46 minute read
Travel & Leisure
A lot of Irish tourists who visit New York City to see family or just explore the Big Apple expect to pay a little more for things in the city that never sleeps. And most travellers have at least one story where they have paid a ridiculous amount of money for a stale sandwich or watered-down cocktail at an airport. But $27 beer is apparently where New York authorities are now drawing the line. e agency that oversees the three major New York City area airports is cracking down on sky-high prices being charged for food and drinks. An investigation by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PA), which has oversight over Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and NewarkLiberty (EWR) airports, found that some beer and food in the terminals was being sold to travellers at “totally indefensible” prices.
How egregious were some of the prices being charged? How about $27.85 for a Sam Adams Summer Ale Draught? Or $11 for an order of french fries or $4 for a small orange juice? e PA’s o ce of Inspector General launched a monthslong investigation into the alleged price gouging. e agency’s report concluded that the vendor OTG violated street pricing policy by erroneously adding a surcharge to an already in ated base price. OTG handles concessions at the three NYC-area airports as well as at hundreds of other airports across the US. e Port Authority now says it has implemented new pricing standards for concessions at the three New York/New Jersey airports that sets a cap for food and drink prices at what are described as local “street prices.” e new policy allows for a maximum surcharge of 10% that can be added. Part of the problem, the agency said, was that the previous street-pricing policy was not speci c enough in its instructions to vendors. e revisions presumably address that issue.
Advertisement
“All airport customers should rightly expect that policies which limit the pricing of food and beverages at concessions will be followed and enforced,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said in a statement. “Nobody should have to fork over such an exorbitant amount for a beer. e Aviation Department’s new compliance and enforcement measures announced today make it crystal clear that all prices at concessions will be routinely monitored to ensure they are aligned with the regional marketplace.”
In addition to price caps, airport concessionaires must also o er less expensive food and drink options to customers.
All of this began with a viral tweet back in July 2021 from a customer who couldn’t believe the beer prices inside LaGuardia Airport.
Not long after that, New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., also called out the obscene prices for concessions at Newark-Liberty airport. Payne, who represents New Jersey’s 10th district, said $11 french fries and $20 beers were an insult to travellers.
“Simply put: travel is stressful enough,” Payne wrote in a letter he co-authored with other lawmakers to the Port Authority. “Being bamboozled at the bar for a bottle of beer is no way for our region to greet or wave goodbye to our neighbours.”
e Port Authority encourages anyone who travels through one of the area’s three big airports to report any suspected price gouging by alerting the agency’s social media channels. In other words: If you see something, say something.
Meanwhile, if planning to city New York City for the time here is some advice on making the most of itheck out the views from the top of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory. Take yourself on a museum crawl, starting at e Metropolitan Museum of Art on the northeastern edge of Central Park. en, make your way north several blocks to the Guggenheim Museum and eventually to the Museum of the City of New York, one of the best places to learn about the Big Apple’s history.
Go to Chinatown for dim sum and to Little Italy for cannoli. Head to a jazz club in Harlem, check out the independent artist galleries that dot Chelsea, shop along Fifth Avenue, and pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty.
You could spend an entire day in Central Park alone, checking out its zoo, carousel, lakes, and ice rink. A number of gardens and meadows make for excellent peoplewatching and host impromptu musical performances on nice days. Traveling in the summer? Make sure to check the schedule for Shakespeare in the Park.
Doolin Ferry Co. ‘Cruise Company of the Year Ireland’, has set sail for the summer season, with their state-ofthe-art ferries operating once again from Doolin Pier to the Aran Islands. Passengers can also opt to board a Cli s of Moher cruise, or the thrilling Seafari experience, which was introduced in 2021.
With the popularity of the Aran Islands continuing to increase year-on-year, the family-run business now o ers up to 20 sailings per day between Inis Óirr, Inis Mór and Inis Meáin.
As a top destination in the West of Ireland, the Aran Islands o er visitors the chance to step back in time and experience Irish culture in its truest and most traditional forms. For families, friends and couples, a trip with Doolin Ferry Co. to the Aran Islands is a day-trip unlike any other where a variety of exciting activities await across the three picturesque island locations. Island’), Inis Mór is the most popular and most visited of the islands. With green owing elds and traditional stone walls, Inis Mór lives up to the romantic image that most will have dreamed up when planning their trip. Upon arriving, visitors can choose to explore the island by bike, by foot, by minibus or by pony and trap.
Adventure seekers can opt to scuba dive, swim, hike, or explore the rugged terrain in a Land Rover Defender jeep on a guided tour. Inis Mór also has lots for foodies to enjoy, including the delicious Aran Goat Cheese, made by local artisan producer Gabriel Faherty. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled for the Inis Mór seal colony and the beautiful wild swans a truly a treat for the eyes!
With the fastest operating ferry eet from Doolin, Doolin Ferry Co. will get you to Inis Oírr in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect location for a half or full day visit, and in particular for families. e welcome to Inis Oírr could not be more scenic, with a beautiful white sandy beach and a great view of O’Brien’s Castle just beyond it. Families will love the newly built playground on the island, which is also home to picnic benches - perfect for lunch in the sun!
