Kilkenny Observer 24th June 2022

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

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Friday 24 June 2022

Our Covid Children How our young were hit by the pandemic  Page 14

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A World On Fire Climate change and the thousands dying  Page 22

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Winter of discontent

We are all facing a winter of discontent, according to Taoiseach Micheál Martin who has defended the Government’s strategy for tackling rising inflation, arguing they needed to prepare for a “difficult” winter as a result of a strategic squeeze on energy prices by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

His remarks come as Government figures strongly signal that additional measures to help with the rising cost of

living will not be taken before the Budget is announced in October.

Mr Martin outlined some of the measures the Government had already taken to tackle the cost of living, including the €200 energy grant, the national retrofitting scheme, the 20% cut to public transport fares, and the lowering of the threshold for the drugs payment scheme to €80 a month.

The Taoiseach said he was “worried” about energy prices

during the winter, saying that it would be “a difficult winter period across the board”.

Meanwhile, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has called for a “comprehensive anti-inflation strategy” to deal with rising prices, which he said could “go on for years”.

The strategy should include tax indexation, childcare subsidies, a “substantial” welfare and pension package, reduced insurance costs and more social and cost rental homes.

“I believe the spike in inflation is not temporary,” he told the National Economic Dialogue meeting. “It could go on for years. It will moderate, slow but I don’t see a return to very low inflation any time soon.”

Governments could do more by helping to reduce some of the underlying high costs but there was “a limit” to what the Government can do.

Record employment and buoyant tax receipts would

help fund a significant cut in childcare fees and welfare increases of more than €5 a week that could come into effect immediately after the Budget in October.

Ministers are still resisting pressure to bring in further measures immediately to help address the cost of living but hope to unveil a larger than previously indicated tax and spending package in the Budget later this year.

See also Page 6

Glanbia sued by race ace Aidan O’Brien Kilkenny giant Glanbia is being sued by horse trainer Aidan O’Brien, his son Donnacha, Coolmore Stud, Ballydoyle Racing and a number of other companies are suing Glanbia for €30m over alleged contaminated feed which forced the withdrawal of a number of horses from the Longchamp Racing festival in France in 2020, the Commercial Court has heard.

Glanbia denies it is responsible for the alleged losses and will be seeking an indemnity from a third party which it says is entirely responsible for losses resulting in contaminated feed, the court heard.

The proceedings are being brought by the O’Briens, Linley Investments, trading as Coolmore Castlehyde, and Associated Stud Farms and Golden Dale Unlimited, trading as Ballydoyle Racing.

They are also being brought

by Orpendale Unlimited Co, Chelston (Ireland) Unlimited Co, Wynatt Unlimited Co, Bengurragh Ltd, Roncon Unlimited Co and Whisperview Trading No 2 Unlimited Co which are corporate entities with shared ownership in a number of racehorses.

The case is against Glanbia Foods Ireland Ltd. A court date has to be set.

EVERY FRIDAY

Man (35) faces jail for local murder A 35-year-old man will be sentenced next week for the manslaughter of another man who died in a fire in his mobile home in Co Kilkenny almost 16 years ago.

Through his defence counsel, Martin Kelly of Church Road in Castlecomer apologised to the family of Gerry Nolan for what he had done.

Kelly was charged in 2020, after a cold-case investigation by Gardai in Kilkenny and Carlow.

Full story, Page 6

War in Ukraine into fifth month The war in Ukraine is fast approaching its fifth month.

Kyiv has become increasingly dependent on Western support politically, economically and militarily since Russia’s invasion at the end of February.

Weapons remain at the top of the list of Ukraine’s demands, with some frustration at the pace of supply.

The leaders of Germany, France and Italy, all criticised in the past by Kyiv for support viewed as too cautious, visited Ukraine on Thursday and offered the hope of EU membership to a country pleading for weapons to fend off Russia’s invasion.

Global Report, Page 22

Mystery deaths

Eh, by gum, girls!

Two British pensioners found dead in their Tipperary home are thought to have been dead for up to 18 months. Gardai will examine whether the Covid19 virus played any role in the tragedy.

