Kilkenny Observer 22nd April 2022 by Kilkenny Observer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Good news for students

FOLLOWING the announcement from the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD that he has signed the order to establish the South East Technological University (SETU) on May 1 there is even more good news for CAO applicants. Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and Institute of Technology Carlow (IT Carlow), the two organisations

which have worked together to create SETU, have ensured the application process is smooth for students hoping to start in the new university. “We have good news to share with our future students. All existing course codes, course entry criteria and admissions policies will remain the same for 2022 entry. Anybody who has already applied to WIT or IT Carlow doesn’t have to change anything on their

CAO course list. If you have chosen courses with a WD code for Waterford or a CW code for Carlow or Wexford, those codes remain the same for 2022 entry,” said Michael Mullan, Student Recruitment and Admissions Manager at WIT. Two important dates are coming up for anybody who wants to study at SETU in September. These are May 1, the CAO late application deadline for anybody who

has not yet started a CAO application, and May 5 when the CAO Change of Mind facility opens to existing applicants. For a full list of CAO courses, see www.itcarlow. ie/courses or www.wit.ie/ courses. Shauna Whyte, Head of Academic Administration and Student Affairs at IT Carlow, said: “Our new university will open up many exciting opportunities for students.

WIT and IT Carlow have emailed CAO applicants who have already applied to courses with them with this information. Anybody with questions can find the contact details in that email. * Those with general admission/CAO queries are welcome to contact schoolsliaison@wit.ie or caoadmissions@wit.ie for Waterford queries and admissions@ itcarlow.ie for Carlow/Wexford course queries.

Getting down and rootsy

Oops ... here’s another variant

A new variant of the coronavirus, XE, could be up to 20% more transmissible than BA.2, according to scientists in the UK where up 1,00o cases have been detected. While this variant is reasonably mild in healthy people, there’s two big worries: one, for the vulnerable, and the older people who get infected, it can be a severe disease – especially if they haven’t been vaccinated – and the second worry is. other variants arising.

€4.5m. ‘bad cars’ in Kilkenny The first major cross-border analysis of salvaged and written off vehicles imported into the Republic of Ireland from the UK shows 39,336 affected vehicles that had been imported into Ireland. The market value of those affected is €4,400,316 in Kilkenny alone.

Jesse Dayton joins a glittering line-up of stars that includes The Hanging Stars, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Joana Serrat, Margo Cilker, His Lordship, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, The Remedy Club and Danny George Wilson set to entertain at 23rd Kilkenny Roots Festival

Full story, Page 10

Defining women

Women today are no longer defined by having or not having a child. Glass ceilings aside, women have come in to their own and are defined by many things other than motherhood... Paul Hopkins, Page 8

FULL STORY, Page 15

INSIDE

War sounds still haunt refugee Alex

Paul Hopkins ....................... P8

THE sound of air planes flying overhead still makes Oleksandr ‘Alex’ Yevsiutin stop still stops in his tracks where he hears the sound of an airplane, stops what he is doing and looks up. The 39-year-old Ukranian’s thinks of danger. At times, Alex forgets that he has been living in Kells, Co Kilkenny, with his wife Natasha (38) and their children Oleksandr (13), Anastasia

in its first assessment of the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine’s economy would contract by more than a third — the largest fall in modern times. The Russian economy would face its biggest recession since the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union, contracting by 8.5% this year.

Health & Science..............P18

Analysis, Page 14

Sport............................. P36 - 41

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(11) and Davyd (8) for the last weeks. “Of course I worry when I hear an airplane overhead, it’s a reactionary feeling,” he told local reporters. “The sound to me now means trouble and all that brings with it. I worry for those we left behind and the Ukraine we love and what is happening.” Alex’s father, brother, mother-in-law and brother-in-law

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were unable to leave Ukraine. It has been a month since they were forced to leave their home in Ladyzhyn in southwest Ukraine, a rural town of 22,000 people. A nine-day journey saw the family move by foot, on a special evacuation train to Warsaw, Poland, then on to France by commercial rail and finally a ferry to Rosslare. The family chose Ireland

because a distant relative in Warsaw knew someone in the Irish consulate who said it would be a “good place to come to”. Meanwhile, the world must brace itself for an economic slowdown, a burst in inflation and a potential wave of social unrest as energy and food prices rise to intolerable levels, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned

Marianne Heron...............P12 John Ellis ...........................P16 Travel & Leisure ...............P19 Picture Special .......... P26 - 27 Gerry Cody...P21,22,24,28,29 Food & Drink.....................P32 TV & Streaming ...............P33

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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News THE County Councils of Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford working closely with 3 Counties Energy Agency (3CEA), have not only met but all exceeded the 33% energy reduction target set in the National Climate Action Plan. The not-for-profit energy agency, set up in 2002, is a partnership with the county councils, SMEs, local communities, and citizens making their Energy Transition journey smoother. “It is really making a difference. 3CEA technical support ensures that project opportunities are identified and acted upon promptly where practical. The 3 Counties Energy Agency worked with the Councils’ Energy Teams to deliver projects that will deliver ongoing long term sustained energy reduction in each case resulting in a cumulative saving of €19.97M. All three Local Authorities are participating in several EU energy saving projects with the assistance of 3CEA,” says Paddy Phelan, CEO of 3CEA. Energy efficiency remains a priority to deliver further improvements and the county councils of Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford have been joined by Waterford city and county in 2021, all with the same mission of optimising their energy efficiency actions. Kilkenny County Council saved energy for 670 million cups of tea and 59,000 trips the length of the country

Bright sparks: Alexandra Hamilton, Senior Energy Engineer, 3CEA, Jannette O’Brien, Carlow County Council, Oifigeach Feasachta Comhshaoil /Environmental Awareness Officer, Sean McKeown, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, Carolyne Godkin, Wexford County Council, A/ Director of Services, John Carley, 3CEA Chairman of the Board

Saving energy for 670 million cups of tea! reducing emissions by 6,500 tonnes. This produced a saving of 2.6 million euro for the council, delivering a saving of 41.6%, well above the 33.3% target. Public lighting is the single biggest user of energy for the council and multiple upgrades, including in the Kilkenny Machinery Yard have been carried out.

Heating reduction such as in Castlecomer Library contributed to the overall energy reduction. Sean McKeown, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, said: “Energy management is an all-encompassing process and includes every aspect of the organisation from finance, human

resources and buildings to maintenance, purchasing and planning. “Our commitment to improving energy performance is reflected in our energy policy and in our Climate Action Charter. We have also secured the ISO 50001 leading international energy management which will

help us deliver the statutory target of 50% improvement in energy efficiency over the next 10 years, as set in the National Climate Action Plan. 3CEA are a tremendous and invaluable asset to the local authority and that proactively work with us to help ensure we deliver on these ambitious targets,” he said.

Carlow achieved 40% improvement in energy efficiency by delivering 17 energy saving projects, for example in public lighting (with long lasting LED bulbs and photocell controls saving 29,000 euro per annum), zero energy housing, and a revamp of the Carlow Fire Station heating system and addition of solar panels. In everyday terms this is the equivalent of making 140 million cups of tea, or 63000 journeys from Malin Head to Mizen Head, a carbon emission reduction of 7000 tons. Growing numbers of homeowners are availing of grants to carry out energy upgrades and deep retrofits and the county is now 39.9% more energy efficient, beating the 33.3% target. The report also shows that Wexford saved 269 million cups of tea, or the amount of energy used by a typical family petrol car doing 43,000 laps of the Wexford County boundary, reducing CO2 emissions by 2149 tonnes through avoided energy use, delivering a saving of 39.7%

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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News

Glanbia: milk price for farmers DAIRY giant Glanbia has confirmed it will pay Kilkenny farmers 47.08 cent-a- litre for milk supplied in March. In a statement, Glanbia said this included a base milk price for March of 46.58 cpl, including VAT. This is an increase of 5 cpl from the February base price of 41.58 cpl. The company said a ‘Sus-

tainability Action Payment’ of 0.5 cpl was being paid monthly on all milk supplied in 2022 to recognise specific sustainability actions undertaken on farm. It said the base price and Sustainability Action Payment “will be adjusted to reflect the actual constituents of milk delivered by suppliers”. The Glanbia milk price for

March creamery milk, based on LTO constituents of 4.2% butterfat and 3.4% protein, is 48.95 cpl (including VAT). Glanbia Co-op Chairman John Murphy said: “Dairy market prices are now at unprecedented highs, with global milk flows likely to be weaker in the first half of this year. We are in unchartered territory as rising

Cainneach: an eyecatching depiction of a Patron Saint of the city. Interesting to realise that the name Kilkenny originates from the Gaelic Cill Chainnigh, translated as Church of Cainnech, the latter known as Canice

€196,200 for local historic sites THE Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Mr Malcolm Noonan, TD, has announced the award of grants for a wide range of archaeological heritage projects under the Department’s 2022 Community Monuments Fund. Building on the impact of the scheme last year under which 139 awards were granted to an amount of just under €4.2 million, this year 128 projects are being supported with an overall investment of €6 million The core objective of the Community Monuments Fund is to support the conservation, main-

tenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites. It contains a number of different measures aimed at enabling conservation works to be carried out on archaeological monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support, encouraging access to archaeological monuments and improving their presentation and also building resilience in archaeological monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change. Under three streams the Community Monu-

ments Fund supports a broad range of measures aimed at protecting and promoting archaeological monuments, including emergency conservation repair works at monuments, masonry repair, the development of conservation management plans, access infrastructure and installation of interpretation signage, and social media projects aimed at disseminating knowledge of Ireland’s archaeological heritage. Minister Noonan said: “I am delighted to announce the Community Monuments Fund awards

for 2022. The increased funding we are announcing today of €6 million to 128 projects will help protect our wonderful archaeological heritage and make it more accessible to the many who cherish it. “These awards help us to deliver on various commitments under the Heritage Ireland 2030 plan launched earlier this year. It will provide further supports for communities and custodians and the heritage sector, for archaeologists, conservation architects, stone masons, and other professional trades,” he said. “These projects will

also help build resilience against extreme weather and mitigate the impacts of climate change, a priority action embedded in our Climate Adaptation Plan.” Minister Noonan said he wished to to commend the National Monuments Service for their huge effort in managing the scheme and the local authorities for their incredible support in administering applications. I am particularly happy that we are helping to meet the ambition of local communities across Ireland in protecting their archaeological heritage,” Minister Noonan said.

Phelan welcomes new dental care moves KILKENNY TD John Paul Phelan has welcomed new measures to provide expanded dental healthcare services for medical card holders. The announcement by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly

clears the way for an expanded Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS). Minister Donnelly also confirmed his commitment to review the scheme to ensure its future viability. He approved an increase in the fees payable to contracted

dentists for a number of items, including examinations and fillings, a move which should make it more appealing to practitioners. Mr Donnelly also approved the reintroduction of cleaning (scale and polish) for medical card patients.

Reacting to the news, local Fine Gael TD Mr Phelan said: “I am delighted that the Minister has committed to a root-andbranch review of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. “It is a positive move and will end pain and waiting time for

many of our most vulnerable. “These proposals are designed to address not only issues around services for medical card patients, but also the concerns expressed by dentists about the viability of the scheme as a whole.”

costs and tight supplies of key farm inputs such as feed and fertiliser contribute to the current strength in dairy prices on global markets. “However, we note that the current strong inflationary period may impact on consumer demand. The Board will continue to closely monitor developments,” he said.

Pig meat price drop proposal slammed MOVES to impose a mandatory production reduction condition on pig farmer access to a new aid package have been criticised by farmer and meat industry leaders. Recently, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue received Government approval for a €13m EU exceptional aid package to support commercial pig farmers, with a maximum payment of €70,000 a farmer “subject to conditionality”. While the Department of Agriculture did not respond to Farming Independent queries seeking clarity on this conditionality clause, it has been widely speculated that pig farmers must reduce production by 10pc to access the scheme. With production costs soaring and farmgate price in decline — the average pig farm is losing nearly €60,000 each month, according to Teagasc — IFA President Tim Cullinan said any attempt to impose a mandatory reduction “would be totally opposed by IFA”. Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, he said: “There is speculation that for a farmer to be able to access the €13m, or the €70,000 per farmer, they would have to reduce their stock on their farm by 10%. “This is totally, totally unsustainable. “We’re at a point now where the market is starting to improve and, if a farmer made that decision today, those pigs would not be available on the market for another 10 months, when we believe the market will have stabilised. “We have seen the difficulties this has created with the BEAM scheme. “It’s totally unjustified and we will not be supporting any reduction in the sector.” Meanwhile, Cormac Healy, senior director of Meat Industry Ireland, told the committee: “A 10% reduction would undermine the efficiency of individual pig farms and pig units. “If somebody is trying to stay in this business, the last thing they want to be doing is adding to their overhead.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

When women are no longer defined by motherhood Here’s a couple of salient facts: for the first time in the history of humankind, globally, fertility is at its lowest, and there are arguments about how this will impact on climate change. Secondly, for the first time in history, half the women in Ireland, England and Wales have not had a child by the time they have reached 30. And that can herald fertility issues. I am old enough to remember when a woman in Ireland wed and had children she had to give up her job in any of the State bodies. My mother’s generation were defined by having babies and looking after domestic chores. Back then, a woman who either did not marry or did not have a child was looked upon with a certain pity and talked about in hushed tones. Then too, for women, there was the so-called biological clock. Not so much a desire for a child but an awareness that time could be running

out. Many women then expressed guilt at not having felt ‘the longing’, as though an innate-seeming, visceral dose of baby fever was the norm and, in their absence of strong maternal feelings, they were deviating from it. The jury’s still out on whether the desire for parenthood is down to nature or nurture, that both biology and culture are likely to contribute. We are social animals, and social pressure can be enormous. Thankfully, women today are no longer defined by having or not having a child. Glass ceilings aside, women have come in to their own and are defined by many things other than motherhood; by confidence, by individuality, by career, by social standing, by just being. Women now have choice. In the Ireland of old, with church rule and no contraception, women had no choice; were, in effect, au-

tomated baby machines. Or otherwise barren, and meaningless. Women now have choice. They can have motherhood and they can have a career. Or choose one or the other. That said, there’s a whole other day’s debate on the issues of childcare in Ireland for women who choose both motherhood and career. Trying now to juggle everything daily, alas, means women, or indeed men, can not have it all. The other week, the United Nations issued a ‘code red for humanity’ as leading climate scientists delivered their starkest warning yet about the deepening climate emergency. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report said global temperatures were likely to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius in the next two decades, exceeding a key target of the Paris Agreement. Interestingly, scientists’ increasingly bleak outlook

for the future of the planet is putting more and more people off having children, according to more than one survey. Analysts at the US multinational Morgan Stanley said recently in a note to investors that the “movement to not have children owing to fears over climate change is growing and impacting fertility rates quicker than any preceding trend in the field of fertility decline”. To support their argument, they pointed to surveys, academic research and Google data that shows climate change is directly and indirectly accelerating the decline in fertility rates. A study of 18,000 couples in China last year showed that climate change, and pollution in particular, was associated with a 20% increased likelihood of infertility. Here’s another thing. All those daft categories, from ‘career bitch’ to ‘tiger mother’

to ‘spinster’, can’t sum up the complexities of how the women in my life — and there are many — live their lives. Even today, despite all ‘gains’ achieved by women, some without children may well need to ‘heal’. Some don’t. Some with children feel as existentially lonely as those without. Children are

‘Social pressure can be enormous...

”

no guarantee of care in old age, or even company. The feminism that respects individual choice, but seeks to improve the context in which these choices occur, is the one I see working. My mother was only five when her own mother died. When I was born, the eldest of three, my paternal grandmother took two buses to come and visit, as my father was away working down the country. My mother was so glad to have another woman to talk to about her new motherhood. When my grandmother was leaving, my mother said: “Please don’t wait to be invited. Call any time you want.” To which my grandmother replied: “Listen here, I raised eight. I not about to rear a ninth.” And from that day until the old bat died 26 years later she never again darkened our doorstep.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

News

€4.5m. 'bad' cars in Kilkenny alone LEADING car history check company MotorCheck.ie has completed the first major cross-border analysis of salvaged and written off vehicles imported into the Republic of Ireland from the UK. The company found 39,336 affected vehicles that had been imported into Ireland. At today’s values, the market value of those affected is €4,400,316 in Kilkenny alone

and €318 Million across the country. Examples of Zombie cars were found currently for sale privately and on dealers’ forecourts with ‘All Clear’ histories. The research conducted by Motorcheck, as seen on RTÉ Primetime, represents a potentially serious safety concern and financial liability. Motorists are warned about this issue and the risks asso-

ciated with buying a used car in Ireland. Despite the introduction of new Brexit linked import charges, the number of vehicles imported from the UK to Ireland remains high. In 2021 more than 83,000 vehicles have been imported with a total of 457,000 coming across the water over the past four years. In an effort to understand

the prevalence of Zombie vehicles (those brought back to life but not correctly identified as insurance write offs or ex-salvage) amongst those being imported, MotorCheck embarked on the largest single cross border analysis of vehicles ever carried out between the Republic of Ireland and the UK. In so doing, the company cross referenced the VIN

numbers for 1.9 million Irish vehicles with its UK Salvage database. Shane Teskey, co-founder of MotorCheck said: "As of today, we know that almost 40,000 Zombie cars have been imported into the Republic of Ireland – those brought back to life but not necessarily identified as insurance write offs or ex-salvage. This equates to €318m.