Explorers will be kept busy with holy wells, ancient ruins, the Áras Éanna cultural centre and the Fardurris Point lighthouse awaiting them. is island is particularly popular amongst Father Ted fans, thanks to the Plassey Shipwreck, with the annual ‘Tedfest’ taking place on Inis Oírr every February.
For history bu s and walking enthusiasts, Inis Meáin will be a dream come true. As there are not many tours available on the island, those that visit should be prepared to explore the island by walking, hiking or biking. Inis Meáin is home to two stunning beaches, both of which are ideal for swimming, relaxing or picnicking.
As a well-known and famous retreat for many writers, artists and poets, this island is full to the brim with culture, one such site is JM Synge’s cottage, where many of his classics were written. History lovers will enjoy wandering around the famous fort ruins of the island, Dun Chonchuir and Dun Fearbhai, both of which were built in the bronze or iron ages.
Moves to stop over-pricing at New York airports
Getting the best out of the Big Apple
Meanwhile, if planning to city New York City for the time here is some advice on making the most of itheck out the views from the top of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory. Take yourself on a museum crawl, starting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the northeastern edge of Central Park. Then, make your way north several blocks to the Guggenheim Museum and eventually to the Museum of the City of New York, one of the best places to learn about the Big Apple’s history.
Go to Chinatown for dim sum and to Little Italy for cannoli. Head to a jazz club in Harlem, check out the independent artist galleries that dot Chelsea, shop along Fifth Avenue, and pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty.
You could spend an entire day in Central Park alone, checking out its zoo, carousel, lakes, and ice rink. A number of gardens and meadows make for excellent people-watching and host impromptu musical performances on nice days. Traveling in the summer? Make sure to check the schedule for Shakespeare in the Park.
Explore the Aran Islands this summer
* Ticket prices for Aran Islands sailings with Doolin Ferry Co. range from €6 one way / inter island and from €18 return. Find out more about ticket prices and sailing times here. Visitors can book ferry tickets by phoning 065 707 5555 or online at www.doolinferry. com
The story of the Leadville Irish Memorial
Leadville, Colorado, at 10,200 Feet in Elevation, is the highest town in North America. It’s also the site of the largest and most politically important Irish immigrant community in the Rocky Mountain West, consisting of approximately 20% of the population during the early 1880s. is working class immigrant community occupied the most di cult jobs, struggled unsuccessfully to improve their working conditions, many died very young from harsh winters, sickness, mining accidents, and epidemics. e Catholic Free section of Leadville’s Evergreen Cemetery holds the remains of thousands of Irish immigrants, buried in sunken, unmarked graves. e average age of death was twenty-three and nearly half of them are children. Today, a major memorial to these 19th century Irish immigrants is under construction, naming those in the unmarked graves and standing as a visual reminder of the human toll that industrial labour took on Irish immigrant communities across North America.
Jim Walsh is an historian and researcher at Colorado University in Denver. When he was working on his doctoral thesis, he decided to focus on the Irish in Colorado.
Following a visit to a local graveyard in Leadville, his life was about to change forever.
In a section that is recognisable by what looks like snowdrifts, are 1,400 people, of di erent denominations, whose stories of trial and triumph had been lost to time. at was until Professor Walsh came upon them. e City of Leadville is a former silver mining town that lies among the headwaters of the Arkansas River within the Rocky Mountains. In the late 19th century, Leadville was the second most populous city in Colorado, after Denver.
Mining in the Leadville area began in 1859 when prospectors discovered gold at the mouth of California Gulch.
In 1876, black sand, once considered bothersome to placer gold miners, was discovered to contain lead carbonates, leading to a rush of miners to the area and the founding of the town in 1877. By 1880, Leadville was one of the world’s largest and richest silver camps, with a population of
Unmarked pauper graves in Colorado traced to emigrants from Castlecomer and surrounding areas
more than 15,000.
However, e Kilkenny Observer wishes to concentrate on Leadville for a di erent reason.
Professor Walsh has spent nearly two decades unearthing the stories of the people in those sunken graves, the people who made it out of Leadville and on to places like California or Montana, and the history of Leadville during the silver boom of the late 1800’s. e graves, discovered by Jim, belong to people who were too poor to be buried in a di erent section or with a headstone. Walsh found their names and ages, thanks to Church records. He discovered the average age of the people in the pine boxes was 23 years old, and half of them were children under 12.
Based on their surnames, he was able to determine that 70 percent were from Ireland. e Irish ed Ireland in the second half of the 19th century rst because of the potato famine in the 1840s and 50s.
“ ey arrived hungry and desperate and unskilled and uneducated and were ostracized,” Walsh said. “Many ed to places like Leadville because they knew there was a job here for them.” is amazing story caught the attention of Castlecomer man Donie O’Neill.
Researching the story for himself, Donie discovered that of the hundreds of people, now buried in the Leadville cemetery, some graves hold bodies that came from the North Kilkenny village of Castlecomer and surrounding areas.
ASSISTED EMIGRATION
Immigrants came to the U.S in co n ships, a name given because of how many people never made it to their destination.
