Kilkenny Observer 24 October 2025

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Hokum, Pokum! Smithwick's Experience Get into the spirit with Celebrate Savour with what's on for Halloween live music & street food 

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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EVERY FRIDAY

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Co. Kilkenny retailers named as Gala Award winners Three Co. Kilkenny Gala Retail stores have been named as among the best Gala Retail stores in Ireland at the 2025 Gala Retail ‘Delivering The Difference’ annual conference.

Held at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, De Loughry’s Gala in Talbot Inch, Nolan’s Gala in Ardnore

and Farrell’s Gala in Castlecomer were named as Gala Retail Excellence Award winners.

The Gala Excellence Awards are presented to Gala stores that are deemed ‘outstanding’ following a comprehensive and independent assessment process. More retailers than ever before achieved the

standard, which is reflective of the Group’s focus on quality, community-centric and innovative retailers.

“Gala Retail stores in Co. Kilkenny consistently feature as some of the best performing stores across the Group,” said Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail.

“I’m delighted to see our

Kilkenny retailers getting the recognition they deserve and would like to thank each of the Gala store owners and their teams for their loyalty, hard work and dedication to quality convenience retailing.

“Our theme at this year’s conference was ‘Delivering the Difference’ and these

stores make a difference to their shoppers and communities every day,” he said.

At the Gala Retail conference, it was announced that over €100,000 of Gala Greener Grants have been gifted to retailers by the convenience retail group – part of a €500,000 fund that’s been created to help retailers tran-

Objection to billionaire’s whiskey plan at Castletown

One virtuoso and his harp This November, Music Network brings one of the world’s leading harpists, Emmanuel Ceysson, with special guest, soprano Sarah Shine, to Ireland – and to Co Kilkenny.

Charming, loquacious and brilliantly gifted, Ceysson is much in demand as a soloist around the world, whileSarah Shine is quickly establishing herself as an artist of note both in Ireland and on the international stage.

Ceysson will share virtuosic and flamboyant performances of music by Tournier and Caplet and together they will perform exquisite songs by Vierne in addition to popular favourites by Debussy and Fauré.

They will perform on Saturday, November 22 at 7.30pm in Thomastown Concert Hall, Kilkenny. *Tickets €5- €26 all from www.musicnetwork.ie

Come fly with me, says Ní Mhurchú Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a member of the EU Transport Committee, has welcomed a landmark private investment proposal that would secure the long-term future of Waterford Airport and deliver a major boost to the economic development of the entire Southeast region.

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County Council, Ní Mhurchú urged councillors of all parties to unite in support of the €30 million investment package being proposed by Waterford Airport Ltd (WAL).

Describing the plan as “a significant breakthrough for the airport and the Southeast”, Ní Mhurchú said the proposal would ensure the airport’s redevelopment and

continued operation as a vital regional infrastructure asset.

“This investment has the potential to transform connectivity and economic opportunity across the South East.

“I am calling on all councillors and stakeholders to come together in support of this once-in-a-generation opportunity for Waterford and the

> GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM EDITOR E: editor@kilkennyobserver.ie

sition to energy-efficient and sustainable retailing of the future.

Gala Retail says its stores benefit from national expertise, coupled with local wholesaler support and a store model, which ensures that every Gala store is designed to deliver to its local community’s requirements.

wider region,” the MEP said.

Ní Mhurchú has committed to exhausting all EU sources of funding to bolster operations at the airport in the long term but will also be calling on her colleagues in the Government to include Waterford Airport in the Regional Airports Programme going forward, ensuring that the airport and related local

infrastructure receives sufficient funding.

Ní Mhurchú has also vowed to sit down with representatives of Airports Council International – whom she has a working relationship with – and airline associations and airlines across the EU to promote Waterford Airport as a destination from which to operate.

A Texan oil billionaire’s plan to build a private whiskey distillery at his historic estate in Co Kilkenny has been hit with a formal objection over concerns noise levels would be “incompatible” with the area.

Kelcy Warren, Chairman and largest shareholder of Energy Transfer, a US gas and oil pipeline firm valued at more than $58bn, is hoping to develop a distillery on the grounds of Castletown Cox Estate.

The Palladian mansion, one of Ireland’s finest, was bought by Warren for €12.6m in 2018.

Planning documents filed with Kilkenny Co Council earlier this year said Warren did not intend to sell spirits commercially “at this stage”, but instead planned “to produce whiskey for his own consumption and that of friends”.

Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index recently estimated Warren’s worth at $8.14bn (€7bn).

Kilkenny Co Council requested additional information on the distillery plans filed by Rosebrack Ltd, a company owned by Warren linked to Castletown Cox. Planners sought more information on potential issues, such as odours emanating from the distillery during production and noise.

Two local residents have made the council aware of their concerns over the microdistillery plans.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

News

Kilkenny on show at National Museum

Key objects from Co. Kilkenny feature in The Changing Ireland Galleries at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, marking the biggest expansion of public galleries in more than two decades. Artefacts from Kilkenny feature prominently throughout the exhibition.

The Changing Ireland Galleries feature hundreds of political, social and cultural objects from the Museum’s 20th and 21st century collections – extraordinary and everyday artefacts that have borne witness to the last 150 years. On entering the galleries, visitors are invited to reflect on the objects and consider the question “Cad is ann Éire dar leat?” – “What is Ireland to you?”

In keeping with the museum’s desire to develop dynamic and engaging exhibits, the new galleries have been meticulously designed to accommodate regular changes in the display, giving the public unprecedented access to the collection and supporting the long-term conservation of the objects.

Enabling greater inclusivity, a range of perspectives and different voices will be invited through cocurated projects, video interviews, and artistic interventions. New commissions, including poetry by Paula Meehan, are woven through 426 square metres of interconnected rooms, offering a lyrical dimen-

sion to the galleries.

Objects from Co. Kilkenny include a tea towel [pictured] designed by Jenni Green at the Kilkenny Design Workshops during the 1970s, exemplifying Ireland’s mid-20th-century design movement; and a silver presentation cup [also pictured], won as a trophy for a vocal solo by Eleanor Sterling at the Tailteann Games in 1932.

Chair of the National Museum of Ireland Board, Professor Cathal O’Donoghue, said: “This is a momentous day for the National Museum, and we would like to express our gratitude to Government for the funding to expand the galleries in this way.

There are millions of objects in the Museum’s collection, and our physical infrastructure only allows us to have a fraction of that on display at any one time. The expansion of our galleries and the nature of this new display will ensure that the Museum can share more of Ireland’s history with visitors in years to come.”

Director of the National Museum of Ireland Lynn Scarff, said: “By including many voices in the Gallery spaces, we have been able to create a space that will change and evolve and more accurately reflect the dynamic nature of our contemporary history and its intergenerational impact right up to the present

day. The galleries invite visitors to connect with history on their own terms and to question what Ireland means to them today.”

Lead Curator of the Changing Ireland Galleries, Brenda Malone, said: “The galleries have been designed to allow for the regular

rotation of objects, which helps us to preserve these important artefacts for future generations while ensuring the galleries remain

dynamic and continually offer fresh perspectives on modern Ireland’s history.”

Admission to the museum is free.

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11,000 apply to sign up for An Garda Síochána More than 11,000 people have applied to Garda recruitment competitions this year, An Garda Síochána has revealed.

The first competition was held in February and received a total of 6,784 applications, while this month’s round saw 4,334 people apply to become Gardaí.

The latest competition, which closed on October 9, showed

s­ignificant interest among the over-30s – the age group which accounted for 40% of applications.

Of the 4,334 people to apply this month, 57% were doing so for the first time.

A notable trend in the applications this year saw increased diversity among those expressing interest in becoming Gardaí. ‘White Irish’ people

accounted for 70% of applications received, down from 88% in 2019.

Those identifying as ‘Asian’ made up 5% of applications, while those identifying as ‘Black made up 2% and ‘any other white, apart from white Irish’ was 13%.

Women account for 30% of members of An Garda Síochána, higher than the European

average for police services, and 32% of applicants this year have been female.

Publicjobs.ie, which conducts the competitions on behalf of An Garda Síochána, will now begin assessing the applicants with eligibility of ­ the first stage of the selection process (online assessments) to begin later this month.

Competency-based inter-

views are expected to begin from late next month. Candidates who pass this stage of the process will proceed to a physical competency test, medical examination, vetting and substance misuse testing. Some of the successful candidates will then move to begin training in the Garda College next year.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said the role of a Garda

remains an attractive career option. “We can offer a varied career where no day is the same. It is not an easy job, but it is a job worth doing.”

As of the end of last month, the total number of Gardaí was 14,325, while 564 are undertaking training.

Garda trainees are paid €354 a week for the 36 weeks of training in the Garda College.

Single-sex school girls losing out on STEM The 2025 I Wish Survey has found that more than half of girls in single-sex schools see limited subject choice as a barrier to pursuing STEM. The annual 2025 Survey of Female Students’ Attitudes to STEM by I Wish — a national non-profit that empowers girls to see the potential of STEM — also reveals stark differences between single-sex and mixed schools. Among the 2,335 Transition Year female students surveyed in singlesex schools, just 5% reported access to Construction Studies and 6% to Engineering, compared with 84% and 74% respectively in mixed schools.

This trend reflects the national outlook, with the Department of Education’s 2024 Indicator Report showing that only 71% of girls’ schools offer at least one STEM subject beyond Maths or Science, compared with 96% of boys’ schools. These findings highlight the structural barriers that continue to shape subject choice for girls in single-sex schools, limiting early exposure to key STEM pathways.

The report calls for urgent action to ensure equal access to STEM education for every girl in Ireland.

Central to this mission is the 11th annual I Wish Festival, taking place on February 5 next at the RDS Dublin, which will bring together over 4,000 students to hear from leading female voices in global STEM industries.

Registration is now open at iwish.ie/tickets/.

Speaking at the launch of the report at Government Buildings, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I Wish continues to play a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue

futures in STEM. As technology and AI rapidly evolve, Ireland must have a strong pipeline of diverse talent ready to meet that challenge.

“The latest report from I Wish reinforces that early engagement is essential.

This Government is fully committed to addressing the barriers facing females in STEM and ensuring every girl has the opportunity to shape their future through science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

I Wish co-founder, Gillian Keating said: “We’re seeing real progress as more young women than ever before are pursuing STEM at third level, and that’s something to celebrate. But this year’s findings make it clear that the pipeline is still too narrow at the start. Limited subject choices, particularly in single-sex schools, continue to restrict girls’ opportunities. Exposure drives opportunity.

“The I Wish Festival is part of that journey a vibrant, high-energy space where girls can experience STEM in action, meet inspiring women, and start to imagine their own futures in these fields.”

After a successful twoyear pilot, I Wish have announced a new partnership with Logitech to scale its Primary Programme, which helps boost girls’ confidence in STEM from a younger age through alumni talks, industry visits and hands-on experiments. Participation in the programme grew by 38% in 2025, reaching 265 students. However, confidence remains a concern — just half (49%) of students at primary level said they felt good at maths only sometimes, while 17% were not confident in STEM.

Creative Kilkenny open to €20,000 grant Amazon has launched the Regional Creatives Fund Ireland, offering grants of up to €20,000 to Irish charities that develop creative industry career pathways.

The fund is open to registered charities in Kilkenny and across Ireland that help underserved communities access careers in publishing, music, gaming, film, TV, fashion, advertising, and more. Applications are now open and close on November 7.

The aim of the Regional Creatives Fund Ireland is to increase access to careers in the creative industries

for people from underserved communities.

The fund is open for applications from charitable organisations registered with the Charities Regulator that are currently running impactful skills projects and are seeking additional funding to scale, sustain, or innovate their efforts.

Regional Creatives Fund Ireland grants will give charities with existing creative upskilling programmes the flexibility to address their most pressing needs and enhance existing programmes.

Applications are open for small to mid-size organisations who are registered charities in Ireland. Applicants must currently be running a programme that focuses on upskilling people from underserved communities for careers in creative industries.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the fund will be used to expand or continue an existing, impactful programme.

Examples of programmes that a Regional Creatives Fund Ireland grant can be used for, include funding for placements in game de-

velopment studios, music production training, and portfolio development for future advertising creatives.

“The Regional Creatives Fund Ireland is about reducing barriers to entry within Ireland’s creative sector and working with charities who are already making a difference to help them reach even more people. We’re excited to combine financial support with Amazon’s industry expertise to create real pathways into creative careers across Ireland,” said Alison Dunn, Country Manager for Amazon in Ireland.

Finalist for Kilkenny Chamber award Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) has been announced as a finalist in the Design and Craft category at the Kilkenny Chamber Business Awards.

Sponsored by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, KCETB is honoured to be recognised in this category. KCETB is a strategic leader in the education and training landscape, serving over 15,000 learners annually through a workforce of

more than 1,300 dedicated staff.

With a commitment to excellence, equity, and impact, KCETB cultivates talent, strengthens communities, and drives sustainable growth through a unified vision of inclusive education and transformative opportunity.

Commenting on being announced as one of the three finalists, KCETB Chief Executive Dr. Lindsay Malone said: “KCETB is delighted

to be named a finalist in the Kilkenny Chamber Business Awards under the Design and Craft category. This recognition is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and dedication of our learners, educators, leaders and partners who continue to elevate the craft and design landscape in Kilkenny and beyond.

“Being a finalist alongside such inspiring businesses highlights the impact of our work in nurturing talent and

fostering excellence in the creative industries. KCETB is proud to be part of a community that celebrates craftsmanship, vision, and local enterprise in the region.”

KCETB champions Kilkenny’s rich design and craft heritage as a cornerstone of regional identity and economic vitality. Through targeted programmes, tailored learning pathways, and collaborative partnerships, we empower local enterprises, upskill their workforce,

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Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny celebrates Savour with live music, street food and a tour promotion

Ignacio Peregrina, Manager Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will be a hive of activity throughout the Savour Kilkenny Food Festival this October bank holiday weekend as the award-winning, city centre visitor attraction plays host to free live bands, a tour promotion, mouth-watering street food and so much more.

As well as hosting the Festival launch, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is back as a Savour Kilkenny Food Festival main sponsor this year. Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is supporting a much-anticipated cookery demonstration incorporating Smithwick’s ales with renowned chef, author, educator and television personality, Paul Flynn. His not-to-be-missed demonstration takes place on Sunday 26th from 11am, live on the Parade.

Festival-goers will also be able to sip, sample and savour the world-renowned red ale and other Smithwick’s products again this year in the ever-popular Craft Brewers & Distillers Marquee in the shadow of Kilkenny Castle in the heart of the Savour Market.

Two seasonal, special brews have been added for the Festival. These include Spicy Friar, an autumnal special-

edition brew combining the toasty-rich notes of an Irish Red Ale with a warming pumpkin spice blend. The second is Oktoberfest Marzen, a refined, malty lager has a clean yet rich toasted malt flavour. Both will be available from The Barrel Yard and on the Parade.

Festival revellers will also be able to avail of tour discounts right across the weekend by using promo code SavourFest25 when booking a standard tour.

The enclosed, heated Barrel Yard at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will play host to free live music sessions as dusk falls on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Savour, with each performance beginning at 5pm.

The Barrel Yard Savour Sessions are the perfect place to meet up after the Festival each evening for refreshments, live music and fabulous street food, Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Manager, said.

“We’re hoping that festivalgoers, celebrity chefs and great food lovers who have soaked up the energy of the festival on the parade will keep that vibe going and join us for an unmissable experience during the Barrel Yard gigs. On Saturday, we kick off with soulful sounds with

Raindogs from 5pm.

“On Sunday, we’re delighted to welcome back local band Burnchurch to the Barrel Yard stage, again from 5pm. We wrap the bank holiday weekend on Monday 27th with enchanting folk harmonies and the very best of traditional music with Up She Flew.

“Nobody will go hungry any evening with mouth-watering street food available to buy on site, all specially selected by The Sausage Experience to pair with our world-famous ales.

The Barrel Yard sessions ran all summer and were a huge success.

“We’re looking forward to an epic Savour weekend and to welcoming back the many people who came to the summer sessions. It will be great to pair offerings from our low alcohol, non- alcoholic and full bar service with great, locally sourced street food.”

Enjoy a special discount on the Standard Smithwick’s Experience Tour by using promo code SavourFest25 when booking your tour.

This offer is valid from 20th October to 3rd November 2025, exclusively for festivalgoers. Over 18s only.

T&C to apply – Over 18 only.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Now comes the winter of our discontent Over a beer, my publisher Dave tells me: “I’m still in denial over the end of summer. It’s more than officially autumn, and I feel like I’ve forgotten to do something. There’s this crumpled mental checklist I’ve been trying to unfold, something I’d tossed to the back of my mind.”

“He’s got it bad and SAD,” says Yer Man at the Bar. I quip: “Wait ‘till the clocks go back...”

“TikTok,” says Yer Man at the Bar. “TikTok.” Dave is maybe one of those 10% of us who suffer from Seasonal Adjustment Disorder (SAD).

Now, that the evenings are shorter, the nights longer and the temperature is dropping, and clocks going back this weekend, the accompanying temptation is to stay snug indoors with heat – if you can afford such after the Budget, that is – rather than making

the effort to get outside.

With climate change continuously on the agenda, in one guise or other, it’s no wonder people on the road to the Winter Solstice get waylaid by SAD. I feel sad when the clocks go back, you might hear people say.

Others might just as easily say: “Won’t be long now ‘til Christmas.” (Oh, please, let’s not go there).

And, while those who are not affected by SAD dismiss it as some type of yuppie flu, more imagined than real, others will tell you they feel down during the dank, dark days of winter.

“People who truly have SAD are just as ill as people with any depressive disorder,” says my psychologist friend from Magherafelt, quoting research at the University of Copenhagen. It seems about one in every 10 of us suffers SAD. Such people struggle through autumn and winter

and suffer from many of the same symptoms as what is termed ‘clinical depression’.

And in the northern hemisphere, as many as one in three may suffer from ‘winter blues’ where we feel flat or uninterested in things and are regularly just dog-tired.

Common symptoms of the winter blues can include: losing enjoyment in things that used to be fun; withdrawing from people; oversleeping an hour or more every day; appetite changes, especially craving foods that are high in carbohydrates; and tiredness or low energy.

One school of thought for the existence of all this sadness is that it is as old as is celebrating the Winter Solstice and has its origins in the proverbial mists of time.

Four out of five SAD sufferers are women, particularly – and strangely – those in early adulthood, according to research from Oxford Universi-

ty. In older women, the prevalence of the syndrome goes down and some researchers believe this pattern is linked to the behavioural cycles of our ancient ancestors.

It seems that when we had the Ice Age, 10,000 years ago, a biological tendency

“Dismiss it as some type of yuppie flu...

to slow down during winter was useful, especially for women of reproductive age, with pregnancy being very energy-intensive. But now that we have a 24/7 society, we’re expected to be active all the time, all year round. And in winter that can be exhausting.

However, says the Oxford research, as to why a small proportion of people experience it so severely, that it is completely disabling, we just don’t know.

When you get to a certain stage in life, as I have, you embrace each season: you have, to quote the poet William Henry Davies, more time to stand and stare. An invigorating walk in a winter wood can work wonders.

According to research at Dublin’s Royal College of Surgeons, exercising in the cold has been shown to stimulate the body’s ‘brown adipose tissue’ – that’s ‘brown fat’ to

you and me. This fat is interesting because, unlike white fat which handles energy storage, the brown fellow is involved in heat production and energy expenditure. So as brown fat burns calories to generate heat, it can burn off your excess white fat. Some medics even call it ‘good fat’.

Roaring fires and hot whiskies aside, we all have our own idiosyncratic way of dealing with the dark days of winter. My mother’s sister Eveline would take to the overcoat and the hot-water bottle clutched close to her tummy for the duration – day and night. My mother would throw her old musquash over the bed my brother and I shared as boys. Or as farmer Hugh of Lacken, Co Wicklow said to me once: “I was so warm in the bed last night, I got up and took off the overcoat.”

No talk of heat or eat back then ...

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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SE 'vital lifeline' falls short Patients in the South East are experiencing persistent difficulties in contacting the patient transport service for Kilkenny, Wexford, was raised

by Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy in the Dáil recently.

The service, based in Wexford, is a “vital lifeline” for patients and families across community health organisation, CHO 5, including those in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford

and Wexford and in Deputy Murphy’s home constituency of South Tipperary.

Deputy Murphy said: “Patients and families across the south east are facing repeated frustration — unanswered phone calls, unacknowledged emails, and an overall lack of responsiveness from a service that is supposed to be a lifeline for people who are ill, elderly, or vulnerable.”

The issue affects the nonemergency patient transport system operated by the HSE for hospital appointments, dialysis, oncology, and other essential treatments.

“This is not just an inconvenience — it’s a source of real stress and uncertainty for people who depend on this service to access medical care,” said Deputy Murphy.

“When patients cannot get

through to confirm transport or have to rely on neighbours or voluntary groups at the last minute, something has clearly gone wrong in how this service is being managed.”

In response, Deputy Marian Harkin, on behalf of Health Minister Carroll MacNeill, confirmed that Wexford General Hospital administers the non-emergency transport

service for three hospitals — Wexford, St. Luke’s in Kilkenny, and South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel.

The minister also acknowledged that staffing difficulties and the end of temporary National Ambulance Service support in December 2023 have led to “short-term service disruptions”.

The HSE has advised that engagement is now ongoing

between local hospital management and regional healthcare teams to develop a more sustainable staffing model.

However, Deputy Murphy said more decisive action was needed. “This is a straightforward fix if there’s leadership and oversight. People deserve better, and I intend to keep the pressure on until these problems are resolved once and for all.”