Data analysts call to our graduates Against a backdrop in which the skills required are in demand, here and across the globe, graduates from Kilkenny and beyond who have good numerical and statistical proficiency are being asked to consider taking further studies in the field of Data Analytics. The suggestion comes from Hibernia College with its announcement of a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Science

in Business Data Analytics. Commencing next Autumn, it embraces the three fields of business analytics, technology and data science. Accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland, students will be drawn principally from the fields of computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering and technology, and from finance, accounting and business.

leaving traders or their owners to foot the bill when the car’s true history is discovered. With used car prices rising in Ireland as much as 50%, it’s more important than ever that car dealers and private buyers are made aware of a vehicles hidden history before they pay well over the fair market value for a potentially dangerous exwrite off."

Enterprise visit: from left Caroline Fogarty, CF Pharma; Minister Damien English, TD, Clare Hughes, CF Pharma and Sandra Moore, CF Pharma PHOTO: Dylan Vaughan

How to get the job done THE Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, recently visited the Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office (LEO) where he met with council officials, members of the LEO team as well as some of their client companies. The Minister was greeted at County Hall by Councillor Fidelis Doherty, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise and Deputy John Paul Phelan as well as other officials and was briefed about developments in the county as well as future plans. Minister English then heard from the Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office team, members of the Evaluation Committee and Local Authority Members. Minister English said: “There is certainly

a lot of activity here in Kilkenny and it is great to hear about the work of the Council and the Local Enterprise Office and their exciting future plans. The support of the LEOs has been vital for many local businesses all over the country, providing training, mentoring and other practical assistance. "With our new Regional Enterprise Plans now in place the role of the LEO network will be even more important and their support will help to drive growth and job creation across the country.” Minister English then met with some of the LEO client companies. Red Robin Events Ltd were established just last year and offer niche focused logistics and design service solutions. Loanitt started their journey with the Kilkenny LEO just

three years ago and are now the largest financial intermediary in Ireland and a High Potential StartUp Client with Enterprise Ireland. Nirvana Lighting sells its own range of brand designed and manufactured, unique lighting products. CDS Metal Products design, manufacture and install bespoke feature metalwork products. CF Pharma, manufactures a range of novel specific Health Food Supplements, Medical Device Formulations and Advanced Topical Dermatological Solutions for human and animal healthcare. Minister English then travelled on to the Abbey Quarter where he met with Tony Lauhoff, Senior Project Engineer, who outlined the future development plans for the site. The Minister’s next port

of call was Cakeface, a LEO client company owned by Rory Gannon. The business operates a café, cookery school and roastery. Minister English also met with Kay Lyng of KKajoux Jewels, a LEO client and Irish owned handmade jewellery company who design and create their own pieces. Miriam Cushen of Cushendale, also a LEO client company, explained how the company designs and creates a signature range of lambswool and mohair products from natural “ecru” yarns. The Minister concluded his visit to Kilkenny at Mileeven Fine Foods, one of Ireland’s leading honey companies. This LEO client has won many awards including Great Taste Awards, Irish Food Awards, Blas Na Eireann and Gulfood Awards.

€200,000 funding for local community groups THE national electricity grid operator, EirGrid, has awarded more than €200,000 to community groups and notfor-profit organisations in Kilkenny and neighbouting Laois. A total of €204,600 funding has been allocated to the Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project. It is the first of three phases of funding available in the areas adjacent to

the project, of a total fund of €511,500. The Laois-Kilkenny Community Benefit Fund was established by EirGrid to recognise the important part local communities play in the development of the electricity grid, the impact works can have on communities and to ensure the money benefits groups and projects in these areas.

Groups and not-for-profit organisations in communities within three kilometres to the line were given priority in the allocation of funding by an independent fund administrator. These included groups from Ballyragget and Ballyouskill in Kilkenny and Spink, Ballyroan and Ballinakill in Laois. EirGrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer Michael Mahon

said: “We were delighted with the positive response from communities and would like to thank each group and organisation who took the time to submit a funding application. We would also like to thank the Laois Kilkenny Community Forum members who worked with EirGrid and the independent fund administrator in establishing and opening the fund.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

Every now and then I come across a mind-boggling fact. Here’s one: a mature native oak tree may host many hundreds of species. Imagine that; whether you are a bird or a beetle, a mouse or a moss, a fungi or a fern, you can call that tree home. One of the venerable trees in question was pointed out by Mary O’Neill-Moloney, head guide at Kilmacurragh during a tour of Kilmacurragh, National Botanic Garden, Co Wicklow. I must admit my count of tree residents hadn’t got much beyond the occasional bird or squirrel. Nor had I realised just how old some trees can be. Some of the yew trees along the yew walk at Kilmacurragh, where a monastic settlement was founded by St Moochorog in the in the 7th Century, date back to Tudor times. Usually, I am more focussed on the ‘treeness’ of trees, a bit like Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese healing art of forest bathing. This is a mindful way of connecting with Nature and allowing the senses to take in the pleasures that woodland offers. I have some special bathing companions and am lucky enough to live close to some truly giant trees — Sequoiadendron gigante-

There be giants : why we need more trees um (picture) . In their native habitat in California where they were discovered in 1853, they can grow to 300 feet high, the largest living organism on earth. With a girth of up to 70 feet they aren’t the easiest of trees to hug. But standing under one of them

gazing upwards and taking in the resinous scent of tree armpit (branchpit?) certainly helps me to put the world in perspective. These giants also bring home to me what trees can do for us. We are forest poor in Ireland, a country which

How you defeat your anxiety with hypnotherapy ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

YOU have two major parts of your mind. The conscious and the subconscious. The first is responsible for all the things you do deliberately, the second for everything you do on autopilot. All purposeful action is controlled by your conscious. All your behaviours and habits by your subconscious. Which do you think is more powerful? If you said your subconscious, you’d be absolutely right. This is why it is so difficult to overcome anxiety with your conscious mind. It’s the equivalent of an unarmed, infant human child going up against a fully grown, adult gorilla. There’s only going to be one winner. Yes, I know David beat Goliath, but he did that with a sling full of shot, not a right hook. Anxiety is a way of being. It is a behaviour. A habit. Smokers find it very difficult to quit, right? Again because they are trying

to defeat an unconscious, habitual behaviour with their conscious, deliberate mind. In the battle between autopilot v purposeful action, the former has an infinite advantage. What if you could turn all that on its head? You can. And it’s easier than you ever imagined. All you need is to manipulate a natural physical process to your advantage. In other words, use your subconscious. Here’s how. You know that feeling just before you fall asleep? That point where you aren’t fully conscious but you aren’t completely unconscious either? Chances are, if you’re reading this, you experience that every day. That’s the point where your conscious and subconscious are in harmony and communicating most effectively with each other. Now, whilst it would be a bad job to start the chatter going between these two parts of the mind when you’re trying to fall asleep, it’s perfectly possible to reach that state at other times of the day. This is where hypnotherapy comes in. Hypnosis

is not weird, nor is it magical, all it does is relaxes you into that between consciousness and unconsciousness state where the real work can begin. Once you are in hypnosis, just like when you are at that point between being awake and falling asleep, your conscious and unconscious minds are speaking to each other. At that moment, the purposeful action you want to achieve, being less anxious, can inform your habitual behaviour of its desires. This is why a hypnotherapist will hold a consultation with you prior to an appointment. To find out exactly what you want to get out of life. A discovery meeting where you express how you want to defeat your anxiety, why and what life would be like for you if anxious thoughts and behaviours were no longer part of it. It is those ideas that a hypnotherapist will then speak back to your unconscious mind when they have you in that deeply relaxed state. From there, your conscious thoughts become subconscious behaviours and habits. A life without anxiety awaits.

was once 80% covered by native forests, before wholesale felling for ships, buildings and industry began from Tudor plantation onwards. Now we have only 11% of land under forest compared with the European average of 30%.

Aside from their value as habitat, the trees we do have can be a cost effective way to offset carbon emissions, pulling CO2 out of the air, binding it with sugar through photosynthesis and releasing oxygen. In a year, an acre of forest can absorb twice

the amount of CO2 emitted by the average car’s annual mileage. The trouble is that we don’t have enough of the right kind of forests. Only 1% of our forest coverage is of native trees like oak, birch and elm, the rest is mainly a monoculture of Sitka spruce, fine for commercial use but which can be a source of carbon release rather than a carbon sink when bog or wetlands are ploughed up and drained in order to plant them and when they are felled. Dark and densely planted, they are also an inhospitable environment for wildlife flora and fauna. There is growing awareness of the importance the Amazon Rain Forest and its value to the planet as carbon sink and the threat posed to it by agriculture. But we need to be more conscious of the need to plant more trees and our own native rain forests. Trees thrive better together as a community, supporting each other, exchanging nutrients via their root systems, often aided by the mycorrhizal networks of fungi. Spring has a way of making us more aware of the gloriousness of trees.In the next couple of weeks my view the nearby valley will be transformed into a patchwork of colour from pink to acid green as trees burst into leaf. Just now there is a blackbird singing a veritable symphony at the top of a larch tree, announcing his territory. He might be praising trees too.

Natural care for your teeth CLAIR WHITTY

CARE for your teeth and gums the natural way with Buccotherm, natural oral care for the whole family. Used and trusted by dentists and hygienists in France, Buccotherm make a full range of oral care products including toothpaste, oral sprays and chewing gum. Every Buccotherm product is formulated with thermal spring water, sourced directly from the spa town of Castéra-Verduzan in France. Rich in mineral salts and trace elements, with unique soothing and remineralising properties this water has been used for centuries for all kinds of ailments, particularly those of the throat and mouth. Buccotherm Dental Spray is a unique solution for anyone who suffers with dry mouth, which can happen if you don’t produce enough saliva. Dryness can be also be age related or can occur after cancer treatment. Simply use the spray several times a day to hydrate and humidify your mouth. This Dental Spray also protects the teeth and

mucous membrane from acid attacks, soothes irritation, reducing gum sensitivity and occasional bleeding too. It’s perfect to clean the interdental spaces in between braces. 100% natural and like the other Buccotherm products it contains the unique spa water which is rich in mineral salts and trace elements. If you’re worried about bad breath, choose Fresh Breath Oral Spray which is certified organic with 99% natural ingredients. It’s perfect for long lasting fresh breath and an ideal size for your pocket or handbag. Buccotherm toothpastes are certified organic, contain a minimum of 97% natural ingredients - formulated with or without fluoride to suit everyone’s choice. An everyday essential, Buccotherm Tooth Decay Toothpaste is used to help prevent tooth decay. It contains fluoride, is made with 99% natural ingredients, and has a natural mint

flavour. Or there’s the Fluoride Free Toothpaste for Sensitive Gums, it’s organic and made with 99% natural ingredients. This is particularly suitable for sensitive teeth or bleeding gums and can also be used for mouth ulcers, simply massage well on to the affected area and don’t rinse. The Buccotherm range is adapted for all ages, for the younger members of the family there’s a full range of children’s toothpastes with fluoride and fluoride-free options. Especially designed for babies there’s a Teething Gel and Teething Kit for your baby’s gums and first teeth. The toothbrush has extra-soft bristles and is ergonomically shaped for an easy grip and to prevent the risk of the baby pushing the brush too far into their mouth. The teething gel is organic with chamomile and marshmallow extracts and contains 98% natural ingredients. This is a lovely range that I think you’ll like. Shop online at www. naturalhealthstore.ie Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Bingo fans please take note that James Stephens GAA Club in association with ABC Bingo will be hosting a second bingo night starting on Friday April 29th and running every Friday night. The doors to the clubrooms in Larchfield will open at 7pm with eyes down for 8pm. Come join the fun and spread the word.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Ukraine Invasion

Putin’s holy war blessed by Orthodox church WHEN Russia launched NEW military intervention in defence of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in October 2015, Bashar received a clerical blessing. Patriarch Kirill, the powerful leader of the Russian Orthodox Church and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, declared the operation “a responsible decision to use military forces to protect the Syrian people from the woes brought on by the tyranny of terrorists”. The spokesperson for Kirill’s church went even further. “The fight with terrorism is a holy battle and today our country is perhaps the most active force in the world fighting it,” said the head of the church’s public affairs department, Vsevolod Chaplin, in a quote reported by Interfax news agency. Seven years later, Kirill and his loyal clergy now deliver sermons about their country’s role in another righteous, holy battle. It doesn’t matter that many Ukrainians weathering the brunt of the Russian war machine are Kirill’s cocongregants — there are some 12,000 parishes in Ukraine subject to the church in Moscow. As Russia embarks on a new large- scale offensive in the east of the country, Kirill has articulated little concern about the millions of Ukrainian lives hanging in the balance. Instead, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church has sounded the same sort of ominous and profoundly ideological rhetoric as Putin. He cast the fight as a religious

and national drama, an existential battle of good and evil, a clash between RussoSlavic tradition, values and unity and the corrupting foreign influences festering at Russia’s border. “We have entered into a struggle that has not a physical, but a metaphysical significance,” the patriarch said in a sermon on March 6. Kirill went on, claiming God was on Russia’s side and expanding his critique of Western liberalism: “Today there is a test for the loyalty to this new world order, a kind of pass to that ‘happy’ world, the world of excess consumption, the world of false ‘freedom,’ ” he said. “Do you know what this test is? The test is very simple and at the same time terrible — it is the gay pride parade.” You may be wondering what LGBT rights have to do with the bloody war in Ukraine. But Kirill has long framed Russian geopolitical challenges in these terms, as the conflict between a conservative, culturally virtuous Russia and a debauched, immoral West. His messaging has undergirded the more secular positions of the Kremlin, helped shape Putin’s own post-Soviet nationalist project and now adds a gloss of legitimacy to a stumbling Russian war effort. “Any war has to have guns and ideas,” says Cyril Hovorun, Professor of Ecclesiology, International Relations and Ecumenism at University College Stockholm. “In this war, the Kremlin

has provided the guns, and I believe the church is providing the ideas.” Kirill is in particular credited with propagating the doctrine known as ‘Rusty Mir’ or ‘Russian World’. It invokes a vision of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine as one nation united by a shared founding history of settlement by Volga Vikings and the 10th century conversion to Orthodox Christianity. Much of that hallowed history, it so happens, took place in locations that are in Ukraine. “To some ears, this dogma might sound peaceful and inclusive, but critics say Russia is using it to reassert

dominance over territory it controlled during the Russian Empire and Soviet Union,” Whalen explained. “Putin has embraced the doctrine in recent speeches, claiming that Ukraine has never really existed as a separate state and has historically belonged to lands led by Russia. Historians say that is flat-out wrong.” Kirill has explicitly urged Russians to back their government. As Putin’s rule entered an all-the-more repressive phase in recent weeks, the patriarch called for public support for the Kremlin so it can “repel its enemies, both external and internal”. There

are already reports of Russian priests losing their jobs after delivering sermons calling for an end to the war and Ukrainian suffering. So-called ‘anti-imperialist’ leftists in the West often value Putin’s Russia as a counterweight to Washington’s designs as a global hegemon. But the illiberal religiosity underlying the autocrat’s strongman rule has also made Putin a somewhat popular figure among American evangelicals and the religious right. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew says: “We are very sorry for the attitude of His Beatitude

Patriarch Kirill of Russia. He should not have identified so much with President Putin and even called Russia’s war against Ukraine ‘sacred’.” Hundreds of Orthodox priests in Ukraine and elsewhere, though, are less impressed. More than 320 signed a letter recently accusing Kirill of “heresy” for his warmongering and demanding he be brought before an ecclesiastical tribunal to be deposed. “Kirill committed moral crimes by blessing the war against Ukraine and fully supporting the aggressive actions of Russian troops on the Ukrainian territory,” they wrote. “It is impossible for us to remain in any form of canonical submission to the Patriarch of Moscow.” (The political tensions between Russia and Ukraine had already led to a split within the latter’s Orthodox community, with some congregations no longer associating themselves with the Moscow patriarchate.) And counterparts elsewhere have made Kirill aware of their disquiet, too. In a video call last month with Kirill, Pope Francis warned against the use of the Christian cross to justify an invasion and war — Kirill recently presented an icon to a Russian commander in charge of a number of divisions fighting in Ukraine. “Once upon a time there was also talk in our churches of holy war or just war,” the Pope is reported to have told Kirill last month. “Today we cannot speak like this.”