Full story, Page 10

Ireland has achieved a 70% reduction in chewing gum litter since 2007, according to the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT), the National Awareness Campaign to make gum litter an issue of the past

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins.............................P8 Marianne Heron.................... P12 John Ellis ................................ P16 Health & Science................... P18 Travel & Leisure.................... P19 Gerry Cody........... P20, 30, 34-35 Food & Drink.......................... P36 TV & Streaming.................... P37 Sport.....................................P40-41

Full story, Page 10

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

News The new South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford has announced the first recipient of the Vicky Phelan Honorary Research Chair in Equality and Access to Education.

Proffesor Veronica Campbell, President designate of SETU, has announced Dr Méabh Savage as the first recipient of the Vicky Phelan Honorary Research Chair.

Dr Savage, who is a lecturer in the School of Humanities at SETU Waterford was awarded the honour following an internal competitive process.

Dr Savage, from Tramore Co Waterford, will receive a research grant for the three year period of the appointment from 2022 to 2025 and will conduct research into how SETU widens access to education, with a specific focus on women.

Prof. Campbell said: “The award embodies the values of the new university and the importance of equal access to education for all. SETU will strive to be a pioneer in the field of access to higher education, with a particular focus on inclusion.”

Dr Savage said: “I am totally honoured and delighted to be taking up the Honorary Vicky Phelan Chair in Equality and Access to Education.

To progress equality-based research in Vicky Phelan’s name is indeed an honour which brings with it a considerable degree of responsibility, given Vicky’s drive for challenging injustice. ”I hope to elevate an impor-

A first: at the announcement of Dr Méabh Savage as the first recipient of the Vicky Phelan Honorary Research Chair in Equality and Access to Education were Prof. Veronica Campbell President designate of South East Technological University (SETU), Dr Méabh Savage and Vicky Phelan

It’s an honour Vicky, says Dr Méabh Savage tant social justice issue which impacts on the position of asylum seeking and refugee mothers and girls, and in doing so highlight the importance of values of solidarity

and relationality to bringing about educational equality.”

Dr Helen Murphy, Head of the School of Education & Lifelong Learning in SETU, said: “The Honorary Research

Chair named after our friend and former colleague Vicky Phelan aims to embed the values that Vicky stands for with the values of SETU. The Honorary Chair aims to create

a long lasting link between Vicky, her family and the University.

“The values embodied

by Vicky are ones that the SETU community hold dear;

strength, courage, determination, resilience, openness, leadership, wisdom and a willingness to put aside one’s own personal considerations for the betterment of society.”

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News

Man faces jail for murder A 35-year-old man is set be sentenced for the manslaughter of another man who died in a fire in his mobile home in Co Kilkenny almost 16 years ago.

Through his defence counsel, Martin Kelly of Church Road in Castlecomer apologised to the family of Gerry Nolan for what he had done.

Kelly was charged in 2020, after a cold-case investigation

by Gardai in Kilkenny and Carlow.

Mr Nolan’s family said in victim impact statements that the amount of time it had taken for the matter to come to court had prolonged their suffering.

Gerry Nolan lived in a mobile home in the garden of his family home in Castlecomer in Co Kilkenny.

He was one of 12 children

and one of his brothers lived in a prefab beside him.

In the early hours of 24 July 2006, he returned to his mobile home after spending the afternoon drinking in a pub in Castlecomer.

At around 3.45am, his brother William was woken by his dogs barking and saw a man heading in the direction of Gerry’s mobile home.

He heard breaking glass and

saw flames coming from the home.

William Nolan ran to the mobile home and shouted at his brother to get out.

He heard his brother shout that he was not able to escape.

He tried to break in but was forced to move back by the intensity of the flames.

When emergency services arrived the mobile home was engulfed in flames.

The sides and roof had melted away completely and Gerry Nolan’s remains were found inside.

William Nolan initially identified a relative of Kelly as being the person he saw in the garden and also picked this relative out of an identity parade in which Kelly also took part.

Kelly’s girlfriend at the time claimed she had been in bed

with him in Tipperary during the night and also said their car had not moved all night.

Kelly denied involvement and no one was charged with the blaze.

In 2015, the case was reexamined by Kilkenny and Carlow gardai under Superintendent Derek Hughes.

Kelly’s girlfriend admitted she had not told the truth in earlier statements.

Salaries restored for top civil servants Top public servants including medical consultants, CEOs of State bodies, certain members of the judiciary and senior civil servants are to have their pay restored to pre-austerity levels on July 1.

