Homes in at least 16 counties, including Kilkenny, have been affected by defective concrete as new research questioned the future of a European certification and safety standard for building materials.
Experts have warned the defective concrete could appear in more parts of the country.
There is early evidence of defective concrete in Kilkenny,
Carlow, Wexford, Monaghan, Wicklow and Kerry, according to a report by UK-based minerals consultancy expert Petrolab. Among them is a case where pyrrhotite, the mineral devastating homeowners in Donegal, was found in a “new build” home in another county.
Petrolab principal consultant mineralogist Dr Christopher Brough said the findings need
Following on from last week’s story, Kilkenny dairy farmer and producer Gail Daniels is a double winner as she is crowned the Best Artisan Dairy Product 2024 (non-cheese) and also won the Ifac Best Dairy Product Innovation 2024 for her Bó Bar soap at the second National Dairy Awards.
Bó Bar Soap is a natural artisan handmade soap using milk from their family run dairy farm as a 100% water replacement. Originally started as a chemical free way to treat her daughter’s eczema it soon became a passion that escalated to a business after receiving amazing feedback from friends and family.
Judges said of the Kilmoganny entry: “Beautifully aromatic bar of soap that washes really well and leaves skin feeling very soft and moisturised. The quality of the ingredients used is evident, and the packaging and branding is clever and really stands out. Particularly enjoy the udder logo and the spotted cow wrapping paper.”
to be given serious consideration.
“In Kerry and Wicklow the occurrences of deleterious concrete block likely relate to transportation of blocks from adjacent counties,” Dr Brough said.
“The concrete block occurrence in Kerry looks exactly the same as that used in Clare and we have assumed for now that it therefore originated from
there,” Dr Brough concluded.
Petrolab’s report said there are separate cases in Louth, Meath and Dublin where “deleterious concrete” was found. The company identified cases in at least 13 counties.
Many are counties where homeowners are not able to access redress schemes available for damaged properties in Donegal, Mayo, Clare and Lim-
erick. Sligo was added to the scheme last month.
A survey of Engineers Ireland members earlier this year found they recorded “deleterious materials” and defective concrete blocks in 14 counties including Kilkenny, Cavan and Kildare.
Petrolab’s findings were published in a report assessing a European certification
The annual George Brown Commemorative Event is set to take place in Inistioge on Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29, featuring significant discussions on pressing global issues. This year’s event will centre on two major themes: the growing threat to democracy from the rise of the Far Right and the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza following the ongoing conflict arising from
the Israeli response to the Hamas attack ofOctober 7 on its citizens in southern Israel. Highlighting the event will be Palestinian Ambassador, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid who will deliver the keynote address. Dr Abdalmajid’s visit will begin with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Woodstock Gardens at 6pm on Friday, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for 17 years. Notable past
participants in this tradition include the late British trade unionist Jack Jones, Cuban Ambassador Noel Carillo, former Palestinian Ambassador Dr Hikmat Ajjuri, and President Michael D. Higgins.
Following the tree-planting, Dr. Abdalmajid will speak at a public meeting to be held at St. Mary’s Church of Ireland in Inistioge at 8pm. Attendees will have the op-
portunity to contribute to the UNICEF Ireland Children of Gaza Appeal, supporting humanitarian aid for children affected by the conflict.
Saturday’s events will also take place at Woodstock, starting with a gathering at the Conservatory Tea Rooms at 2pm.
The commemoration will conclude at 4pm. with a much-anticipated performance by the Graigue-
namanagh Brass Band at The Square in Inistioge. They will be joined by local favourites, The Holden Brothers, promising a memorable finale to the event.
The George Brown Commemorative Event honours the legacy of Inistioge-born George Brown, who fought and died defending democracy with the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War.
standard for concrete and aggregates. The materials must conform with the certification, known as EN 12620, if used in homes and buildings. The Petrolab study found cases where defective concrete in other parts of the country complies with that standard. Framboidal pyrite reacts in weak aggregate, leading to expansion and cracking.
Aer Lingus sees no hope to halt flights chaos
Dozens of flights will be cancelled by Aer Lingus as pilots stage a work to rule, with little hope of a swift solution to the impasse. If the indefinite work-to-rule continues, then the number of cancellations will only increase.
An intervention by the Labour Court or Workplace Relations Commission this weekend is considered highly unlikely, because the airline and the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) are described as being “poles apart”. Aer Lingus is now scrambling to get additional seat capacity in an effort to reaccommodate passengers who will be hit by the action. It is trying to lease aircraft on a short-term basis. During the summer, Aer Lingus operates around 1,550 flights a week, or about 220 a day. See also Page 6
Candidates for the leadership of the Green Party have declared their interest and have begun campaigning following the resignation of Eamon Ryan.
Deputy leader Catherine Martin will not be a candidate, opening the field to Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman and Senator Pippa Hackett, with Mr O’Gorman considered to be the front-runner.
The number of women contacting Amber Women’s Refuge for support and information doubled last year, according to Amber’s annual report.
A total of 518 women living in Kilkenny and Carlow contacted Amber for support and information in 2023. This represents an increase of 111% on 2022.
Other highlights from Amber’s 2023 annual report :
• 115 women (61 women in Kilkenny, 54 women in Carlow) received specialist one to one support from Amber’s community-based Outreach team.
• 141 women received Legal, Court Support and Court Accompaniment to obtain court orders, an increase of 213% on 2022.
• 40 women and 53 children received refuge throughout 2023. 212 women could not get refuge as the refuge was full.
• 34 women participated in Amber’s Group Support Programmes.
• 46 women received 170 free counselling sessions.
• 22 Mothers received parenting support to help them with the challenges of parenting during or after an abusive relationship.
• 18 children impacted by domestic abuse received specialist one to one support.
• 430 local secondary school students and youth group members completed Amber’s StartSafe early intervention education pro-
gramme, which highlights the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Lisa Morris, Manager, Amber Women’s Refuge,
told The Kilkenny Observer: “Our emergency refuge service continued to experience high levels of demand with occupancy in our seven
family refuge units running at or close to 100% throughout 2023. We were in the unfortunate position of needing to secure safety for over 200
women and their children seeking refuge at other refuges outside the county as we were full at the time of their enquiry.”
Other key developments in 2023 included Amber’s project, in partnership with Kilkenny County Council, to deliver safe, ‘step-down’ accommodation in the community for women and children leaving refuge, also commenced last year.
Following funding from Kilkenny LEADER Partnership and other funding partners the construction of a new standalone therapeutic building in the garden of the refuge started in 2023. The building, christened ‘Acorn Lodge’, is now open and has increased Amber’s capacity to provide counselling and other therapeutic services to women and children.
In 2023, Amber rolled out specialist training for personnel from local frontline services including An Garda Siochana and the HSE to support a more cohesive, community-wide response to local women and children who are victim-survivors of domestic abuse. The enactment of statutory Domestic Violence Leave last November also saw Amber develop training for local businesses and organisations to support co-workers who are or have experienced domestic abuse.
More than 850 seriously ill or injured patients had to wait at least an hour for an ambulance to turn up during the second half of last year, with one high priority call not dealt with for more than three hours and 15 minutes.
Figures from the National Ambulance Service (NAS) show that Wexford and Cork were the counties worst af-
fected by prolonged delays in providing urgent emergency services between July and December 2023. However, the ambulance service said it had been close to meeting its targets for responding to ‘Purple’ and ‘Red’ calls, where there is a life-threatening illness or injury, cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest.
Figures for the last six
The cost of having a child aged 12 or over is 60% higher than the expenses connected to younger children, according to a new cost-of-living report from the Society of St Vincent De Paul (SVP).
The report analyses the minimum essential standard of living (MESL), which equates to a basket of goods and services people agree are needed for an acceptable standard of living.
The MESL is formed by members of the public in focus groups, who agree on “the essentials for a decent life in Irish society”.
The Vincentian MESL Research Centre publishes an annual report on the MESL, providing a snapshot of how the cost of living has changed.
The 2024 report found that the MESL cost of a child aged 12 is €149 a week, compared to €60 for a pre-school child.
Costs for infants have risen significantly since 2020, mostly due to big increases in the costs of baby formula (up 37pc) and nappies (up 84pc).
In January, there were calls for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate the high cost of baby formula.
Junior minister Neale Richmond suggested supermarket vouchers could help lessen the burden of rising costs.
Infant food costs have risen by 7.2pc in the last year, according to the report, and are now 27.3pc higher than in 2020.
The MESL cost of having a child is based on expenses attributed solely to the child excluding other costs.
The biggest decider of costs for a child of secondary school age is full medical card eligibility, which reduces costs to €142 a week.
For each age group, food is the most significant cost, followed by clothing for infant and pre-school children.
Social-inclusion costs are the second biggest cost for school-age children.
Overall household costs went down from 2023 to 2024, but the cumulative increase from 2020 levels to now stands at 16.8%.
Although total costs are down 1.9% year-on-year, food costs have risen by 1.5% in the last year, with a cumulative increase of 21.2% since 2020.
Urban households (down 24.9%) and rural households (down 12.2%) both experienced reductions in energy costs, but these costs also remain higher than 2020 levels. Energy costs for urban households are 62.7pc higher than in 2020, with a 54pc increase for rural households.
SVP’s research also found the national minimum wage is “inadequate” for covering household costs, though the income shortfall for a single adult in full-time minimumwage work has fallen.
The organisation said in-work supports and affordable childcare and housing “are vital for achieving income adequacy”.
months of 2023 show that an ambulance did not arrive at a total of 732 calls for a period of between 60 and 90 minutes. There were a further 110 emergency calls that took between 90 and 120 minutes to respond to, data released under Freedom of Information revealed.
Response times for another 20 Red calls — which are clas-
sified as life-threatening illnesses other than cardiac and respiratory arrest — ranged between two and three hours.
There were two Red calls, one in Carlow and one in Wexford, where an ambulance did not arrive at the location of a call for more than 180 minutes (three hours).
With response time for the emergency in Carlow logged
at three hours, and 15 minutes. However, the NAS said some of the longer-wait calls may have started out as a lower priority but were later reprioritised depending on the circumstances. It said it was not possible to say for certain in which cases this had happened and that it could account for some of the bigger delays.
Of the 864 calls that were not responded to within an hour, nearly 14% — or 118 calls in total — were in Cork, the county worst affected due at least in part to its large size. The county next most impacted was Wexford where it took at least an hour to deal with 96 separate emergency calls made about sick or injured patients.
Aer Lingus has told passengers it will attempt to “minimise the inconvenience” to them if their flights are delayed or cancelled as a result of the industrial action by its pilots.
The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) announced that its members would start an indefinite work-to-rule due to a pay dispute. It is expected to cause significant disruption to passengers, many of whom will be planning to head off on their summer holidays.
“We are currently assessing
the impact of the full detail of the industrial action served by Ialpa, including the work-to-rule that they have outlined to commence on June 26, 2024,” Aer Lingus has told passengers in a notice published on its website.
“At this time, there is no impact to our schedule,” it noted. “Our customer care team will do all possible to minimise the impact of disruption to our customers.
“We understand customer concerns and will continue to keep you updated on developments on our website and will alert customers directly if their flights have been impacted.”
The action should not affect Aer Lingus regional flights, however. They are operated by a separate company, Emerald Airlines, under a franchise agreement earlier this year.
About 40,000 passengers fly with Aer Lingus daily during the busy summer period. That includes about 14,000 on transatlantic flights and the remainder on short-haul services across Europe.
One of the great war-cries among boys of a certain age, when they have fallen foul of yesterday’s best friend, is to mutter with clenched jaw and fists: “Loser!”
How often have you said to your children at some school sporting event, “Go out there and do your best”, when you, in fact, really mean: “Go out there and knock the socks off them and bring home that trophy – and then we’ll see about McDonald’s?”
Thought so ...
As Public Enemy noted in their song Rumbo N Da Jungo, “nobody loves a loser ‘cos a loser lives alone ...”
Those of us with memories old enough still recall Ireland’s Italia ‘90. Today, we marvel at our victories in ladies’ football and GAA and our prowess in rugby and cricket. Kelly Harrington. And now, our glorious wins in European Athletics. Who can forget Stadio Olimpico
and Ciara Mageean showing remarkable patience and experience to strike 1,500m gold and join the mixed 4x400 relay team of Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley as only the third Gold medal winner in the now 90-year history of participation. And then more glory throughout the week. Four medals, national records broken. What a week!
So to Paris, determinedly heading for Gold at the Olympics.
Despite all the rousing rhetoric about representing one’s country and it not being about winning or losing, but how you play the game, when it boils down to it, any great competition is all about winning. Gold is alluring while Silver, well, let’s face it, is a little cheap and Bronze is just downright tacky. God may love a trier, but we mere mortals want a winner;
indeed, demand one, or else, like in those arenas of ancient Rome, it’s a big thumbs down and off with their heads and we swiftly switch our allegiance to the next promising gladiator.
Winners show us the kind of stuff we are all potentially made of, the kind of stuff we can at least aspire to. Winners bring out the best in us.
In the two millennia since the first Olympic Games, one principle has withstood the test of time: we are obsessed with winning and, in our endeavours, pushing the human body to the limit. What does it take to swim the fastest, throw a discus the furthest, or jump the highest? In some sports, it would seem, athletes claim such honours by birthright. Men and women from Kenya’s Great Rift Valley – where I spent some time in 2008 – dominate endurance running, for example, and sprinting sees the Jamaicans
taking the honours. Now the Irish are among the greats. When it comes to the sexes, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome creates a different kind of uneven playing field. Two decades ago, the best female runners were closing in on the times of
“So to Paris, determinedly heading for Gold at the Olympics...
their male counterparts. But that gender gap has plateaued in the interim in all running events, apart perhaps from the marathon. Tending not to discriminate by gender, are injuries sustained from pushing ourselves to the limit but, according to a report in Science Magazine, young gymnasts may be risking osteoarthritis and other health problems later in life from injuries they get pushing themselves to the ultimate.
On a more positive note, the report says information gained from studying how athletes’ muscles respond to training is providing new insights on muscle growth and atrophy.
In the end, the kind of performance we lesser mortals can merely be in awe of these days very often comes down to mechanics. New materials, spin-offs from the space programmes, can reduce physical constraints to performance.
At the Paris Olympics, the world’s best swimmers will be wearing suits with tiny ridges modelled on sharkskin, that are claimed to reduce friction and drag. And so it goes, all in the name of winning. Who wants a guy who plays just a “respectable” game? Poor Stella Walsh: she was an Olympic competitor for Poland, winning the Gold in the 100m sprint in 1932, and the Silver in 1936. Walsh set 18 world records in her life, but accusations that she was male dogged her for years and she was forced to undergo a gender check at the 1936 Olympics. Which she apparently passed, despite the fact that, when she was autopsied following her death, it was found that she had male genitalia, along with female characteristics. Further investigation revealed that she had both an XX and an XY pair of chromosomes. You couldn’t make it up...
Ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm has welcomed Revenue’s recent VAT 58 guidance. The new and comprehensive manual from Revenue covers the VAT 58 refund procedure for flat-rate farmers. This refund procedure allows non-VAT registered farmers to claim a refund for the VAT incurred on building
works and land reclamation, draining, and fencing.
Marty Murphy, Head of Tax at ifac, told The Kilkenny Observer: "We welcome the new guidance to provide clarity to Kilkenny farmers for muchneeded refunds but there is a lot left off that previously was accepted.”
For context, in the past VAT was reclaimed for nearly all
Moving in with parents or family members, to save for a mortgage deposit, is a traumatic burden for many prospective home-owners, new research from Mortgage Navigators details.
Practical drawbacks referenced include 41% who claim parents or family members disrupt their sleep, while over a-third (35%) resent nosey parents or family members.
More than one in five (21%) say moving in with relatives has put a strain on their relationship with their partner.
At a psychological level, 68% said they disliked the ‘loss of independence’ from moving home, while half (50%) said they felt they had ‘taken a step backwards.’
Unexpectedly, not going on as many holidays (45%) is the top disadvantage people said they experienced, when saving for a mortgage.
And, not being able to afford a social life (36%) is the next significant sacrifice people say they’ve made, on account of trying to buy a home.
Prospective mortgage applicants had ‘done their homework’, ahead of attempting to borrow a sizeable chunk of money for a new home, it seems. Stated awareness of mortgage terms and terminology is positive for the majority of survey respondents.
A total 63% say they have at least some understanding of what is required to qualify for a mortgage; and just over half (53%) believe they understand mortgage terminology generally. And 51% claimed to have reasonable knowledge and awareness of different mortgage products too.
In reality, the survey by iReach market research, showed that 69% knew that both home insurance and mortgage protection are compulsory in Ireland to
and any works incurred by the farmer, no matter the level of expenditure and nature of the works. However, over the past 18 months, a large volume of the VAT 58 claims has been rejected by Revenue. These claims mostly related to items that would have been regarded as fixtures and fittings located within a building and were not necessarily an integral part
of the building. Some larger structural items, such as slurry towers, have also been harshly rejected on the basis that they were not structural.
After long discussions between Revenue, IFA and ifac, Revenue has issued a revised Revenue guidance manual outlining what it regards as qualifying and non-qualifying expenditures. It broadly
follows ifac’s submission made in February of this year.
The expenditure falls into three categories namely: 1. Structural work; 2. Farm equipment; and 3. Fixtures and fittings
The permanency of the subject matter of each claim is a key indicator along with the movability of the subject matter, where an item can
only be moved at significant expense to the farmer, with the potential risk of damage or destruction of the asset. These are both key factors in determining if the expenditure is likely to qualify for the refund. The manual also mentions that both silos and cow mats (fixed in place) are to be regarded as qualifying expenditures.
get a mortgage. 58% understood the meaning of negative equity, in relation to a property, and 58% also knew what the mortgage Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represented.
Less than half (48%) understood the lender’s loan to value calculation on mortgages, however.
And, despite the trauma of rate increases in recent years, just 3 in 5 (60%) of mortgage holders are actually aware of their current mortgage rate.
Of those who did know, the average mortgage rate being paid is 3.88%.
The research did show some sketchy understanding of mortgages, Margaret Barrett of Mortgage Navigators details, as well as the expectation that serious sacrifices must be made to be able to afford a home.
“Mortgage providers recently extended loan repayment terms here, up to the age of eighty; possibly an ominous reflection of how long people can expect to wait to own their own home.
“Finding a home, especially one that is affordable, is seen as the big challenge. But the first challenge is actually getting mortgage approval.
Securing the money to buy that dream home takes personal commitment, and the right approach to the mortgage application”, the Mortgage Navigators’ MD says.
The Cork and Dublin based mortgage broker commissions regular surveys of mortgage holders and applicants, to gauge supports needed in the mortgage journey.
The business has particular experience with mortgages for self-employed professionals and contractors, and monitors the challenges that those not in permanent employment face.
Agri Aware welcomed more than 3,000 people to its Open Farm event on the Byrne family farm in Co. Kildare across two days.
This year’s Open Farm event saw the addition of a schools day on Friday, June 14 which saw 450 primary school students get a tour of the farm, while on the Saturday, June 15, just over 2,550 people attended the general public day.
Open Farm is Agri Aware’s flagship event in enhancing agricultural literacy and it was a resounding success.
