or eat slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream. Ingredients • 120g unsalted butter, softened • 85g light brown soft sugar • 65g golden caster sugar • 1 medium egg • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste • 180g plain flour • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • 180g white chocolate, broken into chunks

Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4 and line two large baking sheets with baking parchment. Beat the butter and sugars together in a large bowl using an electric whisk, or in a stand mixer until just combined. Crack in the egg and beat again. Stir through the vanilla, flour, bicarb, chocolate chunks and ¼ tsp fine sea salt. STEP 2 Roll the mixture into 10 even-sized balls between the palms of your hands. Arrange over the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 mins until golden brown at the edges. Leave to cool slightly on the sheets, then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely, or eat warm with ice cream.

More of those gin cocktails SLOE GIN FIZZ Prep: 5 mins. Serves 1 Treat yourself to a sloe gin fizz, made with sloe gin and lemon juice and topped up with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon slice and a blackberry. Ingredients 50ml sloe gin 25ml lemon juice 2 tsp sugar syrup ice sparkling water lemon slice fresh or frozen blackberry Method STEP 1 Pour the sloe gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker and fill up with ice cubes. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, then strain into a tall glass filled with more ice. Top up with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice and a blackberry.

HOT GIN TODDY Prep: 5 mins Cook: 5 mins Serves 2 Wind down at the end of the day with this ginbased hot toddy made with warming lemon, orange, honey and spices. It’s also a great Christmas tipple. Ingredients 50ml gin 50ml freshly squeezed orange juice 50ml lemon juice ½ lemon, sliced 2 cloves 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 1 cinnamon stick 2 juniper berries, lightly crushed 2 tsp runny honey Method STEP 1 Divide the gin between two small heatproof glasses or mugs. STEP 2 Pour 100ml water into a saucepan with the rest of the ingredients, reserving one lemon slice. Heat gently over a low heat until simmering. STEP 3 Strain the mixture into a jug, discard the fruit and spices, then pour the toddy over the gin in the glasses and stir gently to combine. Cut the reserved lemon slice in half, use these to garnish the drinks and serve warm.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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TV & Streaming

movies to watch now on Netflix

This 2018 Italian film has the seal of approval from Bong Joon-ho, so let’s listen to the Oscar-winning director of Parasite and add it to this list. Written and directed by Alice Rohrwacher, Happy As Lazzaro is set in the ‘70s on a tobacco farm, where good-hearted young peasant Lazzaro dutifully works. When a nobleman convinces him to help him fake his own kidnapping, a story of friendship, innocence and social commentary unfolds. A gorgeously shot, cinematic fairytale.

OTT and Amazon’s The Wheel Of Time AMAZON Prime Video is premiering epic fantasy series The Wheel Of Time. The series is based on Robert Jordan’s novel series of the same name and is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios. It stars Rosamund Pike and Josha Stradowski in lead roles. To be sure, American films, television shows and programming in Turkish, German and Korean languages — including their dubbed versions — are emerging as a big draw on over-the-top (OTT) video streaming services, making

up as much as 30% of overall viewership, according to senior executives at several platforms. While such international content finds ready takers among young urban Indians in the metros, those in small towns benefit from their dubbed versions in both Hindi and regional languages. Netflix’s Extraction and The Kissing Booth have been popular in Hindi and Tamil as have Amazon’s The Boys, The Tomorrow War, Wonder Woman and Parasite. Walt Disney, too,

has decided to tap smaller towns by making Disney+ (including Marvel) content available even on its cheaper price plans in India to expand reach. While a handful of niche, foreign language TV channels and torrent websites on the Internet had introduced Indians to international content earlier, OTT platforms have helped improve ease of access, according to media experts. Essentially, TV had laid the foundation for international programming, while OTT has the luxury of talking to users

individually and customizing recommendations with artificial intelligence and machine learning. While metro audiences are over-saturated with the discovery of such international content on OTT, small towns have recently started acquiring a taste for what may be considered cool, and is part of social media chatter. The covid-19 pandemic has also ensured people are exposed to a lot more things on the phone, given that several large families do not have multiple TV sets.

Why Disney+ may be worth it TO celebrate the second anniversary of the streaming service’s US launch, Disney has plonked a whole bunch of new content online. And it’s actually pretty great. The big one is the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend Of The Ten Rings. Right now you can get your “rst month for just €1.99 After that, the cost will

revert to €7.99 a month, unless you cancel. This bargain offer is a great way to see if the thousands of films and TV shows at Disney+ are for you. As well as Shang-Chi, Disney Plus Day has seen water-based action comedy Jungle Cruise hit the platform. Also joining is Home Sweet Home Alone – and

while we’re not sure anybody asked for a remake of Home Alone, if it’s anywhere near as fun and festive as the original, it could be worth a look. And it’s not just films. Disney is dropping an allnew original series of shorts called Olaf Presents, which sees Frozen’s beloved snowman retelling several

classic Disney tales. Meanwhile, new documentaries include Under The Helmet: The Legacy Of Boba Fett, Marvel Assembled: The Making of Shang-Chi, and more. Don’t forget, as well as all this new stuff, you already get access to all things Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and more.

Maggie Gyllenhaal gives a career best performance in 2018’s The Kindergarten Teacher, a drama about, yep, a kindergarten teacher. Lisa is dissatisfied with her own life, which leads her to make some questionable decisions regarding one of her young students. When Jimmy exhibits child prodigy levels of poetry writing talent, Lisa may or may not take credit for it. The Kindergarten Teacher’s slightly disturbing character study might leave you feeling conflicted, but there’s no question about Gyllenhaal’s mesmerising performance. Watch it.

Mudbound, from 2017, gives you a historical look at class struggle through the lens of a Black veteran and a white veteran who both still have one foot stuck in World War II. Dealing with PTSD and racism in the Mississippi Delta, with a cast that includes Garrett Hedlund and Jason Mitchell, Mudbound’s tempest will rivet you to the spot.

You guessed it — this one from 2019 is about Christmas. But Klaus isn’t a conventional Santa tale. It spins an alternative origin story for the big guy with inspiration from history’s Saint Nicholas of Myra. In a fictional 19th- century island town to the Far North, we follow a postman who befriends a reclusive toymaker named Klaus. Along with its beautifully hand-drawn animation, Klaus is a unique, complex take on holiday generosity.

This award-winning French film, also from 2019, begins with a severed hand escaping a refrigerator in a laboratory and embarking on a Pariswide search for the rest of its body. What an opening! With a few flashbacks and elegant animation, this strange, satisfying story delves into loss, both physical and emotional, in the most poetic of ways.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

News AFTER months of restrictions, live theatre makes a welcome return. Barnstorm Theatre Company and Barn Owl Players are excited to present Love in Lockdown: Live from 25th November for three nights. The joint production builds on their earlier partnership, Love in Lockdown 1 and Love in Lockdown 2, a two-part online production that took place in March of this year. The first iteration of the production consisted of ten short new plays, written, workshopped, and rehearsed online and then filmed following COVID protocols. The production was then screened in two parts via Zoom to an audience from home and as far as Poland, Spain, and Australia. Love in Lockdown: Live is an opportunity for audiences to see five of the online plays, this time with actors live on stage with an audience in attendance. The plays take place in the historic Home Rule Club, on John’s Quay, the new home of Barnstorm Theatre Company. It is hard to replicate live theatre, and for those who watched the online productions, this is an opportunity to enjoy the plays again with the vibrancy of the in-theatre experience. Those who are new to the show will see five short plays based on the theme of love. From old friends who reunite after years apart to a couple whose love has become tired, Love in Lockdown explores the ever-changing nature of love. For many, this will be their first

It’s Live: It’s Love in Lockdown

time in a theatre since pandemic restrictions were lifted. COVID guidelines and protocols will be followed to ensure the safety and comfort of the cast, crews, and the audience. Tickets are limited and prebooking is essential. Tickets cost €15 and are available from eventbrite.ie. This will be the first of two productions. The remaining five online plays will be presented live at a later date. Love in Lockdown: Live is comprised of: Back Together Again by Lizzie Kelly. Directed by Don O’Connor with Rosey Hayes & Méabh O’Connor Face Off by Carmel Furlong. Directed by Brendan Corcoran with Delia Lowery & Eoin Nangle Ryan Panic Stations by Cathy Hogan. Directed by Mags Whitely with Nicola Ryan & James Platt Self-improvement by Eithne Reilly. Directed by Delia Lowery with Catriona Bambrick & Natasha Murray Undying by Denise Dowling. Directed by John Prendergast with Paul McManus & Kavina Hayes DATES: Thursday 25th, Friday 26th, and Saturday 27th November 8pm Venue is The Home Rule Club Kilkenny For updates, check www.facebook.com/ barnowlplayers & www.facebook.com/ barnstormtheatrecompany.