College, Thomastown, Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said: “With the CAO application process opening shortly, it is wonderful to see so many young people exploring their options and engaging so enthusiastically with the opportunities avail-

able to them at TUS..”

Convicted murderer sent back to jail after harassing young cafe worker aged 18 A convicted murderer who was put back in prison after harassing a young cafe worker shortly after serving a life s­ entence has failed in another bid to get parole.

In 1991 Michael Dean McLoughlin, who is now in his mid-50s, beat Bray teenager Jill Bishop (18) to death after meeting her at a Halloween disco at a hotel in the Co Wicklow town.

McLoughlin also forced a £1 coin down her throat during the attack.

He was arrested the next day after Jill's naked body was found dumped behind a wall at a house on the seafront.

He showed no remorse and pleaded not guilty when charged with murder.

McLoughlin was released from jail in 2017 after serving life, but in the run-up to him gaining freedom the Bishop family campaigned for a copy of his p ­ hotograph to be circulated before his release because they did not know what he looked like.

They were also concerned that o ­ ther women could be approached by McLoughlin but be unaware of his ­violent past.

However, the Irish Prison Service told them it could not supply such a photograph under the Data Protection Act. "Our identity is not protected, his is,” Jill's sister Karen said at the time. "The perpetrator is protected and the victims are not.”

It was only weeks later when the Sunday World and the Herald newspapers published a post-release image of McLoughlin that an 18-year-old cafe worker in Dublin alerted her family that McLoughlin had been approaching her at work.

She did not realise who he was until the picture was published.

"In the cafe we would frequently get older men making comments like 'if I was 20 years younger' and

that kind of thing, but it's generally harmless banter,” the young cafe worker said at the time.

"But this was different.

There was something weird about him. It wasn't just casual conversation. It was like 'what do you do?' and 'what are your hobbies?' and 'where are you going to college?' and even 'where do you live?'

"My manager said I didn't have to serve him any more.

"Then, about two weeks later he was sitting in the lobby area and he called me over and said he didn't want to make me feel uncomfortable by giving me his number, but asked me to call him.”

McLoughlin persisted, and gave the teenager a card at Easter.

The cafe worker then noticed that she was spotting McLoughlin in other places, such as the city centre, where he would approach her and shake her hand and try to initiate conversation.

The Herald tracked McLoughlin to the cafe and photographed him. He had been released on licence and had to sign on at Mountjoy on a weekly basis.

But after the Herald printed the s­ tory of him approaching a young woman the same age as his victim, he ended up back behind bars.

Sources have said McLoughlin was not released because he is still considered a risk to the public. He will now have to wait until 2027 to apply again to the Parole Board.

The latest news was welcomed by Jill Bishop's family whose lives were torn apart by her violent death.

"This man has ruined our lives. My elderly parents have three great-grandchildren now but there isn't the same level of excitement as there should be because McLoughlin has taken everyone's life away,” Jill's sister Karen said.

Kilkenny students get a taste for college life The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has recorded its highest-ever attendance at undergraduate autumn Open Days, with more than 7,000 students visiting campuses, along with parents, teachers and guidance counsellors.

Prospective students

explored the wide range of programmes, facilities, and supports available on the campuses of Athlone, Moylish and the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD). Among those who attended were Rebecca Doyle and Joshua McDonald, Drennan

* Pictured at the Science Stand in Moylish were Limerick Educate Together Secondary School. students Beatrice Aguiar, Daniella Aguiar, Juliette Obuhouska and Zoe Dunne.

The Rivercourt... and Jack And Jill foundation Neville Hotels , which owns The Rivercourt in Kilkenny, has announced it has partnered with Irish charity The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, thanks to a decision by hotel staff across the organisation.

In the coming months, Neville Hotels will be introducing a variety of simple and meaningful ways for its guests and staff to get involved – from small donations and thoughtful gestures, to fundraising events and gifted stays.

Jack and Jill is a nation-

wide charity that funds and provides up to 100 hours a month of in-home nursing care and respite support to families caring for children with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs.

The partnership with Neville Hotels kicks off on Halloween weekend, when the hotel group – which has six hotels across Ireland – will make a contribution to the charity for every room sold over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Neville Hotels is an Irish

family-owned and managed hotel group which also owns the the Tower Hotel and Leisure Centre in Waterford City, the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort in Wicklow, and Whites of Wexford in Wexford town.

Deirdre Walsh, CEO Jack and Jill, said: It’s very special that families enjoying a welldeserved mid-term break in the beautiful Neville Hotels locations will also be giving back to other families who urgently need our support.

This partnership is a lovely

example of community and care in action.”

Therese Kelly, Director Neville Hotels, said: “This is just the beginning of a collective effort to support families across Ireland. The charity was chosen by our wonderful staff across the organisation who understand that we are in the business of helping families to relax and unwind."

The charity is currently supporting 456 families nationwide and has helped 3,199 families since it was established in 1997.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Thought for food ... and that cafe cappuccino It’s an odd feeling when you are understanding something to mean one thing and others think that its meaning is quite different. The reduction of the VAT rate for restaurants and cafes from 13.5% to 9% in Budget 26 is a case in point.

Call me innocent, but I believed that it meant that the occasionally cup of coffee with a friend might cost a bit less and restaurant bills, on the few times I eat out, might be less painful.

That’s not what Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, meant at all. No, he pointed out that the reduction was to “inject viability” into the sector, dismissing concerns that the reduction would not be passed on. “It’s up to businesses what they charge,” he said.

No prizes then for guessing that owners of restaurants and cafes will be trousering the 4.5%, if new increases in

costs don’t eat it up.

What is the VAT – a tax collected by businesses charged to customers and passed on to the Government – about in this case?

According to Burke the reduction, which also applies to hairdressers, “is a stimulus measure” which is going to cost €232 million from July 2026 when the reduction comes into effect and €681m. in 2027. That’s money that we, the taxpayers, are doing without in a Budget without one-off payments to help with the cost of living crisis.

A better use of the money might have been a reduction in the cost of childcare especially when fast food multiples will be the main beneficiaries of the reduction.

My question is whether using money to prop up businesses which aren’t viable is a sensible use of resources? Of course we need

restaurants and cafes to cater for the tourism sector and local communities but at what price to the consumers and us tax payers?

On a personal note, family visiting from overseas on a brief tour around Ireland ate out just once, as prices were such a shock they self-catered in their camper van for the rest of the visit. It goes against the grain with me, to pay an amount which would cover the cost of making dinner for two at home for a tepid cappuccino. I can swallow prices where the experience is pleasant and the quality is good, but too often this isn’t the case.

The food hospitality sector, which accounts for 9% of employment, has been lobbying for change ever since the VAT rate went back up again after a reduction during Covid, citing the number of closures of 612 restaurants cafes and gastro pubs since then. The food

side of the hospitality trade, like the rest of us, has been suffering from rising costs, with food prices galloping ahead of the rest of inflation.

“An amount which would cover the cost of making dinner for two at home ...

But the biggest increases for them have been in costs added by Government measures on employment relating to living wage, sick pay and with auto enrolment pension coming in next year. These increases are more than double the increase of materials in an industry with the lowest wages at of any sector at €19.47 an hour and where often profit margins have been cut to as little as 2%.

How likely is this ‘viability measure’ to keep cafes and restaurants open? Not very, it seems. Studies show that half of those that open close within five years. It’s a Catch 22 situation – if restaurant and café prices go up fewer people go and if they don’t go up venues go out of business.

Maybe a different approach is needed. Measures to improve quality in food hospitality might help or giving tourists vouchers

towards the cost of a meal (and why not the rest of us too!) Tackling rising costs, particularly energy costs would help. Price gouging gets mentioned in Government without any action being taken to curb eye-watering bills where a recent study showed that energy providers were charging consumer three times the wholesale price for electricity.

How about a TV programme, like BBC2’s Mary Queen of Shop for cafés and restaurants or a regular newspaper column doing the same job? The original retail consultant, Mary Portis, helped fashion boutiques improve their overall viability and branding, putting them back on their feet.

I can see it now, ’Kevin King of cappuccinos’.

I notice two new cafes have opened near me – good luck to them.

Let’s talk menopause CLAIR WHITTY World Menopause Day is held every year in October to raise awareness about menopause and the support options available. There are lots of natural menopause supplements to help with symptoms ranging from hot flushes and night sweats, irritability and low mood. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide which product to pick, so let us help you navigate!

One of our customer favourites is an Irish brand called Fabu Shrooms Meno & Peri, which is designed to support women through perimenopause and menopause and help women feel like themselves again. It is part of a range of products developed by pharmacist, Laura Dowling, who wanted a product for women that supported hormonal balance as well as helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Fabu Meno & Peri is quite unique in that it contains called Lion’s Mane, this is a mushroom traditionally used

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It is vital to maintain wellness during this important time in a woman's life. It’s worth looking at diet and lifestyle choices which may need tweaking to help with hormonal shifts

Check to see if you are eating foods to provide enough protein with each meal. Do you perhaps need to top up on omega 3 fatty acids? What about calcium and magnesium? What is your sleep like, does it need improving? There are many boxes to be ticked and we are here to help To get you started - Fabu Shrooms Meno & Peri an award-winning Irish product that can be a huge support throughout this journey, and it can be taken with or without HRT. It’s available at Natural Health store or online. For any queries in or around the menopause and the trials and tribulations associated with it, give us a call, an email, or pop in to see us in store, we would love to help

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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News

Carlow and Kilkenny Local Enterprise Offices celebrate Women in Business at National Women’s Enterprise Day 2025 director of Quigley’s café, bakery and deli, and Emma Butler from White Meadow Interior. Margaret spoke about the importance of financial management and gave her tips on how to scale a business. Emma also shared with the audience some insights into how she made those initial leads and discussed the importance of up-skilling along the way.

Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Well-Being and the National Drugs Strategy closed the event, encouraging

all the women in the room, and speaking candidly about the importance of shinning a light on women in business and National Women’s Enterprise Day. Speaking at the event Head of Enterprise Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise of Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, said; “Now in its 19th year, National Women’s Enterprise Day is one of the most important events in the Local Enterprise Office’s calendar. It gives us the opportunity to highlight the women in business who continue to do break down barriers in business, across

From Left Emma Butler, Laurie Winkless, Eimear Ni Bhraonain, Aileen McGrath, Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Margaret Valette O’Connor, Anne Healy and Dearbhla O’Dwyer

The Local Enterprise Offices of Carlow and Kilkenny came together to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day 2025 on Thursday, 16th October, with a vibrant event held at the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle.

This year’s celebration brought together women in business from across both counties for a day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment under the national theme of “Making it

Happen.” The event features a dynamic mix of keynote talks, networking opportunities, panel discussions and local business showcases, highlighting the innovation and resilience of female entrepreneurs.

The participants heard from a range of accomplished businesswomen and indeed accomplished women in politics. Event guests had the pleasure of hearing from Ireland’s longest standing

female councillor and the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh. Laurie Winkless performed an incredible keynote address speaking about how she did not mean to become a businesswoman and how a career break led to her entrepreneurial journey.

Laurie then joined a panel discussion with Margaret Valette O’Connor, business coach and former managing

Aisling Carey, Anne Barber, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Cáit Mackey-Maher and Dearbhla O’Dwyer

every sector. The day itself is also an opportunity for businesswomen to network, engage, and advice and to find out what supports are available for their business through their Local Enterprise Office. This year we also had really inspirational stories from our speakers who brought such energy and inspiration to the event.”

Also speaking at the event Paula O’Brien, Director of Services, Carlow County Council, remarked that days like this “Highlighted how female led businesses are growing and the importance of supporting this.”

National Women’s Enterprise Day is just one of many initiatives of the Local Enterprise Offices aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and assisting companies to start up and grow. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, and the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships.

Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. www.localenterprise.ie/ Kilkenny

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

kilkennyobserver.ie

News This October and early November, immerse yourself in all the Halloween festivities Kilkenny has on offer, under the theme of Fire, Feast and Folklore.

Each of these three elements are represented across a diverse Home of Halloween programme of events running from now until November 9.

This wonderful festival is coordinated by Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with local artists, businesses and community groups, all supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween pilot scheme.

And things that go bump in the night Your guide to what’s on in Kilkenny over Halloween

*Harry Potter Wicked Walk When: October 25 to November 2 Where: Jurassic Newpark at the Newpark Hotel

*Samhain at Sullivan’s When: Friday, October 31 Where: Sullivan’s Taproom *Samhain & Storytelling Tour When: October 31 Where: Kilkenny Food Tours *Fireside Halloween Stories When: Tuesday, November 4 Where: Hole in the Wall *Magic & Mischief on the Mile When: Tuesday, October 28 to Friday, October 31 Where: Medieval Mile Museum +The Werewolves of Ossory When: Wednesday, November 5 Where: Rothe House *Chocolate Making & Foraging Workshops When: Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30 Where: Truffle Fairy Chocolate Shop *Design Your Own Glass Pumpkin

*Kilkenny Witch Trials Animation Workshops with Cartoon Saloon When:Saturday, November 1 and Saturday, November 8 Where: Various library branches *Ellen Ryan Author Event When: Wednesday, October 22 Where: Ferrybank Library The School of Irish Archaeology Medieval Bread Making Workshop When: Tuesday, October 28 Where: Mayfair Library

*Halloween Nore Valley Park Now until October 30 Where: Nore Valley Park

*Witches & Wizards Pumpkin Festival When: Now until October 30 Where: Castlecomer Discovery Park

*Sacred Shadows Celtic Celebration When: Saturday, November 1 Where: Pembroke Hotel

*Dressed for the Harvest!

Kids Mask Making Workshops When: Thursday, October 30 Where: Mayfair Library *Candlelit Tales Folklore Storytelling When: Tuesday, November 4 Where: Mayfair Library

When: Tuesday, October 28 to Friday, October 31 Where: Jerpoint Glass

*Halloween Party When: Saturday, October 25 Where: The Playwright Bar

*The Sh*te Talk Podcast Live!

When: Saturday, November 1 Where: The Home Rule Club

*Legends, Lore & Laughter Medieval Story Writing for Kids When: Friday, October 31 Where: St Canice’s Cathedral

*Blaze Fairy Fires of Halloween (taking place at various locations and dates) When (first event): Tuesday, October 28 Where (first event): Kyteler’s Inn When (second event): Saturday, November 1 Where (second event): Medieval Mile Museum When (third event): Sunday, November 2 Where (third event): Rothe House

* Ravens & Red Wine: Sip N Sketch with Rachel Burke When: Thursday, October 30 Where: Butler Gallery

*The Merry Wake When: Friday, October 31 Where: Rafter’s Gastropub

*Lady Desart Choir When: Sunday, October 26 Where: Medieval Mile Museum

*Spooktacular Sounds When: Thursday, October 30 Where: Butler Gallery

*Halloween Night at Billy Byrnes Bar When: Friday, October 31 Where: Billy Byrnes Bar

*The Spirits of Ireland When: Sunday, October 26 Where: Sullivan’s Taproom

*Halloween: A Celtic Festival: Talk by Éanna Ní Lamhna When: Thursday, October 30 Where: St Canice’s Cathedral

*Kilkenomics When: Friday November 7 to Sunday, November 9 Where: Various venues

*Invertebreakfast When: Every Tuesday in October Where: The National Reptile Zoo

*Féile Samhain When: Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2 Where: Keep Her Lit

*Halloween Bike Disco When: Saturday, November 1 Where: The Parade, Kilkenny city

Savour the flavour of the festival Savour Kilkenny is returning this October bank holiday weekend, featuring some of Ireland’s top chefs and a five-day programme of over 80 events.

The annual food festival is expected to draw more than 65,000 visitors to Ireland’s medieval capital of Kilkenny City.

Established 19 years ago, Savour Kilkenny will showcase the best of Irish food culture, with a special focus on sustainability, local producers and reducing food waste.

Savour Kilkenny will take place from now until Monday, October 27.

For more information, to view the full programme or to book tickets, you can check out the Home of Halloween section of the Visit Kilkenny website. *Castle Park Concert: The Springsteens When: Saturday, October 25 Where: Kilkenny Castle Park *Savour the Spooktacular When: Saturday, October 25 Where: Market Cross Shopping Centre

*The Sharon Shannon Big Band When: Sunday, October 26 Where: The Hub at Cilín Hill

*Shadows of the Past: A Haunted Heritage Evening

When: Saturday, November 1 Where: Rothe House

*Cake Decorating Workshop with Baked Sweet When: Monday, October 27 Where: Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

Dogs not howling at the moon, but at the fireworks As Halloween approaches, pet owners are being urged

by The Irish Blue Cross to take extra care of their cats and dogs, amid growing concern over the distress caused by fireworks. A new survey by the charity revealed that an overwhelming 91% of pet owners noticed signs of stress in their pets during firework season.

Of those surveyed, more than half said their pets were “severely affected”, with many describing signs such

as shaking, hiding, excessive barking, destructive behaviour, and escape attempts.

Some owners stated their pets were injured by their desperate attempts to flee fireworks. One dog suffered a fractured hip after she opened a window, jumped several walls, and ran into oncoming traffic. Others reported cut paws and shoulder injuries from jumping walls, and bleeding mouths from running into glass doors, such was the extent of

their pets’ panic.

Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross, Laura Mock said: “Fireworks can be terrifying for pets, often leading them to panic and run away in fear. So, we are appealing to owners to make sure their gardens are secure, and to take extra caution when opening front doors.

“It is essential to ensure pets are microchipped and that contact details are up to date, so pets can be quickly reunited if found. To help

calm pets, we recommend creating a safe indoor space filled with their favourite bed, toys, and chews, that they can retreat to, if they want to hide. However, if your pet seeks comfort from you, please provide it.

Talking in a low, calm tone can provide much needed reassurance.”

Pet owners are also reminded to take care with Halloween treats such as chocolate, grapes, sweets, and raisins which can be toxic to

animals. The charity is also appealing to owners to avoid dressing up pets, as this can cause additional stress and increase the risk of people being bitten or scratched.

Communications Executive at The Irish Blue Cross Corina Fitzsimons said: “More than half of the surveyed respondents reported hearing fireworks in September, while almost a third heard them as early as August. This early and unpredictable nature of fireworks is making it

even harder for pet owners to prepare, leaving many animals stressed for weeks.

The survey also found most participants support tighter restrictions on fireworks and 80% support the use of silent fireworks to reduce the impact on pets, wildlife and vulnerable people.” *For information on keeping your pet safe this Halloween, please visit the charity’s website www.

BlueCross.ie/Halloween

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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News

Sinn Féin TD, Natasha Newsome Drennan, has slammed The EUMercosur Trade Deal as a "blueprint for the decline of Irish farming’’

BY NATASHA NEWSOME DRENNAN TD

Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan issued a stark warning that the EUMercosur Trade Agreement poses an "existential threat" to Ireland's beef sector, family farms, and rural communities. In a detailed letter to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food, Deputy Newsome Drennan detailed fundamental flaws in the agreement's safeguards, which she described as "critically insufficient."

Deputy Newsome Drennan said: "The proposed mechanisms to protect our beef farmers are not fit for purpose.

What is being presented as a safeguard is, in reality, a blueprint for the decline of Irish farming."

"By the time its reactive triggers are activated, the damage to our farmers

Natasha Newsome Drennan meeting with Kilkenny IFAj

livelihoods will already be done." ‘’The proposed trigger mechanism only activates after the market has already absorbed a 10% price hit.

Our beef farmers are already operating on thin margins, a single year of such a price drop is severe, and allowing it to happen before any action is taken could lead to scores of farm closures within just a few years. ‘’The agreement focuses solely on managing market share, offering no concrete safety net or detailed plan to support the farmers who will be directly harmed.

"We cannot sacrifice our sustainable producers for broader geopolitical gains, we need to know what are

the protections for family farms who will bear the brunt of this deal. ‘’ While the EU banned growth hormones decades ago for food safety, Mercosur states have not, creating an unlevel playing field from the outset. How will Mercosur producers meet the EU's high standards for animal welfare and hygiene, standards that have taken Irish and European producer’s decades of significant investment to achieve. ‘’We cannot and will not accept a two-tier system where imported products undermine the very standards that our farmers uphold. This agreement, in its current form, sells out Irish agriculture."

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Show caution when cashing in on Instant Payments In a world where a tap on a screen can call a taxi, buy a coffee or a cartload of online tat, the arrival of SEPA Instant Payments feels like handing the family car to your teenager.

Rolled out across Europe’s banks recently, including our own AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB, credit unions, and even digital entities like Revolut and Avant Money, this EUmandated process promises to transfer your money into recipients’ accounts in under 10 seconds, any hour, any day, holidays included. No waiting for that rent payment or invoice to clear; it’s seamless, swift, and it’s available via apps, online banking, or branches without needing a sign-up process.

How many of us have had more than a few evenings dissolve into ‘sip and scroll’ sessions, a glass in one hand and the phone in the other with impulse buys piling up like unread emails? I’m all for progress but, let’s be honest,

this isn’t just innovation; it could be a road to a financial blowout.

Modern money moves like lightening. BPFI’s latest Payments Monitor paints a stark picture; in the 12 months to June 2025, Ireland registered 1.6 billion contactless pointof-sale transactions worth €28.3 billion, claiming 87.9% of all card payments in the first half of the year.

Half of those transfers came from mobile wallets and not physical cards. It’s brilliant for grocery shopping or fuel without fumbling for change but it really dulls our spending radar. A coffee here, a parking top-up there, and suddenly your budget’s a battlefield of micro-battles lost.

April’s blackout in Spain and Portugal, which froze ATMs and killed card readers, exposed our digital over-reliance. Economies stuttered as governments scrambled, reminding us to keep some cash handy for when tech fails.

