Biance Rallis

A Transylvanian girl adopted by New York city (via Kilkenny)

BY BIANCA RALLIS

MY rst stop was Forest Hills, Queens, the place where my husband, Demetrios, grew up. It was love at rst sight! Green trees everywhere, beautiful houses where rich families enjoy their life in the heart of the huge city, apartments in old 1970s and 80s style with fancy yards and fancy entrances, or new glass buildings where the doormen dress as 5-star hotel valets. After two days came the magic moment: the rst trip to Manhattan, the heart of New York. It was the day of our anniversary: two years of marriage and three years of relationship. e sunset embracing the high buildings, the people walking around or enjoying their time with friends on the terraces or restaurants, the music, the smells, the sky re ecting into the dark blue glass walls; it was a magni cent symphony of life!

We had dinner in a small cozy French restaurant. e menu was written in the French language, the music gave us the feeling of being in Paris. We walked on the streets afterward, discovering old buildings lost between the giants. I couldn’t stop thinking of the old times, imagining all the immigrants that chose, like me, to start a new life in this magni cent city! e days to come were full of new adventures and beautiful places to discover. I had the chance to walk for a few minutes in Central Park. By the entrance, we were welcomed by a live jazz band. Live music was something that I really missed during the pandemic.

I was also happy to see many Irish pubs, with green, white, and orange ags hanging on their facades; this gave me the feeling of being back in Ireland. I could write few pages only after spending two weeks in NYC. ere is a big Romanian community in NYC and New Jersey. ey o ered me a warm welcome on the Facebook group, and a Romanian woman invited me to a Romanian community meeting in New Jersey at the end of the month. is will be a chance to form new relationships and to become an active member of my Romanian community in New York City, the way I was in Kilkenny.

Being a spiritual person, I was hoping to nd Romanian orthodox churches in New York City, and I was happy to discover that there is a small one just a few blocks away from our neighborhood. Although I have not yet had the chance to visit a Romanian church, I have been inside the biggest catholic cathedral of NYC – St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Newly renovated, inside you discover magni cent architecture, beautiful sculptures, and hypnotizing stained glass windows. Again, I felt like I was back in Ireland.

Regarding another important aspect of life that is still with us, I would like to mention a few impressions of NYC during the Covid 19 pandemic. Even though I was a bit nervous at the beginning, I became more relaxed after witnessing a responsible population around me. In NYC, the majority of people, even the fully vaccinated ones, are still wearing their masks on the streets, not just inside. Watching the news, I could see that it is not the same story in other states, where people are encouraged to protest against masks and other covid restrictions that may soon be imposed with the delta variant spreading fast. Without a doubt, hard times are still to come, and many protests will take place in USA as they did in some European countries. I just hope to be safe as much as we can, and in the next months not to face, once again, a huge number of cases and over owing hospitals.

So, these are my rst impressions after spending two weeks in NYC, with many more weeks ahead, as this city has become my new home! I know I will face more experiences along the way, but I am con dent that I will handle them, having beside me the man I love and a lovely family! We are wishing you all the best, Kilkenny, and we are sending greetings to all our Irish and Romanian friends. Keep safe, all of you!.

‘You’re A Star’ quilt raffle for Teac Tom

ere’s still plenty time to get your tickets for the ‘You’re A Star’ quilt ra e in aid of Teac Tom...

THE beautiful quilt featuring 72 star blocks was part of an exhibition by the South Midlands Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society, held at the Chapter House at St Mary’s Cathedral last week. ere were a number of fabulous quilts, cushions and other decorative pieces on show, but the star of the show was the ‘You’re a Star’ quilt, made during lockdown and being ra ed for a good cause. e members were delighted with the response to the exhibition and there were a steady stream of people visiting over the four days. e quilt would make a wonderful addition to any home and will comfortably t a double bed. It’s a one of a kind piece and would be a piece to cherish and pass down through generations. e quilt will be ra ed with all proceeds going to Teac Tom, a well-known mental health support charity based in Kilkenny. Founded in 2014 by Angela Hayes and her family, Teac Tom provides suicide intervention and support services for those a ected by or bereaved by suicide. e charity was founded in response to the death of Angela’s own son omas, on the anniversary of his dad’s death. Teac Tom provide a 24-hour helpline, immediate intervention and professional counselling services to those in Kilkenny and the surrounding areas. Last year a new centre was opened in Stradbally, Co. Laois.

Angela Hayes, CEO of Teac Tom, says that the last 18 months have been extremely challenging as the pandemic has severely restricted the charities’ fundraising capabilities, while at the same time they have experienced an increased demand for services.

Tickets for the ra e are available online or at Teac Tom. e members sincerely hope that it will be well supported and raise vital funds for Teac Tom. e ra e will be held in early September and tickets are just €5 each or 5 for €20.

www.idonate.ie/ra e/irishpatchworksociety Teac Tom, 15 Ormonde Rd, Kilkenny 056 7796592 www.thethomashayestrust. com is article is supported by the Romanian Twilight Community Group Contact: kclw.ro@twighlight.ie

Community Group

Let’s go forward together

SPORT is a great indicator for integration. e Twilight Community Group and the local South Sudanese Community Group have been working closely together as they involved all our ‘new communities ‘ in sport. e success of this collaboration can be seen in the success the African Community teams have secured over the past number of seasons. ey are the current holders of the Twilight Integration Cup . ey were rst victorious in 2018 and regained the title in 2019 and based on their strength in depth they would have been favorites to retain in 2020 title but unfortunately covid cancelled last year’s event.