Stephen and Aine Byrnes
farm just outside Monasterevin was the location for this year’s event which saw people far and wide travel to learn about Irish agriculture and where the food they consume comes from.
Stephen and Aine said the schools day was of utmost importance to them, as no textbook will educate the next generation better on where their food comes from than seeing it in person and hearing about its production from industry experts.
The public day on Saturday saw just over 2,550 attend who were treated to a self-
guided tour of the farm, cookery, milking and shearing demos, panel discussions, a machinery display, games for the kids, tasty food and complementary Mooju milk drinks supplied by Tirlán who the Byrnes supply their milk to.
Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Agri Aware Chairman Shay Galvin said:
“Agri Aware’s mission of enhancing agricultural literacy is not possible without the support of people like Stephen and his family who opened up their farm to host this event who we are very
thankful to. Consumers are further becoming removed from farms and knowing about where the food they consume comes from. Events like Open Farm help to bridge that gap between the producer and consumer – which is critical.
“The addition of the schools day on the Friday to this year’s event was extremely important to the Byrnes as they see first hand how urban sprawling has further removed consumers from farming and knowing how their food is produced," Mr Galvin said.
An average of 8.66kg of e-waste was recycled per person in Kilkenny last year, falling below the 9.51kg average collected last year, new figures reveal.
Figures from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland’s annual report, which covers the 20 counties in which it operates, show that approximately 18.1 million appliances were collected for recycling in 2023 –exceeding all European norms.
A total of 902 tonnes of electrical waste were collected in Kilkenny last year by WEEE Ireland, contributing to the record-breaking 41,730 tonnes of electronic and electrical waste recycled last year. When compared to 2022, consumers across Ireland recy-
cled the equivalent of 200 fortyfoot containers more than the previous year.
With Kilkenny people’s e-waste recycling below the average, WEEE Ireland’s CEO warns we need to recycle more critical raw materials as Ireland’s population grows – and so too does our consumption of new appliances.
“Most householders in Kilkenny have a hidden treasure trove of broken, unused or unwanted electrical equipment in their homes,” said Leo Donovan.
“They alone hold the key to recycling them, giving them a new lease of life so we can recover the critical raw materials they contain.”
The e-waste haul saved from
landfill in 2023, up from the 40,767 tonnes collected in 2022, includes two million lighting items, a quarter of a million TVs and over half a million large household appliances, including fridge freezers.
A remarkable 750,000 used vapes were also collected after the national recycling scheme implemented its first dedicated take-back programme for waste e-cigarettes and vapes last year through WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes.
More than 15 million small appliances such as coffee makers, calculators, kettles and keyboards, and old smartphones and the equivalent of 66 million used AA batteries were handed back to make
their way back into the circular economy.
“Over the last two decades, WEEE Ireland has developed a highly efficient, free national takeback system, enabling our country to outperform EU recovery targets,” said Mr Donovan.
“Our investment in first-class, indigenous recycling facilities ensures we fully maximise the quality and value of the resources – with over 80% of materials recovered for reuse.
“While this is a major achievement for our country, we can’t stand still, particularly when it comes to recycling small electrical products to ensure we have the materials needed for current and future product manufacturing.”
The warnings of climate catastrophe are too urgent to be ignored in UN Secretary General Antio Guterres’ stark ‘moment of truth’ declaration recently. If we miss our limit of no more than 1.5 degrees warming and go scorching on to 2.9 degrees increase by the end of this century, we will create an uninhabitable planet. We are facing apocalypse now. Several things seem to stop us trying to make a difference to the climate challenge. One is the sheer size of the problem, given that the whole world is involved. Another is the tendency to blame others for the problem, like the Government or the big emission sectors and there is kickback against the guilty feeling that you shouldn’t be doing this, that or the other. Despite all the evidence that climate change is really happening – soaring temperatures and catastrophic fires elsewhere and devastating storms – it still isn’t enough to make us change. Yet, if each
of us in a small way take individual action it can make a huge difference.
After Guterres’ warning, I realised that I have made some change – not enough yet but they add up. Transport is responsible for 20% of emissions so I try to use the car less and do several messages on the one outing, shop locally and, if I need to go into the city I park and ride. It would be less environmentally friendly to get rid of my car at my age and get an EV, much as I hate to deprive the motor trade of their profits, even affording a second-hand EV is as likely as winning the Lotto. Maybe test driving an electric bike to see it could make it up the hills round here is the next step. According to one study being car-free would result in 2.4 reduction per tonne of emissions annually per individual; switching to an EV is a 1.95 reduction and switching to public transport 0.98
In the garden, my own patch
of the planet, part of it is now meadow – well, a hay meadow – while the lawn is strewn with buttercups, daisies and clover because the grass only gets cut every three weeks or so (more
for pollinators and less petrol for the mower).
Sustainable holidays may sound like a contradiction in terms but the home exchange system gives you the oppor-
tunity to holiday in someone else’s home while they enjoy staying in yours. The system cuts bills and also avoids the kind of short-term holiday lets which can push locals out of the rental market. And you probably consume less, given the convenience of staying in a fully equipped home. Exchanging is something I enjoyed doing for years and am about to do again.
Energy is another big emissions culprit at about 19%. Apart from wrapping up like a mummy to save on heating, turning heat down and switching off things, the obvious move is to consider solar panels and save on horrific electricity bills which can eat up funds quicker that a piranha would strip a leg of lamb.
According to friendly firm Ecoplex’s ballpark figures fitting them would cost between €9,000 to €12,000, the grant would bring this down to about €6,600 to €9,900 and the saving on electricity would
be €700 to €1,000 a year, whereas if I fitted 10-14 panels I could be bill-less, individual saving would be about 1.8 of a tonne of annual emissions.
I am into slow fashion now, trawling charity shops for other people’s fast fashion cast-offs, exchanging with friends and I wouldn’t mind running up the odd number if fabric shops hadn’t vanished as fast as the melting ice cap. It can be hard to resist the retail therapy but the rag trade is responsible for up to 10% of emissions.
During Covid I began GIM –growing it myself – and I feel invested in consuming my own produce and substituting more of it for meat, bearing in mind that agriculture in Ireland is responsible for 33% of emissions. I may not save much money but at least my peas, beans, broccoli and lettuce haven’t clocked up any air miles and they help to keep the slugs and pigeons sustained while a fox deals with food waste on the compost heap.
Summer is here and it’s the time for thinking about our holidays. But this time of the year whether at home or abroad we will have a variety of insects that bite, including midges, ticks, and mosquitos. The last thing we want is to be bitten by these insects. Thankfully there is a natural solution to help protect us. Incognito Insect Repellent Spray, is scientifically formulated and clinically tested with good protection for up to 7 hours, although I would re-spray every four hours myself. I do not want to be bitten especially by any of these insects. It does not contain any deet and is certified by the Soil Association as 100% natural. I love that it can used for all the family including young babies from 6 months onwards. You can use it for any outdoor activity at home or abroad and is also recommended for highrisk areas to protect against mosquito-borne diseases. Incognito repels mosquitoes, midges, ticks, sand flies, land leeches, black flies, and stable flies. I use it regularly especially when I am out and about in forest areas. And I have it with
me for the sunny holidays too.
and Vitamin B1 have traditionally been taken to protect against mosquito bites. If you are prone to being bitten or if you are going to a highrisk area, I would take these too, for extra protection. Garlic may also support your immunity and is a natural antibiotic so no harm in taking this as an extra. You could eat a couple of cloves a day before and during travel or take it in supplement form.
If you are worried about getting an upset tummy while abroad, take a look at Optibac
Travel Abroad. It is formulated for travel and contains Saccharomyces boulardii. It is advised to take it for 3-5 days before travel and while you are away. If you are prone to skin irritation while in the sun, nettle is a natural antihistamine that many customers take to prevent this unsightly rash. Or take a look a natural sunscreens like Green People as they do not tend to cause skin rashes. And bring some Aloe Vera Gel to apply to cool down sun blushed skin.
Hopefully these tips will help ensure a happy holiday!
Nearly 4,500 complaints about public services were made to the Office of the Ombudsman in 2023.
Ombudsman Ger Deering has seen a 30% rise in the number of complaints to his office in recent years, from 3,418 in 2020 to 4,465 last year.
In his annual report for 2023 the Ombudsman highlights the issues involved in some of the complaints he received, including:
four years as a result.
• The Rotunda hospital refusing to deal with a complaint from a couple whose new-born baby had died because the complaint was not made within a 12-month time limit.
• A man who was not fully informed of his pension entitlements by the Department of Social Protection and missed out on pension payments of €46,000 over
• An outdated appointments system in St Vincent’s University hospital, Dublin, which resulted in an appointment for a transplant patient not being made and their diagnosis of cancer delayed.
Outdated referral process sees hospital appointment and cancer diagnosis delayed Marie complained to the Ombudsman when a mix-up in referral letters resulted in an important medical appointment not being made and a diagnosis of cancer being delayed by up to eight months. During a routine appointment an abnormality was noticed by staff in St Vincent’s University hospital, Dublin, and it was decided to refer Marie to another unit in the hospital. On two occasions printed referral letters went missing and Marie was not notified of her appointment. It was only after Marie raised her concerns with the hospital that she received an appointment some eight months later. The abnormality was discovered to be malignant.
The Ombudsman investigated the incident and found that the hospital’s system for issuing referral letters and ensuring they were followed-up was deficient. The hospital initially proposed the setting up of a ‘print room’ as a solution, but the Ombudsman highlighted the need for a for more efficient ICT-based system to ensure the problem did not reoccur. As a result, the hospital implemented a new internal
electronic referral system.
The hospital also apologised to Marie for the failures and the difficulties that she encountered.
Hospital refused to deal with bereaved parents’ complaint as it was ‘outside time limit’
A couple contacted the Ombudsman after the Rotunda hospital refused to deal with their complaint as it was made outside the 12month time limit for making complaints. The couple wanted to complain about their poor experience at the hospital during the birth of their baby who died shortly after birth.
The couple were unaware of the time limit and explained that some of their concerns were about issues that occurred within the 12month time scale. They also explained that the period since the loss of their child had been very difficult for them both and that it was difficult to pursue a complaint at the time.
The Ombudsman noted that there was a 12-month time period for making complaints about hospitals under the Health Act, 2024, but that the time limit may be extended where special circumstances make it appropriate to do so. The Ombudsman believed that the
• A third-level student who was refused access to the Higher Education Access Route scheme (HEAR) due to the occupation of her ‘absent’ father.
This year, 2024, marks 40 years of the Office of the Ombudsman which deals with complaints about most public bodies including local authorities, government departments, the HSE and voluntary hospitals.
Speaking on the publication of his 2023 annual report, Ombudsman Ger Deering
highlighted the importance of the Office:
“The establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman in 1984 was an important step in strengthening democracy in Ireland.
“Now, as human rights and democracy are under attack globally, the role of the Ombudsman is more necessary and relevant than ever,” Mr Deering said.
“The Ombudsman’s Office remain determined to continue to improve the quality of public services and ensure everyone’s right to
be treated with respect and dignity.”
Complaints to the Ombudsman in 2023 by sector:
The Ombudsman received 4,465 complaints about public services in 2023 - up 30% since 2020. The highest number of complaints (1,430) was about city and county councils, with 189 complaints about Dublin City Council and 152 about Cork City Council.
A total of 1,175 complaints were made about Government Departments, with the
Department of Social Protection being the subject of 636 complaints. There were 839 complaints to the Ombudsman about public bodies in the Health and Social Care sector, including 674 about HSE services and 134 about Tusla. The remaining complaints were about publicly-funded bodies in other sectors, including regulators, thirdlevel education bodies and private nursing homes.
*The report for 2023 is available at www.ombudsman.ie
circumstances surrounding this case was a very understandable reason as to why this couple was not in a position to pursue their concerns with the hospital
In response to the Ombudsman’s concerns the hospital agreed to accept the complaint and to contact the couple to discuss how best they wished to progress their complaint.
Man has €46,000 pension payment backdated to date of eligibility
Joe complained to the Ombudsman when the Department of Social Protection refused to backdate his Contributory State Pension to the date he would have become eligible - at 66 years of age. While Joe had applied
when he was 70, he had visited a local office of the Department shortly before turning 66. He was told he was unlikely to qualify for a pension and was not eligible for a Non-Contributory State pension. As a result, he did not pursue his application.
The Ombudsman believed that Joe should have been informed of his possible eligibility for a Contributory State Pension at the time he visited the social protection office. The Department reviewed Joe’s case and awarded him arrears of €46,040 backdated to the date he became eligible.
Student was refused access to education scheme as ‘absent’ father had ineligible occupation
Sarah complained to the Ombudsman after being deemed ineligible for the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme because of her socio-economic group.
The HEAR scheme is a higher education admissions scheme for leaving certificate students whose economic or social background are underrepresented in higher education.
One of the criteria for the scheme is that the student’s parent(s) must have an ‘approved occupation’. Sarah’s mother had an ‘approved’ occupation. Her father was unemployed but his last known occupation was not approved. Sarah felt this deci-
sion was unfair as she had very little contact with her father. She was financially supported solely by her mother. Her parents were divorced for a number of years and separated since Sarah was a baby.
The Ombudsman considered the decision unfair and upheld Sarah’s complaint. He believed the interpretation of the criterion was too restrictive, did not reflect the reality of many HEAR applicant’s family situations, and could potentially disadvantage students from certain backgrounds. The ‘socio-economic group’ indicator is in the process of being phased-out as one of the eligibility criteria for the HEAR Scheme.
First-time buyer (FTB) mortgages and household incomes in Ireland have reached record levels. A report, the latest Mortgage Market Profile Report from Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), provides a detailed analysis of the mortgage market. It highlights “significant trends and shifts in borrowers’ profiles and regional dynamics”.
It outlines the highs and lows in the market since 2003 by asking who is taking out home loans, what types of loans, and what types of properties are they building or buying? How the properties are financed and how loans and properties differ from county to county?
The report reveals that the average FTB mortgage increased by €20,000 yearon-year to €270,000 in the first half of 2023. This rise is set against a backdrop of increasing household incomes, which for FTBs grew by 6.5%
during the same period. The increase in “mover mortgages” was more modest, rising by less than €4,000 to €290,500.
John EllisMore than half of FTB drawdowns were above €250,000, with 56% of these borrowers having household incomes over €80,000, representing the highest proportions recorded by either the BPFI or the Department of Housing.
As is to be expected in the Dublin and Kildare region the average FTB income on new property mortgages has risen above €100,000, reflecting increases of around €12,000 and €11,000 respectively. Whereas the south east region, which includes Kilkenny, had the lowest average property value for first-time buyers buying new property across all regions. The area also had a relatively low average income for first-time buyers, the third lowest across all regions.
The average age of FTBs
has risen to 35, the highest on record, with 44% of borrowers now over 35, up from 36% in 2019 and just 17% in 2004. This demographic shift suggests that higher incomes, which typically increase with age, are a significant factor in the ability to secure larger mortgages –whereas only 20% of FTB borrowers are under 30, a sharp decline from 60% in 2004.
Despite these changes, loan terms have remained stable, with the average term for FTB mortgages holding at 30 years since the first half of 2012.
Around 40% of these mortgages have terms over 30 years, with the maximum term at 35 years.
The report also highlights a trend towards “cross-county migration”, driven by changing work practices since the COVID-19 pandemic. With more people working from home and urban house prices soaring, many are moving to
commuter belts or rural areas.
Brian Hayes, Chief Executive of BPFI, noted: “First-time buyers continue to dominate the mortgage market despite rising property prices and ECB interest rate increases. In the first half of 2023, there were 11,313 FTB drawdowns valued at almost €3.2 billion, the highest H1 volumes and values since H1 2007.” He emphasised the importance of thorough research for those considering cross-county moves. Prospective buyers should understand commuting costs, check for local issues like flooding, and consider the social implications of moving to less populated areas. The report underscores that all borrowers need to plan carefully as they enter the property market especially amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633
Proposals are being submitted to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission to develop a new 67-bedroom hotel development at the corner of Pennyfeather Lane and Pudding Lane, in the centre of Kilkenny City
The development will be accommodated in a proposed 5 storey block with roof level plant room at 6th floor. The site consists of the former 1970s era restaurant at this location, which has been disused for over a decade and is currently in a poor state of repair and is proposed for demolition to facilitate the proposed development.
The proposed site adjoins the existing 7-storey Ormonde Street Carpark. - and is hoped will help invigorate the adjoining Penneyfeather Lane and Pudding Lanes, in support of the Local Authority initiative to rejuvenate the back lanes and slips which are distinctive to Kilkenny cities character.
This development aims to regenerate these lanes, transforming them into vibrant, well-lit, and secure corridors that enhance the overall connectivity and appeal of the city centre. By introducing new commercial activity and improved infrastructure, the project will help breathe new life into these neglected areas, fostering a safer and more inviting environment
for residents and visitors alike.
This regeneration effort will contribute significantly to the urban renewal of Kilkenny City, promoting a positive and dynamic cityscape.
As part of this initiative the proposed development is set back from the original building line to form a new small-town square at this location, to further improve the attractiveness of the lane. This urban gesture is intended to significantly improve the site's presentation and visitor experience. In collaboration with local authorities, the new square will be repaved and renovated with trees and street
furniture.
The proposed developer
have
Careful attention has been given to ensure the hotel integrates within the city’s existing urban fabric. It is proposed to use selected local cut stone on the principal elevations, with the roof featuring a series of traditional inspired roof skyline forms. The roof and other features are clad in natural zinc, which provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing addition to Kilkenny's skyline. Recognising the importance of Kilkenny's laneways, it is envisaged that this proposal can act as a potential catalyst for the regeneration of the city's lanes, enhancing both their functionality and aesthetic appeal. The southern boundary, adjacent to the seven-story Ormonde Carpark, will present an elevational treatment that harmonises with the city's scale and overall cityscape. The hotel is designed to provide 67 quality ensuite rooms with the normal hotel services of reception, bar and restaurant facilities with associated staff and hotel service facilities. Vehicle set-down areas off Pudding Lane and
Pennyfeather Lane are also proposed. The development aims to enhance the hospitality infrastructure of the city, providing modern amenities and services to residents and visitors alike.
Bord Failte in their most recent published report, indicates that Kilkenny City has one of the greatest undersupply of guest bedrooms in the country- with room occupancy rates much higher than the national average. Currently many organised tour operators and independent travellers who visit Kilkenny`s attractions during the day, then travel on to use hotels in adjoining counties. This removes the opportunity for the majority of the associated tourist spend to benefit the City, local business and reduces employment opportunities.
It is intended that the hotel will commence construction in 2025, and will open for business in the 2027 season, with circa 22 full time employees.
In the past two decades, University of Toronto psychology professor Norman Farb and his colleague Zindel Segal have conducted studies on how healthy and depressed people experience sadness, exploring questions like whether they’d respond to clips from sad films in different ways, or whether their brains would show particular patterns of activity compared to people who weren’t depressed.
The researchers were inspired by a series of studies in the early 2000s on the default mode network (DMN), which scientists had recently discovered. Often called the “self-reference” network, the DMN is a network of brain regions that are more active when a person is at rest and not focused on the external environment. The network is associated with self-referential and introspective activities.
Studies found that the DMN was more active in people who suffered from depression, reflecting the tendency to indulge in negative self- evaluation. Depression seemed to make a “house of habit” out of the DMN, reinforcing the same thought patterns, and that’s where people seemed to get stuck.
