Kilkenny Observer 22 November 2024

800 jobs for Kilkenny

Medical device company Abbott opening new manufacturing facility

Medical device company Abbott is opening a new manufacturing facility producing diabetes technology in Kilkenny which is set to employ more than 800 people. It is part of a €440m investment in Ireland by Abbott. The new investment also includes a significant expansion of the company’s site near Donegal town, where 200 jobs are being created.

Snakes alive!

Pictured during Science Week at the South East Technological University (SETU), in association with Calmast, are Cooper and Maisie O’Neill at Kilkenny Reptile Zoo with a California King Snake

Patrick Browne

The new 30,000 metresquare Kilkenny site is set to have the highest production in the world of the company’s FreeStyle Libre sensors.

These sensors are among the world’s smallest to monitor glucose for people living with diabetes.

The site is fully electric, powered by six air-to-water heat pumps, and it has 600 solar panels on the roof as

well as tanks for collecting rainwater to use onsite.

Up to 400 of the jobs originally announced in 2023 are due to come on stream within months in Kilkenny.

The opening ceremony was attended by Taoiseach Simon Harris in his official capacity as Taoiseach.

Abbott has been in Ireland since 1946 and Simon Harris said it was one of the lon-

gest established global companies here and one of the State’s biggest employers.

“This latest investment is a further vote of confidence in Ireland as a location for world-class advanced manufacturing and healthcare businesses. With the opening of this new site, Ireland is now at the global centre of diabetes care,” he said.

As part of the announce-

ment Abbott is also giving a $100,000 grant to The Ireland Funds to support the education of young people from three DEIS schools in Kilkenny.

Abbott chairman and chief executive Robert Ford said there were now a total of 10 sites across the island of Ireland working to produce diagnostics, medical devices and nutritional products.

Only three of five sitting TDs running

Only three out of the five sitting TDs are running for election again.

The current five are John McGuinness (FF), Jennifer Murnane O’Connor (FF), Malcolm Noonan (GP), John Paul Phelan (FG) and the fifth seat currently sits vacant as sitting TD Kathleen Funchion (SF) was elected to the European Parliament in June leaving her seat empty.

Fianna Fáil have two seats with John McGuinness as their

Kilkenny-based TD and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor as their Carlow-based TD. Both are hoping to retain their seats on November 29.

The remaining three seats are one Fine Gael (Kilkenny’s John Paul Phelan), one Green Party (Kilkenny’s Malcolm Noonan) and one empty seat that was recently vacated by Sinn Féin’s Kathleen Funchion.

The Green Party will be hoping to hold on to their one seat with Malcolm Noonan run-

ning for the Dáil again. Fine Gael and Sinn Féin on the other hand are running new candidates with Fine Gael’s John Paul Phelan retiring.

Fine Gael chose two male Kilkenny candidates and one female candidate from Carlow.

Fianna Fáil are also aiming to hold the majority in the constituency as they are also running three candidates.

Similarly to Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil have chosen two male Kilkenny candidates and one

female candidate from Carlow. Sinn Féin are hoping to retain their Carlow-Kilkenny Dáil seat that has been vacated by Kathleen Funchion by running one Carlow-based candidate and one Kilkenny candidate.

The party has held a seat in the constituency since Ms Funchion was elected to the Dáil in 2016.

Outside of the main political parties, there are a number of Independent candidates running in the constituency, along

with one Labour, one Social Democrat, one People Before Profit, one Aontú and one Irish Freedom Party.

All the Carlow based candidates running in the CarlowKilkenny constituency are women.

It will also be interesting to see if more Carlow based candidates are elected this time around. Only one out of the five seats is held by a Carlowbased TD.

See Pages 16 & 20

These sites employ 6,000 people at two sites in Dublin and Sligo as well as Sligo and at further sites in Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny and Longford. Michael Lohan, chief executive of IDA Ireland, said Abbott had a 78-year legacy in Ireland of delivering substantial economic and employment benefits. He welcomed the news.

Our Christmas short stories

“The man from Mullinahone had a cough. I know this because I’d been listening to him, hacking away throughout the night. The dividing wall between our adjoining North London bedsits was thin; plywood and wallpaper was all that separated us. And now on this Christmas morning I was awakened again...”

This week sees the first of five stories, penned by Kilkennybased writers, with the final story appearing on December 20.

See Page 27

Calls for four day week

Since the pandemic, there has been an increasing call globally for a four-day working week and a growing consensus it could prove more productive for businesses and better suited to employees’ life/work balance.

Paul Hopkins Page 8 Government must support SMEs

As we see the implications of Budget 2025 starting to impact our payslips and balance sheets, for many SMEs across Kilkenny, there is a sense of ‘what if’? This was a Budget geared towards Ireland’s working population, which is understandable given the costof-living crisis continues to pinch household finances.

Sandra Clarke, Page 14

PHOTO:

Saoirse’s appeal for Christmas children

Saoirse Ronan fronts heartbreaking appeal for ISPCC as Christmas dreams are revealed to be Christmas nightmares for thousands of children

Academy Award nominee

Saoirse Ronan is the voice of Childline by ISPCC’s Christmas Appeal as Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children reports 50 children reach out weekly in relation to sexual, physical and emotional abuse

Saoirse – who was raised in part in Carlow – urges the people of Ireland to “take a moment to think of all the young people in your community who could be going through this behind closed doors, alone, afraid and feeling unloved”

Statistics from Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children and young people that reveal:

• 300 children a year contact Childline about sexual abuse involving rape, incest and being forced to watch and/or perform sexual acts

• 50 children a year are in the process of trying to take their own life while on the phone to the Childline team

• 50 contacts are received every week in relation to sexual, physical and emotional abuse

• Physical abuse contacts are related to domestic violence,

hitting and physical punishment

• Physical abuse peaks when children are 13 years of age; sexual abuse peaks at the age of 16

• The Childline team spends the equivalent of 50 full days a year talking to children and young people in immediate crisis

Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan has put her full support behind ISPCC’s vital campaign to reveal the dark truths behind childhood in Ireland. “Once I was that child,” a national radio campaign, is brought to full, terrible, haunting life by the power of Saoirse’s performance. The Blitz and Outrun actress urges the listener to think of and donate to the ISPCC, which needs public support to continue its essential work helping so many traumatised children and young people.

Saoirse Ronan said: “For too many children and young people, Christmas doesn’t mean presents or a happy day full of warmth and safety. Instead, it means abuse, neglect and loneliness.

“At Childline, there is always someone there to listen, support and be there for them - while their world is crumbling around them. Childline has long been a cause close to my heart and I know that their vital work makes a real

and lasting difference. I am so proud to support this appeal and urge everyone to donate whatever they can to help ensure that Childline can remain a lifeline to children this Christmas,” she said.

“Once I was that child, screaming inside as I was stolen and eaten alive.”

This line spoken by Saoirse in the powerful radio campaign is a sentiment that tragically resonates only too well with the team at ISPCC.

Children and young people reach out to ISPCC’s team of trained volunteers and professional staff to tell them of the trauma they endure, which includes sex trafficking, experiencing choking and strangulation and being made to watch and perform sexual acts.

John Church, ISPCC CEO, said: “Too many children in this country don’t have the Christmas they deserve. Unfortunately, we still have vulnerable children and families in situations drowning without the support they require and deserve – and have a right to.

“We depend on donations for up to 90% of the funding which keeps us listening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. Without your help, we wouldn’t be here for the children who need us so much.”

Kilkenny woman dies after coffee

A young Kilkenny woman suffered a fatal allergic reaction after consuming a cup of coffee on the first day of starting a new job in Japan two years ago, an inquest has heard.

Aika Doheny (24) from Greensbridge Street, Kilkenny City, died at St James’s Hospital in Dublin on October 20, 2022 a day after she had been transported back to Ireland by

Global inbound tour operators experience joys of Kilkenny

Fifteen top global inbound tour operators have been exploring Ireland and Kilkenny, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. They are here to take part in a B2B workshop in Kilkenny – connecting with around 36 tourism companies from across Ireland, to negotiate for their programmes for 2025 and beyond.

The tour operators, who are mainly based in London and deliver business from all over the world, including from the US, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa, are also taking part in a fact-finding visit, to experience for themselves the high standard and variety of our tourism offering. Their action-packed itinerary includes the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny

and a walking tour of Kilkenny city with Shenanigans Walks. Global inbound tour operators based in the UK are important partners for Tourism Ireland, typically bringing around 500,000 visitors to our island from around the world each year.

Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Global Partnerships, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to welcome these leading global inbound tour operators to Ireland’s Ancient East, to see and experience some of our many visitor attractions. Our aim is to inspire them to extend the Ireland content of their existing programmes and itineraries, or to include Ireland for the first time in their programmes.”

€1.37 million available

in Breaking Barriers Fund

Rethink Ireland, in partnership with State Street and the Department of Rural and Community Development, has launched the €1.37 million Breaking Barriers Fund to support projects and organisations tackling discrimination and inequality in education and employment. This three-year fund will support diverse workplace initiatives and sustainable employment and education programmes that remove barriers for people from marginalised or minority backgrounds.  Not-for-profit organisations that provide greater access and opportunity to education and employability for people of different ethnic backgrounds, migrants, refugees, and the Traveller community can apply for this new fund. Awardees will receive support in the form of a cash grant and a place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme, to strengthen their operations, increase their

air ambulance from a hospital in Tokyo.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroner’s Court heard Ms Doheny [pictured] became unwell and collapsed in a toilet after her lunch after suffering a suspected allergic reaction to milk in a coffee drink.

The inquest heard that the deceased was trying to administer an EpiPen and take an

inhaler when she collapsed. Ms Doheny, who had worked as a research assistant at the University of Galway while studying for a masters degree in biomedical science, had travelled to Japan on August 18, 2022.

The deceased’s mother, Mayumi Doheny, gave evidence that she had accompanied her daughter to Japan in

Top gong: Danielle McCormick, Director (Triterra) and Gold winner of the Consultant/Consultancy of the Year Award with Alan Kearney, Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer, Lawler Sustainability

Local business takes top award

social impact, and ensure organisational sustainability.

Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland, said: “Education and employment are vital pathways to building an equal Ireland, but discrimination continues to block these paths for too many people. Our industry research shows us that diverse workplaces are more innovative and build stronger communities.

“However, talented people from minority backgrounds continue to face significant barriers to entry and advancement in the workplace. Through the Breaking Barriers Fund, we’re backing organisations actively challenging discrimination and creating real opportunities for minority communities across the country. Our generous donors share our vision and by working together, we’re working towards an Ireland where talent and potential can flourish, regardless of background.”

order to help her move in with the new job.

Ms Doheny said her daughter was allergic to eggs, dairy products and nuts. She also confirmed that the deceased always carried an EpiPen with her because of her allergies.

The inquest heard that Ms Doheny started her new job on September 1, 2022.

Her mother told the coroner,

Aisling Gannon, that she had received a call around lunchtime that day to tell her that her daughter had suffered an allergic reaction and was being brought to hospital. Ms Doheny said she received another call some time later which informed her that Aika had died. She told the hearing her daughter’s heart had been starting and stopping.

Lawler Sustainability walked away with Gold at the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, held last week, at the La Mon Hotel & Country Club in Belfast. Specialising in engineering services that emphasise energy efficiency, environmental impact reduction, and sustainable design for buildings and infrastructure, Lawler Sustainability was crowned winner of the Consultant / Consultancy of the Year.

NIE’s Randal Gilbert was named as the inaugural winner of the Green

Legacy Award, while Sustainable Business of the Year 2024 was awarded to Dublin based social enterprise FoodCloud.

Now in its second year, the awards recognise businesses who have an unwavering commitment to sustainability across Ireland, in a diverse range of industries, including tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, technology, social enterprise and more.

With sustainability high on the agenda for all business, the awards received a record number of entries

from across Ireland.

Kilkenny-based company Lawler Sustainability, has demonstrated a commitment to creating a more sustainable future, driving innovation and positive environmental impact.

Organised by Triterra, and supported by ClimeAction, the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards recognise organisations that are setting ambitious goals and finding innovative ways to deliver sustainable solutions.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Director of

Triterra, Danielle McCormick, said: “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Lawler Sustainability who exemplify how a business can lead the way in implementing innovative, eco-friendly practices while delivering exceptional quality and service.”

“By championing environmental responsibility, they are not only helping to protect our planet but also inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Congratulations to Lawler Sustainability for their well-deserved recognition.”

Search for next From Foal to Race winner

Agri Aware and equuip have teamed up once again in search for the next winner of the Transition Year (TY) programme From Foal to Race.

The equine focused programme, now entering its fourth year, has been a huge success and the search for the 2025 winner of the programme is now underway.

Agri Aware and equuip launched the programme for 2025 at Fairyhouse Racecourse.

On the day, students got a behind-the-scenes tour of what a race meet entails

before heading out to the racetrack to see the horses in action and getting a chance to be involved in the prizegiving to a winning jockey.

The From Foal to Race programme brings teachers and their students on a journey, gaining insight into the horse racing industry including the role of stud farms, animal welfare and other regulations of the industry.

The course is designed so that teachers and students with no prior knowledge of the industry can enroll in the

programme and be in with a chance of becoming the next winner of the programme and securing a €1,000 prize for the school.

Speaking at the launch of the programme for 2025 was

Agri Aware Chairman Shay Galvin who said: “We are delighted to be bringing From Foal to Race programme to TY students in 2025.

“The programme has been a great success with the winners of the programme in the last three years bringing their learnings of the programme in many forms that

bring to light the amazing horse racing industry we have here in Ireland.”

Looking forward to the programme in 2025 was equuip manager Elaine Burke who said: “Horse Racing Ireland’s equuip department are thrilled to launch the 2025 From Foal to Race TY programme. This programme is designed to inspire and educate, giving students direct access to experts and insights that showcase the full scope of racing from breeding and training to a day at the races.”

Paul Hopkins Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter

Getting the job done in just four days

Since the pandemic, there has been an increasing call globally for a fourday working week and a growing consensus it could prove more productive for businesses and better suited to employees’ life/ work balance.

Countries that already have a four-day week are Iceland, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Lithuania and France. Meantime, Brazil, Portugal, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Botswana, the UK, Spain and the US are examining the matter, such is the demand of their workers. Ireland is among this cohort.

Not all four-day workweek arrangements are the same. Some involve employees working fewer hours over any given week. Others require them to work the same number of hours, but over four days.

Many four-day workweek trials have deployed the ‘100-80-100’ scenario. This involves paying workers 100% of their pay for 80% of their time, in exchange for 100% output.

The Irish campaigning group Four Day Week wants – no surprise here – the four-day week being the standard arrangement across the economy, and with no loss of pay. “This will look different for different companies and sectors,” a spokesperson says. “It won’t necessarily mean a ‘three day weekend’ but adopting new rostering and working arrangements that allow businesses to stay open five days a week – or even longer – while enabling every worker to have a shorter working week.”

Seemingly, there’s a false narrative that working long hours is good for productiv-

ity and a badge of honour, and that we need to challenge the worst excesses of the ‘work-first always-on’ culture, and champion the importance of family time, leisure time, caring work and community work –something that came home to us during the pandemic. A shorter working week, the campaign argues, can bring benefits to everyone. For workers it means more time to themselves. For business it can actually bring greater productivity, as well as attracting the best talent. For women, a shorter working week can allow greater flexibility. As a society, a four-day week also supports us to take better care of our health, and can have a positive impact on the environment by, for example, reducing carbon created by commuting.

Meanwhile, civil servants here are demanding a fourday week, claiming it is “critical to attaining a good quality of life” and would give them time for “one day of chores, one day of fun and one day of rest”.

Staff at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs say they could save the Government £21.4 million a year by dropping a day of work while remaining on the same pay. Civil service research released last week claims civil servants’ lives would be “transformed” if they could work four days and that such an arrangement is “essential for a happy and healthy life”.

In the countdown to November 29, People Before Profit has said it will introduce a four-day working week, without loss of pay, increase workers’ holidays

to 30 days and add two extra bank holidays. It says Irish workers work two weeks longer than the EU average.

Back in the mid-80s, journalists and printers at Ireland’s national newspapers were given a four-day or four-night week as part of protracted productivity deals which included – would you believe? – a whacking pay rise! And that was during an eightyear recession before then Finance Minister Bertie Ahern devalued the punt.

In our rearing of three children, the Indo deal allowed my wife, then aged 22, to stay home for 15 years as a truly great mother before she opened her own business as the children got older.

Also with my four-night week on the editing desk, every three weeks I would

finish work just before midnight on a Wednesday and not return to the Irish Independent until 5 o’clock the following Tuesday. I had six days off every three weeks – and six weeks annual leave! My week off every three weeks meant I could spend time with my children and their mother, and during school holidays we could take off somewhere. Having their mother at home has stood my now three adult children and they still talk of the smell of fresh fairy cakes coming out of the oven as they came in the door from school. There was a downside though. As I advanced up the ranks, my promotion to Assistant Editor meant I was expected to be on the ground five days a week. Seems bosses don’t always get the best deal...

Ní Mhurchú joins Tourism Taskforce

Ireland South MEP, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, has rejected growing calls within Europe for the introduction of more tourist taxes on our tourism hotspots. Ms Ní Mhurchú made her comments as she was appointed to the European Parliament’s Tourism Taskforce. Ní Mhurchú says that imposing a tourist tax on Irish towns and cities such as Killarney, Kilkenny and Dublin would be akin to cutting off one's nose to spite one's face. According to Failte Ireland, visitor volumes are down in all markets and in all regions of Ireland for 2024.

Many of Ní Mhurchú colleagues in the European Parliament are strongly in favour of tourist taxes. In Portugal, Lisbon doubled their tourist tax from €2.15 to €4.30 on September 1 and Barcelona raised their tourist tax to €4 a guest in October. Closer to home, Edinburgh have now

Freedom Party's Orla shocked by what she is meeting on the doorstep canvassing

Orla Donohoe, running for the General Election in Carlow/Kilkenny with the Irish Freedom Party,

Says she is "utterly shocked" by the amount of people she is meeting on the doorstep who are waiting on lists for special needs services, assessments, respite, OT, and speech therapy.

"One mother who has a

child with Down's Syndrome are waiting five years for speech and language therapy. That is just unbelievable!

"Another lady in her 70s was minding her severely disabled daughter who is nonverbal. But yet she was so upbeat to chat to and invited me in to meet her lovely daughter,"  Ms Donohue said.

"Never mind the people

who broke my heart over medical cards. Begging and pleading but can't receive them. One man I met had a brain injury and could barely speak but he still smiled at me at the door.

"Another woman and her daughter had breast cancer and she had applied four times for a medical card. But was still refused," she said.

imposed a 5% tourist tax. Ní Mhurchú has described this European and UK trend as having a negative impact on European tourism and called on Irish authorities to resist any moves towards a tax on tourists.

