Gerry Cody....P20-21, 40-41

The Woodgate sculpture and its amazing background story

The Thomas Woodgate memorial, constructed by Stapleton Engineering Kilkenny, at The Market Yard, Kilkenny

Possibly one of the sculptures that attracts most attention in Kilkenny city is that of omas Woodgate, which is situated outside e Kilkenny Courthouse at the Market Yard.

Constructed by Kilkenny Company Stapleton Engineering, the story behind the monument is intriguing. e following is a synopsis of the story of omas Woodgate.

A boy of 14, killed in the nal weeks of World War I, is commemorated with this public sculpture in Kilkenny. omas Woodgate duped recruiting o cers by claiming he was 18 and enlisted in the Royal Air Force on September 19, 1918.

He left his home in Mill Street in Callan, Co Kilkenny, to begin a journey to join his training squadron in Egypt. He sailed on the RMS Leinster steamship from Dún Laoghaire, then known as Kingstown, on October 10.

However, shortly after leaving the harbour, a German submarine attacked the ship with torpedoes and sank it. e Irish boy was one of 569 men, women and children who lost their lives in the attack. omas’s tombstone in the military cemetery in Grangegorman in Dublin stated he was 18.

His true age was revealed a century later when the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee was organising a public memorial for the 829 who lost their lives in the war who were from Co Kilkenny.

WW1 Memorial Committee chairman Donal Croghan said the ages of those who died were being included on the newly built memorial.

When omas’s age was being checked, the records in Callan parish showed he was born and baptised on New Year’s Eve 1903. e Great War memorial was unveiled in 2018. Mr Croghan said the sacri ce of Kilkenny soldiers was immense. “On a single day, seven women living in Walkin Street received news that they were widowed by the war,” he said. e monument is also dedicated to all young people who left Ireland to ght in con icts around the world and it commemorates those who lost their lives in the sinking of the RMS Leinster. omas Woodgate was son of Edward J. and Hanora Woodgate, from Mill Street in Callan, County Kilkenny. omas was the youngest Irishman of the Allied Forces to be killed by enemy re during World War One. is project was spearheaded by ‘ e Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee’ and supported by Kilkenny County Council and Martin Stapleton Engineering

Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, chair of the Joint Policing committee and John Joe Cullen of the Kilkenny Historical Re-Enactment Group raise The Irish Tri-colour at The Thomas Woodgate monument at the Court House Kilkenny