But Farb and Segal had also come across growing evidence that contemplative practices such as mindfulness meditation seemed to relieve depression and anxiety. So they wondered whether changes in DMN activity might be responsible. Did the self disappear during meditation, relieving people from those looping patterns of thoughts?
To find out, they conducted an fMRI study in 2005 comparing participants who had completed an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course with participants who had signed up but not yet completed the course.
To model self-referential thinking, they presented participants with a series of words (honest, cowardly, loyal, etc) and asked them to note
A new treatment offers new possibilities for patients with prostate cancer, paving the way for a simpler and more effective cure. It’s a simple hour-long operation that uses electrical currents to destroy hard-to-reach tumours offering hope for thousands of men with prostate cancer. Described as a “game-changing” treatment, the innovative procedure could lead to a cure. Surgeons have hailed the “amazingly simple and quick” technique known as the ‘Nanoknife’ operation. The ‘Nanoknife’ procedure administers electrical pulses into the tumour, utilising a technique called irreversible electroporation. This method cuts open the cell membrane of the tumour in a less invasive way than traditional treatments. As a result, there is less risk of damage to surrounding organs and tissues.
whether each word described them personally. Next, they asked participants to read the words and focus not on their self-concept but rather on any physical sensations, feelings, or thoughts that arose. In both groups, shifting focus from judging to sensing reduced activity in the DMN.
However, in the group that had already completed the meditation course — and not
in the group that had only signed up — neuro-imaging data showed greater activity in brain areas related to body sensation.
Was it possible, the researchers wondered, that the primary benefit of mindfulness meditation wasn’t reduced self-judgment but rather enhanced sensation? It was a renegade notion, but it made a kind of intuitive sense.
“We were struck by the possibility that mindfulness meditation’s benefits don’t come from getting rid of the self,” they wrote in an essay for Mind And Life. “What the data suggested was an expansion of the self in the form of immediate sensory input. Rather than turning off the parts of the brain that support judging, people trained in mindfulness had learned to turn on other
By using this revolutionary approach, doctors can target tumours that would otherwise be difficult to access.
Up to 4,000 men in Ireland are diagnosed annually with
prostate cancer. In the UK the figure is 50,000 prompting Britain’s NHS to introduce Nanoknife therapy as an alternative treatment option. Traditional treatments for
prostate cancer involve radiotherapy or prostate removal surgery, which often result in complications such as incontinence, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction.
increased DMN activity in response to sad clips (as did the healthy participants) but also showed reduced activity in sensory brain regions. In other words, the self- referential network was activated no matter how the participant was feeling. However, in depressed participants, this was paired with decreased activity in the insula, a brain area that receives signals from the body.
“It was this sensory suppression that ultimately entrenched suffering,” they wrote. “The more [the insula] shut down, the worse people felt.”
A decade later, Farb and Sendal replicated their findings with another sadnessinduction study, this time adding therapy into the mix, and following patients for two years to track the effects of sensory shutdown over time. Again, they found the same pattern in DMN and sensory brain regions. This time, they found that sensory shutdown predicted future depression: People were significantly more likely to relapse if they had a tendency to suppress sensation, even after eight weeks of therapy.
“It has generally been held that overthinking — in the form of rumination — perpetuates depression,” the researchers wrote. “The front of the brain is certainly important, but our work suggests that vulnerability occurs because relying on the frontal brain to solve emotional problems has the unintended consequence of limiting new information coming from our senses.”
brain regions dedicated to sensation.”
This possibility inspired the design of their first sadnessinduction study, in 2010, which became a critical piece in their puzzle. Comparing the brains of healthy and depressed participants who watched a series of sad and neutral film clips, they discovered that depressed participants not only showed
In contrast, Nanoknife therapy has a lower risk of side effects and can be performed more efficiently. The initial six Nanoknife operations on the NHS were conducted by UCLH surgeons.
Professor Mark Emberton, a consultant urologist, expressed his views on the treatment and stated that it presents a novel approach for cell destruction. He further added that it is an uncomplicated technique that can be easily taught to surgeons, which makes it a game-changer in the field of therapy.
According to Emberton, Nanoknife has the capability to transform into a standard treatment for prostate cancer, unlike targeted treatments that are only accessible in major specialised centres at present.
The professor explained that day surgery can help alleviate
So what is it about feeling your feelings that wards off depression, exactly? By way of explanation, Farb and Sendal draw from the theory of predictive coding — whereby the brain evolved to generate predictions that form a reliable model of the world, and anything falling outside that model results in a “prediction error” alerting us to update our understanding of the world and modify our behaviour accordingly.
the strain on the NHS during periods of high demand, as it eliminates the need for patients to stay overnight in hospital and allows for better utilization of operating theatres.
One of the recipients of the NHS treatment, Neil Gershon, expressed his attraction to the procedure by highlighting its lower risk of collateral damage.
He recounted his experience, saying: “It was completed in a day, which was fantastic. After the effects of the general anesthesia subsided, I felt perfectly fine, with no discomfort. It couldn’t have gone any smoother.”
Natalia Norori, the knowledge manager at Prostate Cancer UK, has said the therapy could “make a big difference to the quality of life of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer”.
Florence
As a cultural and artistic centre in Italian history, Florence [pictured] is one of the most beautiful Italian cities. The most prominent landmark is the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, towering in the middle of the historic centre.
Visit the astounding basilica and climb to the top of the dome – the highest point in the city. Make sure you add the Uffizi Museum to your Florence itinerary to see some of the famous masterpieces from the Renaissance like The Birth of Venus of Botticelli.
Spend time getting lost in the historic center and check out Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge crossing the Arno River that survived World War II. Today you can enjoy jewellery shops, antique shops and art vendors.
If you are travelling with your family, don’t miss the Boboli gardens, one of the best things to do in Florence with kids, where you can have a picnic and they can run around freely.
And don’t forget to go to the best views of the city at Piazzale Michelangelo. As the capital of Tuscany, it’s easy to get to Florence by both air and road.
Gaeta
Gaeta is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. It is located in the Lazio region of Italy about two hours from Rome or about two hours from Naples.
Gaeta is a local dominated vacation spot. Not many international tourists venture to this area mainly because the only way to get to this coastal area is to drive. Because of this well kept secret, a Gaeta beach vacation is the perfect place to spend a weekend.
There are seven public beaches in Gaeta. Each beach has something special from grottoes to explore, to magnificent views of the ocean from the cliffs above. If you like an adventure, grab a rowboat and head to 40 Remi Beach. The number 40 indicates how many oar strokes it takes to get to this beach.
It’s also a great place to snorkel and scuba dive. There are boat rentals, hiking trails, and bike rentals available in this area.
Agrigento, or Girgenti, as it was called until less than a hundred years ago, is a picturesque city rich in history and surrounded by natural beauty in the southwestern part of Sicily. The historic centre is perched on a hill where a combination of steep climbs and stairways will help you work off all the delicacies that are impossible to avoid when visiting any Sicilian town.
Dominated by the Cathedral of San Gerlando, the historic centre is a parade of churches,
baroque facades, alleys, and squares just waiting to be immortalized once more. Situated just a few kilometres from the centre you will be amazed when you visit the Valle dei Templi archaeological park, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy.
Alghero
A Catalan enclave in northwestern Sardinia, Alghero is a true jewel perfect for a summer holiday, but remains a great
Pinacoteca art gallery which houses important artworks by some of Italy’s most famous artists including Titian.
Ensure you try the local Ascoli delicacy, deep fried stuffed olives – or olive all’ascolana as they are known in Italy. You’ll find them on menus as a starter and they are also sold in paper bags to eat as a snack from local stallholders.
Bari
Bari, a charming port city tucked away in Italy’s Deep South. Bari is the capital of Puglia, one of the country’s most unspoilt regions, and the second largest city in Southern Italy.
Moreover, it’s Italy’s gateway to the East with ferries to Greece, Albania, Croatia and Montenegro departing from its port.
Visiting Bari offers the unique opportunity to experience a busy, vibrant Italian city with irresistibly authentic vibes.
There are many fantastic things to see and do in Puglia’s capital.
Strolling around the seductive Old Town, buying fresh handmade pasta straight from the lovely Italian ladies who make it, and taking long sunset walks along the gorgeous promenade are only a few of them.
Last but not least, Bari is the perfect base from where to explore nearby gems such as Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.
Bergamo
Just 40 kilometres northeast from Milan, set into the foothills of the Alps, is the charming city of Bergamo, one of the prettiest cities in Italy.
The old city of Bergamo is known for its architecture, which seems to have frozen in time and has not changed a lot since the Middle Ages. The narrow cobbled streets, surrounded by high facades, and the defensive walls of the city make Bergamo a truly enchanting city.
Bergamo has been inhabited for more than 2,000 years, first by the Romans and later ruled by the Venetians, who made sure that the city was never conquered.
place to visit year round.
The city is a lovely maze of narrow cobbled alleys and colorful buildings, nice churches and interesting museums, and literally a shopping paradise with many nice boutiques.
A walk along the Bastions will offer beautiful views of the coast that span all the way to Capo Caccia – which is 20 minutes away and a great place for a walk. The Bastions are also a great sunset spot.
Other nearby attractions
include Neptune’s Cave, one of the most beautiful in Sardinia. You can reach it via a staircase of more than 600 steps – which will literally take your breath away – or via boat from town.
If you fancy archeological sites, make sure to visit Palmavera Nuraghe, one of the best kept in Sardinia. Porto Conte is the best place for hikes, and at a stone’s throw from the city, much like Tenute Sella & Mosca, one of the best wineries in Sardinia.
One of the most beautiful squares in Italy, Piazza del Popolo features Travertine marble paving which glows in the sunshine.
The historical Caffe Maletti is the perfect spot to enjoy coffee while admiring the beauty of the palazzos and the Gothic Romanesque church which line the square.
The city’s cathedral can be found in the other main square, Piazza Arringo, where you will also find the
Some of the highlights of the city are its defensive Venetian walls and gates, which date back to the 16th century.
Another highlight of the city is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, an astonishing 12th century basilica known for its incredible frescoes and ceiling.
Right next to Bergamo’s basilica is the Duomo di Bergamo, which is another stop you should definitely visit while in the city. It is known for its bright colours and incredible details, which only add to the elegance of the cathedral.
Every now and again we talk about ‘characters’ in the pub (a much needed respite from politics and sport). We talk about the ‘characters’ from our childhood and our youth. We remember ‘Aeroplane’ Meehan, May Timmins, Kitty Saunders with her numerous dogs in tow, Kevin Traynor, selling the Press and Herald in and around the Harp Bar if I remember correctly, Packy Da, positioned, as always, outside Allied Irish Bank , little Davy Phelan and, of course, the one and only Dan Quigley leading the hearse at every funeral in town.
Indeed when I was very young I thought Dan was a cousin of ours as every funeral of an elderly relation, be they grandfather, grandmother, Godmother, uncle or aunt there was Dan leading out the hearse.
And there’s the iconic anecdote about the bold Dan who, when asked by someone who was dead, would have
replied: “The man in the coffin.”
And then the inevitable question: “Are there any characters left in Kilkenny?” to which I always reply: “But, of course, there’ll always be ‘characters’ among us, it’s just that we don’t always recognise them until later, much later.”
And then there’s the other question: “What exactly is a character?”
Mmm. Tricky this. Seems there may be two types of ‘characters’ – those who don’t, and never did, see themselves as ‘characters’ and wouldn’t appreciate being labelled so. And then there are those ‘characters’ who know full well what they are and revel in their ‘character’ status. These folks are, for the most part, witty, good story tellers and great company. Two of the aforementioned come immediately to mind: the late publican ‘Spud’ Murphy and
the late Gus Carey. When these two names surface in a conversation – the stories and yarns come quick and fast, one better than the other. Legends for sure. My favourite story about ‘Spud’ is when he was having the ‘late one’ with his locals and a couple of bowsies knocked on the window to get in. “We’re closed,” ‘Spud’ told them. “If you don’t let us in, we’ll call the guards.”
“If ye don’t feck off ,” says ‘Spud’, “I’ll send them out to ye.”
Now I could rattle off the names of some ‘characters’ who are alive and well among us but I’m not so sure they’d appreciate the tag. Then again, some might revel in it. And then there was the night in my local when, as we discussed the topic of ‘characters’, someone in the company remarked: “Sure maybe you’re a bit of a ‘character’ yourself, Gerry.” I didn’t know if it was a compliment
or an insult. And then there are those other ‘characters’ –‘characters’ in a category all of their own. Eccentrics. And
“The stories and yarns come quick and fast, one better than the other...
what exactly is an eccentric you may well ask. Mmm. Don’t have a definition to hand but I reckon odd might suffice. Or oddball. And you can make up your own mind as to how many, if any, eccentrics live in this city of ours.
But to help you understand what an eccentric is, here are some famous ones:
Sir George Sitwell (1860 - 1943)
Sis George was rather bizarre in many ways. A keen gardener and, annoyed by wasps in his garden, he invented a pistol for shooting them. After he moved to Italy to avoid paying taxes in Britain he refused to pay his new wife’s debts which resulted in her spending three months in prison. He had the cows on his estate stencilled in blue and white Chinese willow pattern to make them look better.
Gerald Tyrwhitt-Wilson(1883 – 1950)
(And an interesting name doesn’t go astray if you‘re an eccentric).
Gerald had the pigeons on his stately home dyed in a variety of colours; he also kept a pet giraffe with which he would have afternoon tea regularly. His chauffeur had to fit out his Rolls Royce with a harpsichord in order for Gerald to play music while being driven around the countryside.
Finally, our own Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) Oscar exuded eccentricities. Whatever about always wearing an unnaturally dyed, green carnation in his lapel while studying at Oxford University he would walk through the streets with a lobster on a leash! Try that on High Street some busy Saturday afternoon. So, do you think you know anyone in Kilkenny who fits the bill as an eccentric?
Greenwood Furniture is a family owned Irish business making waves in furniture retail. Selling furniture in Waterford City for over 21 years, owners, John and Schira Lane are now delighted to be expanding to Carlow town. With a knack for
sourcing quality furniture with a classic feel, they pride themselves with bringing luxurious furniture to the market at a price point that guarantees value for money. John has a history in bedding manufacturing and has brought his
expertise to buying and designing mattresses that are exclusive to Greenwood Furniture. The Eco Mattress range, manufactured with marine recycled yarn, biomass foam and a Bloom green-tower spring system, are not only eco-
friendly but designed by John with comfortable sleep in mind. John is all about comfort and, together with Schira, they make the perfect buying couple. When it comes to living spaces, Schira loves the old world classics and cool tones and John is all about comfort and vibrancy, the latest trends. So together they marry their talents with a keen eye for luxurious detail but with furniture that’s stylish and will last the test of time. They source their products at home and abroad and John is proud that he holds a huge stock which is so often available for immediate delivery.
With a trusted staff since the very beginning, their 3 children have also had an active role in making Greenwood Furniture the success it is today. Interior stylist Caroline currently works at both stores to maximise polished customer service. She has a real talent for colour and making a house a home. Greenwood Furniture stock a wide range of accessories of occasional pieces and soft furnishings and Caroline’s expertise here is always worth the trip to their showrooms.
Delivering Nationwide, their showrooms are open seven days a week. You can also check them out online.
Instagram @ GREENWOODFURNITURELTD Facebook @Greenwoodfurniture www.greenwoodfurniture.ie Unit 1C, Esker Business Park, Six Cross Roads, Outer Ring Road, WATERFORD X91 AD76 UNIT 4, Barrow Valley Retail Park, Sleaty Road, Graiguecullen, CARLOW R93 A9DN PHONE: 051-354941
Choosing terms for our older friends stirs debate. “The elderly” sounds delicate, while “old people” feels outdated. “Seniors” carries respect, reflective of wisdom. “Elderly adults” finds a middle ground, embodying both formality and casualness. It’s the blend of respect with a human touch that truly matters. Ultimately, the significance lies not in the label but in the respect and warmth we convey with our choice of words.
Senior adults embody more than their age; they’re the living history and soul of our communities, sharing invaluable wisdom and shaping lives. They’re not just elders; they’re mentors and storytellers, leaving indelible marks through every interaction and shared moment. Their societal impact is profound, teaching us the value of every experience and the strength of emotional bonds. Discussing their well-being means
Pat Coughlanvaluing these connections that enrich both their lives and ours, celebrating not the years but the quality of life shared.
But what about the power of emotional connections in alleviating loneliness? Now me auld Dad would say that a good chat with a mate or a cuddle from a loved one can make the world of a difference. This rings especially true for our seniors adults.
The craic and camaraderie of regular yarns with family and friends do wonders at chipping away the solitude that too often sneaks up on them in their golden years. It’s not just about having someone to share a cuppa with; it’s the feeling of being part of something, of mattering to someone, that gives a grand boost to their mental health. Strong, supportive relationships aren’t just the sugar in their tea; they’re a lifeline, pulling them back from the brink of loneliness, showing them, they’re not
only seen but deeply cherished. So, fostering these ties isn’t just beneficial; it’s crucial for lifting their spirits and improving their quality of life.
The psychological perks
of having these meaningful relationships are no small potatoes – they’re the bread and butter of emotional well-being, helping to ward off the cobwebs of loneliness and keep the spirits high.
Discussing the impact of strong social networks on the senior adult reveals its vital role in their well-being. For senior adults, a reliable support system from family and friends significantly boosts happiness and satisfaction in later life. These relationships act as a buffer against stress, with something as simple as a chat providing substantial benefits. Essentially, these connections nurture the soul, enhancing overall health and enabling seniors to do more than just get by; they thrive. So, picture this: a senior adult who’d rather have a bit of peace and quiet than being in the thick of it all. It sounds grand for them, right? But what’s the story for their other half? When one person fancies some solitude, it mightn’t be all smooth sailing for the spouse. There’s a fair chance it could stir up a bit of tension or lead to the feeling that they’re not on the same
page anymore. It’s a bit of a tricky one, isn’t it? But we have to find ways of dealing with it.
Studies highlight these interactions as key to boosting cognitive functions and memor y. It turns out, engaging in meaningful conversations isn’t just pleasing; it’s essential for brain health. Every conversation, then, becomes a chance for cognitive enhancement. It’s a reminder that the secret to mental agility lies in our connections. Let’s continue to engage and uplift each other’s minds.
The significance of emotional connections in senior adults well-being is undeniable. I know. I am one of them. This bit of a rant highlights the key roles of love, companionship, and respect in enhancing the life quality of Senior Adults. It’s crucial for families and communities to support these bonds, creating a nurturing environment for all.
On Sunday June 9th, a gathering took place at Mac Donagh railway station to remember those who participated in WW II.
Organised by The Kilkenny Great War memorial committee, it was a very dignified affair that saw candles being lit and wreaths being laid for those who fought in the war.
The day was complemented by songs and music.
Proceedings got under way with a minutes silence as a mark of respect.
Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer newspaper, chair of the organising committee Donal Croghan thanked everyone for attending the commemoration, explaining that it was so important to remember the Irish men and women who took part in previous wars.
“Today, just a few days after the 80th anniversary of D-Day, this ceremony remembers the 64 men and women of Kilkenny and the local areas, who lost their lives and the more than 130 known veterans of World War 2”, said Mr Croghan.
