Kilkenny Observer 22nd March 2024

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An Taoiseach Simon Harris now the favourite for the job  Page 3

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Harris now favourite Likely to be Taoiseach, as Paschal Donohoe bows out The person to be the next Taoiseach, after the sudden resignation of Leo Varadkar, is likely Simon Harris who has emerged as the clear frontrunner to become Government leader next month.

Mr Varadkar quit after determining Fine Gael was facing damaging seat losses under his leadership in June’s local and

European elections – an outcome that could have prompted a move against him.

Mr Harris is now the clear favourite to succeed him, af­ ter Minister for Trade Simon Coveney and Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced at the 11th hour they would not be in the running.

As we go to press, 20 of the 54

members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party have already pledged their support to the Higher Education Minister, Mr Harris.

According to sources, it is expected that some TDs and senators backing him will publicly declare their support for the minister in the next 48 hours.

While Simon Coveney and Hel-

en McEntee ruled themselves out of the race, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has also bowed out..

His withdrawal from a planned appearance on RTÉ News fuelled speculation that he was considering contesting against Mr Harris amid suggestions some TDs were urging him to do so.

Mr Varadkar said he had been considering his future since Christmas but firmly decided to step down only at the weekend.

“After seven years in office, I am no longer the best person for that job,” a visibly emotional Mr Varadkar said at a dramatic midday press– conference in Government Buildings,” the 46-year-old said.

Simple blood test for ailing hearts

Our pupils at the art of it...

A new cheap and simple blood test could help identify people who are at the highest risk of dying from heart failure, research suggests.

The study found that patients with highest levels of a specific protein were 50pc more likely to die from a heart complication over the three years that the study was conducted, compared with those who had lower levels.

Full story Page 6

Young artists who submitted entries to this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition are currently having their works evaluated as the judging process gets underway.

Pictured is adjudicator, Marie Connole admiring two of the entries received from Co. Kilkenny this year – a work entitled ‘A Lonely Cabin’ by a pupil from Scoil Mholainge Listerlin, Mullinavat (left) and another entitled ‘Flowers’ by a pupil from Burnchurch National School.

Winners in the seven age categories, including one exclusively for artworks by young artists with special needs, will be announced in mid-April.

Euthanasia is recommended

Taxi! Taxi, would you be free now?

Taxi app Freenow has announced a partnership with Sevens Taxis, the 24/7 phone operator taxi company based in Kilkenny, which will combine their transport offerings with the aim of delivering an enhanced taxi service in the region.

This partnership will result in the largest taxi fleet available in Co. Kilkenny with a combined driver base of more

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

than 100 drivers. Existing Sevens Taxis passengers will now have the option of booking a taxi directly via the Freenow app, in addition to the Sevens Taxis phone line. Through the app passengers will have access to a range of services including pre-bookings via the ‘pre-book’ option, 6/7/8 seater van taxis, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, EV vehicles and will be able to make their pay-

Cabinet colleagues believe Mr Varadkar’s decision was crystallised by the two referendum defeats nearly a fortnight ago, the slew of Fine Gael TDs retiring at the next election, and the prospect of more damaging electoral losses in June. all of which may have led to a move against him in advance of the next general election.

ments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Debit Card or cash.

Seven Taxis began its journey in 2007 and was established by Eddie and Emer Fenlon.

Discussing the partnership, Eddie Fenlon, Co-Owner of Sevens Taxis, said: “From humble beginnings as a family-run enterprise, we have grown into a high-performing taxi operator with an excellent

fleet of drivers and a service that communities throughout Kilkenny rely upon for flexible and convenient transport.

“We take great pride in providing important public transport for people across the county and we’re delighted that this partnership will benefit our regular and future passengers with greater vehicle access and new booking options, especially during peak

hours,” said Eddie Fenlon.

Charlie Gleeson, General Manager of Freenow Ireland, said: “We are continuing to expand and enhance our offering at Freenow for drivers and passengers alike, and with operations growing across the country in locations including Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Limerick, we are delighted to support the mobility needs of people in Kilkenny now too.”

The Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying will issue a final report, which is expected to urge allowing an assisted death for those diagnosed with a terminal condition that is “incurable, irreversible, progressive and advanced,” and for whom suffering cannot be relieved in a way they find “tolerable”. And who have only six months to a year to live.

The time limit will generally be set at six months, with 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions.

Mullins eyes up Irish National Willie Mullins resisted the temptation of sending Nick Rockett to Cheltenham in order to keep him fresh for the Irish Grand National and the recordbreaking champion trainer feels the unexposed novice has every chance of providing him with a third success in Ireland’s richest jumps race which takes place on Easter Monday.

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 March 2024

News

Night economy not one size fits all plan we need into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. With its medieval streets bathed in inviting safety conscious light, it’s like stepping into a storybook.

Travellers come seeking that magical vibe, and they should find it. It’s the perfect backdrop for a bit of nighttime wandering, making every snap Instagram gold.

BY PAT COUGHLAN

The third in a six-part series As Kilkenny County Council works towards developing a plan for Kilkenny’s night time economy we would like it to be a bit like a box of chocolates – you never quite know what you’re going to get, but it’s bound to be delightful. From the buzz of its lively pubs to the whispers of its ancient streets after dark, this city offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that cater to anyone and everyone looking to explore its nocturnal charms.

But it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ type of plan we need. We need to know who is it that we want to come visit and we need to know what they will want to come for.

Let’s start with the “allure of Kilkenny’s nightlife for socialisers and young adults”.

Kilkenny’s nightlife should be a magnet for the young and the restless, offering a mishmash of trendy bars and clubs where the music’s always pumping, and the craic is mighty. It’s the perfect blend of historical charm and modern buzz, making it a top spot for

social butterflies and party animals alike.

Cultural experiences for history enthusiasts Kilkenny’s not just about the craic after dark; it’s a treasure trove for history buffs too.

Imagine roaming the ancient streets with a local guide, torch in hand, uncovering stories that are as captivating as they are true. Kilkenny is known for its rich history and vibrant culture.

People interested in exploring medieval castles, historic sites, and traditional Irish heri-

tage at night would be attracted to both the city and county.

Kilkenny is where the past meets pint-sized fun, offering a night out that’s both enlightening and entertaining.

Gastronomic delights for foodies When the sun dips, Kilkenny’s culinary scene lights up, offering a feast for the senses.

Kilkenny already has a reputation for culinary delights, but we need to extend it not only in terms of the range of food offerings but also price. From cosy pubs dishing out hearty

Irish stews to chic eateries serving up the latest in artisanal cuisine, foodies should be in for a treat. A smorgasbord of flavours, where traditional meets trendy, and every bite tells a story.

Art and music lovers’ haven Kilkenny is already a real treat for art and music and film buffs. But it needs to expand.

The city should be buzzing with live gigs and exhibitions that turn the night into a canvas of sounds and colours.

Kilkenny is renowned for its artistic community and is

home to many talented artisans and craftspeople.

People interested in art, design, film making, and unique handmade products would find Kilkenny’s art scene appealing particularly at night. Whether it’s a cosy gallery or a lively venue, there should always be something on to tickle your fancy and enrich the night with a bit of culture.

A picturesque night-time ambience for solo and small group travellers Kilkenny at night transforms

Family-friendly evening activities Kilkenny’s not just for the grown-ups, you know. After the sun sets, the city should transform into a playground for families. Fancy a stroll down history lane? The city should have that option with its evening walks, lighting up the ancient paths. And for the little ones, there should be a heap of child-friendly events that’ll keep them buzzing till bedtime. But what about the parents they don’t go to bed an 9 o’clock? We have a solution for them next week.

So, there you have it, folks. Kilkenny’s night-time economy should be a bit of a show-off, catering to every whim and fancy. Whether you’re a history geek, a foodie, or just in it for the craic, this city should have your back.

A melting pot of experiences that not only lights up the night but also stitches the very fabric of our vibrant community together.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Music Generation

Music Generation Kilkenny to collaborate with Robert Grace Aspiring young songwriters in Kilkenny are in for a treat as internationally acclaimed artist, song-writer and producer Robert Grace features in a series of song writing workshops for young people aged 14-18. Renowned for his charttopping hits and captivating performances, Robert Grace is set to share his expertise and insights with the next generation of musical talents in his hometown, Kilkenny.

The launch of the 'Song Collective' will give young Kilkenny musicians the opportunity to showcase their musical talent through writing, recording, releasing, and performing their own songs.

Successful applicants will be guided through the process by skilled Musician Educators and internationally acclaimed Kilkenny artist, Robert Grace.

Mark Colbert, project leader and Music Generation Kilkenny Musician Educator said, "when I was a teenager, my school friends and I started our first band, and I’ve been in bands ever since! I know that lockdowns during the past few years robbed many young people of those opportunities. The 'Song Collective' project will support young musicians to create their own communities and establish a

vibrant youth music scene in Kilkenny’.

Take your ideas from seed to the stage with Music Generation Kilkennys 'Song Collective' You don't need songwriting experience to take part. We're looking for young musicians who want to play together and to be a part of the song writing process writing, recording, releasing, and performing their music live with their peers.

This may be as a songwriter, band member, producer, or even a sound engineer.

The project has 3 main elements: Song Writing - The project kicks off with a songwriting masterclass by Kilkenny’s own TikTok star Robert Grace, followed by weekly get togethers, where young people are mentored by experienced Musician Educators to develop their songs and prepare for recording.

Recording - The young musicians will capture those magic moments of their own songs using modern recording techniques and state-of-the-art sound production equipment, all under the guidance of some of Kilkenny’s finest sound technicians.

Launch Gig (and EP Release)

The project will culminate in an open-air live performance at the DRUM, Foróige youth center in collaboration with Robert Grace. This gig will launch the release of an EP across all major streaming platforms, making their music available everywhere!

Robert Grace

"We are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity for young musicians in Kilkenny to hone their song writing skills and unleash their creativity," remarked Sinéad Blanchfield, Music Generation Kilkenny Development Officer. Robert Grace is not only an immense-

ly talented artist but also a passionate advocate for nurturing emerging talents. We believe these workshops will inspire and empower young people to express themselves through music."

'Song Collective', is organised in partnership with Foróige and with funding from Kilkenny County Council and Creative Ireland. Participants will have the chance to delve into the creative process, learn invaluable techniques, and receive personalised feedback directly from Robert Grace.

Speaking of the upcoming project Robert Grace said, "as a songwriter I've witnessed the magic that happens when young people tap into their imagination and express themselves through music.

Guiding them in song writing workshops isn't just about teaching notes and lyrics; it's about unlocking their potential and seeing their unique stories come to life through their own songs."

Join Robert Grace and aspiring young Kilkenny song writers for an unforgettable journey of creativity and inspiration!

Places are free but very limited!

Applications can be made scanning the QR code or by

emailing musicgenerationkilkenny@kcetb.ie

Workshops Dates April 1-5, April 8, 15, 22, 26, 27 and June 15.

Information: musicgenerationkilkenny@kcetb.ie Music Generation Kilkenny is part of Ireland’s national music education programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Local Music Education Partnerships.

The programme seeks to transform the lives of children and young people ages 0-18 by creating access to high quality, affordable music tuition in their localities. Locally, the programme is led by Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board in partnership with Kilkenny County Council.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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News

Local solar homeowners can save €1,000 a year Homeowners in Kilkenny who add solar panels to their homes could make net savings of more than €24,000 over 25 years after installation costs, a new survey has revealed.

The Swyft Energy Solar PV Index also shows that a standard 12-panel system can completely pay for itself in seven years.

With average Irish elec-

tricity market prices approximately 53% higher than in 2021, plus the addition of export tariffs and VAT removal, the repayment period has dropped from 12 years in 2021.

“The figures show that, on average, Irish householders could make net savings of €24,327 over the next 25 years by installing solar PV (photovoltaic) panels now,”

said Adrian Casey, CEO of Swyft Energy.

“This is very welcome news when you consider that inflation is still squeezing everyone’s budgets, despite having fallen recently.”

The latest Index also highlights how any house can become a mini power station, generating an income for its owners.

Simple blood test could help fight heart failure Identifying people who are at the highest risk of dying from heart failure could be made by a new cheap and simple blood test, according to new research.

The study found that patients with highest levels of a specific protein were 50% more likely to die from a heart complication over the three years that the study was conducted, compared with those who had lower levels.

Experts suggest that testing for this protein, called neuropeptide Y (NPY), could help predict how heart failure is likely to progress.

Researchers hope a blood test could be used to help guide treatment for heart failure patients within five years.

Neil Herring, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Oxford, said: “The findings of this research are an exciting new development, building on over 10 years of collaborative research on this stress hormone.

“We hope our research will ultimately benefit the increasing number of patients who are living with the debilitating effects of heart failure daily.

“Next, we will investigate whether measuring for very high levels neuropeptide Y could influence whether patients can get lifesaving treatment like ICDs [implantable cardioverter defibrillators] before the blood test can be rolled out within five years.”

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood around the body as well as it should. It can lead to frequent hospital visits and reduced quality of life,

and there is currently no cure. More than 10,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure in Ireland every year.

Nerves in the heart release NPY in response to extreme stress.

This can trigger potentially dangerous heart rhythms and cause the smallest blood vessels in the heart muscle to close up, making the heart work harder and causing blood vessels going to the heart to contract.

In the study, data from more than 800 people at different stages of heart failure was used and people were measured for levels of the hormone B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), a hormone currently used to diagnose heart failure.

Participants’ blood pressure and echocardiograms - a type of ultrasound heart scan - were also taken and were followed up regularly.

The study found that people with high levels of NPY, who made up about a third of the group, had a 50pc higher risk of dying over the three-year followup period from a heart complication compared with those with lower levels.

Researchers suggest that measuring NPY alongside BNP could help diagnose heart failure patients, pinpointing those who may be at higher risk of dying.

Identifying those at greatest risk ­early on could also help doctors decide the best course of treatment for their patients, helping spot those who may benefit from having a potentially lifesaving implant fitted.

The team hopes that a blood test for NPY could be used in clinics within five years.

Unused power can be sold back to the national grid and energy suppliers currently pay rates starting at 20c per kilowatt for electricity exported to them.

Even more financial benefits are delivered if a household solar PV panel system includes a battery.

By charging this at the lowest-cost night rate, the average 25-year net savings

climb from €24,327 to more than €30,000.

“The Index spells out in black and white the direct savings – but solar panels can also lead to other financial benefits,” said Mr Casey.

“One clear opportunity is their ability to improve a house’s BER (building energy rating) which can unlock access to green mortgages.”

These mortgages offer lower interest rates for properties with a BER between A1 and B3.

Mortgage broker doddl.ie said that solar panels could help borrowers cut the cost of monthly repayments.

“Lenders actively encourage homeowners to make their properties more sustainable,” said its CEO, Martina Hennessy.

Niall McCabe to play Cleere’s

Niall McCabe will be performing at Cleere’s in Kilkenny on April 11.

Niall has just been booked for Cambridge Folk Festival 2024 and booking has commenced for his US tour. Niall recently performed at Americana Music Association UK in London and Celtic Connections.

Niall also recently played support slots for Mary Black in the Olympia Dublin, Castlebar and Galway, And sellout Hermitage Green shows.

With self-effacing humour and stories told of growing

up on remote Clare Island Niall McCabe possesses an effortless charm which both captivates and liberates his audience. Like the wild Atlantic landscape of his home McCabe’s songs feel timeless and natural yet bely the dense shaping of a dynamic creative force.

Deft, intricate guitar work brings a lightness to the weight of Island isolation yet the sound, soul and stories of McCabe’s life and experiences breathe a deep cultured sense of discernment through his vocals.

His natural distinct voice is earning him a growing

loyal fanbase, discovering his music as he travels extensively, with his recent album tour schedule bringing him to venture off the Island, across Ireland, UK, Europe and North America.

As well as becoming an accomplished finger-style guitar player, Niall has been lending his unique voice to Irish trad-fusion band ‘Beoga’, touring Ireland, Europe and the USA while also playing support for Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance and Johnny Swim and more recently opening for Chris Issak on his UK Tour ,

for sold out audiences atEventim Apollo London and Wolverhampton Civic Halls. Niall’s latest US tour saw him perform at The City Winery New York and several showcase gigs for the week of Americanafest in Nashville with plans for a follow up North American tour in 2024.

McCabe’s eagerly anticipated ‘Rituals’ album was released in February 2023 to critical acclaim and featured as RTE Album of the Week, while the song Rituals topped the RTE Radio airplay charts for five consecutive weeks.

6,000 engineering jobs to be created this year A total of 6,000 engineering jobs are to be created in Ireland in 2024, according to a new report by Engineers Ireland. the employers While surveyed in the report acknowledged there are skills gaps in the profession, respondents indicated there are 722 current vacancies in the engineering sector.

The report ‘Engineering 2024: A Barometer of the Profession in Ireland’ is optimistic about the prospects of the industry here,

with 71% of engineering directors and managers planning to recruit engineers in 2024, a signal of confidence of growth.

A total of 68% of engineering employers stated that their financial position improved during 2023, compared to the previous year.

The public also had a positive outlook on the sector, according to the report, with 86% believing that there are plenty of jobs in engineering, while 85% believed engineering to

be a financially rewarding career.

Flexibility with regard to remote working also appears to be growing across the industry, with 79% of engineering employers expecting a hybrid model of working, with greater ability to work from home, site and the office as required, to be the norm this year, up eight percentage points from last year.

Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: “Engineering

is not merely a career, it is a vocation that intertwines with the very fabric of our nation. It is critical to ensuring that our infrastructure, our economy, and our public services can support living standards and growth – from clean water supplies and safe buildings to renewable energy and new manufacturing technologies. Our work extends beyond blueprints and equations – it touches lives, transforms communities, and safeguards our future.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Hands up those who want to live forever...

My father was wont to say that “life is great, but the best part of life is being young”.

He hated ageing – most of us, if we’re honest, do – and, though he kept himself in good shape, by cycling, swimming and walking into his 80s, growing old was an anathema to him.

I only mention this because news reaches me that by 2031 there will be almost a million people aged 65 or over, according to a policy briefing from Social Justice Ireland.

By the same year, around 136,000 will also have aged to 85 years or older.

Researchers are warning the demographic change could put a strain on services and infrastructure. We are ill-prepared to cope with an ageing population. That this level of population ageing will be associated with higher levels of disability and longterm ill-health and now is the

time for planning and investment.

The study also found there has been a 17% reduction in the number of home help hours delivered since 2008 leaving some families struggling to cover the gaps in care for their elderly relatives.

In the countries of Asia, Africa and South America, the elderly are revered as wise and knowledgeable, and are accorded respect — most often at the top of the table of the extended family.

In the Western world, where the traditional family unit has all but disintegrated, and where family now can mean anything from an impoverished young woman struggling to bring up two children, by different fathers, on welfare, to two men adopting a baby, the extended family is becoming a memory.