Tourist taxes are increasingly being proposed in cities

across Europe to deal with over-tourism and to fund local authority facilities. Ní Mhurchú said she echoes the findings of a PWC report commissioned for the EU Commission which pointed to the fact that  “literature and empirical analysis suggests that there is an economic case for reducing tourism taxes, particularly specific taxes such as occupancy taxes, in order to improve the competitiveness of tourist destinations”.

Ní Mhurchú said she would use her new role on the EU Tourism Taskforce to fight against tourist taxes in Europe.

Kilkenny bites into Big Mac

In 2023, McDonald’s contributed €3.6 million to the local economy and supported 106 jobs in Co. Kilkenny, according to new research.

McDonald’s has one restaurant in Kilkenny City on the Hebron Road.

The McDonald’s Ireland Social and Economic Impact Report highlighted that McDonald’s supports 11,640 jobs across Ireland and contributed €414.6 million to the Irish economy in 2023.

It also revealed its ambition to create 1,000 new jobs across Ireland inthe next four years, marking a €40 million investment.

Out of the 11,640 jobs that McDonald’s supports in Ireland, 8,880 are directly employed by the company and its franchisees directly.

The economic data, which was provided by independent planning and development consultancy Lichfields, also found that, in 2023, McDonald’s spent €241.7

million with Irish businesses within its supply chain.

Furthermore, it recorded that over the last five years (2018-2023) the company invested €41.6 million in the expansion and improvement of its restaurant portfolio in Ireland, which includes new sites that were introduced to the market as well as restaurant refurbishments.

McDonald’s first revealed its Golden Arches in Ireland on Grafton Street, Dublin in 1977, and since then its Irish portfolio has grown to 95 restaurants, which are all owned and operated by 19 local franchisees.

The company said it commissioned the independent economic report to understand the value McDonald’s has added to the Irish economy and the impact it has had on local communities, employees, customers and suppliers over the last number of years.

Alistair Macrow, Chief Executive, McDonald’s UK&I,

said: “We have come a long way since we first opened our doors on Grafton Street, Dublin in 1977. We have become an important part of communities across Ireland, and I’m delighted that, through the launch of our new Social and Economic Impact Report, we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting communities and growth in Ireland."

Elaine Sterio, Franchisee, McDonald’s Ireland, said: “Since we first opened in Ireland almost 50 years ago, McDonald’s has demonstrated its commitment to serving excellent, high-quality food made from locally sourced produce through longstanding relationships with supply chain partners such as Kerry Group and Dawn Meats.  “From local farmers and producers, the food we serve is produced to an exceptionally high standard by suppliers that are based across Ireland.”

Fast foodies: McDonald’s Franchisee Elaine Sterio, centre, with Giulia Simonato, crew member,  Alex Hughes, crew trainer, Kate Bradley, 1st Assistant Manager,  Sadhbh O'Grady Keeley, Customer Experience Leader & Tiarnan O'Duinn, crew member

As I See It Marianne Heron

Christmas creep arrives long before Santy

Fancy tucking into turkey and mince pies for a summer holiday treat? I don’t, but that’s the way retail is going. If you want to start a lively conversation, ask when the earliest signs of Xmasitis – an infectious disease affecting your wallet – appeared. This year a friend spied festive boxes of biscuits on sale in a major supermarket chain in early September.

Yes, the Christmas creep is with us, resulting by October in ghoulish Hallow’een witches and spiders hanging out beside Santy and sparkling Christmas trees. It’s like a variation on that old election joke: shop early and shop often, instead of vote early and vote often.

There’s financial logic to the way retailers start the seasonal race so early. The Christmas spend is estimated to be about €5.4 billion this year and many retailers depend on the last

quarter of the year to make their profits. Apparently, research shows that there is an advantage to being the first mover in the market, as this wins shopper preference. Marks & Spencer with Christmas food in September and Boots with advent calendars in August were

among the early starters. While I love celebrating Christmas, even down to wrestling with the fairy lights and hoping the cat doesn’t climb the tree again, there are more than a few things that worry me about the Christmas creep. It feels weird to see snow decorated

window displays when the temperature has been hovering around 15 degrees and the trees are still in leaf. Surely it’s preferable to have things in season, year round daffodils, for instance would lose their Spring charm and the sparkling Christmas lights and feasts are appropriate for dark winter nights.

The endless food ads, with enough gourmet dishes on display to sink the Titanic, become unappetising after a while. With festive fare on sale for up to three months before December 25 how fresh are goodies like mince pies and Christmas cake going to be, will they have passed their best-by date. Isn’t all this urging for profligate spending tasteless too, when so many are struggling with the cost of living and a shameful number are homeless?

An Post, who will deliver over a million parcels this year. start preparing for the

rush of one line shopping as early as June. In the midst of spending and commercialism, there will be inevitable reminders too not to lose sight of the true reason we celebrate what is meant to be a religious festival.

Christmas gets seriously underway once the lighted decorations go up in the streets and Santy arrives in mid-November. He is already ensconced in places like the Stephen’s Green and Jervis Street Centres in Dublin and An Post will open their Santa’s postal service from November 30 with a visit to Mr and Mrs Claus for young hopefuls in the GPO courtyard.

Santa will arrive at Kilkenny’s Yulefest on November 30, an event with a Christmas Market, updated lights every year and lots of fun for families which draws people from far and wide to enjoy the fest and Kilkenny’s attractive mix of indepen -

dent shops and unique streetscape.

“Every year we say Christmas is getting earlier,” says Anne Barber, member of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce whose gift shop Butterslip is in Rose Inn Street.

”It’s very important to get out there, some online offers come in very early and if you are not being seen you get forgotten. It’s such a condensed season you have to put your best foot forward.”

Anne makes the point that there are lots of valid reasons why an early start to Christmas suits.” People want to post presents abroad and then they like to get out and browse and get ideas.”

True but I hope we don’t get to the point of one family who kept the decorations and artificial Christmas tree up in their holiday home year round, only the presents got changed.

The perfect Christmas gift

Are you looking for the perfect gift? We have a beautiful selection of top brand bodycare gift sets including Burts Bees, Tisserand, Trilogy, Urtekram, and Weleda. Take a look at Trilogy’s Jet Set Gift Set, ideal for the person who is always on the move. It contains a trio of skincare essentials Revitalising Hydra Mask, Toner, and Organic Rosehip Oil Roller Ball to ensure that you have hydrated and radiant skin no matter where you go. It also includes a soft and stylish Spa Headband. I think you’ll like it. For the man in your life there are Weleda or Urtekram shaving products as stocking fillers. For your neighbour or your child’s teacher there are various Tisserand Essential Oil gift packs, Tea hampers or Chocolates to choose from. For the new parent, I love the Weleda Calendula Baby Gift Set; it is so cute. It contains All Purpose Balm, Nappy Change Cream, and Shampoo and Body Wash. Pair this with some Booja Booja Chocolates and you have a lovely gift. For a practical gift there’s the Tisserand Countdown to Christmas De-Stress set. This includes a De-Stress

roller ball, Mood mist, and a De-Stress diffuser oil.

A hamper is a great idea - most people love a good hamper! You can fill it with hand cream, body lotion, lip balms, chocolates, crisps, herbal teas, drinking chocolate, snacks, or festive cordials. Or choose a bespoke hamper where you choose and we pack. It’s simple and fast and is tailored to what you need. For example, a Bath Time Bliss Hamper could include BetterYou Relax Magnesium Flakes, Tisserand Total De-Stress Massage Oil, and Weleda Skin Food, a scented candle, and luxurious chocolates.

In our gift section downstairs, we have candles, crystals, crystal trees, essential oils, incense sticks, as well as a huge selection of Angel, Affirmation, and Tarot cards. There’s an array of dream catchers to ward off bad dreams. You’ll find books, journals, jewellery, and wall hangings. There are buddhas, dragons, and wiccan ornaments all under one roof. There is something for everyone in our magical gift haven. Check out our website for more gift ideas, and if you need help why not pop us a question or give us a call. www.naturalhealthstore.ie/

PHOTO: Annie Spratt / Unsplash

CLAIR WHITTY

BY SANDRA CLARKE

As we see the implications of Budget 2025 starting to impact our payslips and balance sheets, for many SMEs across Kilkenny, there is a sense of ‘what if’? This was a Budget geared towards Ireland’s working population, which is understandable given the cost-of-living crisis continues to pinch household finances.

However, for 93% of the county’s businesses that employ fewer than 10 people, they will feel aggrieved that their concerns, for example, on VAT or minimum wage increases, were not met. There was bound to be a backlash, as we’ve already seen the recent protests held by hospitality, tourism and retail firms in Dublin, which I’m sure many Kilkenny business owners stood in solidarity.

With an election around the corner, the battleground to win the SME vote heats up. It’s a critical juncture, but the road to take remains unclear for many.

Lost confidence

In June of this year, Xeinadin commissioned a survey of 500 Irish SME owners, including those in the South East (Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford), to understand their business challenges. It was clear from those findings that there is a lack of confidence in our political system.

More than half (53%) of SME owners in the South East have considered closing their businesses in the last 12 months due to lack of access to Government funding and support, with 64% also believing small businesses in their area have been neglected by politics when it comes to the growth and welfare of small business owners.

There isn’t much confidence that a new Government will make a huge

impact either, with 50% of South East SMEs agreeing that a new Government will have little impact on their business and 38% neither agreeing nor disagreeing. It indicates that many SMEs believe they are being left to plough their own furrow, struggling to see what a new government will do to support them.

A clear and succinct SME strategy will need to be wellrehearsed when candidates knock on the door.

The Positives

To look at the recent positives, promised expenditure on infrastructure projects is a plus for businesses around

the country and hopefully these monies can be spent wisely. For family businesses, last year’s budget brought in legislation which effectively meant that large family companies could not pass businesses to the next generation without a significant tax bill. This was due to come into force on January Happily, the Government have rowed back on this, and families can go back to planning for their succession in a timely manner. Investment in new or nearly new companies got a lift with improvements to the Angel Relief scheme, EIIS allowable contribu-

tions going from €500k to €1m an individual and the SURE scheme seeing a small improvement. Cashflows for small R&D companies got a boost through an increased year-one cash refund, going from €50k to €75k. The corporation tax relief for startup companies did improve, albeit not by much. We need to be seen as an innovative economy willing to back ideas and our entrepreneurs, so these measures should be seen as positive steps forward.

The Power Up Grant announced in Budget 2025 is set to benefit the 944 Kilkenny SMEs. This new grant

will provide a €4,000 grant to help with high energy costs – costs which, from our research, showed that four in 10 South East SMEs said it impacted their businesses in the last 12 months.

Reset needed

The measures mentioned are steps in the right direction. However, whatever the makeup of the next government will be, it’s clear the wider SME strategy is not working. This is evident with the number of businesses shutting down daily, some being institutions in local areas.

The omission to reinstate the VAT rate to 9% for hos-

pitality businesses in the Budget was a body blow for that sector. This, on top of increases in PRSI, minimum wage and sick pay, plus the introduction of the autoenrolment scheme in 2025, are costs that many simply cannot afford, meaning businesses will be left with tough decisions in the weeks and months ahead. Unless these measures are addressed with action in the early days of a new Government, the relationship between shop-owner and politician will remain strained, and the honeymoon period so often had by new TDs will be short-lived.

Sport clubs can benefit from telecoms towers Government must restore confidence for SME support SPECIAL REPORT

Kilkenny sports clubs which host telecommunications towers on their grounds could be in line to fund massive improvements thanks to a new up-front payment programme.

Vantage Towers, one of Europe’s leading mobile communication infrastructure providers, is offering clubs and other telecommunications site providers, who currently receive rental payments from the company, the option to avail of upfront payments instead.

Under the Optimise Programme, clubs can quickly free up capital to help to fund new clubhouses, dressing rooms or artificial pitches. Sports clubs are increasingly hosting communications towers, helping to improve connectivity in their areas and gaining a source of ongoing income for a relatively small land footprint.

Banteer Community Sportsfield CLG in Cork has received an upfront payment from Vantage Towers, enabling them to raise vital capital

funding towards their new community development.

“Entering into a long-term lease agreement with Vantage Towers, in preference to receiving a rental payment, meant that our community benefitted on the double,” said Banteer CLG secretary Denis Withers.

“We have built a full-sized astro pitch for all sports to use, as well as changing and spectators facilities, a café, museum and a digital hub – this new centre provides a real recreation and social and

meeting point for our community of 800 people.

“The tower has also meant a major improvement in mobile phone and broadband coverage in the local area.”

Brian McHugh, Managing Director Vantage Towers Ireland said that the company wanted to optimise the income that the company’s site providers can receive.

“As an alternative to our current rental agreements, we are proposing three capitalisation options to suit varying needs,” said Mr McHugh.

“Each is designed to help sporting clubs or people with towers on their properties to realise degrees of liquidity, potentially freeing up capital for a variety of uses.

“While this will obviously involve a compelling financial offer, giving our customers a long-term commitment also allows Vantage Towers to plan the future development of our network.”

Vantage Towers now manages over 1,300 sites in Ireland – and 85,000 sites across Europe – connect-

ing people, businesses and devices for multiple providers in an infrastructure sharing model.

The Optimise Programme offers three options to Vantage Towers landlords. Vantage Towers can offer to purchase the freehold on the tower site, or enter into a long-term lease agreement, for example, 30-50 years with an upfront payment. They can also enter into a medium-term lease agreement over 15 to 20 years with an upfront payment.

Opinion

Why election give-aways won’t bring happiness Your Money & You

As we inch closer to a General Election, one thing is clear: we would be forgiven for thinking that the political landscape is been transformed into a giant cash bazaar. With billions from the Apple tax case and Budget 2025’s pre-Christmas giveaways, every party is playing Santa early. But is this really a gift, or just another fantasy wrapped in a bow?

The adage “money can’t buy happiness” often comes to mind, particularly in times like these when cash is being flung about like snuff at a wake. Nobel laureates Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton, in their 2010 study, explored this notion of whether money truly makes people happier. Their findings were nuanced: while more money might make us think our lives are better, it does not necessarily make us feel any better.

The Apple tax windfall is the golden goose in this election. Labour, for instance,

John Ellis

has pledged €7 billion into housing, including €6 billion for a state construction company. This ambitious plan promises relief for Ireland’s chronic housing crisis, alongside €1 billion for water infrastructure. The Greens have similarly grand visions, dedicating €7 billion to major transport projects, plus an additional €3 billion from “other sources”.

While these promises sound noble, there is a whiff of opportunism in the air. After all, wasn’t this money supposed to be ring-fenced following the EU ruling? Now, in the frenzy of an election, those assurances seem conveniently forgotten.

Adding to the frenzy, Budget 2025’s lump-sum payments are raining down on social welfare recipients. Child Benefit has been doubled, and parents will receive €280 payments twice before Christmas. A Newborn Baby Grant of €280 — extended to include December births — will

further cushion families. In the coming days, thousands of households will benefit from additional social welfare boosts.

These payments are no doubt welcome in the short term, offering families relief during the cost-of-living crisis. But does this really address the root problems?

These measures provide temporary comfort without tackling systemic issues like wage stagnation, childcare costs, and the continual gap in Ireland’s public services.

Kahneman and Deaton’s research offers a stark reminder: money, while helpful, is not the panacea it has often made out to be. It may improve our

circumstances, but it does not guarantee contentment or well-being. As voters, we need to ask ourselves: are these billions really being used to build a better Ireland, or are they a short-term strategy to win our votes?

The Apple tax case and Budget 2025 funds could indeed reshape our nation

—i f spent wisely. But grand plans and lump sums will not solve deeper societal issues without sustained effort, transparency, and real vision. As the election looms, let us look beyond the billions being promised by both the Government and opposition. Policies must be judged not by their price tags but by their potential to create genuine, lasting change. If we let ourselves be dazzled by the money alone, we risk selling our votes for short-term gains while leaving Ireland’s long-term needs unmet. This election should not be about who can give away the most but about who has the courage to address the underlying challenges that money alone cannot fix.

Let us ensure we demand more than financial promises — we must demand true leadership.

john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Science & Wellbeing

Just 300 years ago, the internet was a medium liberating people from state control. Now, the internet is increasingly seen as a threat triggering calls to restore state control over online behaviour. The latest twist in this trend is the growing demand to criminally prosecute both users and platforms for unacceptable speech or behaviour.

Some view this phenomenon as a side effect of political struggle. In reality, though, it reflects the development of the medium itself: The internet progressed from undermining old mechanisms of gatekeeping to creating new forms of social control, now executed through digital platforms.

The evolution of digital media makes stricter regulation of online behaviour not only feasible but inevitable.

The earliest version of the web, Web 1.0, granted people far greater individual access to information. This alone challenged the old order in which elites controlled the mechanisms of “manufacturing consent” through news media, education, and entertainment.

Uncontrolled flows of information undermined the elites’ monopoly over knowledge. But information alone was not the key. It was not the content but the very mode of access — the medium — that began to undermine authority. A close analogy: After the printing press made the Bible affordable to the masses, it wasn’t the verses of the Bible that triggered the Protestant Reformation, but rather the ability of a layman to read the Bible independently of a priest’s choice, find inconsistencies, and question the Church’s authority. The affordability of access to the Bible made it clear, for the first time, that the Church’s perspective is just that: a view.

In the 1990s, the freedom to browse and inquire disrupted the homogeneity of the dominant news agenda. For the first time, people gained control over what appeared on their screens. The message of this medium was the individual ability

Why we’re losing our internet freedom

to browse and inquire at will — and people started doing just that. Traditional gatekeeping, which relied on a centralised and uniform agenda, began to lose ground.

The 2000s ushered in Web 2.0, defined by the rise of user-generated content (UGC). The blogosphere and early social media emancipated authorship by granting people greater access to not only information but also selfexpression. The early digital adopters — mostly young,

urban, educated, and progressive — began informing each other, quickly realising how significantly their views and values differed from the mainstream agenda. This led to what Martin Gurri called the “crisis of authority” in his 2014 book The Revolt of the Public. The Twitter revolutions — the “revolts of the public” — sparked around the world, from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street. Old institutions were clueless about how to react. They could not catch up with the

changes because they simply could not catch anyone responsible for them, as there was no one. The dispersed, networked activity simply did not provide a specific target for traditional institutional countermeasures. Soon, however, the counter-institutional environment of the internet underwent two important institutional adjustments. First, old institutions went digital. Having joined the political and corporate establishment, digital progres-

sives found themselves in a paradoxical position: They needed to preserve their newly acquired institutional status while also continuing to dismantle the principles of the old world.

Their struggle to maintain power while disrupting old values found resolution with the arrival of the next wave of social demographics on social media by the mid2010s — older, less educated, less urban, and less progressive. This second wave formed a class whose collec-

tive indignation eventually found political expression in Donald Trump. However, the alliance between the old elites and the first-born digital progressives had already been formed and reshaped discourse-making in news, academia, education, and corporations. This is why political polarization skyrocketed in the second half of the 2010s.

