Kilkenny Observer 23rd August 2024

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Back To School!

The Good Guide to what parents should know  Special Report Page 14

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235,000 now homeless

And 92,000 are children ... and Kilkenny has its share

More than 235,000 people in Ireland, including more than 92,000 dependent children, were classified as having an “ongoing need” for housing at the end of last year.

A new report by Oireachtas researchers has estimated ­ that 6.6% of all children aged 18 or under are in households eligible for social housing but have not yet been provided with such accommodation.

The figure stands at 4.4% in Kilkenny.

Research by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) claims the State would need to increase its existing stock of social housing by 56% to accommodate all households with an ongoing need.

The PBO calculated that there were 115,425 households at the end of last year who were either on social-

housing waiting lists or in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment (Hap).

They consist of 58,824 eligible households on the main social housing waiting list plus 56,601 active Hap tenancies.

The number of households with an “ongoing need” for housing was down around 1,500 - representing an annual decrease of around 1.2pc.

The reduction was largely driven by a net decrease of more than 2,400 households in Hap tenancies.

However, the PBO said the total number of people in need of social housing was still 235,659, including 92,116 dependent children, which represents 4.4% of the total population.

It estimated that it would cost almost €35bn to build

new, appropriate, permanent social housing for everyone with an ongoing need.

“The cost of correcting this issue is high, with building new appropriate accommodation coming at a significant expense,” the report noted.

However, it added: “Failure to address the problem sufficiently will lead to the future cost of action increasing further and the ‘locking in’ of

Fearless and fierce Nell led the way for many

Three in four couples want civil wedding Up to 74% of couples planning their big day are choosing to tie the knot in civil and secular wedding ceremonies.

With over 750 brides and grooms responding in a recent poll by Ireland’s popular wedding venue platform SaveMyDay.ie, the results show that the popularity in non-religious ceremonies is continuing to rise, including a comparative 7% increase in civil and secular ceremonies.

The poll revealed that 16% choose religious ceremonies, a decrease in 4% since the last wedding trends survey.

10% of respondents opt for spiritual ceremonies.

Shell Holden, wedding expert and co-owner of SaveMyDay.ie said: “As revealed

in the SaveMyDay.ie recent poll, there is an increasing preference for civil and secular ceremonies and couples are zeroing in on how they can customise their wedding to make it unique to them, creating a personalised wedding experience with their own stamp on it. Given this continuing rise in popularity in non-religious celebrations, there is a wide variety of memorable civil ceremony venues for couples to choose from including all-in-one wedding venues where you can host ceremony, reception and afters all under one roof. *At City Hall Dublin are Nikita and Darragh, pictured

by Olga Hogan Photography

Childcare fees ‘could be affordable’ Childcare fees could be affordable and better regulated if a new public service is rolled out for the sector, the Government has been told.

Siptu’s Early Years Union’s Budget 2025 submission says this could take the form of a public company tasked with rolling out publicly owned and managed early education and school-age childcare.

“The idea is that it would give parents another option,” said Diane Jackson, sector organ-

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

iser for Siptu in the early years sector.

“Fees could be regulated. You could argue that the fees that would be charged by the State would be reasonable and affordable.”

She said undersupply is a challenge in places, and parents do not have many options if providers are pulling out of the State’s Core Funding scheme, and fees are raised by up to 40pc in some cases.

“Some providers have this

key age cohorts to a continued need for expensive and precarious State-supported housing as their potential access to the private housing market diminishes.”

It also suggested that the targets for the supply of new social housing may need to be revisited and revised upwards “to meet demand and tackle affordability challenges”.

view that they can charge a fee knowing that parents are snookered because there is nowhere else for them to go, if they withdraw from Core Funding,” she said.

Siptu said a public company could build or buy premises, to provide another option.

“Fees could be regulated in a similar manner,” it said.

“It could operate alongside community and private providers. It could set the standard for the sector in terms of ser-

vice quality, negotiated wages and conditions of employment, and re-investment.”

It added it could target areas where there is full capacity or undersupply, and it could have first-refusal rights to take over a service if a service provider decides to exit the sector.

The National Development Plan’s allocation for childcare could be redirected into an initial capital injection for the public company, it said.

The Siptu submission also

calls for a minimum pay rate of €15 an hour for early-years educators.

Siptu wants higher pay for experienced and qualified staff

by September next year, with a total wage cost of €111.5m.

The submission also calls for recognition for experienced and qualified staff across all grades and annual, ring-fenced state investment towards a “professional wage”.

See also Page 6

Journalist and campaigner Nell McCafferty, who has died aged 80 has been described as “fierce, fearless and fiery” and a feminist icon.

Nell McCafferty was born in Derry in 1944, was a founding member of the Irish Woman’s Liberation Movement and wrote for the Irish Times, The Sunday Tribune and HotPress among other publications.

She campaigned for the legalisation of contraception in Ireland, including staging a protest where she and other women brought contraceptives over the border from Northern Ireland by train in 1971.

She was the author of several books, including a A Woman To Blame, about the Kerry babies case and The Armagh Women, about a hunger strike among female republican prisoners in Armagh jail in 1980.

Taoiseach Simon Harris described her as “fierce, fearless and fiery”.

Mr Harris said that her “passion and wrath was not scattergun, it had a laser-like focus on calling out inequality and injustice”.

“She suffered no fools but had a kindness and warmth for many.

Her wit and Derry turn of phrase made her impossible to ignore,” he said.

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

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Online banks ‘should be levied to aid local towns’ Fine Gael councillor and business man Peter Stapleton has said online banks should be super-levied for a fund to restore rural towns and villages. Cllr Stapleton said it was welcome that there was another new banking entrant to Ireland, the Spanish-based financial services group Bankinter, but the absence of physical branches from towns and villages was denuding communities.

Bank of Ireland closed branches in Callan, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown and Urlingford and those towns could be beneficiaries of community gain in a re-structured bank levy.

“Bankinter are very welcome and join a long line of online banks like Bunq, Revolut, N26 and others that find Ireland attractive” Cllr Stapleton said. “But if online banks are only to take the upside of profit, it is ultimately bad for communities in Ireland. Banks were the heart of many towns. In the town where I live in Co Wicklow, Tinahely, the bank branch made a huge difference but once it was closed by Bank of Ireland, customers drifted to towns that still had bank branches to do their business, shopping and services.

“The current bank levy raises €200 million a year for the Exchequer. Online banks should be super-levied and

this money should be designated for a fund to revitalise rural towns and villages,” Cllr Stapleton said.

“We need to get back to where Irish market towns were once hubs of great activity. They had lots of different services, including banks and

post offices. In my part of rural Ireland people have to drive vast distances to get to a physical bank branch that has cash and services. Our story in Wicklow is not any different to other counties but unless financial institutions have bases in towns, there is

little hope of renewing more of them.

“And yet there has never been more online banking services, many operating under EU and Irish banking licences that set no requirement to them to have any physical branches, hold cash

or have any commitment to society. It is pure cherry-picking. In my own experience working in corporate finance and financial services, only regulation ultimately works in ensuring what the institutions can and cannot do. I think the time has come for Govern-

ment to be more prescriptive about what should happen in Ireland so that rural towns have the chance to renew.

“As another Budget looms, the Minister for Finance has the power to make positive change for rural towns and he should take it,” he said.

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Early Childhood group warns of ‘neglect’ The Federation of Early Childhood Providers Ireland (FECP) has issued a strong worded statement in response to the Department of Children’s ongoing neglect and mismanagement of the early years sector.

In 2024, the sector is at a critical juncture where the current funding system is not only flawed; it is creating a growing crisis nationwide for Early Childhood service providers, educators, parents, children and the many em-

ploying bodies seeking to secure staff.

Elaine Dunne, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers said that “It is essential to clarify that our work in providing services for families is not driven by greed. Early Childhood service providers are seeking only to make a living to support their own families and those of their staff. Educators are seeking wages that reflect their expertise, dedication and the responsibili-

ties they carry out.”

She went onto say that “Sufficient funding to meet these needs must come from the Department of Children through an efficient and effective funding stream otherwise, we providers will be left with no choice but to pass the cost onto parents.

Current funding levels and schemes as well as restrictive, conflicting policies do not allow this”.

In the past, a vibrant Early Years sector was character-

ised by a saturated market, with numerous services available and many educators empowered to open their own facilities so as to meet ever increasing parental needs fuelling a positive sector for all.

Today, parents face waiting lists of up to three years, which starkly contradicts the claims from the Department of Children that the sector is thriving and new services entering the market to feed demand. The wait lists are

clear proof that this simply is not true.

New services may be opening but the number of services available is insufficient to meet demand. So many small and medium services have closed and now parental choice is being taken away.

Despite repeated calls for clarity regarding current government schemes and request for additional sectoral supports, the Department of Children has

failed to listen and respond.

Instead, providers have been presented with a last-minute package of criteria they must adhere to so as to secure funding. The current funding proposals lack both transparency and substance. Funding available is inadequate.

In light of the many ongoing issues, providers nationwide continue to inform parents that they will “not be renewing their Core Funding agreement with the Department Of Children” .

Apply for BT Young Scientist Of the Year!

BT Ireland encourages secondary school students aged 12-19 years from Kilkenny to submit their project ideas for the 2025 BTYSTE before applications close on September 27.

Since BT Ireland launched the Accommodation Grant Scheme in 2006, the company has contributed €51,050 in funding to qualified projects from Kilkenny schools.

Schools in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity for Schools (DEIS) programme who must travel over 70km or more to the Exhibition will now be eligible for 20% more funding under BT Ireland’s Accommodation Grant Scheme.

BT Ireland has announced that there is just one month to go before applications close for the 2025 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), at 5pm on September 27. This year, BT Ireland opened entries for the BTYSTE earlier than ever in May, to allow students as much time as possible to turn their creative ideas into project entries.

Next year’s BTYSTE will take place from January 08 – 11, 2025 and will once again showcase incred-

ible projects from students across the five categories of Technology, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Biological and Ecological Sciences, Chemical, Physical, Mathematical Sciences, and Health and Wellbeing.

Hundreds of prizes will be on offer to finalists across the various categories and age groups, amounting to a total prize fund of €50,000.

The overall winner(s) of the BTYSTE 2025 will also take home the BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year Award, worth €7,500, and will go on to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) in 2026.

Speaking ahead of the 2025 BTYSTE project entries deadline, Mari Cahalane, Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition said: “Throughout BT Ireland’s 25 years as lead sponsor of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, it has been fantastic to see first-hand the impact that the Exhibition, and the students taking part, have had on Ireland’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector.

On the war path: slips, trips and falls = €54m Councils paid out more than €54m in compensation for public liability claims last year – with the vast majority relating to slips and falls on footpaths.

The bill was a 15.7% increase on 2022 when €46.8m was paid out.

The number of claims settled by local authorities last year was 3,542 compared to 2,693 in the previous year, a 31.7% increase.

Figures provided show councils are forking out thousands – and even millions in some cases – for slips, trips and falls every year.

While the data reveals councils are not yet reaping the rewards of insurance reforms, the Government anticipates the number of claims and the value of payouts will begin to fall in the coming years.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

WOK, summer’s over... back to school now You know the summer is gone. You know that, because the schools are about to reopen. For some, it will be their first day at school – daunting in itself, their schoolbags bigger than themselves. For others, their first year in secondary school. And a record 136,160 students who sat the Leaving Certificate, Leaving ­Certificate Applied (LCA) and Junior Cycle exams across the country await the results of their endeavours.

Many are about to find that they face the reality of repeats or job-hunting or, in the case of 60% of them, the mad scramble for a place in college or university. If that 60% thought the pressure for points painful, they ain’t seen nothing yet. The finance, alone, for parents and students themselves – €20,000 to €40,000 over four years, according to Zurich Insurance – is one pressure point. The need to succeed

another. And then there’s the reality of finding accommodation for college – but more likely travelling long distances daily from home, given the current scenario.

Couch surfing, anyone?

The more than 60,000 students who have completed their Junior Cert, in 90% of cases, have the option of doing Transition Year (TY). The programme varies hugely from school to school. Some offer TY on a select basis, or don’t offer it at all, while others mark the year as mandatory.

The Transition Year (TY) programme has been running since 1992 and is, in its own words, “designed to give teens a year to mature, learn new skills and gain both work and life experience”. The entrepreneur Bill Cullen notoriously once said Transition Year was nothing but a “doss”. Today, that notion still lingers among some parents and

educators, despite the huge growth in popularity of the ‘gap’ year. There were just 27,000 pupils doing TY in 2009 when the outspoken

businessman suggested it should be scrapped. Last year, close on 45,000 chose that avenue.

Meanwhile, university is not for everyone. As Mark Twain noted: “I never let schooling interfere with my education.” In a changing world of out-sourcing, automation, emerging markets and empty pension funds, nothing is guaranteed anymore. Certainly not a job for life, like back in my day when one applied oneself and kept the head down.

I would suggest those leaving secondary education, unsure of what the next step should be, could do worse than take a year out to think things through.

Dare I suggest they taking the time out travelling, exploring the world, making new friends, getting a job at Happy Burger, and adapting to grown-up responsibilities, is a year at the university of life.

Alternatively, their innate aptitude may lean towards an apprenticeship. A trade, of which there are growing shortages in this country, can, in the end, pay huge dividends. Remember the last time you paid a plumber? That is, when you could manage to find one.

Bullying is, sadly, an unhappy aspect of school, cited by a quarter of 13 t0 15-year-old hose polled and rising to a third among 16 to 24-year-olds.

One in four aged 13 to 15 report having experienced peer-to-peer violence in and around school, according to a report by UNICEF which says that peer violence is a pervasive part of young people’s education in Ireland.

“Education is fundamental in a child’s life and every child should feel safe and secure at school,” says UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power.

“Violence has serious effects

on a child’s well-being, and in the long-term it can lead to depression, anxiety and even suicide. No child should go into school fearing violence.”

Back to those parents and guardians, worrying that their child’s forthcoming first day at school could, indeed, be daunting, the truth is that children are born learning; it’s a survival skill that comes naturally to them.

If families learnt anything from Covid it was that the lockdown was a chance to engage their children, young and old, in genuine learning that goes beyond the traditional subjects.

School days may well be the best days of our lives, as adults like to tell the young.

Meanwhile, though, in the developing world a staggering 130 million children — one in 15 — are not in school, with 70% of these being girls.

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Election sweetener for farmers The Government has decided to defer the introduction of the landmark R ­esidential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) for a year and plans to draft a new scheme that will exclude farmers.

The decision by Finance Minister Jack Chambers will be seen as a major election sweetener for farmers who feared land they were working would be hit with

significant taxes under the scheme.

The Green Party are said to furious about the U-turn However, it will also be a win for land speculators hoarding sites in the hope the value will increase in line with record levels of house prices.

The tax, which would see land zoned for residential development taxed at 3pc of its

market value, was a government attempt to unlock more sites for housing construction and prevent speculators from hoarding serviced land.

It was announced in Budget 2022 and was due to come into effect next February, with tax bills due to be paid

by May. However, there was backlash among farmers whose land was zoned for residen-

tial development but was being used for agricultural purposes.

Farmers could apply to their local authorities to have their land rezoned, but a government source said the ­process "yielded only limited changes, with many active farmers still within scope”.

Mr Chambers decided to pause and defer the tax for another 12 months following

high-level discussions with Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue.

Mr Chambers and Mr O'Brien also agreed to revise the legislation so that it will permanently exclude farmers. This process will progress in tandem with the development of the National Planning Framework when it is published later this year.

A senior government source said there is considerable concern within the higher levels of the Coalition that the tax will place a disproportionate burden on active farmers whose land has not yet been de-zoned.

"This will be a key measure and priority for Fianna Fáil in the Budget to ensure we partner with farmers and rural communities."

Circle K in big bid to take over 7-Eleven owners Circle K operator Alimentation Couche-Tard has launched a takeover bid for larger rival and 7-Eleven owner Seven & i Holdings in what would be the biggest foreign takeover of a Japanese company.

Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard is one of the biggest forecourt operators in Ireland since acquiring the former Topaz chain from businessman Denis O'Brien in 2015 in a deal thought to have

valued the Irish business in the region of €450m, including paying €258m in cash.

A merger with the owner of 7-Eleven would create the world's top operator of roughly 100,000 convenience stores.

Valued at the equivalent of $31bn before news of the offer emerged, Seven & i shares jumped 23% yesterday. The company said the bid was preliminary and non-binding, without disclosing terms.

A special committee of independent outside directors will make a "prompt, careful and comprehensive review of the proposal”, Seven & i said.

Couche-Tard confirmed it made a "friendly, non-binding proposal” but gave no details, and said it is not certain an agreement will be reached.

Although Couche-Tard is smaller than Seven & i, with about 14,000 stores compared with more than 85,000 for the

Japanese retailer, the Canadian company enjoys a bigger valuation of about $58.5bn.

Foreign takeovers of Japanese companies are extremely rare, but recent changes in guidelines for merger and acquisition proposals, and activist investors pushing companies to boost value - including at Seven & i - could boost the odds of a deal that would create a global conveniencestore behemoth.

Kilkenny people told clean up our dog's act!

Kilkenny dog owners are being encouraged to clean up after their dogs as part of Vision Ireland’s campaign, Clear Our Paths. The call comes after Vision Ireland published a survey exploring people who are blind or vision impaired’s experiences of footpath obstacles.

Over a third of respondents were impacted by dog waste in public spaces.

Not only does dog fouling present a slipping hazard, but it can also be a problem for white cane users whose canes are often dirtied by faeces.

There were no dog fouling fine issued in Kilkenny in 2023. Overall, very few dog fouling fines were issued across the country – just 46, a reduction of 36 fines from 2022. Kerry County Council had the highest number of fines for dog fouling offences, with just 13 issued. 18 out of the 31 local authorities issued no fines at all.

While the number of fines issued across the country was low, Vision Ireland has welcomed efforts by local authorities to help reduce dog fouling. A number of councils have run awareness campaigns in order to highlight the issue of dog fouling. Meath County Council developed responsible dog ownership information leaflets. Clare

County Council provides dog litter bags at its area offices and other busy locations within its jurisdiction.

Both Tipperary County Council and Longford County Council provide Mutt Mitts, which allow dog owners to dispose of dog waste safely.

Cars parked on footpaths also have an adverse impact on the ability of people who are blind or vision impaired to navigate public spaces.

70% of survey respondents identified parked cars as blocking their route when using public paths. Data provided by local authorities revealed that over 22,000 fines were issued to motorists who parked on footpaths. There were 264 parking on footpath fines issued in Kilkenny in 2023.

Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy, Partnerships and External Affairs at Vision Ireland said, “Parked cars and dog waste are two of the biggest hazards people who are blind and vision impaired in Kilkenny face on our footpaths. The number of parking fines issued alone is astounding and gives an idea of the many thousands of obstacles people with sight loss face in their daily lives. Fines alone will not solve these problems. We must all work together.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

The next US President will it be Madam or Mr You might as well play the daisy petal game as a way of predicting a certain outcome of the November US presidential election. Instead of plucking off flower petals in the girlhood game counting “he loves me he loves me not” down to the last petal, you could go “it’ll be Mr President, it’ll Madam President.”

While it is no longer certain that it will be Trump and Vice-President Harris has caught up since Joe Biden stepped aside and is even leading Trump in some swing states, the current state of play in the race for the White House has been labelled by political commentators “a toss- up”.

While we have a surfeit of information about Trump, Harris, who has emerged from relative obscurity as the Vice-President to take up the Presidential race with just three months to overtake Trump’s former lead, is harder to read.

The Truths We Hold, the title of Kamala Harris’s 2019 autobiography – a good counterpoint to Trump’s fondness for alternative reality and conspiracy theories – provides some answers.

It also gives the lie to some of Trump’s taunts about her.

Growing up in Berkeley, California her Indian mother Shyamala Gopalan, a breast cancer researcher and community activist, involved Kamala and her younger sister Maya in the Coloured community. By that stage Kamala’s mother was divorced from her father, Jamaican Donald Harris, a lecturer in economics. ”She was determined to make sure we would grow into confident proud Black women,” wrote Kamala.

So much for Trump’s questioning of her racial identity.

The day in 2013 that Kamal Harris as Attorney General launched her campaign to tackle the truancy crisis in elementary schools was the

day that she met her future husband Dough Emhoff, the managing partner in his law firm. They were married a year later, Kamala was 49 at the time, a little late to start a family and Doug already had two school-going children from a former marriage. So much for the “cat lady” slur.

The selection of the two vice-presidential nominees has added interest to the whole contest. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, with a down- home appeal, like Harris has spent his career in public service as a former national guard, social studies teacher and football coach.

JD Vance’s views make Trump look moderate, a socalled hillbilly from Ohio, a former marine who read law at Yale before becoming a venture capitalist in California.

The contrast between the track records of former President Trump, a property developer whose businesses

had six bankruptcies and who has faced numerous charges including the Stormy Daniels hush money scandal and his rival could hardly be starker. Harris started as a

“Safer in the hands of a caring woman...

trail blazing prosecutor, a District Attorney focusing on sex crimes and a criminal unit before becoming Attorney General.

Ultimately the results of the November election will be decided in the swing states and the appeal of policies to undecided voters. The tangerine-tanned Donald Trump offers back-to-thefuture MAGA (Make America Great Again) to his base in the flyover states, where giant agricultural companies have pushed out small farms and stores like Walmart have pushed out Mom and Pop stores.

Vance summed it up: “We are going to build factories again, put people to work making real products for American families made with hands of American workers.”

He is calling for tariff barriers of 10% against imports from countries like Ireland, ending arms support for Ukraine, building a wall between

Mexico and the US to halt immigration and reversing climate change measures and encouraging the oil industry.

“Drill baby. drill,” says Trump.

Harris’ opposing views include tightening up on US gun law, women’s right to make decisions about their own bodies and the view that more needs to be done about climate change, when she supported the biggest investment in clean energy in US history.

Under Trump’s watch unemployment rose by 6.4% and under Biden’s more than 14 million jobs were gained. But inflation is probably the main focus on US voters’ minds, with 39% now anxious about making ends meet.

From our perspective the big question is which candidate will make the world a safer place? My vote is that it will be safer in the hands of a caring woman with the hope that enough in the US will believe the same.

Floradix has you covered CLAIR WHITTY

As the season is about to change you might feel a change in your energy levels or that your immune system might need a boost. Or, maybe you are stressed and frantic with back-to-school arrangements. Thankfully there are natural remedies to help get you back on track.

Floradix is a brand that I like because they have been around for over 100 years. I always think that this is a fair testament to the quality of their products and to their effectiveness. Brands come and go in this industry and it is great to see this one still here and still top of the listings.

There are several products in the range. You will perhaps be most familiar with their Iron formula. This contains organic Iron, a particularly absorbable form, as well as B vitamins, and vitamin C which increases iron absorption All sourced from herbs and fruit juice concentrates. This has been traditionally used for lack of energy and fatigue. It is perfect for during menstruation, pregnancy, and at any stage of life for anyone. It tastes great too and is suitable from 3 years of age.

For supporting the normal function of your immune system take a look at Floradix Immune Support. This is a fairly recent addition to the Floradix range. It is perfect for anyone who cannot swallow pills or tablets and is easily absorbed.

It contains vitamin D, C, B12, B6, Selenium, and Zinc, and a herbal extract with Echinacea.

It’s expertly formulated to support your immune function and to help reduce tiredness too. It is suitable from age 12.

To help you deal with stress there’s Floradix Neuro Balance Ashagandha Liquid Formula.

Ashwagandha is one of the

best known herbs to help deal with stress. There are lots of Ashwagandha supplements to choose from. Neuro Balance is a liquid that tastes great, and absorbs quickly. As well as Ashwagandha, it contains Passionflower, a common herb used to support the nervous system, Lemon Balm which I love to help aid relaxation, plus Lavender, vitamin C and B12. I think it is a lovely formula and we have some customers who are loving it and are feeling less stressed using it. Suitable from 18 years of age.

Floradix is an interesting brand that I think you will like.

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SPECIAL REPORT As it’s time to head back to school, use these tips to help ensure your child has a safe, healthy and happy year – especially, if it’s their first year.

Make the first day of school easier Take your child to visit the new school or classroom before the first day of school.

Attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the school.

Remind your child that teachers know that students may be nervous about the first day of school; they will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. If your child seems nervous, ask them what they are worried about and help them problem-solve ways to master the new situation.

Point out the positive aspects of school starting to help your children look forward to the first day of class. Talk about how they will see old friends and meet new ones, for example.

Find another child your child can walk to school with, or on the bus If you feel it is needed, drive your child (or walk with them) to school and pick them up on the first day. Get there early on the first day to cut down on unnecessary stress. Many children get nervous about new situations, including changing to a new school, classroom or teacher. It can be helpful to rehearse heading into the new situation.

Develop a healthy sleep routine Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts, just to help them ease into new routines. Set a consistent bedtime for your child and stick with it every night. Getting enough sleep is critical for children to stay healthy and be successful in school. Not getting enough sleep is linked with lower academic achievement, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness.

Create a bedtime routine that is consistent to help your child settle down and fall asleep. For example, a calming pre-bedtime routine may involve a bath/ shower, reading with them, tucking them in and saying goodnight.

Have your child turn off electronic devices well before bedtime. Try to have the home as quiet and calm as possible when younger children are trying to fall asleep.

Plan for safe travel to and from school Review the basic rules with your student and practice any new routes or modes of transportation. If taking

Helping your child settle back in to school the school bus, remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school. Make sure your child walks where they can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see them, too).

Remind your student to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street, just in case somebody does not stop as required. Encourage your child to actually practice how to cross the street several times before the first day of school.

If the school bus has lap/ shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus. .

Check on the school’s policy regarding food on the bus. Eating on the bus can present a problem for students with allergies and also lead to infestations of insects and vermin on the vehicles.

If your child has a chronic condition that could result in an emergency on the bus, make sure you work with the school nurse to have a bus emergency plan. If possible,

do this before the first day of class.

Provide healthy eating options during the

school day Children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. They do better in school, and have better con-

centration and more energy.

Some schools provide breakfast for children; if yours does not, make sure they eat a breakfast that contains

Prevent bullying at school Bullying or cyberbullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighbourhood or through mobile phones.One in four students aged 13 to15 report having experienced peer-to-peer violence in and around school, according to a new report recently released by UNICEF. An Everyday Lesson: #ENDviolence in Schools says that peer violence – measured as the number of children who report having been bullied in any given month or been involved in a physical fight in the last year – is a pervasive part of young people’s education in Ireland.

“Education is fundamental in a child’s life and every child should feel safe and secure at school,” says UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power. “Our new report shows that 44% of students in Ireland aged 13 to 15 report either being bullied or being involved in physical fights with their peers. This must be addressed – violence is not a lesson any child needs to learn. Experiencing violence has serious effects on a child’s well-being, and in the long-term it can lead to depression, anxiety and even suicide. No child should go into school fearing violence.”

In Ireland 28% of students aged 13 to 15 report they have been bullied at school at least once in the past couple of months. Other studies support these finding, with significant numbers of students being taunted repeatedly about their weight, appearance or race.

A study earlier this year by Dublin City University (DCU) sought responses from 400 students in three schools, a Catholic all-girls one, a Catholic all-boys and a co-educational school. It found that a third of students were on the receiving end of bullying and threats. A disturbing finding was that only 42% of students in the all-girls school and 21% in the boys felt “very safe”.

some protein. If your child does not have time to eat, send them to school with a grab and go snack like a granola bar.

Many children qualify for free or reduced price food at school. The forms for these services can be completed at the school office. Hunger will affect a child’s performance in class.

Look into what is offered inside and outside of the cafeteria, including vending machines, a la carte, school stores, snack carts and fundraisers held during the school day. They should stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products and water. Learn about your child’s school wellness policy and get involved in school groups to put it into effect. Also, consider nutrition if your child will be bringing food to eat during school.

Choose healthier beverage options such as water to send in your child’s lunch.

Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60%.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Prospective homeowners need to remain proactive As I write I discovered that tonight, August 19, we will witness a rare event – a blue moon. In another rare turn of events, Irish banking customers are currently witnessing there own ‘blue moon’ event – a shift in both mortgage and deposit rates. The average mortgage rate in Ireland fell to 4.11% in June, marking the third consecutive month of decline. At the same time, deposit rates have reached their highest level in more than 15 years, offering savers an opportunity to maximise returns.

However, these trends may not last long, making it essential for both potential homeowners and savers to act quickly.

The average mortgage rate in Ireland dropped from 4.17% in May to 4.11% in June. While this may seem like a minor reduction, it represents a significant trend in the context of rising costs and housing demand. The rate is now at its lowest in 10 months, provid-

ing some relief for prospective buyers. However, it’s important to note that, despite this drop, Irish mortgage rates remain above the Eurozone average of 3.75%.

This downward trend in mortgage rates could encourage more people to enter the housing market. But as Trevor Grant, Chairperson of Irish Mortgage Advisors, points out, the fall in interest rates may not be as significant as some would hope. The European Central Bank (ECB) has signalled that further cuts to interest rates may be on hold, particularly if inflation in the Eurozone continues to rise meaning that, while mortgage rates might continue to decline slightly, they are unlikely to return to previous very low rates.

Even if the ECB does cut rates further, the reduction may not fully translate to lower mortgage rates in Ireland. Banks in Ireland have not increased mortgage rates in line with ECB hikes,

partly because they are trying to improve returns for their savers. Therefore, while the current lower rates might benefit those looking to secure a mortgage now, this window of opportunity could be shortlived.

Deposit rates have been edging upward, reaching an average of 2.75% in June —

the highest since December 2008. This presents a golden opportunity for savers, especially given that the Eurozone average deposit rate is slightly higher at 3.03%.

With Irish households holding over €150 billion in deposits, many of which are in low or no-interest accounts, now is the time for savers to

act. Moving funds to accounts offering higher interest rates could significantly boost returns. Banks like AIB and Bank of Ireland are offering rates of up to 3%, while online platforms such as Raisin are offering even higher rates of up to 3.60%.

However, this situation might not last as some institu-

tions, like the German onlineonly bank N26, mentioned in a previous article, have already begun lowering their savings rates, signalling that others may follow soon. As mortgage rates continue to ease, deposit rates could begin to drop, potentially erasing the gains seen in recent months.

Prospective homeowners need to remain proactive.

With mortgage rates currently low, now might be a good time to lock in a favourable rate, but it’s crucial to shop around and seek advice from mortgage brokers who can help navigate the best deals available.

For savers, the message is clear: take advantage of the high deposit rates while they last. Whether it’s switching to a different account or locking in a rate for a fixed term, there are options to ensure your savings are working as hard as possible for you. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

New bus shelter for Moneenroe

Local Fine Gael Cllr. John Brennan, has heartily embraced the sanctioning of a new bus shelter for Moneenroe. Serving as an essential upgrade, he affirmed that it will offer significant comfort and shelter to the local Moneenroe populace.

Cllr. John Brennan pictured with John Bolger and Michael Walsh at the new bus shelter in Moneenroe.

Adding to this promise of improvement, Cllr Brennan heralded the impending visit of Taoiseach Simon Harris

to Castlecomer. Specific locations deduced for this noteworthy visit comprise of the Castlecomer Enterprise Centre, Castlecomer Discovery Park, and the local water treatment plant.

In an endeavour to improve living conditions, Cllr.

Brennan has scheduled discussions with Uisce Eireann officials. His appeal outlines a sincere request for expedited plans to intensify the public water supply for Clogh, Moneenroe and Castlecomer. Concerns are escalating as several

capital and housing projects are idling, with planning permission from Kilkenny County Council remaining elusive.

In a further bid to enhance quality of life, Cllr. Brennan dispersed promising news about funds allocation. A sum of 50,000 Euros each is designated for traffic calming measures in Clogh village and towards the betterment of Castlecomer's community hall. For Cllr. Brennan, these advancements represent a positive stride in community development.

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News Science & Wellbeing

By Donald Weaver, Professor of Chemistry and Director of Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto --------------------------------The pursuit of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is becoming an increasingly competitive and contentious quest with recent years witnessing several important controversies.

In July 2022, Science magazine reported that a key 2006 research paper, published in the prestigious journal Nature, which identified a subtype of brain protein called beta-amyloid as the cause of Alzheimer’s, may have been based on fabricated data.

One year earlier, in June 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration had approved aducanumab, an antibodytargeting beta-amyloid, as a treatment for Alzheimer’s, even though the data supporting its use were incomplete and contradictory.

Some physicians believe aducanumab never should have been approved, while others maintain it should be given a chance.

With millions of people world-wide needing an effective treatment, why are researchers still fumbling in this quest for a cure for what is arguably one of the most important diseases confronting humankind?

For years, scientists have been focused on trying to come up with new treatments for Alzheimer’s by preventing the formation of brain-damaging clumps of this mysterious protein called beta-amyloid.

In fact, we scientists have arguably got ourselves into a bit of an intellectual rut concentrating almost exclusively on this approach, often neglecting or even ignoring other possible explanations.

Regrettably, this dedication to studying the abnormal protein clumps has not translated into a useful drug or therapy.

Studying the Big Bang tells us how our universe evolved to become this way, but it doesn’t immediately reveal why the Big Bang occurred or what might have preceded it. Theoretically and observationally, the evidence for cosmic inflation preceding and setting up the Big Bang is incredibly strong and comprehensive. There are still some new, sensitive things to measure, but the lack of lowhanging fruit doesn’t mean the tree is dead.

A visual history of the expanding Universe includes the hot, dense state known as the Big Bang and the growth and formation of structure subsequently. The full suite of data, including the observations of the light elements and the cosmic microwave background, leaves only the Big Bang as a valid explanation for all we see. As the Universe expands, it also cools, enabling ions, neutral atoms, and eventually mol-

Alzheimer’s may not be a Brain Disease

The need for a new “out-ofthe-clump” way of thinking about Alzheimer’s is emerging as a top priority in brain science.

Based on our past 30 years of research, we no longer think of Alzheimer’s as primarily a disease of the brain. Rather, we believe that Alzheimer’s is principally a disorder of the immune system within the brain.

The immune system, found

in every organ in the body, is a collection of cells and molecules that work in harmony to help repair injuries and protect from foreign invaders.

When a person trips and falls, the immune system helps to mend the damaged tissues. When someone experiences a viral or bacterial infection, the immune system helps in the fight against these microbial invaders.

The exact same processes

So, what, if anything, was before the Big Bang?

are present in the brain. When there is head trauma, the brain’s immune system kicks into gear to help repair. When bacteria are present in the brain, the immune system is there to fight back.

We believe that beta-amyloid is not an abnormally produced protein, but rather is a normally occurring molecule that is part of the brain’s immune system. It is supposed to be there.

When brain trauma occurs or when bacteria are present in the brain, beta-amyloid is a key contributor to the brain’s comprehensive immune response. And this is where the problem begins.

Because of striking similarities between the fat molecules that make up both the membranes of bacteria and the membranes of brain cells, beta-amyloid cannot tell the difference between invading bacteria and host brain cells, and mistakenly attacks the very brain cells it is supposed to be protecting.

This leads to a chronic, progressive loss of brain cell function, which ultimately culminates in dementia – all because our body’s immune system cannot differentiate between bacteria and brain cells.

When regarded as a misdirected attack by the brain’s immune system on the very organ it is supposed to be defending, Alzheimer’s disease emerges as an autoimmune disease.

There are many types of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which autoantibodies play a crucial role in the development of the disease, and for which steroidbased therapies can be effective. But these therapies will not work against Alzheimer’s disease.

The brain is a very special and distinctive organ, recognised as the most complex structure in the Universe. In our model of Alzheimer’s, beta-amyloid helps to protect and bolster our immune system, but unfortunately, it also plays a central role in the autoimmune process that, we believe, may lead to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Though drugs conventionally used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases may not work against Alzheimer’s, we strongly believe that targeting other immune-regulating pathways in the brain will lead us to new and effective ecules, gas clouds, stars, and finally galaxies to form.

The magnitudes of the hot and cold spots, as well as their scales, indicate the curvature of the universe. To the best of our capabilities, we measure it to be perfectly flat. Baryon acoustic oscillations and the CMB, together, provide the best methods of constraining this, down to a combined precision of 0.4%.

To the best we can measure, the universe is indistinguishable from spatially flat.

The stars and galaxies we see today didn’t always exist, and the farther back we go, the closer to an apparent singularity the Universe gets, as we go to hotter, denser, and more uniform states.

However, there is a limit to that extrapolation, as going all the way back to a singularity creates puzzles we cannot answer.

The modern cosmic picture of our universe’s history begins not with a singular-

treatment approaches for the disease.

In addition to this autoimmune theory of Alzheimer’s, many other new and varied theories are beginning to appear. For example, some scientists believe that Alzheimer’s is a disease of tiny cellular structures called mitochondria – the energy factories in every brain cell.

Mitochondria convert oxygen from the air we breathe and glucose from the food we eat into the energy required for remembering and thinking.

Some maintain that it is the end-result of a particular brain infection, with bacteria from the mouth often being suggested as the culprit. Still others suggest that the disease may arise from an abnormal handling of metals within the brain, possibly zinc, copper, or iron.

It is gratifying to see new thinking about this age-old disease. Dementia currently affects more than 50 million people worldwide, with a new diagnosis being made every three seconds. Often, people living with Alzheimer’s disease are unable to recognise their own children or even their spouse of more than 50 years.

