Kilkenny Observer 24th May 2024

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Friday 24th May 2024

Shame On Us Scandal of our kids locked in detention  Page 6

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School Discipline Do our schools today still bully their pupils?  Special Report Page 14

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny launches new Masters of Ale Experience 300 years of brewing celebrated in multi sensorial masterclass Chris Hickey, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Tour Guide and visitor, Alanna Henry

Chris Hickey, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Tour Guide and visitor, Alanna Henry, learning how to pull the perfect pint of Smithwick's.

Photos by Dylan Vaughan Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny is broadening its visitor appeal with a new Masters of Ale Experience which includes a sensorial tasting masterclass, a perfect pint pouring tutorial and an

unforgettable journey back in time where participants learn about the prominent role the Smithwick family played in the evolution of Irish ale.

The 75-minute tour runs on Friday and Saturday evenings and on Thursday evenings from the start of June. Masters

of Ale is the last tour each day and this allows participants maximum time to enjoy the sensory touchpoints and a sensorial tasting masterclass where visitors isolate the senses and break down the raw ingredients across different ale styles.

The Masters of Ale experience finishes with a guided tutorial in the bar on how to pour a perfect pint of Smithwick’s.

Participants also receive an engraved Smithwick’s glass as a memento of their experience.

Masters of Ale has been trialled over the winter months and Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Manager, said it’s proving a great success.

Visitors are really engaged and their feedback has been exceptionally positive. The traditional tours remain in situ at the award-winning site.

“We’re delighted to officially launch our brand-new Masters of Ale Experience. This new,

premium experience will run on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 5.20pm from now until the end of August, with Thursday evenings added in from the start of June.

“It has been timed as a predinner or night out activity to help continuously develop the night-time economy in Kilkenny city. Because it’s our last tour each day, visitors will have plenty time to really immerse themselves in this very special multi-sensory experience.

“The tour is an absolute must for the culturally curious and beer enthusiasts. The visitors from Ireland and all over the world who’ve trialled the tour

have been really impressed and we’re very excited about it.”

Simon Walsh been guiding tours at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny since it first opened. His family has worked at the site for several generations. He said trials of the tour with test groups were a phenomenal success and that they’ve tweaked the tour and its content to meet customer demand and ensure everyone enjoys the experience.

“On this tour we get to really explore the brewing process, the flavours and what makes Smithwick’s so special, so popular and appreciate all of the ingredients that go into our brew. We’re very proud of the Masters of Ale tour and really look forward to guiding even more visitors through these iconic gates as the busy tourist season now begins.”

• For more on Smithwick’s Experience, the Masters of Ale tour, traditional tours and the Barrel Yard sessions, visit www.smithwicksexperience. com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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Rents crisis worsening Soaring costs in Kilkenny show housing plan failing – Funchion

Sinn Féin candidate for Ireland South for the European elections Kathleen Funchion TD [pictured] has said soaring rents in Kilkenny shows local communities have been failed by the Government’s disastrous housing policy.

The election candidate said it was time for a change of government to get to grips

with the escalating crisis.

The latest Daft.ie rent report shows rents in Kilkenny rising by 6.1% last year to an average of €1,375 per month.

Kathleen Funchion told The Kilkenny Observer: “These are totally unaffordable prices. People are pushed to the pin of their collar and simply cannot afford these eye

watering increases. What all of this shows is that the government’s housing plan is not working and people in Kilkenny are paying the price.

According to the latest report by Daft.ie, the lack of available housing supply is expected to further drive up the cost of accommodation, with the national average

rent cost up 5% to €1,836 a month.

Market rents were up 17.5% year-on-year in Limerick city, one of the largest in the country, while the average listed rent in Dublin has climbed to €2,395, an increase of 2.5% year-on-year.

The latest Rental Report from property website Daft.ie

shows that nationally, there were just over 2,000 homes available to rent on Daft.ie on May 1, unchanged from the same time last year but less than half of the 2015-2019 average of almost 4,400.

The report notes that there are “clouds on the horizon” in the rental market, caused by a lack of supply.

High number of migrants in elections This year’s local elections see a significant increase in the number of candidates of a migrant background running. In the 2019 local elections there were 56 migrant candidates. However, the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) has identified more than 100 candidates of a migrant background running in the local elections on June 7.

As well as the increased number of candidates of a migrant background running there is a higher proportion of candidates running as part of a political party, rather than as independents.

See Pages 6 and 22

We’re the ‘poor relation in Europe’ Ireland South MEP Candidate and Carlow native Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has pointed to independent figures from the EU Regional Competitiveness Index which show that historic investment in infrastructure in Carlow and Kilkenny is running at half of that of comparative regions in the rest of Europe.

According to Ms Ní Mhurchú, much of the deficit is due to a failure to tap into

existing EU funds and poor representation for Carlow and Kilkenny in Brussels.

She has called for a sustained investment programme at national and EU level in infrastructure projects in Carlow and Kilkenny as she claims the figures reveal a severe infrastructure deficit which is well below the average for the European regions.

On the other hand, the figures in the EU Regional

The question of gender ...

Out and about: Cynthia Ní Mhurchú campaigning on the streets of Kilkenny Competitiveness Index show that Dublin has more than average investment in infrastructure, roads, airports and broadband, when compared to comparative cities in Europe.

She told The Kilkenny Observer: “We have not been investing in infrastructure in Carlow and Kilkenny at the same rate that our EU neighbours have been investing in their regions of a similar sta-

tus. In the Southern counties our competitiveness ranks 94th of the 234 regions in the EU competitiveness study.

Dublin ranks at 24th.

“For too long, we have tolerated chronic under-investment in regional infrastructure in the South East and it is leading to a very imbalanced economy where Dublin is leading the growth. We need southern cities like Kilkenny, Waterford, Limerick and Cork

to act as a counter balance to Dublin. There needs to be a whole new focus on investing in our rural roads, regional airports, broadband and port infrastructure” Ms Ní Mhurchú has again called for the immediate funding of Waterford airport to counterbalance Dublin airport and has again called on Minister Eamonn Ryan to stop blocking progress at Waterford airport.

What it doesn’t mean is selfdeclaring to be a sex other than the one you were born with and among other things demanding access to women’s safe places and to compete in women’s sports as a biological male.

Gender stereotyping can be limiting, as in girls don’t study science or boys don’t cry. We have been chipping away at the rules around gender stereotypes for centuries, especially on the female side, where in the long march to equality it’s easy to forget that in the past women couldn’t vote or go to university.

Marianne Heron Page 12

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

News

Callan opens its doors for major arts fest From May 23 to 26 Callan arts and community organisations will be hosting Callan Open Doors, a series of events that invite the public into artistic spaces and community places, to witness and participate in different creative activities.

The official opening of Callan Open Doors on Thursday May 23 will be at The Powerhouse, a recently renovated gallery and creative activity hub in the old bacon Factory on Mill Lane, which will be hosting an exhibition of works in progress

by Callan based Dutch artist Paul Bokslag.

Paul, one of the founders of the KCAT Arts Centre, will be showing works that are later set for a major exhibition in Netherlands in September.

In addition to these pieces, Paul Bokslag will also be showing some of his graphic design work and examples of collaborative mural commissions he has done in recent years.

The Powerhouse is also hosting Youth Drama workshops, which are being organised by Asylum Theatre, best known locally for their large scale community theatre productions of shows like The Big Chapel and Bridge Street. Youth participation in these workshops is being organised in collabo-

ration with the local schools.

Other workshops on offer during Callan Open Doors include Everyday Dance Sharing with Kells based dancer and choreographer Cindy Cummings, presented

in collaboration with Mount Carmel Supported Care Home residents and drum circle sessions with percussionist and composer Fergal O’Connor in collaboration with Droichead Family Re-

source Centre after school club. Callan Library is also participating, hosting an introduction to ‘artificial intelligence art’ with artist Zoe Wong.

On Saturday May 25, the

public will have a chance to visit the Tony and Jane O’Malley residence where RHA residency recipient Marcel Vidal and his artist partner Ella Bertilsson are currently living and working.

Across the road from the O’Malley residence resident Nicola Teehan will be doing a special window installation with her sister Brigid.

On the Saturday morning, artists Siobhán de Paor and Michelle Mc Mahon will co-host a workshop in the Workhouse Union that will explore native plants and herbs (luibheanna) using the Irish language and through printmaking.

For music lovers, Fennelly’s of Callan will host Galway songster Ultan Conlon as part of The Unlikely Likeable Tour and local troubadour Peter Barbazon will lead a session in Hourigan’s Bar after the launch on the opening night. For literary enthusiasts, poet Sandrine Dunlop will host an Open Mic session inviting guests to come with a poem or a song. John Clarke will host one of the monthly NoMike Sessions as the final Callan Open Doors event in Coolagh Hall.

Visual artists Fintin Kelly, Brianna Hurley and Maurice Caplice will be bringing their doors out into the open, setting up a tripod of doors on Green Street on the Saturday afternoon for a large scale community drawing and painting, inviting the public to join in and make their mark.

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Agrifood policies under spotlight of Europe elections The European Parliament elections are fast approaching, and agrifood policies have taken the spotlight following a wave of protests and demonstrations across the EU in recent months. One common concern expressed by farmers across the bloc is the level of bureaucracy within the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The current CAP, covering 2023 to 2027, saw a significant push towards greener

policies, with a strong focus on environmental requirements, specifically, increased environmental conditionality.

However, following the protests, the European Commission has made proposals to appeal to farmers, with many of these proposals focusing on environmental matters.

‘Good agricultural and environmental conditions’ (GAEC) have been relaxed to ease the administrative burden on farmers, provid-

ing Member States with more flexibility in policy implementation. Furthermore, some policies on this mandate’s agenda have been scrapped, such as the pesticide regulation (SUR).

Striking a balance between the needs of farmers and sustainability remains a significant challenge that will likely define the next Commission mandate.

As various political parties release their election manifes-

tos, they are including action plans on agrifood policy for the years ahead.

Join this Euractiv Virtual Conference to discuss the new legislative agenda for 2024 to 2029 and what changes are foreseen for the agrifood sector.

Questions to be discussed include: • What proposals have been made, adapted, or withdrawn so far?

• What will the priorities be for

the agrifood sector in the new Commission mandate, particularly for CAP? • How will the outcome of the elections impact future agrifood policies?

• How will policymakers strike a balance between sustainability and the needs of farmers?

Panellists include Gijs Schilthuis, Head of Unit, Policy Perspectives, DG AGRI, European Commission; Stoyan Tchoukanov, Section for Agricul-

ture, Rural Development and the Environment, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC); Faustine BasDefossez, Director, Nature, Health and Environment, European Environmental Bureau (EEB); and Angelo Di Mambro, Editor, EU Agriculture and Food Policies, Euractiv. *Register at https://www. eventleaf.com/Attendee/Attendee/

Scandal of children held in detention Children are being held in special care units for two years – more than twice the legal limit – because of a lack of appropriate accommodation around the country.

The Children’s Ombudsman has raised concerns about the State’s failure to fulfil its duty to children who are a risk to themselves and others in its annual report, which is published today.

Dr Niall Muldoon has said children in Ireland are living in a country where outrage does not lead to action.

Parents fighting “tooth and nail” for school places, an “unacceptable” lack of progress on children’s mental health, and a lack of services for children with additional needs were all reflected in the 1,790 complaints the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman (OCO) received last year.

The OCO said that, while the number of complaints for last year was down slightly from the 1,812 it received in 2022, it warned there had been a noticeable rise in the “complexity” of complaints.

One in five of the complaints received last year related to more than one state agency.

Last year, the OCO started to visit and consult with three special care units (SCUs) in Ireland.

SCUs are secure accommodation for children aged between 11 and 17 who are considered to a be a risk to their own health and safety.

Children are placed in such units by the High Court, in the hope of stabilising them and keeping them safe.

Under the law, children cannot stay in such units for longer than nine months, but the OCO found that some chil-

dren were being kept in SCUs for as long as two years, “due to a lack of step-down places”.

Parents who are trying to access SCUs for their children have also complained to the OCO that Tusla has refused to apply to the High Court for an order, due to the lack of places.

“Removing a child from his or her parents and taking them into the care of the State is a monumental decision, particularly when it has been identified that the child is a risk to themselves and others.

When this happens, every support should be provided to help this child without delay.

The State has a duty to these children that must be fulfilled,” the report said.

Last year, education was at the heart of 40pc of complaints to the OCO. Access to school places was a major issue, and the OCO raised concerns about children who are refused a transition year (TY) place because of behavioural issues or their additional needs.

The OCO said many schools did not seem to have a clear policy or an appeals process.

One 15-year-old boy, was one of a number of children who was refused a TY place based on some behavioural issues. His parents said he was being assessed for ADHD and that his mental health had deteriorated since being refused a place.

His family and his GP were concerned he was not mature enough for fifth year, and that he would suffer if he was forced into the more senior class.

The OCO said it was “significant” that last year, 4% of complaints related to creche and preschools.

Four clubs benefit from Intel grants A total of 305 community organisations and schools across Ireland have received grants totalling €1,411,369.

Four Kilkenny organisations share in €16,948 as part of the Intel Ireland employee volunteer programme.

The Intel Ireland Matching Grant programme sees a grant of $10 paid by the Intel Foundation for every hour that an Intel employee volunteers at an approved organisation. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Intel Ireland will be donating over €1 million to com-

munity organisations across Ireland. In 2023 Intel Ireland employees volunteered just over 163,954 hours that were eligible to be matched through this initiative.

The 305 organisations include, in Kilkenny, Clara GAA Club, Fenians GAA and Railyard GFC and Blacks & Whites Camogie Club via Blacks & Whites GAA Club.

Since the inception of the Intel Ireland initiative, more than €12 million has been donated to charities, schools, sports clubs, social initiatives, and community

schemes across Ireland.

Employees in Ireland make up just 5% of the overall Intel employee population but the Irish volunteering efforts account for 20% of Intel’s global grant amount.

Director of Public Affairs at Intel Ireland, Sarah Sexton, said: “By supporting a diverse range of organisations, from charities and schools to sports clubs and social initiatives, we are fulfilling our commitment to corporate social responsibility and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

The generosity and dedication of our employees in Ireland, whose volunteering efforts contribute a remarkably large portion to our global grant amount, exemplify the spirit of giving back that defines our company culture.”

Throughout Intel’s 50-plus year history, volunteering has been encouraged and facilitated to make it as meaningful and impactful as possible with the Matching Grant programme now 15 years into its successful existence

Saga of the fake solicitor and Catriona Carey Bailiffs tried to repossess a house owned by a window salesman who allegedly pretended to be a solicitor when taking calls on behalf of Catriona Carey’s company, Careysfort Asset Estates.

John Steadmond (47), of Craanford, Gorey, Co Wexford, was first ordered to give up his home 12 years ago after failing to make his mortgage payments.

A circuit court order for possession was granted to Springboard Mortgages Ltd

12 years ago on May 18, 2012.

According to Land Registry documents, he bought the property in January 2003. Last year, debt servicing firm Mars Capital Finance took over a charge on the house.

Members of the Bailiff Service of Ireland and Gardaí were seen at the property. It is understood they were due to execute a possession order, but Mr Steadmond was not there.

Bailiffs knocked on the front door several times and

walked around the property. The county sheriff also arrived, but left shortly afterwards. It is understood the possession order was not executed.

Around 15 minutes after the bailiffs and sheriff left, Mr Steadmond drove up to the property. Reporters tried to approach him for comment, but he drove away.

The execution order for the repossession of the house has had to be renewed on a number of occasions. A pos-

session order remains in force for a period of 12 years from the date it is granted.

Mr Steadmond was previously identified by RTÉ Investigates as a “fake solicitor” who allegedly sent text mess­ ages and made phone calls to clients of Careysfort Asset Estates.

The company, owned by former hockey international Carey, is currently under investigation by Gardaí in connection with an alleged mortgage scam.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

The future: will it work, even remotely?

The relentless treadmill that is the ever-evolving world of newspapers, by its nature, commands a lot of team work, as do indeed a lot of trades and industries. With 50 years in this game under my belt and the free travel pass well worn into the fabric of my wallet, I have worked freelance and remotely since 2012, having worked down the years in the offices of most national newspapers.

Do I miss being surrounded by fellow travellers, where I can bounce an idea or a headline off a colleague by shouting at her across the newsroom floor, instead of now emailing or picking up the phone and waiting, laboriously, for a less-than-spontaneous reply? Not really. I am quite happy working away quietly on my own.

In the past, as an Irish worker you had no legal right to ask for remote working but this changed under the Work Life Balance and Miscel-

laneous Provisions Act 2023.

Employers must ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of all their employees.

Your employer has the same duty of care for your health and safety when you are working from home (remote working). Employees also have responsibilities when they are working from home.

All employees – obviously not if you’re a surgeon or a bus driver – now have a legal right to request remote working if certain conditions are met.

Ireland has adapted to remote working at a greater pace than anywhere in Europe with three times as many people working from home last year compared to 2019, new analysis suggests.

BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland says analysis of Eurostat data shows Ireland coming out on top when it comes to remote working, along with Malta, the Netherlands, Germany and France.

In 2019, just 7% of Ireland’s workforce said they “usually” worked from home. But this had risen to 25% in 2023, the highest increase of any country, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Ireland’s adaptability throughout the pandemic has been remarkable in many ways, not least the ease with which businesses and employees alike adjusted their working models,” director of research John McCartney says.

Elsewhere, more than half of workers would skip a pay rise if it meant they got a job that offered remote, hybrid or other flexible working arrangements.

A new survey by recruitment company Morgan McKinley shows that workers doing hybrid work prefer two days in the office. Only 8% are happy to be office-bound five days a week, with 92% having a strong preference to continue hybrid or remote working.

However, it’s a bone of contention, with 56% of companies globally and 42% in Ireland continually urging their staff to return to the office more regularly.

That said, the same survey shows that professionals with a hybrid working arrangement are the “happiest” with

“Workers had no legal right to remote working...

their relationship with work.

Once upon a time, building a productive, healthy workplace used to be straightforward. You’d stock the office, make sure there were enough meeting rooms, maybe include some comfortable furniture and a fridge full of snacks. While you might occasionally have some remote workers, they weren’t anything you had to plan around.

However, times have changed. Remote work has become the new normal after the pandemic – and there will be more, imminent pandemics. And, despite those recent pushes to attract employees back into the office, many companies, by Irish law, must now choose between either remote or hybrid workplaces.

Two things come to mind.

First, there will never be a society of full remote working, given the surgeon and bus driver scenario and a myriad other important jobs which demand being in situ. Second,

for those 25 per cent or so who do work remotely, what does it mean for the future of commercial property and its accompanying financial implications? (City leases are already dramatically down).

Over lunch the other day, a friend, who heads up a successful financial planning firm, has his answer.

“The vacant office space could, if civil servants got their act together, be used as a solution to our housing crisis and, by the time that becomes a realty, jobs like surgeon and transport driver will have in the main been replaced by robotics and AI,” he says as he tucks into his crab.

We agree such a scenario would not be in our lifetime but perhaps in the time of our grandchildren.

It’ll be a world of us and them. The worker and the ‘non-worker’.

And the robots, of course...

See also Page 18

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Butter on a slippery slope The current unpredictability of the dairy market volatility saw future butter prices rise sharply last week, while Dairygold announced it has cut back its cheese production due to reduced milk volumes.

In a statement, Dairygold said due to milk volumes being 9% lower than 2023 in the year to date and the outlook for the year to be

around 7% lower, it will reduce cheese production over the summer months and allocate milk volumes elsewhere within the company as it looks to optimise its processing capacity and consider individual product returns.

Dairy markets in Europe saw a surge in future butter prices last week, jumping from €5,600/t to €6,500/t.

One analyst said the price

rise was due to a shortfall in milk supplies across Europe over the past few months, coupled with increased exports, with butter stocks reported as "extremely low” after the UK and Ireland produced just 173,000t between October and March, back from its usual volume of nearly 200,000t.

March and April EU milk volumes have been reported

as variable across Europe, with recent reports of total volume plateaus, according to the AHDB. New Zealand milk volumes are back 3.47pc compared to March 2023, while the latest New Zealand-based Global Dairy Trade earlier this month was up 1.8%, with cheddar cheese seeing the biggest percentage price rise, up 7%.

Irish milk volumes were down 5.9% in March compared to last year after a difficult few months of weather conditions for dairy farmers.

ICMSA Dairy Committee chair Noel Murphy said milk supplies globally are back by 0.9%, which he noted was a greater margin than 2022, when milk price increased to 56c/L. "Typically, when dairy

markets move forward, the standard industry 'mix' of butter and SMP moves first before other products,” he told Farming Independent.

"Hopefully, we'll see a significant move on dairy prices upwards in the coming weeks that will catch the last period of 'peak production' and enable milk suppliers to avail of the higher prices during this crucial period.”

tended to provide more and better access to workplaces, amenities and essential services like healthcare.

“It is also absolutely vital that the bus service addresses the needs of wheelchair users and residents with mobility issues by adding routes to areas like the Orchard House and New Orchard roundabout."

Furthermore, he said we needed enhanced services for elderly residents in Melville Heights, Hebron Park, Waterford Road, Callan Road and other overlooked areas, ensuring they had

reliable access to transportation.

“Feedback from residents has been invaluable so far. I am dedicated to delivering these improvements and ensuring that our public bus service meets the needs of all residents. I am passionate about shaping a better future for our whole community and our public service being the best it can be is a vital part of this.”

National herd cull ruled out by Harris Taoiseach Simon Harris has ruled out a cull to the national herd in order to safeguard food security and support Ireland's agriculture industry.

"No one is questioning if you need Diageo, if you need less beer. They're just saying they're going to do things differently. That's the sort of approach we need to bring to farming as well,” he said.

"Farming is sometimes seen by some people as a discretionary extra. It's a core part of the economy.”

In January, Ireland's Climate Change Assessment (ICCA), led by the EPA, highlighted that reductions in livestock numbers and adopting different land use strategies and bioenergy will probably be necessary to achieve and maintain deep emissions cuts.