How the invasion has changed the world THE fallout from Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 also has repercussions far beyond Ukraine. It has forced nations to rethink neutrality and refugee policy, and it threatens to destabilise the global economy. The world has changed, here’s how: 1. A warm welcome for Ukrainian refugees More than 4.6 million Ukrainians have left the country, with many fleeing into neighbouring states such as Poland and Romania. Not all of these governments had laid out the red carpet for refugees in the past, but to accommodate this influx, European leaders installed a new playbook, forging political consensus and streamlining the

asylum-seeking process. Farther away, even Japan has moved to accept dozens of displaced Ukrainians — a remarkable move by a country that historically has been unwelcoming to asylum seekers. As of early April, Tokyo has welcomed more than 400 people — with some flying on a government-chartered plane s. The warm welcome offered to Ukrainian refugees has raised eyebrows, with World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently noting that countries such as Ethiopia and Yemen received ‘not a fraction’ of the spotlight Ukraine has, a fact noted by our columnist Paul Hopkins some weeks back in a comment pice of ‘selective empathy’.

2. A rethinking of political nonalignment Several countries that joined the Western-led financial war against Russia were either traditionally politically neutral or had close economic ties with Russian oligarchs. Shortly after the invasion, Switzerland announced that it

would join the European Union in imposing sanctions on Moscow, in a sharp departure with its long-standing neutrality. Monaco, a playground for Russia’s wealthy elites, also moved to freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs in accordance with EU sanctions. Similarly, Singapore made what it called an “almost unprecedented” move to impose sanctions on a country without a UN Security Council resolution. 3. The sanctions are biting While Russia’s currency has recovered some ground after its post-invasion collapse, the World Bank forecasts that the Russian economy may contract 11.2 percent this year. After the fall of the Berlin

Wall, Russians took to Western brands from McDonald’s to Miu Miu. The international backlash to Putin’s 2014 annexation of Crimea began the decoupling of Russia’s society and economy from the Western world, but the invasion has accelerated the process. Under pressure from their home governments and consumers, major companies and organisations have moved to suspend or exit operations in Putin’s country, depriving Russians of access to many consumer goods. International sporting events and prominent cultural institutions have also severed ties with Russian participants. 4. A threat to global livelihoods

Before the war, Ukraine was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of corn and wheat. Russia, the world’s largest oil exporter, was also a top supplier of fertiliser. But the protracted conflict has driven up commodity prices globally, jeopardising food security and poverty alleviation efforts in Africa and the Middle East. The World Food Program has said that 41 million people in western and central Africa may be affected by a food and nutrition crisis this year, as the region confronts the highest prices in a decade for products like grain, oil and fertiliser. The war has also set off panic buying of basic foodstuffs in countries such as Egypt, Syria and Lebanon that are reliant on Ukraine exports.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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News A GREAT lineup that includes The Delines, Jesse Dayton, The Hanging Stars, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Joana Serrat, Margo Cilker, His Lordship, TK & The Holy Know-Nothings, The Remedy Club and Danny George Wilson are set to entertain at 23rd Kilkenny Roots Festival from Friday, April 29 until Monday, May 2. Acts come from the US, UK, Spain, Austria and Ireland. Many shows are already sold out, including The Delines, Jake Xerxes Fussell, TK & The Holy KnowNothings, The Hanging Stars and Margo Cilker. In addition to the ticketed shows, there will be 60 gigs on the free Smithwick’s Music Trail in venues throughout Kilkenny city. The festival kicks off with The Remedy Club in Billy Byrnes on the Friday and continues with an amazing musical lineup until the grand finale in Kyteler’s on Monday May 2 with Jesse Dayton and his band from Texas. Tickets for the individual shows are available through the festival website, https:// kilkennyroots.com/ Here’s what the critics are saying the weekend’s line-up

Rich and rootsy for Kilkenny festival

THE DELINES “The backing band delivers a soft, minimalist, soulful, and mostly noir cinematic soundscape over which Vlautin’s stories about desperate characters unfold through Boone’s nuanced, emotive vocals. The subtle power is riveting, completely enrapturing the listener and leaving an indelible impact.” Glide Magazine HIS LORDSHIP The new project from guitarist James Walbourne (The Pretenders, The Pogues, The Rails) and Kristoffer Sonne (The Pretenders, Willie Nelson), His Lordship is the sound of Walbourne unleashed as a frontman; a furious riot of raging guitar and perverted drums from another dimension. DANNY GEORGE WILSON Danny George Wilson

Back to their roots: among those taking part in the weekend festival are The Delines; inset, Margo Cilker; below, left, Joana Serrat; and The Remedy Club

engrossing magic, enabling some of Danny’s most romantic songs ever but equally some of his most unhinged.

(Grand Drive/Danny & The Champions Of The World/Bennett Wilson Poole) presents a vibrant and diverse collection of startling, impressionistic songs created in collaboration with Sussexbased, studio wizard Hamish Benjamin. This collision of straightforward, traditional songwriting with experimentation and noise, brings a fresh and

JAKE XERXES FUSSELL “Fussell is a snappy, unshowy guitar player whose crisp picking adds flair to the occasionally odd imagery of his reclaimed lyrics, a song collector with unimpeachable taste as well as a thorough knowledge of the American folk catalogue, and in particular a singer whose voice is robust yet gentle, always conveying the humanity of the songs he sings.” Uncut Magazine, Album of the Month

a loose, groove-heavy bar band that never sacrifices the importance of good, honest songwriting. THE HANGING STARS “The London five-piece do an accomplished take on the late-1960s sound of Los

Angeles, where folk-rock bands such as the Byrds and Love met the cosmic country of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris.” The Times UK JOANA SERRAT “Hailing from near

Barcelona, Joana Serrat is one of the unexpected European treasures in the ever-expanding genre of Americana. Her fifth album, all recorded in Texas with producer Ted Young (perhaps best known for working with Sonic Youth), is another treat that hints at yet even bigger things. Our guess is that it will sound incredible live. ” Holler Magazine JESSE DAYTON. “Jesse Dayton Is the Opinionated Songwriter That Americana Needs. He’s played with Waylon, Cash, and Duff McKagan, but the Texas motormouth is at his best when he’s singing his own tune.” Rolling Stone

MARGO CILKER. (Both shows Sold Out) “Pohorylle (her new album) is classic Americana – mostly carried by piano, guitar and strings – awash with grace, wisdom and allusive wordplay. Cilker only has a handful of EPs to her name, but it feels like the work of a truly seasoned talent.” Uncut Magazine

THE REMEDY CLUB “The Remedy Club might have been Ireland’s bestkept musical secret, but with its nutritious stew of Americana, Country, Roots and Rock, True Hand True Heart should put an end to all that. All in all, this is one album you could survive a lockdown with.” Hotpress Magazine

TK & THE HOLY KNOWNOTHINGS TK & The Holy KnowNothings is perhaps Taylor Kingman’s most beloved project. Half-dutifully and half-facetiously self-dubbed “psychedelic doom boogie,” the group was born out of Kingman’s desire to create

RÓNÁN HESSION & WILLY VLAUTIN in conversation A unique opportunity to explore the common ground and differences in their music and writing. * Further enquiries to: John Cleere, Festival Director. Tel 0868146421 info@ kilkennyroots.com

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

Your Money BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

RETIREMENT is often seen as a reward for a lifetime of hard work and dedication. All those long hours should lead to years of relaxation and freedom. We’re living longer. In fact, today’s retirees can look forward to enjoying two to three decades of life after work. We’re also fitter and more active than previous generations. We no longer stop working and put our feet up and so we are working later and living longer. Better yet, retirees are also living what’s now called, their ‘Second Lives’ on their own terms. Just under a third (31%) expect to retire at age 65 or younger while one in 10 expects to retire at age 70 or older. Therefore, in retirement you will have up to 2,000 extra hours a year to do something you want to do. According to the 2016 census the population of people aged 65 or over increased by 19.1% since 2011 and the population of those aged 85 or over increased by 15.6%, with over 14,800 volunteers engaged with Volunteer Ireland, clocking up an incredible 490,000 hours of volunteering! Some studies show that re-

Staying hale and hearty in your retirement tirement is associated with a decline in health, while other research suggests that your health improves after you retire. Financial Advisors see their vocation as helping their clients prepare financially for retirement. But you need to realise that money is not the be all and end all of retirement.

We need to think of our health as our real wealth. Stay physically active. Join a walking group? Take up golf or tennis? Whatever your choice work your way up from, for instance light jogging to travelling the world running marathons! According to one fitness expert: “Suitable weight bearing activities, combined with a diet

rich in calcium and vitamin D for optimum bone health, will help you stay fit and mobile in your later years.” Before you take up exercise after maybe a sedentary lifestyle have a medical examination. Work with your doctor to make sure you’re making the right choices to live a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity also has

huge benefits for your peace of mind. There may be times when you feel lonely or a bit lost, which is normal. If ill health or changes in your relationships temporarily scupper your plans, accept that this has happened and get your back-up plan in action and share any concerns with others. Stay mentally sharp. Mental

activity is the other vital component of a rewarding retirement. It’s like keeping any other part of you active – use it or lose it. Brainpower used to do crosswords, to read, to play games of strategy, protects you against Alzheimer’s disease and will help to reduce the risk of dementia. Before you retire, make goals and plan for the weeks and months ahead. Be pedantic! What time will you get up at? What daily/weekly activities will you commit to that will help you stay occupied and in a good routine? Include your spouse/partner in your decisions. Make sure you have made a will. Setting up a Power of Attorney in the event a situation arises in which you may not be able to manage your retirement. Seek advice from your solicitor. Finally, get your finances in order. Organise your money so you can work out what you’ll have to live on. Budget realistically. Is the money you think you’ll need to spend in retirement in line with your projected income? Reducing your spending in the lead up to retirement will make it easier to adjust. If there’s a shortfall, it’s may not be too late to boost your pension pot. Track down any old pensions, claim your state pension and check what other benefits you can claim. Be proactive and plan ahead. John@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

MacDonagh Junction - a world of pure imagination… CROWDS gathered at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre to celebrate Easter and were joined by not only the Easter bunny , they were also treated to a special appearance by the King of Chocolate- Willy Wonka! The Easter bunny paid a visit to the Centre on Easter Saturday, bouncing with excitement ready to entertain customers with hugs and high fives while encouraging everyone to help in the search for his Easter eggs that were hidden throughout the centre. On Easter Monday, families enjoyed a whole host of entertainment including an exciting magic show performance by Willy Wonka himself, an arts and crafts zone and an opportunity to snap a photo in front of the iconic Chocolate Factory gates! To top off the days entertainment, revellers were treated to some yummy treats handmade by the Oompa Loompas! Centre Marketing Co-ordinator Leanne Smyth spoke of the excitement in the Centre over the Easter weekend: “ We had an amazing turnout for our Easter entertainment this weekend, it was heart-warming to see the huge numbers

of families coming to visit the Centre for our first Easter event in 2 years. It’s great to be able to give back to the local community who have continuously supported us throughout the years by providing some entertainment over the Easter break and it’s so rewarding to see so many smiling faces captivated by the performances.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

Science & Wellbeing THE same technology being used for Covid vaccines is also being used in an effort to develop the world’s first cure for victims of cardiac illness. According to The Times of London, scientists at King’s College London have identified key genetic codes — called mRNAs — which produce proteins that stimulate the creation of healthy new heart cells. These mRNAs can be delivered directly to the heart muscle following a heart attack by deploying the same technology as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The ground-breaking research has also identified proteins that could be injected into heart attack patients in the back of an ambulance to prevent heart cells dying. Because the human heart has no ability to repair itself, victims are left with a permanent scar that often leads to debilitating and potentially deadly heart failure. The new RNA (ribonucleic acid) therapy has the potential to transform cardiovascular medicine and prevent millions of heart attack victims developing heart failure. So far the revolutionary approach has been successfully used to regenerate damaged pig hearts and is due to start human trials within two years. Professor Mauro Giacca, who is leading the research, said: “We are all born with a set number of muscle cells in our heart and they are exactly the same ones we will die with. The heart has no capacity to repair itself after a heart attack. Our goal has been to find a treatment that can convince surviving cells to proliferate. “Regenerating a damaged

Covid jabs could be a cure for heart attacks human heart has been a dream until a few years ago, but can now become a reality. “We are using exactly the same technology as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to inject micro RNAs to the heart, reaching surviving heart cells and pushing their proliferation. The new cells would replace the dead ones and instead of forming a scar, the patient has new

muscle tissue.” Prof. Giacca’s team, based at the British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence at King’s, is also developing a treatment to prevent cells from dying during a heart attack He said: “We have identified three proteins which stop heart cells from dying by encouraging them to repair themselves. The idea is to now produce these pro-

teins so they can be injected immediately after a heart attack — in the back of an ambulance or when the patient reaches the hospital.” After a patient’s condition has stabilised, the other therapy — encouraging the growth of healthy heart tissue — could then be delivered directly to the coronary artery via a catheter. Prof. Giacca said: “If clinical trials go well it would be

Hopes high for treating MS THE future of treating multiple sclerosis may lie in immune cells against glandular fever, scientists have claimed. In a small trial, patients with MS were implanted with T-cells that target the virus that causes glandular fever. Brain scans suggested the progression of the condition was slowed down or even reversed some sufferers. Patients who yielded results also had ‘sustained disability improvement’, including being able to walk with less pain. T-cells were extracted from people who had recovered from Epstein-Barr virus, which has been touted as a possible cause of MS. US scientists who did the research accept the study was small and could not rule out the placebo effect — when someone feels better simply because they expected to. But it could mark a significant step forward in experts’

understanding of MS, which is currently incurable and can only be managed with drugs. The news comes after a major study by Harvard scientists of 1million soldiers found EBV could be the main cause behind multiple sclerosis (MS) — with EBV patients 32 times more likely to develop it. The crippling condition is caused by someone’s immune system attacking nerve cells, resulting in symptoms that include fatigue and difficulty walking. Progressive MS occurs in one in 10 patients, and involves the condition to deteriorate consistently over time with no relapses. There are very few treatment options. The new T-cell therapy has been created by US firm Atara Biotherapeutics, based in San Francisco, California. It involves extracting immune cells known as ATA188, which are found in

people who have successfully fought off Epstein-Barr. It is given to people via injections. The cells were donated by people who had suffered an EBV infection and were immunologically matched to the patients — to avoid rejection. t is not clear how regular doses were given to patients, or how much of the drug they were injected with. Twenty of the original 24 given the injections saw their condition improve or stabilise after a year. After three years, nine also had improvements when measured on using brain scans. Professor Mark Freedman, a neurologist at the University of Ottawa who was not involved in the trial, said a natural reversal in progressive MS is incredibly rare — suggesting the Atara trialled therapy was behind improved outcomes.