Arts and Drama pre-covid was another way in which the Twilight group and Samuel Morgan’s led South Sudanese Community association of Ireland (SSCAI ) to collaborate on ways for young adults to meet and have fun in a safe and secure environment. e Intercultural Miscellany was an excellent success, and we hope to reintroduce it to our programme this year subject to a sponsor coming forward to Twilight (0863255840) is programme, under the professional guidance of Mr. Ger Cody, encouraged all the participants to discove, and develop their talents to not only perform a one act play but to write it. Kevin Azalt a student in Waterford IT wrote the play called ‘Ananse and the GUM’ which then performed by Mina Helen, Yona Samuel, Gift Obasogie, Joao Macumbu, Emmanuel Boahen , Abdullah Abdullah, Emmanuel Tacina , who also performed the monologue ‘I and Me’ the struggle of an immigrant as they settle in their new home. e Twilight Community Group and SSCAI can and will continue to support each other. e new Twilight Youth Inclusion group will be an open and inclusive association. eir members will come from all our diverse community group backgrounds. Our African communities are now an important part of the Kilkenny Community scene.

Tributes paid to young woman killed in freak accident

TRIBUTES have been paid for a Carlow woman after she died in a freak accident in Donegal in what is being described as a “freak accident” over the weekend. e road incident at Ardnawark, Barnesmore Gap, near Donegal Town, when Amanda Kinsella (27) fell from a vehicle and under a vehicle on the opposite side of the road.

Ms Kinsella was home in Ireland to attend the wedding of a friend in the area. Amanda, from Carlow, was based in the Middle East.

She was well-known in GAA circles and played football for Irish clubs in Bahrain.

A number of touching messages have been shared across social media. Many of the emotional posts have remembered Amanda as a wonderful ladies football player.

Bennekerry/Tinryland Ladies Football said: “Our Bennekerry Tinryland family and community are deeply saddened and devastated to hear the news of the utterly tragic passing of club mate Amanda Kinsella. Our hearts are broken.

“We can’t begin to describe how beautiful, talented and truly amazing she was.

“We o er our deepest sympathy’s to her parents Mono and Patricia and siblings Aisling and David. A super star 100 times over, we will never ever forget her. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

Carlow’s Palatine GAA said: “An immense loss to our club and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kinsella family on the passing of Amanda. She was a superstar and our hearts are broken.” e Middle East and the Arabian Celts club in Bahrain said: “Arabian Celts, past and present and members of the Middle Eastern GAA, it is with a heavy heart that we share this sad news with you all.

“Our Arabian Celt and most loved friend, Amanda Kinsella, has passed away after a tragic road accident yesterday evening.”

Gardai have launched an investigation into the circumstances around her sudden death.

Gardai await DPP move on cold case of 37 years

THE Director of Public Prosecutions is examining a le on the brutal murder of innocent mum-of-two Marie Tierney.

And the Irish Sun on Sunday can reveal the DPP is expected to make a ruling on whether a man should be charged with the mum’s murder. e le relates to a man who was arrested regarding Marie’s murder back in October 1984. e suspect was arrested at his home by investigators from Kilkenny Garda Station and released without charge.

A source said: “Gardai have recommended that this individual be charged with murder and the decision rests with the DPP.

“It’s hoped that a decision on whether or not to charge the suspect will be made over the coming weeks.

“Ms Tierney and her family deserve justice.” e murder of Marie Tierney is just one of many unsolved cases where women have been murdered in Ireland over the years. e shopkeeper, from Clintstown, Jenkinstown, Co Kilkenny, was last seen leaving her home on October 21, 1984, in a Renault 18 estate.

She was a married woman with children, aged 12 and 13. At the time she was reported missing by her family.

Her body was found lying in a ditch along Bleach Road in Kilkenny on December 21, 1984. A post mortem revealed she had been strangled.

Gardai believe the killer had driven her car to the scene before leaving in another vehicle. e fresh investigation into the killing is being run by detectives under the command of Supt Derek Hughes. e arrest was the rst made in the case. e investigation also led to the exhumation of the body of Marie Tierney with Gardai using new DNA techniques in the case.

Ms Tierney’s brother John Bourke and sister Breda Fay told of their pain.

Breda said: “To imagine your sister, that somebody would murder her. Take her life and then that her body was dumped in a ditch. at person must pay for that.”

Issues over privacy hinder planning for family homes

A NEW development of family homes planned for a Kilkenny village has been refused following some objections from local residents.

Developer CSC Construction had requested planning permission from Kilkenny County Council to create a 13-home development in Dangan, near Kilmacow.

However, the council recently refused permission for the development after hearing objections, including privacy issues, access issues and whether it was in-keeping with the zoning set-out in the county development plan.

CSC Construction had sought to build nine, threebed two-storey dwelling houses and four two-bed, two-storey dwelling houses on the site. e developers have leave to appeal Kilkenny County Council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála by the end of the month.

€120k. in line to aid local fisheries

MORE than €770,000 has been awarded to 17 projects to support sheries conservation across Ireland including €120,000 for project on the River Nore.

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency with responsibility for the protection and conservation of freshwater sh and habitats, is awarding funding to the 17 projects in 11 counties under the ‘Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2021’.

In Kilkenny, €120,000 in funding has been announced for the construction of a rock ramp on an ‘impassable’ weir. e aim of the funding is to improve sh migration upstream and downstream for salmon, eel and lamprey at Brett’s Weir, on the River Nore.

Under two separate funds, the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund and the Midland Fisheries Fund, eligible angling clubs, commercial shermen and shery owners were invited to apply for nancial assistance to support sheries conservation projects in their local areas. €774,000 in funding for 17 projects has been approved so far this year, going to projects based in Kilkenny, Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Laois, Limerick, Mayo, Wexford, Westmeath and Wicklow. Examples include: • construction of rock ramp passageways to make it easier for sh to migrate upstream and downstream of impassable weirs • improvements to water quality by installing fences to stop livestock from entering the river and providing water pumps and troughs for livestock to minimise agricultural impacts • encouraging wild river regeneration by planting native Irish trees and shrubs along riverbanks in combination with fencing • enhancement of spawning and nursery habitats for salmon and sea trout • research to inform and improve national management decisions around sea trout • carrying out catchmentfocused feasibility studies, habitat management plans, aquatic invasive species plans and environmental assessments to improve river habitats and species • soft engineering works to help regenerate the land and water adjacent to rivers.