The memorial is poignantly placed at the train station, where many local men began their journey towards the trenches of the First World War and the battles of the Second World War.
Donal Croghan continued:“80 years has passed since the D-Day invasion of the Normandy Beaches which was a very definitive date in the
history of World War Two, and we are here today to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served from Kilkenny in what was the most devastating conflict in human history.
Across the world soldiers, nurses, and civilians endured injury and suffering on a scale previously unknown to humanity” , continued Donal.
Approximately 50 million people died as a consequence of World War 2 although the precise number will never be known.
Donal went on to say that The Southern Ireland sacrifice is epitomised by the Kilkenny and Irish people who joined in Battle with the forces of the United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America and Australia and they have to be commended, as most joined voluntary to fight Nazism. The gathering was asked to reflect on how they left their homes, their jobs and loved ones to stand up
and to be counted in the world's hour of need.
Participants on the days events included Ger Cody who sang, ‘Lean on Me’ by Bill Withers, and ‘Blowing in the wind’ by Bob Dylan, while John Joe Cullen read President Roosevelt’s D Day prayer’ Wreaths were laid by the following : Donal Croghan (chairman of the Kilkenny Great war memorial committee) Kay Nagle (Association of Disbanded Irish Regiments), Bobby Kearney (Chair of O.N.E), Commnt’ Larry Scallan retired ( Post 8 UN Vets) Alison Hallahan (RNA), Alan O’Keeffe (son of Jim O’Keeffe, RAF, originally from Kells), Phil Lecane (Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association.)
Piper Finbarr McCarthy played a lament in memory of those who died and those who returned home, while Commt’ Larry (Scallan retired) played The Last Post and Reveille. Proceedings closed with Finbarr
Donal
In 1958, when she was 77, Nell Dooley-Monahan wrote to Callan’s newspaper correspondent Peter Roughan to
BY JOHN FITZGERALD
share some memories with him and his readers. Nell was a daughter of Jim Dooley who worked with Ben Thompson, a gamekeeper in Desart. Last week, I recounted her visit to Desart Court and her precious memory of a childhood meeting with Lady Desart.
The Pattern of Ballyline was another significant event in her schooldays. She remembered the Durneys, Bergins, and Walshes of Callan erecting tents in Killaloe in the early part of the day and then moving across to Ballyline in the evening.
At the pattern, she recalled, you could “buy a piece of sugar stick long enough to beat a lazy ass out of a sandpit for the enormous sum of one penny!”
She also remembered the Races of Graiguehayden, and in particular the misadventures of a well-known character in Kilmanagh who was too stingy to wear his best trousers to the races. Instead he always turned up wearing one that had as many holes as a cabbage strainer.
His wife held the purse strings and refused to allow him to buy a new trousers until he “really needed one”meaning until the one he had disintegrated completely. The man dreamed of travelling to Kilkenny to acquire a new
pair of pants and thus shake off his “ragged-trousered” image in the community.
For the first time in his marriage, he stood up to his wife and demanded the price of a trousers. She promised to think about it. A fortnight later he arrived home to find her towering above him- she was much taller he was- and holding a large pair of second hand trousers she had bought at a cheapjacks sale. He complained it was “two miles wide” for him, but she threatened to “flatten him” if
he didn’t wear it. Meekly, he called to Jack Bergin, the tailor in Kilmanagh, and asked him if he wouldn’t mind “taking in it in a bit.”
Jack said he was too busy and advised him to buy a card of safety pins so he could “take in” the spare tweed himself. Unfortunately, the well-intentioned man had no notion of how to adjust the pants as required, so he ended up sticking the big safety pins down the outside of each trouser leg.
This gave him what fellow
spectators at the Graiguehayden races seemed to consider the most outstanding and original set of “pinstriped trousers” they had ever seen.
Nell Dooley found him hilarious…yet she recalled such characters with a mixture of sadness and nostalgia. “All that poor fellow wanted was a paper hat”, she told Peter Roughan, “for there were more people looking at him than were watching the races. “I know we had some hard chaws, and eccentric indi-
viduals, kicking about years ago. But many of them were harmless poor devils that just gave us something to laugh about. At the time, we took them for granted, but looking back I realise they were grand old chaps that maybe we didn’t fully appreciate. Some day, we will, when there’s none of them left.”
After leaving school in Callan, Nellie went to work in Portlaoise. While there, she met and married a man called Monahan. The wedding was in Kilmanagh
church, where Nellie had been baptised. She and her husband settled in Stradbally where they lived happily for forty-five years.
She was thrilled to find a Callan connection in her new neighbourhood: Mick Doolan lived just a few houses from her own home. He was a son of stonecutter Peter Doolan of Bridge Street. Mick had served his time at the bakery near the Little Bridge, and then, when he left Callan, followed in his father’s footsteps as a stonecutter.
Nellie re-visited Callan whenever she could, and one of her first ports of call upon arrival in the town was the Hotel in Green Street, where she would spend hours chatting with old Mrs. Callanan and Mona Callanan, who later married Sean Feore. The three of them would converse over endless cups of tea and cake.
Mona was a sprightly, goodhumoured young woman who loved to share news and gossip with Nellie. She filled her in on the all the latest developments in pre- First World War Callan, and Nellie spoke of married life in County Laois.
Nell Dooley-Monahan kept up to date with events in Callan through the Kilkenny People, which in those days carried a detailed weekly report on the town’s comings and goings.
To be continued…
(Callan in Words and Pictures is available from Amazon)
Kilkenny County Council Library Services & Heritage Office are delighted to announce a new project called 'Mná Feasa/Wise Women'; a social history project and podcast series comprising of stories, experiences & local lore from the women of Kilkenny.
On November 3rd 1324 in Kilkenny, Petronella of Meath became the 1st woman to be burned at the stake for witchcraft in the British Isles. As maid to Dame Alice Kyteler, she was found guilty of heretical sorcery, having been tortured to illicit a confession. We can be thankful that murmurs of witchcraft have long faded from the streets of Kilkenny. Though, the experiences of
Kilkenny women in recent decades are far removed from the challenges faced in the 14th century, accounts of women’s lives and struggles continue to be under-represented in public re-collection and collections This project aims to amplify these voices and experiences.
Kilkenny County Council Library Services, Heritage Office and storyteller Helena Byrne are encouraging older women of Kilkenny to share their memories and experiences of life as women growing up in the county. From exciting moments in history to simple day-to-day activities, your childhood memories, old wives’ tales, stories of school days and academic expectations,
marriage, working life, family and everything in between. With your help, we can record and preserve this invaluable part of our local heritage for many generations to come. Helena will also meet with female transition year students for a series of workshops. These will cover various creative skills and introduce them to the art of oral storytelling culminating in the production of a podcast series and a storytelling performance. “700 years have passed since the Kilkenny Witch Trials, we hope that the lives and experiences of women will be reflected through this rich oral history piece” says
Hamas has suffered a grievous but not a crushing blow as a result of Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip. American officials are reported to believe that Hamas now has between 9,000 and 12,000 fighters — about half of the number at the start of the war. That means that the Palestinian militant group can field some 12 to 15 battalions, a considerably larger number than the handful of remaining battalions that Israel said there was to justify its ongoing operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
For its part, Hamas claims to have lost no more than six thousand men. And, for a movement that depends on tunnels for its survival, perhaps as many as 80% of Hamas’s tunnels remained intact as of January 2024.
According toPresident Biden, Hamas has been “devastated” and is “no longer capable of carrying out another October 7” attack. That is without any doubt a core requirement to carry out Israel’s strategic objectives in waging this war. But the big question is whether it is a sufficient one. It is akin to the US claiming, for example, in 2002 that al-Qaeda was no longer capable of launching another September 11, 2001-like attack and, therefore, that the threat from the terrorist group had receded enough that a cease-fire was possible.
In Israel’s case, as long as Hamas’s senior command survives and a core of combat-seasoned fighters remain, Israel will consider the Palestinian militant group to be in a position to, at minimum, continue to lob missiles and rockets onto Israeli communities, harass Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operating in Gaza, and plot even more serious attacks.
Three weeks ago, when its forces were encircled and under intense pressure from the IDF, Hamas was able to fire at least eight rockets from Rafah into Israel. So they clearly retain a capacity to threaten Israel and harass its citizens, which would both continue and increase if, in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s words, Israel does not achieve its oft-stated objective of “total victory over Hamas”.
Indeed, in response to President Biden’s articulation of a new cease-fire proposal on May 31, Netanyahu doubled down on Israel’s ineluctable commitment to this objective, declaring that “Israel will continue to insist these condi-
tions are met before a permanent cease-fire is put in place.
The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a nonstarter”.
A poll conducted in March 2024 by the Palestinian Cen-
tre for Policy and Survey Research, a think tank based in the West Bank, revealed that almost three-quarters (71%) of Palestinians living in Gaza still supported Hamas’s decision to launch the October 7 attacks — up from 57% in De-
cember 2023. But when asked who they would prefer to control Gaza once the war ends, only 52% supported Hamas, while 40% supported the Palestinian Authority (PA), and 5 percent favored one or more Arab countries.
At this point, it’s unclear whether Hamas’s strategy — sacrificing the lives of innocent civilians in Gaza to undermine global support for Israel — will erode its support among Palestinians. Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s military leader in Gaza, has described the tens of thousands killed and injured as “necessary sacrifices”. This cynical encouragement of loss of life and harm to their fellow Palestinians has long been a prominent feature of Hamas’s strategy.
“Our job is to keep Palestinians radicalised. Most of them would settle in a moment for peace, some deal that will let them get on with their lives. We need to keep them angry,” the late senior Hamas commander Saleh al-Arouri said of the group while speaking to an audience at London’s Chatham House think tank in 2007. Nonetheless, with no viable alternative to Hamas rule in Gaza, Palestinians lack any meaningful option.
As Ghaith al-Omari, a former adviser to the Palestinian peace negotiation team, has observed, the PA, which controls the West Bank and is generally regarded as Hamas’ principal political rival, is deeply unpopular among Palestinians because of its “corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency”.
Iran is Hamas’s most important external source of support. Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s Qatar-based political leader, told Al Jazeera in 2022 that the group annually receives up to $70 million from Iran. Reportedly, some five hundred Hamas fighters were trained in Iran in preparation for the October 7 attacks—a reflection of Iran’s longstanding support of Hamas. Indeed, in March 2024, Haniyeh thanked Iran. “Iran stands at the forefront of supporting the cause and people of Palestine,” he said.
Since 2018, Qatar—with Israel’s approval — has given $1.8 billion to Hamas. And, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long provided diplomatic and other support to Hamas, in particular rejecting the US State Department’s designation of Hamas as a foreign terrorist organisation and instead declaring the group to be a “resistance movement”.
The “reinvention” of the global food supply and praising “alternative proteins” made by “animal-free” products has been called for in a just published World Economic Forum (WEF) article.
The WEF is an international advocacy organisation founded by Klaus Schwab that seeks to bring world leaders together “to shape global, regional and industry agendas”. The organisation has been criticised in the past for publishing an article encouraging people to eat bugs to “reduce climate change”.
In the article, titled ‘Feed-
ing The Future: Why Renovation And Reinvention Are Key To Saving Our Food System’, WEF New Frontiers of Nutrition Project Fellow Juliana Weltman Glezer laments the greenhouse gas emissions caused by food production and warns of a 60% increase in food demand when the worldwide population hits 10 billion.
“Many of the ways we grow, manufacture and consume food are causing a dual crisis of human and environmental health, and the complexity will only intensify,” Glezer wrote.
“The food transition aims to reshape the way society produces, distributes, consumes and discards food – a transformation that will impact the mutual advancement of human and environmental health,” the article added.
The article then compared an overhaul of the food system to the global transition to renewable energy, such as solar and wind power and electric vehicles.
“The food transition involves a similarly comprehensive transformation, with two different stages of change: Renovation and Reinvention,”
Glezer wrote. “While Renovation makes incremental improvements across the food value chain, Reinvention aims for systemic change: the fully scaled reorientation of food production in a way that alters the underlying structures within the modern food industry.”
In the article, the author puts forward a two-step plan to reshape the global food supply: “Renovate recipes and packages” and “Reinvent the system.” The first step calls for the “immediate reduction of more harmful ingredients and components in our food,
including excessive levels of salt, sugar, fat and additives.” Glezer writes the world can “mitigate adverse effects on pubic health” by reformulating nutrition.
“Renovation could also mean adding probiotics to an existing product to improve microbiome health,” the article adds.
In the second step, “reinventing the system,” the WEF writer praises companies such as Nestlé that have developed “animal-free protein powder.” Nestlé said in 2022 that its “animal-free” product is made through fermentation and “is
identical to the whey protein found in cow’s milk.”
“And they are not alone,” the author writes. “According to GFI, 158 companies have publicly announced a primary focus on fermentation for alternative proteins in 2023, an increase of 16% from the year prior.”
The article also suggests that AI could be used to help people create diets “unique to an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle factors and health goals” and help reduce “the overall environmental impact of food production and disposal”.
The Kilkenny Observer has linked up with Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny
With lots of retail outlets to choose from and places to grab a bite to eat, not to mention the exciting news of three new businesses joining the Shopping Centre.
Complete your entries below...
Question: Name one of the shops at Market Cross Shopping Centre
1. This competition is sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer
2. The prize will be €200 voucher for Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny
3. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, July 17th2024 at 5.00pm.
4. The winner will be chosen by an open draw held at the office of The Kilkenny Observer on Friday, July 19th 2024.
5. The prize is non-transferable; no cash equivalents may be claimed.
6. All competition entries must be completed on the above form only.
7. The winner will be advised by phone. Please be available to take the call
8. After being notified the name and photograph of the winner will be posted in the next edition of the Kilkenny Observer.
9. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering the competition.
10. The competition is not open to The Kilkenny Observer employees or their families.
with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually—a number projected to double by 2045. Most skin cancers can be prevented by protecting skin from UV rays and avoiding sunbeds.
From April to September, UV rays in Ireland are at their strongest, even on cooler, cloudy days. Being SunSmart is a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Follow these Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps:
• Slip on long-sleeved clothing.
• Slop on sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, ensuring it has high UVA protection and is waterresistant. Reapply regularly.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.
• Seek shade, especially for babies and children, and use sunshades for buggies or prams.
• Slide on sunglasses with UV protection.
As summer is upon us, Kilkenny County Council is thrilled to announce the 2024 launch of the National Cancer Control Programme's “Sun Smart” campaign. This vital initiative aims to educate the public on protecting their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while enjoying the beautiful Irish weather. The Sun Smart campaign
will roll out in three key locations in Kilkenny: Newpark Marsh Eco Park, Kilkenny Countryside Park in Dunmore, and along the Waterway in
Graiguenamanagh. Each location will feature a SunSmart dispenser providing essential tips, information, and resources to help everyone stay safe under
the sun.
Why Being Sun Smart Matters
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland,
Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr Joe Malone, emphasised, “Getting outside is crucial for our wellbeing, but we must protect our skin and our families. By incorporating SunSmart steps into our daily routines, we lay the foundation for a healthier future.”
For more information and tips on staying SunSmart this summer, visit the SunSmart hub at www.hse.ie/sunsmart and follow #SunSmart on social media.
Artist Paddy Cunningham is making waves with his first art exhibition. On show at Callan library, his drawings of celebrities, especially GAA stars, has cast a spell over the Town on the King’s River.
Local man Paddy is a relative newcomer to the visual arts. For decades he made his mark as an eagled-eyed amateur photographer in Callan and the surrounding district.
He snapped many of the town’s milestone events, such as the filming in Callan of Neil Jordan’s movie, Breakfast on Pluto…the simulated explosions, crowd control by 1970s style Gardai, makebelieve new shop fronts for the movie, and the choreographed movements of silver screen icons round the streets of his native town.
He was at the Moat field for the construction of the now immensely popular walkway and its official unveiling by a government minister, and attended just about every other civic occasion of recent times in Callan.
But during the first Covid lockdown, Paddy, like so many people, was restricted and largely confined to his home, and this curbing of movement naturally impacted on his
photography. Then, one day, he opted to try his hand at drawing as a way to cope with the long days and nights of confinement. After a few attempts, he found that he had a natural flair for drawing. He showed some of his initial work to family members and they encouraged him to develop his talent. Paddy began turning out drawings of celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen and Tony Blair, before settling into his favourite subject…depictions of his beloved GAA stars, the players who had fired his imagination since childhood as they kicked or hurled across the great pitches of Ireland. Paddy has been a familiar face at matches for decades, so it was natural that he’d wish
to apply his pencil, marker or acrylics to offer his own unique impressions of his heroes, people like legendary Kilkenny trainer Brian Cody, and Derek Lyng, Henry Shefflin, Noel Skeehan and his own uncle, Frank Cummins.
Paddy took his new calling a step further by joining the acclaimed KCAT, where tutors helped him to develop his skills. He loved the company of other artists, and was surprised at how quickly he progressed through the classes.
He finds his photographic experience a distinct aid to drawing. “My acquaintanceship with the camera has helped me to focus” he explained, adding that he finds an innate and mutually beneficial interaction between the two pursuits Paddy eschews the temptation to render a conventional likeness of his subjects, instead relying on his inner vision to capture the essence of each person he portrays. The result is the zany and eye-catching collection of work on display at Callan library.
The exhibition is open to the public and continues until July 2nd.
- John Fitzgerald
Climate Change
– are we all playing our part?
WEEK 74
'We need to find better ways to fight'.
The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and Recovery College South East have produced a wonderful anthology of poetry and prose. ‘White Twine and old suitcases’ comprises of 128 pages and 60 authors and is complemented by some wonderful photos and artwork by TASK camera club. It is printed by Modern Printers. It is definitely recommended reading for all lovers of poetry. The Kilkenny Observer is happy to run the poems each week to promote creative writing and to highlight these wonderful centres. Available in all Kilkenny book shops. €10
I stand behind a cluster of olive trees looking on. Over sixty villagers have gathered for this execution. If my son was not one of the convicts being executed, Perhaps I too would be close to the front – baying for blood. A lion’s den for humans.
Thirty years have passed since he was born, to what we believed to be a loving family. Where did we go wrong?
His birth was the most joyous of days.
His mother, with her mother, brought him into this world. We stared at him throughout the night.
“A boy . . . a boy.”
We repeated this phrase throughout the night as we gloated in his birth and thanked the Almighty for blessing us. Such Hope. Such Joy.
He grew as children grow.
Like a hurricane passing, he grew from child to teenager. Always pleasant: always helpful and mannerly. People commented on how proud we must have been as he grew. “Great hope for the future,” they would say.
13
You really don’t notice the change.
A neighbour’s son, Gesta, shared time with him. They laughed and enjoyed life.
They hung around with all the other young men of the village. And yes, women – always women. Four years were to pass when he and Gesta went to work as shepherds.
We worried. Yes. We prayed. Yes. But hope: always hope that he might come home. Maybe get married and bless us with grandchildren. Like most men I stayed strong and did not speak of his absence. His mother suffered. His absence tortured her. All her bones ached – and her heart.
The knocks on the door are frightening. We are greeted at the door by soldiers.
“Your son Dismas has been found guilty of robbery.”
“Please. No. Not Dismas.”