The inscription on the Woodgate plaque

CLARA SENIOR SERVICES. Clara Cairde Club and Canon Nolan Centre celebrated their 25th Birthday on Thursday 19th May in Clara Community Centre. Celebrations commenced with Mass at 12.00pm followed by presentation of certificates to Volunteers, lunch and dancing. U15s WIN Clara had a 2-12 to 3-8 win over battling John Lockes in Clara last Wednesday evening. Although backed by a strong breeze, Clara only led 1-8 to 1-4 at the interval, despite dominating possession. They had given up a so goal by dithering in defence, and a ball that should have been long cleared ended up in the Clara net. However the Clara boys started the second half with real intent and a scintillating run by Sean Byrne ended with him crossing a lovely ball to Niall McCarthy, who finished coolly to the net. When Joe Power and Eoin Corr added points the lead was out to 9 points, 2-10 to 1-4, and this game looked done and dusted. But a debatable converted penalty threw Callan a lifeline and they soon added three points to leave just a goal between the sides. Clara needed some inspiration from somewhere and it was substitute Tom Boyle that provided it with a very slick point to li the siege. Joe Power added his seventh of the day to go with his first half goal and it looked like the crisis was averted. But John Lockes concocted another goal and another point by them, which could just as easily have been a goal, had Clara clinging to a one point lead and anxious eyes on referee Colin Tobin. Thankfully he blew it up soon a er and Clara hung on for the win. Padraic Meany and Hugh Kelly were the best of the winning defence, while Orí Phelan in goals saved their bacon on more than one occasion. Eoin Corr chipped in with three lovely points from midfield while Sean Byrne, Davy Barcoe and Joe Power were the pick of the forwards. Team - Orí Phelan, Daniel Murphy, James Cody, Tom Murphy. Padraic Meany, Hugh Kelly, Daniel Ryan. Luke Lawlor, Eoin Corr 0-3. Sean Byrne, Davy Barcoe 0-1, Niall McCarthy 1-0. John Bergin, Joe Power 1-7, 0-4f, Bill Kealy. Subs used Conor Galvin, Tom Boyle 0-1. CAMOGIE Well done to Mary O Connell who played for Kilkenny seniors on Saturday as they beat Dublin in the Leinster final on a 5-11 to 0-11 scoreline. Congratulations also to the six Clara girls who received their 2021 All Ireland Minor medals at a function in the Springhill Hotel on Friday night. As well as the medals the girls also received the game jersies that they wore, presented to them by Glanbia Nutritionals CEO Brian Phelan, courtesy of Glanbia sponsorship. A great night was had by all JUNIORS LOSE Clara were comprehensively beaten by Mooncoin in a Junior C game in Clara on Sunday. Clara could only call on 13 available players so Mooncoin obliged by playing 13 aside. Mooncoin were soon into their stride and led at the break 3-6 to 0-1, the lone Clara score coming from a deflected Claire Murphy shot. Emma Corr opened the second half with a pointed free and Clara were much more competitive in this half when wind assisted. However Mooncoin still outscored them 2-3 to 0-4 and ran out 5-9 to 0-5 winners. Best for the losers were Aine McDonald, Margaret Kehoe and Emma Corr. Team - Aoife Glynn, Rachel Brickell, Aine McDonald. Margaret Kehoe, Peig Carrigan, Anna Walpole. Emma Corr, Róisín Kealy. Niamh award, Aoife Ward, Maria Shortall. Claire Murphy, Aoife Treacy.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this week’s Club Lotto (May 12th). Numbers drawn were 3, 4, 17, 22 Bonus 8. Next week’s big Prize will be €8,600 (May 17th). www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw . 1 Anne Loy. 2. Catriona Brennan c/o N Loy. 3. Sandra Murphy c/o Dan Driscoll. 4. Vicky Trehy c/ JJ Cullen. 5. Seanie Barry c/o Esther Maher. 6. Ann Massey c/o Eileen Kinchella. 7. Mary Bryan c/o JJ Cullen. 8. Mrs Jackie Smith Ralph.9. Padraig O’Neill c/o Online.10. Maria O’Shea c/o online. Thank you for your continued support PLAYER NEWS Well done to Mikey Butler and Paddy Deegan who both had great games for Kilkenny Senior Hurlers in the Leinster Champions on Saturday v Dublin. The lads are out again next Saturday v Wexford in Nowlan Park. We wish Mikey, Paddy, Huw and Conor the best of luck as they aim to secure a Leinster Final berth. Well done to Brian Dowling’s Kilkenny Camogie that won the Leinster Final last Saturday with players Laura Murphy and Danielle Quigley forming part of the panel We would also like to congratulate a host of young Gaels doing their stu with Kilkenny development squads on both Hurling and Camogie - all representing their club at the highest levels. MATCH DAY PARKING On Saturday evening the Leinster championship clash between Kilkenny and Wexford takes place at Nowlan Park. O’Loughlin Gaels GAA club on the Hebron Rd will accommodate parking and have its club facilities open. It will require all hands on deck so we can provide the safest hospitality for big match days at Nowlan Park. Thanks to everyone for their constant help and support. SUPPORT CLUB TEAMS We are currently in the thick of our adult and juvenile summer leagues. Fuxtures are constantly being notified on our social media pages and updates on Kilkenny GAA and Kilkenny Camogie websites. Please support club teams. The players and mentors put a tremendous amount of work in and really appreciate the support when it comes. We’re all building to those big championship days. All the players and mentors ask is that we build it together. GET YOUR CLUB LOTTO TICKET NOW www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto

Congratulations to Emeralds club players Simon, Callum, Oisin, Cian, Conor and Nathan, and all on the Coláiste Mhuire (Johnstown) school team who won the Leinster Final.

EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and one sheet €10; Double books and two sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support. EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO May 9th prize fund was: €7,800. Jackpot: €5,800. Numbers drawn: 5, 10, 16, 27, bonus no 11. No winner and one match 3 winner: JCMS Tobin. Promoters prize: S. Hennessy. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Martin Hayde, Maire Dollard, Cillian & Neasa, B. Troy, Willie O’Grady. Next draw takes place on Monday, May 16 in the Clubrooms. Results next week. URLINGFORD TOWN TEAM Urlingford town, through.Urlingford Town Team, has been shortlisted in the ie.digital Town Awards in the Digital Rising Star category for their project in the library. Best of luck to Urlingford Town Team and well done to all involved! MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level 4 September 2022: LTI is recruiting for the new programme in September 2022. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact us for an expression of interest form. More details can be found on our website www.millfrcurlingford.com BTEI Healthcare Course QQI Level 5 September 2022: We are currently taking names for the Healthcare QQI Level 5 programme starting September 2022. Please contact us if you are interested in completing this course. Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine. Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family & Teens, aged 12 plus.General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment. Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be le into the Centre, please call before dropping o . Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466. URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot was Mary and Laura Cleere who won €314. Congrats girls! Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town with proceeds this week going to Emeralds GAA Club for next week’s draw. Be in it to win it!! URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396. URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

DUNNAMAGGIN GAA LAST MAN STANDING WINNER A er many weeks it really was a case of last man standing when Enda Maloney from Mayo finally won the Last Man Standing competition ran by the Dunnamaggin Adult Hurlers. Many thanks to all who supported this Fundraiser. Dunnamaggin GAA Lotto Syndicate. The third year of the Dunnamaggin GAA Lotto Syndicate will come to an end very shortly on Saturday May 28th.Current Members must have renewed by 28th May to be eligible for subsequent draws. We are now in a position to open it to new members who wish to join. This syndicate has been a vital fundraiser for the club and has allowed us to complete our Juvenile Pitch upgrade, install walkways around both our pitches in Kilmoganny and Dunnamaggin and improve facilities for our players. We are about to continue with our development plans of an electronic scoreboard, new gym and ball wall. If you wish to Renew or join please contact any of the following committee members:Anne Davis, Billy He ernan, Lorraine Moore, Colin Herity, Derek McLoughlin, Joe Sheridan, Kevin O’Neill, Ger O’Neill Thank you all again for your support. LOCAL LOTTO RESULTS LottoWinning Numbers for May 9th: 4, 6, 35. No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. O & A Buckley(Olive Buckley), Bob Doherty(Maud Doherty ), Maria Reid( Johnno RReid), DHC ( DHC ),A. A. C Hickey ( Anne Hickey ) Jackpot next week (May 16th) €2,050. Venue Delaney’s Bar Kells at 9pm. All Welcome DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB Second league win for minors. Our minors were out again May 13th against Piltown. A great game of football by both sides. Dunnamaggin started strong in the first half but Piltown never gave up and started to come back in the second half but it was Dunnamaggin who came out on top. Well done to all the players, a great team performance. MADGE’S GARDEN Markets at Madges Garden: Dates for your diary the last Sunday of every month from May until October inclusive and then our fourth annual Christmas Market on December 4th - May 29th – Flower Theme: June 26th– Mid Summer Theme: July 31st– Fairy Village Theme (celebrating 1 year of Slí na nAingeal): August 28th – Vintage Theme (Best Dressed Competition – A ernoon Tea Tent): Sept 25th – Harvest Theme (Scarecrow Competition – Apple Pressing): Oct 30th – Halloween Theme (Get your scare on!): Dec 4th- 4th Annual Christmas Market with Santa. At Every Market Pop Up Café – Eamo’s BBQ – Food & Cra Stalls – Competitions – Ra les – FUN for all the FAMILY ST’ JOSEPH’S HOME St Joseph’s home has a HCA summer job availability for any nursing, social care or healthcare students in the locality. Please get in touch with Lisa on 051-648091 or email sjhome15@gmail.com. Thank you