Community Group

FLU Vaccine –

Protect yourself. Protect others SEASONAL FLU VACCINE While all our news programmes are telling us about Covid19 and the increase in the number of people who are getting infected every day, and cases and hospitals are under pressure we believe that our seniors may forget that it is time to get your Flu Jab. Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. Flu affects people of all ages. In a typical flu season, up to 500 people, mainly older people, die from flu in Ireland. Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a fever, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. This is different from a cold which is a much less severe illness compared to flu. A cold usually starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. Symptoms of a cold are generally mild compared to flu. We all know the lads who tell us “I couldn’t go to work Monday because I had the flu! No young man you had a sniffle or more than often a hangover! If anyone had a ‘ real Flu’ believe me, as that never to be forgotten US President would say, you will

not get up a day after you rang in sick on the Monday and be ready for work This year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine protects against four common virus strains. The flu virus changes each year, and therefore a new flu vaccine must be given each flu season. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, and others from the flu. This year the free flu vaccine is recommended for you and all of us Aged 65 years and over or people with certain medical conditions which put them at increased risk of complications from flu, like heart or lung disease. Vaccination should ideally be undertaken in autumn each year to be protected for the flu season. Flu vaccines have been given to millions of people worldwide and are very safe. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It takes 10-14 days for the vaccine to start protecting you

against flu. Both flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses and the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. It is important to get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have had the COVID-19 vaccine you should still get the flu vaccine. You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. The flu vaccine and administration are free from participating GPs and Pharmacies to those within the recommended groups. If you are a health care worker, you may be able to get the free flu vaccine at your place of work.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Calls for funding local clubs

Catherine Cunniffe Danesfort.

Mick Hennesy Evergreen and minister Jack Chambers

The McGuiness family and Minister Jack Chambers

Mayor Andrew McGuinness, Minister for sport Jack Chambers, Donal Lawlor, Ollie Healy and John McGuiness TD

Members of Danesfort Gaa club and Jack Chambers

Jack Lyng from the rower Inistioge gaa club making a presentation to minister for sport Jack Chambers

Whirlwind Kilk for Minister Ch

McGuinness calls for funding for local clubs All images: Danny Lahart

John Cooney Danesfort

JACK Chambers, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, visited Kilkenny on Monday for a whirlwind tour of the constituency lead by Deputy John McGuinness. Joined by Mayor Andrew McGuinness and Councillors Joe Malone, Deirdre Cullen and John Coonan, Minister Chambers and Deputy McGuinness visited a number of city sports clubs and later held meetings with county sports organisations who wanted to make their case to the Minister for various projects that required funding. The group visited Loughlin’s GAA Club, St Johns Primary School, James Stephens GAA Club, Danesfort GAA Club and

Kilkenny Tennis Club, where plans for various projects were presented to the Minister. Minister Chambers then based himself in Deputy McGuinness’s O’Loughlin Road Constituency Office where they met with groups from around the county including GAA Clubs from The Rower Inistioge, Mullinavat, Thomastown and Bennettsbridge, Clogh Racquetball, and East End and Stoneyford soccer clubs. Speaking to The Observer, Deputy John McGuinness said, “it was a very positive visit from Minister Chambers who listened to all of the cases we put before him. I took the opportunity to allow local

sports clubs to meet with the Minister face to face and to show him the fantastic proposals they have. “These are groups and clubs that make a massive difference in their communities through sport. I have seen all of their plans to develop and expand and support them fully. This was a great way for them to make their case for funding directly to the Minister who listened attentively and seemed highly impressed. I will now continue to work with those clubs and liaise with the Minister in a bid to secure as much funding as possible for their proposals,” concluded Deputy John McGuinness.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Calls for funding local clubs

Principal of St Johns Primary school Brian Roche and Jack Chambers

Paddy Neary and minister Jack Chambers Minister of sport Jack Chambers is greeted by students of St Johns national school.

Members of Kilkenny tennis club and Minister Jack Chambers

John McGuiness TD, Mayor Andrew McGuinnes, Cllr Joe Malone, Minister for sport Jack Chambers, Johnny Holohan Chairman of Oloughlin Gaels and Eddie Buckley. Copy

enny Tour ambers

Minister odfsport Jack Chambers and chairman of Oloughin Gaels Johnny Holohan look at some of Oloughlins plans for the future.

members of evergreen meet minster for sport Jack Chambers

Derek Dooley Danesfort gaa and Minister for sport Jack Chambers

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Advertorial

Cartoon Saloon movie nights on Canal Square LIGHTS, camera, action! Oscar nominated films are coming to Kilkenny this Christmas. An outdoor cinema showing Cartoon Saloon animated mov-

ies will be taking over Canal Square as part of Yulefest Christmas in Kilkenny. Starting Wednesday December 1st and continuing every Wednesday

until Christmas. Speaking about the event Catherine Roycroft of Cartoon Saloon said “Cartoon Saloon are delighted to partner

with Yulefest and Kilkenny Animated to bring our movies to the people of Kilkenny this Christmas! We did a special screening event for Kilkenny

Day, which was a huge success, so now we’re bringing more of our movies to the big outdoor screen”. Cartoon Saloon, are a Kilkenny based five-time Academy Award®, Golden Globe®, BAFTA and Emmy nominated animation studio formed by Paul Young, Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey. They have produced award-winning shorts, feature films and TV series. All four of their Oscar nominated feature films will feature in the Yulefest Movie Nights series. A Cartoon Saloon short will be shown each week alongside the main film. These range from 3mins – 15mins and really show the range of content Cartoon Saloon are creating. The shorts start at 6.45pm with the feature film starting at 7pm. Naoise Nunn from Kilkenny Animated expressed the hope that “people come out and enjoy the movies with their families and friends. All funds from the event will go to Amber Women’s Refuge who do great work in Kilkenny” Tickets must be booked in advance and are available at www.yulefestkilkenny. ie, where you’ll also find a full schedule of the movies. Speaking on behalf of Amber Women’s Refuge, Manager Lisa Morris said “We are delighted to have been chosen as the charity partners for this event. We’re grateful for the support from Cartoon Saloon, Kilkenny

Yulefest and the public. The money raised will go towards providing vital counselling services to the local women and children we support. Lisa also added “And on a personal note we’re excited for a night out to go enjoy these great movies with our families!” The Yulefest Movie Nights start on Wednesday the 1st of December with The Breadwinner. Based on the best-selling children’s novel by Deborah Ellis, and set in Taliban controlled Kabul, The Breadwinner tells the story of 11 year old Parvana who gives up her identity to provide for her family and try to save her father’s life. The movie is described as ‘a celebration of children – for children, whatever their age, wherever they live.’ The other movies that will feature are Song of the Sea, The Book of Kells, and Wolfwalkers. Cllr. Fidelis Doherty, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council commented that “The event, with a backdrop of Kilkenny Castle, on the banks of the river Nore and showcasing Kilkenny based Cartoon Saloon is an innovative way to use our public space and to show off the beauty of our City and the talent of our people. I think everyone is excited for Christmas this year, and with all the Yulefest events happening around the City and County I think there is going to be a great atmosphere in Kilkenny!” So wrap yourself up well and make a plan with your family or friends to enjoy this Covid-safe Christmas event!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

Community Community Group

Poland’s

Independence Day

EVERY country celebrates its Independence Day and Poland is no different. So, when is Polish Independence Day? This holiday is always celebrated annually on November 11th. In Polish, it is known as ‘Narodowe Święto Niepodległości’. This year, on the occasion of Poland’s Independence Day, the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin was lit up in the Polish

national colours, turning it into a beautiful white & red harp. Thank you, Dublin City Council, for making it happen. History of Polish Independence Day Polish Independence Day commemorates the re-establishment of the state of Poland at the end of the World War I in 1918. For 123 years prior to 1918, Poland had been

partitioned under the rule of Prussia, Austria, and Russia. On November 11th, 1918, the day that World War I ended, this partition was removed and Poland was granted its independence. On this date, the Polish Military Organisation’s secret departments demobilized soldiers and legionnaires disarmed the Germans in Warsaw and other Polish towns. The

Regency Government appointed Józef Piłsudski as commander in chief over the Polish forces and three days later he was given complete civil control. He formed a new centralized government, which on November 21st issued key measures including a manifesto of agricultural reforms. Piłsudski also brought in more favourable conditions for the workers and called parliamentary elections. November 11th was announced a national holiday in 1937. In 1945, when Poland became a communist regime because of the Yalta conference, at the request of Stalin following the end of the World War II, the holiday was abolished. In 1989, following the collapse of the Communist government, Independence Day was reinstated as a national holiday.