However, the absorption of digital progressives into the establishment was not the primary game changer for the internet. An even more profound environmental change was caused by the rise of algorithms, which transformed the formless blogosphere into institutional entities: digital platforms. Instead of the blogosphere run by humans, social media evolved into an ecosystem run by algorithms. These algorithms began defining the relevance of content and human connections. They enabled high precision in the personal customisation of news feeds and created business opportunities, including selling users’ personal data to advertisers. This advertising service proved far more efficient and profitable than traditional media could ever provide.

A side effect of this adjustment was the economic decline of traditional media and the emergence of postjournalism. But the main outcome of the algorithms’ introduction was the coagulation of the amorphous and swarm-like environment into digital platforms: centralised corporations.

The online public square turned into an online marketplace.

Algorithms were also tasked with accelerating user engagement. They boosted the visibility of content that would likely trigger more reactions. People were increasingly exposed to more agitating content and, in turn, conditioned to respond with more agitating reactions. This not only accelerated engagement but also further fuelled polarisation and online outrage, contributing to the growing public anxiety about the internet.

For high achievers, workplace anxiety is everywhere

A Deloitte study of more than 1,100 executives from around the world found that 82% of senior corporate leaders say they’ve “experienced exhaustion indicative of burnout”. About 96% of those who report feeling exhausted say that “their mental health has declined”. And a recent National Bureau of Economic Research study of 1,600 CEOs of publicly listed US corporations found that when there are “industrywide downturns,” a CEO’s average lifespan decreases by 1.5 years.

This level of distress is more than just overwork. It’s a hidden epidemic. And it’s been badly misunderstood. So what’s going on here?

‘Unhappy Achievers’ are people who regularly achieve what they strive for, but still feel anxious, depressed, and empty. Those around them may believe they have it all together— and on the surface they do. But inexplicably, deep down, they often feel miserable. Here’s why:

Unhappy Achievers frequently have great jobs,

attractive partners, and lifestyles that are the envy of their friends. They may notch win after win, believing the next achievement will finally allow them to relax. But any satisfaction they feel vanishes quickly, and they feel more compelled than ever to start on the next attempt to impress. Many Unhappy Achievers are socially successful and appear outgoing. They may even be seen as the “life of the party.” But they secretly feel exhausted when they’re surrounded by people, and can only truly

relax when they’re alone. On top of this, Unhappy Achievers are often embarrassed to admit that they are struggling. Who could blame them? With so many people striving for material and professional success, who wants to admit that they feel unhappy, even anguished? And because it’s so counterintuitive, almost none of these Unhappy Achievers can make sense of why they feel the way they do. Too often, they feel that there’s simply something shameful and broken about them. And that

makes them feel lonelier. But they can be understood, and they are not alone.

Many researchers have examined high achievers who feel unsatisfied by their achievements. For instance, management experts George D. Parsons and Richard T. Pascale describe a “summit syndrome,” in which some overachievers, driven by the “search for stimulation” and “addicted to their own adrenaline,” struggle to maintain their drive and interest once a hard- earned

achievement has been reached.

Social psychologists Philip Brickman and Donald T. Campbell coined the “hedonic treadmill,” in which high achievers’ expectations rise with their success level, meaning that they experience only an ephemeral gain in happiness before returning to their baseline. Most of the advice offered by researchers suggests that these kinds of people should try to increase their gratitude or learn to “savour” their success.

PHOTO Marcus Spiske / Unsplash

Cancun is the most popular destination for many going abroad this winter: for some, it just can’t be beat on the hospitality front, what with the numerous luxury resorts, bustling shopping scene, and of course, beautiful beachfront.

That being said, a growing number of visitors seem to have had enough of Cancun – or, to be more specific, its surging crowds – and are now banking on this paradisiacal island lying just off the Yucatanese coast.

It has unspoiled beaches running along crystal-clear oceans for several long miles, it feels far more peaceful and offbeat, and it offers something Cancun can’t: ancient culture.

Welcome to Cozumel, The largest island off the coast of Mexico, Cozumel is experiencing a well-deserved tourism revival at the minute, as holiday-makers swap the jam-packed Riviera Maya for less-busy alternatives – and it doesn’t get more laid-back than an island getaway.

According to a new report by Expedia, it is particularly popular among young travellers right now, who do not have children, are flying to Mexico primarily for relaxation and some much-needed quality time in the sun, and no longer feel Cancun’s mega resorts meet their needs.

All you got to do is look at the figures for both: while Cancun is home to a whopping 189 properties, as listed on Booking.com, Cozumel has 45; Cancun is a coastal metropolis that more than 800,000 people call home, whereas the entire population of Cozumel is 88,626.

Last but not least, Cancun hosts more than 10 million international guests yearly, so it never feels exactly idyllic, even when you’re lounging by a private beach. Cozumel, on the other hand, receives an average two million visitors a year.

Expedia’s report is particularly timely, seeing Cancun is gearing up for another record-breaking season, with occupation

Forget Cancun, here’s your Island in the Stream

within the Hotel Zone already 90%, and it’s not even December: great news for the local tourism industry... notso-great news for crowd-wary holiday-makers. Lucky for them, Cozumel offers a plethora of unspoiled playas and tourist attractions that are not as crowded: Think Playa Palancar, with

its vibrant-coloured reefs and soft, white sands, the snorkelling hotspot that is Playa Corona, or the wellfrequented Paradise Beach, a beach club playing uptempo beats and serving food and drinks all day.

For families, Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is the place to go, offering a wide

range of amenities, including oceanfront pools, restaurants and water slides for the kids, and if you’re a nature enthusiast, Chankanaab National Park has verdant areas, jungle trails, and secluded beaches.

Costing €25 to enter, it is one of the largest protected reserves in the Mexican

Caribbean, and it’s also a popular port of call for cruise ships, so if you want to experience it in all its glory, without the day-trippers, we suggest going early or later in the day.

Another advantage Cozumel has over Cancun is it wasn’t built in the 1970s to accommodate tourists.

Travel & Leisure

It’s an island that’s been inhabited for thousands of years, and it has the cultural wealth to back it up, with Mayan ruins scattered around its 184.5 square miles, some as old as 800 AD, like El Cedral, a group of Mayan dwellings lying in ruins near the namesake town.

Cozumel’s most relevant historical site is San Gervasio, an ensemble of monuments and temples attributed to a cult to Mayan jaguar goddess Ixchel – some of the main structures include Las Manitas, where local leader Lord Itzá de Cozumel lived, Casa Alta and the Central Plaza.

Even in Chankanaab there are Mayan landmarks, or should we say, replicas of them: if you’re visiting the park, make sure you stop by its collection of reconstructed Mayan temples, the famous reclining Chacmool statue, and the colossal Olmec heads. Looking For Unique Experiences?

Expedia has noted there is an increasing preference for more unique experiences among visitors to the Mexican Caribbean.

In other words, lying by the poolside all day sipping mimosas no longer satisfies their wanderlust, and they’re craving more... well, it’s not like Cozumel is lacking in cultural attractions, with its historic sites, authentic villages and thrilling tours: Tourists can, for instance, opt to visit San Gervasio with a jeep tour, passing by unforgettable landscapes and undeveloped jungle on their way to the abandoned Mayan settlement, for €95 per person on GetYourGuide.

Small-group buggy tours starting at €140 are also offered in Punta Sur, where some of the most pristine beaches on the island are found, and if you’re a water baby, you’ll love this guided excursion of Cozumel’s Mayan treasures, topped with free time in the exclusive Playa Uvas.

Cozumel is one of the top trendiest destinations for the upcoming year – again, according to Expedia –and it’s not hard to see why.

The five safest cities to visit in America

Henderson, Nevada

Henderson is a big city located just outside of Las Vegas. On average, its residents spend $673 on crime per capita, making it the safest big city in the country. The city is primarily residential, with great schools and a well-funded police force. It’s also one of the wealthiest cities in the state. For anyone visiting Las Vegas or exploring the surrounding nature, Henderson makes the perfect place to stay, especially if you’re concerned with safety.

Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach is another safest city in the US. On average, the cost of crime per capita is $773. The city has good schools, safe neighbourhoods, and access to high-paying jobs.

The coastal city is mostly residential, with plenty of recreational opportunities such as golf and hiking. It becomes a major tourist hotspot for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts during the summer.

You’ll find world-class beaches and resorts, plus

plenty of exciting places to visit, such as the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and Virginia Aquarium. On top of all its attractions, it’s close to Norfolk, which has renowned museums and historical sights worth visiting.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is the fourth safest big city in the country, with an average crime cost per capita of $832. The Hawaiian capital city is bustling with fun and activities, plus a booming food scene worth experiencing.

Because of its safe neighbourhoods and access to good schools and community, it is one of the safest cities in the nation. You can visit and let the island vibes take over and go straight into vacation mode. You’ll have access to famous beaches such as Waikiki and incredible hiking trails. The city is also the perfect home base for exploring the rest of Oahu.

El Paso, Texas

El Paso is a big city full of history and culture. It’s also one of the safest cities in the

country, with an average crime cost per capita of $983.

You’ll get to enjoy the Texas culture without having to worry about safety. Even downtown is relatively safe at night.

The city has world-famous art galleries, such as the El Paso Museum of Art, and some of the best Mexican food in the country. So, if you want a culturally rich big city experience while staying safe, El Paso should be on your list.

San Diego, California

San Diego has a crime cost

per capita of $1,206. This coastal city is famous for its incredible beaches, theme parks, and famous zoo. With great schools, safe neighborhoods, and access to high-paying jobs, San Diego gives its residents one of the highest standards of quality of life in America. Explore all your hotel options here

If you want to enjoy SeaWorld or explore the San Diego Zoo, San Diego should be at the top of your list. Even its downtown Gas Lamp District is safe at night so that you can relax in the city.

Opinion

Mugshots and my missed chance to run Furthermore Gerry Moran

Make no mistake, politics is a mugs game. And if you don’t believe me take one look at all those mugs, as in mugshots, staring at us from every pole in every parish in the city and county.

And may I say, lest anyone think I’m being sarcastic, lads, and lassies (and it’s great to see more women running for election) ye look great. The best part of an election for me is not listening to tedious arguments, debates, manifestos and long-winded proclamations about policies; the part I like best is looking at those posters. Studying them in fact. Love looking into the candidates’ eyes (the windows of the soul, they say) to see if they have any. Souls, that is.

And I guess they’re all wellmeaning, decent souls but you’d wonder at times. And what all these politicians have in common regardless of their

differing policies – they all have good, if not great, photographers in their camps. But then they need them, damn it they’re not all photogenic (not that yours truly is – take a look at my mugshot,

don’t think I’d be hanging that on a pole if I were running for election). Not that I want to run although now that I think about it, and I may have mentioned this before – I was approached by

a political party many, many moons ago. So, I had my chance to plank my mugshot on a pole but didn‘t take it. And suddenly a thought –was there not talk some years back of banning political

posters? Or am I imagining that?

In the meantime, as I drive along the Ring Road festooned with posters I am reminded of the Long Gallery in Kilkenny Castle where the hallowed portraits of the once powerful, and famous, look down their noses at us ordinary mortals. Ah, they’re not looking down their noses; its’s just the way they’re positioned high up on the wall, nor am I suggesting that our political hopefuls are looking down their noses at us. God no. They all seem to be staring straight ahead with a look of friendly confidence and determination on their faces (a tricky look to get right) as if to say – get me into the Dáil toute de suite where I’ll help build houses and bicycle sheds to beat the band. And then there was the great debate on the telly. I turned on. Tuned in. And turned off!

Couldn’t hack it. Too many politicians (I counted 10). Too many voices. Too much sniping. Too much disagreement. And then a thought – if two heads are better than one, surely 10 heads would be better still! So, why don’t they all come together and form one mighty mega party? A united government! History for sure.

Then again if too many cooks spoil the broth I guess too many politicians would leave us with too much mouthy froth.

Finally, a politician, running in the General Election, was outraged about remarks made about him in the local paper. Incensed, he rang the Editor and roared down the phone: “You’re printing lies about me, and you know it.”

“Relax, relax,” the Editor said calmly. “What in God’s name would you do if we told the truth about you?”

A reflection on Dungan’s Land Is All That Matters The Last Word Pat Coughlan

I approached Land Is All That Matters by Myles Dungan with interest and eagerness. Knowing Dungan’s work, I anticipated a book full of historical details and insights. The title hinted at exploring how important land has been in Irish history, which captured my attention. Dungan [pictured] writes that “land has always been at the heart of Ireland’s past, a battleground for control and identity,” confirming my expectation of a thorough look at land ownership. I was curious about how Dungan would present these complexities.

I expected to read about struggles and victories reflecting Ireland’s history, with a serious tone due to Dungan’s expertise. He opens the discussion by saying “the fate of families and empires turned upon the soil,” suggesting a story that is both informative and engaging.

Land Is All That Matters (Bloomsbury) presents a

story focused on land and the people closely connected to it. Myles Dungan shares a story that spans generations, highlighting families intertwined with the land during Ireland’s turbulent past. Owning land represents much more than just property; it signifies identity and survival. The book suggests that, in Ireland, owning land is deeply personal and akin to possessing one’s essence.

Themes of dignity and independence are evident throughout, with struggles over land presented as ethical battles. The narrative dives into issues of inheritance, tradition, and progress, shedding light on the sacrifices and conflicts involved in challenging established norms. It notes that questioning the past is like questioning one’s sense of belonging. Resilience is a key theme, showing the lasting connection between land and fate. As the author suggests, even in destruction,

the land retains the memory of those who have lived on it.

Dungan’s work examines the journey of discovering one’s family history, emphasising its challenges and rewards.

The book shows that learning about our ancestors’ lives can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Dungan notes: “The stories of those before us are

not mere whispers of the past, but echoes shaping our identity today.”

In Ireland, where history is deeply tied to the landscape, exploring genealogy often uncovers both family roots and connections to the nation’s rich history.

While reading, I found that genealogy in the book is more than just a list of names and dates; it captures shared stories and memories.

Dungan describes families who, over generations, have established themselves in Ireland saying: “Each name tells a story, each date marks a point in the enduring tapestry of our heritage.” This showcases resilience in the face of challenges.

The author suggests that understanding our family history provides insight and guidance for the future. Genealogy becomes not only a source of validation but also empowerment. Dungan expresses this idea by saying: “In knowing

our past, we find the power to guide our future.” This resonates with anyone who believes that understanding where we have been crucial to knowing where we are going. Two days into the Civil War, a massive explosion obliterated the Public Records Office at Dublin’s Four Courts, incinerating 19th-century census records and devastating genealogists. However, Dungan highlights the Land Commission’s overlooked records, which could help bridge this genealogical gap. Despite secrecy shrouding these documents, they hold crucial information for tracing family histories. Dungan argues that the restricted access hints at deeper political and personal complexities influencing Ireland’s story. Their eventual unveiling could forge a new path to understanding the intricate tales of past generations, reconnecting us with our heritage and culture.

The Clonygarra Murder - Eviction ends in tragedy

Part two

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Continuing the story of events surrounding the murder of Callan man, Patrick Devereux, in 1828, and the hanging of two men convicted of the crime, a tragedy that stills cast a shadow over the town. You can read part one on the Kilkenny Observer website)

The local magistrate was Francis Despard of Killaghy Castle, Mullinahone. On September 27th, he informed his superiors in Dublin that he had a “slight clue” as to the killer’s identity, but no real evidence as yet. It looked as if the crime might go unsolved. In the end, it was local gossip that betrayed the avengers. One of the eyewitnesses, Judith Armstrong, bragged to a female friend about having seen Devereux “getting hammered”. Her friend happened to be married to a man who worked for the magistrate at Killaghy Castle.

Despard heard the story and had Armstrong arrested. Under interrogation, she broke down and described what she had witnessed in the field at Clonygarra. The Russells and Codys were

picked up and taken to Kilkenny jail, and charged with the murder of Patrick Devereux.

Death Sentence…

In August 1829, the five men went on trial at Kilkenny Court. After listening to Armstrong’s evidence, the jury returned guilty verdicts in respect of all the defendants. James Russell and Tom Cody were sentenced to death by hanging.

Cody was deemed to have “restrained” the victim while Russell beat him. Pat Cody, Mark Russell and Edmund Russell were convicted of complicity in the murder. Their punishment was to be transported for life to a penal colony in Australia. On August 5th, 1829, a large crowd gathered in front of Kilkenny jail to observe the executions. At about 2 p.m., James Russell was led to the scaffold. The people were shocked at his appearance. The 70-year old looked frail and his face was covered in bruises from beatings he had received while in custody.

He was prodded with batons and ridiculed by the prison staff on his way to the gallows. But he remained dignified to the end. There were gasps of horror among the crowd as the hangman placed the black cap over his head and tightened the noose.

His neighbours from Clonygarra went down on their knees to pray. Women sobbed and some men clenched their fists in the anger as the grim drama unfolded. There was stunned silence when the trap door opened and Russell’s neck snapped.

A fierce thunderstorm was raging, but the onlookers were undeterred as 57-year old Tom Cody was brought from his cell to the place of execution. His demeanour was different from that of his deceased colleague. As the scaffold came into view, he protested his innocence of the crime he was about to die for.

He pleaded that he was merely present at the murder scene and that Judith Armstrong had lied about his alleged role in the killing of Devereux. “I neither gave

him a blow nor held him”, he shouted desperately.

“Pray for my soul. I forgive Judith Armstrong” were Cody’s last words before the noose was tightened around his neck. A lever cranked and he dropped to his death. He left behind a widow and five children.

His brother, Patrick, together with Mark and Edmond Russell, arrived in Australia in 1830 to serve their sentences. They were freed in 1838.

Historian Joe Kennedy has researched the case of the “Clonygarra Five” and tried to establish what became of Patrick Cody and the Russell brothers. He drew a blank in

his search for the Codys.

But Joe discovered that Edmond Russell settled in New South Wales and never married. Mark Russell persuaded his wife, Julia, to leave Clonygarra and join him in Australia. He died in 1849 at the age of 50.

One of his children, William, married Elizabeth Hickey from County Clare. She bore him seven sons and two daughters. “That could be why there are so many Russells in Australia today”, Joe Kennedy surmised.

In the summer of 1994, Joe had a very special visitor.

Thelma Russell arrived from New South Wales. She want-

ed to see Clonygarra, home of her ancestors. Thelma removed a few stones from a field once farmed by James Russell and his sons. She intended to keep them as a reminder of “times past and dark deeds”. She marvelled at the suffering endured by tenants at the hands of the greedy landlords. Without a trace of bitterness, she put a question to Joe: “What happened to Patrick Devereux’s family?” The historian couldn’t help her there, but he informed Thelma that nobody had lived in Clonygarra since his uncle Mike Kennedy, left the area thirty years before.