SEPA Instant turbocharges

the risk. Unlike Revolut’s quick transfers via phone numbers or QR codes, banks need the payee’s IBAN, those long codes linking accounts across 36 countries under SEPA, Europe’s fast-payment system. Enter Verification of Payee (VoP), a fraud-fighter checking if your entered name matches the account holder’s. You’ll get a ping: a match, close match, no match, or service error. Then you decide, proceed, change, or cancel. It’s a barrier, when BPFI says 74% of us fear wiring cash to the wrong person, and one in five has, by mistake or through fraud.

But, with no grace period, errors are final no recalls, just regret.

So, how do we harness the process? First turn on transaction alerts. Let that notification jolt you: “ Do you really need this?” Check your statements monthly and uncover the forgotten subscriptions and what you once thought were essentials are no more.

What about setting up a 24-hour rule, add to the cart, sleep on it, reassess in the morning. Get rid of the ‘buy now, pay later’ traps; that’s all they are, traps, debt dressed as deals.

Gillian Byrne, BPFI’s payments head, calls SEPA and VoP a “major step forward” for speed and security, and she’s quite right. Their Payrightnow.ie campaign is worth heeding. For instance, update payee names; swap ‘Rent’ for your landlord’s real name to avoid “no match” snags.

But for the average person managing mortgages and school runs, this rollout isn’t just tech talk – it’s convenience but use caution, as in the palm of your hand lies freedom or danger. Choose wisely one tap at a time. After all, in the instant everything world, the real win is keeping what’s yours. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

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News

Cycling through a storm, Phil raises hope for CF Phil Cody and his colleagues embraced the formidable challenge of cycling from Malin Head to Mizen Head, aiming to raise vital funds for people living with cystic fibrosis in Ireland.

Scheduled from Thursday, 11th September to Sunday, 14th September 2025, the

event was designed as a fourday journey across the entire length of the country—a true test of endurance and determination. For Phil, an avid cyclist, this challenge was deeply personal, combining his love of cycling with a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those

affected by cystic fibrosis.

The team set off on Thursday, 11th September, fully prepared to tackle the demanding route. However, the weather quickly turned against them. Battling torrential rain and strong winds, the cyclists pushed themselves to the limit.

By the time they reached Mallow, they had already covered an impressive 500 kilometres, leaving just 150 kilometres remaining to reach Mizen Head. Despite their incredible effort, Mother Nature proved relentless and Storm Amy struck, forcing the team to abandon the ride in

accordance with health and safety regulations.

The decision was heartbreaking for Phil, who spoke openly to The Kilkenny Observer about the disappointment. “This challenge is personal for me,” he said. “Every kilometre I ride is for those who face CF every day, and now I am unable to complete it.” The setback, however, did not diminish his determination.

Determined to see the journey through, Phil regrouped with six colleagues, and on 11th October, they set out once more to conquer the remaining 150 kilometres to Mizen Head.

This time, the weather was on their side, and the team successfully completed the

final leg of the challenge.

Their perseverance not only marked the completion of a physically demanding journey but also underscored their commitment to raising awareness and support for cystic fibrosis.

Phil’s dedication and resilience turned a disappointing interruption into a triumphant achievement, demonstrating the power of determination, teamwork, and the profound impact of channelling personal passion toward a meaningful cause. The successful completion of the Malin to Mizen cycle stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when commitment meets compassion.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Heritage group

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers celebrated a major milestone on Saturday with their 700th outing.

Starting at the castle scores of people from all over the county treaded the streets, lanes, slips, alleyways and bridges en route to the historic Home Rule Club, where a luscious birthday cake and an afternoon of fond reminiscence awaited.

In the thirteen years since the group took its first tentative footsteps, it has visited just about every heritage curio in the county. Castles, Neolithic sites, old churches, buildings designed by prominent Kilkenny architects. Battle sites of the many wars that convulsed Ireland, from the war of independence way back to forgotten ancient conflict.

They feel drawn to holy wells, where saints once held forth. And to obscure, almost invisible or forgotten statues of saints or warriors that

Heritage group celebrates 700th walk stand forlorn in the proverbial middle of nowhere, with only birds, rabbits, or frogs for company.

Week after week, they tread upon concrete, cobblestones, or soft grassy earth, as they traverse the labyrinthine pathways to yesteryear.

There are seasonal themes. For example, in January, you might hear the story of the Big Wind of 1839, and in February, the walkers visit the site of the Friary Street Ambush. In March, they tour St. Patrick’s Parish to coincide with the Patron Saint’s Feast Day. In August, it’s the turn of the wells and the Marian statues. November is the month for remembrance at the old graves, among other themes. At Christmas, they call to all the church cribs in the city.

Former Mayor Seán Ó hArgáin was instrumental in founding the group back in 2012. From the beginning, he recognized its value in getting likeminded people together who shared an interest in the city’s cultural treasures and unique medieval legacy.

He was present on Saturday for the 700th walk, which he hailed as a proud and happy day for the group.

The city walks set off from the Horse Trough outside the castle each Saturday. They can take you in any direction. There’s the castle itself, built in 1260 to control a crucial fordingpoint of the River Nore. It remained the main seat of the powerful Butlers of Ormond for almost 600 years.

Or the 800-year-old St Canice’s Cathedral, with its round tower, and the Black abbey, a Dominican friary since 1225: It’s noted for having survived both Cromwell’s desecration and the 1947 flood.

There’s St Mary's, the magnificent gothic cathedral in the heart of the city, built in the post famine period and a place of worship much associated with Christmas.

I accompanied the walkers to the site of the former St Canice’s mental hospital recently, where the speaker recalled a sad and mixed legacy.

Likewise, St. Joseph’s industrial school evoked memories of a dark era in Ireland.

But the walkers don’t confine themselves to the city limits. The whole county and parts of Tipperary, Laois and Waterford come within their remit.

They’ve been to St. Mary's Collegiate Church in the centre of Gowran, Callan’s scenic Abbey meadow, with its old Augustinian church that Henry VIII shut down and Cromwell’s army ransacked, and to St. Lachtain's Church in Freshford, that dates to 1731.

To Dunmore cave with its worldrenowned series of limestone chambers that archaeologists believe formed over millions of years. The 9th century Tullaherin Round Tower near Dungarvan is a favourite, as is St. Lazerian's Church in Leighlinbridge, dating to 1770.

Ballyragget castle has enchanted the walkers. Its tower house and bawn were supposedly built in 1495 and it was for a while the chief residence of the Mountgarret branch of the Butler dynasty.

The location of the mysterious medieval lost town of Newtown Jerpoint, near Thomastown was another destination. At Kells, they took in the Priory, an outstanding fortified medieval monastery and the 8th or 9th century sandstone High Cross at Kilree.

They viewed Burnchurch Castle

and Turret, located on the grounds of the former vast estate of Farmley.

The 13th century Duiske Abbey at Graiguenamanagh was a priority, as one of the oldest of the medieval Cistercian monasteries.

Mount Juliet naturally featured, as one of Ireland's leading country estates, with 500 acres of lovely parkland.

The magical Castlemorris Wood, site of former home of the Morres and De Montmorency families, was a revelation. Though the great house is gone, the walkers recreated its splendor via word pictures on the site.

The walkers have a special reverence for the ancient wells in the county that are so central to the early Christian tradition. Among those visited were Lachtain’s Well in Freshford, and St Fiacre's Well, at Sheastown, named after the hermit saint who converted a robber who had tried to kill him.

The annual visit to St Brigid’s well in Ballycallan is especially dear to the walkers. I went on one of the walks there and it felt more like a pilgrimage, aptly so perhaps given its hallowed reputation as a place of

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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Heritage group

healing.

Then you have the specially created walkways that offer their own charm and spiritual attractions, such as the Leafy Loop near Durrow, an Arcadian walkway encompassing bucolic lanes, riverbanks, and woodland.

There’s O’Gorman’s Loop around the village of Bennettsbridge, and of course the Loop Walk at Windgap.

The village also has one of the largest grottos in Europe, with its much-photographed detail of an Italian mosaic displaying three different languages and ancient Ogham stones.

At the Home Rule Club, Paddy Neary thanked the walkers for staying the course for the past thirteen years, acknowledging their appreciation of the city and county’s priceless antiquaries, documents, sites, and architecture.

He also paid homage to some of the walkers who have sadly left this world since the group started…remarkable people like former school principal, Seamus Brennan, and his brother, Micheál Brennan.

Micheál was a maths genius and art expert whose talks enriched the

lives of all who heard him speak. He elaborated on the intricacies of brickwork across the city and explained the baffling motifs and symbolism on gravestones.

Also recalled were Kitty Nortan, Ned Kennedy, and Tom Downey, who loved the walks and had a profound interest in their own localities; and retired nurse Mary Gittens, a wise and compassionate woman who brought her own insights and her grasp of historical detail to the walks.

Mary’s brother, Sean Hoyne, also passed. For years, he had led the walk to St. Brigid’s well in Ballycallan, and was a great friend to the group. In future that special annual outing will be known as the Sean Hoyne walk in his memory.

Former St. Kieran's College schoolteacher Michael O’ Dwyer was a giant on the local history scene, a great scholar, and a source of advice to the walking group on such subjects as the old city wall.

Apart from Paddy Neary, who gave the most talks, there were other speakers over the years. I happened to hear some of these. Ailbe Fitzgerald dealt with the role of Kilkenny

woman in the War of Independence era.

Liam Burke was the best man to have on stand-by when the walkers visited Nowlan Park, due to his encyclopedic knowledge of the GAA. When required, Paddy Neary’s brother, Jimmy, filled in the missing gaps in people’s knowledge, drawing on his inexhaustible fund of wisdom and memories.

Deirdre Mansfield’s talk on the history of Kilkenny Gaol was riveting, and Marianne Kelly, who undertook an extensive research project on the

Marian shrines of the county, was a mine of information on that theme.

She excelled in recounting the life and achievements of the great philanthropist, Lady Desart, and was convincing as the 13th century Petronella in recalling how the hapless maid was scapegoated after the famous alleged witch Alice Kyteler fled to England.

The support offered by Kilkenny author and broadcaster Pat Shortall won plaudits too. His love of nature and local history showed through in his professional sound recordings

and his interviews with walkers.

Another talking point was the social aspect of the walks. Participants tend to head off for a cuppa after each walk. Over the past 13 years, they have visited more than a hundred different Kilkenny city or county cafes or restaurants. Of these, about thirteen have since either closed or reopened under new management.

As the celebrations continued at the Club House, plans were already afoot for the next outing. The walkers plan many more steps forward as they step backwards in time.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Story of Auguste Deter and Alois Alzheimer As I get older I find myself becoming more, and more, forgetful. Not uncommon for folks of my vintage but I’d be telling a lie if I didn’t say I’m concerned as my brother John had Alzheimers for several years before he passed away last May. And so I read with interest, great interest, the following on Ger Cody’s Facebook page: Anecdote From History...

At the dawn of 20th Century, a woman named Auguste Deter lived in Frankfurt, Germany. She was not quite 50 when she began to sense something happening to her mind. At first, her husband noticed small signs; confusion over daily tasks, forgetting where things were placed, difficulty following simple conversations. But the condition worsened until, one day, when asked her own name, she could only say: “I have lost myself.”

In 1901, Dr Alois Alzheimer

(1864-1915) a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, documented her case and later described the characteristic brain changes associated with the disease. It was the young doctor who studied her case meticulously recording observations and seeking to understand the workings of her failing mind.

When Auguste passed away in 1906, he examined her brain, revealing for the first time amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that would later become hallmark signs of the disease named in his honour, Alzheimer’s.

For more than a century, scientists have searched for treatments that might restore stolen memory. Though she lost herself, Auguste Deter left the world a lasting message: memory is the essence of our humanity and when it fades, everything that defines us risks disappearing with it.

Thank you for that, Ger.

to handle on their own. ****** ****** ****** ****** Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home or at work or remembering the rules of a favourite game. People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates and the passage of time.

Sometimes they may forget where they are and how they got there.

Some Common Signs Of Alzheimer’s One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information.

Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, relying on memory aides like reminder notes or electronic devices or family members for things they used

****** ****** ****** ****** Alzheimer’s sufferers may have trouble following a conversation and may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name. ****** ****** ****** ****** A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This

may occur more frequently over time. ****** ****** ****** ****** People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money. They may pay less attention to grooming and personal hygiene. ****** ****** ****** ****** Withdrawal from work or social activities: A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. ****** ****** ****** ****** Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They

can become confused, suspicious, depressed, angry, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. ****** ****** ****** ****** There are about 64,000 people in Ireland suffering from dementia, the most common form of which is Alzheimer’s.

There are about 30 new cases a day diagnosed, according to Ireland’s Alzheimer’s Society.

This figure is expected to increase in the future – because we are all living longer in an ageing population – and could reach 150,00 by 2045. ****** ****** ****** ****** If a loved one starts showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s time for a doctor’s appointment and a serious talk about the future, because when a loved one has Alzheimer’s the most precious commodity is time.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

The real truth about witches Depictions of witches as ugly, old scary women are part of a myth. The whole narrative around who witches were and what they did was a lie spread by powerful Christian churchmen in mediaeval Europe for more than 3 centuries.

It is time for truth.

Remember this was a time of social insecurities….plagues, bad weather, crop failure, famines, The Reformation, Henry VIII battle with Rome, dissolution of monasteries, European wars, illiteracy and superstition. A time full of corruption and sophisticated spy networks. Suspicion and superstition everywhere!

Before 1400 witch trials were rare.

What did the word “witch” mean then? A woman who got power from sexual contact with the devil.

Who perpetrated this notion? A German Catholic cleric, Heinrich Kramer

How? He wrote Malleus Maleficarium in 1486 (“The Hammer of The Witches”) This book was condemned by top theologians as being inconsistent with catholic doctrines of demonology at the time. No matter, the idea took off anyway and became the rule book for The Inquisition and witch trials.

In 1484 had Kramer tried unsuccessfully to prosecute alleged witches. Dismissed by his bishop as “senile, demented and crazy”, he wrote “The Malleus” as revenge for his humiliation.

He was a celibate, sexually pre-occupied sadist and a misogynist.

This was a turbulent time for the Catholic church. It wanted power and needed to eradicate all opposition eg paganism, druidism etc.

The Catholic church was misogynistic and in rural communities women were held in high regard because

of their knowledge. As healers, midwives, they held the key to natural remedies and medicines, sat with the dying and were close to the cycles of Nature. They were the wise women of the time.

They knew about births, birth control, women’s bodies.

Etc. The word “hag” was a revered term.

In its need for domination, what better way for the church, than to demonise women, replace them with male priests, eradicate their knowledge and replace it with the male so called doctors? Any woman who cured was labelled a witch.

The clerics and the law pursued an unprecedented aggressive, systematic “cleansing” of communities by ridding them of so called “witches”. With the laws and the church egging them on there was no shortage of male torturers and men with their own

agendas to vilify women of all ages. Witch hunter generals who galloped across the land rounding up innocent women were the celebrities of the day. The more women they accused the more money they got.

It was lucrative business.

Women had their lands and homes confiscated. There were rewards for informing on women! Women were pitched against women.

It was said, “If you don’t believe in witches, you were basically a heretic and against church doctrine.”

This made it terrifying for anyone who disagreed.

There was fear across the lands, burnings, hangings and torture. An utter frenzy was unleashed against women for over 300 years non-stop! The printing press which was brand new helped spread this craziness like wildfire. No woman was above suspicion.

Only 20 % of heretics were man and many of them were gay.

Some historians calculate that the Witch hunts and burnings were responsible for the deaths of approximately 9 million women throughout Europe.

Not alone the deaths of mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters and friends…. As if that wasn’t bad enough…. But the loss of all their knowledge of growing natural remedies, folk lore and so much more.

The burnings took away so many women’s rights.

Interestingly, Ireland was the only country in Europe that did not fall under “witch hysteria“ and had only 8 trials between 1324 and 1711.

One in Kilkenny.

We deserve the truth.

Witches were a construct that suited an agenda at the time.

They were neither evil nor terrifying. The people who

killed them were.

Now more than ever, we need to be courageous and challenge accepted truths.

In mediaeval Europe people accepted crazy authorities.

I am neither a mediaeval historian nor a theologian so forgive me. I admit I am furious about all this. I do know something about lies, misinformation, conspiratory theories, toxic masculinity, social media et al…. Does any of this sound familiar in 2025?

“History acts like a mirror into the future” and we can learn a lot from how ordinary, unquestioning, mediaeval people were manipulated by lies and the equivalent of social media. It is so dangerous to accept without reflection.

So called “witches” were innocent women caught up a collective insanity. Don’t be naïve and think it could never happen again!

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Kilkenny County Council Library Service joins forces with Cahill Truck Bodies on next-generation mobile library

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

L-R: Rory Cahill, Joe Cahill (Cahill Truck Bodies), Josephine Coyne and Art Hennessy (Kilkenny County Council)

WEEK 140

"Are we working with or against nature?"

Kilkenny Library Service are delighted to have signed a contract with Cahill Truck bodies, a 3rd generation family business based in Graiguenamanagh, for the purchase of a brand-new mobile library vehicle. This exciting development marks a significant investment in bringing library services directly to communities, schools, creches, and nursing homes across Kilkenny City and County.

This new mobile library will be custombuilt to meet the evolving needs of our communities, offering a modern, accessible, and welcoming space for readers of all ages. It will also incorporate a range of environmentally conscious features such as energy-efficient LED lighting and solar panels, and will run on hydrotreated vegetable oil to lower the vehicle’s

carbon footprint.

“We are thrilled to be working with a local company on this vital community service,” said Johanna Brennan, Librarian. “The mobile library is our most valuable outreach tool, allowing us to regularly engage with schools and creches as well as adults in rural communities and nursing homes who are unable to visit their local library due to constraints on time, lack of transport and mobility issues. A new vehicle will allow us to continue to promote literacy, learning, and inclusion for many years to come.”

The mobile library vehicle was part-funded under the Department of Rural and Community Development Libraries Capital programme and is expected to be completed and on the road in 2027.

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Butler Gallery

Cities of the World at the Butler Gallery Butler Gallery, in association with Kilkenny Arts Festival, is delighted to present an exhibition exploring the theme of ‘Cities of the World’ by two artists, Kathy Prendergast and Chris Leach. The two have never met, but are intrinsically linked by this subject matter which they realise in very different ways.

Kathy Prendergast, an Irish London-based artist, is represented by her suite of 113 City Drawings which were begun in 1992. Prendergast was awarded the prestigious Premio 2000 prize at the Venice Biennale for the City Drawings series in 1995; owned by IMMA, they have not been exhibited in their entirety in many years. Based on contemporary maps of the world’s capital cities, Prendergast compresses each city, large and small, and follows her own sense of scale to contain each city on the same size paper. Transcribing the network of lines with understated pencil marks she conveys the pattern of

Cities of the World, Chris Leach, Bangladesh, Dhaka. Photo Credit Ros Kavanagh Butler Gallery

routes through, within and around each city, imposing an unfathomable sense of democracy on the world.

The skeletal images reduce even the largest and most powerful communities to a delicate network of lines that resemble organic patterns in nature.

Capital cities Chris Leach is a Manchester-based artist, began his Capital Cities drawing project in 2012 in Ireland where the majority of this body of work was created with the project continuing until 2023. Leach completed 196 tiny drawings

of every recognised capital city in the world which together functions as one piece of work. These meticulously crafted miniature drawings are solidly three-dimensional, drawn with pencil, scalpel and burnishing tools on the gessoed face of an oak block.

Cities of the World, Kathy Prendergast, Washington, DC. Photo Credit Ros Kavanagh Butler Gallery

Leach is also interested in how scale can be used as a tool for both psychological and representational investigation. Consequently, the work by its very nature demands a mental recalibration by the viewer to still oneself to engage with each city drawing.

The cities work by Kathy Prendergast and Chris Leach is a fascinating juxtaposition and prompts wider discussions around geography, architecture and politics—what cities say about us and what they don’t.

Additionally, a film programme ‘City as Character’ will highlight iconic cities in both mainstream and art house cinema. Co-curated by Butler Gallery and Out of Focus, films will be shown in the Digital Gallery and also in collaboration with the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny.

For programme and details, see www.butlergallery.ie (Curated by Anna O’Sullivan, Butler Gallery Director) it runs until 26 October.

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News

Larry prepares WW1 supper at Peace Park

The Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee invite people of Kilkenny to join them at the Kilkenny Great War Memorial at the Peace Park on the banks of the River Nore for a demonstration of the preparation, cooking and issuing of a typical trench meal from the Great War. The event will take place on Friday October 24 2025 at 6p.m There will be limited cover from the weather so please wear appropriate clothing for this mostly outdoor event. During The Great War the possibility of extended periods of occupying A display of the type front line trenches was only of food available to made possible by the developsoldiers in WW1 ment of canned and preserved food products. This demonstration will explain some of the major logistical issues faced keeping an ever increasing army in the field.

There will also be a discussion on the facts around the Christmas truce in 1914, one hundred and ten years ago. There will be a mock trench, sing song and children in attendance will be allowed try on a uniform. The Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee are hoping Larry Scallan prepares a typical lunch as that members of the public will come along soldiers in WW1 would have eaten and capture what life in a trench was like. The event will last one hour.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

News

Ossory pilgrims make faith-filled journey to Fatima Fifty-five pilgrims from across the Diocese of Ossory travelled from Kilkenny to the world-famous shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal earlier this month as part of the annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage. The week-long pilgrimage was led by Fr. Willie Purcell, who was making his 30th visit to the Marian shrine. He was joined by Fr. Roderick Whearty.

