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A pint Trumps US tariffs Beer revived by Smithwick’s moves most of brewing to America In response to the 15% tariff President Donald Trump has put on EU imports, a Kilkenny beer brand revived by Smithwick’s has moved most of its brewing to the US. The decision by Sullivan’s Brewing Company, a Kilkenny beer brand co-founded

by Dan and Alan Smithwick in 2016, comes as big phar-

maceutical and technology companies seek to woo Trump by announcing largescale investments in the US. Sullivan’s decided to shift the vast majority of brewing from Ireland to the US as the market accounts for roughly 70% of its sales, meaning the 15% levy would badly af-

fect the company’s ability to compete with rival American brands. The strengthening of the euro against the dollar further eroded Sullivan’s price competitiveness, adding to the pressure on the business to move production for the US to America.

US investor Michael Meade, the CEO of Sullivan’s, said

the beer brand had to take action in its largest market as tariffs could “submarine a business like ours”.

He said: “We decided to do exactly what the tariffs are intended to force companies to consider, at least American ones, and brew some beer in America,” he said.

Meade said Sullivan’s had

already stockpiled its beers in the US ahead of the tariffs, but had neared a point where it would need to export more.

With the US market crucial, Meade and Smithwick agreed to move production for America in-market. It has now begun brewing in the US.

Smithwick said Sullivan’s recently landed a deal to supply its beers to Disneyland, Florida. The company’s beers, including its Black Marble Stout and Maltings Red Ale, are available in 48 US states.

The US move won’t affect its small brewing operation in Kilkenny.

The genocide in Gaza

Good moos as Kilkenny Friesians top the class

Israel is carrying out a deliberate campaign of starvation in the occupied Gaza Strip, systematically destroying the health, well-being and social fabric of Palestinian life, Amnesty International has said as it published chilling new testimonies of starved displaced civilians.

Their accounts underscore the organisation’s repeated findings that the deadly combination of hunger and disease is not an unfortunate byproduct of Israel’s military operations. It is the intended outcome of plans and policies that Israel has designed and implemented, the past 22 months, to deliberately inflict on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction – wpart and parcel of Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Marianne Heron Page 12 Global Report Page 32

Champion and Reserve Champion Holstein Friesians at Clonmel Show 2025 owned by Padraic Murphy, Kilmanagh, Co. Kilkenny pictured with handler Andrea Murphy and judge Kevin Flynn.

Photo: Maria Kelly Photography

Domestic abuse calls up by 45%

Bank branch sale beats the best Dublin prices A bank branch let to Bank of Ireland in the centre of Kilkenny city has been bought by a private Irish investor for its €4m guide price, according to a report in the Irish Independent.

As it generates a passing rent of €263,387 a year, the price equates to net initial yield of 5.98% which is a keener yield than those achieved for

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

prime Dublin shopping centres at 7.75%. It is also lower compared with the yields for sought-after prime retail warehousing at 6.25%, suggesting the Kilkenny building is as valuable as some prime Dublin properties.

A key attraction for investors in the property is that its lease allows the landlord to receive upwards-only rent reviews

with the next due in December 2026.

Michele McGarry, who handled the sale on behalf of estate agent Colliers, said: “This result highlights the strong demand from buyers for secure, well-located assets in all locations and not exclusivity to the key cities. Interest was particularly driven by the strength of the Bank of Ireland

covenant, the unexpired term and the fundamentals of the location. The sale attracted interest from both domestic and overseas buyers.”

From a developer perspective, another attraction is that it sits on a strategic corner site extending to 0.22 acres at the junction of Parliament Street, High Street and the Abbey Quarter.

The site includes frontage on two sides offering future development potential. As it is not listed as a protected structure this widens its prospects.

An even keener yield was seen when it was sold at the peak of the Celtic Tiger. BoI offered it for sale in 2006 in a leaseback deal. It was guiding around €6m, or about 50% over this latest sale price.

Domestic abuse calls to Gardaí have risen by 45% in the past four years.

An Irish Independent analysis of ­domestic abuse calls shows that Garda divisions in Dublin had both the highest and lowest rates of reports ..cFigures per capita 1,000 vary from 10 to 16 on a scale. Kilkenny, Carlow and Waterford combined stand at 13.19 . Full story Page 6 ___________________________ * Due to pressure on space we have had to withhold the Food and TV pages. We apologise.

Back next week.

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

News

One in two of us using AI weekly New research conducted amongst 1,000 people on behalf of Vodafone Ireland

by Coyne Research shows that AI has officially been adopted by consumers and has become an everyday tool. Almost half of all Irish adults (48%) now use AI weekly, with usage rising to 66% among Gen Z, nearly a quarter of whom use it every day. One in three people are already using AI for customer service, while one in five rely on it to help write something, whether it’s an email, college assignment or social post.

Two in five consumers (40%) now claim to have a good understanding of AI technology, evidence that awareness of AI is growing rapidly. Confidence is even stronger among men, with nearly half of males (48%) believing they have a good or very good grasp of what AI can do. This rising confidence is reflected in overall experience as 40% of consumers say their interactions with AI have been positive, signalling a major shift in how the technology has moved from a niche innovation to a routine part of how people in Ireland work, communicate, and solve problems.

Vodafone Ireland is also addressing uniquely Irish

challenges through TOBi’s ongoing development, as it constantly learns to understand Irish accents and Irishisms. With three in five survey respondents acknowledging their own difficulties in understanding certain Irish accents (particularly

Kerry, Cork, and Donegal), TOBi is being specially trained to recognise regional dialects and local expressions, from “banjaxed” to “acting the maggot.”

Interestingly, one in three people believe AI can understand Irishisms, such as

“grand” or “c’mere to me” – though “banjaxed” (60%), “sucking diesel” (59%) and “acting the maggot” (52%) were named the most confusing for both AI and people alike to understand. Gen Z and Dubliners are the most confident that AI like TOBi

is catching on to these Irishisms.

The development of TOBi is part of Vodafone Ireland’s broader €10million investment in enhancing its customer care experience, resolving common customer queries and expanding care

channels to ensure faster, more flexible help for customers.

Ciaran Barrett, Commercial Operations Director at Vodafone Ireland, says: “Our research shows that Irish people are becoming more comfortable with AI – and we’re meeting that shift with technology that actually delivers. TOBi is getting smarter, faster and more helpful all the time. While TOBi is still learning to understand every accent and Irishism, it absolutely gets what our customers need and is fully supported by our team of care specialists as well as the largest retail footprint in the country – giving our customers real choice in how they connect with us.”

Unlike many digital assistants that simply provide information, TOBi is fully integrated with Vodafone Ireland’s core operating systems, enabling secure, real time account changes and issues resolution, distinguishing Vodafone Ireland’s care offerings from its competitors.

Vodafone Ireland currently serves over 2.4 million customers nationwide and was recently named Ireland’s ‘Best Mobile Operator’ for the 10th consecutive year by independent benchmarking organisation Umlaut.

Celebrating local voices

Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet 2025 launch Kilkenny Arts Office is thrilled to announce the launch of the 25th edition of the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet, which took place on August 14th in the beautiful Parade Tower as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the featured poets whose work was celebrated during the event. It was a true pleasure to witness their words brought to life. Special thanks are due to our esteemed editor, Enda Wyley, whose thoughtful curation has shaped this year’s collection into a vibrant reflection of Kilkenny’s poetic spirit. This was a particularly special year as we celebrate a quarter of a century of the Broadsheet, a publication which has stood the test of time and continues to be a very much-loved platform for writers, poetry enthusiasts and the general public.

The aim of this publication is to provide a dedicated public platform for Kilkenny writers and an opportunity for the presentation of their work. This initiative aligns fundamentally with the mis-

Catherine Cronin Poet

Editor Enda Wyley

Mary Hilda Kavanagh Cathaoirleach

sion of the Arts Office, which places the practitioner at the core of our work.

We maintain a firm commitment to prioritising artist by affording them the time, space, and resources necessary to progress and develop their practice.

This year we had 133 poems by 73 poets submitted for consideration and in honour of our 25th year we expanded the publication and have published twenty-five poems, one for each edition that’s lit up the literary landscape before us.

It has been an absolute privilege to work with such wonderful editors, inspired illustrators and of course our incredibly dedicated community of Kilkenny writers over the years.

Free copies of the Broadsheet are now available in libraries throughout the county and at Butler Gallery.

We encourage everyone to take a moment to enjoy this year’s selection—an inspiring showcase of local literary talent.

In conjunction with the launch, poetry from the Broadsheet will be displayed on the digital screens across Kilkenny city until September 20th. Visitors and residents are invited to pause and reflect at these designated locations and use the QR code to view the Broadsheet online. This initiative brings

poetry into everyday spaces— making it accessible, visible, and part of the city’s cultural rhythm.

Over the coming weeks and months, excerpts from the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet 2025 will be shared across The Arts Office’s social media platforms. These daily snippets offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of voices featured in this year’s edition.

Follow along for your daily dose of poetry.

Further details contact mary.butler@kilkennycoco. ie / kathyconlan@kilkennycoco.ie

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Savour the flavours at Kilkenny food festival Kilkenny’s streets will be alive once again this October Bank Holiday weekend as the 17th year of one of Ireland’s longest established and biggest food festivals launches its programme online. This year sees more than 80 events taking place over the five days and promises to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the medieval city centre.

Chairperson of Savour Kilkenny, Ger Mullally said

that another exciting long weekend of the long-running festival was in store.

“We are delighted to have another superb lineup for the 2025 edition of Savour Kilkenny. It has always been our aim to constantly improve the lineup of events for this prestigious festival, showcasing the best of Kilkenny’s and our regions food producers and providers. Once again, Marian

Flannery and her team have literally produced the goods, with returning favourites and new voices from this crucial industry,” he said.

New member of the Savour Kilkenny Board and Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council Fiona Deegan said that the gathering of friends was a central part of the attraction of Savour Kilkenny.

“The Savour weekend is

Figures for SE as domestic abuse calls overall up 45% Domestic abuse calls to Gardaí have risen by 45% in the past four years, with the figure on track to increase again this year.

An Irish Independent analysis of ­domestic abuse calls also shows that Garda divisions in Dublin had both the highest and lowest rates of reports per population last year.

Figures per capita 1,000 vary from 10 to 16 on a scale.

Kilkenny, Carlow and Waterford combined stand at 13.19 on the scale.

Rachel Morrogh of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre described the numbers reporting domestic abuse as “staggering”.

She said: “We don’t know if the increase is due to more people experiencing this type of abuse or if it’s due to more victims feeling empowered to seek help from the Gardaí.”

In 2020, Gardaí received 44,782 domestic abuse calls, which included breaches of protection and barring orders imposed by the courts, and other incidents such as assault which had a domestic motive.

That figure has steadily risen over the past four years, with a total of 65,224 domestic abuse calls made to Gardaí in 2024 – representing a 45% increase on 2020 and more than 20,000 extra calls.

That number will rise again this year if trends continue, with close to 42,000 domestic abuse calls made already as of yesterday, which Gardaí say is a slight increase on the same period last year.

Last year the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Central division in the innercity was the busiest area for domestic abuse calls, with 21.7 received per 1,000 population.

The second highest rate was in the DMR West division (17.3), which covers areas such as Clondalkin, Blanchardstown and Lucan.

The Garda division with the highest rate of calls outside of the capital was Limerick (16.4), followed by the division for

border counties Louth/Cavan/ Monaghan (15.2).

The lowest rate in the country last year was in the capital, with the DMR East division, covering areas such as Blackrock and Dundrum, having on average just 8.5 domestic abuse calls per 1,000 population.

The second lowest rate was in Kerry (9.2), followed by the county and city divisions for Cork, which had a combined rate of 9.7 per 1,000 population.

The division covering a vast geographical area of Mayo/ Roscommon/Longford also had a rate of 9.7.

The numbers for domestic abuse calls were released

by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan in response to a parliamentary question by Aontú party leader TD Peadar Tóibín.

Mr O’Callaghan has described any increase in reports of domestic violence as “deeply concerning”, while adding that significant work has been undertaken for more victims to come forward.

He said that “combating all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a central priority” for him and the Government.

Mr O’Callaghan added that the Government has a zero-tolerance strategy to ensure that victims come forward while Domestic and Personal Safety Units (DPSUs) are also key to ­addressing “the historical and significant under-reporting of such crimes”.

A Garda spokesperson said the organisation has “significantly invested in the training and investigative capabilities of Gardaí in these areas”.

“This has seen the establishment of a specialist Protective Services Unit in each Garda division staffed by highly trained, specialist detectives operating under the guidance provided to them through the Garda Protective Services Bureau [GNPSB],” the spokesperson said.

CUT

now part of the social structure for Kilkenny people as families and friends gather for the weekend, meeting on the parade, attending events and dining out in the dozens of restaurants and cafes in the city for the weekend.

“Add to that the thousands of visitors who come along and discover the gourmet capital of the country and you have a wonderful boost to the social and economic

life of the city, once again.”

Master of Ceremonies for the weekend and TV celebrity chef Edward Hayden said that lots of fun lay ahead for all those attending.

“While the craft of food production and presentation and the serious issues around the industry are core to the weekend, there is lots of fun as those of us who work in the sector get to meet up, collaborate and interact with the

brilliant Savour Kilkenny audiences. There will be plenty of laughs and jollity as we continue to put the fun into food!” he said.

Taking place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend (Thursday 23 to Monday 27), Savour Kilkenny will transform Ireland’s Medieval Capital into a bustling celebration of Irish food culture, sustainability, and community.

Getting in top gear for Car Vintage show Kilkenny Motor Club is delighted to invite the public and all classic and vintage owners to its Annual Classic and Vintage Show on Sunday, August 31, at St. James’ Park, R95 AP92. This much-anticipated event promises a vibrant celebration of motoring heritage alongside entertainment for all ages.

Visitors can look forward to a dog show, book stall, Brick-A-Brack, musical entertainment, and much

more. A highlight of the day will be presentations for the Best Car and Motorbike, recognising exceptional classics on display.

This year’s feature car is the Ford Escort MK II, as we celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Public admission is just €5, but owners of classic and vintage vehicles will receive free admission and complimentary refreshments.

Gates will be open for public admission from 10:30

am.

The event will also feature an AutoJumble and trade stands, making it the perfect day out for enthusiasts, collectors, and families alike.

Kilkenny Motor Club are long term proud supporters of Carlow/ Kilkenny Homecare, a very deserving charity.

Event Details: * What: Kilkenny Motor Club Annual Classic and Vintage Show

* When: Sunday, 31st August 2025 * Where: St. James’ Park, Kilkenny (Eircode R95 AP92) * Admission: €5 (Public), Free for Classic & Vintage Vehicle Owners (includes refreshments) * Feature Car: Ford Escort MK II * For Trade Stands Contact: Eamonn – 087 944 1900 * Website: www.kilkennymotorclub.com

Tractors lead the way in farm confidence The tractor market in Ireland has roared back to life in 2025, with sales figures showing a dramatic turnaround on last year’s sluggish performance.

The latest FTMTA Statistics Service Report for July 2025 reveals that new tractor registrations hit 352 units for the month, a 43pc jump on July 2024. Year-to-date sales now stand at 1,678 units, up 10% from 1,527 in the same period last year.

It marks a sharp reversal from 2024, when sales were hit by collapsing milk prices and tighter cashflows, leaving dairy farmers, traditionally the biggest machinery spenders, holding off on investment.

By July last year, registrations

were down 11% compared to 2023.

The recovery began tentatively in the spring and gathered pace through the summer. May saw a 4% yearon-year increase in sales, June was up 3% and July delivered the strongest rise yet.

Strong beef prices are a major driver. Finished cattle values are up over 35% on 2024, with weanling prices soaring by 45%.

The result is a huge lift in incomes for drystock farms, up 85pc for cattle rearing enterprises and 44% for cattle finishing farms, according to Teagasc.

Many of these farms are now reinvesting in machinery after

several lean years following the financial crash.

Confidence is also being fuelled by Ireland’s wider economic performance. Farmers with off-farm jobs are benefiting from rising wages and low unemployment, giving them greater capacity to upgrade machinery.

Cork continues to lead the league table for new tractor registrations, with 249 units sold so far this year. Tipperary follows on 164, and Wexford sits in third on 98 units.

The 161hp-200hp segment remains the most popular, accounting for just over a quarter of all sales, while the over-200hp category has grown to 15.6% of the market.

The largest tractor registered this year came in at 355hp.

Used tractor imports are also holding steady, with 281 units registered for the first time in July, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,776 – 73 more than the same period in 2024.

Machinery spending has risen sharply in recent years.

In 2024, it accounted for three-quarters of total investment on cattle and sheep farms, averaging €5,000, and more than €25,000 on dairy farms.

This compares with far lower levels in 2020, reflecting both higher machinery costs and a greater willingness to invest.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Do you buy clothes that cost the earth?

Oh the glamour and the glitz, the handbags and the glad rags on parade at the recent Galway Races and Dublin Horse Show. We are blessed with beautiful women. But is it the cloth that maketh the woman or would they look just as alluring in sackcloth?

Certainly, young women today – teenagers too – seem more attuned to how they dress, more the dedicated followers of fashion – whether it’s well-cut, ripped jeans with designer trainers for partying or an outfit more befitting the workplace or college. That said, our younger generations are, by all accounts, familiar with the idea of ‘clothes sustainability’.

Sustainable clothing is about reducing textile waste by extending the life cycle through donation to ever-increasing charity shops, resale or recycling by handing down to their younger sister, their still young-at-heart mother – my

daughter and her Mother are typical of this – or best friend.

Charity shops and clothes banks play a big role in this process, all part of being aware of increasing landfills in this time of climate change.

Textiles in landfills can be just as challenging to the environment as discarded plastics.

Textiles account for 10% of global emissions, more than global shipping and aviation combined. Operating within a linear ‘take-make-waste’ model, the sector globally consumes new materials at a pace that far exceeds nature’s capacity for regeneration.

According to ChangeClothes.org, Ireland is the second largest producer of textile waste in Europe after Belgium, each of us here consuming 53kg of textiles a year, more than double the average.

Today, we acquire too many clothes, far more than we actually need. I am as guilty as

the next in this respect – my hoard of trainers enough to upset the late Imelda Marcos.

Fast Fashion is the euphemism, and a lot of it coming from Asian sweatshops.

Meantime, according to ChangeClothes.org, we have enough clothing for the next six generations.

In Ireland the clothes industry will be an estimated €4.1 Billion for 2025, according to IBISWorld, with the past five years seeing an annual 8.7 per cent growth.

On the charity shop front, those who support them, arguably, participate in the circular economy, by minimising waste and over-stretched landfills. And contribute to worthy causes. We need more people shopping like this – you’d be doing good to rummage for something of a one-off vintage.

A wonderful woman I shared my life with for some 10 years was a regular at the

charity shop in Kingcourt, giving and buying, and had introduced me to the concept of clothes sustainability. One day she dropped some items off, and bought a pair of silver, sling-back heels. That evening she put on a, em, fashion show for me and then, looking down at the heels, said: “These seem vaguely familiar.”

“Textiles account for 10% of global emissions...

And then the penny dropped.

“Oh dear, I gave these to the charity shop two weeks ago!”

As far as I know, she still has those heels The clothes banks I find disconcerting. Clothes, socks, Tshirts, underwear and cheapcut jeans, bought en masse at you-know-where, usually end up in these banks, two or three washes having put paid to their wearability. In Ireland three out of five textiles end up in landfill within the first year of purchase.

(One Irish company that supplies and manage these clothes banks has, since 1992, grown its network to 1,200 such pods across Ireland).