Donie recounts stories of coaches running from ‘Comer to Carlow with over
Evergreen Cemetery in Leadville, Colorado. The landscape was designed by Barnabas Kane and the sculpture in the center was designed by Terry Brennan.( Courtesy of Irish Network Colorado) This memorial currently being developed recognizes the Irish community buried in unmarked, sunken graves in the Catholic Pauper section of Evergreen Cemetery, most of whom were Irish immigrants
James Walsh, UCD assistant professor in history and political science, has been a driving force behind the creation of Leadville’s Irish Miners Memorial. Photographed June 3, 2021. (Hart Van Denburg/CPR News)
thirty people on board. ese people were sometimes on their last legs and would have travelled in rags, such was the poverty they were enduring.
Donie has been researching those from North Kilkenny who made that incredible journey that brought them from e Castlecomer Coalmining village to America and Canada. Some to the Silver mines of Leadville.
Names such as Boyle, Brennan, Brophy, Carthy, Connors, O’Neill, Delaney, Flynn, Dillon, Lynch, Meally, and Walsh. e list runs to hundreds.
And was there any incentive for them to go we queried of Donie?
“Well, apart from sheer poverty, it would be best described as assistant emigration”, said Donie.
A number of assisted emigration schemes were available for those who could not a ord to emigrate. Between 1856 and 1906 the Irish Poor Law Boards of Guardians nanced the emigration of about 25,000 paupers, primarily to the United States and Canada.
MEMORIAL TO THE FORGOTTEN DEAD
Donie is delighted to report that thanks to the work of Jim Walsh and his committee a memorial is being planned with an unveiling hoped for in September of this year.
Irish Ambassador to America, Dan Mulhall visited Leadville in May and spoke on the site of a new memorial which will recall the thousands of Irish who died in the city’s silver mines in the late 19th century. e new memorial will recall the names of the Leadville Irish.
Speaking ahead of his visit to Leadville Ambassador Mulhall said:
“ e Leadville Irish were among the earliest Irish in Colorado and the western US. rough hard work in extreme working and weather conditions, many prospered, but so many also died in a remote location, far from family and loved ones, and lay forgotten until recently. I am delighted that the new memorial will name and remember those Irish who lie in Leadville and give them the dignity they deserve, and highlight to future generations the history of Irish in Colorado and the western US.
In the centre of the Evergreen Cemetery will be a memorial. A spiral pathway will lead to the top of a mound where a sculpture will sit. It’s reminiscent of ancient Irish burial mounds. e names of each person in the plots will be carved into glass walls or onto plaques.
“ e sorrow of that journey is lost. It was so traumatic that it was not passed on in oral tradition. “So this Memorial is pausing that narrative for just an instant, to turn around and just look at from whence we’ve come and that o ers us our humanity back, maybe.”
Anxious to spread the news and indeed the history of the Irish who travelled to Colorado in the 1800’s, Jim Walsh is undertaking a tour of Ireland to impart his knowledge.
One of the venues will be the Library in Castlecomer on June 7th at 6.30pm.
Booking to attend this talk can be made by phoning the library on 0564440561
Leadville and Mount Massive, Colrado. Famous Little Johnny Mine in the foreground Miners in Colorado circa 1889
Biden looks to Ireland to solve baby formula crisis
President Joe Biden has signalled increased imports of infant formula from Ireland as families in the US struggle to access the product amid a nationwide shortage.
Industry sources have said major infant formula manufacturer Abbot has looked to its facility in Ireland in a bid to ramp up supplies, with the company understood to be ying the product to the US to reduce shipping times. e US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will announce new steps in the coming days regarding importing certain infant formula products from abroad, the White House said, and Biden has asked the Federal Trade Commission to probe reports of predatory conduct such as price gouging.
US formula shortages because of a factory being taken o ine have been compounded by supply chain snags and historic in ation, leaving about 40pc of baby formula products out of stock nationwide, according to data rm Datasembly.
Ireland produces around 12% of global infant formula exports, providing a vital channel for the utilisation of its dairy ingredients (skim milk, milk and whey protein ingredients and lactose). e US market has increasingly become a vital destination for the Irish dairy industry with exports reaching €359m in 2020, more than doubling the value over the last ve years and contributing almost 16pc to Ireland’s total growth in dairy exports in the same period. e surge in demand comes as farm gate milk prices here reach look set to reach record highs, with both Lakeland Diaries and Glanbia Ireland announcing price increases for April.
Tight supplies of formula in the US dwindled further after Abbott Laboratories in February recalled Similac and other baby formula made at its Michigan, plant following consumer complaints of bacterial contamination. e FDA later cited ve bacterial infections reported in babies given the company’s formula, including two deaths.
Abbott, the biggest US supplier of milk formula, said tests showed one bacteria strain found in the facility was not linked to any known infant illnesses, although it was updating its cleaning and related protocols.
Another €100 fuel aid won’t help in long run: Funchion
e news that the Government will provide an additional €100 payment to Fuel Allowance recipients from this week has been cautiously welcomed by Sinn Fein TD Kathleen Funchion but she said: “Any additional measure to support households in Kilkenny is welcome at this time, but the announced payment will only provide relief to a very limited number of households.
“Many workers and families in Kilkenny are seriously struggling to make ends meet, and they are excluded from receiving an additional payment for energy costs.
“Yet again there are no measures to support these households, despite soaring household energy costs a ecting homes everywhere,” the Kilkenny TD said.
“ at is why Sinn Féin called for the establishment of a Discretionary Fund to assist households, including those who are locked out of the Fuel Allowance, with utility debt.