“Yes,” says the chief soldier. “He will die tomorrow.”
I hide behind some olive trees.
I watch my son cry in pain as the soldiers raise him on a cross. Tears roll down my face: frightened: scared: broken. All my hope gone.
His friend Gesta also.
I ask who the third man is.
“Jesus,” they say. “A Nazarene.”
“Theft also?” I ask
“No. Adoring false gods.”
My son. Legs now broken.
I collapse in torture.
Unable to stand, as if my own legs are broken. Outside of Jerusalem, at Golgotha.
Three young men are crucified.
All their dreams, and those of their families, destroyed. Dismas, his friend Gesta, and a stranger called Jesus. Crucified.
Cruelty personified.
Will anyone remember their names?
Gerry Cody
In the stillness of the night
When the world is in repose
I survey the dormant land
And battle fiendish foes
I ford the yawning chasm
Across the silent years
Call your name with fondness
And say hello with tears
A symphony of goodness
Makes trouble disappear
Gentle humour touches me
And soothes away my fear
The future and the past are one
Dissolved the great divide
Sun is shining everywhere
And souls no longer hide
The solace of our meeting
Eases painful strife
Courage, truth and wisdom
Encapsulating life
Towards this grand Nirvana
Where joyful hearts accrue
The pilgrim’s weary footsteps
propel me close to you
Though the road is undulating
And it doesn’t seem to end
It leads us to salvation
Brother, Mentor, Friend.
Pat Cody
My love is round as tea-rings circling 13-Down in canal-walk brown
His pen beside the folded Times
An inked baton to be carried on
Wordlessly except “Did you get 3-Across?”
My love is round as wide hips, as Lips that coo reassurances
Spirals on stone washed in glitter and Sea-foam
Soft words swoop and swerve
And never
Cut to the point
I leave behind the straight lines of
Tall buildings, of men with Hard-backed confidence and
Clear
Lines
Of vision
Pillars of the community
I bend them out with Round, love-clenched fists
And make grand, sweeping arches of them
I walk them now, these Moss-drenched bridges that bow to What is oncoming
I pluck at the offerings
Apples and conkers
And eat from a plateful of humility.
Bridget Cody
On June 5th, the Kilkenny Observer visited the city hall in Kilkenny to attend the annual ‘Fáilte Isteach awards. They came from around the globe, Africa, Asia, South America Middle East, and
Europe. An eclectic bunch of people, all gathered together in harmony and friendship which had flourished as they learned English together. The
annual Fr. McGrath Fáilte Isteach English Language Awards hosted by Mayor Joe Malone took place in City Hall on Wednesday. It was an
occasion full of laughter and good humour. As we ascended the staircase of City Hall, probably for the last time in its present incarnation - the building is about to be repurposed,- we were met with the haunting strains of the “Sally Gardens”, music provided by the “Fr. McGrath Tutor ensemble” of Kevin, Siobhan and Brigitte who regaled the visitors with wonderful tunes on violin, concertina and flute . The event was attended by representatives from a number of local community
agencies including Kilkenny Leader Partnership, The Volunteer Centre, the newly established Local Authority Integration Agency (LAIT) St. Canice’s Community Action, PPN. Their presence bodes well for the cooperation amongst the local community services in our city.
The Fáilte Isteach English & Integration Project has been operating from the Fr. McGrath Centre for the past thirteen years. The lack of English language skills is a barrier to immigrants accessing services and often results
in segregation and isolation. The Project works at breaking down these barriers and facilitates the learning and usage of English by extending the hands of friendship and goodwill. It is providing more than the transfer of skills and knowledge; it is also linking participants to a variety of community activities which promotes inclusiveness and contributes to the overall well-being of the community. Each week in the Fr. McGrath Centre, a panel of sixteen volunteer tutors provide a forum where students
learn and exchange ideas around the issues that matter to them.
The Awards were not just for the students. Tutors, some of whom also come from different cultures, were presented with certificates in recognition of their sterling work and commitment to the Project.
Concluding the event the Mayor praised all for their efforts and thanked the volunteers for their generous contribution to the community in the giving of their time.
Enquiries can be made to Fr. McGrath Centre or to immigrantservicekk@gmail.com
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Enjoy fries loaded with tomatoes, soured cream, jalapeños and pickled red onions – perfect for movie nights or entertaining, they’ll be a big hit with any crowd.
Ingredients
• 1 red onion, halved and finely sliced
• ½ lime, juiced
• 450g frozen oven fries
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch
• 6 pork or chorizo-style sausages
• 150g mixed grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 150g soured cream
• 50g pickled jalapeños
• small bunch of coriander, leaves picked
STEP 1
Combine the sliced onion, lime juice and a pinch of salt in a nonmetallic bowl, and set aside to lightly pickle for 20 mins. Will keep chilled for up to five days.
STEP 2
Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas
6. Arrange the fries in a single layer over a large baking tray, sprinkle with a generous pinch of the Cajun seasoning and bake for 10 mins, shaking the tray after 5 mins. They
should be cooked but not have much colour.
STEP 3
Meanwhile, squeeze the sausagemeat from the skins into a
frying pan, and add the 2 tsp Cajun seasoning. Fry over a medium heat, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon, until cooked and browned in places.
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 45 mins - 50 mins
Serves:12
Use your favourite eating apples to bake this traditional German apple cake. Enjoy it with afternoon tea or take to a coffee morning.
Ingredients
• 125g butter, at room temperature, plus extra for the tin
• 220g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 175g caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 4 eggs
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 40g cornflour
• 100ml milk
• 800g eating apples, cored and cut into wedges
• 2 tsp icing sugar
Method
STEP 1
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Butter a 23cm springform cake tin and dust with flour. Beat the softened butter with 115g of the sugar and a pinch of salt for 3-5 mins until pale and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest and juice and mix until combined.
STEP 2
Separate the eggs, putting the egg whites in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the whites with the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Mix the egg yolks into the butter and sugar mixture.
STEP 3
Mix the flour with the baking powder and cornflour, then tip into the butter, sugar and yolk mixture. Mix to combine, then stir in the milk followed by a spoonful of the egg whites. Once that is fully incorporated, gently fold the remaining egg whites into the batter.
STEP 4
Remove the fries from the oven, then scatter over the cooked sausage and cheese. Return to the oven for 10 mins until the cheese has melted and the chips are golden and crisp.
STEP 5
Top the hot fries with the tomatoes, soured cream, jalapeños, pickled onions and coriander leaves just before serving.
STEP 4 Spoon the batter into the springform pan. Press the apples into the batter cut side down and bake for 45-50
mins until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for a while, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Dust with icing sugar. Will keep in an airtight container for up to three days.
If you’ve already raced through the latest season of Bridgerton, ticked off nearly true-crime doc and chipped away at all the best nostalgia classics - then we’ve got just the thing for you. And speaking of nostalgia, one throwback TV show which first aired on ITV back in 2007 has just landed on Netflix and fans are going absolutely wild for it, hailing the British drama as the ‘best show ever’.
The series, which boasts a healthy four seasons, also stars the likes of Billie Piper [pictured] which fans reckon sees her in her most
‘iconic’ role. In short, the show follows the wild life of Hannah Baxter, a high-class escort, played by the Doctor Who star. She hides her true identity from everyone and lives under the pen name, Belle de Jour.
While Belle enjoys her job, it’s clear it doesn’t come without strings attached as she must keep her personal and professional lives separate, and it’s crucial for her to give clients exactly what they want.
The storyline is actually based on the anonymous blogger who became popular in England under the
same name.
The blog went on to lead to book deals and, naturally, the book deals led to a series fittingly titled Secret Diary Of A Call Girl. And fans of the beloved show have since rushed to social media to share their elation at all 32 episodes of the Secret Diary of a Call Girl finally being added to the streaming platform.
One X user said: “Secret Diary of a Call Girl is now on Netflix,” while a second urged: “Is Secret Diary of a Call Girl new to Netflix??
Either way, if you have not seen it, go and watch it RIGHT NOW it is the BEST
show ever.”
Says a third: “Secret Diary of a Call Girll is on Netflix now!!!! Can’t wait to re-binge whilst I apply for jobs and question my life.”
A fourth: “Billie Piper and her iconic roles. 1. Rose Tyler, Doctor Who. 2. Belle de Jour, Secret Diary of a Call Girl. 3. Lily Frankenstein, Penny Dreadful. 4. Her, Yerma.”
And a final X user echoed: “Secret Diary of a Call Girl on Netflix omg, we are so freaking BACK!”
We sure are. That’s this weekend’s rainy day plans sorted then.
The Night Manager Season 2 will begin filming later this year and will pick up with Hiddleston’s Jonathan Pine eight years after the explosive finale of Season 1, going beyond the or iginal book, which was written by the celebrated British writer John le Carré in 1993. Additional plot details are being kept under wraps and there is not yet confirmation as to whether EP Laurie’s Richard Roper, who was last seen in the back of a paddy wagon driven by arms buyers who were not best pleased with him, will return to star.
Season 2 will air on BBC and Amazon Prime Video.
The Night Manager Sea-
son 1 was a huge success, watched by millions and winning multiple BAFTAs, Emmys and Golden Globes including best actor for Hiddleston. Also starring Tom Hollander, Olivia Colman and Elizabeth D ebicki, it followed Pine – who ran a luxury hotel in Cairo – as he attempted to infiltrate the inner circle of Roper’s crime syndicate after being hired by Foreign Office task force manager Angela Burr.
Simon Cornwell and Stephen Cornwell, le Carré’s s ons, said Season 1 proved “a landmark moment for the golden era of television – uniting on-screen and behind-the-camera talent
at the top of their game – and an audience reception which was beyond our w ildest imagining.
“Revisiting the story of Pine also means going beyond the events of John le Carré’s original work: that is a decision we have not taken lightly, but his compelling characters and the vision David has for their next chapter were irresistible.”
Amazon MGM Studios Head of Television Vernon Sanders said: “We are elated to bring additional seasons of The Night Manager to our Prime Video customers. The combination of terrific source material, the wonderful team
Apple TV + will be hoping to continue its good run of form with new family drama series Dear Edward/
An adaptation of Ann Napolitano’s novel of the same name, this 10-part story centres on 12-year-old boy (Colin O’Brien) whose life is upended when he becomes the sole survivor of a commercial plane crash that kills everyone on board, including the rest of his family. The success of (and critical praise for) its source material could potentially land the series a spot on our list of the best Apple TV Plus shows. Its first three episodes are available to stream now.
Having debuted on BBC in the UK back in September 2022, acclaimed mockumentary series Cunk On Earth now finds its way onto Netflix.
Created by Black Mirror’s Charlie Brooker, the show follows fictional investigative journalist Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) – a character who has appeared in several Brooker projects throughout the last decade – as she interviews unsuspecting academics about the greatest inventions in human history, Borat-style. Guest stars throughout the series’ five episodes include Lisa Kudrow, Kumail Nanjiani, Hugh Grant and Tracey Ullman.
Girls Trip creator Tracy Oliver’s acclaimed comedy series, Harlem, on Amazon Prime Video, returns for its highly anticipated second season. Once again following misadventures of a group of stylish and ambitious girlfriends (played by Megan Good, Grace Byers, Shoniqua Shandai and Jerrie Johnsonin) in the eponymous New York City neighbourhood, Harlem S2 finds the gang reckoning with complicated questions of fertility and parenthood. Episodes 1 and 2 are available to stream with the remaining six instalments set to arrive in pairs on a weekly basis every Friday.
at [producers]The Ink Factory, a great writer in David Farr, an award-winning director in Georgi BanksDavies, as well as the talented cast truly make the s eries the full package.”
Hiddleston said: “The first series of The Night Manager was one of the most creatively fulfilling projects I have ever worked on. The depth, range and complexity of Jonathan Pine was, and remains, a thrilling prospect.”
BBC content boss Charlotte Moore added: “After years of fervent speculation I’m incredibly excited to confirm that The Night Manager is returning to the BBC for two more series.”
This true story-inspired new Netflix movie dramatises 16-year-old Jessica Watson’s quest to become the youngest person to complete a non-stop solo sail around the globe. Teagan Croft, Anna Paquin and Cliff Curtis all star. Judging by the film’s trailer, we’re not expecting True Spirit to break onto our list of the best Netflix movies any time soon – but critics have nonetheless called this one “an empowering tribute to a magnificent achievement”.
5. The Great British Baking Show: The Professionals
The pro-grade spin-off to beloved UK import The Great British Bake Off is in its sixth season on Netflix.
For those not in-the-know, The Great British Baking Show: The Professionals swaps out its parent show’s tent, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith in favour of a luxurious catering kitchen, intentionally haughty judges and – you guessed it! – professional patisserie chefs as its embattled contestants.
The bread-and-butter format of The Professionals, though, is identical to that of The Great British Baking Show.
We’ve heard it before – there is just too much stress in the world today! However, it is worth considering that there would have been plenty of stressors in the past – food scarcity, predators, exposure to the elements, lack of laws, little to no medical options. Today’s stressors are just...different.
As a physiotherapist I am interested in stress as it can play a major role in pain, health and healing. Have a look at my previous articles if you want to learn more about this (you can find them on www.kilkennyobserver.ie - just search my name).
For times when things seem a little too much, it is useful to have a stress-busting toolkit. You probably have some coping strategies already (hopefully some healthy ones!).
See what works best for you. I would recommend practicing when you are not excessively stressed (just like in sport, it’s best to learn a skill before using it in a match).
A Trusted Friend
Social support is one of our most powerful stress relievers. We are social beings; feeling like there is somebody there who we can turn to is essential for our wellbeing.
If stress is becoming too much – a friend can help. If they are a trusted friend, tell them about what is bothering you. Or don’t - simply spending time with people who we feel comfortable around has soothing effects on our nervous system and our health.
Relaxed, deep breathing sends a message to the autonomic nervous system (the part that controls automatic processes like the stress response) –things are ok, we are safe and secure.
"Box breathing” only takes 1-2 minutes, and it is so simple.
Slow your breathing rate and picture a box/ square. As you slowly breathe in, imagine you are drawing a line on one side of the box. Gently holding your breath, continue along the next line of the box. Slowly exhaling, visualise the following line. Holding your breath at ease, draw the last line, linking back to the starting point. Repeat for 1-2 minutes, see how you feel. Each breath and breath hold should last about 4-seconds.
Mindfulness
Many of us can be mindful
without necessarily having to practice mindfulness – during engaging activities and sports or while entranced by music. One mindfulness exercise is so simple it sounds a bit silly. All you do is notice things around you – 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Take your time, try to give your full attention to all that you notice about each sensory experience. See how you feel after this practice. www.mindful.org/ offer great information and resources for anybody interested.
There are countless other things that we can do to relieve stress. I’m sure you can think of a few right now.
If stress is negatively impacting your life, working with a psychologically informed practitioner, such as a registered psychologist, is the best place to start. Your GP can help to direct you to services.
The HSE offer a free service online at www.stresscontrol. ie/. Samaritans offer a free helpline for those struggling to cope with what life has thrown at them – call them on 116 123.
We will continue to explore other ways to reduce the impact of stress – looking at what daily habits we can help in the long-run.
With Primary Schools finishing up for the summer next week, the Primary Schools Camogie and Hurling competitions have been winding down over the past few weeks with finals played at a variety of venues.
The competitions began in March with a whole host of games played throughout the group stages before reaching the knockout stages, and playing a Primary Schools Final is a very special day in the life of a young child as more than likely it's the first major final that they will play in.
The Roinn A Camogie Final played in Conahy was a superb contest as St. Canices won by a point against Coon Muckalee 4-2 to 3-4.
Coon Muckalee had scored 6 goals in their Semi-Final win against Clara as they won 6-5 to 5-1, while St.
Canices overcame Bunscoil MaCauley Ris 1-6 to 0-5 in the other Semi-Final. Their was consolation for Bunscoil MaCauley Ris in the Shield Final as they won 3-5 to 0-2 against Clara.
Gowran Primary School girls enjoyed great success in the Roinn B Final as they won 5-6 to 0-3 against St. Aidans Kilmanagh National School following wins against Thomastown and Rower-Inistioge in the Quarter-Final and respectively, while Rower-Inistioge won 4-3 to 1-1 against near neighbours Tullogher in the Shield Final.
Urlingford National School prevailed 6-7 to 3-6 against St. John of God in The Roinn C Final after having scored 7 goals in their Semi-Final win against Paulstown Goresbridge, while in the Shield Final Castlecomer won 2-4 to
1-1 against Mooncoin.
Tullaroan won a closely contested Roinn D Final as they won 3-1 to 1-4 against St. Annes after both schools scored 6 goals in their SemiFinal, while Danesfort easily won 3-8 to 0-1 against Graigue Skeough in The Roinn D Shield decider.
In The Roinn E competition, Dunnamaggin won the Cup Final 3-6 to 1-1 against Mullinavat, while Windgap won 5-3 to 1-1 against Moneenroe in the Shield decider.
Roinn F provided the biggest goal fest in the Cup Final as Presentation Kilkenny shaded a 13 goal thriller against city neighbours St. John’s Senior, with the Pres girls winning 7-4 to 6-5. In the Semi-Finals, Presentation Kilkenny scored 6 goals in their 6-3 to 2-1 win against Conahy while St.
John’s Senior scored 7 goals in their 7-2 to 1-2 win against St Aidans Kilmanagh’s 2nd Team. Both schools also scored 5 goals in their respective Quarter-Final wins. Meanwhile, a close contest also emerged in The Shield decider as Carrickshock won by a solitary point against Slieverue. 3-0 to 2-2.
It's been busy on the Hurling front also, with the Primary Schools Finals played in Nowlan Park including the Roinn A and B Finals that formed a double header last Friday night.
The A Final was won by St. Canices who defeated Gowran National School 2-5 to 1-4 as they completed The Roinn A Camogie/Hurling double.
The Gowran boys had a chance to make amends on Wednesday night as they played Mooncoin in the
Country Cup Final in Nowlan Park.
Mooncoin will be attempting to complete the double after having won The Roinn B Final last Friday night. In an epic 11 goal thriller against Rower-Inistioge, the Suirsiders won 6-10 to 5-8.
The Gowran Boys have reached all 4 finals possible again this season, similar to last season between football and hurling in both Championship and the Country Cup Final. That's an incredible acheivement.
They were going for the Country Cup double on Wednesday Night having won the Football Final in the winter months Bennttsbridge won The Roinn C Final 1-9 to 1-6 against Mullinavat after having scored 5 goals in the 5-9 to 2-4 win against Lisdowney.
Kilkenny CBS and Castle-
comer Boys played the Roinn C Shield Final last Monday, with the Castlecomer boys winning on a 4-04 to 1-01 scoreline. While The Roinn D competition still has to be completed. Windgap lost out to Tullaroan on a scoreline of 8-10 to 1-07.Tullaroan having qualified for the final with Windgap winning 2-6 to 2-2 against Carrickshock, while Tullaroan won 2-3 to 1-1 against Dunnamaggin. The Roinn E Final was contested last Monday between near neighbours Johnstown and Galmoy, with Galmoy winning on a 3-05 to 1-08 scoreline.
It's such a special and glorious occassion playing in a Primary Schools Final. It's a day that lives long in the memory as it's the first Final for so many and it's an unforgettable experience.