The thing is I am not sure where the contents of these banks or pods actually end up. There are those who say the clothes are recycled in garment factories, machinists using part of the discarded items to complement and add to new garments. Back in the

days of my childhood, women in the home darned their husbands’ socks so nothing was ever wasted and handdowns were the dress code of the day. My mother’s brother Harry was front of house at a small Dublin shirt factory where his main customers were well-heeled housewives who brought in their husbands’ good white shirts to have the frayed collar ‘turned’.

His was a thriving business and charity shops were an unknown entity.

Others contend that a lot of these clothes end up in Africa and in some cases just literally dumped there, simply because there are too many of these garments that are just not wanted or unwearable for being in tatters.

I have seen this scenario in Africa – those ‘above ground’ landfills, where the clothes, once on your back, are left to rot.

Clothes that cost the earth...

Noonan welcomes new County Archivist role for Kilkenny SENATOR MALCOLM NOONAN

Kilkenny based Green Party Senator Malcolm Noonan has welcomed the advertisement

by Kilkenny County Council for the post of a County Archivist, saying that the position is long overdue in a city and county with such a rich archive collection.

‘I am delighted that after years of campaigning for one, that a County Archivist role will now become a reality and that I was in a position to fund the post through the Heritage Council 2025 budget as Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform in the last government’ said Senator Noonan.

He said that Kilkenny’s civic records alone warranted the necessity for such a role but that he was certain that many more important family, community and historical archives would be brought into the care and conservation of the local authority when an archivist is in place.

‘Experience from counties like Offaly, who have pioneered the county archivist

role for smaller counties, have shown that once you build it they will come. Not only did Offaly County Council collaborate to fund the role of archivist but they fitted out a wonderful archive facility and now have many important collections in the care of the service. Since my time in the Tholsel as mayor, seeing the important records of the city, corporation minutes dating back centuries, charters, even plans of old city estates, I knew that we needed to take better care of them. Our civic records are among the oldest in the country, dating back to the Liber Primus (first book of the Corporation) from 1231’.

‘It is also important in light of birth information and tracing legislation, that people have access to records. A County Archive service can assist in this regard’.

‘I commend Kilkenny Library Services, Kilkenny Archives and Kilkenny Archaeological Society for their work to date in conserving records and indeed so many painstaking voluntary hours put into maintaining archives with meagre resources available. I think that this new role will really throw the doors open on the riches of our city and county and support volunteer led initiatives’.

‘Kilkenny County Council now need to explore either the construction or leasing of a state-of-the-art archive facility to store, conserve, digitise and make publicly available our county collection. I believe it to be an essential facility and I would go further to suggest that the possibility of locating it on the brewery site near the Mayfair library along with a new county museum. This should be no less than our ambition in a city which trades on its heritage’.

Finally, I wish to commend The Heritage Council, now thirty years old and based here in Kilkenny, for rolling out these additional archivist posts with the support of County Councils. We share the view that every local authority should have full heritage teams in every local authority in Ireland. It would mean that Heritage and Biodiversity Officers would be joined by archivists, archaeologists and architectural conservation officers to lead on implementation of heritage and biodiversity plans at county level. This should be our ambition for heritage conservation, interpretation and celebration as we begin our celebrations of heritage week’, concluded Senator Noonan.

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Anxiety? Aware is here to help you If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering these questions – you’re not alone… Why am I feeling so low? How can I stop feeling so anxious? How do I manage everyday pressures and unhelpful thoughts? Is it possible to live a full, connected life with bipolar disorder?

Whether you are living with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, supporting

a loved one, or you are simply looking to learn more about your mental health and how to protect it – Aware has the education programme for you.

This September 1, the national mental health organisation is opening registration for its free education programmes — practical, evidence-based courses designed to help you under-

stand your mental health, build resilience, and find tools that work in real life.

Programmes are available both in-person and online and are open and free to anyone aged 18 or over living in Ireland.

One of the most popular options is The Aware Resilience Programme — a sixweek course rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy

(CBT) techniques. In a friendly group setting, participants learn how to manage daily stresses, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build coping strategies. Sessions run for 90 minutes and are led by trained facilitators who know how to make the tools easy to understand and apply.

For those who are supporting someone with depression or bipolar disorder, the

Family Support Programme focuses on looking after the supporter as much as the person they support. Over four weeks, it offers practical ways to provide effective support while protecting your own mental health.

And for people living with bipolar disorder, the Living Well With Bipolar Disorder programme is delivered over the course of eight weeks

by an experienced mental health professional. Educational in nature, the aim of the programme is to provide you with opportunities to understand and manage bipolar disorder effectively, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to live well. * To learn more or book your place, visit www.aware. ie/programmes

Come on Kilkenny, get up and running next month for the LauraLynn 100k.

LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children's Hospice, invites people in Kilkenny to lace up their runners and take on the 100K in the September Challenge.

LauraLynn is asking the public to walk, jog or run approximately 3.3km a day throughout September. This sponsored challenge is a vital fundraiser supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families LauraLynn Fundraising Manager Cathy White said: "Taking part in the '100K in September’ challenge is a great way to build a healthy habit while making a real difference. Whether you walk, jog or run, every kilometre helps us continue providing essential care and support to children and families across Ireland. It’s a beautiful thing to do, especially if we get a sunny September.”

Participants can register on the LauraLynn website to receive a free t-shirt and their own sponsorship page.

They’re also encouraged to join the Strava Club or Facebook Group for tips, motivation, and community support throughout the challenge.

Whether a seasoned runner or just starting out, this challenge is for everyone. It is aimed at consistency, not speed, just 3.3km a day to help make the most of short and precious lives.

------------------------------How to Participate: • Register: Sign up to receive a fundraising pack, including a LauraLynn t-shirt.

• Set up an iDonate Fundraising page to start collecting donations.

• Join the Community: Connect with others in the Strava Club or Facebook Group.

• Run, jog or walk 100km in September.

---------------------------------For more information or to register, visit www.lauralynn.ie/events/challenges/

walkrun-100k-in-septemberteamlauralynn or contact Cathy at challenges@lauralynn.ie.

LauraLynn is Ireland’s only children’s cospice providing palliative and hospice care and support for children (0-18 years) with life-limiting conditions and their families from all across Ireland.

LauraLynn, provides a range of services including, symptom management for children, music and play therapy, psychological support, family and sibling camps, short breaks, bereavement support, crisis and End of Life Care.

Care can be availed of in their specialised hospice in Leopardstown, Co. Dublin care can also be delivered in hospital, in the community, or in the family home, depending on the location and medical needs of the child and the family’s preference.

LauraLynn’s Care in the Community Team currently provides care and supports to children and families in their homes in the Leinster region, the service operating from Mallow services families across Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford & South Tipperary .

LauraLynn relies primarily on fundraised income to fund its hospice services. LauraLynn care is provided free of charge for children and families. Since 2011, LauraLynn has supported more than 926 children and their families, including siblings, parents, and grandparents.

With recent growth and developments, LauraLynn is caring for children across every corner of the country with families from all 26 counties linked with the service.

LauraLynn also undertakes research into the relatively new area of children’s palliative care. *For further information visit www.lauralynn.ie

Rose Katelyn is just across the borderline Laois Rose Katelyn Cummins has been named the 2025 International Rose of Tralee, becoming the first-ever Laois Rose to take the title.

The 20-year-old was announced as the winner just before 11.30pm on Tuesday August 19, when she was presented with her sash by last year's Rose, New Zealand's Keely O'Grady.

Katelyn is the 65th International Rose of Tralee.

From the village of Ballyouskill, on the LaoisKilkenny border, Katelyn is an apprentice electrician currently in her third phase of training, with plans to

pursue an engineering degree.

Her victory was announced live on RTÉ One by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas from the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU. Viewers tuned in not just from across Ireland, but also from as far afield as New Zealand, Mozambique, Canada, and the US for the festival's second televised night.

After being crowned, Katelyn was whisked through the streets of Tralee to be formally presented to the crowds at Midnight Madness, where thousands gathered for music, cel-

ebrations, and a fireworks display.

Speaking on stage, a stunned in a stunning white dress, Katelyn told Kathryn Thomas [pictured] that winning felt "like a dream".

An emotional Katelyn thanked her parents and "the 31 girls standing behind me" for their support.

Earlier in the evening, she had reflected on her journey into the electrical trade.

"I am an apprentice electrician. I am in my Phase 3 at the moment.

"Back when I was in Transition Year, I had to do work experience, and I didn't really know what I wanted

to do. I didn't really want to go to college; it didn't really seem like a path for me. Then my dad put me in touch with a local electrician. I did a week's work experience, and I absolutely loved it. I knew it was the job for me, " she said.

She admitted her career path has raised eyebrows at times. "Some people say I don't look like an electrician.

I am very, very girly. I was the only girl in my college, and I am the only girl in my apprenticeship. I'm one of the lads now," she said.

"We have a dairy farm. I love that I grew up the countryside."

Kelleher seeks urgent meeting on Aras run As Heather Humphries enters the race for Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said that a meeting of his party’s Parliamentary Party should be convened urgently to discuss the forthcoming Presidential Election.

Kelleher, an MEP for Ireland South, said that without a meeting convened soon, Fianna Fáil TDs, Senators and MEPs will not meet in person until mid-September at the earliest.

“To my mind, this is too late in the day for the people who

will ultimately be tasked with selecting a party candidate to meet to discuss the issue.

“I contacted the Cathaoirleach of the Parliamentary Party, Brendan Smith TD asking him to convene a meeting to discuss this most critical of issues," he said.

“In my opinion, Fianna Fáil, the largest party in the Dáil, the Seanad and in local government, should be actively involved in either running its own candidate or facilitating a candidate that represents our values and beliefs as a political movement."

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

War on Gaza: a letter to President Trump Dear President Trump, I am writing to you as I believe you are the only person who can achieve what the world wants.

You said that you could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of becoming President of the United States. That was seven months ago and the outcome you hoped for still hasn’t happened after a ‘productive’ meeting in Alaska with President Putin and in the US with Zelenskiy.

There is a war that you could end, if not within 24 hours at least within days.

You could end the Israel/ Hamas war in Gaza. A word by you with your friend Netanyahu, for he will listen to you as he listens to no one else, not even a strike and objections by his own people, could end the war.

By doing so, yet more catastrophic consequences can be avoided, not only the im-

mediate ones in terms the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but those which are accumulating for Israel’s standing and its future safety.

Understanding the art of the deal, you will appreciate the huge gains that could be made: salvation not only for those directly involved, for everyone suffering heart scald over the unfolding tragedy of Gaza but for your own standing. As a Colossus bestriding the world, there would be huge respect for you in using your power where others have failed to intervene.

Condemnations of Israel’s conduct have been fired by world leaders without effect. But condemnations don’t feed innocent children dying of starvation; they won’t stop deaths like those of the 875 Palestinians killed recently while they risked their lives seeking food; they won’t resurrect the five Al Jazeera journalists slain last

week in a targeted attack; nor the 60,000 plus Palestinians and nearly 2,000 Israelis who have died so far in the conflict. Nor will they save the lives of the 20 remaining out of the 250 Israeli hostages taken in the atrocious October 7 Hamas attack which triggered the war.

For all their rhetoric, world leaders have failed Gaza. The United Nations is paralysed by structural power imbalance among the 193 member states. The EU is toothless, its members unable to act together to stop the carnage. Religious leaders have been curiously mute in decrying the genocide and war crimes despite their obligation to uphold moral values. But you President Trump, have the power to act effectively.

Tell Netanyahu that his plan, as he puts it “to finish the job in Gaza” and invade Gaza city, is a very bad idea

and that the war must end.

There is no finish to the consequences of the job he is intent upon.

The damage done to Israel

“Adding to the 146 members of UN which recognise the state of Palestine..

will be unending, in terms of international relations, loss of trade and reputation. Far from eliminating Hamas, the war has spurred recruitment with thousands joining the military wing of the organisation. Then there is the disbelief that a people who suffered the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust should visit the same fate on another people or that there should be support for such calumny. This has nothing to do with anti-Semitism, nor with Zionism, the desire for a Jewish homeland rooted in the ancient tradition of Hebron. It is a kind of incredulity that life and humanitarian values should be destroyed in this way.

You could warn Netanyahu that he is allowing Hamas to drag him down their very dark path following October 7, 2023. Hamas led terrorists killed 1,200 Israelis, with 251 hostages taken and thousands injured fol-

lowed by an utter cynicism over the consequences for innocent people they have claimed to represent since 2005. Israel’s massive military response, initially perceived as a means to rout out Hamas leaders and fighters, has become totally disproportionate, something far darker on a par with the worst excesses of colonialism centuries ago when indigenous peoples were regarded as vermin fit for extermination and where Gaza will be emptied of its Palestinian population.

Your vision of a future for Gaza, a strip of land less than half the size of county Louth, as the Riviera of the Middle East, is in stark contrast to the present starvation and rubble. Why not make it happen, create a bright future for Palestinians, where surely the world would donate to rebuild this small corner of the world and laud you for it.

Top up on Iron when eating for two CLAIR WHITTY Are you pregnant and feeling sluggish, tired, or exhausted?

This is common during the early stages and the last stage or your pregnancy. The warm weather we have just had may well have left many of you feeling totally exhausted. Iron is required for energy for all of us but it is even more important during your pregnancy.

Chapped lips, brittle hair, constant fatigue, and palpitations are some of the tell-tale signs of iron deficiency which is common with pregnant women. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the chemical that transports oxygen in the blood.

A severe deficiency can lead to anaemia, total exhaustion and a weakened immune system. And during your pregnancy you’re eating for two, or sometimes three or more! This means that your body will need more iron to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy.

A healthy balanced diet with

iron rich foods will provide most of the iron you need during your pregnancy. This could include lean meats, pulses, fruit such as prunes, apricots and raisins, and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C found fruit and vegetables can help your body absorb more iron from foods and supplements. On the other hand, things like black tea, coffee, and phosphates found in soft drinks can inhibit absorption. So, to maximise your supplement take it before eating.

But, it can be difficult to absorb enough iron from your diet for you and your growing baby particularly if you do have an iron deficiency. This is where supplements can come in and the one that I am thinking about is Floradix Liquid Iron. This can

really help. Floradix Liquid Iron is easy to digest and most importantly it doesn’t have any of the nasty digestive side effects like stomach cramps and constipation. It contains Iron Gluconate which is a highly absorbable form of Iron with some vitamin C and B Vitamins to support absorption. Plus, it has recently celebrated over 100 years of success, that is difficult to beat.

It’s actually my favourite iron supplement. I like it because I have used it many times over the years and it has always given me a lift. I also like it because it is completely free of chemical preservatives, colourings, or flavourings, and is also available in a gluten-free form called Floravital.

Happy pregnancy

Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre | Phone: 056 7764538 | Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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News The death of a young designer on a luxury yacht has taken another twist as the boat owner’s identity has been revealed.

Carlow native Martha Nolan O’Slattara, 33, was found unconscious on the boat docked in a New York yacht club on August 5, before the 911 call was placed that led to the discovery of her body.

Despite previous reports of a naked man shouting about his “girlfriend” as Good Samaritans rushed to give her CPR, the Irish-born entrepreneur’s partner was reportedly not in Montauk when she died.

Witnesses recounted seeing the naked man who had been on the yacht screaming at people to help an unconscious Nolan.

Her boyfriend has since been named as 34-year-old sales executive Nicholas DiRubio by DailyMail.com, who also identified the boat owner as 60-year-old Christopher Durnan.

Ms Nolan’s cause of death was reported by some media to be a suspected drug overdose, though it hasn’t been officially determined, according to the New York Post.

The latest report is that she had Stage 4 brain cancer, which has not been substantiated and her family say “is a shock’ and they were certainly not aware of such.

It comes as new details emerged about Nolan’s recent divorce and a lawsuit that accused her of allegedly taking $34,000 from her previous company’s bank account, according documents lodged at New York County Supreme Court.

Martha Nolan, who was born in Carlow and moved to New York when she was 26, had filed for an uncontested divorce from her former husband, Sam Ryan, earlier this year, according to the Irish Independent.

The divorce proceedings were continuing as recently as April 8, filings by the New York County Supreme Court showed.

Before her tragic death, she had been dating another man, 34-year-old sales exec Nicholas DiRubio, at and was staying with him in the Montauk area for the summer, according to the Daily Mail.

According to some police sources, Ms Nolan reportedly went to talk with yacht owner Christopher Durnan, aged 60, a well-known figure at the yacht club, before she died, the New York Post reported.

The boat owner founded a large insurance firm that specialises in workers’ compensation and reportedly invested more than $200,000 in Martha Nolan’s swimwear line, according to the Daily Mail.

Durnan owns Ripple, the boat that police were called to on the night of her death, and another boat called Hell In A Bucket. Both names are nods to the Grateful Dead.

The day after the discovery of Ms Nolan’s body, pictures

What we know, so far, about the death of Martha Nolan

Timeline of death * Tuesday, August 5 Just after midnight, East Hampton police respond to a 911 call from a man who found a woman unresponsive on a docked boat at the Montauk Yacht Club in Suffolk County, New York State. Good Samaritans attempt CPR but first responders pronounce her dead at the scene. *Wednesday, August 6 An initial autopsy finds no evidence of violence. The woman is identified as Martha Nolan-O’Slattara. * Thursday, August 7 Nolan’s mother tells the Irish Independent that her family is “numb with shock.”

of the boat revealed a white powdery substance on the seats of Ripple.

Both of the boats have since left the spots where they were previously docked at the club, the Daily Mail said.

Martha Nolan had phoned her boyfriend earlier that

night and told DiRubio she was at a business meeting on the night she died, the Independent said.

In the hours before her death, she reportedly called her boyfriend to tell him she was going to book an Uber and would be home around 1

am. Her body was found just before midnight.

“It was just her and the boat owner on the boat,” a source close to Nolan’s family told Irish outlet Extra.ie.

“She phoned her boyfriend and she told him she was just about to be picked up by an

Uber to come home.”

The source noted, “There is such a short timeline between when she made the call and when the 911 call was made.”

Ms Nolan reportedly had plans to marry DiRubio before her untimely death.

“Martha and her boyfriend went to Ireland at Christmas.

He met her family and getting married would have been the next step,” the source told Extra.ie.

The Carlow native often showcased a life of private jets and glamorous vacations on her social media accounts. But she faced legal battles throughout her rise in the fashion world.

Nolan and East x East swimwear co-founder Dylan Grace were slapped with a lawsuit in April 2022, according to a court filing by Manhattan luxury sunglasses brand Out East Accessories.

The company accused the pair, two former Out East employees, of stealing $34,000 from the company’s bank account, along with the entire eyewear inventory, the complaint said.

Grace and Nolan allegedly changed the passwords belonging to the company owners and locked them out of their bank account, emails, and social media accounts, court records claimed.

“In the weeks leading up to their termination, and for months thereafter, Grace and Nolan ransacked Out East, stole all its assets and essentially destroyed the company,” the lawsuit claimed.

Martha Nolan denied all allegations.

The case was settled in June 2022 and was dismissed the next month after both parties reached a confidential settlement.

The duo went on to launch East x East swimwear in 2023.

The two remained close as co-founders, as shown in Grace’s heartbreaking tribute on social media after her death.

“We dreamed big together, laughed harder than anyone else could understand, and built so much from nothing,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I’m truly blessed and grateful to have had you in my life. Love you so much Mar. Fly high girl.”

Martha Nolan received her bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in digital marketing at the University College Dublin, according to her LinkedIn profile.

After college, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of being an entrepreneur. She started as a bottle service girl in SoHo in downtown Manhattan before founding her own businesses.

The designer co-founded East x East, a swimwear line, and fashion accessories brand Duper.

She spent her summers in the Hamptons, where she put on pop-up shows for her designs and worked with wealthy clients in Montauk.