“ is call is reiterated by the Society of St Vincent de Paul who, like us, do not agree that the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) is enough.
“Minister Humphreys has pointed to the ENP for households who are struggling, but the payment is available in only some circumstances through local Community Welfare O cers.
“We have made this point to Minister Humphreys repeatedly that the ENP is not a catch-all solution for those who are struggling with energy costs and who are locked out of the Fuel Allowance.”
Ms Funchion said her of ce in Kilkenny was inundated with constituents who are really struggling to make ends meet but were refused nancial assistance through the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP). ey desperately needed help with the most basic necessities, like their home heating oil.
“Supports like the ENP need to be exible. However, cases like this show exactly why we are not con dent it is enough to support families and workers,” the TD said.
“ e Government have also refused to provide support to households who rely on home heating oil, the cost of which has increased by €1000 in the last year and continues to rise.
“ e majority of households in Kilkenny use home heating oil and e ectively have been ignored as part of measures brought forward in relation to the cost of living crisis.
“Added to that, the Government have proceeded with the Carbon Tax increase earlier this month, which will further increase the cost of home heating oil for those households that rely on it,” she said.
Fundraising event for Irish cancer society
After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the Relay for Life organising committee’s fundraising initiative on behalf of e Irish Cancer Society is returning to the Rugby Club on July 2 and 3.
Cervical smear campaigner Vicky Phelan is the event’s ambassador and although unable to o er her support in person the committee is honoured to have her on board, according to a spokesperson.
e spokesperson said: “We want to remind the people who have been so supportive of this event since it was introduced to Kilkenny a decade ago, that we are back with a bang.”
Mayor McGuiness will be in attendance as well as Relay for Life VIPs, survivors, sponsors and team captains. e Rugby Club will host the launch at 7.30pm on this Friday, May 20.
All are welcome.
Well done: Ciara Ryan from St Brigid’s College a national finalist in SEP Junior Category
Kilkenny fares well in Student Enterprise awards
e National Finalists for the Student Enterprise Programme has taken place at e Helix in Dublin. e Local Enterprise O ce initiative, now in its 20th year, has seen more than 300,000 secondary students complete Ireland’s largest enterprise programme since it began. ere was a good spread across the country with 11 counties in total, including Kilkenny, having schools included in the Top 5 Finalists across the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories.
Ciara Ryan from St Brigid’s College successfully reached the nal stages of the Junior Category, with her business ‘Sew Stylish’ which creates uniquely designed multifunctional hair scrunchies with a discrete zip pocket that can be used to hide/store money, lip gloss or keys, but can also still be used to tie your hair up.
In the Intermediate category, twin brothers Adam and Liam Doyle, from Coláiste Éamann Rís with their painting service business ‘Twin Painters’ represented Kilkenny.
e programme also had two additional categories that students could enter. ese were the ‘Most Creative Business Idea’ video competition for the Senior category and the ‘My Entrepreneurial Journey’ category for the Junior and Intermediate categories. Ned O’Meara also from Clouts Éamann Rís was announced the overall national winner in the Intermediate category of ‘My Entrepreneurial Journey’. Also, congratulations to our nalist Saoirse Walsh who received 2nd place in the Junior category of ‘My Entrepreneurial Journey Competition’.
Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty, Kilkenny County Council said: “ is is the 20th year of the Student Enterprise Programme and there have been some amazing ideas from across the county. While not all have made it to the national nal, they can be very proud of what they have achieved. e experience of being involved in the programme will stand with them forever and maybe someday in the future will light the spark of entrepreneurship.”
EU global move on AI ‘good for Ireland’
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has said the EU’s determination to become a global leader in Arti cial Intelligence (AI) is good news for Ireland. e European Parliament has voted in favour of a roadmap that seeks to set clear AI standards and push investment and research.
It is part of the EU’s proposed AI Act, the rst law of its kind by any major regulator.
Having spoken on the matter in Parliament, MEP Clune said: “Arti cial Intelligence has huge potential bene ts for our society and economy.
From phone apps and voice recognition to Covid-19 vaccines, it is already shaping people’s lives.”
Ms Clune said leading companies had been conducting AI research in Ireland for more than 25 years, but the EU was facing challenges as it continued to compete with the US and China in this technology.
“We now have an opportunity to shape the future of arti cial intelligence, based on our core European ethical standards.
“ ese programmes must be trustworthy, with human oversight and strong regulatory bodies.”
She said the proposed AI rules would bring legal certainty across the EU and address the problem of market fragmentation.
“Clear regulations will help cross-border funding and data exchange, boosting Ireland’s capacity to attract AI investment, talent and innovation,” Ms Clune said.
Troys Court - For independent living
Free hearing aids - how does that sound to you?
WHERE cost may previously have been a barrier to treating hearing loss for individuals, Audiology Medical Services - one of Ireland’s leading independent audiology specialists – are now in a position to o er ‘Free Hearing Tests’ and ‘Free Hearing Aids’, up to a value of €1,000, to any person that is eligible under the PRSI Treatment Bene t Scheme.
More people than ever are now eligible including those who are employed, selfemployed, and retired once you or your spouse / civil partner have the required PRSI contributions. Medical Card holders may also be eligible for the grant.