He said: ‘When a patient reaches a certain level of advanced disability, it is rare for them to naturally revert, and any improvement that is sustained would not be expected from the natural history of the disease. Further research is needed before people get too excited about the treatment. The Phase I trial did not test against a control variable, with researchers admitting results could be caused by the placebo effect. A study published in Nature in January showed the proteins produced by the EBV are very similar to the human proteins produced by the nervous system. Around 95 per cent of people alive today have been infected with EBV, which causes mononucleosis The virus is also believed to be behind several autoimmune disease, including chronic fatigue syndrome and encephalomyelitis.

blockbuster medicine in the history of cardiology. Both approaches are super-exciting. It would be really transformative. It is a completely new territory. “The treatment revolution that has occurred in cancer in recent years, where there is immunotherapy and targeted biological therapies, has not occurred for the heart. Treatment for heart attacks and heart failure

remains very similar to 50 years ago and the main pillars of therapy are drugs that were developed in the 1970s such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.” Giacca, who moved to London from the University of Trieste in 2019, acknowledged there were challenges ahead but was optimistic human trials would be completed within three years. He said: “Testing has so far been on mice and pigs that are young and healthy, not an elderly human. But there is no way of solving that except during the trial.” Before the pandemic, medical research into a type of genetic code called RNA was considered an obscure and experimental field. Then, in December 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved by medical regulators, becoming not only the world’s first Covid-19 jab but also the first ever RNA treatment. RNA molecules are the messengers which translate DNA, your genetic code, into instructions for cells to make the millions of different proteins vital for our bodies to function. Scientists have now figured out a way of hijacking this process, inserting synthetic RNA into human cells so they produce whatever specific type of protein they desire. The Pfizer and Moderna messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, for example, contain a genetic instruction for cells to produce the spike protein of the Covid-19 virus. This then causes the body to produce antibodies against the spike protein, training the immune system to act quickly when infected with the real thing.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Travel & Leisure WHILE Italy’s Lake Como is easily accessible by train, after flying into Milan,it’s also less than an hour’s drive from Milan meaning it’s the perfect short road trip destination. With its twisting lakeside lanes, mountains and charming towns, here’s the ultimate guide to driving Lake Como. Day 1 – Milan to Tremezzina Setting off from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, it’s a short 40 minute blast up the A9 to the town of Como. For those coming from the heart of Milan, the journey takes a similar amount of time or up to an hour if travelling by train. Serving as the gateway to Lake Como, the city is a good first stopping point with its bustling shopping streets, beautiful architecture and chic cafe culture. Historians and shoppers will enjoy the market stalls that line the Medieval city walls at Piazza Vittoria. Everything from crafts to vintage clothing can be found here but watch for the crowds in peak seasons. Venture beyond the city walls and you’ll discover the old town. It’s worth meandering around the shopping streets, through the Piazzas and past the ancient churches (grabbing an espresso on the way, of course) and heading down to the lakefront to get a first glimpse of the calm and cooling water as it laps along the promenade. From Como, head down the left-hand side of the lake, which weaves past some of the region’s finest villas and villages. For those in a hurry, take the SS340 – a wide and fast road that caries most of the traffic – while the real gems can be found along Via Regina, a narrow road that hugs the lakeside, offering spectacular views around every corner of

A three-day road trip to Lake Como

the water and pastel-coloured villas. Driving on to Lenno, this charming town is in a sheltered bay with restaurants and café bars overlooking the gardens of Villa del Balbianello. Aside from starring as a location in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, the villa was once home to Italian explorer Count Guido Monzino and is worth a visit as one of the region’s bestpreserved villas. From Lenno, drive on and wind your way up the hillside

directly above the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, branching off the SS340. Not far up the hill, you’ll pull into Al Veluu – one of Como’s best spots for lunch. Take a seat, enjoy the food and, most importantly, indulge in the spectacular views over the lake, Lenno and the surrounding area. Day 2 – Tremezzina to Varenna Waking up after a night at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, it’s time to get back on the road and head further north. Keep

driving north, hugging the shoreline wherever possible. Past Menaggio, the landscape gets wilder and quieter as you move away from the busier tourist hotspots. Venturing to the far north of the lake, the marshy nature reserve of Pian di Spagna is an excellent place to spot wildlife, get out of the car and explore on foot or take in some of the area’s history. Inhabited since Roman times, the flood plain is beautifully framed by the surrounding mountains and offers some rugged respite from Como’s

for the LGBTQ+ community. It has a long history of fighting for gay rights and the city has stood like a beacon of hope through the years. Here, you will find a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that has stood up for its rights and has come to be known as the “gay capital of the world.”. San Francisco has an acceptance score of 8.21; 1.6 clubs and bars per 100,000 people; and a rating of 4.2 on TripAdvisor. It’s the only American city to be featured in the top 10 of this list.

1. Madrid, Spain Madrid has a great acceptance score of 8.81 and has 17 gay clubs and bars (0.3 per 100,000 people). However, it takes a beating in the ratings of these clubs and bars on TripAdvisor with an average of 3.6, the lowest yet. Spain is one of the most liberal and tolerant nations in the world, so it’s always a good idea to visit the country. For the LGBTQ+ community, there are tons of events and places to feel safe and free (discrimination isn’t cool in Spain) and it’s another world leader when it comes to same-sex laws. 2. Rotterdam, Holland Another Dutch city high in the ranks is Rotterdam, which has an acceptance rating of 9.8 just like Amsterdam. It’s not ideal that it only has two clubs and bars (0.2 per 100,000 people), but they’ve got an average rating of 5. 3. San Francisco, California San Francisco is one of the favourite cities in the world

more tourist visited areas. Moving on, the road sweeps around the top of the lake and back down the western side, past Sant’ Agata at the mouth of the river Adda and onto SP72. Once again, the slower route hugs the lakeside and twists its way through the lakeside towns and fishing villages. Continuing on the road, head for the colourful commune of Varenna, one of Como’s most authentic and unspoilt towns. After lunch there , it’s worth taking a stroll around the

Seven cities welcoming of same sex couples

4. Reykjavik, Iceland Iceland’s capital soars on every metric on the charts. It scored 10/10 on LGBTQ+ acceptance; it has the most gay-friendly bars and clubs (2.5 per 100,000 people); and many of these establishments have an average score of 4.0 on TripAdvisor, so the quality is top-notch, too. 5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands The Netherlands was the first country in the world to

gardens of Villa Monastero before heading across on the ferry to Bellagio for the evening and a night at Hotel Belvedere. Perched on a hill above the well-known town, while Belvedere doesn’t quite match up to the Tremezzo’s grandeur, it’s an exceptionally well-placed and inviting place to stay. Day 3 – Bellagio to Milan It’s difficult to find a more picturesque place to wake up than Bellagio. At the heart of Lake Como, the charismatic town is a tourist hot spot during the day and, as a result, is awash with restaurants, bars, cafes and – most importantly – gelaterias. Grab a scoop or two before you hit the road and make tracks back down the eastern side of Lake Como’s west leg towards Milan on SP583. For those looking to take an alternative route back to Milan, branch off down the lake’s eastern leg also on SP583 towards the city of Lecco. Sticking to the tried and tested track, the road down the eastern side of Como’s western leg winds its way out of Bellagio and through more of Como’s quiet fishing villages as it nears Como city. Stopping for lunch in Torno is a must. Sitting by Torno’s little port sipping an aperitif is like stepping back in time. The bells of the church close by chime as the local restaurants start to wake up and prepare for another lunchtime. Enjoy the gentle pace while walking the narrow, cobbled streets before departing for the comparative hustle and bustle of Como City. From Como, it’s another short blast back to Milan down the A9 as the lakeside life fades away in the rearview mirror and the pace picks up back in one of Italy’s busiest cities.

recognise same-sex rights, so it’s natural that its capital would be a role model for the world. It has a 9.8 acceptance score, 1.6 bars per 100,000 people (16 in total), and an average rating of 4. 6. Brussels, Belgium Belgium is also a forwardthinking, progressive country that recognises gay rights (same-sex marriage and adoptions have been legal for almost two decades. Its capital Brussels takes the sixth spot with an acceptance score of 9 and 14 gay-friendly bars and clubs (0.7 per 100,000 people). However, the ratings aren’t exceptional —t he bars have an average score of 3.9 on TripAdvisor. 7. Cardiff Cardiff has four nightclubs and bars that welcome the LGBTQ+ community and an average rating of 4.1 on TripAdvisor. If you’re looking for things to do in Cardiff, Visit Wales has recommendations on gayfriendly places, hotels, and events.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

Feature

Kathy Purcell from Castlecomer Discovery Park

Majella Walsh (daughter of Seamus) who sang Joe Hill in memory of her father Lauren Mc Cartney, granddaughter of Seamus Walsh recited his poem ‘A Gathering of Miners’

Life & legacy, an evening of music and words to celebrate Seamus Walsh TEXT PETER MARTIN PHOTOS BY MIKE KEALY

Chrissy Walsh, pictured with a portrait of her husband Seamus which was unveiled on the night

There is something about ‘Comer people. Maybe it is their determination in what they do. Nothing is half done. It is a sort of ‘stickability’ they have to stay with a project until it is completed. Whether it is on a hurling field, organising the annual wellie race or performing theatre, the men and women from the mining town of Castlecomer have it by the bucket load. And some. One such ‘Comer man who had all the aforementioned traits was miner, storyteller and author Seamus Walsh. Indeed the words of Nelson Mandella could have been written for Seamus. “There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” There was no doubting the passion Seamus had for his family and for friends from the mining community. And the gathering at The Discovery

Park recently to mark his anniversary showed the love and esteem in which Seamus was held. Seamus was a prolific writer, and his books “Coal in the Blood” & “In the Shadow of the Mines” documented first-hand accounts of life in the mines, and its impact on the wider community both socially and economically. A Poet, Seamus creatively wove words to evocatively convey life as a miner in Castlecomer. MUSIC, MEMORY AND SONG The evening was full with music and memory with speakers such as Martin Bridgeman, Maurice Shortall, Michael Conway, Margaret McGrath, Chubby Brennan and Joe O’Neill. Music was provided by the Male Voice Choir and Breege Phelan. Also playing on the night was Joe Brennan, Sarah Brennan and Jimmy Byrne. Singer/song writer Colm Egan played via video link with a song called “The Deerpark Mines” a song about an ex – miner revisiting the ruins of the mines after its closure. The Walsh family were all present and Seamus’s daughter Majella gave a beautiful acapella rendition of “Joe Hill”.

Many of the family made other contributions such as Seamus’s granddaughter Lauren McCartney who recited a poem that Seamus wrote called “A Gathering of Miners”. Seamus’s Grandson Jamie Walsh also presented a poem that Seamus wrote called “Lonely Days Past”. The atmosphere was poignant as video from Mike Kealy and photos from John Coffey were interspersed through the evening. Seamus had a life-long passion to honour the men that went down below. Mr Walsh was always focussed on finding alternative energy, and to show the hardships and health impacts of mining on those men and boys who worked the pits. Seamus was instrumental in making the coal mining museum a reality. FREE APP LAUNCHED In a fitting tribute, Kathy Purcell,Manager at the Park, launched the free app “Castlecomer Museum of Mining” which makes the mining history included in the museum accessible to people from all over the world. In creating the mining museum, Seamus didn’t realise that it would also be the catalyst for creating

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Feature

Worktable and Silence, 1997 Oil on board 48” x 30”, 122 x 76.2cm 1997

Martin Bridgeman who attended the tribute to Seamus Walsh

The Walsh family pictured at The Castlecomer Discovery Park

one of Ireland’s best social enterprises, creating jobs and helping to bring some civic pride back to a town that was impacted so much from the closure of the mines. After two challenging years, the evening was a wonderful night of music, song & readings and a welcome celebration not just for Seamus but for the community he loved so much. Noelle Walsh thanked everyone before Chrissie, Seamus’s wife, was called on to unveil a specially commissioned portrait of Seamus by Castlecomer Craft Yard Artist Niamh Curry. GAVE FREELY OF HIS TIME For a number of years, Seamus gave freely of his time to give talks on the life and times of a miner and the mines. He regularly gave tours of ‘Deerpark’ mine and it was one of the highlights of Heritage week. Not only did Seamus have the knowledge and love for the topic he spoke about, but his beautiful demeanour made sure that the listener was enthralled by time spent in his company. In his 1999 book ‘In The

Shadow Of The Mines’, there is a wonderful history of the mines and the people who worked them. It also contains some lovely poems about the characters and the hardships that being a miner brought with the job. One such poem, Choices, by Martha Kelly epitomises the life of the miner CHOICES Mining was your lifeline. Even when you saw Your younger brother’s body Broken in a trench You stayed. Even when you saw Two older brothers sail away To streets of gold You stayed. Even when you saw Your best friend Carried from a black hole You stayed. Even when your five fingers Became three You stayed. You stayed, so that we Would one day have choices.

Noelle Walsh, who thanked the attendance on behalf of the Walsh family

Seamus Walsh speaking during Heritage week 2018 at a stopping point on the way to the mines where miners stopped for a prayer each morning. (pic jbs photos)

Gerard Brennan at the Seamus Walsh tribute night

Joe O’Neill, who paid tribute to Seamus Walsh

A wonderful evening in memory of a great man. Take a bow, people of ‘Comer

Eileen Byrne and Peggy Power attended the celebrations Josephine Brophy

Michael Conway who worked on a number of projects with Seamus Walsh

Maurice Shortall spoke of his many memories of Seamus

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

News

Last year our lowest level of tree planting since 1946! THE Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee has heard that just 2,000ha of new trees were planted in Ireland last year — the lowest level since 1946. It follows confirmation that just “three or four” recommendations of the MacK-

PREPARE for a groundbreaking moment in Irish media. South East local radio station Beat 102-103 has launched the limited radio/podcast series Let’s Talk About Gnéas* (*sex). This is the first ever Irish radio series on sex, featuring real Irish voices talking about real sexual experiences. Fed up with the ignorance and stigma surrounding sex in Ireland, Beat Presenter Michelle Heffernan (pictured) has embarked on a mission to start a real conversation about sex and the Irish, guiding listeners through everything from anal play to BDSM, from oral sex to orgasms, and from kink to consent. Speaking to men and women in the South East, Michelle attempts to understand where we are really at with sexual relationships and fill in the gaps in our knowledge. Speaking openly and candidly with her peers, Michelle also meets with real Irish sex educators and journalists to facilitate greater understanding on many sexual issues but most importantly of all-consent. Each series combines real testimony with expert knowledge, to provide the kind of guide to sex you needed, but never received in formal education. Speaking about the series, Michelle said: “For too long, sex in Ireland has come with a warning attached. We have learned so little about this important aspect of our existence, and this ignorance can have devastating consequences-from relationship strife, to physical injury, to sexual assault. It’s time we spoke openly, and positively about sex, to help create the kind of atmosphere that allows intimacy to flourish.” Speaking on the decision to broadcast the series, CEO of Beat 102-103 Gabrielle Cummins said: “When Michelle ap-

innon Report — a major Department of Agriculturecommissioned review into forestry licensing in Ireland — have been implemented in the last 18 months. Despite this, and the department’s continued failure to meet its annual 8,000ha

planting target, Minister of State Pippa Hackett insists “significant progress is being made” and that “consistent negative messaging” is undermining the sector. Teige Ryan, Chairman of private forestry group SEEFA, told the committee: “The for-

est service’s inability to meet Programme for Government afforestation targets over for the last six years has resulted in a failure to plant 21,500ha, which could have removed eight million tonnes of CO2 from our atmosphere. “A total of 759 afforestation

“Forestry nurseries have only survived because increased afforestation levels in Scotland of over 12,000ha presented a lifeline, and an opportunity to export millions of saplings which otherwise would have been destroyed,” he concluded.

A new book charts untold story of our Thomas Butler

We need to talk about sex, says Michelle proached me about this idea, I didn’t hesitate to confirm Beat would broadcast the series and I was delighted that the BAI came on board too. Sex education in schools has come on a lot but is still hugely limited. This series targets anyone aged 17 and beyond. Those who listen will come away with a greater understanding around impor-

tant topics like consent. I’m confident listeners will also feel more comfortable about exploring their own bodies’ capabilities before progressing to a healthy sexual relationship with someone else. Let’s Talk About Gnéas also includes Irish language content from bilingual broadcaster Michelle Heffernan. The series not only aims to

improve sex education, but to link Irish language to something real and entertaining for listeners and help them to revive the Gaeilge within them. Let’s Talk About Gnéas is a seven-part series funded by Beat 102103 and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It will air every Thursday up to June 2.

Clune backs plans to cut gender pay gap IRELAND South MEP Deirdre Clune is backing plans to cut the gender pay gap across the EU. Working women in member states earn on average 13% less than men when doing the same job. To address this the European Parliament has voted for strong measures to combat pay secrecy.

licences remain in the system, with an average of only 12 issued weekly. (60%) of these licences are now with the forest service more than 13 months, and of all licences issued for 2021, only 12% were for tree planting,” Mr Ryan said.

MEP Clune told The Kilkenny Observer: “Wage transparency is considered one of the best tools to close the gender pay gap. “Public sector pay in most EU countries is determined by transparent wage grids that apply to men and women equally. “This is not the case for many other workers, with Eurostat

data showing the gender pay gap is highest in the private sector,” she said. The European Parliament wants to reduce the number of workers a company employs to be required to publish its pay gap. MEPs have adopted a position that proposes companies with more than 50 employees should have to disclose infor-

mation that makes it easier to compare salaries. “There is an option to lower the number in the coming years, but this proposal would cover around 60% of workers across the EU,” said Ms Clune. “Contract terms that stop workers disclosing or seeking information about wages and salaries should also be forbidden, to prohibit pay secrecy.”