Police said there was no evidence of violence on her body. They have so far not filed any charges or identified any suspects in the case, but they have not ruled out foul play. A full toxicology is awaited.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Move over banks, here comes the super credit unions There are substantial changes ahead for Ireland’s credit union sector. The Central Bank of Ireland has unveiled reforms that could more than triple the sector’s mortgage and business lending capacity to €9.9 billion. From September 30, these changes will mark a significant departure from crisis-era restrictions.

It will allow credit unions to expand services while maintaining prudent safeguards.

The move followed a comprehensive review and public consultation which at last has addressed long-standing calls for modernisation amid rising demand for affordable loans.

Under the previous framework mortgage and small business lending was capped at 7.5% of total assets for most credit unions with larger ones allowed lend up to 15% with regulatory approval. This limited the sector’s overall capacity to €2.9 billion. Now mortgage lending will be permitted up to 30% of the assets and business lending up to

15% representing a 340% increase in potential.

Additional flexibilities will include eliminating business plan submissions for certain loans and eradicate mandatory monthly performance reporting for specific categories.

These changes aim to streamline operations without compromising risk management. Central Bank Deputy Governor Mary-Elizabeth McMunn said: “While considerable capacity remained under previous limits the updated framework allows credit unions to sustainably develop into the future within appropriate guardrails and in the long-term interests of their members.”

The changes complement recent legislative updates from 2023 allowing credit unions to refer members to peers and collaborate on loans thereby fostering diversification and financial viability.

The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU), representing more than 90% of the sector,

hailed the announcement as a “major step forward”. ILCU Chief Executive David Malone described it as providing “unprecedented opportunities to better serve members and communities”.

With the sector’s loan book already surpassing €6 billion for the first time since 2008 and assets totalling €22 billion, comparable to PTSB, Malone

envisions credit unions becoming a Top 5 mortgage player. They could potentially issue €1 billion annually in home loans within two to three years. “This isn’t pie in the sky – we’ll do it safely and prudently,” he asserted, urging an earlier implementation than November to meet a surging demand.

The reforms arrive amid

sector evolution, including mergers like the proposed Progressive and Drogheda Credit Union tie-up creating a €600 million ‘Super Credit Union’.

Malone, who joined ILCU in 2016 after 14 years at PwC, insists these shifts align with the movement’s co-operative roots. “We’re not mimicking banks; we’re delivering services in our unique way, always putting members first,” he said.

New offerings such as variable-rate mortgages with ceilings, instant payments, and SME loans via collaborative organisations like Cultivate for Agri-lending, underscore this ambition. Last year alone, Agri-loan applications hit €70 million. There are further plans to expand into broader business financing, possibly including regional housebuilders to tackle the housing crisis.

Yet, challenges persist.

Broader economic fears, Brexit, pandemics, conflicts,

and potential Trump tariffs heighten the need for trusted accessible finance. Credit unions, with a 2.4% arrears rate and focus on small loans (200,000 under €2,000 annually) fill gaps that banks overlook.

Analysts view this as futureproofing. Its injecting competition into a market dominated by the three pillar banks. By leveraging members’ savings “for stable, counter-cyclical lending” credit unions could capture 10% of the €100 billion mortgage market enhancing economic resilience.

As Malone notes, echoing the sector’s 1950s origins as “disruptors for the excluded.

“There’s a re-ignition of that entrepreneurial spirit.”

With a loan-to-savings ratio targeting 50%, the “sleeping giant” is awakening, promising greater community support and financial inclusion. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Local vet qualifies for Deaflympics 2025 Shona Maguire, a south east based vet, has qualified for the Deaflympics which is being held in Tokyo in November this year. She will be the first woman to represent Ireland in judo in the history of the Deaflympics.

Though hearing impaired from a young age due to damage caused by growths in both ears, Shona has never let it stand in her way.

She started judo as part of the transition year programme in Mount Temple Comprehensive School and continued to train and compete as part of the UCD judo team while studying veterinary medicine.

A reoccurrence of the growths in one ear, and the demands of a first job lead to a lengthy spell away from the sport. She had a successful return to competitive judo last year with Kilkenny Judo Club earning 4 golds, a silver and a bronze in international competitions and she will now go on to compete in the Deaflympics.

The 2025 Summer Deaflympics, officially known as the 25th Summer Deaflympics or XXV Summer Deaflympics, is an international multi-sport event that is scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan from 15 November 2025 to 26 November 2025.

As it is only part funded, Shona has a go fund me campaign to make up the short fall of the cost of travel for her and her coach for

the main event and training events in the meantime.

You can find her on Go Fund Me at ‘Shona’s Deaflympic adventure 2025’ and follow her progress on Facebook at Shona Maguire Deaf Athlete.

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Exploring our foundations: Heritage Week 2025 with Kilkenny County Council Library service Kilkenny County Council Library Service is delighted to announce a rich and varied programme of events for Heritage Week 2025, celebrating the theme “Exploring Our Foundations.”

This year’s activities invite the public to reflect on the stories, traditions, and innovations that have shaped Kilkenny’s cultural identity.

Across our library branches, visitors can enjoy a blend of historical talks, guided tours, digital workshops, and storytelling sessions. Highlights include insights into Kilkenny’s civic records, explorations of local figures such as James Stephens and Lady Louisa Tighe, and hands-on experiences with digital archives and 3D scanning technology.

From uncovering the rituals of Irish folklore to tracing family histories through newspaper archives, each event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past in meaningful and engaging ways. Families, history enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages are welcome.

Alicia Dunphy Local Studies Librarian said “Heritage Week is a chance to reconnect with the stories and traditions that make Kilkenny unique.

Through talks, tours, and hands-on workshops, we are inviting people of all ages to explore the foundations of our shared identity in fresh and meaningful ways.”

Some events require booking due to limited capacity. For full details and registration information, please follow us on Instagram or Facebook or visit: www.kilkennylibrary.ie Let’s celebrate Heritage Week together by exploring the foundations that continue to shape our community.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

News Science & Wellbeing

Hip, hip hooray! Celebrating 20 years of excellence in hip preservation This year marks a significant milestone for Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and specialist in hip preservation surgery Patrick Carton MD FRCS FFSEM, as his renowned practice celebrates it 20th anniversary in the South East. In the past two decades (16 years of which have been at UPMC Waterford) Mr Carton has committed his expertise and efforts into providing the highest quality of care to patients suffering from painful hips, helping them maintain their mobility, live pain-free lives, and promoting overall health and wellness in our communities.

An area of particular interest and focus in the past 20 years, has been hip preservation, and specifically hip arthroscopy (key-hole hip surgery). This is a very specialised area of orthopaedic surgery which he has been at the fore of developing. It is a minimally invasive surgical approach which can have enormous positive implications for sufferers of a painful hip.

The goal of surgery is to repair rather than replace the damaged structures and ultimately delay or eliminate the need for a future hip replacement.

The hip joint consists of the femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket) and in a healthy hip the ball moves and rotates smoothly within the socket during activity. Hip impingement, or femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI), is a condition where the shape of the ball and/or socket of the hip joint becomes more irregular shape resulting in abnormal contact and restriction during movement/activity.

Progressive FAI can result in symptoms of pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and decreased ability to engage in sports or other activities

The hip team: from left David Filan (Senior Clinical Researcher), Karen Mullins (Senior Clinical Researcher), Michael Morrissey (Research & Theatre Assistant), and Patrick Carton (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon)

of daily living, and over time causes irreversible damage to the cartilage of the hip joint, leading to osteoarthritis.

Importantly, age is not necessarily a factor.

While the potential for symptoms to develop can occur earlier in athletes and those physically active (a large bulk of the footfall through the clinic in the past 20 years) due to the increased demands placed upon the hip, the condition can also present in more sedentary individuals.

Concomitant pathologies such as dysplasia (a shallow hip socket) can also present alongside FAI and the techniques Mr Carton has evolved throughout the years has shown similar excellent

results for these more difficult cases.

Clinician and community knowledge and understanding of FAI has improved significantly in the past 20 years.

While the indications for surgery have evolved, so too has the surgical technique, and a cornerstone of this evolution, and development of the most cutting-edge techniques provided by The Hip Preservation Institute is rooted in prospective research into this area, as well as continuous and transparent publishing of results.

“The backbone of my practice has always been richly engrained in research and applying the direct feedback from surgical outcomes/results, reported by the patients

coming through our clinic, is the foundation for improving on success for our future patients,” says Mr Carlton.

“We are constantly striving to achieve the very best outcomes for our patients”.

His practice is one of the few centres worldwide with the ability to publish long-term outcomes, with follow-up, patient-reported data from more than 3,800 operated hip-preservation cases, with results of surgery reported at two, at five and at 10-years post-op (and 15-year coming soon!). It is these long-term outcomes which are particularly important, because ultimately patients want to know the expected longevity and how this surgery is going to

impact them and their hip for the long term.

The quality of the research undertaken from the clinic has been recognised both nationally and internationally, achieving awards at various conferences and publishing in the highest quality international orthopaedic and sports medicine journals.

The Hip Preservation Institute also offers non-surgical management of all hip conditions including the provision of specialist physiotherapy interventions and biologic treatments including PRP, hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory injection therapies.

This additional level of patient-focused care and invested research provided by The

Hip Preservation Institute has supported the evidence-based decisions made over the past 20 years, with the contributions to knowledge base firmly placing this practice as a leading health service provider, nationally and internationally.

Says mr Carlton: “We are incredibly proud of the work we have done over the past 20 years. Our commitment to providing high-quality health services has never wavered, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community in the years to come.” * The Hip Preservation Institute has its primary location at UPMC Whitfield hospital in Waterford. Additional clinics are in the Affidea Centre, Elysian, in Cork city.

Why people don’t eat based on food labels alone Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become public enemy No. 1 in nutrition debates. From dementia to obesity and an epidemic of “food addiction”, these factory-made products, including crisps, ready meals, fizzy drinks and packaged snacks, are blamed for a wide range of modern health problems.

Researchers led by Graham Finlayson Professor of Psychobiology, University of Leeds and James Stubbs Professor in Appetite & Energy Balance, studied more than 3,000 adults and their responses to over 400 everyday foods. What was found challenges the simplistic

UPF narrative and offers a more nuanced way forward.

Two ideas often get blurred in nutrition discourse: liking a food and hedonic overeating (eating for pleasure rather than hunger).

Liking is about taste. Hedonic overeating is about continuing to eat because the food feels good. They’re related, but not identical.

Many people like porridge but rarely binge on it. Chocolate, biscuits and ice cream, on the other hand, top both lists.

They then compared these responses with three things: the foods’ nutritional content (fat, sugar, fibre, energy

density), their classification as ultra-processed by the widely used Nova system – a food classification method that groups foods by the extent and purpose of their processing – and how people perceived them (sweet, fatty, processed, healthy and so on).

Perception power Some findings were expected: people liked foods they ate often, and caloriedense foods were more likely to lead to overeating.

But the more surprising insight came from the role of beliefs and perceptions.

Nutrient content mattered – people rated high- fat,

high-carb foods as more enjoyable, and low-fibre, high- calorie foods as more “bingeable”.

But what people believed about the food also mattered, a lot. ] Perceiving a food as sweet, fatty or highly processed increased the likelihood of overeating, regardless of its actual nutritional content.

Foods believed to be bitter or high in fibre had the opposite effect.

In one survey, they could predict 78% of the variation in people’s likelihood of overeating by combining nutrient data (41%) with beliefs about the food and its

sensory qualities (another 38%).

In short, how we think about food affects how we eat it, just as much as what’s actually in it.

This brings us to ultraprocessed foods. Despite the intense scrutiny, classifying a food as “ultra-processed” added very little to their predictive models.

Once they accounted for nutrient content and food perceptions, the Nova classification explained less than 2% of the variation in liking and just 4% in overeating.

That’s not to say all UPFs are harmless. Many are high in calories, low in fibre and

easy to over consume. Some of these products may be less healthy, but others can be helpful – especially for older adults with low appetites, people on restricted diets or those seeking convenient nutrition.

The message that all UPFs are bad oversimplifies the issue. People don’t eat based on food labels alone. They eat based on how a food tastes, how it makes them feel and how it fits with their health, social or emotional goals.

------------------------------* Edited and republished under Creative Commons licence

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Travel & Leisure Embarking on an international trip for the first time is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking.

You’ll be navigating large airports, figuring out new security procedures, and sitting on a plane for hourson end.

There are plenty of ways to make your journey smoother before, during, and after the flight.

Plain sailing through your first international flight

Choose Your Seat Wisely On a multi-hour flight, your seat can make all the difference. Sometimes getting stuck in the middle seat is unavoidable, but, if you have the option to choose (even for a small fee), it’s worth it. Chances are you’ll have a few layovers, so for your longest flight, select an aisle seat for easy access to bathrooms and stretching.

If you’re set on a window seat, consider saving it for your shorter connections.

Seat maps aren’t always shown when you book, so check early using a site like SeatGuru, which ranks seats from good (green) to terrible (red).

When in doubt, exit row seats are a great option for extra leg room.

Download Entertainment Ahead Of Time This one’s important. Most international flights have movies and TV shows built into the seatback screen, but the entertainment systems have been known to malfunction — or worse, your screen is the only one on the plane that doesn’t work.

Before you leave, load your phone or tablet with your favourites: podcasts, playlists, audiobooks, and a couple of binge-worthy shows or movies.

Make sure to download them rather than stream, since in-flight Wi-Fi can be unpredictable or pricey.

Pack A Mini ‘Comfort Kit’ Comfort is key on your first long-haul flight. Invest in a good eye mask (they don’t always pass them out), earplugs to block out noise, and a travel-sized moisturiser to fight the dry cabin air.

Toss in hand sanitiser, lip balm, tissues, and a toothbrush with toothpaste to help you feel refreshed before landing.

And don’t hesitate to pack a familiar blanket or scarf to keep you warm and help calm any nerves.

Charge Everything You’d be surprised how quickly your battery drains while traveling.

First-time flyers should invest in a portable power bank. International planes often have charging ports, but they’re not always conveniently located — or even functional.

Make sure your phone, tablet, and laptop are fully

charged so you’re never scrambling for power midtrip.

Arrive Three Hours Early It’s generally recommended to arrive at the airport three hours early for international travel, and for good reason.

At major airports check-in and security lines can be unpredictable, especially if you need to check a bag and verify travel documents.

Checking in through your airline’s app the day before can save time, but it’s still best to play it safe and arrive early. It’s usually the difference between enjoying a l atte at the airport café and sprinting to your gate.

Invest In NoiseCancelling Headphones Like any public transportation, there can be a lot of background noise on a plane. Whether you’re seated close to the engine or a baby has just woken up from a nap, a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can make all the difference if you want decent sleep.

For extra convenience, consider purchasing a Bluetooth transmitter so you can connect wirelessly to the plane’s seatback screen without being tethered by cords.

Wear Compression Socks Many frequent flyers swear by compression socks as a way to keep blood flowing

and reduce swelling during long flights.

They’re especially helpful if you’ll be sitting for extended periods, as they can make your legs and feet feel less tired when you land.

For maximum comfort, look for a pair with light to moderate compression, and make sure they’re snu without being too tight.

Get Up And Stretch Even if you feel comfortable in your seat, it’s good to get up every few hours and walk the aisles, and even do a few discreet seated stretches.

Rolling your ankles, shrugging your shoulders, or gently reaching your arms overhead can help you feel looser and less restless. You will find these little breaks

not only make your muscles feel better but also lift your mood and make the hours more bearable.

Dress In Layers Much like the weather, the temperature in the air cabins can change quickly. They can be uncomfortably warm before takeoff, but then turn chilly the moment you’re in the air.

If you get cold easily like, you’ll definitely want to dress for success, and that usually includes: long, comfortable pants, an outer layer you can easily take on and off, and even a short scarf or wrap to warm up your neck and ears.

Stay (Strategically) Hydrated It’s so easy to get distracted by the juice, soda, and coffee that sometimes we forget about plain water.

Sip regularly throughout the flight to stay hydrated, but go easy on caffeine and alcohol, which can have the opposite effect.

Bringing a refillable water bottle can help–just remember to leave the lid open slightly during takeoff, and relieve pressure slowly upon opening, otherwise you might find your drink making its own trip down the aisle.

Time Your Sleep Jet lag is very real, especially when you’re experiencing a major time difference.

Get ahead of the curve by setting your watch or phone

to your destination’s time zone as soon as you board.

If you’ll be arriving in the morning, try to get a few hours of rest mid-flight.

If you’re landing in the evening, do your best to stay awake on the plane so you’ll be ready to sleep once you arrive. These adjustments can help your body settle into the new schedule faster, and trust me, you’ll want your energy for all the sightseeing you’re about to do.

Keep Moving It’s not always easy, but if you arrive during the day, resist the temptation to flop onto the bed for a long nap.

Instead, try to get outside, explore your surroundings, or unpack the essentials in your suitcase.

Natural light is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself engaged until a reasonable bedtime, and you will find that even a short walk can make you feel more awake and grounded.

Embrace The Chaos You might feel like a fish out of water at first, and you’ll probably make a few mistakes along the way, but that’s all part of the adventure.

Give yourself some grace, laugh off the awkward interactions Every misstep is just another story to bring home. Be patient with yourself, soak in the moments, and most of all, enjoy the ride.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Legacy: a poem in memory of Jack Hayes A highlight of the Arts Festival gone by was the launch of the Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet which featured a poem of mine. (Another highlight, the highlight of the entire festival actually, was Secret Byrd in the Black Abbey, a marvellous mix of music and drama, with audience participation, and all by candlelight, which was truly magnificent and memorable).

My poems have featured in the Broadsheet before but this year was special as the publication was celebrating its 25th anniversary. Twenty five poems, by 23 poets, appeared in this 25th edition, Two poets, Anne McDarby Beck and Kevin Dowling, having two poems included – a great achievement and congrats to you both. The other poets are: Laura O’Neill, Fergal Canton, Liam O’Neill, Robert McLoughlin, Catherine Cronin, Lee Shanahan, Tais Val Penna, Angela

Esmonde, Willie Joe Meally, Noel Howley, Nora Brennan, Judy Rhatigan, Siobhan O’Shea, Kayleigh Redmond, Mary Walpole, Susie Lamb, Eamonn Donovan, Mary Malin, Roisin Sheehy, Christina Warner and yours truly.

My poem, Legacy’ (In Memory Of Jack), is dedicated to Jack Hayes, a neighbour. Jack was one of the kindest, gentlest men I have

ever known. Above all I loved the warm welcome he always gave me when I came knocking on his door asking if I could come in to watch some soccer match on his television (we didn’t have one). It was with Jack that I watched a memorable sporting moment of my life: Glasgow Celtic, the ‘Lisbon Lions’, beating Inter Milan to win the 1967 European Cup –

the first British club to do so.

I was a dedicated Celtic fan and still am. And when our school gave us ‘Silver Circle’ cards to sell for a 12-week draw to raise much-needed funds it was to Jack Hayes I made my first port of call because Jack signed up immediately, and for the full 12 weeks – a joy, when our door-to-door ‘selling’ wasn’t always successful.

After the sport, Jack would bring me out to his back yard and the shed where he had constructed a loom and continued the weaving he had spent his life perfecting in the Woollen Mills. Jack was quietly proud of the loom he had created. This pimply teenager didn’t fully appreciate what it meant to Jack, that this was more than just a hobby; this was a huge, and important, part of his retired life.

I composed Legacy for Jack’s daughter, Phil Larkin,

and read it at an exhibition of her paintings which I was delighted to launch in the County Hall some years ago.

The warm memories well up now as I write this and I thank Jack for gifting me this poem.

The Broadsheet is free and available in our city library, in libraries around the county and in the Butler Gallery. I dedicated the reading of Legacy to another kind and gentle Jack – Jack Byer, all of 87, visiting my wife and I from Philadelphia.

I met Jack over forty years ago at Listowel Writers Week and we have been the best of friends ever since.

and a lifetime of weaving at the mill.