Audiology Medical Services Audiology Medical Services can check your eligibility can check your eligibility today and provide today and provide personalised, expert personalised, expert advice to nd the advice to nd the right device for you.
To book an appointment in any of their nationwide clinics, including clinics, including Ayr eld Medical Ayr eld Medical Centre in Kilkenny, Centre in Kilkenny, freephone 1800 freephone 1800 501 501 or visit
www.audiology www.audiology medicalservices. medicalservices. ie
TROY’S Court consists of 20 independent living units, providing accommodation for persons, who are independent or have low dependency care needs. In addition to the units, the complex has a day care centre, communal dining room, kitchen, laundrette, assisted bathrooms, toilets, a treatment room and an oratory. e emphasis at Troy’s Court is on independent living, in a safe and secure communal environment. Support services to residents comprise of a daily 4 course meal, laundry service including ironing, assistance with light housekeeping, daily collection of refuse and recycling, all included in the weekly rental charge.
A day centre for the elderly of the Parish operates Monday to ursday each week, with a nurse and care-assistant in attendance. A social gathering of parishioners, who come to enjoy activities such as bingo, cards, music, art & crafts and exercise classes. A 4 course meal is also provided.
In addition, with the help of volunteer drivers, a home dinner delivery service is available for a small fee, 7 days per week to parishioners of the surrounding areas. e Priests of the Parish celebrate weekly mass every Tuesday in St Canice’s Parish Homes.
Admission to Troy’s Court is by way of application and a waiting list applies. e main source of funding is the rental payment from residents, a small contribution from the Health Service Executive and fees collected from day care & home dinner delivery service.
Small fund raising activities such as Church Gate Collections, street collection and the goodwill of parishioners are also most important.
Troy’s Court provides employment for a 11 part-time sta . e Kilkenny Carers Support Services, under the auspices of the Department of Social Protection Community Employment Scheme (FAS), provide further personnel. Volunteers are always welcome to help out at Troy’s Court. e Manager Ms Frances Gilligan reports to the Board of Directors, who voluntarily give of their services.
How I improve my eyesight naturally
CLAIR WHITTY
LOOKING after my eyesight has been on my mind as I have noticed changes in my vision. I get regular check-ups so I know everything is ok medically. However, I have started to squint and frown more, in particular when reading or on the computer. My eyes are de nitely getting tired more easily. Now they water if I overstrain them, wow, that makes me feel old! I suppose at 57 it’s pretty normal wear and tear on the eyes.
I have to admit that it has gotten me thinking about looking after my eyes and adding in a supplement to help look after them as best I can. My main objective is to protect my eyes from macular degeneration and from further deterioration and loss of vision.
I had a look at the supplements on o er at our store and I decided on Irish Brand One Nutrition Macu Complete. It contains a nice mixture of 12 important nutrients which contribute to the maintenance of normal vision. Including omega 3 from Algae oil to nourish the eyes. It contains Meso-zeaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, and Lutein which I have read a lot about for optimal eye health. As well as a mix of carotenoids including lycopene which have bene ts to eye health and may help protect them from blue light damage. It contains 25mg of Grapeseed extract, I have seen research on this showing powerful antioxidant bene ts. e Macu Complete ingredient combination includes Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin B2 which contribute to the maintenance of normal vision. Supporting my eye health now may help slow the development of macular degeneration and oxidative damage to the lens thereby helping prevent cataract formation.
Like other parts of our body our eyes will bene t from a healthy diet. Foods rich in antioxidants like brightly coloured fruit and dark green leafy vegetables. Oily sh for their omega 3 essential fatty acids. ese fatty acids are important to the health of the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. It will be important to keep alcohol and saturated fats to a minimum as they can be harmful to the macula and can cause deposits that can constrict blood ow to the arteries.
I will let you know how I get on with Irish Brand One Nutrition Macu Complete.
Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie Shop online www.naturalhealthstore.ie
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre where fashion has no age limit…
MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre has proudly been recognised as Ireland’s rst Age Friendly Shopping Centre since October 2016. e team at the shopping centre believes that the ageing population represents a considerable demographic for Irish businesses and so, have implemented changes to enhance the Centre for their older customers including: • Dedicated age friendly parking spaces • Dedicated mall seating • Reading glasses in participating stores • Dementia awareness training programme • Free wheelchair loan service In addition, the Centre has implemented a discount scheme for over 60’s on Wednesday mornings until noon. Customers should avail of this scheme by registering at the Customer Service Desk which will allow them to enjoy discounted rates at participating stores. e Centre has long established itself a user-friendly space, with their dedicated baby feeding room, free WiFi, play areas, height adjustable changing bench, autism friendly shopping hours and dedicated autism car parking spaces. Most recently the Centre launched the Hidden Disabilities Sun ower program. e aim of this new initiative is to continue to ensure a more inclusive shopping experience by discreetly providing additional support to those who may need it. By simply wearing the hidden disabilities sun ower Centre sta can identify if a person may require some extra help, time, or assistance. For more information on this scheme or to avail of the Hidden Disabilities lanyard please contact the Customer Service Desk.