NATIONAL VOLUNTEERING WEEK National Volunteering Week takes place from the 16th to the 21st of May we will be hosting events in Kilkenny Volunteer Centre. Go to www.volunteerkilkenny.ie to see the programme of events taking place. KILKENNY AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY GATHERINGS Kilkenny Age Friendly Older Peoples Council would like to hear from you. It is important that we hear the voice of all older people throughout the county and to ensure that we are doing so we are holding a number of Age Friendly Community Gatherings where we invite older people to come along and let us know what they see as the issues that are relevant and important to them. These Community Gatherings will be run at the following locations and dates: Ferrybank Community Centre. 20th May 2022. Castlecomer Community Hall. 15th June 2022. Mullinavat Community Centre. 30th June 2022. Graiguenamanagh Hub. July 2022 tbc. Please come along and bring some friends. It will start with Registration Tea/Co ee at 9.15 and finishing at 12.30/1pm. If you would like further information please email agefriendlycounty@gmail.com or text 0876210589.

THE KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com CLEERE’S BAR Big John’s Karoaoke taking place on Saturday, 21st May. Promises to be a great night out. GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED The festival is taking place on Sunday, 21st August. Tickets available online, www.gowranpark.ie DOG FUNDRAISER Gowran GAA will hold a fundraiser on Sunday, 29th May at Kilkenny Greyhound Track. GOWRAN PARISH Congratulations to all who are receiving their 1st Holy Communion this weekend in Gowran. Thanks to all the parents who have supported them in their preparation. O ertory Collection Bags will be passed around a er the Prayers of the Faithful in accordance with Diocesan regulations. Please facilitate the passing around of the Bags and bring them to the altar rails when collection is completed. The Irish Catholic Newspaper are for Sale from the Sacristy. Paper contains up to date popular news of Catholic and Christian interest, the cost is €3. If you like it and would like to order one each week just give your name to Fr. Dalton, Nellie Brett, or Ann Kelly (Dungarvan )and one will be retained for you for collection. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Kilkenny Volunteer Centre will be hosting an information stand at the Kilkenny Farmer’s Market on the Parade on Thursday, 19th May from 11 to 3pm. They will also be holding a volunteer drop in morning in Kilkenny on Saturday, 21st May at their centre is Irishtown, Kilkenny from 10am to 1pm. GAA WRAP – UP MICHAEL O’LEARY CAREY PLAYS PART AS KILKENNY IMPRESSIVELY DISMANTLE DUBLIN Michael Carey had another good solid performance as Kilkenny easily dismantled Dublin 3-25 to 0-17 in Parnell Park last Saturday night. Attention now turns to their clash at home to Wexford this Saturday Evening at 6pm in Nowlan Park knowing that victory will set-up a Leinster Final showdown with either Galway or Dublin on the June Bank Holiday Weekend, Saturday June 4th. LANGTON EXCELLS AS U20s SURVIVE LATE WEXFORD RALLY Paddy Langton gave a superb performance and scored a vital point at a vital stage as Kilkenny held o a late rally from Wexford to win the Leinster U-20 title by a solitary point, 1-13 to 0-15 in Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow last Monday week. Kilkenny now play Limerick in the All-Ireland Final next Sunday A ernoon at 1.30pm in FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, before the Tipperary and Cork Munster Senior Championship game. CAMOGIE GIRLS EASE TO PROVINCIAL GLORY Congratulations to Ste i and Ti any Fitzgerald and Ciara O’Kee e along with Selector Pat O’Neill as Kilkenny eased to a 5-11 to 0-13 win against Dublin in the Leinster Senior Final last Saturday. Attention will now turn to their opening All-Ireland Senior Championship game this coming Saturday away to Down. INTERMEDIATES WIN IN MOONCOIN Following defeat to Conahy