"I would note that when you look at emissions reductions, agriculture is a sector making relative progress

compared to other sectors of the economy as well,” the Taoiseach added.

"I think it's a question of making sure that we can actually support the transition.

When I travel around the country and I engage with farmers, they are up for the change, but they also want to have a family farm at the end of it.

"Farmers aren't afraid of change, but what they're afraid of though is sometimes people have a view of change that seems to be about dissing the agri-food sector.

"We have to do both, we have to have food security and support our oldest and best indigenous industry.

"The planet is on fire and we have to make really significant changes.”

In response to the Taoiseach's comments, ICMSA President Denis Drennan said it was becoming an increasingly difficult scenario.

Move on the buses, says Coonan Councillor John Coonan, a candidate for Fianna Fáil in the Kilkenny local electoral area, is calling for expansions and improvements to be made to the public bus service in Kilkenny city.

Cllr Coonan said the expansion of the public bus service was required as Kilkenny city had grown significantly and continues to expand.

Cllr Connan said: “I am constantly engaging with the residents of Kilkenny City and there is continued feedback that the public bus service must expand

to cover more areas of the city.

“As a sitting councillor, I was proud to help introduce the public bus service to our city. I am committed to ensuring that our transportation system is accessible, inclusive, and serves as many areas as possible.

“The bus service needs to expand to new housing estates in Breagagh Valley and Margaret's Fields, ensuring our growing communities have the transportation they need, " he told The Kilkenny Observer.

“Routes must also be ex-

* Our picture shows Cllr John Coonan, Cllr Peter Chap Cleere and Kilkenny County Council staff

'Effort needed' to retain nitrates move Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher has said that the decision of the new Dutch government to agree to seek a derogation under the Nitrates Directive could be a game changer in terms of Ireland’s national campaign to retain its own derogation.

Mr Kelleher, a Fianna Fáil MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, said: “We should take hope from this decision. The Nether-

lands are possibly under more pressure when it comes to nitrate issues than we are.

So for them to seek to retain it can give us more confidence in our own campaign.

“The campaign to retain the 220 derogation needs to be ramped up. Dairy farmers need to have confidence in two things: "1. the absolute commitment of the current and any future Irish Government to retain the derogation and 2.

that they won’t be left high and dry if they invest in increased on-farm slurry capacity, additional land and other technological solutions.

“I firmly believe the derogation can be retained.

However, we need to get serious about on-farm development and about anaerobic digestion (AD) as a solution to part of the problem," he said.

“Denmark which has a

significant volume of slurry produced every year due to its pig and dairy sectors, generates 40% of the country's annual gas consumption from renewable biogas produced by AD." Mr Kelleher said we needed a real urgency from the Government, State agencies, and the farming sector themselves about the threat to Irish agriculture and agrifood if the derogation was lost.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Bambie proves a different kind of ‘Vision Well, maybe she didn’t win the Eurovision with Doomsday Blue, coming a creditable sixth, but Bambie Thug came first in other ways.

In the contest staged in Malmo Sweden where anything went as an attention grabber, like underpants and a flesh coloured cod piece (Finland’s Window95 Man’s No Rules’), it’s hard to come up with anything that stands out.

Bambie may have been the first out of the 41 countries represented to appear with antlers formed from hair. (Some of us would rather it has been 40 participants without participation of Israel given the country’s genocide waged on Palestinians and the fact that Russia was barred last year over its war against Ukraine) .

Bambie was the first to appear as a witch, performing a spell-binding number in Ouija-pop. Using the

Ogham alphabet to write an anti-Israeli protest (erased after the EBU spotted a reference to it on social media) was certainly a first.

Bambie can claim another first, as the first contestant for Ireland to come out and identify as non-binary.

Swiss winner Nemo with his song about self-discovery, The Code, identified as non-binary too. Should we cheer for that? I think so. We can certainly cheer Bambie for breaking the recent hex on Ireland, where our entries failed to make it to the finals eight times in the last 10 years, despite the fact we have won the contest seven times and made the final 45 times previously.

But, perhaps, it was easier for Irish contestants back in the day when all you had to do, as Johnny Logan remarked recently, was stand there and sing. Maybe it’s time to drop the word song

from the contest and just go with the title Eurovision, because song has become an also-ran in the whole hyper-reality of spectacle, where costumes, choreography, lighting and special effects dominate every performance.

Only a handful of contestants, including Serbia and Estonia, performed the kind of numbers that you could sing along with.

Back to non-binary, which in case you wondered, means those who identify with more than one gender, are gender fluid, gender queer, have fluctuating gender identity and feel that they are different from the gender identity they were assigned at birth. It’s about gender which is social construct, as opposed to sex which is biologically determined and where there are only two sexes.

What it doesn’t mean is

self-declaring to be a sex other than the one you were born with and among other things demanding access to women’s safe places and to compete in women’s sports

“I think the gender journey is always in flux...

as a biological male.

Gender stereotyping can be limiting, as in girls don’t study science or boys don’t cry. We have been chipping away at the rules around gender stereotypes for centuries, especially on the female side, where in the long march to equality it’s easy to forget that in the past women couldn’t vote or go to university.

Non-binary seems appropriate too in a Eurovision dedicated to celebrating diversity, without sexism, racism, ableism, body shaming or any of the other discriminatory prejudices and isms. Gender stereotyping, which dictates the way you are supposed to behave, can be critical for teens and 20ss forming their identities.

When teens are on the way to discovering who they want to be, maybe gender stereotyping can be more limiting for boys these days.

As a girl being a tomboy is okay but as a boy getting labelled as a cissy isn’t, yet there shouldn’t be anything wrong with being artistic or not into sport should there?

One aspect of declaring as non-binary that I could do without is the use of that awkward pronoun ‘they’ which obliges me to write ungrammatical things like “they was”.

We are all on a continuum in relation to our varied expressions of gender, if the idea is to gain acceptance for difference why should there be a signifier to draw attention to that difference?

As Bambie said: “I would say that I do not fit into the roles of either gender or what society deems me to be. Do I feel like either of those roles? Some days more than others, some days not at all. I think the gender journey is always in flux. Personally, I just feel like Bambie.”

Balance your nerves with Rescue Remedy CLAIR WHITTY

Are you feeling nervous or stressed about your exams? It is normal to feel a bit nervous, anxious, or panicky. It’s not a problem unless it’s affecting your sleep, concentration, or cognitive ability.

Here are some tips to help you deal with stress/anxiety so you can perform your best.

Take time to relax and choose a simple technique like deep breathing, meditation, or visualisation. Essential oils like Lavender in your oil diffuser may create a nice relaxing environment for you. Tisserand Stress Relief Roller balls are ideal for rolling on your pulse point to help relaxation. Some people prefer incense sticks, you could choose from Relax, Stress, or Meditation.

A lack of sleep can impact on your stress response meaning that your coping abilities are not as good as they normally would be. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function too.

This would be a good time to get your sleep under control.

Routine is the most important thing in my opinion to help with quality sleep.

There are also lots of natural supplements to choose from.

Where the stress is not ongoing and is directly associated with the exams you may find benefit

from Rescue Remedy Night. You can choose from spray or drops.

These are the same as Rescue Remedy which most of you will be familiar with, but the Night option has added White Chestnut. This is the remedy to switch off thoughts that torment you in the night. For ongoing stress, you can combine Rescue Remedy with Passiflora Complex, B Vitamins, or Ashwagandha.

For daytime stress not associated with sleep issues use Rescue Remedy. It is available in drops, spray or capsules. I mostly use the drops because I can add them to a bottle of water and sip them throughout the day.

Exercise can help reduce stress, a short walk or a quick exercise session could be

enough to help get those happy hormones going again. Avoid caffeine and stimulants, make sure to keep hydrated and drink plenty of water. Eat a good variety of foods for energy and concentration.

Trust yourself. If you have seen it or heard it you can recall it, relax and let the memory come back to you.

The best of luck to all of you doing exams this year.

Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands.

Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

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SPECIAL REPORT As a post-primary teacher, with more than 40 years experience, Gearóid Ó Riain has observed the impact of the enforcement of school uniform policies on students, and indeed on school culture. He has always been concerned that they can contribute to an unnecessarily oppressive atmosphere in schools, can have a detrimental impact on students, and can potentially constitute a form of institutional bullying.

This opinion piece for The Kilkenny Observer was written as part of a national campaign to stimulate reflection and discussion on the matter.

-------------------------Minister for Education Norma Foley has recently decided to establish a system to gather data on bullying in Irish schools. Her intention is to examine bullying by students of other students.

The initiative is based on a definition of bullying as “targeted behaviour that causes harm, whether it is physical, emotional or psychological in nature… Bullying behaviour is repeated over time and involves an imbalance of power in relationships between two people or groups of people in society”.

The minister should go one step further and gather data on the main inter-group relationship in schools – between teachers and students. That relationship certainly does involve an imbalance in power.

How is that power used?

While there is no doubt that the actions of individual teachers can harm students, is there evidence that harm is being done by the systemic culture within schools, which is largely dictated by school leaders?

The collective impact of school rules and their enforcement – what students are reported and punished for, and their frequency and severity – should be examined to discern whether it constitutes institutional bullying, be it physical, emotional, or psychological.

Many of us who went to school in the decades before the 1980s believe that a culture of teachers bullying students was endemic in the Irish education system.

It found its most obvious expression in the regular use of corporal punishment as a coercive means of control and discipline.

I recently came across an RTE archive news interview from 1974 with a 19-year-old student leader, Tony Kinsella.

In it he made the case for the abolition of corporal punishment. One of the questions put to him was particularly revealing. He was asked why he was organising such a campaign when there was no

Do schools bully students?

Gearóid Ó Riain argues that many Irish schools, particularly at second level, continue to operate some level of coercion of students towards uniformity, through enforcement of arbitrary school rules about what they can wear obvious demand for change from the Irish public.

His campaign to stop teachers beating students was successful because, despite the interviewer’s perception, there was a latent desire for change in Ireland and a rejection of the culture of intimidation and punishment in schools.

Has that culture been fully eradicated from the modern school system?

André Spicer, Professor of Organisational Behaviour in the University of London, writing in the Guardian, thinks that it has morphed.

He observed that school uniforms took over as the main instrument of control after the abolition of corporal punishment because there was a panic in schools about how they were going to control students. He claims that because

of this panic many schools introduced uniforms or became stricter on them, generating fear of sanctions and punishments, albeit of a more psychological and emotional nature than physical punishments. Although some students will tell you that being forced to wear uniforms also causes physical discomfort.

Evidence from a major study of bullying in schools across Europe also supports the assertion that there is a link between uniforms and bullying. In 2018 Statista reported on bullying in European schools in 41 countries.

Only in eight of the 41 countries were uniforms the norm (which includes Ireland).

Significantly, all eight of these countries were in the top half of levels of reported bullying. Three of them, Russia, Latvia and Malta, were in the

“A culture of teachers bullying students was endemic in the Irish education system... top five. Not only does this give the lie to the myth that uniforms protect children

from bullying, but it also suggests that there is a direct link between school systems that place high value on uniformity, and higher levels of bullying.

Many Irish schools, particularly at second level, continue to operate some level of coercion of students towards uniformity, through enforcement of arbitrary school rules about what they can wear.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that almost 50% of punishments are related to uniform and piercings infringements, blotting the school records of students, intimidating, and beating them, metaphorically, into submission.

Seán Ó Diomsaigh, reflecting on a career of 46 years as a teacher, principal, and department inspector, concluded recently that the time he spent chasing down aber-

rant students [about their uniforms] was a complete waste of time.

This widespread Irish educational culture has a depressing discriminatory and oppressive impact on students. Many are still coming to school afraid of being reprimanded, suspended, penalised, detained for wearing something they feel comfortable in but which is in breach of an arbitrary rule. It could be the colour of their hair, the design of their shoes or what they are wearing to stay warm, etc.

It is all such a pity because there is another way. Cork post-primary Principal Colm O’Connor recently wrote that “allowing students to be themselves brings light and levity to the classroom and corridors.”.

We could all do with that.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Arrears are up as those energy bills still bite There has been a significant rise in utility arrears among households and businesses according to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

The CRU is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator and its latest figures highlight a troubling increase in the number of consumers struggling to pay their energy bills, reflecting the broader challenges posed by the ongoing cost of living crisis.

In March 2024, the percentage of domestic electricity customers in arrears stood at 10%, a slight decrease from 11% in February. This reduction followed the allocation of the third and final Government electricity credit of €150.

Despite this temporary relief, the overall arrears situation is still critical. Gas arrears are even more concerning with 25% of household gas customers in arrears surpassing the earlier peak during April to August 2023

when inflation was at its highest.

The commercial sector is also feeling the strain. Nondomestic electricity customers in arrears rose to 17% in March up from a peak earlier last year. Although there was a slight decrease in the percentage of business customers in arrears on gas bills — down to 28% from 30% in February — the figures are still worryingly close to the peak of 31% seen last July.

Unfortunately, the financial strain has led to a rise in the number of disconnections.

In March alone 103 households and 34 businesses had their electricity cut off, while 218 households and 13 businesses faced gas disconnections, highlighting the severe impact of arrears on households and business.

According to the CRU’’s website its mission is to “ensure secure, sustainable, and high-quality energy and water supplies for all customers”.The CRU focuses on pro-

tecting vulnerable customers but the recent surge in arrears presents a significant challenge.

Aoife MacEvilly of the CRU

emphasised the regulator’s commitment to customer protection and engagement through empowering customers with information

about their rights and offers a dispute resolution service for unresolved issues with energy companies or Uisce Éireann.

Despite these efforts, there is growing frustration over the CRU’s decision not to publish the total arrears owed. Sinn Féin’s Senator Lynn Boylan has been particularly vocal about this issue arguing that without knowing the financial scale of the problem it will be difficult to fully understand and address the crisis. “I am deeply disappointed that despite a commitment from CRU to publish the amount of arrears, they have declined to do so,” she said.

Addressing the arrears crisis will require a multifaceted approach. The CRU must balance its regulatory responsibilities with the immediate needs of consumers facing financial difficulties. Therefore, they should be more transparent about arrears as it would foster greater public trust and enable more targeted support measures. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

News Science & Wellbeing The Sun has been active all of 2024, spewing out flares and coronal mass ejections, which are clouds of charged particles.

Things got extra hectic in recent weeks, when a huge and complicated cluster of sunspots unleashed several solar flares.

The sunspot group is about 16 times wider than Earth, and the flares were all “X-class,” the strongest possible on the space weather scale—imagine a cluster of EF-5 tornadoes or Category 5 hurricanes, to use more familiar, earthly scales of violent weather.

Then, on May 9, space weather scientists saw five coronal mass ejections explode from the Sun and fly toward Earth.

All of these clouds, which travel slower than light, arrived in Earth’s magnetic field over the weekend, sparking aurora around the world.

The northern lights were visible across parts of Ireland.

In America, the Space Weather Prediction Centre issued a severe level 4 geomagnetic storm watch, its first since 2005. The concern is that CMEs can disrupt satellites, especially those at geosynchronous orbit, and interfere with radio communications and power grids on Earth. When these alerts are issued, such disruptions will happen, if not during the current event then, inevitably, sometime in the future.

While solar activity can disrupt modern society, it is also one of modern astronomy’s most intriguing topics, in my view. The Sun is 4.6 billion years old, which is middleaged for a star of its type, but nonetheless a span of time whose immensity is hard to comprehend.

Imagine a walk down the block where each step represents 100 years of history. After 20 steps, you stroll past Jesus.

After only a few dozen steps — before you can even reach the end of the block — all of recorded history peters out, all

If the emergence of generative AI has prompted a lot of excitement and anxiety about the future of work, that’s because it’s arrived at a moment when we’re already asking questions about our working lives.

Tools like ChatGPT, DALLE, and Bing Chat have appeared on the heels of a three-year period in which white-collar professionals have experienced a massive dislocation in where and how they work. The overnight shift to remote work that took place during COvid-19 lockdown has matured into a durable change in the structure of work: Among the 40% of workers in many countries.who have jobs that can be done remotely, a third now work from home full-time, while another 40% work remotely some or most of the time.

Ireland if to the fore in this following legislation last year.

That means 30% of the workforce now spends a

Those Northern lights and the changing Sun

of human civilisation is behind you, and woolly mammoths exist! To get to the birth of the Sun, you would have to keep walking for 20 miles a day, every day, for four years. That’s how old the Sun is.

And yet, somehow, this

unbelievably ancient thermonuclear furnace, the source of all life and possibility on Earth, acts out on a very human timescale. Its sunspot activity flares up and down every 11 years, the so-called solar activity cycle. Think about that

for a moment: the 4.6 billionyear-old Sun switches between angry and placid about every Earthly decade. Not, for instance, some other random number like 87,000 years, or 11 million years, but, for reasons no one knows, the length of

human childhood. The span of a dog’s life. Just short of three presidential elections. Why? Nobody knows. We likely never will.

In February 1755, scientists started measuring the recurrence of sunspots as a way to

teams are made up of a mix of human and artificial colleagues.

The next decade of working life will be shaped by the twin challenges posed by these two simultaneous transitions. It’s absurd to talk about the automation

of work or the impact of artificial intelligence on employment without reckoning with the way our assumptions about work and employment have already been transformed, recently and massively, by the embrace of remote work — as well as the backlash against it. And it’s equally pointless to talk about how to get workers to return the the office, or how to build culture and collaboration among distributed teams, without considering how AI is already reshaping our daily working lives and employees’ fears for the future.

Let’s start by looking at ways remote work has set the stage for AI acceptance.

Remote work lessened our attachment to human colleagues Not so long ago, human workers talked about the value of work as a place for social connection, and indeed, one of the most frequent complaints about remote work is “a sense of

AI and the future of work significant portion of their working lives outside of a conventional workplace— and 70% of employers now have a hybrid workforce, where some (if not all) employees spend some (if not all) of their days working remotely.

This transformation in the where of our working lives is about to collide with a transition in who is doing that work. This collision is the new hybrid work, in which organisations are made up of a mix of on- site and remote workers, and

track the Sun’s activity. This is now called Solar Cycle 1, and it lasted until June 1756. These blemishes on the face of our star are driven by magnetic activity, like most other solar phenomena.

This month, we’re entering the “maximum” phase of Solar Cycle 25, when the Sun is most active and churning out the most sunspots and associated flares. And so far it’s a doozy. If you saved your eclipse glasses, go out and look at it — you can’t miss the big sunspot cluster on the Sun right now.

If you don’t have solar viewing glasses, look online through the Solar Dynamics Observatory, a gallery of live pictures of our star from a NASA spacecraft orbiting Earth. It views the Sun in many different wavelengths of light, rendering the star as a placid pink ball, a Moon-like disc of grey, or a turquoise sphere surrounded by angry flames, among other options. A filter combines several wavelengths of light into a view that looks like a purple-teal ball of fire.

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections fling radiation and charged particles into the entire solar system. They travel with the solar wind, and reach far beyond Pluto. This material was the last thing the Voyager 2 probe felt before it left the Sun’s influence for good. Coronal mass ejections in particular can harm satellites and astronauts in space and on the Moon, so they are worth our consideration and study.

Solar activity, and its attendant aurora, are a reminder.

Our star, a literal star in a vast and uncaring cosmos, is very much a part of us. It is eternal, in the most credible sense of that word, yet it acts on timescales that we can experience and perceive. We do not understand why this is, just as we do not fully understand how the Sun works.

But we can look up and wonder, all the same.

isolation that often accompanies the social detachment and reduced interaction with coworkers”, as Stephens and Shana put it in Perceptions and Expectations: Why People Choose a Telecommuting Work Style.

But remote employees seem to have made peace with a working life that offers fewer social gratifications: 94% of employees in remote- capable jobs want to keep working remote at least part of the time, according to a 2022 Gallup survey. We might miss the human contact with colleagues, but we don’t miss it enough to actually put on pants and go to the office every day.

And once you’ve relinquished your hold on the interpersonal delights of working life, and do more and more of your collaborative work over text, email and document sharing, how much do you really care if your invisible colleagues have human bodies?

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Travel & Leisure When the annual World Happiness Report was released in March 2024, it was no surprise to see Scandinavian countries like Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden continue to top the list. But in a surprising trend, a new set of countries has seen its rankings quietly, but steadily, march up the ranks.

For the first time, the Czech Republic and Lithuania have cracked the Top 20 this year, placing 18th and 19th respectively, with Slovenia closely chasing behind at No. 21.

What’s especially interesting is that, in many of these countries, the bump is directly attributable to the growing happiness of younger residents. In fact, Lithuania ranks at No.1 in the report’s Happiness of the Young report (as measured by respondents younger than 30), with Serbia at 3, Romania at 8, the Czech Republic at 10 and Slovenia at 15.

Residents and frequent travellers to the region aren’t surprised. “There are more decent jobs at home, so [now] young people aren’t moving to somewhere else in Europe to work,” said Tim Leffel, author of The World’s Cheapest Destinations. “The first time I went to Romania and Bulgaria a decade ago, some villages were full of only old people. Now you see a lot more mix in the ages. When more young people stick around, it makes everyone feel more hopeful about the future.”

With GDP per capita sharply rising since the early 2000s, many Central and Eastern Europe residents now feel like they have an equal shot at happiness – an important overall indicator of wellbeing.

In fact, the report found inequality of wellbeing has an even bigger effect on overall happiness than The latest high-speed train in Europe was just announced to launch by year’s end, sending travellers from Brussels to Amsterdam, or vice versa, in record time.

Brussels is definitely the most popular city in Belgium and, despite Amsterdam being a bit grumpy with tourists this year, you can’t knock how cool it is to visit.

Travellers wanting to visit both destinations during their European escapades will soon have a lightningfast option.

There is already a train (Benelux) connecting this dynamic duo, but more stops equals more time wasted for travellers.

The new line is trimming the fat by removing stops more common for daily commuters, rather than tourists.

Stops at Brussels-North, Brussels-Central and Amsterdam-Central will no longer be on the docket and will be replaced by only stopping at Brussels-South,

the vibrant cultural scene of Vilnius, the country’s capital [pictured]. She especially likes its proximity to nature, inclusive community spirit and opportunities for creative expression and personal growth.