For the well-being of the people and families living with dementia, and for the socioeconomic impact on our already stressed health-care system coping with the everescalating costs and demands of dementia, we need a better understanding of Alzheimer’s, its causes, and what we can do to treat it and to help the people and families who are living with it.

Donald Weaver, Professor of Chemistry and Director of Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto *This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. ity that we identify with the Big Bang, but rather with a period of cosmic inflation that stretches the universe to enormous scales, with uniform properties and spatial flatness. The end of inflation signifies the onset of the hot Big Bang.

The quantum fluctuations inherent to space, stretched across the Universe during cosmic inflation, gave rise to the density fluctuations imprinted in the cosmic microwave background, which in turn gave rise to the stars, galaxies, and other large-scale structures in the Universe today. This is the best picture we have of how the entire Universe behaves, where inflation precedes and sets up the Big Bang.

Unfortunately, we can only access the information contained inside our cosmic horizon, which is all part of the same fraction of one region where inflation ended some 13.8 billion years ago.

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Travel & Leisure If you consider yourself a tidy person, when you’re at home, everything likely has its place.

You know exactly where to put your clean and dirty clothes, leftovers go straight into the fridge, and towels are hung up on racks and over shower doors. If you have kids, their toys are (hopefully) put away on shelves and in baskets every night before bed.

When you’re staying at a hotel, keeping your room neat is tough. And while housekeeping services exist for that reason — hotel employees want you to relax and not have to think about cleaning when you’re on vacation!

— it’s normal to feel a little self-conscious as you wonder exactly what they notice when they clean your hotel room.

To find out, the HuffPost consulted hospitality and housekeeping experts. Here’s what they had to say: Some staffers do notice a guest’s sustainability habits.

Housekeeping isn’t necessarily judging that pile of dirty clothes in the corner, but our experts said housekeepers are definitely paying attention to your sustainability habits.

For example, “such things as discarded plastic used for amenities, water bottles, and plasticware, as well as styrofoam cups and pileups of bath towels (though it certainly doesn’t end there),” said Andy De Silva, CEO of Hotel Emporium, a hospitality service that creates hotel amenities.

Luckily, making more environmentally friendly decisions while on vacation is fairly simple — and De Silva believes hotels themselves could do a better job of encouraging this.

“Simple modifications can be made like stocking rooms with paper cups, utilising dispensers and environmentally-friendly packaging for amenities, and encouraging towel reuse,” he said. “Even simple signage in the bathroom that encourages

What hotel staff notice when cleaning your room water conservation is a great start. In the end, adopting a sustainable approach to operations is something that housekeeping and guests will notice and appreciate.”

A few belongings left here and there isn’t an issue.

However, excessive rubbish or leaving the room in complete disarray put staff in a time crunch.

“I notice when I see all the trash people leave in their room because then I know I’m going to have a hard time cleaning that room. Trash everywhere, toothpaste in the sink, ring on the bathtub. That all means I’m going to have to put more pressure on myself to get it all clean in time,” Kim

Randall, a housekeeper at Hilton told HuffPost.

They notice if personal electronics are in their way or if you misplace the hotel’s devices.

“I try to make the guest stay as comfortable as possible without worrying about invading their privacy, so I always notice when people leave their computers on their beds,” Randall said. “I don’t want to touch your stuff, but I want to make your bed nicely.”

According to Mary D’Argenis-Fernandez, founder and CEO of MDA Hospitality Solutions, a company that trains hotel staff, one thing they’re always looking out for is the remote, which tends to

get lost easily.

“Inevitably, this tiny, elusive device is often lost between sheets, behind the bed, under the bed, or somewhere in the most obscure crevices of the room,” she said. “Falling asleep with the television on may result in a scavenger hunt for the room attendant the following day. Placing the remote on the nightstand or where you found it when you checked in saves valuable room attendant time.”

Housekeeping also works hard to keep your personal belongings in places where you can see them so you don’t leave them behind.

“A phone charging cord, a child’s favourite stuffed

animal, or jewellery are just a few of our favourite things that we unwittingly leave behind,” D’Aregnis-Fernandez explained. “If a room attendant does find them [after the guest has checked out] they make every effort to find these items and send them promptly to the hotel’s lost and found.”

Some do notice whether or not you tip.

Last but not least, while it’s certainly not required, housekeeping will notice whether or not you leave a tip.

“While not the first thing a room attendant looks for when entering a room, a tip is a thoughtful way to say ‘thank you’ for preparing

your room as if no one else ever stayed there,” D’AregnisFernandez said. “Recognising the amenities you enjoyed, designing towel art to surprise your children, or ensuring your comfort are examples of room attendants delivering acts of kindness. So, the next time you are in a hotel room, use the notepad and pen left by the phone as an opportunity to leave a thank you note and a few extra dollars.”

Above all, the experts consulted want you to know that the housekeeping staff at a hotel isn’t judging you and your family when they clean your room. For the most part, they’re focused on making sure they do their job!

What to do when the airline loses your luggage When you arrive at your destination and your luggage does not, you will likely have to file a report with the airline near baggage claim and they may have no idea where your luggage is. Or, if it is found, they sill may not know when it will arrive. This is why it’s critical to keep any tags or receipts from your checked luggage — that baggage claim number will help them track down your suitcase.

If there is a chance your luggage just didn’t make it to a connecting flight, the airline should be able to predict the earliest it can be recovered and sent to your airport. You will likely be given a claim number and you’ll need to let the airport know where you

will be staying so they can forward your luggage when it’s found. Depending on your location, it may be faster for you to go back to the airport and retrieve it yourself, but many airlines offer a delivery service for recovered luggage.

Before you leave the support desk, be sure to ask for whatever supplies they can provide you with — an overnight shirt, toothbrush, or other toiletries. Grab a reference number for your claim and find out how to follow up on your bag’s status; some airlines have a link they’ll send you to check, others will want you to call in for status updates.

When your luggage is lost, you’ll need to fill out a claim form explaining in detail what was in your suitcase.

Be aware that airlines will only pay a depreciated value for things you’re claiming, so unless you can prove that something you lost is brand new with a receipt, they won’t pay out the full price.

If you’ve had to go out and find replacement clothes or gear to get by with until your luggage was confirmed lost, the airline will also pay you a depreciated rate for your incurred expenses for replacement pieces.

Just know that no matter what you claim was lost, you’ll likely have to haggle a bit and you may be required to show some sort of documentation for higher priced checked items.

It can take airlines anywhere from a few short hours to a full month to locate your checked

suitcase, and if you’ve filed a claim, it can take weeks to months to finally get word on reimbursement. In some cases, an airline may come back and simply offer you travel vouchers or travel points worth more than the items on your claim, so you’ll need to decide if the deal is a good one. This offer may have points that expire before you can use them, or be subject to blackout dates that make it less advisable to take this deal.

If you booked your travel using a travel rewards credit card, your card might have its own line of travel insurance for lost items. Be sure to check with the card you booked your travel on to see if they have any benefits that could help cover the cost of lost items.

Additionally, if the airline isn’t much help, your home or rental insurance may have some coverages for property loss that occurred outside of your home or apartment — so be sure to check around if you’re facing some unexpected expenses due to lost luggage.

Hopefully you’ll never have an airline lose your luggage. But if you do, these points can be helpful in recovering any incurred cost of replacing lost items and making the situation slightly less stressful.

Lost luggage is thankfully a rarity in modern travel, but delayed luggage can be a real stressor on a trip. We hope these tips are helpful just in case lost luggage ever happens to you!

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Shedding light on friendship of Edison and Ford This week a wonderful story from Gerry Cody’s Facebook page: Sunday’s Anecdote from History. In 1896, Thomas Edison, the great inventor of the electric bulb, was working on a car design when he learned that a young man in his company had created an experimental car. Edison met this young man, Henry Ford, at a company party in New York and was thoroughly impressed by his gasoline-powered car idea.

Edison, who had been considering electricity as a power source, enthusiastically encouraged Ford, saying: “Young man, that’s the thing! You have it! I think you are on to something! I encourage you to continue your pursuits!”

Encouraged by the respected inventor, Henry Ford continued his work, eventually inventing a car that made him very wealthy.

On December 9, 1914, Edison’s laboratory and factory were destroyed by fire. At 67

years old, the damage was too extensive for insurance to cover. Before the ashes were cold, Henry Ford handed Edison a check for $750,000 with a note saying Edison could have more if needed. In 1916, Ford relocated his home next to Edison’s. When Edison was later confined to a wheelchair, Ford also got a wheelchair so they could race each other. Thomas Edison made Henry Ford believe in himself, creating a friendship for life.

What a wonderful example of not being jealous of another’s success. If you can’t win a race, help the person in front of you break the record. Your candle doesn’t lose its light by lighting another. A classic example this of supporting and uplifting each other!

Edison & Ford quotes: Edison: “Genius is one percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration.” ***** “We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls

and looks like work.” ***** “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-it-ness; third, common sense.”​ ***** “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.” *****

Your candle doesn’t lose its light by lighting another..

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” ***** “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that. I wish I had more years left.” ***** “I never did a day’s work in my life, it was all fun.” ***** “Nothing is impossible. We merely don’t know how to do it yet.”

Ford Re his model T car: “Any colour the customer wants, as long as it’s black.” ***** “A man’s college or university degree means nothing to me until I see what he is able to do with them.” ***** “No one ever wins a war.”

***** “Every man is entitled to make a damn fool of himself at least once in his lifetime.” ***** ”If we had more justice, there’d be less need of charity.” ***** “ Worry is the most wasteful thing in the world.”

***** “Hard knocks have a place and value but hard thinking goes further in less time.” ***** “Music and song are, in my opinion, so fine and necessary a part of life that without them we cannot be said to really live.”

Long-shot re snap shots!

This is a long-shot. A while back I lost a Book Centre bag.

Left it in some café or in some store where I was trying on trousers. Revisited those places but no sign of my bag.

What’s important about this bag is the contents – a small album of photos of my son (now 38) when he was three years old. I had just assembled the album (a present for his upcoming birthday) .There was also a paper wallet containing more of those photos, handwritten on it” “IMPORTANT, photos of James in Kilkenny’s Lanes before they were renovated.”

If perchance any shop, any sales assistance knows of these photos I would be more than grateful to hear from you.

Contact 087-2821605.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 83

'The stakes are very high'

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News

A job well done!

GOOD FRIENDS...

Christy Ring and Paddy Grace pictured following the 1962 league final which Kilkenny won 1-16 to 1-8 Ring was almost 42 at the time

Correction In last week's issue of The Kilkenny Observer we ran an article with photos of former Kilkenny County Board Secretary of the GAA, Paddy Grace. Unfortunately we incorrectly stated that one of the pictures was Jack Lynch with Paddy Grace, when in

fact it was Christy Ring. We are happy to correct that this week.

On the positive side, The Kilkenny Observer received numerous compliments on the Liam Burke article with the general comments being that it was brilliant to see Paddy Grace remembered for the great man that he

was. We are thankful to the many members of the public who took time to contact us with such positive comments on the article. We also wish to thank Newpark Residents Association, The Grace and Walsh families, Tullaroan Camogie Club, and Kilkenny GAA for their kind comments.

Mayor Andrew McGuinness at the cyclewalking route at Pococke, Kilkenny

Mayor Andrew McGuinness has praised Kilkenny County Council’s outdoor staff on what he says is a 'job well done' with improved walking and cycling facilities at the Pococke on the Johnswell Road.

Over the last number of days Kilkenny County Council crews completed resurfacing and landscaping works in preparation for the return to school.

"This facility provides a

fantastic off road link to St John's Senior School, Lakeside Medical Centre and local shops for residents from Ashfield, The Orchard, Pococke, Beechlawns and The Fairways. It is a beautiful walk or cycle that connects these housing schemes to all of the essential services and facilities in St John's Parish," said Mayor Andrew McGuinness.

"Last year, members of Kilkenny Municipal District cycled this route ourselves to get

a taste of how beneficial a route like this can be. It’s great now to see it being used and so well maintained in time for the return to school in the coming weeks," he said.

"I want to commend the Councils outdoor staff and engineers and our fantastic cycling officer Caitríona Corr for their foresight and hard work.

They really have done a great job on this project," concluded Mayor McGuinness

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

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Opinion

The Last Word Pat Coughlan

Could technology restore faith in boxing scores?

Boxing, a sport steeped in tradition and drama, has long been plagued by dodgy scoring decisions. The controversy was on full display during the recent Paris Olympics, where several matches were marred by judgments from judges who had previously been identified as making questionable decisions.

Fans and fighters alike were left bewildered by decisions in bouts such as the men’s featherweight final, where many felt the underdog from Team Ireland was unfairly snubbed despite a strong performance. Similarly, the women’s middleweight semi-final saw cries of foul play after a seemingly dominant fighter from Team Great Britain was handed a perplexing loss.

Inconsistencies and perceived biases in these scoring outcomes have reignited calls for a major overhaul of the system. With technology advancing at a

rapid pace, there’s a growing belief that it could be the key to restoring faith in boxing round scores, ensuring fairness and transparency for future competitions.

Imagine a world where boxing scores are no longer a mystery. Technology could be the game-changer here, offering a level of precision and fairness that judges sometimes miss.

With gadgets and gizmos, we could track every punch, every dodge, and every move with pinpoint accuracy.

This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about giving fighters the recognition they deserve and fans the transparency they crave.

By integrating tech into the scoring process, we could finally put an end to those head-scratching decisions and bring a new era of trust and excitement to the sport.

When it comes to football in the UK and Ireland, the introduction of VAR (Video

Assistant Referee) has been a game-changer. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly helped clear up some of those dodgy offside calls and penalty decisions. In the US, American football has benefitted from instant replay reviews that allow referees to make more accurate decisions on the field. Tennis, popular in all three regions, has HawkEye, which has pretty much eliminated disputes over whether the ball was in or out. And let’s not forget basketball’s instant replay system, widely used in both the UK and US, which allows referees to review crucial moments in the game. These technologies have brought a new level of fairness and accuracy to their respective sports, offering valuable lessons that boxing could definitely learn from.

Imagine having the ability to track every jab, hook, and uppercut in real-time. With data analytics, this isn’t just

a pipe dream. By monitoring punch counts, impact force, and fighter movements, we can achieve a level of scoring accuracy that judges alone might miss. This tech can provide instant feedback, ensuring that every hit is accounted for and every round is scored fairly. It’s like having an extra set of eyes in the ring, making sure that the fighters get the recognition they deserve, and the fans get the transparency they’ve been longing for.

Wearable tech is making waves in boxing, offering a treasure trove of data that could revolutionise scoring.

Imagine fighters equipped with sensors that track heart rate, fatigue levels, and movement efficiency. These gadgets can provide realtime insights into a boxer’s performance, giving judges additional data points to consider.

It’s not just about counting punches anymore – it’s about understanding the

“By blending tradition with innovation, boxing could finally offer the transparency and reliability...

quality and impact of each move. With this tech, we can get a clearer picture of who’s really dominating the ring, making the scoring process fairer and more transparent for everyone involved.

Imagine judges using their expertise to interpret the nuances of a fight, while tech provides real-time data to back up their decisions. This dual system could iron out inconsistencies and bring a new level of fairness to the sport. It’s not about replacing humans but enhancing their judgement with solid data . The time break between bouts can be a benefit for judges to modify their instant scoring, ensuring they consider the finer details that may have been missed in the heat of the moment. By blending tradition with innovation, boxing could finally offer the transparency and reliability that fans and fighters have been crying out for.

St. Canices’s Bi-Centenary mass

Gathered at St Canices Church on Dean Street in Kilkenny city to celebrate the BiCentenary mass were from left: Fr. Paddy Carey, Dean Stephen Farrell, Fr. Tom Coyle, Fr. Godfrey, Mons Michael Ryan, Fr. Tom Norris, John McGuinness T.D., Fr. Stephen Cummins, Fr. Jim Murphy, Cllr. Martin Brett, Mayor Joe Malone, Fr. Dan Carroll, Fr. Willie Purcell, Cllr. John Coonan, Fr. Michael Kelly, Fr. Adrian Curran, Fr. Dermot Ryan, Fr. Jim Crotty, Fr. Pat Dalton and Fr. Kieran O’Shea. (photo: Tom Beirne)

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Photographic exhibition

Artistic talent and wond as Ross Costigan exhibit Lisa Bergin

Jamie Brennan

Eddie Brennan and Joy Feahey attended David Thompson the launch of the Ross Costigan photographic exhibition at the Watergate

Rebecca Dwyer

Jean Costigan

Remembering times past: Dan Pearson, Mayor Andrew Mc Guinness, and Benjamin Keating

Photos by Pat Shortall

Ross Costigan (1981 -2017) was a photographer and artist who framed Kilkenny life and beyond through his lens. Curated by the Arts festival, family and friends a collection of his photographs were exhibited that captures Costigans perspective on Kilkenny

The Kilkenny Observer attended the opening night of The Ross Costigan Photographic exhibition at The Watergate Theatre as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival programme.

Ross, who died in 2017, left behind a rich amount of work and credit must go to the organisers who selected over 20 photos that capture all that is good in the Arts world.

One of the organisers of the exhibition Thomas O’Donohue spoke to The Observer and expressed his delight to see the exhibition come to fruition.

Thomas continued: “Ross was a super talented director actor and of course photographer and his work on display at the Watergate personifies all that was great about him” One of the founders of Devious Theatre, Ken McGuire told this paper that “it was obvious, very quickly, that Ross Costigan was something special. It was a delight to witness his energy, his enthusiasm and his committent

to the arts. His dedication to the stage was all encompassing and he embraced it with every fibre of his being.”

Those present on the night included people from local radio, Cartoon Saloon, Dreamstuff theatre, Watergate productions, Young Irish Film Makers and Kilkenny Arts Festival. Mike Kelly who founded Young Irish Film Makers and Dreamstuff Theatre, remembered Ross with wonderful affection and described him as a talented young man with a beautiful soul.

Also present were members of Ross’s family including his mother Jean and Husband Damien.

Jean told the Observer that it was a very special night to see the photographs exhibited at The Watergate. Speaking on the night, Mayor Andrew McGuinness said that Ross’s untimely death was a devastating blow to the theatre fraternity and to the wider Kilkenny community. “Most affected, obviously, were his loving family and his many close friends, but the truth is that Ross will never be forgotten and we will continue to honour his wonderful and adventurous

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Photographic exhibition

erful soul remembered ion is launched Jenny Power. Anne Dunne and Jackie Costigan Dooley at the Watergate gallery

Molly O’Byrne and Grace Power attended the Watergate launch

Reunion: Richie Hogan, Linda Hanbidge-Cliffe, Niamh Moyles and Adrian Kavanagh at the Watergate

life”, continued Kilkenny’s first citizen. Orla Barry from Kilkenny Arts festival said the festival was delighted to host the exhibition “Ross was a photographer and

artist who framed Kilkenny life and beyond through his own lens.