Since 2016, Inland Fisheries Ireland has made more than €4 million available through its various funding schemes, including the two 2021 funds.

Fighting it out for the Feile finals

HUNDREDS of Kilkenny school children are contesting matches as they battle it out for John West Féile county honours. e local GAA stars of the future will battle it out for the chance to play in the Feile na nGael camogie and football nals in Croke Park in October.

Kilkenny’s Féile na nGael hurling nals will be staged at Palmerstown, St John’s Park, MW Hire O’Moore Park and Nowlan Park. e camogie games will take place at Glenmore, Danesfort, Freshford, Gowran, Clara and Tullaroan. e Féile Peile na nÓg ladies football games will be staged at the James Stephens GAA Kells Road pitches.

Organisers of the 2021 Féile have honoured their commitment that no child would be left behind this year after the pandemic caused the cancellation of the 2020 festival. is year’s event is being run on a county basis, with the age grade moving to under 15. is year’s festival also marks 50 years of the Féile competitions.

All dates and venues are provisional and attendees are advised to check with their local Féile co-ordinator or County Board before attending matches.

New poems

IN 2019, ‘ e Kilkenny Involvement Centre’ published a book of poems with the wonderful title ‘Poems from a Kilkenny Laneway’. e ninety page publication features forty poems with contributions from members at the centre as well as work from Kilkenny’s wider writing community.

In conjunction with e Involvement Centre, e Kilkenny Observer newspaper will reproduce these poems over the coming weeks. e Kilkenny Observer is delighted to promote this project and we hope you enjoy the poems.

Week seven sees poems from Frank Marshall, Willie Joe Meally, and Cathal McFarlane.

Incomparable

i.m. Jack O Leary S.J. Gazing on the Promenade in Tramore, absorbed Remembering your ancestors sailing tentatively from this coastline settling in North America. Still gazing, almost mockingly and surprisingly you recall our visit to an Irish Pub in San Francisco. A dedicated missionary in Africa over thirty years, reluctantly returning to a deeply troubled homeland. Untiringly in later years, avoiding the Retirement Home living and ministering on a Sioux Reservation where you were cherished for your dedicated service.

Frank Marshall

Bogey Jaunt

Give me a sense of that time at easy journey From eld to haggard Horse and bogey Faded cocks of hay Hauled up at ringing sound of cog on iron Secured with rope He steers her down through September aftergrass Out through gaps Hedgerows claw at trawneens ey hang like unlit chandeliers We sit on the back of a bogey Legs dangling Chattering All the long Saturday to dally Martin talks to the mare Wey girl, steady, easy now ere’s rain in that wind But it won’t come until tomorrow.

Willie-Joe Meally

Greetings from Grass Valley, California Christmas 1906

I’m drinking in the sunshine Livin’ it up in style But oft my mind returns To dear old Eireann’s Isle

As I sailed across the oceans wild To this land of dimes and dollars My thoughts return to kinfolk In the land of Saints and Scholars

How is Martin Sta ord doing? God he must be a good age It seems that life just passes by Like the turning of a page

How is my old friend Bridget? Did she ever marry Pat? I oft picture them together A garsoon upon her lap

And how are the O’Donohue’s ? And big stout Jim McCarthy Tell ’em that I send regards And hoping they’re all hearty

How are Danny Boylan’s folk? He oft helped us save the hay I knelt and prayed a rosary When I heard he’d passed away

Oh the buildings here they tip the clouds ey have every modern thing But you’ll never see a fox at night Nor hear a blackbird sing

Oh these Christmas lights would blind you And these Yanks they talk all ash But you’ll hear no talk of cattle Or which priest served Sunday Mass So may you have a Christmas goose And spiced beef on your table To celebrate the birth of Christ To Mary in a stable

It’s often in my labour I stop and think a while Of turf- lled white washed cottages In dear old Eireann’s Isle

I write this from a small room In Grass Valley, California A Happy Christmas to ya all May the Lord’s light shine upon ya

Cathal McFarlane

Kilkenny’s industrial history is a bustling tale of innovation, struggle and perseverance. Much of the city’s industrial life circled around its many mills. e ruins and remnants of many of these historic mills remain visible around the city today, making known their historic signi cance within the context of Kilkenny’s development as a city and centre for industry. e history of the mills of Kilkenny weaves its way through family trees, tells of political power struggles and, signi cantly, highlights the relevance of the mill industry to the economic growth of the city.

THE AUGUSTINIAN’S ARRIVAL: e Long Mill Stream

e Flemings who came to Ireland with the Normans are reputed to have dug this long stream sometime after 1170. It is signi cant that the construction of the mill stream coincided with the arrival of the Augustinians in Kilkenny, for it is generally recognised that the Augustinians played a major part in the development of water powered mills in this country. e Long Mill Stream began its course at Noremount in Friars Inch and, running more or less parallel to the Nore, re-entered the river’s main course at Maudlin St. e entire stream is about 1.1 miles long. e upper section entered the Nore below Greensbridge, while the lower section owed along by the quay, through St John’s Priory, across John St. and through the former St John’s College where it nally entered the Nore. ese mill streams were constructed in the 12th Century alongside allocated sections of the river where there was a long stretch of water. e stream was constructed on slightly higher ground so that, when the stream eventually joined back up with the river, there would be a forceful ‘fall back’ of water into the river.