Ireland’s most trusted alarm system
FEELING safe and comfortable in our homes is essential. We all deserve the right to be worry free when we hear a knock at the door, a rustling noise in the garden, the honk of a car, but we can’t help wondering what or who it is. ankfully most of the time it’s a friendly neighbour but at PhoneWatch we want to put your mind at ease. We give you peace of mind by being fully in control of your home when you’re inside and outside, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.
PhoneWatch’s award-winning, 24/7 monitored home security is a system you can trust, with over 30 years of experience and an average 22 seconds response rate, you’ll know your home is fully protected with us, 24/7.
We can all ensure we’re more secure by following simple but e ective safety tips, such as the below.
Safety tips for you: 1. Always lock your doors, even when you’re at home. 2. Don’t leave windows opened when you’re away, even for a short time
period. 3. Leave a light on when you’re away. To be energy e cient, you can use our smart plugs and set on a timer. 4. Ask a neighbour to bring in your post and bins, so it doesn’t look like you’re away for long. 5. Always arm your alarm at night and when you’re away. 6. If you have a garden and are going away, cut the grass before you leave.
PhoneWatch safe guards you against burglary, re and leakage emergencies that may happen. We tailor our o ering to suits your needs, as we know every home is di erent but staying protected always remains the same priority for everyone. We even have key tags to give family members and friends access to your home as you wish, as we all love to see a friendly and familiar face at our doors.
Our skilled local professionals are always there to o er our customers free call outs, free technical service and free personal support. For further details and a personalised quote call us on (01) 912 8916 or visit www. phonewatch.ie to request a call back.
Are you missing a tooth?
AWARD-winning dental group, Pembroke Dental are now accepting new patients for dentures, dental implants and periodontal therapy in their state-of-the-art Kilkenny clinic. eir Specialist Dentists are highly quali ed in restoring and replacing missing teeth in a conservative manner. ey o er state of the art dental implants to replace missing teeth using permanent crowns that replicate the appearance of your original teeth. Implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth in order to correct the problem of missing teeth, while also boosting your self-esteem and enhancing your smile.
Dental Implants
Although dental implants are more costly than a bridge or a denture, they are a long-term investment for anyone wanting to replace missing or non-functioning teeth. Implant Specialist, Dr. Sinead Allis explains: “An implant is the closest thing currently available to a likefor-like tooth replacement. I expect a success rate of more than 90%. Implants can last for a lifetime if a patient’s dental hygiene routine remains good.” Implant consultations with Dr. Allis can be made by calling the Patient Care Team on 0818 211 211. During an Implant Consultation, Dr. Allis will examine your medical history, carry out an assessment of your teeth and gums and guide you as to what she believes is in your best dental interests.
Treatment of Gums
Pembroke Dental’s Periodontist, Dr. Carlos Castillo who specialises in the treatment of gum problems as well as implant dentistry alongside Dr. Allis, is also based in the Kilkenny clinic. Dr. Castillo is a dentist who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and the treatment of oral in ammation.
Dr. Carlos Castillo has moved to Ireland after over 8 years working as a Specialist Dentist in Spain. He is currently o ering periodontal and implant consultations two days a week in the Kilkenny practice.
Learn More
Pembroke Dental are welcoming new and existing patients to their practice and o er both early morning and late evening appointments for your convenience. eir clinic is located in Provincial House, Patrick Street, Co. Kilkenny. Visit www.pembrokedental.ie to learn more.
are more costly than a bridge or a denture, they are a long-term investment for anyone wanting to replace missing or non-functioning teeth. Specialist, Dr. Sinead Allis explains: “An implant is the closest thing currently available your medical history, carry out an assessment of your teeth and gums and guide you as to what she believes is in your best dental interests.
Treatment of Gums
Pembroke Dental’s Periodontist, Dr. Carlos Castillo who specialises in the treatment of gum problems as well as
Review of Journey’s End by Colm Keane
WHAT happens when we die? It’s a question all of us wanted answered and that the world’s religions have attempted to resolve since the dawn of time.
Colm Keane, author of thirty previous books, including several on the subject of Near Death Experiences (NDEs), tackles this great mystery in his latest book Journey’s End.
His books on NDEs had already o ered considerable evidence that consciousness can survive independently of the physical body. He recounted hundreds of cases involving Irish people who had been revived after being declared clinically “dead”, and who went on to describe how they entered a heavenly realm and met deceased loved ones and family pets, or found themselves oating above their hospital beds or the scene of an accident, looking down nonchalantly at their prostrate bodies.
Claims that NDEs are just hallucinations or delusions brought on by trauma or drugs don’t stand up to scrutiny, he argues, especially when they happen to people whose brains have shut down in addition to their hearts stopping for the duration of the NDE, and Colm enumerated scores of such well documented cases… experiences by people from every walk of life.
Journey’s En d widens the inquiry into the possibility of human survival of death, exploring the beliefs of the various religions; how, despite their obvious and often contentious di erences and divisions they agree on the essential point that we go “elsewhere” after we draw our last breath here on earth.
It might be called Heaven, the Spirit World, Nirvana, Paradise, depending on one’s culture or religious upbringing, but whatever name we give it there is, he argues overwhelming evidence that there’s more to life than our brief spell down here.