A few Interesting Facts

about Poland 1. The Name Poland is derived from the name of a tribe called Polanie. This tribe lived in the western part of the Poland of today and it means’ People from the fields’ 2. In Poland your Name day ( imieniny) is more important than your birthday 3. The Polish State dates back 966 during the reign of Mieszko I 4.The Kingdom of Poland was founded in 1025 5.In 1795 Poland ceased to exist as a country for 123 years The History of Poland has a varied and interesting timeline and the celebration of their Independence is the highlight of every year’s calendar

deal. Fees for these services ranged from $ 2,000 to $ 3,500. Official figures show that in the first decade after the Revolution, about ten thousand children were given up for international adoption. It is assumed, however, that the real number is much higher, because in the early 1990s, such “transactions” could be made on a small scale. Poverty was great, the rules seemed to be gone, and just as some people hoped to live better by selling a kidney, others had come to sell their children for real. In the year 2000, national

adoptions were three times lower than international ones (exceeding three thousand). There are situations in which the motivation for adoption consists in pursuing material benefits. These cases, of course, very few, would require correct identification and prevention of their occurrence because such situations do not build a healthy place for the adopted child in the family. Next week we will look at the adoptions that happen by virtue of love and compassion for children separated from their parents.

transport during a public holiday, check with the public transit authorities for any changes to time schedules.

How is Polish Independence Day Celebrated? Celebrations across the country will include firework displays, concerts and parades. It is also a time for family reunions. Independence Day is an official public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices, and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland, so most shops are closed. If you are intending to travel via public

Community Group

The abandoned children of Romania (Part 0ne) THE first years of life are the most important in the harmonious development of a child. But neglect, poverty and unfavourable conditions lead to an increase in the number of abandoned people. The story of many children born in the 90s or shortly before 1989, the year in which the Romanian revolution took place, the year in which Romanians like most communist countries in Europe decided it was time to escape communist tyranny is a sad and heart-breaking one, these children had a difficult start in life, were born and abandoned by their natural parents and left in the care of the Romanian state. If a foreigner had visited Romania in the 1980s, which was not very possible then and would have been interested in the number of abandoned and institutionalized children at that time, he would have had a great shock… according to UNICEF, 700 orphanages housed around 170,000 children. In November 1966, the communist regime decreed a ban on abortion

and restricted access to contraception. A year later, the annual number of births in Romania had doubled, and specialists estimate that the number of children abandoned annually has also doubled. At the same time, the state built hundreds of mammoth buildings in which they were to grow. The harsh economic measures of the 70’s and 80’s led to food shortages, lack of energy, national poverty, all of which contributed to the institutionalization of more than 170,000 children. In the absence of the involvement of civil society and a community based on childcare, doctors recommended that families in difficulty place their children in institutions. These orphanages for abandoned children were overcrowded, and in the conditions of generalized shortages, these children represented the most affected part of the Romanian population. Only in 1990 the whole world found out about the conditions in which most of them lived, and the stories

told terrified and horror to everyone. Emaciated children, dressed in rags, physically and verbally assaulted, with desperate looks, these were the images that, for the whole world, were defining for the period after the 1989 revolution in Romania. There are testimonies about children who have suffered from frost and about children who have been eaten by rats or who have been kept in cages and left to lie in their own filth. In 1990, Romania adopted international legislation aimed at improving the living conditions of children in state institutions and significantly changing the legal conditions for adoption. Although national adoptions are preferred, the new legislation liberalized Romania’s international adoption policy leading to an explosion of international adoptions in the early 1990s. About 30,000 families adopted Romanian children, 8,000 of whom also found a permanent home in American families over time. Other thousands of children have reached families

in Western Europe. However, the new adoption system was easy to manipulate, and the reports showed the world the problems of child trafficking, surrogate mothers who could benefit from fake materials and documents. In 1997, a UNICEF report already noted that international adoptions were made from financial interests rather than children interest. There were countless foundations that facilitated the process by presenting albums with children to interested foreign citizens. It was a real

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

News Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news U19 HURLING The Clara U19s made their exit from this year’s competition at the semi final stage against hosts St. Patrick’s, Ballyraggett on Saturday afternoon. At the behest of the Clara club a minute’s silence was observed for the late Harry Byrne before the game. Harry had strong Clara connections and this mark of respect was also observed at Clara’s U15 football match in Tullogher the same day. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal dílis. After a couple of early missed opportunities by Clara, Ballyraggett scored two on the bounce before Conor Cody opened Clara’s account. Two further Clara points, by Conor again and by Sean Carrigan, had Clara 0-3 to 0-2 ahead at the first sos uisce. The second quarter provided more of the same, with Clara playing slightly the better brand of hurling. Three points from play, two by Rory Glynn and one from Harry Boyle kept them ahead. Ballyraggett could only manage two pointed frees in response and Clara led 0-6 to 0-4 at the interval. This lead should probably have been greater as Clara had squandered a few easy chances. The first ten points of the second half were shared evenly. Conor Cody accounted for Clara’s five, four from play but it was noticeable that four of Ballyraggett’s efforts came from placed balls. Indeed eight of their eleven points came from frees in this contest. But just before the water break the Ballyraggett men scored a crucial goal to take a slender 1-9 to 0-11 lead. The fourth quarter was nip and tuck, with Conor Cody edging Clara ahead with two pointed frees, and after Ballyraggett went back in front with two frees of their own, Conor equalised again with another free. Then came the deciding goal. It arrived from a hotly disputed line ball, and was batted to the net following a fine Cian Kelly save. It was particularly hard to take for Clara as they had a similar goal disallowed just a couple of minutes earlier, apparently for a square ball infringement. Clara tried hard to pull it out of the fire with a couple of late lobbed in frees, but it was not to be. However it was a brave effort from a very young panel. Plaudits too for the management team of Johnny Shortall, James Dowling and Conor (Curly) Phelan. Team - Cian Kelly, Nick O Keeffe, Noelie O Brien, Brandon Ryan. Ben Crow, Zach Lawlor, Ben Murphy. Harry Boyle 0-1, Ned Langton. Rory Glynn 0-2, Conor Cody 0-10, 0-4 f, Sean Carrigan 0-1. Conor Booth, Jack Murphy, Luke Dunne. Subs used Boru Bergin, Alex McDonald.

U15 FOOTBALL Clara 3-07 Tullogher 0-7. In an even enough game Clara’s ability to take their goal chances was the difference in a keenly contested game between two teams that gave Kilkenny football an excellent advertisement. Two goals from Joe Power either side of the first half water break proved critical and Clara never gave up the lead thereafter. A futher second half goal from Daniel Ryan sealed the game. Next up is the Emeralds. Team - Ori Phelan, James Cody, Philip Carrigan, Hugh Kelly. Alex Firbank, David Barcoe, Daniel Ryan. Luke Lawlor,John Bergin. Bill Kealy, Conor Hoyne, Eoin Corr. Dylan Cummins, Liam Carrigan, Joe Power.Sub used Tommy Delaney. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this week’s club lotto(Nov 9th). Numbers drawn were 10, 14, 19, 21 Bonus 06 Next Week’s Jackpot will be €8400 (Nov 16th). www.oloughlingaels. com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Pat Dalton c/o Moxie Doran. 2.Mary c/o Michael Dreelan 3. L Lawlor c/o Gerry Buckley. 4. Ann Murphy c/o Brain Murphy 5. Michael O’Halloran 6. Geoff Doyle 7. Jim & Mick c/o Peter Dowling 8. John Claffey c/o Online 9. Thomas Bryan c/o Online. 10.Brian Murphy, Middleknock c/o Online Thank you for your continued support A.G.Ms The GAA Club Annual General Meeting has been scheduled to take place on the 8th of December at 7:30pm. Fully paid up members have been emailed and nomination papers are to be returned no later than 9pm Tuesday November 23rd. If you’ve yet to receive notification members are asked to text their email addresses to 087 229 8028 so that all the relevant documentation can be shared by email. Thank you The Camogie Club A.G.M takes place at 8pm on December 6th. All notifications to paid up members have been emailed and returns for nominations / motions etc. shall be made by Friday Nov 19th. URLINGFORD ON THE MOVE WALKING TRACK. Thanks to everyone who supported our GoFundMe draw and to all who contributed with envelopes. First prize winner is Colin Byrne, Woodsgift, and he received his cheque for €2021 from Dermot Dunphy. Congrats Colin! EMERALDS GAA CLUB. Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm

at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and one sheet €10, Double books and two sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support. EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO. November 9 prize fund was: €5,300. Jackpot: €3,300. Numbers drawn: 2, 4, 10 and 14, bonus no 1. No winner and two match three winners, M. Quinlan, Janet Cullen. Promoters prize: B. Ahern. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Austin Cleere, Walter Butler, Pauline Stokes, Pat Walsh, Kate Kavanagh. Next draw takes place on Monday, November 15th in the Clubrooms. Results next week. URLINGFORD ON THE MOVE WALKING TRACK Works for the walking track are ongoing in the clubgrounds. Therefore the grounds are closed off to the public during the day. The field will reopen as per normal for evening training sessions. MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Weekly Food Donations: We are now working with “Food Cloud” to ensure that unsold food from supermarkets does not go to waste. Every week we

receive food donations which we distribute in Urlingford and surrounding areas. If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from this, please make contact with the Centre. SAVE THE DATE Knitting and Crochet Christmas Fair and Coffee Morning on December 2nd in the Centre from 11am to 1pm. All items on sale will be handmade by the Mill FRC Knitting and Crochet group. COURSES FOR 2022. BTEI Healthcare Course QQI Level 5 - BTEI is currently recruiting for the Health-Care QQI Level 5 course which will be commencing in January 2022. If anyone is interested in completing this course you can contact the Mill FRC on 056 8838466 LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level 4 - LTI is recruiting for the new programme 2022. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact the center for an expression of interest form. COMMUNITY BANK SAVINGS. Community Bank Savings are available at the Centre. Please contact us for more information on opening an account. SENIOR ALERT. If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact

Urlingford on the Move Walking Track: Thanks to everyone who supported our GoFundMe draw and to all who contributed with envelopes

Sue or Josephine on 056 8838466. COUNSELLING SERVICES. At the centre our low cost Counselling Services, include One-to-One Family and Teen’s, aged 12+. General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression. Other counselling services available: Drug, substance and gambling addiction. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment on 056 8838466. Appeal for Clothes Donations, any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of the centre’s counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre. Contact Sue on 056 8838466 For full details of the services we provide, please call in, or alternatively, visit our Facebook page Millfrc or website www. millfrcurlingford.com or contact us on 056 8838466 URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT There were two draws last Sunday as the draw did not take place the previous Sunday. Results: Draw 1: €412 Joan Ivers. Draw 2: €653 Seamus O’Sullivan. Congrats to the winners! Tickets on sale in aid of Clomantagh Squash Club for next week’s draw.

URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396. URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail. com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address. FRESHFORD NOTES Kinane Cup and McGree Shield The annual Kinane and McGree Memorial tournaments are now underway. The competitions are run each year In the memory of the two young men Philip Kinane and Colin McGree. The pre-liminary rounds of the competitions were held on Sunday 7th with the finals to be played on Sunday next the 21st November. The final will see Bobby Darcy’s side take on Tadhg Bolger’s team in the Colin McGree tournament final while Cian O’Connor’s team will face Liam Kenny Landers side in the Philip Kinane Cup final. Best of luck to all involved. Team A: C.O’Connor, C.Kavanagh, J.Walsh, N.Walsh, J.Marnell, S.Gray, P.Dermody A.Dalton, J.Geraghty F.Condon. Team B: T.Bolger (Capt) S.Looby,

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Community & GAA Notes T.O’Kane, C.Dalton, J.Dermody, J.Kavanagh, F.Martin, I.Carroll S.Walsh Team C : L. Kenny Landers (Capt) P.Brennan, M.Hickey, B. O’Gorman, S.Eardley, H.Carroll, M.O’Neill, B.Looby, L.Dermody Team D: B.Darcy (Capt) , D.Ryan, P.McCarthy, A.Walsh, P.O’Connor, J.Bolger, B.McGree, L.McCarthy, T.Dalton DAY CENTRE Freshford Day care centre reopened recently and will continue each Wednesday at 2pm in the GAA Club rooms. The Centre has been closed since the start of the pandemic. It is hoped to see all the former members return and new members are also very welcome both male and female. You will get a cup of tea and have a chat and a game of bingo. The Day care centre was greatly missed by the people during the pandemic and so it is great to see it back open. SYMPATHY Sincere sympathy is extended to Kathleen Bergin, Ballygooney and all her family on the tragic death of her grand nephew Harry Byrne of Gowran recently . Funeral mass for Harry took place in Gowran Church on Friday last followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Sympathy is also extended to the family and extended local relatives of Martin Burke late of Chapelfield UIrlingford who died following a traffic incident on the outskirts of Freshford recently. Burial took place in Johnstown Cemetery following funeral mass in Urlingford Church. SOCCER Freshford Town U10s were in action at the weekend when they played away to Freebooters. The boys gave a very good account of themselves and well done to all involved and their managers Derek Walsh and William Looby. The U15 boys were in action recently and were unlucky to lose out on a 3-2 scoreline. U8s The training sessions for U8s will resume on Saturday next at the Sportsfield at Woodview from 12noon to 1pm with Gary in charge as usual. All boys from 5 to 8 years old are welcome so go along and join up. SQUASH. The Connacht Masters over 40s was held in Galway Lawn Tennis Squash and Badminton Club recently with some local men taking part. Pat Morrissey Ard Lachtain winning the final. Pat played three games over Friday and Saturday and beat Colin Trais from Westwood 3-0 and then beat Nigel Peyton from Fitzwilliam 3-1 and then went on to beat Neil Pollock from Ulster 3-0 in the final. There was a great turn out , the biggest masters tournament with over 90 men and women entered. Another local man Noel Walsh from Sart Freshford playing in the 0ver 45s was unlucky to be narrowly beaten. IONAD LACHTAIN

St.Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is open each Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays and from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Sundays. New display cabinets have been installed and filled with a host of interesting artefacts and some beautiful craftwork is also on sale. So why not drop in and see for yourself. MACRA na FEIRMEM Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie . TIDY TOWNS Freshford tidy towns committee expressed thanks recently to all their loyal volunteers who helped out over the past weeks and months. Almost all the street furniture throughout the village have now been painted in their trademark vibrant red since the group returned after the pandemic. If you spot a seat that has not yet been painted please let them know. The volunteers continue working behind the scenes to keep the village looking so well throughout the year. GAA NEWS All roads led to Nowlan Park on Sunday last when St.Lachtains Intermediate hurlers took on Glenmore in the County Final in front of a big attendance. The Freshford lads got off to a great start and were ahead at the first water break and were a goal up at the interval. Having lost Noel McGree to injury in the first half the Glenmore side got more into the game and they took over in the second half and proved too strong and went on to win easily at the end. It was a great achievement to get to the final and well done to all involved including Stephen Farrell and his management team. Team: D.Brenan, C.Bergin, H.Burke, J.Cleere, B.Quinn, B.Kennedy, J.Fitzpatrick, A.Rafter, L.Hickey, J.Maher, N.McGree, D.Maher, C.Dawson, S.Donnelly - Subs . C.O’Leary, P.Donnelly, M.Donnelly, P.Killeen. DOG NIGHT A great crowd turned up recently at Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium for the benefit night hosted by St.Lactains GAA Club. As part of the night there was a raffle which was greatly supported and the lucky winners were: 1st prize- Jack Hickey 2nd prize-

Podge Sweeney, 3rd prize- Joan Grace , 4th prize= Lucy Cody and 5th prize- Rohan Keaghy. The Committee wish to thank all those who supported the event. WALKING GROUP A walking group has started and will continue on Thursday evening leaving the GAA clubrooms at 8pm. All new members regardless of fitness levels are most welcome. It is open to all and everyone is encouraged to bring a friend along . SPEEDY RECOVERY Best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to local man Brian Kavanagh, Buncrussia Street Freshford from all his friends in Freshford and at St.Lachtains GAA Club. Brian is recovering from surgery at St.Vincents Hospital Dublin and missed the game on Sunday. He is a hard working committee member of the local club for many years. PARISH NEWS With attendance at Masses almost back to normal, Mass in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am. with Mass in Tulla Church on Saturday evenings at 8pm. While the obligation to attend Sunday mass is still suspended you are encouraged to return. At this time all safety measures remain in place which includes wearing of masks, social distancing and hand sanitising and full sanitation of the Church after every celebration The restoration of the Stations of the Cross in the Church continues with six more now completed. In order to continue the work you are invited to sponsor one of the stations maybe with your family or a group of your friends. The sponsors will be included in a special roll of honour displayed in the church as a lasting legacy. For further information re same you are asked to please contact Monsignor Kennedy NOTICES The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 COMMUNITY ALERT. With winter upon us now and the dark evenings and long nights you are reminded to take care