A NEW book on Thomas Butler, Earl of Ossory [1634-80]. Has just been published by Four Courts Press. It is a wonderful new work that charts the untold story of an adventurous life lived at the heart of some of the most exciting but perilous moments in Irish, British and European history. Butler was an extraordinary figure who was hugely popular and he counted contemporaries such as Prince William of Orange, Lord Arlington and the diarist John Evelyn amongst his closest friends. The author, Daniel D. Jordan, had done a wonderful job on this book and it is an excellent addition to the history and heritage of Kilkenny City and County. Thomas Butler was a widely recognised hero of his time and his life story directly reflects the turbulent nature of 17th century British and Irish politics. Heir to the first Duke of Ormond, Ireland’s premier nobleman, Ossory aggressively defended his father’s interests at Whitehall and Westminster and twice

deputised for him as Governor of Ireland. Ossory’s European-wide reputation was based on his military exploits at sea during the Anglo-Dutch wars and fighting against the armies of Louis XIV on the continent. He was a popular figure who counted contemporaries such as Prince William of Orange, Lord Arlington and the diarist John Evelyn among his closest friends. This book charts the untold story of an adventurous life lived at the heart of some of the most exciting but perilous moments in Irish, British and European history. Having studied in Dublin, Vienna and Oxford, Daniel D. Jordan received his PhD from University College, Dublin in 2011. In 2020 he was appointed as the inaugural Butler Society Scholar. He continues to live and work in Oxford where he teaches and lectures on various aspects of British and European History. * See https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/2022/ thomas-butler-earl-of-ossory-1634-80/

Rally day for family carers Family Carers Ireland Carlow/Kilkenny are having our first fundraiser for 2022 in Castleinch Venue as part of the first Castleinch Vintage Rally. A donation will be made to Family Carers Ireland on the day and there will be a number of raffles with some fantastic prizes to help

us raise funds so Family Carers can continue to provide our free supports and services in the area. The event will take place on May 2 from 10am and entry is €5 per adult with children under 16 free and will include free face painting and bouncy castles.

Ukrainians join in City’s Good Friday walk THIS year a special procession wound its way through Kilkenny City for Easter - the annual Good Friday walk, which this year was held in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Members of the Ukrainian Community in Kilkenny helped lead the walk for peace, healing, and safety for all affected by the war. A relic of the True Cross was carried in procession for a

service of blessing and prayer around the Cross-in the Friary Church. It was the third time the relic was used on Good Friday. The relic of the true cross is one of a kind in the world and has the original and official seal of authenticity and approval by the Vatican. This year was the 20th year of the walk, which left from St John’s Church, moved down John Street and up High Street.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

Feature

Today , in the Kilkenny Observer we take a look at the proceedings at Kilkenny Military Barracks when The Blessings of the Colours took place. We thank Cois Céim and The Saturday walkers group for their research to produce this account. Main image: The Irish flag which was embroidered with the names of the soldiers of the Dublin Guard who died in service during The war of Independence Right: Church and state gather at Kilkenny Military Barracks in 1922 for the blessing of the colours Below right: After the Republican flag had been hoisted. April 23 1922

Colours are blessed and hoisted with pride Kilkenny Military Barracks April 23rd 1922 In the presence of a very large attendance of citizens and people from the county, the troops of the Irish Republican Army, Military Barrack, Kilkenny under the command of Col. Comdt. J.T.Prout,O,C, paraded in the barrack square on Sunday afternoon, when the interesting and impressive ceremony of the blessing of the colours was performed by the Archdeacon Doyle of St. Canices parish. The Arcdeacon was accompanied by several of the city priests. When the colours had been blessed, they were hoisted on the flag staff by Commadant Daly of the Guards Brigade, Dublin, and the Mayor Alderman Peter DeLoughry as the elected head of the civic authorities in Kilkenny at the request of Commandant Prout. FLAG IS CHEERED ENTHUSIASTIACLLY The sight of the Republican flag fluttering in the breeze in the centre of what was once the stronghold of the enemy in this city was enthusiastically cheered by those present. Special significance was attached to the ceremony by the association of the Mayor with the event as it evidenced the desire on the part of the military authorities to recognise and associate themselves with the civic power. The ceremony of blessing the colours was watched with the greatest of interest.

Commandant Prout, kneeling, received the flag from Archdeacon Doyle who then blessed it. The Commandant then attached the flag to the lanyards and invited Commandant Daly and the Mayor to hoist it. The troops came to attention and presented arms as the flag was being hoisted and the war piper’s band played a suitable air. Added interest was lent to the occasion by the fact that a beautiful tri colour banner which was also blessed by the Archdeacon, and was presented by the Kilkenny garrison to the Dublin Brigade of Guards. Commandant Daly received it on behalf of the Guards. The banner, 6 feet wide and 7 ½ deep, was mounted on two ash flag staffs each 9 feet in length. It is most artistically worked and is highly creditable to the firm of Messrs James Bourke and Sons, High Street, Kilkenny, by whom it was manufactured. It is of Irish poplin and on it are inscribed the names hand worked in silk in Irish characters of nine members of the Guards Brigade who gave their lives for Ireland during the war for freedom. The Republican flag now floating over the Military barracks was also produced by Messrs Bourke and Sons. The military Mass at 11 0’clock at St Johns Church was served by two officers, the celebrant being the Rev.

Father Staunton and during the Mass in accordance with military custom the drum and bugle took the place of the gong. FLAG WILL BE AN INSPIRATION Comdt. Prout at the conclusion of the religious ceremony thanked the Archdeacon for coming to bless their flag, and hoped it would be an inspiration to their soldiers to carry on the fight for Ireland in the future. Irrespective of what people may say to the contrary, Comdt Prout stated the Irish Republican Army would continue as the Irish Republican Army until they attained the objective at which they aimed, namely the Republic of Ireland. Archdeacon Doyle in his address said it was his duty to thank the military authorities for inviting him to bless the flag. The following are the words spoken on the day by the Archdeacon: “During the horrible contest which the Irish nation had carried on with England for over 700 hundred years, Faith and Fatherland have ever been firmly and fondly united and the ceremony of today is proof on your part that you are determined to foster in your ranks the spirit which inspired and conserved that union. When I look around at the inspiring sight before my eyes, this splendid body of Irish soldiers in their National uniforms, I find England

cleared out bag and baggage, the army of occupation gone, the police gone, the strongholds of foreign domination manned by Irish soldiers. I find it hard to believe that all this is real, not a dream. I remember one day when I was about seven years old, standing at my Fathers door, when a bailiff from Kilkenny came up and ordered him to vote at the coming election for Agar Ellis, the landlord’s nominee. The significance of that command was well understood because some years before my Father had been evicted from his farm for daring to exercise the franchise according to his conscience. Well when the next election comes we won’t have fellows like that going around. I congratulate the officers and men of this garrison upon the excellent spirit which has prevailed amongst them. God bless the flag which has been hoisted, may it long continue to be the proud standard of a loyal, devoted, brave Irish army. May it long continue to float over and protect a happy, contented prosperous people.” AN HISTORIC DAY FOR IRELAND Father Cavanagh then addressed the gathering and remarked this celebration marks an important event in the history of our country. It meant that England’s flag

which has flown over Ireland for 700 years has gone down in dishonour and our own flag proudly takes its place. I congratulate Comdts. Prout, and O’Dwyer, their fellow officers and men. They have fought the good fight and kept their faith to God and Ireland. I congratulate them on the order and discipline in the barracks, and now I earnestly request them to hear the words of advice given by Archdeacon Doyle. You are set apart to defend your country and to guard the lives and liberties of her sons and daughters. May God keep you united, may God bless Irelands Flag and grant it may never be dishonoured by any of Irelands sons or daughters. Comdt. Daly returning thanked, on behalf of the Dublin Brigade of Guards, for the beautiful banner presented to them by the Kilkenny Garrison. He added the names of the men inscribed on the banner were the names of men belonging to the Guards who had died for Ireland. The speaker then called the names of the nine men, Martin Savage, Sean Doyle, Frank Flood, Sean Treacy, Patrick Doyle, Thomas O’Brien, Bernard Ryan, Patrick Magee, and Augustine Murphy. Continuing Comdt. O’Daly said; “some of our own people are trying to uphold British rule by putting up on premises anti Republican

slogans with the paint brush and the stencil. The Union Jack had disappeared from this country. If you want to do anything for the Republic, it is not a paint brush you need but a rifle and a stout Irish heart.” He remembered with pride Easter week when they had 100 members of Cumann na mBan with them. He owed his life to one of their number for their skill and devotion. The Mayor said he was very grateful to Comdt. Prout and his fellow officers for inviting him to such a wonderful ceremony. Archdeacon Doyle had dealt with the glorious event in a way that he would have done if he was able. In asking him to be present he knew the intentions of Comdt. Prout were to honour the citizens of Kilkenny through him. He assured the officers and men of all ranks that the citizens of Kilkenny looked on them not only as friends but as their guardians and protectors. He knew that many of the men in that garrison had been through the thick of the war for Irish freedom. The fight they had made had resulted in driving the foreign garrison bag and baggage out of the country. The flag that had been hoisted that day was the emblem of the ideal that they were all looking forward to. They may not have got everything at present but they hoped to fight on until their full ideal was achieved. A FINAL WORD OF THANKS In conclusion he again thanked the officers and men of the garrison for so thoughtfully associating the civic authorities in Kilkenny with that glorious function. Comdt. O’Dwyer said it had been his proud privilege to have taken over the military barracks from the retiring enemy. On that occasion they would have hoisted the Republican flag but that the enemy had taken good care to remove the flagstaff. However better late than never the Republican flag was now flying where the flag of England had previously floated. Continuing, the Comdt. said they were not Free Staters but soldiers of the Republic. It was the duty of the Army to support the people of Ireland. If he left the Army he was at liberty to become a politician but in every civilised country the Army kept free of politics. The proceedings then concluded. With thanks to Cois Céim, Kilkenny Saturday walkers group, Pat Shortall, Rothe House, Colin Kilkenny. Material from The Kilkenny People, April 29, 1922

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Picture special Anne and John Foley

Noreen O’Keefe, Robbie Fitzgerald Tiffaney Fitzgerald, Ciara O’Keefe’ Steffi Fitzgerald Aoife Prendergast

Martin and Helen Farrell

Miriam Walsh and Noel Mcgree

t u o Ab Out &

WITH

Emmet Byrne and Claire Phelan

y n n a D art Lah

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Picture special

Ciara O’Shea and Aobha O’Gorman

Denise Gaule, Michaela Kenneally and Catherine Foley Alison and Brian Dowling

Emma Kavanagh, Claire Phelan, Anna Farrell, Kelly Anne Doyle and Aoife Doyle

Ciara O’Shea, kieran Conway, Padraic Waldron, Aobha O’Gorman

Theresa Aylward, Pat Murphy, Fidelis and Andy Doherty

Ray and Eileen Teehan, Rita and Donal Kavanagh, Janis and john Gaule

Sheila and Seamus Norris

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

Feature

Jim Foley and Stephen Brennan enjoying the sing along at St Mary’s centre

Ed Lee and John Dowling at St Mary’s Centre

Cellist Jenny Dowdall, who entertained the room at St Mary’s Centre

Sylvia Roberts, who treated the audience to some spectacular music

Sweet music and song at Haughney’s Orchard as St. Mary’s welcome travelling roadshow

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Feature Kiltealy native Anthony Kearns, treated the St Mary’s group to some old time favourites

Birdie Hayes, a volunteer at St Mary’s with centre manager Reggie Gibson

WORDS: PETER MARTIN PHOTOS BY JBS PHOTOS KILKENNY There is no doubting that Kilkenny and her streets are full of history. Walkin Street falls into that category. Ask any resident from the area and they will give a glowing report of growing up on that patch. In his book on ‘St. Rioch’s’, former brewery employee Tom Reade speaks of days of handball, hurling and soccer in The Fair Green and ‘pitch and toss’ at The Closh. Hurling, it is said, was played in The Fair Green from early morning until darkness fell. There was also memories of the circus visiting the area as well as ‘Fair days’, where young boys had a chance of making a few pence looking after cattle and sheep. One landmark which is remembered with fondness is Haughney’s orchard. Mrs Ellen Haughney’s house and orchard was beside the Fair Green, where the cinema is now located. Older residents remember the orchard as having beautiful red apples. Following the death of Mrs Haughney in 1945, the premises was purchased by Kilkenny Corporation. In 2005 St Mary’s parish built houses and apartments on the land and it now includes St Mary’s day care centre which provides a range of activities including meals, recreational activities and health promotion. The centre is just a hop, skip, and jump from The Kilkenny Observer office on Friary Street and so on Thursday of last week we called to join in the entertainment which was supplied by ‘Mobile music machine’. And what a fantastic afternoon it was. Over twenty people gathered for an afternoon of music and song. The trio of musicians along with tenor Anthony Kearns entertained with work including opera, country

and western, classical and Irish. The musicians included Paul O Hanlon, (violin) Sylvia Roberts (violin) and Jenny Dowdall (cello). Their repertoire included some fabulous songs from The White Horse Inn, The Arcadians, as well as great sing along numbers such as ‘Mamma Mia’ from Abba and ‘Phil the Fluther’s Ball’ from Percy French. Mobile Music Machine was founded by cellist Gerald Peregrine and violinist Paul O’ Hanlon. The company is a classical music education company, who specialise in delivering high quality, string ensemble workshops around the country. Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, tenor Anthony Kearns explained that they also deliver classes to schools which has the finest classical musicians working in Ireland today, and are high energy, interactive and engaging, for children of all ages. Mr Kearns, from Kiltealy in Wexford, explained that the workshops are artfully curated and cover all areas of the music curriculum, and bring music to life for children and teachers alike. Having spent over an hour at the centre, one thing was certain, and that is that good singers and music is alive and well . Those attending enjoyed themselves as was evident from the applause and the singing. Before we left we spoke to Reggie Gibson, manager at the centre. Mr Gibson said he was delighted with the afternoon and made the point that if you can create this kind of happiness with song music and laughter, it makes the world a better place. “Having endured all the hardship over the past few years, it is lovely to be able to enjoy a beautiful afternoon such as this”, said Reggie. We go along with that Reggie. Definitely a feather in the cap for St Mary’s Day Care Centre.

Violinist Paul O’Hanlon, who performed at St Mary’s Day Care Centre.

Attending the music at St Mary’s : Eileen Butler, Breda Griffin, and Carmel Beer Eileen Johnson, Ailish Dowling and Teresa McGuinness

Ursula Timmons and Mary Maher enjoying the music and song at the St Mary’s Centre

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

News

Ancient Rome comes to Goresbridge! After two years of working online, Barnstorm’s Kilkenny Youth Theatre are back in person and delighted to bring their production of XIV (fourteen) to a live audience.

Originally devised by Sharon Cromwell and Droichead Youth Theatre, ‘XIV’ is set in ancient Rome and takes place on the day of Liberius’ 14th birthday; the same day the Roman army arrive home from their victory in Britannia. However, the celebrations are short-lived as blood and secrets are spilled, erupting

in a catastrophic climax for all involved. XIV has a cast of 14 young people from Kilkenny City and County. The cast includes Matthew Hickey, Charlotte Lockwood Hutchinson, Liam O’Neill, Anna Eustace, Diarmuid Maher, Eoin Cleary, Medha Trehan, Maeve Coyle Twomey, Nell Snyder, Ruby

Woods, Stephanie Dunne, Ella Gittens, Matthew Downey and Orla Doheny. Matthew Downey (16) who plays the role of Vibius says “it’s a very enjoyable and interesting experience playing a character with so many traits and emotions on display, and I’d have to thank the wonderful team at Barnstorm for helping

me to explore that”. Matthew Hickey (16) describes his character Cinna as “a bit of a diva yet is also extremely goal orientated. As a narrator he wants to tell the story properly and he wants the audience, and himself, to enjoy the ride.” “Ella Gittens (18) said “This is my 3rd year with Kilkenny

Youth Theatre, and it’ll be my first and last show with them because of covid. Theatre really got turned upside down because of covid but we really made it work with what we had online. For this year I get to play two characters so I’m making up for the lost time! I play Ivy, daughter to Julius Caesar,

who is in a loveless marriage with her husband Vibius who treats her terribly as she can’t have children. Ivy is a sweet and delicate woman who just wants her husband’s love, you really hurt for her. I also play Callopia, a slave and mother to Flavia. She’s a very caring and a great mother even with the hardships she has faced and continues to. I’m delighted that XIV the first show I was meant to do before the pandemic will now be my last and it’s such a beautiful and thrilling show that I’m so excited for everyone to see.” This year’s production is directed by Rosey Hayes, who was a member of Kilkenny Youth Theatre back in 2007. She trained as an actor and has appeared in many guises on stage and film. “Rosey is a very talented artist, and we are delighted to have her working on several projects with Barnstorm,” says Artistic Director Philip Hardy. “She comes with much experience as an actor, a director, and a writer; and having popped into rehearsals I am excited to see the final show”. Rosey summed up the experiexperi ence of the past few months: “It has been a genuine pleasure working with such a talented ensemble to bring this story to life. Though Kilkenny Youth Theatre embraced the challenges of the last two years and continued their work online, this year’s production is such a special event as some of our members are performing in front of a live audience for the first time. Theatre comes to life in the moment, so it cannot haphap pen without an audience. Having come through KYT myself, I can honestly say it was the catalyst for pursuing an artistic career and the benefits of taking part in a youth theatre production cannot be underestimated in terms of a young person’s social and personal development.” XIV is running on Friday April 29th and Saturday April 30th at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 3pm, in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge, R95 D654. Tickets are € 12 /€10 (Under 18’s) and can be booked on 056 77 51266 or by emailing philip@barnstorm.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

Two great red wine sauces Shallot & red wine sauce • Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 30 mins • Serves: 4

With

Triple chocolate & peanut butter layer cake

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil and line the base of three 19cm sandwich tins. Mix the flour, cocoa, bicarb and sugar in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and beat in the syrup, eggs, oil and milk with an electric whisk until smooth.