He shot some iconic photos for the festival and created an amazing archive of Kilkenny life over the last

two decades”, said the festival CEO. A spokesperson for the Watergate reported a large volume of people visited the exhibition during the festival.

Pictured at the Ross Costigan launch: Adam Costigan Dooley and Sean Egars Young Irish Film Makers who attended the Ross Costigan launch: Oisín Quigley, Benjamin Keating and Aoife Bambrick

Brendan Corcoran (former member of Watergate productions) and John Morton (writer) attended the Photographic exhibition at The Watergate

Mike Kelly, Emma Rooney and Kevin Mooney former colleagues of Ross Costigan at the Watergate gallery

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

Opinion

The Black Abbey

Part one

The Black Abbey A gem of Kilkennys heritage

A Treasure to Behold

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The story of Kilkenny’s Black Abbey reads like a “stranger than fiction” tale.

It’s as much a tourist attraction as a place of worship. A painstaking restoration process lasting decades has ensured the preservation of the building and its historic treasures.

William Marshal, the Norman Lord, founded the abbey in 1225. For almost 300 years it flourished in a climate of peace and tolerance.

But in 1540, disaster struck.

King Henry VIII decided to close down the monasteries in Ireland. The Friars were banished from the abbey, the Crown confiscated their property, and the church was converted into a courthouse.

For the next 60 years, the Black Abbey resembled a church only on the outside.

Within, it had all the grim trappings of a courthouse. In the place where the altar used to be, judges sat and passed death sentences on hundreds of locals. People went to the scaffold for even the mildest transgressions.

In one infamous case, a man was condemned to disemboweling AND decapitation for stealing a loaf of bread from a local aristocrat.

Meanwhile, the homeless monks wandered the land, ministering to the poor and living off charity. The Black Abbey recovered its hallowed

status for a brief period in 1603 when two Dominican Friars, Edmund Barry and Edward Raughter, led a protest march

The revered Trinity statue at the abbey

to the church-cum-court building.

The large crowd managed to break down the door and

The nave and transcept

storm the building. Once inside, they smashed benches, broke up the hated prisoners’ dock, and ripped paintings of King Henry off the walls.

The Friar demanded the keys of the church from a caretaker, who was in no position to argue with the “concerned residents” of Kilkenny. The Friar then announced that he was “taking possession of the Abbey in the name of God and the people.” The Mayor of Kilkenny backed the illegal occupation of the Black Abbey, and his stance landed him in prison.

The Abbey was back in the hands of the Friars-but not for long. Troops moved to recapture the church and it was again turned into a criminal court. The friars remained

in the wilderness until 1642, when the great Confederation of Kilkenny was declared.

The City became the venue for a rebel Irish Parliament.

Kilkenny was effectively Ireland’s capital. The Black Abbey enjoyed a brief respite from persecution.

That happy phase ended with the arrival of Cromwell’s army.

The abbey felt the full brunt of his rage when he overcame the Kilkenny Royalist garrison. The Dominican friars had to flee for their lives. Troops ransacked the abbey, and Cromwell himself had part of the church turned into a makeshift bedroom.

To this day, that section of the abbey is known as “Cromwell’s Bed.” Sacred objects were

smashed or removed, the windows were broken, and the roof pulled off. To add further insult to injury, the Roundheads took an Irish oak statue of St. Dominic from the church and used it as a football in the city streets.

Centuries later, this incident became a political football: G.A.A. opponents of “foreign games” joked that it was the first soccer game played in Ireland!

The Black Abbey remained deserted for hundreds of years.

The Penal Laws forced the monks to say Mass in hiding.

There was a price on their heads and if arrested they faced torture and death…

To be continued…

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Competition winner

Lesley Cleere draws the winning entry

Thank you to all who entered the competition draw to win a €200 gift voucher for Market Cross Shopping Centre sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer. We were delighted to get such a huge response.

The winning entry was drawn by Lesley Cleere, Centre Manager at Market Cross Shopping Centre.

Congratulations to Alison O’Shea Murphy, Garryrickin, Windgap, Kilkenny who was the lucky winner of the €200 voucher and with lots of retails outlets to choose from and places to grab a bite to eat, not to mention the exciting new businesses, we wish you happy spending.

Faith O'Neill, The Kilkenny Observer and Lesley Cleere, Centre Manager of Market Cross Shopping Centre picking the lucky winner of the €200 voucher for Market Cross Shopping Centre

Alison O'Shea Murphy winner of the €200 gift voucher presented by Faith O'Neill, The Kilkenny Observer

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Exhibition

Tia and Jeanie launch at Auxiliary Hospital Photos: jbs photos

Some Kilkenny folk will know where the Auxiliary hospital is in Kilkenny.

For those who are unsure as to the location, it is that building on Wolfe Tone Street with the Mick Minogue elephant artwork on the outside wall.

The venue is home to T.A.S.K TASK (Training and Support Kilkenny) is a full time rehabilitative training programme for adults. They are part of the Kilkenny mental health service.

Their programme helps people to improve and maintain mental well being, develop coping strategies and self care skills, and primarily regain confidence.

The workforce provide training and workshops in such areas as gardening, horticulture, furniture upcycling, camera club, sports and recreation as well as health and well-being. Another string to their bow is the provision of spaces to a number of artists many of whom were part of the Fringe Arts festival 2024.

One such showing is a joint exhibition, with works by Tia Vellani and Jeanie McDonald which was launched by TASK volunteer Cathal Mac Farlane who introduced the two artists.

Congratulating both artists, Cathal reminded the gathering that it takes a lot more than just being good with pencil and brush to stage an exhibition. It was, he said, the proverbial case of blood, sweat and tears.

McFarlane reminded the gathering of the old story that while it can take four hours to knock a tree, it's advised to spend three of those hours sharpening the axe.

Cathal explained that it had been his privilege to observe both artists sharpening that axe, sourcing materials, discussing ideas, trying to encourage the work to continue through the dark days, to eventually reach fruition.

One of the founding members of the AKA festival, Mr McFarlane paid tribute to TASK for facilitating the artists with the space to operate from.

Exhibiting at the former hospital Jeanie McDonald and Tia Vellani thanked all for attending the launch.

Susan Fahy of T.A.S.K presented a bouquet of flowers to artists Jeanie McDonald and Tia Vallani at the launch of their ex hibition at the Auxiliary hospital

Eileen and Pat Shortiss at the TASK painting ex hibition

CREATIVITY Jeanie is a vibrant and unconventional artist whose work defies categorization and embraces the beautiful chaotic nature of creativity. With a passion for exploring the depths of human emotion and the intricacies of the world around her , Jeanie’s art is reflection of her unique perspective and spirited personality.

Her pieces often challenge societal norms and expectations and with a playful introspective approach as Jeanie invites her audience to explore science, social responsibilities and the complexities of life , identity and emotional well being. Tia produces the human experience. multi media projects in collaboration scientists, dancers musicians CONNECTIONS and artists. Apart from painting Tia Tia Vellani is an artist with a backalso produces sculptures drawings, ground in music and genetics. She installations tapestries , digital art explores connections between art, and musical compositions .

Millie and John Joe Ryan attended the launch of the Jeanie McDonald and Tia Vallani ex hibition

Helen Walsh and Tia Vallani

Her work has been exhibited in Europe and North America.

Concluding his talk, Cathal said that we should all take some pride in the fact that we can decide , with dedication and focus, to knock and remove the obstacles and walls that can sometimes block our pro-

gression. When this is done, we welcome in the public to see what projects are available to those on the recovery road one of those being art and how expression is often the opposite of depression.

“It is particularly gratifying”, said Cathal, “to note that no less than

five of the artists who use the studio space at the Auxiliary are exhibiting during the festival.” On behalf of the TASK team, Cathal sent good wishes to Eoghan O’Driscoll ( Langtons) Claire Mulcahy ( Constituency office, The Parade) and Oliver Bennett (upstairs at Dunnes)

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Exhibition Lucy Doyle and Aaron McDonald at the launch

Marie Butler attended the painting ex hibition launch

Tia and Tom at the Auxiliary

Michael Powell attended the launch at TASK

Trish McDonald Carol McDonald and Ann McDonagh supporting Tia and Jeanie at the launch of the TASK painting ex hibition

Marek and Shane attended the launch at the Auxiliary Artist Jeanie McDonald and husband Dave

Millie Ryan and Ann Ryan

At the Auxiliary Hospital for the McDonald Vallani painting ex hibition were: Claire Mulcahy . Susan Fahy and Una Lennon

Artist Jeanie McDonald with son Aaron at the launch of the painting ex hibition at the Auxiliary hospital during the Kilkenny AKA festival

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

Global Report One of the more unexpected consequences of Brexit is that it has made EU membership more popular.

The British exit from the EU was the high-water mark of a general distrust, even disgust, experienced by public opinions across many member states towards the bureaucracy in Brussels. When the UK voted to leave, there was much talk of other countries following its example.

Brexit’s promise was that the UK, once unfettered by the restrictive rules and regulations imposed by the EU, would regain not just its full sovereignty but also its geopolitical standing and economic agility — as if it were an Asian tiger moored off the European continent. Bye-bye Brussels, hello to the “sunlit uplands” of Singapore-on-Thames.

It didn’t quite turn out that way. Brexit didn’t resolve political infighting between proand anti-Europeans in Britain. It further entrenched and exacerbated it. Meanwhile, frictionless trade and travel from the UK to Europe was abolished. Brexit has been described as “the only time in history a country has imposed trade sanctions on itself”. The economy, predictably, took a hit. By some accounts, the UK’s GDP is now 5% smaller than it would have been had the country remained in the EU. All that trouble and strife has silenced the EU’s oncevocal opponents on the continent. Support for joining the European Union in several of the EU’s direct and indirect neighbours is fairly widespread. Meanwhile, stalwarts of the Euroskeptic far right, such as Marine Le Pen in France, have toned down their previously boisterous opposition to EU membership, seeing that it is no longer the vote-winner it once was.

Republican Party operatives and others close to Donald Trump have grown increasingly nervous over trends they’ve seen in recent private polling data produced by different Republican organisations and conservative allies.

It’s not just the swing-state polling or the national surveys that are causing distress lately. The anxiety-spiking numbers are coming out of Trump strongholds like Ohio and Florida, according to three GOP sources, including two people close to the former president, who have reviewed the private polls.

“They’re looking worse than they should,” one Republican operative who has seen the internal data told Rolling Stone. “Donald Trump is not losing Florida or Ohio, but that isn’t what’s concerning ... It’s a trend of softening support.”

The polling results are a mirror image of what spooked Democratic operatives — prior to President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 contest — when both public and private polling data showed Biden shedding support in safe terrain like Minnesota,

EU membership grows in popularity Even in the United Kingdom

The tide has turned even in the UK. British support now stands at 52% — exactly the share of votes that approved Britain’s exit from the EU in the referendum. In 2016, Scotland voted to remain in the EU. That stance has only hardened: 74% of Scots now want to rejoin.

Even higher levels of support for joining the EU are found in some of the nations

of the western Balkans, the area formerly known as Yugoslavia. Albanians (97%) and Kosovans (95%) are virtually unanimous, while EU membership enjoys majority support in North Macedonia, Montenegro (both 79%), and Bosnia-Herzegovina (76%).

Georgia (79%) and Ukraine (77%) are also pro-joining and not just for economic reasons. They view EU mem-

bership as a shield against Russian interference in their internal affairs. The same motivation will also be at play in Moldova, although to a smaller extent (61%).

However, not everyone is as glowingly pro-EU. In many, strong minorities favouring membership see their path obstructed by blocs opposed to the EU for various economic and geopolitical reasons.

These include Serbia (44%), Turkey (49%), and Armenia (38%). Pro-EU sentiment is even smaller in Belarus (32%) and Russia (8%).

Things are clearer in Switzerland (18%) and Norway (35%). As the saying goes, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Because these countries are so wealthy, joining the EU would mean paying more into the budget than they would get

out of it.

As for Greenland and Iceland (both 40%), the reason for the animus toward Europe may be twofold. They may feel the need to protect their economic reliance on specific industries, such as fishing and agriculture. They’re also so far out on Europe’s periphery that Brussels feels remote — which may be just how they like it.

ris, the Harris-Walz campaign has significantly cut into (or in some cases reversed) Trump’s leads, infuriating the former president with less

than three months until Election Day. Several of those signs, much to the consternation of some of the national Republican Party elite, are now popping up in Trump country.

The three sources would not allow Rolling Stone to print any of the referenced data pertaining to these solidly red states, or to publicly identify which conservative groups or GOP organs had run the recent surveys.

There is a sense among various Republican consultants that the poll numbers would not be helpful to party morale or — more optimistically speaking — merely present a snapshot of a Harris 2024 “honeymoon.” Indeed, two of the sources say they personally have not briefed the data or their concerns to Trump yet, fearing it would only upset him.

The New York Times reported that “two private polls conducted in Ohio recently by Republican pollsters — which Trump carried in 2020 with 53 percent of the vote — showed him receiving less than 50 percent of the vote against Ms Harris in the state”.

And in the realm of public and nonpartisan polling, the red-state warning signs for Trump and his party are blaring.

“I was surprised that Harris is within striking distance, being only five points down,” David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Centre, said, regarding a USA Today/Suffolk University/WSVN-TV poll of likely Florida.

There is a long, two-and-ahalf-month stretch between now and Election Day, and the presidential race between Harris and Trump remains effectively in toss-up territory. Nobody who works on or close to the Harris or Trump campaigns whom Rolling Stone has spoken to say it is even remotely likely that Trump loses to Harris in Florida or Ohio this November.

Still, at this late stage in the campaign, Team Harris is revelling in recent polling news and a palpable uptick in Democratic voter enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Team Trump is suddenly playing defence, a position they largely were not expecting to be in at this point in the election cycle.

Republicans worry as Red-State polls look bad for Trump

New Mexico, Virginia, and even New York. The question was never, for instance, if the president would win New York; his soft support in lib-

eral bastions foretold doom in critical battleground states.

But within the past month, after Biden ceded the ticket to Vice-President Kamala Har-

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

Martial Arts Centre now enrolling for popular A ‘ creative path to your future’ Budo kids karate classes in the Watershed Kilkenny

Young Irish Filmmakers have opened registration for their CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION Course (QQI Level 4) which is starting this September.

Commencing September 2024, our exciting multimedia course is your first step to a career in the creative industries. Build your skillset and develop a portfolio of Creative work. Learner projects include film, photography, graphic design, podcasting and so much more. The QQI level 4 awarded on completion, provides excellent progression to further education.

To register today & for more information follow the link to fetchcourses.ie. "This course is an excellent grounding in creative media production and an excellent progression route to further education. Year on year our students attain their

best possible outcomes' ', says Gareth Hanlon the course Coordinator.

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

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

Every September, 20 creative

people aged 16+ join the Kilkenny City based course for 44 weeks of learning through practical creative projects involving community groups, local festivals and even working with local businesses to create social media content as part of their work experience module.

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

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: • You must be over 16 yrs (and up to 35 yrs).

• QQI Level 3 or equivalent • B1 English required • Interpreter available on site for Ukrainian learners PAYMENTS: Students generally receive a payment for attending the course. You will need to be signed on to Intreo, on Disability payment or be an early school leaver to qualify.

There is also assistance with travel costs where appropriate.

Places are filling up fast. Click the link to REGISTER NOW .

Contact the course coordinator Gareth Hanlon on gareth@yifm.com or call 05677 64677 for further information.

The Budo Martial Arts Centre, also known as the Kilkenny Karate Club, is excited to announce that enrolment is now open for their highly sought-after kids' karate classes at the Watershed in Kilkenny. Catering to children aged 5 to 13 years, these beginner classes offer a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop important life skills while having fun and staying active.

Karate is more than just a physical activity; it’s a discipline that fosters confidence, discipline, and respect—qualities that are essential for children’s growth.

At the Budo Martial Arts Centre, children are taught by a team of highly qualified garda-vetted instructors, all of whom are black belts with the Japan Shotokan Karate Association.

Classes are designed to accommodate busy family

schedules, with multiple sessions available throughout the week. Kids' beginner classes are held on Mondays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesdays from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Whether your child is new to sport or looking to build on existing skills, these classes provide the perfect introduction to the martial art.

One of the unique aspects of karate is its ability to build both physical and mental strength. Children who practice karate often show improved focus, better behaviour at school, and greater self-discipline.

Additionally, karate helps children to learn how to set goals and work towards achieving them, whether it’s earning their next belt or mastering a new technique.

The emphasis on respect, both for oneself and others, is another core value taught at the Budo Martial Arts Centre, making it an ideal environment for young learners.

To help parents and children get a taste of what the classes have to offer, the Budo Martial Arts Centre is offering a limited number of free trial classes. However, spaces are filling up fast, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity for your child to learn and grow through karate.

In addition to kids' classes, the Budo Martial Arts Centre also offers sessions for teenagers, adults, and families, making it a wonderful way for people of all ages to stay active and connected. Classes are starting now, so take the first step towards giving your child the benefits of karate— enrol them today at the Budo Martial Arts Centre, where confidence, discipline, and respect are at the heart of every lesson.

For those interested in securing a free trial place for their child, simply text ‘Observer’ to 086 3668669 or call the centre directly.

For more information about the club and its offerings, visit their website at www. budomartialartscentre.com.

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Empowering our community: Jeanette Delahunty and TSK Academy's mission for neuro inclusion In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the need for tailored, empathetic, and effective approaches to neurodivergence has never been more pressing.

Jeanette Delahunty, an award-winning leader in this field, is at the forefront of driving change.

Recently named Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 and celebrated as a WorldChanger, Jeanette leads TSK Academy and Creative Family Solutions with a vision to empower individuals and communities. Her work transcends traditional learning models, creating a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals and those who support them.

TSK Academy is more than just an educational institution; it's a hub of knowledge and support for those navigating the complexities of neurodiversity. Jeanette’s approach is both innovative and compassionate, rooted in her extensive experience and a deep commitment to neuro inclusion. TSK Academy's offerings are designed to equip parents, educators, and professionals with the tools and understanding needed to support neurodivergent

individuals effectively.

One of the upcoming highlights at TSK Academy is the "PDA: Understanding and Supporting Pathological Demand Avoidance" course, scheduled for 9th September. This course delves into the intricacies of PDA, a profile on the autism spectrum characterised by extreme avoidance of everyday demands and expectations. It aims to shed light on this often misunderstood condition, offering practical strategies for those who live or work with individuals with PDA. Following this, TSK Academy will host the "Understanding & Supporting ADHD" course on 16th and 23rd September. Spanning two evenings, this course provides a comprehensive overview of ADHD, focusing on understanding the condition and developing effective support strategies. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or professional, this course is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the lives of those with ADHD. Additionally, for those seeking a more in-depth exploration, the Academy’s

Accredited CPD Certificate in Behaviour Interventions & Understanding Complex Needs commences on 8th October. This course is designed for professionals who work with individuals with complex needs, offering advanced training in behaviour interventions and strategies to support positive outcomes.