Apart from religious belief, which is central to the lives of most people, one must also consider the countless tests conducted under the strictest “laboratory” – like conditions that revealed paranormal happenings pointing to survival. ere is Electronic Voice phenomena (EVP), the recording of voices on tape that have no explainable origin, and mediumistic messages from the “dead” that couldn’t have been obtained by fraud or trickery. e Scole Experiment, organized in the English town of that name in the early 1990s, involved mediums being observed and studied by scientists. e researchers were astounded by the accuracy of the information relayed by the test subjects concerning people that the mediums had never met and who were kept at di erent locations where the mediums couldn’t see, or hear from, them. e author also alludes to the science of Quantum Physics, which has largely relegated 19th century materialism to the scrapheap. It has given even the most hardened atheists food for thought, as it postulates the existence of other dimensions, parallel worlds, and spheres of reality beyond our narrow earthy frames of reference, breathing life back into ancient belief systems that might have been way ahead of their time in strongly emphasizing that physical death is not the end. e book deals with the copious myths and distortions that have marred the quest for information about the afterlife: how some religious teachings have frightened the living daylights out of people instead of o ering hope or con rmation of survival.
But he also points out that, from the evidence of NDEs in particular, there appears to be some form of judgment awaiting us on the “Other Side”. People who return “from the brink” recall a life review that resembled a rewinding video that showed them all the highlights of their lives, the good, the bad… what what might have been…and how their actions have a ected others.
Many NDEs have also left people with a powerful desire to change their lives for the better, to avoid causing hurt and to strive to make the world a better place.
So, whether we belong to an organized religion, are skeptical about an afterlife, or rapidly atheistic, it makes sense, the author suggests, to stay on the “path of righteousness” while we occupy these frail mortal bodies of ours.
Colm Keane made his own nal journey before this enlightening book was published, but I’m sure he’s somewhere “out there”, feeling quite pleased with the reception it’s getting from his many loyal readers and newcomers to the subject, all of them anxious to know what happens to us when our race is run…
Journeys End is published by Capel Island Books.
THE Recovery College South East and the Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board hosted a wonderful celebratory evening in Langton’s Set eatre on Wednesday 11th June.
Ten hardworking students were presented with their Certi cates on completion of the QQI Level 5 Minor Award, Personal E ectiveness and Recovery in Mental Health. ere to present the Certi cates was David He ernan, Head of Mental Health Services, South East Community Health Care. is course was based on a co-produced project between e Recovery College South East & Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board. e course was co-facilitated by Mags Lynch – Recovery Educator Facilitator, e Recovery College South East and Nicole Kenny, Facilitator, Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board.
To quote one of the participants:
“Many of us who struggle with mental health issues nd getting back into education intimidating. Learning requires discipline and focus – qualities we may struggle to develop at the best of times. We can feel pulled in opposite directions wanting to embrace the positive challenge of education, while dreading the fear of failure yet again.
Perhaps this is why the Recovery College’s QQI course worked so well, it focused on us participating as a group and drawing on our wide ranging experiences, rather than having us obsess about exams, percentages and grading.
Yes, there were assignments to be completed and deadliness to be met, however, in tackling subjects like CHIME (Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaningful & Empowerment), group dynamics, narrative/ storytelling etc. we were encouraged by the facilitators to tap into and draw on our own ‘life’s rich tapestry’.
Perhaps this is what made the learning more real and meaningful. e group contained a diversity of human experiences and it was deeply enriching to be a part of it all.
Heartfelt thanks to all involved”.
We hope that this is just the rst of many co-produced learning experiences by e Recovery College South East and the Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board.
Le : Back Row: John O’Neill, Adult Education O icer KCETB. David Dwyer, Lead Peer Educator, Recovery College South East. David He ernan, Head of Mental Health Services, S.E.C.H. Paul Cli ord, Award Recipient. Niall Ryan, Award Recipient. Mags Lynch, Recovery Education Facilitator. Siobhan O’Brien, Community Education Facilitator, KCETB. Front Row: Margaret Sweeney, Award Recipient. Clare Fitzpatrick, Co-Ordinator, Recovery College South East. Anne-Marie Burke, Award Recipient. Nicki Kenny, Tutor, KCETB.
Below: Award Recipients: Margaret Sweeney, Paul Cli ord, Niall Ryan, Anne-Marie Burke Missing from the award recipient’s photograph: Catherine Flynn, Maggie Morrissey, Deirdre Hayes Jordan, Kate Slater, Steven Cooper and John Rice.
Main entrance to castle door breached as crowds gather on Parade
Lord Ossory (James Butler) and his Wife Lady Ossory (Sybil Mildred Fellowes)
In early May 1922, nearly two months prior to the o cial beginning of the Civil War, Kilkenny anti-Treaty IRA units took over 15 buildings in Kilkenny City, most notably St Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle. In this, the nal week e Kilkenny Observer in conjunction with Cois Céim take a look at the taking of Kilkenny Castle, Lord Ossory’s response and the capture of Kilkenny prison.