Prep: 45 mins Cook: 30 mins - 1 hr Serves: 10 or more

STEP 2 Divide the mix between the tins, and bake for 25-30 mins until the cakes are risen and firm to the touch. Cool in the tins for 10 mins before turning out onto a cooling rack and cooling completely. At this stage, they can be frozen, well wrapped, for up to eight weeks.

Top chocolate sponge with peanut butter frosting, ganache drip, pretzel bark and chocolate eggs for a divine dessert. Ingredients • 225ml rapeseed oil, plus more for the tins • 250g self-raising flour • 4 tbsp cocoa • 1 ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • 225g caster sugar • 3 tbsp golden syrup • 3 large eggs, beaten • 225ml milk For the pretzel bark • 200g dark chocolate, chopped • 2 tbsp chocolate chips • small handful pretzel pieces • 2 tbsp honeycomb pieces For the icing • 65g dark chocolate • 250g soft salted butter • 500g icing sugar • 45g smooth peanut butter • 1-2 tbsp cocoa For the ganache drip • 200ml double cream • 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped For the decoration • chocolate eggs, some hollow, some filled, gold lustre, toffee popcorn and pretzels

STEP 3 Make the bark while the cake is cooling. Melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring every 20 secs, until smooth. Spoon onto a parchment-lined baking tray and smooth over with a spatula to make a thinnish layer, around 35 x 20cm. Sprinkle over the chocolate chips along with the pieces of pretzel and honeycomb, then chill until solid. Remove the bark from the fridge and leave for a minute to come to room temperature before using a sharp knife to cut it into shards (if it’s fridge cold, the chocolate will snap rather than cut). Chill again until you’re ready to decorate the cake. STEP 4 To make the icing, melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring between short blasts, then leave to cool a little. Meanwhile, beat the butter, icing sugar and 1 tbsp boiling water with an electric whisk or stand mixer, slowly at first, then turn up the speed and beat until you get a pale, fluffy icing. Spoon out a third of the mix into a separate bowl and stir in the peanut butter. Whisk the melted chocolate into the remainder of the icing, then beat in the cocoa if you want a darker, more chocolatey-coloured icing.

This classic French sauce from Gordon Ramsay is just perfect with a rib-eye steak. Ingredients • 250g shallot, sliced • 4 tbsp olive oil • 1 garlic clove, lightly crushed • sprig rosemary • 5 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 400ml red wine • 400ml beef stock or brown chicken stock, preferably homemade • knob of butter

STEP 5 Sandwich the three cakes together with the peanut butter icing. Use half the chocolate icing to coat the sides and top of the cake and fill in the edges between the layers, scraping off any excess. Chill for 20 mins. This is called a crumb coating, allowing you to get a really smooth finish when it comes to the final icing. STEP 6 Spread the remaining chocolate icing over the lightly chilled cake, smoothing over the sides and top so you get a neat finish. Chill again for 20 mins. STEP 7 To make the ganache, heat the cream in a small pan until steaming. Tip the dark chocolate into a bowl, then pour over the cream. Mix well until smooth and shiny. Transfer to a piping bag and leave to cool for a few mins at room temperature. STEP 8 Pipe the ganache on top of the cake, nudging it over the edge and allowing it to drip down neatly. Do this all the way round the cake, then fill in the centre with more ganache. Smooth the top with a knife. Chill for 1 hr for the ganache to set. STEP 9 Press the bark shards into the cake, sticking up. Add lots of chocolate eggs, popcorn and pretzels in and around the shards. Cut into slices to serve. Will keep for up to three days kept in a cool place in an airtight container

One-pan lamb with hasselback potatoes Prep: 30 mins Cook: 2 hrs Serves: 6 to 8 If your Easter roast last week whetted your appetite for morel bae, try this dish. Enhance the flavour of roast lamb with herbs and garlic, or you could try slices of anchovy, slivers of chilli or nuggets of feta pushed into the slits. Ingredients • 1 leg of lamb , about 2kg • 2 garlic bulbs • 15 sprigs rosemary • 15 sprigs thyme • 1.7kg medium-sized potatoes (Maris Piper work well), unpeeled • 14 bay leaves • 4 tbsp olive oil • 1 lemon , juiced Method

STEP 1 Use a small, sharp knife to make at least 30 small, deep, incisions all over the lamb. Halve the garlic bulbs, so at the top the cloves fall away and at the bottom, they remain attached. Peel and slice the tops that have fallen away and keep the other halves for later. Use your fingers to push the slices into each slit. Next, pull off small sprigs of rosemary and thyme, keeping the stalks on, and poke them into the slits, too. Can be done a day ahead, then cover the lamb and chill. Remove from the fridge 1 hr before roasting. STEP 2 Heat oven to 210C/190C fan/gas 7. Sit each potato between the handles of two wooden

spoons and cut widthways at 3mm intervals – the spoon handles will stop you slicing all the way through. Slot a bay leaf into the middle slit of each potato. Tip the potatoes into a large roasting tin with the halved garlic bulb and the rest of the rosemary and thyme. Drizzle with half the oil and season, then toss to coat and turn the potatoes so they’re all cut-side up. Nestle the lamb in the middle of the tin, pushing the potatoes to the outside, then rub the lamb with the rest of the oil and the lemon juice and season generously. STEP 3 Roast for 1 hr 30 mins, basting the potatoes and shaking the tin occasionally, until the lamb is dark brown and the potatoes are crisp and golden. The lamb will be pink in the middle but cooked. For rare, cook for 10 mins less, and for well done, 15 mins more. Remove the lamb from the tin and leave to rest for 15 mins, putting the potatoes back in the oven if you need to. Serve drizzled with an olive and herb dressing.

Method STEP 1 Sauté 250g sliced shallots in a medium saucepan with 4 tbsp olive oil over a high heat for about 3 mins until lightly browned, stirring often. STEP 2 Season with ground black pepper and add 1 lightly crushed garlic clove and a sprig of rosemary. STEP 3 Continue cooking for a further 3 mins, stirring often to prevent the shallots burning. STEP 4 Pour in 5 tbsp balsamic vinegar and cook until evaporated away to a syrup, then pour in 400ml red wine and cook until reduced by two thirds. STEP 5 Pour in 400ml beef or brown chicken stock and bring to the boil. STEP 6 Turn down the heat and simmer until reduced by two-thirds again, to around 250ml. Remove the garlic and rosemary. STEP 7 Add a little salt to taste and finally ‘monte’ (whisk) in a knob of butter. Add any juices from the steaks just before serving. Red wine jus Prep: 5 mins Cook: 30 mins Serves: 6 to 8 Create a red wine jus to serve alongside beef dishes. A classic French sauce made with red wine, port and shallots, it’s an ideal topping for steak. Ingredients • 2 tsp olive oil • 2 shallots, finely chopped • 175ml port • 175ml red wine • 1 rosemary sprig • 1 bay leaf • 800ml beef stock • 2 tbsp butter • pinch sugar Method STEP 1 Put the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the shallots until golden and caramelised, about 10 mins. STEP 2 Add the port, wine and herbs and simmer for 10 mins, or until reduced by half. STEP 3 Pour in the stock and continue to cook until reduced by half again, then strain, discarding the shallots and herbs. STEP 4 Transfer the sauce into a new pan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, then season to taste.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Community & GAA Notes

ATHLETICS The Kilkenny County Athletics Board recently announced their Star Awards for 2021. Receiving the Juvenile Cross Country Award is none other than Clara’s Billy Coogan. Billy, who runs for Gowran AC and Kilkenny CBS was honoured for his first placed finish in the National U17 Steeplechase and his seventh placed finish in the All Ireland Cross Country Under 18, among other achievements. He also represented Ireland in International Schools Competitions. Well done Billy! HURLING The Clara seniors continued their preparation for 2022 with two challenge games against Thomastown and St. Martins over the weekend. Short a number of regulars on both occasions, they suffered a narrow defeat to Thomastown while beating St. Martins. JUNIOR Ds The Junior Ds were well beaten by James Stephens in torrential rain in Clara on Sunday.Team - Bill Cody, Thomas Armitage, Mick McDonald, Brandon Ryan. Paul Murphy, Noelie O Brien, Brian Nolan. Alan Coleman, Rory O Keeffe. Eoin Curtis, Adam Barcoe, Ben Nolan. Jamie Agar, Ruairí Breen, Conor (Curly) Phelan. Sub used James Dowling. COUNTY Well done to Conor Phelan who was a selector with Kilkenny seniors as they kicked off their championship campaign with a 5-23 to 1-19 win over Westmeath in Mullingar. Matt Kenny and Chris Bolger are also on the extended panel. Well done also to Rory Glynn who hurled for Kilkenny minors in their one point loss to Dublin in Nowlan Park on Saturday. Despite the loss Kilkenny still topped their group to qualify directly for a Leinster semi final on May 7th. CAMOGIE Hard luck to the Clara U15 girls who bowed out of this years Feile at the Kells Road on Saturday. Well done to Rachel Whelan, Laoise Nolan and Emma Shortall who all started for Kilkenny minors as they beat Offaly in the Leinster championship. Also well done to Emma Corr who was part of the county minor B team which beat Meath in their championship clash.

Sympathy is extended to Paddy White, Inch and all his extended family on the death of his aunt Sr.Teresa Ursula(Anna) Kennedy late of Sisters of Charity Sandymount Dublin and formerly of Ballyroe Freshford. Funeral mass takes place on this Wednesday morning at St.Marys Star of Sea Church Sandymount followed by burial in the Community Cemetery Donnybrook. FLEADH CHEOIL Kilkenny County Fleadh Cheoil will take place in Freshford from Friday 22nd April to Sunday 24th. It will start on Friday evening with Ceili with Rise the Dust in the Community Hall at 9pm. Kitchen Session in Kavanagh’s at 9.30pm. On Saturday there will be free workshops in Dance and Music in the Community Centre at 12 noon . Irish Entertainment show with Ceoiltoiri Kilkenny and Guests at St.Lachtains Church of Ireland at 8.30pm, followed by a session in Farrells . On Sunday there will be live entertainment on the square at 12 noon. Competitions in music, dance,song and storytelling in Freshford Community Centre and St.Lachtains Church of Ireland from 2pm. More details can be seen on Facebook at Kilkenny Fleadh or enquiries to Kilkennyfleadh22@gmail. com IONAD LACHTAIN ARTS CENTRE The committee announced recently that the centre will be open at weekends from March 25th onwards. Opening times are 11.30am to 4.30pm every Saturday and Sunday. While visiting, take time to view the Prendergast (nursing) and Barnaville (print) collections in the museum. The displays include a famine pot and a unique Freshford Cavalry medal dating from 1796. The craft shop has also been updated and a wide selection of local crafts is available to purchase including knitted garments and toys, wood turning, paintings, soaps and local literature. All your gifts can be delivered in Freshford souvenir bags with an accompanying Freshford souvenir greeting card. You will find a gift to suit most occasions at the craft shop. SPLIT THE POT The weekly split the pot draw took place on Wednesday of last week and the winner was Angela Fox, Moate Road, Freshford and she won €145. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. The draw is held each Wednesday and boxes and envelopes can be found

STEPHEN AND AINE TIE THE KNOT The wedding took place recently at St.Columille’s Church Inistioge between Stephen Farrell of Kilkenny Street Freshford and Aine Fahey. The ceremony was performed by Fr.JoeWalsh. The bride was assisted by her sister Siobhan Fahy and Denise Brennan. Best man was Michael Farrell brother of the groom and his fiend Edwin Brennan was Groomsman. Flowergirls were Katie O’Keeffe and Aiobheann Brennan. The offertory gifts were brought to the alter by the mothers of the bride and groom, Josephine Fahey and Anne Farrell .Readings were done by Eamon Needham and Hannah Drennan and the Reflection was done by Aideen Kenny. Praayers of the faithful were read by Sinead Farrell, Erica Moore, Paul Dermody, Clodagh Cleere and Marlis Walsh. Music was performed by Ally Rafter. Reception was held in the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Co.Wexford. Stephen was manager of St.Lachtains Intermediate hurlers who were defeated in the County Final last year while Aine played camogie with Kilkenny Intermediate side and is now an analyst with KCLR for all the camogie games. The couple are honeymooning in Dubai and Australia at present and are wished a long and happy live together. BIRTHDAY BOY Very special birthday wishes go out to well-known local lad Derek Watson Woodview Freshford who celebrated a very special birthday last week. Derek celebrated his 50th and marked the occasion with family and friends at his home EASTER COMMEMORATION The annual Easter Commemoration took place on the Green in Freshford on Sunday last after 11 am Mass organised by the Local Fianna Fail group . Despite the wet weather a good Crowd attended. There was Music and Song plus a number of appropriate Readings, a Wreath was laid at the Flagpole in the Square. The Tricolour was then Raised by one of our Senior Citizens Mary Bergin, Blackwood, Freshford. The Proclamation was read and refreshments were served in the Community Hall, Cllr Michael McCarthy thanked all the Participants who made the Ceremony an occasion to remember, the Organising Committee, Musicians, Readers, the Articulate M C, the Local Gardai,the organisers of the Memorabilia in the Hall,The Flying Column from Kilkenny, plus all the providers of equipment and the National Flag. He also thanked the many people who supported the Cabarett which was held on Saturday night and those who donated prizes for the raffle , out of which proceeds a handsome Donation will be made to the Irish Red Cross for the benefit of the Ukraine people. SYMPATHY

Mary Bergin, Blackwood raising the Tricolour

The Flying Column from Kilkenny in Kavanagh’s Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls & Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. This months proceeds are going to Freshford Community Café. The Committee would ask you to please support this fund raiser. CAFE Work is continuing presently on Freshfords new Community Café at Buncrussia Street Freshford and the volunteers are making great progress and the subcommittee are most grateful for all the very generous donations of building materials from local families and businesses and greatly appreciate all the materials, time, labour, advice that has been given They say that they are