CHANCELLOR’S MILLS:

e nearest mill to Greens Bridge was owned by the Bishop. It was named Helias Mill by James Tovey, Vice Choral of St Canices Cathedral, in a 1723 lease. e entrance to this mill was through Green St. e mill was slated and partly thatched. ere were two other mills on this side of the river, adjacent to each other. Entry to these mills was through Mill Lane on Vicar Street, while entrance to Helias Mill was found on Green Street. e income from these two mills paid for the upkeep of the Chancellor of the Cathedral, hence the name. e woollen mill was described in 1835 as being in good order with four lofts. omas Bradley and omas Bibby were occupiers at that time. In 1841, a sheri ’s sale was conducted which included the sale of a tuck mill, grist mill, a spinning mill, and adjoining houses and land. In 1849, omas, Joseph, John, and James Bibby were charged with assaulting Michael Connors and Patrick Ryan and attempting to put them out of the mill. omas Bradley had been in possession since 1848. On March 5th, 1849, the Bibbys declared they were taking forcible possession of the mill.

In 1850, the woollen mill had changed to a corn mill due to economic circumstances. e Chancellor Rev Francis Sandys (1838 -1863) leased the mill to a Michael Costelloe. Richard Sullivan was now petitioner. He was a former MP and High Sheri of Kilkenny. He was also the owner of Fennessy’s Mill.

When Richard Sullivan died in 1855, his widow Frances became lessor and, following her death, her son James stepped into the role. Her daughter married a Carlow man named Daniel O’Connell Leyne in 1881 and he became a tenant. Following his death, John Dalton of Vicar St. became tenant and occupier until he eventually purchased the property. e mill was driven by water-power up to the late 1940’s, at which point electricity was introduced. Business continued on the site until 1961 when the rst store was built on the Freshford Road. e move to the new premises was completed in 1969. e original mill was sold to Smithwicks for £60,000. Nothing remains of the mill, the grinding stones, or the mill wheel. All the archaeological remains were destroyed.

HIGH CROSSES AT SHAMROCK MILL:

In 1890, Mrs O’Connell Leyne leased part of the mill, which was no longer in use as a woollen mill, to Edward O’Shea, a monumental sculptor. O’Shea moved his monumental works from Callan to Kilkenny. He had an international reputation for sculpting High Crosses and had been awarded many prizes for his work at Dublin, London and Boston exhibitions. During the 1890s, O’Shea leased a oor of the mill to P. Doyle

The arrival of the Augustinians and their influence on Kilkenny mill streams and mills

To coincide with Heritage week 2021 (14th to 22nd August) e Kilkenny Observer in association with Cois Céim and e Saturday Walkers Group Present a history of e Mills of Kilkenny Photos: jbs photos Kilkenny

The Mill Race at The Ormonde Mills . This mill was also known as Kilkenny Scotts Mill

The Lacken Mill Fennessy’S Mill situated down river from The Ossory Bridge

The remnants of the great Mill wheel at Ormonde Mills

who used the space as a sawmill.

In January 1899, a large re broke out in the mill. e re spread rapidly, given the mill’s contents, causing the roof of the building to collapse. Only the four walls were left standing. Fortunately, the re did not spread to the nearby corn mill used by John Dalton.

An application for compensation was made, asking for a total of £776 to account for the loss of machinery and stock. An engineer estimated that the cost of replacing the machinery would be £700/£800 while repairs to the building would amount to £700. e Judge awarded £219 for stock destroyed and awarded £700 for machinery. He also allowed £250 for building costs to be levied on the County Council.

DISCOVERIES AT PEACE PARK: Green’s Bridge Street Mills

During the drainage scheme of the Nore, excavations were carried out downstream of Greens Bridge at Mill Island in the present-day Peace Park. An industrial milling complex was uncovered. e earliest structure appears to date from before 1620. A ne collection of mill stones and mill related machinery parts were discovered. e mills at Green’s Bridge Street were rst leased in 1749, when the Church of Ireland Bishop leased the three mills to omas Goddard of Back Lane. e Goddards were a prominent Kilkenny family in the 18th Century. e mills passed through several hands throughout the years. From 1891 to 1911, John Bibby leased the mill, but production ceased after 1911. e building was in poor repair and was amalgamated with the adjoining corn mill. In 1913, Nicholas Walsh from Wexford, known to everyone as ‘Walsh the Miller’, became sole occupier. He was an electrical engineer and was responsible for generating electricity using the water wheel. ere was a re in June 1914. e buildings were not damaged, but some of the contents were lost. e business continued to operate until 1960. Frank Nolan was the nal proprietor and the last person to run a commercial corn mill in Kilkenny. e mill closed in the mid 1960’s is was the end of woollen production and corn milling in the area. ough the historic buildings were worthy of preservation, they were demolished some years after the closure.

THE FASTFLOWING BREGAGH: Jenkins Mill

A document dated January 18th 1561 makes reference to the granting of a mill in Kilkenny called ‘Genkines Mill’ to Robert Shee. It is fair to assume this ‘Genkins’ was Jenkins Rothe of Jenkinstown. e lane which leads to Smithwick’s Brewery from Parliament Street is called ‘Jenkins Lane’ and commemorates the same man who lived in the area. is mill was in the vicinity of the fast- owing river Bregagh. e Brewery used the Bregagh as a power source into the 1930’s and especially during World War II.

SUPPRESSION OF THE MONASTERIES: e Black Mill

About two hundred YARDS upstream from the Black Abbey stood the Black Mill. e name suggests that, at one time, the mill was owned by the Black Abbey. In 1274, Gilbert le Clare, Earl of Gloucester granted the Dominicans an exemption from paying toll for grinding their corn at this mill. He also granted them the privilege of having their corn ground before anyone else had the opportunity to do so.

In 1540, the mill was con scated with the suppression of monasteries. ere was a mill in operation at this site throughout the 19th Century and it is documented that in 1850, omas Bradley had a kiln and a corn mill here.

MEDIEVAL MILLS: Lacken Mill

e medieval origins of Lacken Mill, which stands across the River Nore, opposite Ormode Mill, remain visible today. Discoveries made in the 1980s revealed a medieval stone arch as well as a stone slab bearing an incised carving of a man in 16th century costume, part of the Archer’s coat of arms. e mill’s brick façade is also built on a 15th/16th century structure. In the 19th century, the Sullivan family, who lived in Lacken Hall and owned the Brewery on James’ Street, renovated the mill, bringing it up to 19th century standards.