She points to important cultural events like the Lithuanian Song Festival, a Unesco World Heritage event marking its 100th anniversary this June and July. “It’s a oncein- four-year opportunity to witness a massive concert of hundreds of choirs and thousands of people singing at once on a huge openair stage,” she explained.

“The festival holds deep importance to us all due to its role in preserving Lithuania’s national identity during times of Soviet occupation, which is why it was dubbed the ‘singing revolution’.”

The country’s proximity to nature also offers an easy route to happiness via a

better work-life balance.

“Lithuanians love the outdoors,” said Rubinovaite.

“They take every opportunity they have to leave the city and enjoy the forests, the lakes and the beautiful seaside.”

Lilaitė-Sbalbi recommends visitors check out hiking trails near Vilnius, such as Strva Green Trail. “Its hill of springs is home to streams that don’t freeze even in winter and it has a plantation of Lithuanian orchids on a small hill,” she said.

Though only ranking 32nd overall, Romania saw one of the world’s largest jumps in happiness over the past decade, soaring from number 90 in the 2013 World Happiness Report. Again, the surge was driven primarily by young people, who put the country at number eight for respondents under 30.

Some experts attribute this optimism to increased freedom and opportunity.

In March 2024, Bulgaria and Romania became the newest member states to join the EU’s Schengen area, which guarantees free movement for citizens and visitors without border checks. Romania has also seen large investments in infrastructure, which have been improving quality of life for residents and travellers alike.

“Major highways and every town you visit – even small places like Targu Mures – all seem to be under construction,” said Daniel Herszberg, founder of Travel Insighter website. With an approved infrastructure budget of €17bn for 20212027, Romania has been systematically implementing improvements, including 1,700 km of motorway construction, all at a much faster pace than was originally expected.

But even in the midst of modern upgrades, tradition is still a draw for locals and travellers. “Romania boasts rich cultural diversity – from Saxon and Szekler (and other Hungarian) minorities to Romani and Romanian cultures,” said current resident Alexandra Nima.

“Transylvania, specifically, is worth considering if you are into affordable, quiet, pastoral surroundings filled with beautiful sights and art.”

Herszberg agrees, and suggests taking a Transylvanian road trip to see the best of the region.

Start at Cluj Napoca (the country’s second-most populated city) to see its medieval castles (including Bonida Bánffy Castle which is known as “the Versailles of Transylvania”, located 30km to the north). Next, head 270km south to the smaller town of Brasov, surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, where you can explore its medieval Saxon walls and lively cafe culture.

with capabilities of reaching speeds of 200 kph.

There is one caveat, however. There is full support backing the new high-

speed train, but there is an expected review of dropping certain stops before officially launching.

We probably all know Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but for some reason, it is often seen as an afterthought compared to Europe’s stalwarts — Paris, London, and Barcelona, to name a few.

Brussels will flat-out rock your socks off, so it’s a bit of a surprise it’s not in the same conversation.

Like Paris and all the others, Brussels is easily reachable with nonstop flights out of Dublin or Belfast.

Jam-packed with cultural sites, stunning architecture, and an underrated foodie scene, this city packs a punch and you may find it to be a bit less crowded than other major cities.

Beyond stuffing your face with Belgian waffles, visiting incomparable destinations like the Atomium is a must, along with stunning palaces and scenic city parks.

Taking on the persona of a modern-day ‘Karen’, Amsterdam has been quite moody in terms of welcoming tourists into their world-renowned city.

Their famous red lights have taken on a new meaning as if to say stop coming here.

Over-tourism is definitely real, but when your culture welcomes a party atmosphere, doesn’t it seem counter-intuitive to ween out the party crowd?

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most unique cities, especially given their bicycle- friendly culture and geographical placement of their always popular canals.

People will always want to visit, but it remains to be seen if Amsterdam will become more tourist-friendly again since they have continuously launched campaigns asking tourists to stay home or go somewhere else.

The new high-speed train from Brussels is expected to launch in December 2024.

Lithuania, Romania inequality of income. Beyond economic growth, these countries are also investing in infrastructure, fostering vibrant cultural scenes and capitalising on their stunning natural beauty – from the sea-formed sand dunes of the Curonian Spit straddling Lithuania and Russia to the biodiverse Carpathian Mountains in Romania.

The result is a palpable sense of optimism and excitement among locals.

“Most people in Lithuania, especially younger generations, feel really happy,” said Jurga Rubinovaite, who is Lithuanian and is the founder & CEO of the travel blog Full Suitcase. “Despite the war in Ukraine and constant talk on the news about the increasing possibility of war expanding to the Baltic States, people seem to be enjoying and appreciating life as never before.”

She attributes this to the

fact that people have been free to study, work and travel wherever they want since 1990, when Lithuania regained independence from the Soviet Union. “My mom often says, ‘My life has never been so good as it is now’,” said Rubinovaite. “The younger generations never experienced what life was like before Lithuania regained independence, but they all know the stories from their parents and grandparents. I think that’s one of the reasons why people are happier now because they appreciate what they have more than ever before.”

She also credits the country’s maternity/paternity policies, which are some of the longest in the world (up to 126 paid days for mothers and 30 days for fathers), and large family networks to help take care of children.

Resident Raminta LilaitSbalbi finds happiness in

All aboard... at high speed

Antwerp-Central, RotterdamCentral and Amsterdam Schipol.

By doing so, around 40 minutes are shaved off your

trip and brings your total ride to just 45 minutes total!

Travellers will be able to ride on brand new trains that are being advertised

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Of pastoral farming and Panama cats!

It’s that time of year again – exam time – and straight away may I wish all you students oceans of calmness, confidence and, all going well, correct answers, not like the following answers purportedly from actual exams, which I hope give you all a giggle at this stressful time (and for Godsake don’t use a sentence this long in your English essay).

Oh, and if you’re the religious type (and even if you’re not) you might care to mutter an aspiration, or two, to St Joseph of Cupertino, the Patron Saint of Examinations, or to St Jude, the Patron saint of Hopeless Cases. Or both.

The more the merrier. Right?

Biology, Chemistry & Physics Q. What is a fibula? A. A little lie.

Q. What does ‘terminal illness’ mean? A. When you

become ill at the airport.

Q. What happens to your body when taking a breath? A. Your chest gets bigger.

Q. What is a nitrate? A. It is much cheaper than a day rate.

Q. Many people don’t like eating radiation treated food.

How could a food scientist prove that radiation treated food is safe? A. By eating some.

Q. How could live near a mobile phone mast cause illness? A. You might walk into it.

Geography & History Q. Explain what is meant by the term ‘pastoral farming.´ A. It’s a farm run by vicars.

Q. The race of people known as Malays comes from which country? A. Malaria.

Q. Which artificial waterway runs between the Mediterranean and Red seas? A. The sewage canal.

Q. Name Abraham Lincoln’s

greatest achievement? A. Having his head carved in rock.

Q. What did Mahatma Gandhi and Genghis Khan have in common. A. Unusual names.

Q. What were the circumstances of Julius Caesar’s death? A. Suspicious ones.

Maths & English

Q. Steve is driving his car.

He is travelling 60 feet per second. The speed limit is 40 mph. Is Steve speeding? A. He could find out by checking his speedometer.

Q. There are 300 students in Leaving Cert class. Mary and Mark want to find out their favourite colour. Mary asks 30 people. Mark asks 150 people.

Mark says: “My conclusions are more likely to be reliable than Mary’s”. Why does Mark think he is right. A. Because Mark is a man.

Q. How does Romeo’s character develop throughout the play? A. It doesn’t, it’s just self, self, self all the way through.

Q. How much is Romeo to blame for what happens at the end of ‘Romeo & Juliet’?

A. He is completely to blame.

He’s an alpha male and he’s named after a car.

Business & Computer Studies

Q. Explain the phrase ‘free press”. A. When your mother irons your trousers for you.

Q. Joan prepared well for her interview. How might she have prepared? A. Had a bath and put on her lucky pants.

Q. Suggest two advantages for shopping on-line. A. 1) You don’t have that horrible ‘it doesn’t fit’ moment in the fitting room 2) You can do it in your pjamas.

Q. Suggest an advantage to video-conferencing. A. You can’t smell bad breath via video.

World’s easiest quiz!

And while I’m on questions and answers see how many of these questions you can answer (Passing requires four correct answers; you may have come upon them before but, be warned, they‘re tricky. Very tricky) 1) How long did the Hundred

Years’ War last?

2) Which country makes Panama hats?

3) From which animal do we get cat gut?

4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?

5) What is a camel’s hair brush made of?

6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?

7) What was King George VI’s first name?

8) What colour is a purple finch?

9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?

10) What is the colour of the black box in a commercial airplane?

Answers 1) 116 years 2) Ecuador 3) Sheep and Horses 4) November 5) Squirrel fur 6) Dogs 7) Albert 8) Crimson 9) New Zealand 10) Orange

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Opinion

The Last Word Pat Coughlan

How your vote could shape Europe’s future When ever we talk about the Members of the European Parliament, or MEPs as they’re known, it’s like talking about the unsung heroes of our day-to-day.

These folk have a hand in everything from the air we breathe to the safety of the food on our plates. But, let’s be honest, how many of us really know what they’re up to over there in Brussels or Strasbourg?

This bit is all about shedding some light on their roles and how they’re directly shaping our lives, without us even realising it most of the time. It’s the groundwork, you know, for getting why popping down to vote in the European elections is more than just a grand day out.

MEPs are the ones behind the scenes, making sure the food we eat is up to scratch and that our health services are tickety-boo.

Don’t get me started on the

health services in Ireland.

Climate change – they’re all over it, trying to keep our planet from turning into a hot mess. It’s all about the decisions they’re making over there in Europe, decisions that touch every bit of our lives, from the air

we breathe to the water we drink. So, when it comes down to it, having a say in who’s making those calls is pretty crucial.

It might feel like throwing a pebble into the ocean, but your vote in the European Parliament elections is more

like a powerful wave shaping the coast. It’s all about picking the right crew to steer the ship on big issues – healthcare, trade, the environment. Of course, there’s also that debate about a European Army.

But by casting your vote,

you’re not just having a say; you’re choosing the voices that echo your values and priorities in the halls of Brussels and Strasbourg. It’s your chance to influence the big decisions that’ll shape our future, so make it count.

Start by finding out where the candidates stand on these issues.

MEPs are out there, across borders, fighting the good fight for peace, security, and a bit of prosperity for us all. And it’s not just the big issues; they’re all about pushing for fairness, making sure everyone’s treated equal, and keeping our planet from going to the dogs. They’re our voice in the mix, making sure our values and what we stand for are front and centre on the European stage. Just make sure you chose the best.

Your vote is like being part of a global think-tank, only with the power to ac-

tually sway how things pan out. So, when we’re talking about the influence of the EU abroad, those MEPs are our front-line negotiators, shaping policies that reach far beyond our shores.

Throwing your vote into the mix at the European Parliament elections might seem like just another tick on the to-do list, but it’s a significant act of democracy in action. By having our say, we’re not just passing the baton; we’re shaping the path ahead, ensuring the bigwigs in Brussels keep our needs and dreams at the heart of it all. It’s our shout to keep the EU on its toes, responsive and true to us.

By casting your vote, you’re not just having a say; you’re shaping the future, making sure it’s what we all want it to be. So, don’t sit this one out. Get out there and make your voice heard, for the sake of all of us.

New Town Team Support Fund announced for Castlecomer Cllr. John Brennan is delighted to hear that Three towns in Co Kilkenny have been chosen to receive funding to help establish or develop a Town Team Support Fund, with one allocated in the Castlecomer area.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced the first ever Town Team Support Fund.

This investment will deliver funding for communities that have never had a Town Team before or will assist towns that have only recently established a Town Team.

A total of 68 towns nationwide, including three in Co Kilkenny will be supported with €10,000 each.

In Co. Kilkenny, Castlecomer, Mooncoin and Callan have all been selected to receive €10,000 under the new initiative.

“I’m delighted to announce the first ever dedicated investment in our Town Teams,” said Minister Heather Humphreys. This is all about tackling vacancy, combatting dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres”.

Through this initiative, we are recognising the importance of having vibrant towns, which are places to live in, work in, visit, and raise a

family in. Town teams are key to rural regeneration and I am delighted that this funding will support the development of these teams and the creation of teams where they currently don’t exist. Amongst other things, these Town Teams play a vital role in helping communities access the wide range of funding available from my

Department under various schemes,” she concluded”.

Cllr. John Brennan welcomes this initiative to create a Town Team and Support Fund.

He advises that it is a great boost for Castlecomer and will create excellent opportunities in terms of further developments in the future.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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Battle of The Bands returns

The good old days that many local musicians reminisce about where young bands took the stage in the old Zoo Club on Parliament Street may very well be returning according to Andrew McGuinness who said 'young people need this outlet more than ever and now we have finally found a venue'.

In a passionate plea to 'give young people a chance', Andrew McGuinness called on local venue owners to come forward to allow for all ages, non-alcoholic, music events for young people. Local publican Tommy Hackett answered the call and plans have been set for a 2024 Battle of the Bands contest. After an absence of almost 15 years, Kilkenny’s Battle of the Bands is finally back.

The new venue is upstairs in Hackett’s Bar, Irish Town, where a professional stage, sound and lighting system will be installed. The contest will be a non-alcoholic event open to all ages. Bands will be divided into heats, depending on the amount of bands that

enter and the winning band will receive recording time to complete a professional demo.

The call is out now for bands to enter but also for local sponsorship for prizes. Bands can enter by simply emailing their contact details to battleOfTheBandsKK@gmail.com “I’ve been searching for a venue since we held the Zoo Reunion before Christmas because that event just brought it all back for me and showed me how, even after all these years, that era had such an impact on so many young musicians and now there’s a generation of young musicians that simply don’t have anywhere to play music.

Young people need this,” said organiser Andrew McGuinness.

“At the same time a young local musician, Leila Brands, was also trying to set up gigs for young people. Local bar owner Tommy Hackett, who is a great supporter of local music, connected the two of us and offered the upstairs of his venue. So I guess I have the experience, Leila has the

youth and Tommy has the venue and between us and with a little help from the local music community and musicians that came up through The Zoo era, we are hell bent on relighting that old flame and getting a scene for young musicians alive in Kilkenny again.”

“Leila is a fantastic musician herself and in a great band so she will enter the Battle of The Bands and then come on board with me to help organise regular all ages gigs after that. We have lots of great ideas and we would love young people to come forward if they are interested in photography, Youtubing, reviewing gigs and so on. There’s a lot of ways young people can get involved even if they are not musicians.

“Id hope that we can not only bring back the Battle of the Bands but also regular all ages gigs for bands, a singer songwriter contest and a whole scene for young musicians. Back in the day it always started with a Battle of the Bands contest and so this will

Andrew McGuinness, Tommy Hackett & Leila Brands

be no different.

“Right now we are looking for bands to enter. The contest will begin at the start of July in the same format as the old

days. I’m calling for bands that want to enter to email their details to BattleOfTheBandsKK@gmail.com. We will then have an event where bands

will be drawn from a hat and divided into heats, depending on the number of entries,” concluded Andrew McGuinness.

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Bus, two way, one way or pedestrianisation?

Time and time again, the bus service in Kilkenny comes up when talking with members of the Public either on the sideline or on the doors and it is evident that the demand for the current bus service to be extended to take in more frequent stops and go further afield is overwhelmingly positive. Large swathes of people feel the service is too limited in its current format and that the distances from where they are living to where the bus stops acts as a deterrent to them making the choice of taking the bus as an alternative travel option, in particular when factoring in the inclement Irish weather. Many people have echoed that the bus service should facilitate many of the large housing estates that exist along the two current routes and that more options should be given by operating additional routes.

A novel idea that seems to be gaining

traction is the idea of a park and ride facility, which would greatly reduce the traffic in the town and around schools, particularly at peak times.

It is fair to say that the oneway system is causing much frustration to people planning a trip downtown or uptown, depending on where you are coming from. The main vein of the city has been altered and there exists a genuine fear amongst certain groups that the pedestrianisation of High Street will alienate people, particularly those with mobility issues. If, for example, those who currently use their cars to access the post office and credit union on High Street can no longer gain access to these services because of pedestrianisation, is it being suggested that they go online or use alternative similar services on the fringes of the city? Are we then continuing to push people out of their thoroughfare which potentially will have a detrimental effect on

the individual’s opportunity to engage with others on a daily / weekly basis. In tandem there is a national crisis when it comes to high street dereliction whether that is vacant dwellings above shops that are in need of refurbishment for occupancy or the need to encourage businesses into the city centre instead of mushrooming out to the city limits. One has to ask if High Street is pedestrianised, where does the bus run to and from?

In Kilkenny we need to protect what we have and encourage more citizens into our city centre to increase its vibrancy and enjoyment for all demographics and if you place your trust in me by voting for me on 7th June 2024 your concerns will not fall on deaf ears. It is extremely important that we do not forget all those who built this wonderful little city of ours and that we have real engagement and proper consultation, in advance of any decisions being made.

Concerns need to be listened to about any plans which are being developed, that may have a disadvantageous impact on others.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Kilkenny Helping the Homeless

Marathon effort when Ben Delaney , a volunteer , helping with fundraising

Marie Fitzpatrick and Pauline Parker at the promotion of ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’ who are raising funds

Tommy Higgins , Belinda Taylor and Edward Dullard supporting the ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’ fundraiser

Darragh and Mary enjoying the fun

Life’s a drag for these two damsels

Volunteers. Mary and Brendan Pierce from ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’ pictured with volunteers on one of their Dublin visits

Svitlana Saseyi who won a prize in the lucky dip at the ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’ promotion at Pat Carrolls

While it is true that there have been many forms of drag, both private and public, since earliest times, as a form of modern entertainment drag in recent years has developed into a phenomenon which is now a world-wide multi-million pound entertainment industry in itself.

And it is about to show itself in all its ‘beauty’ in the forthcoming Dublin Women’s marathon.

A number of Kilkenny men folk are about to shed their Levis 501’s and plaid fleece shirts for a more feminine look.

While you study some of the ‘female’ photos on this page you may have to make certain allowances. In all fairness, it it a fair assumption that none of our ‘lassies’ will be featuring in Vogue or Hello Magazine anytime in the near future.

However, when you learn that these Kilkenny bucks are dressing up to run in the Women’s Mini-Marathon and that monies raised will go to ‘Kilkenny Helping the Homeless’ those allowances can be made with less critical judgement.

Speaking to ‘The Kilkenny Observer’, Mary Pierce said she was delighted with the response after she put out the call looking for volunteers.

Fun and laughter Last week Pat Carrolls pub on Ballybought Street was the venue where the project was launched and we need not add that fun and laughter was there in

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Kilkenny Helping the Homeless

life’s a drag The King and Pricilla at Pat Carrolls to promote the fundraidser for ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless.

abundance.

Brendan and Mary Pierce are the dynamic duo in charge of ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’ but stress that they would be lost without the support of the many volunteers and of course the continuing donations from so many .

Mary took time out from her busy schedule to speak with The Kilkenny Observer when she explained that the main work is done in Kilkenny seven nights a week. “We are out every night and we are either dropping sleeping bags to the homeless or bringing food to those less fortunate” explained Mary. And it doesn’t end there. As Mary explained, the charity also deliver food bags and furniture.

I just couldn’t believe the amount of hardship that is out there”, continued Mary.

It is obvious that Mary, Brendan and their team have developed a passion for what they do and according to Mary “it's like having lit a fire that can't be put out”.

Fundraising is constant and there really is no light at the end of that tunnel according to Mary and Brendan.

Many supporters They have many friends who help with fundraising and without that they would be lost.

At the moment they are fundraising for a van. Their present van is on its last legs so everything raised is going towards a new van which is essential to their work. The couple started out on their quest to help the homeless 10 years ago and is fair to say that their biggest challenge is the amount of families they feed in Dublin .

Those families just can't make ends meet according to Mary.

“In Dublin we have people coming for dinners and lunches and we always try to have groceries for them.

And although people may find it difficult to believe, the same scenario applies in Kilkenny”, said Mary.

Mary and Brendan recently decided to participate in the Dublin Women’s mini-marathon and the hope is that funds raised will go towards the purchase of a new van.

The get together at Pat Carroll’s showed the enthusiasm and vigour that this bunch of merry men and women have. One can only wish them all the best at the marathon and of course continued good luck with their charity work.

They walk among us!

If you would like to donate please visit their facebook page Kilkenny Helping the homeless .

Enjoying the night to promote Kilkenny helping the homeless were Jodie and Svetlana

Mick Duffy, Pauline Parker and Marie Fitzpatrick enjoying the fundraiser for ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’

‘Tomesita’, Seanie, Buddy and ‘Brenda’, out for the night

The Buddies entertaining for the ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’ promotion at Pat Carrolls

Darragh Hayden and Mary Pierce from ‘Kilkenny helping the homeless’

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Opinion Tom Barron of Newmarket

Part one

Local heroes…

Auxilaries at Woodstock in Croissley Tender

Last week I concluded the story of what happened to Jim Bolger of Callan when the Tans snatched him from Tom Nolans’s bus and drove him to the dreaded Woodstock House outside Inistioge...Tan HQ

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Many other men and women equally felt the oppressor’s wrath in those dark days.

The Tans took a special interest in the Barron family of Sheepstown, Newmarket during the War of Independence. The family drew their wrath owing its prominent and heroic role in the struggle for independence.

Scarcely a night went by between the commencement of hostilities and the Truce without one or other branch of the patriotic Barron clan receiving an unfriendly visit from the men in black and khaki.

Three members of the family had the distinction of facing imprisonment for activities deemed to constitute disloyalty to the Crown.

Tom, Watt and James were attached to the County Kilkenny IRA’s famed 7th Battalion, while Stacia, Mary, Ellen, Catherine and Lizzie Barron served with Cumann na mBan. All of them lived on the edge, somehow managing to

stay a step or two ahead of the Crown Forces, aware that a hangman’s noose or a firing squad- or a long prison termawaited them if caught in the act of “subversion.”

At the first hint of approaching Crossley Tenders in the Hugginstown and Newmarket areas, the activists dashed to cover, scattering across fields and over ditches.