Shamrocks in their opening game of Division 3 of the Senior League, the Intermediate Hurlers brushed aside All-Ireland Junior Champions Mooncoin 1-22 to 0-16 in Mooncoin on Sunday. They will travel to Hugginstown for their final group game on Saturday May 28th against Carrickshock. Meanwhile, the two Junior Teams are in action next Sunday. The Junior 1sts are at home to Thomastown at 11.30am, while the Junior B Team are away to near neighbours Blacks and Whites at 7pm. MINOR HURLERS MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RECORD FOLLOWING DRAMATIC THRILLER The Young Irelands Minor Hurlers secured a last gasp victory against O’Loughlin Gaels last week, when Ben Phelan struck over an injury-time point to win 4-12 to 4-11. In a dramatic contest, A Thomas Langton goal late in the first-half levelled proceedings as the Teams went in all square at the interval - 1-5 each - but the real drama occurred in the Second-Half. The O’Loughlin lads started the second-half brightly and a goal put them 4 points clear, before Young Irelands enjoyed a purple patch courtesy of a hat-trick of goals between the 33rd and 43rd minutes from Thomas Langton and a brace from Cian Phelan to put the Gowran lads four points ahead. 4-6 to 2-8. O’Loughlin Gaels added a pointed free to narrow the gap, but Young Irelands replied with four consecutive points to open up a 7 point lead entering the final 10 minutes (4-10 to 2-9). The margin was narrowed to three points as Greg Kelly converted a penalty a er he himself was fouled (4-10 to 3-10), before both teams exchanged points as Young Irelands maintained a three point lead entering injury-time. 4-11 to 3-11. Fionn Lawlor struck a superb goal as he appeared to have given O’Loughlin Gaels a share of the spoils, but that was until Ben Phelan had the final say to bring this titanic drama to a pulsating conclusion. Meanwhile on Thursday, the Minor B Hurlers lost 4-20 to 5-6 against Tullaroan a er having made a blistering start to lead 2-0 to 0-0 a er just 6 minutes. U15s RECORD SECOND STRAIGHT VICTORY The U-15 Hurlers recorded a Second straight victory as they defeated Piltown 3-13 to 1-12 with Thomas Langton leading the way with 1-8(0-4 frees 0-1’65). Goals from Jake Kelly and Billy O’Kee e gave them a 2-6 to 1-7 lead at half-time, before Young Irelands third goal from Thomas Langton in the 45th minute put them firmly on their way to victory. It was a solid Team Performance from Young Irelands with also plenty of room for improvement having shot 14 wides in the process. Josef Walsh’s heroics in the first-half were decisive, while defensively they were very strong with Matthew Murray giving a colossal at Centre-Back and Philip Middleton, Keelan Barcoe and Finn Butler doing plenty of sterling work. Ciaran Carter and Kieran Timmins gra ed tenaciously in Midfield ably assisted by Sam Brennan who roved around to good e ect, while Thomas Langton led the way superbly in attack with Aidan Keating always showing prominence while in possession. Meanwhile, the U-13 hurlers lost 1-11 to 2-4 to Ballyhale Shamrocks last Saturday, while they were also in action last night (Tuesday) against Piltown in Gowran. U16s MOST IMPRESSIVE IN CLARA The Young Irelands U-16 Camogie girls were most impressive in winning 5-14 to 1-7 away to Clara and gaining their first win of the League campaign. PRIMARY SCHOOLS WRAP- UP The Gowran Primary School Camogie Team stormed their way to the Cumann Na Mbunscoil Roinn B Semi-Final as they produced a scintillating performance in winning 10-3 to 2-4 away to Thomastown. Meanwhile, the Gowran National School Hurling U-11 Team won 4-5 to 3-4 away to Kilkenny CBS, while the U-13s snatched a last gasp goal to gain a 2-7 all draw at home to Scoil McCauley Rice National School. JIM CARTER U12 HURLING TOURNAMENT On Saturday, there is a U-12 Hurling Tournament in honour of a great Young Irelands stalwart Jim Carter.Eight Teams will compete with Cup and Shield Finals taking place. The action starts in Castle Ellis on Saturday Morning from 9.30am.