For all of us this demographic transformation

carries with it huge challenges, from how to care for the elderly living alone to how to pay, in a time when pensions are being wiped out, for the unprecedented numbers of over-65s, To look after them all is a tall order and carries with it pertinent responsibility, if not moral obligation.

The sharp increase in cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s is a rude reminder of what some of us may face in our latter years.

Social attitudes and government policy will have to change. If we want our twilight years to be fulfilling there will have to be a radical rethink of social policy, particularly health and education (in terms of, for example, how to care properly for those with dementia).

Until such matters are seriously tackled, I remain seriously concerned about my encroaching twilight years.

As, indeed, should you.

Wait though, there is further news. The maximum human lifespan could far exceed previous predictions, according to work that challenges the idea that humans are approaching a hard limit on longevity. The latest research comes in response

We are illprepared to cope with an ageing population...

to a recent high-profile paper that concluded “maximum longevity has hit a ceiling of 114.9 years” – a claim that has prompted extraordinary levels of criticism from the scientific community. Now five separate research teams argue that there is no compelling evidence that we are approaching an upper limit on our mortality – or at the very least, that such a limit may be considerably higher than 115 years.

Prof. Jim Vaupel, a specialist in ageing at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany and one of the authors, says: “The evidence points towards no looming limit. At present the balance of the evidence suggests that if there is a limit it is above 120, perhaps much above – and perhaps there is not a limit at all.”

Maarten Rozing of the University of Copenhagen says there is little to suggest

the existence of a “biological clock” programmed to limit the length of life. “The idea of such a clock is highly implausible but also ageing is proving to be more amenable to change than used to be supposed.”

Jan Vijg, the geneticist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York who wrote the original paper, says he accepts “absolutely nothing” in the criticisms “It’s worse than science fiction,” he says.

It may well be science fiction to suggest that potentially, way into the future, with the advances of medicine and diet and other criteria, we could live forever.

But, even in an ideal world, would you really want to?

Surely, the fact that life is transient, that we come and we go, is intrinsic to Life itself.

Part and parcel of the miracle.

Even if my late father thought otherwise ...

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

News

Murphy: promises made to carers 'must be honoured' Promises made to carers by the Government, ahead of the Referendum on proposed amendments to our Constitution, must be honoured or seen for what they were, according to Aontú’s European Candidate for Ireland South ,Patrick Murphy who accuses the Government cynical attempts to sway an electorate

and exhausted carers who are saving the state millions.

Mr Murphy says that any attempts to wriggle out of promises would be further testament to this “Government’s bluster, blather and hollow promises”.

He told The Kilkenny Observer: “The defeat for the Government and the majority of opposition parties

who stayed schtum and played a ‘supporting role’ was resounding. The electorate didn’t buy their weasel words and they were all shown up in a very bad light.

“We said this from the outset; and our concerns, sadly , have been vindicated as we now know that the Government slyly concealed the hugely damaging po-

tential ramifications of the proposed amendments for carers .Right through the referendum campaign Aontú stated that the Care amendment was designed by the Department of Finance," he said.

"We have now learned that the Department of Finance, in a note to the Minister for Finance Michael McGrath

Home energy upgrades in Kilkenny increase 94% Home energy upgrades in Kilkenny increased by 94% in 2023, with 977 upgrades carried out, according to Green Party MEP for Ireland South Grace O’Sullivan who. Has welcomed new figures released by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) which showed a surge in energy upgrades being carried out in Kilkenny, saying that the figures prove the huge demand for climate action among the public.

Speaking following the publication of the SEAI’s Full Year Retrofit Report for 2023, O’Sullivan said: “It is hugely encouraging to see this surge of energy upgrades in Kilkenny, with a 94% increase last year over 2022 figures.

These energy upgrades are making people's homes warmer, cleaner and more efficient to run, as well as helping to tackle carbon emissions. Investing in energy efficiency is a

win-win for households and for climate.

"It’s great to see such demand and uptake of retrofits and energy efficiency schemes locally, and it’s more proof that people want to play their part in climate action," she said.

“Residential energy use is responsible for over 13% of Ireland’s emissions, and typical household emissions are way above the EU average. Helping people reduce their energy use is a key tool to reduce these emissions, and the SEAI has played a blinder as demand for schemes has surged.”

The report highlighted 977 upgrades in Kilkenny, including three Community Energy Grants, 75 Fully Funded Energy Upgrades, 346 Individual Energy Grants under the Better Energy Homes scheme, 539 Individual Energy Grants under the Solar PV scheme, and 14 upgrades through the One Stop Shops.

How generations see sustainable energy The latest EY’s Energy transition consumer insights report found that the majority of Irish consumers believe that they’ve already done everything they can, with only three in 10 feeling they can do more to be more sustainable.

After a number of years of spiking energy prices due to the conflict in Ukraine, combined with cost-of-living challenges facing many, it’s not surprising that Irish households feel that they are not in a position to do more on energy sustainability. EY research also identifies a generation gap when it comes to the sustainability

premium of energy amongst Irish consumers – with Gen Z (32%) and Millennials (20%) willing to pay a premium for sustainable energy solutions, significantly ahead of Gen X (14%) and Boomers (15%).

According to EY, fatigue is setting in just as we enter a more difficult phase of the energy transition, but unless energy providers can engage all consumers and activate a surge in consumer energy solution investment, we’ll miss our opportunity to build a more sustainable, efficient, cost-effective energy system.

There is simply no energy transition if consumers don’t lead the way.

stated 'in summary this option (strive) is intended to avoid a concrete and mandatory obligation to provide support as opposed to the previous reasonable measures language'.

"It is very clear that the government wanted a watered-down phrase in order to dodge any responsibilities to provide support. This

chimes with the advice from the Attorney General that was given to the government.

That advice also stated that there would be no certainty as to how ‘durable relationships’ would be understood by the courts and that there would be a likelihood of increased litigation on issues succession, tax, immigration and welfare.”

On your bikes for Irish Hospice

Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is calling on cyclists in Kilkenny to get involved in its 2024 Cycle Challenge – a stunning route across France, beginning in Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay and ending in Canet Plage on the Mediterranean.

The Cycle Challenge is IHF’s largest and longest standing fundraising event, running since 2009. Over the years cyclists have raised over €2.5 million for IHF’s work including Nurses for Night Care service; benefitting thousands of families with the provision of over 2,000 nights of care last year.

By joining the 2024 Cycle Challenge, participants will help IHF to continue vital work for those facing end-of-life and bereavement. This includes its Bereavement Support Line.

The cycle takes place from Sunday, June 30 to Saturday July 6, from Biarritz, on France’s Atlantic Coast to Canet Plage, on the Mediterranean. It's a five-day cycle, covering over 500km.

The route travels along the foothills of the Pyrenees, taking in the former Royal City of Pau and the UNESCO world heritage town of Carcassonne. Those looking for a greater chal-

lenge there is an opportunity to take on the fantastic Col du Tourmalet, one of the original climbs of the Tour de France.

Cyclists can join alone or with friends, family or colleagues and some may take on the challenge in memory of a loved one. They will be supported throughout the journey by the IHF and support team. Flights, accommodation and full board are included.

Helen McVeigh, Director of Fundraising at IHF, said: “By joining IHF on our cycle challenge this summer, you will be embarking on a personal chal-

lenge and you will also be supporting people across the country who are facing end of life and bereavement.

It is IHF’s vision that no one should face these difficult times without the care and support they need. This is your chance to make a difference for families across Ireland whilst making new friends in a beautiful part of the world.”

Places are limited so if you are interested in taking on a challenge of a lifetime contact Louise on 01-6793188 or email her at louise.mccarron@hospicefoundation.ie

More power for your electric vehicles ePower has completed the installation of electric vehicle chargers at EPA locations across the country, including at its headquarters in Co Wexford.

The leading Irish EV charger company will service and maintain the equipment as part of a contract with the Environmental Protection Agency which ePower secured through an open tender process.

The EPA’s purpose is to protect, improve and restore

the environment through regulation, scientific knowledge and working with others. A total of 13 ePower commercial chargers are included in the project across seven Environmental Protection Agency locations, which will service the organisation’s fleet of electric vehicles.

CEO of ePower John O’Keeffe said: “We were thrilled to get the opportunity to work with the team at the EPA. They’re an incredibly important organisation

doing great work around the country and we look forward to playing our part in making sure they can do that with a reliable network of EV chargers.”

The announcement comes following ePower’s recent opening of a base in Dublin in response to a growing demand for its services.

With Government targets of 180,000 Electric Vehicles (EVs) on our roads by 2025 and 945,000 by 2030, the company is increasingly

active in the installation of public chargers nationally.

This ties in with Ireland's aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and reach net-zero no later than 2050, within which the transport sector plays a significant role. ePower is the number one provider of domestic charging in Ireland by market share. It aims to give every driver the ability to run and charge an electric vehicle wherever they are.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Doing what comes naturally doesn’t come easy From where I sit at home watching goldfinches feeding on Niger seed and a queen bumblebee searching for the first dandelion flowers, nature restoration sounds great. The same thing goes for Eurocrats, concerned about climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainability but, like me, they are far removed from farmers’ realities of fields and food production.

The EU’s new Nature Restoration Legislation (NRL) sounds fine in theory, as Garret FitzGerald would have said, but how will it work in practice? The draft legislation to stop biodiversity loss will require that 20% of EU land and sea should be restored by 2030 and that land damaged by human intervention where, according to the EU, 80% of habitats are in poor shape, should be revived by 2050.

The law will set legally

binding restoration targets for a broad group of habitats and species to restore the EU’s ecosystems. In Ireland’s case, among other things, this means addressing the poor condition of extensive wetlands and protected habitats affected by drainage and peat extraction.

Farmers both here and throughout the EU have been up in arms and on their tractors protesting over what they see as undue bureaucratic red tape and the impact of the looming law on food production and farm income.

“It tips the balance towards nature and not towards food production,” one Kilkenny tillage farmer commented. He maintains that, while farmers are all in favour of good conditions like clean water setting aside 20% for nature will mean that land will be taken

out of production while at the same time nature will still have to be managed.” It is going to hit our pockets, but if they pay us we will do it,” he told me.

There are fears that the move will result in rising costs and lower food production at a time when our population is growing and where farmers are impacted by climate change and increases like the price of fertiliser and energy due to Russia’s war on Ukraine.

There are concerns that the consequence may be that that cheaper food will be imported from countries where standards are lower.

At present, a certain amount of farm land is protected with hedgerows, grass buffers and wild areas traditionally known as the ‘Hare’s Corner’ but the jump to a 20% protected land is a big one.

“We have had years of EU

Period Plan for a healthier period CLAIR WHITTY

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Eat a wide variety of fruit, veg, especially green leafy

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policy which has destroyed habitat and now we are required to change and it is closing the door after the horse has bolted,” said another contact who combines mixed farming with tourism. It doesn’t make sense to take good land out of production when using poor land for restoration would be a win/ win situation, he points out.

Increasing knowledge to help nature revival is on the cards and I heard how small details can make a difference. “A slight change in management can have a huge effect,” says Alan Moore, Secretary of Hedgerows Ireland. Ireland’s 700,000 kilometres of hedgerows could be big contributors to nature restoration and carbon sequestration but currently only a third are in good condition.

Recent research by Teagasc has found, though,

that when hedges are cut annually to a low level they can cause carbon emissions. Allowing hedges to grow higher and cutting them in rotation so that some are allowed to flower and fruit aids nature and carbon sequestration.

Farms incomes vary widely according to sector, size and region with dairying the most profitable.

According to Teagasc, only 42% of farms are viable, 29% are sustainable and 29% classed as vulnerable in size and region. On the plus side I wonder what kind of opportunities nature could provide?

The Greens’ Malcolm Noonan, Minster for State for Housing Local Government and Heritage is upbeat. “Large-scale restoration of nature has the potential to provide additional income streams for farmers, foresters, fishers and other

landowners. It will create jobs and stimulate downstream industries, such as eco-tourism,” says the Kilkenny Carlow TD. Tens of thousands of farmers and communities across the country are already taking part in projects to restore nature, according to Minister Noonan. While funding NRL has yet to be decided, Mr Noonan hopes the Climate and Nature Investment Fund of €14bn by 2030 could be used.

“It is my intention to work with the Minister for Finance to ensure that the Government’s €3.15bn Climate and Nature Fund, of Budget 2024, will underpin the implementation of nature restoration measure and deliver real benefits for rural economies,” the minister said.

I bet Mother Nature has her fingers crossed.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 61

''What’s the score?"

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News

SPECIAL REPORT Chambers Ireland, the voice of business in Ireland, has launched their two Manifestos for the Local and European Elections, which are taking place in June.

Chambers Ireland is calling for Local Government and MEP candidates to step up and be ambitious with their vision for the long-term growth and prosperity of Ireland.

The pace of delivery of key infrastructure projects across the country has been too sluggish over the past decade and we are now starting to see the repercussions of such inaction and slow progress, Chambers Ireland said in a statement.

Our competitiveness is being challenged by housing shortages, energy costs, skills gaps and the failure of the planning system to adequately facilitate the development of key infrastructure.

“We need MEPs and councillors with long-term views on how to maximise the opportunities on our doorstep and defend against challenges that will arise over the coming years. This requires proactive, visionary and ambitious representatives that will take accountability and ensure delivery of the infrastructure we need for the future,” the statement said.

Speaking at the launch, Chambers Ireland’s Chief Executive Ian Talbot [pictured] said: “Chambers Ireland and the Chamber network across the country are calling on candidates in the Local and EU Elections to be ambitious in their vision for Ireland. National development in housing, energy, transport, and water and grid infrastructure has been too slow and the decades of neglect has created crucial deficits that are hindering our economic development.

“Our towns and cities across the country need

Chambers Ireland launches election manifestos more support to reach their potential. Fostering thriving and vibrant communities is good for all. For residents it creates economic opportunities, enhances social cohesion, improves their quality of life and leads to a greater sense of belonging and pride of place. While for businesses, it attracts visitors and investment, and encourages innovation and growth,” he said.

“This is why we need proactive elected representatives at all levels that understand the challenges

facing Ireland and have the ambition to catalyse radical social, economic and environmental change for our future prosperity. In doing

so, they will also be helping us meet our national obligations under the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

At a Local Authority level, Chambers Ireland call on Councillor candidates to: • Foster safe, thriving and inclusive towns and cities that are attractive places for our growing population to live, work, visit and invest.

• Build more homes, and streamline and support the planning system to ensure essential infrastructure development can progress.

• Take action to maximise the opportunities associated with the green transition in relation to green energy and sustainable transport.

At an EU level, we call on MEP candidates to: • Deliver a robust EU Industrial Strategy for Renewable Energy.

• Ensure a globally competitive Europe that facilities trade across the world.

• Reduce the regulatory burden facing businesses.

• Ensure EU investment is identified and rolled out across the country for vital

regional development.

• Eradicate obstacles facing the single market and the free movement of goods, capital, people and services.

• Develop skills strategies for growth in green and digital technology sectors.

“Above all, we encourage everyone that is eligible to vote to ensure they are registered and use their voice on polling day. We would also call on businesses to support employees by making time available to them to vote,” the statement said.

An idea: only pay car insurance when you drive The majority of Irish motorists would like to have the option of paying for their car insurance only when they use their car.

Those of us over 55 are more likely to want to use payas-you-go insurance cover because we often drive less than young people.

A survey of 1,000 adults nationwide, commissioned

by Peopl.Insurance, shows strong interest in the concept of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) insurance cover – which is available in countries such as the UK and US. It typically works out cheaper for lowmileage drivers.

Six in 10 people would be in favour of a pay-as-you-go

approach to motor insurance in Ireland.

When asked whether they would like a pay-by-distance or pay-per-hour option, one in three adults said they

would definitely consider using this method of insurance. One in four said they could see the benefits of it, even if they would not use it themselves.

Paul Walsh, a spokesperson for Peopl.Insurance, said: “With the standard car insurance model available in Ireland, drivers estimate the number of miles they will drive a year when taking out or renewing their policy, and this estimated mileage is one of the things factored into the cost of their car insurance.

“However, these estimates can be wrong or too high, meaning that people may inadvertently and unnecessarily be paying too much for their car insurance as they’re essentially paying for miles they don’t drive.”

Mr Walsh said it was not surprising that the survey found strong support for the

concept of PAYG motor insurance among the over-55s.

This is because as people get older and retire, they often do less mileage in their cars so they might feel it is unfair that they have to pay the same for motor insurance as those who could be on the road seven days a week. He said it was not just the older age cohort that might benefit from a pay-as-you-go insurance system.

Mr Walsh said the average distance driven in a privately owned petrol car in Ireland was around 10,000 miles, according to figures from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

However, he said many

people were doing far less driving.

With PAYG insurance, a small tracking device is typically installed in a car to record the number of miles or hours that a driver has driven and this is then factored into a monthly premium calculation.

Drivers are charged a fixed fee to cover their car for theft or damage while it’s parked.

In the absence of a PAYG option in Ireland, Peopl is urging drivers to review the mileage on their policies.

The Peopl.Insurance spokesman said car insurers still placed a high value on insuring motorists with low mileage.

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Clogh Writers Group

In November of 2023, Clogh Writers group launched ‘Where I am’, a collection of poetry and prose from eleven different writers.

As co-ordinator of the writers group Jane Meally said: “Where I am” is a publication where each writer communicates their passion to the reader.”

Having attended the launch in Clogh, The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper was quite taken with not only the publication, but the work ethic of the writers group. Over the next 11 weeks we reproduce some of that work, and are delighted to work hand in hand with this North Kilkenny writers group.

WEEK 6: This week we feature the work of Jim Browne

Lightbeams Of The Moon

Photo by Padraig Comerford

A red moon is resting On the rim of the sky Its huge orb is burning In the blackness of night Slowly climbing Its path through the sky Changing in colour As it reaches its height Washes the earth In a mantle of light Yellows the gardens The hedgerows, the trees Silvers the rivers Silvers the streams Bathed in magic Mystery and light I see your face clearly As you gaze on the scene I will see it again Tonight in my dreams I hope in the morning’s Light of day This magical evening Shall not fade away.

Jim Browne

Mona Chroí Mona Chroí Mona Chroí Forever in my heart It’s a place that I knew well When I was just a lad It stood set far back in the fields A large house built of stone Nestled from the western wind Rimmed by tall dark trees In summer days when we were young And days seemed twice as long We’d wander off across the fields In sheer abandonment To Farrells’ house we’d mostly go And wander through its ruins A dark haired chap and a fair haired lad With nothing else to do We’d mooch about among the woods Clamber through where windows stood Looking for a pot of gold Hidden in some secret hole That place was spooky, I recall Moaning trees and cawing crows An old wine door that dragged the floor It mostly stood ajar From two stout piers an old gate hung Crafted by some artisan Its worn bars wrapped in weeds Rotted iron, broken dreams Then back through heavy fields we’d trudge Where unkempt hedges stretch and lean Slow our passage through tangled weeds Over pathways once kept neat We’d hurry to the kitchen press To satisfy our need for bread Strawberry jam piled thick and high To keep us alive till dinner time Then after dinner the call went out The voice of our father ‘It’s Rosary time, down on yer knees boys And say yer prayers’ And my mind on an old house far away.