Legacy (In Memory Of Jack)

But in the homes of neighbours, family, friends above a fireplace or on some wall your magic lingers, brightening darkened hallways, dim-lit rooms.

You left behind a loom that no one works, or can: a mongrel, a rickety thing, rigged up by yourself from bits and bobs

In the poor light of an outhouse you pottered, plied your magic wooing colours of the sun and sky from creaking timber and tired, grey steel, That shed of yours was a hive of vibrant clacking activity.

It’s silent now.

Bolted. Locked.

Your careful, slippered-feet no longer amble to its door.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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Opinion

Jimmy Walsh and the three Dr Ryans

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

At 92, Jimmy Walsh is still head coach at Callan Boxing club, but he believes he wouldn't occupy that exalted position in his hometown had it not been for some timely medical interventions In particular, Jimmy told me he’s grateful to what he calls a top-class family of doctors. He told me the story.

It began on October 12, 1950. Jimmy was unloading timber at Fiddown Toll Bridge for transportation to a mine in Wales. Some lengths of timber fell from the lorry, taking Jimmy with them.

A thighbone was shattered and he could see it cutting through the flesh.

He has never forgotten the pain that convulsed his whole body. He called for help, for relief from an agony beyond endurance.

At that moment, a man was standing at the end of the Toll Bridge about to pay his fare. Seeing and hearing the commotion, he rushed to the scene of the accident. It was Dr Anthony Ryan from Portlaw.

Luckily, he had his medical equipment with him. Wasting no time, he gave Jimmy an injection to quell the pain and then attended to the injury.

Jimmy spent four months in hospital and had to walk with crutches for several weeks after that.

Dr Anthony Ryan with Jimmy Walsh and Dr Jim Ryan

Jimmy boxed his way across Ireland and Britain

But he got back on his feet and was soon boxing, hurling, and dancing again, in between working as a demolition expert. He blew up tree stumps and old buildings, and no man in the district knew more about the correct and effective use of gelignite than Jimmy did. When people heard an explosion, they knew that Jimmy had removed an obstruction of some kind -whether natural or manmade- from the landscape.

The years passed, with Jimmy fending off a spate of hard knocks and health upsets.

The arrival of Dr Jim Ryan in Callan as a GP was a milestone in Jimmy’s life. The new doctor was the son of Dr Anthony Ryan who had rushed to his aid at Fiddown Bridge all those years before. Dr. Ryan became involved with the Callan Boxing Club, so he got to see a lot of Jimmy on the local sporting scene as well as in a medical capacity.

If the memory of the Fiddown accident is still strong for Jimmy, so also is the day he suffered a heart attack about ten years ago. Dr. Ryan saw to him immediately and conveyed him

to hospital, where he made a gradual recovery.

He recalls "As I lay there in St Luke’s, being well looked after, I mused on the fact that the two doctors to whom I owed my life were father and son.”

More recently, Jimmy concluded that life saving could run in some families when another doctor introduced himself to him. This was Dr. Anthony Ryan, son of Dr Jim Ryan and called after his grandfather who was present at Fiddown Bridge in 1950.

He gave Jimmy a checkup of the kind that all of us should have now and again, and Jimmy’s mind travelled back to his first encounter with the Ryan clan.

Thanks in large part to his doctors, he remains, at 92, Head Coach at Callan Boxing Club. Though not as active nowadays, he still offers advice and shares his boundless wisdom.

Over the decades, he has won scores of fights. Along with another famed local man, Johnny Donovan, he fought his way across Ireland and Britain, eliciting glowing reviews from sport writers- and he has a vast collection of awards for dancing, as I mentioned in a previous article.

In 2016, the IABA initiated Jimmy into the Boxing Hall of Fame for Coaching. At one point, he coached the great Clare Grace, and he has kick-started many a boxing career.

Reflecting on a long and actionpacked life, Jimmy says, “I believe that God somehow gave me a helping hand, through the healing hands of these good men...three generations of life-savers.”

Fiddown Bridge where Jimmy Walsh met the first Dr Ryan in 1950

Bridge art exhibition by local artist Paddy Cunningham There’s something special happening in Callan this month – an art exhibition by the talented Paddy Cunningham has taken over The Mara Hall. If you know Paddy’s work, you’ll already be familiar with his fun and creative style, and this exhibition doesn’t disappoint.

On display are some of his best-loved pieces, featuring familiar faces like Hulk Hogan, Freddie Mercury, and Lionel Richie. Each artwork shows off Paddy’s unique way of mixing humour, nostalgia, and artistry, making it a real treat for anyone who drops by.

The exhibition is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, whether you’re a big art fan or just curious to see what all the fuss is about.

It’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of colour and character – just like Paddy’s paintings.

You’ll find the doors open Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm, right up until the 5th of September. That gives you a few weeks to call in, have a look, and enjoy the atmosphere. Don’t miss your chance to see this brilliant local talent in action at The Mara Hall!

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The Black Abbey church This week, cast members of The Man Born to be King met at The Black Abbey church for a tour, kindly organised by the Prior Fr Damian Polly.

In a way, it was a double celebration, with The Abbey celebrating 800 years in existence and The Kilkenny Gospel choir celebrating their 25th birthday.

The meeting at Kilkenny’s oldest church was by way of introducing members of Lake Productions, The Kilkenny Gospel choir and members of Kilkenny County Council to the venue that will host the forthcoming play The Man Born to be King. As we know, every play needs a suitable stage or theatre and Lake Productions could not have chosen a more suitable venue in which to perform The Man Born to be King, than Kilkenny’s Black Abbey.

This year, this stunning Dominican Priory, whose beginnings date back to the 13th century, has seen more than its own share of drama.

Now, in this stunning setting, we have the opportunity to view a Mystery Play. You can witness a performance of the last dramatic weeks in the life of Jesus, with a cast of thirty players and a musical backdrop by The Kilkenny Gospel Choir, all in this most befitting location, the Black Abbey, where history and mystery meet.

Choir, theatre and the story of Jesus at the Abbey

Music and ministry Mary Kealy of The Kilkenny Gospel Choir said they were delighted to be part of the production and proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone—25 years of music, ministry, and meaningful outreach.

Founded in 2000 by Fr. Willie Purcell, who continues to serve as choir director, the Kilkenny Gospel Choir has spent a quarter of a century lifting spirits and uniting communities through the power of gospel music.

“At the heart of our choir is

the Council were delighted to be part of the production and said the Arts played a huge part in Kilkenny life. “I have no doubt that the coproduction between Lake and The Black Abbey will be very special,” she said.

Treat Mayor John Coonan spoke of the enormous love and devotion people of Kilkenny city and county have for the Dominican church and said he was very much looking forward to the September show. “I have had the pleasure of seeing many of these actors perform over the years and I am certain that the September show will be a special treat,” said the Mayor.

Also present were Kilkenny County Council Arts Officer, Mary Butler, and Heritage Officer Regina Fitzpatrick. Mary spoke of the wonderful contribution artists and venues play in the cultural promotion of Kilkenny and praised festivals and local groups for their input.

Regina said that Kilkenny was very lucky to have such an abundance of heritage and to see a show by Lake Productions in The Abbey will be amazing.

Committee member of Lake Productions Mary Cradock spoke of the wonderful cast and backstage crew gathered for the September show. “We have over thirty performers as well as The Kilkenny Gospel choir which should prove to be spectacular.” Mary also praised the work of writer John Morton, and director Darren Donohue.

The production has been made possible by the sponsorship of The Kilkenny Public Commemoration scheme 2025, in association with Kilkenny County Council.

‘The Man Born to be King’ was adapted for stage by John Morton, is directed by Darren Donohue and will run at the Black Abbey from September 9th to 11th. Booking is through Eventbrite.

Pictured at The Black Abbey Church Kilkenny to announce details of the forthcoming production The Man Born to be King were: Back: Mayor John Coonan, Fr Damian Polly (prior) and Mary Hilda Cavanagh (Cathaoirleach Kilkenny County Council) Front: Mary Cradock (Lake Productions), Mary Kealy (Kilkenny Gospel Choir), Mary Butler (Arts Officer) and Regina Fitzpatrick (Heritage Officer)

a strong spirituality,” says Fr. Purcell. “We are grateful for the gifts God has given us— our voices, our friendships, and our mission. Through

music, we pray that lives are touched, and hearts are uplifted with the love of God.” A very proud Fr Damian spoke on the history of the The Black Abbey, also known Cathal McFarlane plays the role of as the Church and Priory Thomas of the Most Blessed Trinity, which was founded in 1225 as a Dominican friary. It played a significant role in Kilkenny's civic and religious life for over 300 years before being confiscated by King Henry VIII in 1543. The Abbey was later restored and reopened for public worship in the 19th century.

For many visitors and locals alike, one of the main attractions is the large stainedglass window known as The Rosary window, creValerie Brennan appears in The Man Born Kevin Reade will play ated in 1892 by Mayers to be King the role of Judas of Munich and also the

13th century stone coffins and slabs uncovered during restoration. As the walkabout continued, the numbers grew as many tourists joined in. Fr Damian explained that 800 years is a significant milestone to commemorate, particularly as the Black Abbey is the only original Dominican foundation that continues to be in use to this day in Ireland.

“This year is the Jubilee Year of Hope in the Church and I think it is very fitting that we, as Dominicans in Kilkenny, have the opportunity to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Black Abbey during this Jubilee Year. I say that because the Black Abbey is a symbol of hopes fulfilled,” said the Prior.

Special production Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh said that Nicola Keating, who will perform in Man Born to be King

Eve Brennan to perform with Lake Productions

David O’Rourke plays the role of Matthew

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Twilight Community Group

TwilightCommunity Group a anniversary as an NGO and c How fast a decade of Twilight Community Group’s activities has passed In 2014, we started a group to assist those we believe we could. Small, local, non-stressful, and an easygoing approach. Well, that changed quickly. The demand for our services grew and grew. Not just locally but across Europe and beyond! An idea for a hobby grew into a pan European organisation and a project that supports the up-skilling of all citizens of the surrounding region of South East of Ireland.

Our ten years of growth have seen Twilight Com-

munity develop connections and Friendship Agreements with Margny-lès-Compiègne and St-Germain-lès-Corbeil in France, Tiznit in Morocco, Beclean and Sighisoara in Romania, Malbork and Przemyśl in Poland, and Doylestown and Pennsylvania in the US. It’s time to celebrate Twilight Community groups’ success across all the communities in our region to celebrate the work with our youth, young adults, Erasmus +, Seniors, and members of our society. The past decade has seen our youth and young adults travel across Europe to meet like minded

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Twilight Community Group

re celebrating their 10th haritable organisation

groups and participate in the Erasmus + projects while welcoming European NGOs to Kilkenny. These exchanges are of incredible benefit to all our youth and young adults as we provide our leaders of the future the opportunity to grow and broaden their experience and develop their

CEO of Twilight, Murty Brennan, celebrating 10 years of Twilight with former Mayor Andrew McGuinness

personality and the skill sets to succeed in their adult livelihoods. It has been a great source of comfort to see how our members have developed through their interactions locally, nationally and internationally with Twilight.

We now have a wonderful International Cultural Hub

where individuals and community groups can avail of the services that are offered to men, women, boys and girls in all their diversity.

These include specifically designed courses that receive funding from local, national and European governments.

Such services are language

support, digital media training, a community hall for gatherings and conferences for up to 50 people, a community library, board and classroom rooms available for all to hold their meetings at a centrally located venue with free car parking. This modern family orientated Hub also has an excellent sensory room for families and those with autism.

Sunday 10th of August, our 10 year anniversary barbecue, was a tremendous success with all the communities of city and county turning up to support Twilight. We would like to say a big thank you to Nicoleta and Liviu’s team’s contributions in making a day to enjoy and creating pleasant memories of the event. Food was supplied by The House of Pretzels and Elixir of Life, and a big thank you to the patrons

who brought refreshments on the day This was just the first of many community events to come for the tenth anniversary and Twilight looks forward to seeing you all again soon.

Why not join Twilight for our second decade! We are all always looking for new members to bring new and original projects and services to our Hebron House Hub, members for all new and Irish communities to meet, greet and plan the next decade.

Call to our Cultural Hub at Hebron House and see what you are missing out on. We are open to visitors 10am to 1pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To contact us you can call 056 781 2103 or email info@twilight.ie Join Twilight today and be part of our future!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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Mór Scéal Drama Group Paul Daly and Paul Behan appear in The Duck Variation by Mamet

Barry McKinley.

"I want to hold something young and watch it die," he tells her. "I want to squeeze the spark until it becomes a cinder."

At the heart of the story is Maura's response to this dark request. And lest you think her words are those of an older woman dreaming, Maura has something to show you—something that still carries the aroma of a bygone era and proof that the devil can be beaten at his own game.

Lou lou Lou Lou in Paris by Barry McKinley is a world premiere. Featuring Leanne Murphy, fresh from her iconic performance in The Cripple of Inishmaan at the Watergate Theatre in 2024, and Kellie Butler, who is making a welcome return to the stage. Lou lou in Paris is about a young Irish au pair, as she grows up in the affluent areas of Paris in the early 1980s

Memories and plays to help St Columba’s hospital Kilkenny's newest drama group, Mór Scéal Drama group, will present three one-act plays in Thomastown Hall on August 23rd and 24th at 8pm nightly and in Ryans Bar, Friary Street. These plays are Watermark and Lou Lou in Paris, by local writer Barry McKinley and The Duck Variations by David Mamet.

Mór Scéal was set up in Kilkenny in 2024 with the aim to produce new pieces of drama and embrace all forms of community theatre. To date, their three shows have been sellouts. The Witch Hunt for Alice Kytler was the highlight of the Toil and Trouble Festival in Kilkenny in 2024.

In March 2025, the group produced The Nine Moons of Ago for the Museum of the Moon at St Canice's Cathedral. The season of contemporary plays examines memories and relationships in the urban environment.

No Stranger Barry McKinley is widely regarded as one of Ireland's most prominent playwrights.

He is no stranger to Kilkenny as he lived in the city for many years. His debut play, Small Box Psychosis, was first performed in 1992 and was subsequently presented at the University of California and the European Festival of Comedy in Austria. McKinley

was nominated in 2009 for Best New Play in the Irish Theatre Awards for Elysium Nevada. He was shortlisted for the Hennessy Literary

Award in 2008 and again in 2010.

Watermark Watermark follows the jour-

ney of Maura, an enigmatic Irishwoman who arrives in London during the 1950s.

Confronted with a dire illness, Maura resolves to live Leanne Murphy features in Lou Lou in Paris

Barry McKinley, one of Ireland's most prominent playwrights

each day as if it were her last.

Her quest leads her into the shadowy corners of West London's demi-monde, where she encounters a peculiar celebrity known only as the Old Beast. This man, marked by his serpentheaded walking cane and his unsettling fondness for silk worms, offers to grant Maura's wish—but with a chilling condition. All-Ireland awardwinning actress Deirdre Fleming is playing the part of Maura. She is directed by the writer

Duck Variations The Duck Variations by David Mamet is about two friends, Emil and George, played by Paul Daly and Paul Behan.

These two gentlemen are sitting on a park bench by a lake in a big city. Wherever their conversation goes, it always comes back to ducks: their mating habits, their mortal enemies, their inevitable demise. It's a play that focuses on each of us as we grow older.

Producer of Memories Willie Ryan said, "We are very pleased to be running Memories in conjunction with the Friends of St Columba's." St Columba's Hospital provides compassionate long-term care and rehabilitation services, including a specialised dementia care unit. The day centre operates Monday to Friday, offering supportive services including a memory clinic. They focus on enhancing the quality of life for the residents, encouraging them to enjoy meaningful activities and celebrations. As they approach the completion of their new building, they aim to blend the warmth and spirit of the original home with modern facilities.

Speaking at their recent launch Willie said: “we know the great work that's been done for people in the locality, and it's an honour to give something back.” Of course, Willie is no stranger to the Thomastown stage.

He was involved in the Lovers Meeting in 2017, which kick-started theatre in the Thomastown area.

Mórsceal Drama group will present Memories at Thomastown Community hall on August 23rd and 24th and in Ryans pub Kilkenny on 27th 28th and 29th of August Proceeds to Friends of St Columbas Thomastown.

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The impact AI is having on education

Written by Michael Doyle Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology with the capability to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem solving and recognising patterns. This technology is accessible via an Internet connection, and is easy to use, adaptable, and available 24/7. AI is a powerful and interesting tool, but despite its quick adoption

to speed up tasks, the full impact and potential of AI is unknown. There are concerns over potential misuse, data privacy, potential job displacement, and the need for regulations to keep pace with its rapid development.

AI is constantly evolving and altering our personal, educational, and working lives. With this technology, people can become more productive and save on time and costs. Here, we take a

look at how students and teachers are using AI to their benefit, the challenges AI encounters, and the advantages and disadvantages of AI. How are students using AI? While the risk of cheating remains, students can use AI to assist them with schoolwork. They can practice with an AI tutor that can provide instant feedback and have a personalised learning

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

of exam questions and use AI-driven proctoring to monitor students during online exams.

experience tailored to their learning pace and abilities.

How can teachers use AI? AI is having a significant impact in how teachers educate their students. AI can help teachers track students’ progress, automate administrative tasks, and increase grading efficiency, leaving more time for teachers to focus on teaching. Regarding exams, teachers can use AI to generate a wide variety

Challenges with AI in education: While a student’s use of AI can vary depending on the student, and how a school regulates the use of AI can also vary, it is true that students using AI can increase the risk of cheating. It is also true that schools can use AI-based detection sites to identify AI-generated material. However, students could prompt their AI tool to “humanize” their work material to suppress any evidence of AI use, and use more natural, engaging text to outwit the AI detectors.

AI systems collect and store personal student data to operate effectively, leading to concerns about the storage, use and protection of information. This can be dangerous in the event of a data breach, which can potentially lead to misuse such as identity theft.

As part of AI systems essential gathering of data, AI is susceptible to algorithmic bias if not thoroughly assessed. These can unintentionally reinforce existing biases and stereotypes, which can skew outcomes unfairly for some students.

Advantages of AI: AI can benefit a students

and teachers learning and productivity. AI can provide a high-quality education for students with its ability to create unique and immersive learning experiences and also provide personalized learning experiences.

In addition, AI can analyse students’ progress and identify areas of improvement.

Disadvantages of AI: Risk developing an overreliance on AI, which can hamper a student’s critical thinking skills and creativity.

Such over-reliance of AI may reduce meaningful human interaction and studentteacher engagement, affecting the development of social and emotional skills.

AI has had a mixed impact on education. While it is undoubtful AI has many positives for both students and teachers and offers enhanced learning experiences, there are still areas of improvement and questions about its dangers and threats. However, the integration of this advanced version of AI into the educational setting is in its early days and is in evident need of more regulations. In addition, there is the need for more awareness on fair and responsible use and development of AI to ensure AI merely enhances the education experience and does not overtake it.

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Master the art of learning Greens welcome introduction To learn efficiently - especially when time is limited - it’s important to use strategies that help you retain, recall, and apply knowledge effectively.

Learning isn’t just about speed; it's also about understanding and being able to use information across different situations.

Strengthen your memory Several techniques can help improve your ability to remember what you learn: • Stay physically active and get plenty of sleep.

• Minimise interruptions to maintain concentration.

• Avoid last-minute cramming by organising your study sessions in advance.

• Use elaboration - rephrase new ideas in your own words.

• Incorporate visuals such as charts, graphs, or diagrams.

• Read aloud or verbalise key points to reinforce understanding.

Keep your brain active Continuing to learn new things stimulates brain growth through a process known as neurogenesis.

Without regular mental challenges, new brain cells may be lost. Through consistent learning, your brain strengthens important connections and lets go of unused ones - a process called ‘pruning’.