CLARA
CLUB LOTTO
Lotto results for the11th June. Numbers drawn - 9, 18, 28. No Jackpot winner.
€30 each to, Donald McDonald, Caroline Clifford, James Dowling, Lily Ryan, Aidan Jenny.
CAMOGIE
Clara’s Rachel Whelan was on the Kilkenny Intermediate panel that beat Kerry 2-14 to 0-12 in the third round of the championship on Saturday in Lixnaw, Co. Kerry.
LONG PUCK
Killian Phelan won back his Poc Fada county title on Tuesday of last week when the competition was held at Gowran Racecourse. He now goes on to represent Kilkenny in the Leinster Poc Fada championship. Well done Farmer!
SENIOR/ INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE
Clara lost out to high flying Thomastown on Tuesday of last week in Clara. Thomastown looked like a team full of confidence and led 0-14 to 0-6 at the interval. When Clara scored four of the first five points of the second half to cut the gap to five it looked like a comeback was imminent but Thomastown kept them at arm’s length throughout and a late goal gave them a somewhat flattering 1-24 to 0-18 win.
Team - Kevin Nolan, Paddy Bolger, Jack Langton, Evan Whearty. John Murphy 0-3, Matt Kenny 0-1, Zach Lawlor. Conor O Shea 0-4, 0-3f, David Langton 0-5f. Paul Cody 0-2, Dara Glynn, Chris Bolger 0-2. Liam Ryan 0-1, Peter Nolan, Joe Connolly. Sub used Martin O Connell.
MINORS MAKE FINAL
Congratulations to David Barcoe who played for Kilkenny minors on Sunday in a pulsating All Ireland semi final in Thurles. It was a heroic performance by the young Cats who came from 7 points down early on to emerge 2-20 to 2-17 winners after 20 minutes of extra time. Having led by four late in normal time Kilkenny were pegged back by a gallant Clare team. This forced extra time and Clare were dealt a huge blow late in the first half when star forward Paul Rodgers was shown a straight red card for an off the ball incident. Kilkenny held on but David limped off late in the game with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Let’s hope he recovers quickly enough to take his place in the All Ireland final against Tipperary.
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS
JUNIOR A LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
O’Loughlin Gaels won the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Junior A League final in Páirc Sheamuis Stiofáin on Tuesday night defeating Dunnamaggin by 1-19 to 2-13. The sides were well matched for the first fifteen minutes after which the scores Dunnamaggin led by the odd point in nine. At this stage O’Loughlins took control of the game and by halftime they led by 0-12 to 0-7 thanks to three John Mc Namara points, two Ruarc Sweeney frees, a pointed sideline from Greg Kelly and points from Jack Sheridan and Ben Maher. Their control of the game continued after the break and led by 1-18 to 0-11 with
ten minutes remaining. Credit to Dunnamaggin who fought back to reduce the deficit to 1-19 to 1-13 as the game entered injury time. A further Dunnamaggin goal made it a three point game but O’Loughlin’s held out to win 1-19 to 2-13. The team was Michael Lambert, Kevin O’Brien, Gary Bryan, Alex Molloy, Padraig Meany (captain), Jay Leahy, Ben Tyrrell, John Mc Namara, Ben Kinsella, Mark Holohan, Tervine Wallace, Ruarc Sweeney, Ben Maher, Greg Kelly, Jack Sheridan. Subs Michael Butler, Luke Quigley and Cathal O’ Leary.
O’Loughlin’s Junior team also enjoyed success at the weekend winning the Paddy Cahill Cup final by defeating Thomastown by 1-19 to 0-17. The club’s Under 12’s win the Phelan/Stone Tournament run by the Ballyragget club at which Johnny Delaney received the player of the tournament award.
MINORS’ SUCCESS
Congratulations to Kilkenny minor team on winning the All Ireland minor hurling semi-final over Clare. It was great to see Conor Holohan, Cian Byrne and Daniel Mc Cormack all on the team and panel. Well done to manager Niall Bergin and S and C coach James Kelly also.
LOTTO
There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels Club lotto dated June 11th. Numbers drawn were 6, 17, 18, 19 Bonus 5. Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto.
Promotors Draw 1. Dick Barcoe c/o JJ Cullen. 2. Christina Brennan c/o M Nolan. 3. Caelan Greene c/o P Greene. 4. Brian Murphy Jnr c/o B Murphy. 5. B Cuddihy c/o JJ Cullen. 6. Siobhan Kearns c/o M Nolan. 7. Spud Murphy c/o D O’Driscoll. 8. John Claffey c/o Online 9. Rebecca O’Neill c/o Online. 10. Aoife O’Neill c/o Online Thank you for your continued support.
AGEING WELL IN THE COMMUNITY
The HSE Carlow Kilkenny Integrated Care for Older Persons (ICPOP) team will be hosting an information session on “Ageing well in the community” in O’ Loughlin Gaels GAA club on Tuesday 25th June at 8pm. This team works with people over sixty five years of age in Carlow and Kilkenny who may have memory or cognition issues, people who fall and those who may experience other frailty issues. The ICPOP service is temporarily based in the Newpark Primary Care Centre every Monday and they are shortly moving to a more permanent base in Loughboy in September 2024. The information session in O’ Loughlin Gaels is geared for all club members and St John’s Parish residents because many people are caring for or living with people who are experiencing frailty. The information session will focus on positive ageing and how to prevent frailty in older adults. On the night, members of the team will demonstrate exercises that an older person can do at home. There will be a section on the importance of making a will, enduring power of attorney, advanced healthcare directives and will also focus on other services in the community for older adults and how to access them. The session will take approximately one hour.
If you haven’t done so already don’t forget to book your child’s place on O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp. Week 1 is from Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August and Week 2 is from Thursday 6th to Friday 9th August. Stephen Murphy will be in the club Sunday morning at 10am to collect payment for the Summer Camp and take any new registrations. Payment must be made by 26th of June to secure your place and a jersey. Any payments after this date will not be guaranteed a jersey.
NOTES
If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@gaa.ie
FRESHFORD
LEAGUE FINAL
St Lachtains Junior F hurlers had a great win over Tullogher in Tullogher last weekend in the semi final of the League. They now go on to meet Gowran in the league final to be played next weekend at a time and venue to be arranged. The lads and management are wished all the best in their quest for glory. So please go along in your colours and support the team.
Team: M Nolan, C Bowden, D.Quinn, D.Burke, L.Whelan, F.Tobin, C.Lehy, C.Dalton, S.Burke, J O’Connor BHughes, M.Durnan, E Landers, D.Killeen, S.Counihan J Cantwell.
FÉILE NA NGAEL
Best of luck to St.Lachtains u15 hurlers taking part in Fèile na nGael next Saturday in Rosenallis Co. Laois. The boys will play against Whitehall Colmcilles, Rathdowney and St Mullins. The first game throws in at 11.40 in Rosenallis pitch no.2. Support would be greatly appreciated for the boys.
DILLON QUIRKE FOUNDATION
Huge thanks goes to the Dillon Quirke foundation who were in Freshford last week to perform cardiac screening on 45 children between ages 12 and 18. The foundation has been set up in memory of of Dillon to raise awareness of SADs (sudden adult death syndrome) and carries out screening for children playing sport.
ENGAGEMENT
Congratulations are extended to Michelle Bowden and her fiancé Mark who announced their engagement recently while on holiday in USA. Mark proposed at the Empire State Building and Michelle happily accepted COMMUNITY MARKET
Freshford Community Cafe launched its Community market a few weeks ago and it will be held in the Alley each Saturday from 10am – 1pm selling fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers etc., and all local support would be greatly appreciated. New stalls would be very welcome and anyone interested in taking a stall can contact any member of the Committee
The Loop café is open each day from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm, with some lovely treats and food on offer at a very reasonable price. This is a great addition to the village so why not meet your friends there for a cupa and a chat
SUMMER CAMP
Freshfords longest running summer camp takes place again this year at the GAA Grounds under local man JJ Grace and his coaches. JJ has been running the camp for many years now and it will take place from 29th July to 2nd August this year. For more information or for booking please contact JJ on 0868629666
WALK
A fundraising charity walk will be held on Sunday next the 23rd June to help raise funds for Prague House and the Loop Café. The event will commence at12.30pm from the Square and all are welcome. For more info contact Julie on 0876025881 or www.kilkennylionsclub.ie
SYMPATHY
Sympathy is extended to Colette Phelan Garnamanagh on the death last week of her father Phil Comerford late of Radestown, Kilkenny and Woodsgift. Funeral mass took place in Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Dunmore on Thursday last followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Sympathy is also extended to Ms. Pat Anderson, Woodview on the recent death of her brother in law Tom O’Donovan, New Line, Callan. Funeral mass took place in Church of the Assumption Callan followed by burial in Kilbride Cemetery.
IONAD LACHTAIN
St.Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre. is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm.
PILGRIMAGE
St Joseph’s Young Priests society annual pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Saturday 22nd June with a bus leaving from The Square Freshford at 7.30am. Fair is €30 for adults and children €15. For more info contact Lucy Byrne on 0876322193 or Anna Rafter on 0851815571
SQUASH
Freshford squash club wish the best of luck to two of their members brothers Jamie and Ethan Walsh who are part of the St.Lachtain’s U15 hurling side, they are representing Kilkenny next weekend in Rosen Allis, County Laois.
SPLIT THE POT
The local split the pot draw is back in action and last week’s winner was Mamie Cleere from Woodview winning €95. The split the pot proceeds for June goes to Freshford Tidy Towns. Please support the local tidy towns. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs so be in to win.
BRIDGE
Freshford bridge club continues every Monday at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Three castles. New members are always very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610.
CHAMPIONS
Two Local men David Condon and his son Gill had a great start to the season at the Dundalk show recently. Gill Vale Charollais was 1st in the senior ram class, first in the pen of three, 2nd and 5th in the shearling ewe class and their 2nd placed shearling was tapped female reserve champion.
PARISH NEWS
Mass
is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. and 11am Mass in St.Lachtains Church on Sundays. The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards
Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr. Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 2523521 HELP FOR ALL
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year –Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.
JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND
MULLEN TOURNAMENT
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the 30th edition of the annual Paddy Mullen minor hurling tournament due to take place on Saturday week, 29th June has had to be
postponed. While disappointed to have to make this decision the Mullen family are hopeful that an alternative date can be found to facilitate the running of the popular pre-championship minor tournament in memory of the late juvenile mentor Paddy Mullen.
MINORS FOR FINAL
Congratulations to manager Mark Bergin and the Kilkenny minor panel on their drama filled 2-23 to 2-20 All-Ireland minor semi-final victory over reigning champions Clare on Sunday afternoon in Semple Stadium. After a slow start, which saw The Cats fall behind 2-01 to 0-01 after 15 minutes, team captain Bill McDermott set the recovery in motion with two points from play. Slowly the team gathered momentum and with a goal from Conor Holohan in the closing minutes of the half the scoreboard read 2-06 to 1-04 in favour of The Banner. Over the closing 30 minutes the close encounter continued right to the final whistle as Kilkenny forged into the lead with some impressive combination play forcing Clare to strike a 34th minute point to level the game at 2-15 each and bring the game into extra time. Kilkenny were quick out of the traps on the resumption and built a four point lead which was enough to keep The Banner men at bay over the two periods of extra time and deservedly claim a place in the All-Ireland final against Tipperary in a few weeks time. Throughout the game clubman Larry Phelan was a rock at full back, blunting many Banner attacks while substitutes Conor McEvoy and Diarmuid Behan played their part when introduced for tired legs late in the game. The subs bench also included Conor Heffernan while James Bergin and Padraig Joyce were members of the extended panel. After this morale boosting victory Niall Bergin’s young Kilkenny panel will be in confident mode as they prepare to take on neighbours Tipperary in the All-Ireland final in the hope of bridging the 10 year gap since the county last lifted the Irish Press Trophy in 2014.
SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE
On Friday evening in Lisdowney the senior hurlers suffered another reverse when going down to the home club 1-23 to 1:17 in their 2nd round league fixture. After opening the scoring in the first minute, with a fine point by Noah Manogue, over the next 12 minutes the teams cancelled each other out with a flow of impressive point scoring at 0-04 each. In the 15th minute hard working midfielder Ross Whelan won possession and drove through the Lisdowney defence to finish to the net and followed up with a point minutes later to give James Stephens a 1-05 to 0-06 lead at the 17th minute mark. However, the lead could have been greater but for the fact that the misfiring Village forwards coughed up a disproportionate number of scoring opportunities while the home club delivered an exhibition of point scoring from all angles and distances to level the game at 1-06 to 0-09 at the 24th minute. Continuing their slick passing and accurate finishing Lisdowney added three more points to take a 0-12 to 1-07 lead at the break.
Throughout the second half Lisdowney, buoyed by the home support, continued their impressive scoring rate and held a 0-21 to 1-11 lead at the 19th minute when they unlocked the Village defence for a three pointer to put the game out of the reach of the James Stephens men. Battling to the finish James Stephens narrowed the gap mainly through the accurate stick work of Sean Manogue who hit over 0-09 points in the 2nd half, 0-12 in total, from open play and placed balls for a finishing score of 1-23 to 1-17 and a comfortable victory for Lisdowney.
LEINSTER HANDBALL CHAMPION
Congratulations to club’s multi talented star player Noah Manogue who won the Leinster minor handball singles title last week when coming from behind to beat the Wexford champion, Jamie Barnes 9-21, 21-4 and 11-2.
CEMETERY MASS
Folk should note that the annual Mass of Remembrance for deceased family members and friends from around the city and further afield will be celebrated in St.Kieran’s Cemetery on Friday evening week, 27th June at 7.30pm.
CLUB SHOP
Now with the playing season in full swing supervisor Breda Manogue advises that the club shop is open every Tuesday evening from 8 to 9pm and has an extensive stock of the latest styles in club sportswear and leisure wear for hurlers and camogie players of all ages.
LOTTO
Last week’s numbers were 3, 6, 21, 26. There was no winning ticket. The €40 winners were Helen Lawlor, Paul Murphy, Der Duff, Nathan Owens, Aidan O’Dwyer.
GOWRAN
GOWRAN AC
It was another fantastic weekend of athletics for Gowran AC as 20 athletes headed to Tullamore for the Leinster Juvenile Championships. It was an action packed weekend with the new U13 1200m walks event making its debut, new PB’s for many including Jack Gardiner in Shot Put and Discus, and Andrew Cooper in the U19 Shot Put setting a new Championship Record with a massive throw of 16.04m. James Kelsey and Heidi Ryan had an incredible weekend with both athletes competing and medaling in all three of their events. Massive congratulations to all the athletes who competed over the two days, with 19 medals and 20 All-Ireland qualifications it certainly was a very successful weekend for all.
Results as follows:
U12 Long Jump- Grace O’Keeffe 25th, Olivia Troy 27th. U13 1200m Walk- Laoise Glynn 2nd, Javelin 9th. U13 1200m Walk- Matthew Byrne 3rd. U14 2000m Walk- Heidi Ryan 3rd, Javelin- Heidi Ryan 2nd. Discus - Heidi Ryan 2nd Hammer -
Oren Denieffe 3rd. Javelin - Oren Denieffe 4th. Discus - Oren Denieffe 5th. U15 Discus - Anna Kelsey 1st. Javelin - Anna Kelsey 5th. Shot Put- Anna Kelsey 6th. Javelin - Evan Ryan 3rd. Shot Put - Charlie Peavoy 1st. Discus-Scott Powell 3rd,Evan Ryan 7th. U16 Triple Jump - Kate Hayden 6th. 400m - Kate Hayden 5th. Hammer - Jack Gardiner 1st. Shot Put - Jack Gardiner 5th. Discus - Jack Gardiner 6th. Discus - Josh Bailey 4th. 100m - Darragh O’Dwyer 8th. H Odhrán Prendergast 2nd H,8th Final. Triple Jump- Odhrán Prendergast 5th. Long Jump - Odhrán Prendergast 7th. U17 Pole Vault - Ailbhe Steiger 1st. Triple Jump - Ailbhe Steiger 4th. Discus - Noah Denieffe 3rd. Triple Jump - James Kelsey 3rd. High Jump - James Kelsey 3rd. 2000mSC - James Kelsey 3rd. U18 Shot Put - Rachel Gardiner 3rd. Discus - Rachel Gardiner 3rd. U19 Shot PutAndrew Cooper 1st NEW Championship Record.
MOLLYS TEA ROOM
If you are interested in joining the team, please send your CV to info@daltonhouse.ie or post to Molly’s Tea Room, St Mary’s Court, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny.
GOWRAN DEVELOPMENT
Job Vacancies - Gowran and Region CE Scheme currently have a number of vacancies in Gowran, Goresbridge and other areas in the region. If interested, please contact the local CE office; 059 9775675
CAMOGIE GIRLS WIN PRIMARY SCHOOLS FINAL
Huge congratulations to Gowran Primary School girls following a 5-6 to 0-3 win against St. Aidans Kilmanagh in The Cumann Na Mbunscoil Roinn B Schools Final on The Kells Road.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS HURLING
Unfortunately, there was disappointment for the Primary Schools Hurling Team who lost out 2-5 to 1-4 against St.Canices following a valiant effort in the Roinn A Hurling Final in Nowlan Park last Friday night.
MCDERMOTT CAPTAINS MINORS TO ALL-IRELAND FINAL
Congratulations to Bill McDermott and the rest of the Kilkenny Minor Team who qualified for the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final, following a 2-23 to 2-20 win over Clare after extra-time in The All-Ireland Semi-Final in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday.
Kilkenny will now play Tipperary in The All-Ireland Final on weekending June 29th/30th.
YOUNG IRELANDS MEDAL PRESENTATION
On Saturday night June 29th from 8pm, a Mid-Summer BBQ and Medal Presentation will take place for last years successful U-19 and U-21 County Final winning teams along with the 2019 Junior Football Final winning team. It’s €20 on the night but Panel members are free.
KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Gowran Park will host one of the great highlights of the year,
The Kilkenny Country Music Festival on Sunday July 7th.
Mike Denver returns once again as main headline act, while also performing are a host of acts including Olivia Douglas and Claudia Buckley who return again this year having performed last year. Robert Mizzell is back this year having performed in Gowran Park previously, while Ray Lynam, Stacey Breen and Kelan Browne will all take to the stage this year to make their debut at The Festival.
As always local musicians Peter Hutchinson and Paul Brett - Peter and Paul - will get the afternoon’s entertainment underway, while The Conquerors are backing band for the day. James Lakes of KCLR will once again be MC.
Tickets can be bought in Hennessy’s Shop, Gowran or at Gowran Pharmacy or in Kilkenny City at the following locations, Morrissey Motors, Waterford Road, open Monday to Friday 8:30 – 6p.m. and Saturday morning 10 -2pm, and also Daly Farrell Accountants across from the Friary Church 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. For further enquiries email: kkcountrymusic@gmail.com or check out https://kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie
YOUNG IRELANDS GOLF CLASSIC
The Young Irelands Golf Classic that took place on Friday 7th June and Saturday June 8th, and there was a strong turn out with plenty of prize winners from across the weekend.