Jim Browne

My Innisfree I like my small fields Where high hedges Stretch their leafy arms To earth Black cattle Graze in contentment Always close to shelter From sun or rain No noise here This is my Innisfree.

Jim Browne

Red Roses

They Too Are Gone

I’ll place red roses in the snow Across this bog I used to know When I was young and free Free of heart and fleet of limb Fleet of mind and free of doubt Life was something to explore And mystery lay everywhere Now I’m old And not so free My mind and limbs Play tricks on me But still this place Has magic yet Memories that I’ll not forget The roses are for the girl I’ve loved Who walked the walk with me.

Bright September morn Silver cobwebs tremor Laden with heavy dew drops Stretched between the spikes Of dark green needles On tiered furze bushes ‘Come on Kitty We’ll be late for school You can look at them this evening,’ ‘No I can’t They’ll be all gone Who makes them?’ Kitty asks.

‘The spiders,’ ‘Ah Mary-Ann You’re codding me,’ ‘No Kitty, The spiders make them.’

Jim Browne

Jim Browne

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Bare Trust: Going beyond the Small Gift Tax In this world of rising prices every option to save counts, especially when it comes to tax. Options to save tax are slowly but surely being cut off.

Recently though on the radio and TV there has been information on employers being able to give their employees up to two small benefits, tax free, each year. These benefits, available since the 2022 Budget, must not be in cash and the combined value of the two benefits cannot exceed €1,000. The reasons for the promotion is, perhaps, two-fold; some employers are not aware the option is available and the producers of the ad want you to use their service to give the employees the tax-free benefit.

This got me thinking about another little known way for people to give their children/grandchildren a financial boost without triggering a tax liability.

The facility is called the Small Gift Tax which could and will make a significant difference for families.

Picture this: You want to give your child or grandchild a financial gift to help them start their journey in life, be it for education, their first car, or simply a nest egg for the future.

With the Small Gift Tax Exemption you can gift up to €3,000 annually without worrying about tax implications. This means your gift won’t eat into their tax-free threshold for Capital Acquisition Tax purposes. You set it up for them without any tax implications.

But what if you want to go beyond the annual €3,000 limit? Then the Bare Trust comes to the rescue. This ingenious financial tool allows parents, grandparents, or other relatives to contribute up to €3,000 for each calendar year for each child in a tax-efficient manner.

Take, for instance, a situation where two parents invest €6,000 annually into a Children’s Savings Investment Trust for their child.

Not only does this avoid gift tax, but it also leaves the child’s lifetime inheritance

allowance untouched, ensuring a transfer of wealth without a tax liability.

As with any financial arrangement, understanding the ins and outs of Bare Trusts is crucial. Who manages the trust? Can

trustees be beneficiaries?

What happens when beneficiaries come of age?

These are just a few of the questions that need answering. Trustees oversee the management and control of funds until they

are released to beneficiaries at a future date. And while certain aspects, like the inability to revoke the trust once established, may seem daunting, the benefits far outweigh the limitations.

So maybe now’s the time to take action. Whether you’re a parent looking to set up a trust for your child’s future or a grandparent wanting to provide a lump-sum, exploring these tax-efficient options could pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Remember though, navigating the intricacies of wealth management requires careful consideration and expert advice.

So, why wait? Give us a call today to unlock the full potential of your assets and help secure your children’s/grandchildren’s future. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

Kilkenny family-run organisation launches inaugural charity cycle Saddle up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny set to raise vital funds for local services A local family and parentled voluntary group, Down Syndrome Kilkenny, has launched its inaugural charity cycle to raise vital funds needed to provide local services across Kilkenny.

The cycling event, Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny will be held on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, starting and concluding at Danesfort GAA Club. Registration will take place from 8 am and the first group of cyclists are expected to set off at 9 am. Down Syndrome Kilkenny calls for novice and experienced cyclists to sign up for the event. Tickets from €25 are available from Eventbrite.

There are three routes to choose from, taking cyclists on a picturesque tour of County Kilkenny. Leisure cyclists can enjoy a relaxed 45km through the villages of Kells, Bennettsbridge, Gowran and Thomastown.

Those who prefer a challenge can opt for the 65km or 105km routes that

bring participants on to Paulstown, Leighlinbridge and a return journey via Ballygorteen, returning to Danesfort GAA Club. Two pit stops are planned at Gowran Park Racecourse and Paulstown GAA Club.

Families can enjoy fun and activities throughout the day

until 3 pm.

Down Syndrome Kilkenny gives access to parents to much-needed therapy such as physiotherapy, speech and language, and occupational therapy. It organises swimming and dance classes plus midterm and summer camps.

Down Syndrome Kilkenny is a voluntary-run organisation.

It receives no government grants and relies solely on donations and fundraising efforts to continue supporting families in Kilkenny.

Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kilkenny, Fiona Heffernan explains,

“Down Syndrome Kilkenny is a parent-led local branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. We rely on local fundraising and donations to run our branch.

With donations and fundraising, we can provide access to therapies like speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy and alleviate some of the financial pressures for parents.

Fundraising allows us to run regular activities for the children. Activities with trained personnel who work with the children at their own pace, which is not always possible in mainstream activities. Our current activities include one-onone swim classes, Easter and summer camps and dance classes. Without fundraising, none of this would be possible.

We can’t do it alone. We’re hoping that cyclists and their families will come along on April 28th to support our fundraiser and get involved with the fun activities on the day I would like to

thank everyone involved in organising this event. We are humbled by the amount of people who are willing to give their time for the success of our cycling event."

Down Syndrome Kilkenny is one of 25 branches in the country under the Down Syndrome Ireland umbrella.

Entirely parent-run, it aims to raise money to support vital therapies, including educational services, social and skills development, and fostering a sense of community.

Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny is taking place on Sunday, 28th April from 8 am. Those who wish to support the event or buy a ticket to tour the beautiful Kilkenny countryside by bicycle can register via Eventbrite.

For more information visit:https://www.eventbrite. ie/e/saddle-up-for-downsyndrome-kilkenny

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News

What’s the buzz about bees?

It may hard to imagine that 100 crops provide 90% of the world’s food and 71 of these crops are pollinated by bees. Bees and other insects like moths, hoverflies, butterflies are all pollinators. In Ireland we’ve over 100 wild bees, including 1 species of honey bee, 21 bumble bee species and 80 different types of solitary bees. One third of all bee species is in risk of extinction and since 2012, monitoring has indicated a bee abundance decline of 3% annually in Ireland. Pollinators are an important element of our natural world, not only for our crops but 78% of all our wild plants benefit from insect pollination and in turn helps the establishment of more wild plants, provides more wild fruit and seed which in turn supports birds and animals. It’s easy to support our pollinators by providing them with food, shelter and safety but Kilkenny County Council is encouraging the

public to go the extra mile and engage in national monitoring schemes to collect data to build up a picture of local trends for different species.

Kilkenny County Council’s Heritage Office is running a Citizen Science “Bats, Bugs and Bee’s” programme this year, thanks to Local Biodiversity Action Fund provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

This funding along with the support of the Heritage Council has enabled Kilkenny County Council to run a series of events throughout the spring and summer to support training opportunities and workshops to shine a light on different species. The first training opportunity is in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, on Saturday, the 13th of April, with Dr Úna FitzPatrick who will run a Bumblebee identification workshop in Kilkenny City.

During the workshop you will learn about Ireland’s

bumblebees, how to identify the different species, and how to take part in the All-Ireland Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme.

Kilkenny County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Bernadette Moloney commented “I will be delighted to welcome Dr. Úna FitzPatrick to Kilkenny City, the training is only one piece of a larger programme which the National Biodiversity Data Centre provides, their website www.pollinators. ie provides brilliant information relating to how best to support our pollinators. Everyone can lend a hand, plant up gardens with pollinator friendly plants, farmers can manage their hedgerows for biodiversity and the County Council also has a role to play. Kilkenny County Council was one of the first Councils to sign up to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and implement measures across their operations to protect pollinators. The

appointment of a dedicated Biodiversity Officer can now better co-ordinate actions for pollinators both through Council operations and support communities like the crocus planting at the Kilkenny Great War Memorial in the Peace Park, spear headed by Donal Croghan, of the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee who with the assistance of Michael Street Residents and Keep Kilkenny Beautiful. This is an exemplar community project to support early emerging pollinators and it is hoped this project can be replicated elsewhere around the city next year.

Encouraging people to participate in the national bumblebee monitoring scheme locally will help to build up trends locally, to book your place at the bumble bee identification workshop on the 13th of April, email biodiversity@ kilkennycoco.ie or contact the Heritage Office at 0567794487.

Hail glorious Kilkenny!

just looked or felt that way because of the weekend that was in it. A late Gothic Revival church with a transept that was once used by nuns from an adjacent convent, it has played host to the faithful of the district since its construction in the 1890s. Paddy enlightened the walkers on the provenance of statues and sacred vessels inside. He spoke in reverential lower tones as the group beheld a familiar and muchloved milieu through the retrospective lens of history.

Further along the route through the parish, the gates of the ancient graveyard bearing the patron saint’s name swung open to the walkers. The site, with its high walls, is renowned for the quality of its stone masonry and the attractive designs on the markers.

Canice Ryan admires an old holy water font from the original St Patricks Church

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Before the band struck up in the City, and as choirs rehearsed their renditions of” Hail Glorious St. Patrick”, the dedicated Kilkenny Heritage Walkers were setting out on their by now almost traditional tour of St Patrick’s Parish, which contains a wealth of historic and architectural gems.

Guided by Paddy Neary, a man likened to the schoolmaster in Goldsmith’s Deserted Village, owing to his astounding grasp of local history and antiquities, the

walkers visited or revisited those pillars of the past that stand proudly in that part of the Old Medieval City.

They started with Butler House, the stately 18th century edifice built by Walter Butler, 16th Earl of Ormonde. The ghosts of the lords and ladies that once dwelt therein must have smiled ethereally when they heard Paddy’s nimble tribute. He eulogized that Jewel in the Crown of Kilkenny which once housed the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland.

Its present incarnation as a four-star hotel and conference centre doesn’t detract in the slightest from its former

Paddy Neary addressing the walkers in St Patricks Parish

hallowed status. The east side of the house faces into the lovely walled garden that backs onto the Castle Yard.

St Patrick’s Church had an inviting glow, or maybe it

St Patricks graveyard

Dr Úna FitzPatrick, Chief Scientific Officer with National Biodiversity Data Centre

Undaunted by a persistent light drizzle and an overcast sky the group trod upon the soft sward of the sacred burial ground, exchanging memories and anecdotes about those whose mortal remains rest beneath the soil.

Paddy expounded on the archaeological significance of the stonework, paying homage to people whose souls have long since departed this Vale of Tears.

Billy Dunne read an evocative poem at the graveside of a local patriot, which drew lively applause.

The composition honoured those who died for Ireland, as well as the men who fell in foreign fields during the Great War. One grave bears the inscription: “Erected to the memory of John Haltigan by the Nationalists of Kilkenny 94 who have known him to make a lifelong struggle for

Ireland’s freedom for which crime British law, aided by the Informer, Nagle, consigned him to a living tomb where the fiendish torture of years shattered his vigorous form but failed to subdue his noble spirit.”

Canice Ryan and Marianne Kelly shed further light on the remarkable stories of people whose life- journeys ended at St Patrick’s On a sombre note, Paddy Neary recalled that on the site of St Patrick’s cemetery once stood a church of the same name, upon which, in 1650, Cromwell positioned his cannons to attack Kilkenny Castle, of which he’d have had an excellent view from that spot.

Standing there in the cold; wet grass, with the sound of traffic wafting in from the streets, it was hard to imagine the ferocious bombardment… the terror that must have gripped the City back then.

Apart from the prominent historic building and landmarks the walk took in a range of lesser-known curios, including a beautifully preserved holy water font from the original St Patrick’s church.

This is now located in a private garden within the parish.

The walkers disbanded and went their separate ways, having agreed upon their next foray into the past.

Anyone can join the walks, which usually set off at 11 am on Saturday from the Horse Box on the Parade.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

News Science & Wellbeing There’s a lot of unspoken thinking about the world, given the ongoing climate crisis and now talk by Russia of possibly using nuclear weapons and we all end up being vapourised. It’s an unlike scenario. It’s just the way our world is right now.

But what about the end of planet Earth?

Though the Big Bang happened some 13.8 billion years ago, the Earth has been around for only some 4.5 billion years, and has been inhabited by living organism for nearly all of natural history. Humanity, however, has only come of age recently – 100,000 to 150,000 years ago – and likely won’t be around for long on cosmic timescales, as a few million years is likely the upper limit.

Nevertheless, there are many different ‘ends’ in store for our planet, in both the near and far future. Ultimately, our demise, however you define ‘our’ is assured.

Evolutionarily speaking, human beings, ie. the species homo sapiens, have been around for a cosmic blink-ofan-eye: under half a million years. Based on how evolution works, it is unlikely there will be any humans left, and possibly even any human descendants left, even just a few million years from now.

Today on Earth, ocean water only boils, typically, when lava or some other superheated material enters it. But in the far future, the Sun’s energy will be enough to do it, and on a global scale. After 1-2 billion years of further solar evolution, Earth will lose all of its liquid water to the gaseous phase, triggering a runaway greenhouse effect, and life is expected to end on our world at that time.

This cutaway showcases the various regions of the surface and interior of the Sun, including the core, which is the only location where nuclear fusion occurs. As time goes on and hydrogen is consumed,

At the end of the world, and planet Earth

the helium- containing region in the core expands and the maximum temperature increases, causing the Sun’s energy output to increase.

When both hydrogen and helium are exhausted within the fusion-rich core region, the star will die.

After approximately another five to seven billion years passes, the Sun will exhaust the hydrogen in its core. The interior will contract, heat up, and eventually helium fusion will begin. Throughout these stages, the Sun will swell, increase in brightness, va-

pourise Earth’s atmosphere, and char whatever’s left of our surface. But even when that catastrophic event occurs, Earth may not be swallowed, ensuring that it remains a planet even as it experiences a very different set of conditions from the world we know

today. As the Sun becomes a true red giant, the Earth itself may eventually be swallowed or engulfed, but it will definitely be roasted as never before during the sub-giant phase and the evolution into a red giant.

It remains to be determined

whether any of the effects of swallowing Mercury, Venus, or even possibly Earth will be noticeable by a distant alien civilisation.

Over long periods of time, gravitational interactions with both passing large masses as well as other clumps of matter like planets or planetesimals within a stellar system, can result in the disruption and even the ejection of large bodies from stellar and planetary systems, including entire planets. In approximately 1% of simulations of the next five billion years of our Solar System, 1 or more of the inner planets gets ejected due to these gravitational instabilities.

For planets that continue to orbit a stellar remnant, such as the white dwarf our Sun will become after another 7-to-10 billion years, it is likely that only a thin atmosphere, or no atmosphere at all, will remain on even massive, gas giant worlds. In addition, any object not swallowed or ejected may be torn apart into a debris disk, particularly for a fragile surviving world such as Mars.

After the Sun dies, its remnant core will contract down to become a white dwarf.

Over timescales of 100 trillion years, it will fade away, eventually becoming a black dwarf. Any surviving planets in orbit around it must survive gravitational encounters in order to remain.

If they can last long enough, eventually gravitational radiation will cause those worlds to be devoured by the stellar remnant.

Finally, it has been argued by many, for a very long time, that we are our own greatest existential threat, as we may just be another in a long line of organisms that consumes resources mindlessly until we drive ourselves to extinction.

We don’t have to rely on an out-of-this-world catastrophe, like a massive asteroid strike, to drive us to extinction.

Speaking of the benefits of being bilingual Given the recent Seachtain na Gaeilge and also talk of introducing a compulsory second language (not Irish) at primary school level, comes research showing that, even when you’re fluent in two languages, it can be a challenge to switch back and forth smoothly between them.

It’s common to mangle a split verb in Spanish, use the wrong preposition in English, or lose sight of the connection between the beginning and end of a long German sentence.

So — does mastering a second language hone our multitasking skills or merely muddle us up?

This debate has been pitting linguists and psychologists against one another since the 1920s, when many

experts thought that bilingual children were fated to suffer cognitive impairments later in life. But the science has marched on.

In the Annual Review of Linguistics, psycholinguist Mark Antoniou of Western Sydney University in Australia outlines how bilingual-

ism — as he defines it, using at least two languages in your daily life — might benefit our brains, especially as we age. He addresses how

best to teach languages to children and lays out evidence that multiple-language use on a regular basis may help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

He says: “I’m interested in the interaction between language-learning and cognition — the mental processes of the brain. The cognitive benefits of bilingualism can begin from experiences very early in childhood and can persist throughout life.

“The first main advantage involves what’s loosely referred to as executive function. This describes skills that allow you to control, direct and manage your attention, as well as your ability to plan. It also helps you ignore irrelevant information and focus on what’s important. Because a bilingual

person has mastery of two languages, and the languages are activated automatically and subconsciously, the person is constantly managing the interference of the languages so that she or he doesn’t say the wrong word in the wrong language at the wrong time,” he says.

“The brain areas responsible for that are also used when you’re trying to complete a task while there are distractions. The task could have nothing to do with language; it could be trying to listen to something in a noisy environment or doing some visual task. The muscle memory developed from using two languages also can apply to different skills.”

It seems being bilingual is a no-brainer...

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Travel & Leisure We can all be a little anxious when flying, particularly when taking off and landing or in moments of extreme turbulence. That said, I am a much more relaxed flyer than I was 20 years ago, having read a small manual on what the different noises a plane makes on its journey that are by no means cause for alarm.

Boeing, the American aerospace giant, has been synonymous with safe air travel for decades. Since the 1990s, Boeing and its European competitor Airbus have dominated the market for large passenger jets.

But this year, Boeing has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. In January, an emergency door plug blew off a Boeing 737 MAX in mid flight, triggering an investigation from US federal regulators.

More recently, we have seen a Boeing plane lose a tyre while taking off, another flight turned back as the plane was leaking fluid, an apparent engine fire, a landing gear collapse, a stuck rudder pedal, and a plane “dropping” in flight and injuring dozens of passengers.

A Boeing engineer who had raised concerns regarding quality control during the manufacturing process on the company’s 787 and 737 MAX planes – and who appears in a Netflix documentary – also died earlier this month, apparently of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As members of the travelling public, should we be concerned? Well, yes and no.

Many problems, but not all can be blamed on Boeing.

The recent parade of events has certainly been dramatic – but not all of them can be blamed on Boeing.

Five incidents occurred on Many are learning that oftentimes, the best company while gallivanting the globe is your own.