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results May 12th. Nos: 9 19 22 27. Jackpot: €9,700 not won Draw Prizes – €50: Sean Kennedy c/o online. €25 each Ann O’Neill c/o online €25 each Marie Gough c/o Declan Gough. €25 each Richard Hogan c/o online Co op draw ticket Des McGrath c/o Deirdre O’Reilly . Promotors prize Tommy Hackett New weeks draw €9,850 19h of May SUMMER CAMP 2022 Save the date for our hugely popular Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club Multi Activity Summer Camp. Week 1 - July 18th - 22nd. Week 2 - August 15th - 19th. Booking system launching shortly. KILKENNY REPRESENTATIVES Huge Congratulations to Kilkenny Camogie and our four Senior players Aoife Prendergast (Captain) Ciara Phelan, Niamh Phelan & Asha McHardy on their Leinster Final Win over Dublin. Also to Kilkenny GAA and Senior Hurlers Cillian and Evan on their win Saturday evening in Parnell Park against Dublin in the Snr Championship. Wishing the Kilkenny u20 team and our club players Padraic Moylan (Captain), Niall Rowe, Timmy Cli ord and Harry Shine all the best as they take on Limerick in the All Ireland u20 Championship Final in Semple Stadium Sunday 22nd May at 1.30pm. Best of luck lads. CLUB RESULTS A busy week for our club players.In the St Canices Hurling League the Seniors had a great win over Tullaroan on Sunday morning in Tullaroan 7-18 to 5-14. Hard luck to the Junior A Hurlers who lost out to Graigue Ballycallan 0-15 to 1-14. Well done to our Minor A’s and B’s Teams who had strong wins. Minor A beat a strong Tullogher team 1-16 to 1-11 and Minor B’s who played Burren Rangers won 3-13 to 2-15. Well done to u15 hurlers. Both teams had good wins. U15 A’s beat Mooncoin 2-16 to 1-11 and the B team came out successful against Carlows Ballinkillen 7-7 to 3-6. Hard luck to the u13 A team who had a great game against the Village on the Kells Rd and unlucky to lose out. Hard luck to our Junior Camogie team who narrowly lost against the Black’s & Whites Sunday morning in Palmerstown. Well done to our u14A Camogie team who had a triumphant win against James Stephens. Well done girls. CLUB REGISTRATION Many thanks to all those who have registered to date. The closing date for registration this year of March 31st has passed, all members must be registered now to take to the field. Registration is available through the membership option on ClubZap and a phased payment option is available. Any members who are having di iculty paying online can contact a member from the executive to arrange a cash payment facility. Many thanks. PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE OPEN Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is open on Thursday from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward . Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table. We are o ering a particular welcome to our senior citizens members, it’s been a di icult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista co ee and all the usuals. KILMANAGH CEMETERY MASS It is proposed to hold the cemetery mass in Ballykee e cemetery on Sunday 29th May at 7pm. CEMETERY CLEANUP Volunteers are gathering this Friday 20th at 7pm for a clean-up of Ballykee e cemetery. If you have an hour to spare, perhaps you might lend a hand. We could do with more volunteers from the Kilmanagh side of the parish. If you are cleaning your own grave, please take home any dead wreaths and rubbish, please don’t dump them in the cemetery or behind the grotto. HOLY COMMUNION CHURCH CLEAN With the Holy Communion next Saturday, we invite parents of the communion children, as well as others interested, to come along and help clean the church for the ceremony. This clean-up will take place next Thursday at 7.30pm. Bring along some cleaning items such as dusters and glass and furniture polish in case there’s not enough. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Best wishes to the young people from our parish school who will receive their first Holy Communion next Saturday at 11am in Kilmanagh. LEAVING CERT MASS On Thursday, 2nd June, we will have a Mass for the intentions of the leaving cert students from our parish cluster, that is, Ballycallan, Tullaroan and Freshford. The readings and prayers will be led by students sitting exams. The Mass will take place in Kilmanagh at 7.30pm and will be broadcast vis the internet. All are welcome to attend. MONTH’S MIND Month’s mind mass for John Maher, Brittas, Kilmanagh will take place in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Kilmanagh on Saturday next, May 21st, at 6.30pm. KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment. CALLAN GOLF CLUB Last week was a busy week for the lady golfers at Callan G.C. Monday 9th saw the Senior Ladies and Gents joining forces for a mixed champagne scramble event organised by the senior captains Joe Kavanagh and Mary Croke in aid of the purchase of a defibrillator. It proved a great success with the winning team of Eileen Cuddihy, Josie O’Gorman, Seamus Cuddihy and Coleman Loughnane coming in with a super 81pts. 2nd John Healy, Roger Kennedy, Caroline Healy, Melanie O’Brien. 3rd Jim Wellwood, Larry O’Shea, Geraldine O’Sullivan, Margaret O’Shea Tuesday 10th May. Ladies 18 Hole s/f. 1st Ann Wemyss 38pts (14). 2nd Betty McGrath 37pts (22). 9 Hole s/d. 1st Alice Walsh 17pts (26). 2nd Marie Costello 16pts (25) Senior Ladies Thurs 12 Hole. 1st Rose Brophy 29pts. 2nd Ellen O’Shea 28pts. 3rd Anne Phelan 26 pts. 4th Ann Needham 25pts. 5th Catherine Gibbons 25 pts c/b Congratulations to newer lady member Mary Kearney who had a Birdie on the 4th. There was no joy for Callan Ladies in the Revive Active Comp. against Carlow G.C. The ladies put up a very strong challenge bringing Carlow all the way in 4 matches and winning in one. Hard Luck ladies and well played. The Challenge Cup team gave it their best on Sunday against a very strong Waterford G.C. where Waterford came out on top. Good luck to Carlow and Waterford on the road ahead. Next week’s Tuesday competition will be sponsored by Miss Designer Golf PLAY IN PINK Friday 20th will see the fourball betterball competition in aid of Cancer Research with lots of great prizes and a super ra le on the day. There are a few spots le so hurry and book online at Callan G.C. or ring 056/7725136 to support this great cause.