They’d hide until the raid was called off, and then cautiously return to their homes.

The women, if they helped the men to escape, had to run back to the house as quickly as possible before the raid began as the British military obliged every household in

the area to put up a list of its occupants, including the dog’s name, on the door.

Tom and Watt Barron had to go on the run following the IRA attack on Hugginstown RIC Barracks in March 1920. They sought refuge in a succession of safe houses or slept in ditches and woods.

Tom and Watt had played key roles in the barracks attack, so they had to keep well clear for a while of their farmhouse in Sheepstown, as the British scoured the countryside in search of the culprits.

Though seemingly obsessed with control and repression, the Crown forces often fell

Willie and Sarah parents of Tom Barron

below their supposed military standards, setting out on raids in an advanced state of drunkenness. Many of them had been recruited from English jails while others were suffering from shellshock and other after-effects of trench warfare.

The Barron family had to put up with raids at all hours of the day and night, with soldiers forcing them at gunpoint out onto the road while they searched- and often wrecked –the houses in a futile bid to apprehend the elusive Tom and Watt Barron.

The Independence struggle took its toll on non-combatants. Tom and Watt Barron’s elderly parents Will and Sarah Barron still lived in the frequently raided house.

One freezing winter’s night they awoke to the sound of soldiers crashing into their room. They were pulled out of bed at gunpoint, and forced to stand out on the roadside with their hands raised, for more than an hour, shivering in their underclothes while the house was ransacked.

After each raid on a “rebel house”, once the soldiers were safely out of sight the women crept down to the fields to retrieve the food

they’d hidden and bring it back to the house. This was a necessary precaution because the raiding British military routinely stole all their food.

Eventually Tom and Watt’s luck ran out. They and James Barron were arrested a few weeks after the Hugginstown Barracks attack. Tom and Watt were conveyed to Kilkenny Military Prison, from there to Cork Prison and then by ship to Belfast Prison before being shipped to England.

They ended up in Wormwood Scrubs Prison in London. It was a grim place, but they found themselves in good company. They joined other suspected members of the IRA team involved in the Huggintown attack and took part in the famed eighteenday hunger strike by Republican prisoners.

James Barron was taken to Woodstock, where, under intense interrogation, he denied any knowledge of the Hugginstown attack. While he was in the Auxiliary HQ, his sister Stacia called there to demand his release, insisting he was innocent. He was the only man who could work the farm at Sheepstown, she told the stern faced officers

who listened to her, bemused by her temerity in approaching them.

Stacia at the time worked at Graiguenamanagh Creamery and calling to Woodstock House was a brave move on her part because, unknown to the authorities, she was herself an active member of Cumann na mBan. Among other duties she smuggled guns and dispatches for the IRA, focusing especially on the Graiguenamanagh district. James’ tormenters gave him the benefit of the doubt and released him from custody on condition that he refrained from engaging in any further action against the Crown Forces…

The Auxiliaries arrested Tom Barron again in 1921, snatching him from the village of Newmarket…

To be continued…

My novel, Invaders, tells the story of how a small band of men and women in 17th century Ireland took on one of the most powerful armies in the world.

It’s available from Amazon and Kilkenny bookshops

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Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 70

'Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves'.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Global Report The war in Yemen started in September 2014, when a rebel group called the Houthis or Ansar-Allah took over the capital Sana’a. The Houthi movement emerged in the early 1990s as a Zaydi (a Shi’a sect that exists primarily in Yemen) revivalist movement that protested against their political and economic marginalisation, as well as against the encroachment of Saudi-Wahhabi religious doctrine to the Saada province in Northern Yemen where they were based.

Gradually, the Houthis radicalised, especially following the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, and increased their militant rhetoric and accusations of corruption against President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was perceived by them as supporting the US. In 2004, Saleh sent government forces to arrest the movement’s leader, Hussain al-Houthi, who died in the violent clashes that followed.

From 2004 to 2010, six rounds of war were conducted between the Houthis and the government of Yemen, with no clear victory of either side.

In 2011, mass protests forced Saleh to resign, and he was replaced by his vice president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, for what was supposed to be a period of two years of transitional process in Yemen between 2012 and 2014.

The attempt to arrive at a federal arrangement in Yemene eventually failed and came to an end when the Houthis, emboldened by popular outrage over Hadi’s decision to cut fuel subsidies by 90% in August 2014, took over Sana’a with the help of their former rival Saleh.

The Houthis kept advancing to the south and west, until a Saudi-led military coalition intervened against them in March 2015. The coalition pushed the Houthis back from southern Yemen but failed to regain control over Sana’s and other key cities, particularly the port city Al-Hudaydah.

The Saudi coalition’s strategy in the war changed over time.

In the early months of the war the targets of the coalition were primarily military, but from August 2015 a shift could be discerned from military and governmental to civilian and economic targets, including water and transport infrastruc-

Yemen: the Forgotten War ture, food production and distribution, roads and transport, clinics and hospitals and similar crucial civilian institutions.

When the Houthis still refused to surrender, the next stage, beginning in the autumn of 2016, was a full-blown raging war.

And, with Yemen importingmore than 70% of its food needs, this provec devastating.

This assessment was followed by similar estimates from human rights organisations and international bodies.

These early assessments, however, did not change the Saudi strategy in the war. The UN Development Program estimated at the end of 2021 that the war had claimed the lives of about 377,000 Yemenis so far, with around 154,000 as a direct result of combat violence while the rest the result of hunger and preventable diseases. Of

the total deaths, assessed the report, 259,000 were children under the age of This number, which has obviously increased by now, was likely an undercount, since many in Yemen have died in their houses without being counted by anyone.

In an interview in mid-June 2022, Aisha Jumaan from the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation estimated that the actual number is over a million people. While this might be an exaggeration and should be taken with a grain of salt, it does point to the sense of many observes in and outside Yemen, that we still underestimate the enormity of the human toll this war has caused.

That the Saudi conduct in the war would lead to mass death and starvation in Yemen was completely predictable, evident from early on,

and quite clearly deliberate.

In several thorough reports, Yemen scholar Martha Mundi has emphasised the systematic destruction was intentional. As she quotes a senior Saudi diplomat explaining the coalition’s strategy in the war: “Once we control them, we will feed them.”

A UN Panel of Experts similarly determined in a report published in January 2018 that the Saudi blockade is “essentially using the threat of starvation as a bargaining tool and an instrument of war.”

The Yemen Data Project – a major source of information about Yemen – has documented the persistence of the tendency of the Saudi coalition to target civilian places and infrastructure: almost a third of all coalition airstrikes throughout the war have been aimed at such targets, especially at

farms and crucial insullations.

A particularly important documentation has been presented in a 2021 report by the organisation Mwatana for Human Rights. The report, titled Starvation Makers: The Use of Starvation by Warring Parties in Yemen as a Method of Warfare, points out, among other issues, that Yemeni farms were struck by airstrikes 348 times and impacted by some 570 cases of ground shelling between January 2018 and September 2020. This has been, the report further explains, part of a pattern of conduct throughout the war in which the Coalition repeatedly attacked farms, water facilities, boats and general amenities The manner in which such attacks were carried out, the report concludes, indicates intent to destroy not only the food sources themselves, such

as crops grown on agricultural land and livestock, but all possibility of farming the land in the future without a considerable in When considering the implications of this method of warfare one must bear in mind that by November 2015 it was “inconceivable that Saudi Arabia ... was not aware of the acute food insecurity crisis in Yemen and the looming famine threatening areas in which it was carrying out air strikes.”

This leads the authors of the report to conclude that members of the Saudi/UAEled Coalition ... intended to use starvation as a method of warfare, in that they deprived civilians of OIS with intent to starve civilians or with knowledge of the virtual certainty that such deprivations and conduct would ... lead to starvation.

Israel– even those fearful of Rafah – likely to rally around its leaders.

Israel is likely to rally around its leaders. While the country’s key western allies are opposed to the extension of the war into Rafah, they may also feel that the arrest warrant does not help them negotiate with Netanyahu.

An arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague is the thing the Israeli prime minister feared most.

Ever since rerports reached Jerusalem in mid-April that the court was building a war case against Benjamin Netanyahu, he is said to have become “unnaturally afraid and worried”, allowing the matter to dominate his al-

most every thought.

Israel is likely to rally around its leaders. While the

country’s key western allies are opposed to the extension of the war into Rafah, they

may also feel that the arrest warrant does not help them negotiate with Netanyahu.

And an arrest warrant will not help deliver a sustainable ceasefire.

Once the dust settles, however, the judgment may help deter future war crimes in Israel, the occupied territories and beyond.

As the expert panel who reviewed the prosecutor’s case noted, the ICC move was a “milestone in the history of international criminal law”.

It said: “There is no conflict that should be excluded from the reach of the law; no child’s life valued less than another’s. The law we apply

is humanity’s law, not the law of any given side. It must protect all the victims of this conflict; and all civilians in conflicts to come.”

Meanwhile America’s House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has said that the House may vote on sanctions against the International Criminal Court for seeking an arrest warrant against the Israeli Prime Minister.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan announced he is seeking arrest warrants against Netanyahu and three Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ leader in Gaza, over alleged war crimes, Axios’ Barak Ravid reported.

The application marks the first time the ICC has sought to prosecute a major U.S. ally or the leader of a democratic country.

Neither Israel nor the U.S. are members of the ICC. What they’re saying: “Congress is reviewing all options, including sanctions, to punish the ICC and ensure its leadership faces consequences if they proceed,” Johnson said in a statement.

Johnson accused the Biden administration of helping to advance the prosecution with its efforts to rein in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

It’s sadly, not over yet.

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Polling Day Friday June 7th 2024

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News

Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers auction

May 28th & 29th, 2024

Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers will conduct their Chatsworth Summer Fine Art Auction comprising 1200 lots on Tuesday & Wednesday May 28th & 29th at The Chatsworth Auction Rooms, Chatsworth St., Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, R95 XV05.

This fascinating sale will include items formerly housed at The Bell Gallery, Belfast – the Collection of the late Nelson Bell; items from The Dillon-Mahon Family by direct descent; The Russell family, Seafield, Co. Waterford; The Burke

Family, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; a Collection from Thomas Teevan, Dublin – distinguished lawyer and judge; a selection of items from the Estate of Peter Cavan, Belfast, a collection of Pub Memorabilia & Mirrors from Clancys Bar, Cork City; & Property from other Executors & Private Clients.

Irish & International Art is very well represented in this sale, there are paintings

by Montague Dawson (lot 837); Gerard Dillon (lot 764); Harry Kernoff (lots 884 – 889); Augustus Burke (lot 877); Daniel O’Neill (lot 875); Sean Keating (lots 826 & 827); James Arthur O’Connor (lot 834); just to mention a few, along with some important bronze and other Sculptures. There is a very impressive 16th Century Tapestry, depicting "The Choice of Hercules,” formerly in the collection of the late

Hurd Hatfield (1917-1998), the American actor best known for playing the lead role in the Oscar winning movie The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945).

Mr. Hatfield lived latterly in Rathcormac in Co. Cork (lot 977).

For those wanting to buy quality affordable and decorative furniture that will last through generations there is an array of items to choose from: rare pair of 19th Century gilt upright Pier Mirrors (Lot 971); late 18th Century / early 19th Century mahogany and parcel gilt Side or Console Table (lot 824); large Victorian Overmantel (lot 623); Irish Georgian mahogany Estate Desk (lot 1034); 19th Century chinoiserie lacquered Longcase Clock (Lot 941); Victorian ebonised chiming Bracket Clock (lot 1080), etc, and many other Timepieces from an Important Dublin Horologist’s Collection.

Luxurious items of fashion and jewellery feature in the sale. A Ladies Patek Philippe 18ct gold Wrist Watch (Lot 258); An attractive Ladies Bulgari type design Necklace (lot 254); An attractive 18ct

yellow gold Tennis Bracelet (lot 246); An attractive 18ct lime and yellow gold Bulgari type rigid Bracelet (lot 251); Louis Vuitton leather Vanity Case (lot 274); and other eye catching pieces.

To grace your Dining Experience we present a large and important Collection of Irish Provincial, Dublin and other Silverware - 18th Century large silver crested Salver, by Richard Rugg (lot 134); set of 6 English silver George III period Candlesticks (lot 89); Irish Charles II silver two handled Porringer (lot 95); and other various Flatware, Tea Services and Collectables; together with The Ladbroke Epsom Gold Cup, 1963 (lot 723).

From Clancy’s Bar in Cork City, we include the many Advertisement Mirrors that graced the walls of the pub for many years, such as: Advertisement or Branded Mirror, for "Wilson's (lot 695); Advertisement or Branded Mirror, for "Paddy - Pure Pot Still Ten Years Old - The Cork Distiller Co. Ltd. (lot 699) to mention a few of the Advertisement Prints.

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River Nore Music Academy: A Beacon of Musical Excellence in Kilkenny

Nestled in the heart of Kilkenny City, the River Nore Music Academy has swiftly risen to prominence as a hub of musical education and cultural enrichment. Founded by the visionary Lilian Giber Opacak, this esteemed institution began its journey in 2022, inaugurated with great fanfare by Mayor David Fitzgerald, Councillor Fitzpatrick, and Councillor Deirdre Cullen.

In a short span, the academy has achieved remarkable success, underscored by numerous accomplishments and distinguished events.

Notable among these is the Concert for World Intercultural Day, which garnered the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary.

This year, the academy proudly anticipates hosting the Ambassador of Croatia and the Attaché from the Croatian

Embassy, further cementing its reputation on an international stage.

A significant feather in its cap is the affiliation with the worldrenowned Yamaha educational school, making Ireland the 44th country to join this prestigious global network. This endorsement is a testament to the academy's dedication to excellence in music education.

The River Nore Music Academy operates on a profound vision: to provide high-quality musical opportunities tailored to each individual in a fun and friendly environment. Its mission is to establish itself as Kilkenny’s premier music academy, fostering a professional, positive, and inclusive atmosphere where every student can achieve personal excellence and appreciate the benefits of a cultural and

artistic lifestyle.

With a dedicated team of six teachers, the academy offers a diverse range of music programs, including piano, violin, viola, flute, guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, vocal lessons, group classes, and specialised Yamaha Keyboard and Drum classes.

For the youngest musicians, pre-instrumental classes lay a strong foundation for a lifelong love of music.

River Nore Music Academy is not just a place of learning; it is a vibrant community where music of all genres and styles is celebrated. The academy also provides services for exam preparation and guidance for the leaving cert, ensuring comprehensive support for all its students.

As we approach the new academic year, the academy welcomes new enrolments in June and July. This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring musicians of all ages to join a flourishing community dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a deep appreciation for music.

For more information, visit www.rnmusic.ie or contact rivernore.ma@gmail.com.

Embrace the chance to be part of Kilkenny’s premier music academy and let your musical journey begin at River Nore Music Academy.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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News

Retail task force to roll out summer campaign Retailers encouraged to get involved

shopping and dining, a midweek break or a spur-of-themoment bit of retail therapy.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael Doyle said: “The challenges for retail here are as real here as they are in any city around the world. But we are very fortunate to have a really

Retailers in Kilkenny have joined forces with Kilkenny County Council to promote the Kilkenny Retail Experience over the summer months.

The co-ordinated media campaign will tell the story of the quality and variety of the retail offering in Kilkenny to reinforce what Kilkenny has

to offer.

The campaign aims to create a greater awareness of Kilkenny as the ideal destination to plan a shopping day, wander along Kilkenny’s laneways and independent boutiques, purchase for a special occasion in high quality jewellery makers, and visit the multi-generational

family owned businesses along the thoroughfares – all the while enjoying the culture and character of Kilkenny’s Medieval City.

The campaign will run over several months, and will showcase what Kilkenny has to offer through features and imagery. Retailers not already involved are encouraged

to get in touch now to participate in this Summer Campaign.

While Kilkenny is long renowned for its sporting excellence, it is also an established mecca for discerning shoppers eager to support its independent retailers and enjoy a unique visitor experience, a day out

strong retail offering here, long-established family businesses as well as new enterprises. This campaign is designed to showcase what sets Kilkenny apart and the unique retail offering in the heart of our medieval city.”

Catherine O’Connor, Economic Development Officer with Kilkenny County Council said “We are very fortunate to have incredible retailers in Kilkenny. This campaign aims to showcase the high quality of retail in Kilkenny and in doing so, provide a boost in footfall to all businesses in Kilkenny over the summer months and into Autumn.”

• Retailers wishing to share ideas and participate in this campaign should contact move@investkilkenny.ie for further information and to register interest.

Kilkenny Councillor John Coonan:

Transforming your community through housing, transport, and infrastructure I'm Cllr John Coonan, and serving Kilkenny is a profound honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and lead for our community. A retired nurse, married to Ann, with our son Aidan, I live in Willow Close.

Providing Homes, Changing Lives: Since 2020, I’ve championed housing initiatives, supporting the delivery of over 1,500 new homes, including 593 social homes, and securing €6.7 million in grants for first-time buyers and accessibility upgrades. Notable projects include 50 homes at Nuncio Road and housing for the elderly and disabled in Loughboy.

Public Transport: I led the charge to deliver Kilkenny’s first public bus service in 2019, ensuring reliable, accessible transportation for all. We’ve added new bus shelters, and my aim is to expand coverage to key locations.

Infrastructure Focused: Enhancing our roads, footpaths, and public lighting while fostering intergenerational programs like playgrounds for children is crucial for a connected community.

I’ve secured and delivered improvements to Ardnore, Melville Heights, Loughboy, Patrick Street, Glendine & Ballyfoyle Road areas.

I am eager to continue representing you, driving progress, and promoting inclusivity.

On June 7th, I humbly ask for your support to keep building a brighter, better Kilkenny City.

Cllr John Coonan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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News

Bug Hunt at Bike Fest

What’s the buzz about National Biodiversity Week National Biodiversity Week got into full swing last Friday and in Kilkenny there’s been lots of event including bat walks, pollinator gardening library talks, a dusk bird chorus, a citizen science water quality assessment of the river Breagagh and a moth trap and release event and there’s lots more happening over the weekend in Kilkenny.

Organised by the Irish Environmental Network and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Biodiversity Week runs until Sunday, the 26th of May and

provides opportunities for the public to connect with nature and learn from local experts and groups actively working to protect our natural heritage.

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan T.D said: “It’s really encouraging to see the range of events happening over the course of National Biodiversity Week this year, and to see such strong engagement from partners in government, local authorities and communities all around the country.

Our biodiversity is in crisis, but I do believe that we are at a turning point. Everyone needs to play a part if we are to turn the tide, and that’s why these events are so important. There’s something there for everyone this year – opportunities to learn about our species and habitats, to experience the joy of the dawn chorus, or just to take a walk in our National Parks and Nature Reserves and appreciate the nature that surrounds us.”

Welcoming the launch of National Biodiversity Week,

Karen Ciesielski, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Environmental Network, said: “National Biodiversity Week is an opportunity to explore Ireland’s natural heritage and connect us all with nature. The beauty of National Biodiversity Week is that it not only educates but brings back the fun and wonder of nature but it’s also a call to action to help address the alarming decline in our natural habitats. We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis and Ireland is suffering widespread habitat destruction and nature loss.

Nature is not just something that is nice to have or to

look at – we need healthy ecosystems, clean water, fresh and unpolluted air and sustainable food for our health and well-being.

National Biodiversity Week not only celebrates nature but inspires people to protect and enhance it.”

There are a host of opportunities to go and explore different aspects of nature over the weekend. On Saturday join the “Leave the Long Grass Grow” workshops and talks in Freshford (www. acornproject.ie) or in Callan, join Etaoin Holahan on walk to explain their “Til Now” Future Town Planting project, leaving from Fennelly’s at

Albert Nolan and Popular Hawk Moth

Hannah Breen in Dunmore

11.30am. On Sunday you have a chance to become a master of composting, by joining a workshop with Craig Benton in the Loop Café, Freshford at 11am and he will provide a tour of the different composting systems which are in operation around Freshford, established last year as part of a community composting training programme to help Freshford be more sustainable. Or alternatively, go join Keep Kilkenny Beautiful on a Bee Walk, meeting at 12noon at the Bishop Meadows entrance of the Linear Walk in Kilkenny City.

Bernadette Moloney, Biodiversity Officer with Kilkenny County Council commented, it’s brilliant to have such a diverse number of events running in Kilkenny, while Kilkenny County Council organised some events, the number of events or themed activities around biodiversity organised by others to compliment the week is fabulous, the interest in biodiversity is terrific. Kilkenny County Council hopes to further support efforts to record, protect, conserve and restore biodiversity though the County’s Biodiversity Action Plan, a discussion paper is currently open for comment via https://consult. kilkenny.ie/ or simply email biodiversity@kilkennycoco. ie with any comments or suggestions.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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News

Creative Kilkenny unveils It's time for change and Cruinniú na nÓg 2024! the change starts now!

Come and join us for free creative activities for young people across the county.

On Saturday, 15th June 2024, young people are invited to dive into 36 imaginative activities spread across the beautiful County of Kilkenny.

Cruinniú na nÓg is a celebration of youthful creativity, offering a platform for children and young people to engage in the arts within their own communities. Overseen by the Creative Ireland Kilkenny Culture and Creativity Team this initiative is supported by a network of local youth organizations, creative professionals, local libraries and community groups.

This year Cruinniú na nÓg will burst onto the scene, bringing together young comedians, basket makers, coders, animators, musicians, circus performers, drama enthusiasts and artists.

What’s in Store?

A vibrant program of events awaits children and young people across the county. The diverse program includes, a wide variety of events in each local library running from the 13th of June including circus skills, drumming, coding and Graffiti workshop at the new Mayfair Library in Kilkenny. Highlights include an exhibition of plant photography at the Butler Gallery, a series of clay workshops at The Happy Pottery, Circus, crafts and craic at Glenmore Parish hall, Song Collective Gig at the Drum Youth Centre in the MacDonagh Centre, and much more!

To discover the full array of events, download the complete program below, visit Cruinniú na nÓg website, or collect a copy from your nearest library.