Throughout the week, the pilgrims took part in a full programme of liturgies, processions, and devotions. Mass was celebrated in some of Fatima’s most sacred sites — in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the three vision-

aries St. Jacinta, St. Francisco, and Sr. Lucia are buried; in the Parish Church of Fatima, where they were baptised; and in the Capelinha (Chapel of the Apparitions), the very place where Our Lady appeared to the children in 1917.

The Ossory group was once again honoured to lead the English-speaking Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions — a highlight of the pilgrimage and a moment of deep prayer and reflection for all present. “It is always a privilege to

return to Fatima with pilgrims from Ossory,” said Fr. Purcell. “Each visit deepens our faith and reminds us of the message of peace, hope, and prayer that Our Lady shared with the world.”

Bishop Niall Coll sent his blessings to the Pilgrims and assured them of his prayer during their time of pilgrimage. The pilgrimage was organised by Manning Travel /World choice, who handled all travel and accommodation arrangements for the group.

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Health & Beauty Freepik

The glow of red light therapy TREATMENT Once a treatment reserved for clinics and sports professionals, red light therapy is now finding its way into home beauty routines.

Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-wavelength red light to stimulate cells in the skin, helping to boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. The idea is

simple: the light penetrates the skin to energise cells, much like sunlight supports plant growth, only without UV damage.

People use RLT to improve skin tone, soften fine lines, calm acne and even ease muscle pain after workouts. It’s gentle, non-invasive and, when used regularly, can make skin appear brighter and more even.

At-home red light devices are becoming more affordable and

easier to use. Small handhelds or face masks typically require 10–20 minutes a few times a week, depending on the model.

However, as with any treatment, consistency is key and results build gradually over time.

Dermatologists advise starting slowly, always following manufacturer guidelines and using eye protection where recommended.

While red light therapy isn’t a

miracle cure, many users find it a soothing and effective addition to their self-care routine — especially during darker months when skin can look a little dull.

Note: Red light therapy is generally safe when used correctly, but it may not suit everyone. Always follow product instructions and check with your GP or dermatologist if you have any medical concerns or light-sensitive conditions.

HYROX: the new way to compete, train and have fun FITNESS If you’ve noticed more people pushing sleds or sprinting between workout stations at your local gym, there’s a good chance they’re training for HYROX. It’s a global fitness challenge that’s fast becoming a hit across Ireland, and now firmly taking root in Kilkenny.

HYROX combines running and functional strength training in a single endurance event. Participants run 1km, followed by a functional workout — think ski-ergs, sled pushes or burpee broad jumps — repeated eight times. It’s the same format worldwide, meaning every competitor, from Kilkenny to New York, faces the same test

of fitness.

The appeal lies in its accessibility and atmosphere.

Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just looking for a new challenge, HYROX offers individual, doubles and relay categories — and a sense of camaraderie that makes training as rewarding as the race itself.

Kilkenny has joined the movement, with three official HYROX training clubs now helping locals prepare: Nano Physiotherapy, TJ Reid Health & Fitness and Bravo Performance & Fitness. Each offers HYROX-specific classes designed to build strength, stamina and confidence for competition day.

To find out more visit: www.hyrox.com

Freepik

Scalp care is the new skincare HAIR

Freepik

Your scalp deserves just as much attention as your face.

Product build-up, excess oil and even stress can block follicles, slow growth and leave hair looking dull. A weekly scalp massage or exfoliating scrub helps lift residue, improve circulation and keep roots healthy. Natural oils such as rosemary, tea tree or jojoba can also calm irritation and nourish the skin beneath your hair. Think of it as a facial for your scalp — one that supports stronger, shinier hair over time.

Many Kilkenny salons now offer targeted scalp treatments to rebalance and refresh tired tresses. With a little extra care, your scalp will thank you — and your hair will show it.

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Savour Kilkenny

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

News

Kilkenny Child and Family Support Network and MacDonagh Junction prepare for a Jurassic Takeover on Halloween Do you know your carnatorus from your triceratops? And do you know where to find important Kilkenny family services?

Kilkenny Child and Family Support Network, a partnership of agencies, services and community groups working together to provide supports for children, young people and their families across the county, has joined forces with MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre for a special dinosaurthemed family event this Halloween.

Jurassic Takeover is the name of the fun family event taking place from 12pm-4pm in MacDonagh Junction on Friday 31st October There will be dinosaur shows, free facepainting, scavenger hunts, an interactive play area and lots of goodies.

There’s even a competitive for the best Halloween costume!

And while the

kids are busy being amused, parents and guardians can receive information and advice from the various Kilkenny Child and Family Support Network service providers will set out their stalls at the shopping centre for the event.

Kilkenny Child and Family Support Network include services such as Newpark Close FRC; Kilkenny Childcare Committee; Family Carers Ireland; Community Connect; Kilkenny Community Early Years Project; An Garda Siochana; Foróige; Kilkenny Leader Partnership; Amber Women’s Refuge; Tusla PPFS and Fostering; Fr McGrath Family Resource Centre; Ossory Youth; CYPSC, Droichead FRC. A full list of providers and their contact details is available on www. kilkennyparenthub.ie Sandra Collins, who is senior Tusla PPFS manager for Kilkenny commented, “This is a lovely event for families before the trick or treating starts on Halloween and we thank MacDonagh Junction for their support. If you are seeking advice on parenting, looking for support, or information on local events, information on all the services part of the Network can be found on Kilkenny Parent Hub. The website offers a one-stop support for parents, families and caregivers on current news and events in the area.

It makes perfect sense to provide families across the county with vital information in one location and the service providers can be met in person on Halloween at MacDonagh Junction.”.

Visit: www.kilkennyparenthub.ie

Great start for Kilkenny Stars CluneTech Kilkenny Stars 71 | Swords Thunder 68 Coming off the back of a 5-point victory last week away to Limerick Huskies, the Stars Ladies welcomed Swords Thunder to O'Loughlins looking to secure their first home win and second win on the bounce. In front of a noisy full house they did just that.

New signing Miah Ryan nailed a 3 pointer with 2 seconds left on the clock with the game all tied. The crowd erupted nearly taking the roof off the gym.

From start to finish this was a monumental team effort with Ava Coogan and Aoibhin Dunphy doing battle with the American playing with Swords who had done the most damage in their season opening win. Throughout the game the Stars American player Stephanie Davis was unplayable ending up with 20 points in the game followed closely by Ryan with 14 points.

This was a defensive masterclass however with Stars forcing the ball out of the Swords Americans hands. To be fair her team mates really stood up to the plate and shot the ball very well but it was enough. Big performances from Caoimhe Timmons and Aimee O'Reilly kept the scoreboard

ticking over for the home team who were deserving winners in the end.

The Ladies find themselves in joint second after 3 games with an away trip to Dublin Lions coming this weekend followed by a huge National Cup game against Belfast outfit Cleveland Phoenix on Saturday 1st November at 6pm in O'Loughlin Gaels

Gaa Club.

Our team would not be able to participate in this league without the help of our main sponsors CluneTech, our home game sponsor InFocus Opticians and our other sponsors Langtons, Kytelers and Cleeres Bar & Theatre.

Hope to see you all at our game on 1st November.

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Homes & Gardens A family home that has it all

Birds, beasties & blooms GARDEN NOTES

friends a head start.

Finish planting tulips, alliums As the clocks go back and and other spring-flowerevenings draw in, it’s ing bulbs to ensure a the ideal time to precolourful display in pare your garden the months ahead. for winter and give Protect any delicate wildlife a helping shrubs with fleece hand. or horticultural fabLeave some seed ric if frost is forecast. heads standing Harvest the last of kuritafsheen77 and keep log piles or your root crops, such small brush piles intact as carrots, parsnips, and to provide shelter for insects beetroot, and store them in a and hedgehogs over the winter. cool, dry place. A little care now Take a moment to clean out bird means less work in early spring, boxes so they’re ready for spring healthier soil, and a garden that’s nesting, giving our feathered ready to burst into life.

Three simple ways to cosy up your home for Autumn

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Tara, Boolyglass, Hugginstown, Price: €1,500,000 | 5 Bed & 5 Bath | 678 m² HOUSE OF THE WEEK Tara is a spacious, three-storey family home set on 2.65 acres of landscaped grounds just outside Hugginstown.

With its private setting, thoughtful design and highquality finishes, it’s a home that balances practical living with style.

The ground floor features a large reception area with Italian tiles and an impressive staircase, leading to a dining room with solid oak

floors and a marble fireplace. The bespoke kitchen is a show stopper, complete with quartz countertops, a central island and integrated Neff appliances. The house also includes a sunken living room, study or playroom, utility space and a triple garage.

Practical touches like a dog room and log storage show attention to detail throughout.

Upstairs, the master bedroom is generous and well-

appointed, with a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom and a Juliette balcony overlooking the gardens. Three further bedrooms each have their own character, and a family bathroom with contemporary fittings serves the floor. The second floor offers a versatile office space or extra storage, flooded with natural light thanks to a vaulted ceiling.

The grounds complement the home perfectly. Mature trees, shrubs, fruit plants and

seasonal flowers surround the property, while a rear patio provides an ideal spot for outdoor dining. A summer house adds further versatility, and a gravel driveway with a three-tier fountain marks the entrance.

Tara offers a quiet countryside setting near Hugginstown village, with good access to schools, sports and major routes to Kilkenny, Waterford and Dublin.

Agent: DNG Ella Dunphy

Reviving Kilkenny’s forgotten homes HOME WORK Across Kilkenny, vacant and run down houses are getting a fresh start.

In just the third quarter of 2025 alone, the council issued 28 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants worth over €1.5 million, helping to bring neglected properties back to life.

Since the scheme began in 2022, Kilkenny has seen 94 grants awarded, totalling over €5.2 million. With 264 applications approved from 349 submissions, it’s clear that people across the county are seizing the chance to turn long-empty properties into real, welcoming homes.

For those struggling to find an affordable house for sale, or looking for a project with real potential, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers some real financial support. Grants of up to

€50,000 are available, with an extra €20,000 top-up for properties that are derelict

— structurally unsound or dangerous — making it more feasible to take on even chal-

lenging projects.

The scheme is open to a wide range of applicants — whether you already own a property or are actively negotiating to buy one. Properties must have been vacant for at least two years and built before 2007, and they can be renovated as either your permanent home or rental property.

Across the country, more than 3,600 empty or derelict homes have been brought back to life, with over €200 million in grants supporting the work.

Kilkenny is very much part of this trend, showing that even a long-neglected property can be turned into a much needed new home.

For more information and guidance on applying, Kilkenny County Council’s Vacant Homes Section is the first port of call.

INTERIOR As the days get shorter and the evenings chill, your home can become the perfect refuge.

A few simple changes can make any room feel warmer, more inviting and ready for the autumn months. Here are three easy ways to add comfort and seasonal charm to your space.

1. Layer up with textiles Textiles are one of the easiest ways to introduce warmth and texture into your home. Add throws, woollen blankets and chunky knit cushions to sofas and armchairs. Deep autumnal colours - think rusts, mustard yellows, forest greens and burnt oranges - create an instant sense of cosiness. Even small touches, like a knitted throw over a chair or a few cushions in complementary shades, make a noticeable difference. Don’t forget rugs on cold floors; they add

warmth, help define a room and make it feel more intimate.

2. Switch up your lighting Lighting has a huge impact on the atmosphere of a room.

Replace harsh overhead lights with softer table lamps, floor lamps or strategically placed fairy lights. Candles add a warm glow and a hint of seasonal fragrance. Opt for warm-toned bulbs wherever possible - they are gentler on the eyes and create a comforting, welcoming ambience.

3. Bring nature inside Autumn is the season of colour and texture, and bringing elements of the outdoors inside instantly lifts your home. Use seasonal foliage such as branches, berries, or autumn leaves in vases. Bowls of pinecones, pumpkins - real or decorative and wreaths on doors or walls add that natural feel.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Men's Shed

Paula Harte, Kilkenny Volunteer Centre and Deputy Mayor Councillor Maria Dollard, great supporters of The Mens shed

photos jbs On Tuesday the 14th of October the Kilkenny Men’s Shed held a showcase event. Friends, supporters, members of Kilkenny Men’s Shed and Deputy Mayor Cllr Maria Dollard were in attendance.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, Cllr Dollard commented “Kilkenny Men’s Shed continues to be a great friend of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful. We have been delighted to work with them and avail of their wonderful work, especially the beautiful bird boxes that have been installed at Francis McManus Place this year.”

The Deputy Mayor continued “The power of the Men’s Shed to harness the skills of the men that volunteer there and the pride they take in their work, brings such value to the community in Kilkenny.”

Cllr Dollard said that friendships and solidarity developed through shared interests, values and a passion for volunteering cannot be underestimated. “I want to thank them for their ongoing work and I wish them every success going

forward,” concluded the Green party councillor.

There was a full house on the day, guests were given a tour of the Shed and shown all the fantastic work the members had on display.

This included a custommade bird palace, bird feeding tables, bird boxes, fairy doors and bicycles to name but a few. Guests could also view the fantastic new table saw which allows all these projects to be completed in a professional and safe manner. The purchase of this table saw was made possible through support of Kilkenny County Council & the Local Enhancement Programme and Kilkenny Leader Partnership.

The Kilkenny Men’s Shed is on the grounds of the Good Shepherd Centre and thanks to the support of the Good Shepherd Centre the members do not have the added pressure of worrying about costly rent, which in the current climate is truly a gift.

Martin Fitzpatrick from JJ Rhatigan was also present on the day and thanks to their generous donation of timber, members can make many items

Great work ethic as Men’s Shed host showcase event At the Showcase for the Kilkennys Men shed were Brian Meredith (St. Patricks De La Salle School), Pat Glennon, Scott Rodgers

Team work. Eddie Corr, Shem Muldowney, Pat Mullally, Leo Wemyss and Tom Downey regularly attend The Men’s shed

At Church Lane for the Mens Shed showcase were Ray Murphy from Samaritans Kilkenny, Micheal Campion and Brendan Hoyne

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Men's Shed

Ann Jones, Co-ordinator Kilkenny Men’s Shed, Paula Harte ( Kilkenny Volunteer Centre ) Billy Meredith ( St Patrick’s De La Salle School), Eimear Joyce ( St Patrick’s De La Salle), Brian Meredith (St. Patricks De La Salle School.) attended the Showcase day of The Kilkenny Mens shed

Eddie Corr and Shem Muldowney carrying out some repairs at the bicycle shed

Enjoying a ‘cuppa’ at the Mens Shed showcase day were: Ann Jones, Mike Bergin, Mary Bergin

Attending the Mens shed in Kilkenny were: Pat Mullally, Leo Wemyss and Tom Downey

which can generate income for the Shed to help with running costs. It also allows the members to be involved in meaningful tasks all whilst learning new skills.

Some of the projects completed in recent times were the fantastic tree seat for the Samaritans Kilkenny and the bird boxes & planters for Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

Currently the members are working on a fairy door project for St. Patrick’s School.

Many of the members who call to the Shed every Tuesday do so with the support of the Kilkenny Volunteer

Centre, which is an excellent local support. The National Lottery has also provided support to the Shed which the members are truly grateful for.

Guests all congregated in the Men’s Shed meeting room to chat further & enjoy the beautiful cakes and sandwiches and of course the obligatory cup of tea!

If you know of anyone who would be interested in joining the Kilkenny Men’s Shed please call Ann on 085 838 1653 (please leave a message) or email kilkenny@ menssheds.ie Alternatively,

Mike Bergin attending the open day at Kilkenny Mens shed

please call to the Men’s Shed any Tuesday afternoon from 2.30pm onwards at R95 DW32.

They also take donations of bicycles & furniture (in good repair) and of course good quality timber.

Paula Harte, Kenedy Chiniko, Deputy Mayor Maria Dollard and Taiwo Tobi Salami at the Open Day

Peter from JJ Rhatigan, Martin Fitzpatrick from JJ Rhatigan, Deputy Mayor Councillor Maria Dollard, Ann Jones at The Showcase Day for Kilkenny Men’s Shed

Extending a warm welcome to the Showcase day at Church Lane was Eoghan Murphy

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Food & Drink Sweet surrender

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FOOD County Kilkenny is a real treat for anyone who loves amazing pastries and cakes.

We’ve got some incredible bakeries and patisseries that are passionate about making delicious goodies.

Cakeface Patisserie, Irishtown, Kilkenny

Take Cakeface Patisserie in Irishtown, Kilkenny, for example.

People absolutely adore their fancy, beautiful desserts. Run by Laura and Rory Gannon, who trained in swanky London spots like The Savoy, Cakeface has all sorts of sweet and savoury treats, including great options for vegetarians and vegans. Their lunch menu is always changing, offering things like gourmet salads, soups and sandwiches on lovely sourdough. Plus, they even have a cookery school if you fancy learning some pastry skills yourself.

Over in Thomastown, Lekker Food Collection offers something a little different, mixing classic French pastries with South African flavours. Their handcrafted goodies, like their lemon meringue and milk tart, have won them loads of awards. It’s a really cosy spot to just chill out and enjoy their fantastic Lekker Food Collection, Thomastow creations.

And then there’s Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro on Barrack Street in Kilkenny City, famous for its absolutely delicious sweet treats. They blend Polish and Irish baking traditions, using flour from The Little Mill in Bennettsbridge.

You’ve got to try their spiced cinnamon rolls, buttery scones and their award-winning spelt sourdough bread. They often have seasonal fruit tarts decorated with edible flowers, and their lemon citrus tart is always a hit. It’s a lovely, warm place to sit down and enjoy these yummy pastries with a great cup of coffee.

Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro, Barrack St. Kilkenny

Quick Lamb Koftas in Tomato Sauce SERVES: 4 | TIME: 45 MIN • 1 onion, diced RECIPE Aromatic Middle Easternstyle lamb koftas baked in a tangy tomato sauce — simple, tasty and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients: • 400 g lamb mince • Parsley & mint, 10 g each, chopped • 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cinnamon • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 400 g passata • Olive oil, lime zest & juice salt & pepper

Method: Mix lamb with herbs, spices, garlic and egg; shape into oval koftas. Brown in a pan, place in a baking dish. Sauté onion and spices, add passata and lime, pour over koftas. Bake 25–30 min at 180°C, uncover for the last 10 min.

Serve: With rice or salad.

Gin-uinely Kilkenny: a county stirring up spirits DRINKS Across the county, small producers are stirring up more than just the usual concoctions, transforming local grain, fruit and botanicals into distinctive craft spirits.

And with Halloween just around the corner, you might say these Kilkenny distillers are truly mastering the art of “spirits” in every sense of the word, blending Irish tradition with modern creativity to create something truly bewitching.

Among the standout producers is Ballykeefe Distillery, a family-run farm near Cuffesgrange. Here, barley grown on-site is transformed into a

full range of spirits in a true grain-to-glass operation.

Their portfolio spans the super-premium Ballykeefe Irish Vodka, six times distilled, and the rye-cask-matured Ballykeefe Aged Vodka, as well as a carefully curated gin selection including the London Dry-style Ballykeefe Irish Gin (Extra Dry), the 12-botanical Lady Desart Gin and the Sloe Gin. Traditionalists will appreciate the triple-distilled Irish Poitín, while whiskey lovers can enjoy the estate-grown Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and malt-only Single Malt Irish Whiskey.

Highbank Organic Orchard

& Distillery has also turned Kilkenny’s apple orchards into a hub of organic spirit-making.

From their own fruit, Highbank crafts Organic Apple Vodka, Highbank Crystal Gin (Kilkenny Apple Gin), Organic Apple Schnapps, Organic Orchard Liqueur (Apple Brandy), a calvados-style Organic Orchard Spirit and the innovative apple-based Dark Doyle Rum. For these independent distillers, it’s not about volume, but about place. Each bottle carries something of the county’s soil and season, echoing the care that goes into its food culture.

Importantly, this revival is underpinned by an established

local framework: the Kilkenny Whiskey Guild. Made up of 10 pubs and restaurants in the city centre, each one has at least 60 different Irish whiskeys and they all offer tastings, food pairings, and even mixology classes.

While the Guild doesn’t actually make the whiskey, it’s really important for connecting the people who make it with the people who drink it, right here in Kilkenny. It really proves that Kilkenny has a rich whiskey history that’s still alive and kicking. In fact, the very first time anyone wrote about making spirits in Ireland was right here, in the 14th-century Red Book of Ossory.

From bean to banter CAFE CULTURE

Over the past few years, Kilkenny’s coffee scene has quietly evolved, with a growing number of independent cafés and even a micro-roaster now dotted around the city.

From morning commuters to weekend catch-ups, coffee has become part of the daily rhythm of life here.

Local baristas are taking their craft seriously — sourcing beans from ethical suppliers, trying out single-origin blends and putting care into every cup. There’s a noticeable shift toward quality over quantity, with many cafés offering their own distinctive style and atmosphere.

Beyond the coffee itself,

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these spaces have become important social spots. They’re where people meet before work, students spend an afternoon studying and commu-

nity groups pin up posters for local events.

Several cafés are now roasting their own beans in-house or collaborating with small

Irish roasters, bringing fresh, local flavour to the shelves.

Cakeface Coffee Roastery (Irishtown, Kilkenny city), for instance, operates a microroastery on-site, roasting high-quality green beans from around the world. You can even see their small-batch local operation through a glass partition.

Kilkenny’s coffee culture feels grounded rather than trendy — shaped by the people who live and work here.

Whether it’s a quiet flat white on High Street or a takeaway Americano before the school run, the city’s growing coffee community is built on connection, chat and the comfort of something warm in your hands.

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What’s On Your week in 7 picks TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES, AND MORE—OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Roofman is a quirky, low-key crime drama with surprising heart. Its blend of dark humour and moral tension keeps viewers entertained, while the protagonist’s double life offers sharp social commentary. A modest yet memorable tale of redemption from unexpected heights.