ST. FRANCIS’ ABBEY AND ST JOHN’S ABBEY:

In 1231, Richard the third Earl Marshall founded the Abbey of St Francis a few hundred yards downstream of the Bregagh, near the river’s con uence with the Nore. In 1540, a list of Abbey properties was compiled to coincide with the suppression of the monasteries. ere was a similar list prepared referencing other properties within the Abbey’s precincts. e mills mentioned are possibly those in Friar’s Inch, Bleach Road, and Dunmore, referred to in the 17th century as “Abbey Land”.

LOCAL CONVERSION PROJECT: Fennessy’s Mill

Below Ossory Bridge on the west bank of the Nore stands the ruins of Fennessy’s mill. e owner was Richard Sullivan during the mid-

1850’s. e Kilkenny Moderator in 1891 described this mill as disused but about to be converted to a bone crushing plant. Business continued until the 1930’s when production ceased.

Some years later, locals closed the window openings, had the walls plastered and used the building as a handball court. e Archer family owned all the land in the area and their coat of arms is on the wall of the mill. A grant was made in 1426 of the Stone Mills of Kilkenny by the Earl of Ormonde to William Archer and Robert Waryn.

QUARRYLAND MILL:

On the East bank of the Nore, opposite Fennessy’s Mill, another mill stood in the area now known as ‘Quarryland’. Reference to this mill is made in an inquisition that took place at the olsel in Kilkenny on May 6th , 1633: “Ald Nicholas Ley was seised of a moiety of one water mill, 76 acres of arable pasture and furze, one moiety of a shery and one quarry in the tenement of Phinnel and St. Mallagge.”

‘THE STILL’: Warrington Mill

Further downstream on the west bank of the river is Mount Warrington distillery, locally known as ‘ e Still’. ere was also a our mill here. e mill at Warrington likely dates from the 17th or early 18th Century. ere is a drying kiln outside with a ue from it through the outer wall of the mill. e great depth of the mill stream suggests that it had a very large wheel. In 1830, e Kilkenny Moderator advertised the sale or letting of the distillery. By 1850, the distillery and mill were vacant and were never reopened after this point.

THE LAST OF ITS KIND: Inch Mill

Patrick Brett, a wheelwright from Ballycallan, started a small mill in Maudlin Street, at the bottom of Windgap Hill. In 1866, he bought Inch mill and started a ourishing business, manufacturing egg boxes, food troughs, and co n boards. On his death in 1916, his son William took over the business, carrying on the trade. When William died in 1961, his son Liam stepped into his father’s shoes. Inch mill is now over 150 years in the Brett family and is the sole mill now operating on the Nore in Kilkenny City.

MAUDLIN STREET MILL:

Rocque’s map of 1782 shows that there was a mill at the top of Maudlin Street. In 1850, Louis Kinchella operated a our mill there, which was also a kiln. Much later, in the years between 1920 and 1930, the mill wheel was still turning, operated by the Bergin family, who were wheelwrights and builders of mill wheels. ey used the mill not to grind corn, but to operate lathes and saws.

A WONDER OF WATERPOW ER: Maddoxtown Mill

e mill at Maddoxtown, a massive structure with two mill wheels, in operation during the 19th century, was considered to be one of the great wonders of water-power when in its prime. At the site, the remains of a 16th century building can be seen. It was converted to a dwelling house but is now partly roo ess.

LADY DESART AND KILKENNY WOOLLEN MILLS

Ellen, Countess of Desart was responsible for the establishment of this mill in 1906. Here, the most advanced use of water-power was in use, a large turbine driving a D.C. generator to provide electric power for the plant. Lady Desart generated signi cant employment for the people of Kilkenny through the establishment of this mill, as well as through a variety of other projects and businesses. On her death in 1933, the O’Shaughnessy family of Co. Cork took over the business and produced tweeds of a very high quality. However, a re in 1962 destroyed the premises and operations never resumed.

THE MILL RACE: Coming from Greens Bridge and Greens hill was probably the first Mill Race constructed in Kilkenny. It served a mill at St. Maul’s, and later down river to St John’s Priory

WHERE THE DININ MEETS THE NORE: Mount Eagle Distillery

A few hundred yards downstream from where the Dinin joins the Nore,

The Mill Race leading into The Lacken Mill

there was a distillery known as Eagle Rock on the river’s west bank. e distillery fell on hard times due to Fr. Matthew’s temperance campaign and went out of business in 1840. Twenty years later, a our mill is known to have been in operation in the area, owned by a omas Little, though whether this mill was run in the same building as the distillery is unknown. Today nothing remains of the building except dried up mill streams lled with masonry from historic buildings.

ORMONDE WOOLLEN MILLS:

ese mills date back to the construction of Kilkenny Castle in the 12th Century. Originally called the Castle Mills, they came to be known as the Ormond Mills in 1391 when the castle was purchased from the De la Spencers. e Civil Survey for Kilkenny City of 1654 describes the mills as being three in number under one roof, ‘whereof two are corn mills, and ye other a tucking mill, ye walls being of stone’.

During the Industrial Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, there was a boom in grain exports and corn mills were ourishing. Some years later, after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, grain exports fell and the corn mill was converted to a woollen mill. Five hundred people were employed in the woollen mill during the rst half of the 19th century.

A re destroyed the mills in 1969. e mills were never to reopen.