This theory is understandable; it can be exhausting to wait around for friends, family, and loved ones to agree to join you in your dream destination.

If you can’t seem to get your sought-after getaway out of the group chat and are sick to the teeth when the ultimate question is, where will you go?

While it’s true that anywhere can be experienced as a solo trip, for your first one, you’ll want to choose carefully.

Safety is subjective, and bad things can happen anywhere, but choosing a less “risky” destination, statistically speaking, is not a horrid idea. You’ll also want a destination that is equitable on a gender and inclusivity scale, especially for women and LGBTQIA+ travellers.

The answer is Slovenia.

The country is enjoyable

flight from the Bahamas to New Jersey. The pilots reported that the rudder pedals, which control the left and right movement of the aircraft in flight, were stuck in the neutral position during landing.

Several of the recent ‘Boeing incidents’ were maintenance issues not related to the manufacturers.

The exit door plug failure in January occurred on an Alaska Airlines flight. US regulators are currently investigating Boeing’s manufacturing quality assurance as a result.

The door plug was installed by a Boeing subcontractor

called Spirit AeroSystem.

The door plug bolts were not properly secured and the plug door fell off in flight. The same aircraft had a series of pressurisation alarms on two previous flights, and was scheduled for a maintenance inspection at the completion of the flight.

Spirit got its start after Boeing shut down its own manufacturing operations in Kansas and Oklahoma, and Boeing is now in the process of buying the company to improve quality oversight.

Spirit currently works with Airbus, as well, though that may change.

Read more: Why did Alaska

Airlines Flight 1282 have a sealed-off emergency exit in the first place? The answer comes down to money.

Critics – as seen on the Netflix documentary – say the culture at Boeing has changed since Airbus became a major competitor in the early 2000s. The company has been accused of shifting its focus to profit at the expense of quality engineering.

Former staff have raised concerns over tight production schedules, which increased the pressure on employees to finish the aircraft. This caused many engineers to question the process, and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fine Boeing for lapses in quality oversight after tools and debris were found on aircraft being inspected.

Several employees have testified before US Congress on the production issues regarding quality control.

Based on the congressional findings, the FAA began to inspect Boeing’s processes more closely.

Several Boeing employees noted there was a high staff turnover rate during the Covid pandemic. This is not unique to Boeing, as all manufacturing processes and airline maintenance facilities around the globe were also hit with high turnover.

As a result, there is an acute shortage of qualified maintenance engineers, as well as pilots. These shortages have created several issues with the airline industry successfully returning to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

Airlines and maintenance training centres around the globe are working hard to train replacements, but this takes time as one cannot become a qualified engineer or airline pilot overnight.

for all tourists. The European nation, which was once part of Yugoslavia, was the first one to legalise same-sex marriage in post-communist Europe. Black solo travellers

have also praised Slovenia for its inclusivity.

Solo females, generally speaking, have plenty to praise Slovenia for. Don’t assume you need to bring a romantic partner with you to enjoy the best of this fairytale-like nation has to offer. Why wait for a special someone to visit one of Slovenia’s many enchanting historic castles when you could simply just bring yourself?

Head to Predjama Castle built around a natural cave, or Otocec Castle around a river. And if castles aren’t fairytale-like enough for you, know that over 60% of the country is covered in forests.

One of the most underrated cities in Europe It’s great to be safe and inclusive statistically, but if there’s nothing to do, then, frankly, who cares? Luckily, Slovenia has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover or a city enthusiast.

We’ve established that there are castles and forests

for days, but if you’re into the hustle and bustle, the capital, Ljubljana, is one of the most underrated in Europe. You’ll soon learn dining alone is anything but awkward as you savour the local cuisine of Slovenia.

And with 21 restaurants on the Michelin Guide, you’ll certainly be eating well.

The city’s old town, which is situated next to the Ljubljana River, is the heart of the city. Enjoy its pedestrian-friendly streets, rich history, and jaw-dropping architecture.

For an easy day trip out of the city, head to one of Slovenia’s top sights: Lake Bled. Lake Bled is less than an hour’s drive from the capital and is one of the most popular day trips for tourists. And if you thought riding a gondola in Venice was the only cool, exclusive boat ride in Europe, think again. Riding a pletna boat on Lake Bled is certainly a nice way to commodify your first solo trip.

Should you be worried about flying in a Boeing?

aircraft owned and operated

by United Airlines and were related to factors outside the manufacturer’s control, like maintenance issues, potential foreign object debris, and possible human error.

A United Airlines 777 flying from San Francisco to Japan lost a tyre on takeoff, a maintenance issue not related to Boeing. The aircraft landed safely in Los Angeles.

A United Airlines flight from Sydney to Los Angeles had to return to Sydney due to a “maintenance issue” after a fluid was seen leaking from the aircraft on departure.

A United Airlines 737-

900 flying from Texas to Florida ended up with some plastic bubble wrap in the engine, causing a suspected compressor stall. This is a disruption of air flow to an operating engine, making it “backfire” and emit flames.

A United Airlines 737 Max flying from Tennessee to Texas suffered a gear collapse after a normal landing. The pilot continued to the end of the runway before exiting onto a taxiway – possibly at too high a speed – and the aircraft ended up in the grass and the left main landing gear collapsed.

The fifth event occurred on a United Airlines 737-8

Slovenia ideal for solo travel

year-round, ranked as the seventh safest country in the world according to the 2022 Global Peace Index report, and is a downright striking destination. If you’re pining

for a vacation, party-of-one, it’s time to plan a trip to Slovenia.

Aside from the general beauty that Slovenia brings, it is an inclusive destination

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Best advice you can give in exactly four words!

I sometimes read the newspaper backwards ie. from back to front! In fact I often read the newspaper from back to front. And why?

Because of sport. Sport frequently features on the back pages of many papers and typical male that I am I resort to reading the sports results first.

Yes, I realise that wars are being waged with gruesome headlines splashed all over the front pages, but I want to read the review of the ‘wars’ on the sporting field first. I want to read the review of the ‘war’ between, for instance, Kilkenny and Limerick or Man U (my team) and Liverpool. I am not particularly proud of that ‘confession’ but, damn it, a fellow can get tired of reading about front-page atrocities around the world.

One can get ‘war weary’, as they say.

Now a magazine that I

always read back to front is the Sunday Times Magazine.

I go straight to the second last page with the title A Life In The Day which profiles some celebrity or other (promoting some book, or show, or other) and what their average day is like. Nothing like mine I hasten to add.

Many of these celebs are up at the crack of dawn, gulp down an espresso, a slice of sesame toast and are in the gym by 7 am. No wonder they’re rich and famous. What’s this they say: “Early to bed, and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Except I’m not too sure about the wisdom of that. Horsing around in a gym at that ungodly hour doesn’t seem too wise to me. Especially if you’ve been imbibing with the boys the night before.

But then celebs are not inclined to frequent the local (if they have one) and are

usually in bed by 10 pm.– a time when yours truly might be going out.

Anyway, what I love about these profiles is an insert where they are asked: Advice I’d Give. Me, I am always looking for advice even though I might not take it. I’m at an age when I should be dispensing advice not receiving it – though I wouldn’t advise anyone to take advice from me.

Here’s a selection from those celebrities and The Advice They’d Give: Nancy Sinatra: Listen to your heart. Don’t let it get mixed up. It’s a jumble in your head. Orlando Bloom (actor) Be the master of your mind.

Dan Brown (author of the Da Vinci Code): Live with an open mind, and even more open heart.

Simon Callow (actor): Try to keep a nice balance between pain and pleasure

(I find that confusing).

Naomi Campbell: Only commit to things you feel passionate about. It has to

“Be kind. Be forgiving and Never, ever, give up.. .

come from within.

Eric Cantona: Receive advice like love.

Nigel Farage: Don’t worry about what society says you should do. If you’ve got a passion, follow it.

Dawn French: Every day is a clean slate. Whatever happened yesterday, you can get past it.

Joanna Lumley: It’s important to be friendly. Kindness gets the best out of everybody.

Seal (singer-songwriter): Try to enjoy every minute of your life.

Bjorn Ulvaeus (of Abba fame): Don’t be scared of getting old.

Johnny Wilkinson (rugby player): You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Benjamin Zephaniah (poet): Don’t follow the crowd.

On the topic of advice, Joe Dunne, an old neighbour and friend of mine, posted

an interesting challenge on Facebook recently which read: Best advice you can give in exactly four words.

Now giving advice is difficult enough but in four words!

Well, in fairness, a lot of people rose to the challenge.

Here’s a selection: Always follow your heart * Be kind to people * Think before you speak * Mouth shut. Ears open * Don’t believe a word * Big boys do cry * This too will pass * Turn off your phone * Know your own worth * Mind your own business * Listen. Think.

Then speak * Mother is always right Which reminds me of advice my mother often gave me: Never touch a pin that isn‘t yours and do nothing unless you do it right.

As for myself, and regardless of what I wrote above, I’ll offer this: Be kind. Be forgiving and Never, ever, give up.

St. Patrick's Day at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre

The talented team from Dancewise Academy taking the stage

Larry & Lucky with some of the juvenile camogie players from O' Loughlin Gaels GAA Club

St. Patrick’s Weekend at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre was a thrill for the whole family with the spectacular Lady Desart Choir performing

on Saturday March 16th to kick off a weekend of entertainment.

On St. Patrick’s Day Sunday March 17th, the local community turned

up in droves to enjoy pre parade performances by the River Nore Music Academy, Dancewise Academy, Alize’s School of Singing & Dragon’s Lair

Martial Arts complimented in the afternoon with some real-life snake petting with the National Reptile Zoo, festive face painting on the Mall and lots of high fives

from Larry and Lucky the Leprechauns.

The crowd departed for a short time to watch the annual St Patrick’s day Parade which started from outside the Centre and enjoyed watching over 50 entrants proudly displaying Irish Music, Culture & Creativity along our City’s streets. Included in the Parade was the O’ Loughlin Gaels GAA Club Camogie juvenile teams, proudly wearing their MacDonagh Junction sponsored club kit.

Many onlookers returned to the centre once the parade had ended, to enjoy

more activity including the Centre’s annual snake hunt, which continued over the bank holiday weekend as a fun free activity that kept the younger ones entertained.

Assistant Centre Manager Donna Byrne commented “We were thrilled to once again hold our annual pre parade entertainment, the children who performed in all of the acts were amazing, confident performers and we hope they will remember these days fondly as an important opportunity to develop skills and connections that last a lifetime.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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kilkennyobserver.ie

St. Patrick’s Day

Kilkenny Cats lead the way on St. Patrick’s Day 2024

Photo

by Liam Murphy

Photo

by Liam Murphy

St. Patrick's Day was celebrated all around the world last weekend, but there was nothing quite like celebrating it in Kilkenny in the heart of Ireland's ancient east.

With its medieval streets and a 900 year old castle, the city filled with warmth, culture, heritage and fun from March 15th to 18th. Kilkenny was entertained with one of its biggest, most animated festivals ever this year along with lively pageantry and performances throughout the city for St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny and Kilkenny Tradfest 2024.

Commenting on the

phenomenal success of the weekend, Director of Services Kilkenny County Council, Tim Butler said: "With two festivals in one city which included live music acts, the St. Patrick's Day Parade, American Marching Bands, fire shows, fireworks, circus acts, children's shows, vintage carnival, festival market, workshops and much more, Kilkenny came alive once again to celebrate the creativity and culture that this great City and County has to offer in honour of our nation's patron saint.''

Across the weekend beating through the heart of

medieval city was Kilkenny Tradfest 2024 which ran alongside St. Patrick's Festival saw sell out gigs throughout the city with headliners such as Hothouse Flowers, John Spillane, Iarla Ó Líonaird, Clare Sands, Nell Ní Chróinín, Shaskeen, the Kilfenora and Tulla Céilí Bands, and many more.

The Bulmers Music Trail offered over ninety free gigs across 37 pubs creating an electric atmosphere for visitors who came from far and wide to hop between pubs and join in with the craic agus ceol.

Kilkenny vintner Brendan

Treacy commented, "Our 11th Tradfest has been Kilkenny's biggest and best yet, with sold out shows in busy venues across the city and the ever popular Bulmers Music Trail which created a pulsing heartbeat of traditional Irish music along the medieval streets."

The lively showcase in Kilkenny offering the best culture, music, song and dance in this year's parade was enhanced by special guests that included hurling legend Richie Power as the 2024 Grand Marshal. Richie was escorted by Bóann, the Irish Wolfhound who has

also been chosen as the model for Ireland's new redesigned passport scheduled for introduction in late 2025.

To serenade our VIP stand at the parade was the ultratalented Kilkenny native and Gael Scoil Osraí student, Stevie Mulrooney who gave a stellar performance of 'Ireland's Call'.

The City also welcomed international visitors who got to experience and enjoy our cultural celebrations.

Our special visitors included Ambassador of Kuwait to Ireland, Mohammad Al-Mohammad, visiting dignitaries from Kilkenny's twin

town Formigine, in Italy and Lebanese representatives honouring our troops in the Lebanon. Also walking in the parade was the Carey Family from the US who came to Ireland to trace their roots and take part in Irish traditions.

St. Patrick's Festival Kilkenny is supported by Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland), and was produced, programmed and marketed by Kilkenny County Council, to celebrate the unique arts, Irish music, culture and creativity that thrives throughout Kilkenny City and County.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Global Report The effects of former president Donald Trump’s victory in 2024 on the world economy will be catastrophic, according to a renowned economist.

Nouriel Roubini, the economist who earned the moniker ‘Dr Doom’ for accurately predicting the US subprime lending crisis in 2008 – which lead to the global crash – discussed this forecast in an opinion piece for Market Watch.

Whether he’s denouncing cryptocurrency as a criminal operation in the aftermath of FTX or warning that markets are heading for a ‘Bermuda Triangle’ of danger, the economist has a lot of opinions, and most of them are rather gloomy, according to Business Insider.

For those who believe a #TrumpIsNotWell presidency will be good for the economy, Roubini says: “Trump policies risk higher inflation, slower growth, and lower stock and bond prices,” Donald Trump’s suggested economic plans, according to Roubini, “now pose the greatest threat to economies and markets around the world”.

While battles in Ukraine and Gaza continue and the US is embroiled in a ‘Cold Warstyle’ struggle with China, Roubini believes that these conflicts will have little influence on regional and global economies.

“We have entered a period of intensifying geopolitical rivalries and conflicts. Russia’s war on Ukraine is now in its third year, the Israel-Hamas conflict could still become a regional war, and the deepening Cold War between the United States and China may yet turn hot over Taiwan sometime this decade,” says Roubini writes.

If Trump prevails in November, Roubini continues, “The world will be even further destabilised.”

Nouriel Roubini warns Trump’s re-election would deal a blow to global growth, stoke inflation, and fuel fiscal deficits.

A combination of punitive import tariffs and more tax cuts could potentially spark an A new network of spy satellites in a classified project for an American intelligence agency is being built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to a new report.

Reuters, citing unnamed sources familiar with the classified contract, reports that the new network will involve hundreds of spy satellites.

The revelation comes as military and intelligence agencies in the US and elsewhere are increasingly reliant on SpaceX and its network of Starlink satellites. SpaceX’s dominance in the satellite internet market has given Musk enormous power in matters of war and geopolitics.

The new spy satellites are part of a $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), which manages spy satellites, Reuters reports. It remains unclear when the satellite network might be active. Neither SpaceX nor the Pentagon

A Trump win would be ‘a disaster for global economies’ Former president warns of ‘bloodbath’ • Former President Donald Trump claimed that he — not President Joe Biden — will protect Social Security and warned of a “bloodbath” if he lost in November as he campaigned for Senate candidate Bernie Moreno in Ohio.

• Trump, speaking on a wind-whipped airfield outside of Dayton Saturday, praised his chosen candidate in the race as an “America first champion” and “political outsider who has spent his entire life building up Ohio communities.”

• “He’s going to be a warrior in Washington,” Trump said, days after securing enough delegates to clinch the 2024 Republican nomination.

• Moreno faces Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan in Tuesday’s GOP primary. LaRose and Moreno have aligned themselves with the pro-Trump faction of the party, while Dolan is backed by more establishment Republicans, including Gov. Mike DeWine and former Sen. Rob Portman.

investor revolt and lead to the next financial crisis.

“The biggest geopolitical risk to growth and markets is the US election,” Roubini explains, and that, while Biden and Trump share some priorities in foreign policy. the difference between the two is on the issues of NATO, Europe and the Russia-Ukraine conflict is something to worry about.

“As the saying goes, ‘It’s the economy, stupid.’ Trump’s proposed economic-policy agenda is now the greatest threat to economies and markets around the world,” Roubini says.

Elon Musk building spy satellites for US intelligence

Roubini points to Trump’s stronger protectionist policies in terms of foreign exchange, and this could be devastating for the world. “Trump has already said he would impose a 10% tariff on all imports coming to the US (the average tariff rate is currently about 2%), and presumably even higher tariffs on imports from China.

This would spark new trade wars, not only with strategic rivals like China but also with America’s allies in Europe and Asia, such as Japan and South Korea,” he says.

In the academic field of economics, Nouriel Rou-

bini is highly esteemed. Back in 2006, the audience had laughed when he warned of an imminent housing catastrophe before the International Monetary Fund.

However, when the Great Financial Crisis came, Roubini was hailed as one of a handful of market giants who predicted the disaster while other experts dismissed any worries about the economy’s fragility.

“He sounded like a madman in 2006,” IMF economist Prakash Loungani said about him in 2007. “He was a prophet when he returned in 2007.”

commented to Reuters. The NRO didn’t comment on the specifics of SpaceX’s involvement.

“The National Reconnaissance Office is developing the most capable, diverse, and resilient space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system the world has ever seen,” an NRO spokesperson told Reuters.

SpaceX has come under growing scrutiny from Ukraine and from some members of Congress for the role its Starlink satellites have played in the Russia’s war against Ukraine. Starlink’s satellite internet terminals have been a critical part of Ukraine’s wartime infrastructure and operations. But a Musk biographer reported last year that the SpaceX and Tesla CEO, one of the richest people in the world, blocked Ukraine from using Starlink to attack Russia’s fleet in the Black Sea in 2022.

More recently, both Musk and the Kremlin denied last month that SpaceX sold Starlink internet terminals to Russia. House Democrats earlier this month asked questions about Ukraine’s allegations that Russia is using Starlink.

“Starlink is an invaluable resource for Ukrainians in their fight against Russia’s brutal and illegitimate invasion,” US Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Robert Garcia of California wrote in a letter to a top SpaceX executive. They voiced concern that “Russian forces may have illicitly obtained and used” Starlink terminals.