well on their way to having a fabulous community café by the community and for the community. If anyone would like to donate items or give their time or expertise they would be most welcome SOCCER Freshford Town had no games last weekend The Junior side were defeated by table toppers St.Canices in their last outing and have just one more game left in the league now. There were no games in the schoolboys section last weekend either. The training sessions for U8s sessions which are held each Saturday morning (weather permitting) are on their Easter break at present and will resume when the kids return to school each Saturday from 12noon to 1pm at the Sportsfield at Woodview. All boys from 5-8 are most welcome to come along and join in CABARET The Soccer Club held a very successful cabaret on Friday night last in Kavanaghs with Garth Brooks tribute providing the music. This was a fund raiser for the club and they thanked all those who supported the event and the raffle. Among the winners on the night were: O.Rafter , C.Bergin, L.Foley, J.McGrath and A.Rafter. DARTS The final of the B league took place recently in Kavanaghs when Kavanaghs 1 took on Kavanaghs in a home tie. Kavanaghs 1 came out winners on a 5-3 score. Ollie Colclough got the award for the player of the night. John Paul Kavanagh made the presentation and Peter O’ Shea thanked all that took part in the league and all those who helped out SPRING SERIES OF TALKS Threecastles Community Hall Committee are at present holding their Spring Series of informative talks and Coffee morning as well as a” movie” night. The series consists of three talks, a Coffee morning and one “movie” night. The Committee are hoping that local people as well as the public from Kilkenny City and County will come along to our Community Hall, Tulla Road, to hear very interesting information as well as being able to catch up with friends and neighbours and be entertained at the “Movie” night. The first talk titled – “Fire Safety in the Home” took place on Wednesday 30th March. This talk was given by Jason Bowden, Station Officer, and other members of the Freshford Fire Brigade and was very informative for all of us to stay safe at home. “Waste and Recycling at Home” is the second talk and will be given by Bernadette Moloney, Environment Awareness Officer, Kilkenny County Council. We are all probably recycling but we can always learn how to manage our waste and recycle better. “Magical Memories at the Movies” is next . This will be a night to remember as the renowned videographer Tommy Butler, from Freshford, will show hours of footage from events, hurling matches, shows, school pantos and lots more which he has recorded over years and years. You will enjoy recognizing familiar faces and reliving memorable events. (This is the only event that will have a charge of 5euro.) “Easter Social Coffee Morning” is next in the serioes. This is a chance for everyone to enjoy a chat and a cuppa in our Community Hall. We will also have a raffle so you might even go home with a prize!! “Discovering the Archaeology of Threecastles” is the third talk and this will be given by widely acclaimed archaeologist Coilin O Drisceoill, on Wednesday 11th May at 8pm. Coilin has vast experience in successful “digs” both locally and nationally.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Community & GAA Notes Everyone is welcome to come along to one or all of these events. Refreshments will be provided at each of the talks and “movie” night. We would love to see you there and be sure to let other people know about our Spring Series. For further information contact Brenda Cooper Phone 0871369253 COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford /Three castles Community Alert group held their AGM recently . This was hir first AGM since covid restrictions were enforced and the attendance was small due to numbers still been quite high. The following officers were elected for the forthcoming year; Chairman – John Bergin, Secretary – Jacinta Power, Treasurer – Mick Cormack PRO – Anna Morrissey Anyone wishing to join the text alert scheme or have a personal alarm installed should contact any of the above Committee. It is 10 euro per phone number. New members are always very welcome. The group wish to thank everyone who has joined for their continued support. Please contact any of the committee members to discuss, John Bergin 0862592535, Jacinta Power 0877658672, Mick Cormack 0863535293 or Anna Morrissey 0858277965. GAA St.Lachtains GAA Club ran a very successful Easter Camp again this year. THE CAMP took place last week from Monday the 11th April to Thursday 14th April at St.Lachtains GAA Grounds. From 10am to 2pm each day and accommodated boys and girls from 6-13 years. Even though the weather was very not favourable great fun was had by all with top quality coaches in attendance.. Thanks to all those who attended and special thanks to Michael Farrell, Eoin Dalton and Patrick Donnelly for all their hard work in organising the camp Big thanks also to the coaches who gave up their time to help out throughout the week. The Junior F hurlers had their first outing of the year when they took on neighbours Conahy Shsmrocks on Sunday morning last. In a close game throughout the local lads came out winners by the narrowest of margins with just a point to spare at the end. Team: M.Walsh, D.Quinn, L Kennedy, J.Casntwell, J.Hickey, M.Nolan, J.Bergin, C.Hickey, P.Maher, C.Donnelly, E.Landers, B. Dermody, D.Killeen, C.Power, C.Leahy – Subs J.Kennehy, M.Kavanagh and D.Burke. The U15 side also had success recently when they faced neighbours Fenians and Emeralds in a group based format. St.Lachtains were successful winning both their games and going through to the next round of the competition. The Clubs shop is open and 2022 range is soon to be uploaded onto the O’Neills club shop. Details can be found on St.Lachtains Social media pages or by O’Neill’s sportswear& searching for St.Lachtains Gaa. PARISH NEWS Attendance at mass are now back to full capacity Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer 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 PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be held from 9th to 13th May 2022 . Staying at 4 star Hotel Astrid the trip costd €645 pps – single room supplement payable. Accompanied by spiritual director. Includes return direct flights from Dublin to Tarbes, coach transfers breakfast lunch and dinner each day, full religious programme, services of a Marian pilgrimage guide, mass daily and spiritual activities, all taxes and travel insurance. For more details contact C.Flynn on 089 4638769. SQUASH Best wishes to local squash enthusiast Pat Morrissey who is off to Galway this month to represent Ireland in the Home Internationals. Pat would like to thank local businessman Damien Lennon THM on his generous sponsorship of the Over 40s Ireland team. Freshford Squash Club welcome new members anytime for squash and the gym. MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs

across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808 . SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie. LOCAL LOTTO Lotto Results: Winning Numbers for April 11th : 33,34,36 No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. Pauline Flynn ( Pauline Flynn ), Shane Cahill ( Mags Cahill ), Sinead ( Kathleen Kirwan ), Nora Murphy ( Jimmy McCormack ),Ber Moore ( Malachy Hogan ). Jackpot next week April 18th: € 1,450 Venue: Townsend’s Bar, Dunnamaggin @ 9pm. All Welcome ROSARY Rosary at The Grotto Baurscobe, Dunnamaggin will start on the first Monday in May and continue monthly on the first Monday until September. All Welcome. DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES FOOTBALL Well done to our adult team who had their first league match and first league win on Sunday against John Lockes. Despite miserable wet conditions there was some great football played by both sides. Dunnamaggin just had the edge on the day and the final score was 1-13 to 2-03. MADGE’S GARDEN Madge’s Garden Easter Market: the first market of the year was held last Sunday after the Pat Walsh annual commemoration. While the weather was a little inclement there was a good turnout. The children enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt and Colouring Competition, Eamo’s BBQ and the Pop Up Café were very busy and all who came had a great afternoon. Our next market takes place on the last Sunday in May, the 29th, and will have a flower theme, lots of craft and food stalls, Eamo’s BBQ and the Cafe will also be open. Visit our facebook page for information on what is happening in Dunnamaggin. (Dunnamaggin Community News). DROICHEAD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Droichead Family Resource Centre on West Street in Callan offers a variety of services and has a number of community groups running each week. Babies and Bumps is a group for expectant parents and those with under 1s and runs 11.30am – 12.30 pm on Mondays. Contact Jess on 085 8564950. Callan Men’s Shed at Droichead FRC meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 11am – 4pm for members. New members are always welcome, for more information please contact Droichead Family Resource Centre. A Women’s Group meets every Tuesday from 10am-12pm and have some spaces available. Upcoming activities include Smart Phone Photography, Gardening and Cookery. Contact Jess on 085 8564950. Our low cost Counselling and Play Therapy services are now taking new referrals. If you or your child is struggling with any issues and you’d like support we may be able to help. Contact Olive on 056 7755660. Did you know that there is a low cost typing and photocopying service available in Droichead Family Resource Centre? For more information and to keep up to date with all of the services , supports and community groups available at Droichead Family Resource Centre follow us on Instagram and facebook or call the centre on (056) 7755660. LOCAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLANS An Invitation to participate in an important workshop “Ensuring that the new Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs) are Truly Sustainable” As the review of the first 6 year LECP comes to an end, processes are already underway to create the new 6 year plan for 2022-2027. Steering Groups have been set up in most Local Authority areas and these will oversee the development and implementation of the plans. LECPs are intended to support sustainable development at local authority level. In so doing, for better or worse, they guide the expenditure of very large sums of money. They should also form the local element of the national development framework and support collaboration to increase the quality of life in our communities. This has never been more important as we look to support a sustainable recovery from the impact of the pandemic and prepare for the growing impacts of Climate Change. However the quality of the plans and the sustainability of the outcomes will depend on the quality of engagement

with their development and implementation. It is hoped that this workshop will initiate greater understanding of the importance of these plans, and a greater local engagement with them. Date: Wed 27th April 7.30-9.00pm Please register in advance at this address: https://us02web.zoom. us/meeting/register/tZIsd--trDkjHdE2RWK_hzKZIV24u7T0ntjQ KILKENNY AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY Kilkenny Age Friendly Older Peoples Council would like to hear from you. It is important that we hear the voice of all older people throughout the county and to ensure that we are doing so we are holding a number of Age Friendly Community Gatherings where we invite older people to come along and let us know what they see as the issues that are relevant and important to them. These Community Gatherings will be run at the following locations and dates: Urlingford FRC 6th May 2022. Ferrybank Community Centre. 20th May 2022 Castlecomer Community Hall. 15th June 2022. Mullinavat Community Centre. 30th June 2022. Graiguenamanagh Hub. July 2022 tbc Please come along and bring some friends. It will start with Registration Tea/Coffee at 9.15 and finishing at 12.30/1pm. If you would like further information please email agefriendlycounty@gmail.com or text 0876210589. GOWRAN PARK Racing takes place on Wednesday, 4th May. Tickets now available online, www.gowranpark.ie GOWRAN ATHLETIC CLUB Congratulations to Gowran AC on winning best overall club at Track and Field in Kilmacow at the St Senan’s Open Sports day. Well done to all who came and participated. Lots of good individual and team performances. THE KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED The festival is taking place on Sunday, 21st August. Tickets available online,www.gowranpark.ie SPORTS ROUND-UP MICHAEL O’LEARY MEMORABLE EASTER WEEK FOR LOCAL HORSE TRAINER Local Horse Trainer Jimmy Barcoe had an Easter Week to remember with victories in both Tramore and Clonmel. Jimmy enjoyed a 1-2 in the Anne Valley Walk Handicap Hurdle when 9/1 shot Frazel Express ran out a very impressive 9 length winner from stablemate Allez George who returned at a starting price of 40/1. Both horses are owned by Yvonne Hennessy It was the first time the duo had the first and second in the same race, while last Thursday Courting Vickie at 16/1 won the Happy Easter to all our Patrons Handicap Hurdle. MINOR HURLING Minors make it a hat-trick of victories after hard fought battle Young Irelands 1-9, Erins Own Castlecomer 1-6 It was a most miserable evening for Hurling, but full credit to both Young Irelands and Erins Own Castlecomer for the honest endeavourment and commitment provided in such difficult weather conditions on a very wet playing surface. Young Irelands dominated the majority of the first half and they made a very good start to build up a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after 11 minutes with Michael Keating, Cian Phelan, Eoghan O’Neill and Luke Phelan all on target. A goalmouth scramble that ended with a Young Irelands goal confirmed their early superior dominance as they extended their advantage further. 1-4 to 0-1. Another point followed shortly afterwards, but the Erins Own contingent replied with a brilliantly taken superb goal late in the first-half, as Young Irelands led 1-6 to 1-2 at the interval. The Second-Half became a greater nightmare as conditions continued to detioriorate. Cian Phelan pointed further frees in the 38th and 40th minutes to stretch the lead - 1-8 to 1-3 - and they maintained a 5 point lead entering the final 10 minutes. 1-9 to 1-4. Erins Own dominated possession throughout the final quarter and the Young Irelands defence constantly had to survive an onslaught. To their credit they stood up well with Jake Kelly, David Langton and Shane Simpson excelling. Meanwhile, on Holy Thursday Evening, the Young Irelands Minor B Team put up a late rally that ultimately saw them fall short as they lost 0-12 to 0-11 against Carrickshock. SPORT STAR AWARD Billy Coogan named March winner of David Buggy Motors Kilkenny sport star award Congratulations to Billy Coogan who is the winner of the

David Buggy Motors Kilkenny Sport Star Award for the month of March on KCLR. The Gowran Athletic Club runner was a member of the Irish Under 17 schools’ cross-country team that took home silver at the SIABs in March, marking his second time to represent Ireland in the last six months. CAMOGIE The U-16s lost their first game of the Summer League 9-4 to 3-6 away to Mullinavat, while the U-14s were scheduled to be in action last night at home to Carrickshock. CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro Club LOTTO Results April 17 th . Nos: 11–13- 15 – 4Jackpot: €9,100– not won Draw Prizes €50: Katrina Fitzpatrick c/o Brian Fitzpatrick .€25 each Conor O’ Grady c/o Online. €25 each Enda O’ Donoghue c/o Tom O’ Donoghue. €25 each Gina Gaule c/o Gina Gaule. Co op draw ticket Donal Lyons c/o Online. Promotors prize Tommy Hackett. New weeks draw €9,250 25th of april SENIOR FOOTBALL Well done to our Senior Footballers who defeated O Loughlin Gaels in Palmerstown on Friday. 2-08 to 1-07. Our lads now play Mullinavat next week. JUNIOR D AND F HURLING Our Junior D and F hurlers got their campaign off at the weekends with games against Rower Inistioge in Palmerstown and away at Windgap. KILKENNY MINOR HURLING Hard luck to the Kilkenny Minors on Saturday as they were defeated by Dublin in their Leinster campaign. Well done to the three Boro hurlers on the team with Mikey, Evan & team captain Tom involved. Dicksboro Minor team had a great win on Thursday evening in the league against Graigue Ballycallan. CLUB REGISTERATION Many thanks to all those who have registered to date. The closing date for registration this year of March 31st has passed, all members must be registered now to take to the field. Registration is available through the membership option on ClubZap and a phased payment option is available. Any members who are having difficulty paying online can contact a member from the executive to arrange a cash payment facility. Many thanks. PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE Palmerstown Clubhouse reopen. Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is reopened Thursday from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners cards table. We are offering a particular welcome to all of our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee and all the usuals CALLAN GOLF CLUB This week sees the first of our teams in action as our Senior Cup team face Kilkenny Golf Club Sunday the 24th at 3pm, all support welcome. We would like to wish everyone the best of luck. The club classic has been scheduled for Friday the 3rd of June to Monday the 6th of June, further details on fees and prizes to be announced later. MENS SECTION Men’s Weekend Singles Stableford Results - 9th April 2022 Overall Winner: Mark Burns (07) 42pts. Division 1: Sean Brett (05) 38pts. Gross: Jeffrey Lynch (-01) 32pts. Division 2: Eoin Goff (18) 38pts. O’Dwyers Golf Open Wednesday Singles Overall Winner: Billy Mernagh (19) 43pts. Overall Runnerup: James Logue(10) 41pts. Overall Third: Benny McGuire (14) 41pts. Gross: Sean Brett (04) 36pts. James Young Kilkenny Golf Club qualifies as best visitor for the end of season Grand Final. LADIES SECTION Thursday Senior Ladies Results 1st Marian Butler 25pts. 2nd Ann Needham 25pts. 3rd Mary Grace 23pts. 4th Patsy Murphy 22pts. 5th Maura Holden JUNIOR SECTION This Friday the 22rd sees the beginning of the junior season. The competition will commence from 8.30am. The junior section has a lot of upcoming mini projects underway, such as new cards for both junior and cadet score cards. Also, the introduction of the new cadet tees will be launched this Saturday the 24th at 5pm, all members and parents welcome.

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

Kilkenny Camogie Awards

Kilkenny Camogie 20

LEAGUE WINNERS MED

The Kilkenny Camogie board held a medal presentation for the 2020 All Ireland Champions and the 2021 National League Champions in the Springhill Court Hotel on Saturday evening last. It had been a long wait before the players and management could be honoured for their

achievements. Hilda Breslin President of the Camogie Association was the guest of honour and presented the players with their medals. Also present were Fidelis Doherty Chairperson of Kilkenny County Council, Pat Murphy Co-Chair of Glanbia co-op. The event had been organised

by Theresa Aylward Kilkenny Camogie Chairperson and her team and they did a fantastic job. MC’s Martin Quilty and Paula Murphy were superb and kept the proceedings going during the evening. The event was to honour the players who had been victorious against Galway in

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Kilkenny Camogie Awards

20 All Ireland & 2021

DAL PRESENTATION the 2020 All Ireland Senior final which was played in December of that year due to the pandemic and was held behind closed doors in Croke Park. It was a time when sport gave players some relief from all the trial and tribulations of the covid pandemic and allowed them to be free

for an hour and do what they love to do and play the game that they love to play. It was only the second time that Kilkenny had won the All Ireland in the noughties having previously won in 2016 after a 22year gap. Galway had beaten the team in the previous decider in 2019. Kilkenny

All pix: Danny Lahart

then played the same opposition in the National League Final in 2021 and came away victorious on that day also. They couldn’t do back-to-back titles as Cork beat them in the Semi Final which gave Kilkenny a break till the start of the 2022 League.