But TSK Academy’s impact doesn’t stop at individual courses. Jeanette Delahunty and her team offer bespoke organisational training and consultancy services, tailored to the specific needs of schools, preschools, and organisations. This holistic approach ensures that entire communities can benefit from a better understanding of neurodiversity, fostering inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

In a world that often struggles to accommodate neurodivergent individuals, Jeanette Delahunty, TSK Academy, and Creative Family Solutions are leading the charge for change. Their upcoming courses and ongoing commitment to training and consultancy are vital steps towards a more inclusive and understanding society. Jeanette’s accolades are a testament to her dedication, and her work continues to inspire and empower those around her.

Art of Change this Autumn issues. The workshops take place in Foroige The Drum and Ossory Youth on alternating dates.

When: Beginning Sept.

10th @4.45pm-6.30pm workshops will run every Tuesday till Nov. 26th.

Where: Ossory Youth Centre and Foroige The Drum in Kilkenny City.

Who can get involved: Young People aged 13-18yrs How to join: Booking is essential. Email your interest to kathy.conlan@ kilkennycoco.ie.

Under 18’s must have a parent email on their behalf.

All workshops are free to join.

Kilkenny County Council Arts Office is excited to announce the return of The Art of Change - a Youth Arts initiative which aims to empower young people in exploring environmental and climate action topics through different artforms.

This Autumn we invite young people across Kilkenny to join together to take part in a series of youth

workshops which will give them time to dig deeper into topics and artforms.

They will take part in eleven free workshops running each week on Tuesdays from September 10th to November 26th in which they will explore a variety of visual art processes and techniques that aim to support their creativity and interest in environmental

Upcycling workshops added!

Two additional youth workshops which will focus on upcycling textiles for young people will run on November 7th and 14th at St. Canices Neighbourhood Hall at 4.45pm-6.30pm. The workshop is open to those of all who have an interest in finding out ways to get creative with material.

How to join: Booking is essential. Email your interest to kathy.conlan@ kilkennycoco.ie.

Under 18’s must have a parent email on their behalf.

All workshops are free to join.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

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Life in the golden years!

Dalton House and Gowran Community Housing for the Elderly was the vision of a group of local volunteers who saw a void in the community for our senior citizens. After many years of fundraising, grant applications and funding from Kilkenny County Council, National Lottery Funds and private donations,

this idea came to fruition in 1999.

The object of the centre is to provide services and activities that enable ageing people to participate in ongoing social activities thereby enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing. We are open six days a week, offering meals in our centre, meals on wheels,

laundry, art classes, weekly music night, chiropody and varying different classes and activities over the years.

We cater to just under 100 people per week and deliver meals to Goresbridge, Paulstown, Clara, Dunbell, Bennettsbridge, Tullaherin, and Dungarvan six days per week.

Dalton House Day Centre was nominated for an Irish Healthcare award in 2017.

When we won it was a joyous occasion. Three of our board members travelled to Dublin to represent our centre.

Our award was presented to us by Marty Whelan at a very luscious affair. This has been one of our greatest achievements.

One of our other achievements has been the production of three books, Life through our Viewfinder, Life through our Viewfinder II and Life through our Viewfinder III. This is a collection of peoples stories from yesteryear, of the trials and tribulations of life in Ireland over the decades.

The centre would not continue to survive without the funding it receives from Pobal, HSE, private donations and fundraising by the centre itself. We have tried different types of fundraising efforts over the years, from sponsored walks to bag packing. In 2019 we decided to open a Tea Room to the general public to help us generate a permanent way to generate the extra funds needed to support the centre. Thus, Molly’s Tea

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

Room was formed.

Unfortunately, Covid made its presence known in 2020 and we had to close the Tea Room, but we got through it and we re-opened fully in 2022. It is a lovely meeting place to have in the centre of the village, not only for our residents but for the people of Gowran.

Molly’s is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

We serve breakfast, lunches, sandwiches, homemade cakes, teas and coffees. We also make cakes to order;

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Christmas cakes, puddings, mince pies and other catering needs such as sandwiches, salads, etc.

Another project set up by our volunteers is a thrift and preloved clothing store. You can leave in your clothes to us and we will sell your items on your behalf. We take 40% of the sale and you receive 60%. People can also donate clothes if they desire.

We could not run such a successful enterprise without its hard-working, dedicated staff over the years.

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Celebrating 25years of community service Images supplied by Ashling Brett, Dalton House Daycare Centre Louise Dreeling Helen Dreeling

Aine Roche, Trish Kennedy and Ashling Brett of Dalton House Daycare Centre

Dalton House Senior Centre celebrated a milestone event in Gowran over the weekend marking 25 years of serving the community.

With the sun shining high in the sky, our celebrations kicked off on Sunday at 1pm with our volunteer musicians starting off the fes-

Enjoying the music

Chatting with good friends

tivities. Pete Hutchinson and Paul Brett took centre stage and the shenanigans began.

We took a break from the music at 2.30pm to enjoy a game of bakery bingo. With Jiggy Cleere at the helm, he called them numbers with gusto. There was great tension

among the crowd to see who would win the cupcakes. We had many checks with a mad race to see who would get the chocolate orange cupcakes first.

With the music resuming, Jiggy and Paul played the next session before passing the helm to Moira

Kennedy & Dick Adams. We finished out our day with the talented vocals of Andy Kennedy and Ben Walsh. Andy and Ben have been volunteering since the centre opened its doors in 1999.

We couldn’t have hoped for better weather and the support from our

community. All in all, it was a great celebration and we hope to do it again in the near future. This event to mark over 25 years of community service in Gowran was a wonderful way to thank our amazing clients, staff and volunteers and we look forward to the next 25 years.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

Images supplied by Ashling Brett, Dalton House Daycare Centre

Dee Rafter Pam Murphy Geraldine Nolan Trish Condon

Margaret Byrne Deirdre Farrell Christine Ryan

Sean Barcoe Michael Dreeling Tom Kelly

Liz Kennedy Ciara Murphy Des Kehoe

Playing bingo

Caroline Winfield, Kitty Nolan

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The benefits of having a daycare centre in your community Day centres are public spaces that offer care, companionship, hot meals, and activities all under one easily accessible roof. Certain centres focus on treating a particular medical condition, like dementia, while others serve the elderly. Others additionally offer personal care and social services to those with disabilities.

There are many benefits to daycare centres for the elderly, with only a fraction of them listed below.

Staying connected It is commonly recognised that loneliness has a significant detrimental impact on older adults' quality of life and

wellbeing, making it one of the primary causes of poor health.

Regularly bringing people together through day centres fosters the development of strong friendships, which has numerous positive effects on health and wellbeing.

Often, the most powerful effect comes from just spending some time listening.

Participants appreciate having someone their own age speak to them. As a result, dialogue is crucial to the planning of services and activities provided at day centres.

Crucially, emphasising frequent communication also has the added advantage of assisting staff members in promptly recognising any

additional demands.

Day centres have been shown to assist carers as well. Daycare centres can assist by lessening the load on caretakers and providing valuable time for them to engage in social and selfcare activities that they were previously unable to do.

Additionally, they receive a much-needed respite from their caregiving duties, which improves their general health and wellbeing.

Better access to services Daycare facilities promote service access in a variety of ways. The day centre can assist in removing obstacles that prevent people from getting

additional support services, which are occasionally difficult to request or acknowledge as necessary. But after taking this initial step, people are more likely to continue accepting and even actively seeking out other preventative chances and forming a social and supporting network.

Community transport is another method day centres assist with service access.

Many centres have their own transportation, such as an accessible minibus, to pick individuals up at their door, convey them to the centre, and then safely return them home. Even if the activity or centre is right in the middle of the neighbourhood where the person lives, this kind of transit is frequently the deciding factor that can make all the difference in their life.

Reduced worry A change in our situation, health, or capacity to carry out our daily activities can make us feel depressed or anxious. Day centres have such a good effect on mental health that many individuals who experience stress and anxiety can start to feel some relief from their symptoms very quickly.

Better health and wellbeing A lot of senior citizens who visit day centres participate in games, puzzles, crafts, celebrations, courses, music, and memory exercises. There are additional advantages to

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

these activities in addition to their primary goals of fostering stronger relationships and making sure everyone has a good day.

Memory projects promote storytelling from recollections that surface and aid in evoking a sense of nostalgia. This is consoling, especially for those who are suffering from memory loss. Singing old songs and sharing personal anecdotes might help guests with memory loss feel in control and relaxed, even though they have trouble recalling facts from their short-term memory. Engaging in creative activities has been shown to improve fine motor abilities, relaxation, coordination, expression, and skill development.

Independence Day centres make the elderly feel resilient and safe so they may stay in their homes and live more independently.

Others linked this to feeling like they were coping, others to the lessened ‘burden’ on family, and the majority to the fact that they wouldn't be able to function without the assistance and would have to move into protected accommodation, which would limit their options.

Happiness Growing older may cause us to become more fearful of many kinds of risks. As we become more conscious of our weaknesses, we may

experience anxiety and a loss of confidence.

Higher levels of confidence are associated with higher levels of motivation, pleasure, and wellbeing. As a result, service users develop a strong support system and social network, which increases their sense of safety and coping skills, and they start to feel less vulnerable and more robust.

Nutrition It is crucial to have access to a hot, nourishing meal that may be shared with others.

Many daycare attendees are living alone and no longer feel motivated to prepare meals for themselves. Some have physical or emotional issues that make cooking difficult, while others have lost a spouse who handled the couple's cooking and miss the good food and company that mealtimes formerly provided.

Attending a day centre has numerous advantages that can have a long-lasting impact on a person's life in many different areas. It can reduce low mood, anxiety, and depression and replace them with emotions of enjoyment, contentment, and positivity. It can also change feelings of isolation into feelings of being well connected and supported.

It can also work as a catalyst for change by creating new avenues for participation in programs and activities that have the potential to improve health and wellbeing even further.

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Poetry

White Twine and Old Suitcases The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and Recovery College South East have produced a wonderful anthology of poetry and prose. ‘White Twine and old suitcases’ comprises of 128 pages and 60 authors and is complemented by some wonderful photos and artwork by TASK camera club. It is printed by Modern Printers. It is definitely recommended reading for all lovers of poetry. The Kilkenny Observer is happy to run the poems each week to promote creative writing and to highlight these wonderful centres. Available in all Kilkenny book shops. €10

Photo by Ray Brophy

November

Mountain Aisling For Maeve

I’m shackled to the Earth.

My hands and feet are bound by ropes of steel, And though they are chained, my hands shake along with my heart and the world that surrounds me.

Why must my world shake?

The words on the page all jumble up before being melted away by the tears from which I shed, plummeting, upon the pages.

Summer days saddened with grief for my beautiful Earth, dying but not yet dead.

With screams that sound like song, and tears that fill oceans.

Why must my world shake?

A cloak of shame and guilt drapes over the shell of my grieving soul, as I fall to my knees with what seems to be the weight of the world laid upon my shoulders, As I too am an accomplice to this heinous crime.

My one question I ask repeatedly with no answer, is it so bad that I should fear the truth?

I ask again.

Why must the world in which I walk through life on shake?

Sons and daughters of Erin stop a while, take a sup of wine, and sit by my knee Let me tell you of this land, this holy isle the Innis your grandfather’s country Come close shelter under the hills of Slievenamon marble and granite boulder Safe now held by the mountain of woman their soft hands rest on our shoulder Watch the Taibshe Ban the ghost maiden her moonlit sword high on the crest Silvered braided hair a jewelled broach of red gold snakes woven on her dress Isolde, Grainne, Bridey waited there long before Patrick built his tall Paschal fire Laughing hero Finn McCool bathing them on Lammastide lost within fey desire On the bleak rocky edge phantoms rest in bitter knotted arms of a cruel tree Clinging to thin soil lashed by lightning storm alone with fairy Lunantishee The Draighean blackthorn marching down the hillside thickets of dark spears Its arms a shillelagh, its fingers a witch’s stick, its nails a poison of night fears The old river runs the valley carrying all to our city of king built towers of stone It whispers of the mountain girl song of forgotten prince sleeping on his throne The lamb will slip past gate keeper his crown pulled from the land of the young Fences as firewood, black caves given light come Maeve rise the song is sung

John MacKenna

Andrei Markewitz

The Murmuration Growing up we called them stares.

In the lexicon, now, they’re starlings.

They return to the same breeding ground Season after season. It happens to be Our garage, set in a secluded spot, A self build, with bird guards omitted, mea culpa.

They’re not the same starlings, but the same DNA. They’re like our blackbirds, but with sturdier legs, And are more upright, with short tails.

Coming in pairs; he in black, she in brown plumage.

Numerous nesting pairs make up their colony.

We know them to be gregarious and accomplished mimics.

With synchronized egglaying leading to The whole colony fledging together, ingenious.

Both feed their young; flies, snails and worms.

In short order, the nesting colonies In a quick turnaround, bolster their numbers.

Enough to make their own mini-murmuration.69 Juveniles, of both genders, dressed in brown plumage, Are ready to join the ranks.

Strutting their stuff on our ridge tiles, Flocking together like sheep and cows.

They learn about strength in numbers, Stronger together, minding themselves.

Murmurations are their forte, the bigger the better.

This tradition, born back in the mists of time.

A crafty creation, to keep themselves warm, and confuse predators And geared to fly to the lower latitudes.

If that’s the scientific, what about the aesthetic?

Well, they are nature’s great performers of aerial displays.

Driving down the Crutt Hills, one September evening I spotted a murmuration in my rearview mirror.

I took a left turn, they followed.

I swung a right, they followed.

I felt as if they were escorting me home.

Alas! I lost them under the high trees at Owens’s.

Sean Mansfield (Clogh Writers)

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Eloteinspired pasta salad

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 15 mins Serves: 4-6

Venture beyond the average pasta salad with the help of one of our favourite food discoveries from Mexico, corn on the cob dish, elote.

Ingredients • 200g pasta (we used spirali) • 3 tsp olive oil • 2 x 325g cans sweetcorn, drained, or around 500g sweetcorn (see tip, below) • 6 spring onions, finely sliced • large bunch of coriander (about 40g), finely chopped, plus extra to serve • 200g feta (vegetarian, if needed) • 130g mayonnaise • 3 limes, juiced • 2 tsp chilli powder, plus extra to serve STEP 1 Cook the pasta in heavily salted water following pack instructions.

Drain, drizzle in 1 tsp olive oil and set aside.

STEP 2 Heat the remaining oil in a castiron skillet or frying pan over a high

heat. Fry the sweetcorn with ½ tsp salt for 7-10 mins until slightly charred, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool, about 15 mins.

spring onions and most of the coriander. Crumble in the the feta, reserving a handful to serve, and mix well to combine.

STEP 3 Reserve a handful of corn to serve, and tip the rest into a large serving bowl along with the cooked pasta,

STEP 4 To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, chilli powder and ½ tsp salt in a small

bowl. Pour all over the pasta salad and toss well until everything is evenly coated. Scatter over the remaining feta, corn, coriander and an extra pinch of chilli.

Recipe tip If using corn on the cob, brush the corn with olive oil and cook on a

griddle pan over a medium-high heat for about 12 mins, turning every couple of minutes until charred and tender. Leave to cool a little, then use a sharp knife to slice off the kernels and proceed to make the rest of the salad from step 3, but add another ½ tsp salt to the dressing.

German apple cake Prep: 30 mins Cook: 45 mins - 50 mins Serves: 12 Use your favourite eating apples to bake this traditional German apple cake. Enjoy it with afternoon tea or take to a coffee morning.

Ingredients • 125g butter, at room temperature, plus extra for the tin • 220g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 175g caster sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 lemon, zested and juiced • 4 eggs • ½ tsp baking powder • 40g cornflour • 100ml milk • 800g eating apples, cored and cut into wedges • 2 tsp icing sugar Method STEP 1

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Butter a 23cm springform cake tin and dust with flour. Beat the softened butter with 115g of the sugar and a pinch of salt for 3-5 mins until pale and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest and juice and mix until combined.

STEP 2 Separate the eggs, putting the egg whites in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the whites with the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Mix the egg yolks into the butter and sugar mixture.

STEP 3 Mix the flour with the baking powder and cornflour, then tip into the butter, sugar and yolk mixture. Mix to combine, then stir in the milk followed by a spoonful of the egg whites. Once that is fully incorporated, gently fold the remaining egg whites into the batter.

STEP 4 Spoon the batter into the springform pan. Press the apples

into the batter cut side down and bake for 45-50 mins until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to

cool in the tin for a while, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with icing sugar. Will keep in an airtight container for up to three days.

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5

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

good ones to stream this week 1. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Daniel Craig reprises his role as the sharp-witted Detective Benoit Blanc. Rian Johnson steers us back into a world of intrigue on a tycoon’s secluded retreat, where what starts as playful sleuthing quickly spirals into genuine peril.

Starring big names like Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, and Kathryn Hahn, the 2022 movie deftly mixes laughs with edge-of-yourseat moments, presenting a riddle that’ll have mystery buffs racing to piece together the clues. On Netflix.

2.The Killer

Why you need to stream both seasons of Gangs Of London Described by NME as Game Of Thrones but without the dragons on the DVD packaging, Gangs Of London is an action-thriller show set in London. The series, on Netflix, centres on the dangerous power struggle that threatens to consume the entire city following the assassination of Finn Wallace (our own Colm Meaney), the head of the dominant Wallace crime family.

His impulsive son Sean (Joe Cole), takes the reigns and sets about not only tightening his family’s grip on London but also rooting out the ones responsible for his father’s death, no matter the cost. But Sean’s actions are not without consequences and the Wallace’s rivals are plotting to take power for themselves.

Of course, in the criminal world, nobody can be trusted, so prepare yourself for backstabbing and power

plays aplenty as things shake out.

Adding to the sense of distrust is new enforcer Elliot Carter (Sope Dirisu), who is actually an undercover police officer looking to infiltrate the Wallace Organisation and bring it down from within. It may not quite be on the same level as Game Of Thrones in terms of production quality or budget, but it’s just as binge-able.

From the very first episode during a hugely intense scene in which Elliot squares off against a hulking henchman armed with a butcher’s knife, it will have you hooked.

There’s no doubt that Gangs Of London is at its very best during its action moments. When the focus is on life-or-death fights, the show shines in a way that no other action- thriller TV show has ever managed to match. However, it’s unfold-

ing character- driven drama is also surprisingly compelling, even when it’s pretty melodramatic. These two elements dovetail perfectly to give the show real stakes.

If you’re looking for something to watch on Netflix that will quicken your pulse, ‘Gangs of London’ is the perfect option.