Joe Kennedy of Callan Heritage

A typical eviction scene in 19th century Ireland

Aftermath of a 19th century eviction

Experience Christmas at Rothe House & Garden

This festive season, Rothe House will once again host a programme of seasonal events, with something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience one of Kilkenny’s most unique 16th century heritage properties. Every year, visitors from all over the world come to experience the charms of this merchant house, the beautiful architecture, cobbled courtyards and restored walled garden.

Wreath making workshop - Saturday 30th November

The ever-popular wreath-making workshops are back! Participants will have the chance to try their hand at making their own festive wreath to adorn their front door this Christmas. All materials are included for this workshop, all you need to bring is scissors or secateurs and some creativity! Mary Pyke, Head Gardener at Rothe House facilitates this workshop every year. “We love Christmas at Rothe House, and these workshops are always great fun. It’s about giving people some inspiration to try their hand at creating other simple, natural, decorative pieces for their homes. We find that it has become a tradition for many people who take part year after year.”

Morning Workshop: 11am - 12:30pm

Afternoon Workshop: 2:30pm - 4pm

Christmas miscellany - Tuesday 10th December

Rothe House is hosting a magical Christmas Miscellany featuring storytelling, music, poetry and song from familiar and emerging voices in Kilkenny’s arts scene. The winter’s evening will begin with a cosy mulled wine reception, before moving to the atmospheric surroundings of the Phelan Room. “We are very excited to share the programme we have put together this year,” says Valerie O’ Sullivan, General Manager of Rothe House. “It has been carefully curated and is an opportunity for the audience to step away from the

hustle and bustle of preparations and enjoy a nostalgic evening in one of Kilkenny’s most beautiful venues.” This project is supported by the Kilkenny Creative Ireland Programme 2024.

Children’s storytelling & craft workshop - Saturday 14th December

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without something for the children! Our storytellers will share tales of Christmases past and present, filling children with the spirit of Christmas. The workshop will be filled with laughter, creativity, and lots of fun. Children will have the opportunity to create beautiful crafts that celebrate the spirit of Christmas and inspire their creativity. Finish up with a walk in the garden, a delicious hot chocolate and a festive treat.

Morning Workshop for 6-9 year olds: 11am - 12:30pm

Afternoon Workshop for 10-12 year olds: 2:30pm - 4pm

The merchant shop

Rothe House is proud to support local Irish producers and craftspeople, showcasing the best of Irish design and creativity. The Merchant Shop on Parliament St has a wide range of beautiful jewellery, candles, ceramics, textiles and gift inspiration. The bookshop specializes in local interest, Irish history and gardening, as well as a selection of children’s books and puzzles. Gift vouchers are also available.

Opening hours

Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Guided tours take place every day and it is the perfect place to bring friends and family visiting home for Christmas.

For more information, call 056 772 2893 or follow us on Facebook @rothehouse and Instagram @ rothe_house_garden

All events can be booked on Eventbrite but be quick - places are filling up fast!

The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to present our ‘2024 Christmas short story series’. We have invited five Kilkenny based writers to submit a short story over the coming weeks, which we hope you will enjoy. This week we welcome Dr Joseph Kearney.

BY DR. JOSEPH KEARNEY

The man from Mullinahone had a cough. I know this because I’d been listening to him hacking away throughout the night. The dividing wall between our adjoining North London bedsits was thin; plywood and wallpaper was all that separated us. And now on this Christmas morning I was awakened again, this time to the sound of carols. The man from Mullinahone had his radio on… very, very loud.

My room was small, I could reach the two-ring gas cooker without getting out of bed. I made tea, and because of the day that was in it, I poured a mug for the man from Wexford. With little worth stealing, we rarely locked our rooms. I knocked, walked in and saw he was still in bed. “I made you a mug of tea.” He nodded towards the dressing table. “How many sugars did you put in?”

I was turning to leave when he pointed again to the dressing table. “There’s a card there for you.” I noticed a small stack of stamped and addressed envelopes. Shuffling through them I came to one addressed to me. “Happy Christmas,” he said. “Many happy returns,” I replied. Back in my room I opened the card. It depicted a robin and snow. A new ten-poundnote bearing the image of the Queen of England dropped to the floor. It was crisp and unblemished. Usually Mullinahone made a great show of folding his notes in such a way that the image of the monarch faced inwards when he placed them in his back trouser pocket. “Revenge for Cromwell,” he’d say. Mid-morning he returned the mug. His arrival was heralded by a cloud of Brut aftershave that would make your eyes water. He was wearing his Galtymore suit. A mohair, electric blue ensemble - Irish show band cut, ideal for impressing neighbours during visits home. “Will we venture out?” he asked. I knew he wasn’t referring to Mass. We were both well out of reach of priests and mothers, so it had to be the pub.

We sauntered in the direction of Kilburn. On this holiest of holy days we were

The Last Christmas Post

following a distant star. And if we were not Magi or shepherds then surely we were black sheep when we arrived at a sign glowing above the door of the Rifle Volunteer. In fairness to us, we were not the first to arrive. The saloon

bar was packed. The Wolfe Tones blasted from the jukebox, poker and the pinball machines competed with shouting voices.

“Let’s try the public bar,” he said, “it might be quieter.” We got settled into a corner

and I asked about the unsent Christmas cards. “You might have missed the last posting day,” I offered. “I decided not to bother this year. It’s not as if I ever get any sent back.”

Before I could ask if they had his current address he caught

my arm and urged me to hush. I could see him holding his breath and listening. It was like someone who thinks they might have heard the first cuckoo of spring and pause awaiting the next call.

A man was singing. We knew him from around Cricklewood. A tall, thin fellow who looked as if he might be formed from a few pencil strokes. The fist that held his drink dwarfed a pint glass, knuckles scarred from work.

As he sang his eyes closed tightly like some creature newly emerged from darkness and bothered by light. I listened to the song and knew it well, the beautiful ‘Slievenamon’, and somehow on this Christmas Day in London it was a real killer. The words emotionally ambushed my drinking companion. I knew he was transported to a place he loved but had somehow lost.

Alone, all alone by the wavewashed strand

And alone in a crowded hall

The hall it is gay and

The waves they are grand

But my heart is not here at all

It flies far away by night and by day

To the times and the joys that are gone

But I never will forget the Sweet maiden I met

In the valley near Slievenamon.

When he’d finished, the singer refused to sing again

or accept a drink. At two o’ clock the pub shut and we were hunted home. Outside the light was changing and a grey drizzle falling. The shoulders of Mullinahone’s mohair suit had darkened and his cheeks were wet. We said little until we came to a red post box. He paused to read the next collection date. “I might send those few cards,” he said. “It’d be a shame to waste the postage.” By the time we arrived at the bedsit, the drizzle had long stopped, however I noticed Mullinahone’s cheeks were still wet. Outside our doors we shook hands and wished one another a Happy Christmas for the second time on that very peculiar day.

I had beans to heat and sausages to fry and the man from Mullinahone’s had cards to post. Through the wall I could hear his cough had not improved and worse still, the radio was back on…country music…loud as ever.

We might both be in for a long and broken Christmas night.

Joseph Kearney is originally a Callan native and a regular voice on RTÉ’s Sunday Miscellany where he features in their latest anthology. He is a multi-award winning documentary maker and holds a PhD in creative writing from UCD.

I listened to the song and knew it well, the beautiful Slievenamon. And somehow on this Christmas Day in London it was a real killer. The words emotionally ambushed my drinking companion. I knew he was transported to a place he loved but had somehow

lost. ( photo Padraig Comerford)

We sauntered in the direction of Kilburn. On this holy of holy days we were following a distant star. And if we were not Magi or shepherds then surely we were black sheep when we arrived at a sign glowing above the door of the Rifle Volunteer.

Time for change says independent candidate Noel G Walsh

I am a Kilkenny man born in Father Albert Place. As a proud Kilkenny man, I am asking for your no.1 vote. I want the opportunity to be the voice of Kilkenny and surrounding areas in Dáil Éireann. My priorities Housing: an issue I am very passionate about. We need to prioritise housing issues for everyone. More affordable housing needs to be made available for people who wish to purchase a home, more social housing available for those who need a stable forever home. We need to house people and start reducing the amount of HAP payments going to commercial landlords. The amount of houses commercial landlords can purchase should be regulated and the supply for people wishing to have their forever home at an affordable cost should be increased. Health: we need better services for people who find themselves needing medical services. A&E waiting times need to be tackled without delay to reduce the amount of unnecessary deaths due to waiting times.

Childcare and care of children with disabilities: we need to make childcare more affordable and more accessible. Children with disabilities and their carers should have every service they need to assist them and to give them the equality they deserve in life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please give your no.1 vote to Noel G Walsh.

Israel’s war on Gaza is genocide, says UN

Israel’s war conduct in Gaza “is consistent with the characteristics of genocide,” including mass civilian casualties and using starvation as a weapon, according to a new United Nations Special Committee report.

“Through its siege over Gaza, obstruction of humanitarian aid, alongside targeted attacks and killing of civilians and aid workers, despite repeated UN appeals, binding orders from the International Court of Justice and resolutions of the Security Council, Israel is intentionally causing death, starvation and serious injury, using starvation as a method of war and inflicting deliberate and collective punishment on the Palestinian population,” the UN com-

Bad news mounts for Ukraine across the frontlines, outgoing US President Joe Biden will allow Ukraine to use USprovided weapons to strike inside Russia, various news outlets, including Reuters, the Associated Press and the New York Times, have reported.

Three sources, familiar with the matter, including two US officials, told Reuters that Ukraine plans to carry out long-range attacks using the weapons in the coming days

The White House has not commented on the reports, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said

mittee said in a press release.

“The Israeli military’s use of AI-assisted targeting, with minimal human oversight, combined with heavy bombs, underscores Israel’s disregard of its obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and take adequate safeguards to prevent civilian deaths,” the committee said.

The UN committee said that Israeli officials have publicly supported policies to destroy “vital water, sanitation and food systems” in Gaza as well as prevent access to fuel.

COGAT, the Israeli agency that approves aid shipments into Gaza, responded in a statement that said Israel “does not use hunger as a weapon of war”.

The Israeli agency said the

quantity of food trucks entering the Gaza Strip has “risen sharply and significantly” and Israel is “exerting enormous efforts” to facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza with “no limit on quantity.” The agency said that the UN’s work in collecting and distributing the aid to residents the enclave is “neither steady nor elective”.

COGAT said: “Despite the repeated claims of the international community, which sometimes do not fully reflect the situation in the Gaza Strip and the humanitarian efforts there, the State of Israel is tirelessly working to provide for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.”

Israel earlier this year rejected what it called the “grossly distorted” accusation of

genocide levelled against it by South Africa, arguing in the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) that its war was fought in self-defence and that it was targeting Hamas rather than Palestinians, following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, terror attacks in Israel.

The UN Special Committee is composed of three UN member states, including Malaysia, Senegal and Sri Lanka.

The UN report comes after the US-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report detailing Israel’s forced mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza in a deliberate and systematic campaign that amounts to a war crime and a crime against humanity.

In a response to the HRW report, the Israeli military said it was “committed to international law and operates accordingly,” and that it issued evacuation orders to protect civilians from combat.

Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza after intense Israeli military operations in recent weeks have told described a chronic lack of food and people dying of hunger, as aid agencies warn that the area is on the brink of famine.

But after a US deadline for Israel to improve getting humanitarian aid into Gaza expired this week, the Biden administration assessed that Israel is not blocking aid and so is not violating US law governing foreign military assistance.

that the missiles would “speak for themselves”.

“Today, many in the media are saying that we have received permission to take appropriate actions,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address to Ukrainians. “But strikes are not made with words. Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves.”

President Zelensky also said Russia’s war in Ukraine would end “faster” when Donald Trump takes over as US president.

Speaking in a radio interview with Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne, Zel-

The State Department said that, while changes were needed, progress had been made, so there would be no disruption to US arms supplies.

But the US view is a stark contrast with the bleak picture on the ground, where much of the aid that reaches Gaza is not being distributed.

“We have not seen any aid, and no one has sent us food,” 63-year-old Palestinian Umm Muhammad Al-At’out told CNN. “Our children have died of hunger and thirst.”

The accounts of desperate civilians echo the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) warning of “a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip”.

ensky admitted to a difficult situation on the battlefield, where Russia has been pressing its advantages in manpower and weaponry. He said the war “will end faster with the policy of this team that will now lead the White House,” referring to the incoming Trump Administration.

“This is their approach, their promise to their society, and it is also very important to them,” he said.

Zelensky stressed that, on Ukraine’s part, “we must do everything to ensure that the war ends next year through diplomatic means”.

Minding our health

In 1919, the First Dáil adopted the Democratic Programme in which it was stated: it shall be the duty of the Republic to take such measures as will safeguard the health of the people and ensure the physical as well as the moral well-being of the Nation.

In May 2017, a cross-party report on the future of healthcare was adopted by the 32nd Dáil. In the Sláintecare Report, a number of key recommendations, timelines and budgetary projections were given including a high-level commitment as follows:

The Committee's agreed vision is for a universal single-tier health and social care system where everyone has equitable access to services based on need and not ability to pay. Over time, everyone will have entitlement to a comprehensive range of primary, acute and social care services at no cost or reduced cost. The vast majority of care will be provided in the primary and community settings.

The 33rd Dáil was formed in 2020 and failed to deliver on the key points of Sláintecare. Yes, more money has been allocated to public health but waiting lists remain long, A&E departments remain overcrowded as we face into another clinical winter, primary healthcare falls way short of what it needs to be, many communities are losing GPs without any guarantee of a replacement, registration with a GP is effectively closed to new people arriving into an area such as Kilkenny City and mental health – the Cinderella of the health service – is chronically underfunded and over-stretched.

To cap it all, the Health Service Executive has instigated, since earlier this year, a rigid ceiling on pay and numbers across the health service. This is having a crippling effect on the morale of our heroes who work in the service as well as on the timely and efficient delivery of frontline services to a growing population. Patient safety is at stake. Ireland, along with most European countries

seems to face an inevitable demographic winter in terms of falling births and an ageing society. The total number of persons aged 65 and over could rise to somewhere around 1.6 million by the 2040s. In other words, by mid-century the population of seniors will have doubled and, as a proportion of total population, could increase to 25-27 percent. This has massive implications for resourcing services.

We are fortunate to have so many nurses and doctors from other parts of the European Union and beyond. However, we need to mind our staff as well as our health. Ireland needs to become a more worker-friendly country offering attractive conditions, training and remuneration to hire and retain the best and that includes Irish graduates in medicine, nursing and specialist occupations such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and psychologists.

As I already pointed out in my 2019 book, ‘An Ireland Worth Working For’ we need to address two issues:

• There are areas of healthcare resource allocation and usage where improvements in performance could be achieved and further cost savings effected. Key examples of this include education in healthy living and investment in primary and comprehensive healthcare facilities to take some of the pressure off acute care; and

• To keep pace with an ageing population, improvements in technology, diagnostics and treatment we will need to allocate more, not less, taxation.

We need timely delivery, accountability and reform. We need to move towards a single-tier health service based on need and not ability to pay. The Democratic Programme of 1919 awaits implementation in the 34th Dáil about to be formed.

Tom Healy

Independent Candidate Carlow-Kilkenny

KCETB honours its retired

(14 November 2024) - Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) this week held a special event for retired employees to acknowledge their service and thank them for their hard work and dedication in providing education services to the Kilkenny and Carlow region.

KCETB directors and school principals gave heart-felt citations outlining the stellar contributions of their former colleagues across Kilkenny and Carlow who were congratulated and presented with a piece of Kilkenny Crystal by KCETB Chairperson Cllr Andrea Dalton.

KCETB Chief Executive Eileen Curtis thanked all of the retirees for their dedication and service. “Throughout your careers you have shown dedication, passion and resilience, adapting to changing demands, sometimes in challenging times. You have embraced new technologies and methodologies, always playing your part in creating the inclusive culture of learning which is so important within our organisation”, she said.

“ In your commitment to students and colleagues, you have regularly gone above and beyond the call of duty acting as their mentor and friend, often providing a listening ear or a quiet word of encouragement at just the right moment. But it is not only your professional accomplishments that we celebrate here today but also your kindness, compassion and empathy and your capacity to play your part in creating a safe space for students and learners and in supporting them so that they have felt valued, respected and empowered”, commented Eileen Curtis.

“KCETB is first and foremost a learning organisation. I firmly believe that it is a privilege to do the work that we do and to help shape the lives of young people and adults as they set out on their different paths. Our aspiration for all our students and indeed our staff is that they Flourish through Learning. You have helped shape people’s lives for the better, and that should always be a source of great pride to each one of you”, added Eileen Curtis.

Employing 1,443 people, Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) is a leading provider of education and training in the south east, enabling 16,000 annual learners to reach their potential by offering education pathways in schools, colleges, training centres and community settings. KCETB’s remit includes the management and operation of 13 post-primary schools, two colleges of further education and training, an extensive range of adult and community education services across Kilkenny and Carlow, the co-ordination of youth services, and the promotion of music education through Music Generation.

Pictured are several Kilkenny retirees with their colleagues. Back, from left: Adult Education Officer John O’Neill, Patrick Shortall, (Community Education/Adult Education Service Kilkenny), Thomas Cassin (Kilkenny City Vocational School), Seán Óg O’Sullivan (Grennan College), Miriam O’Donnell (Grennan College), Brenda Foskin (Duiske College), Carmel Bryan (Adult Literacy Kilkenny), Winnie Manning (Abbey Community College) and Mary Butler (Training Services). Seated: Adult Education Officer Bernadette O’Rourke, Director of Further Education and Training Martha Bolger, Chairperson of KCETB Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Chief Executive Eileen Curtis and Director of Schools Pauline Egan.

All photos by Harry Reid

employees at special event

Pictured are several Kilkenny retirees with their colleagues Back, from left: Adult Education Officer Bernadette O’Rourke, Mary Redmond (Carlow Youth Employment), Margaret Murphy (Borris College), Anne Murphy (Borris College), Deirdre Mooney (Borris College), James Burke (Coláiste Eoin), Marie Thérèse Byrne (Coláiste Aindriú), Anne Murtagh (Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training), Paul Hickey (Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training) and Carlow Institute of FET Principal David Forde. Seated: Director of Schools Pauline Egan, Director of Further Education and Training Martha Bolger, Chairperson of KCETB Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Chief Executive Eileen Curtis and Marion Haughney (KCETB Head Office).

Live music at the Yulefest Yurt

Be entertained every weekend with music, dancing and famil y entertainment

with free live local performances on the Yulefest L ive Music Stage in the new Yulefest Yurt! There is something for everybody as the varied programme showcases local and upcoming talent. Featuring p erformances from Code of Behaviour, Raindogs, Lady Desart Choir, The Presidents, Burnchurch, Comhaltas Craobh Osraí and Aliz e’s School of Singing plus lots more… Taking place every Saturday and Sunday, alongside the

Yulefest Christmas Market, on The Parade in Kilkenny city! Beginning November 30th. Performances are at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm with special performances each Saturday at 6pm to accompany the late-night market. Pic k up food, refreshments and gifts at the Yulefest Christmas Market while soaking up the festive atmosphere and enjoy free live m usic and entertainment in the heart of Kilkenny city this Christmas! Find out more at yulefestkilkenny.ie

The Magic of Christmas returns to the Craftyard at Castlecomer Discovery

Park! The Christmas Market and Santa's Magical Village are BACK!