What to Read: Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai - A candid, heartfelt memoir of growth, identity and resilience. With humour and honesty, Malala reveals the woman behind the icon - navigating love, friendship and self-discovery while redefining what it means to live courageously and authentically.

What to Stream: Mob War: Philadelphia vs the Mafia - A gripping, no-frills documentary charting the bloody 1990s battle for control between John Stanfa and Joey Merlino. Gritty interviews and tense FBI insights expose the brutal reality behind the mafia’s fading power and myth.

Goals, gigs and guitar:

Niall McNamee NIAL MCNAMEE | CLEERE’S BAR & THEATRE | FRIDAY OCTOBER 24 | 8.30PM shows quickly earned him a Brosnan in The Foreigner, perand performed at festivals MUSIC Singer-songwriter and actor Niall McNamee brings his heartfelt songs and magnetic stage presence to Cleeres Bar and Theatre in Kilkenny city tonight.

Born in Leicester to Irish parents from Dundalk, Niall moved to London at 17, balancing building-site work with performing gigs in local pubs. His self-taught musicianship and captivating live

devoted following. Describing himself as “a romantic football fan who writes songs,” Niall blends Irish folk influences with contemporary rock and pop, crafting music that is both personal and widely relatable.

McNamee has also made a name for himself on stage and screen. He played Romeo in London’s West End production of Romeo and Juliet and appeared opposite Pierce

forming a major fight scene with Jackie Chan. He later starred in the award-winning film Love Without Walls, portraying a struggling musician in London; the soundtrack features entirely original songs

by Niall, highlighting his dual talent as actor and songwriter.

On stage, Niall has supported Declan O’Rourke, David Keenan, Junior Brother, The Dubliners, The Wolfe Tones, and Louis Dunford,

including Isle of Wight and Cambridge Folk Festival. With over 100,000 Spotify listeners and music featured in more than 3,000 playlists, Niall McNamee promises Kilkenny audiences an unforgettable night of story-driven, emotionally charged music.

Tickets are €18, standing only, promising an intimate and energetic evening of live music.

Love, lies and a match gone wrong SIVE | WATERGATE THEATRE | NOVEMBER 19 & 20 | 10.30AM | NOVEMBER 20-22 | 7.30PM This production is part of THEATRE This November, Barnstorm Theatre Company presents Sive by John B. Keane at the Watergate Theatre, offering audiences a chance to experience one of Ireland’s most powerful and enduring dramas live on stage.

Set in rural Ireland, Sive tells the story of a young girl caught in a web of greed, deceit and tradition. When her family conspires to marry her off to an older man for financial gain, Sive’s innocence and determination bring this heartbreaking tale of power, control and youthful resistance to life.

Keane’s sharp dialogue and emotional depth ensure that Sive continues to resonate deeply with modern audiences.

Barnstorm’s Curriculum Play Live series — an initiative designed to bring classroom texts to the stage for secondary school students. It’s a great way to see the literature they study come alive, enriching their understanding of character, theme and language. Since its launch in 2016 with Translations by Brian Friel, the series has featured classics such as The Plough and the Stars, All My Sons, and Philadelphia, Here I Come!

Tickets are priced at €20/€18, with a special rate of €13.50 for school groups (teachers attend free). Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Keane’s Sive — a timeless story of love, loss and defiance, beautifully brought to life by Barnstorm Theatre Company.

What to Listen To: Where is My Husband, by Raye - A bold, brass-laden anthem that fuses vintage soul and contemporary pop with tonguein-cheek lyricism. It brims with swagger, sharp humour and vocal prowess, marking a confident leap into her next chapter.

What to Play: Counter-Strike 2 - Builds on the classic formula, offering smoother gameplay, stunningly refreshed maps and crisp gun mechanics. Powered by the Source 2 engine, it feels both familiar and fresh - a great update that keeps veterans hooked while welcoming new players to the fight.

What to Learn: Calligraphy - Discover the art of beautiful writing at St. Canice’s Cathedral with artist Julie Moorhouse. This six-week calligraphy course (October 23–November 27) explores historic lettering inspired by the Cathedral’s stone carvings and the 14th century Red Book of Ossory. Course fee: €50.

Where to Visit: Savour Kilkenny returns from October 24–27 bringing its trademark mix of food, fun and community spirit to the city’s medieval heart. Expect local flavours, lively demos and family-friendly events against the iconic backdrop of Kilkenny Castle - always a bank weekend to remember.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews OBSERVER NOTICES IT’S TIME TO MAKE CHANGES It is that time of year again to change our clocks. At 2.00am on Sunday 26th October the clocks go back one hour. When the clocks go back, we move one hour earlier to return to standard time. This change gives us an extra hour of sleep and brighter mornings, but evenings become darker sooner. It marks the transition into winter, affecting daily routines, mood, and energy levels as daylight hours grow shorter.

CLARA U21s WIN Clara began their U21 hurling championship campaign with a 2-16 to 1-16 win over Galmoy/Windgap in blustery conditions in Clara on Saturday. This was a highly entertaining competitive game from beginning to end, with the result in doubt right to the end.

Both teams entered the fray down a few injured players and it was Galmoy/Windgap that opened the scoring. Davy Barcoe and Conor Hoyne edged Clara ahead and after G/W had equalised Davy put Clara in front again. Then GW hit the game’s first goal to go two ahead but Joe Power pulled one back for Clara.

After GW had gone two up again Conor Hoyne and Luke Lawlor - who gave a commanding performance throughout - regained parity. Joe Power (free) and Conor Hoyne then both responded to GW points before Galmoy/ Windgap hit three of the next four (Luke Lawlor with a monster Clara free) to take a 1-8 to 0-9 interval lead.

Clara introduced Rory Glynn for the second half and three Joe Power points as against one from their opponents soon had them level. After GW had nosed in front again Sean Carrigan equalised. GW then scored two on the bounce before Sean Carrigan, who had earlier crashed a shot against the crossbar, collected a Rory Glynn pass and this time made no mistake.

Clara were ahead for the first time since early in the game and just 90 seconds later Rory Glynn cut inside his man and crashed a near post shot to the net. GW responded with two in a row but Joe Power nailed a free to give Clara some breathing space again. After Galmoy/ Windgap had closed the gap again corner back Daniel Ryan (one of the most improved hurlers in the club over the last two years) surged forward to land a super point. Then Sean Carrigan did his best Tony Kelly impression by flicking the sliotar up and hitting a no look over the shoulder shot straight between the posts. GW hit another point to leave just a goal between them and in the dying moments lobbed several frees deep into the Clara square in search of an equalising goal. But the Clara backs, superbly marshalled by confident goalkeeper Ben Murphy, stood firm and the towering Zach Lawlor, aided and abetted by Tommy Delaney, Ben Crow and Philip Carrigan repelled everything thrown at them. Hugh Kelly got on a lot of ball around midfield and Alex McDonald, Jake Maher and John Bergin didn’t manage to make the scoresheet but worked tirelessly to keep the ball in the opposition half.

Next up for Clara are Erin’s Own, Castlecomer who are hotly fancied to go a long way in this competition but these Clara men are quite capable of doing likewise. The one negative from this outing were the 16 wides registered by Clara but that problem can easily be resolved.

Team - Ben Murphy, Daniel Ryan 0-1, Zach Lawlor, Tommy Delaney. Ben Crow, Luke Lawlor 0-2, 0-1f, Philip Carrigan. Conor Hoyne 0-3, Hugh Kelly. Sean Carrigan 1-2, Davy Barcoe 0-2, Alex McDonald. Jake Maher, Joe Power 0-6, 0-3f, 0-1 x 65, John Bergin.

Sub used Rory Glynn 1-0. Also Tom Murphy, Conor Galvin, Harry Boyle (inj.), Cian Kelly (inj.)

JUNIOR CAMOGIE Clara qualified for the county semi final with an emphatic 4-15 to 1-4 win over Barrow Rangers in Clara. The ease of the win wasn’t apparent early doors as, even though Emma Corr scored two points and Siobhan Curtis added a goal, the Paulstown girls bounced back with two points of their own and were giving as good as they got. Then Noelene Shanahan hit a long range point and when Siobhan Curtis added her second goal the wind seemed to leave the sails of the Paulstown outfit. Further points from Maria Shortall, Moya Kelly and Niamh Ward cemented Clara’s position and when Siobhan Curtis completed her hat trick before halftime the lead had grown to a gaping 3-6 to 0-2.

Siobhán Curtis continued where she had left off at the start of the second half by first pointing and then adding her fourth goal. She added another point soon afterwards which was sandwiched by two more points from Aoife Ward and impressive substitute Róisín Kealy. To Barrow Ranger’s credit they responded with a goal and a point by their number 23. But Niamh Ward, Emma Corr, Maria Shortall and Cara Brennan all added points and Paulstown could only muster one in response before the excellent referee Eamonn Mansfield sounded the long whistle to end the game.

This was an excellent team performance by Clara, from goalkeeper Aoife Glynn to number 15 Aoife Ward. A touch tight full back line of Katie O Connell, Lucy Cody and Aoife Treacy nullified any threat posed by the Rangers while a very young half back line of Siobhán Treacy, Onagh Fitzgerald and Cara Brennan were very dominant. Claire Nolan and Noelene Shanahan worked very well in tandem at midfield and every forward scored and most importantly worked their socks off. All four substitutes Róisín Kealy, Joanne Comerford, Aoibheann McDonald and Katie Boyd added to the effort when introduced and overall this was a very satisfactory display. All 4-15 of their total were scored from play.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Katie O Connell, Lucy Cody, Aoife Treacy. Siobhán Treacy, Onagh Fitzgerald, Cara Brennan 0-1. Claire Nolan, Noelene Shanahan 0-1.

Moya Kelly 0-1, Niamh Ward 0-2, Emma Corr 0-3.

Maria Shortall 0-2, Siobhán Curtis 4-2, Aoife Ward 0-1. Subs Róisín Kealy 0-1, Joanne Comerford, Aoibheann McDonald, Katie Boyd.

CLUB LOTTO Lotto results for 14th October, the numbers drawn 12, 20, 29. There was no jackpot winner. €30 each to Padraic Brennan, Marilyn Langton, Mick Barcoe, Ann Mullen, Serina Brennan. Thanks for your continued support and Best of luck,.

CAMOGIE CLUB Clara Camogie Club will hold its AGM on Sunday 23rd November at 11am. Link below to form for members to submit nominations for camogie committee. https://forms.office.com/e/ChqPXr2n8A. Please return nominations before Sunday 9th November. If anyone wants to get involved in any capacity, please let current committee member know or use this form. New faces and fresh ideas always welcome.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS COUNTY FINAL BUILD UP Excitement is mounting as O’Loughlin Gaels prepare for the County Senior and the County Junior Hurling Championship finals at the weekend. Both games are in UPMC Nowlan Park, the Junior final on Saturday at 3pm and the Senior final on Sunday at the same time. The players and Management teams are working hard and will leave no stone unturned as they prepare for the finals.

Now it’s up to club members and supporters to play their part and show their appreciation of our great teams by flying the colours with flags, bunting and car flags. Flags and bunting can be purchased at Bretts Hardware Shop in John Street and also at Hennessy Sports in the Newpark Shopping Centre.

Support will be essential at both finals so the call is out to make sure you are in the park next Saturday and again on Sunday to support out teams as they strive for victory.

CAMOGIE WINNERS Congratulations to O’Loughlin Gaels Under 16 Camogie girls who won the Under-16 E Camogie Championship in St. John’s Park on Wednesday night last in a very exciting game against Mooncoin.

O’Loughlin’s were behind by 1-4 to 1-1 at half time, the goal coming from Lauren Daly. That they were not further behind was due to some excellent saves by their goal keeper, Ruby Hogan . The second half was keenly contested but Mooncoin led by five points as the game entered the closing five minutes and things looked ominous for the O’Loughlin’s girls. However showing wonderful spirit they refused to give up and they managed to score 1-2 in the last five minutes of normal time – thanks to a pointed free by Beth Dowling-Holohan and 1-1 from full-forward Ellen Gault. With the sides level at the final whistle, extra time was required and O’Loughlin Gaels continued to enjoy the ascendancy during this period driven on by centreback Stephanie Cooney. They outscored Mooncoin by 0-3 to 0-0 thanks to points from Lauren Daly and two from Chloe Collins and this proved enough to win the game and the title. The winning panel was O’Loughlin Gaels: Ruby Hogan, Leah Tyrrell, Anna Ryan, Sadie Kinchella, Clara Cooney, Stephanie Cooney, Millie Hendra, Liaden Blanche, Lauren Daly, Beth Dowling Holohan, Emily Knox, Millie Len-

non, Chloe Collins, Ellen Gault, Willow Carter. Subs: Muireann Greene, Rachel Kavanagh, Kaysie O’Neill Rodgers, Sophie Wall, Aine Morgan, Erin Hanrahan, Rachel Kavanagh, Ava McGuirk, Kate Skehan, Annie Rochford, Ruth O’Brien, Pippa Gault, Chiara Di Florio, Melissa Martins, Lucy Dowling, Ali Dowling.

HURLING WINNERS Well done to O’Loughlin Gaels Under 14 boys who won the Under 14 Roinn D Hurling Championship final on Saturday last in Danesfort defeating Mooncoin in the final by 5-8 to 0-3 in the final. The winning team was Kacper Kawka, Danny Holohan, Liam Savage, Charlie Shore, Cathal Farrelly, Dan Rhatigan, Kornelijus Balsys, Ciarán Savage, Bill O’Dwyer, Cian Delaney, Rian Flynn, Evan Mooney, Robbie Geoghegan, Adam Lawlor, Milo Buckeridge.

TRIP TO CROKE PARK The O’Loughlin Gaels Friday Club which does such great work helping to mantain facilities and pitches in St. John’s Park enjoyed a visit to Croke Park on Thursday last. The highlight of the day for the thirty strong group made up of Friday Club members (and some friends) was a meeting and chat with GAA President Jarlath Burns. That the Uachtarán took time out of his busy schedule to meet the group was much appreciated and his knowledge and appreciation of the work that goes on at Club level was most impressive. He was also happy to answer questions put to him by the group. All present were most impressed with the calibre of the man who leads the association. The group also enjoyed a full tour of Croke Park. Enjoyed a Meal on their journey and a stop for some refreshment on the way home rounded off what was a most enjoyable day out.

Thanks to Bluebird Care for its sponsorship of the day.

VOLUNTEER NIGHT Last Friday night saw the O’Loughlin Gaels Club host a night in the clubhouse to show its appreciation of the work of the huge number of volunteers who contribute their time and energy in so many different ways and areas to ensure the successful running of the club. It proved a most successful and enjoyable night for the very large attendance who enjoyed the food, drink and music provided .

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated October 14th. The numbers drawn were 10, 12, 16 and 26 and the bonus number was 24. Play

O’Loughlin Gaels Friday Club and Friends with GAA President Jarlath Burns on their visit to Croke Park recently.

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

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Community & GAA Notes

O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Under 16 team, winners of the E Championship final.

O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Under 16 team, winners of the E Championship final.

again at www.oloughlingaels.com/olg Promotors draw :1. Patty O’Neill c/o B Maher.

2. Rose Hayes c/o P Greene. 3. Dinny Tyrrell. 4.

Anthony Greene c/o P Greene. 5. Bridget Tierney c/o Ml Nolan. 6. Julie Phelan c/o M Hanlon. 7. Clare Mahony. 8. Trish O’Neill c/o Online. 9. Gerry Deegan c/o Online. 10. Sophie McKenna c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support NEW WEBSITE Why not take a look at O’Loughlin Gaels new website for up to date club fixtures and results, club information and news. https://oloughlingaels.com/ olg/.

FRESHFORD MEMORIAL LECTURE The annual Ned Kennedy Memorial lecture took place in Ionad Lachtain on Sunday last. Fr. Fearghus Fearghail gave a superb and enlightening talk on the last journey of Daniel O Connell, covering his final days and death in Genoa, Italy. The annual historical lecture is given in honour of local historian Ned Kennedy and continues to be a standout event in the Ionad Lachtain programme SQUASH Freshford squash club are in full flight at the minute and will play in the Division 1 of the Leinster league this year after winning Division 2 last year. They played and won two so far and are playing in Dublin this Tuesday evening. They also have a team in the Three Rivers league and played last week and won 3-2. They are playing against Kilkenny City this Thursday evening in Freshford and Spectators are most welcome to come along and watch the

games.

DEATH The death took place last week of Larry Flanagan late of Clintstown Road, Freshford. Larry who was in his 80s had been unwell recently. Formerly from Dualla Co. Tipperary he was well known and respected in the area. A private funeral took place in keeping with Larrys wishes. Sympathy is extended to Priscilla, Edel, Irene and Finnuala.

SAFETY FIRST The recent development of a car park at Freshford Cemetery is a most welcome project for people wishing to visit the graves of their loved ones. Open every day it will facilitate safe entry and exiting for all who wish to park there. Local Cllr Michael McCarthy says he is pleased to see the project through to fruition and he thanked the Municipal Engineer and all who contributed to the timely delivery of the long awaited car park. A huge thank you was paid to Liam and Ann Deacon for their generous gift of the site.

OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre will be visiting Ballyragget weekly, every Wednesday located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941 FOROIGE Freshford Foroige youth club resumed recently and will continue each Monday evening. They hope to welcome new members along with welcoming back past members.

GAA St Lachtains U21 hurlers bowed out of the championship at the very first round when they were

defeated by Graiguenamanagh on Saturday last in Graiguenamanagh on a scoreline of Graiguenanmanagh 1-17 St. Lachtains 2-8 so all is quiet now on the field of play. The annual Philip Kinane tournament will take place at the end of the month.

BRIDGE Freshford Bridge club resumed recently in Threecastles Hall and will continue each week at 7.30pm.

New members are very welcome. Bridge Classes will commence on Monday 13th October. If you are interested in learning how to play bridge you are most welcome to attend these classes, for further information contact Anne Maria on 087 2271136 if you are interested.

SOCCER Freshford Town junior side had a well-deserved win over Highview Athletic on Sunday morning last in their home league game winning with goals from Dean Brophy and Colin McGree.

In the schoolboys/girls section the U12 girls had a 4-1 win over Newpark with the Siun McCarthty getting a hat trick and Katie Murphy getting the other goal.

The U12 boys lost out to Lions of Durrow on a 2-1 score line with the Freshford goal coming from Ryan Dalton.

Theu14 boys lost out to Spa Utd on a score of 3-2 with Luke Dermody and Tom Dalton getting the goals for Freshford side.

Freshford Town academy training resumed recently and continues each Saturday, at Wood view at 9.30am U5 to U7s. You can contact any Committee member or coach for more information or through the clubs social media pages.

SPLIT THE POT

The proceeds of the local Split the pot for the month of October went to Freshford and District coursing club and the winners in weeks 3 and 4 were Pat Collins €240 and Mary Walsh €300. Envelopes are available at all local shops and businesses and are just €2 each SAUNA The new sauna which is up and running at the Millennium Park since August and has been very busy during the good weather. The new facility is still open and you can book online your 40mins session online.

FUNDING Cllr Michael McCarthy welcomed 40k funding for the loop walk in Freshford recently. The funding under the ORIS scheme will go towards upgrade and enhancement works for the facility which is used frequently by the young and not so young. Great credit is due to the Parks Department of Kilkenny county Council for their interest, involvement and delivery of the funding according to Cllr McCarthy.

IONAD LACHTAIN St Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.00pm.

PARISH NEWS Mass times have been rescheduled for Freshford, Tullaroan and Ballycallan. Saturday evening- Killaloe -6pm Tullaroan 730pm. Sunday – Ballycallan 9.30am Freshford 11am. Killaloe, Tulla and Kilmanagh will share the 6pm Mass on a 1, 2, 3 basis.

Weekly masses are celebrated on Monday 9.30am Kilmanagh, Tuesday and Friday –Freshford -9.30am and Thursday –Tullaroan at 9.30am.

The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website any anniversaries or parish, office, business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during the hours of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours Fr. Mark is happy to visit the sick and if you would like to receive a visit from Fr. Mark you can contact him by phone or through the parish office CHOIR Freshford Parish choir resumed recently after their summer break. New members are most welcome.

ALTAR SERVERS Altar servers are now being recruited to serve in our two churches. Applications are open to children who have received their first holy communion (3rd class upwards) and applications forms are available in the church or by contacting the school. Those interested are asked to fill out the form and return it to the parish office. Altar servers are supervised by parents and supported by parish safeguarding reps.

TIDY TOWNS Tidy town’s volunteers meet each Wednesday evening in the village and would welcome new volunteers. So please go along for a chat and to lend a hand to your community if you can spare an hour.

Loop Cafe The Loop Community Café in the village is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. They are always looking for people on both sides of the counter. So why not support your own local café, by meeting a friend for a chat and cup of tea or coffee and some lovely homemade food. The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities. The Loop is looking for volunteers as well as customers. If you’d like to volunteer, please call the café at 056.883.2650 and speak with Rhiannon.

MABS The Money Advice and Budgeting service is a free confidential and independent money Management and Advice service. MABS assist people in dealing with their existing debt problems who have difficulty paying a mortgage or those facing legal action because of debt. They also provide information and access to Insolvency services including free Debt Relief Advice under the Personal insolvency options. For more info or for an appointment contact MABS on 0818072610 JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB INTERMEDIATED HURLING COUNTY FINAL The first ever appearance by a James Stephens team in an Intermediate County Final resulted in disappointment when losing to a strong Danesfort team on Sunday afternoon in UPMC Nowlan Park.