Gangs Of London Season 2 isn’t quite as successful, with the balance between the show’s brutal action and twisting drama not as wellstruck, but it’s certainly got its highlights, and it’s still a must-watch if you enjoyed the first chapter. Plus, even if they’re not as narratively impactful, the fight scenes are just as impressive.

Critics appear to agree.

Season 1 has an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but Season 2 is only 81%, and while that’s a pretty notable drop, it’s still a very solid score. Meanwhile,

the viewer score stands at 86% for the first season, but a more lukewarm 70% for Season 2.

If you’re looking for something to watch on Netflix that will quicken your pulse, Gangs Of London is the perfect option. It’s pulpy fun throughout, just so long as you can stomach some very violent sequences and some performances that wouldn’t feel out of place in a B-movie. Plus, with two seasons to binge (comprising 18 episodes total), it should keep you busy for several nights — or you could tear through the entire thing in a single lazy weekend.

With Season 3 in production, make sure you’re all caught up on the gang warfare bubbling just below the surface of the UK’s historic capital city now that the often criminally overlooked show is available to stream on Netflix.

Bad Monkey: Dark comedy on Apple + Apple TV Plus has a new global No.1 show, featuring no less than Vince Vaughn.

And while some of you may groan at the mention of his name, having seen one too many of his dodgy 2000s comedy movies, he’s the top draw in Bad Monkey.

Bad Monkey’s name and star may throw you off the

actual tone of this series, though. It’s a dark comedy, in which Vaughn’s detective character is demoted for reckless behaviour and becomes a health inspector.

As part of a bid to get his old job back, he ends up being asked to deliver a severed arm to Miami. And this draws him into a murder investigation — in a strictly

unofficial basis, given he’s no longer a police officer.

It’s a quippy, funny show, but one with a real mystery at its core. Rob Delaney and Michelle Monaghan star too.

The conclusion from the spread of reviews is Bad Monkey is a blast, even if it isn’t destined to go down as an all-timer classic.

The Guardian’s 3-star review calls Bad Monkey “tons of fun”.

There are 10 episodes in the first season of Bad Monkey, and only the first two are available at the time of writing. For the rest you’ll have to put up with Apple TV Plus’s usual one-a-week output, a staged release that finishes up in October.

The Killer from 1989 places Michael Fassbender in the shadows as a meticulous assassin whose solitary life is as cold as his methodical approach to his craft. With each target, he finds himself spiralling further into a psychological maelstrom, questioning his sanity amidst the silence of his waiting game. David Fincher’s sleek thriller hooks us once again with a plot that’s as bizarre as it is captivating, anchored by Fassbender’s masterfully understated performance. On Netflix.

3. The Postcard Killings

A haunting journey across Europe unfolds in The Postcard Killings (2020), where Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays a New York detective hunting the murderer of his daughter.

Before each victim is discovered, a mysterious postcard arrives, pulling the detective into a grim labyrinth of artistic expression and long-held grudges. Danis Tanovic steers this cinematic journey with Famke Janssen illuminating the shattered soul of a man teetering on the edge of fixation. On Netflix.

4. Reacher

Enter Alan Ritchson — an actor who’s every bit the imposing figure that Reacher is meant to be, while perfectly personifying the character’s righteous sense of justice and investigative smarts. For those who are unfamiliar with the character, Jack Reacher is a nomadic ex-military police investigator who spends his time wandering across the US with nothing but the clothes on his back, his toothbrush, and enough money for bus tickets. Reacher always finds himself seeking justice for those who’ve been wronged. Watch on Amazon Prime Video.

5. Daisy Jones & The Six

Loosely inspired by the story of Fleetwood Mac, Daisy Jones & The Six follows the meteoric rise of a rock band in the 1970s, and the inner turmoil that threatens to bring the whole thing down. Struggling to break out, The Six frontman Billy Dunne (Sam Clamin) immediately clashes with Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) when she’s brought in as the band’s missing ingredient.

Despite their obvious chemistry, Billy is determined to keep Daisy at arm’s length for the sake of his marriage to Camila (Camila Morrone), who can see their attraction to each other from a mile away. On Amazon Prime.

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Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Grace Walsh In July, Grace Walsh announced her departure from the Inter-County Camogie scene following a very successful career that saw her win three Senior All-Irelands along with three All-Stars.

The Tullaroan native was part of the Kilkenny Underage Teams that were a dominant force in winning All-Irelands, before going on to make her debut with the County Senior Team.

However, it wasn't an instant success as Grace was part of The Kilkenny set-up that lost All-Irelands in 2013 and 2014, but it would come right afterwards.

Grace was part of the Tullaroan Team that enjoyed their greatest day when they won the Leinster Intermediate Final against Myshall in 2015, while in 2016 she won the first of her three Senior AllIrelands as she was part of the Kilkenny Panel that won their first All-Ireland in 22 years.

Unfortunately, disappointment followed with three

consecutive All-Ireland final defeats in 2017, 2018 and 2019, but they made amends with All-Ireland triumph in 2020.

2020 was a most challenging year with COVID-19, and for Grace in particular it was most intense while working as a nurse in Dublin. However, the year would start and end with memorable All-Ireland triumphs both for her family and for herself.

In January of 2020, she was in in Croke Park to cheer on Tullaroan as her four brothers Tommy, Padraig, Shane and Martin were part of the Tullaroan Team that won a memorable epic All-Ireland Intermediate Club Final against Fr. O'Neills of Cork.

The occassion was made extra special with Shane scoring the winning point, while also captaining the Team in the process.

With COVID-19 forcing on field activities to be postponed for several months, a split season unfolded which

meant that the Inter-County season would not be played until November and December.

The All-Ireland Final was played in December, and Grace along with her Kilkenny

Teammates made amends for the heartbreak of the previous three years with victory against Galway.

Grace was rewarded for her outstanding performances in 2020 with a 2nd All-Star hav-

ing won her 1st in 2018, while she was also nominated for The Player of The Year Award that was won by her Kilkenny Teammate Denise Gaule.

She was also part of The Kilkenny Team that won The

2022 All-Ireland Final while also picking up a 3rd All-Star.

Also in 2022, Grace was one of 50 inter county players that included former Kilkenny Senior Hurler Paul Murphy who travelled to Kenya to participate in The Plant The Planet Games.

The Plant The Planet Games was part of The Warriors for Humanity campaign organized by former Galway dual player Alan Kerins in partnership with Self Help Africa and The Gaelic Players Association.

Grace and the rest of the contingent participated in the first All-Star game played in Africa along with the first combined male and female GAA game, and more importantly helped plant one million trees for local African communities. Their was a huge fundraising effort by all of the 50 players involved, as each tree planted for an African family gave much needed hope especially to the less fortunate.

Having now departed the Inter-County scene, Grace has most certainly left a legacy where she made a difference both on and off the field.

How should we treat osteoarthritis?

BY PAUL BOLGER Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny WWW.NANOPHYSIO.IE

If you have been keeping up with this series you will know that osteoarthritis is a growing problem, that many factors influence joint health and that our joints are very much living, breathing organs that deserve our attention.

Unfortunately, when it comes to joint health, our current management does not follow best practice guidelines.

We Have It Backwards People who suffer from joint pain are usually treated with a combination of rest, medication and, occasionally, joint injections.

A minority who are affected severely enough may have joint replacement surgery.

Eventually, after surgery, they come face to face with a physiotherapist; start an exercise programme, learn about their condition and maybe lose weight if needed.

This approach is backwards.

Truly valuable treatment should start where our current approach ends – with education, exercise and

Should people need further assistance they may be referred for specialised assessment. This way only those who truly need specialist review will get it – reducing unnecessary appointments, cutting waiting times and minimising invasive treatments like injections and surgeries. All the while it would improve outcomes for those suffering from the condition.

How might we change our approach to this growing condition to reduce suffering?

weight loss. How might we fix this?

An Effective Pathway A standardised pathway for those suffering from joint pain would be an efficient use of resources that improves outcomes. How might this look?

A person with joint pain

attends their GP. If their issue seems related to osteoarthritis, they are referred to a physiotherapist for further assessment.

Following assessment by a physiotherapist, they may be enrolled in a group programme that would run over a number of weeks. This programme would consist

of strengthening exercises, education and, ideally, input from a dietician.

Programmes like this have been shown to improve outcomes in osteoarthritis – reducing pain, improving functional ability and improving people’s confidence in their ability to manage their condition.

De-Medicalised Management The above pathway would be a part of the healthcare system. What is probably more important than this is to target non-medical management of the condition. What do I mean by this?

I previously wrote about risk factors that put us at risk of suffering from osteoarthritis.

By targeting these risk factors, we would cut the impact of the condition, lessening the need for medical management. Here are some ideas for what this would look like.

Promote Physical Activity: Through active travel (facilitate safe walking, cycling, etc.); Facilitate exercise groups in the community for all age

groups; Ensure access for all to desirable, safe outdoor spaces like parks and walkways.

Inform: Ensure ALL members of society are informed about health.

Food: Promote and facilitate healthy eating habits – e.g. regulate highly processed foods and advertising; promote and subsidise healthy ingredients.

Time & Space It is hard to change habits for the better when people lead busy, stressful lives. I don’t know how best to approach this – but somehow allowing people to have the time and space to prioritise healthy changes is necessary.

Many other factors will have an impact here – like sleep quality, stress levels and community engagement.

The beauty here is that in promoting healthy behaviours that reduce osteoarthritis rates, we would be effectively improving health and cutting the impact of many other health conditions at the same time.

This seems like a common sense investment in our society.

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Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA CLUB LOTTO Lotto results for 13th August. Numbers drawn 7, 21, 26.

No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Pat Boyle, Kay Hogan, Noreen Brennan, Denis Tobin, Nellie Hoyne.

Next weeks jackpot will be €1450.

BRIDGE CLUB Clara Bridge Club will recommence playing on Monday September 9th in Connolly’s Pub, Dunbell. A friendly and sociable time will be had by all, we are seated at 7.15pm and commence play at 7.30pm every Monday night. Classes are available in Kilkenny Bridge Centre on Tuesday evenings, Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings.

Clara would love to welcome new members, please contact Catherine at 086-8421023 for further information.

O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS RACE NIGHT SUCCESS A very large crown attended O’Loughlin Gaels Race Night at Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium on Friday last. It was a very enjoyable occasion for all as they followed each race, ventured a few bob on the dogs, enjoyed the complimentary hot dogs and chatted with friends young and old. In addition it proved a very successful fundraiser for the club. Thanks go to the organising committee, sponsors, sellers, programme producers and especially all those who purchased tickets to support the club. Draw Winners were: 1st prize €1500 Tony Bergin Craughwell Co Galway. 2nd prize €750 Travis Fahy. 3rd prize €300 Ben Fogarty. 4th prize €200 Billy Barron. 5th prize €100 Peter McKenna O’LOUGHLIN GAELS WIN DENIS PHILPOTT TOURNAMENT Congratulations to O’Loughlin Gaels Under 11 team which won the Denis Philpott Tournament organised

by Dicksboro club last weekend. En-route to their final

win they had some epic battles against some excellent teams including Newport from Tipperary, Killeagh of Cork, Dicksboro, Ballyboden St Endas from Dublin and St Finbarrs, Cork. The young players did their club and families proud with the effort and skill on show. Well done boys!

CAMOGIE BLITZ O’Loughlin Gaels hosted a fun Camogie blitz for Under 6’s on Saturday morning last with neighbours Dicksboro and had some very important visitors as our senior hurlers popped in to say hello. Well done to all the coaches and players involved.

SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE O’Loughlin Gaels senior team will hope to build on their wins in the first two rounds when they play Erin’s Own of Castlecomer in the third round of the St. Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny senior hurling league in Ballyragget on Saturday 24th August at 12pm. All support welcome.

GOLF CLASSIC O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and Camogie Club annual Golf Classic was held on Thursday and Friday 15th and 16th August in Kilkenny Golf Club. It proved to be a great tournament with 87 teams taking to the course over the two days. Thanks to Kilkenny Golf Club for hosting the Classic and for having the course in splendid condition. Refreshments were available beforehand and an excellent meal was enjoyed by all participants also. A big thank you goes to all the sponsors and to the participants also. As usual all sponsors will be acknowledged on sponsor boards displayed in a prominent position in St. John’s Park for the coming year. A big shout out goes to the Golf Committee and the helpers on the day.

A special thank you to Michael O’Reilly who makes it all work and ensures the smooth running of the event. The main results are: 1st John Mulcahy, Morgan Kelly, Mick Dooley. 2nd Joe Tierney, Vincent Cleere, Mick Daly 3rd Michael Dunne, John Culhane, Tommy Comerford.

Longest Drive Gents : Rory Mc Carthy. Longest Drive Ladies: Margaret Mc Carthy. Nearest the Pin: Margaret Mc Carthy

O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Under 6’s after their Fun Blitz with county players Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor and Paddy Deegan.

O’Loughlin Gaels Under 11 team. Winners of Dicksboro GAA Club’s Denis Philpott Tournament.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels Club lotto dated August 13th. Numbers drawn were 4, 19, 24, 25.

Bonus number 21 Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto. Thank you for your continued support Promotors Draw. 1. Susan Moran c/o Denis Tyrrell. 2.

Mick and Mags c/o Gerry Buckley 3. Mary c/o Michael Dreeling. 4. Leah Tyrrell c/o Denis Tyrrell. 5. Loretto Coyne c/o John Joe Cullen. 6. Esther and Lorraine Maher c/o E. Maher.7. Donny and Mags c/o John Joe Cullen. 8. Linda O’Leary c/o Online. 9. Paula Rogers c/o Online. 10. Martina O’Keeffe c/o Online.

FRESHFORD GAA In the final. All roads lead to Nowlan Park on Sunday afternoon next when St. Lachtains Junior B Hurlers take on neighbouring rivals Threecastles in the final in what promises to be an exciting battle. They overcame Bennettsbridge recently in the semi final to earn a place in the final after a close game and showing great heart to come out winners while Threecastles beat The Fenians in the other semi final. So get out your flags and go along on Sunday in your colours to support the local lads in their quest for victory.

RACE NIGHT: St Lachtains annual race night is taking place a few weeks earlier this year and is taking place tonight, Friday, August 23rd in the Kilkenny track. There will be a raffle with lots of great prizes on the night, keep an eye out for ticket sellers. Anyone looking to sponsor a race or contribute in any way can contact any committee member.

BINGO Weekly bingo sessions started back up in Freshford Community Hall recently after a lapse of over 20 years.

The weekly game will be held each Friday evening at 8pm with some good prize money and raffle each week.

All proceeds will go to the Irish Wheelchair association.

Please come out and support this weekly fundraiser and tell your friends and spread the word around re same.

CHAMPIONS AT TULLOW Local lad Gyll Condon and his dad David had more success last weekend, at the Tullow show on Sunday last where they got 1st in the senior ram class, first and second in the ewe class and 1st and 2nd in the ewe lamb class. Their ewe lamb got tapped for Charolaise champion while their ewe got tapped for reserve charollais champion. Well done and continued success to you both.

COMMUNITY MARKET Freshford Community Cafe launched its Community Market recently and it is held in the Alley each Saturday from 10am – 1pm selling fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers etc., and all local support would be greatly appreciated. New stalls would be very welcome and anyone interested in taking a stall can contact any member of the Committee The Loop café is open each day from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm, with some lovely treats and food on offer at a very reasonable price. This is a great addition to the village and people are asked to support local business. So why not meet your friends there for a cupa and chat. Or why don’t you just take some time

out, treat yourself and have a relaxing time while you read the Kilkenny Observer and let the world go by.

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

LEAVING CERT RESULTS Best of luck to all the boys and girls receiving their Leaving Certificate results today Friday 23rd August.

SOCCER NEWS Freshford Town soccer club are getting ready for the new season which will start at the end of the month. New members are most welcome. Registration is now open online and the Club are asking that you register as soon as possible to allow them sufficient time to put teams together.

They are looking for volunteers also and anyone interested in coaching or helping out should contact the committee the number of teams entered in the league will depend on registration numbers and sufficient level of coaches. For any queries you can reach them on their social media pages Facebook/Instagram or contact member of the Committee. The following is list for underage teams Academy boys and girls born in 2018 2019 and 2020. U8s – Boys and girls born in 2017. U9s – Boys and girls born 2016. U10s – boys and girls born 2015. U11s – Byes and girls born 2014. U12s – boys and girls born 2013. U13s – boys and girls born 2012. U14s – boys and girls born 2011. U15s – boys and girls born 2010. U16s – boys born 2009. U18 – boys born 2008, 2007. Also Junior mens.

SPLIT THE POT Frances Colclough was the lucky winner of split the pot for the second week in a row and this time won herself €156. This month’s split the pot proceeds goes to Freshford Squash Club who provide great facilities for young people of the area. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs. Please support your local clubs.

TRAD MUSIC Lisdowney Traditional music group resume on 15th September at 7pm in Community Hall Lisdowney Children from six upward are all welcome.

PRAGUE HOUSE There was a dinner party at Prague House on Friday evening last with a good attendance treated to four course meal and wined and dined for the evening. This was organised as a fundraiser for Prague House and the Committee thank all those who supported the event or donated or helped in any way.

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

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

The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish

Gyll Condon with his Prize Winning Ewe Lamb

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Community & GAA Notes newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed

by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory. ie. Contact Mongr. Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB JUNIOR “A” LEAGUE On Tuesday last, the Junior hurlers were relieved to depart Mooncoin having secured a 1-18 to 2-15 draw with a point in the 2nd minute of added time by Jack Kelly to keep the club’s unbeaten run through the league programme intact. In the first half of a fixture that produced some top quality hurling the teams were level on five occasions. Over the half for James Stephens Micky Drennan and Sean Casey delivered 4 points each with some exceptional shooting from play while goalkeeper Daniel Power landed a long free from inside his own half in the 23rd minute to level the game at 0-11 to1-08. Then in the 31st minute Fionn Cody latched on to a Mooncoin defensive lapse to finish to the net to give James Stephens a 1-11 to 1-09 lead at the break. All the while the Village defence had to be on permanent alert to repel a lively Mooncoin attack with the halfback trio of Sam McEvoy, David Hennessy and Paddy Keogh to the fore with strong back up from full back Adam O’Connor.

Mooncoin pressed hard from the restart and levelled the game inside 4 minutes before Liam Rafter rallied with a quality point for James Stephens. With fortunes swaying from side to side, James Stephens pushed ahead with points from Jack Kelly, Liam Rafter and Micky Drennan before Mooncoin struck back with a breakaway goal in the 16th minute to tie the game at 1-15 to 2-12. With Mooncoin edging forward with three quick points and holding a narrow one point lead as the game entered added time and after a number of failed attempts to equalise, Jack Kelly stepped forward with a last gasp effort to strike the levelling score in the 32nd minute to preserve their unbeaten league run to date much to the relief of the players, management and travelling supporters.