“It is alarming that Russia may be obtaining and using your technology to coordinate attacks against Ukrainian troops in illegally occupied regions in Eastern and Southern Ukraine,” the lawmakers wrote, “potentially in violation of U.S. sanctions and export controls”.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Castle Café

Adrian Roche, Andrew McCourt and Emmet Lanigan from The Castle Café

New café opens downstairs at The Kilkenny Design Centre

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Castle Café

Coffee and Scones

T

he Castle Café is a new café opening on the ground floor of the Kilkenny Design Centre. Situated in the heart of Kilkenny, adjacent to the iconic Kilkenny Castle, Castle Café promises to be a haven for both locals and tourists seeking handcrafted food dishes, great coffee, pastries and more.

Nestled at the forefront of the Kilkenny Design Centre on the ground floor, Castle Café offers visitors the chance to enjoy food, coffee and more in this picturesque location. With the majestic Kilkenny Castle as its neighbour, visitors can enjoy their refreshments against the backdrop of one of Ireland's most renowned

landmarks.

From freshly brewed coffee to sandwiches crafted from locally sourced ingredients, and irresistible desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth, Castle Café ensures that every visit is a memorable one. With seating for 30 people indoors and more seating outdoors at the back of the centre, it is more than just a place to dine. Castle Café serves as a vibrant gathering spot for the community in Kilkenny.

Moreover, Castle Café is committed to supporting local artisans and producers, with a retail section dedicated to showcasing locally sourced produce including preservatives, honey, chocolate, coffee, and much more.

Castle Café Manager and Kilkenny native Emmet Lanigan commented: “It’s great to open this cafe downstairs called the Castle Café so it can serve locals and tourists alike as they visit the Castle and grounds or just browse in the Kilkenny Design Centre. James Dewberry, our new chef, has made a big impact on the food offering since he joined. His scones are the most soughtafter item in the café.”

For more information, visit www. kilkennycafe.ie or follow us on social media @kilkenny_cafe

Pastries

Vegetable Pie

Local Suppliers sold in the café

James Dewberry New Chef

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Opinion

Caught in a time warp The battle of the clocks

Part two

Outside Kerwicks in Green Street awaiting the big news

A ballot paper from the 1956 referendum on Summertime in Callan

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

To end the chaos occasioned by the use of both “old time” and “new time” in Callan, the Town Development Association sent a circular to all voters in 1956, urging adoption of Summer Time. It stressed the advantages of Summer Time for parents, housewives, labourers, and even farmers.

While acknowledging the concerns of farmers, it assured them there was nothing to worry about and that they would get used to it. The circular stated: “Summer Time will be of mutual advantage to all sections of the community. It will dispense with the many complaints and embarrassing moments we experience at present”.

Phil Brennan, County Secretary of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, threw his weight behind the adoption of Summer Time in Callan. He warned that the outcome of the ballot would have far-reaching effects.

Kells, Windgap, Tullaroan, and Dunnamaggin were awaiting Callan’s verdict. If the town said YES to Summer Time, they “would follow suit without any bother”, he promised.

But Callan Co-operative and Dairy Society was ada-

mant that New Time would devastate the farming community. The Co-op’s Committee Chairman, Larry Maher, cautioned that “a great deal of business on Sunday mornings and on week days too is done with people in neighbouring parishes and the majority of these go by New Time.”

He continued: “It would not be to the advantage of this society nor to the town in general if due to a switch to New Time here, these people switched to some other creamery or store which is run by Old Time. If the farmers and the farm labourers have to change to New Time, the cows in the very hot

weather will not be easily found in the early evenings due to warble fly and other problems.

“The milk would be subjected to such a high temperature that the following morning when it arrived at the creamery, its quality would be very poor. Hence milk would have to be treated twice daily with

cooling apparatus. This would not be very economical”.

A more colourful critique of Summer Time was quoted

by Seamous O’ Brien in the Kilkenny People. The ‘Old Timer’ in question did not mince his words: “Farmers have to rise late and early, and are governed by Divine Providence. What is good enough for them is good enough for me. I am entirely opposed to putting my clock an hour fast for the summer.

“I would favour a strongly worded resolution to do away with Summer Time entirely.

Are you aware that the originator of Summer Time was a Frenchman who turned out to be a lunatic? For goodness sake, instruct the undertakers in this town to have a funeral and bury this thing called Summer Time deep down in the earth so that it will never make its appearance again”.

By contrast, a corn store manager, John Clancy, felt Callan Town Hall in its hay day

it was “ridiculous that we have to depend on farmers to make our living, but we do no business in the first hour of opening if we observe New Time, because their clocks are an hour behind “. William Egan, proprietor of the Gaiety Cinema, also believed that Callan should be freed from its “Time Warp”. A few weeks before the ballot, he announced he was changing cinema performance times from 9 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

April 28th came and the people of Callan went to the polls. Counting of votes commenced at the Parish Hall at 8 p.m. under the supervision of Garda Superintendent Egan.

Representatives from the National Farmers Association, Macra Na Feirme, Callan Co-op, and the Town Development Association were also present at the count. A huge crowd had gathered in the streets outside to hear the result.

The town held its breath as Supt. Egan prepared to announce its verdict on Summer Time: 1,195 people had voted in favour, 215 had voted against. “The ayes have it”, he confirmed. A rousing cheer went up from the YES camp, as groups of stunned farmers and No supporters shook their heads in disbelief.

More than 85% of Callan people had voted to break with tradition. In the days that followed, the Old Timers claimed it had been a hollow victory for the New Timers since most farmers had simply boycotted the referendum.

But there could be no going back for Callan. Time was marching on and would soon heal the wounds opened up by the great debate.

(More stories of those bygone times can be read in my book Callan in Words and Pictures, which is available from Amazon)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Hugh Leonard’s comedy ‘Da’

Smiling faces as groups flock to Da at Concert Hall Last Thursday, Lake Productions took to the stage of Thomastown Concert Hall with their presentation of Hugh Leonard’s comedy ‘Da’.

A full house saw groups attend from Kilkenny city, Bennettsbridge, Freshford, Thomastown , Inistioge, Coon and Ballyragget.

The Kilkenny Observer was in attendance and can confirm that a great night was had by all.

Our thanks to Kilkenny photographer Pat Shortall who was on hand to capture members of the audience.

Trinity Players member Tom Dayton will review the play in next weeks edition of The Observer.

Da runs at The Concert Hall on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 March.

Emily Kelly of Lake Productions greets Edward Hayden, Chairman of The Drama League of Ireland at The Thomastown concert hall for the production of Da

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Hugh Leonard’s comedy ‘Da’

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Why gardening could be your new thing

This article was written by Michael Doyle, student at Ormonde College of Further Education on work experience with The Kilkenny Observer After the cold and miserable Winter months, Spring is in full bloom. The days are getting longer and brighter, trees and flowers are blooming, and if you’re looking for a new hobby, or want to try something new, then

you might like to embrace the Spring elements and try some Gardening. While gardening can require time, patience, and maintenance, it can be a rewarding and uplifting experience. In fact, there are many ben-

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efits involved with growing your own garden. Having a garden can provide a quiet space for you and your family to connect with nature and the environment around you. Gardening can also boost your self-esteem,

relieve stress, and hinder dementia. So, whether you’re new to gardening or have had green fingers for some time, here’s a guide on how to grow and look after your garden, style it in your image, and the many benefits

that come with growing your own garden.

Plan the layout of your garden As the saying goes, “Proper planning prevents poor performance”, and all good gardens need a good plan as a foundation for success. Ask yourself questions such as How do you plan on constructing and designing your garden? Does it include paths or seating areas? You could ask your neighbors for their advice on what grows well and look to their garden for inspiration. It is important to consider that the direction that your garden is facing towards the sun will inform you about the positioning of your flowers. Organise a plan on what to plant and where.

Watch out for pests!

No garden is safe from pests and diseases. That’s why you need to take care of your plants by looking out for pests. While there are some garden pests that are kept in check by natural predators, you can still come across pests such as slugs, aphids, and snails in your garden.

While you can eliminate the risk of diseases by ensuring your plants are healthy and growing in good conditions, using natural deterrents, or growing pest-resistant plants are great for getting rid of and holding off pests. For snails you can place a beer trap at an edge of the garden, or place copper rings around the base of the plant.

The art of pruning Pruning is to remove specific parts of a tree or shrub, such as buds, branches, or roots.

Pruning can be of huge benefit to your garden and your produce, as it can help plants grow better and remove plant debris, leaving your plants looking great and healthy.

Research when is the best time to prune your plants or flowers, and how to cut and shape what it is you wish to prune. For general advice, shrubs like rhododendron, magnolia, and lilac should be pruned after blooming.

Get the Family Involved Another benefit of gardening is that you don’t have to grow a garden all by yourself. You can include your family in the making and maintenance of your garden. Whether the kids are curious by nature’s wonders and get the bug for gardening themselves, or your loved ones are willing to help with the handiwork, sharing the workload can be of huge benefit to yourself and others. You and your family can spend quality time together in the outdoors, make memories in the making of your garden and divide the sense of pride and joy in the culmination of your garden across the family.

Overall, gardening can be a difficult, time-consuming but rewarding and healthy practice for you and the family. After all, you only get out of something what you put into it.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Refresh your home for summer can reflect light back into your room to really make the most of those long summer evenings. Homeware retailers usually stock a selection of sizes. You might get lucky and come across the perfect vintage piece in your local charity shop once retail is open for browsing again.

While we look forward to a summer spent mostly outdoors, no doubt there will be lots of time spent at home too. Here are some quick and simple ways to lighten and brighten your home for the summer months.

House Plants Bringing some greenery into your home is a great way to add some natural colour and beauty to your living space.

Studies have shown that indoor plants can reduce stress levels and boost your mood, which makes them a perfect addition as we now spend more time at home than ever.

House plants are also known to absorb toxins and produce oxygen, making them a healthy addition to any space.

A Fresh Floor A dark fluffy carpet is so cosy in winter but can become stuffy in summer. Even if your carpet is fixed to the floor, adding a lighter rug on top will instantly transform your space from winter to summer.

A woven material in a sandy natural colour is perfect for the warmer months, or why not go bright and colourful for a really tropical feel. It might be time to get rid of that musty old carpet completely.

Flowers Don't wait for someone to send you flowers; why not treat yourself. You can go luxury from your local florist or even pick some wildflowers you might have growing in your own back garden.

Bright cushions and throws.

You might have a big dark couch and armchairs, perfect for snuggling up in front of the fire in winter, but how do you make that work for summer without investing in a whole new suite? By simply adding some brightly coloured cushions and a patterned summery throw, you can update the look of your furniture without blowing the budget.

Fresh flowers add colour and vibrancy to your home and often a summery scent. Pick out a bunch to compliment your existing interiors or to add character to a plain space.

Summer Scents Scent has the power to evoke special memories that we otherwise have forgotten, like the smell of the sea air on childhood trips to the beach or freshly cut grass during a summer hurling game. The right scented candle or diffuser can bring that unmistakable scent of summer into your home.

Change your Curtains Try swapping out your heavy winter drapes for some lighter curtains or blinds. A more

gauzy material can help promote air circulation on those warmer nights allowing you to sleep with ease. Some blinds are designed to offer privacy while also letting the light in.

Mirror the Light Not all of us have large bay windows or french doors to allow that summer sunshine to flood in. For those of us with smaller windows, a strategically placed mirror

Tropical Tableware Why not pick out some light and bright glassware to enjoy your iced drinks or chilled rosé from this summer. Colourful tumblers are perfect for drinks in the garden, but they also look great on display to add some summer colour to your kitchen.

The same goes for cups and plates. There are some great plastic options available that look stylish but with no fear of breakage.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Make a house your home

YOUR little space on earth, your little piece of heaven.

Our homes are our sanctuary, our refuge our peaceful place.

The become part of us much as we become part of them.

It’s where our futures start, our plans are made where we live and love, care and prosper. It’s a special place where we raise our family and welcome our friends. We are what make a home.

What we put into our homes is our personalities, a piece of ourselves, who we are what we dream .That is reflected in the style and design we use in our homes. We can be brazen, bold, outlandish or conservative but we will always be us.

Once we have picked our design and chosen our style we have a blank canvas to explore and we should have

fun. Remember to progress with caution, to invest wisely putting your money into good use. Spend big on items that will have a long lifetime such as furniture, bedding, floor covering, or products that can offer a return on an investment. Accessories although vital to compliment any design can be short time purchases and may be a needed change if you later decide to alter a look or colour scheme.

Don’t be too rigid in your choices and don’t copy! Have faith in your tastes, be adventurous but practical (white fabric versus chocolate or red wine). Think about need, use and when the children arrive.

Be comfortable about your surroundings so you will be comfortable in your surroundings.

Spend a lot of time deciding what to do with each room. Time spent now is money saved, there is little as annoying as spending big on something that does not work for you later. Include the outdoor areas of your home, can you bring the outdoors in or the indoors out by including a patio area or decking, a sunroom or awning?

The entrance and approach to your home is important too, a quality surface to your drive way and a colourful garden make a great first impression. Clean pathways, gutters and stone work make a huge difference to enhance any design.

All you can do and all you will do to your home is an investment in your own happiness, have fun and enjoy your home.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Professional solar energy solutions With over 25 years of experience in construction, KD Smart Energy Ltd have watched electronic systems and buildings techniques advance. Everybody has their part to play in a greener future. Solar PV has advanced the way we produce energy and customers all over Ireland are seeing the benefits of Solar PV. Solar PV is environmentally friendly, low maintenance, increases the value of your home and of course, saves you money on your energy bills. You can even sell back your unused energy! When you make the decision to install Solar PV on your home, it’s one of the very few investments that will actually provide you with a financial return. KD Smart Energy have designed a six year pay back system whereby the money you

have invested in Solar PV should be paid off by the end of the six year mark. The products themselves have a 25 year warranty with such little maintenance, meaning no extra servicing costs will arise along the way.

With a number of grants available to assist you with the upfront cost, there has never been a better time to get Solar PV. KD Smart Energy design a system that is tailor made to the specific needs of each individual client. Each domestic install is normally done in a day and after installation, the

KD Smart Energy team will show you how the system operates. They will also show you how to use a smartphone app to see how your system continues to produce energy when you are not there.

As well as solar panels, they install electric vehicle charging points to meet the current demand of the car industry. They can also upgrade and install energy efficient heating systems, with their electrical contractors specialising in smart energy solutions. KD Smart Energy’s installers have hundreds of installations completed and can assure their customers that they will be dealt with personally by their trained team and not a sales team!

Contact Keith Dungan of KD Smart Energy Ltd today on 089 401 1577.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Klump Prep: 15 mins Cook: 40 mins Serves: 6 as a side

Try this German-inspired dish, packed with potatoes, bacon, pears and kale. It’s a great way to get through leftovers – swap the bacon for ham if preferred.

Ingredients • 1kg floury potatoes (we like Desirée) • 75g butter • 150g bacon lardons (smoked or unsmoked) • 1 large onion • 2 ripe pears, cored and chopped into chunks • 400g kale (or 250g ready-sliced kale) • handful grated cheddar (optional) STEP 1 Halve the potatoes and cook them in boiling lightly salted water until tender, then drain and leave until cool enough to touch. Meanwhile, melt 15g of the butter in a saucepan.

Add the bacon and sizzle until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon, then add the onion and pears. Cook until pale golden, then tip the bacon back into the

saucepan.

STEP 2 Remove the kale leaves from their coarse ribs and blanch the leaves for 2 mins in boiling water. Drain and rinse in cold water. Chop the leaves and add to the bacon and onions.

Chicken alfredo Prep: 5 mins Cook: 20 mins Serves: 3-4

they are golden brown and cooked through. Set aside to cool a little, then use two forks to shred.

Our easy chicken alfredo pasta recipe is rich, creamy and the perfect antidote to hunger pangs. You’re just two steps away from cheesy pasta perfection.

STEP 2 Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and add the pasta, cook for 1 minute less that package instructions. Whilst the pasta is cooking, add the butter to the frying pan over a medium heat, scraping the bottom a little to get any of the browned bits. Tip in the cream along with the nutmeg and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken back to the pan.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut in half • 300g fettuccine, or tagliatelle • 1 tbsp butter • 200ml double cream • ½ a nutmeg, grated • 100g parmesan • parsley, chopped, to serve Method STEP 1 Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium high heat. Add the chicken thighs and fry for around 10 mins, turning half way, until

STEP 3 Once the pasta is cooked, use tongs to transfer the pasta straight from the water into the frying pan with the cream mixture. Sprinkle most of the parmesan over and use the tongs to toss it all together, adding a splash of the pasta water if it looks a little stiff. Season well, then tip into bowls.

Top with the remaining parmesan, a scattering of parsley, and black pepper.

Pour in 2 tbsp water and some pepper, cover the pan and cook for about 15 mins, making sure the pan doesn’t become dry. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

STEP 3 Peel the potatoes and put them

back in the pan in which they were cooked. Add the remaining butter and seasoning, then mash together.

STEP 4 If the bacon mixture is too ‘wet’, then remove the lid, turn up the heat and boil off the excess moisture. Put the

kale and bacon mixture into a gratin dish and spread the mash on top.

Sprinkle over the cheese, if using, then bake in the oven for about 20 mins, or until the top is golden – you can crisp it up under the grill for 5 mins if you need to. Leave to rest for a few minutes before serving.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Dublin Murders is great and for fans of True Detective There are the kind of series and miniseries that drive you to the dark world of crime, showcasing the complexities of human beings.

To be included in this standout list is Sarah Phelps’ show Dublin Murders an eight-part miniseries adapted from Tana French’s ‘Dublin Murder Squad’ book series, originally created for the BBC and RTÉ.

Much like Phelps’ other works, including Agatha Christie’s screen adaptations , EastEnders, and her miniseries covering one of the UK’s biggest scandals, A Very British Scandal , Dublin Murders is a sprawling showcase of television drama storytelling. It is a miniseries reminiscent of the four-season anthology series True Detective , offering a similar disturbing realism with elements of surprise that immerse you in the dark world of crime and how it affects those involved.

In the Dublin Murder Squad, Garda detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox investigate murder cases that tap into Ireland’s past and also touch on their own personal lives.

Rob Reilly, played by Killian Scott (Secret Invasion), and Cassie Maddox, portrayed by Sarah Greene (Bad Sisters, Normal People) are partner detectives in Ireland’s capital city who are assigned to lead an investigation into the murder of a teenage girl in a rural town outside of Dublin. The young girl’s body is found in the middle of the woods and this area of land has a personal and traumatic con-

nection to Detective Reilly.

When Reilly was a child, then called Adam, he went into the woods with his two best friends, but was the only one who returned. 21 years on and neither of the two children has been seen since nor does anyone know what happened to them — and this all took place in the very town in which they are investigating the murder of a young girl.

Facing torment from his Dublin neighbours for their disappearance, Reilly’s mother decided to take him to a boarding school in England where he grew up. He returned to Ireland as an adult with a changed identity. In Dublin Murders, Reilly seeks answers to what happened on that fateful day 21 years earlier when his two friends disappeared.

Police investigations had concluded that the two were murdered but failed to secure convictions.