Conditions were ideal for hurling with a slight breeze blowing from the country end. Danesfort were first out of the blocks and had 2 pointed frees on the scoreboard by the third minute. James Stephens then replied with four points from Stephen Manogue, Cian Kenny (free), Ed Lauhoff and Willie Spencer and were two ahead by the 8th. minute.

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Community & GAA Notes The hard tackling Danesfort defence were making it difficult for the Village lads to gain possession so that by the 15th. minute, when James Stephens had added a further 2 points from Cian Kenny and Tadhg Dwyer (free), the score was James Stephens 0-6, Danesfort 0-5. From here to half time, despite the Village missing a golden goal scoring opportunity, Danesfort dominated the scoring adding a further five points to which the Village replied with points from Tadhg Dwyer (2, 1 free) and Shane Donohoe to leave the score at James Stephens 0-09, Danesfort 0-10. A half time substitution saw Eoin Guilfoyle replace Jamie O’ Keeffe. The first 15 minutes of the second half had a similar score pattern to the first with Danesfort tacking on five points to which James Stephens replied with 6 from Tadhg Dwyer (2, 1 free), Cian Kenny (2, 1 65), Eoin Guilfoyle and Sean Deely. During that period Ruairi Harrison replaced Niall Mullins and Sean Deely replaced Willie Spencer. The score now stood at 15 points each entering the crucial final quarter. The hopes of the village supporters received a great boost when, on the 15th. minute, Stephen Manogue raised a green flag to give the red and green a three-point advantage at 1-15 to 0-15. Almost immediately, Danesfort responded with a goal and began to exert control in all sectors adding a further 5 points to which the Village replied with a single point from Tadhg Donohoe. Danesfort then added another goal in the dying seconds to leave the final score at James Stephens 1-16, Danesfort 2-20. A disappointing result but with many players getting their first bite at adult hurling, league and championship, there is every reason to believe that 2026 can reap the rewards of the experience gained in this year’s campaign.

U-14 HURLING COUNTY FINAL Sunday morning’s U-14 “A” county final produced a titanic battle of the highest quality between two talented teams determined to claim the coveted Tom Ryall Cup. On a damp morning James Stephens were quick out of the blocks with a deadly goal finish by Paddy Larkin (3mins) after Dicksboro opened with a point in the 2nd minute. In the 8th minute Jim Clune increased the Village lead with another goal following a blocked clearance on the Boro defender. Three outstanding points followed from Conor Knox (17&18th mins) and Joe Hanrahan (19 min) to send James Stephens into a 2-03 to 0-03 lead. Continuing to pile on the pressure Paddy Larkin hit the net in the 24th minute following a neat passing movement by J.J. Fogarty and Donal Power to confirm their advantage at 3-03 to 0-04. All the while the six Village defenders were at their best to restrain the dangerous Dicksboro forward line. In the 26th and 29th minutes goalkeeper James Butler displayed his Hennessy like DNA with two reflex saves to preserve The Village lead. Jeffrey Cleere finished the half with a point from distance after Dicksboro responded with a late run of scores to narrow the divide at 3-04 to 0-07 at half time. As has become the custom between the clubs in the heat of championship fever Dicksboro raised their game a couple of notches and registered 1-01 inside the first 10 minutes while considerably subduing the Village attack. Now on a roll having put over two more points Dicksboro broke through for a second three pointer in the 28th minute to level the game at 3-07 to 2-10. The dominant Dicksboro lads would have taken the honours but for two points from Paddy Larkin (9th and15th mins) and Joe Hanrahan’s 24th minute long range delivery to keep the Village hopes alive at the full-time whistle.

Extra time was now required and after a short break, somehow finding reserves of strength and determination following the flat performance of the 2nd. half, James Stephens roared into action shooting over four points in quick succession via Paddy Larkin (2min), J. J. Fogarty (3min), Yehor Ahalakov (4min) and Henry Phelan (6min) to change the direction of the game. When Conor Knox broke from a goalmouth scrum to find the net in the 8th minute the Village players confidence grew immeasurably.

Aidan Malone immediately followed up with a superb strike and Paddy Larkin brought the score to 4-13 to 2-11 at the end of the half. Huge credit must go to the defence, marshalled superbly by Henry Phelan for holding the Boro lads to a single score over the 10-minute half. Also equal to the challenge were Art Cowhig, Jack Ryan, Jack Hennessy, Aidan Malone and Conor O’Hara with solid support from Codie Owens. Over the final ten minutes the Village lads consolidated their lead with four more points to Dicksboro’s single score to deservedly claim the Tom Ryall cup for the 19th time in the club’s history.

50th CELEBRATION On Sunday next, Kilkenny county-final day, the Kilkenny County Board and Lyrath Estate Hotel will honour the history-making James Stephens

teams of 1975 and’76. The players from the club’s golden era that ended the Munster clubs All-Ireland senior club hurling title dominance when defeating Blackrock (Cork) in the 1976 will be introduced to the attendance at half time by Co. Board Communications officer, Mary Morgan and congratulated

by Co. Board chairman, P. J. Kenny. Sadly, some of the stars of the team Mick Crotty, Mick Leahy, Liam “Chunky” O’Brien, Paddy Larkin and sole manager and trainer Sean “Georgie” Leahy have passed to their eternal reward. After the county final the management of Lyrath Estate Hotel will honour the team members with a special function and dinner in the hotel.

GIRL GUIDES Margaret Patterson, PRO Kilkenny Girl Guides is seeking volunteers to join their teams to assist with their non formal education programme for girls, the Brownies ages 7 to10 and the Girl Guides aged 10 to 14. Margaret would like to hear from adults who would be able to give at least two hours per week on either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings.

Training would be provided and Garda vetting is also a requirement. For further information contact the Volunteer Centre at 089 2584946 or email kilkennygirlguides@gmail.com.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 1, 16, 18, 20. There was no winning ticket. The €40 consolation winners were Paddy Foley, Delia Tierney, Brennan grandchildren, Fionn Kelly and Norah Duffy.

BENNETTSBRIDGE EAST END BOUTIQUE The Pre-Loved Pop-Up Boutique organised at the weekend by the East End Ladies was a great success. There was a steady stream of buyers over the two days. The layout in the hall was excellent including a changing area and a bargain basement.

The slogan said, “Come shop, have fun” and it worked. Well done girls!

LOTTO JACKPOT FEVER Be the lucky winner, solve all your Christmas present problems or plan that special holiday, get your ticket in any of the local shops. Last week’s Numbers, 3, 11, 21, and 26. Jackpot now €10,750.00.

Consolation Prizes, Teresa Doran, Hillview. Aidan Doyle, The Ring, Grace O’Neill, Ballyreddin, Geraldine Hayes, Kilree, Shane Egan.

CARDS Results 30th September. First Prize Tommy Hayes/ Pat Hanlon ( 13 games ). Second Prize Pat Murphy/ Michael Kelly and Brian Ireland/Pat Savage ( 11 games ). Table Prize Frank O’Neill/Toddy Skehan Results 7th October. First Prize Annie Lehane/Brian Blackmore ( 13 games ) Second Prize Eugene and Brendan Malone ( 10 games ). Table Prize Ann Carroll/Bill Carroll Results 14th October. First Prize Annie Lehane/ Brian Blackmore ( 13 games ) Second prize Jack Kavanagh/Ger O’Neill ( 12 games ) Table Prize Joan O’Gorman/Siobhán Donovan WEEKDAY MASSES Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10.30 am.

OCTOBER STATIONS The October Station envelopes for the Priests Collection can be handed in at masses. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FIRST COMMUNION Parents of First Holy Communion Children are invited to meet in Bennettsbridge Church on Monday 7pm to review the 2026 Preparation Programme.

The enrolment mass will be held on Sunday, 9th November, 10.30am.

MISSION SUNDAY The Annual Mission Sunday collection is now in being. Envelopes are available on the table in the Church porch and can be handed in before masses this week.

ART GROUP Classes continue each Monday from 2pm till 4pm.

The Annual Christmas card project mounted by the Art group is now in place. The Cards are available in the usual outlets in the village. Art work of members features well known landmarks in the village and surrounds. This year the Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team will share in the proceeds. Date for your diary, the Christmas Art Festival will be held in the Community Hall on Sunday, 30th November from 11am until 4pm. More details in the coming weeks.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Joe Bolger and family on the death of Joe’s brother, Pat Bolger, Knockeen, Butlerstown, Waterford. Late of Dungarvan Co. Kilkenny, he was predeceased by his parents Larry and Kitty Bolger, his baby son Kevin, his sister Theresa. He is survived by his wife Mary, son Daniel,

daughters Cathy, Michelle and Sinead, son-in-law William, brother Joe, sisters Breda, Angela, Clare and Lauri. A Humanist Service took place on Tuesday, 14th October, in Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street, Waterford followed by burial in St. Otterans Cemetery, Ballinaneeshagh, Cork Road, Waterford.

PEGGY MULCAIR RIP Sympathy is extended to the Mulcair and Barron families on the death of Margaret (Peggy) Barron, (née Mulcair) Rossenany, Windgap, Co. Kilkenny and formerly of Woolengrange, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny. Peggy died in her 91st year, at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel on Monday, 13th October 2025. She was pre-deceased by her husband Paddy, her granddaughter Baby Sarah and her brothers Tommy, John Joe and Jim. Peggy is sadly missed by her children, Mary (Moore), John, Claire (Prendergast), Monica (Brun) and P.J., daughters-inlaw Miriam and Helen, sons-in-law Michael, Gareth and Didier, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her sister Carmel and her brother Jerry, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

She lay in repose at her son, PJ’s residence, Farranaree, Windgap. Funeral Prayers and removal took place to St. Nicholas’ Church, Windgap. Requiem.

Mass was celebrated with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

BORD NA N-OG Congratulations to Bennettsbridge U14 club members, Danny Martin, Eoghan Denieffe and Harry Brennan who were part of the CBC panel that that won the Jim Langton Cup at the weekend. They beat CBS Thurles in the final. Well done all!

UNDER 21 CHAMPIONSHIP Best of luck to our under 21 team who play James Stephen’s in the Roinn A quarter final in Larchfield next Saturday at 12 am. All support is greatly appreciated.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN The Bennettsbridge GAA Pitch signage campaign continues to attract the interest of businesses countywide. Thanks to all the business owners who have supported the scheme so far. If interested, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey. New signs have been added in the past couple of weeks with room still available.

AGM 2025 The 2025 AGM will take place on November 28th in the clubhouse.

O’NEILL’S CLUB SHOP A club jacket has been added to the range of gear in the club’s online shop. With Christmas on the horizon some club gear would make the perfect gift. To check out the full range of GAA and Camogie gear go to the website and simply enter Bennettsbridge in the search box to see all the ‘Bridge items for sale.

SPLIT THE POT The next draw takes place this Friday at 6pm in the clubhouse. As well as boxes around the village split the pot can also be entered on the club spot app under fundraising. Thanks again for the support.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN ACTIVE RETIREMENT The Active Retirement Group meets next on Thursday 30th October at 11am.

BARROW RANGERS There was no jackpot winner for the lotto draw of 14th October. Match 3 winners were Trevor Walsh and John Martin.

The Under-14s won against Lisdowney last weekend (2-6 vs 0-10) in the Roinn C Hurling Championship Semi Final. Congratulations to all the players and management on a hard fought win as they are through the final.

Barrow lost to Clara in the Junior D Cup Knockout Quarterfinal (1-4 to 4-15).

Best wishes and congratulations to the Barrow Rangers Hurling team who will play this Saturday at 3pm in the Junior County Final in Nowlan Park having won against Galmoy recently.

BRIAN KELLY Congratulations to Brian, a Goresbridge man who recently completed another Ironman challenge abroad.

BRIDGE UNITED In the Youth’s Division 1A, River Rangers 0-7 against Bridge with Bridge scores by Conor Brennan (2), Jonathan Dunne, Noah Murphy, Jake Barcoe, Noah Tom Healy

Langrell and Joseph Langton. In the Under-14s SFAI cup the result was 4-0 against Moyne Rangers.

Bridge scores were by Jake Murphy, Ollie Maher, Ronan Skye and Charlie Carter.

In Division 2 there was a tie: Southend Utd 0-0 Bridge Under-23’s while in the LFA Leinster Junior Cup Balbriggan Utd lost to Bridge (1-2) with Bridge scores by Eoin Kavanagh and Conor English.

Well done to our Under-12s Blue squad who battled past St. Joseph’s of Wexford in the last 32 of the SFAI Subway Cup Southeast Region in Goresbridge.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, the Bridge boys defended well, led solidly from the back by goalkeeper Darragh Monaghan and defenders Conor Dormer, William Hennessey and Harry McCormack, captain. Chances were few and far between as the teams went in 0-0 at the break. Despite the difficult conditions, the home team tried to play soccer the right way, and were driven on by midfielders Charlie Murphy, Niall Doyle, Tomas Kane and Louis Madden. Strikers Riley Dempsey and Conor Hawkins never gave the Wexford defence any time to breathe, while defenders Lee Harkin and Jack Doran kept the St. Joseph’s attack at bay as the clock ticked down. However, when the away team took the lead with a scrappy goal, it looked like the game was gone. But the Bridge boys battled harder than ever and, with time nearly up, a Louis Madden free kick was fumbled by the Wexford goalkeeper. Niall Doyle popped up as he so often does with a most valuable goal, just before the fulltime whistle blew. Extra time saw a looping Conor Hawkins effort hit the bar for the home team, and some last-ditch tackling kept the dangerous Riley Dempsey scoreless. The penalties that followed were nerve-wracking. Coolly taken spot-kicks by Louis Madden, Lee Harkin, Conor Hawkins and William Hennessey saw the Bridge boys ahead at 4-3.

Then, cometh the hour, cometh the man, as home keeper Darragh Monaghan dived to his left, magnificently saving the opposition’s fourth penalty. Up stepped Niall Doyle to seal the deal, as he blasted the ball to the back of the net, and victory for the Bridge boys. Without key players Luke Dowling and Oisin Treacy to call into action, the squad stepped up and put in a great shift as they get into the hat for the next round. The very best of luck to all players and coaches. Thanks also to the home crowd for all the support today, much appreciated.

LOTTO Congratulations to Bridie Prendergast, Bridget Hogan and Bee Lakes on the lotto draw of 13th October.

CHURCH SERVICES Weekend masses on Saturday in Goresbridge at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 10am in Goresbridge and at 11.30am in Paulstown. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as well as at 10am on Wednesday in Goresbridge.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place each Tuesday from the end of mass in Paulstown to 5.45pm. Children’s rosary in Paulstown church each Friday at 3.15pm for the month of October. Morning service at 11.30am in Goresbridge this Sunday 26th (Church of Ireland).

TALK THE TALK Cupla focal (Irish language conversation circle) continues on Fridays at 11am in the Goodly Barrow.

DRAMA FESTIVAL (GORESBRIDGE) Opens at 8pm on Friday 24th October and runs for three nights (Saturday and Sunday at 7pm in each case). Tickets are for €15 (or €10 concession) per night or season ticket for €35. A Friends ticket admits two persons for 3 nights at €60.

FUND RAISER FOR CHILDREN OF PALESTINE As part of Carlow Restaurant Week the Goodly Barrow will host a fund raiser for The Red Crescent in Palestine. The food focus will be the Rooster Potato, developed in Carlow. 180 years ago the potato crop was at the centre of the Great Hunger in Ireland. Today, with over 66,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza and food and medical supplies blocked from reaching those who need it, there is a famine in Gaza.

HALLOWEEN A Halloween Party for primary school children will take place in the Paulstown Community hall from 6-8pm on Friday 24th October MEN’S SHED Meets at 11am on Tuesday 4th November in the cabin beside Paulstown community hall MRS MCCARTHY (NEE FALLON) The death has occurred of Patricia McCarthy (née Fallon) Paulstown. Peacefully at home in her 72nd year, surrounded by members of her family. Forever missed by her heartbroken family, husband Dermot, daughter Maeve, sons Karl, Owen and Niall, daughter-in-law Lara, grandchild Hugo, brother Frank and sister Pearly. brother-in-law Alec, sister-

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes in-law Mairead, nephews Dave and Elton and niece Deirdre.

MRS ROSALEEN THOMAS (NEE GLEESON) The death has taken place, eldest daughter of Sgt Michael Gleeson who served in Goresbridge from 1936 to 1967. She died in Reading England after 98 years of happiness on this mortal earth. She had a very strong faith and had no fear of meeting her maker.

SCOIL BHRÍDE (GORESBRIDGE) Scoil Bhríde (Goresbridge) is open for admissions for the next school year. Information may be obtained from the school office each morning (phone 059 9775168).

SCOIL BHRÍDE (PAULSTOWN) Scoil Bhríde (Paulstown) is open for admissions for the next school year. Information may be obtained from the school office (059 9726149) or through the school website www.paulstownns.ie SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie DONATIONS Tar Isteach is looking for good quality bric a brac, household items, it comes in and goes out twice as fast - also good quality men’s clothes and handbags.

DRAMA FESTIVAL (GORESBRIDGE) The Drama Festival Opens at 8pm on Friday 24th October and runs for three nights (Saturday and Sunday at 7pm in each case). Tickets are for €15 (or €10 concession) per night or season ticket for €35.

A Friends ticket admits two persons for 3 nights at €60.

On Friday night 24th October at 8pm, the festival opens with Skerries Theatre Society who will present GODS ARE FALLEN AND ALL SAFETY LOST

by Selma Dimitrijevic in the Confined Setion.

Goresbridge will welcome Carrig na bhFear Drama Society from Cork for the first time. They will present DADDY GOES A HUNTING by H. Connolly in the Confined Section. Friday night will finish with Carlow Little Theatre. They will perform THE LITHIUM WALTZ by Barry McKinley in the Open Section. Our festival adjudicator is the wonderful Imelda McDonagh of the ADA- her fourth visit to Goresbridge.

First up on Saturday night at 7pm is Conna Drama Group from Co. Cork. Conna compete in the Confined Section with ME AND MY FRIEND, Part 2 by Gillian Plowman. Coolgreany Drama from Co. Wexford will perform END OF AGE DAY, written by their group member Thomas Clare. Coolgreany will compete in the Open Section. The third group on Saturday night is Kilmeen Drama Group from West Cork who will present FROM EDEN, a two hander by Stephen Jones, in the Open Section.

Goresbridge Drama Festival will conclude on Sunday 26th October starting at 7pm with the final 3 plays. Moat Club from Naas are first up with HUE AND CRY by Deirdre Kinahan in the Open Section.

The next group competing in the Confined Section is Camross Drama Group from Co. Wexford.

Camross will present NORMAL by Caitriona Daly.

The festival’s last entry will be Balally Players from Co. Dublin. Balally will perform BOGBOY by Deirdre Kinahan in the Open Section.

GOWRAN GOWRAN LITTLE THEATRE Congratulations on the recent production in Gowran Hall of Mother Knows Best. There was a great response from the audience and laughter could be heard throughout the village.

GOWRAN AC The Stook 10 Mile 2025 is back on Sunday 16th November 2025 for another great day of road racing.

Incorporating the county 10 mile championships too, Stook 10 Mile is a tough but enjoyable challenge for all with the infamous COW BELL a highly sought after reward. Back again this year is the competitive 10k race and chipped 5k race. The family fun run is also available to all looking for a great day out with Stook 10 medals ready at the finish.

With refreshments, craic and friendly chats amongst the race goers, it promises to be another great day in Dungarvan. Entries now open on event master https://eventmaster.ie/event/Y9bMUrOFjv. 10mile €30, 10K €25, 5k €20 (chipped/family entry) KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The Kilkenny Country Music Festival 2026 will take place on Sunday, July 12th with headliner DEREK RYAN! Get ready for a night of sing-alongs, toetappin’ tunes, and unstoppable energy as Derek brings his biggest hits, “Hold On to Your Hat,” “God’s Plan,” “Dreamers and Believers” and SO many more — to the heart of Kilkenny!

GOWRAN PARK GOLF October bank holiday.All Ireland celebration scramble. Great prizes to be won and re-entry allowed. Booking open on BRS. KILMANAGH WINNING CHEF Well done to Ballycallan girl, Elizabeth Dunphy, who scooped the Pastry Chef Of The Year, at the 2025 Euro-Toques awards in Dublin recently. The competition traditionally starts in March each year and guides the chefs through a culinary journey, culminating in the final in October. Participating in the competition is a unique experience and exposes young chefs to an internationally renowned standard, that will provide recognition throughout Ireland and beyond. It is a prestigious stepping stone in any culinary career.

TABLE QUIZ The Athletics Club, in conjunction with the St Aidan’s N.S. Parents Association, hold a fund raising table quiz in Ryans Kilmanagh on Friday, November 7th at 9.30pm. Teams of 4 - €20, raffle on the night, all are welcome.

SOCCER RESULTS K and DL Junior League Div Two,River Rangers 5 Callan Utd 4. U18 Schoolboys League : River Rangers 0 Bridge Utd 6. U14 Schoolboys League, Newpark 6 River Rangers 2 SOCCER FIXTURES Saturday, October 25th, U17 Schoolboys League.

River Rangers v Callan Utd. U13 Schoolboys League, Paulstown v River Rangers TEDDY BEARS PICNIC There will be a fundraiser for little Ollie Brennan on the 26th of October in Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh from 10am to 12 noon. It will be a fun morning for all the family. Your support would be much appreciated. Donations can be made also to https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/OlliesJourney.

HALLOWEEN FANCY DRESS River Rangers will host their annual Halloween Fancy Dress in Ryan’s Pub, Kilmanagh on Sunday, October 26th at 8pm (Bank Holiday Weekend). Also included in the fun, is a ‘Walk On’ Rings Competition and Raffle. Tickets for the raffle available from any club players or committee members, €2 each.