STAR AWARD Congratulations to clubman Larry Phelan on being selected at left corner back on the 2024 Electric Ireland Minor Hurling Team of the Year. Larry enjoyed a stellar year for Kilkenny at fullback during the county’s championship season of mixed fortunes ultimately losing out to Tipperary in a drama filled All-Ireland final played in UPMC Nowlan Park. Larry’s county teammates Jack Dollard (Glenmore), Kevin Buggy (Erin’s Own) and Jake Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks) were also selected on the team.

SUMMER CAMP “My son and daughter enjoyed every minute of the camp and kept talking about it at home” as one mother enthused at Friday afternoon’s tea/coffee get together of parents/guardians in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain to conclude the highly successful 2024 Summer Camp for this year. Fortunately, with a spell of good weather over the week, the 170 young James Stephens hurling and camogie players enthusiastically upgraded their playing skills and techniques of our national games, hurling, camogie, gaelic football under the watchful eyes of the club’s team of experienced coaches. Our thanks to the 24 coaches that included club stars Cian Kenny, Ed Lauhoff, Zac Scanlon and Eoin Guilfoyle for ensuring the young players enjoyed the experience in a fun filled and safe environment. Youth officer Kieran Brennan would like to thank the Shop Committee for preparing the welcoming tea/coffee and tasty goodies for the visiting parents and club members to mark the end of a rewarding week for the young Village stars of the future.

CARLOW CHAMPS Congratulations to the club’s Youth Officer, Kieran Brennan, who coached St. Mullins to win the Carlow senior

hurling final against the reigning champions Mount Leinster Rangers (Borris) on Sunday last in Dr.Cullen Park. Claiming the Carlow county title for the 29th time with an emphatic 2-25 to 3-16 victory was all the more pleasing for St. Mullins as they were lucky to get the second chance having levelled the first game with a late, late goal in the previous week’s encounter.

ANCIENT IRISH WAKES Loughboy Library. Friday 23/08/2024 06:00.

Venue: Loughboy Library. Category: Adult A lecture by Ann Moylan, MA (Hons) Ethnomusicology.

Understanding the origins of our Wakes and Funeral Practices may be a key to explaining why we Irish hold our death rituals in such high regard within our communities. This lecture will explain how our ancestors would have seen death not as being instantaneous, but in fact believed that the spirit of the deceased would continue to preside over the proceedings throughout the three nights of the Wake. The Wake would not have been led by the clergy, but by the Mna Caointe (Keening Women), or the ‘Caoineadh’, who were hired as professional ‘criers’ and without them, the Wake could not take place.

In stark contrast, within the same room, there was what became known as the Merry Wake which was a muchanticipated event of games, boisterous festivities and even courtship.

This 2-hour lecture will explore how, whether riotous or reverent, the Wake was an important ritual for the Irish to honour the spirit of their dead. It will be an immersive event and designed to look as if taking place at a 19th Century Irish Wake, finishing with the creation of a vocal soundscape, a modern-day Keen, as a tribute to the fascinating heritage of our ancestors.

Please note that due to mature content, this is an Adult Only event.

Places are limited. Phone 0567794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie to book a place. https://kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/whats_on/library-eventcalendar/ancient-irish-wakes-loughboy-library.html LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 4, 11, 15, 17. No winner. This week’s jackpot will be €17,600. The €40 consolation winners were Niall Cody, Brennan grandchildren, Theresa Hennessy, Tommy Larkin, Nelly and Mag. GRAIGUENAMANAGH GRAIGUE NOTES If you should have any desire to submit news items, club events, announcements etc you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm.

LOTTO GAA AND SOCCER Jackpot now stands at €20,000. and reserve Jackpot €7,600, numbers drawn on 12/08 /24 were 7, 15, 23, 32, there was no winner. The following won €30 each The Golden Girls Barbera Earl, Olive Walsh, Delores Barron, David Hayden. Tickets are available from any club member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW The winners of the Draw which was held on 15/08/ 2024, were First Prize €412 Nuala Barron and Kate Butler. 2 Prize € 50 Paddy Roche C/O Mick Ryans , 3rd Prize Maria Conran. Money raised through Tidy Towns Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all the year round.

Draw takes place at 4pm on Thursdays.

RAMBLING HOUSE The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district. The next Session is on Friday September 13th at 8.00pm.

MASS TIMES Duiske Abbey Graiguenamanagh. Monday to Friday 10 AM, Saturday 7,30PM, and Sunday 11AM. CLINIC Cllr. Peter Chap Cleere will have his clinic on Monday Evenings From 7pm at his office in Main Street Graiguenammannagh.

GOWRAN GOWRAN AC Under 4 weeks to go to the 4 mile road race taking place on Friday, 6th September at 7pm starting at Gowran Hall.

GOWRAN LITTLE THEATRE Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa will take place from the 18th to 21st October 2024 in Gowran Parish Hall.

Further info regarding how to book tickets will be available soon.

INTERMEDIATES MAKE PERFECT START WITH BRACE OF WINS The Young Irelands Intermediates won their opening two games of the League as they defeated both Mooncoin and Fenians.

In Round 1 of The Intermediate League, Young Irelands won 4-14 to 1-13 against Mooncoin as Ted Drea was the

catalyst of Young Irelands victory. His power, presence and strength troubled Mooncoin all evening long. Ted played a hand in all of Young Irelands three first-half goals scored by Killian Carey, Tommy Phelan and Sean Carey as they built-up a commanding lead at half-time.

3-5 to 0-5.

Mooncoin gave themselves hope with a goal during the third quarter as they narrowed the lead to 5 points(3-10 to 1-11), but Young Irelands responded and Ted Drea was deservedly rewarded for his outstanding efforts all evening as he scored the Gowran men’s 4th goal to secure victory.

Against the Fenians played on a glorious Summer Afternoon in Jenkinstown last Saturday, Young Irelands produced a storming final 10 minutes to brush aside the challenge of Fenians who were more than a match as they provided resolute resistance until Young Irelands late rally.

A well taken goal in first-half injury-time by Seamus Farrell gave them a 5 point cushion at the interval. 1-12 to 0-10.

However, the third quarter was a disaster for Young Irelands as Fenians completely outplayed and outfought The Gowran men. They outscored them 0-10 to 0-3 throughout that period to now lead 0-20 to 1-15.

The Young Irelands men were clearly struggling, but a brilliant Killian Carey goal against the run of play was just the tonic they needed as they now regained the lead. 2-15 to 0-20.

Mark Webster replied almost immediately with the levelling free (2-15 to 0-21), and when Michael Carey had to go off injured they must have feared the worst.

However, the introduction of Diarmuid Langton along with Minors Cian Phelan and Jake Byrne brought a new lease of life and energy as they scored 0-4 from play between.

Young Irelands began to turn the screw and dominate with 8 unanswered points from Ted Drea, Diarmuid Langton(2), Cian Phelan, Jake Byrne, Sean Carey (0-2 frees), while Sean Farrell surged upfield from his cornerback positition to strike over a superb long range point late in the game.

The Gowran men play their near neighbours Blacks and Whites in Round 3 on Sunday.

JUNIOR A’S QUALIFY FOR COUNTY FINAL FOLLOWING EPIC BATTLE AGAINST NEAR NEIGHBOURS Congratulations to The Young Irelands Junior A Team who qualified for The County Junior A Final against either Tullaroan or Dunnamaggin following an epic victory against near neighbours Barrow Rangers in an epic contest in Paulstown.

The Junior A’s began their campaign with a 2-18 to 1-18 loss at home to Dunnamaggin in mid-July, but since then they have won three consecutive games to qualify for the upcoming County Final.

In round 2, they defeated Dicksboro 3-22 to 1-20 away from home before running out 10 point victors against St. Patricks Ballyragget in the quarter-final in Gowran.

4-19 to 1-18.

As mentioned, the semi-final win was an epic contest.

Played on a wet miserable evening in Paulstown, Young Irelands emerged victorious as they won 1-27 to 1-20 after extra-time.

The County Final is scheduled for this Saturday 24th August at 5pm in UPMC Nowlan Park.

JUNIOR F’S TWICE WIN EMPHATICALLY TO QUALIFY FOR SEMIS Young Irelands Junior F’s have a County Semi-Final to look forward following two emphatic victories at home in less than a week.

Following on from their 1-11 to 1-10 loss at home to Kilmacow, Young Irelands easily brushed aside Threecastles 2-25 to 0-6 in Round 2 last Tuesday Evening before running out 1-22 to 1-9 winners against Mooncoin in their quarter-final on Sunday Evening.

ANDY COMERFORD RIP There was great sadness in Gowran recently with the passing of Andy Comerford. Andy played 3 years minor for Kilkenny in the mid fifties as well as senior level, and was one of the trio of Comerford brothers who played on the 1964 Young Irelands Junior Championship winning team. Andy played at midfield, with Mikie as goalie and Paddy in the forwards.

He was a member of the Kilkenny Team that won The National League Final in 1962, while he was also a member of the Leinster squad that won The Railway Cup Final in the same year. Also, Andy ran the grocery shop and petrol station at the top of Gowran village for so many years.

GOWRAN BOYS WINS LISDOWNEY 7’S Congratulations to the Gowran Boys who won the Lisdowney 7’s Cup Final in July following a 4-4 to 1-10 win against Dicksboro in a thrilling final.

The Team was captained by Micheál Fitzgerald with his cousin Charlie Fitzgerald winning Player of the Tournament in 2017.

ALLSTARS ENJOY MEMORABLE TRIP TO CROKER A massive congratulations to the incredible All Star team

who took part in their first Go Games in Croke Park last Tuesday. These amazing children, who make up our All Stars showed so much heart and determination on the field.

A massive congratulations also to the dedicated coaches and supportive families who made this milestone possible.

U-14 GIRLS PART OF ALL-IRELAND WIN Congratulations to Young Irelands Camogie Players Holly Drennan, Sadhaibh Farrell and Clare Kavanagh who were part of The Kilkenny U-14 development squads in winning the All Ireland Blitz recently.

HEARTBREAK FOR KILKENNY INTERMEDIATES Heartbreak for The Kilkenny Intermediates who lost 1-11 to 1-10 against Cork in The All-Ireland Final in Croke Park on Sunday.

Julie Lennon was part of The Kilkenny Panel, while Loughlins Pub was one of the venues for The Kittens Roar quiz that went out live on KCLR. JUVENILE CAMOGIE Contrasting fortunes for The Young Irelands Juvenile Camogie Teams. The U-16s won 4-10 to 3-6 against St. Martins and also 10-12 to 4-5 against Erins Own, while The U-14s lost 9-6 to 7-6 against Barrow Rangers.

GORESBRIDGE AND PAULSTOWN ANTIQUES AUCTION (GORESBRIDGE) This Antiques Auction will take place from 3pm on Monday 26th August in Goresbridge. Viewing times as follows: Saturday 24th 10am to 6pm, Sunday 25th 12pm to 6pm, Monday from 10am prior to auction.

BARROW RANGERS Barrow Rangers are to play John Lockes this Saturday at 2pm in Bennetsbridge in the premier hurling league (group A, round 4).

BOXING CLUB Paulstown Boxing Club is open to registration for current members on Friday 23th August. New members are welcome to register on Monday 26 August. The registration fee is €40.

BRIDGE UNITED The club needs your help with our Under-8s next season. If you are interested in helping with coaching next season please contact Colin 087 6528212.

Under-13 Girls Soccer is starting Soon (tel Lorraine 085 7375836) as well as Under-14s (born in 2011) Paul 086 3636515.

Due to a huge interest, registration for boys Under-12s and Under-13s is now closed.

CHURCH SERVICES A memorial service in memory of all Brigidine sisters interred beside the church in Goresbridge will take place on Saturday 31 August. All welcome.

Weekend masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday and in Paulstown on Sunday at 11.30am. Weekday mass is at 10am in Paulstown on Friday and on Tuesday andWednesday in Goresbridge at 10am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm.

Inner healing retreat this Wednesday (21 August) in Paulstown church beginning at 18.30 with Fr Clarence Prince SJ. Rosary from 18.30, mass at 19.00, adoration, confession, faith formation and a time for healing.

COMMUNITY GARDEN The Community Garden continues on Wednesday mornings at 11am – 1pm at the Goresbridge Respond House in St Bridget’s Close.

CONCERT RTE Radio 1 singer of the year Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh with her trio in concert at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge on Friday 6 September at 8.30pm. Supported on Mouth Organs by John and Pip Murphy from Carrig On Bannow, Co. Wexford. This promises to be a fantastic night of top class music and song. Tickets €23.00 available from Gerry Kavanagh tel. 086 0443152 or on Eventbrite.ie.

COUCH TO 5KM All welcome to a weekly meet up at the playground in Goresbridge at 8pm every Thursday. We walk for up to an hour around the track. Walk as little or as much as you like.

CUPLA FOCAL The weekly Friday chatting in Irish continues over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow on Fridays at 11am.

NATURE’S WAY (BORRIS AND GORESBRIDGE AREAS) A pre-school and after-school service opens from 8.30am to 6pm daily from the beginning of September at Scoil Bhríde in Goresbridge. Information: Ann O’Kelly (085 752 9485) or Michelle Cummins (089 947 3317).

SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone Tom Healy

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

Community & GAA Notes online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie TAR ISTEACH (GORESBRIDGE) The sale is running for one week until this Saturday with 200 dresses for sale at €2 each, plus shoes and boots at €2 and €4 each as well as books (children’s, crime, romance, cookery, gardening, history, biography) - at €4 for 6. The shop is now open from 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30pm Friday and 10am-1pm Saturday.

Olga and Nick Hrusha At the Bennetsbridge Art Exibition

BENNETTSBRIDGE ART EXHIBITION Last Sunday was the final day of the Kilkenny Arts Festival and the Bennettsbridge Art Exhibition also drew to a close. 2024 was a very good year and the exhibition attracted a steady stream of visitors throughout the ten days. The comments in the visitors book were very complimentary and the artists were delighted with the overall event. Thanks to all who helped to make it happen and to family members who supported the launch and helped with erection of signs. Sales were good and now it’s back to the drawing board in preparation for next year.

SUMMER CAMP Last week at the GAA Summer Camp, over 100 children enjoyed and partook in a large number of activities, in the GAA Field and in the local community hall. Activities included hurling, Gaelic football, soccer, art, Lego building, athletics, playground games, rugby and rounders.

On the final day of camp, children enjoyed ice creams and slid along the slip and slide in the warm weather.

The coaches were, Conor Murphy, Lucy Shneider, Kerrianne Power, Eoin Walpole and Paul Mahon. Well done to Enda Morrissey and his team on a very successful week.

TIDY TOWNS The Tidy Towns volunteers are still appealing for some local help to enable them to continue to maintain our village to the high standard achieved in recent years. If you can spare an hour or two they would be delighted to hear from you.

LOTTO No winner of Jackpot last week. Numbers, 10, 11, 19, 20. Consolation Prizes, Leo Mahon, Blackwell, Michelle Bolger, Gowran Road, Eileen Phelan, Bennettsbridge, Marie Dunne, Ballyreddin, BB Syndicate.

PEGGY PHELAN RIP The death has taken place of Margaret Peggy Phelan, 9, Dean Cavanagh Place and formerly Bridge Street, Ballyragget. Peggy passed away peacefully in St. Lukes Hospital Kilkenny on Friday 16th August 2024 in her 97th year.

Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Margaret Phelan, brothers Jim, Phil and Thomas, sisters Ellen, Kathleen Fearon, Sheila Kenny, Bridie Morgan and Patty Lalor.

Much loved and cherished aunt to her niece Bronagh Robinson, nephew Noel Phelan, her nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, relatives and friends.

Peggy lay in repose at her nephew James Phelan’s house in Bridge St. Ballyragget. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Patricks Church Ballyragget followed by burial in St. Finnan’s Cemetry Ballyragget. Peggy will be remembered in the parish as she was housekeeper to Fr Pat Bergin PP, Tullaherin.

RICHARD HENNESSY RIP Sympathy is extended to the Hennessy family on the death of Richard Hennessy, Butler House, Patrick Street and formerly of Sheastown, Kilkenny.

Richard passed away on 15th August, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital. Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Eileen Hennessy. Richard will be greatly missed by his brother Patrick, sisters Margo, Birdie, Mella, Katie and Sheila, brothers-in-law Patrick and Fee, his many nephews and nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, extended family and friends.

Vigil Prayers were recited at Johnston’s Funeral home.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny. Funeral took place afterwards in Bennettsbridge Cemetery.

CHURCH NEWS Weekday masses, Wednesday and Friday mornings 10.30am CLARA BRIDGE CLUB Clara Bridge Club will resume their meetings on September 9th in Connolly’s, Dunbell. If you would like to join the club, contact Catherine on 086 8421023.

CAMOGIE Huge well done to the Bennettsbridge Minor Camogie girls and management on winning the Gaeltec Minor D League Final defeating Kilmacow Camogie/’Slieverue GAA and Camogie Club.

GAA Senior Hurling League; All support greatly appreciated for our senior Hurling team who take on James Stephens in the third round of the senior league/ championship in Danesfort on Friday night at 7 pm. Best of luck to all the players and management for this vital game.

Siobhan O Brien CKETB receives a Bouquet From Elma Kharadhani Also Joan Cleere Organiser

Keelin Cullen, Bennettsbridge Camogie pictured with her aunt, Deirdre Cullen

GAA Summer Camp in Bennettsbridge

There was a great attendance and an enjoyable day was had by all in fine weather. A lot of work went into the organizing of the day with special thanks to Andrea Kelly and her team for all their hard work. Teams from Gowran, Thomastown, Castlecomer, Paulstown as well as Bennettsbridge played hurling and camogie. Other events included long puck, wheel of fortune, monster raffle, home baking, BBQ etc. Thanks again to all who supported this vital club fundraiser.

Split the Pot; Well done to Marian Costigan who won 158 euro, Michelle Bolger who won 30 euro and to Breda Ryan who won 20 euro. Thanks again for the support.

Club Shop; A new range has been added to the Bennettsbridge on-line shop on the O’Neill’s website. Simply enter Bennettsbridge into the search box to access the full range of adult and kids club gear.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL

Tony Strickland, Kilkenny Art Ambassador paid a visit to the BB Art Group Exhibition, pictured with Mary Dunny and Joan Cleere Field Day 2024; Huge thanks again to all who helped out at the field day in the GAA grounds last Sunday.

CANCER SUPPORT Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Kilkenny will be bringing a new Outreach Service to the community of Ballyragget and the surrounding areas every Monday.

The new service commenced on Monday the 12th of August 2024. The Cois Nore Outreach service will be held at Dr. Miriam Hogan’s rooms on the Square in Ballyragget in the morning from 10 am to 12 pm. Please do not hesitate to drop in for information and support.

Alternatively you can make an appointment by contacting (087-4833941).