This new case provides him with a window into finding out the truth, and despite Maddox’s insistence that they pass on the case, Reilly is adamant that they take it up. Maddox is also struggling with finding her own answers. She craves to know why she survived an accident unscratched while both her parents died on the spot. Deciding to take on the case provides the muchneeded window for the two to feed on their intrigues.

The two ambitious cops have murky pasts but have both been extremely lucky, surviving tragedies that claimed the lives of those closest to them. Whether being alive is truly lucky, as

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Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

streaming right now on Amazon Prime 1. Nope

This thriller from July 2022 comes from director Jordan Peele follows a family of horse ranchers who provide animals for Hollywood productions.

When things start falling from the sky and people go missing, OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and his sister Em (Keke Palmer) hatch a plan to film the terrifying phenomenon and strike it rich.

2. Smile

After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality. it is often conventionally considered, or not, forms the basis of the miniseries.

The show, much like True Detective’s Season 1, begins after the central investigation has taken place, with Reilly tearfully asking Cassie, “What if the killed are the lucky ones? The chosen? And the rest of us aren’t lucky at all?” And that, in part, is the driving force of the tone of the serial.

It is a sophisticated miniseries that makes you think beyond the surface. We get to learn about the two detectives as souls seeking answers to why they survived tragic events, and how these incidents propelled them to take up their current occupations and standpoints in life.

From the outset, Dublin Murders shows the two sides of contrasting individuals who are awed and yet determined. Reilly is a shell of a person, haunted by his childhood past that he seeks answers to, while Maddox is a stone, showing little if any, feelings.

The first scene we see in the miniseries is a contrast of how their two similar but different pasts have shaped them throughout the series.

Reilly grows from a stonecold, non-feeling person to one who is expressly emotional while every emotional hurdle that Maddox experiences seems to make her even more economical with expressing her feelings.

As we get to know the characters, we understand why Reilly uttered those words, and why Maddox remains expressionless in most parts of the series.

Both Scott and Green’s performances in Dublin Murders are impeccable.

They own the screen together, like the similar bizarre stories their lives carry. They share deep secrets, yet they also harbour complications that come with their traumas. Despite showing romantic affection for each other, neither is willing to be vulnerable enough to share their feelings. They are both afraid to commit and, as a result, they feel like ideal for each other.

But as their character arcs grow, their vulnerability is brought to the surface.

The two balance these contrasting emotions with so much Wnesse. With rich background information for viewers about their characters, Dublin Murders provides Scott and Greene the opportunity to exhibit their acting talents. But it isn’t just the two leads whose storylines are great, even the most mundane of characters are presented with so much breadth that you feel them alive in the miniseries.

Just like True Detective,Dublin Murders takes a surprising turn toward the fantasy world in its final act. After feeding us with complex murder cases where characters disappear into thin air and forensic investigations that sometimes lead to dead ends, with strange findings like blood found on victims that don’t match the victims nor the suspects, and victims with burnt eyes and severed tongues, Dublin Murders and True Detective decide to go for the jugular in their latest screen outings.

3. Horror In The High Desert

In July 2017, an experienced outdoor enthusiast vanished in Northern Nevada while on an outdoor excursion. After an extensive search, he was never located. On the threeyear anniversary of his disappearance, friends and loved ones recall the events leading up to his vanishing, and for the first time, speak about the horrifying conclusion of his fate.

4. The Black Phone

Finney Blake, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims.

And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to Finney.

5. Train To Busan

Martial law is declared when a mysterious viral outbreak pushes Korea into a state of emergency.

Those on an express train to Busan, a city that has successfully fended off the viral outbreak, must fight for their own survival...

This highly entertaining zombie adventure features Gong Yoo as a father trying to connect with his estranged daughter. He later appeared in the breakthrough Netflix series Squid Game.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Kilkenny Hockey Club

As the season will begin to wind down over the next month or so, Kilkenny Hockey Club has been a hive of activity throughout a busy season.

The Club has 15 teams competing in The Leinster

BY PAUL BOLGER

Nano Physiotherapy WWW.NANOPHYSIO.IE

Here are two different approaches to life – which one do you think is more likely to lead to healthy habits and fulfilment?

1.

• I strive for perfection.

• I am very strict with myself.

I'm not satisfied unless my highest expectations are met.

• Failure is unacceptable.

2.

• I accept that I am an imperfect person – like everybody else.

• I treat myself with kindness and respect; the way you might treat a dear friend.

• Failures are expected and I do not take them personally.

League between The Men and Ladies Team’s, and this season The Ladies 1st Team made history by competing in the EYHL Hockey League for the very first time and they were playing against the elite of Irish Hockey.

The Kilkenny Ladies began their EYHL adventure away to Cork Harlquins in Cork in January, before playing their first home game on the February Bank Holiday weekend as host to Belfast Harlequins in Kilkenny College.

They got their first win in The EYHL League two weeks later as they defeated Greenmills 2-0.

The Ladies 1st Team also compete in Division 1 of The Leinster League, while their 2nds Team compete in

Division 10 of The Leinster League.

Meanwhile for the first time this season, Kilkenny Ladies have a 3rd Team competing in The Leinster League in Division 11.

The Kilkenny Mens 1sts Team compete in Division 1A of The Leinster League, while their 2nds Team are in Division 3.

The Mens 1sts Team qualified for The Semi-Final of The Irish Hockey Trophy following an emphatic 5-0 trouncing of Bray, but unfortunately they lost 5-1 to Kilkeel in The Semi-Final.

A highlight also for The Mens was their 2nds winning 5-0 against Naas in February with George Smyth scoring all five goals.

Also, their were International call-ups recently for some of The Kilkenny Ladies.

Clair Phelan has made the Irish ladies Over 35 training squad for the upcoming four

Seeking motivation?

Be kind to yourself Self-compassion helps us to form healthy habits

Some of you might be surprised to find out that the second example tends to lead to greater success. While self-interest and ambitious striving may bring short-term gains, research shows us that self-compassion is powerful in helping us to maintain healthy habits and feel fulfilled more often.

Cultivate Compassion To have self-compassion is to treat ourselves the way we treat a respected friend – with kindness, respect, honesty and encouragement.

Self-criticism is linked to higher levels of depression, while self-compassion is

linked to greater wellbeing, motivation and healthier outcomes.

If you, like many others, tend often to be critical of yourself, you can increase your ability to be compassionate towards

yourself – like anything in life, attention and consistent effort makes a real difference.

Try This • Recall a recent setback (no matter how large or small); what emotions do you notice?

Feel this in your body. What words and tone did you use to talk to yourself? How did you respond to this (did it motivate you or bring you down)?

• Now think of someone you respect – if the same

thing happened to them, how would you respond?

What would you say to them and how would you say it?

How would you like them to perceive the setback?

A person with deep self-compassion will treat

nations, while Jess Cary has been selected for the Irish Masters Indoor Team.

Also, Niamh Spratt O’Shea and Linda Caulfield have been selected on the Irish Over 45s team.

It's a magnificent acheivement for all of them to be selected at Intrnational level, and it highlights the terrific talent involved within the Club.

The Ladies Team train in Kilkenny College on Tuesdays and Thursday nights at 7.30pm, while the Mens Team also train on Tuesdays and Thursday Nights at 7.30pm in The Loreto.

Also, there is a very busy and thriving Junior section for Boys and Girls from 4-16 years old.

For information check out The Kilkenny Hockey Club website on https://kilkennyhc.com/ for further details as to how to get involved and also for upcoming events.

Finally, their is an End of Year Social Night on Saturday 20th of April in Langtons. All are welcome and a great night is guaranteed! themselves no differently to how they treat a loved one that they respect. This doesn’t mean that they would “let themselves off the hook” - it does not mean that they accept potentially harmful behaviour towards themselves or others. It does not mean lying back and accepting a situation without doing something about it.

It does mean, however, that we respond to ourselves, our actions, our behaviours, with kindness and compassion.

Setbacks, instead of stopping us in our tracks, are inevitable twists and turns in our journey. Feelings of low motivation aren’t a sign that we are failures – they are normal fluctuations in our mood, energy and confidence. Taking a rest isn’t a sign that we are weak or lack anything as people – perhaps some recuperation and support is required before we get back on our way again.

Start Today Now that you know all of this, try the above practice. There is so much more information and fantastic resources available (including guided practices) at www.selfcompassion.org.

If you struggle with severe self-criticism that has an impact on your life and wellbeing, then you could benefit from telling your GP or a psychologically informed therapist, such as a registered psychologist.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news The five Clara lads who won All Ireland medals with St. Kieran’s College on Saturday last. Harry Boyle, David Barcoe, Rory Glynn, Cian Kelly and Sean Carrigan.

CLARA COLLEGE TRIUMPH St Kieran’s College had a nail biting win in Croke Park on Saturday following a pulsating extra time victory over St. Raphael’s Loughrea. They were overwhelming favourites entering the contest but Raphael’s hadn’t read the script and gave as good as they got until the extra time when the greater strength in depth possessed by the “College” began to tell. A few tactical substitutions reaped rewards for the Kilkenny side and they pulled away to win 0-26 to 1-19. Rory Glynn picked up the Man of the Match award for the second year running, scoring four points and he was joined in the winners’ enclosure by his Clara teammates Cian Kelly, Sean Carrigan, Harry Boyle and David Barcoe. Congratulations to all the lads!

The five Clara lads who won All Irelands with St. Kieran’s on Saturday in Croke Park. Harry Boyle, David Barcoe, Rory Glynn, Cian Kelly and Sean Carrigan.

KILKENNY WIN Kilkenny ground out a three point win over Waterford on Saturday under horrendous conditions in Walsh Park. Well done to backroom members John Murphy and Conor Phelan.

CLUB LOTTO Lotto results for 12th March. Numbers drawn - 4, 14, 20. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Liam Nolan, Helena Brennan, Brian Kennedy, David Mulrooney, Clodagh and Conor Nolan. Thanks for your support.

O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS WONDERFUL NIGHT OF CELEBRATION A fantastic night was enjoyed by all present as the O’Loughlin’s club celebrated its successes of 2023. Over 400 attendees saw the senior hurlers receive their County and Leinster medals while the Intermediate Camogie team and the Under 19 hurlers received their League medals.

The presentations were made by Chairperson of Kilkenny Camogie Theresa Aylward, Kilkenny County Board Chairman PJ Kenny and Leinster Council Chairman Derek Kent. In their speeches all three paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the players and recognised their achievements. Club chairman Johnny Holohan praised all involved and spoke of the wonderful example and influence the players have on juvenile members.

Brian Hogan gave an inspirational speech. Great credit is due to his management and back room team, Nigel Skehan, Alan O’Brien, Alan Geoghegan (Selectors), Mickey Comerford and Nyah Egan (S and C) Miney Dunne physio and Sarah Burke (Stats and Analysis).

On the night presentations were also made to the ladies who had provided food to the senior team after training sessions , Margaret Hanlon, Mary Deegan, Ann Loy, Eileen Cleere and Ruth O’Brien.

A presentation was also made to Ruth Comerford for her work organising facilities for the team and also organising the post game functions and in particular the fantastic medal presentation.

After the meal served by Langtons all enjoyed the live music provided by Uptown Band followed by a disco as they danced the night away.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated March 12th. Numbers drawn 17, 21, 23, 25 Bonus 28. Play

now at www.oloughlingaela.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Emer Cody c/o Online. 2. Ann Doran c/o Ml Doran. 3. Fan Larkin c/o Ml Nolan.

4. Damien O’Connell. 5. Noel and Martina c/o Noel Tyrrell. 6.

Neil Loy 7. Mark Ryan C/o Neil Loy. 8. John Claffey c/o Online . 9. Lizzie Kavanagh c/o Online 10. Alan Rhatigan c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support FRESHFORD DARTS CHAMPS Freshford and District Darts Leagues are now at the final stages. The B final took place in the Valley Inn on Friday night last and saw Farrells take on Seanies of Tullaroan. The game was tied at 4-4 but Farrells side came out winners. The A final will see Valley take on Farrell’s in Mackey’s on Friday night next 22nd March. The semi-final of the John McGrath cup saw Valley Inn A beat Kavanaghs A2 on a 3-0 score, they will take on Farrells A in McGraths at a date to be arranged.

NEW BABIES Congratulations to Tommy Kennedy and his wife Aine of The Square, Freshford on the birth of their baby boy last week, a brother for Jack and Martin.

Congratulations also to Majella Colclough and her partner John on their birth of their baby girl recently.

NEW BEAUTY SALON Best wishes go out to Sinead Barcoe, The Mills who has opened a new beauty salon in the village this week. Sinead opened her doors at Church Street on Tuesday 12th March and has a list of treatments on offer including manicure, pedicure, facials etc. You can view online or ring for booking on 0851371991. She is wished all the very best in her new venture.

DEATH The death took place last week of John Keoghan late of Threecastles. Although he had been unwell recently nevertheless his passing caused widespread sadness and regret.

He was widely known and respected in the locality especially amongst the farming community. His funeral mass took place on Wednesday of last week in Tulla Church followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Kay, sons Paul and Mark, daughters Liz and Jane, grandchildren, brother, sisters, daughters in law, son in law, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

DOWN UNDER To local lads left last week for Australia. Paul White and Jordan Burke both ardent members of St.Lachtains hurling team have headed off to Sydney, Australia. They are wished all the very best in their travels. Family and friends and team mates gathered in Kavanaghs Bar to give them a good send off.

DEER Mindful of the ongoing problem on the R693 Johnstown Road Cllr Michael McCrthy has welcomed the changes to the Deer open season. These changes will allow for the continuation of the Hunting of female and antlerless deer until 31st March 2024 and males until 30th April 2024Cllr McCarthy said.

SIGNAGE Cllr Michael McCarthy welcomed the new signage that has been erected in the Freshford area and the additional signs that will be erected in the coming weeks. This will be of great benefit to the local community and great credit is due to the

Area Engineer and his staff.

FUNDING SUCCESS Cllr. Michael McCarthy is further pleased to see the inclusion of the L1000-23 Clintstown Road bridge, Freshford €30,000 Under 2024 Bridge Rehabilitation Works on Regional and Local Roads.

SOCCER Freshford Town U12 Boys had a good win over Clover Utd at the weekend coming out winners on a 5-3 scoreline. The goals came from Max O Neill (2) Luke Dermody, Tom Dalton and Bill Looby. This was a big win for the boys who have one game left to play and if they can win they will claim the league.

The U 14 boys beat Thomastown on Monday last in their home league tie on a 5-2 scoreline.

The U13 boys had a 2-1 win over Lions of Durrow recently with goals from Jamie Kavanagh and Max O’Neill.

Well done to The U13 girls who had a brilliant win over Clover Utd recently with Charlotte Hussey scoring four goals Olivia Marnell scoring twice and Maddison getting the other one.

GAA St Lachtains U14 footballers took on the Fenians/St Patricks in Ballyragget on Sunday morning last in the Roinn B league playoff game and came out on top to win on a scoreline of 6-2 to 1-2 and it’s onto the League semi final for them now.

They will take on Piltown on Sunday morning next in Piltown at 10.30am in the first round of the Roinn B Championship.

Well done to Local lad Cathal Hickey who played on the St.Kierans senior hurling side who beat St.Raphael’s Loughrea after extra time on Saturday last at Croke Park in the All Ireland Senior colleges final. Cathal had a great game at wing back playing a vital part in the victory and even getting himself on the score board.

EASTER CAMP There will be an Easter camp for boys and girls aged 6 to 13 in Pair Lachtains from Monday 25th March to Thursday 28th March. To register and for more information please contact Michael Farrell, Imelda Kennedy or Kevin Dalton.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Cafés held a very successful table quiz recently in McGraths Pub with a great turnout on the night. The winning team was Eamon McArdle and family with Marie Kennedys team taking runners up spot and Stephen Farrells team finishing third. The winners of the raffle on the night were : 1st prize –hamper – Ann Mackin, 2nd – Hamper – Annmarie Butler 3rd – Hamper – John Darcy, 4th – Hamper –Nigel Crosby – 5th Hamper – Ava Dooley. They also have two beautiful Easter Hampers up for grabs with tickets on sale in the Loop Café and draw will take place on Easter Saturday.

Please support.

The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and your continued support would be greatly appreciated. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café. They are also looking for volunteers to help out so if you can give a little bit of your time please do so.

BRIDGE Freshford bridge club continues each Monday evening at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Threecastles. New members are very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610.

COMMUNITY ALERT You are reminded again that the Freshford Community alert annual fee is now due and you are asked to please pay same as soon as possible as they will be removing unpaid members. Envelopes are available from any Community members and new members are very welcome to join up.

PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed.

For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for con-

fidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB CROKE CUP FINAL Congratulations to St. Kierans College and the “magnificent seven” James Stephens players who contributed positively to the school’s thrilling All-Ireland College’s title victory over a gallant St. Raphael’s College, Loughrea, on Saturday last in Croke Park. The starting lineup included Stephen Manogue who marshalled the goal line impressively and making a vital match saving stop in the 2nd half to divert a St. Raphael’s goal bound strike around the post, Sean Bergin at corner back was in the thick of the action from the start landing a long range point early in the game and within minutes the hard grafting midfielder Ed Lauhoff repeated the act with an impressive strike of his own. Full forward Ed McDermott was the target man up front and settled “The College” with an early point but was forced to retire injured midway through the 2nd half. As the relentless pace began to take its toll the ever reliable Oisin Bateman was introduced to help counter a period of St. Raphael’s dominance late in the game. In truth both schools could have sealed the title in normal time but for some errant shooting in the windy conditions but it was not to be as the game ended level at 0-18 to 1-15.

In extra time the strength of the St. Kieran’s bench came to the fore and with the introduction of fresh legs in the form of the James Stephens players Bill McDermott and Sean Deely the famous school’s hurling nursery powered to an historic 25th title at 0-26 to 1-18. Continuing The Village connection, corner forward Aaron McEvoy (Graigue Ballycallan) is the son of the club’s All-Ireland medal winner and GAA All-Star forward Brian McEvoy. Interestingly, the last time the club supplied seven players to a St. Kieran’s All-Ireland Colleges winning team was in 1992. A great day for both “The College” and the James Stephens club.

SUPERMAN JOE Congratulations yet again to 3 times All-Ireland senior hurling medal winner Joe Hennessy who with his partner, St. Martins clubman Johnny Brennan (Mothel Handball club), won the 2024 Ruby Masters All-Ireland Doubles Handball title on Saturday last in the new Croke Park Handball arena. En route to the final the super fit veteran sportsmen accounted for the Co. Antrim champions in the semi-final before giving a powerful display of combination play to inflict a comprehensive 21-13, 21-11 defeat on the Limerick partnership in the final. Incredibly this was the former GAA All-Star’s 11th All-Ireland handball title following on from a multi award winning hurling career in the James Stephens and Kilkenny colours.

NATIONAL LEAGUE Congratulations to club man Cian Kenny on an outstanding performance for Kilkenny in their hard won 0-18 to 2-09 league encounter with Waterford on Saturday in Walsh Park.