TRACTOR RUN A Tractor Run in aid of Mount Carmel Nursing Home will take place on Sunday, October 26th (Bank Holiday Weekend). Starting at 1pm, with registration from 12 noon onwards, from the Fair Green Callan.

Refreshments afterwards in the Parish Hall.

CHRISTMAS ACORN It’s that time of year again when we start compiling our “Christmas Acorn” (news and reviews of the past year). Please send on any articles or photographs you want included to lanigan.eileen@gmail. com as soon as possible.

CAMOGIE AGM St. Brigid’s Camogie Club would like to notify members of its upcoming AGM which will be held on the 8th of November 2025 at 7.30pm in the Tom Ryall Park clubroom. Nominations for Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, and Registrar can be forwarded to the Secretary by email secretary.stbrigids.kilkenny@Camogie.ie before November 1st.

Please ensure you have received permission from the person you wish to nominate prior to putting their name forward for any of the above roles.

ACTIVE LADIES CLUB Naomh Aodhan Active Ladies Club will meet each Monday evening at 7pm in Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, Kilmanagh. If you wish to join you can contact 086 373 99 83 for further details or just turn up on the night. New members always welcome.

LOTTO Results for 13th October. Numbers drawn were 7; 20; 21; 22. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners were Elaine Dermody, Michael Egan and Ollie Maher. Seller’s prizes went to Gearoid Cleere and Willie O’Connor.

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

ST MARY’S PARISH ART AT MOTHER OF FAIR LOVE Congratulations to students of the Mother of Fair Love school who displayed their talent in the world of art last week. Some amazing Picasso inspired

self-portraits were created by the Senior paired Art project TY LOCAL HISTORY HIGHLIGHT: THE BUTTS CROSS Last week CBC Kilkenny TY Local History walk brought students to The Butts Cross at Butts Green, a small limestone votive cross dating from around 1605–1620 and remounted in 1891. The name ‘Butts’ comes from the medieval archery ranges where citizens once practised by law, a reminder of Kilkenny’s long civic past. The current pseudoCeltic design was restored by Kilkenny Corporation in 1891 under Mayor Michael Kennedy, but the base is believed to be part of the original cross, possibly linked to the Fagan family. A simple yet powerful symbol of how layers of Kilkenny’s history meet in the everyday places we pass.

TAIZÉ YOUTH PROGRAMME 2026 A youth trip to Taizé in France organised by Ossory Youth will take place from Sunday 28th June to Sunday 5th July 2026. A week in the Taizé Community is an opportunity for reflection and contemplation and a little step back from daily life. Tens of thousands of young people from around the world, including 25 from Kilkenny, will make the trip to Taizé next year. The programme, which runs from November 2025 to July 2026 is open to Transition year and 5th year students. Closing date for applications is Friday 24th Oct. For additional information, including cost and application forms, contact Patrick Bookle, Ossory Youth at (056) 7761200, (087) 2129006 or pbookle@ossoryyouth.com PILGRIMAGE Medjugorje pilgrimage May 27th 2026, 7 nights, €949 pps (€849 if paid in full by Nov 3rd). Staying in Hotel Leone (half board). Spiritual Director Fr. Ted Sheehan. Group Leader Sean O’Shaughnessy 0862959380 / medjugorjecork@icloud.com. Or contact JWT on 01 2410800. Places Limited. Early booking advisable.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE - A PILGRIMAGE EXPLORING GOD’S GIFTS Next year the Adult Faith Development Group are holding a pilgrimage to Northern Italy (Padua, Venice and Bologna) March (20th-26th). This pilgrimage will explore faith by means of reflecting upon some of the many wonderful pieces of art scattered throughout these cities. Italy is blessed with a remarkable array of religious art - frescos, paintings, sculptures, mosaics and stuccos. this pilgrimage will explore the religious and catechetical meaning of some of these masterpieces. Further details in parishes on posters or by email afd@ossory.ie or call 057 93 55050.

ROSARY Rosary will be recited each Sunday during October at the Grotto on Callan Road at 3pm. All are welcome.

ROTA Readers Next Weekend 11.00am – M. Finnegan, 5.30pm – M. Ryan. Eucharistic Ministers 11.00am – M.Tallent, E. Tallent, J. Campion: 5.30pm-F. Culleton, K. Lawlor.

YOUR PARISH SAFEGUARDING REPS Sr Betty Cagney, Martina Lawlor Contact: safeguardingstmarys@ossory.ie CATHEDRAL FRIENDS Invite your family members to support FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL at www.stmaryscathedal. ie/friends BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL INVITATION TO JOIN We are inviting you and representatives from your organisations to attend a community meeting to discuss the establishment of a Town Team for Ballyragget. This initiative aims to bring together local residents, businesses, community groups, sporting and environmental organisations, and other stakeholders to work collaboratively on a shared vision for the future of our town.

A Town Team is a positive, proactive, and inclusive group that inspires and supports local people (doers) to create the positive change they want to see in their community. Town Teams work in partnership with their local authority and other agencies to identify opportunities, develop ideas, and lead projects that make their area a better place to live, work, visit, and invest.

This approach is at the heart of the Town Centre First (TCF) policy, which supports towns and villages across Ireland to thrive through local collaboration, evidence-based planning, and targeted investment. It aligns closely with the Government’s Our Rural Future strategy (2022–2025), which adopts a strategic and ambitious approach to strengthening rural communities and maximising opportunities in

rural Ireland.

Through the formation of a Ballyragget Town Team, our community will: Collaborate and communicate across all local sectors to shape a shared direction for the town. Understand our place through local data gathering and town audits to inform future decisions. Define our priorities by identifying clear objectives and actions to guide development. Enable progress by creating a roadmap for delivery, working together on projects large and small that make a real difference.

Establishing a Town Team will also position better Ballyragget to access future funding supports from the various agencies. We believe that your organisation’s local knowledge, experience, and commitment to Ballyragget’s wellbeing would make a valuable contribution to this initiative. By working together, we can develop a clear, united, and phased plan to guide Ballyragget’s growth and revitalisation over the coming years.

Meeting Details: Date: Tuesday November 4th 7.30pm. Venue: Community Hall Ballyragget. Please confirm your attendance by Monday 3rd November at 5pm CANDLELIGHT CONCERT The Cois Nore Candlelight Concert will be taking place this year on Saturday 1st of November in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 8pm. There will be performances Niamh Sheehy Soprano, Cois Nore Choir and Joe Roche Tenor with more to be announced. Visit coisnore.ie/candlelight for more information about tickets or call 056-7752222.

KILMACOW BIG BREAKFAST Well done to all involved in preparing, organising and serving at the Big Breakfast in the Community Centre, Kilmacow on Sunday. As in previous years there was a huge attendance from Kilmacow and the surrounding parishes to support the event. It is a marvelous social event and everyone appreciates the effort put into it.

GRAVEYARDS The working group on the parish’s old graveyards brought their work for this year to an end at Ullid Graveyard on Saturday. The group has worked on the graveyards at the Lower Street, Dunkitt, Ballinamorahan and Ullid almost every Saturday since April. It also organized a Service of Commemoration at the graveyard in the Lower Street to mark St. Senan’s Day on 22nd August. The group would like to acknowledge with sincere thanks the assistance given by individuals and groups at each of the graveyards and to acknowledge the grant assistance and support received from Kilkenny County Council each year.

COUNCIL WORKS ON N24 Works along the verge on the N24 from Rathkieran towards New Aglish will continue this week in preparation for the upcoming resurfacing of the road. There will be a traffic management system in place.

OLD SCHOOL DISCO Kilmacow Sports Complex will host a disco with classic hits by WLR DJ John Keane in the Seantí on Saturday, 25th October. Admission is €5. All support appreciated.

KIDS’ DISCO Kilmacow Youth Club will host a Halloween Disco for kids aged 12 years and under in Kilmacow Community Centre from 7.00pm to 9.00pm on Friday, 31st October. All kids must be supervised by an accompanying adult.

SAFETY SURVEY Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership are conducting an online community safety survey.

Please see the Kilkenny County Council’s webpage to complete the survey.

MULLINAVAT BIG CLEAN UP Everyone in Mullinavat would like to acknowledge the great efforts of the Council staff last week on cleaning the street, removing weeds, clearing gullies and cleaning signs all around the village.

The work greatly improved the presentation of the streetscapes and was a great boost to all in advance of the communal clean-up scheduled for last Saturday. Well done to the volunteers who came out on Saturday morning. The combination of both efforts has left the village and the approaches to it in spotless condition. Well done all round.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society’s next lecture, which takes place on Thursday, 30th October, will be delivered by Conor Brady, ‘A Hundred Years of Ireland’s National Police

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Community & GAA Notes Graveyard Working Group at Ullid included Colm O’Callaghan, Emma Bates, Eva Grant, Bernie Moloney, Liam Rockett, Anne Phelan, Breda Kennedy and Tomás Breathnach

ning a first aid course for sports clubs in Johnstown and Urlingford in St. Kieran’s Hall on November 10th at 7pm (approx 3.5 hours). Cost € 15. The course covers a wide range of emergencies that may occur at home, in the club or in the community. All participants will receive a certificate on a successful conclusion.

SPA UNITED AFC This week’s results Junior League Division 1 Freebooters B 5 Spa 0, U14 girls league division 1 Spa 3 Bridge Utd 0, U14 boys league division 1A Freshford Town 2 Spa 3, U14 boys league division 2 Spa 0 Clover 2. Also in action the U10 boys travelled to Fort Rangers and the U8s had their first outing away against Evergreen. Best of luck to Ellie, Faye and Sarah who are part of the Kilkenny District League U14 squad who play the Wexford League.

LOTTO Spa Development/Fenians Lotto winning numbers 5,11,12,22. There was no jackpot winner and five match threes Jonathan Dermody, Eamon Ryan, Vincent Bergin, Noreen Tyrell and The Fenians.

Three generations of the Claridge family (Niall, Dick and Richard) with John O’Halloran at the recent South Kilkenny Historical Society lecture

Force: 1925 – 2025’. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the merging of An Garda Síochána (which was established in 1923) and the DMP (Dublin Metropolitan Police) and since then it has been the only police service in Ireland. Conor Brady is the author of two histories of An Garda Síochána. He was editor of ‘The Irish Times’, from 1986 to 2002. From 2005 to 2011 he was Commissioner with GSOC, the Garda supervisory body. He is Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Galway.

MULLINAVAT MATTERS The next general meeting of Mullinavat Matters will be held at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 4th November in the Community Centre. All are welcome to attend.

COIS NORE The Cois Nore Candlelight Concert will be held at 8.00pm on Saturday 1st November in St. Mary’s Cathedral. There will be performances Niamh Sheehy Soprano, Cois Nore Choir and Joe Roche, Tenor.

Visit coisnore.ie/candlelight or call 056-7752222 for more information about tickets.

JOHNSTOWN. CHURCH NEWS October offerings for the support of the priests are now due. To book a baptism contact the parish office on 0568838658 on Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 4pm. First anniversary Mass this weekend for the late Paddy Tone also Months Mind Mass for the late Kathleen Renehan. Many thanks to the parishioners who gave flowers from their gardens

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

for the Church all during the summer.

MR. JERRY KIELY Jerry died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home on the Canal Road recently. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Jack, brother Sean and grandson Robert, he will be sadly missed by his wife Bernie, daughter Rachel, son Plunkett, daughter in law Melanie, son in law Philip, grandsons Josh and Reese, brothers P.J., Dinny, Michael, Eamon and sister Catherine, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church followed by cremation in Mount Gerome Crematorium.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Billy and the Fitzpatrick family who have been bereaved by the death of their sister Ann (Pomphrett), Athenry and late of Raheen, Athenry and Donoughmore, Johnstown.

COIS NORE CANDLELIGHT CONCERT Cois Nore Candlelight Concert will be held in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Nov 1st at 8pm featuring Niamh Sheehy, soprano, Joe Roche ,tenor and the Coin Nore Choir plus more artists yet to be announced.

Call 0567752222.

ST. KIERAN’S HALL The Town Team are hosting a Halloween Disco in the Hall on Sunday October 26th from 4 to 6pm for children U12. Sweet shop, nail art and facepainting on the day. Donation € 5.

FENIANS H.C Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership are run-

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I. Free L.T.I. Course, which includes Driving Theory/ Driving lessons starting soon, anyone interested in applying call or drop in to the Centre.

SAVE THE DATE Knitting and Crochet Group Christmas Fair will be held Friday 5th December 2025 at 11am.

GRINDS AND CLASSES Maths Grinds to start early October, suitable for Junior Cert and 5yr students. Free classes Admin / Payroll QQI Level 5, FREE Basic Computers.

SOME OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE. Senior Alert Alarms. Clothes Donations. Youth Club.

Allotments. Cois Nore Advice Clinic.

General Counselling Available. Adult and Teens.

Play Therapy, young people Age 4 +.

For more information, contact us on 056-8838466.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT Our Active Retirement Group meets every Thursday from 2pm – 4pm. New members welcome.

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

THE ROSARY The Rosary will be recited at Our Lady’s Grotto, Saturday before 6pm Mass.

HALLOWEEN Gortnahoe Playground Group presents a night of Halloween this Friday 24th October. Starting at

6.45pm with a Lantern Walk gathering at Campion Pumps at 6.30pm then making our way down the main street to Gortnahoe Community Hall. 7pm to 8pm under 8s Halloween disco, 8.15pm to 9.30pm under 12s Halloween disco. Shop available on the night and entry is €5.

MINDING YOUR WELLBEING A 6 week programme to support mental health and wellbeing for older adults, will take place in The Millenium Family Resource Centre, Glengoole.

Starting Thursday 30th October 11.30-1pm. It’s free of charge with a light lunch provided on the day.

Booking is essential, please contact 052-9157992.

SPIN CLASSES Gortnahoe Community Hall Wednesday 9.30am Body Sculpt, Thursday 5.30pm & 6.15pm - Spin. See notice in the hall.

JIVE WITH TIM DANCE CLASSES Learn to jive, foxtrot, waltz, quickstep and line dance in Gortnahoe Hall, every Thursday night, 8.30pm. €10 pay as you go. Contact Tim on 087 162 8027 PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continues in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 7pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth. Bring mat and water.

BALLYSLOE SCHOOL Our 24-Hour Puckathon took place last Friday and into Saturday last weekend. It was super successful! Thanks in no small part to all of you, our sponsors and people who came out to support us.

Huge thanks to everyone who came out for a puck around and all those people working away in the background to get this fundraiser off the ground.

There was a great vibe up in Ballysloe NS over the weekend. What can we say about John McGrath, Brian McGrath and Davy Nolan. So kind and generous with their time to all the children and indeed adults. We can’t thank them enough for taking time out of their busy schedules and lives on a Friday night to be in Ballysloe. Everyone was beyond excited to meet them and they didn’t disappoint.

Huge thanks to Nigel Kenny for bringing the Masters Cup to visit us in Ballysloe and have a puck around with the lads. We also were delighted that Johnny Looby and many other personalities visited the school throughout the 24 hours. What a weekend!

We won’t forget it for a long time to come. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

GLENGOOLE COMMUNITY GROUP Household Survey to ascertain the needs of the village going forward and to use to obtain funding for amenity areas and community facilities. Please fill out the survey on http://www.surveymonkey. com/r/Glengoole GORTNAHOE BINGO A special Halloween bingo will be held this Saturday 25th October at 4pm, doors open at 3pm.

Over €4,000 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game and a Halloween special game for €800. We look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their family for the Bank Holiday weekend, it will be a great afternoons entertainment for all.

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 434910 SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Liam Teehan, Grange who won €260 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for October is in aid of the Christmas lights for Gortnahoe. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

ANNE CORDINER RIP The death has occured of Anne Cordiner (née Stapleton), St. Anne’s Tce, Gortnahoe, Thurles October 18th, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family in her 90th. year. Predeceased by her husband John, her parents Catherine and Patrick Stapleton, her twin boys who died at infancy and her brothers and sisters. Sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, Liz (Doyle), Kathleen and Eileen, grandchildren Kylie, Danielle, Liam and Sean, great grandchildren Max, Finley, Tadhg, Ella, Quinn, Eabha and Dara, brother Tommy, sister Peggy, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Anne reposed at her residence St. Anne’s Tce., Gortnahoe last Monday evening. Removal took place to the Church of the Sacred Heart Gortnahoe arriving for Requiem Mass. Interment took place afterwards in the Good Shepherd Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

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Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny Senior Camogie Champions

SYMPATHY Sympathy to Anne Marie Tobin, Coalbrook on the death of her mother Mary Carey in Clonmel and also sympathy to Josephine Pollard on the death of her father James Ryan from Drombane. May they both rest in peace.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club Lotto Results 16th October 2025. The numbers drawn were 3 9 12 20 There was no winner of the jackpot. Draw Prizes – €50 David Waldron c/o Online. €25 each Anna Starr c/o Online. €25 each William Barry c/o Liam Barry. €25 each Tom Casey c/o Joe Phelan. Hurlers Co Op Ada and Tommy c/o T Hackett. Promotors prize Rita Long. We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up and play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so KILKENNY SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONS Dicksboro were crowned the Michael Lyng Motors Kilkenny Senior Camogie Champions for 2025 after a physical a hard fought Final against Piltown on Saturday afternoon in UPMC Nowlan Park. Final score Dicksboro 1-14 Piltown 0-12. Congratulations to the team, panel and Management. We wish them all the success in their Leinster Campaign where they will the play the Semifinal against Birr on Sunday 2nd November U14 HURLERS Hard luck to our u14 boys who were defeated in extra time by a very good James Stephens team in Sundays Roinn A Co Final. Well done on a great year and we look forward to seeing them all back in Palmerstown for 2026.

CONDOLENCES It was with great sadness that we shared the news of the passing of Edward (Ned) Buggy, a cherished member of the Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club and a lifelong servant to Kilkenny GAA. May he rest in Peace.

KILKENNY GIRL GUIDES Kilkenny Girl Guides are based on the Bennettsbridge Road in Kilkenny. We run a non-formal education programme for girls aged 7-10 (Brownies) and Guides (10-14), with lots of fun and games.

We would love to hear from adults who would be interested to join our team of volunteer leaders.

Time commitment is at least 2 hours per week and we have groups on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Training is provided and Garda vetting is required. If you think this might be for you, contact kilkennygirlguides@gmail.com for more informa-

tion COIS NORE The Cois Nore Candlelight Concert will be taking place this year on Saturday 1st of November in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 8pm. There will be performances Niamh Sheehy Soprano,Cois Nore Choir and Joe Roche Tenor with more to be announced.

Visit coisnore.ie/candlelight for more information about tickets.

CONAHY CAMOGIE The junior C camogie girls faced James Stephens in the Rivercourt Hotel Junior C championship quarter-final in Páirc Sheamuis Stiopháin on Sunday morning last. Conahy produced a spirited display but James Stephens were able to hold on for a 0-14 to 1-8 victory.

HURLING The under-21 hurlers face James Stephens on Sunday next at 10.30 a.m. in Páirc Sheamuis Stiopháin in the JJ Kavanagh Roinn D championship quarterfinal. Best of luck to all involved.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 6, 29 and 41. There was no winner of the €2,000 jackpot so the consolation prizes were Therese Brennan, Michael Healy, Teresa Dollard, Cliona O’Connor and Teresa McEntee. The promoter prize winners were David Maher, Kay Phelan and Anne Downey. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

SCHOOLS FUNDRAISER A fundraising Bingo and Halloween Disco in aid of Conahy N.S. and Lisnafunchion N.S will take place this Sunday, October 26th in Conahy Shamrocks Clubhouse, from 4.00 to 7.00. Tables of 4 cost €20 and all support is welcome for this family event.

CASTLECOMER LIBRARY EVENTS Drawing for Animation Workshop (November Workshop) - On Saturday, November 8th from 11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., step into the world of animation with Fabian as he guides you through a dynamic crash course on the most thrilling principles of the craft.

This hands-on workshop will explore character design (learn how to bring compelling personalities to life), visual language (discover how shapes lines and movement communication emotion and story), and animation drawing (practice expressive drawing techniques using characters inspired by the haunting tales of the Kilkenny Witch Trials).

Whether you’re a budding animator or a curious creator, this workshop promises inspiration, skill

building and a touch of historical intrigue. This workshop is suitable for 7 – 11 year olds. To book, phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie .

Afternoon Adult Book Club - On Tuesday, October 28th from 2.30 - 3.30, this month’s read is “Poor”

by Katriona O’Sullivan. Copies of this book are currently available at the desk, so join in for some lively discussions. New members are always welcome! Phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@ kilkennylibrary.ie for further information.

Evening Adult Book Club - Also on Tuesday, October 28th from 6.30 - 7.30, the Evening Book Club resumes. If you would like to meet fellow readers, enjoy new book recommendations and explore new authors then do join us. Everyone Welcome!

Phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie for further information.

Parenting with Purpose: The importance of self-care and stress management this Christmas - On Friday, November 14th, Melissa Moore of My Space Play Therapy will give a supporting and practical talk designed to help parents navigate the festive season with more calm and joy. Discover Simple strategies for managing stress, prioritising your own wellbeing, and creating a more peaceful holiday experience for your family. To book, phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie PROGRESSIVE 25’S Progressive 25 cards continue in Conahy Shamrocks Clubhouse on this Sunday evening, October 26th at 8.00 p.m. All are welcome.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil – Saturday at 8.00p.m.; Sunday. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil Saturday 25th. at 6.30p.m.

PRAY FOR Nellie Walsh, Lismatigue. Mary and James Barron, Sheepstown: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 25th. October at 8.00p.m.