Financial Emergency (FEMPI) legislation was used to cut the pay of public servants as part of the austerity measures introduced following the

financial crash of 2008.

Salary rates up to €150,000, which account for 99% of the public service, have been fully restored.

Under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act, salaries for those earning above €150,000 are due to be restored by 1 July.

According to a Government source, in advance of the restoration date, Minister for Public

Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath sought legal advice to establish whether the Government had any discretion in relation to the remaining restoration.

The legal advice received confirmed it was not permissible to amend or delay the terms of restoration, either within the current legislation or by means of further legislation.

Kilkenny students win safety competition Ben Dunphy, Eoin Tobin and Danny Walsh from sixth class in Carrigeen National School, won a nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes.

Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), called for entries to its carbon monoxide safety poster competition.

Students who completed the ‘Energize’ Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational programme were eligible to enter.

The competition received hundreds of amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Ben, Eoin and Danny’s poster which was deemed the winner. Their poster

outlined the potential effects that carbon monoxide poisoning can have including upset stomach, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, headaches and blurred vision.

Speaking as she presented the students with an iPad for use in their school classroom, Gas Networks Ireland’s Social Sustainability Manager, Gráinne O’Reilly said: “Science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is at the centre of our business, so we’re big supporters of STEM education. Congratulations to Ben, Eoin and Danny, and indeed all in Carrigeen National School for winning term two of the 2021/22 Energize poster competition.”

“We are delighted that 3,400 students from

100 schools nationwide engaged with Energize last year. Most importantly, more students are now aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of having a working carbon monoxide installed.”

Carrigeen National School’s sixth class teacher Sinead Murphy said: “My class thoroughly enjoyed the Energize programme which brought science to life through fun and interactive sessions. We are delighted that Ben, Eoin and Danny won this award.” * Pictured above, from left: Sinead Murphy, principal and teacher, Ben Dunphy (12), Grainne O’Reilly, Gas Networks Ireland, Danny Walsh (12), Eoin Tobin (12) and Denise Power, Junior Achievement Ireland.

Cut in transport fares to be extended The 20% cut in public transport fares introduced in February looks likely to be extended into next year.

The Government is working to include a package of measures to help combat the surging cost of living in October’s Budget.

These will include pension and welfare increases of more than €5 a week as well as significant cuts to childcare costs.

A number of senior government sources have told the Irish Independent that the Green Party side of the coalition

is keen to push for an extension of the public transport fare discounts, due to expire at the end of the year, included in the Budget.

Sources said the move was popular with all coalition parties.

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News Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Now is the time to tune into a Summer of Love If proof were needed that the pandemic is behind us, or that at least we are learning to live with the rogue microbe, it’s that that institution among institutions, the revered Music Festival, is back with a bang and a guitar riff or two. Thirteen of them on this island alone over this summer, encompassing many music genres, from country to rock and all else down to the famed and enduring Electric Picnic and more.

Not that I’ll be there. I long ago hung up my rain Mac and Wellington boots. That said, back in the day (don’t ask) I did my fair share of weekending at some of Ireland’s earlier festivals.

Wexford, where compare the late John Peel criticised a booing audience and declared that the band of traditional musicians on stage in grey suits would become a global phenomenon.

Take a bow, The Chieftains.

There was Sligo too and Lisdoonvarna and West Cork. All of which were annual treks for me and the lads, and any Hippie worth his headband, in the back of a Hi-Ace van with the bold Micky D at the wheel, rattling and chugging through the rocky rural roads, crisscrossing from festival to festival. Only America had motorways back then.

In Wexford once, when we returned from the gig to our tent across the River Slaney in the dark of a stormy night, the tent was gone, gone with the wind. We were robust, though, fortified by beer and other, questionable substances and, anyways, our fellow tenters offered us refuge and we crammed up like sardines and slept the great sleep, bodily exhalations notwithstanding.

In my more grown-up years, I only ever did Slane

and only if Henry Lord Mount Charles invited me into his inner sanctum, his castle, and we were fed on strawberries and cream and fine wine, the privileged and pampered far from the madding crowd. The Stones, Queen, Dylan, U2. Rock on, indeed.

Now, I’m just too ensconced in my creature comforts to be counting down the days to drinking beers so warm they evaporate on your tongue and queuing 20 minutes for a portable loo with no toilet paper but, wouldn’t you know, the world works in mysterious ways. After two long years, festival season is officially back with a bang in all its wild, messy, questionably odorous glory.