Diversify your learning methods Engaging with material in different ways can enhance understanding. Rather than sticking to just reading or listening, combine approaches.

For instance, when learning a new language, try reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Taking notes by hand can also deepen memory more effectively than typing.

Reinforce learning by teaching Re-explaining concepts in your own words helps you better understand and remember them.

Share what you’ve learned through discussion, blogging, or teaching others. Teaching encourages active recall and deeper processing.

Connect new knowledge to what you know Learning becomes easier when you link new information to familiar concepts. This approach—known as relational learning—helps create stronger mental associations. For example, connect unfamiliar grammar rules to similar ones in a language you already know.

Apply what you’ve learned Practice is key. Whether it's mastering a physical skill or speaking a new language, using the knowledge in real-world contexts improves retention.

Immersing yourself in practical activities makes the learning more meaningful and long-lasting.

Learn from mistakes Errors can be valuable learning tools. Studies show that making mistakes close to the correct answer, especially when followed by feedback, improves long-term understanding. Reflecting on what went wrong helps develop critical thinking.

Space out your study time Instead of studying for long periods in one sitting, break it into shorter, focused sessions with pauses in between. Spaced repetition helps reinforce earlier material while building on new content.

Test yourself regularly Quizzing yourself is one of the most effective ways to improve memory. Practicing recall strengthens your ability to retrieve information later.

Focus on one task at a time Multitasking can hinder comprehension and memory. Concentrate on one subject at a time to boost focus and learning efficiency.

These proven strategies can help you make the most of your study time and become a more effective, adaptable learner.

of extra city school bus service

BY MARIA DOLLARD

Green Party councillor Maria Dollard and Senator Malcolm Noonan have today welcomed the introduction of an auxiliary morning bus service on the KK2 route in Kilkenny city to accommodate additional demand from Loreto, St Canice’s NS and the newly relocated CBS Schools.

Speaking following the announcement by the National Transport Authority and Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Dollard said that she had met with students from the Loreto earlier this year who expressed a need for additional services from the Loughboy area of the city.

‘I am delighted that the NTA and Kilkenny County Council have responded so promptly with this additional early morning service. Students from the Loreto were clear in their meeting with me, that demand was going to increase and that they would use public transport

if the Kilkenny city service was suitable to their needs’.

Senator Malcolm Noonan said that having this additional service in place ahead of the school term would be most welcome given the shift in volumes of traffic anticipated by the relocation of the CBS Secondary School and new housing on the western environs of the city.

‘It is important that the Kilkenny City Bus service is responsive to changing needs in the urban area and can be tweaked as required. We won’t know the full impact of new developments in the city on traffic until the schools are back. This additional service is welcome and should be reviewed following a few weeks of running to see if more services or changes to the services are required’ he said.

Both Cllr Dollard and Senator Noonan are asking people; students in particular to download the TFI live app and to use public transport, cycling and walking if feasible and if possible for families to car pool as they plan journeys

for the school term ahead.

‘As the city expands and grows, we will be faced with new challenges around mobility. Ultimately a completed ring road loop around the city, will be vital in easing through traffic in the city and in removing HGVs from the urban core.

This will open up all sorts of opportunities for enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes and further expansion of public transport with a possible KK3. But for now, we welcome this additional service and hope that it will offer students and families an opportunity to arrive at schools safely using public transport’ said Senator Noonan.

‘I wish to commend Kilkenny County Council and the NTA on this initiative and like my colleague would encourage students to avail of the early service or to walk or cycle if it is a safe option to do so. Kilkenny is a small, compact city; it’s important that we plan for its future growth where cycling, walking and public transport are afforded priority’ concluded Cllr Dollard.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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Exciting developments at Loreto Secondary School Loreto KK 3D Render

A creative path to your future

Loreto Secondary School is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Department of Education and Youth to proceed with a planning application for enhanced Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation.

The proposed development aims to significantly improve the learning environment for current students, particularly those requiring additional educational support. The project will also include new specialist facilities such as a Design,

Communication and Graphics lab, a Home Economics room, a state-of-the-art Science laboratory, and several general classrooms.

Importantly, the expansion is not intended to increase overall student numbers but to ensure that existing students have access to the highest standard of educational resources.

The school community welcomes this positive step to continue the inclusivity of all students in a well-equipped learning environment.

Young Irish Filmmakers have opened registration for their Creative Media Production Course (QQI Level 4) which is starting this September.

Commencing September 2025, our exciting multimedia course is your first step to a career in the creative industries.

Build your skillset and develop a portfolio of Creative work.

Learner projects include film, photography, graphic design, podcasting and so much more.

The QQI level 4 awarded on completion, provides excellent progression to further education.

“This course is an excellent grounding in creative media production and an excellent progression route to further education. Year on year our students attain their best possible outcomes,” says Gareth Hanlon the course coordinator.

Practical all the way Your first video creation happens shortly after commencing the course. Filmmaking, photography, music and podcasting workshops are peppered throughout the programme. Learners can also expect a number of road trips to exhibitions, film festivals and college open days. Our learner centered team at YIFM work with each learner individually to define personal projects including video, audio, photography and design.

Learner collaboration is an integral part of the course. It’s like a creative family scenario, “we even have a wellbeing officer on the team” to ensure learners have their best experience.

Every September, 20 creative people aged 16+ join the Kilkenny City based course for

Ready for a new school year with Lilliput

Lilliput Montessori is a family run preschool just off the ring road at the front of the Pococke housing estate, it is easily found. It caters for children from 2 and a half years until school age.

Lilliput is owned by Natasha Riley Byrne and she and her staff are dedicated professionals, each holding recognised qualifications in education and childcare. Natasha has over 30 years experience working in childcare and education. Natasha has been a

qualified Montessori teacher for many years and holds her H.Dip in Early Childhood Education. In addition she is qualified to teach childcare and Montessori to adult learners. She also holds her Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs and has many years of experience working in national schools, so she is well equipped to prepare your child for school.

Natasha opened Lilliput Montessori in 2008 and provides both morning and afternoon sessions for children from the age of two and a half years. Their highly skilled and qualified early childhood educators have clocked up many years of experience in education and childcare.

44 weeks of learning through practical creative projects involving community groups, local festivals and even working with local businesses to create social media content as part of their work experience module.

“Learners commit to build a significant portfolio, and a solid foundation in the Adobe Creative Suite,” explains Gareth. Feedback from former students is excellent, for example, this message was sent to the staff upon completion of the course “Thank you all so much guys the best year I’ve ever had.”

Entry requirements: • You must be over 16 yrs (and under 35 yrs) • QQI Level 3 or equivalent • B1 English required • Interpreter available on site for Ukrainian learners Payments Students generally receive a payment for attending the course. You will need to be signed on to Intreo, on Disability payment or be an early school leaver to qualify. There is also assistance with travel costs where appropriate.

Places are filling up fast. Go to Young Irish Filmmakers on fetchcourses.ie to register now.

Contact the course coordinator, Gareth Hanlon, on gareth@yifm.com or call 056 776 4677 for further information.

Your child will be in competent hands at Lilliput as they are supported to grow into independent, capable young individuals.

Lilliput is aimed at preparing children for the transition into ‘big school’ by following a structured curriculum whilst allowing time for that all-important interaction with each other. Children can take part in a variety of activities so they will look forward to seeing what the day will bring. Last year they watched real live caterpillars transform into butterflies and chicken eggs hatch into baby chicks in the classroom. They also helped raise money for Childline and Barnardos by having a breakfast and pyjama day and through their ‘Big Toddle’ day!

Natasha always asks herself “what would I want for my children?” Lilliput caters for many areas of development and also boasts 2 secure outdoor areas so the children can enjoy outdoor play too.

She feels the early year’s sector is going from strength to strength and is excited to see what the future will bring in terms of early childhood education.

Please look for Lilliput Montessori on Facebook, it is updated regularly with photos and news of the weekly activities.

Please do not hesitate to contact Natasha 087 620 5515 to arrange a viewing or for further information.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Global Report

Why American Jews are turning against Israel Strategically and militarily, Israel is more powerful in the Middle East now than at any time in this century.

The price Israel has paid for these military successes, however, is considerable. The erosion of public support could have long-lasting effects on Israel and its relationship with vital allies.

Israel has always received a disproportionate measure of criticism from certain quarters of the globe. For most of this century, that did not matter.

Israel’s allies in the West, other great powers, and even its Arab neighbours mostly tolerated Israel’s policies in the occupied territories. This gave Benjamin Netanyahu considerable latitude in how he dealt with Hamas. The cycle of periodic missile attacks on Palestinians became so routine that Israeli elites dubbed it “mowing the lawn”.

Israel’s benefactors and neighbours largely tolerated this behaviour — indeed, any residual criticism evaporated immediately after the October 7 attacks.

With Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, Israeli elites likely believed that they had cemented the backing of their most important ally for the foreseeable future.

In 2025, however, the political tide has turned against Israel. This is evident on the global stage, but it is definitely true within the United States as well.

A broad spectrum of countries and politicians across the world are now accusing the state of Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Even some Israelis are using the term while other Israelis are finally acknowledging the suffering.

Images of starving Gazan chil-

dren have ricocheted across the globe.

For most of this century, Israel and its allies have fought desperately to avoid any comparison with apartheid-era South Africa, recognising that such an association would harm Israel’s standing in the world. For all its sins, however, the Afrikaaner government was never accused of fomenting a genocide.

Israel’s government is now being lumped together with Rwanda’s Hutu regime, Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge, Mao’s China and, yes, Nazi Germany.

The question to ask is whether, in a world of dissolving norms, the genocide label matters anymore.

But, however you answer it, the very fact that the discussion is taking place is a sign of a significant shift in political tectonics that should be worrisome both for Israelis and American supporters of Israel.

In Gaza the visual evidence of wanton death and destruction is inescapable, suggesting that more than half of Gaza’s housing stock for the estimated 2.2 million people who lived there in 2023 has been completely obliterated.

Estimates from the health ministry in Gaza number the dead above 60,000, and preliminary scholarship based on other sources suggests the death toll could be even higher.

Life expectancy in Gaza has fallen by more than 35 years to roughly half the pre-war figure of 75 years — a drop more acute than during Mao’s Great Leap Forward.

The humanitarian catastrophe began to accelerate after Israel cut off all food supplies in March of this year, claiming without any evidence that Hamas was systematically stealing aid.

The United Nations’ food security group declared this month that, “the worst-case scenario of famine is playing out in Gaza,” and other humanitarian groups concur.

Israel’s right-wing government is now openly talking about displacing Gaza’s entire

population to make way for Jewish settlements — the very epitome of settler colonialism.

That proposal has alarmed Reform and Conservative Jews across the world. Even Bret Stephens, a stout supporter of Israel, warned that such a move would be a “colossal mistake.”

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza has gone from very bad to war-crimes- tribunal-level bad, global and U.S. opinions have undeniably shifted on Israel.

Consider the array of leaders in the West who have called on Israel to do something to stop what even Donald Trump calls “real starvation” occurring in Gaza: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the elected leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, the second most powerful Democrat in the House, Katherine Clark and Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

There are multiple reports that Trump’s MAGA base is appalled by Israel’s actions in the occupied territories and beginning to question US aid to that country.

According to the Financial Times, Trump told a Jewish donor: “My people are starting to hate Israel.”

YouGov’s polling reveals that a plurality of Americans now support decreasing military aid to Israel.

With both progressive activists on the left and MAGA isolationists on the right railing about Israel’s bellicosity and culpability, it will be difficult for Israel to cajole Congress into offering further support.

Once criticism of a country becomes bipartisan, the taboo against further criticism crumbles.

This is not the first time Israel has faced broad-based US criticism for its prosecution of the war in Gaza, but it might be the first time that its standard defence mechanisms are failing to register.

Israel is in part a victim of its own success. Immediately after the October 7 attacks, its supporters could justifiably point out that Israel was surrounded by hostile, Iranianbacked militias and therefore drastic action was justified.

Israel has now crippled the Revolutionary Guard as well as Iran’s proxy forces in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

Whatever perceived need there was for a disproportionate response in Gaza to the October 7 attacks has dissipated.

Efforts to conflate criticisms of Israel with antisemitism are also likely to work less well in 2025 than in 2024.

As long as the Trump administration does not turn on it completely — an unlikely scenario — the Netanyahu government likely believes that it can suffer the slings and arrows of hostile rhetoric without suffering all that much in the way of real consequences.

For one thing, Israel’s key base of political support in the United States no longer rests on Jews but on evangelical Christians.

If US support persists, no matter how truculent it might be, then Israel’s latitude in prosecuting the conflict in Gaza will not be constrained all that much.

For a country that is used to disproportionate criticism from the international community, the costs of slightly louder criticism pale next to the perceived benefits of crushing Hamas in Gaza. * News Agencies

How peace for Ukraine hangs on a knife-edge Nato military leaders are expected to meet to discuss Ukraine and the way forward, US and Nato officials have said, as Washington and European capitals work out details of what security guarantees might look like for Kyiv.

Ukraine and its European allies have been buoyed by US President Donald Trump’s promise of security guarantees to help end the war during a summit in Alaska on Monday August 18, but face many unanswered questions.

As military planners start to work on what options might

exist for security guarantees, Trump ruled out sending US troops into Ukraine but suggested that Washington provide some type of air support.

US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, who also oversees all Nato operations in Europe, will brief the chiefs of defence on the results of the Alaska meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Officials said the meeting’s expected topics such as the security guarantee to be discussed.

A US official, speaking on

condition of anonymity, said US General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was expected to att­ end the meeting, but plans could change. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The British Government said what is known as the Coalition of the Willing, which met virtually after the meeting in Alaska, had agreed that its planning teams would meet US counterparts in the coming days to advance plans for security guarantees for Ukraine.

Trump has ruled out placing American soldiers in Ukraine and gave no specifics about the security guarantees he has previously said Washington could offer Kyiv under any post-war settlement.

But in the same interview with Fox News, he suggested Washington could provide air support to Ukraine.

“When it comes to security, Europeans are willing to put people on the ground, we’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about by air because nobody has stuff we have, re-

ally they don’t have,” Trump said.

He did not provide any further details.

Meanwhile, officials have said the Pentagon is carrying out planning exercises on the type of support Washington could offer that goes beyond simply providing weapons.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after his meeting withTrump and European leaders that security guarantees for Kyiv would probably be worked out within 10 days.

The Monday meeting be-

tween the US and its Ukrainian and European allies felt a little like those first exhilarating moments of escape, as the meeting passed off better than anyone could have expected in the wake of Russia’s clear diplomatic win in Alaska.

There was no toxic throwdown between Trump and Zelensky. European leaders weren’t forced into some existential choice between blowing up the transatlantic alliance and agreeing to a peace deal that would spell disaster for Kyiv’s security.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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News

Looking back on 25 years with Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating 25 years of events at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre or the Quarry as we sometimes call it. But here we are looking back at a project that started off as a plan to clean up the area that had been used as a collection area for old vehicles and other scrap materials as well as a collection area for sugar beet after it had ceased being used as a limestone quarry.

The initial work was carried out with the support of Barrow Nore Suir Development, later to become Kilkenny Leader Partnership under licence from Kilkenny County Council. The first events featured local acts such as The Ballycallan Fife and Drum Band and the Butler family who performed on the back of an Avonmore truck with two speakers provided by Dave Howard.

Another favourite was the annual Family Fun day. We also had talks on local history. In 2006, the late Rev Dean Lynas gave a talk on life as it was in Kilmanagh in the years from 1870 to 1922 and the foundations of the state.

Two years previously he had taken us from the arrival of the first monks in Kilmanagh up to the mid 1800s. On the same evening, the late Tommy Purcell told the story of the first 125 years or so

improvements that need to be carried out.

Of course none of the events could go ahead without the incredible volunteers who look after the performers and patrons and are often on-site from early morning until well after midnight to allow access for the technical crews, arrange parking and safe entry and exit, the health and safety of all and the clean up afterwards. Thanks also to the Red Cross team who look after any medical issues that may arise.

And so to our celebratory event on Sunday 24th August. We are delighted to have Jack L back to wind up our season for what will be a different occasion than

of the Ballycallan Fife and Drum Band.

The mid-summer festival in the early years consisted of 3-5 events and often depended on sponsorship and advertisements in the programme as well as the proceeds of the raffle held at the interval to make ends meet financially.

Over the years the grassy

bank was replaced with seating and the old mobile canopy was replaced in 2012. These works were part funded by Kilkenny Leader Partnership, Kilkenny County Council, St. Canice’s Credit Union and the Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Tourism. In the main, these works were carried out by local tradesmen and suppliers.

his last appearance during Covid-19 when he had two performances on the day with restricted audiences of 200 for each one. Other performers on the day will be Cois Nore Choir, The Ballycallan Fife and Drum Band, Nathan Maher and Rath an Photaire, including members of the Butler family who were among the first acts to perform at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre. Food and refreshments will be provided by Bernie’s Takeout, FarmHogRoast and O’Hara’s Craft Beers. The programme will start at 3pm and is due to finish at 6:30pm.

Thank you to all who have supported us and have made the last 25 years possible!

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre is run entirely on a voluntary basis with a board of directors led by Matt O’Sullivan, overseeing a number of subcommittees that look after the running of events and maintenance of the venue.

Even as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, work will soon start on the 2026 season programme as well as any

A tribute to “angelic” Hazel

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Callan has bid farewell to a woman described as “angelic” and a great community activist.

Hazel Hennessy spent the last two years in Mount Carmel Care Home, but for decades before that she was a familiar sight around the town as she walked or cycled about. She’d stop to talk to anyone.

She loved music, and she whistled her favourite tunes on her travels.

You could meet her anywhere in town…that’s of course if she weren’t busily helping out with one of the several worthy causes she supported.

She loved sport. In the 1980s, she played soccer, or you might find her on the Pitch and Putt course that locals had set up in the historic Abbey Meadow. In the shadow of the old abbey, she added zest and colour to the play, offering her own unique and highly original “take” on the action, and consoling those who didn’t win.

She was a resolute and inspirational scout leader, also in the 1980s, bringing her uncanny insight into the human condition to bear on all the scouting treks

and assignments. She was better than a counsellor, some thought, as she quickly got to the nub of whatever issue arose. She helped to bring resolution to even the most perplexing of life’s conundrums.

Another passion of hers was the work of the Blood Transfusion Service. She gave freely of her time to assist this literally lifesaving cause. Then, a day or two after giving blood and getting the thumbs-up from Hazel, you might see her in the porch of the Big Chapel, selling the parish newsletter and greeting you as you passed in.

She was among the most active volunteers at the acclaimed Droichead Resource Centre in West Street. She embodied the spirit of the centre with her selfless service to the community and a knack for getting on with just about everyone.

She served too as a caretaker in the parish hall, and she greeted bingo players as they embarked on their Sunday night game.

Hazel had talents for which she never sought recognition.

For example, she acquired a flair for woodcarving that she demonstrated to admirable effect during an arts event at Callan Workhouse.

I talked many times to Hazel over the years, usually as she was

pushing the bike along Green Street. She always had a view or an observation on happenings locally or in the wider world.

I spoke briefly to her at the recent launch of Frank McKenna’s book about Mount Carmel Care Home, not realizing that Hazel’s earthly journey was nearing its end. As somebody said, we never know the day or the hour.

She was as carefree that day in the Parish Hall as at any other time in her life, delighted at the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the place she’d made her new home.

Among the tributes paid to Hazel was the opinion of a local woman that she was “angelic.” I think that word best sums up her life and character...and the positive impact she had in multiple spheres of human activity.

She was, perhaps, the ultimate community activist, and I think it’s safe to say that the world would be a kinder and happier place if it had more people like Hazel Hennessy.

Hazel was pre-deceased by her parents Brigid and Sonny, her sister Joan and her brother Oliver.