That’s not all! Older teens will not be left out. As Kilkenny has been designated a night time

economy pilot area, additional funding has been provided to support a comprehensive line-up of events for those who want to participate in the evening and night time.

These Night time events will be hosted in the Castlecomer Discovery Park and Ossory Youth centre, Desart Hall, Kilkenny. To find a listing for Cruinniú na nÓg event near you please check out https:// cruinniu.creativeireland.gov. ie/events/ The Kilkenny's Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Majella Keating, Coordinator of the events said that “Since taking up the position with Kilkenny County Council last August, I have had the pleasure of working collaboratively with groups to develop this programme of events. Without the voluntary efforts and willingness of all involved these events could not happen.”

Further information of events are available on Cruinniú na nÓg (creativeireland.gov.ie) alternatively you can download the Kilkenny app: Kilkenny Events – The Kilkenny App Cruinniú na nÓg Kilkenny is proudly organised by Kilkenny County Council Creativity Team as a part of the Creative Ireland Programme.

My name is Aoife O’Brien, I live in Loughboy in Kilkenny City and I am delighted to announce that I am running for the local Elections as a Sinn Féin Candidate because I believe our Council needs change and the people of Kilkenny deserve change. Born in Canice’s Parish, I went to Primary school in John’s NS, Secondary School in Loreto and am now living in the Village. I don’t and won’t play favourites when it comes to the improvements that Kilkenny and its residents need and deserve.

Working for the HSE, I see first-hand the effects that inadequate housing, cuts to funding for the disability sector and a broken healthcare system are having on our community. A committed activist and trade union representative, I believe that we need to change to a political system that is more reflective of society, and this change needs to include more women.

I recently experienced a life changing accident and am all too aware of the difficulties and challenges those with disabilities and their carers face in Kilkenny. Our paths and roads are in need of repair across the city and we need

more crossings that encourage safely walking to school and work. We need the local bus service to meet the needs of all in the community, and we are in desperate need of a school drop off and collection system in Loughboy.

Kilkenny residents have been waiting for years for the Ring Road to be completed, for road works to be completed at the Butts roundabout, for a traffic management plan that works to be implemented, for increased disability and autism-friendly parking spaces across the city and we are still waiting. It really is time for change and that is why I am seeking the votes of the people of Kilkenny.

I am committed to working on behalf of the most vulnerable people in our community. I will always fight injustice and I believe everyone has the right to a home. People should be able to access medical treatment without waiting on a trolley for hours,

or three weeks for a GP appointment. Parents of children with special needs, and indeed all carers should not live in fear of no help, worry about financial support, and need to fight for every single support they need and are entitled to. I intend to lobby to keep the already limited services available to our elderly, such as meals on wheels and home-help hours and to improve the delivery and accessibility to these services.

We need improved access to affordable and social housing, disability-appropriate social housing and improved public transport. If elected as a Sinn Féin City Councillor, I intend to be a voice for change and support all Kilkenny residents.

I also intend to campaign to make the workings of councillors as transparent as possible, and to simplify where possible the process of accessing services and departments. I am committed to being a voice for change but more importantly to implement change.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

A busy year asClara I.C.A Photos by Pat Shortall

Pictured with the Clara guild to celebrate the 70th birthday were: Ann Kelly ,Liz Dermody

It was a very special (Federation President ICA) Phil Dowling occasion last week (President Clara Guild) and Olive Cullen (Vice for members of President Clara Guild) Clara ICA. A celebration, with a dinner at The Clubhouse hotel and a mass celebrated by Fr Willie Purcell saw the guild reflect on a wonderful history as they celebrated 70 years in existence.

In attendance at the dinner was ICA Kilkenny Federation President Liz Dermody, Vice President Ann Kelly, Phil Dowling, president Clara ICA , Fr Willie Purcell, Clara, and members of the Clara guild.

Other guilds including Clogh and the City guild were also present.

Celebrated by Fr Willie Purcell, a mass at Clara church proved to be very much a community effort.

The local Clara choir complemented the mass with beautiful songs and at the close of mass gave a wonderful rendition of ‘My Land’.

Members also took part in the readings as well as bringing ten different symbols to the altar during the Offertory procession.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, president of Clara guild Phil Dowling thanked all who participated. “The meal at the Clubhouse was a lovely occasion and Ian Brennan and his staff really pulled out all the stops to enhance the occasion”, said Phil.

National president of ICA Liz Dermody presented a 70th anniversary certificate to ICA Clara. The Kilkenny Federation President complimented the Clara guild saying they should be very proud of the work and promotion that they continue to do that enhances Attending the 70th birthday celebrations for Clara ICA were Teresa Dowling, the ICA . The certificate was accepted Mary Nolan and Beanie Nolan

by Phil Dowling, president of the Clara guild.

HISTORY A brief history of the ICA make interesting reading Founded in May 1910 by Anita Lett in Bree County Wexford it was originally called ‘The Society of the Irish women’(UI) Its aim was to improve the standard of life in rural Ireland through education.

In 1935 due to political issues it changed its name to Irish Country women’s association ( ICA) Clara guild was formed on the 12th of May 1954 by a group of local women.

Mrs L Kehoe was the first president and Miss Statia Costelloe secretary.

Committee members included Mrs

Foley, Mrs Rose Brennan, Mrs Magi Byrne, Mrs Carmel O’Keeffe, Mrs Carrigan, and Mrs Madge Murphy.

During the anniversary meal at the Clubhouse, great memories of participating in different competitions such as crafts, knitting, sewing, crochet, patchwork flower arranging and cookery were remembered.

The guild has an annual programme that also includes Line dancing, waltzing and ‘ mime to music’ where they competed in the ‘amazing Grace’ competition in the National concert hall.

PRIDE They take great pride in having performed on stage at the National concert hall Dublin and being successful

in reaching the All- Ireland set dancing competition.

As well as attending An Grianán every year where members travel to learn different skills, Clara also attend musicals, pantomime and plays as part of their social calendar.

There is also an annual mass for present and past members which they rate as being very important as they believe it is essential to remember those who sowed the original seeds.

Concluding her chat with The Kilkenny Observer, Phil Dowling said that Clara is in a very strong position boasting 32 members in the guild.

However, said Phil, there is always a welcome on the mat for new members.

Fr. Willie Purcell Phil Dowling at The Clara ICA celebrations

Mai Brennan, Therese Roche and Pauline Fitzpatrick attended the Clara ICA dinner

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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Irish Countrywomen’s Association

celebrate 70th birthday Eileen Tobin, Sarah Murphy and Brigid Nolan enjoying the night at the Clubhouse hotel

Enjoying the Clara ICA celebrations were Meave Brennan, Jean Rafter and Breda Prendergast

Helen Hennessy and Brigid Kelly from the Clogh Guild joined with their Clara neighbours to celebrate the 70th birthday celebrations

Noreen Brennan ,Alice Brennan and Patricia Murphy at the Clubhouse hotel to mark the 70th birthday of the Clara ICA guild

City Guild members Mary Bergin and Breda Slattery celebrated with the Clara guild

Clara Guild members Deirdre Farrell and Mary Hennessy

Attending the 70th birthday celebrations for Clara ICA were (Back Row) Alice Brennan, Nellie Hoyne, Fr Willie Purcell and Dolie Keogh Front (Left to right) Breda Gleeson, Frances Shortall and Peggy Kealy

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The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers

Spectacular festival of music at St Mary’s Cathedral

By John Fitzgerald The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers are renowned for celebrating aspects of local heritage, but on Saturday they went a step further: Marianne Kelly, who had the honour of giving the day’s presentation, uncovered a part of the city’s past that had almost disappeared without trace.

She revealed evidence for Kilkenny’s forgotten Market House. This took the form of an inscription on an old plaque attached to an ivycovered wall in the garden of the Capuchin Friary, which is south of Pennyfeather Lane.

If you look closely enough at the weather-worn plaque you’ll just about make out the words: “This market was established by Buckley Butler Anno Domini 1732.”

There is no reference in any of Kilkenny’s guide books to the existence of the Market House, which it turns out was demolished in the 1930s to make way for a building development.

Scrupulous research by the Heritage Walkers paid off again, and we can treasure the plaque in the Friary Garden as the only remaining proof that the Market House once stood proudly in the City.

After opening this window into the past, Marianne took the walkers on a tour that took in some of the Marian statues of Kilkenny. These included the statue in the Square at James’s Green and the lovely grotto at Seville Lodge.

She recalled that many of those symbols of Catholic devotion and fidelity appeared in the Marian Year of 1954, and that a large number of them still grace town squares and lonely grottos around the county in both urban and rural settings.

Though times had changed; Marianne expressed the hope that these heritage gems would continue to occupy a hallowed place in our culture.

Marianne went from this subject to the legacy of

The plaque in the Friary Garden referring to the forgotten Market House

Kilkenny-born architect William Robison, who, among his dazzling achievements, was instrumental in the restoration of some of Kilkenny’s most important and much admired buildings such as Jenkinstown House, Orchardton House., and the stately houses at Danesfort, Kilcreene, Castlecomer, Ballyduff in Thomastown, and Tennypark.

He also brought his skills to bear on the Court House in Parliament Street, and parts of Kilkenny Castle. In 1831, he built the iconic Rose Hill House, where he and his family dwelt until his death in 1850. Marianne pointed out this eye-catching edifice on route to Seville Lodge, and hailed the indelible mark that the great architect had made on his native county, emphasizing the need for us to record and to cherish these accomplishments.

Historian Paddy Neary added to Marianne’s superb presentation with further observations, drawing on his vast knowledge of Kilkenny’s heritage and antiquities.

So Saturday’s outing turned out to be one of the most revealing and informative of the weekly trips down memory lane. The walks will continue each Saturday morning, setting off usually from the Horse Trough on the Parade at 11 am.

Marianne Kelly recalls the story of the James's Green Marian statue

Rosehill House in Kilkenny

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Chicken dopiaza

Prep: 40 mins Cook: 3 hrs Serves: 6 Forget the takeaway and make this chicken curry at home.

Serve with your favourite sides for an Indian feast.

Ingredients • 3 chicken legs, bone-in, skin removed • 3 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin removed • 3 ginger, half grated, half cut into strips to serve • 4 garlic cloves, finely grated • 2 star anise • 1 black cardamom pod • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed using a pestle and mortar • 3 green cardamom pods • ½ tsp black peppercorns • 2 dried red chillies • 1 bay leaf • 3 cinnamon stick • 6 red onions, roughly chopped • 1 tbsp full-fat yogurt • 2 tbsp ghee (or 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter)

• ½ tsp turmeric • ½ tsp freshly ground pepper • fresh coriander leaves, chopped • 1 green chilli, finely chopped • ½ tsp garam masala • ½ lime STEP 1 Put the chicken, grated ginger, garlic, star anise, black cardamom, cumin

Easy fish tacos Prep: 15 mins Cook: 5 mins Serves: 4 Use a fajita mix for these fish tacos to give you all the right flavours without having to buy jars of individual spices. Served with a punchy Baja sauce, they take just 20 minutes to make.

Ingredients For the Baja sauce • 50g yogurt • 50g mayonnaise • 1 jalapeno chilli • 1 garlic clove • 1 lime, juiced • small pack coriander • 1 tsp fajita seasoning For the fish • ½ lime, juiced • 2 tsp olive oil • 20g fajita seasoning • 2 cod loins (around 140g each), cut into chunks

• 8 small corn tortilla, griddled, to serve • 8 spoonfuls each curtido and tomatillo salsa, to serve (refer to the method for our recipes) Method STEP 1 To make the sauce, put all of its ingredients in a food processor, blitz until smooth and season well. Add a splash of water if you need to, to make it a consistency that can be drizzled, then pour into a bowl or jug and chill until needed.

STEP 2T o make the fish, whisk the lime juice, oil and fajita seasoning in a bowl, add the cod and toss well. Fry the cod in a non-stick frying pan over a high heat for 5 mins until beginning to flake, but not falling apart. Divide between the tortillas, each one drizzled with the sauce and topped with a spoonful of our curtido and our tomatillo salsa.

seeds, coriander seeds, green cardamom, black peppercorns, dried red chillies, bay leaf, cinnamon stick and half the chopped onions in a wok or large frying pan over a medium heat.

If it becomes too dry, add a little water (no more than 4 tbsp).

Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the chicken is almost cooked through.

STEP 2 Add the yogurt and stir-fry on a high heat until the yogurt dries up. Now add the ghee (or oil and butter) and, when hot, add the remaining onions, turmeric, freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

STEP 3 Continue to cook over a high

heat until the sauce is dryish and the second half of the onions are nearly soft (although be careful not to overcook).

STEP 4 Garnish with the ginger strips, fresh coriander, green chilli, garam masala and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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5 Amazon to bring us Tomb Raider the show Following the Fallout video game adaptation, Amazon Studios is doubling down on an upcoming Tomb Raider TV show.

However, despite the success of the popular actionadventure video game franchise and its star-studded movie spin-offs, some fans have voiced their displeasure with the main creative force behind the new globetrotting adaptation.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been tapped to write and executive produce the upcoming Tomb Raider TV adaptation for Amazon Prime Video.

Waller-Bridge has proven to be a superb writer behind such acclaimed movies and TV shows as Killing Eve, No Time To Die, and others. Yet, due to WallerBridge’s association with a recent action-adventure movie sequel that did not resonate well with fans,

many have dismissed Tomb Raider before it even digs into production.

Cut from the cloth of Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider is a popular action-adventure video game that follows intuitive British archaeologist Lara Croft as she travels around the world looking for ancient artifacts and long- lost relics.

Along the way, Lara must fend off violent mercenaries, corrupt treasure hunters and law enforcers, backstabbing museum curators, vicious animals in the wild, and more. The first six games were created by Core Design before Crystal Dynamics took over the property. Crystal Dynamics will co-produce the new TV show with Amazon.

In addition to 11 main Tomb Raider games, there have been several spin-offs and three movie adaptations thus far. The first two movies starred Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft and the

most recent film starred Alicia Vikander in the title role.

Both Oscar-winning actors give incredibly physical performances, putting slight pressure on Waller-Bridge and the other producers to cast the right person for the TV adaptation.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a multi-hyphenate British talent who began her career as an actor in 2008 before becoming a writer, director, and producer. As a writer and showrunner, WallerBridge is best known for her award-winning series Fleabag, in which she also stars as the title character.

Waller-Bridge has proven a deft ability to write compelling, action-packed storylines and convincing dialog in such acclaimed projects as Killing Eve and Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film, No Time To Die. For Waller-Bridge, bringing Tomb Raider to the masses is a dream come true, she said.

Despite her genuine passion for adapting the popular video game, WallerBridge’s recent starring turn in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has left some fans cold.

In 2023, Waller-Bridge gave arguably her most visible performance in James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

In the film, Waller-Bridge plays Indy’s calculating goddaughter Helena Shaw.

The return of the iconic archaeological adventurer left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans who felt the movie was necessary at best, and downright terrible at worst. In addition to Waller-Bridge’s performance, critics panned the film for lacking the exhilarating action the franchise is known for. The film also performed poorly at the box office, amounting to roughly $130 million in losses for Disney (as reported by Forbes).

Netflix documentary has captured its audience A new documentary has dropped on Netflix entitled titled Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal.

The three-part doc, which has already climbed to the prestigious ‘No. 2 in TV Programmes Today’ spot, follows the scandal of how hackers exposed the details of more than 30 million unfaithful married couples back in 2015.

Now, for some context, Ashley Madison the agency was launched in 2002 and made worldwide news when a group of anonymous hackers, known as ‘The Impact Team’,

leaked the sensitive information that ruined marriages and outed cheaters.

However, even after all that, the online dating website is still up and running to this today, with the tagline: “Life is short. Have an affair.”

After rattling through the doc, it’s clearly Netflix viewers are looking elsewhere for another fix of the Ashley Madison drama with many now claiming a second documentary about the ‘insane’ cheating scandal is even better than the first.

Before the Netflix doc,

Hulu put out a three-episode miniseries titled The Ashley Madison Affair in 2023 also exploring ‘the rise and fall of the scandalous and notorious dating platform’.

And it seems some people are loving the Hulu version way more than the recent Netflix one, with many rushing to social media to share their thoughts.

“Idk why Netflix did a Ashley Madison doc when Hulu did one last year,” penned one X user.

A second chimed in: “Ok so apparently there a Hulu ver-

sion of the #ashleymadison scandal so now I wanna know what’s the difference between Hulu and Netflix.”

“The Hulu Ashley Madison doc was way better than Netflix imo,” hit out a third, “Netflix focused wayyy too much on that one couple.”

Hulu released a doc last year about the ‘insane’ cheating scandal. (Hulu) A fourth quipped: “Agreed - I like the Hulu Ashley Madison doc better thus far (saw the Hulu one a while back.

On episode 2 of the Netflix one now).

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

you can stream this weekend 1. The Horror of Dolores Roach

The Horror of Dolores (2023)Roach quietly premiered on Amazon Prime Video as an original this summer. The black comedy horror series is worth checking out, receiving rave reviews for its first season. Justina Machado (One Day at a Time) stars as the title character, a woman who is released from prison after serving a 16-year sentence. But when she returns to her hometown, nothing is the same.

The neighbourhood has been completely gentrified.

The series itself has been lauded for its wonderful balance of both horror and humour.

2. Upload

Upload got some attention when its first season premiered back in 2020, but it never quite received the fanfare it deserved. With a third season coming out in October on Amaxon, fans can’t wait to find out what happens with the lead character Nathan (Robbie Amell) a young man who, after dying in a car accident, had his consciousness uploaded to an affluent after-life community by his wealthy girlfriend.

Upload is darkly funny, but there’s also deeper social commentary beneath the surface-level sci-fi storylines.

3. The Power

Beyoncé asks in her hit song Run the World (Girls), “Who run the world?” The answer ostensibly is “girls,” and that’s the very premise of this topical, gender- focused sci-fi drama. Set in a future, teenage girls have suddenly developed a strange power to electrocute people. Naturally, their immaturity leads to misuse, but soon they discover that they can awaken the power in older women, too. Suddenly, the entire nature of authority in the world has shifted, and women rule.

Toni Collette plays Mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez, Auli’i Cravalho her daughter Jos Cleary-Lopez, and John Leguizamo her husband Rob. On Amazon.

4. Who Is Erin Carter?

Netflix has a new hit on its hands, thanks to the unexpected success of its new action thriller Who is Erin Carter? The show premiered last week with relatively little promotion, but subscribers have embraced the show, and it has already climbed to No. 1 on the list of the top 10 most popular shows on Netflix. A second season is in the planning.

5. When Harry Met Sally

“I’ll have what she’s having” has become part of the common vernacular as one of the most quotable lines from a movie, and it hails from this classic 1989s rom- com on Netflix . Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal set out in When Harry Met Sally... to ask the age-old question: Can a man and a woman truly be just friends? Sure, the premise might be dated, but the humour holds up today in this comedy classic, which is also one of the most charming rom-coms ever made.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Greyhound racing With the summer season now in full swing and the overall improved summer type weather over the past few weeks, plenty of clubs and groups throughout the county will organize a fundraising night out at Kilkenny Greyhound Track.

This coming Sunday night May 26th, Young Irelands Gowran will host their annual Dog Night which has been a great success over the years, and once again this year Young Irelands Camogie Club have come on board as joint hosts for the fundraiser along with The GAA Club.

It's actually a very busy time in James Park with a number of GAA Clubs hosting their annual Dog nights.

Bennettsbridge GAA/ Camogie Club along with the Bord Na Nog Club hosted their Dog night on Friday May 10th, while last Friday night Emeralds GAA Club staged their night out as a fundraiser for their Field

Development that was also part of Champion Unraced Semi-Final night.

Next Friday night, St. Brigids Camogie Club will host a night out in James Park as their main fundraiser for 2024, while Barrow Rangers, Thomastown and James Stephens GAA Clubs hosted very successful nights out over the past few months.

A month ago, Barrow Rangers hosted their night out as a fundraiser for Danny Byrne who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), while The Thomastown and James Stephens Dog nights were broadcast by Community Radio Kilkenny City (CRKC) as part of an extended Friday Night Sport Special that was very well received.

Thomastown's Dog night in March was perfect as it was part of their celebrations for their acheivements over the past year that culminated with All-Ireland glory in January.

for so many years, and he was well known across the county and beyond.

His nephews Patrick, Brian, Eoghan and Toss Farrell were part of The Young Irelands Team that won their historic first County Senior Final in 1996.

The featured race on Sunday night will be the Champion Unraced Final that is worth €15,000 to the winner, while the first race starts at 7.30pm and it promises to be a great nights entertainment.

Sunday nights fundraiser will the first of a series of events organized by Young Irelands over the next six weeks, with the annual Golf Classic taking place on Friday June 7th and Saturday June 8th, while the ever popular Kilkenny Country Festival returns once again on Sunday July 7th.

Finally, Kilkenny Track will be hosting its annual John Mitchell Bookmaker Festival of Racing on Sunday July 16th in conjunction with Kilkenny and Carlow Coursing Clubs.

Plenty to look forward to in James Park throughout the Summer months.

Also on that same night, the Final of The McCalmont Cup was held which is one of the biggest races of the year at the Kilkenny Track and that was won by the Liam Peacock trained Bogger Dusty.

As mentioned, Young Irelands Gowran will host their annual Dog Night on Sunday night and it's a joint venture by both Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs with a packed crowd anticipated on what will hopefully be a lovely Summer's Evening.

Tickets are €10, and their will be a raffle on the night for anyone who has bought tickets with all proceeds from Ticket Sales going to Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs.

One man who will be mostly definitely missed on Sunday Evening is Gowran man JohnJoe Farrell who sadly died over The May Bank Holiday weekend. JohnJoe was a regular at James Park

Senior Football County Champs 2024 Dicksboro 1-09 Lisdowney 1-06 Dicksboro GAA and Camogie club collected their 1st silverware of 2024 in defeating a determined Lisdowney side in tricky second half conditions in Castlecomer on Thursday night bringing home the Edward Langton Senior Football Championship cup on a 1-09 to 1-06 final scoreline.