Twenty years ago, I watched my own teenage kids trek off to the annual Electric Picnic and such, all part of the wonder years of

being young and care-free.

Of discovery, and formative friendships and good vibes. And those portable toilets and pop-up tents, and the heady mix of mud and glitter. For our young people, there is no form of entertainment they have missed more during the pandemic. This summer will be a blast.

Music festivals are unique events that attract audiences for a variety of reasons. Why the young, and indeed some golden oldies, traipse off to such weekend events — and they can prove relatively costly — shows three reasoned arguments, namely the heady social mix of being next to other groups of strangers; the music is what matters; and simply because they love it all, the whole cultural get-down-and-boogie vibe. The craic.

Even, in my day, I remember all too well the feeling of excitement I got as I arrived

on the first day, rucksack, tent and enough mind-altering substances to suffice.

There is something about music festivals that captures that giddy, carefree happiness, those halcyon days of youth.

The Woodstock Festival

‘Crammed up like sardines and slept the great sleep...

in upstate New York in 1969 was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon, that today is still talked about among those of us of a certain vintage. Besides preserving the classic Summer Of Love aura of the 1960s, it helped create the music festival culture. Since then, music festivals have become an increasingly popular event for our young people to attend.

Interestingly, in the lead up to that Summer Of Love 100,000 people in America died from a rare variant of Asian flu. The deaths got little media coverage, Vietnam and anti-war protests being front page.

The return of the music festival suggests there’ll be scant notice of the coronavirus continuing to live among us. We’re just too busy getting on with our life.

Dancing to its rhythms.

Singing its praises.

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News

Thomastown's Bonga figured out big career move A South African man who has settled in Thomastown, advanced his career during the pandemic thanks to an accountancy apprenticeship which allows students to work, earn and learn and is to create 140 jobs nationally this year.

Bonga Dlamini O'Carroll (37), now a financial operations analyst with the Dublin arm of PartnerRe, one of Europe’s leading investment companies, was apprenticed

to the company as part of the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship is a funded, two-year workbased learning programme in which apprentices earn at least €21,060 a year while attending lectures one day a week with a local college.

Durban native Bonga (pictured), who studied parttime with the ATI Academy located at the Institute’s headquarters in Chartered Accountants House on Dublin was subsequently offered a staff role with PartnerRe.

Applications are now open for the Accounting Technicians Ireland Apprenticeship, which can be undertaken with colleges in Waterford, Wicklow,Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Monaghan.

School leavers, Leaving Certificate students, career changers and mature learners can all apply through Accounting Technicians Ireland.

Large firms and smaller

practices, as well as industry and the public sector, have all embraced the programme.

“I came to Ireland in 2015 to get a higher-level education while experiencing life abroad and gained a business degree in 2018,” said Bonga.

“But returning to work in the field of accountancy was difficult, despite years of book-keeping experience in South Africa.

“I had heard of the Accounting Technicians Ireland

Apprenticeship programme while completing my business degree.

“Despite the onset of the pandemic just after I had started my work experience in January 2020, ATI quickly switched to providing online classes and I was able to work from home for PartnerRe," said a very happy Bonga.

For more details see accountingtechniciansireland.ie

Elderly couple may have been dead for up to 18 months Two British pensioners found dead in their Tipperary home are thought to have been dead for up to 18 months. Gardai will examine whether the Covid-19 virus played any role in the tragedy.

Toxicology tests are now set to prove critical in determining how and when the elderly couple died in the south Tipperary home they had secured for their Irish retirement.

It is feared the couple, who have not been formally identified but who were named locally as Nicholas and Hilary Smith, may have been dead for up to 18 months in their bungalow at Cloneen between Fethard and Mullinahone before their bodies were discovered.

One theory now being examined is whether the Covid-19 virus played any role in the tragic deaths.

The grim discovery was made when Gardaí called to the house after concerns about the two pensioners were brought to their attention by neighbours.

Some people had believed the couple had moved back to the UK during the pandemic with local reports indicating the couple, both aged in their late 70s, were last seen around late 2020 or early 2021.

Described as polite but very private, the couple had kept to themselves after moving to the area near the Waterford border.

However, concerns were raised with Gardaí after locals noted the increasingly unkempt condition of the property as the couple were noted for their pride in keeping the garden and house in immaculate condition.