of yourself and take care of your elderly neighbours or friends. Make sure to get out if you can during daylight and get some ex ercise. 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 1161. Alone 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. DUNAMAGGIN GAA CLUB AGM. The Dunnamaggin GAA club AGM will take place on Fri 26th Nov @ 7:30pm. Format either a Physical meeting or Zoom to be confirmed closer to the day. THE DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP. The Dunnamaggin Development Group are hosting their third Christmas Fair on December 5th from 11.30 am to 4 pm. We are planning an extra special fair for Christmas, so watch this space. We still have outdoor spaces available for traders, if you would like to join us on our fun festive day please message the Facebook page Dunnamaggin Community News for more information. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE. Kilkenny Volunteer Centre have lots of new roles coming in including some short term roles coming up to Christmas. Kilkenny Helping the Homeless are keen to get volunteers to help them sort and pack Christmas Food Hampers. Team Hope would love volunteers to help with Quality Checks for the Shoe Box Appeal. The Good Shepherd Centre are hoping to have their annual church gate collection in December to raise essential funds and would love volunteers for a couple of hours on that date . Victim Support at Court are keen to recruit volunteers in Kilkenny to help support victims of crime, their families and witnesses. Full training is provided. L’Arche Kilkenny would love to engage volunteer instructors in Yoga/ Dance/ Massage

to volunteer with their core members. There are a variety of Committee and Board Member roles with various organisations throughout Kilkenny also on our database. This is a great opportunity for anyone to develop skills and update CVs. For any information or to register your interest please see www. volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 089 2584946. LOCAL LOTTO DRAW Local Lotto Draw for 8th November 2021Winning Numbers, 11,13,18. No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. Camphill ( James Moylan ), Dick O Shea ( Aidan Farrell), Benny Smyth ( Breda Smyth ), Frances Glynn ( John Hayes ), Denise Kirwan ( Kathleen Kirwan ) Jackpot next Week € 3,550 Venue Townsends Bar, Dunnamaggin at 9pm All Welcome. SHRUGHAWADDA PLAYERS. Shrughawadda Players present their new play `The Banshee of Crokey Hill by Tommy Marren in St Eoghan`s Centre, Kilmoganny from Tuesday 23rd November to Friday 26th at 8pm nightly. Tickets are €10 each and are on sale at Pete`s shop Kilmoganny. 051 648637 Booking: Alycia 051 648118 0876757490 Marie 051 648052 087 6369850 .The Banshee of Crokey Hill is a play that has everything from comedy to suspense and a sensational plot. Set in rural Ireland in the 1970s in a house built on a Fairy Fort the play centres around the return of Mickey McMahon to his family home after thirteen years. Dark secrets and black stories are unearthed by Molly Andy ,the local gossip, who knows all about the Banshee of Crokey Hill especially when she gets a little `drop` to wet her tongue. The play has received rave reviews in Ireland, England and the United States. Cast: Stephen Gilmore, Biddy Hawe, Willie Kearney, Jackie Kennedy, Bryan Daniels. Lovely traditional music by Olivia Reide. All Covid regulations will be strictly adhered to. BINGO St Eoghan’s Hall Kilmoganny. Bingo every Saturday night at 8.30pm. CRAFT GROUP Every Wednesday morning a Craft Group meets from 1.30am to 12noon in St. Eoghan’s Hall. DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES GAELIC FOOTBALL. MINOR B COUNTY CHAMPIONS 2021. We couldn’t be prouder of our minor squad who gave it absolutely everything on Saturday evening to beat Railyard in the Championship Final. It was a thriller of a game and with five minutes to go it was Railyard who had the upper hand with the flow of play going their way. Our girls did not bow down and showed great strength to regain control of the match for the final few crucial minutes and win on a score line of 4:10 to 3:10. Congratulations to the girls

and the management team of Séamus Knox, Emer Hickey, William Mulhall and Michelle Doherty. GOWRAN BINGO. Gowran Bingo every Thursday nights at 8.30pm in Gowran Parochial Hall. Only bingo patrons with a Covid Digital Certificate which must be presented on entry, will be admitted to the Bingo. Single book €5 Double Book €10 Single sheets €2 and €3. MOLLY’S TEAROOM. Orders are now being taken for Christmas baking , get them in early to avoid disappointment. If you would like to place an order, do so on 056 7726718. DALTONS DAYCARE HOUSE. The centre is resuming services gradually and is now open for lunches, meals on wheels, laundry services. Art classes are also back on Tuesday’s from 10am to 12pm. If you are over 65 or know of anyone in need of services, please call on 056 7726718. GOWRAN PARK. Season Finale takes place at Gowran Park on 20th November from 11.30am. Tickets at Gowranpark.ie. GOWRAN AC Gowran AC and the community of Dungarvan came out in force to welcome runners back for STOOK 2021. Stook was cancelled last year due to Covid. Olympian Mary Fitzgerald officially started the 10 Mile race. Club Chairman, Eamonn Kelsey, conveyed the club’s condolences to the Byrne Family and called for a minute silence in honour of Harry Byrne who tragically passed away during the week. Congratulations to David Mahon from Slaney Olympic, winner of the STOOK 10 mile for 2021. Courtney McGuire of Clonmel AC was the first woman home in the 10 Mile. Courtney and her team also won top club team. GOWRAN PARISH There will be no masses on weekdays this week. The monthly collection for the SVP takes place next weekend the 20th and 21st of November. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE There are lots of new roles coming available including some short-term roles coming up to Christmas. Kilkenny Helping the Homeless are keen to get volunteers to help them sort and pack Christmas Food Hampers. Team Hope would love volunteers to help with Quality Checks for the Shoe Box Appeal. The Good Shepard Centre are hoping to have their annual church gate collection in December to raise essential funds and would love volunteers for a couple of hours on the date. Victim Support at Court are keen to recruit volunteers in Kilkenny to help support victims of crime, their families and witnesses.

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 November 2021

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news Full training is provided. There are a variety of Committee and Board Member roles with various organisations throughout Kilkenny also on our database. This is a great opportunity for anyone to develop skills and update CVs. For any information or to register your interest please see www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 089 2584946. SPORT ROUND UP. MICHAEL O’LEARY A massive congratulations to Young Irelands player Marie O’Keefe who captained Loreto Kilkenny to the Junior All-Ireland Camogie 7-a-side championship. It was a most welcome return to Schools Competitions following an almost two-year hiatus. The Kilkenny Hurlers Race Day in Gowran Park takes place this coming Saturday 20th November with an 11.30am start. At time of writing, there are seven races down for decision with the featured race, The Kilkenny Supporters Club Handicap Steeplechase due to take place at 2.13pm. For further details, check out gowranpark.ie and kilkennygaa.ie along with the Gowran Park and Kilkenny GAA Social Media pages. There was widespread shock, sadness and disbelief in the Gowran Community following the tragic and untimely passing of 13-Year-Old Harry Byrne on Tuesday, 9th November after a tragic accident. Harry was a starting member of the Young Irelands U-13 Team that achieved the A1 League/ Championship Double this year. Not just a talented hurler, Harry was a member of the Bridge United schoolboys soccer team and also part of the Kilkenny U-14 Rugby Squad. The funeral took place in the Church of the Assumption in Gowran last Friday in front of thousands of mourners. A guard of honour was formed by his Young Irelands teammates along with members of the Young Irelands Camogie Club, his fellow pupils in St. Kieran’s College along with members of the Bridge United SchoolBoys Soccer Club, Kilkenny Rugby Club and others. His loss will be devastatingly felt by his friends and everyone in Young Irelands GAA Club and most of all by heartbroken parents Fergal and Annette, his adoring brothers and sister, Jake, Aimee and Sam, much cherished grandparents Teresa Byrne, Martin and Mary (Nolan), aunts, uncles, grand aunts, grand uncles, cousins, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Go Maire Buachaill óg Suaimhneas MASS FOR DECEASED MEMBERS. Our Annual Mass for deceased

Dicksboro Senior Camogie team who won the County Final against Piltown.

club members takes place on Thursday 18th November at 8.00 pm in Palmerstown. THE CLUBHOUSE. The Clubhouse will also be opening every Thursday for Cards and Lotto Draw, from the 4th November. All are welcome to attend. The Committee have been busy, the lights are on and the shelves are stacked. Vaccination Certs required and table service will be in place. All are welcome. DEVELOPMENT DRAW Just 3 Weeks to the Draw! Tickets available from any committee member, team mentors and others. The Club really appreciates everyone who has agreed to sell tickets again this year. We encourage all of the Dicksboro Community to try and support when asked. This fundraiser supported the Ball Wall and Pitch Drainage Projects over the past 2 years With your support we hope to continue with development plans and we are aiming for further facilities and pitch upgrades for 2022, more details coming soon COFFEE DOCK Our new coffee machine is up and running in our clubhouse coffee dock area on Saturday mornings. CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results November13th. Nos: 30–27– 25– 3. Jackpot: €5300– not won Draw Prizes – €50: Lorraine Giblin c/o online €25 each Anne Foley c/o Online. €25 each Sam Kerwick c/o Anne Kerwick €25 each John McCormack c/o P and J Cody. €25 each Noel c/o Gina Gaule Promotors prize Anne Kerwick New weeks draw 5400 November 17th. SENIOR FOOTBALL. Our Senior Football team had an impressive win against Conahy