At half time with Dicksboro leading by 1-08 to 0-04, one would have thought that the city side with ease through the second half and collect the spoils but a seriously hard working Lisdowney side outscored the victors by 1-02 to 0-01 in the second half to force a tight finish in worsening weather conditions. Dicksboro weathered the storm overhead and on the pitch to bring home their 3rd Senior Football crown having previously being victorious in 1994 and 1997.

Dicksboro were by far the better team in the opening half with Edward Moylan pointing from 25 yards from play following good work by Liam Moore. Dicksboro ran and carried the ball well and further increased their lead through further pointed frees

by Moylan along with a well taken goal and a point by a hard working Liam Moore at centre forward to open up a 1-04 to 0-00 lead by the 12th

minute. The signs looked ominous for Lisdowney as their game plan to feed ball to Mick Kenny at full forward came unstuck due to the strong running and athleticism of the Boro players all over the pitch. Dicksboro`s domination continued and they opened a lead of 1-07 to 0-01, with Lisdowney`s opening score coming from the afore mentioned Mick Kenny in the 20th minute from a placed ball.

Dicksboro`s scores during this period came from a Shane Stapleton point and further points by Ed Moylan`s left foot from close in pop over frees and a 45 yard free. At this juncture, Lisdowney introduced a lively David (Doc) O`Carroll and brought Mick Kenny out to centre forward to win much needed possession of the ball.

Lisdowney improved greatly towards the break scoring four more points through Mick Kenny frees and a fisted effort

by David O Carroll following a one-two movement with Lar Campion. Dicksboro`s solitary return was a well taken point by full forward Matthew Kelleher to leave the half time score at Dicksboro 1-08 to Lisdowney 0-04.

The second half opened amid darkening skies and increasingly wet conditions but the Ballycomey pitch stood firm as a low scoring

Dicksboro County Football Champions 2024

but enthralling second half entertained the good attendance at this first senior mens final of 2024. Straight from the throw in, Lisdowney worked the ball down the field and lively centre fielder Richie McEvoy pointed from close range to the delight of the Lisdowney supporters.

Indeed Lisdowney upped the ante greatly and dominated ball possession for most of the second half as the Boro hit a lull period creating very few scoring chances. Stalemate ensued for ten minutes with both teams working hard to retain the greasy ball with scores missed at both ends.

Dicksboro`ssolitary score of the second half came as a long ball into Aidan Nolan drew a foul which Edward Moylan duly dispatched over

the bar to give the Boro what seemed to be a commanding lead of 1-09 to 0-05 by the 16th minute of the second half. The Lisdowney men had other ideas and following a mix up in the Boro defense in the 21st minute, half forward Willie Kenny booted the ball to the back of the city side net to leave the score at 1-09 to 1-05 – a major boost for the north Kilkenny outfit.

Lisdowney pressed hard and the Boro lived dangerously at times in the closing minutes.

A further point by sub Jack Dunphy closed the gap but the Bororegained composure and held out to win their 3rd ever Senior Football Championship title on a final scoreline of 1-09 to 1-06 with captain Eoin Fennelly accepting the Edward Langton cup to send

the city side home happy – no cows were milked in the Boro on Friday morning – a Leinster campaign awaits later in 2024.

Who wants to speak of the doubl!

Both sides must be credited with a fine sporting game in worsening conditions. Credit too must go to referee Eamonn Larkin and his officials and to Castlecomer GAA club for the provision of parking, marshals and shop facilities at a well presented Ballycomey grounds.

Best for the Boro were Eoghan Moylan, Niall Rowe, Tom Kenny and Joe Sheehan in defense with captain Eoin Fennelly, Bill Sheehan, Shane Stapleton and Edward Moylan being the biggest thorns in the Lisdowney defense.

Lisdowney`s Lar Campion,

Peter Bergin, Richie McEvoy, Willie Kenny, David O Carroll and Mick Kenny battled hardest to turn the tables on the Boro.

Scorers : Lisdowney : Willie Kenny (1-0), Mick Kenny (0-2 frees), Lar Campion, David O Carroll, Richie McEvoy and Jack Dunphy (0-1).

Dicksboro: Edward Moylan (0-06 : 0:04 frees, 0-01 45), Liam Moore 1-01, Shane Stapleton and Matthew Kelleher 0-01.

Footnote : the last time Dicksboro won this title in 1997 , Aidan Maher (current Dicksboro football manager) son of the legendary Paddy “The Rock Maher” played at corner back – GAA player still giving back 27 years later. Fair dues.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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News Sport

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Guardians from the Effects of Stress Even if we are exposed to higher than ideal levels of stress – there are many things that protect us from the negative effects and make us much better able to tolerate stress. We will explore some of these in later articles.

Seán Kelly visits GAA grounds Seán Kelly visits Danesfort GAA, John Lockes GAA, Windgap GAA and Tearooms and officially opens Callan’s new Heritage Trail at St. Mary's Abbey on Green Street in Callan Town on Friday night last.

The Heritage Trail was a project proposed by Cllr Joe Lyons and backed by Kilkenny County Council, Leader and partners Callan Heritage and Callan Macra.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA CLUB LOTTO Lotto results for 14th May, Numbers drawn, 8, 16, 19. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Eamonn Phelan, Liam Cassin, Mary Fitzpatrick, Joe O Dwyer, Stephen Campion.

CELTIC CHALLENGE Well done to Luke Lawlor who played for Kilkenny when they beat Waterford 0-20 to 1-8 in Saturday’s semifinal in John Locke Park, Callan. Philip Carrigan was a sub on the team also.

CBS WIN Congratulations to the three Clara lads that played for Kilkenny CBS as they pipped St Kieran’s College by a point in the First Year Leinster hurling final on Friday. Sam Corr, Mícheál Meany and Dara Leamy all played while Shane Staunton was a selector on the victorious team. Commiserations to Liam Treacy and Ciarán Gibbons who were on the St. Kieran’s panel.

KILKENNY MINORS Well done to David Barcoe who was on the Kilkenny minor team that once again trounced Galway in the Leinster minor semifinal in Tullamore on Sunday. They now meet Dublin in the Leinster final on Saturday next in Portlaoise at 1.30pm.

HARD LUCK Tough luck to Rory Glynn who played for Kilkenny U20s on Wednesday night as they suffered an agonising one point defeat to Offaly in the Leinster semifinal in front of a partisan crowd in Tullamore.

LATE WIN Well done to backroom members Conor Phelan and John Murphy who helped plan Kilkenny seniors last gasp win over Dublin in sun splashed Parnell Park on Saturday evening. A late Eoin Cody goal gave Kilkenny a two point victory in a character laden performance that saw the Cats withstand a strong Dublin challenge.

CAMOGIE Kilkenny won the Leinster senior title on Saturday and Emma Shortall, Grace Barcoe and Keara Ryan all collected winners medals as part of the panel. Well done girls.

O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS WHAT A BUSY WEEKEND !

Last weekend was a busy and a very successful one for O’Loughlin Gaels’ players involved with Kilkenny Teams.

Captain Paddy Deegan along with Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler and Owen Lawlor and panel members on the day, David Fogarty and Luke Hogan, all played their part in Kilkenny’s Leinster Senior Hurling Championship victory over Dublin in Parnell Park on Saturday.

O’Loughlin’s camogie players Laura Murphy, Laura Greene and Danielle Quigley were all involved as Kilkenny won the Leinster Senior camogie title defeating Dublin on Saturday.

Ruth Crowley continued her role with Kilkenny Under 16 A

O’Loughlin Gaels players Laura Murphy Danielle Quigley and Laura Greene celebrate with the Leinster Senior Camogie Cup

Camogie team in the 3rd round of the All Ireland series against Galway while Elizabeth Sida and Grace Roberts played with the Kilkenny camogie Under 14’s.

Kilkenny minor hurlers won their Leinster semi-final on Sunday against Galway with Conor Holohan and Cian Byrne featuring along with sub goalkeeper Daniel Mc Cormack and of course team Manager Niall Bergin leading the way.

Jeff Tyrrell played on the Kilkenny Celtic Challenge team which won its All Ireland semi-final against Waterford on Saturday while Jack Walsh was part of the Kilkenny panel on the day.

All in all it was a busy and successful weekend for Kilkenny and for our O’Loughlin Gaels players. Well done to everyone!

CAMOGIE CAMÁN TO CROKER DAY The big news for O’Loughlin’s Under 12 camogie girls during the week was that they have been selected to take part in the Camán to Croker day on June 9th. What a thrill it will be for the girls to be playing in Croke Park.

LEINSTER CHAMPIONSHIP KILKENNY V WEXFORD Kilkenny Senior hurlers play Wexford in the final round of the Leinster Hurling Championship on Sunday next. Parking will be available in St John’s Park on the day and the bar and facilities will be available also.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of the club lotto dated May 14th. Numbers drawn 10,18, 23, 27 Bonus 25. Play now at www.oloughlingaels. com/lotto Promotors Draw. 1. The Sunday Six. 2. Kay O’Halloran c/o Ml O’Halloran. 3. Philly Holohan c/o G Buckley. 4. Eileen and Holly c/o E Kinchella. 5. Michael Dreeling c/o P Leydon. 6. Peggy O’Toole c/o DO’Connell. 7. Noel and Martina c/o N Tyrrell. 8.

Emma Butler c/o Online. 9. Gwen Comerford c/o Online. 10.

James O’Keeffe c/o Online Thank you for your continued support NOTES If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@gaa.ie FRESHFORD SOCCER Hard luck to the U12 boys who were so narrowly defeated in the cup final on Sunday last at Derdimus. The local boys faced strong opposition when they took on Freebooters in the final.

They found themselves 3-0 down and put in some hard work to comeback to draw the game forcing extra time and then penalties. They were beaten by the narrowest of margins 4-3 on penalties after such a brave and brilliant performance. Well done to all the young boys and their management.

Meanwhile the Junior side also had a very tough battle on their hands when they took on Lions of Durrow in the Cup semi final but came out winners on a 2-1 scoreline with goals coming from Liam Hickey and Cian Franey. They are now through to the Divisional Cup Final.

BIRTHDAY GIRL Special birthday wishes go out to local girl Hannah Dermody of The Square, Freshford who celebrated a very special birthday at the weekend. Hannah marked her 30th Birthday with family and friends at a party in McGraths Bar on Saturday night last.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Lalor and Mackey families of Gathabawn on the death last weekend of Ms. Joan Lalor late of Ballygooney, Gathabawn. Joan was widely known and respected in the area. Funeral mass took place on Monday morning last in St. Munchins Church Gathabawn followed by burial in Tifeaghna Cemetery. She is mourned by her husband Eddie her sons Michael and James, her daughters Breda, Marie, Paula, Noelle and Joanne, her twelve grandchildren, sons in law, daughter in law, brothers sister, sisters in law, nephews, nieces and extended family, neighbours and friends..

FROM AUSTRALIA Eoin Guinan and his wife and family arrived last week for a few months holidays in his native Freshford. Eoin emigrated down under a number of years ago, he was an ardent member of St.Lachtain’s GAA teams since his school boy days and still plays the game over in Australia.

WALKTALL Continuous representations by local Cllr. Michael McCarthy is paying dividends with the news that a grant of €10K has been secured for the Freshford Loop Walk under the Trail Kilkenny Funding Application. “The scheduled Enhancement works will be complemented by improvements to the sections of the trail that have suffered from surface water damage. Tenders have been issued, and I anticipate once the weather improves these most welcome works will commence.” Said Cllr. McCarthy.

GAA Huge credit goes to the newly formed clean up group and FAS workers who have the facilities in tip top condition and recent positive feedback is testament to this.

Family membership options for our walkway are available now.

If any local businesses or family’s would like to sponsor a light pole and help contribute towards the development cost of the walkway and further future developments in Pairc Lachtain, please contact any committee member.

There are lots of games coming up over the next week with u14s Junior F and two Junior B games to look forward to. Fixtures and results are available on our social media accounts.

SUMMER CAMP

Freshfords longest running summer camp takes place again this year at the GAA Grounds under local man JJ Grace and his coaches. JJ has been running the camp for many years now and it will take place from 29th July to 2nd August this year.

For more information or for booking please contact JJ on 086 8629666 LOOP CAFE The new Alley has now opened and is looking spectacular. An amazing transformation indeed and great credit goes to the Committee on their work on this wonderful new outdoor and indoor seating area.

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

WORKS DONE Cllr Michael McCarthy continually emphasises the importance of drainage works prior to resurfacing on the road network across North Kilkenny. Cllr Michael McCarthy is pleased to note that almost 1 Kilometre on the LP 1003 at Ballyroe, on the Freshford to Tullaroan Road, has benefitted from a full Tarmacadam overlay recently.

The Clinstown Road is now truly illuminated, says Cllr. Michael McCarthy. “Four new LED Lights are now operational and will hopefully lead to additional safety for residents and road users alike. I wish to convey my gratitude to the Local Engineer and his staff for their efforts.” Concluded Cllr. McCarthy.

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

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.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. and 11am Maas in St. Lachtains Church on Sundays.

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

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

BENNETTSBRIDGE TIDY TOWNS The village is awash with colour thanks to our Tidy Towns volunteers who were out during the week replenishing the flower containers and flower beds. Their work is really appreciated and the village looks great thanks to them.

BOOK LAUNCH The parish was well represented at the launch of William Murphy’s book, ‘As a souvenir of Spike Island – The Tom Ryan War of Independence internment diary and archive, Written by William Murphy and launched by Dúchas – Tullaherin Heritage Society at Thomastown Community Centre last Wednesday.

This is the story of Tom Ryan, from Bonnybrook near Thomastown, who was interned at Spike Island for ten months during the War of Independence in 1921. Joe Doyle, fellow member of Duchas Heritage Society and friend of William, launched the book. He congratulated William on the extensive research and work which went into the publication. He welcomed family members and relatives of the late Tom Ryan.

Thanks went to all concerned especially Seamus Quigley and the Concert Hall for facilitating the event. The book is available in local bookshops.

CONGRATULATIONS Well done to local men, Terry Cassin and Eoin Wemyss who put

Flower Display in the Village courtesy of BB Tidy Towns Bennettsbridge on the map recently Terry was the winner of the 2024 RDS Dairy EBI Herd Award at the Finding Common Ground Festival which hosted the RDS Livestock and Forestry awards.

Coill an Fhaltaigh won the Native Woodland Conservation Award and the award was accepted by Eoin Wemyss.

CHURCH NEWS Weekday Masses this week, Thursday morning at 10.30am.

NEWS ON GRAVEYARD EXTENSION Planning is now in place and work will commence shortly on the extension to the graveyard. Fr Duggan thanked all associated with the preliminary work and informed parishioners that graves will be allotted when the need arises. He thanked people who had donated money towards the added expense of getting the new area completed. This money was very welcome and if anyone wishes to contribute, any amount would be most welcome.

GRAVEYARD MASSES THIS YEAR The dates for this year’s outdoor masses have been decided.

Tullaherin Cemetery, Saturday, 3rd August 8pm. Bennettsbridge Cemetery, Sunday, 4th August 10.30am LOTTO Results 13th May. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 5, 13, 18, 19. Consolation Prizes, Eanna Cleere, Station Road, Shannon McCarthy, Thomastown, Denis Tobin Smithstown, Fintan Cleere, Bennettsbridge, John Holohan, Gowran Road.

GATHERING Last week’s meeting coincided with National Mental Health Day and one of the members, Anne Doran gave a short talk on the importance of communicating with people and supporting each other. Members discussed the proposed visit to Johnstown Castle in June, with the date to be finalized.

Last week, Councillor Deirdre Cullen paid a visit to the club. It proved to be a very interesting and informative hour and many questions of local interest were discussed.

Councillor Cullen took the opportunity to wish her fellow Councillor, Patrick O’Neill every good wish for the future. They had worked well together and the community benefited greatly from their work. Patrick is not running in the forthcoming local elections.

MENS SHED Meetings continue each Wednesday. Councillor Deirdre Cullen dropped into the meeting last week and got a good reception.

Many local issues were touched on and the councillor filled the men in on news of upcoming work in the area including the proposed pedestrian bridge. Some members attended an important meeting detailing instructions on operating the Defibrillator which is in the hall premises, SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Kevin (Spike) Ryan on the death of his sister, Sheila Ryan (Willesdon, London, England and late of Annamult, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny) 28th of April 2024 (unexpectedly) at her home.

Predeceased by her parents Maureen and Tim, brothers William and Timmy, and her sister Bernadette. Loving mother of Jennifer and Dominic and partner of Brendan. Sheila will be sadly missed by her daughter, son, partner, grandchildren Hannah, Darcie, Eloise and Grace, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, Jennifer’s partner Daniel and Dominic’s partner

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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Community & GAA Notes Bennettsbridge First Communion was held in St Bennett’s Church on May 11th. Included in pic are, teachers,

Shannon, extended family and her wonderful friends in London.

Sheila’s Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday 21st of May at 12.15p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church, Quex Road, followed by cremation at 1.45p.m. in the West London Crematorium.

CALLAN MACRA Local woman, Josephine O’Neill, was part of the Callan Macra Debating team, winners of the National Debating Finals at the AGM in Cavan recently.

Together with Jim Power and Claire Bambrick, they opposed the motion “innovation in agriculture is driven more by those who don’t come from farms” in a tight debate against Glanmire Macra. The motion fell and they came out winners on the night.

Claire was also awarded best speaker on the night. Congrats on a huge achievement for themselves and the club!

FLOWER CLUB Kilkenny Flower Club are holding a Plant Sale and Coffee morning in Dunmore Hall on Saturday, 25th May, 10am to 12am. Proceeds in aid of AS I AM and admission is €5.00, which includes tea/coffee and cake. All are welcome.

EAST END UNITED U11 David Doran Plate Winners. Well done to the U11s, who played a fantastic match, getting the winning goal in the last minute of extra time over opponents, Clover United.

EAST END UNDER 12s Not to be outdone, another final and another win, this time, in the U12 Nicholas Marnell Shield Final against Freebooters. Well done to boys and coaches on winning this final. They put in a fantastic display of soccer coming out 5-0 winners and a great way to end the season.

FAI SCHOOLS DIVISION 1 Congratulations to East End’s, Katie and Leah and their Loreto teammates, who are Leinster FAI Schools Division 1 Champions

Tidy Towns Flower Display

beating Presentation, Kilkenny, last week on penalties.

CAMOGIE CAKE SALE Bennettsbridge Camogie Club held a Cake Sale in the GAA Clubhouse last week. Monies raised will go towards supporting the girls in the Féile competitions next month. Thanks to all who contributed, your support is much appreciated.

BASKETBALL Local girls Kayla Wall and Amy Hughes were part of the Presentation Secondary School basketball team that travelled to Limerick last weekend to compete in the All Ireland A schools competition. Joint captains for the competition the girls made history by leading the school to a first ever 1st year All Ireland title for a Kilkenny school by winning all of their matches which finished with a comprehensive win against a strong Malahide side.

Huge congratulations to both girls on this monumental achievement.

GAA Leinster Championship, Well done to the Kilkenny senior hurling team who defeated Dublin in Parnell Park last Saturday evening in a very good and tight game. Our own David Blanchfield continued his great form with a solid display at half back and chipped in with three great points. The result puts Kilkenny in a great position to qualify for the Leinster Final. The final round next Sunday in Nowlan Park against Wexford should be humdinger with a lot on the line for both counties. Best wishes to the team and the Blanchfield brothers in preparation for the game.

Under 20 Championship, Hard luck to Bill Hughes, Timmy Kelly, James Hughes and Brian Lannon and the Kilkenny team on their loss against Offaly in Tullamore.

Club Games, Our senior team had a good win over James

Josephine O’Neill, Winner of National Debating Finals in Cavan

East End U 11s winners of Doran Plate

Stephens in the third round of the Byrne cup. Our under 14 team lost at home to Mullinavat in the second round of the league and our u14 (2nd) team lost at home to Barrow Rangers.

Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for details of upcoming fixtures and fixture changes. Best wishes to all ‘Bridge teams.

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

Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players. Early payment would be most appreciated.

Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details.

Split the Pot, The next Split the Pot draw is this Friday 24th May at 6pm. If you are not in you cannot win. Thanks again for the continued support.

Hurlers Co-Op Draw, The first of the five draws for this year’s Hurler Co-Op Draw (Piltown ticket draw) will take place on Tuesday 11th June. The ticket price is €50 for the five draws.

Once again huge cash prizes on offer, the first prizes in the 1st, 3rd and 5th draws is a car valued at €19k or cash of €14k, the first prizes in the 2nd and 4th draws is a Holiday valued at €6k or cash of €5k. The remaining 31 prizes on offer per draw range from €2,000 to €100. Tickets are now available from committee members or can also be bought through the fundraising page on the clubspot app. This is a very important fundraiser for the club as at least 50% of all ticket sales go to the club and hopefully we will have more lucky winners this year.

Club Spot, Reminder to all members to download the new Club Spot App which replaces clubforce. This is a great way to communicate club business. Membership, split the pot etc and all club business can be done on this so it is vital for as many as possible to download the app.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB OFFICIAL OPENING Members are reminded that the formal opening of the new clubroom extensions at Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain will take place on Saturday afternoon, 25th May at 1.15pm. The new additions to the existing complex include a meeting room, ladies and gents toilets, a kitchen, a club shop and a treatment room. The honour of unveiling the plaques to mark the occasion falls to long serving club president, Liam Tyrrell. The honour is well deserved as Liam holds a proud record of over 60 years of unbroken service to the club from when he signed up to play minor hurling in 1963, through to his 16 year tenure (1970 -1985) as secretary, his 15 years as chairman (1986-2000), and terms as vice president (2000 - 2013) and club president from 2013 to date. The impressive new facilities will be blessed

by Fr. Kieran O’Shea, Adm., St.Patrick’s parish. Appropriately enough the event takes place almost a decade to the day that the formal opening ceremony of the Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain complex took place. The ceremony will be preceded by a morning of GAA activity across the four playing fields including the Billy Walton tournament between teams selected from the senior and junior panels as well as a senior camogie and juvenile blitz competitions. All are welcome.