Gardaí sealed off the rural bungalow after the grim discovery was made.

One body was discovered in a bedroom and the other was found in a separate area of the

house. Both had been dead for a considerable period of time.

It is now believed this could be for over 18 months.

There were no signs of forced entry or any indication of a disturbance.

Both bodies were transferred to University Hospital Waterford (UHW) where State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan began post-mortem examinations.

Those examinations were set to prove painstaking given the condition of the two bodies.

Identification is understood to be reliant on dental records or DNA. A Garda source said the nature of their investigation would now be determined by the post-mortem findings.

Toxicology tests are expected to prove critical in helping determine a precise cause of death with one of the deceased said to have suffered from health issues over recent years.

Detectives are keeping an open mind about the double tragedy but there is no indication, so far, that foul play was involved.

Fine Gael Councillor Mark Fitzgerald said neighbours had believed the couple had moved away some time ago.

"They had told people they were moving. The assumption was these people weren't living in the area anymore,” he said.

"It's very much a feeling of shock and sadness today. You have to think of their family now. It's a sad time. A resident had noted concerns to me and I just asked the Gardaí for a welfare check... that's how we are in the situation we are in.

"We know very little about the couple. Personally, as a councillor and publican, you'd know everybody in the area but I never met them. They really did keep to themselves and you have to respect that.”

Garda inquiries continue.

We're no longer chewing gum Ireland has achieved a 70% reduction in chewing gum litter since 2007, according to the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT), the National Awareness Campaign to make gum litter an issue of the past. The study from GLT, also shows that gum litter now accounts for only 8% of all litter compared with 2007, when the campaign was launched.

The research has been published to mark the renewal of the campaign by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Food Drink Ireland, and the chewing gum industry. The GLT National

Awareness Campaign has ambitions to further build on the remarkable success and reach of the programme to date. The renewed campaign, which is funded by Mars Wrigley, will run for a fifth cycle until 2025 on the back of a remarkable 70% reduction in gum litter since the initiative first began in 2007.

The Gum Litter Taskforce has led to a phenomenal shift in people’s attitude to litter with chewing gum dropping to a record low as a result of the awareness campaign. It has also increased knowledge of the fine associated with gum

litter, with 81% of those surveyed after the campaign now aware of the €150 fine.

However, just over one in four (27%) claim never to have dropped gum, highlighting the continued importance of this awareness and behavioural change campaign, particularly for future generations.

As part of the Gum Litter Taskforce the ‘Bin It!’ education programme will travel across the country and deliver 60 performances a year to primary schools nationwide, with the ambition to visit 180 schools by 2025. The ‘Bin It!’ school roadshow encourages stu-

dents to responsibly dispose of litter, and particularly gum litter, through actor-led workshops.

The latest cycle of the campaign will see the programme shift its focus from secondary school students to students in fifth and sixth class, and a return to in-person workshops, and kicks off in September.

Gum Litter Taskforce Project Manager, Avril Donlon of Food Drink Ireland, welcomed the return of the campaign.

See www.gumlittertaskforce.ie/_uploads/materials/GumLitterCampaignReport2021.pdf

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Men and women, and the transgender debate Was Adam a Madam and Eve a Steve? These days you might begin to wonder about the Garden of Eden story where God created man and woman, given some of the issues raised by gender fluidity.

Gender is a social construct.

We are conditioned to behave in ways that are considered appropriate and views on what is acceptable for each sex evolve. Now, though, women play rugby and men may be stay-at-home dads, something that would have been unthinkable a few decades ago.

Biology may not be our destiny as far as gender goes but surely when it comes to sex – being a man or a woman – it does define us. Or so I thought, until I listened with mounting disbelief to a radio programme where it appears altered definitions attack our understanding of what it means to be a woman.

The HSE have changed Maternity Legislation under the Work Life Balance and Miscel-

laneous Provisions Bill. The word woman is replaced with person so that, for instance, people with cervixes, rather than women, get cervical cancer, though men, mind you, still get prostate cancer.

Why is this happening you may ask? It is because the transgender pressure group Transgender Equality Network is now influencing public policy around a tiny number of individuals without the rest of us, particularly women, who are 51% of the population having any say in matter.

Transition involves people who wish to identify according to how they feel rather than their biology, known as gender self-identification.