Observer The Kilkenny

Street On Friary

A vibrant street full of local businesses new and old; at the Kilkenny Observer we are so happy to now call Friary Street home. Read on to discover the rich history of our street and abundance of independent shops and businesses located here. Don’t forget to take the next opportunity to wander down and explore Friary Street for yourself

Capuchin friars have a long history in kilkenny

With thanks to the Saturday walkers group for this information

e rst recorded reference to the Friars in Kilkenny is 1643, when they were granted accommodation in St John’s Abbey by the Corporation. In 1678 they had a chapel and convent in St John’s Abbey, the community consisted of three. In 1682 Fr. James Tobin procured a plot of “waste ground on the South side of Walkin Street within the City Walls” from the Duke and Duchess of Ormonde on which he built a Poor House. In his will, he mentions of building a stone house covered with slate containing sixty foot in length, designing the same for the reception of “twelve poor distressed men and women, natives of this city, wherein I desire my own relations to be preferred.” Having served its purpose for almost 200 hundred years, it was taken down in 1897, the site been handed over to the Capuchins for the erection of a college. It is recorded in 1756, the friars had a convent in Walkin Street close to the Poor House. eir very small chapel stood to the rear of the poor house and became known as the Poor House Chapel. Fr. Tobin who died in 1699/1700, had family connections with Lyrath. Tradition says one of the friars acting as a book vendor kept a stand in the olsel and he received the sick calls during the day. When evening came, he deposited his bookstall in the poor house and tended to his sick calls. Two of the friars associated with the poor house are interred in the old St John’s graveyard. One was Fr. Martin St John who died in 1780 aged 93 years, and Fr. McDonnell who died in 1782 aged 66 years. Fr. Forrestall, born at Bennetsbridge in 1758, ordained in 1784, served in St Canice’s from 1785 to 1799. He then served in Callan until 1820 then came to live in Kilkenny where he died in 1829 and interred in the old St John’s Graveyard. He was the last Franciscan in Kilkenny.

Hogan viewed the headstones in the 1850’s, but writing in 1884 stated they were not to be found. ese headstones are to be seen to day along with more modern markings at the foot of the graves. e next guardians were Fr. omas Murphy and Fr. William Berry who were educated on the continent. According to the customs of the times they brewed their own ale and baked their own bread. Fr. Murphy died in June 1817, aged 73 years. Fr. Berry died in October 1822 aged 80 years. Both these friars are interred in the present Friary chapel. Mention is made in 1826 of Fr. John Mulligan as living in the Community and was the next guardian who in 1848 undertook the building of a new chapel. No one knows where he obtained the money for the project as it was built during the Famine. It was he who was responsible for the ringing of the bells in 1829 announcing Catholic Emancipation. e bells were named O’Connell in honour of the Liberator and Sheil, a local Catholic. Fr. Mulligan had a cross erected on the highest gable of the chapel which gave much o ence to non-Catholics. One Sunday in the 1840s he had the high altar decorated with green boughs, owers and candles. As 12 o’clock approached, four men carried a local merchant Tom Prince in an arm chair to the Altar where he read his recantation and was received into the church.

Tom Prince saved a man’s life in the 1798 rebellion, perhaps it was he who paid for the building of the chapel. Fr. Mulligan died in 1853 after which there was no representative of the Order until 1855 when Fr. Edward Tommins was appointed guardian, he was the rst friar to wear the Order’s habit in public since the Reformation. Many improvements to the Friary took place during his time, the section parallel with Friary Street was completed in 1874. Fr. Tommins died in 1889 and is interred in the friary chapel. e pillars, cornices and pediments surrounding the high Altar were taken from the old St Mary’s known as the Old Cathedral adjacent to Wellington place.

Another capuchin of note was Fr. eobald Matthew, the Apostle of Temperance. He joined the Kilkenny community soon after his ordination in 1814 and transferred to Cork in 1816. Fr. Albert Bibby regarded as a Kilkenny native, was born in Bagenalstown (1877), came to live with his family in High Street, where they a had a drapery business. After his education at the local C.B.S. he joined the Capuchins, ordained a priest 1902, came to live in Kilkenny in 1904 before moving to Dublin, became very involved with the Republican movement in 1916. e Order arose in 1528 when Matteo da Basscio, a Franciscan friar, sought to return to a more primitive way of life of solitude and penance St. Francis had envisaged. His superiors were not in agreement, so Friar Matteo and his followers were forced to ee and were given refuge by a group of monks known as the Camaldolese. In gratitude they adopted the hood (cappuccio) worn by that order, and the practice of wearing a beard which was the mark of a hermit in Italy. In 1529 they had four houses and held their rst chapter at which their particular rules were drawn up. Simplicity, poverty, austerity the simple things of life as near to St Francis’ ideals. ey were to wear the brown habit with the distinctive pointed hood, girdled by the woollen cord with the three knots. e cappuccino co ee is named after the shade of brown used for their habit.

Simply Skin Beauty and Laser

Simply Skin Beauty and Laser is one of the newer and very welcome additions to Friary Street. Lorraine and her team of highly quali ed therapists will look after your skin and beauty needs with expert service and a luxurious experience. e salon has recently been recognised by the Good Salon Guide and awarded ve stars. Laser treatments are one of their many areas of expertise and this week, Lorraine answers some of the most common questions and concerns.

What are the laser treatments available at Simply Skin?

• Hair Removal • Skin Rejuvenation / Photo

Rejuvenation • read Veins on Face / read Veins / Spider Veins on Legs • Rosacea on Face

What do I need to do before embarking on a Laser Treatment programme?

If you are interested in Laser Treatments at Simply Skin, the rst step is to book a free consultation and patch test. is will ensure the treatment is right for you and your skin.

How do I prepare for my patch test?

Make sure to shave at least 24 hours before coming into the salon. Avoid using deodorant, fake tan and any lotions and creams on the area. e area to be tested will be cleaned by the erapist and a cool gel will be applied to the area. Several shots of the laser are applied to the area. You can expect a slight elastic band sensation on the skin from the machine. e gel is cleaned o and pure Aloe Vera is applied to the area following treatment.