Shamrocks in the Championship on Saturday Morning in Palmerstown. Well done to all involved. SENIOR CAMOIGE Our Senior Camogie Team had a great win in the County Final after a spirited team performance on Sunday which saw them come out on top against Piltown. 0-15 to 2-08. Well done to all involved. U19 HURLERS Our Under 19 hurler A and B teams are in Semi Final action this week against Mooncoin and Graiguenamagh. Best of luck to all involved. U15 FOOTBALL Hard luck to our u15 team who lost in the Championship on Sunday Morning to James Stephens in a very entertaining game. BILLY DOOLEY Our parish community express sympathy to the sons, daughters, sister Mary, brother Jimmy and other immediate relations on the death of Billy Dooley, Farmley Cuffesgrange and late of Clonard, Ballycallan. His requiem mass was celebrated in the church of the Holy Cross, Cuffesgrange by Fr. Dan Carroll with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. BRIDGET (BEA) MAHER Our sympathy is expressed to Mary Harrison, Clonard and Billy Butler, Ballycallan, their entire families and other immediate relations of the late Bridget (Bea) Maher, Kells Road, Kilkenny and late of Ballycallan. Her requiem mass was celebrated in St. Fiacre’s Church, Kilkenny with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery Ballykeeffe. PATSY LAHART A well-known and popular member of our parish community in the person of Patsy Lahart, Ballykeeffe, Kilmanagh has died. A well liked personality, he

had many friends who visited him for many years. A welcome was always assured when one came to Patsy’s door. He worked for some years in the Avonree factory, Ballymac before he went to America. His native county and home in Ballykeeffe were constantly on his mind, and he decided to return to the home where he was born. Patsy was happy to be back with his neighbours and friends. Illness finally overtook him, and he spent some time in St. Luke’s hospital before retiring to Strathmore Lodge Nursing Home in Callan from where he went to his eternal reward. Requiem mass was celebrated in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Kilmanagh by Fr. Liam Taylor with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. He was predeceased by his brothers Christy and Michael and sister Mary. ANASTASIA TOBIN The death has occurred of Anastasia Tobin, Kilcreene, Kilkenny. Born in Michaelschurch, Ballycallan, her maiden name was Anastasia Nolan. On her marriage to Mick Tobin, they resided at Kilcreene. Her death took place in Abbey Nursing Home, Gowran. Her requiem mass was celebrated in St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. She is predeceased by her husband Mick, daughter Anne and we express our sympathy to her sons Ray and Larry, daughters Margaret and Angela and sisters. VOLUNTEERING We have lots of new roles coming in at the moment to the Volunteer Centre including some short term roles coming up to Christmas. Kilkenny Helping the Homeless are keen to get volunteers to help them sort and pack Christmas Food Hampers. Team Hope would love volunteers to help with Quality Checks for the Shoe Box Appeal. The Good Shepard Centre are

hoping to have their annual church gate collection in December to raise essential funds and would love volunteers for a couple of hours on the date . Victim Support at Court are keen to recruit volunteers in Kilkenny to help support victims of crime , their families and witnesses. Full training is provided . There are a variety of Committee and Board Member roles with various organisations throughout Kilkenny also on our database. This is a great opportunity for anyone to develop skills and update CVs. L’Arche Kilkenny would love to engage volunteer instructors in Yoga/ Dance/ Massage to volunteer with their core members. For further information or to register your interest please see www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 089 258 49 46. RIVER RANGERS SOCCER Results - K&DL Div. Two League Thomastown Utd B 2 -- River Rangers 3 U17 River Rangers 6 -Paulstown 2 U13 River Rangers 6 -Thomastown Utd 2 River Rangers are delighted to announce that they have launched an online club shop. Great ideas for birthday gifts, etc. Please follow this link : https:// bit.ly/3byhsXx SLIEVEARDAGH MACRA Slieveardagh Macra is a new Macra Na Feirme club setting up in the Ballingarry, Killenaule, Mullinahone and surrounding areas. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel, drama, debating, or just want to meet new people and have some fun! To be a member of Macra, you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new friends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with

activity who always welcome a new face. What does Macra provide members? - Training and support through a professional training staff. - Representation through our role as a social partner. - An opportunity for personal development through training and development - A fully organised national programme of activities. - Public liability and Personal insurance for those who organise normal Macra activities. - A chance to represent your Club or County in our overseas travel opportunities. - A Diary and Membership Card. - And most of all, great craic! Their first info meeting will be Friday November 19th. Please keep an eye on their Facebook ‘Slieveardagh Macra’ for details closer to the time. For more information, please contact Training and Development Officer Michael Wall on 086 835 98 91 or mwall@macra.ie. CALENDAR 2022 Time is running out for you to advertise your business on our annual Naomh Aodhán Community Centre Calendar for 2022. It has been a great success for the past number of years and was well received by advertisers and the general public alike. To have your business or group included, you can contact Pat Brennan on 087 673 7727, Alan Trayer on 087 756 7643, Gerry Dunne on 087 224 5712 or any of the Naomh Aodhán Committee members. At €60 for a spot, it’s very good value for a calendar that’s distributed widely and for FREE. CHRISTMAS ACORN Great news, the Christmas Acorn will be produced, for its 36th consecutive year. Now all we need is material !! Stories, news, funny tales, resumé of your group’s activities, all this and more will be welcomed, and will help us to produce another bumper issue. Send your articles and pictures to elanigan18@ gmail.com before December 8 to ensure inclusion. SEAN NÓS & SET DANCING FOR ADULTS Covid compliant and socially distanced set dancing classes with Michael Cooney will be held in Ballycallan Hall on Monday evenings starting in November, subject to sufficient numbers. Contact Nicholas Dunphy at 086 392 8380 or Mary Dunphy if interested. KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Hurling matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling Championship County Final

Two Shane’s are better than one! Messrs. Doherty & Murphy standing firm

Glenmore 3-19 St Lachtain’s 2-9

UPMC Nowlan Park was again the venue for County final action last Sunday, as Glenmore took on St Lachtains in the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling Championship County Final. Both sides arrived at the home of hurling confident of victory, following their semi-final exploits. St Lachtains had 8 points to spare in their win over Fenians, while Glenmore surprised the bookies favourites, Thomastown with a hard fought 3-point victory. During the lead-up to the final, Freshford manager, Steven Farrell confirmed that Brian Kennedy had returned from Dubai, and would be part of the squad for the showpiece occasion. Indeed, when the teams were announced over the PA system, St Lachtains named Kennedy in their starting XV, at the expense of Simon Rafter. Straight from the throw-in, the intent from both sides was clearly visible. County player James Maher opened the scoring inside the first minute, when his effort went over via the post. Almost immediately, Glenmore went on the attack. Liam Henessey slipped a lovely pass to Captain Ger Aylward, who got away from his marker, Harry Burke, before shooting to the net, to raise the first of five green flags on the day. The action-packed opening continued with further Freshford scores from Alexander Rafter and the impressive James Maher. In a tactical move, manager Farrell had switched James Maher to centre-forward to try and negate the influence of county goalkeeper Eoin Murphy, who had been dominating from the No.6 role in the championship to date. In the early exchanges with Maher, Eoin didn’t look comfortable and could be seen looking to the bench for instruction. Alan Murphy then sent over a free to restore his side’s lead, but this was too be short-lived. Following a bad wide by goalscorer Aylward, Freshford took a quick puck-out and surged down the field. The ball found its ways to Cian Dawson who gave Thomas Dunne no chance and finished to the net. St Lachtains were hunting in packs, and getting in the faces of their Glenmore opponents. This was causing problems for Declan Wall’s side, and seemed to be unsettling the Pairc Na Ratha side. Things got even worse for Glenmore. Jack Cleere took a great catch and played a long ball into Liam Hickey, who cut inside with a touch of pace before passing to Shane Donnelly who blasted to the net. Glenmore were rocking. Alan Murphy then popped over another free to leave his side trailing by 4 points, 2-3 to 1-2 after an action-packed 12 minutes. A foul by the Glenmore defence gave Liam Hickey a chance from the placed ball, which he duly converted to leave his side 5-up at the first water break. When play resumed, Ian Byrne took his first possession of the day and slotted over a neat point. St Lachtains responded immediately, when James Maher knocked Eoin Murphy off the ball, before pointing. Freshford were dealt a big blow when the experienced Noel McGree had to be withdrawn with what looked to be a nasty hamstring injury and was replaced by Cathal O’Leary. The accurate Liam Hickey then extended his sides lead with a well-struck free, low into the sun. With 20 minutes on the clock, Freshford led 2-6 to 1-3. Their backs were very much in charge, with the returning Kennedy particularly impressive. The battle between Eoin Murphy and James Maher was fascinating, Maher certainly winning the contest in the first quarter. Robbie Fitzgerald then went a run and managed to take a lovely score on the run to get his sides fourth point of the day. Both sides were guilty of some poor passing to their inside forwards, and Freshford could well have been even further ahead. Ger Aylward then pointed from play to reduce the deficit. The next instalment in the Murphy vs Maher battle saw Eoin claim possession before striding forward and hitting the

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

Glenmore shooting for victory

Glenmore senior bound after Freshford victory

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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ving on

up! All pix: Danny Lahart

Touch tight!