Castlecomer Discovery Park is spreading festive cheer this year with the return of their popular Santa's Magical Village, and with the return of the Christmas Market!

Building on the success of last year's Santa experience, the park is offering an even bigger and better event, promising a magical Christmas for all ages.

Santa's Magical Village returns for the second year, taking place within the enchanting surrounds of the park's Craftyard. Tickets are selling fast, so booking through Ticketmaster.ie is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Santa's Magical Village is an indoor event located in the main reception building. It is a multi-room, interactive experience where each family or group privately embarks along the journey meeting Mrs. Claus and Santa's Elves along the way.

Festive fun for all ages To add to the merriment, a mini festive fun-fair will keep children entertained with a carousel ride and other attractions. Adults can relax and refuel at the on-site cafe or indulge in the delicious Asian street food from the renowned Tuk Tuk Wok Bar. Pizzas, ice creams, milkshakes will all be available throughout the event – there's something for everyone!

A growing tradition

The team behind the event is dedicated to making Castlecomer Discovery Park a Christmas destination. They are working closely with local crafters to create a magical atmosphere and hope to expand the festival in the coming years.

Plan your visit

The Christmas Market, running alongside Santa's Magical Village, will showcase the talents of local crafters, artists, and sculptors. Visitors can browse unique creations and find the perfect Christmas gifts while enjoying hot food and refreshments. The market will be open every Saturday and Sunday, from December 7th to 23rd. The Christmas Market will have cover and will not be open to the elements.

Whether you're looking to meet Santa, browse unique gifts, or simply enjoy the festive spirit, Castlecomer Discovery Park has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this chance to create lasting Christmas memories!

For more information or to book tickets for Santa's Magical Village, please visit Ticketmaster.ie or call 087-4885972. You can also email santacastlecomer@gmail.com.

WEEK 95 'Life comes in many forms' – are we all playing our part?

Mayors Christmas concert announced

Mayor Andrew McGuinness has announced the lineup for this year’s Mayors Christmas Concert and it looks like an incredible night awaits.

So far, some of Kilkennys finest talent have been confirmed to take the stage at The Watergate Theatre on Tuesday December 3rd. Headliners will be The Kilkennys who are currently on tour in Holland and Ger-

raise money for local groups and families who are vulnerable at Christmas time. Funds will be distributed by the Lions Club.

“I’m delighted to announce this fantastic lineup of local performers for the Christmas Concert and I’m very grateful for their help and support. This promises to be a great night and if it’s like previous years, it will sell out so people should grab their tickets quickly,” said Mayor Andrew McGuinness.

Tickets are on sale now via

many. This will be the third time they have headlined the Christmas Concert for Mayor McGuinness.

Local group Burnchurch who have gained themselves great recognition and popularity, are also on the bill. Oracle Villa were confirmed following their recent victory at the 2024 Battle of the Bands contest and well-known local musician Tomas Jackman

will perform.

Mayor McGuinness also says there are a number of surprises and they will be announced in the coming days too.

All proceeds from the concert will go towards the Mayors Christmas Appeal which aims to

“We need 100% community led renewable energy; corporations can’t be trusted,” says People Before Profit’s Wallace

Cllr Adrienne Wallace, the People Before Profit General Election candidate is a wellknown local climate activist who has hit out at the Green Party’s record on climate action. She said the Green Party were writing a blank cheque to private renewable energy corporations to “do what they want” in rural Ireland with little to no oversight or community input. She believes this is not the way forward and said that “PBP wants to see 100% community led, state-funded renewable energy.”

Cllr Wallace said “everybody wants to see the move to renewable energy but this has to be done in tandem with communities and residents. We can’t allow private wind energy corporations to rip up rural Ireland for big profits. From Mount Leinster to Castlebanny, rural communities are becoming beholden to these corporations. I have spent a lot of time speaking to these communities and supporting the fight for state-funded, community led renewable energy. Families I speak to cannot get enough sleep in areas close to wind farms as the permitted noise levels

from turbines in Ireland are double what is allowed in Australia. The interests of profit are being put before the people and the planet.” She added “the Greens in government have still not updated the Wind Energy Guidelines from 2006, which leaves communities in limbo. The regulations in this sector are out of date. There has to be greater distance between wind turbines and homes, alongside a host of other changes, but ultimate-

way forward is to ensure community ownership of any developments.”

Cllr Wallace continued “despite having a Green Minister, Ireland has dropped six places on the Climate Change Performance Index. We are also on track to miss our carbon reduction targets. Under the Greens, farmers have also become demonized when we should be working with them to reduce emissions. PBP wants to see ‘local to local’ food chains develop and we want to incentivize farmers to move to organic farming and to introduce carbon sequestering prac-

Cllr Wallace concluded “we are running out of time to tackle climate change; we are seeing the impact this is having across the world and next year is set to be the warmest on record. In every sense of the word, we cannot afford to lose another 5 years to a government that is all talk, no climate action. That’s why I am asking people to vote Wallace number 1 on Friday 29th of

A classical Christmas with famous musicians coming to Kilkenny? Last tickets available with 2 of 4 concerts SOLD OUT

Patrick Rafter heads up the incredible Marble City Music Festival for their Christmas concerts from Thursday November 28th to Sunday 6th December in St Mary’s Cathedral in Kilkenny City.

The festival outlook is simple - great music and brilliant atmospheres. So it makes sense to have some complimentary mulled wine & mince pies, all while listening to glorious music played by some of Ireland’s greatest musicians. Musicians include Patrick Rafter, Claudia Boyle, Fiachra Garvey, the Rafter Family and Michel Lethiec. On the programme is an evening of solo Bach, ‘A Family Christmas Concert’, Chamber Orchestra and soloists, and a violin and piano recital.

On Thursday 28th, Rafter joins forces with Ailbhe McDonagh - the first ever Irish cellist in history to record Bach’s 6 Suites for solo cello. Included in the programme will be the 1st and 3rd cello suites.

On Friday 29th November, one of the world's leading clarinettists comes to Kilkenny - Michel Lethiec. Patrick Rafter teams up with Lethiec and French

Chamber Orchestra, Rosa

for a spell-binding evening of exciting chamber music.

Saturday 30th November

is a special day, as Patrick

and celebrated

release their debut album under acclaimed British

Record Label, Rubicon Classics. They will perform the entire album at St. Mary’s Cathedral the same evening it releases. The

programme is an incredible mix of virtuoso and profound works including the epic Ravel Sonata No. 2. Sunday 1st December at 4 PM is entitled ‘A Family Christmas’ and features an incredible line up of musicians: Claudia Boyle

28th November -

JJ

and Maura

and

Friday 6th December sees Rafter and Garvey travel to Curtis Auditorium in Cork City for another launch of their album.

Tickets online at www. marblecitymusicfestival. com. Physical tickets can also be purchased at Frank Wall Man’s Shop, High Street Kilkenny. All concerts in St. Mary’s Cathedral are wheelchair accessible with easy parking. All concerts include complimentary mulled wine and mince pies, and most importantly, a warm welcome. Follow Marble City Music Festival on Facebook and Instagram for videos, updates and more!

Musica,

Rafter

Irish pianist, Fiachra Garvey,

soprano, Paddy

Rafter,

McNamara, The Kilkenny Choir

Patrick Rafter violinist.

Saturday 30th November - Patrick Rafter and celebrated Irish pianist, Fiachra Garvey, release their debut album

Soprano Claudia Boyle

Thursday

Patrick Rafter joins forces with Ailbhe McDonagh

They didn’t just sacrifice their life, but their future

By Ger Cody

Photos: Pat Shortall

“And this is the end of it. In three hours the war will be over. It seems incredible even as I write it. I suppose I ought to be thrilled and cheering. Instead I am merely apathetic and incredulous. There is some cheering across the river—occasional bursts of it as the news is carried to the advanced lines. For the most part, though, we are in silence. With all is a feeling that it can’t be true. For months we have slept under the guns. We cannot comprehend the stillness.”

These poignant lines from Robert Casey were read at the opening ceremony at the Kilkenny Great War Memorial as over 60 people gathered to commemorate Armistice Day. Casey was a soldier from the 124th Field Artillery Regiment, 33rd Division and his lines were written on November 11th, 1918, now known as Armistice Day.

Welcoming the attendance, Donal Croghan, from the Kilkenny Great War committee, spoke of the importance of remembering the men and women

James

worldwide who fought in the Great War. “Today we specifically remember the men and women from Kilkenny who were part of that very sad time in our history,” continued Donal.

The gathering in the aptly named Peace Park was attended by a cross section of the community and included military, Gardaí, members of O.N.E. and many politicians. Special guests included Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael McCarthy, and Deputy Mayor, Joe Malone. On November 11, 1918, after more than four years

of horrific fighting and the loss of millions of lives, the guns on the western front fell silent. Although fighting continued elsewhere, the armistice between Germany and the Allies was the first step to ending World War I. The global reaction was one of mixed emotions: relief, celebration, disbelief and a profound sense of loss.

The very dignified remembrance service held in Kilkenny was a wonderful overview that consisted of prayers, poetry, song and music that remembered those Kilkenny men and women who died in WWI.

Over eight hundred of these soldiers died during the conflict. These numbers include representatives from almost every parish in county Kilkenny. Speakers at the event reminded those gathered of Kilkenny’s connection to the Great War and of the bravery, heroism and sacrifice of fondly remembered family and friends, whose actions still resonate.

During the Great War over three thousand men and women from Kilkenny city and county enlisted and filtered through the railway station to the great unknown. The young recruits going to war were filled with bravado, enthusiasm and excitement. At that time the small station, comprising of four lines, became a bustling mass of heaving humanity. Bands played, flags waved, as family and friends gathered. A cacophony of chaotic noise reverberated. But in the midst of the revelry, parents, siblings and sweethearts were in a quandary. Aware that this could be the last time they would ever see their loved ones, tears mingled with the parting hugs and kisses. For many there would not be a return journey. These young men

and women were leaving to fight in foreign places.

The words of Falklands war veteran, Simon Weston, seem apt: “people must keep the legacy of the First World War alive and remember those that fought didn’t just sacrifice their life – they sacrificed their future.”

Those taking part included Janette Carson, who laid the flame of remembrance, Donal Croghan who read the prayer of Commemoration, and John Joe Cullen who recited the John McCrea poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. Music on the day was supplied by Finbarr McCarthy (‘The Pipers Lament’

and the National Anthem) while Áine Prendergast and Martina Corrigan sang two hymns - ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Nearer My God to Thee’. Musical accompaniment was provided by John Tully on guitar.

Possibly the most poignant part of the afternoon was the laying of the wreaths which was performed with great respect and dignity. During the wreath laying, John Tully performed the tune ‘Mac Dermot Roe’ by Irish Harpist, Turlough O’Carolan. A minute's silence was observed on the day, which was followed by the playing of ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ by Fran O’Neill and the

Commandant

Ledingham, Janette Carson,Cllr Joe Malone, Donal Croghan and Edward Carson remembering those who died during the WW1 conflict

Martina Corrigan and Áine Prendergast who sang two hymns

FRONT: Noel Burke,

raising of the Irish flag to full mast by chair of the O.N.E. Bobby Kearney.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Michael McCarthy said it was a huge honour for him to be present. “Men and women from every parish in County Kilkenny left to fight in that war, and it is right and proper that we remember them,” said Michael.

Deputy Mayor Joe Malone, a former army man, said he felt great empathy with the commemoration and congratulated the organisers for the dignified manner in which they presented the ceremony.

The following took part in the wreath laying ceremony :

• Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael McCarthy

• Deputy Mayor, Joe Malone

• Bernie Egan on behalf of the Kilkenny Great War Memorial

• Commandant James Ledingham, James Stephens Barracks

• Janette Carson on behalf of all women

• Edward Carson on behalf of his father-in -law in the Royal Navy

• Gus Hennessy representing O.N.E.

• Larry Scallan representing UN Veterans

• Representing the Royal Irish Regiment and South Irish Horse Association, Mary Anne Maher

BACK: Liam Barry, Ollie Kearney, Joe Doheny, John McGuinness (T.D) Larry Scallan, Michael Kelly and Kevin McGarry

Deputy Mayor Joe Malone, Cathoairleach Michael McCarthy and Commandant James Ledingham

‘The Pipers Lament’ Army piper Finbarr McCarthy who paid tribute to fallen soldiers

Gus Hennessy of the O.N.E laid a wreath in memory of fallen comrades

Deputy Mayor Joe Malone who placed a wreath on behalf of the people of Kilkenny

Representing the Kilkenny Great War Memorial committee, Bernie Egan and James Cartwright lays a wreath at the monument

Edward Carson shows respect as he lays a wreath

Deputy Mayor Joe Malone, Commandant James Ledingham and Cathaoirleach Michael McCarthy

Rekindling old memories

Bernie Hogan, John Joe Cullen and Janette Carson

Bernie Egan, James Cartwright, John Joe Cullen, Larry Scallan, Donal Croghan, P.J Norton and Finbarr McCarthy

Joe Doheny, Noel Burke, Deputy Mayor Joe Malone, Commandant James Ledingham, Larry Scallan and Ollie Kearney

Join Gareth for a talk and walk

A ‘Talk & Walk’ with artist Gareth Kennedy as part of his Rhizome residency, enabled by the Kilkenny Arts Office exploring potentials for novel green spaces and citizen based ecological practice and climate action in Kilkenny is about to take place.

The day will begin with an artist talk by Gareth from the Butler Gallery, sharing his research into urban green spaces and their civic userships. Gareth will focus on the NCAD FIELD project as a functioning and sustained example of where art and design learning intersects with community, ecology, climate action and heritage. He will also discuss a partnership with a ‘Growing Story in Belfast’ and his ‘Super Projects Microforest Project’ which is now in its 4th year.

Time: Saturday 23 November 2024, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Location: Butler Gallery, the Tea Houses, River Nore walk Booking: eventbrite

Kilkenny to Kilimanjaro Direct fundraising table Quiz 28th November

A table quiz will be held next Thursday, 28th November at the Orchard Bar Kilkenny at 8pm.

All proceeds to Kilimanjaro Direct, the charity founded by former Presentation Secondary music teacher Sheila Ryan.

A table of 4 costs €40.

There will be a raffle with great prizes and finger food will be provided on the night.

Quiz Master on the night is Liam Heffernan who himself travelled to Kilimanjaro in 2012 to see the work the charity does.

Other Kilkenny volunteers have travelled to Kilimanjaro to help out.

Kilimanjaro Direct supports a Primary school for 300 children, who get two meals a day. It also delivers food to families and builds houses for very poor families.

New Ross Drama Workshop presents ‘Moll’ by John B. Keane

The New Ross Drama Workshop is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Moll, the beloved comedy by renowned Irish playwright John B. Keane. This hilariously funny play will be performed at St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, from Wednesday, 27th to Friday 29th, November.

Directed by Kate O’Keeffe, who has directed the groups most recent productions of ‘Same Old Moon’ and ‘Sive’, the production promises to be an evening of laughter, drama, and unforgettable entertainment.  ‘Moll’ delves into the bustling and chaotic life of a parish house dominated by its indomitable housekeeper, Moll Kettle. The play is a delightful exploration of small-town parish life in the 1970’s, following the antics of a no-nonsense housekeeper who keeps her priests—and their household—in check.

Audiences will be captivated by Moll’s quick thinking and clever schemes as she navigates a world filled with tradition, expectation, and mass cards.

John B. Keane, one of Ireland’s most prolific and celebrated playwrights, is known for his keen insights into rural Irish life. With its mix of biting humour, vivid characters, and heartfelt moments, ‘Moll’ remains one of Keane’s most beloved plays.

The New Ross Drama Workshop is renowned for its dedication to bringing theatre to the community, and ‘Moll’ is no exception. With a talented cast and crew working tirelessly to perfect every scene, audiences can expect an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable performance.

The cast is made up of a mixture of new, seasoned and returning members and includes: Brid Moloney (Moll Kettle), Milo Walsh (Canon Pratt), Edward Hayden (Fr. Brest), David Walsh (Fr. Loran), Anne Fleming Kelly (Miss Andover) Liz Furness (Bridgie), Peter O'Connor (Ulick),

and Peter Madden (The Bishop) The production is ably assisted backstage by a host of well known faces in the group including Peggy Hussey, Bride Walsh, Kitty Warren, Marian Rothwell, Margaret Saunders, Kathleen Kennedy & Martina Kavanagh with sound design is by Lee Hynes & Jim Foran, with the set being created by Alan Kelly & Jeanette Sidney Kelly.  Catherine O’ Connor leading the Front of House team of Brid Richardson, Margaret Rossiter, Tara Furness, Kevin Murphy, John Caulfield & Carmel Fitzpatrick & other group members. The production is also well assisted by theatre manager Tomás Kavanagh & his team. Tickets are now available at St. Michael’s Theatre Box Office (051-421255) or online at website website ( www.stmichaelsnewross. com )

Don’t miss your chance to experience this much-loved Irish classic on stage in St. Michaels Theatre on November 27th-29th.

The Bregagh River at Evans Tower, Kilkenny City, October 2024. Photo: G. Kennedy

Kilkenny volunteer Sarah Power who travelled to Kilimanjaro recently

Kilkenny Sport Focus

Michael O’Leary

Willie Mullins

This weekend in Punchestown, two of Willie Mullins stable stars are set to make their seasonal debut as both Champion Hurdle winner State Man and dual Gold Cup Champion Galopin Des Champs are declared in The Morgiana Hurdle and Durkan Chase respectively. This is the time of the year that The Champion Trainer unleashes his leading charg-

BY PAUL BOLGER

Experiencing serious maltreatment in childhood increases our risk of developing health conditions later in life. However, a nourishing environment, loving carers and positive experiences help to counterbalance the effects of maltreatment, buffering people from many of the negative effects. You can find more information in my last few articles on the Kilkenny Observer’s website.

But what about those adults who were subjected to traumatic experiences during childhood, what is important to address in adulthood to reduce the impact of these experiences on health and wellbeing?

Before we dig into this, I want to emphasise the fact that I am a physiotherapist, not a psychologist, so I can only point towards some general advice and ideas. While I consulted with a clinical psychologist friend when researching this article, nothing beats individual treatment from a registered psychological practitioner. Ok, here we go.

Basic Needs

es into action, as he attempts further glory following an extraordinary 2023-2024 season.

State Man was among the 12 original entries for tomorrow's Morgiana Hurdle with Willie supplying 7 of those dozen entries, while Galopin Des Champs is among the 20 entries for The Durkan Chase on Sunday.