SYMPATHY Sympathies are sent on the passing of Fabian Snr to his wife Mary, son Fabian, daughters Carol and Siobhan, daughter-in-law Mary, son-in-law Noel (Cummins), and Carol’s partner Daniel, his grandchildren Fabian, Aoife, Orla, Adam, Katelyn, Molly and Jack, and wider family circle. May he rest in peace.

Sympathies are also sent to the Phelan and Kenny family on the passing of Margaret Peggy Phelan, 9 Dean Cavanagh Place and formerly Bridge Street, Ballyragget who passed away and was interred in St Finans cemetery following Sunday morning mass. May she rest in peace.

GAA St Patrick’s GAA junior side will be playing Freshford on Saturday evening at home at 6pm in Round 3 of the Junior League. Your support is welcome.

INISTIOGE The village of Inistioge has a newly opened cafe. The Woodman Cafe in Inistioge is open six days a week Tuesday - Sunday. The family-run cafe serves teas, coffee, sandwiches and a selection of homemade delicacies.

The cafe is located across the road from Inistioge Park.

Grainne, Catherine and Brendan Phelan are looking forward to serving the local community and visiting tourists.

JOHNSTOWN

We Wewelcome welcomeall allGAA GAAClub Cluband andCommunity Communitynotes notesfor forpublication publicationin inThe TheKilkenny KilkennyObserver Observeremail emailto tosales@kilkennyobserver.ie sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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Community & GAA Notes Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

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

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

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

Grainne, Catherine and Brendan Phelan

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

The Woodman Cafe in Inistioge

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Rita Ryan, Canal Road and the extended family who has been bereaved by the death of her brother Jimmie McCormack, Queensland, Australia and late of Glashare Castle, Galmoy. Jimmie died peacefully in his 92nd year. Predeceased by his wife Mary, brothers Dick, Bernard, Thomas and John, he will be greatly missed by his immediate family, brother Francie, sisters Mary, Rita, Bridget and Carmel, relations and friends. Funeral took place in Australia. Months mind Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception Galmoy on Sunday Sept 1st at 10.15am.

WEEE COLLECTION A collection of old electrical or battery operated goods will take place in the Church car park, Johnstown on Saturday August 24th from 10am to 4 pm.

HERITAGE GROUP As their contribution to Heritage week the group will host a talk by Padraig O’Machain to commemorate the 2ooth anniversary of the execution of six local men on August 26th 1824 for the killing of landowner John Marum. The talk will take place on Sunday next August 25th at Eirke, Castletown, Galmoy. For details contact 0863272288. All are welcome.

GODLY PLAY CAMP This play camp is for children of primary school age and led by parents of young children trained in this work. It is being held in St. Kieran’s College on Saturday. August 31st from 10am to 12,30pm. It uses a unique method of storytelling which allows children to explore their own spirituality. To book call 0567753624.

FAMILY FUN DAY The Mill Family Resource Centre’s family fun day Sunday next August 25th from 1.30 to 4.30pm. €5 entrance for family, bingo, raffle bric-a-brac, bouncy castle, tea coffee ,face painting and more. Raffle first prize 50’ smart TV, second Samsung Tablet and more smaller prizes. Proceeds in aid of counselling and play therapy services.

500 CLUB Make sure to get your name into the 500 club draws for July and August due to take place on Wednesday.

September 4th before the start of bingo. Tickets from the local businesses and the hall committee.

SPA UNITED AFC

With the new season coming soon the club are looking for more girls who are interested in playing soccer to join their ever growing and successful schoolgirls teams. girls born in 2014,’13’12’11’10 and ‘09. Contact Jamie on 0863000276.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 2,3,15,20, three match threes Maria Beehan, Rachel Tobin and Sarah Dermody. Congratulations to all three on their win.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE FAMILY FUN DAY This year’s Mill Family Fun Day is on Sunday the 25th August 2024, 1.30 – 4.30pm, in the Centre. This fundraiser is in aid of our Counselling and Play Therapy Services.

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

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

NEW COURSES There are two new courses commencing this September, Office Admin. One morning a week commencing on Monday 9th September. Basic Computers. One morning a week commencing on Wednesday 11th September.

These will run up to May 2025.

We are having an information morning on these courses here in the centre on Friday the 30th August from 10.a.m until 12.p.m. Everybody welcome.

COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-toOne, Adult & Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 5+.

Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

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

DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm GLENGOOLE COMMUNITY GROUP A Barndance with Folk That in Buddy’s Shed is being held this Saturday 24th August at 9pm. Adm €5. PJ Murrihy will be in Buddy’s Shed on Saturday 31st August at 9pm. Adm €15.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time.

Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. A sincere thanks to the massive support for the August weekend special bingo.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Trisha Holohan, Glengoole who won €228 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of September Split the Pot will be in support of Ballysloe Community Group. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

GAMBLING THERAPY AND SUPPORT SERVICE Millennium Family Resource Centre Glengoole. A confidential counselling service for those affected by problem gambling. Now offering online counselling sessions.

For further information contact us on 052 9157992.

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Sophie Pembroke on representing her local Camogie Club Gortnahoe Glengoole and County Tipperary in the Junior All Ireland Camogie Final last Sunday week in Croke Park and on receiving the ‘Player of the Match’ award FENNOR CREAMERY Last call for photos and articles relating to Fennor, Ballysloe and Grange creameries. Fennor creamery will celebrate the 125th Anniversary of its foundation this year.

A booklet to commemorate the event will be published later in the year. We would appreciate any photos, newspaper articles or stories in relation to Fennor, Ballysloe and Grange creameries. All photos and articles will be returned to the owners. Please contact Liam Noonan, Denis Bowden, Michael Lanigan or Jimmy Fogarty.

CONAHY HURLING The intermediate hurlers are back in action in the Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate League this Saturday afternoon when they play Rower-Inistioge in Gowran at 12.00. The locals will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Lisdowney last time out. Best of luck to all involved.

CAMOGIE The intermediate camogie girls have their first game in the Intermediate League/Championship on Sunday at 11.00 when they play host to Ballyhale Shamrocks in Jenkinstown. Best of luck to all involved.

JOHNNY DOOLEY MEMORIAL RUN Conahy Vintage Club will hold the “Johnny Dooley Memorial Tractor and Truck Run” in aid of Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre and the Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team on Saturday, September 7th. All tractors, trucks and cars are welcome. The Run will commence at 3.00 p.m. from Kilkenny Block Company Ltd., Inchmore, Freshford (R95 R258), with registration available at 1.00 p.m. Please try to support this event in aid of what are extremely worthy causes.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 3, 11 and 35. There was no jackpot winner, so the consolation prize winners were Eilish Begley, Bobby Dooley, Patricia Morrissey, John Gleeson and Geoff O’Shea. The promoter prize winners were Teresa Dollard, Helen Cahill and Seamus Óg Brennan. Many thanks to everyone who supports the GAA Club Lotto.

FLOOD RELIEF WORKS AND JENKINSTOWN WOOD WORKS Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kieran O’Donnell T.D., recently announced funding of €78,453 for flood relief works including an upgraded retaining wall at Threecastles Bridge. It is hoped

that work will commence shortly.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish, Hugginstown, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil, Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday 25th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Wednesday at 7.00p.m. Vigil,Saturday at 6.30p.m.

Friday 23rd. Feast of St. Eugene. Saturday 24th. Feast of St. Bartholomew (Apostle) PRAY FOR Anniversary Mass, Jim McCarthyMas, Knockdrinna: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 24th. August at 6.30p.m.

ROTA (21st. Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Lennon: Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power, Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Natalia Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill, Sunday 10.00a.m. Kay Power.

PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS The “Church Door” Contributions on last weekend amounted to €570.00. Thank You. SCOIL AIREAGAIL: The school community is celebrating the official opening of their new buildings on Wednesday, 28th. August at 12.00Noon. All past pupils, parents, staff members, neighbours and friends are most welcome to attend.

Please contact 056-7768632 or email info@scoilaireagail.ie to confirm attendance.

STONEYFORD TEXT ALERT AGM On Wednesday the 11th of September, Stoneyford Text Alert will hold their AGM at 7.30 in the Community Centre and everyone is invited to attend. The subscription for the year is €10 per mobile phone number, which can be paid on the night. Alternatively, you can put €10.00 (per mobile No), your name(s), address and mobile number(s) in an envelope and drop it into Willie’s Shop or Fred’s Bar. We hope to have a member of An Garda Síochána in attendance to speak to us about crime prevention, etc. New members can join on the night.

COUNTY KILKENNY MASS PATHS AND HOLY WELLS SURVEY: Kilkenny County Council in partnership with Shanarc Archaeology and Wicklow Willow are conducting a survey of holy wells and mass paths in County Kilkenny. Holy wells have been visited for centuries around the county to provide cures, comfort and community. This survey seeks to record what remains in the landscape and in memory so that future generations will understand their importance in our spiritual, social and cultural heritage.

Mass paths are an important and under-recorded part of our cultural heritage. They serve as reminders of the challenges faced by Catholics during the penal times, and also reminders of a later era when they were used by people in rural areas as pedestrian routes to mass, to visit neighbours and for going to school. If they are not recorded in the near future, their presence and value will have faded from the public memory.

Much of the knowledge of holy wells and mass paths rests in community memory around the county and Kilkenny County Council need your help to record this knowledge before it is too late. We also hope to hold workshops around the county over the coming months to hear your stories. To get involved in the project or to share information about your local holy well or mass path, please contact the Heritage Office at Kilkenny County Council at heritage@kilkennycoco.ie or 056 779 4923 CATHOLIC MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER IN IRELAND Friday 8th to 10th November 2024, Focolare Centre, Prosperous, Co. Kildare.

The Catholic Marriage Enrichment program has been transforming marriages in Ireland for over 50 years and in 94 countries around the world. The programme involves a Weekend experience that transforms the way spouses communicate to deepen their love for each other. The Weekend experience allows one to develop a higher and broader understanding of what it means to be married. Sacramentally married couples are most welcome. While faith is a powerful part of this process, the focus of the Marriage Encounter experience is on the ups and downs of married life. Further information at: www.marriageencounter.ie LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 12th. August 2024 Numbers: 26; 03; 16; 32. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners:“Teresa and Tessie, c/o T. Fitzgerald; Pat O’Neill, Stonecarthy. Fennelly Family, Mullinahone. John Corcoran, Lawcus. Indie and Isla Hoyne 3 x €15.00 (Sellers). James Irish. Walshe’s Shop, Tommy Murphy.

Next Draw on Monday 19th. August. Please submit returns by 8.30p.m. Draw at 9.00p.m.

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

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Hurling matters

Sport

Peter Mc Donald Thomastown drives out past Andy Parsons James Stephens

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Time is flying. We have had the opening two rounds of this season’s St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League and the teams have had a bye week to treat the wounded and work on a few things before matters resume this evening. With games across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there’s plenty of opportunity for Gaels to take in a game, or two, or three!

We get underway with an interesting encounter, the meeting of James Stephens and Bennettsbridge at Danesfort. This is a game that The Village will not want to lose, having failed to get off the mark in rounds one and two against Thomastown and most recently, Discksboro.

Brian Cody will know that shipping three majors and not registering any in the opening two games is part of the problem. Losing two players to red cards doesn’t help either, and tonight’s tussle with Noel Doherty’s charges will tell us a whole lot more about Cody’s men. The Bridge had a comprehensive win over struggling Glenmore in round one, before a stirring second half comeback against ‘new boys’ Thomastown saw them lose out by 4 points.

The first of Saturday’s offerings see’s County champions O’Loughlin Gaels take on Erins Own at Ballyragget. The St John’s Park outfit have clicked straight back into gear, winning both their games this campaign. They built on a decent performance against Clara by dismantling The Vegas Boys by a whopping 16 points in Thomastown.

Kerry County man Fionán Mackessy looks like a quality addition to the Gaels and has settled in nicely to a side full of confidence. Erin’s Own in contrast are hoping it’s third time lucky tomorrow. Having lost out to Mullinavat in round one, the Castlecomer side then met Shamrocks Ballyhale, who themselves were smarting from defeat in their opener and went down by 12 points in a game staged in Palmerstown.

Tomorrow’s second encounter takes place in picturesque Thomastown, where Clara face off

Ladies & Gentlemen...

Round 3! against Shamrocks Ballyhale. As mentioned above, Shamrocks got back on track from their defeat to Graigue Ballycallan with a Fionan Mackessy OLG takes a heavy tackle but gets away from Conor O Shea Clara

comfortable win against the ‘Comer men. Everyone across Noreside knows that the former champions are known for slow starts to the league, but having lost their crown last season, South Kilkenny’s finest will want to get back on top in their County quickly. Having lost county star Adrian Mullen to a red card in round 1 after he took an overzealous interest in Jeff Neary’s headgear, there were lively performances from Eoin Cody, Niall Shortall and Darragh Corcoran, while Finnian Shefflin raised a green flag in the second period, which saw his side pull clear for victory.

While Clara have currently no points on the board going into round 3, they will look to encouraging signs in their defeats to O’Loughlin’s and Graigue Ballycallan. County Panelist, Paul Cody has been in good form, notching some lovely scores, but like tomorrow’s opponents, the dismissal of a key player, in Clara’s case, Lester Ryan, may hurt them in Thomastown. The Carlow Road

outfit will look to Chris Bolger, Liam Ryan and James Bergin to lead the way in round 3 and they will hope to remain competitive for the sixty-odd minutes.

The first of Sunday’s triple bill of action see’s Dicksboro taking on Glenmore in Dr Tierney Park (throw-in 12 noon). Again, it’s a case of a team seeking their first points versus one seeking their second win. Dicksboro secured a win in their second-round fixture over The Village in St John’s Park, edging a tight game by 2 points.

The Palmerstown side got overpowered by Tullaroan in their first round game, shipping 3 majors in a 3-point defeat. Matthew Kelleher, Kevin Moore and young star Harry Shine have been showing well in the campaign to date, and will be hopeful of troubling the scoreboard against struggling Glenmore.

The Páirc na Ratha side have looked overwhelmed in the defeats to Bennettsbridge and Tullaroan, and without the suspended former

county man, Ger Aylward, their attack was reliant on Ian Byrne’s placed ball accuracy last time out. Alan Murphy was back in the Glenmore side and he will add plenty as the season progresses.

Make no mistake, this side has quality, they just need to gel and deliver, and soon.

Clara is the venue for the clash of the ‘T’s’ at 2pm when the top two teams in group A clash. Both Tullaroan and Thomastown have maximum points from the first two rounds of fixtures, and both will want to keep the momentum going in game three. There’s has literally been little to separate these sides, in fact it’s a scoring difference of +1 that see’s The Sash top of the table. Netminder Paul Buggy was the hero in the season opener against Dicksboro, making a couple of incredible saves to help get his side over the line, while at the other end of the pitch, Ciallin Brennan (2-0), Dylan Simpson (1-4) and Gearoid Dunne (1-6) contributed

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Hurling matters St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior League Group A Round 3 Bennettsbridge vs James Stephens Friday 23rd Aug @ 7pm Venue: Danesfort Referee: Conor Everard Glenmore vs Dicksboro Sunday 25th Aug @ 12 noon Venue: Dr Tierney Park Referee: Patrick O Reilly Tullaroan vs Thomastown Sunday 25th Aug @ 2pm Venue: Clara Referee: Paddy Bowden

St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Group B Round 3 O`Loughlin Gaels vs Erins Own Saturday 24th Aug @12 noon Venue: Ballyragget Referee: Gavin Quilty Clara vs Shamrocks Ballyhale Saturday 24th Aug @ 4pm Venue: Thomastown Referee: Eoin Hayes Mullinavat vs Graigue Ballycallan Sunday 25th August @ 4pm Venue: Dunnamaggin Referee: Raymond Byrne

handsomely to their impressive total of 4-16 most recently against Glenmore. Throw in the experience of Mossy Keoghan, Padraig Walsh and John Walton and you can see why this Sash side will be a handful

Michael Malone Mullinavat and Michael Brennan Erins Own Collide as they battle for possesion

for most opponents.

Noel Doherty’s side will have used the recent break in fixtures to prepare for the clash with The Sash.

Thomastown put their numerical advantage to good use against James

Stephens, with Stephen Donnelly’s goal in the first quarter building the foundation for a 6-point win in Bennettsbridge. County Star John Donnelly has continued his fine intercounty form and will be a constant threat to Tullaroan as his tally of 0-4 against the ‘Bridge showed. Peter McDonald and Jonjo Farrell have been motoring well in the engine room, while Luke Connellan and Zach Bay Hammond have great engines and dynamism in their games. The other Donnelly’s, Stephen and Robbie are key cogs in the ‘Town machine and will get their fair share of scores too. This could be the game of the weekend.

The weekend’s action finishes with the clash of Mullinavat and Graigue Ballycallan in Dunnamaggin.

Former Tipp dual star Declan Browne has really hit the ground running with the Tom Ryall Park outfit. A confidence boosting opening day win over Shamrocks Ballyhale was built on with victory over Clara in Pairc Sheamuis

Stiopháin in round 2. Aaron McEvoy has been keeping the scoreboard busy, and he has good company in Sean Ryan, Tommy Ronan and Jesse Roberts, who hit a fine goal in the win over Clara. The sky blues will be hopeful of making it a trio of wins on Sunday and will go into the game with no shortage of confidence.

Their opponents, have secured one win from their opening two games, a 5-point win over Erin’s Own. John

Walsh was the star man, finishing with a personal tally of 0-11, showing deadly accuracy from the placed ball. While the same player top scored for the ‘Vat in the defeat to O’Loughlin’s, some poor shooting meant that the margin of loss was greater than it should have been.

Mullinavat have been known to cause problems for many sides and Graigue Ballycallan will do well to not underestimate the Vegas Boys!

Aaron Mc Evoy Gets away from Liam Barron

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Retention permission is sought by Dermot and Elizabeth Rice for the development at Woodside, Kilcross, Inistioge, Thomastown, County Kilkenny. – R95N20D Retention permission – the conversion of the attic space into attic accommodation, including no.3 new roof lights to the West elevation, modification to the internal and external layout, elevational changes including no.1 window to the South elevation, window fenestration changes to the West elevations and alterations to stonework to plaster/pebbledash render finish and all associated works to facilitate the development.

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

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056- 7753933.

Web: www.gmarch.net.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission sought for alterations and single storey extension to front of existing residence; including also the formation of porch, new rooflight and dormer window to front and ancillary related works at Laurel Hill, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny. Applicant: Alison and Alan Hoyne The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Architects: BLUETT & O’DONOGHUE www.boda.ie

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Darren Walsh and Emma Dalton for full planning permission to construct a bungalow, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system with percolation area, mains water connection, soakpits and all other associated site works at Coolehill Upper, Windgap, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 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.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. D.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. C.H.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024

Classifieds Motors

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

087 2587745

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 23rd August 2024