Played on a rain sodden surface Cian revelled in the mucky conditions disrupting many Deise attacks and distributing the sliotar to the eager Kilkenny forward line. The victory has earned Kilkenny a league semi-final place against Limerick in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday next.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE FINAL Supporters should note that the 2024 senior football league final against Thomastown will be played on Friday 29th March. After completing an unbeaten run through the league program, the Richie Manogue management team and the playing panel are anxious to end a 23 year barren spell since the club claimed its last senior football league title in 2001.

For the playing panel who have put in a serious effort in training over the last two months the management team would appreciate all the encouragement we can muster in support of the team on the day.

BONUS BALL The winners of the March Bonus Ball draw were Joe Murray and Richie Manogue who each can look forward to receiving a cheque for €500 in the next few days. Their lucky number was 15. Once again thanks to all who continue to support the monthly fundraising draw. The next draw will be on the 20th. April.

KILKENNY VOLUNTEERING Kristina from Kilkenny Volunteering is anxious to seek volunteers for some local good causes /charities. For instance, the ‘Darkness Into Light’ Committee are looking for enthusiastic new members for their committee in preparation for their charity night time run on Saturday,11th May. The Good Shepherd Centre is looking for volunteers to help with street collections and fundraising events. The Kilkenny Heritage Office will be hosting a free Bumble Bee identification workshop on 13th April between 10am and 1pm. For anyone interested in any of the above contact Kristina at 089 2584946 LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 10 :12 ; 13 ; 22. There was no winner. The €40 consolation winners were Jim Dollard, Alan O’Brien, Martin Phelan, Trish Fox, and Elaine Lynch.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH GRAIG NOTES If you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@ outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Community & GAA Notes Winners for the Draw on March 14th 2024 were First Prize €515 Paddy Clifford, 2nd Prize €50 Three Sisters, 3rd Prize, €25 Martin Hartley,and the following people won €25 each Rosie Moylan, Angela Nolan, Jane McNamera, Terry and Breda Whelan. Draw takes place in the Abbey Center at 4pm on Thursdays.

RAMBLING HOUSE The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district’s also join in at 7.00 pm. The next Session is on Friday April 12th.

WEEKLY CLINIC Clr Peter Chap Cleer will hold his weekly clinic at his office at Main St, Graiguenamanagh at 7pm on Mondays.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN GOODLY BARROW WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Our local gem, the Goodly Barrow, won best innovator and best casual dining awards for the year in county Carlow in the Irish Restaurant Awards Leinster Regional Final 2024 on the 13th March.

COMMUNITY EVENING IN GORESBRIDGE There was a great turnout at the recent evening to review the Goresbridge communityled village vision report developed through Town Ecologies community engagement.

The next step is to explore the feasibility of establishing a town team. Input and ideas are welcome.

TAR ISTEACH The shop is openly daily Monday to Saturday in the mornings. Funds go towards local development. Good quality clothes and bric-a-brac are accepted. Congratulations to Tar Isteach for best shop window display on St Patrick’s Day. CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Willie and Jackie Mullins and all the team at Closutton following recent wins including at Cheltenham.

BARROW RANGERS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB For the weekly Lotto online tickets are available at www.lottoraiser.ie/BarrowRangers The Barrow Rangers Camogie Easter Fundraiser 2024 has kicked off and may be accessed online at gofundme.com The Camogie Association’s Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Coaching Course schedule for 2024 is now available to view. See learning.gaa.ie/ICGG PAULSTOWN BOXING CLUB The club came away with two new Leinster Champions and three silver winners over the weekend. The club won best float in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Goresbridge.

BRIDGE UNITED The Easter Soccer Camp will run from Tuesday, 26th March to Thursday, 28th March from 10am-13.00. €40 to enter. Text or call Conor English at 085 1321589.

ROAD RUN FOR DANNY Car, tractor run, vintage, bike, motorbike and truck run in aid of Danny’s MS treatment Fund on Sunday 14th April from 10.30am-12.30pm with registration in the GAA Barrow Rangers Club, Paulstown. Some refreshments and raffle after the run back in the community hall.

DANCE FIT Is running every Tuesday at 8.30pm in Paulstown Community Hall. Contact Stephanie Lennon on ‘Dance Fit’ on Facebook or instragram where you can sign up via Google forms link.

Cost is €8 per class.

CHURCH SERVICES Saturday 23rd / Sunday 24th March: Masses in Goresbridge at 19.30, 10.00 and in Paulstown at 11.30am. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and in Goresbridge on Wednesday.

Church of Ireland services for the fourth Sunday of the month on 24th March: St Lazerian’s Cathedral, Old Leighlin, Eucharist at 10am; Grange Sylvae Church (COI), Goresbridge, Eucharist at 11.30am.

CHOIR

Tom Healy

Goresbridge Parade

Tar Isteach shop front winner

The Paulstown Boxing Club won first place in the floats competition of the parade

Have you a talent for singing for playing a musical instrument? New adult and children members welcome to the Paulstown church choir. Contact the parochial office (059 9775180). Would you like to volunteer with Foróige to support young people in Paulstown For more information contact Aidan Gleeson (aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie) CUPLA FOCAL Weekly Friday chatting in Irish over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow this Friday 22nd March at 11am. Whether it is a few words or many, it doesn’t matter. Contact Ann on 085 7529485 for further information. Fáilte roimh chách.

BENNETTSBRIDGE ST PATRICK’S DAY IN THE ‘BRIDGE The Feast Day of our patron saint was well observed in Bennettsbridge. Mass was celebrated by Canon Pat Duggan. The parish choir sang the ageold hymns, including, Hail Glorious St Patrick and a selection of Sean O’Riada pieces. Soloist Deirdre O’Brien was in great voice.

After mass it was time to go next door to the Community Centre for the Annual Display of Irish Dancing. Stella Carrol Dancing School pulled out all the stops and the large atten-

dance was treated to some of the best entertainment from the children and young adults. Tom Shanahan was in his usual role as MC ensuring that all the acts ran smoothly.

The Kathleen Conway Memorial Trophy was presented by Elizabeth Griffiths (Kathleen’s niece) to the dual winners, Leah Smith and Chloe Finnegan.

Joan Cleere thanked all concerned with getting the show together. She thanked Stella and her team, Tom Shanahan, MC, Mandy Simpson, ticket seller, sponsors of the raffle and members of the Bennettsbridge Ladies Club.

CHURCH NEWS TROCAIRE Christine O’Neill played a dual role on Sunday. Having accompanied the parish choir on the organ she then went on to give some information about the work of Trocaire. As a member of the parish council, Christine was asked by the Diocese of Ossory to remind everyone of Trócaire’s Lenten Appeal for 2024.

“Firstly, the diocese would like to thank you for the support you give to Trócaire each year.

Your donations help Trócaire reach thousands of vulnerable families in at-risk communities all over the world.

Your support is critical and it allows Trócaire to continue to work with those experiencing crises and injustices in our world, now more than ever with the ongoing conflict in both Ukraine and Gaza and drastic effects of climate change on those already struggling to survive. So, it is fitting that the Lenten campaign this year takes inspiration from the prophet Amos who says: “Let justice flow like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24).

On this year’s Trócaire box we meet Malita and her 12-yearold twins Patricia and Patrick from the Machinga district in Malawi. Trócaire, with your support, has been working with partners in Malawi for the last forty-eight years. Malita is the single mother of six children and her family’s story is unfortunately one that is typical in Malawi as they struggle every day with no direct access to clean water for the household. The effects of climate change have worsened this struggle, and their situation is even more precarious now, due to drought and extreme weather events. In the dry season, Malita and her daughters make an hour-long trip on foot to collect water from a stream, carrying 20 litres of water back to the house in a bucket on their heads; sometimes Malita makes this trip 5 times per day to secure water for the household and crops in order to survive.

Finally, you are asked to pray for peace in our world, particularly for peace in Gaza and the Middle East; for peace in Ukraine, Sudan and other countries affected by conflict”

Please take a Trócaire box with you today or go online to Trócaire.org to see how you can donate. You can scan the QR code on the side of your box or scan the big box before you leave to donate easily online.

MASSES Masses during the week will be on Wednesday and Friday at 10.30am.

CHOIR PRACTICE FOR EASTER On Tuesday, 26th March it is hoped to have a practice for Easter, after Mass, approx 7.50pm.

GATHERING Members of the Gathering Group attended the first night of the Hugh Leonard Play, Da, in Thomastown on Thursday night. It was a fabulous production and local actor, Joe Murray was excellent in the role of Da. Well done to all involved. The play continues this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Highly recommended.

LOTTO No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 8, 18, 19, 23. Jackpot now €6,700.00. Consolation Prizes, Michael S. and Margaret O’Donnell, Ann Tobin, Ballinaboola, Ruby Moran, Woodlawn, Carmel Egan, Castlegarden, Noel Skehan, Woodlawn, SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Judith Rodell, Main Street, Bennettsbridge, on the death of her father, Frankie Murphy, Shandon Park, Kilkenny and formerly of Bennettsbridge.

Frank passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was predeceased by his wife, Judith and is survived by his daughters, Regina, Catherine, Judith-Anne and son, Bill. Frank is also mourned by his sons-in-law Joe, Paul and Nick, grandchildren Emma, Jack, Iris and Eleanor, nephew Brendan and his family, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Funeral Prayers were recited in Johnston’s Funeral Home followed by removal to St John’s Church. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St John’s Church, Kilkenny on Saturday morning. Funeral took place afterwards to Bennettsbridge Cemetery where a large number of local people gathered.

Frankie was well known in the village being a member of the Murphy family which was part of village life for many years.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is also extended to Evelyn Bookle, Killarney, on the death of her sister, Ann Murphy (née Walsh) (Westfield Drive, Loughboy, Kilkenny) at her home surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of the late Lar and much loved mother of Keith, Dave and Emily. Ann will be sadly missed by her children, sisters Angela, Evelyn and Mary, daughters-in-law Bernie and Anuska, son-in-law Eric, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Vigil Prayers and Rosary were recited at her home. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy followed by interment in Foulkstown Cemetery.

CALCUTTA CLOTHES COLLECTION Many thanks to all who contributed to the clothes collection for Calcutta last week. Your support is much appreciated.

KILKENNY VOLUNTEERING Lots of opportunities exist for people in Kilkenny City and surrounds who may have an hour or two to spare during the week.

Kilkenny’s Heritage Office is hosting a free. Bumblebee Identification Workshop. Places will take on the 13th of April between 10am-1pm One Million Stars - Amber Women’s Refuge Volunteer. Star Weavers are invited to join the group in St. Canice’s Neighborhood Community Hall in April, on every Monday from 2pm to 4pm.

Darkness into Light. Event will take place on Saturday, 11th, May 2024 at 4.00am.

Foroige Kilkenny, are looking for Adult Leader volunteers who are interested in starting a club in their local area.

The Good Shepherd Centre in Kilkenny is looking for anyone interested in getting involved with their Volunteer Team including occasional street collections and fundraising events. Camphill Thomastown – Watergarden looking for some help with their lovely garden space to keep it maintained (including, weeding, grass cutting, planting, etc.)

Johnstown, Crosspatrick, Galmoy and Gattabaun, Community First Responders are looking for volunteers from the local area with full clean driving license. Full training will be provided.

For more information contact the volunteer centre on 089 – 2584946 or info@volunteerkilkenny.ie GAA Colleges All Ireland Champions.

Congratulations and well done to Bennettsbridge clubmen Timmy Kelly, James Hughes and Paddy Walsh who were part of the St Kieran’s team that won the colleges All-Ireland with a hard fought win over St Raphael’s in Croke Park last Saturday. Paddy was a valued member of the panel while Timmy played very well at cornerback. James contributed 3 points from play from wing forward. Well done from all at Bennettsbridge Gaa. National Hurling League Well done to David and Kevin Blanchfield who contributed well to the Kilkenny team effort in defeating Waterford last Saturday in Walsh Park. Best of luck to the lads and their team-mates against Limerick in the semi final next Saturday.

Club Spot The club has adopted a new app for all Gaa business going forward, replacing clubforce. We ask as many people as possible to download this new club spot app . Details are on the club’s Facebook page. This is a great way to communicate club business. Membership, split the pot etc and all club business can be done on this so it is vital to download the app as soon as possible.

Membership 2024 This year’s membership can now be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Community & GAA Notes

Bennettsbridge clubmen Timmy Kelly, James Hughes and Paddy Walsh who won All Ireland medals with St Kieran’s college on Saturday last

many years and Maria was also the Sacristan at St. Michael’s Church. Predeceased by her husband Billy and brothers Seamus, Liam and John, she will be sadly missed by her sons William and Jim, daughters Elaine and Mary, daughters in law Emer and Lauren, grandchildren Eoin, Sinead, Niamh, Jack, Grace and Emily, brother Paddy, sisters in law Hannie, Ann, Biddy and Stais, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Maria was laid to rest in Crosspatrick Cemetery after Requiem Mass in St. Michael’s Church. RIP. PARADE Well done to the Urlingford Town Team for the lovely well organised parade through the town on St. Patrick’s Day. FIRE BRIGADE The local fire brigade have moved into their new state of the art premises recently.

PLAYGROUND Following representation by Cllr Michael McCarthy the playground in Johnstown will be painted in the coming weeks.

This will enhance the overall aesthetic of the facility and create a positive community impression. Great credit to the Parks Dept. of Kilkenny CoCo for their support.

FRIENDS OF CALCUTTA Friends of Calcutta will hold a clothes collection on Friday March 22nd at 3pm at Urlingford Church and at 4pm in the car park at Johnstown Church.

JOHNSTOWN TOWN TEAM The team are hoping to again hold the Johnstown Field Festival Day in the Sportsfield in June. They are anxious to get more people involved in any way they can. If you have ideas to share please come to a meeting in the Community hall on Sat March 23rd at 8.30pm. It will be a short meeting and they are hoping to see a big turnout.

SPA UNITED AFC Weekend results, U15 girls league division 1 Spa 5 Evergreen 0, U12 girls league division 1 Evergreen 1 Spa 1, U12 boys league division 2 Spa 2 Freebooters 0, U10 boys cup Southend 1 Spa 1, also in action were the U8’s who played Bridge Utd. Well done to Isobel Murphy who was part of the KDL U13 squad who travelled to Galway for their inter league game against their hosts and came away with a 1-0 win.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO ..

Winning numbers 3,4,10,16 one match three Marguerite Dermody. Next weeks jackpot €12,900.

GORTNAHOE GLEENGOOLE

Presentation of Kathleen Conway Memorial Award to Leah Smith and Chloe Finnegan, (joint winners) LIz Griffiths, Kathleen’s niece made the presentation Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players . Early payment would be most appreciated. Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details.

Bord Na n-Óg Table Quiz All support greatly appreciated for this upcoming table quiz fundraiser which takes place in O’Donnell’s this Friday March 22nd. Tables of four cost 20 euro with refreshments on the night.

Easter Camp 2024 Registration takes place tonight at the clubhouse between 7 and 8 pm for this year’s Easter camp.

Split the Pot The next draw will take place this Friday March 22nd at 6 pm in the clubhouse. Thanks to all for the continued support.

Club Shop Some new items of club gear have been added to the on-line O’Neill’s shop. Simply put Bennettsbridge in the search box on the website to see all the gear.

JOHNSTOWN CHURCH NEWS Lenten Stations are now due for the support of the priests.

Arrangements for the Easter Celebrations will be published next week.

An afternoon of prayer, reflection and music will be held in St. Kieran’s Church on Sunday next March 24th from 3 to 4pm.

BAPTISM Welcomed to the faith family recently was baby Jack O’Gorman, son of Sharon and Sean O’Gorman, Grangefertagh, Johnstown.

MRS MARIA DOLLARD (nee Grace) The death has taken place, peacefully at the Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick, of Maria Dollard. Maria and her late husband Billy ran the post office in Crosspatrick for

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm EMIGRANT COLLECTION The Irish Bishops have requested that a collection be taken up in support of services for our Irish Emigrants living abroad.

Envelopes are available in the church for your contributions.

TROCAIRE BOXES Boxes are available in both church porches. Please take one and support the Lenten campaign.

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The annual pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from June 14th to 20th. Any enquiries please contact Fr Walton or any member of the Parish pastoral group.

GAVIN GLYNN FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER Walk/Run, Coffee morning, cake sale and raffle in support of Tuiren Phelan and Family will take place this Sunday 24th March at 10am in Gortnahoe Hall. Any donation of cakes or prizes would be appreciated.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekends winner of Split the Pot draw, Michael Hanrahan, c/o Josephine Hogan, Grange who won €184. The winner the week before was Eddie Webster, Gortnahoe who won €177. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of March Split the Pot will be in support of the Ballysloe Sensory Garden. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated VACANCY Gortnahoe Community Employment scheme has vacancies for a Maintenance Operative in Gortnahoe village and a Caretaker in MFRC, Glengoole. Details and application are on Jobs Ireland reference 2322500 and 2322400 CONAHY CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 15, 23 and 30. There was no winner of the €2,100 jackpot, so the consolation prize winners were Maria Sherman, Noah and Charlie McNamara, Eadaoin Maher, Tommy and Kathleen Cuddihy and Tom Murphy. The promoter prize winners were Toddy Lacey, Julie Jackman and Nora Delaney.

This week’s jackpot now increases to €2,200.

PILGRIMAGE Kilkenny Pilgrimage to Medjugorje takes place from Wednesday, May 1st to Wednesday, May 8th. The hotel will be based near to the church and the group will be travelling with Marian Pilgrimages. The cost will be €825 including insurance. Please contact Ann on 086-1991620 or 086-

8825622.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL BIG THANKS Ballyragget Community hall ladies group wishes to thank everyone who supported our cake sale in aid of Cois Nore on Sunday 17th of March. It was very much appreciated. Thanks a million, Many thanks to all who supported the Table Quiz in the Wheel Inn on Friday night in aid of the Senior Citizen Christmas party MEN’S SHED The first men’s shed meeting took place on Thursday 14th March with a great turn out. They met again last night Thursday in the Cannon Malone Hall. All welcome.

PARISH DRAW The annual Parish Draw will take place shortly. Three books of tickets for the draw will be distributed to each household.

The draw will take place on Easter Monday April 1st at 8pm in the Cannon Malone Hall. Your support for this venture will be much appreciated.

CHURCH TIMES Mass in Ballyragget Wednesday to Friday 10am. Parish office is open Wednesday to Friday 10.30am to 1pm.

GAA St Patrick’s GAA football teams were in action this week, the intermediate side played Carrickshock at home score Carrickshock 0-8 St Patrick’s 0-3 The Under 14 Fenians St Patrick’s side played St Lachtains score 6-3 to 1-2. The minor side had their county final against St Martins on Monday with St Martins coming out on top 3-13 to 0-4. The Intermediate side will next play Conahy Shamrocks.