Missed by her loving family, her brothers Joseph and Noel and her twin brother Pat, her nephews William, Declan, Robert and Owen, her cousin Linda, relatives and friends.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Arts festival

Kilkenny celebrates a

BY GER CODY

Celebrating creativity in every c ‘Josy art’ who exhibited on the gravel walk in Kilkenny

Photos: jbsphotoskilkenny Every Arts festival I think of the late Seán Kenny from Wellington Square in Kilkenny. Apart from being a very charming and charismatic man, Jack was a great artist and he proudly showed his wares during various festivals.

Above all else, I loved his writing, and his publication Every Stick and Stone that Stands Kilkenny is a book that is never too far from my reach. Seán's love of Kilkenny oozes through the 500 page publication.

Jack exhibited mostly for art exhibitions held at St Kieran’s College and a favourite sculpture ‘An Spailpín Fánach’ was first exhibited in 1966. There are some who will tell you that the St. Kieran’s exhibitions was the inspiration and forerunner of the present Kilkenny Arts festival.

The exhibitions at the college were the brainchild of Rev Fr Joe Delaney.

It was Jack's love of Kilkenny that made him promote the city and county every chance he got.

He regularly quoted his father when asked about Kilkenny, with the reply “I love every stick and stone that stands Kilkenny.”

It was 1974 before the first Arts festival as we know it began. The man who sowed the first seed for an Arts Festival was artist Ramie Leahy. The idea was further developed as Ramie studied with UNESCO in Florence. Mr Leahy was later joined on his quest to promote the arts festival

by George Vaughan, David Lee, Brendan Conway and Peter Donovan. Great credit to them producing what was to be Ireland’s first Arts Festival. And the rest as they say is history. And what a splendid festival the current organisers brought us this year.

And so, as you move around to the various exhibits, spare a thought for all those who started the ball rolling in the early years.

Fringe 2025 marks ten years of The Alternative Arts Festival and they should really take a well deserved bow. From the hall in the Butts, to the gravel walk at the Parade, wonderful work by artists enhanced the streets of the city.

And to quote from the AKA programme “what began as a grass roots initiative has grown into a thriving volunteer led festival that showcases the incredible talents of local artists and community groups.”

The Kilkenny Observer did a walkabout and captured just a fraction of the exhibitions. We acknowledge that many exhibitions were also held around county Kilkenny but unfortunately we were unable to attend. Next year!

Jean Brett held her exhibition at The Club House Hotel

Eoghan O’Driscoll who exhibited at Cake Face

Lauren Hughes and Rose Matthews who were looking after the Graham Carew stall on the gravel walk at the Parade

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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Arts festival

as creativity abounds orner of Kilkenny Laima Bujak and Vincent Hannon who displayed their art

Danny Lahart and Kevin King on High Street

Exhibiting at The Neighbourhood Hall at the Butts Green were: Graham Carew, Josephine Kelly and Alva Fitzgerald

Gráinne Quigley Lambert, Fiona Quigley and Teresa Carroll who were part of the Graham Carew art collection at The Neighbourhood Hall

Continent folk from Assumption Place celebrating the Daithí Holohan launch at The Butts Green

Thomastown artist Lee Shanahan pictured with Martin Mathews, The Alternative Arts committee

Susan Lanigan (Chairperson of the IPS Midlands branch Charity Quilt) and Miriam Forristal at the Chapter House at St Mary’s Cathedral

Kilkenny artist Brock Butler exhibited on High Street

Kilkenny photographer Seamus Meaney pictured outside Kytelers Inn on Kieran Street with his photographic exhibition

At the Quigley stall on the gravel walk at the Parade

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA CAMOGIE Clara began their 2025 camogie championship campaign with a hard earned 1-17 to 0-16 win over the Village on Sunday morning in Clara. Played in searing heat, this was a day that required serious application and work rate, and Clara possessed that in abundance. From one to fifteen and beyond they battled like demons from start to finish and eventually broke a very game Village outfit.

The Village took an early 0-3 to 0-1 lead despite playing against the breeze ( Lucy Boyd with the Clara point). Clara fought back with a pointed free each from Keara Ryan and Mary O Connell. Then Mary put Clara ahead with her first point from play.

A bit of a Village purple patch saw them hit four points in a row, all from play, and they were looking very slick. But Clara kept at it and following another Keara Ryan free they hit six of the next seven points ( 2 each from Mary and Keara and one each from Rebecca Nolan and Peig Carrigan). Each of these points came from play and gave Clara a 0-11 to 0-9 lead at halftime but we felt that it mightn’t be enough as they turned to face the breeze.

How wrong we were! The ever dangerous looking Siobhán Curtis opened the second half scoring and then after five minutes a Siobhán run and pass to Mary O Connell saw the sliotar quickly transferred to Keara Ryan who rattled the back of the net.

Suddenly Clara were six points up and playing with a tenacity that suggested they were going to be hard to beat. The half back line of Rachel Whelan, Laoise Nolan and Claire Nolan were proving very difficult to pass and anything that did get by was being mopped up by Onagh Fitzgerald, Katie Ryan and Lucy Cody in particular. Aoife Glynn was never troubled for a save but dealt competently with any high balls that came her way and was very accurate with her puck outs. The Village were restricted to three points from play in the second half as the leadership of Rebecca Nolan and Noelene Shanahan came to the fore. Aisling Curtis was another who stood out for her work rate.

The Village never got any closer than three points as points from outstanding substitute Niamh Ward, Noelene Shanahan and Keara Ryan (3) kept them at arm’s length. Margaret O Connell won loads of possession when making her appearance and Siobhan Treacy never fails to give 100% to the cause when called upon. Mary O Connell and Keara Ryan’s experience was crucial to the result as Clara really sought to find the girl in the best position at all times. A great start to the campaign and the mood in training should be good this week as they prepare for their next assignment against the Rower Inistioge.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Onagh Fitzgerald, Katie Ryan, Lucy Cody. Rachel Whelan, Laoise Nolan, Claire Nolan. Rebecca Nolan 0-1, Noelene Shanahan 0-1.

Lucy Boyd 0-1, Aisling Curtis, Keara Ryan 1-7, 0-4f.

Peig Carrigan 0-1, Mary O Connell 0-4, 0-1f, Siobhan Curtis 0-1. Subs used Niamh Ward 0-1, Margaret O Connell, Siobhan Treacy.

SENIORS LOSE Clara seniors lost for the second time this season in Muckalee on Saturday when Erin’s Own, Castlecomer prevailed on a 1-19 to 1-18 scoreline.

JUNIORS PIPPED The Clara juniors were narrowly beaten by Dicksboro in Palmerstown on Sunday. The Boro scored three of the last four points to steal the win but nobody would have complained if the spoils were shared. The Boro looked far slicker early in the game and led 0-6 to 0-2, both Clara scores having come from the stick of Lester Ryan. Then a monster free from inside his own 21 yard by long puck specialist goalkeeper Killian Phelan stirred something in Clara and they became much more competitive. Points from John Murphy, James Bergin (f) and Sean Carrigan kept them in touch and shortly before halftime Lester Ryan intercepted an attempted short puck out and the play ended with Lester cleverly placing a shot to the corner of the Boro net. However a Dicksboro free gave them a 1-9 to 1-6 halftime lead.

The second half became a bit of a free fest and referee Paul Whelan struggled to maintain law and order at times. Clara still trailed by 3 when James Bergin caught the Boro defence napping and buried a 21 yard free to the net. It was nip and tuck from there to the end with the Boro just edging a 1-16 to

Pictured at the launch of O’Loughlin Gaels new jersey

2-12 result. This was Joe Connolly’s last appearance in the Clara colours for a while as he heads to Australia in the coming week. We wish Joe safe travels and every success and happiness in his new abode.

Team - Killian Phelan 0-1f, Paddy Bolger, Zach Lawlor, Daniel Ryan. Hugh Kelly, Conor Cody, Philip Carrigan. James Bergin 1-6, 1-5f, Rory O Keeffe.

John Murphy 0-1, Lester Ryan 1-2, Joe Connolly.

Sean Carrigan 0-2, Evan Whearty, Joe Power. Sub used Tom Ryan.

BRIDGE CLUB Clara Bridge Club is running Bridge lessons for beginners and improvers starting on Monday 25th of August. The club will resume playing after the summer break on Monday 15th of September. The club meets on Monday nights in Connolly’s in Dunbell. New members are most welcome to join our bridge club. If interested please message Barbara on 086 8629171.

CLUB LOTTO The Lotto esults for 12th August were as follows, there was no jackpot winner, the numbers drawn were 2, 13, 29. €30 each to Michael Bergin, Stephen Quinlan, Fintan Murphy, Rachel Comerford and Donal McDonald. Thanks for your continued support and best of luck.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS RACE NIGHT Excitement is mounting as O’Loughlin Gaels’ annual fundraiser Race Night at Kilkenny Greyhound Track

takes place this week on Friday August 22nd. It promises to be a great night, so don’t miss out. All proceeds go toward development of Club facilities.

Currently the new Ball Wall and Astroturf area is well on the way to completion while progress continues to be made on the proposed purchase and planning for the club’s new pitches in Dunmore.

The Club tries every year to call to every house in our parish to ask for support. If the callers missed you or if you’re away on holidays, you can support the Club by buying a ticket on-line. Just use this link: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/OLGRaceNight. Every €10 results in one entry into our grand draw. Thank you again for your continued support.

GOLF CLASSIC A large number of teams participated in O’Loughlin Gaels annual Golf Classic in Kilkenny Golf Club last week. Thanks to all the teams who participated and well done to the hardworking organising committee. The winners were : 1st BTW Kilkenny Cyril Lawlor, Jimmy Walsh, Tony Dooley 99 points back 9: 2nd Tullaroan GAA Dick Walsh, Bobby Sweeney, Berna Walsh 99 points 3rd Dunreidy Engineering Colin Dunne, Mick Daly, Joe Tierney 98 points; prizes for top 10 teams. 1st non GUI team Evan Walsh, Shane Byrne, Peter O’ Sullivan 99 points.

Long Drive Ladies and Gents Berna Walsh and Luke Hogan. Nearest the pin Cyril Lawlor.

FIRST SENIOR GAME History was made on Sunday last when O’Loughlin Gaels lined out for their first ever competitive Senior

Camogie game when they took on Windgap in the Michael Lyng Motors senior Championship Group game. While the home team took the honours winning by 2-14 to 1-13 the season is only beginning and there is plenty of camogie to be played as the club competes at this level for the first time ever.

Well done to Congratulations to O’Loughlin Gaels Under 13 Camogie Team, winners of the Group 1 Under 13 League Championship. After a fantastic game against a very strong Barrow Rangers team they emerged winners by 3-6 to 2-6.

DERBY VICTORY Well done to O’Loughlin’s Gaels senior hurlers who won their third round game in the St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling League by defeating neighbours Dicksboro in UPNC Nowlan Park on Saturday last by 1-19 to 0-19. There is little time to enjoy the win as the fourth round follows this weekend against Shamrocks Ballyhale in Thomastown on Saturday 23rd August at 1.30pm. Again, plenty of support is welcomed.

NEW JERSEY SPONSORS Eagle eyed O’Loughlin Gaels’ supporters will have noticed a change to the club’s jersey worn by our senior team. Long term sponsor Pat Carroll’s name continues to occupy the front and centre of the jersey but school meal suppliers ‘Fresh Today’ now feature on the back of the jersey with thanks to owners Brian Mc Gee and Lynnsie O’ Donoghue while the sleeves now carry the Ormonde Construction name with thanks to Johnny Holohan. A launch of the sponsorship and the new jersey took

O’Loughlin Gaels Under 13 Team winners of Group 1 Under 13 Camogie League Championship.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Community & GAA Notes place in Pat Carrolls and in the club on Friday last.

In attendance along with the sponsors were Club Chairperson Nigel Leydon, Secretary Joan Galwey, PRO Conor Denieffe and players Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy, Luke Hogan and Owen Wall.

The Camogie section also had a launch last week to mark the continued sponsorship of Mc Donagh Junction and welcomed Marketing Manager Rebecca Doyle who performed the launch along with Keith Kinchella (Juvenile Camogie chair) Danielle Quigley (Senior Player), Laura Greene( Senior Player) Orla Skehan ( Camogie Chairperson) and Michael Collins ( Camogie Vice Chairperson).

The club thanks all of our sponsors including the Mc Carthy family’s SuperValu who sponsor our juvenile teams. We encourage club members and supporters to show their appreciation by supporting our sponsors’ businesses whenever possible.

LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated August 12th. The numbers drawn were 1, 12, 18, 28 and the bonus number was 2. Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com Promotors Draw: 1 Ollie O’Driscoll. 2. M. Casey c/o Ml Nolan. 3. Sean Hickey c/o M Deegan. 4. Ann O’Driscoll. 5. Johnny Phelan. 6. Jim and Bridie Tynan c/o H Mahon. 7. Ann Lyons c/o H Mahon. 8.

Helen Carroll c/o Online. 9. Amy Burke c/o Online.

10. Any Cantwell c/o Online Thank you for your continued support.

FRESHFORD HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONAL A popular local man celebrated a very special birthday last week. Donal Heaphy of Cooleshall is a wellknown and respected gentleman in the village and beyond and he was joined by family and friends at a special gathering in Kavanagh’s Bar on Saturday evening last to mark the big occasion. Donal was a member of the parish choir for many years and an ardent member of Freshford Pantomime over the decades playing the role of the “Dame “ many times and also one of the comics in various shows. Donal is wished the very best by all his friends and many more birthdays.

DEATH The death took place last week of Richard (Dick) Cuddihy late of Ashford Co Wicklow and formerly of Dun Emer Dublin and Freshford. Dick who was just past his 90th birthday was formerly from The Square Freshford before moving away and was a regular visitor back to Freshford especially around panto time with his late great friend Larry Dawson RIP. He was a member of a well-known and respected family in the village. He was predeceased by his brothers Pat and Tom and sister Mary. Funeral mass took place in Church of the Most Holy Rosary Ashford followed by private cremation. He is mourned by his wife Dorothy, son John, daughter Sheila, grandchildren, and son in law, daughter in law, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

NEW SAUNA The long awaited sauna is now up and running at the Millennium Park and is creating big interest.

The new facility opened on 2nd August and you can book your 40mins session online. There are more evening sessions available also. Thanks goes to Freshford Council for all the help along the way .

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Paul Leahy The Square Freshford on the death of his brother Michael Leahy late of Mill Street Callan. Funeral mass took place in Church of the Assumption Callan followed by burial in Kilbride Cemetery.

CAMOGIE Congratulations to St. Lachtains minor camogie team on winning the Roinn B League final last weekend. The girls finished deserving winners after a huge second half performance which saw them win on a core line of 5-8 to 3-12 GAA NEWS Páirc Lachtaín: Development works continue in Páirc Lachtaín, this past week has seen the completion of phase one of our fencing upgrade project.

A new fence and access gates have been installed around the main pitch by Beckett Landscaping. This fence replaces the old railing and will completely enclose the playing area. Works will continue over the coming weeks.

St Lachtain’s Intermediates hurlers were defeated

by Carrickshock in the Michael Lyng Motors League Round 3 at Danesfort on a final scoreline o 2-16 to 0-16. They take on Rower Inistioge on Saturday next in the final game at Clara with throw in at 3.30pm.

There was a large crowd in attendance at Pairc

Lachtain on Saturday last for the St.Canices Credit Union Senior Hurling league clash between Tullaroan and Graigue Ballycallan. A late goal from Tullaroan saw them over the line by 3 pts in a close contest. Huge credit goes to everyone involved in the maintenance and upkeep of the Park during this busy time in the club hurling season. The club has been overwhelmed with position feedback from clubs, supporters and various media organisations covering club matches this season.

Johnny Kavanagh Memorial Tournament: The inaugural Johnny Kavanagh Memorial Tournament took place in Páirc Lachtaín recently with U14 teams from Galmoy/Windgap, Camross(Laois), and Passage(Waterford) taking part. The hosts won the cup competition while Camross took the shield competition. Congratulations go to Max O’Neill who was named player of the tournament. There was a great turn out on the evening and thanks goes to the Kavanagh family for sponsoring the tournament.

SOCCER Freshford town AFC membership is now open for 2025/2026 season. Football for all ages and levels.

See all fees for boys and girls and junior players online. New members always welcome. Please register early to help form teams. Entry of teams will depend on numbers and coaches. Volunteers welcome for coaching, admin support – Safeguarding and coaching courses available.

FUNDRAISER A special Ed Sheeran / Elton John tribute fundraiser night will be held in Kavanagh’s Bar on Saturday 23rd Aug at 9pm, with all proceeds in aid of Prague House. Tickets are €10 each and can be obtained from Prague House, Kavanagh’s bar or outside Mace on Friday next.

IONAD LACHTAIN St Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.00pm.

BRIDGE Freshford Bridge club will host Open Summer Bridge in Threecastles Hall each Monday at 7.30pm, all bridge players welcome.

TIDY TOWNSTT The Committee are busy at the minute cleaning up and painting and would ask all local residents and visitors to the village to support their application by doing your part where you live or visit. They would welcome all painting, cleaning, litter picks, planting for pollinators and all activities that enhance our beautiful village.

Tidy town’s volunteers meet each Wednesday evening in the village so please come along for a chat and to lend a hand to your community if you can spare an hour.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café in the village is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. They are always looking for people on both sides of the counter. So why not support your own local café.

You could meet a friend for a chat and a cuppa or some lovely homemade food. The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities. The Loop is looking for volunteers as well as customers. Use your skills and develop new ones. Find the Loop on Facebook to keep up with events, or stop by any time. If you’d like to volunteer, please call the café at 056.883.2650 and speak with Rhiannon.

FUNDING FOR THE LOOP. Cllr. Michael McCarthy has a warm welcome for the €40K funding for the Loop Walk in Freshford.

“The funding under the ORIS Scheme will go towards Upgrade and Enhancement Works for the facility which is used frequently by young and not so young. Great credit is due to the Parks Department of Kilkenny County Council for their interest, involvement and delivery of the funding.” Said Cllr McCarthy.

PARISH NEWS Mass times have been rescheduled for Freshford Tullaroan and Ballycallan. Starting from next weekend.as follows: Saturday evening- Killaloe -6pm Tullaroan 730pm. Sunday – Ballycallan 9.30am Freshford 11am. Killaloe, Tulla and Kilmanagh will share the 6pm Mass on a 1,2,3 basis. There will be no weekday masses for the summer months and it will return in September.

Fr. Liam Taylor PP Ballycallan has taken on administrative and pastoral duties in Freshford for the moment. Freshford will be clustered with Tullaroan, Ballycallan and Fr.Liam is co ordinator of the cluster until August. With the recent clerical changes in the diocese Fr Mark Condon has been appointed PP for Freshford Tullaroan and Ballycallan.and will take over in late August.

The parish newsletter is available on their website

every week and also on the website. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours CHOIR The parish choir are taking a well-deserved break for the summer months and will resume in September.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE After a slow start to their third round Intermediate league fixture against Blacks and Whites on Saturday afternoon in UPMC Nowlan Park, James Stephens eventually found their rhythm to run out easy 3-24 to 1-09 winners while also claiming the valuable league points. Sean Deely set the ball rolling with a fine strike from the sideline in the first 30 seconds. With the Blacks and Whites players unable to reach the fast pace of the game, attacking wing back Sean Bergin followed up with points in the 4th, 12th and 15th minutes as the Village men gradually took a firm grip of the fixture. A goal chance was let slip in the 23rd minute when a penalty strike

by Sean Manogue smashed off the upright after Ed Lauhoff was pulled down heading for goal. The marauding full forward did get his reward with an angled drive to the net in the 26th minute to give James Stephens a solid 1-10 to 0-05 lead. The accurate free taking of Stephen Manogue (27 & 28th mins) and a long-range score by Cian Kenny brought the half to an end at 1-13 to 0-06. With the Blacks and Whites forwards unable to find a chink in the Village defence the 2nd half was largely a case of one-way traffic as the James Stephens forwards prized open their opponent’s defence with some ease to register 2-11 over the 30 minutes. In the dead heat of the day the selectors wisely opted to give tired limbs a break while giving substitutes Willie Spencer, Noah Minogue, Conor McEvoy, Eoin Guilfoyle and Paddy Keogh an opportunity to display their talents. Over the hour Luke Scanlon was in top form shooting four points while Ed Lauhoff enjoyed a profitable hour bagging 1-03 for his efforts. Willie Spencer impressed with two points before passing the sliothar to Eoin Guilfoyle to finish for a goal in the 12th minute. A far more testing 4th round fixture v Dunamaggin is scheduled for John Locke’s Park on Saturday next at 1p.m.