TUBORG PREMIER LEAGUE It was a fantastic night of Darts on the first night of the Tuborg Premier League in Andy’s Bar Ballyhale. The standard of Darts was unreal with plenty of high scoring and high finishing, the big crowd of players put on a great display of Darts that would be as good as watching it on TV. The Q/Finals put some of the top players against each other, the first Q/Final was between Adam Dee and Brendan Kelly with Brendan coming out on top, the 2nd Q/Final was David Murphy V Mark Cullen with David Murphy throwing great darts to beat Mark, the 3rd Q/ Final saw Mick Kelly against his good friend Michael Meaney with Mick Kelly winning a fantastic game, the last Q/ Final was Kieran Lennon V David Wall with Kieran using all his experience to defeat David. On to the S/Finals saw Brendan Kelly and David Murphy face o . And what a game it was with Brendan hitting the final double a er David pushing him all the way, the 2nd S/final was on a par with the first one between Mick Kelly and Kieran Lennon a er getting o to a great start Mick looked like winning it easy but Kieran fought back to win the game 3 / 2. The final was probably the best game of the night with Brendan Kelly showing his class winning the final by a score of 3 / 2. Everyone really enjoyed the night of Darts and are looking forward to coming again next week.

Congratulations to Kilkenny Camogie and our four Senior players Aoife Prendergast (Captain) Ciara Phelan, Niamh Phelan & Asha McHardy on their Leinster Final Win over Dublin.

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB Leinster Senior Hurling Championship

Parnell Park, Saturday May 14th Dublin 0-17 Kilkenny 3-25

KILKENNY reminded the hurling fraternity of their class with a resounding 17-point victory over Dublin at a sun-kissed Parnell Park, last Saturday evening. e win means that Brian Cody’s men are well-placed to secure a tilt at claiming a third Bob O’Keefe Cup on the bounce.

It was more or less a full house at the Donnycarney venue, and those Gaels in attendance witnessed an emphatic second half performance from the Cats, as they laid down a marker for all those with designs on dethroning Limerick. e Noresiders made one enforced change, with Erins Own defender Conor Delaney replacing the commanding Huw Lawlor at full-back. Bainisteoir Brian Cody also made four other changes from the programme, with captain Richie Reid, Cian Kenny, Alan Murphy and Mossy Keoghan coming in for Conor Browne, James Maher, Cillian Buckley and Billy Ryan respectively. ose late change certainly proved dividends, as those players contributed 2-8 to the black and amber’s impressive total of 3-25. Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan notched 2-1, as yet again he demonstrated his eye for a goal in the rout of the previously unbeaten Metropolitans. e rst half was very much evenly contested, with both sides squaring up to each other and not giving an inch as they wrestled for supremacy. e collisions were forceful and you got a sense that Mr. Cody had warned his charges to expect a physical encounter from Dublin, as Mattie Kenny searched for what would only have been the 2nd Leinster championship win over Kilkenny in almost 80 years.