The results are as follows:
1st Prize: 93 points - Pat Crean, Barry Bolger, Barry Dunne, Sean Hamilton, 2nd Prize: 90 points - Matthew Hanrahan, Niall Power, Liam Murphy, Jim Walsh, 3rd Prize: 90 points - Keelin Walsh, Bebhinn Walsh, Joe Forristal, Aidan Lee
4th Prize: 89 points - Eddie Walsh, Joe Walsh, John Clarke, Tommy Bolger
5th Prize: 88 points - Mary McEvoy, Declan Davis, Brendan Hogan, Dave Dooley, Non GUI
1st Prize: 95 points - Mark McDermott, Eoin McDermott, Darragh McDermott, Tony McGuinness, 2nd Prize: 88 points - Peter Carroll, Donal Murphy, Andy Cleere, Shay Burke, Mens Longest Drive: Josh Doheny
Ladies Longest Drive: Kate Hennessy
Near The Pin: Aidan Lee
JUNIOR F LEAGUE FINAL
Young Irelands will play St. Lachtains Freshford in The Junior F League Final after the Freshford men won 1-15 to 0-12 away to Tullogher in The Semi-Final on Saturday night. Young Irelands defeated Threecastles in their Semi-Final last Sunday night week.
YOUNG IRELANDS INTERMEDIATES
The Young Irelands and Clara game scheduled to be played in Gowran last Saturday night was postponed. No date yet has been fixed for refixture. U-14 CAMOGIE
The Young Irelands U-14 Camogie Team had a very good win against Dicksboro in The Roinn A League last Thursday night as they won 4-8 to 3-3.
GRAIGUENAMANAGH
GRAIG NOTES
If you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@ outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm.
LOTTO GAA AND SOCCER
Jackpot now stands at €20,000.numbers drawn on 10/06 /24 were 9, 12, 20, 27 and there was no winner. The following won €30 each Liz Brady, Mark Bolger, Marie Cahill, Ted Kinsella, Larry Kielty. Tickets are available from any club member.
GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW
The winners of the draw held on 13/06 2024, were First Prize €455 Jim Brennan. 2nd Prize €50 Dennise and Noel O’Halloran, 3rd Prize, €25, Kitty Tobin. Money raised through TIDY TOWNS Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all the year round. Draw takes place at 4pm on Thursdays.
RAMBLING HOUSE
The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district’s also join in. The next Session is on Friday July 12th. At 8.00pm
LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTION
Congratulations to Local County Councillor Peter “Chap” Cleere for toping the pole in the district of Callan and Thomastown with 2,057 votes. It is a good achievement to get elected in the first count, Councillor Cleere is from Skeaughvosteen which is in the parish of Graiguenamanagh, where he has his Office on Main Street.
CEMETERY MASS
The annual cemetery mass will be celebrated in Calvary Cemetery, Graiguenamanagh on Friday 21st June at 8pm.
GORESBRIDGE AND PAULSTOWN
BRIDGE UNITED
A summer soccer academy for boys and girls aged 5-14 will be held in Goresbridge on 7-9 July from 10am to 1pm. Further info from Conor English tel. 085-1321578.
CHURCH SERVICES Cemetery mass to be held tonight Friday at 7.30pm in Ballyellen. Weekend masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday as well as in Paulstown at 11.30am. Weekday mass is at 10am in Paulstown this Friday and the following Tuesday and in Goresbridge today, Wednesday, at 10am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm.
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Are you interested in enjoying light gardening in the community garden in Goresbridge? Pick up garden tips, enjoy the chat and a cup of tea afterwards. We meet every
Wednesday at 11am in the Respond House, St Brigid’s Close off Barrack Street. All welcome. Feel free to bring a friend, neighbour, family member.
COMMUNITY CLEAN UP
A clean up takes place each week on Wednesday at 7pm in Goresbridge cemetery (by the church) and on Thursday at 7pm by the bridge.
CUPLA FOCAL
Weekly Friday chatting in Irish continues over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow this Friday at 11am.
FOR YOUR DIARY
An evening of music and dance with Alister Fingleton, Olivia Douglas and Teresa and the Stars. A support event for a very special person, Chrissy Travers, on Wednesday, 26th June in Gowran Park with doors opening at 7.30pm. The MC for the night will be James Lakes of KCLR. Let’s all get together and make this a night to remember for an outstanding woman at the toughest time of her life. Come Together for Chrissy.
FORÓIGE YOUTH CLUB (PAULSTOWN)
New members always welcome (aged 12-17) as well as volunteers. Contact Aidan Gleeson tel. 086 067 4485.
MULTISPORTS SUMMER CAMP IN PAUSTOWN
A Multisport camp returns to the pitch this year on the week of July 1st-5th. The camps are suitable for children aged between 5-13 years and runs from 10am until 2pm. Summer Multisports camps are run and organised by PE teachers whose aim is to provide children with an opportunity to have fun and be active through a range of sports (GAA, football, frisbee, rounders, Olympic handball etc.) this summer. Cost for 1 child is €70 with discounts for each child after! To book please visit www.multisportcamps.ie. To find out more please contact 0876884136
SHANKILL CASTLE, PAULSTOWN
Shankill Castle is now open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for June, July, and August, from 11 -5pm with daily castle tours at 3pm.
SKY DIVE
A skydiver took place, recently, in aid of the Carlow-Kilkenny Homecare Team. Imelda O’Neill of Kilgreaney and Catriona Ozun of Bagenalstown took part in a tandem parachute jump. They would like to thank everyone who has contributed. So far, €12,554 has been raised.
SPLIT THE POT
In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie
TAR ISTEACH
A local group is heading to Ethiopia in August. They are collecting pairs of football boots for some local teams that need them. If you have some lying around and would like to donate, you can leave them into Tar Isteach any morning up to this Saturday.
BENNETTSBRIDGE
SCHOOL CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to Bennettsbridge Primary School on their win in the Roinn C County Final last week.
GOOD LUCK TO FÉILE GIRLS
On Saturday our Féile girls head to Wexford for the National Féile na nGael competition We would like to give a huge thanks to PJ Cullen, Centra for generously sponsoring the supporters bus. Along with the team bus, kindly sponsored by Sean Holden, all transport will be free of charge! Buses will depart from the GAA grounds at 8.30am sharp.
We have had tremendous support from the local community and beyond and would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support and contributions. The first match will be at 11am and the girls will play teams from Clare, Limerick and Galway in the first round. Good luck to all!
LOTTO
No winner of jackpot last week. Numbers,19,23,26,27. Consolation Prizes, Larry Kinsella, Moth to a Flame, D, O’Donnell, Bennettsbridge, Eileen Phelan, Bennettsbridge, Rosie, ℅ Fr Duggan, Marie Dunne, Ballyreddin.
CHURCH NEWS
Weekday masses, Wednesday and Thursday 10.30am
GATHERING
A great day was had by the Gathering group when they visited Johnstown Castle in Wexford. The beautiful weather set the scene for a very enjoyable occasion. A guided tour of the castle led by a very efficient and knowledgeable guide was the highlight of the day. Some of the group explored the gardens and lake walks. All availed of the excellent food on offer in the cafe during the day. Thanks went to the organizers and to our very attentive driver.
The group will shortly take a break for the summer. Meeting this Wednesday as usual in the Community Centre. Coffee morning in Crafted on the 26th June.
GAA
School Champions 2024.
Huge congratulations to our primary school team who defeated Mullinavat in the Roinn C final in Nowlan Park last Thursday evening. After a tough game the ‘Bridge won out on a score line of 1-9 to 1-6. Well done to all the players on a great win and thanks to Vinny Shiels, Spike Ryan and Alan Dobbyn for looking after the team.
Feile Camogie Weekend
We wish the very best of luck to the under 15 Féile team and management who represent Kilkenny in the Division 1 Féile in Ferns this coming Saturday. The girls will play the champions of Galway, Clare and Limerick in their group, we wish them every success and hope they will enjoy the day.
Club Games
Our junior B team qualified for the league final with a good win over Glenmore, they now play Fenians in the league final this Sunday at 2 pm in Jenkinstown. Our under 14 team lost out to James Stephens by a goal and will play Galmoy / Windgap in their last league game, at home this Thursday at 7 pm. Best of luck to both teams.
Field Day 2024
The 2024 Field Day will take place on August 18th this year. A great family day is in store with more details to follow.
Dog Fouling in Pitch
Please note that no dogs are allowed in the playing pitch, fouling has again become an issue and in the interests of health and safety we ask all to keep their dogs outside the GAA grounds.
Membership 2024
Membership is now due and should be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member.
Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players. Early payment would be most appreciated. Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app.
Split the Pot
The next draw takes place this Friday at 6 pm in the club house Thanks again for the support.
Hurlers Co Op draw
Thanks again to all who bought and sold tickets for this year’s Piltown draw. The first draw was postponed and took place last Tuesday. Hopefully we will have a few winners again this year.
JOHNSTOWN
CHURCH NEWS
First Anniversary Mass for the late Fr. Frank Maher will be celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church on Sunday next June 23rd at 12
noon. There will be no 8pm Mass on Saturday. Money for the June collection for the priests is now due.
SYMPATHY
Sympathy to the Murphy Family, Urlingford Road., on the death in Canada recently of Francis. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church with burial of ashes in St. Kieran’s Cemetery.
Sympathy also to the Maher family, Ballyspellan on the death of Mary Bourne (nee Maher). Requiem Mass was in St. Kieran’s Church with burial of ashes in the adjoining graveyard.
BIG THANKS
Johnstown Hall Committee would like to thank the Local Development Committee of Kilkenny County. Council. for funds granted totaling €2,500. This money will go towards fittings required by the Hall to allow it to open in July.
JOHNSTOWN HERITAGE GROUP
A trip to Foynes Flying Boat and Maureen O’Hara Museum arranged for Thursday July 4th. Cost €60 to include the coach, tea/coffee and scone at Adare Heritage Centre, Museum and dinner at the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh. Contact 0863272288 GARDEN FETE
Killcooley Church Garden Fetewill be held next Sunday June 23rd at 1pm (E41YY97). All the attractions of the fair, cake and plant stalls, vintage clothes, side shows, bottle stall, BBQ, games and more plus a dog show. Competitions in six classes. Registration 1pm with judging at 2pm. First dog €5, other dogs €2.
BOOK LAUNCH
Tom Delaney, Bayswell will launch his newly published book “ Heroes” in Crosspatrick Hall on Sat next June 22nd at 7pm. Tom first enrolled in Crosspatrick old National School (now the Hall) and is delighted to launch his book there. All are welcome.
ANNUAL CEMETERY MASSES
June 21st The Mill Cemetery, Monday 24th Clomantagh, Tuesday 25th Kildrenagh, Wed. 26th Killahy, Friday 28th Graine, July 1st Tubrid, July 5th Galmoy, July 9th Johnstown (incorporating Donoughmore and Fertagh), July 14th Crosspatrick. All Masses 7.30pm except Crosspatrick 9am. FENIANS H.C.
Bingo as usual Wednesday next in St. Mary’s Hall with Split the Pot and proceeds from same going to the Hall refurbishment.
SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO
Winning numbers 1,8,11,24. Three match threes Kieran Grehan, Ann Stapleton and Eadaoin Sweeney.
DICKSBORO
CLUB LOTTO
Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 13th June 2024. Nos, 11 13 22 27. Jackpot not won Draw Prizes – €50: John Gaffney c/o Jimmy Murphy. €25 each Alan Snype, c/o Liam Barry €25 each Ian Fitzgerald c/o Online. €25 each Aine Colgan c/o Online. Hurlers Co Op Brendan O’Neill c/o Online. Promotors prize Brian Fitzpatrick We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up and play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.
ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC
We are delighted to launch the Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club Annual Golf Classic at Kilkenny Golf Club which will be held on Friday 12th July. Book your tee time early as they will fill up quick. Contact Seamus Rochford for more details. Also there are limited Juvenile Tee Times at discounted prices. SUMMER CAMP 2024
Our fantastic Summer Camp will be back again and we can’t wait. Two fun weeks packed with activities for all to enjoy. Places are filling up fast so to avoid disappointment please secure your child’s place ASAP. Monday July 15th to Friday July 19th and Monday Aug 12th to Friday Aug 16th
KILKENNY MINORS
Kilkenny defeated Clare by 2-23 to 2-20 in the Electric Ireland All Ireland Minor Championship Semi Final on Sunday , a
super and hard fought win for this young team. They now have an Ireland to look forward to in a couple of weeks. Well done to all involved and especially are Boro lads who did us proud Oisin Henderson, Louis Raggett, Patrick Lacey, Anthony Clifford, Bill O’Shea and Donnchadh Hennessy.
FEILE FOOTBALL FUNDRAISER
Enjoy a BBQ and Table Quiz out in the Clubhouse on Friday 21st June from 7pm to support our Feile Team heading to Galway on Saturday 28th June to play in the National Finals. We would love to see a huge crowd out to support these fantastic young footballers.
PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE
Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is opened every Thursday from 8.30pm. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table.We would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee also available so come along and enjoy.
MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE
SAVE THE DATE
Mill Family Fun Day Sunday the 5th August 2024, put the date in your diaries for a day of fun
ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY
Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a onebedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.
LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I.
Names been taken for L.T.I. Q.Q.I. Level 4 due to start soon. New Courses
There will be two new courses commencing in September. Office Admin one to two mornings a week. Basic Computers one to two mornings a week. These courses will be free of charge.
COUNSELLING SERVICES
Our low cost Counselling Services includes One-to-One, Adult and Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 5+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.
SENIOR ALERT
If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine in the centre.
DEFIBRILLATOR
Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.
APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS:
Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.
JOBS TRAINING BOARD
We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required.
For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466
GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm
GRAVEYARD MASSES
The dates for the cemetery masses are as follows, Glengoole and Ballinalacken Tuesday 2nd July at 7.30pm in Glengoole Church, Aglish Thursday 4th July at 7.30pm in the graveyard, Good Shepherd Thursday 11th July at 7.30pm in the graveyard, Fennor Thursday 25th July at 7.30pm in the graveyard and Boulick Thursday 15th August at 7.30pm in the graveyard.
MILL CEMETERY
The annual Mill Cemetery Mass will take place this Friday 21st June at 7.30pm
LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE
Cashel and Emly pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place between 24th to the 26th June(3 days). Pilgrimage programme includes prayer and quiet reflection in bare feet, keeping 24 hour vigil and maintaining the fast. Pilgrims must be over 15 years old. Anyone interested may contact Fr Martin Murphy on 086 3868877 or Bridget O’Dea on 086 6792754.
GARDEN FETE
A Garden Fete will take place at Kilcooley Abbey this Sunday 23rd June at 1pm. There will be many events including Cake Stall, Raffles, Plant Stall, Side shows, Bottle stall and Teas/ BBQ. The main feature will be a dog show. The fundraiser will be in aid of Kilcooley church.
TUESDAY BRIDGE
Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106
GORTNAHOE BINGO
Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game.
SPLIT THE POT
The two winners of Split the Pot last weekend were Michael Brophy, Gortnahoe who won €730 which was in aid of the Feile 2024 and the winner of the second draw was Fiona Keating, Urard who won €172 which was in support of the defribillator. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. From the following Sundays of the month it will be in support of the defibrilator. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.
FEILE 2024
Sincere thanks to everyone who supported the fundraiser events last weekend especially the car wash last Saturday at Campion’s and the Split the Pot on Sunday. A special word of thanks to the Split the Pot committee for giving a Sunday to raise funds. Wish the team the best of luck.
DEFIBRILLATOR
A new defibrillator has been installed at Gortnahoe Community Hall and it is linked to the National Ambulance Service. A defibrillator is also being sourced for Glengoole Community Hall. As previously stated there were defibrillator’s in Grange, Ballysloe and at Mary Willie’s, each have now been taken down. It would be great if local people in these community areas would come together and look at the possibility of restoring a new defibrillator in each of these areas.
The Split the Pot for the month of June is to support the defibrillator’s in the locality.
BALLYNONTY COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Saturday 22nd June- Folk That live in Community Field at 8pm, Admission €5. Sunday 23rd June- Family Fun Day at 2.30pm including Kid’s Obstacle Races, Dog Show, Bingo, Side Stalls and Face Painting, Admission €5, children free.
BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL
This year’s annual Phelan/Stone Tournament took place over the past weekend congratulations to the winners Roinn C Patrickwell (Limerick) Roinn B Tullaroan and Roinn A O Loughlin Gaels. And a special shout out to our players of the tournaments. A massive thank you to all the referees over the two days - not an easy job but ye were all excellent. Thanks to Michael Dowling and MandA Coaches for their sponsorship and for presenting the medals for Roinn C. Thanks to Raymond Stone for presenting the Roinn B medals representing the Stone Family and Brian Brookie Phelan and Martin Bergin for presenting Roinn A and representing Eoin Bergin and the Phelan family.
Thanks to all the teams that travelled far and wide to be at the tournament and making it what it is. Thanks to all the stewards and mentors and umpires who assisted in the smooth running of the weekend. Thanks to anyone who helped in the kitchen and to Aileen and Michael McInenerney for running the shop. Thanks to those who supplied hot food over the weekend - it was very much appreciated. Thanks to the Phelan/Stone committee especially Ciaran Diver for all the hard work behind the scenes- it’s not easy but it is appreciated. Congratulations to all our winners and we hope to see
everyone back again next years.
TIDY TOWNS
Well done to all who have planted and prepared the flower boxes around the town and to those who brought the remembrance flower boxes on the bridge.
GRAVEYARD MASS
Donoghmore Grave Yard mass this Friday night 7.30pm.
HURLING
The Junior B side were second best to a strong Fenians side in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior B League semi-final in Johnstown on Thursday last. There was little between the sides in the opening half with the home side leading by 1-11 to 1-8 at the half-time break. But when Fenians scored their second goal ten minutes into the second half, they soon opened up a nine point lead.
The final quarter saw the Johnstown men completely dominate the scoring, and they were emphatic winners in the end, by 3-27 to 1-16.
CAMOGIE
Well done to Emma Mulhall, Danielle Morrissey, Ellen Gunner and Sofia Kerr who were part of the Kilkenny Intermediate panel who defeated Kerry in their most recent All-Ireland Championship game on Saturday last in Lixnaw, Kerry.
CLUB LOTTO
The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 19, 38 and 42. There was no jackpot winner, so the consolation prize winners were Kathleen Guinan, Seamus Nolan, Caitriona Bolger, Patsy Cuddihy and Leah Butler. The promoter prize winners were Seamus Óg Brennan, Margaret Buggy and Mona Dooley. Many thanks to everyone who supports the GAA Club Lotto.
PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE
A local pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on this Saturday, June 22nd. A bus will leave Freshford at 7.30 a.m., then leaving from Jackman’s in Jenkinstown at 8.00 a.m. and finally Ballyragget at 8.15 a.m. Names as soon as possible to (056) 7767676 or (086) 3655418. The cost of the bus fare is €30.
KILMANAGH
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation was held in our parish on 16th May 2024. The recipients of Confirmation this year were: Sadie Bourke, Billy Butler, Conor Byrne, Cuileann Cahill, Evan Cody, Jim Conroy, Lucy Conroy, Cathal Comerford, Jack Comerford, Billy Hayes, Jake Heafey, Sophie Hennessy, Harry Long, Emmy Millea, Heidi Millea, Kate Neary, Ellie O’Shea, Séan Ronan, Ollie Ryall, Ellen Ryan, Róisín Barut, Aoife Brennan, Harry Brennan, Louie Cleere, Ben Coogan, Evan Corcoran, Patrick Dowling, Michael Dunne, Daithí Egan, James Foley, Daniel Funcheon, Killian Hodson, Jared Lynch, Séan Menton, Charlie Moloney, Lisa Muldowney, Caoimhe Murphy, Keira Ronan, Landon Ryan, Alanna Young, Joey Young.