KILMANAGH NICK SHERIDAN The hearts of many of our parish community have been saddened by the death of a multi-talented young man, namely Nick Sheridan. He was born in County Wexford and worked as a journalist with BBC Scotland. He was the author of four children’s books. His funeral mass was celebrated at St. Iban’s Church in Castlebridge where Fr. Denis Kelly said that Nick left a greater footprint in his 32 years than many would leave in a century. In a very moving eulogy by his brother Brian who said that Nick epitomised everything that is good in life, family friends, creativity and most of all kindness. Brian mentioned that his brother’s most important gift was kindness and, as a registered organ donor in the loving care of the donor team of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Glasgow, Nick gave the ultimate gift of life through organ donation. Brian also thanked all who supported the family during a very sad time in their lives. Our parish community express our sincerest sympathy to Nick’s parents Bernie and Nick; brother Brian; sister in law Vivienne, niece and nephew Sean and Saidbh, relatives and many friends. Ar Dheis Dè go raibh a anam Dílis.

WEDDING St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycallan was chosen by Laura Hennessy and Cathal Kavanagh for their recent wedding.

Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. was celebrant of the nuptial mass. Amy Dermody was Laura’s chief bridesmaid and her bridesmaids were Sarah Byrne, Nicola Butler and Rachel Gaule. Cathal’s bestman was Robbie McPartlan and his groomsmen were Nigel Kavanagh, Donal O’Riordan and Shane Hennessy.

Flower girls Mia Dermody, Rose Dermody and Grace Byrne looked beautiful and were so proud to be attendees to Laura.

The first and second readings were read by Ger Hennessy and Jennie Brennan. The prayers of the faithful were recited

by Madison Jones who prayed that God would bless Laura and Cathal in their future lives. Jane Cullen’s prayer was for Laura’s and Cathal’s family. Darragh Twomey’s prayer was for Laura’s and Cathal’s friends. Margaret Maher’s prayers were for the sick. Ber Buckley’s prayer was for the friends and family members who are no longer with them especially Cathal’s nephew Jordan and Laura’s and Cathal’s grandparents. Christopher Fitzpatrick’s prayer was to give thanks for our blessings, for the gifts of life and health. Seamie Cullen’s prayer was for the private intentions of all present. Sadie Hennessy and Kathleen Kavanagh, both mother of Laura and Cathal, brought the bread and wine in procession to the altar. A very appropriate communion reflection was recited

by Milo Hennessy. The music which added to the solemnity of the occasion was rendered by Clara Hutchinson. Let us wish Laura and Cathal many years of peace and love.

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Jeff Neary and Aaron McEvoy on their All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Hurling Final win over St Raphael’s in Croke Park. Jeff captained the team to success and Aaron played a huge role at corner forward. Well done to the lads, their team and management.

TABLE QUIZ St. Brigid’s Camogie Club will hold their annual table quiz in The Pound on Friday 29th March at 9pm. All are welcome to attend.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT Enrolments for September 2024 are now being accepted

by St. Aidan’s N.S. Enrolment forms are available on our website: www.staidans.scoilnet.ie or by phoning Brigid on 7769340. Enrolment forms need to be returned before March 31st, 2024.

PARISH LOTTO Results for 11/03/24. Numbers drawn were 9: 18: 20: 23. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners of €50 each were Michael Fennelly, Paddy Hennessy and Liam Ronan. Sellers prizes went to Bree Harrison and Mary Murphy. Jackpot next week

will be €20,000 with reserve jackpot of €4,400. Next draw will take place on 18/03/24 at 8 pm.

KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail. com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 23rd. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 24th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Wednesday, Vigil – Saturday at 6.30p.m.

PRAY FOR Nellie O’Shea, Boolyglass. Anne Healy, Knockmoylan.

Months Mind Mass. Josh Dineen, Keatingstown, Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 23rd. March at 8.00p.m.

ROTA Week-end, 23rd. and 24th. March - (Palm Sunday) Readers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Catherina Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. John Barron. Sunday 10.00a.m.

Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Kitty Wallace. Hugginstown. Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Crowley.

ENROLMENT S. N. Móin Ruadh are now accepting enrolments for September 2024. Enrolment Forms can be downloaded from the website: snmoinruadh.wordpress.com or by emailing the office on snmoinruadh@gmail.com or calling the office on 056 776 8931.

Newmarket NS is now taking enrolments for September 2024 and for After-School Care. Please contact 089 257 2031 or mbrennan@newmarketns.ie PALM SUNDAY 2024 Palm will be blessed at the beginning of all Masses next weekend. Vigil on Saturday 23rd. March in Stoneyford 6,30p.m. and in Hugginstown 8.00p.m. Sunday 24th. March in Hugginstown 10.00a.m.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 11th. March 2024 Numbers: 14; 30; 32; 10. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: €30.00 Winners: Mary Cuddihy, Ballinteskin, Mary and Dan Doyle, c/o James Irish. Eileen Walsh, Garrygaug. Catherine Barron, Sheepstown. Teresa Fitzgerald, Hugginstown. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers), Walshe’s Shop,Padraig Crowley, Pat Dwyer.

STONEYFORD HISTORICAL AND HERITAGE ARCHIVE It has been suggested that a historical and heritage archive of the Stoneyford area be setup. Initial suggestions are that local people are asked to provide information, either in writing or orally, on areas of particular interest to them.

These are then stored on a word processor and thus are available to all.

Initial suggested areas are: The milling industry; history of Carrickshock GAA club; the Kings river bridges; the development of the roads infrastructure; developments in agriculture, the cricket club; memories of school; etc The list is endless.

Depending on positive feedback, contact will be made with locals who have relevant knowledge.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY A Lecture on “The Army Mutiny of 1924” will be given by Mr. John Dorney on Friday, 22nd. March in Mullinavat Hall at 8.00p.m. All are welcome.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE PLEASE NOTE The Centre will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

VACANT TENANCY Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a one-bedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.

EASTER RAFFLE We are running an Easter Raffle here in the Centre. Lines are €2 each or 3 lines for €5. Draw will take place on Wednesday 28th March.

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME Names been taken for L.T.I. Q.Q.I. Levels 4 and 5 due to start soon.

COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Adult & Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety & Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance & Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 5+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

SENIOR ALERT If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

APPEALFOR CLOTHES DONATIONS Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

JOBS TRAINING BOARD We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required.

For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Hurling matters - Review

Shamrocks scorers secure St Patrick’s weekend win!

Reid & Cody on song as Limerick await in semi

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz National Hurling League Round 5, Walsh Park Waterford 2-9 Kilkenny 0-18 Kilkenny finished the group stages of this year’s Allianz National League with a 3-point win over The Deise at Walsh Park. The accuracy from the placed ball by legendary forward TJ Reid saw The Cats take maximum points from a miserable Walsh Park and sets up a semi-final meeting this weekend with Limerick at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

A smaller than expected crowd of just over 2,900 braved shocking conditions in Walsh Park and the players on both sides deserve much credit for getting through the 70-odd minutes as there were times during the first half, when a resumption of play following the interval looked highly unlikely.

The Noresiders raced into an early 3-point lead courtesy of two lovely efforts from play by Luke Hogan and a free from TJ Reid after a foul on the O’Loughlin’s man. The home side got off the mark in the 5th minute, thanks to a placed ball effort from Shane Bennett. The same player then struck the game’s first major when his mishit ‘65 was flicked to net by Partrick Curran. Deise captain Jamie Barron then popped over a point to edge the hosts 2-points ahead.

Derek Lyng’s charges were dealt a blow when All-Star defender Mikey Butler was forced to leave the action with what appeared to be a muscle injury in the 11th minute and was replaced by Kevin Blanchfield. The next score came from the hurl of Eoin Cody, after great work by Mossy Keoghan, the first of three points for the Shamrocks Ballyhale man.

Waterford struck their second major of the game when Paddy Leavey sent a fine pass into Shane Bennett who got the better of a couple of Cats Defenders before passing to Ballygunner’s Dessie Hutchinson who rifled his shot past Eoin Murphy to push the home sides lead out to four points.

Luke Hogan then turned provider as he set up Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan for a lovely point which was responded to by the returning Dessie Hutchinson, who fired over from a tight angle before defender Mark Fitzgerald finished off a lovely short passing move up the pitch on 26 minutes. The rain appeared to be getting heavier and the Walsh Park surface was beginning to cut-up as all players struggled to display their skill.

The Cats notched four of the final five scores of the opening period,

Mikey Butler - left the field injured early on

TJ popping over a free, two quality points from Thomastown’s John Donnelly along with a fine score from sub Kevin Blanchfield. Ballysaggart’s Shane Bennett struck over the home side’s response from another placed ball to leave the interval score, Waterford 2-5, Kilkenny 0-9.

Due to the worsening conditions, scoring in the second period was a little more intermittent, although the men in black and amber did manage to match their first half total.

Eoin Cody got the scoreboard moving after the interval for the Cats, but Waterford did likewise int he 41st minute after another slick passing move that ended with Lismore’s Jack Prendergast splitting the posts. The Kilkenny management team then made their second change of the game, with Mikey Carey making way for Dicksboro’s Padraic Moylan. TJ nailed another free before Shane Bennett hit possibly the point of the game, from the sideline under the stand, following nice play from Calum Lyons.

TJ struck over free on 45minutes as Billy Drennan entered the fray in place of Luke Hogan. Glenmore’ Shane Murphy, who was having a good game in and around the engine room then set up Eoin Cody for his 3rd point of the game as he levelled matters in Walsh Park. The next four scores all came from frees, as Shane Bennett collected one more, while TJ notched three to push the Marble City men two clear.

Eoin Cody hit 0-3 in Deise win

Graigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan then notched a fine point before TJ struck his eight point of the day to give his side that crucial 4-point cushion. Davy Fitz’s outfit needed a goal to try and force a frantic finish, but they had to settle for one further point, from sub Patrick Fitzgerald before Limerick whistler Johnny Murphy brought proceedings to a close at a drenched Walsh Park. Final score, Waterford 2-9, Kilkenny 0-18.

Waterford: Shaun O’Brien, Mairtin Power, Mark Fitzgerald (0-1), Kieran Bennett, Jack Fagan, Billy Nolan, Darragh Lyons, Paddy Leavey, Jamie Barron (0-1), Peter Hogan, Jack Prendergast (0-1), Calum Lyons, Shane Bennett (0-4, 0-3f), Patrick Curran (1-0), Dessie Hutchinson (1-1).

Subs: Neil Montgomery for Patrick Curran (50m), Padraig Fitzgerald for Peter Hogan (60m), Patrick Fitzgerald (0-1) for Shane Bennett (66m), Iarlaith Daly for Paddy Leavey (69m), Kevin Mahony for Dessie Hutchinson (70+1m).

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy, Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Tommy Walsh, David Blanchfield, Paddy Deegan, Mikey Carey, Cian Kenny, Shane Murphy, Adrian Mullen, Eoin Cody (0-3), John Donnelly (0-2), TJ Reid (0-8f), Martin Keoghan (0-1), Luke Hogan (0-2).

Subs: Kevin Blanchfield (0-1) for Mikey Butler (11m), Padraic Moylan for Mikey Carey (44m), Billy Drennan for Luke Hogan (48m), Timmy Clifford for John Donnelly (58m), Billy Ryan (0-1) for Martin Keoghan (64m).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick)

TJ Reid placed ball maestro

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Hurling matters - Review Jeff Neary and Stephen Manogue Lift the Croke Cup

Glynn shines as St Kieran’s retain Croke Cup!

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Masita GAA Post Primary Schools Croke Cup Final Croke Park, Dublin St Kieran’s College (Kilkenny) 0-26 St Raphael’s, Loughrea (Galway) 1-18 (After extra-time) For an incredible 25th time, St Kieran’s College are Croke Cup champions! The Kilkenny school recorded back-to-back wins at Croke Park last weekend when they overcame the gallant challenge of St Raphael’s, Loughrea after a thrilling contest which required extra-time to separate this year’s finalists.

With the scoreline tied at 0-18 to 1-15, Brian Dowling’s outfit found a higher gear in extra time and outscored their Galway opponents by five points to retain the Masita sponsored ‘A’ grade championship.

One of the key players on the day for the champions was corner forward Rory Glynn, who notched 4 lovely points in an eye-catching performance that saw the Clara man pick up the POTM award.

With a good number of players remaining from their previous years triumph, Kieran’s raced into an early lead, thanks to scores from Edward McDermott and Aaron McEvoy (2) as they settled much the quicker of the two sides, but Raphael’s got the scoreboard moving on 6 minutes with scores from Paddy MacCarthaigh and Bobby Feeney (f). James Stephens Ed Lauhoff and Bennettsbridge’s James Hughes sent over scores for the Noresiders who were appearing in their 9th consecutive final.

Rory Glynn & opposite number 13, Vince Morgan swapped scores, before the Loughrea side enjoyed a period of dominance which saw points from Feeney, MacCarthaigh, Luke McInerney and Cullen Killeen, along with the games only major from Vince Morgan whose shot struck the post before nestling in the Kieran’s net to give the Westerners the lead for the first time in the final.

To their credit, Dowling’s charges responded like champions do, notching scores from Graigue

Ballycallan’s Aaron McEvoy, Hughes and even one from corner back, Sean Bergin to leave the interval score St Kieran’s 0-10, St Raphael’s 1-7.

The second half started a little cagey, with top scorers on both sides, Vince Morgan and Aaron McEvoy registering efforts before Kieran’s retook the lead thanks to a sumptuous score from Clara’s Rory Glynn. The Galway side were not going to be rolled over and fought hard, as the sides swapped the lead with Paddy MacCarthaigh the latest players to deadlock the sides again.

Raphaels’s placed ball expert Feeney popped over a couple of frees either side of a score from St Martins Sean Hunt before defender Oscar O’Gorman and the impressive Paddy MacCarthaigh put the Connacht side back in lead with 53 minutes of pulsating action played at Croker. When the challenger’s midfielder Cullen Killeen dispatched a lovely effort between the Kilkenny sides posts, the Loughrea side dared to dream. Momentum swung back Kieran’s way, thanks to three successive scores from that lad hunt as it appeared the defending champions had done enough to secure victory.

Deep into stoppage time Raphael’s were given the opportunity to level

St Kierans Celebrate

matters once more, and Bobby Feeney split Rory Glynn with the posts his Man Of The to force an Match Award additional 20 minutes at headquarters.

The top scorers on each side, McEvoy and Morgan traded points at the beginning of the extra time, but Kieran’s quality and superior fitness told points from Glynn, Lauhoff and The Village’s Bill McDermott gave the Marble City side a little breathing space. The MacCarthaigh’s, Paddy and Diarmuid tagged on points for Raphael’s, but a brace of scores from Aaron McEvoy and Tullaroan’s Ciallin Brennan ensured the Croke Cup was returning to Kilkenny for a second

successive season and a 25th time in Total. Final score at Croke Park, St Kieran’s College 0-26 St Raphael’s Loughrea 1-18 (After Extra-Time) .

Scorers for St Kieran’s College: Aaron McEvoy 0-8 (4fs, 1 ‘65’), Sean Hunt, Rory Glynn 0-4 each, James Hughes 0-3, Ed Lauhoff, Ciallin Brennan 0-2, Sean Bergin, Edward McDermott, Bill McDermott 0-1 each.

Scorers for St Raphael’s College, Loughrea: Vince Morgan 1-3, Bobby Feeney 0-5 (5fs), Paddy MacCarthaigh 0-5, Cullen Killeen 0-2, Oscar O’Gorman, Diarmuid MacCarthaigh, Luke McInerney 0-1 each.

St Kieran’s College: Stephen Manogue; Sean Bergin, Evan Murphy, Timmy Kelly; Cathal Hickey, Jeff Neary, Tom McPhillips; Rory Connellan, Ed Lauhoff; James Hughes, Sean Hunt, Tomas Roche; Rory Glynn, Edward McDermott, Aaron McEvoy.

Rory Glynn finds it difficult to get past Jason Griffin

Sean Bergin Drives out past Bobby Feeney

Subs: Oisin Bateman for Glynn (4849), Bateman for Roche (50), James O’Neill for McDermott (51), Ciallin Brennan for Hughes (60+2), Tom Brennan for Kelly (61), Bill McDermott for Glynn (66-71), Bill McDermott for McPhillips (72), Sean Deely for Hickey (78).

St Raphael’s College, Loughrea: Shane Murray; Jason Griffin, Daniel Keane, Gavin Maher; Oscar O’Gorman, Diarmuid MacCarthaigh, Finn Beirne; Luke McInerney, Cullen Killeen; Donnacha Campbell, Paddy MacCarthaigh, Eoghan Mulleady; Vince Morgan, Thomas Stratford, Bobby Feeney.

Subs: Stephen Keane for Stratford (39), Jack Shaughnessy for Mulleady (56), Louis Keary for Griffin (66), Mulleady for Feeney (75), Eoin Spellman for Beirne (78).

Referee: John Keenan (Wicklow)

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Significant Further Information / Revised Plans I Seamus Freyne am applying to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for the demolition of two number existing buildings and the construction of a 5 bay single slatted shed and all associated site works intended for Development at this Site situated at Ballynoony North, Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny.

Ref. No. of the application: 2460014 Significant Further Information/Revised Plans (including changes to site boundary) has/have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and are 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 or revised plans 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.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

ESTHER (ANASTASIA) MULLINS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND MONTHS MIND Esther (Anastasia) Market Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

Who passed away on 15th February, 2024.

Esther’s family would like to thank everyone who sympathised with us on our recent sad loss.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Rosary, Funeral Mass and Burial, from near and far and to those who sent mass cards and messages and who sympathised and supported us during this sad time.

Thanks to Mam’s ( Esther’s ) family, friends, and neighbours for all their help and support over the years but especially during Mam’s final months, with special thanks to Dr. Schlunke team at Thomastown byand yourthe trust in God’ s providence, Health obtain help for all the poor and needy; Centre, Healy’s Pharmacy, and the doctors, by your forLuke’s the Infant Jesus,and the nurses and stafflove at St. Hospital obtain the families; paramedics, whoprotection attended of toour Mam in her final by your love for Jesus crucified, days. in every trial; obtain for us courage by your love for Jesus in the Eucharist, obtain ourto request………..

A sincere thanks Fr. Dan Bollard who by your attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, celebrated the evening rosary, funeral mass obtain for us the grace of prayer and devotion; and committal and whose kindness and by your likeness to Mary our Mother, washearts a great comfort usour all.world. obtainpresence peace in our our homesto and Amen.

B.H. Meyler, funeral A special thanks also to Clyde director, for his sensitive and professional handling of Mam’s funeral.

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. H.Q.

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. T.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. A.H.

Beloved St. Clare,

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere thanks and appreciation.

Esther’s Months Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 23rd March at 6.00 pm in the Church of the Assumption, Thomastown.

St. Anthony Prayer

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.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. M.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. M.J.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

Classifieds Motors

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

087 2587745

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd March 2024