Both sides registered scores in the opening minute, with Adrian Mullen drawing rst blood for the cats, before Dublin’s deadly placed ball specialist, Donal Burke levelled moments later. Whitehall Colmcille’s Daire Gray and e Village’s Cian Kenny exchanged points to leave the sides on 2 points apiece after just 2 minutes of frantic action in the capital. Dublin took the lead for the rst time thanks to a nice point from St Vincents mid elder Conor Burke. As both sides sought to take control of proceedings, the hits got a little harder and no quarter was given.

On eight minutes Cian Kenny notched his second point of the day, as he looked right at home in the inside forward line, alongside Eoin Cody and Mossy. Kenny is a talented hurler and his touch was assured throughout the contest. Donal Burke then struck over a mighty free from way out the park to edge the hosts ahead, before Kilmacud’s Fergal Whitely withstood some serious Kilkenny defensive pressure and popped over a ne score. e Dublin faithful enjoyed that one as they found their voices! e visitors man of the moment, Cian Kenny then hit his third point of the day. e ciotóg cut across the park, scanning for options, before deciding to strike the shot and sent the sliotar between the posts. Moments later Glenmore’s Alan Murphy, reveling in the engine room, red over a spectacular e ort on half-way, to deadlock the contest again with 15 minutes gone.

Walter Walsh then took possession and went on typical WW run, with a major on his mind. Conor Burke was attempting to halt the Tulloger-Rosbercon players run illegally, and referee Walsh played a good advantage, but called the play back for a free after Walter’s shot went wide. TJ Reid red over his rst point from the placed ball, with this his second e ort of the game. TJ then notched a nice point from play on 20 minutes, only to see scores from Lucan Sars elds Chris Crummey and another sumptuous e ort from Na Fianna’s Donal Burke bring the sides level once again on 21 minutes.

Clontarf man Paddy Smyth was then turned-over and from about ‘65 out, near the side line, Alan Murphy ri ed over a lovely point. Ballyhale’s Adrian Mullen then sent over an incredible e ort from longrange to put his team 2 ahead, but the frantic nature of the opening period continued and Dublin were soon level again, thanks to points from the ‘Burke’s’, rst Conor, then Donal. en came the rst Kilkenny major of the day. Dublin corner-back James Madden played a loose ball out of defence that was intercepted and moved quickly to Adrian Mullen on half-way. e Shamrocks man sent a searching ball deep into the Dublin back line where Mossy Keoghan and Cian Kenny were lurking. Despite the attentions of both cornerbacks, Mossy showed great skill in getting the ball to hand, before drilling a real ‘daisy-cutter’ of a shot on the angle than beat the sky blues keeper Sean Brennan all ends up! 27 on the clock, the visitors 3 points ahead.

St Vincents Rian McBride then struck over a ne point, and this was followed by another Donal Burke free. e nal two scores of the rst half would come from the Cats. Alan Murphy hit his third of the day, before goal scorer, Keoghan beat his man to the ball, turned expertly and split the Dublin posts. Waterford whistler omas Walsh then blew for half-time with Kilkenny a goal to the good, 1-11 to Dublin’s 0-11.

Brian Cody elected to make one change at the interval, with omastown’s John Donnelly replacing Walter. e opening score of the second half came from the home side with Mark Schutte pointing 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter. e Cats responded immediately, that man Cian Kenny ring over a well taken point, his 4th of the game.

O’Loughlin’s Paddy Deegan then slipped a pass to Adrian Mullen who ri ed over a stunning point from inside his

point from St Vincents

Dubs defeated in Parnell pasting!

Victory over Wexford will secure Cats Leinster Final berth

Mossy striking home another fine goal!

All pix: Inpho Photography