SENIOR LEAGUE After a slow start which saw Bennettsbridge take a 0-02 lead in the early minutes of Friday evening’s 3rd round senior league fixture in Larchfield, James Stephens responded positively when Eoin Guilfoyle finished with a goal to spark a high scoring first half which ended 1-14 to 1-13 in favour of the visitors.

From the restart the ‘Bridge raised the pace of their game a considerable number of notches and within 11 minutes had chalked up six points to James Stephens two scores courtesy of Luke Scanlon and an Eoin Guilfoyle free to increase their lead at 1-20 to 1-15. With the home side unable to breach the Bennettsbridge defence to any great extent over the next ten minutes, Bennettsbridge raced further ahead breaking through for two goals in the 19/20th minutes to put the result beyond the reach of the Village at 3-23 to 1-19. The game petered out with a late goal from a penalty by Eoin Guilfoyle and a point from Sean Deely for James Stephens by which time the ‘Bridge had confirmed a comfortable 3-25 to 2-20 victory at the close of play.

HURLER’S CO-OP DRAW Co-ordinator Tom Keane reminds members that the tickets for the 2024 Hurler’s Co-op Draw are now available. The Kilkenny county board’s share of the proceeds from the draw are primarily used to fund the training costs of Kilkenny teams across all grades for the season ahead. The tickets cost €50 each which covers the five draws. There are cars on offer as the first prize in the 1st, 3rd and 5th draws along with over thirty cash prizes in each draw. The first draw takes place on Tuesday evening 11th June in Piltown. Tickets may be purchased from any club member or through the co-ordinator Tom Keane 086 3481882.

BEALTAINE FESTIVAL Roll up, Roll up folks, to the Loughboy Library on Friday evening next, 24th May for the Bealtaine Festival presentation of “Those Were The Days”, a fully costumed show of “ The Good Old Days” featuring harmonising duets, comedy, music, and Lots of audience participation !!. The show is produced by the talented Moylan sisters. Librarian Alan Dunne states that costumes and props will be provided for the audience, but feel free to bring your own if it suits. As places are limited phone 056 - 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkenny library.ie to book a place LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 8 : 14 : 18 : 32. There was no winner.

The €40 consolation winners were May Fitzgerald, Mary Humphries, Ray McEvoy, Pat Hyland and Des McGrath. As always, our appreciation to all who continue to support this important fundraiser.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Community & GAA Notes GOWRAN GOWRAN LITTLE THEATRE Don’t miss out on Gowran Little Theatre’s production of Last Tango in Gowran by David Tristram. It will be staged as part of our Evening of One Acts and Monologues on June 7th and 8th in Gowran Hall.

Book tickets @ https://www.gowranlittletheatre.com/ Cast: Edward Hayden, Kevina Hayes, Ann Farrell and Mike Brown.

Directed by Michael Hayes.

GOWRAN AC Well done to all those who ran in the glorious sunshine in the Stoneyford 5k/10k Challenge.

James Kelsey finished 2nd in the 5km race, fantastic result.

Kathryn Kennedy 1st (O/40 Female) Ted Kelsey, Darragh O’Dwyer, Kevin O’ Connell, Eamon Kelsey NIGHT AT THE DOGS Great excitement is building ahead of Young Irelands Dog night in James Park next Sunday Night. Young Irelands Camogie Club have once again come on board as joint hosts for the fundraiser along with Young Irelands GAA Club, and a great nights entertainment is guaranteed.

Tickets are €10, and there will be a raffle on the night for anyone who has bought tickets with all proceeds from Ticket Sales going to Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs. A packed crowd is anticipated on what will hopefully be a lovely Summer’s Evening.

The featured race next Sunday night will be the Champion Unraced Final that is worth €15,000 to the winner, with the first race starting at 7.30pm.

YOUNG IRELANDS GOLF CLASSIC The annual Young Irelands Golf Classic will take place in Gowran Park in early June on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June. €3000 in Prizes with a Team of 4 costing €200 including a meal.

For Tee times contact Liam Walsh on 087 2647248 KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Just less than six weeks to go till one of the great highlights of the year, The Kilkenny Country Music Festival takes place on Sunday 7th July in Gowran Park.

Mike Denver returns once again as main headline act, while also performing are a host of acts including Olivia Douglas and Claudia Buckley who return again this year having performed last year.

Robert Mizzell is back this year having performed in Gowran Park previously, while Ray Lynam, Stacey Breen and Kelan Browne will all take to the stage this year to make their debut at The Festival.

As always local musicians Peter Hutchinson and Paul Brett - Peter and Paul - will get the afternoon’s entertainment underway, while The Conquerors are backing band for the day.

James Lakes of KCLR will once again be MC. Tickets can be bought in Hennessy’s Shop, Gowran or at Gowran Pharmacy or in Kilkenny City at the following locations, Morrissey Motors, Waterford Road, open Monday to Friday 8:30 – 6p.m. and Saturday morning 10 -2p.m, and also Daly Farrell Accountants across from the Friary Church 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday For further enquiries email: kkcountrymusic@gmail.com or check out https://kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie/ CAREY PLAYS PART AS LATE GOAL SEALS VICTORY IN DUBLIN Mikey Carey scored a point, as a late Eoin Cody goal sealed a two point victory (1-28 to 2-23) away to Dublin on Saturday Night in their penultimate game of the round robin section of The Leinster Championship.

Kilkenny conclude their Group campaign at home to Wexford in UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday where victory will secure a Leinster Final spot on Saturday June 8th.

GOWRAN GIRLS PART OF KILKENNY LEINSTER FINAL TRIUMPH Congratulations to both Steffi and Tiffanie Fitzgerald who were part of The Kilkenny panel that won The Leinster Senior Final 0-14 to 1-6 against Dublin in Tullamore on Saturday.

Attention will now turn to the upcoming All-Ireland Championship.

GOWRAN GIRLS QUALIFY FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS FINAL Gowran Primary School girls qualified for The KCLR Cumann Na mBunscoil Roinn B Final following a 4-3 to 3-0 win against Rower-Inistioge in Gowran in The Semi-Final on Thursday.

GOWRAN BOYS QUALIFY FOR COUNTRY CUP SEMI-FINAL Gowran Primary School boys continued their excellent form, following a 3-16 to 1-5 win against Graigue/Skeough in the Quarter-Final of The Country Cup to qualify for the Semi-Final.

They have been joined in the Semi-Final by Kilmanagh National School, Clara National School and Mooncoin National School.

GOWRAN BOYS HELP KILKENNY QUALIFY FOR CELTIC CHALLENGE FINAL Congratulations to both Thomas Langton and Kieran Timmins who were part of The Kilkenny Team that qualified for The Celtic Challenge in John Locke Park, Callan on Saturday following a 0-20 to 1-8 against Waterford in The Semi-Final on Saturday.

Thomas played centre-back, while Kieran was in midfield.

That semi-final followed on from their 0-22 to 0-12 win against Cork in The Quarter-Final last weekend.

PADDY LANGTON Paddy Langton was part of The Kilkenny U-20 Team that lost 2-17 to 2-16 against Offaly in a thrilling Leinster U-20 Semi-Final game in Tullamore on Wednesday. Harry Shine scored a last gasp goal from a free for Mark Dowling’s men, but they ran out of time in an attempt to snatch extra-time. Bobbie Brennan was also part of the panel.

MINOR HURLING Following defeats in their opening two League matches, Young

Irelands Minors go into the exam break on the back of consecutive victories against both O’Loughlin Gaels and Dunnamaggin.

Young Irelands defeated O’Loughlin Gaels 2-15 to 0-16 before defeating Dunnamaggin 0-20 to 1-13.

Meanwhile, The Young Irelands Minor B Team had a convincing 6-11 to 1-14 win against Naomh Brid U-16 HURLING The Young Irelands U-16 Hurlers are also on an exam break ahead of the state exams in June and following a thrilling 4-15 apiece draw against James Stephens, Young Irelands lost 5-21 to 2-11 against John Lockes Callan who featured a share of players that won The U-15 Roinn A Feile Final.

U-14 HURLING Unfortunately, The Young Irelands U-14 hurlers have made a very disappointing start to the season. The A Team suffered two heavy defeats losing 5-13 to 0-7 against O’Loughlin Gaels, before losing 5-12 to 1-8 against Naas.

The Young Irelands U-14 B Team lost 2-14 to 2-5 against Slieverue, but made amends on Sunday with a 3-11 to 1-4 win away to O’Loughlin Gaels.

FEILE The Young Irelands Feile Team performed very well in The Hurling competition, as they reached the Roinn A Semi-Final before losing out to Barrow Rangers.

Barrow Rangers won The Semi-Final clash 0-9 to 0-5, before losing out narrowly 1-7 to 1-5 against John Lockes Callan in the final.

Meanwhile, they lost 0-7 to 0-3 against The Callan Boys in The Quarter-Final of the Football competition INTERMEDIATE Young Irelands Intermediates are scheduled to be in action on Tuesday night against near neighbours Clara, and they will be looking for a much improved performance following a comprehensive loss against Thomastown in Round 1.

JUNIOR The Young Irelands Junior A Team had a good win away to St. Patricks Ballyragget in Round 4 of The Junior League on Sunday as they won 1-19 to 1-13 DARKNESS INTO LIGHT The Darkness Into Light was held in Gowran on Saturday May 11th, and it was a great success following it’s inaugural running of the event last year.

There was a good turnout on the 5KM route with refreshments served afterwards on what was a beautiful Sunny Summer morning. Most importantly, all proceeds went to helping to raise much needed funds for Pieta House.

A huge well done to everyone who participated in the Darkness Into Light, and above all to The Young Irelands Healthy Club Committee for their sterling work in organizing again this year.

FLEETWOOD PAINTS Want to be in with a chance of winning €1000 of paint?

Well nominate Young Irelands GAA or Young Irelands Camogie with any Fleetwood Paints Purchase, and you can win up to €1000 worth of paint every day for your local community group or club.

How it works: • Make your Fleetwood purchase (any paint or accessories with the Fleetwood logo) • Scan the QR code on our Community Colours posters in your local shop OR use the QR codes on our social media. (link in our bio) • Upload proof of purchase and nominate your club.

GOWRAN PARK Bank Holiday Monday June 3rd sees the first ever running of the €200K IRISH EBF GOWRAN CLASSIC, the richest horse race ever staged in the South East.

Free Admission to all, and there will be a BBQ along with lots of family fun activities, GAA skills camp in hurling and football for kids and Live music after racing.

Visit www.gowranpark.ie where you can download up to 4 free tickets each.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH GRAIG NOTES If you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook. com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm LOTTO GAA AND SOCCER Jackpot now stands at €20,000.numbers drawn on 13 /05 /24 were, 5, 16, 24, and 27. there was no winner. The following won €30 each Ann Doyle, Keneth Doyle, Val Lonergan, Eilleen Duff, Hellen Ryan. Tickets are available from any club member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW The winners of the draw on April 26/05 2024, were First Prize €400. Peter Prendergast, 2nd Prize €50 Mary Quinn 3rd Prize, €25 Mary O’Malloran ,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’s also join in. The next Session is on Friday June 14th at 8.00pm.

Community Notices GORESBRIDGE AND PAULSTOWN

Tom Healy

BADMINTON Badminton in Paulstown Community Hall at 8pm every Monday. Entry is €5. New players welcome. Further info from Tommy, tel. 0872303495 BARROW RANGERS

Jane Cass Captain of the U22 Roinn A Champions

Congratulations to Grace McEvoy and Noah Bambrick who played for the Presentation Kilkenny in the schools basketball ‘1st year A’ All Ireland final, and achieved a fantastic win BRIDGE UNITED A big congratulations to Bridge players, Oisin Doyle, Mark Byrne, Micheal Fitzgerald, MJ Carroll and the Kilkenny Under-13 squad and their coaches on a great win in the SFAI Inter League Final.

Also, congratulations to the Under-10s on their great 4-1 win over Lions in the Bowl Final last week. They showed skill and heart to come back from 1-0 down to dominate the end of the match.

Hard luck to the Under-16s who lost 2-0 to Thomastown A in the quarter final of the Brendan Lonnergan Cup. Bridge won the day in the McCalmont Semi Final winning 2-1 against Freebooters B. A summer soccer academy for boys and girls aged 4-7 will be held in Goresbridge in June and in July. Further info from Conor English tel. 085-1321578.

CHURCH SERVICES Masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday as well as in Paulstown at 11.30am.

Weekday mass is at 10am in Paulstown this Friday and the following Tuesday and in Goresbridge on Wednesday, at 10am.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm.

For the month of May there is rosary and hymns every evening at 8pm at the Grotto to the rear of the Church of the Assumption in Paulstown. A child-friendly rosary takes place each Friday in May in Paulstown church at 3.15pm.

The closing date for applications for the post of Parish Secretary-Administrator closes this Friday May 24th.

CUPLA FOCAL Weekly Friday chatting in Irish continues over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow this Friday at 11am.

MULTISPORTS SUMMER CAMP IN PAUSTOWN A Multisport camp returns to the pitch this year on the week of July 1st-5th. The camps are suitable for children aged between 5-13 years and runs from 10am until 2pm. Summer Multisports camps are run and organised by PE teachers whose aim is to provide children with an opportunity to have fun and be active through a range of sports (GAA, football, frisbee, rounders, Olympic handball etc.) this summer. Cost for one child is €70 with discounts for each additional child. To book please visit www.multisportcamps.ie. To find out more please contact 0876884136

SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online.

Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie TOWN TEAMS A meeting to establish a Goresbridge Town Teams takes place in Ionad Dara at 7pm on Thursday May 30th. The aim is to seek membership from across the community and work towards implementing a town plan.

YOUTH GROUP (OSSORY YOUTH) This caters for first to third years. The Group meets on in the Goresbridge Health Centre every Wednesday from 2.30-4pm.

For information contact Ruth Flanagan tel. 087-3873724.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 16th May 2024. Nos: 3 6 15 19.Jackpot: €17,150 Not Won Draw Prizes – €50: Clare Murphy c/o Jimmy Murphy. €25 each Paddy Phelan c/o Paddy Maher. €25 each Casey ODonovan ORourke c/o Online. €25 each Bronagh Doheny c/o Online.

Hurlers Co Op Eileen Duggan c/o Online. Promotors prize Tommy Hackett We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up and play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC We are delighted to launch the Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club Annual Golf Classic at Kilkenny Golf Club which will be held on Friday 12th July. Book your tee time early as they will fill up quick. Contact Seamus Rochford for more details. Also there are limited Juvenile Tee Times at discounted prices.

SUMMER CAMP 2024 Save the Dates. Our fantastic Summer Camp will be back again & we can’t wait. 2 fun weeks packed with activities for all to enjoy. Monday July 15th to Friday July 19th and Monday Aug 12th to Friday Aug 16th FEILE PEIL CO WINNERS Congratulations to our u15 Feile Peil Team who beat James Stephens in the County Final Sunday evening on a Sunny Kells Road on a scoreline of 5-4 to 1-4. Well done to all our players and Management Team.

SENIOR KILKENNY CAMOGIE Well done to Kilkenny Camogie and our Senior Club Players Aoife, Ciara , Niamh, Katie and Asha on being crowned Leinster

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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Community & GAA Notes Well done to our Senior Club Players Aoife, Ciara , Niamh, Katie and Asha on being crowned Leinster Champs

Our own Aoife Prendergast was named Player of the Match along with lifting the Cup as Captain. the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee also available so come along and enjoy.

JOHNSTOWN

Champs Saturday afternoon at Tullamore beating Dublin. Our own Aoife Prendergast was named Player of the Match along with lifting the Cup as Captain. Congratulations Aoife.

KILKENNY GAA HURLER CO OP DRAW By purchasing a ticket for the Hurler Co Op Draw €50 gets you into 5 draws with Cars and Cash prizes to the value of €125k . Please Support our Club again in 2024 and you will be contributing to the development of your Community and County.

Congratulations to Our u15 Feile Peil Team

Contact any committee member or drop out to the Clubhouse any Thursday night. First draw is 11th June. Thank you for supporting.

PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is opened every Thursday from 8.30pm. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table. We would be delighted to see you out to

CHURCH NEWS Readers needed for Crosspatrick Church for Sunday Mass at 9am. Contact Phil on 0872627120 RALLY All Ireland Rosary Rally will take place at Knock Shrine on Saturday, June 1st. Speakers include Fr. Brendan Kilcoyne, Fr. Joseph Mary Deane and Sr. Ana Margarita Lanzas. Mass in the Basilica at 3pm with Bishop Phonsie Cullinan as chief Celebrant.Buses travelling from all over Ireland See www.allirelandrosaryyally.com for detail MRS MARY BYRDEN (NEE HOLOHAN) RIP The death has taken place at the Sacred Heart Nursing Home of Mary Byrden, Coolnacritta and late of Grange Lane, Johnstown.

Predeceased by her husband Paddy and sister Hilda, she will be sadly missed by her family Marie (Whyte), Helen (Glendon), John, Pat and Hilda (Mackey), sons in law Larry, Pat and John, daughter in law Freda, grandchildren Eoin, Niamh, Caoimhe,

Receiving the Trophy on behalf of the team Padraig, Laura, Roisin and Niall, sister Stasia, brother Sean, sister in law Mary, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends. Mary was laid to rest in Galmoy cemetery after Requiem Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Galmoy.

MRS JOAN LALOR (NEE MACKEY) RIP Joan late of Ballygooney, Gathabawn died at St. Columba’s Hospital after a long illness. She will be sadly missed by her husband Eddie, children Michael, Breda, Marie, Paula, James, Noelle and Joanne, her twelve grandchildren, sons in law, daughter in law brothers Richard, Michael and John, sister Noeleen, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, wonderful neighbours and friends. Joan was laid to rest in Tifeaghna Cemetery after Requiem Mass in St. Munchin’s Church, Gathabawn.

SPA UNITED AFC Results Junior Divisional Cup Spa 3 (Michael Carroll 2 Ciaran Beehan) Lions B 0, U13 boys Shield Spa 1 Evergreen 4, U13 boys league division 2 Thomastown 5 Spa 0, U14 girls league division 1 Spa 3 Callan 0, U14 girls Cup Spa 3 Evergreen 0, U12 girls Cup semi final Evergreen 2 Spa 5.

Well done to the KDL U13 squad who defeated The Midlands League 5:1 in their Inter League Final. Very well done to the three Spa players Danny, Cruz and Aeden who played a significant part in the victory.

FAMILY FIELD FESTIVAL All roads lead to the Sportsfield on the Rathdowney Rd., Johnstown on June 16th for the festival. Beginning at 10am there will be a host of events, underage hurling and camogie, childrens’ entertainment and amusements, music and sports challenges, food and craft stalls. There is also a dog show with seven classes. Registration for the dogs is 1 to 2pm with judging at 2.30pm. €5 for one dog and €2 for additional dogs.

The evening will conclude with music starting at 6pm with Mick Glendon D.J. and at 7.30pm The Wild Rovers (cover charge €5).

There will also be a big Raffle with tickets going on sale on bank holiday weekend. Have a chance to win one of five great prizes, more details later. So save this date to your diary for a great family day out.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 3,12,20,29. Four lucky dips Mary Henderson, The Fenians, Cathy Dermody and John Smith.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm MASS TIMES Parish Pastoral Combination Weekend Mass Times - St. Patrick and Oliver Church Glengoole - Saturday 6pm, Sacred Heart Church Gortnahoe - Sunday 10.30am. Cathedral of the Assumption Thurles - Saturday 7pm, Sunday 9am & 11am.

St Josephs and St. Brigid, Bohernanave - Sunday 10am and 7pm, St. Peter in Chains Church Moycarkey - Saturday 6.30pm, St. James Church Two Mile Borris - Sunday 10.30am and Our Lady, St. Kevins Church Littleton - Sunday 12 noon, St. Marys Church Moyne - Saturday 7.30pm, Sacred Heart Church Templetuohy - Sunday 11am LEGIONARIES FROM CASHEL CURIA Will meet parishioners after Mass in Glengoole this Saturday evening, 25th May and in Gortnahoe this Sunday morning,

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Community & GAA Notes

2023 Gaeltec Camogie U22 Roinn A Champions

26th May. ALONE ALONE are seeking volunteers to provide companionship to an older person in your local area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via Home - ALONE or for further information please contact Caroline at 086 0591399 or email caroline.bradley@alone.ie PADRE PIO NATIONAL PILIGRIMAGE 2024 In Holy Cross Abbey on Sunday 26th May with ceremonies beginning at 1.30pm and concelebrated Mass at 3pm. All are welcome.

ROSARY Rosary for the month of May will be said at Our Ladys Grotto, Glengoole on weekday evenings, at 7.30pm, Saturday before 6pm Mass and Sunday 12 noon.

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

FREE LIBRARY A lot of new books have come in to Gortnahoe Community Hall library. They are free to take home and the library is based inside the main door of the hall. When the hall is opened anyone can go inside the main door and select a book or books of their choice and they will disturb no one in the hall. In the last week a number of audio books have been added to the library.

These audio books would suit anyone who might be visually impaired. Over the coming weeks more audio books will be added to the library. If you know anyone that would avail of these, please take one to them. This is a Gortnahoe Community Hall initiative and this idea will succeed with the local parish support.

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

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to the last weekends winner of Split the Pot draw, Michelle Fogarty, Tara Drive, who won €292. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of May Split the Pot will be in support of Gortnahoe National School. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE Pilgrimage to knock shrine, Saturday 22nd June 2024. Bus leaving, Freshford 7.30 am, Jackmans Jenkinstown 8.00 am,Ballyragget 8.15 am. Names as soon as possible to 056 7767676 / 086 3655418. Bus Fare €30 PLANT AND CAKE SALE Reminder of the Plant and cake sale and coffee morning on Sunday 26th May, in the Canon Malone Hall 10-30 to 12-30. All proceeds to Ballyragget tidy towns. If anyone has any plants they would like to donate, they can be dropped into the hall before 10-30 on the day or collection can be arranged by calling Karen on 087 2653736.

CEMETERY MASSES Cemetery Masses for this year are as follows. St Finans Cemetery Friday 7th of June at 7.30pm. Ballyouskill Saturday 8th June at 6.30pm. Rosconnel Friday the 14th of June at 7.30pm. Donaghmore Friday 21st of June at 7.30pm.