What to expect from your free consultation?

e therapist will go through your needs and preferences to tailor your individual and personal treatment plan. Each client varies on their journey to their desired result, as blonde, red, grey, white, black, brown or silver hair will respond di erently to the laser machine. e therapist will advise how many treatments will be required. the second layer of your skin (dermis) without harming the top layer (epidermis), so it causes less damage to your skin. Pigment cells in your skin absorb the light energy, which is converted into heat. e heat destroys the unwanted pigment to clear up pigmentation damage and it destroys the hair follicle to prevent the hair from growing again

Some other treatments also require a patch test – please contact us or call in for your free patch test and consultation before booking your appointment. Phone 087 4097600 or Email info@simply-skin.ie

Is there any adverse e ects?

No there is no adverse e ects, IPL is completely safe.

What is Photo rejuvenation?

Photo-rejuvenation/ Skin rejuvenation is a non-invasive treatment which helps treat skin damage without disruption of the skins surface thus helping to promote younger and healthier looking skin on the face, neck, chest and hands. IPL is used to treat broken capillaries which Irish skin is very prone to. It can help reduce enlarged pores and pigmentation damage, dark spots and redness of the face and neck.

Will I feel safe visiting Simply Skin?

We strictly adhere to Covid regulations. Names and numbers are recorded for contact tracing, hand hygiene is practised and PPE is worn. A stringent cleaning regime is adhered to and social distancing between clients is a must.

Residents and shops in Friary Street about 1950

In 2007, a St Rioch’s community Group published a book commemorating St Rioch’s graveyard. e booklet contained the following article on residents and shops on Friary Street which makes for interesting reading.

THERE have been many changes in Friary Street since 1950. It was originally called Lower Walkin Street before being changed to Friary Street. A number of houses were demolished to make Friary Street car park and in more recent years apartments and houses have been built on the site of the old car park. e following gives the reader some idea of the changes that have taken place.

Beginning at the junction of High Street and Friary Street on the left coming from High Street we nd Murphy’s Woollen store, which extends up Friary Street. A curtain shop and Fennelly’s Fish shop occupied the next two premises. ese were built by Tommy Grace who was the owner of the present Book Centre, in the 1970’s. e Halifax bank has now replaced the ESB premises, which in turn replaced Leahy’s tea rooms. Paddy Phelan’s coal yard and hackney business was replaced by Grahams shoe shop and the Friary Hall. Paddy was an outstanding left half back on the Kilkenny Senior team for many years and was on the team of the century. Slaters poultry and sh shop was a well-known business and during the war years there was a great business in the export of rabbits to

England. e sale of rabbits to Slaters was a great source of income for country men. Slaters also had a yard at the opposite side the street for killing and skinning rabbits and plucking poultry. John Slater was mayor of Kilkenny in 1917 and 1918. He died in 1945. e large building past e Friary was used as a dispensary. Doctors White, Mitchell and Healy were well known doctors working there. ere was a Relief o ce at the back of the building to assist people who had fallen on hard times. e row of houses leading to Pennyfeather lane was known as Walkin street Sconce. Doctor Dan Divilly lived there for many years. omas Hennessy and family lived in the building next to the dispensary and the house was known as ‘the long hall’. e next three houses were occupied by Coyle’s, McDonalds and Williams. Coyle’s had been printers in Kilkenny for many years. e Gargan family have been stone craftsmen and monumental sculptors for many generations and still have a very successful business. Born in Walkin Street, Matt Gargan was one of the most outstanding hurlers Kilkenny produced and played with the famous Kilkenny team of the 1904 -1913 period, when they won no less than seven All-Ireland titles. Five of his sons played hurling, the most notable being Jack who was on the Kilkenny team that won the 1939 All Ireland nal. e following three house were occupied by Lynch’s, Hogan’s and Buggy’s. Dick Buggy was chau eur to Bishop Collier. Ned Buggy has been a very prominent member of Kilkenny GAA for many years.

Joe Carroll, another resident on this side was well known in the theatre and was a local historian. He published ‘A guide to Kilkenny’ which still serves as a reference book. He was also manager of the bottling stores further up Walkin street. In recent years Mullins butcher shop moved to this side of the street from across the road. Ray Cody lived here since the 1960’s farther up the street. ere is a very well-known popular chip shop called ‘Breda’s Chipper.’ e Morrissey family have had a very successful business premises at the corner of Friary Street and New street for many years. e family had a bakery for some years and were involved in politics.

Moving to the right hand side of the street (from High street up Friary street) Liptons (later the L&N supermarket) and Lenehans had a shop on the corner. Pauls now occupy the premises. e Vogue clothes shop was owned by omas Murphy from the Woolen Hall is now part of Pauls premises.

Next was Joe Egan’s Delph shop. As well as selling delph, he would hire out delph for large social functions and gatherings such as threshing. Kenna’s butcher shop, opened in 1932, now occupy Egans shop and have a very successful business. Andrew Ryan’s public house was next and Billy Burke had a private house next door. Rafter Dempsey’s public house had been Tynan’s bar and grocery. e premises that had been demolished to make the Friary street car park include O’Kee e’s hardware, Jimmy Allen plumbers and Joe Burke blacksmith. Other houses were occupied by Frank Flood, Paddy Lysaght, Jimmy Dunne and Jenny Lee. Following those were two alms houses organised by the Capuchin Friars. e Flood-Morrissey family lived in the corner house, adjoining Garden Row and dealt in antiques. e Lawlor family lived at the opposite corner of Garden Row. Mr Lawlor was the manager of e Regent Cinema. Occupants further up the street were Boyles and Tom, a member of that family was secretary of Kilkenny County Council and author of its history.