ROTA (THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Reader, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Deirdre Rohan: Sunday 10.00a.m Mary Foran. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Mary O’Grady.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill; Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Foran.

DATES FOR 2026: First Holy Communion: Stoneyford School on Sunday 9th. May. Monroe and Newmarket Schools on

Sunday 16th. May. Confirmation will be celebrated in Hugginstown Church on Wednesday 29th. April.

NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE MASSES Mass for all who have died in our community during the past year will be celebrated on Saturday 8th.

November in both Stoneyford and Hugginstown.

MISSION SUNDAY 2025: Holy Father’s Message: “May the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all. May the Church bear fruitful witness to this message in every part of the world.” An extra Collection will be held after all Masses on this weekend for the Missions.

STONEYFORD SOCIAL STITCHING Louise Heeran has expanded the Kells Social Stitchers to Stoneyford. So if you are handy with the knitting needles or like to crochet, or maybe you’ve just started and want some direction, drop into the Community Centre any time between 12.00 Noon and 2.00p.m. on Saturdays. It’s all about the chats and sharing knowledge and experience.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY A lecture on “A Hundred Years of Ireland’s National Police Force, 1925 – 2025”. Will be given by Conor Brady (former Editor of the Irish Times) on Thursday, 30th. October at 8.00p.m. in Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite St. Beacon’s Church) ANAM CARA “Anam Cara” supporting parents after bereavement, are hosting an Online Bereavement Information Evening on Thursday 30th. October at 7.00p.m. If you have any questions or need information on support for bereaved parents in the community, please do reach out. Contact: Isabella (Elsie) Wiessner, Services Support Adm. Tel. 01 404 5378.

Email: i.wiessner@anamcara.ie; Webpage www. anamcara.ie LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 13th. October 2025 The numbers drawn were 20; 17; 01; 31. There was no Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn, no Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners: Jimmy O’Meara, Croan: Ciara and Ger Power, c/o T. Fitzgerald. “J +J”. L.T.D. c/o J. Irish. Rita Long, Stoneyford. Mary Irish, c/o J. Irish. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Eilish Rohan; Pat Fitzgerald; Mary Carroll.

OCTOBER STATIONS The October Station Envelopes 2025 are available at the Church Porch. Your contributions are for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese.

Your envelopes can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly - Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Hurlng matters - Final - review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai IHC Final Danesfort 2-20 James Stephens 1-16

>>>

Sometimes a team doesn’t read the script, they don’t listen to the pundits, or the gambling fraternity and that sums up a Danesfort side that crushed any hopes of a quick return to senior for James Stephens. Make no mistake, Adrian Burke’s charges were full value and deserved to lift the silverware and with that, a place back amongst the senior ranks in 2026. Goals from the lively Anthony Ireland Wall and Fionn Mahony sealed victory for the black and amber clad men in UPMC Nowlan Park and consigned Eoin Larkin’s outfit to another year at this grade.

When referee Sean Cleere threw the ball in, the first action saw Jamie O’Keefe flatten Paul Murphy with a high challenge, one that drew the colour yellow from the O’Loughlin Gaels whistler. Midfielder Cathal Kearney struck over the resulting placed ball to give the ‘Fort an early lead in the decider with a strong wind at their back. From the restart, 4-time Liam MacCarthy winner Paul Murphy plucked the ball from the sky before passing to Kearney, who was fouled. He dusted himself down and rifled over the free from centre field to double his sides lead. The Village got the scoreboard moving in the fifth minute when Cian Kenny played a cross-field ball to his keeper Sean Manogue. The netminder advanced down the right side before hitting a diagonal ball into the forward line. Stephen Manogue took the catch before swiveling to split the Danesfort posts.

Daire O’Neill became the second player to see yellow, for a robust challenge on Jamie O’Keefe which gave Cian Kenny the chance to register, and the intercounty man did just that from deep inside his own half against the elements. The city side hit a third score on the bounce soon after when Darren Booth misjudged the bounce and Ed Lauhoff punished the error from out on the O’Loughlin’s side of the pitch to give his side the lead for the first time in the final. Eoin Larkin’s men doubled their lead from the restart; this time Willie Spencer raised a white flag when he emerged from a ruck with the all-important sliotar.

The Village were then penalised for touching the ball on the ground, and this gave Anthony Ireland Wall the chance to open his account from a central position.

The sides then swapped scores as James Stephens held onto a slender lead in UPMC Nowlan Park.

Cian Kenny’s influence on his side was beginning to show, and he instigated another attack which saw the ball moved to Oisin Bateman who was fouled by Des Dunne as he looked to burst through the middle.

Moving on UP!

‘Fort stand strong to deny Village senior spot

Tadhg O’Dwyer stood over and converted the placed ball to restore his sides 2 –point lead at the end of the first quarter. Jamie O’Keefe then slipped as a goal chance looked on, but Danesfort broke out of defence and worked the ball to Sam Hayes who steadied himself before firing over from the left side. Anthony Ireland Wall then got one of the scores of the game; after getting away from two opposition players he struck over an incredible point.

Paul Murphy holds up Tadhg O Dwyer

Tadhg O’Dwyer then got his second of the afternoon, despite being fouled he managed to rifle over for a lovely score.

The liveliest looking of the Danesfort forwards was young Anthony Ireland Wall, and he continued his fine form when Colm Phelan broke the ball in his direction and the former St Kieran’s College student spun before splitting The Village posts to level matters again.

The favourites then retook the lead,

thanks to a fine effort from defender Shane Donohoe. It appeared that early ball into the lively Ireland Wall was proving fruitful and another example of this followed, again the skillful attacker picking up possession, swiveling and pointing from tight to the sideline. Another burst out of defence, this time from Daire O’Neill saw the wing back advance before striking a ball into the danger zone.

Eagle-eyed referee Sean Cleere had spotted some holding off the ball by Niall Delaney and blew for a close range free which Anthony Ireland Wall popped over to put his side back into the lead. Sam Hays then notched another score for Burke’s men when it looked like the attack had been held up.

Referee Cleere then gave a free to The Village, which looked harsh on Danesfort, but Tadhg O’Dwyer said thank you. This saw the teams head to the changing rooms with the underdogs up by one.

James Stephens made one change during the interval, with Eoin Guilfoyle replacing Jamie O’Keefe, which saw Niall Mullins drop back into midfield. Just like the opening period, Cathal Kearney opened the scoring from a placed ball, after Tadhg O’Dwyer had fouled Des Dunne. The perpetrator made up

for his foul by converting a placed ball of his own after Cathal O’Neill had caught Luke Scanlon a little high. A Long clearance from Sean Manogue into the sun was collected

by Ed Lauhoff who raced away from Darren Booth, but Des Dunne made up the yards and made a great hook to dispossess The Village forward and knock the ball behind for a ‘65, which the classy Cian Kenny fired over.

Some great defending from Danesfort saw Paul Murphy give a pass to Daire O’Neill who raced down the O’Loughlin’s side of the ground before striking over a lovely shot, which brought loud cheers from the supporters of the black and amber side. Another move out of defence saw Robbie Walsh arrow the ball towards his No.13 who again won possession before turning the tortured Luke Murphy and firing over his fourth point of the final. Another Burst forward from the impressive Des Dunne saw him kick a pass under pressure to Robbie Walsh who saw Cathal Kearney in space, the result another fabulous team score from the ‘Fort. The last three scores showed the fight and hunger that Adrian Burke’s men were bringing to the final, and James Stephens were struggling to cope with this. More desire saw

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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Hurling matters - Final - review Danesfort Intermediate Champions

Diarmaid Phelan Lifts the Intermediate trophy

Colm Phelan fouled by Cian Kenny and gave another simple opportunity to Anthony Ireland Wall who popped the resulting free over to push the Danesfort lead out to four. The Village needed a score badly, and they got on thanks to a fine effort from the left sideline, courtesy of Luke Scanlon.

Danesfort were forced into a change, when Darren Booth limped off and was replaced by Fionn Mahony, which saw Cathal O’Neill retreat to corner back and Sam Hayes drop into the engine room.

Tadhg O’Dwyer then popped a lovely pass to substitute Sean Deely who sent over a cracking point. If that was a good point, the next one was even better. Cian Kenny won the ball and fired a pass towards another sub, Eoin Guilfoyle who rifled over a cracking point on the run to leave just the bare minimum between the finalists. A ‘softish’ free awarded by Sean Cleere resulted in Tadhg O’Dwyer splitting the posts to deadlock matters with about 13 minutes of normal time remaining.

Then came a big goal chance for the city side. Eoin Guilfoyle put on the burners and got to the ball despite the best efforts of Diarmaid Phelan. As he raced towards goal on the angle, he struck a fierce low shot that Paddy Hogan did brilliantly to deflect to his left and the follow up hit the side netting, a real let off for Danesfort. Eoin Larkin’s

charges went one better with their next attack. A ball played into Ed Lauhoff saw him collect ahead of Adam Byrne and he hit a cross-field pass towards Stephen Manogue who steadied himself before unleashing a bullet that beat Hogan and hit the net, to give The Village a 3-point lead. How would those in stripes react to this major score, the answer came from the restart.

As the ball went loose around the middle, Robbie Walsh drew on it and knocked it forward. The ball was collected by Brian McDonald who went past Luke Murphy before striking his shot towards goal, which Sean Manogue managed to deflect into the air via his boot, only to see Anthony Ireland Wall pounce and bat the ball to the net. UPMC Nowlan Park erupted.

The game then went even more ‘basketball like’, end to end, both sides turning over the ball until Sam Hayes settled things down a little, firing over from ‘45 out to edge his side ahead. Back came The Village.

Oisin Bateman popped a pass to Shane Donohoe who raced out of defence before striking a booming effort between the Danesfort posts from his own ‘65, the sides level again. The black and amber attacked once more. Robbie Walsh passed to Dan Dowling who moved the ball left towards Sam Hayes.

Hayes turned onto his right side and dispatched another sweet effort from play. Paul Murphy then plucked another ball out of the sky, gave it to Robbie Walsh who lost this hurl under the challenge, but managed to pass to Cathal

Ed Lauhoff tries to get away from Des Dunne

Anthony Ireland Wall outnumbered by stood tall

Kearney who drove the ball towards sub Fionn Mahony who raced clear of Bateman before batting over.

What a game.

The next Village ball launched towards the Danesfort defence was taken nicely by Daire O’Neill who popped a pass to the supporting Paul Murphy who as he approached the halfway line rifled over an incredible score, the black and amber by 3 as the game went into additional time of the same number. Larkin’s men poured forward, seeking a second major, just as it seemed Tadhg O’Dwyer was about to pull the trigger, Robbie Walsh blocked the shot, more hunger, more desire. The sideline ball was wasted, Danesfort cleared it down field, where Fionn Mahony picked it up and passed to fellow sub Aiden Cowley, who had the freedom of UPMC Nowlan Park, and he fired over to the delight of his team’s supporters. That cheer got even louder seconds later as the ball came out of a ruck into the hands of Aiden Cowley who passed to Fionn Mahony who advanced before firing past Sean Manogue to hammer the final nail into The Village challenge.

The long whistle sounded. Danesfort moving on up.

Danesfort - Anthony Ireland Wall (17, 3fs); Fionn Mahony (1-1); Cathal Kearney (0-4, 3fs); Sam Hayes (0-4); Daire O’Neill (0-2); Paul Murphy, Aidan Cowley (0-1 each) James Stephens- Tadhg O’Dwyer (0-5, 4fs); Stephen Manogue (1-1); Cian Kenny (0-2, 1f and 1 ‘65); Luke Scanlon, Shane Donohue (0-2 each); Willie Spencer, Ed Lauhoff, Eoin Guilfoyle, Sean Deely (0-1 each) Danesfort - Paddy Hogan; Darren Booth, Diarmaid Phelan, Adam Byrne; Des Dunne, Paul Murphy, Daire O’Neill; Cathal O’Neill, Cathal Kearney; Dan Dowling, Colm Phelan, Sam Hayes, Anthony Ireland Wall, Brian McDonald, Robbie Walsh.

Subs - Fionn Mahony for Darren Booth, Aidan Cowley for Colm Phelan.

James Stephens - Sean Manogue; Luke Murphy, Niall Delaney, Ben Lawlor; Shane Donohue, Cian Kenny, Sean Bergin; Oisin Bateman, Jamie O’Keeffe; Niall Mullins, Luke Scanlon, Willie Spencer; Ed Lauhoff, Tadhg O’Dwyer, Stephen Manogue.

Subs- Eoin Guilfoyle for Jamie O’Keeffe, Ruairi Harrison for Niall Mullins, Sean Deely for Willie Spencer, Ed McDermott for Ed Lauhoff, Noah Manogue for Ben Lawlor.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny SHC Final O’Loughlin Gaels vs Shamrocks Ballyhale After another campaign of brilliant action on Noreside, the Tom Walsh Cup is up for grabs this Sunday as O’Loughlin Gaels take on Shamrocks Ballyhale in a repeat of the 2023 decider. On that occasion, it was Brian Hogan’s team that prevailed by the bare minimum, thanks to a late, late point from Paddy Deegan. That defeat for the 9-time All-Ireland Club Champions broke their dominance in the county as they sought a sixth straight senior title, but the South Kilkenny side did get the better of Sunday’s opponents in 2021, winning out by 4 points at headquarters.

All indications are that this should be a keenly contested game, with little between the sides and don’t bet against the scoreline being just as tight as it was two seasons ago.

Did I hear somebody say a replay?

The St John’s Park men are hoping to secure a 6th Tom Walsh Cup while the opposition are seeking to move ahead of Tullaroan with title number 21. The players from both clubs know each other well, as do the managers. Brian Hogan was at the helm for the 2023 victory while his managerial opponent is back in his Parish for a second stint as boss.

These warriors played together in the glory days with the black and amber and will be reunited on the sideline for next seasons U20 campaign with the Cats.

O’Loughlin’s come into this year’s final, having lost out to Thomastown in 2024. That result surprised many, outside of the ’Town but you get the sense that the Loughs feel that they didn’t do themselves justice and will want to ensure that they leave all on the UPMC Nowlan Park pitch this weekend. The city side have added the attributes of Kerry native, Fionan Mackessy to their panel and the Ardfert man had contributed much to this talented side. The powerful former Kingdom star has operated in several positions for his adopted club, and I expect him to have a big say on proceedings this Sunday. His ability to nail placed balls from what appears to be a neighboring county is an excellent weapon in their arsenal.

Stephen Murphy is a seasoned and experienced netminder whose restarts will be crucial to providing a platform for those ahead of him.

The goalkeeper is also part of the recently announced U20 Cats setup, a nod to how highly he is rated by the hurling heads across Noreside.

Some things are certain in life, death and taxes for example, but another thing is the full back line of O’Loughlin’s. Huw Lawlor, flanked

by Mikey Butler and Tony Forristal

Brian Cody has impressed on his return to Shamrocks

Let’s get ready to O’Loughlin’s and Shamrocks clash for county glory have been through many battles with their club and will be ready for whatever Shamrocks throw at them on Sunday. Aerial battles are always key in hurling and in Huw and TJ, we have two of the best at this wonderful skill. It has been a feature of the Shamrocks play this season, to rain balls into the danger zone towards one of the greatest, but Henry will be acutely aware of the quality of Huw Lawlor in that area. Mikey Butler, while known for being a ‘sticky’ man marker, does like to roam forward when the opportunity presents itself, so it’s down to Eoin Cody and the like to keep the defender busy close to his own goal.

The loss of rising defensive star David Fogarty to the dreaded ligament injury doesn’t appear to have hampered the Loughs too badly, credit to Ronan Buckley for stepping up when called upon. In the middle of the half back line

is likely to be Paddy Deegan, and these Shamrocks lads know all too well about his quality at both ends of the field. To Paddy’s left I would imagine will be Jordan Molloy. This fella has been going from strength to strength, representing both his club and county with serious passion, but more importantly, serious quality. Jordan is the kind of player you love to have in your team, but you feel the opposition hate coming up against him! Not only is he defensively sound, but he does also love to rifle over a score or two and will be at the heart of everything the Loughs do on Sunday.

Like Hogan’s half back line, the Shamrocks exude strength and quality in this area. Expect to see the trio of Richie Reid, Evan Shefflin and Darragh Corcoran patrol this zone. Like Deegan and Molloy, Evan and Richie love to shoot from distance and regularly get on the

scoresheet. The more defensive of the Reif brothers, Richie is a great reader of the game and loves to be given license to sweep across the pitch, snuffing out danger and getting his team on the front foot.

Behind Richie, Evan and Darragh is likely to be a full back line of Joey Holden, Brian Butler and the improving Killian Corcoran. Who will get the task of shackling the dangerous and in form Luke Hogan, could it be Joey?

The engine room battle promises to be a real contest of power and quality. In their semifinal win of the Vegas Boys, it was Eoin O’Shea and Jack Nolan patrolling this area, while Eoin Kenneally and Ronan Corcoran could well be on duty for Shamrocks. As per usual, this area will see many more bodies flood in and out as both sides look to take control of the middle third.

Kenneally has been one of his sides most consistent performers this

season, getting through mountains of work and linking play well. The return to the island for Ronan Corcoran has been a much-needed boost for Henry’s charges. A hurler with class a great game intelligence, the classy Corcoran will look to put his stamp on the decider.

Adrian Mullen’s return to action has been a blessing for Shamrocks, and his performance in the semifinal win over Dicksboro was pivotal in reaching the Tom Walsh decider, despite playing for much of the game with 14 men. His allaction style and controlled edge will be required if the Páirc Na Seamróg side are to move ahead of The Sash in the roll of honor on Noreside.

The chemistry built up at both club and county level between TJ, Adrian Mullen and Eoin Cody is a key component for Shamrocks starting to rediscover that winning feeling.

Niall Shortall has been looking lively this season and will want to

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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Hurlng matters - Review Jordan Molloy, Jack Nolan, Niall Shortall - will be in Final action

O’Loughlin Gaels road to final

Shamrocks Ballyhale road to final

Cup winner is a real steadying influence on this Shamrocks side, and as Adrian Mullen pointed out following their narrow win over the Boro, he brings a certain calm to the south Kilkenny team. Throw in his ability to pull off outstanding saves, like the double miracle from Cillian’s Hackett and Buckley, and you can see his quality.

Perhaps Henry didn’t envisage leading his team out on county final day, but rest assured, the Holden Plant Rentals sponsored side will be determined to taste glory once more, but Brian Hogan’s O’Loughlin’s outfit will ensure nothing is a given come throw in on Sunday. Graigue Ballycallan’s Conor Everard will be the man in charge of the final, his second at this level, having previously taken charge of the 2022 decider. It promises to be a cracker at UPMC Nowlan Park with a big crowd expected. Adh mór to both sides in the 2025 St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny SHC Final.

Huw Lawlor tries to prevent Eoin Cody from gaining possesion

continue his attacking threat.

Luke Hogan and Owen Wall are great forwards who both have different strings to their bows.

Hogan is all about power while Wall is a real speedster. His goal last day out was a perfect example of the danger he poses to defenders.

Throw in a pair of Conor’s in Heary and Kelly alongside the vastly experienced Mark Bergin, and the Loughs have plenty to throw at any opponent. Standing in the way of the St John’s Park attack will be Dean Mason. The Fitzgibbon

TJ Reid will again clash with Paddy Deegan & Tony Forristal

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, O’Keeffe’s of Kilkenny Ltd, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission & Retention Permission for the following works at No. 15 John Street Lower, Kilkenny City: 1) Indefinite planning permission for an external seating & dining area with 7 No. pods (as was granted a 5-year permission under planning Ref. 21131), 2) Retention of a retractable canopy and associated structural frame over part of the seating / dining area, 3) And all associated site ancillary works at No. 15, John Street Lower, Kilkenny City.

No. 15 John Street Lower is located within the John Street Architectural Conservation Area and is a protected structure RPS Ref: B99 and listed on the NIAH Main Record (12000219). The proposed development area falls within the area of archaeological protection for RMP KK019-026 Historic town and also adjoins the Kilkenny City Wall National Monument RMP KK019-026 and the former precinct of St. John’s Priory National Monument KK019-026068-and National Monument Ref: 344 & 331.

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: Brian Dunlop Architects

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Andrew Lenny, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for the following: • Planning permission for the change of use of existing retail unit to a two-bed apartment and associated modifications to bin & bike store as granted under planning reference 20/293; • Retention permission for modifications to private open spaces associated with apartment No’s 7, 8 & 9 The Crescent as granted under planning reference 20/293; • and all associated site development works at The Crescent Glenvale, 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.

Signed: Brian Dunlop Architects Ltd.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Luke McDonald, intend to apply for permission for a new single storey dwelling, detached garage, on-site wastewater treatment system, private well, driveway and all associated site works at Castlewarren, 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 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 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) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

PATRICIA (TRISH) MAHER 2ND ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of Trish Maher Canverstown, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny whose 2nd Anniversary occurs on 3rd November.

Sometimes things just happen And no one knows just why A silent tear or tender touch And then a last goodbye You left us all behind Trish When you were called to go Up to a world so perfect To carry on the show Now every day is a struggle It’s hard to comprehend That you are gone and we are here Without our little Trish

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

So please dear God, just keep her safe And hold her tight but mild And she can keep an eye on us As Heavens special child Forever in our thoughts and hearts The years have gone but still you stay As close to us as yesterday Missing you always Sadly missed and lovingly remembered Mum, Daddy, Michael, Jenny, Terri, John, Emma, Billy Nieces and nephews Family and friends Anniversary Mass for Trish in the Church of the Assumption, Tullaroan on Saturday 1st November at 7.30pm

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

087 2587745

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025

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kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24th October 2025