Hurling matters Taking aim

That’s my ball!

best point of the day, to leave just 3 points between the sides. Liam Hennessey then took a great pass from his full-back, Eoin Aylward before striking a beautiful point. Alexander Rafter then took a pass before pointing from distance for his second score of the day and that would be the final play of an enthralling first half, Freshford 2-7, Glenmore 1-7. Declan Wall will have been much happier with his side’s efforts in the second period, and the fact that they were only 3 points down at the short whistle. The Glenmore manager must have asked his team to increase their intensity and hunger, as the south Kilkenny side emerged a much more vibrant side in the second half. From their first attack, captain fantastic Aylward chased down the ball before firing over his 2nd point of the game. Alan Murphy then found Philly Roche, whose pass was played perfectly to that man Aylward, who got out in front of Harry Burke before heading towards goal and pointing, to make it a 1-point game, 2-7 to 1-9. After some substitutions, Alan Murphy went into the engine room of midfield to try and push the Glenmore revival on. Jack Cleere, who had been performing well, then lost possession and was punished as Alan Murphy hit a glorious point from distance. CONTINUED >>> St Lachtains keeper Darren Brennan raising the bar

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

Hurling matters

Sport

Brothers in arms - Alan & Eoin Murphy

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Hurling matters

Captain Fantastic Ger Aylward lifts the cup!

Newpark Sarfields 1971 junior championship winning team

... CONTINUED

The Murphy influence was growing, Eoin was getting on top in his battle with James Maher, while Alan’s switch to midfield was proving to be a master-stroke by the Glenmore management. In the next play, Alan won possession near the sideline, before Fitzgerald found Liam Hennessey who burst through on goal before popping over a well-worked point. Freshford then got their first score of the second period, when Brendan Quinn found Liam Hickey who managed to get his shot away over the bar. Philly Roche then passed to Shane Murphy who picked out Mark Aylward on the sideline who swung over a stunning point. Alan Murphy then stepped up some 90- yards out to slot over a fantastic long-range score, to leave it 1-13 to 2-8. Ian Byrne was then fouled and converted the free himself. Eoin Murphy then collected the ball before hitting a long pass into his fullforward Aylward who turned Harry Burke, only to have his shirt pulled by his marker – PENALTY GLENMORE!! Alan Murphy stepped forward and gave the impression that he was going to tap it over for a point, but caught everyone by surprise, including St Lachtains keeper Darren Brennan and riffled the ball to the net. Advantage Glenmore! From the puck-out, Mark Aylward then found Ian Byrne, CONTINUED >>>

Making his point

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

Hurling matters

Sport

St Lachtains pre-match

Glenmore pre- match

... CONTINUED

who made no mistake and pointed. Freshford shellshocked at the second water break, with only one point to their credit in the first period of the second half. Glenmore

led 2-15 to 2-8. Alexander Rafter was then hooked when trying to clear his lines by Davy Burke, who passed to Mark Aylward, whose effort sailed between the posts. Alan Murphy then hit another long-range effort from about 65 yards

out. Eoin Murphy then read the breaking ball, before launching a great pass into his captain, Ger Aylward who slipped the ball to his brother Mark, who finished in style. 3-17 to 2-8, the battle was won. St lachtains needed goals and went in search of green

flags. Liam Hickey’s ball into the danger zone was captured by corner-forward Ian Byrne, who cleared down field to Hennessey who in turn found captain Aylward who struck another fine score. Eoin Murphy then got on the ball and picked out the impressive Ian Byrne,

who split the posts. James Maher then popped over a point his 4th of the day, but only his side’s second score the second half, and that stat would be Freshford’s undoing. Just as the officials signaled the additional time, Eoin Murphy left the field injured, the next whistle would be the long one. Glenmore Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Champions 2021, but more importantly back in senior hurling. GLENMORE: Alan Murphy (1-5, 0-4f ), Ger Aylward (1-4), Mark Aylward (1-1), Ian Byrne (0-4, 0-1f ), Liam Hennessey (0-3), Robbie

Fitzgerald, Eoin Murphy (0-1 each) ST LACHTAINS: James Maher (0-4), Cian Dawson, Shane Donnelly (1-0 each), Liam Hickey (0-3, 0-2f ), Alexander Rafter (0-2) GLENMORE: Tomas Dunne; Sean Duggan, Eoin Aylward, Shane Doherty; Colm Doherty, Eoin Murphy, Shane Murphy; Phillip Roche, Billy Reid; Mark Aylward, Liam Hennessey, Alan Murphy; Robbie Fitzgerald, Ger Aylward, Ian Byrne. Subs: David Burke for Reid 36 mins, Darragh Hartley for Doherty 55 mins, Ethan Phelan for Fitzgerald

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Hurling matters

58 mins, Richie Hennessy for Roche 59 mins, Cathal Beirne for M.Aylward 59 mins. ST LACHTAIN’S: Darren Brennan; Criomhthann Bergin, Harry Burke, Paul White; Jack Cleere, Brendan Quinn, Brian Kennedy; John Fitzpatrick, Alexander Rafter; Liam Hickey, Noel McGree, James Maher; Darragh Maher, Cian Dawson, Shane Donnelly. Subs: Cathal O’Leary for McGree 17 mins, Padraig Donnelly for D.Maher 35 mins, Mark Donnelly for White 44 mins, Patrick Killeen for Dawson 55 mins. REFEREE: Conor Everard (Graigue-Ballycallan)

>> SHERRY SAYS... For the first time since 2005, Glenmore will be dining at the top table of Kilkenny club hurling. What a game fans were treated to in UPMC last Sunday. Having witnessed Mooncoin’s victory in the Junior final, the stage was set for the county’s second biggest club prize. Freshford welcomed back Brian Kennedy from his middle-east adventure and he started the game for Steven Farrell’s side. In Liam Hickey, St Lachtains had the intermediate championship’s 2nd highest scorer. Their hopes were high. They came in as underdogs. Despite Ger Aylward’s goal, Freshford settled the better. They were roaming around the pitch like men possessed. Glenmore struggled to cope with their opponent’s intensity early on. James Maher was winning his personal battle with Eoin Murphy, and in doing so, was blunting one of Glenmore’s most useful weapons. The Kilkenny netminder needed to respond, and boy did he. Coupled with his brother Alan’s move to midfield, this partly proved the catalyst for Declan Wall’s sides victory. Glenmore would outscore their final opponents 2-10 to 0-2 in a savage second half showing. Alan Murphy would hit 1-5, captain, Ger Aylward was inspirational, finishing the day with 1-4, his brother Mark notched 1-1. Ian Byrne hit 0-4, Liam Hennessey 0-3. The performances of Eoin Murphy at No.6 this season, will no doubt have some supporters asking Mr. Brian Cody if one should be playing outfield for county as well. That’s a matter for another day, perhaps over a pint or two across Kilkenny. Glenmore can celebrate their title. This side will enjoy a rattle against the likes of Ballyhale and O’Loughlin Gaels next season. Comhghairdeas Glenmore, or as they say in the deep south, ‘Hon the Glen!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Camogie final review

Sport Amy Clifford & Niamh Phelan star as Dicksboro grab glory

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Senior Camogie County Final

All pix: Billy Culleton

Dicksboro 0-15 Piltown 2-8

Dicksboro defeated Piltown in the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Senior Camogie County Final played in John Locke Park, Callan last Sunday. The match was a repeat of the 2019 County Final, which also Dicksboro crowned champions. The impressive Amy Clifford opened the scoring for Dicksboro in the 1st minute from play after Aobha O’Gorman’s shot had been initially blocked out by the Piltown defence. The legendary Katie Power equalised for Piltown with a point from play in the 2nd minute. The favourites responded with Aoife Prendergast and Amy Clifford pointing to extend the city side’s lead with a point a piece from play by the 6th minute. Niamh Culleton was looking very lively, and scored a lovely point on the run for Piltown. Amy Clifford then notched another two points, before Sophie Holden added a point from play in the 11th minute for Piltown. Aoife Doyle added another point from play for Piltown, but only after the Referee consulted his umpires and this reduced the deficit to the

Dicksboro Katie Byrne and Piltown Kellyann Doyle

‘Boro by

one Touch tight!