Other residents were Hennessy’s, Doyle’s (Mrs. Doyle was a piano teacher) Milo Butler, who was a builder and local councillor, Kiely’s and Armstrongs. A hairdressers now occupies the premises that previously housed Mullins Butchers. Ritchie Moore ran a very successful fuel yard. Jack Moore had been a second hand dealer for many years. Mullins butchers used the abattoir next door to the fuel yard. e Ryan family had a very successful bakery here for many years, with their bread and blas having a very good reputation. Tom Ryan succeeded his father Jack and they also ran a sweet shop here. Tom’s son Paddy was a very successful manager of the L&N and later became manager of e Market Cross shopping centre. e Devane family lived next door. e large premises at the corner of Friary Street and Parnell street is owned by the Doherty family, they have been here for generations. e public house was previously owned by Hacketts.

Coal man for forty years, Richie Moore pictured prior to his retirement at Moore’s fuel yard. (photo: jbs photos Kilkenny) Kenna’s butcher shop, opened in 1932, and continues to be a hugely successful business.

Picture shows

Paddy in the centre with his sons Michael and John . (photo: jbs photos Kilkenny) Friary Street resident Joseph O’Carroll (extreme right, back row) in a production of ‘The Quaker Girl’; produced by St Marys. Choral Society at Stallard theatre in 1956. Also in the photo: (Back) Peter Farrelly, Cora Broderick, William Brennan, Siobhán Dowling, and Marie O’Neill. (photo with thanks to Peter Farrelly’s book ‘600years of Theatre in Kilkenny’)

Carrying on a tradition, Matt Gargan of Gargan Sculptors at work at Friary Street. (photo: jbs photos Kilkenny)

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LUKE Parsons Hair Salon is a 5 star boutique style salon located on Friary Street just metres o Kilkenny’s bustling High Street, where a highly skilled team awaits all your hair and beauty needs. Stockists of high-end products like Matrix, Morroccan oil and Nioxin to o er you a luxury experience. 2021 sees the salon emerge from Covid-19 lockdown with a renewed hunger to create the best experience and amazing hair for their loyal customer base. e salon is thriving and run by creative director and local Luke Parsons who has been working in the hairdressing industry for 15 years with a huge passion for his craft. Over the years Luke noticed the need for a wig specialist and hairloss service and decided it was time to gain knowledge and upskilled to be able to provide these services for clients at his salon. Luke o ers a bespoke wig tting service. Also custom made pieces for alopecia etc. Contact us in the utmost con dence to arrange a private consultation. HSE funding available. Please contact our Front of House to arrange a free consultation.

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Kitty Drohan - a woman of vision and vitality

BY GER CODY

MANY people reading this will be of the opinion that the history of theatre in Kilkenny rests within the walls of such venues as e Set, Cleeres, e Watergate and e Hole in the Wall. Not so. ere were three or four others. For today, we will focus on e Friary Hall, which was the home to

Musicals, eatre, Tops of e Town, Feis Ceoil and a myriad of other forms of entertainment. And while it may not have been synonymous with comfort, it had that one ingredient that mattered. Soul.

A DEDICATED CREW KEPT THEATRE ALIVE

ere are many reasons why musical theatre is so strong in Kilkenny. Equally, there are many people to whom our thanks should go to for carrying the musical baton down through the years. We remember Fr Con Sherin, St Mary’s choral society, those who performed on an amateur basis year in year out, the front of house and backstage crew who volunteered, and many more. In recent years the local Kilkenny Musical Society have produced some wonderful shows. How many of the current members know about the people who founded the society and those who ensured its survival? Not many I would suggest. at, however is life. Time and tide etc. Time and Tide.

BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS

ere was one couple who put body and soul into local musicals. Blood sweat and tears would probably be closer to the truth. Kitty and Maunsell Drohan must take a special place for their unsel sh promotion and dedication to music in general and the local musical society in particular.

Kitty, along with Donal O Brien founded the society in 1974, and the rest as they say is history. While Kitty was almost the resident director of shows staged at the Friary Hall from 1974, Maunsell took charge of all things technical. ere were times when you would be forgiven for thinking Maunsell had left the room as he was so quiet. ‘A man with a tam’ who put the head down and got on with the work. Considering the very basic equipment he had, it was nothing short of miraculous to see what he produced. I know little of the man, but that he was intelligent and well-read was never in doubt. A sort of a Google before it was invented. He lit shows (and his beloved pipe) to a quality that was brilliant.

When, as often happened, things broke down, Maunsell, with no fuss tied a thing to a yoke and saved the day. A MacGyver type.

NO SHORTAGE OF ENERGY

Kitty was the go to theatre person in Kilkenny. Space does not allow to tell of her work with other societies, schools and a hundred and one di erent groups. She gave and then gave some more. When you thought her tank was empty she went up another gear. Suf ce to say that they both left a wonderful mark on musical theatre in the city. Many people walked various stages in this County and beyond thanks to the energy, vitality and vision of Kitty Drohan, aided by Maunsell. Whenever a musical was staged at e Friary Hall, it was the highlight of the theatrical year.

e Friary Street Ambush: 1921

ON February 21st, 1921, three man lost their lives in what has become known as ‘ e Friary Street Ambush’. Two of those were members of the local IRA. e plaque which is positioned at the junction of Pennyfeather lane and Friary Street reads as follows. ‘At this spot, Capt. omas Hennessy and Michael Dermody (NCO), two brave soldiers of e Irish Republican army, gave their lives ithe cause of Irish Freedom on February 21st 1921, during the War of Independence.

To perpetuate their memories, this plaque was erected by the members of the 1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade I.R.A.’

INNOCENT PASSER BY e third person to die was a local Council worker called Thomas Dullard, who was an innocent bystander.

100 YEARS LATER

One hundred years to the day, in 2021, e First Battalion of the Kilkenny Brigade re-enactment group, laid wreaths to remember all three who died. Having rst called to St Patricks graveyard, where they laid a wreath on the grave of omas Dullard, the small group then travelled to Friary Street, where those who lost their lives were remembered. Fr Dan Carroll said a

prayer at the site, and following a few words from Commandant Larry Scallan, a minutes silence was held.