MINOR LEAGUE FINAL At the end of an absorbing game between two quality teams James Stephens retained the Kilkenny minor hurling league title with an impressive 3-25 to 2-14 victory over neighbours Danesfort in MWHire Dunmore Park on Thursday evening. After a whirlwind start which earned James Stephens a 0-07 to 0-01 lead after seven minutes Danesfort came into the contest with three long range points themselves. With the game continuing at a fast and furious pace James Stephens edged forward with points by Diarmuid Behan (2pts) and defenders Tuan Hyland (11min) and Conor Heffernan (14min) but Danesfort fired back with two quick fire goals in the 15th and 17th minutes, one following a reflex save by netminder Padraig Joyce which rebounded to an inrushing Danesfort forward to level the game at 0-10 to 2-04. Meanwhile but for three quality saves by Patrick Sinnott in the Danesfort goal James Stephens would have had at least two green flag scores to their credit. With the high scoring rate continuing the teams cancelled each other out on three occasions but James Stephens edged ahead at 0-16 to 2-08 thanks to free scoring accuracy of Conor McEvoy (3pts), Rory Glynn (25min) and Diarmuid Behan (29min) after which the referee blew the half time whistle. All was to change in the first minutes of the 2nd half as Conor Millea (2mins) raced through the Danesfort defence to plant the sliothar in the net and when Zac Scanlon followed up with a bullet to the net following a goalmouth scuffle Danesfort fell further behind at 2-16 to 2-08.

With the defence strengthened through positional changes and the introduction of Oliver Phelan, The Village continued their period of dominance with Daragh Power, (6 and 10mins), Conor Millea (10min) and Conor McEvoy (12 and 14mins) building an unassailable lead 2-21 to 2-08 by the 13th minute.

Showing commendable determination Danesfort replied with five points but the result was now outside of their reach as James Stephens went on to claim an emphatic 3-25 to 2-14 victory and backto-back minor hurling league title winners.

SUMMER CAMP Last Friday afternoon the 2025 Summer Camp came to a successful conclusion leaving 190 young James

Stephens boys and girls with many happy memories. There were 120 boys and 70 girls participating in the camp activities. On Monday and Tuesday Kilkenny star Cian Kenny dropped in to give the U-11 and U-12 players a few useful tips gained through his experience lining with his Black and Amber teammates in recent years. Hopefully the young hurlers/camogie players will have benefited from a week of quality coaching in the arts of our national games under the coaching expertise of the twenty club coaches in a fun and safe environment and the beautiful summer weather also helped. Our thanks also to Ann Marie, Noreen and their committee for presenting a tasty tea/coffee and treats for the many parents who joined the young Village hurlers/camogie players for an enjoyable chat to end a highly successful week.

JUNIOR “B” CHAMPIONSHIP The Junior B hurler’s championship campaign came to an abrupt end with a comprehensive 6-15 to 1-18 defeat at the hands of Glenmore in Mooncoin. Starting on a positive note with a longrange point by Jackie Tyrrell in the first minute, James Stephens quickly added three more scores to lead by 0-04 to 0-01 in the 5th minute. Keeping the work rate up points from the inform free taker David Walton (3pts) and another impressive drive from Jackie Tyrrell stretched the Village lead out to read 0-07 to 0-04 at the 17th minute. Just then a high delivery to the James Stephens goalmouth was batted down by the defenders to the inrushing Glenmore attacker who finished to the net and level the game at 0-07 to 1-04. The lively James Stephens players continued to bring the game to their hard tackling opponents winning fouls which David Walton (3pts) converted and with quality strikes also from Fionn Cody (26min), Ryan Scanlon (27min) and Bill McDermott (28min) it gave the city team a 0-13 to 1-08 lead into the break. A defensive error in the 2nd minute of the second half empowered Glenmore but The Village kept responding levelling the game at 0-16 to 2-10 with an overhead shot by Matt McWey in the 7th minute. In the 9th minute half time substitute Liam Rafter caused confusion in the Glenmore defence resulting in the sliothar being scrambled over the goal line to return the lead to James Stephens at 1-16 to 2-11. In the 12th minute a Glenmore player received a red card for a robust high tackle on Bill McDermott who was forced to leave the field. As happens quite often in these situations the fourteen Glenmore players redoubled their efforts and with huge determination outscored the Village men 3-04 to 0-02 over the closing 15 minutes to record a resounding victory. The total collapse of the James Stephens player’s efforts over the final quarter remains a mystery particularly as they were competing so well and holding a narrow lead but inevitably it ended their championship ambitions for 2025.

SENIOR CAMOGIE On Sunday morning the senior camogie team suffered a disappointing 1-17 to 0-16 loss to Clara in their first round league/championship fixture in Clara. In a first half of fluctuating fortunes James Stephens took an early lead at 0-03 to 0-01 after 9 minutes. Clara fought back to go in front at 0-04 to 0-03 at the 14th minute. This sparked the Village girls into action with fine finishes by Roisin Leahy (15min), Caoimhe Moran (16min), Lucy Coomey (17min) and Sophie O Dwyer(18min) to retake a narrow lead at 0-07 to 0-04. From there to the half time whistle the James Stephens girls ceded control to the home team who reeled off seven points to just two from Anna Doheny and Sophie O’Dwyer to regain the initiative for Clara at 0-11 to 0-09. After knocking over a point in the 1st minute of the 2nd half the Clara girls broke through for a goal in the 5th minute which would prove to be the defining score of the game increasing their lead at 1-12 to 0-9. The Village girls fought hard to haul in the home club’s lead but each point they scored was countered immediately by the determined Clara girls. To their credit the James Stephens girls never gave up the battle but the vital three pointer they needed was beyond their reach as the physically stronger Clara line-up repulsed their every effort. For James Stephens Michelle Teehan was an outstanding team leader from full back in front of the safe hands of goalkeeper Jenny Larkin while half backs Anna Doheny, Aoife Cantwell and Emily Smith gave little away to their opponents with back up from midfielders Tara McGuire and Sophie O Dwyer (0-05). In attack Caoimhe Moran (0-03) and Anna Larkin and Lucy Commey caused most difficulty for the Clara defence. Their next championship outing is scheduled for Sunday next v Young Irelands at 11a.m in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan.

BONUS BALL

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Community & GAA Notes The August Bonus Ball number was 7. Congratulations to the winners Tadhg Donohoe and Phil “Fan” Larkin. As always, our thanks to the many members, players and friends of the club who continue to support the fundraiser. The next draw will take place on 20th September.

MOTHER’S AND OTHERS The Norah Duffy and Mairead McCarthy inspired Mother’s and Others hurling initiative has proved a great success with ever growing numbers joining the group. The ladies have weekly training sessions every Thursday evenings at 7.30p.m., and welcome all newcomers, irrespective of hurling abilities. On Thursday evening the enthusiastic group intend to test their progress when they take on a Carrickshock selection in a fun based hurling challenge at 7.30p.m., in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan. The Ladies would appreciate support for their endeavours.

JERSEY ON TOUR A reminder to holiday makers to include a club jersey/leisure top in your luggage to facilitate the posting of a photo of yourself wearing the club colours from whatever foreign destination you are residing in on vacation. The idea behind the fun competition is to calculate the furthest distance the famous Red and Green club colours travelled during the summer holiday season. Entries should be emailed to Breda at bmanogue36@gmail.com before 1st September to be included in the competition for which there is a prize of a €50 voucher from the club shop.

LOTTO This week’s numbers were 9: 16: 19: 32. There was no winner. The € 40 consolation winners were Tony Butler / Harry Wallace, Nelly Maher, G. Doyle, and The Tierney Brothers.

BENNETTSBRIDGE ART GROUP The 2025 ‘Bridge Collective exhibition drew to a close on Sunday evening following a very successful and satisfying 10 days. The Artists were delighted with the response to their latest venture. A good number of sales were made and the visitors book recorded some very encouraging comments. A number of visitors expressed interest in joining the

Bennettsbridge Artists at the opening of their exhibition

class. The group will take a few weeks break and resume classes on Monday 15th September.

WEEKLY MASSES Wednesday 9.30a.m Friday 10.30am CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Mary Walpole, Station Road and Ann McDarby Beck who both had their work included in the 25th edition of the Kilkenny County Arts Poetry Broadsheet.

LOTTO There was no winner of the Jackpot last week.

Numbers drawn were, 3, 9, 24, 26. Consolation Prizes went to Kyle and Amelia Dunne, Michael and Margaret c/o O’Donnell’s, Noel Brady, Woodlawn, E, L and P Mahon, c/o Ann Tobin. Jim Gorey, c/o Fr Duggan.

GATHERING Members of the Gathering Group met for a coffee morning in Crafted Cafe. The ladies are on their summer break and they were delighted to have a catch up over the few hours.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Andy Barcoe, Hillview on the death of his brother, Larry Barcoe, Saint Mary’s Court, Gowran, formerly of Coolatogher, Skeoughvasteen. He passed away on August 11th, 2025. Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Lizzie. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his grieving family, his children Katherine, Annemarie, Paddy and their spouses, his grandchildren Sorcha, Síona, Faolán and Jarlath, his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends.

Sympathy is also extended to Nuala and Michelle Bolger on the death of Richard (Dick) Bolger, Tintine, The Rower who died recently. Dick passed away in his 96th year. Predeceased by his sisters Mary and Kathleen and brothers Matty and Michael. Beloved husband of Kathleen (née Kearns), survived by his children Michael (Kayrena), Críona (Paul), Regina, Richard (Martina), Liam (Anne), Ciarán (Avril), Brendan (Kerry), Claire (Alan) and Anne (Barry). Also mourned by his brother Msgr.

William Bolger, sisters Nellie Roche and Rita O’Neill, his 23 grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends.

CLARA BRIDGE CLUB Clara Bridge Club is running Bridge lessons for beginners and improvers starting on Monday 25th

Bennettsbridge U12s fared well in the Mullinahone Festival of Camogie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Community & GAA Notes

U 8s hosted Thomastown and Gowran in a blitz

August. The Club will resume playing after the summer break on Monday 15th September. The Club meets on Monday nights in Connolly’s, Dunbell.

New members are most welcome to join our Bridge Club. If interested, please message Barbara on 0868629171.

CAMOGIE Well done to Bennettsbridge U8s who hosted Thomastown and Gowran in a blitz at the weekend.

Great skill and determination on display. The u14s had a great start in the 1st round of their Championship on Sunday evening with a win over Tullaroan.

Well done to all involved.

“Mullinahone Festival of Camogie” Bennettsbridge U12 girls won 3 of their group games to make the Shield Final. Fantastic play all over the field. Well done to all involved.

GAA Club Games; Hard luck to our senior hurlers who lost out to Glenmore on a scoreline of 1-20 to 1-16 in round 3 of the senior league. Best wishes to all in the game versus Lisdowney next weekend.

Signage Campaign; Bennettsbridge GAA club is delighted with the response to the Pitch signage campaign. There are still places available and many thanks to all the business owners who have supported so far. If interested please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

FIELD DAY 2025 The 2025 Field Day will take place on August 31st in the club grounds. Anyone wishing to help out or display any crafts or other items, please contact Andrea Kelly. All support greatly appreciated again this year including donations for our bric-a-brac stand, bottle stall and wheel of fortune. No books or clothes please. Drop off times are Friday August 29th from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday, 30th August from 9 to 11.30 am. Home baking can be dropped off on the morning of the 31st. Thanks again for the support.

NEW AWAY JERSEY AND BASEBALL HAT Our new away jersey is now for sale online on the clubs O’Neill shop. A baseball hat has also now been added to the range. Go to the website and simply enter Bennettsbridge in the search box to see the New Jersey and all other ‘Bridge gear for sale.

SPLIT THE POT The next draw takes place this Friday at 6pm in the clubhouse. Thanks again for the support.

ST MARY’S PARISH CATHEDRAL BOOKSHOP Extensive range of religious items for every occasion. Why not come and browse - you might be surprised. Open Monday and Tuesday 9.30am - 1.00pm and Wednesday - Friday 9.30am - 5.00pm.

THE MAN BORN TO BE KING Lake Productions will present ‘The man born to be King’ on 9th, 10th and 11th September 2025, in The Black Abbey, Kilkenny. The religious play will be presented in conjunction with the Black Abbey in celebrating their 800th anniversary.

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK St. John’s Parish Pilgrimage to Knock Annual parish pilgrimage to Knock on Thursday, 21st August–the

anniversary of the Knock Apparition. Pilgrims will stop for an optional breakfast in Athlone and for optional dinner in Moate on the return journey.

Some tickets are still available at the Parish Office.

Tickets cost €25 each.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Can you spare approx. 1 hour per week? The “Meals on Wheels” service need new volunteers to deliver meals around Kilkenny city. Must be a car driver. If you would like to join our team please ring the Kilkenny Social Services at this number: 056 7721685 ACN PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK Papal charity Aid to the Church in Need Ireland invites people to join their national pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Saturday August 30th to highlight the plight of Christians who suffer persecution for their faith in many parts of the world. Mass is in the basilica at 3pm – all welcome.

KILKENNY ADULT LEARNING SERVICE Open days Thursday 14th August and Thursday 21st August from 12.00pm-3.00pm Unlock your potential with our ESOL, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy courses designed to provide your with valuable skills and knowledge.43 Upper Patrick Street, Kilkenny R95 PXN2 GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN Tom Healy

ANNUAL FIELD DAY (PAULSTOWN) The Field day takes place this year from 2-6pm in the Paulstown community hall grounds. Admisison is €10 per family.

BBQ, Bouncy castle and plenty more. All welcome.

Proceeds go towards maintenance, light, heat, power and insurance at the Community Hall and

Páirc an Phobail.

BARROW RANGERS There was no jackpot winner of the lotto on 12th August. The Match 3 winners were: Seán Hanlon, Martin Delaney and Kieran and Collette Campion.

BRIDGE UNITED In the Premier Division Bridge A beat Newpark FC (2-0). Bridge scores by Carlos Llanos and Eoin Kavanagh.

This week’s lotto winners were: €25 Annette Madden €25 Aisling Power €25 Alice Dancer €25 Joe Walsh The club has opened a new shop at the clubhouse serving hot and cold refreshments, snacks and club gear.

CHURCH SERVICES Weekend masses on Saturday in Goresbridge at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 10am in Goresbridge and at 11.30am in Paulstown. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as well as at 10am on Wednesday in Goresbridge.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place each Tuesday from the end of mass in Paulstown to 5.45pm.

A liturgy conference will take place on Saturday

20th September in Carlow College and Cathedral.

All congregation members in the diocese are welcome.

The Legion of Mary meets each Thursday at 3pm.

There will be a Day trip to the Matt Talbot Shrine in Dublin on Saturday 23th August. Information: 085 1226205.

Church of Ireland services take place at 11.30am in Goresbridge this Sunday 24th August.

CULTURE NIGHT Step back in time and experience story-telling, music, dance and food on Saturday 30th August at 7.30pm in Killure Lodge, Goresbridge (R95KV18).

Join Michael Fortune, a folklorist from county Wexford along with Éamonn Ó Catháin, TV personality and food enthusiast from Belfast, as they share insights into the era’s traditions and culinary practices. Comphaltas Ceoltóirí Craobh Ossraí will provide authentic Irish music and song. Discover how Irish words have become part of our enduring rich language and heritage. All welcome. Information 086 3543539.

TALKING THE TALK Cupla focal (Irish language conversation circle) continues each Friday at 11am in the Goodly Barrow.

DANCE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Dance classes for children resume in Paulstown from Tuesday 2nd September.

HORSE SALES (GORESBRIDGE) Go for gold 3-year old selections take place 25-26 August.

The International Sport Horse Sale and Performance Connemara Sale takes place on 2nd-10th September.

MR BARCOE The death has occurred of Larry Barcoe. Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Lizzie. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his grieving family, his children Katherine, Annemarie, Paddy and their spouses, his grandchildren Sorcha, Síona, Faolán and Jarlath, his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends.

SHANKILL CASTLE Open to the public each weekend (11.00am - 5pm).

SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie Results of the draw of 17 August were: 1.

Millie Maher (€100), 2. Skinny and Brannach (€20), 3.

Denis Meaney.

DONATIONS Tar Isteach is looking for good quality bric a brac, household items, it comes in and goes out twice as fast - also good quality men’s clothes, handbags etc., we have enough toys and books for the moment!

TRADITIONAL MUSIC CONCERT Mick McAuley and John Doyle will perform in concert at Ionad Dara on Friday 5th September at 8.30pm. These artists have toured the World with USA based Supergroup Solas and also as a duo.

They have performed with some of the biggest names in the music business. Support on the night will be provided by local Kilkenny musician and singer Gerry Walsh. This promises to be a fantastic night. Tickets €23 available from Gerry Kavanagh 086-0443152 or Eventbrite.ie.

KILMACOW KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 13, 15,16 and 22. There was one Match 3 winner of €200.

ECUMENICAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE Kilmacow Parish Old Graveyard Committee will host an ecumenical service of remembrance in the graveyard in Lower Kilmacow on at 7.00pm on Friday, 22nd August. It will also include a heritage talk as part of the programme of events for Heritage Week in Kilkenny.

DEFIBRILLATOR AT THE SEANTÍ A new registered defibrillator which is part of the emergency services network has been located at the Seantí, Smartscastle (East). To gain access please dial 999 or 112 and give the Eircode for the Seantí (X91 X49Y). Emergency services will give the code to unlock the cabinet. The Ballykeoghan Defibrillator Group will hold an introductory course on its use in the near future.

AFFORDABLE HOMES IN KILMACOW Kilkenny County Council will be launching an Affordable Housing Scheme for 13 houses in Church View, Dangan, Kilmacow from 10th September. The houses will generally be available for first-time buyers only (with a small number of exceptions). It is strongly recommended that applicants have Mortgage Approval in Principle prior to making an application as applicants will be required to demonstrate their capacity to purchase. The eligibility criteria, the Scheme of Priority, link to the online application portal, guide to making an application and the documentation required to accompany the application is available at: https://kilkennycoco. ie/affordable-homes. Please ring DNG, selling agents, at 051 852233 or Kilkenny County Council at 056 7794280 for further information.

MULLINAVAT DANESFORT 4-15 (27) MULLINAVAT 5-5 (20).

The Mullinavat Camogie team was beaten by a stronger Danesfort side in Sunday morning’s opening Kilkenny Camogie Intermediate league game at Mullinavat. Eight points down at the interval, the Mullinavat girls were unable to make inroads into the Danesfort lead despite adding three goals in the second half. Trained by PJ Aylward and Anna Woods, they face further group games against Mooncoin and St Anne’s in the weeks ahead.