This years Champion

Hurdle winner has dominated the two mile hurdling scene in Ireland for the past two seasons winning all of his 8 races, and tomorrow he will attempt to emulate the feat of Hurricane Fly (2012-2014) by winning The Morgiana Hurdle for three consecutive years.

Willie has won the race on 13 occassions with 12 of those victories coming in the past 13 years since 2011, and State Man will expect to be a long odds favorite to add another Morgiana Hurdle to The Goresbridge natives collection.

Lossiemouth is also among the entries for tomorrow's feature race, and the mare has won at both The Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals the past two seasons having won 7 of her 8 starts in total.

Should Lossiemouth lineup, the mare will almost certainly be partnered by Danny Mullins as Paul Townend is committed to State Man.

On Sunday, Galopin Des Champs will line-up in The Durkan Chase looking to get one over The Martin Brassil

trained Fastorslow, who has defeated the twice Cheltenham Gold Cup winner on the three previous occassions in Punchestown that they have met including last years Durkan Chase.

Willie had 10 entries among the original entries, and among those declared at time of writing is Il Etait Temps who has been a great money spinner for The Champion Trainer having won four Grade 1s.

The Joseph O'Brien trained Banbridge won a thrilling Champion Chase at The Punchestown Spring Festival and he was also among the original entries, while also declared was The Jimmy Mangan trained Spillanes Tower who was a Grade 1 winner at both The Fairyhouse and Punchestown Festivals.

All going to plan, both State Man and Galopin Des Champs will follow the exact same format again this season as they take in both The Leopardstown Christmas and Dublin Racing Festivals, before heading to Cheltenham and then back home to

round off the season at The Punchestown Festival.

If Galopin Des Champs can pull off The Gold Cup hat-trick next March, he will follow in the footsteps of Golden Miller(1932-1936), Cottage Rake(1948-1950), Arkle(1964-1966) and Best Mate(2002-2004) by becoming the 5th horse to win Cheltenham's most prestigious Steeplechase three years in succession, and also providing Willie Mullins with an equal record breaking 5th Gold Cup triumph alongside Tom Dreaper who was the trainer of Arkle.

Meanwhile, Gaelic Warrior is most likely to step up in trip to three miles and contest The King George Chase in Kempton on St. Stephens Day having been so impressive in winning The Arkle in Cheltenham last March.

Willie has twice previously trained the winner of The King George courtesy of Florida Pearl in 2001 and Tornado Flyer in 2021 with Danny Mullins on board.

Energumene won The Champion Chase twice at The Cheltenham Festival in

Recovering from childhood experiences

It is possible for adults who suffered from childhood maltreatment to reduce the impacts on their health and wellbeing

Just like children, it is important for adults to have many basic needs met. In relationships (with partners, friends, family, colleagues, etc) consistency, care and attunement (i.e. feeling seen, understood and accepted) are important – whether you are 3 or 83. If somebody missed out on this as a child, it is still possible to cultivate this in adulthood.

We don’t need these things

from all our relationships, far from it, but it is important to feel like we get this from those who we are closest to in life.

Belonging to a Community  We humans tend to like to be a part of a group, to feel part of a community. This is often linked to our survival instincts – tens of thousands of years

ago our ancestors wouldn’t have lasted long alone. It makes sense that we have an inbuilt drive to connect with others.

These days we find these communities everywhere – from local clubs and volunteer groups to online gaming communities and social media groups. If you

2022 and 2023 and after having missed all of last season through injury, he is most likely to make his comeback in The Hilly Way Chase in Cork on December 8th while also holding an entry in The Tingle Creek Chase in Sandown the previous day.

Aintree Grand National winner I am Maximus was touted off as a Gold Cup horse by his trainer, and it would be no surprise if The Gold Cup was used as a prep run prior to his defence of The Aintree showpiece next Spring.

As per usual, Willie will have a whole host of novices and bumper charges to look forward to in the months ahead, as he looks to enjoy another season to remember following on from last seasons extraordinary exploits that surpassed way beyond his expectations. His phenomenal acheivements from last season will surely expect to feature in a wider sporting light at the various end of year awards in the weeks ahead, as part of a memorable year for Irish Sport.

can impact our relationships and wellbeing. It’s not uncommon to see it in those who suffered from childhood maltreatment.

Developing healthier levels of trust and learning to communicate better can help people to improve the quality of their relationships, help them to integrate into a community and to help meet those basic needs of consistency, care and attunement (i.e. feeling seen, understood and accepted).

Making a Change

Psychological practitioners, especially those informed in trauma, can help people to work on all of the points raised here. As everyone is different, shaped by their own life experiences, it is best to seek individualised support and guidance from a psychologist.

feel like this is lacking in your life, it’s worth seeing what is available in your local community, considering activities that you might have enjoyed previously.

Trust & Communication

Issues with trust and problems communicating our needs and desires to others

Building healthy relationships in adulthood, belonging to a community, working in therapy on relationship issues, trust and communication are all worthwhile ways to improve our wellbeing, as well as our physical health as we grow older. It is never too early or too late to start.

Next week we will look at ways we can all improve the balance of our stress response.

As always, if any of the issues raised here give you cause for concern, do bring it up with your healthcare provider.

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

CLARA

CLUB LOTTO

Lotto results for 12th November. Numbers drawn 5, 14, 19. No Jackpot winner.

€30 each to Brian and Ciaran Kehoe, Niamh Brennan, Lisa Power, Francis Shortall, Andrew O Carroll.

U21 HURLING

Clara await the winners of the Freshford/ Slieverue semifinal for their upcoming U21 Roinn D county final. That second semifinal hasn’t been yet played because of St. Lachtains, Freshford’s ongoing involvement in the Leinster Junior championship. It could be a few weeks yet before they’re free to play it.

U22 CAMOGIE

Good luck to the Clara girls at the weekend as they face Tullaroan away in a Roinn B county semifinal. That game has been fixed for Sunday morning 24th November 2024 with only the time to be confirmed.

CLUB AGM

Clara GAA Club invite all full members to our AGM, in Clara GAA Clubhouse, on Friday 29th November. 2024 at 19.30.

CAMOGIE AGM

Clara Camogie Club will hold its AGM on Friday 22nd November at 8.30pm. If anyone wants to get involved in any capacity, please let current committee member know. New faces and fresh ideas are alway welcome.

LGFA AGM

The Clara Ladies Football AGM will take place next Thursday, the 21st of November at 8pm in the clubhouse.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club will take place in the club on Wednesday 4th December, at 7.30pm.

Nomination Papers, and request for Motions and Recommendations have been circulated to members. These are to be returned to the club secretary on or before 9pm on Friday 22nd November. Nominations, motions and recommendations can be returned by return email, or by post to the club secretary.

INCLUSIVE GAELIC GAMES FOR CHILDREN

Inclusive Gaelic games for children with additional needs will be commencing in the New Year in O’Loughlin Gaels GAA club. This initiative will be open to boys and girls between 6 and 17 years of age. This programme will be structured around non-contact Hurling and Gaelic Football and will focus on improving coordination and fitness. The most important part of this programme is that everybody has fun and is part of a team.

A number of volunteers will be needed to get this extremely worthwhile initiative off the ground. The programme will run for 45 minutes each week and will be at a quiet time. All coaches will receive the appropriate training and will be Garda vetted. There will be a meeting arranged in the club to talk to parents of interested children and volunteers. For more information please contact Philip O’Reilly on 087-4181020.

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated November 12th. Numbers drawn were 3, 7, 10, 25 and the Bonus number was 26. Play now at www. oloughlingaels.com/lotto

Promotors Draw. 1. Mick and Mags c/o Gerry Buckley. 2. Tanya Cody c/o Mary Cody. 3. Paddy Foley c/o Michael Nolan. 4. Jamie c/o Michael Dreeling. 5. Pat Cody c/o Mary Cody. 6. Susan Mc Cormack c/o Kevin Cleere. 7. Mags and Dinny c/o John Joe Cullen. 8. Helen Carroll c/o Online. 9. Nigel Farrelly c/o Online. 10. Lisa Buckley c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support.

NOTES

If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels. kilkenny@gaa.ie

GOWRAN

GOWRAN AC

Massive congratulations to Orla, Abigail, Sarah, David, Conor, Gearóid and John who travelled to Fermanagh for the National Senior and Even Age All-Ireland Cross Country. Following on from her fantastic performances in both the Even (8th place) and Uneven U13 (10th) Leinster races, Orla O’Keeffe had an incredible run to place 6th out of 186 athletes in the highly competitive race. Orla also scored as the 3rd girl home for Leinster

helping the Leinster team claim the gold medal place. There was great performances from everyone, who have trained hard and competed with great determination throughout all the provincial and national championships this year. Well done again to all and best of luck to those who are competing again in two weeks time in the Unevens in Tramore on 1st

December.

Results

Girls U12 (*County Team 8th), Orla O’Keeffe 6th *. Abigail Hunt 28th*. Sarah Mulrooney 129th. Boys U14, David Carroll 123rd. Boys U16 (*County Team 6th).

Conor Carroll 47*. Gearóid Farrell 78th*. Senior Men, John Coady 135th

GOWRAN PARK

The Park is included in the nominations for Race Course of the Year https://www.hri.ie/corporate/pressoffice/awards/racecourse-of-the-year

YOUNG IRELANDS GAA

Martin Carey Ballybur, Cuffesgrange and formerly The Demesne, Gowran RIP. Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Club would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Carey family on his sad passing. Martin represented the club at many levels on the field of play and also served as Club Secretary from 1975 – 1977. He continued his support for the club into his later years.

They extend condolences to his wife Liz, daughters Aideen and Roisin, his son Eoin, his sister Peg Muldowney and the extended Carey family at this difficult time.

MOLLY’S TEA ROOM

Don’t forget to order your Christmas sweet treats at Molly’s. They are now taking orders for traditional Christmas cakes, puddings and Mince Pies. They have a wide selection of desserts. Cheesecakes, Pavlova, Chocolate Biscuit Puddings, cupcakes, to name but a few available. Place orders now as our Christmas order book closes on the 14th of December

DALTON HOUSE

Do you have limited mobility or are you looking for a way to do some light exercise? Why not try out our chair exercise classes. If you are interested contact us on 056 7726718 for more information. Classes will be held on a Monday morning in Dalton House.

FRESHFORD

GAA NEWS

St. Lachtain’s Junior hurler continued on a winning streak when they defeated Crumlin in the AIB Leinster JHC quarter final in Parnell Park on Sunday last.

Crumlin put up a spirited display against a far superior

St. Lachtain’s side. The Freshford men went in at the half time break with a substantial lead and continued to keep the score board ticking over throughout the second half finishing on a score of 5-20 to 1-7 Best for St. Lachtain’s were Cathal Hickey, Criomhthann Bergin and Darragh Maher. They now go on to meet Wicklow side Avondale on Saturday next in the semi-final at a Wicklow venue.

Team: D. Brennan, S. Rafter, C. Bergin, S. Dawson. P. Donnelly, B. Kennedy, C. Hickey, B. Quinn, M. Donnelly, A. Rafter, P. Killeen, C. O’Leary, D. Maher, J. Maher, L. Hickey. Subs: A. Rafter, C. Dawson, J. Fitzpatrick, C. Donnelly, L. Kennedy. The U21 championship semi-final against Slieverue is postponed until further notice.

U16 FOOTBALL:

St. Lachtain’s U16 footballers defeated Clara in U16 C football championship quarter-final in Pairc Lachtain’s on Sunday last on a final score of St Lachtain’s 7-2 Clara 4-1

MOVEMEBER

Some members of St. Lachtain’s Junior panel are taking part in Movember this month to help raise funds for men’s health charities. You can donate online via our social media pages or keep an eye out for anyone selling lines while out and about the village.

PRAGUE HOUSE ANNIVERSARY

Prague House Freshford celebrated it Golden Anniversary last week, founded by the late Sr. Patricia it has been 50 years in existence in the village. To mark the occasion the committee held a Golden anniversary coffee morning and Bake sale on Sunday last after 11am Mass. There was a great turn out for the event and some lovely cakes on sale and a special raffle also. The organisers would like to thank all those attended or donated or sponsored their coffee morning.

SQUASH

Freshford Squash club wish to congratulate local lad Nathan Walsh on another achievement last weekend.

Nathan finished 6th overall in the Irish junior open IU15 last weekend. He had a great win on Friday evening against the No.3 seed from Spain that put him into the quarter finals. He was up against a Galway player in the quarter final but was unlucky not to win in what was a great match. He then played against Dublin opposition and won 3-0 which put him in 5th place and 6th position. He took on another strong player from Dublin in a fantastic game which went the distance and Nathan lost out narrowly by 13-11in the fifth set. This was another great achievement for young Nathan.

Freshford Squash club host Westwood of Dublin in Freshford this week in the Leinster league which should have some great games with the Freshford side on top of the league at the moment

BIG THANKS

Local girl Hannah Dermody and her friends organised a Darts night recently in McGraths Bar in aid of the Irish Kidney association, with Ricky Evans and Alan Soutar in attendance taking on local dart enthusiasts. It was a huge success and raised almost €7,000. The organisers would like to thank all those who helped to organise the event and help out by selling tickets etc with a special mention to Mace Freshford, Michael Farrell who was MC on the night, DJ Calli and all those who raised sponsorship and turned up on the night.

BRIDGE

Bridge classes will commence in Tulla Hall on Monday 4th November from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for 10 weeks. Anyone interested in attending the classes should contact Mary on 087 2369535

SOCCER

Freshford Town had a number of teams in action in the schoolboys section recently

The U12 boys drew 0-0 with Spa Utd in their home game. The U14 boys had a huge win over Spa Utd in their home game with Max O’Neill hitting the net 6 times and Patrick O’Connor twice and Senna Walsh getting the other goal.

The U12 girls were beaten by Southend on a 5-0 scoreline.

The soccer academy for young boys 5/6 upwards continues each Saturday at 9.30am and will continue each week.

The Club are presently looking for volunteers across all levels and if you can help or give a bit of your time they would be most grateful. You can contact any member of the Committee or just turn up at the training sessions

IONAD LACHTAIN

St St. Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is open Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm. .

SPLIT THE POT

Last week’s winner of split the pot was Kay Campion of Woodview, winning €233. This months split the pot proceeds is in aid of Prague House which is a great facility in the village and you are asked to please support it whenever you can. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs.

BINGO

The weekly bingo sessions continue each Friday evening in Freshford Community Hall at 8pm with good prize money and a raffle each week. All proceeds goes to the Irish Wheelchair Association. The Committee would like to thank all the people who have turned up each week and ask you to please support this weekly fundraiser and tell your friends and spread the word around.

LOVE THE LOOP

Loop Community Café in Freshford is looking for people on both sides of the counter.

More than just a place for coffee and cake – although it’s mighty good cake – the Loop offers breakfast, lunch, and on the first Friday of every month, a threecourse gourmet evening meal dreamed up by a series of guest chefs. Takeaway and light catering are also on offer.

The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities, from book club to art classes and knitting circle. And you can rent the Green Room for private meetings or lunches.

But all this activity takes many hands. The Loop is looking for volunteers as well as customers. Use your skills and develop new ones. If you’re great at fixing a door hinge, baking a cake, or working in a kitchen – or just willing to learn – they have lots to do.

Find the Loop on Facebook to keep up with events, or stop by any time. If you’d like to volunteer, please call the café at 056.883.2650 and speak with Rhiannon.

KNIT AND KNATTER

Every Wednesday morning in the Loop Cafe there is

a Knit and Knatter session from 10am two 11am. Fee is €6 per person which includes tea/coffee and sweet treat. No experience is necessary and guidance is given. New members are always welcome so why not go along and gain a new skill and more importantly have fun.

FOROIGE

Foroige youth club resumed after the Halloween break and is held each Monday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Community Hall. They are looking for adult volunteers to form a Youth club. For more info contact Aidan n 086 0674485 or Aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie PARISH NEWS

Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.with Mass in Tulla Church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.With 11am Maas in St.Lachtains Church on Sundays.

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

Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 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 28434 2 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violencecall them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB

LARKIN PRESENTATION

On Thursday night last, at a function in the Larchfield clubroom’s, the Larkin family presented the club with a set of three hurls, representing the unique achievement of three generations of the same family in winning All Ireland hurling titles. Lining out in the famed black and amber, Paddy Larkin won 4 medals, 1932, ’33, ’35 and ’39. His son Phil ‘Fan’ won 5 in ’63, ’72, ’74, ’75, ’79. Fans son Philip won 3, 2000, ’02 and ’03. Sponsored by John Treacy, the hurls were mounted and framed and will hang in the hallway of Pairc Sheamuis Stiophán on the Kells Road. It was interesting to see the distinct difference between the style of hurl used in the thirties by Paddy when compared to either of those used by Fan or Philip. Introduced by club chairman, Aodán O Ruairc, Michael Moore outlined the significance of this achievement by the Larkin family and acknowledged the contribution of the Larkin family to Kilkenny and James Stephens hurling over that 71 year timespan. Who knows if such an achievement can ever be repeated on the hurling field so let us celebrate this unique presentation and say a big ‘thank you’ to the Larkin family.

CAMOGIE ALL-STAR

Congratulations to Hannah Scott who received her 2024 Intermediate Camogie All-Star award at a gala presentation night in Croke Park on Friday night last. Hannah received the accolade on the back of her outstanding displays at left half back for the Kilkenny Intermediate team in their campaign to the All-Ireland final which ended with a narrow defeat to the defending champions, Cork. Hannah was joined at the gala Black Tie event by her proud parents John and Deirdre along with county selector Angela Downey Browne. Well deserved, Hannah. AGM REMINDER

Members are reminded that the club’s AGM will take place on Thursday week, 28th November in Larchfield, starting at 7.30pm. It is hoped there will be a sizable turnout of members for the annual reflection of developments on and off the fields of play during a busy season.

CLUB SHOP

With Christmas just around the corner a timely reminder to club members and supporters that the club shop is open each Tuesday nights from 8 to 9pm for business. The shop has a plentiful stock of James Stephens sports and leisurewear ideal to select from for the Festive stocking.

LIBRARY NEWS

The Kilkenny Library Services is entering a tree in this year’s Christmas Tree Festival which will go on display in St. Canice’s Cathedral from the 5th to 9th December. In the workshop, learn how to create beautiful paper ornaments --- some to bring home and some to be displayed on the Library’s tree for the festival. The workshop is open to everyone, adults, teens and children but booking is necessary. Contact Alan at 056 7794176 or email Library.loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie.

5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

The club’s Development Committee are carrying out a survey of club members and the wider club community on their thoughts and ambitions for the club to help formulate a strategic five-year development plan up to 2030. The survey can be completed online, at the link provided below. Alternatively, hard copies of the survey will be available in the club premises and at various locations around the parish. The committee would welcome your input and support by completing the survey which will close on 25th November.

LOTTO

Last week’s lotto numbers were 6, 14, 15, 20. There was no winning ticket. The jackpot remains at €20,000 for this week’s draw. The €40 consolation winners were Aisling Burke, Valerie Kelly, Kathleen Millea, Cormac Connolly and Sean Murray.