Kilkenny Castle: After a night of quietness the citizens were alarmed by the resumption of hostilities on Wednesday morning. Soldiers of the regular forces attacked the Castle from various vantage points. All the city shops were closed and the streets deserted, machine gun and ri e re resounded all over the city. It was evident that all other outposts held by the Executive forces were either surrendered or evacuated, the Castle the last stronghold held by the Executive would be attacked. e Castle possessed many advantages which were not a feature of other posts held by the Irregulars. e forti cations were capable of resisting attack, and the frequent fusillade of machine gun re directed against it, made it seem unassailable. A determined onslaught was made on the Castle shortly after 8’oclock . An armoured car was placed in position and two assaults were directed against the building. e massive oak gate leading into the courtyard was rushed and to protect the invading force from attack a cordon of troops was placed across the Parade. (How the Castle was rushed) Wednesday May 03rd e castle was the last of the posts held in the city by the irregular forces of the I.R.A. was surrendered to the regular troops at 9.00 p.m. Earlier in the day the regular troops opened the assault with machine gun and ri e re. About 3 o’clock a small party of troops smashed in some panels with their ri e butts. Four soldiers rushed the entrance and called on the occupants to surrender. Machine gun re was opened
on them and one of the party was seriously wounded obliging them to retire taking their comrade with them. e attack was continued and towards 6 o’clock when the replying re became weaker the gate was again rushed. In the gate entrance three men of the regular forces were wounded by the machine gun re. Intermittent re continued until nine o’clock, when the last assault was made on the entrance. A party of troops reached the remaining barriers and an armoured car was driven through the passage into the court yard where the machine gun was trained on the windows. Parties of troops rushed forward escaping the cross re e defending Irregulars then surrendered and together with their arms, one Lewis machine gun and ammunition were taken to the military barracks. e news that the uno cial forces had capitulated quickly spread and throngs gathered on the Parade. Cheer after cheer was raised as the troops marched out of the Castle in charge of the seventeen prisoners. Many
of the irregulars had escaped through the Castle grounds. e prisoners were escorted under armed guard to the military barracks where at the directions of General Prout were provided with food. Ossory stated to the Kilkenny People. He added “during my experiences with the siege I received marked courtesy from both sides. I have been through the European war and did not mind it. But Lady Ossory has not had that experience so her nerves are somewhat upset. We leave on Friday morning for England in order that she may have a short rest. Besides the Castle apartments are open to the four winds of Heaven. But please state in the Kilkenny People that we are coming back and hope to have a happy time in the old city. If they want me to leave Kilkenny they will have to shoot me, and I don’t think any Irishman will do that, I look forward to a good time in Ireland. “ Kilkenny Prison: O.C.M Ruth, I.R.A. Barracks Parliament Street, took over Kilkenny prison on Tuesday evening. Arriving at the prison with a number of men, he demanded admission and on the gate being opened by the warden the latter was held up and the keys demanded. ese were surrendered and a guard placed in occupation of the prison. On the Friday evening a party of irregular troops from the police barracks in Parliament St. entered the bonded stores and seized forty casks of whiskey and rum and conveyed it to the prison. e matter was reported to Col. Prout who proceeded to the prison at 6.00 a.m. and informed the leader of the irregulars that unless the goods seized were returned to their rightful owners and the prison evacuated before 6.00 that evening he would take the building by force of arms. e Mayor Ald. Peter DeLoughry had been working for peace and was acting as a liaison o cer between both sections. After long negotiations he was authorised to inform Col. Comdt. Prout that the Army Executive were willing to hand over the whiskey but would not evacuate the prison. e Col. declined these terms and intimated his xed intention to attack the prison unless it was vacated. Finally the O cer in command of the prison agreed to evacuate it. Troops from G.H.Q. went into occupation , the Governor was reinstated and the whiskey retained in the prison until it is withdrawn by the traders to whom it belonged or transferred to the bonded stores in Chapel Lane.
Names of the wounded
Pte John Burke Co.Dublin thigh and leg. Pte Con Reilly Co.Dublin leg Pte Lar O’Daly Co. Dublin leg Pte. J.J.Kavanagh Dublin thigh. Pte. M O’Neill Dublin thigh. Pte Patrick Kavanagh, Dublin, leg. Pte Tom Morris, Dublin, shoulder. Pte Dan Conway, Co Tipp. Leg. Pte John Martin, shoulder. Pte. os Young, shin. Pte Michael O’Neill wounded by a dum dum bullet. All the above with the exception of O’Neill were wounded in the charge on the Castle. Four of the Executive troops were wounded. Commdt Brennan in charge at the castle was wounded in the face.
Diary of recent events in
Kilkenny: Tuesday Apr25th Kilkenny prison taken over by O.C. M.Ruth I.R.A.Barracks Parliament Street, under Four Courts Army Executive. Friday April 28th, Bonded stores taken over by same force. e same night the whiskey was removed to the prison. Saturday morning April 29th, Lt. Col. Prout O.C Dail Garrison Kilkenny Barracks issues ultimaton to the prison. Saturday evening the prison and whiskey is surrendered to Lt Col Prout. Monday May 01st. Several positions in the city occupied by Executive Forces. Tuesday May 02nd Fight begins and continues all day. Dail forces attack positions held by Executive forces. All positions surrendered or evacuated except the Castle. Wednesday May 03rd. Attack on the Castle all day, the surrender comes at 9’0 clock. Dail forces take the castle and prisoners.
J T Prout, leader of Free State forces in Kilkenny . This image is of him on main Street Carrick on Suir outside Carraig Hotel in August 1922
Prisoners in Kilkenny Barracks. They were all released on Saturday evening May 6