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster Minor Hurling Championship Kilkenny 2-16 (22) Dublin 3-14 (23) UPMC Nowlan Park

THE Metropolitans claimed the bragging rights following a hard earned one point victory over Kilkenny at UPMC Nowlan Park last Saturday. Following the young Cats win against Wexford in the opening game, expectations were high going into the game against Collie Maher’s boys in blue. The provincial tussle at minor level has been intriguing, with all sides gaining one win from their games to date. Niall Bergin’s charges qualified for the semi-final stage of the competition, by virtue of scoring difference, thanks to Eoghan Lyng’s injury time goal against the Dubs. The Cats boss will know that there is plenty of improvement in his young side, as they look to build on their start. Kilkenny came out of the blocks quickly and took the lead inside the first couple of minutes, thanks to a fine point from Graigue-Ballycallan’s Jeff Neary. Things nearly got a whole lot better for the home side shortly after, when Anthony Ireland-Wall’s goal-bound effort was flicked behind by Dublin’s goalkeeper, Senan Clarke. The Noresiders number 12, Aaron McEvoy slotted over the resulting ‘65, to extend his team’s lead. The visitors got off the mark soon after, when Kilkenny centre-back Eoghan Lyng has rather harshly adjudged to have over-carried. Erins Own’s Ollie Gaffney made no mistake as he fired over the free. Dublin were level soon afterwards, when corner-forward Tomas Moore turned his man before striking over a nice point. O’Loughlin’s club man Greg Kelly then struck a point from some 65 metres, following some nice team play and patience shown by the young lads in black and amber. Then with 9 minutes on the clock, the first green flag of the day was raised. Eoghan Lyng’s free from distance dropped in and around the danger zone and Danesfort attacker Anthony Ireland-Wall struck the ball to the Dublin net with a sumptuous strike. The home supporters had hardly finished celebrating the cracking strike from IrelandWall, when James Bergin’s charges raised what was to be the first of three majors for the Capital team. Ollie Gaffney took control of the ball from the puck-out and drove forward. The Erins Own player passed to the on-running David Purcell who dispatched his shot beyond

Stephen Manogue in the Kilkenny goal. Not to be outdone by his midfield partner, Sam Lewis then sent over a fine point to bring the sides level. On 12 minutes, Aaron McEvoy pointed from a free to edge his side ahead, and soon after he pointed from play to put Kilkenny two points ahead. His point from play came after some wonderful improvisation by his captain, Tom McPhillips. The Dicksboro player battled with his marker, lost his hurl, but had the presence of mind to kick the ball forward to McEvoy, who did the rest from more than 45 metres out. The home side then hit a third point on the bounce following some wonderful team play. Eoghan Lyng picked out Anthony Ireland-Wall with a lovely pass, and the corner forward laid the ball off to Marty Murphy. The TullogherRosbercon man game the move the finish it deserved as Kilkenny moved 3 points ahead. Dublin needed to respond and boy did they. First up, their captain Cian Moran struck over a long-range free to delight of the large travelling support. Then on 19 minutes, the boys in blue got their second major of the day. Cats keeper Stephen Manogue made a great save, and as the James Stephens player tried to clear his lines, the ball was blocked. Conor Newton reacted quickest and fired the ball to the Kilkenny net. The Dublin supporters well and truly found their voices inside UPMC Nowlan Park. Cian Moran then slotted over his second longrange effort of the day to put the Metropolitans 2 points ahead. It appeared the home side were wobbling a little. Clara forward Rory Glynn then pointed from a tight angle, finishing off a lovely move involving Tom McPhillips and Jeff Neary. Dublin centreback Senan Crosbie, who’s powerful forward runs had been causing the home side problems from the start, then strode into Cats territory before unleashing a fine strike that sailed between

Dubs pip Cats Nowlan Park battle Bergin’s boys make provincial semi despite defeat

Rory Glynn gets his shot away

Got it!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters

Anthony IrelandWall takes control

Greg Kelly takes the catch

Ivan Bolger stays close to Conor Brennan

the Kilkenny posts. Naomh Barrog’s Michael Tierney then put the visitors 3 ahead with 26 minutes on the clock. Kilkenny managed to close the gap before the short whistle, thanks to another well-worked team score, this time James Stephens Ed McDermott got the final touch. Aaron McEvoy then slotted over another placed ball, to leave just the minimum between the teams at half-time, Kilkenny 1-9, Dublin 2-7. The home side opened the scoring in the second half, via another free from Graigue-Ballycallan’s Aaron McEvoy. The same player added to his personal tally a minute later, following a foul on Marty Murphy. Murphy then got on the score sheet himself, following some great pressure from the Cats as they forced a turnover. Wexford referee Gearoid McGrath then harshly showed Timmy Kelly a yellow card, and Dublin captain Cian Moran again showed his accuracy from distance with a fine free. Collie Maher’s men then turned the game on its head again. Ollie Gaffney, a constant thorn in the home sides defence, now operating on the edge of the square, struck a lovely point from over the shoulder, before hitting his sides third major. A Dublin attack looked to have been thwarted, but as Billy O’Neill attempted to clear, he was blocked and that man Gaffney made no mistake as struck the ball home. Aaron McEvoy then sent over another free from about 45 metres out as he tried to stem the rising Dublin tide. Again, the boys from the Capital eyes on the prize responded and their captain Cian Moran struck over two points in a row, one from a ‘65, the other another long range free. Kilkenny captain, Tom McPhillips then stepped

forward and pointed, but the next score came from a blue shirt as fullforward Conor Brennan got on the score sheet. Jeff Neary then pointed to reduce the arrears before Dublin keeper Senan Clarke prevented a nearcertain goal from Anthony IrelandWall. The home side managed to rescue a point from the situation via Rory Glynn. The visitors starman Ollie Gaffney then almost hit another goal, but the ball just went over the bar, before the same player pointed from a placed ball to leave the boys in blue 4 ahead in injury time. To their credit, Kilkenny kept going. Referee McGrath awarded the home side a 20-metre free. Eoghan Lyng stood over it knowing to give his side any chance, a goal was needed. The Rower-Inistioge player struck his shot well and it somehow crossed the line, despite the entire Dublin population appearing to be lining the goal. Time was not to be Kilkenny’s friend, as the long whistle sounded to bring a hugely entertaining encounter to an end. Dublin victorious. Final score, Kilkenny 2-16, Dublin 3-14.

Scorers Kilkenny - Aaron McEvoy (0-7, 0-5 frees, 0-1 65); Anthony Ireland-Wall (1-0); Eoghan Lyng (1-0, free); Jeff Neary, Rory Glynn, Marty Murphy (0-2 each); Greg Kelly, Tom McPhillips, Ed McDermott (0-1 each). Scorers Dublin - Ollie Gaffney (14, 0-2 frees); Cian Moran (0-5, 0-4 frees, 0-1 65); Conor Newton, David Purcell (1-0 each); Tomas Moore (0-2); Sam Lewis, Conor Brennan, Senan Crosbie (0-1 each). Kilkenny - Sean Manogue (James Stephens); Rory Garrett (Fenians), Evan Murphy (Dicksboro), Billy O’Neill (Graigue-Ballycallan); Timmy Kelly (Bennettsbridge), Eoghan Lyng (Rower-Inistioge), Ivan Bolger (Graignamanagh); Tom McPhillips (Dicksboro, capt), Greg Kelly (O’Loughlin Gaels); Ed McDermott (James Stephens), Jeff Neary (Graigue-Ballycallan), Aaron McEvoy (Graigue-Ballycallan); Rory Glynn (Clara), Marty Murphy (Tullogher-Rosbercon), Anthony Ireland-Wall (Danesfort). Subs: Micheál Ahern, Mikey Stynes, CJ Fitzpatrick Dublin - Senan Clarke; Brendan Kenny, Dylan Brennan, Ben Lynch; Eoghan O’Riordan, Senan Crosbie, Cian Moran; David Purcell, Sam Lewis; Ollie Gaffney, Ciaran Donovan, Micheál Tierney; Tomás Moore, Conor Brennan, Conor Newton. Subs: Darragh Lyons, Ruán O’Connor, Tommy Butler Referee – Gearoid McGrath (Wexford).

>> SHERRY SAYS... This was always going to be a close encounter. Two really competitive sides going toe-to-toe at the home of Kilkenny hurling. Dublin came out on the right side of the result. Niall Bergin will know that his side did have the chances to win the match, but I’d imagine he will be both pleased and relieved to make the semifinals. Aaron McEvoy missed a couple of chances, but he top scored with 0-7. Marty Murphy looks a real handful on the edge of the square, and we may see more direct ball going into the Tullogher-Rosbercon man as the championship progresses. In the corners, Rory Glynn and Anthony Ireland-Wall were lively throughout, and there is definitely gear in both these lads. om McPhillips and Greg Kelly look like they could form a useful midfield partnership. Eoghan Lyng’s ability to read the game at ‘6’ also allows the Rower-Inistioge to get on plenty of ball and use his undoubted passing ability to build attacks. Keep an eye on Niall Bergin’s charges.... they have plenty more in the tank.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship 2022 TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar Westmeath 1-19 Kilkenny 5-23 THE final score line was perhaps a little harsh on a gallant Westmeath, as they eventually succumbed to a Kilkenny team that came alive in the second half in Mullingar. The Lake County will take plenty from this game, their first against Kilkenny in championship hurling since 2006 and despite the defeat, they will be hopeful of building on a first half that promised much. In fact, Joe Fortune’s charges, probably didn’t deserve to trail at the interval, having more than matched their illustrious opponents during the opening period. Indeed, I for one didn’t expect to see TJ Reid back in the black & amber this month, let alone gracing the turf at TEG Cusack Park. To his credit, the Shamrocks man went on to hit 1-4 following his half-time introduction, and it was clear to see that his return lifted and drove his team on in the second period. Before the action got under way, Westmeath made two changes to the team sheet, with Kevin Regan replacing Aonghus Clarke and Niall O’Brien coming in for Jack Gillen. Kilkenny lined out as selected. The home side got off to a fast start, with their placed ball specialist, Killian Doyle getting the first score of the game in the opening minute. The Cats responded in good fashion, and drew level, thanks to a nice point from Tullaroan’s Padraig Walsh. Shortly after, there was a possible goal chance for the hosts, but lively forward Joey Boyle opted to pop the ball over the bar. Raharney’s Doyle then slotted over two more free’s to leave the Maroon’s 3 points ahead after just five minutes of action in front of the near 2,500 spectators in attendance. The visitors pegged their hosts back with two points in succession, one from a free from Glenmore’s Alan Murphy, the other from the returning Adrian Mullen, who had been restored to the Cats starting line-up. As predicted, any Kilkenny indiscretions were being punished by the accurate Killian Doyle, and the sharpshooter notched another on eight minutes. Cody’s men were level by the 12th minute, with thanks to Walter Walsh who fired over a lovely point, before Alan Murphy pointed from the placed ball, as Westmeath’s

Cormac Boyle picked up an early yellow card for the home side. The maroon’s number 15 slotted over another free before Padraig Walsh fired over a lovely point from long range to level matters as the first quarter came to an end. The Noresiders almost raised a green flag and were only denied following a fine save by Conor Bracken, as the Lake County’s net minder managed to stop Padraig Walsh’s goal bound effort. The home side immediately broke forward and scored a peach of a point from play thanks to a fine finish from Killian Doyle. That man Doyle then struck his seventh score of the day, before hitting a monster point from distance as the home crowd dared to dream. Niall O’Brien, a late inclusion on Joe Fortune’s starting XV, then rifled over a point to leave the hosts four points to the good after 22 minutes of play. Then came the moment when the home sides momentum has halted. Westmeath centre-back, Tommy Doyle, who had been having a good game, attempted to halt the run of Mossy Keoghan. Doyle managed to get a partial block on the Tullaroan man’s shot, but Clare whistler Rory McGann played advantage and the supporting Mikey Carey rifled his shot beyond Bracken in the Westmeath goal, to raise the first green flag of the day. This goal appeared to be the catalyst for Brian Cody’s men to go through the gears, as the visitors accounted for six of the next eight points in Cusack Park. A couple of further free’s from the reliable Alan Murphy put the Cats ahead, before Padraig Walsh got his third score of the afternoon. Cian Kenny, making his championship debit also notched a point before the short whistle, in what was to be his last action of the day as Westmeath kept in touch via Killian Doyle. The half-time score line read Westmeath 0-12, Kilkenny 1-12. The

2nd half blitz see’s Cats home

Padraig Walsh - hurler supreme

Padraig Walsh was in fine pointtaking form

Cian Kenny scored a point on his championship debut

Paddy Deegan back @ 6

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Hurling matters

Five majors in Mullingar win Brian Cody will have reviewed the notes from last week

TJ Reid was sprung from the bench to push the Cats on

legendary Cats manager clearly wasn’t best pleased with what he had witnesses in the opening period and no doubt a few harsh words were spoken in the changing room. Both Cian Kenny and Mossy Keoghan didn’t appear for the second half, replaced by John Donnelly and TJ Reid respectively. Just like the opening period, it would be Killian Doyle that registered the first score of the half. Substitute TJ Reid then hit his first score of the day, before Alan Murphy added on a couple of frees to push Kilkenny’s lead to 5 points. The Lake County’s main man Doyle then fired over another free, but Adrian Mullen replied with a score from play to keep the Cats in pole position. Former Galway All-

Ireland winner Davy Glennon then pointed for his adopted county, before corner-back Darragh Egerton hit one of the best scores of the day, to reduce the deficit to 3 points. A ‘65 from TJ followed by Padraig Walsh’s 4th point of the day put the black and amber men five ahead, as Westmeath’s legs started to wane a little. Walter Walsh then fired over a fine point, before the defining score of the day. Westmeath’s keeper Conor Bracken then somehow managed to initially prevent Walter from goaling, but the alert Billy Ryan was on hand to fire an unstoppable rebound bast the unlucky net minder. The Cats lead was now an unassailable 9 points. The maroon’s manager, Joe Fortune, must have been fearing a right mauling at this point of the game, and his fears weren’t helped when midfielder Cormac Boyle was shown a second yellow, following a wild swipe across the legs of Padraig Walsh just before the hour mark. Down to 14 men, it was somewhat inevitable that Kilkenny would pull further ahead in the last quarter of the game. Killian Doyle then hit his 13th point of the day via the placed ball, before Walter set-up substitute James Maher who drilled a fine low shot past the unfortunate Bracken. Eoin Cody, who was having a very quiet game by his standards, then hit his first point of the day, before he turned provider and set up the impressive Walter Walsh to hit Kilkenny’s 4th major of the day. TJ then popped over a free,

his side’s 23rd point of the game to leave Kilkenny sixteen ahead in injury time. Three minutes into added time, two Shamrocks men combined to raise a 5th green flag for the Noresiders. Eoin Cody’s shot was blocked, but TJ was on hand to bundle the bar over the line. Before referee McGann blew for full-time, Westmeath got a goal of their own, and one their performance for the opening 55 minutes deserved. Sub Owen McCabe blasted past Eoin Murphy to leave the gap at the long whistle, 16 points. Full time score, Westmeath 1-19, Kilkenny 5-23. Westmeath: C Bracken; D Egerton (0-01), C Shaw, J Galvin; A Craig, T Doyle, K Regan; C Boyle, R Greville; J Boyle (0-02), D McNicholas, D Glennon (0-01); N O’Brien (0-01), N Mitchell, K Doyle (0-14, 0-11fs). Subs: E Keyes for O’Brien (50), C Doyle for McNicholas (55), T Gallagher for Craig (62), O McCabe (1-00) for J Boyle (68), A Cox for Regan (70). Kilkenny: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh; M Carey (1-00), P Deegan, D Blanchfield; C Kenny (0-01), A Mullen (0-02); W Walsh (102), P Walsh (0-04), E Cody (0-01); B Ryan (1-01), M Keoghan, A Murphy (0-07, 0-06 frees). Subs: J Donnelly for Keoghan (34), TJ Reid (1-04, 0-02 frees, 0-01 ‘65) for Kenny (h-t), J Maher (101) for Murphy (46), C Browne for Blanchfield (59), S Walsh for Ryan (66). Referee: R McGann (Clare).

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Alan Murphy hit 7 points in the win over the Lake County

We’re up and running. Sixteen points the winning margin in Mullingar. A below par opening half of hurling, was followed by a more Kilkenny-like display after the interval. There was me, penciling in TJ’s return for the Galway game next month. Oh no... Brian Cody had other ideas. TJ was sprung from the bench at half time and definitely made a difference, he also finished with 1-4 to his name. James Maher hit 1-1 from th the bench also. As you get deeper into championship action, return from the bench becomes more crucial. Mikey Carey took his goal with all the accuracy of his father. Walter Walsh notched 1-2 and like most in black and amber, was much better after the interval. Graigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan continued his fine league form and raised another green flag. Alan Murphy’s free taking saw him finish with 0-7, all but one from the placed ball. So, first group game done and dusted. Laois up next. Cheddar’s men fairly put it up to the Dub’s last weekend and lost narrowly, by just two points. Cody will know what to expect from the O’Moore County, he will drum it into his squad this week – let’s start fast, get the job done and move on. Wexford produced a stunning comeback to claim a share of the spoils in an exciting tussle with Henry’s Galway boys. Plenty of decent games to look forward to, but let’s sort Laois first.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

News

Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We at Mahon | Fox hereby give notice of an application to Kilkenny County Council for (1) Permission for Retention of; (a) the installation of 2 no. portacabins for a temporary period of 5 years (these were granted permission for a temporary period of 5 years under planning reg. no. P10/58) and (b) the change of use of part portacabin 1 from shower facilities to store room and (2) Permission for change of use of part of Portacabin 1 from shower facilities to Sample Preparation room, together with all associated site works and ancillary services at Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Hebron Industrial Estate, Hebron Road, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny R95 TX39 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 : Mahon | Fox, Iberius House, Common Quay Street, Wexford. Phone: 053 9122601 on behalf of The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (OPW) KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Derek & Elayne McDonnell, intend to apply for permission for development at: Ballynamorahan & Ballinsurragh, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny, X91 AD62. The development will consist of; a. Demolition of existing conservatory and rear two-storey projection of existing dwelling, b. Construction of new twostorey rear extension, c. Minor alterations to external appearance of existing dwelling, d. all associated site 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.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Tom Walton intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain as follows: 1. existing detached garage and home office, 2. domestic storage shed and all associated site works at Rathclogh, Danesfort, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

(never known to fail). O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. E.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. M.B

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Miracle Prayer

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22 April 2022