BENNETTSBRIDGE

COMMUNITY MEETING

There was a good attendance at the special meeting called to discuss future projects in the Bennettsbridge community. The attendance included representatives from many of the local groups and clubs. Some discussion on possible new projects for the area including provision of storage for community groups, improved sports playing facilities, installation of a walkway and increased community communication through social media.

Unfortunately no new officers were elected but an agreed effort is to be made to encourage new volunteers. A targeted communication through the school will appeal for volunteers/help, badly needed if new projects are to become a reality. The next meeting is provisionally fixed for the third week in January.

THE GATHERING

Last week there was a special celebration for Maura Shiel, on the occasion of her birthday. A beautiful cake provided by Maura’s daughter, Deirdre was enjoyed. Members are looking forward to their Christmas Shopping trip to Whitewater Shopping Centre in early December.

ART GROUP

Sympathy is extended to Daphne Hunt on the death of her sister, Jenny Carroll, which occurred recently.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

The Christmas Card Project sponsored by the Bennettsbridge Art Group is now underway. Cards are

available in the local outlets and feature all your favorite scenes with some new additions. The Art Group is delighted to be involved in this initiative which promotes Bennettsbridge overseas at this special time of the year. Thanks to the local shops who continue to stock the cards and as usual the St Vincent De Paul will share in the proceeds.

SAVE THE DATE!

Advance notice of our Christmas Art Fest to be held on Sunday, 8th December from 11 am to 5pm. Members are working hard at preparations for the event. Opportunity to pick up some special presents for loved ones. Craft decorations, textile hangings, Christmas Cards and some hand-knitted mittens, only some of the items to be picked up. All welcome

CHURCH NEWS

Masses during the week. Tuesday evening 7,30pm. Friday morning, 10.30am Saturday(Tullaherin) 8pm Sunday(Bennettsbridge) 10.30am.

COLLECTION FOR RETIRED PRIESTS

The annual collection for retired priests will be taken up next weekend in Tullaherin and Bennettsbridge. Your support is much appreciated for this very important cause.

NOVEMBER OFFERINGS

The November offerings are due this month. Masses for the deceased will be offered during the month of November. The names of deceased family members can be listed on the leaflet in the envelope.

BLESSING OF GRAVEYARD EXTENSION

Bishop Niall Coll will bless the Bennettsbridge graveyard extension on Sunday, 8th December after 10.30am mass.

FIRST COMMUNION MASS

The First Holy Communion Preparation Mass will be held this Sunday, 24th November,at 10.30 am. Thanks to Parents who have volunteered to help with masses.

MENS SHED

The Mens Shed will hold its First Christmas Dinner in the Rosehill Hotel (Hotel Kilkenny) on 18th December. Members who wish to attend should contact Kevin at 087 7646855 to enable the committee to confirm numbers.

COOLAGH CARDS

The Annual Christmas Cardgames kicked off last Thursday at 7.30pm at Bishop Freeman Schoolhouse, Coolagh, just a short distance from Callan. The old games of “25’s” will be fought out for prizes of hams, hampers and cash, so all keen card players are welcome to Coolagh each Thursday up to Christmas. The Coolagh Christmas Raffle for cash prizes, tickets are available from any Committee member or Callan Post Office.

50TH BIRTHDAY

Lotto Committee member, Mandy Simpson celebrated her 50th Birthday last week. Her friends in the Lotto arranged a surprise party. Happy Birthday Mandy!

LOTTO

The draw was held on 11th November.There was no winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 2, 7, 14, 24. Consolation Prizes, Shangarry Syndicate, Patrick O’Neill, Ballinaboola, Kathleen Daly, Jerpoint, Noel Brady, Woodlawn, Dermot Kelly, Killarney.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to the Doran and Hoban families on the death of Anna Hoban, Closgregg, Thomastown. The Hoban family would have strong connections in Bennettsbridge as the late Catherine Cleere was a member of the Hoban family. Anna was an aunt by marriage to Liam, Seamus and Larry Cleere, Carmel Huntington and Margaret Simpson. Paul Doran, originally from Marian Place is married to Trish

Hoban, Anna’s daughter.

Sympathy is also extended to Elizabeth Sibley (Hayes) Kilree on the recent death of her husband, Mike in Norfolk, England.

EAST END UNITED

There was a busy time last weekend for East End under age teams.

The U15 girls had a good win over Bridge United that puts them only one point behind league leaders Freebooters.

The U 11 boys had a 4 nil win over Freebooters.

The U13 girls beat Thomastown 2-0. Goal scorers Lily Mai Meighan and Ellie Killian.

CAMOGIE

Well done to all players and management involved in the underage Kilkenny camogie teams, especially Bennettsbridge girls Holly, Erin, Lauren, Katie, Leah, Alice and Amy, we are all very proud of your achievements this year. It is a great experience for the girls to be involved at this level, many thanks to all those in Kilkenny Camogie for organising the presentation,

training and matches throughout the year. Congrats on receiving your medals in the recent presentations.

BORD NA N-OG

Bord Na N-Og Agm will take place on Tuesday 26th November 8pm in the GAA Club House all welcome. GAA CLUB GAMES.

Our under 21 team lost out to a strong Dicksboro team in the Roinn A under 21 semi-final in Gowran last Sunday.

Our under 16 football team had a good win in the championship quarter final against Slieverue on Sunday and now play Conahy in the semi-final with the fixture yet to be announced.

AGM 2024

The 2024 AGM will take place on Friday November 29th at 8 pm in the clubhouse. Nomination forms have been e-mailed to members. If you have not received a form and would like one please contact 083 4654035 ASAP.

BORD NA NOG AGM

Mandy Simpson with her Lotto friends on the occasion of her 50th Birthda.jpg

East End U 13s won 2-0l against Thomastown

East End U15s had a good win over Bridge United

Community & GAA Notes

This year’s juvenile AGM will take place in the clubhouse on Tuesday November 26th at 8 pm.

LUCKY DIP DRAW

The senior players are running a fundraiser at the moment. Tickets cost 1 cent to 20 euro in a lucky dip, for example a ticket pulled could cost you one cent or up to 20 euro maximum. Prize money is 1000 euro first prize, 500 euro second prize, 300 euro third and 200 euro fourth prize. Please contact Michael Shiel on 0868856810 or David Blanchfield on 0860529386 if you would like to take part.

SPLIT THE POT

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

CLUB SHOP

A new range has been added to the Bennettsbridge online shop on the O’ Neill’s website. Simply enter Bennettsbridge into the search box to access the full range of adult and kids club gear. A great gift idea with Christmas on the way.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH

GRAIG NOTES

If you are of a mind to submit news items, club events, announcements etc, you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com

LOTTO GAA AND SOCCER

The numbers drawn on 11th November 2024 were 11, 17, 19, 29. there was no winner of the jackpot.The following Received €30 each Stuart Kinsella, Pat Gill, John Cushen, Joe Dowling, Avril Richardson. Tickets are available from any club member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW

The winners of the Draw which was held on 14th November 2024 were First Prize Betty Kavannagh, €407, 2nd Prize € 50 Ted Foley. 3rd Prize €25 Brendan and Pat. Money raised through Tidy Towns Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all year round. . Draw takes place at 4pm on Thursdays.

RAMBLING HOUSE

The Monthly Rambling House Session is held on the second Friday of each month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district also join in. The next Session is on Friday December 13th at 8.00pm MASS TIMES FOR DUISKE ABBEY GRAIGUENAMANAGH

Monday to Friday 10 AM, Saturday 7,30 PM, And Sunday 11AM.

CLINIC

Cllr Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere will hold his clinic on Monday Evenings From 7pm at his office in Main Street, Graiguenamanagh.

GORESBRIDGE AND PAULSTOWN ACTIVE RETIREMENT

Meetings of the group will be on Thursdays 5th and 19th December in Paulstown Community Hall at 11 am. All welcome.

ANTIQUES AUCTION

An Antiques Auction takes place in Goresbridge on Monday 25th November from 10am and with auction commencing at 3pm. Viewing takes place this Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm.

BADMINTON

Badminton is back in Goresbridge every Thursday at 8.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join. The fee is €15 to play and have insurance cover for an adult for the first year.

BRIDGE UNITED

In Division 3, Bridge Utd lost 2-6 to Deen Celtic. Bridge scores: Thomas Langton and Eoin O’Neill.

In the Under-12s, SFAI Cup Trophy Bridge drew with North End (1-1) AET. Bridge score by James Whitehead. North End won 5-4 penalties.

In the Under-12s, Bridge Blue lost to Newpark (0-4) while Bridge City lost to Clover (0-5).

In the Under-14s SFAI Cup Bridge lost to Evergreen (0-2).

In the Under-16s Bridge drew with Freebooters (3-3). Bridge scores by: Lauren Phelan (1), Alice Maher (1) and Niamh Lennon (1).

In the Under-14s National Cup Trophy Bridge Utd lost to Killeshin (0-5).

In the Under-16s SFAI Cup Trophy Bridge Utd lost to Portlaw (1-3).

In the Under-14s U14 SFAI Cup Trophy Bridge lost to North End (1-5).

The club launched its pitch side signs fundraiser/ campaign as part of an ambitious project to transform the Clubs facilities with a full size astro turf pitch. With

over 350 members there are 30 underage teams and 2 adult teams we are now faced with the challenges of a growing club every year. If you would like to help the club to achieve this goal we can help you to advertise your business. Please contact Colin 087 6528212 or any committee member.

CHURCH SERVICES

The annual remembrance mass for all who died during the past year and all the faithful departed will be celebrated in Paulstown Church on Tuesday 26th November at 7:30 pm and in Goresbridge Church on Wednesday 27th November at 7:30 pm. A family member may light a special candle in their memory. Also, families are invited to bring a photograph of their deceased loved one and leave it in front of the altar before the mass.

Weekend masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday. Mass is held in Paulstown on Sunday at 11.30am. Weekday mass is at 10am in Paulstown this Friday and the following Tuesday and Thursday. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm. Evening prayer every evening, 7-8pm (and 7-9pm Fridays) for the Holy Souls in purgatory for the duration of November in Paulstown church.

MEN’S SHED (GORESBRIDGE / PAULSTOWN)

Queries and expressions of interest to Tom Healy 087 918 1436.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT FOR 2025/26

Scoil Bhríde (Goresbridge) is now accepting admissions for the coming school year. Please contact the school between 9 am and 1 pm for an admissions form. Phone 059 9775168 or email to Office@GoresbridgeNS.ie

Scoil Bhríde (Paulstown) is now excepting Admissions for next year. More details available on the school website or phone 059 9726149.

SPLIT THE POT

In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online.

DICKSBORO

CLUB LOTTO

Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 14th November 2024. Nos: 7 19 20 28, the Jackpot was not won €3350 Draw Prizes €50: Andy Melay c/o Liam Barry. €25 each Niamh McSweeney c/o Online

€25 each Fidelma Leverrier c/o Online. €25 each Eddie Corr c/o Jim Murphy. Hurlers Co Op Draw Kevin Gallagher c/o Paddy Maher. Promotors prize, Joe Phelan

U22 CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP

Our U22 girls will play Thomastown in the County Semi Final Sunday 24th November at 11am in Palmerstown. Best of luck to all involved.

U21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Well done to both our U21 Teams and their Management in booking their place in their respective County Finals. Our Roinn A team will play James Stephens on Sunday 24th November at 1.30pm in UPMC Nowlan Park. While our B Team will play Tullaroan Saturday 30th November at 1.30pm in John Locke Park. Best of luck to all involved.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL

The Grange Christmas lights display will this year begin with the switch on at 6.30pm on Sunday 1st December. All welcome. This year`s charity is the North Kilkenny Wheelchair Association. Dress for the occasion.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Senior Citizens Christmas Party will be held in the Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow on Wednesday 11th Dec 2024. Top class Christmas dinner, music, dancing, refreshments and a free raffle. Bus leaves The Square, Ballyragget at the earlier time of 12.15pm sharp. Meal commences at 1pm.

Names must be registered and payment in advance to the Credit Union before Friday 6th December. Parishioners €15 Non Parishioner Guests €30. Many thanks to all who generously supported our recent raffle to help toward costs of this event.

AGM NOTICE

St Patrick’s Ballyragget AGM will take place on Thursday the 28th of November at 8.30pm upstairs in the clubhouse R95 PD92. Anybody who wants to submit any motions, recommendations, or nominations must do 7days days in advance

MENS SHED

Ballyragget Men’s shed continue to meet Tuesdays in the Cannon Malone hall at 10am for their healthy eating programme and Thursday evenings at 8pm. Work is flying along on their shed with works moving along at an advanced stage. Well done to all involved and new members are always welcome.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

The annual Christmas Craft fair and turning on of the Christmas lights will be held on Friday December 6th this year. The market will begin at 5pm and run until 7pm with the lights been turned on the square at 7.30pm. If you wish to have a craft stall at the market please contact Juanita via WhatsApp on 087 295 5864 tables

BINGO

Bingo is held in the CYMS Hall each Wednesday night starting at 8pm.

CHOIR PRACTICE

Parish choir has resumed practice in the Cannon Malone Hall on Wednesday nights at 7.30 all welcome.

JOHNSTOWN

COMMUNITY HALL

The committee had a fantastic response to their appeal for seat sponsorship. There are ten seats left to be sponsored and if you would like to book one please contact Bernie Fitzpatrick (0868511190) or any committee member. Work on the seats has now begun and it is hoped it will be completed by the end of February 2025.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

The annual Yulefest will take place on Monday December 9th at 5.15pm. Children will gather in the Church carpark, where they will be entertained by D.J. Mick Glendon and proceed with lights to the Square. Music on the Square by D.J Tracey Edwards. Rosettes to remember those parishioners who died during the year will be placed on the Remembrance Tree. The village lights will be switched on by John Curran, lately retired principal of St. Kieran’s N.S. and the highlight will be the arrival of the “man of the season” Santa in the carpark of St. Mary’s Hall. Donations on the night will be in aid of Temple Street Childrens Hospital.

CHRISTMAS COOKIE WORKSHOP

A Christmas Cookie Workshop will be held in the Community Hall on Sunday December. 8th at 3pm. € 10 per child with 50% discount for siblings. Tea/Coffee for parents. Contact 0879432402 to book.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL APPEAL

Should you wish to donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Appeal you can use the QR code on the posters, or you can pick up a blue envelopes in the Church porch and

shops or through svp.ie/johnstowncrosspatrickappeal24.

TABLE QUIZ

A table quiz in aid of Crosspatrick N.S.will be held in The Crosspatrick on Saturday November 23rd at 8.30pm. Raffle on the night, table of four € 20.

SPA UNITED AFC Weekend results Junior friendly Spa 2 Templetouhy 0, U15 boys SFAI National Cup Southend (Waterford) 2 Spa 2 after extra time Southend won on 10-9 penalties, U13 boys SFAI National Cup Spa 0 Evergreen 2, U15 boys league division 1A Spa 5 Thomastown 0, U13 boys league division 1 Evergreen 4 Spa 0, U16 girls league division 1 Spa 4 Stoneyford 0, U9 had a busy week with two games against Clover Utd and Bridge Utd while the U11 girls took on Callan Utd.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Ther winning numbers were 1,6,13,26. The four lucky dips were won by Millie Grehan, Oliver Beehan, The Fenians and Tom Hughes.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

CRAFT FAIR

The Annual Christmas Craft Fair, will be held on Friday 6th of December 2024 from 11.am to 1.pm. Join us for light refreshments, handmade crafts and raffle here at Centre.

COFFEE MORNING

Cois Nore Cancer Support Coffee morning will also be held here at the Centre on Friday December the 6th from 10am to 11am. All welcome.

ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY

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.

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I.

Free L.T.I. Course, which includes Driving Theory/Driving lessons, Safe Pass and HACCP. Places still available. Contact us for further information.

COIS NORE

Outreach Advice Clinic, at the Mill every Friday Morning from 10am to 12pm

COUNSELLING SERVICES:

Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-toOne, Adult and Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 4+. 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.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS

Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be dropped off during our opening hours. Please call before dropping off. For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466.

URLINGFORD

GIRLS GAELIC FOOTBALL SUCCESS

Friday 15th of November topped off a great year for the Urlingford NS Girls Gaelic Footballers. After three consecutive wins against Ballyragget NS, Freshford NS and Ballyhale NS the Urlingford NS girls qualified for a

Urlingford NS. Girls Gaelic Football Schools County Football Champions

Tom Healy

Schools County Gaelic Football Final vs Windgap NS.

In a closely contested first half refereed by John McCormack the Urlingford NS girls led by 2-00 to 0-01 at half time. Another early second half goal helped secure a memorable win on a final scoreline of Urlingford NS 3-03 Windgap NS 1-01. LGFA County Board representative Kay Phelan presented the Schools Gaelic Football Cup to the Urlingford NS 6th Class captains. On County Final Day the Girls wore their newly sponsored Tesco Schools Football Jerseys designed by the schools 5th Class pupils. The Urlingford NS Panel was Orla Sweetman, Kate Erika Perez, Sarah Harrington, Saoirse Joyce, Aoibhinn Manton, Aoife Gibbons, Niamh Joyce, Emily Costelloe, Ellen Harrington, Michelle Cole, Laura Minogue, Amelia Barnaville, Carragh Phelan, Maisie Caldwell, Tara Keane, Amelia Fogarty Slattery, Maisie Caldwell, Vanessa Caschera, Sophie Power, Evelyn Power, Teegan Stokes, Ari Dursin, Robin Upsdell, Mia Rajakovic and Lily May Hayden. Mentors for this years schools Gaelic Football are Mr Lonergan, Ms Ahern, Mr Hennessy, Mr Dowling and Mr Grace. Well Done Girls and Best of luck to the Boys Gaelic Footballers who play Mooncoin schools in the Country Cup semi Final next week.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

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

ROSARY

Rosary for November will be recited at 12 noon in the Grotto in Glengoole and 3pm in Ballinalacken.

SACRAMENTAL DATES

The dates have been announced for the following sacraments in the parish. Confirmation will take place on Friday 28th February at 11am and First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 17th May at 11am.

CAMOGIE CLUB

A sincere thank you to all who supported our cookery demonstration last weekend. A great night was had by everyone and all funds raised go directly into the club for the ongoing development of camogie in the parish.

HEN HOUSE

Hen House Hooley is taking place on Saturday 23rd November. Live music on the night starting at 9.30pm. A great nights entertainment to be had by all.

GLENGOOLE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Will take place in Glengoole Hall on Saturday 30th November. Craft fair at 5pm. Santa arrives after 6pm Mass followed by switching on the Christmas lights.

400 CLUB DRAW

A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the 400 club draw in support of the Gortnahoe Glengoole parish. The first draw for this year will take place this week. We look forward to the continued support of our parish.