BALLYOUSKILL CARDS The next game of cards will be played in Ballyouskill on 31st May. All are welcome.

ST PATRICK GAA: St. Patrick’s GAA Club is looking for your support for club and county. By purchasing a ticket for the Hurlers Co-Op draw for €50, you get into 5 draws with Cars, Holidays and Cash Prizes to the value of €125,000. €25 per ticket will be returned to St. Patrick’s so you will be supporting Kilkenny GAA while supporting investment in facilities at St. Patrick’s GAA Grounds. In recent years, proceeds from the sale of the Hurlers Co-op Draw have contributed to the installation of the new scoreboard, dugouts on both pitches, and refurbished seating around the main pitch. Please support your club again in 2024 and contribute to the development of your community and county. Click the link to purchase your ticket, adding your name and details, or contact any committee member or local ticket seller. https:// pay.sumup.com/b2c/QZ1UXDOF Tickets can be purchased throughout May with the first draw due to take place on 11th June. Thank you for supporting.

CONAHY HURLING The junior B hurlers faced Tullogher-Rosbercon on Sunday last in Jenkinstown in their latest game in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior B League, and enjoyed a very good win. Conahy led by 2-13 to 0-9 at the half time break, and although the Southerners fought back somewhat in the second half, the locals still had plenty in reserve to win out by 2-22 to 0-21. Conahy are back in action this Saturday evening at 6.30 when they travel to

Urlingford to play Emeralds.

TEAM: Padraic Delaney, J.P. Gamble, Padraig Gunner, Conor Duggan, Donal Brennan, Darren Cuddihy, Frank Gunner, Darragh Hennessy, Eoin Carroll, Jack Murphy, Mark Gunner, Geoffrey O’Shea, Darragh Dooley, Rob Ring, Bill Murphy.

The intermediate hurlers have a busy week of matches ahead.

At the time of writing, they were due to travel to Dunnamaggin to play the home side in the St. Canice’s C.U. Senior/Intermediate League. They are also facing Shamrocks Ballyhale in the same competition on Sunday next in Ballyhale at 7.30.

The minor hurlers had a share of the spoils with St. Mullin’s in their latest game in the Kilkenny Vehicle Centre Roinn D League on Monday night last. It was a very entertaining game from start to finish, and though it looked like Conahy were heading for victory, a late goal from St. Mullin’s saw them draw the game at 2-12 apiece. They, along with the under-16 hurlers, will be back in action after the exam break.

TEAM: Tommy Mulhall, Tadhg Hennessy, Conor Hennessy, Patrick Kennedy, John Kennedy, Ben Duggan, Rory Sherman, Rory Rhatigan, Adam Morrissey, Jack Rhatigan, Finn Sherman, Brian Phelan, Jake Dooley, Neil Webster.

BÓRD NA N-ÓG FUNDRAISER Conahy Shamrocks Bórd na nÓg will hold a Race Night fundraiser on this Friday, May 24th. All support on the night would be welcome. Everyone in the locality is also welcome to come and enjoy what is guaranteed to be a fun night for all.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 1, 6 and 27. There was no jackpot winner, so the consolation prize winners were Diarmuid Healy, Mary Walsh, Kitty Deevy, Teilo Maher and the Treacy Boys. The promoter prize winners were David Maher, Shay Healy and Margaret Buggy. This week’s jackpot now increase to €1,400. Many thanks to everyone who supports the GAA Club Lotto.

ROSARY There will be Rosary each Wednesday night at 7.30 p.m. in Jenkinstown Church for the month of May. All are welcome.

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE A local pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Saturday, June 22nd. A bus will leave Freshford at 7.30 a.m., then leaving from Jackmans in Jenkinstown at 8.00 a.m. and finally Ballyragget at 8.15 a.m. Names as soon as possible to (056) 7767676 or (086) 3655418. The cost of the bus fare is €30.

HUGGINSTOWN, NEWMARKET AND STONEYFORD MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil – ROTA

Rota for next week-end: 25th. and 26th. May 2024. (Feast of The Most Holy Trinity) Readers.Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Tom King. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Tommy Murphy, Sunday 11.00a.m. Mary Foran. Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford. Saturday 6.30p.m.

Pat Kenny. Hugginstown. Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick; Sunday 11.00a.m Ann Power SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 13th.

May 2024 Numbers: 05; 07; 29; 17. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn, No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners: J. Drennan, Coolmeen; Eugene O’Neill, Lawcus (Online), Michael Rohan, Carrigetna (Online); Walter Broderick, Croan; Mary Bryan, Jenkinstown 3 x €15.00 (Sellers), Ger Carroll, James Irish, Caitlyn Roche PLANT SALE AND COFFEE MORNING A plant sale and coffee morning all in aid of ‘As I Am’ (the charity for autistic adults and children) and Kilkenny Flower Club will be held on Saturday 25th. May, from 10.00a.m. to 12.00Noon in Dunmore Parish Hall. R95 NX08. Admission: €5.00 includes tea/ coffee/cakes Kilkenny Flower Club would appreciate your support for this worthy cause.

ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY Join thousands of people from around Ireland and beyond for the All Ireland Rosary Rally on June 1st. The day begins at 9.30a.m. with a Conference in St. John’s Centre. Speakers include Fr. Brendan Kilcoyne, Fr. Joseph Mary Deane CFR, and Sr. Ana Margarita Lanzas. SCTJM. Then there is a chance to meet over 20 apostolates from around Ireland in St John Centre from 11.30a.m. The Stations of the Cross will be outside from 2.00p.m, followed by the Rosary procession. Mass will commence at 3.00p.m in the Basilica and will include the anointing of the sick. Bishop Phonsie Cullinan will be the Main Celebrant. Dana will join the choir to sing. There will also be rosary and scapular making workshops in the marquee. Over 50 buses are going from around Ireland. See www.allirelandrosaryrally.com for more details.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Coach Trip to Lismore on Saturday, June 1st. 2024. Cost - €70.00 for members and €75.00 for those who are not paid up members for 2024. The cost includes coach hire, entrance to Lismore Heritage Centre, a walking tour of Lismore, entrance to Lismore Castle Gardens and an evening meal at the Foley’s, Lismore. It does not include the cost of lunch. The coach will depart Main Street, Mullinavat at 9.00am, returning at approximately 10.00pm. For further information on booking places for the Coach Trip please contact Brigid Barron, Blossom Hill, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny on (087 9507295, brigidbarron@ hotmail.com) or Mary Ryan, ‘Gort Glas’, Aglish, Carrigeen, Co. Kilkenny (086 3790655, maryearyan@gmail.com). A €20.00 nonrefundable deposit, per person will apply.

PADRE PIO NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE A Pilgrimage to Holy Cross Abbey, Thurles will be held on Sunday 26th. May. Ceremonies will begin at 1.30p.m. If interested in travelling please contact: Kay Power on 086 168 7073 or Lily Burke 056 776 8008 TRIP TO KNOCK: Trip to Knock on 13th. July in honour of Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Staying overnight in Knock House Hotel.

Telephone Frank Aylward for details on 086 812 8705.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE COMMUNITY GATHERING CHAT MORNING There will be a community gathering for a local chat with tea and coffee here at the Centre on Wednesday morning the 22nd May from 11am to 1pm. All are welcome.

ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a onebedroom 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 are been taken for L.T.I. Q.Q.I. Level 4 due to start soon.

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

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

DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill 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

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

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Camogie - Review

Sport

Niamh Deely takes flight

By Aoife Lanigan, PRO Leinster Senior Camogie Final Kilkenny 0-14 Dublin 1-6 Kilkenny are Leinster Senior Champions for the 26th time when they defeated Dublin in Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore last Saturday afternoon.

In a repeat of last year’s Final, Kilkenny got the better of the Dubs again this year and will go into the All-Ireland series on the back of provincial glory.

Laura Greene opened the scoring for Kilkenny with a point from play in the 3rd minute. Directly from the puckout, Aoife Doyle added a point for Kilkenny also from play.

Ashling Maher scored a point for Dublin from play before Aishling Maher blasted the sliotar to the back of the net to put Dublin ahead 1-1 to 0-2 after 6 minutes. They failed to raise a flag for the next 37 minutes, as Kilkenny took complete control, scoring seven points.

Miriam Walsh pointed from play after a neat handpass from Caoimhe Keher Murtagh. Sarah Barcoe tagged on a point, before Aoife Prendergast slotted over a point from a free.

Wing Back Miriam Bambrick got on the score sheet with a point to make it 0-6 to 1-1.

Miriam Walsh and Aoife Prendergast (2f) added the last three points to leave the score 0-9 to 1-1 in favour of Kilkenny at the interval.

On the resumption of play, Kilkenny added two more points from Dicksboro’s Aoife Prendergast.

Dublin then scored four points through Emma Flanagan, Niamh Comerford, Grace O’Shea and Ashling Maher to leave the score 0-11 to 1-5 after 51 minutes.

Aoife Prendergast added two more frees before Aishling O’Neill slotted over a point for Dublin. Prendergast struck over the final point with a 45m free to leave the final score in Tullamore, Kilkenny 0-14 , Dublin 1-6.

Kilkenny start their Glen Dimplex Senior All Ireland Championship tomorrow (25th May) against Limerick in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale @ 4pm.

We wish Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, his management team and squad all the best ahead of this year’s quest for the O’Duffy Cup. Scorers – Kilkenny – Aoife Prendergast 0-8 (0-8f), Miriam Walsh 0-2, Aoife Doyle, Laura Greene, Sarah Barcoe, Miriam Bambrick 0-1 each Scorers - Dublin – Aishling O’Neill 1-1, Ashling Maher 0-2 (1f), Emma Flanagan, Grace O’Shea 0-1 each, Niamh Comerford 0-1 (1f) Kilkenny – Aoife Norris, Michelle Teehan, Grace Walsh, Ciara Phelan, Tiffanie Fitzgerald, Niamh Deely, Miriam Bambrick, Laura Murphy, Laura Greene, Aoife Doyle, Katie Power, Sarah Barcoe, Caoimhe Keher Murtagh, Miriam Walsh, Aoife Prendergast Subs – Julianne Malone for Katie Power, Kaite Nolan for Sarah Barcoe, Asha McHardy for Miriam Walsh, Roisin Breen, Kellyann Doyle, Niamh Phelan, Roisin Phelan,

Prendergast drives Cleere’s camog’s to provincial glory!

Miriam Walsh amongst the scorers as Kilkenny clinch title Emily McCarthy, Sinead O’Keeffe, Danielle Quigley, Keara Ryan, Sophie O’Dwyer, Emma Shortall, Claire Doheny, Grace Barcoe, Roisin O’Keeffe, Steffi Fitzgerald, Sarah Crowley Dublin – Amy Gorman, Abby Ryan, Emma O’Byrne, Zoe Couch, Claire Gannon, Ashling Maher, Kerry Finnegan, Niamh Gannon, Gaby Couch, Aoife McKearney, Sinead Nolan, Aine Rafter, Aishling O’Neill, Elyse Jamieson-Murphy, Grace

O’Shea Subs – Aisling Gannon for Sinead Nolan, Emma Flanagan for Aine Rafter, Aoife Kenny for Zoe Couch, Niamh Comerford, Chloe Ni Cheallaigh, Leah Butler, Sinead Murphy, Niamh Gleeson, Sibeal Cherry, Roisin Ni Chathasaigh, Jennifer Moore, Anna Sullivan, Kassie McEvoy, Chloe O’Connor, Grainne Skelton, Laura Sharkey, Hannah O’Dea, Aoife Heffernan, Niamh Heffernan, Mia Farrell

Referee – Justin Heffernan, Wexford Right: Miriam Walsh Great to see her back in the stripes!

Aoife Prendergast POTM

Katie Power strikes

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Round 4, Parnell Park Dublin 2-23 (29) Kilkenny 1-28 (31) Eoin Cody pounced late on to snatch maximum points for the Cats in a thrilling clash with the Dubs in Parnell Park and send them to the top of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship table in a contest that had a real ‘big game’ feel to it. In front of a big crowd over just over 7,000, the Shamrocks Ballyhale star benefited from great work by the impressive Mossy Keoghan and sub Billy Ryan before batting his shot past the helpless Sean Brennan to send the Kilkenny faithful back to Noreside in jubilant mood.

The visitors got off to a fast start with Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan getting the first score in the opening minute, after taking a good pass from captain Paddy Deegan. Dublin’s Danny Sutcliffe opened the home side’s account in the fourth minute having been set up well by Fergal Whitley. Derek Lyng’s side then hit three scores without reply, a brace of placed balls from TJ Reid and the first point of Eoin Cody’s tally of 1-3 before wing back Chris Crummey fired over for the boys in blue. TJ then notched his second score of the day from a free before Donal Burke struck over from play; the first of his impressive 0-14 haul for the Na Fianna man. The next score came from John Donnelly, who had surrendered possession to allow Burke to score moments earlier. The Thomastown player had one of his best performances in the black and amber, finishing his evening’s work with 0-7, all from play, as he helped steer his side to victory.

St Jude’s Danny Sutcliffe fired over his second score of the day before Kilkenny another trio of scores on the bounce, TJ Reid, John Donnelly and Eoin Cody, all from play to leave the visitors five points ahead after 15 minutes of action in Parnell Park. With the Cats seemingly in full control, Dublin responded with a hattrick of their own, all courtesy of that man Donal Burke. The third of Burke’s scores came from a ‘65 after Eoin Murphy pulled off a great save to deny Kilmacud’s Ronan Hayes a certain major. Cian O’Sullivan then struck one of the points of the evening for Micheál Donoghue’s men before Mossy did all the work himself before rifling over.

The returning Mikey Carey then got a rare point for the Cats who added to their first half tally with lovely scores from Cian Kenny and David Blanchfield, but the Noresiders fourpoint lead was about to be cut to the bare minimum. Midfielder Conor Burke ran onto Chris Crummey’s pass before exchanging passes with Sean Currie. The St Vincent’s clubman then struck his shot past Glenmore’s Eoin Murphy as the Dublin supporters raised the volume inside

Cody clips Dublin’s wings as Donnelly shines in Captial win!

POTM hits a magnificent 7 points as late goal seal’s win Parnell Park. John Donnelly and Donal Burke exchanged scores before the short whistle, to leave the half time score 1-12 to 0-16, the narrowest of leads for Derek Lyng’s outfit.

The Kilkenny management made one change at the break, Graigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan entering the fray in place of O’Loughlin’s Owen Wall. Just like the first half, it would be the Cats that registered the opening score, and a well taken one it was from Bennettsbridge’s David Blanchfield. A pair of free’s from Donal Burke saw the sides deadlocked, and this trend was repeated following scores from TJ (f) and the final score of Danny Sutcliffe’s three-point tally. Richie Reid was then sprung from the bench and slotted in at ‘6’, a move that saw Paddy Deegan step into midfield as Shane Murphy made way.

TJ Reid, The Village’s Cian Kenny and the towering David Blanchfield added to the visitor’s tally but the

1st line of defence -John Donnelly and TJ Reid chasing Conor Burke

men from the Capital battled on and tagged on scores from Donal Burke (2f) and Cian O’Sullivan to draw the sides level yet again with 48 minutes of entertaining action gone at the Donnycarney venue. TJ and Mossy fired over further points for Kilkenny, but just like before Chris Crummey and Donal Burke replied for the Metropolitans to tie things up once more, but the lead was coming, and it would be for Micheál Donoghue’s charges.

The talented and roving Eoghan O’Donnell then powered forward before passing to Brian Hayes who dispatched his shot past Kilkenny’s Eoin Murphy to give the home side a 3-point lead after 54 minutes. The Dubs supporters were now in full

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Hurling matters - Review 0-3 for David Blanchfield from his defensive berth

Mossy Keoghan Heading for Goal chased by John Bellew

struck over his seventh score of the game to edge the Marble City men ahead, but Na Fianna’s Donal Burke replied a minute later as a share of the spoils seemed the most likely outcome, but no one told the Cats.

Mossy Keoghan, Billy Ryan with the build up, Eoin Cody with the batted finish. Four up, time nearly up.

Donal Burke popped over a free, but Limerick whistler Johnny Murphy blew for full time. No more singing from the home crowd. Final score, Dublin 2-23, Kilkenny 1-28.

Scorers for Kilkenny: TJ Reid 0-8 (7fs), John Donnelly 0-7, Eoin Cody 1-3, Martin Keoghan 0-3, David Blanchfield 0-3, Cian Kenny 0-2, Mikey Carey 0-1, Billy Ryan 0-1.

Scorers for Dublin: Donal Burke 0-14 (0-10f, 0-1 65), Conor Burke 1-1, Brian Hayes 1-0, Danny Sutcliffe 0-3, Chris Crummey 0-3, Cian O’Sullivan

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Tommy Walsh, Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler; David Blanchfield, Paddy Deegan, Mikey Carey; Shane Murphy, Cian Kenny; Tom Phelan, TJ Reid John Donnelly; Martin Keoghan, Eoin Cody, Owen Wall.

Subs: Billy Ryan for Wall HT, Richie Reid for S Murphy 42, Conor Fogarty for Phelan 59, Cillian Buckley for Carey 69.

Dublin: Sean Brennan; John Bellew, Eoghan O’Donnell, Paddy Smyth; Chris Crummey, Conor Donohoe, Paddy Doyle; Brian Hayes, Conor Burke; Danny Sutcliffe, Donal Burke, Fergal Whitely; Sean Currie, Cian O’Sullivan, Ronan Hayes.

Subs: Paul Crummey for O’Sullivan 44, Darragh Power for Whitely 49, Daire Gray for Doyle 63, Jake Malone for Currie 65, Dara Purcell for R Hayes 69.

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).

>> SHERRY SAYS...

0-2. voice, as ‘Come on you Boys in Blue’ echoed around Parnell Park, perhaps the crowd thought full time was a little closer. Derek Lyng would have hoped for a response, especially after the Carlow game, and

he got it. A brace of lovely scores from the industrious John Donnelly and a 3rd point from Eoin Cody saw the Cats level the game once more before Billy Ryan and Conor Burke swapped scores, the latter of which had a touch of wide about it.

Thomastown’s Donnelly then

John Donnelly was powerful in Parnell!

Eoin Cody’s late goal may have snatched the points in Parnell Park, but step forward John Donnelly. The Thomastown man put in an outstanding performance in the Capital, non-stop work rate coupled with 0-7 from play. One of his best, if not the best showing in the Kilkenny jersey for Donnelly.

There were also telling contributions from Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan, David Blanchfield, and while Eoin Murphy may have been beaten twice, he also prevented futher major’s for the boys in blue.

Please don’t start singing!!

The final group game in Leinster takes place tomorrow when Derek Lyng’s outfit welcome Keith Rossiter’s Wexford to UPMC Nowlan Park (Throw-in 2pm). The table is so tight, with Kilkenny one point ahead of Dublin, Galway and Saturday’s opponents.

Avoid defeat at home tomorrow, a place in this year’s Leinster final awaits.

Keith Rossiter has done a decent job with the Yellowbellies and appears to have instilled huge belied in this Wexford panel.

Lee Chin is still the main man, but there are other dangermen in the shape of Conor McDonald and Rory O’Connor. The Slaneysiders took care of business against a Carlow side that held our Cats a week earlier, notching an impressive 2-36 in their Netwatch Cullen Park demolition.

It would be nice to retain the provincial title, lets quell the Wexford rising and look forward to another day out in Croke Park in two weeks time. Come on you boys in black and amber!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 2024

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is sought by Lisdowney GAA Club to construct the following: 1. New single storey extension to the side of their existing community centre consisting of 2 no. new changings rooms, shower rooms, toilets, physio room, store, entrance lobby and gym, 2. New external signage, 3. New ball wall with all-weather synthetic playing area and associated perimeter fencing, 4. New wastewater treatment system and percolation area, 5. New public lighting to walking track, 6. All associated site developments works at Lisdowney, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny.

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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, James, Mary and Thomas Manning intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for full planning permission to erect calf housing and ancillary concrete works on our lands at Holdensrath, 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, Johns Street, Kilkenny during its public opening hours 9am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Monday to Friday.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the fee prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the 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: James, Mary & Thomas Manning.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Vincent and Clare Grace for full planning to construct a 2 storey dwelling, entrance & roadside boundary works, wastewater treatment system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Coolalong, Callan Co. Kilkenny.

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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is sought by Penny Pudding Limited for development at the corner of Pennyfeather Lane and Pudding Lane, Kilkenny.

The development will consist of: (a) clearance works on a 0.059ha site including the demolition of the existing restaurant building; (b) the construction of a six-storey hotel with setback 4th-floor level and plant room at the 5thfloor level, comprising 67no. ensuite bedrooms, hotel foyer/reception, bar and restaurant facilities, staff facilities, and hotel service facilities; (c) vehicle set-down areas off Pudding Lane and Pennyfeather Lane; (d) 12 no. bicycle parking spaces; and (e) landscaping, drainage works; and all associated site development 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

FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS Significant Further Information/Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, Planning Ref. 2460031, on behalf of the applicant Shay Properties Ltd. The development applied for consisted of: Planning Permission for works to the existing out-buildings and the area outside the Waterbarracks entrance at Kilcreene Lodge, Kilcreene, Co. Kilkenny. The development site is located within the curtilage of a Protected Structure ‘Kilcreene Lodge’ Ref B117 and NIAH Ref. 12401927. The alterations will consist of the demolition of one no. out building, extension and alterations to two outbuildings, the construction of three stables and one new outbuilding. Upgrade works are also proposed to the area outside the entrance at the Waterbarracks to include, new bollards, kerbing and resurfacing the roadway and all associated site development and ancillary works.

The proposed upgrade works to the area outside the entrance at the Waterbarracks have been omitted from this application and do not form part of this application from herein.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of the proposed development will be submitted as part of the significant further information.

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans has/have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is/are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Brian Dunlop Architects Ltd. www.briandunloparchitects.com

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

St. Anthony Prayer

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.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.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.R.

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. 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. 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.K.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th May 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 24th May 2024