GRADUATION MASS
The school graduation Mass will take place, next Friday at 10am in Kilmanagh. All welcome.
ANNUAL SCRAP METAL COLLECTION
The annual scrap metal collection in support of Naomh Aodhan Community Centre will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July in Bryan Harris’ yard (R95 VO50). Further details contact Chris on 086 2517 030 or Bryan on 087 2545 556. All funds raised are for the upkeep of Naomh Aodhan Community Centre.
NAOMH AODHAN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Naomh Aodhan Community Centre is available to hire for meetings, social occasions etc. to check for time and date availability contact Naomh Aodhan on 083 341 3024.
BALLYKEEFFE AMPHITHEATRE
Saturday June 29th – “Colossseum” Mixed Martial Arts.
Saturday July 13th – Chasing Abbey. Saturday July 20th
– Amble. Saturday July 27th – Lyra. Saturday August 10th
– Mack Fleetwood. Saturday August 24th – Harvest Moon.
Saturday August 31st – Paul Brady. For full details of all events check out ballykeeffeamphitheatre.com.
ATHLETICS CLUB
Whether you’re a regular runner, a first time runner or a boomerang runner, you’re always welcome at the Athletics Club, with training Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm. Meet up point is Kilmanagh Car Park.
COMMUNITY CAFÉ BALLINGARRY
As well as their current breakfast and lunch menu from 10am to 2.30pm each Thursday, Friday and Saturday, now there is an outdoor light summer offering of cookies, juices, smoothies and crepes until 6pm.
CALLAN LIBRARY
We would like to wish Trish Lynch a happy retirement. She recently retired after 35 years of great service. She is a font of bibliographic knowledge and a book lover to her core. Old, middle-aged and young were all welcome in her domain on the Clonmel Road where her enthusiasm saw them return for regular visits. Thankfully Margo and Paddy are continuing this great public service to the community.
RIVER RANGERS
Winner of the recent Champions League Final Golden Goal, in aid of River Rangers, was Linda Hayes, Killeen Road.
PARISH LOTTO
Results for 10/06//24. Numbers drawn were 2; 13; 14; 23. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners of €50 each were Nellie Ryall, Ann Tobin and Cora Muldowney. Seller’s prizes went to Pat Robinson and Michael Murphy.
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.
HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET AND STONEYFORD
MASS TIMES
Aghaviller Parish, Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil, Saturday 22nd. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 23rd. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Wednesday 19th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil Saturday 22nd. at 6.30p.m Calvary Cemetery Mass on Friday 21st. June at 8.00p.m.
PRAY FOR
Patricia Neville, Norelands: Mass in Stoneyford on Saturday 22nd. at 6.300p.m. Mary Kelly, Castlemorris, Mass in Hugginstown on Saturday 22nd. at 8.00p.m. Dick O’Gorman, Hugginstown: Mass in Hugginstown on Sunday 23rd. at 10.00a.m. ROTA
(Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers: Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Raggett
Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Catherine Dwyer, Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Foran
Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford Saturday 6.30p.m. Natalia Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick; Sunday 10.00a.m Ann Power
New Rota available for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers in Hugginstown Church. Please collect in Hugginstown Sacristy. SCOIL AIREAGAIL School is seeking host families for Spanish students who will be joining their school next year. Please contact info@scoilaireagail.ie or (056) 776 8632 for more details.
SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS
Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.
JUNE COLLECTION
The “June Collection 2024” for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese will be taken up during the months of June/July. Envelopes for this collection are available at the back of the Church.
CEMETERY MASSES 2024
Calvary Cemetery, Mass on Friday 21st. June at 8.00p.m. Hugginstown Cemetery, Mass on Saturday 13th. July at 8.00p.m. Stoneyford Cemetery, Mass on Friday 2nd. August at 8.00p.m. Other Cemetery Masses will be arranged by the local communities and dates will be given as soon as possible.
TRIP TO KNOCK
Trip to Knock on 13th. July in honour of Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Staying overnight in Knock House Hotel. For further information please contact Frank Aylward on 086 812 8705
LOTTO
Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 10th. May 2024. Numbers: 26; 24; 18; 09. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners. Mary Murphy, Lismatigue. Eddie Walsh, Coolmore. Niamh Dunphy, Monroe. Rose Egan, c/o B. O’Meara. Mary Irish, c/o James Irish. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers). James Irish. Pat Fitzgerald. Eilis Rohan SENIOR ALERT SCHEME
The Senior Alert Scheme is run through Pobal and is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This is available to anyone who is over 65 and residing in Hugginstown, Newmarket and the surrounding area. If you would like to avail of the Senior Alerts Scheme and obtain a personal alarm / pendant- please contact Billy Brenner on 087 272 8876 or Cleeve Cuddihy 086 063 8450 for further information. Their role is to help anyone who is eligible to access the Senior Alert Scheme and to act on their behalf and deal with Pobal and the supplier. An alarm and a pendant plus the first year’s monitoring charge are provided under the scheme.
BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
Electric Ireland Al-Ireland MHC Semi-Final
Kilkenny 2-23 Clare 2-20 (AET)
FBD Semple Stadium, Sunday June 16th
Kilkenny will face-off against neighbours Tipperary in this year’s Electric Ireland Minor Championship Hurling Final, having got the better of the Banner after extra-time in Thurles last Sunday. Goals from Conor Holohan, the lively Ollie O’Donovan, 0-13 from the classy Jake Mullen and a POTM effort from Erin’s Own’s Kevin Buggy saw the young Cats prevail in sunny Semple stadium.
Niall Bergin’s side opened the scoring in Thurles with an early free from the influential Jake Mullen, after Clare corner-back Darren Moroney was blown-up for a throw ball by Antrim referee Colm Cunning, but inexplicably the young Cats would hit ten wide’s over the next 15 minutes of action in Semple Stadium. The Banner then registered what would be the first of four majors in the second of the minor semi-finals to be played last weekend. A long ball into the Noresiders defence was caught nicely by Sean McNamara and the Clooney-Quin player sent a similar ball into Paul Rodgers.
The Scariff No.14 took the catch before turning his marker and heading for goal. Rodgers struck for goal but was denied by a decent save from Mooncoin’s Jake O’Doherty in the Kilkenny goal, but the sliotar was picked by Conor Ralph who swiveled before striking past the helpless O’Doherty. Some wayward shooting followed by those in stripes before Brian O’Connell’s charges struck and raised the second green flag of the game. Patick Finneran played a ball towards Liam Murphy and luckily for him, his marker, Oisin Henderson slipped as he turned to challenge the Clare corner man. The O’Callaghan Mills man cut in from thr right before batting his pass to Paul Rodgers who rifled past the advancing Cats keeper to push the Banner into a five-point lead with just 6 minutes on the clock. Kilkenny were then handed a chance to half the deficit when they were awarded a penalty. Ollie O’Donovan turned his man and powered toward the Clare goal. As he went to strike the ball, full-back Sean McNamara slid out and upended the John Lockes man. Referee Cunning immediately signaled penalty. The Clooney-Quin player also picked up a yellow card for his troubles. Jake Mullan stepped up and struck his penalty wide of the Clare post, a letoff for the team leading. Another Kilkenny wide followed before Clare’s James Cullinan sent over a booming effort from his own half to edge his side further ahead. Liam Murphy then set up Harry Doherty for a lovely point, The former’s flick allowing the Clarecastle
player to split the posts. Further wides for Niall Bergin’s outfit arrived and when Kevin Buggy was turnedover, Clare captain Harry Doherty fired over a cracking point to give the Banner a commanding 8-point lead with almost twenty minutes played. The Cats broke their horrible sequence of wides with a nice point from captain Bill McDermott who benefited from a quality pass by Carrickshock’s Mikey Rohan as the black and amber doubled their tally in the semi-final. Shamrocks Ballyhale’s Jake Mullan then notched his second point of the game, again as a result of the referee penalising Clare for an illegal hand pass. The next point was a Banner one, and a nice one. Patrick Finneran collecting the ball before turning and firing off his right side to the delight of the Clare supporters. Bill McDermott then showed more of his leadership qualities when he picked up the ball and fought his way towards goal and batted over a point, despite the attention of several
Clare defenders. Then came a big score in the opening half for the Cats. Dicksboro’s Louis Raggett who had entered the fray as a blood sub for Glenmore’s Jack Dollard, played a searching ball towards his forwards. Bill McDermott appeared to flick the ball towards the on rushing Conor Holohan who showed great pace to surge through the centre of the Clare defence before batting past Matthew Crotty, Kilkenny now just 3 behind with 25 minutes on the clock.
Brian O’Connell’s side then worked a couple of good scores to settle themselves. Paul Rodgers gave a nice off-load to the supporting Harry Ralph who split the posts from close range. The same player notched the next point also, this time from much further out as the first half was brought to a close with Clare 5-points to the good, 2-6 to 1-4.
Kilkenny started the second period with another wide before a free from Matthew Corbett got the scoreboard moving after the interval. Jake Mullen
then got the Cats off the mark with a placed ball after Ollie O’Donovan was ‘restrained’ by his marker. From the restart, the same pair combined, with the John Lockes player setting up the Shamrocks forward for a good score. Mullan then won and converted a free from the next passage of play, as Bergin’s boys began to find their feet. Like all things, they seem to come in three’s and the youngest of the Mullen hurling clan fired over this 3rd score on the trot to leave the Cats just two points in arrears.
With momentum building for the Noresiders, Graigue Ballycallan’s Eoghan Cahill replaced Glenmore’s Jason Cody as manager Bergin sought to turn the screw on the opposition. A great take in defence saw the ball worked to Robbie Doherty and the Mooncoin player burst forward before rifling over a lovely point. Clooney-Quin’s Matthew Corbett then notched his second placed ball of the day after Conor Ralph had taken a great catch before being
3 up with 48 minutes gone in the last four clash.
Clare needed a response and they got it via a placed ball from captain Harry Doherty. The Cats hit back straight away, and it was their captain, Village player, Bill McDermott who struck over a fine point. They notched the next score as well, another placed ball from the rampant Mullen. Once again, The Banner rallied and cut the Cats lead with a long range free from Clarecastle’s Harry Doherty. Robbie Doherty was next to benefit from the hard-working Kevin Buggy’s all-action performance as he collected the ball before firing over a sweet point as the Kilkenny faithful cheered in approval.
fouled. Darren Moroney eventually picked up a yellow card after his second bout of restraining Ollie O’Donovan. He’s a lucky boy that his previous indiscretion had gone unpunished. Jake Mullen dispatched the resulting free with ease to narrow the gap to just 1 point with 43 minutes gone in Semple Stadium. Kilkenny deadlocked the game from the restart. Robbie Doherty emerged with the ball and powered forward but was halted illegally and Shamrocks player Mullen split the posts to level matters. Not content with drawing level, the young Cats then took the lead for the first time in the game since the opening minute. Jake Mullen’s sideline cut was executed perfectly and could only be batted away by the Clare keeper. Ollie O’Donovan’s first attempt to strike was blocked, but if at first you don’t succeed, try again and that’s what Ollie did as his shot arrowed towards the net and nestled in the corner of the Banner goal. Bergin’s boys now
The next point came from a Clare sideline cut.
The ball was collected by substitute Darragh McNamara, and the Cooney-Quin player rifled over a stunning point from tight to the left sideline to reduce the Kilkenny lead to just 3 points. The Cats then made a double change, with Cian Byrne and Patrick Lacey coming in for captain Bill McDermott and Eoin Brennan. A nice 3-man move between Paul Rodgers, Darragh McNamara and Harry Doherty resulted in the latter sending over a tidy point to leave the Banner trailing by 2 points as the clash entered 4 minutes of additional time.
Clare captain Harry Doherty then converted another placed ball to make it a 1-point as the Clare support turned up the volume a little in Semple Stadium. The Banner were hungry and applied serious pressure to Jake O’Doherty’s restart. Oisin Henderson was harried and hustled, and this saw Liam Murphy emerge with the ball. The O’Callaghan Mills player tried to create an angle for a shot and in doing so was caught high by Jack Dollard. Referee Cunning blew immediately for the free. Harry Doherty delivered again; the sides were level.
Both sides knew that the next score might win it. Kilkenny attacked, courtesy of a fine interception by fullback Larry Phelan. Robbie Doherty
gave the ball to Kevin Buggy and the Erin’s Own player struck a fine point to ignite the roar from the stands. Surely the Cats had prevailed? Clare worked the ball down the field, and it looked like Kilkenny had held them up, but the sliotar broke to Paul Rodgers about 45 metres out close to the sideline. The Scariff player turned and struck a cracking effort off his right side, straight over the black spot. Honours even, the next sound was Colm Cunning’s whistle, we were heading for extra time.
When play resumed, Jake Mullen got the first score, again from a placed ball, near on halfway. A fast break out of the Cats defence saw Cian Byrne burst clear of the Clare chasing pack. The O’Loughlin’s player had the presence of mind to give the pass to Jake Mullen who stepped inside his man before shooting over off his left side, a real mirror image of older sibling Adrian. Niall Bergin’s side then tagged on another point and a beautiful one it was too, from distance by midfielder Kevin Buggy. The Cats tails were up, and it really showed. Patrick Lacey picked the ball up way out on the left side. He then showed great movement and balance to shake his man before rifling over from what appeared, an impossible angle.
Clare appeared shell-shocked and needed a score, and they got one from Ballyea’s Dara Kennedy. Kilkenny replied with their next attack. Oisin Henderson went on one of his trademark run’s out of defence and left all in his wake, and having taken a couple of slaps enroute, he was rightly awarded a free which Mullen converted with ease. Then came a really big moment in the semi-final. An off-the-ball incident saw Clare’s Paul Rodgers shown a straight red card for striking Mikey Rohan with his hurl. Referee Cunning conferred with his umpires and the inevitable outcome was confirmed. The first period of extra time was done, Kilkenny up by four.
Just like the first period, Jake Mullen got the scoreboard moving, only this time it was another splendid effort from play, out on the right sideline. Again, a mirror image of senior player, Adrian. Clare were crying out for a score and they got one, a free from way out the park by Matthew Corbett. The Banner’s next score was a carbon copy, Corbett’s placed ball accuracy was keeping them in this clash. Robbie Doherty then struck a sensational point from long range to push the Cats lead to four points, but again Corbett responded with another placed ball. Louis Raggett then gave a pass to Patrick Lacey and
the Dicksboro lad turned and split the posts from almost halfway, a score to crown any game. The Banner roared back down the field and got one back through Jerry O’Connor who did well against two defenders. Clare couldn’t find a way to nick another goal. The final whistle sounded, Kilkenny through to the final where they will face Tipperary in this year’s final. Full-time score in Semple Stadium, Kilkenny 2-23, Clare 2-20.
Scorers for Kilkenny: J Mullen (0-13, 9 frees); O O’Donovan, C Holohan (1-0 each); R Doherty, B McDermott (0-3 each); K Buggy, P Lacey (0-2 each).
Scorers for Clare: H Doherty (0-7, 4 frees); C Ralph (1-2); M Corbett (0-5, 5 frees); P Rodgers (1-1); D Kennedy, J Cullinan, P Finneran, D McNamara, J O’Connor (0-1 each).
KILKENNY: J O’Doherty (Mooncoin); O Henderson (Dicksboro), L Phelan (James Stephens), B Brennan (Erin’s Own); D Barcoe (Clara), J Dollard (Glenmore), M Rohan (Carrickshock); K Buggy (Erin’s Own), E Brennan (Erin’s Own); R Doherty (Mooncoin), B McDermott (James Stephens, capt), C Holohan (O’Loughlin Gaels); O O’Donovan (John Lockes), J Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks), J Cody (Glenmore).
Subs: L Raggett (Dicksboro) for Dollard (12-h-t, blood), Raggett for B Brennan (h-t), E Cahill (GraigueBallycallan) for Cody (38), C Byrne (O’Loughlin Gaels) for McDermott (58), P Lacey (Dicksboro) for E Brennan (58), C McEvoy (James Stephens) for Holohan (73), A Clifford (Dicksboro) for Cahill (73). D Behan (James Stephens) for Barcoe (79, inj)
CLARE: M Crotty (Scariff); S Óg Kilkenny (Bodyke), S McNamara (Clooney-Quin), D Moroney (Éire Óg Ennis); R Mulcahy (Éire Óg Ennis), J Cullinan (Ruan), D Kennedy (Ballyea); G Ball (St Joseph’s DooraBarefield), M Corbett (ClooneyQuin); P Finneran (Clooney-Quin), T Lohan (Cratloe), H Doherty (Clarecastle, capt); C Ralph (Clarecastle), P Rodgers (Scariff), L Murphy (O’Callaghan’s Mills). Subs: R Hayes (Tulla) for Ball (41), D McNamara (Clooney-Quin) for Lohan (45), D Ball (St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield) for Corbett (52), J O’Connor (Clooney-Quin) for Ralph (53), M Vaughan (Broadford) for Finneran (60), Finneran for Vaughan (66), E Crimmins (Newmarket-onFergus) for Kennedy (h-t e-t), Corbett for Finneran (h-t e-t).
Red card: P Rodgers (70+3). Referee: C Cunning (Antrim).
KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL
We, Emerald Towers limited intend to apply for retention Permission for development at this site situated at: Ballyspellan, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny
The development consists of an existing 30m high lattice support structure carrying radio antennas (total height including antennas 32.2m), telecommunications equipment, equipment container and palisade fencing as previously granted under local authority reference 12/594 at Ballyspellan, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny which form a part of Eir’s cellular digital and broadband communications network.
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Permission is sought for a New Boundary Wall to enclose new playground and yard space with associated services and site works at St Patricks National School, Strangsmills, Kilmacow, Co Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
Applicant: Board of Management, St Patricks National School
KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL
Planning Permission is sought by Hermitage Farms Limited for the following: -
A) To demolish existing disused pig breeding sheds and associated yards covering an area of circa 1400 m2
B) to crush concrete for utilisation as hardcore fill for site development works
C) to remove certified processed fill (crushed concrete) from site for use on other construction sites
D) to remove all residual demolition materials to a licensed waste management facility
E) to reinstate site as grasslands for agricultural use, at Sion Rd, Middleknock, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny.
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net
FRANK AND NELLIE MALONE ANNIVERSARIES
FRANK MALONE NELLIE MALONE 22ND ANNIVERSARY 17TH ANNIVERSARY
In loving memory of Frank and Nellie, late of Wolfe Tone Street, Kilkenny whose anniversaries occur at this time.
Time and years step gently by
But love and memories never die
Always remembered by Val, Marie Lily and Families.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.
This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.
Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.
Must promise publication of prayer. C.W.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.
This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.
Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.
Must promise publication of prayer. M.K.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.
This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.
Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.
Must promise publication of prayer. C.W.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.
This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.
Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.
Never been known to fail.
Must promise publication of prayer. P.OB.
Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.
This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).
Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.
Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.
Never been known to fail.
Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.