Mullinavat: Ava Dunphy, Jessica Catt, Aoife Fitzpatrick, Ciara Walsh, Niamh Reddy (0-1), Ciara Phelan, Ria Madigan, Hannah Dunphy (0-1, free), Seana Davis, Clíodhna Walsh, Anna Woods, Julianne Malone, Sarah Walsh (1-2, 0-2 frees), Jessica Dunphy (3-1), Genevieve Walsh. Substitutes: Saoirse Corcoran, Grace Fitzpatrick, Leah Davis (1-0), Grace Kent, Kerrie-Ann O’Connor, Sinead O’Keeffe, Aisling Walsh, Sarah Woods.

The scorers for Danesfort were, Niamh Davis (2-7), Shauna Mahony (1-2), Olivia Mahony (0-4), Muireann Kelly (1-0), Rachel Phelan (0-1), Lisa Fitzpatrick (0-1). Referee: Richie Dowling (Kilmacow).

HERITAGE FUNDING

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

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Community & GAA Notes Mullinavat challenge for possession against Danesfort in their intermediate camogie match in mullinavat on Sunday, 17th August.

8.30pm. Doors open 8pm. Tickets €15 at https:// buytickets.at/waydownunderground or TEXT 086 1960157 to reserve.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 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. A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the bingo last weekend. Your continued support is always appreciated by the Committee.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Philip Purcell, Urard who won €245 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for August is in aid of Ballysloe Tidy Towns. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

HOPE FOUNDATION Lucy Keogh Barnaville is going to India with the Hope Foundation next year. To raise money she has an idonate raffle setup and the prizes are signed Tipperary jersey and signed Munster jersey. To donate go to https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/HopeLucykeogh MONSTER METAL SCRAP COLLECTION FUNDRAISER In aid of Cathedral Reroofing Project at Thurles Mart, Friday and Saturday, August 29th and 30th. All types of Scrap Metal accepted. Collection Service available – please contact Phil on 087 2420074.

JAMES O’BRIEN RIP The death has occurred of James (Seamus) O’ Brien, St Anthony’s, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, formerly Longfordpass, 5th August peacefully at UHL. Predeceased by his wife Ann (Nancy) and son Aidan.

Deeply regretted by his daughter Geraldine, sons Anthony and John, brother Sean, sister Nora, daughter in law, son in law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. James reposed in St Joseph’s Church, Kildimo, last Thursday 7th August. Funeral Mass took place on Friday followed by burial in Kildimo Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

CONAHY

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is now open for applications. It provides support of between €2,500 and €50,000 to assist with the repair and conservation of historic buildings and structures.

The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 26th September 2025.

Also open is the Built Heritage Historic Thatched Buildings Grant Scheme. The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 26th September 2025. Please see the Kilkenny County Council website for further information and application forms or telephone Francis Coady, Conservation Officer at 056 7794376.

LINE DANCING A beginner’s line dancing class will start in Ross Abbey, Ferrybank from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Friday, 5th September. The fee is €10 per class.

JOHNSTOWN ST. ANNE’S CAMOGIE CLUB A golf classic will be held in Rathdowney G.C, on August 30th. in aid of St. Anne’s Camogie Club.Teams of four € 120. Funds raised from the classic will be used to cover costs like equipment, insurance, refs. etc. Information from Anna Ryan on 0873916720.

URLINGFORD LIBRARY Heritage Week, Irish/British newspapers archives workshop in Urlingford Library on Friday August 22nd at 11am. Join the local studies team for this hands on workshop on using the National Archive services available in the branch.

Also in the Library on Tuesday Sept 2nd from 11am to 12.30 pm there will be a coffee morning where they will be showing their free on line services.

Contact 0567794182.

JUMA Johnstown and Urlingford Music and Art. free creative workshops through poetry, illustration, creative writing, painting, felting and ceramics.

Tuesdays 6pm to 8pm from September 4th to November 6th in St. Kieran’s Hall, Johnstown. Music

production and live looping on Mondays from 5pm to 6.30pm from Sept 1st to November 3rd again in St. Kieran’s Hall, Clay Making in Urlingford Community Childcare from 6pm to 8pm from Sept. 2nd to Nov 4th. Children age 10+ and Teenagers 14+. Book your place by August 21st at 0567786896 or email youthoffice@kcetb.ie or musicgenerationkilkenny@ kcetb.ie.

LOTTO Spa Development/Fenians Lotto.numbers drawn 1,4,7,15. There was no jackpot winner but there was two match threes Anne Power and Mary Henderson.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

THE ROSARY Will be recited at Our Lady’s Grotto, Glengoole on weekday evenings at 6pm, Saturday before 6pm Mass and Sunday 12 noon.

PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION Many thanks to all who contributed to this collection, which supports the charitable and apostolic work of the Pope, including those in need and victims of natural disasters and conflict. Collected to date - €700. If you are paying by cheque, please make your cheque payable to “Gortnahoe Parish”.

MEN ON THE MOVE EXERCISE CLASSES Men On The Move Exercise Classes with Biddy O’Dwyer return on Monday 1st Sept. in MFRC, Glengoole, 11:15am – 12:15pm. Enjoy some light exercise followed by a cup of tea and a chat. Further information contact Alice Teehan 083-1014313.

WAY DOWN UNDERGROUND, A MINER’S LIFE Way Down Underground, A Miner’s Life through Song and Story on Friday, 29th August in Derrynaflan Theatre, Horse and Jockey Hotel at

HURLING The junior hurlers made it three league wins on the trot when they got the better of Cloneen in their latest game of the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior League in Ballyragget on Sunday afternoon last.

Conahy led by 0-12 to 0-8 at half-time after playing with a slight wind in the first half. The Cloneen lads proved to be dogged opponents, and Conahy did not have everything their own way. As it was, they had enough in reserve to get over the line, winning by 0-19 to 0-12. They are back in action on Saturday afternoon next at 3.30 p.m. when they take on Slieverue in Danesfort.

The under-16 hurlers also played their final league match in the Duggan Steel Roinn B League on Monday evening last away to Dunnamaggin. After a highly entertaining game, it was the home side who managed to hold on for a one point victory, winning 1-16 to 1-15. The locals will be back in competitive action next month in the Roinn B championship.

CAMOGIE The intermediate camogie girls started their Abbott Intermediate league/championship campaign on Sunday morning last with a good win over Ballyhale Shamrocks in Ballyhale.

The home side led by 2-6 to 0-11 at half-time but Conahy produced a strong second half performance, particularly in the final minutes when they scored 1-4 without reply. This ensured that the Conahy girls finished up the winners on a 3-19 to 3-10. Conahy are back in action this Sunday morning at 11.00 in Jenkinstown when they play host to Glenmore. Best of luck to all involved.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 6, 15 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prizes were Maria Sherman, Shay Healy, Madison Healy, Aaryn Kenehan and Liam Dooley. The promoter prize winners were David Maher, Julie Jackman and Mona Dooley.

Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

CASTLECOMER LIBRARY EVENTS Some upcoming events in Castlecomer Library include the following: Explore the Past with Digital Tools: A Workshop by Kilkenny Library’s Local Studies Team - On Thursday, August 21st, from 11.00 a.m. from 12.30 p.m., join the Kilkenny Library Local Studies team for an engaging and handson workshop exploring the rich world of digital

newspaper archives. Discover how to access and navigate historical newspapers online, uncover local stories, trace family histories, and bring the past to life through digital research tools. To book a spot contact castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie or call (056) 4440561.

Wonder Wander Walking Trail Challenge - Until Sunday August 24th during this Heritage Week, everyone is encouraged to lace up their walking boots and set off on the historic Wonder Wander Walking trail of Castlecomer. Enjoy the historic sites along the route while you get your steps in! All those who complete the trail and send a picture of their favourite historic site to castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie will be entered into a raffle draw.

Heritage Story Time and Craft - On Saturday, August 23rd, from 11.00 a.m. from 11.30 a.m., help celebrate Heritage Week with a heritage themed storytime and craft session. No booking is required.

Online Resources Coffee Morning - On Thursday August 28th from 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m., Join us for a cuppa and a treat as we showcase our suite of fantastic online resources. All are welcome to attend. No Booking Required.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARIS Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 23rd. 8.00p.m.; Sunday 24th. 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday 23rd. at 6.30p.m. Friday 22nd. Feast of The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

PRAY FOR Ann Doyle, Rosbercon and late of Hugginstown ANNIVERSARY MASSES: Ned and Stasia Power, Condonstown: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 23rd, August at 8.00p.m. Adam Czekala, Castlemorris: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 24th. August at 10.00a.m.

ROTA TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR Reader Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Neill O’Grady. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Valerie Farrell: Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Carroll. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Barbara Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00pm. Marion Barron. Sunday 10.00am. Lillian Carr.

STONEYFORD TEXT ALERT AGM: On Wednesday the 3rd. of September, Stoneyford Text Alert will hold their AGM at 7.30p.m. in the Community Centre and everyone is invited to attend. Existing committee members are stepping down and a new committee will be elected.

BLACK ABBEY Lake Productions will present “The Man Born to be King” on the 9th. 10th. and 11th. September at 7.30p.m. each evening in The Black Abbey, Kilkenny. This religious play will be presented in conjunction with the Black Abbey in celebrating of their 800th. Anniversary.

ST PATRICK’S PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY, MAYNOOTH: Applications are still open at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth for programmes in Theology and Pastoral Liturgy (Higher Diploma/Diploma options). Visit their website for more details at www. sppu.ie/courses.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday11th. August 2025 Numbers: 03: 06; 17; 25. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners: Chris Grace, Lismatigue; “The 4 of Us”, Rathduff: Liam Aylward, c/o James Irish; Sean Connick, Jerpoint; Richie Power, Lawcus. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): John Power; Eilis Rohan; Ann Power.

SAFEGUARDING IN THE DIOCESE OF OSSORY: Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

MEN’S JUBILEE CAMINO Men’s Hike – On Saturday September 13th. Distance 20kms. Walking on Greenway from Dominican Abbey (ruin) in Carlingford to Newry (St Catherine’s) via Newry Cathedral (Jubilee Indulgence). Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Confessions and Fraternity.

Registration and details on www.dominicans. ie/events/: over 18’s male event. Enquiries to op.evangelisation@gmail.com.

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

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Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Glenmore claimed another big scalp in this season’s St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League in round 3, running out 4-point winners over Bennettsbridge at Inistioge last weekend. Having got the better of Shamrocks in the previous round, Seamie Dollard’s charges played some lovely hurling as they moved into second place in Group A, just ahead of Henry Shefflin’s outfit.

One of Glenmore’s best performers on the day, Ciaran Kirwan got the scoreboard moving in the opening seconds, as he fired over to give his side the lead. Placed ball specialist, Ian Byrne built on his excellent showing a week earlier, notched his first point shortly after, when Enda Morrissey was booked for holding onto the game’s opening scorer. Byrne notched two more frees, either side of Bennettsbridge’s first point, which came from James Hughes. Jack Dollard then took a pass from Eoin Aylward before rifling over from distance which showed the stiff breeze that the Pairc na Ratha men were playing with in the opening period.

With 13 minutes on the clock, Ian Byrne popped over his latest free to extend his side’s lead to five points.

Over the next eight minutes, the Bridge began to find a little rhythm and began reducing the arrears.

Three more placed balls from James Hughes complimented tasty efforts from the impressive Timmy Kelly and classy Liam Blanchfield. Liam was causing the opposition defence plenty of problems and his ability to win free’s was key to helping Brian Lannon’s team gain parity with just under nine minutes to the interval.

Young Jack Dollard found his way into referee Eoin Maher’s book during this purple patch, trying in vain to halt the opposition’s No.14.

The dynamic Cathal Beirne then sent over a lovely score to give Glenmore the lead again and they pushed this to two points when the rampaging Kirwan fed midfielder Com Roche, who duly applied the finish. Messrs. Hughes and Byrne exchanged frees just ahead of a well worked score that saw wing back Timmy Kelly turn provider and give Nicky Cleere the opportunity to reduce the arrears to the bare minimum. Cathal Beirne tagged on his second of the evening just ahead of a fine score from Sean Morrissey, but the final score of the half came from the man that got the game’s first, Ciaran Kirwan as Dollard’s men headed to the Inistioge changing rooms with a 2-point lead.

Despite leading at the break, Glenmore made a couple of changing during the interval, with Michael Harney and Alan Murphy entering the fray in place of Colm Roche and Robbie Fitzgerald. The latest member of Clan Murphy to arrive on the field took little time to get involved, setting up Cathal

Kilkenny club action delivers knock-out action in Round 3!

Loughs & Town unbeaten as Glenmore catch the eye again

Conor Heary Gets away from Eoin Fennelly

Beirne for a cracking score from the restart. Nicky Cleere struck for the Bridge before the sides shared two points via placed balls, Ian Byrne for Glenmore and David Blanchfield from distance for his team. A further sign of the strength

in depth that is now within Dollard’s panel saw the towering Billy Reid come on in place of Eoin Aylward in a move that saw Darragh Vereker move to the edge of the square to ‘mind’ Liam Blanchfield. Jack Dollard then roamed forward

Nicky Cleere takes possession as Shane Murphy is about to tackle

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Hurling matters - Review John Donnelly Gets his pass away as Conor Duggan moves in

before giving a nice pass to Charlie Phelan who split the posts to leave the Pairc na Ratha teams lead at 3 points. The game got a little scrappy with both sides hitting uncharacteristic wides, but this spell was broken when Liam Blanchfield notched another tidy point. The Bridge built on this with a score from Enda Morrissey, who was operating at ‘6’ following his captain Conor Murphy’s move to full back during the first half.

The first goal of the game then arrived. A Sideline cut was sent into the danger zone and Ethan Phelan reacted quickest to fire beyond Bridge netminder, Enda Cleere. Ian Byrne added three further points

the foul and Mr Byrne converted the resulting free. They won the puck out and having seen a few earlier efforts miss the target, Billy Reid struck the insurance score to the delight of the Glenmore faithful!

O’Loughlin Gaels and Thomastown remain the only two unbeaten sides in the competition having recorded wins over Killian Egan gets in Dicksboro and his tackle on Thomas Mullinavat Dunne respectively.

Brian Hogan’s team got off to the perfect start in UPMC Nowlan Park with a goa inside the first minute courtesy of the inform Luke Hogan. Having notched 2-2 in the previous to his game, the powerful growing attacker took a hand tally, pass from Kevin Murphy including a sweet before rifling a fierce shot past score from play, nicely Darragh Holohan in the ‘Boro assisted by Ciaran Kirwan. Jack goal. The Loughs always looked Campion’s replacement, Ciaran comfortable and went into the Brennan then struck over a nice interval six ahead. Dicksboro came point but another Enda Morrissey back strongly after the break and foul on Kirwan gave Glenmore with Cillian Hackett, James Carroll, the chance to push the lead out Patrick Lacey and Tom McPhillips to five and Ian Byrne did just that. all contributing to the Palmerstown Lannon’s charges needed a big outfits cause, they actually score and quickly and they got outscored their city rivals after the one in the 59th minute. David short whistle, and came up just 3 Blanchfield rose to claim the catch points adrift at fulltime. before passing to Hugh O’Neill who Thomastown don’t always make rifled to the net and leave the gap at life easy for themselves, and this just 2 points. Glenmore stood tall proved to be the case in Callan and attacked. Ethan Phelan drew when they clashed with Mullinavat.

This was a repeat of last season’s Shield final, which the ‘Vat won and in the early stages it looked like Colm O’Byrne’s men were going to repeat that result as they were in control for much of the contest in John Locke Park. Noel Doherty’s team went into an early lead with Naoise Dempsey continuing his good form along with the usual accuracy from Robbie Donnelly.

With 21 gone in the opening period, Robbie popped over a placed ball effort to restore his sides advantage, but a strong finish to the half from the Vegas Boys saw them take a 4-point lead into the second period.

When play resumed they continued to thrive and finding it easier to get scores than the Town. A second major and some well taken points left the Vat nine up with about 6 minutes of the third quarter played, but the scores then dried up for the Shield winners and this allowed Thomastown to claw their way back into the game. With Robbie Donnelly converting the placed balls, the County champions found themselves level with 9 minutes of the game remaining thanks to a lovely score from play by Robbie.

The Vegas Boys only managed one further point, while the Town struck over five more points to secure the win and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Tullaroan were involved in an exciting clash with Graigue Ballycallan in Pairc Lachtain in a game that the Tom Ryall Park men will scarcely believe they didn’t win. It was back and forth for much of the opening period, but the sky blues hit the front inside the final ten minutes of the half and remained in the lead until very late in the game. The Sash drew level, before everything erupted!

Goalkeeper Niall Holland stood

over a free inside his own ’45 and launched a delivery in and around the house. As players rose to claim the sliotar, Dylan Simpson ran onto the break and batted the ball past Sean McGrath, Tullaroan 3 up with seconds remaining. As their players celebrated the major, GBC restarted played and sent a booming delivery of their own into the danger zone.

Ed McAvoy broke the ball to sub Shane Butler who referee Peter Burke deemed to have been brought down in the square, penalty to Richie O’Neill’s men. There was some pushing and shoving before the penalty could be taken, with Butler having a few words with Niall Holland. When a little calm was restored, county star Billy Ryan stepped up and struck the penalty, only to see netminder Holland produce a diving save, the long whistle sounded, Tullaroan had snatched a late late victory. The Sash keeper appeared keen to remind Shane Butler about the result and a little schemozzle ensued. A second win of the campaign for The Sash.

Shamrocks Ballyhale had too much quality for a gallant Lisdowney side on Saturday evening. With TJ to the fore and a rampaging Brian Cody on song, Henry’s team collected their second win in Group A, but plenty to work on defensively according to Mr Shefflin. There was also a first win of the season for the Castlecomer men as Erins Own got the better of a stubborn Clara side by the bare minimum in Muckalee.

Round 4 is on the horizon. The two standout fixture take place on Saturday with Shamrocks trying to halt the O’Loughlin Gaels express, while improving Glenmore will tackle Palmerstown outfit, Dicksboro. More drama on Noreside guaranteed!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intends to apply to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of my client Barry’s family farm ltd. Permission to construct (i) Slatted cubicle shed (ii) two Soiled water tank (iii) Loose shed with effluent tank and all associated site works. Permission for retention of (i) Canteen with storage, office, toilet and septic tank and percolation area (ii) Walled collecting yard (iii) Silage slab is also required at Meallaghmore, Windgap, 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 9.00 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.

I, Emmett Gladney, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for (1) a proposed single storey dwelling extension and internal and external alterations to an existing dwelling house currently under construction which was previously granted planning permission under Pl. Ref: 18561 (2) upgrading of the proposed domestic wastewater treatment system as previously permitted under Pl. Ref: 18561 (3) relocating the existing single storey domestic garage as previously permitted under Pl. Ref: 18561 and (4) all associated site works at Ballyhendricken, Ballycallan, 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: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Susan Tynan, wish to apply for planning permission for an extension to an existing dwelling house, namely kitchen / dining area, bedrooms, bathroom and utility, including all necessary site works, at Ballyda, Danesfort, 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.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL SIGNIFICANT FURTHER INFORMATION Planning permission is sought by SOS Kilkenny Housing Association under planning application ref. 2460459 for change of use of premises from former convent to administration and training centre, including alterations to existing car park layout, provision of additional carparking spaces and ancillary related works at Reviewfields, Kells Road, Kilkenny.

Significant Further Information, including application for retention planning permission for the change of use, has been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation 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.

Architects: BLUETT & O’DONOGHUE www.boda.ie

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Telenostic Ltd, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for the construction of a new single storey extension to the side and rear of the existing building and minor internal alterations at Telenostic Ltd, Unit 71/72, Hebron Industrial Estate, Leggetsrath West, Kilkenny R95 WN20.

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: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Clare Leech intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing lean-to timber shed to the side of existing dwelling house and all associated site development works at 107 Dunan, Cloghabrody, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny R95 E682.

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.

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M..

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.B.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.S.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. J.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.C.

46

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd August 2025