GORTNAHOE COMMUNITY HALL CHRISTMAS DRAW

Gortnahoe Community Hall are holding their Christmas draw on Sunday 22nd December in Gortnahoe Hall. Further details of prizes and the distribution of tickets will follow in the coming weeks. The Christmas Draw is an important fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Hall

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.

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

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Nora Norton, who won €212 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of November Split the Pot will be in support of the Gortnahoe Christmas lights. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

CAMOGIE

Huge congratulations to Danielle Morrissey who won the 2024 PWC GPA Intermediate Camogie Player of the Year at the Camogie All Star Awards in Croke Park on Friday night last. This is a hugely deserved honour for Danielle, after some excellent performances for Kilkenny throughout the year. Everyone in Conahy Shamrocks Camogie Club extend their congratulations to Danielle and her family on this fantastic achievement. On the field of action, the under-22 girls will play host to Emeralds in the Roinn C semi-final this Sunday at 12.00 in Jenkinstown. All support for the girls would be welcome.

cent de Paul Society has a new contact number - (085) 2160466 - should anyone in the locality wish to avail of their support.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET AND STONEYFORD

MASS TIMES

Aghaviller Parish, Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil, Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday 24th 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Wednesday 20th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil. Saturday 23rd. at 6.30p.m.

Friday 22nd. Feast of St. Cecilia. Saturday 23rd. Feast of St. Columban.

PRAY FOR

John Joseph Gaule, Kilkenny who died during the week.

Anniversary Masses next week. Dick and Maura Roche, Lawcus. Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 23rd. November at 6.30p.m. Pat Crowley, Castlemorris Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 24th. November at 10.00a.m.

ROTA (FEAST OF “CHRIST THE KING”) Readers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Deirdre Rohan; Sunday 10.00a.m. Deirdre O’Shea. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Mary O’Grady. Hugginstown. Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cuddihy; Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr LOTTO

Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 11th. November 2024 Numbers: 12; 04; 29; 31. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner:

€30.00. Winners, Margaret Irish, Kyleva:Eoghan Dalton, c/o Teresa Fitzgerald. Cathal and Thomas Sweeney, Boolyglass, Christina Ryan, Stoneyford; Ann Power, Lawcus. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers) James Irish; Pat Dwyer; Teresa Fitzgerald. NOVEMBER OFFERINGS 2024

November Offerings Envelopes 2024 are available at the Church Porch. Your contribution can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly – Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).

ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL CAFÉ

Club members are also asked to note that the Camogie Club AGM will take place on this Sunday evening, November 24th, at 6.00 p.m. All club members are invited to attend.

FOOTBALL

The under-16 footballers played host to Glenmore in the Roinn C championship in Jenkinstown on Sunday morning last, and had a good win by 4-7 to 1-9.

Conahy led by two points at half-time, but the visitors fought back to level the scores midway through the second half. But two goals from Padraic Quinn and a second Jack Rhatigan goal late on saw Conahy through to a deserved victory. They will now play Bennettsbridge in the county semi-final on this coming Sunday morning in Jenkinstown.

TEAM: Joe Boland, Jack Gamble, Bobby Dooley, Camryn Kenehan, Tadhg Hennessy, Darragh Horgan, M.J. Buggy, Jack Rhatigan, Patrick Kennedy, Adam Morrissey, Rory Rhatigan, Rory Sherman, Brian Phelan, Billy Rowe, Padraic Quinn.

AGM

Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club will hold their AGM on Friday, November 29th, at 8.00 p.m. in the GAA Clubhouse. All club members are asked to attend.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EVENING

Conahy Shamrocks GAA are holding a Health and Awareness Evening on this Friday, November 22nd at 7.30 p.m. in the GAA Clubhouse. It is recommended that all parents (both GAA and Camogie) would try to attend, but especially all under-16 and minor players, so they can be fully informed on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly in relation to avoiding addiction and ensuring positive mental health. Speakers on the night will include Conor Harris (Kildare footballer), Dec. Sgt. Brian Sheeran and Insp. Paul Donohue (Garda Síochána) and John Leahy (HSE Addiction Services).

CLUB LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 2, 14 and 23. Jimmy Tierney, Jenkinstown Park, was the lucky winner of the €1,600 jackpot - congratulations to him. The promoter prize winners were Mona Dooley, Shay Healy and David Maher. This week’s jackpot now returns to €1,000. Many thanks to everyone who supports the GAA Club Lotto.

SUNDAY NIGHT CARDS

Progressive 25’s take place every Sunday night in the GAA Clubhouse at 8.00 p.m. All are welcome.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Please note that the Conahy conference of the St. Vin-

St. Mary’s Cathedral Café is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 10.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. All profits from the café will support the vital work of ‘Teac Tom’, providing suicide prevention and mental health services. ONLINE ADVENT RETREAT

The Priory Institute is delighted to offer a ‘free of charge’ online retreat: ‘’Keeping Vigil for the Vulnerable God”. It features a series of online reflections given in preparation for Christmas. The Retreat will be given by Stephen Cummins OP, who is a Dominican Friar currently based in Black Abbey, Kilkenny. Visit our website: prioryinstitute.com or for further information or clarification please contact Frances O’Loughlin, The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village D24 W410

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

The Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 19th. to 25th. May 2025. Bus transport from Loughboy Shopping Centre to Cork Airport. Direct flights to Lourdes. Full religious programme. Further information and Bookings at J.W.T. 01 241 0800 or email info@joewalshtours.ie. For Assisted Pilgrims please contact Fr. Anthony O’Connor on 087 251 7766. SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS

Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

SCRIPTURE - NEW TESTAMENT

Learning more about what it is that we believe. Course on 18th. and 25th. November in St. Kieran’s College. “Scripture - New Testament” given by Fr. Fergus Farrell: Approaching the Bible: The Word of God in Human Words. Introduction to the Gospels: Meeting Matthew. One Jesus, Many Portraits: Jesus in Matthew and the other Gospels. Paul and the Good News of Christ Crucified.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A lecture on “Freighting the River Blackwater”, Co. Kilkenny given by Andrew Doherty on Friday, November 29th. at 8.00p.m. in Mullinavat Parish Hall. SCOIL AIREAGAIL SECONDARY SCHOOL

A Christmas Market in Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny, Eircode: R95 AH30 on Sunday, 1st. December, from 11.00a.m. to 2.00p.m. Join us for a festive day filled with music, baking, crafts, and holiday cheer! Discover unique, handmade gifts for your loved ones, delicious treats, and festive tunes to get you in the holiday spirit. Don’t miss this opportunity to support our local community. Want to have a free stall? Email info@scoilaireagail.ie or call 056 7768632.

CONAHY

Cois Nore Coffee Morning

Craft Fair

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

Mangan’s men maul Thomastown

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship 2024

Thomastown 1-14

Castletown Geoghegan 1-25

TEG Cusack Park

Alan Mangan masterminded both a surprising and sensational win over Thomastown in the quarter final of the AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship as his side ran out comfortable and deserving 11-point winners in TEG Cusack Park last Sunday. Such was the stunning performance by Castletown Geoghegan, that it echoed of many great Kilkenny victories by another team clad in stripes of black and amber. The dismissal of Jonjo Farrell in the opening stages of the second half provided the platform on which the Westmeath side built a historic victory over their Noreside opponents.

The Kilkenny senior champions made one change to the named line-up, with young Jack Holden coming in to start ahead of Rory Connellan in attack for Noel Doherty’s charges. It was Thomastown that got the scoreboard moving first in Mullingar with another of the young brigade, Colm Treacy splitting the posts having collected a fine delivery from Brian Staunton. The Westmeath champions levelled matters shortly after, when their talisman Niall O’Brien struck over a lovely free from close to the sideline. The same player doubled his tally from the restart, taking a nice pass from Liam Varley before firing over. The men from the Marble City then raised a green flag when John Donnelly took a fine catch and popped a pass to the on running Luke Connellan who burst clear before rifling across CTG keeper Ciaran O’Brien to settle the visitors in TEG Cusack Park. They nearly hit a second goal when Stephen Donnelly struck the ball across goal and Jack Holden drew on the sliotar, but it drifted agonisingly wide. Thomastown built on their early superiority with a brace of placed balls from Robbie Donnelly. Westmeath intercounty star Niall O’Brien then sent over a lovely point from play, before Robbie Donnelly tagged on another free for the bookie’s favourites. A poor clearance out of the home sides defence was pounced on by wing back Brian Staunton who registered a cracking score to push his team into a 5-point lead after 12 minutes of action in Mullingar. Again, it was Niall O’Brien that kept the score keepers busy on the home front, as he dispatched another placed ball from a difficult angle. One of CTG’s rising stars, David O’Reilly then finished off a well worked team move as the action went from end to end in Cusack Park.

Veteran O’Brien top scores as Clarke & O’Reilly shine in Mullingar

John Donnelly, who had been Thomastown’s most prominent player in the opening quarter, was then fouled, and Robbie did the needful. Once more, Niall O’Brien responded for Castletown, before another foul on JD gave Robbie another placed ball opportunity, which he duly converted to leave the Kilkenny side’s lead at four points. Alan Mangan was prowling up and down the sideline, trying to encourage his troops to step up to the obvious challenge from the perceived ‘bigger side’. His side certainly responded, getting into the faces of the boys in blue, engaging in a little pulling and handbags off the ball as they sought to unsettle their travelling opponents. The demand from the sideline was clearly heard by the CTG players as they increased their intensity and started to cause problems for Noel Doherty’s side. Niall O’Brien popped over another free after livewire David O’Reilly had been impeded by Ned Kirwan. The

Lake County senior champions then hit another three scores on the trot, thanks to clever play and hard work from Jack Gallagher, who created opportunities for the experienced Liam Varley and the ever-threatening O’Reilly. Captain Aonghus Clarke who was thriving in the engine room, then split the posts from ‘45 out to level matters after 23 minutes.

This purple patch was halted when Robbie slotted another free after John Donnelly had been fouled for at least the fourth time in the quarter final. Mangan’s men hit the next two scores, Niall O’Brien finishing a lovely passage of play, to the cheers of the home support in Mullingar. Some slack play from Thomastown defender Ned Kirwan gave Peter Clarke the chance to split Paul Barron’s posts and edge the home side ahead. Zac Bay Hammond rose brilliantly to take a catch over Jack Gallagher before finding his number 6, Eddie Donnelly who struck over a quality

Brian Staunton makes a wonderful catch

mastown as JonJo see’s red

Hurling matters - Review

score to deadlock matters. Then on the stroke of halftime, goal scorer Luke Connellan powered forward before rifling over pointing to give his side a one-point lead at the short whistle.

The second half wasn’t long started when Thomastown found themselves reduced to 14 men, following the dismissal of the vastly experienced Jonjo Farrell. This numerical dilemma proved to be the beginning of the undoing of the Kilkenny side’s challenge. Castletown’s Conor Murphy fired his team level before defensive lynchpin, Peter Murphy pointed to nudge the home side ahead. Alan Mangan’s team had their tails up and added a further three scores, all courtesy of placed ball maestro Niall O’Brien. Robbie Donnelly broke the Westmeath scoring dominance with a free of his own before JD rifled over a sweet score to reduce the black and amber sides lead to two points, surprisingly, this was to be the Kilkenny stars only

point of the game.

Top scorer Niall O’Brien notched another hattrick of free’s to augment two lovely points from Liam Varley and their best performer on the day, Peter Clarke, again David O’Reilly hugely involved in the former’s score. 53 minutes on the clock and the Castletown led by an incredible, but fully deserved seven points. At this stage in the last eight provincial clash, Thomastown knew another major would be required to kick start a revival, but despite several probing long balls in and around the house, they rarely looked like they would add to Luke Connellan’s early goal. You sensed a little bit of panic in the Kilkenny sides approach, as they appeared shell-shocked at how matters were unfolding in TEG Cusack Park. Mangan’s side were using their numerical advantage wisely, sweeping up lots of ball that was landing in their defensive zone and as a result, putting Noel Doherty’s charges on the back foot with every

O’Reilly who matched Clarke’s tally of scores to extend the CTG lead to nine points.

passing second. The next score brought on of the loudest cheers from the Castletown support in attendance. My POTM, Peter Clarke struck over a sensational

point, his third of the game, while appearing unbalanced and then from the restart he provided a nice pass to another of the home sides impressive performers, David

Thomastown’s top scorer, Robbie Donnelly notched his eighth point of the game with another placed ball effort with the game in additional time, before Liam Varley joined Peter Clarke and David O’Reilly on a trio of points in the Leinster last eight tie. Brian Staunton fired over the Noresiders last point of the game before Niall O’Brien fired past Paul Barron in the visitors goal for a real icing on the cake score. Kildare whistler Conor Daly called for the ball, Thomastown were well beaten, as Castletown Geoghegan advanced to the last four of the Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship to meet Kilcormac/Killoughey on the back of a sensational 11-point win. Scorers for Thomastown: R Donnelly 0-8 (8fs), L Connellan 1-1, B Staunton 0-2, E Donnelly, J Donnelly, C Treacy 0-1 each. Scorers for CastletownGeoghegan: N O’Brien 1-13 (10fs), P Clarke, L Varley, D O’Reilly 0-3 each, P Murphy, C Murphy, A Clarke 0-1 each. Thomastown: P Barron; P Connellan, J Burke, N Kirwan; B Staunton, E Donnelly, Z Bay Hammond; P McDonald, J Farrell; R Donnelly, J Donnelly, L Connellan; J Holden, S Donnelly, C Treacy.

Subs: T O’Hanrahan for Holden (HT), A Cass for Treacy (43), D Prendergast for P Connellan (56), D Caulfield for McDonald (58) Castletown-Geoghegan: C O’Brien; P Murphy, A Glennon, D Maloney; J Bermingham, J Murphy, M Gavigan; P Clarke, S Clavin; C Murphy, A Clarke, L Varley; D O’Reilly, N O’Brien, J Gallagher.

Subs: D Fennell for C Murphy (56), M Heeney for J Murphy (60+4), P Kane for P Murphy (60+5). Referee: C Daly (Kildare).

John Donnelly tries to gain possession

John Joe Farrell attempts to block Shane Clavin

Luke Connellan looks for support as he gets away from Jack Murphy

PwC Camogie All-Star Awards 2024

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

Kilkenny intermediate camogs were to the fore in more ways than one at the PwC Camogie All-Star Awards 2024 in Croke Park last weekend. Four players from Seamus Kelly’s beaten finalists picked up the prestigious accolades in Croke Park last weekend.

Danielle Morrissey, Hannah Scott, Mairead Kennedy and Cliona Murphy were all recognised for their sterling seasons in their county colours, with Conahy’s Morrissey also collecting the coveted player of the year award in a year that ended with a heartbreaking 1-point All-Ireland final defeat to Cork in Croke Park.

Having recovered from a dreaded cruciate ligament injury, the placed ball specialist returned to help spearhead club and county and put in a POTM performance in Kilkenny’s semi-final extra time win over Kerry, finishing that game with an impressive 0-9 as they reached the decider against the Rebel County.

The goalkeepers award went to Cliona Murphy, the Kilmacow clubwoman thoroughly deserving of her place on the ‘Soaring Stars’ team of the year. The final two awards for Kilkenny went to defenders Hannah Scott and Mairead Kennedy. Both players gave everything from their half back berths, standing strong, while James Stephens player Scott, always liked to get forward and send over a point or two from distance. Slieverue’s Kennedy put in some cracking performances at wing back, and will be keen to push on next season. All four players may fancy their chances of pushing onto the senior ranks and will be keen to impress newly appointed manager, Toomy Shefflin.

As expected, senior finalists, Cork and Galway provided all but two of the players selected for awards, The Rebels had eight recipients while the defeated Tribeswomen took home five gongs. Tipperary and Dublin had one player each on the All-Star team, Karen Kennedy and Claire Gannon respectively.

The POTY award went to Cork’s Laura Hayes while her boss, Ger Manley collected the PwC Camogie Manager of the Year.

Brian Molloy, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association, said:

“I would like to congratulate all of our nominees and winners of this year’s PwC Camogie All-Star awards. The level of talent and dedication in camogie is truly outstanding, and these awards are a tribute to the tremendous effort put in year-round. Huge sacrifices are made by each and every one of our players day in day out.

I wish to thank our sponsors, PwC for their support. This event wouldn’t be possible without their partnership and sponsorship of the All Stars, so thank you for continuing to stand behind our elite camogie players.

Camogie is at the heart of our communities, and this year, as we mark our 120th anniversary, we have seen that connection celebrated right around the country. Clubs everywhere have commemorated this milestone in a myriad of ways, and we are very grateful for the ongoing commitment of our volunteers and players to the promotion and development of camogie at all levels.”

Soaring Star success Stripeywomen

Danielle Morrissey collects intermediate POTY

Senior Player of the Year Laura Hayes with Brian Molloy and Tom Parsons

Marie Coady, PwC, Tom Parsons CEO GPA,, ntermediate POTY winner Danielle Morrissey of Kilkenny,Camogie Association Uachtarán Brian Molloy and Camogie Association Ard Stiúrthóir, Sinead McNulty

success for quartet!

2024 PwC Camogie Soaring Stars Winners PwC All-Star Awards

2024 PwC Camogie Soaring Stars Winner, Danielle Morrissey with Brian Molloy and Marie Coady

2024 PwC Camogie Soaring Stars Winner, Hannah Scott with Brian Molloy and Marie Coady

2024 PwC Camogie Soaring Stars Winner, Hannah Scott with Brian Molloy and Marie Coady

Smiling Star! Intermediate POTY Danielle Morrissey

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning notices

I, Laura and Tim Murphy intend to apply for planning permission for development at this site situated at Annesville, Ballyda, Danesfort, Co. Kilkenny, R95 AV27

1. Demolition of existing single storey semi -detached rear extension 2. Construction of new part 2 storey and single-storey extension to the rear of the existing dwelling, 3. Reorganisation of existing internal layout of existing dwelling and adjoining family flat. 4. Replacement effluent treatment system and percolation area. 5. All associated elevational modifications, 6. All associated site developments works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Joe O’ Grady for full planning permission to 1. construct extensions to the front and side of dwelling to include works to all elevations 2. Decommission existing septic tank and provide upgraded wastewater treatment system and all other associated site works at Westcourt, Callan, Co. Kilkenny R95 V0F6

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

SIGNIFICANT FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

Planning permission is sought by Jim Dunne under Planning Register Reference No. 2460118, for development at 36 Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. The development applied for consisted of: planning permission to convert and extend an existing derelict house to two townhouses with independent access to the rear by demolishing the existing 21.9 m2 twostorey extension and to demolish 102 m2 of existing outbuildings and to construct one 114 m2 accessible bungalow and all associated site works.

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans submission includes revised drawings and Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment (AHIA).

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans has/have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is/are available for inspection, or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 2 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Sandra Talbot, SVT Studio, 68 An Choill Rua, Kellymount, Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny.

The

Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.D.

The

Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.C.

The

Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. J.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.D.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. D.C.