Dicksboro’s Caoimhe Dowling Piltown’s Kellyann Doyle and Emer Long

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Camogie final review Dicksboro Jane Cass and Piltown Katie Power

Dicksboro’s Niamh Phelan and Piltown Katie Power.

minimum. In the 12th minute, Piltown played the sliotar into the corner, Katie Power ran onto it, rounded her marker and raced towards goal, before firing an unstoppable shot past Kirsty Maher in the Dicksboro goal to put Piltown ahead 1-4 to 0-5 at the first water break. After the mini break, Dicksboro upped the ante and had levelled the game by the 17th minute with points from play from Lucinda Gahan and Aobha O’Gorman. Niamh Culleton and Sophie Holden then edged Piltown ahead again with two well worked points from play. In the 25th minute, county player, Aoife Prendergast took a shot towards the Piltown goalposts, out on the stand sideline on the 50m line. It bounced straight in front of Piltown and county netminder, Aoife Norris and she was mightily relieved to see it bounce high over the bar.

Piltown Aoife Doyle and Ciara O’Shea

Dicksboro equalised after great work from the classy Lucinda Gahan CONTINUED >>>

Dicksboro Katie Byrne and Piltown Emer Long

Piltown Aoife Doyle and Ciara O’Shea

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Camogie final review

Sport ... CONTINUED

picked the unmarked Jenny Clifford who slotted over the bar leaving the sides level on the short whistle, Dicksboro 0-9 Piltown 1-6 When play resumed after the interval, Sophie Holden pointed from play for Piltown before Aoife Prendergast equalised with a well struck free for the ‘Boro. The same player added another point in the 39th minute to nudge her side ahead. Three minutes later, Dicksboro were awarded a penalty, when Aobha O’Gorman was fouled in the square. Amy Clifford stood up to

take the penalty, but her effort went wide of the post. From the puckout, Piltown played the sliotar up towards Katie Power, she turned and laid it off to the onrushing Niamh Culleton and she blasted it to the back of the Dicksboro net to put Piltown ahead 2-7 to 0-11 at the second water break. After this mini break, Dicksboro took control, Amy Clifford added two points from frees to equalise and then scored another free in the 53rd minute to put Dicksboro ahead. Lucinda Gahan scored her second point for the city side just on the hour mark. Piltown did try their best to get scores and Katie Power narrowed the gap to the minimum from a close in free. The Referee blew the full-time whistle shortly after and Dicksboro were Kilkenny Senior County Champions for the Second time in three years.

Winning Photo Dicksboro

SCORERS  DICKSBORO  Amy Clifford (0-7, 4f), Aoife Prendergast (0-4, 1f), Lucinda Gahan (0-2), Aobha O’Gorman, Jenny Clifford (0-1 each) SCORERS  PILTOWN  Katie Power (1-2), Niamh Culleton (1-2), Sophie Holden (0-3), Aoife Doyle (0-1) DICKSBORO  Kirsty Maher, Kate Dempsey, Ciara O’Shea, Katie Byrne, Tara Clifford, Niamh Phelan, Jane Cass, Aoife Prendergast (Capt.), Ciara Phelan, Asha McHardy, Lucinda Gahan, Caoimhe Dowling, Amy Clifford, Aobha O’Gorman, Jenny Clifford. Subs – Orla Hanrick for Kate Dempsey (41), Rachel Egan, Issey Carroll, Caoimhe Carroll, Ellie Peters, Grainne Hennessy, Aisling Morrissey, Sarah O’Gorman, Emer Phelan, Rachel Dowling, Bronagh Doheny, Emer Stynes, Niamh Ryan PILTOWN  Aoife Norris, Jennifer Norris, Jenni O’Dea, Patsy Kenny, Mairead Power, Kellyann Doyle (Capt.), Lorraine Long (Vice Captain), Laura Norris, Emer Long, Ellen O’Keeffe, Alanna Gallagher, Aoife Doyle, Sophie Holden, Katie Power, Niamh Culleton, Subs – Sinead McCarthy for Ellen O’Keeffe (41), Lorna O’Shea for Alanna Gallagher (55 min), Danielle O’Brien, Emily McCarthy, Rachel O’Shea, Chloe Power, Aine Power, Sarah Tobin, Maire Beth Kirby, Katelynn Phelan, Nicola Phelan, Shauna Cody, Lisa Norris, Ciara Dunne, Lisa McCarthy, Aine Doyle, Karen Duggan, Marlise Flynn, Stacey O’Brien REFEREE  Owen Behan PLAYER OF THE MATCH  Niamh Phelan, Dicksboro A word of thanks to Kilkenny Camogie PRO Aoife Lanigan for contributing to this report.

>> SHERRY

SAYS...

What a great final camogie fans were treated to in Callan last Sunday. These two sides have been battling it out over the last few seasons, and on this showing, they are definitely the best two sides in the county. Niamh Phelan, was outstanding all game, a real commanding Dicksboro’s presence in the ‘Boro defence. Aoife Rightly adjudged the player-ofPrendergast the-match, the young centre-back certainly has a bright future ahead of her. Brian Dowling will have taken note of the classy defender’s performance. Amy Clifford and Aoife Prendergast were responsible for the bulk of Dicksboro scores – 11 out of 15. Piltown will no doubt be disappointed, not to have got over the line this time round. It was great to see Katie Power looking really sharp and menacing. This bodes well for the county side next season. A word to on Niamh Culleton. She had a great game and no doubt will have caught the eye of county selectors. Camogie is certainly in a good place in the county and this was a fantastic advert for it.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Camogie final review Neil Lyng of Micheal Lyng Motors (Main Sponsor) with Dicksboro captain Aoife Prendergast

Dicksboro Lucinda Gahan and Piltown Kellyann Doyle

Kilkenny Camogie Chairperson, Sheila Norris with Player of the Match Dicksboro’s Niamh Phelan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021

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Hurling matters - Picture special

Sport

Sean Gannon gets his shot away despite Walter’s best efforts

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

J.J Kavanagh and Sons Junior Hurling Championship Final Sunday November 14th 2021 @ UPMC Nowlan Park Mooncoin 3-19 Tullogher-Rosbercon 3-11

And a bang on the head!

Ciaran Quilty takes a great catch ahead of Kevin Hennessey

Mooncoin panel celebrate their great victory!

All pix: Danny Lahart

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Shot’s away!

Hurling matters - Picture special

Walter shows his juggling skills!

Walter Walsh in action

Over the

moon!! Mooncoin’s comeback victory secures intermediate hurling next season!

Pat Hartley Walter Walsh in looks to see action what’s on Mooncoin’s Aidan Doyle applies the pressure

The South Kilkenny side came from SEVEN points down to claim a 7th Junior title!

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Motors Classifieds

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

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Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements.

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Memoriams/Miracle Planning notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by Jamie Gahan and Emer Doyle to construct a single storey dwelling house, new site entrance to public road, provision of a new treatment plant & percolation area and all associated site developments works . The proposed house design is a change of house design from previously granted planning permission reference 19/269 , location of site entrance and treatment plant & percolation area is as per granted in previous planning permission reference 19/269 at Talbotsinch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny, 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: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought for 25sqm roof mounted photo-voltaic solar panels located partially on the main roof and partially on the rear single storey roof with associated works at 17 Lawcus Fields, Stoneyford. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Applicant: Liam Anthony Griffin KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought for a standalone single storey extension to the Amber Women’s Refuge comprising a therapeutic and counselling space with sanitary accommodation including all associated services located at Acorn House, Lacken, Dublin Road, 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. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Applicant: Amber Women’s Refuge CLG KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Retention Permission is sought for as-built changes to that permitted under Planning Permission P18-855 for two storey extension to the rear and renovations to existing residence at 26 Wolfe Tone Street (located in Michael Street/Wolfe Tone Street Architectural Conservation Area). The changes include rear and courtyard window size reduction, nursery bedroom to void space, raising of rear roof eaves height by 0.5m, ensuite and storage layout revision. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Applicant: Karina Kinsella

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

TO PLACE YOUR NOTICE IN THE KILKENNY OBSERVER IN MEMORIAM DEATH NOTICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCES OFFICE AT UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET (Straight across from the Friary Church)

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. A.S

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

The Miracle Prayer

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The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 19 November 2021