Men may wish to identify as women and vice versa. Some ‘self-identifiers’ change their name, dress and pronouns while others may seek surgical reconstruction and hormone treatment.

Self-declaration doesn’t

change the fact that sex is genetically determined, in that we born either male or female.

Only women can give birth, menstruate and lactate and only men can produce sperm.

No matter how much surgical reconstruction and hormone treatment a man who wishes to identify as a woman may undergo, he will not be able to reproduce. He might have a surgically created vagina, maybe even a pseudo cervix, but you can bet your bottom dollar that that cervix doesn’t lead anywhere. Maybe at some very future date it will be possible to transplant the entire reproductive equipment but not anytime soon.

It seems ironic that only a few decades after women have got hard-won equality rights, their very definition is now under attack. I am not against an individual belonging to any of the LGBTQ categories.

Trans people deserve support and acceptance. However, I do mind about the defini-

What will help prevent thinning hair?

CLAIR WHITTY

Hair loss and thinning hair can be distressing and is a fairly common complaint. In my experience, stress, thyroid issues, peri- menopause, and nutritional deficiencies can cause it. I would suggest that you get your bloods done to rule out hormonal and thyroid issues. If you take supplements that contain biotin, a common B vitamin used to help lessen hair loss and for healthy skin.

Stop taking it for a few days before the test as biotin may affect the blood test results.

Thankfully in most cases hair growth returns to normal.

Healthy hair begins from the inside. New Nordic Hair Volume one a day tablet is an award-winning and clinically proven supplement that helps maintain healthy hair. The tablet contains apple extract which contains follicle stimulating vitamin B2, millet extract which is one of the building blocks of hair protein, horsetail a natural source of silica, with amino acids, biotin, zinc and copper to nourish the hair and promote volume. I have seen excellent results with

customers, including myself, who have taken Hair Volume.

Especially when dietary and lifestyle changes are made too.

Stress is one of the biggest causes of hair loss that I see.

Supplements that contain B vitamins to support psychological function, and herbs like Ashwagandha may help.

Stressveda is an example, it contains both B vitamins and Ashwagandha and may help you deal with the stress so that your body has the resources to heal itself.

Either of these supplements could be combined, for men, with Cleanmarine For Men, it’s a great Omega 3 and Multivitamin blend which also contains zinc to support testosterone levels. Women could combine them with Cleanmarine

Menomin which is formulated for extra nutritional support for peri-menopausal and menopausal women. It contains B vitamins and Soya.

After washing your hair, if you are brave enough you could make the final rinse with cold water. This is meant to stimulate the hair follicles.

Another option is Weleda Rosemary Condition and Shine Hair Oil. It contains Rosemary Essential oil which is traditionally used as a hair tonic, for condition and shine and to stimulate the scalp. My son recently experienced some hair loss after an infection.

He decided to try the Weleda Rosemary hair oil. I have to say that it was extremely effective. Needless to say, he was delighted. I was sorry that I hadn’t taken a before and after photograph.

Hair loss can affect your quality of life, I hope that these tips help you get to the root cause.

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

tion of womanhood being under attack and the way that anyone who believes that sex is immutable, like JK Rowling the Harry Potter author, will be accused of being transphobic and may be subjected to abuse .

Dressing up as the opposite gender doesn’t change one’s sex. I have tried it as a journalist along with a male colleague. He hadn’t gone far in a skirt and heels when an urchin asked: “Hey Missus, are you a fella?” Despite my stuck-on beard, I found going to the jacks worrying.

Appearance aside, rewriting the rules around transactivism raises serious issues. Helen Joyce wrote her book ‘Trans – When Ideology Meets Reality’ published last week motivated by the suffering of people who are detransitioners.

“One of the consequences of the idea of gender selfidentification is that children are being motivated and damaged,” claims Joyce.

Treated with drugs to delay puberty, with hormones, mastectomy or castration surgery and rendered sterile, those who chose, mistakenly, to transition face a terrible predicament.

“Once you have seen that it is hard to look away,” writes Joyce.

‘The word woman is replaced with person . .

Her book covers the history of the trans movement and deals with issues that are rousing controversy. Should men, who self-declare as women, compete in women’s sport when the purpose of having separate men’s and women’s sports was to make competition fair?

Men, who on average have 41% more non-fat body mass, legs that are 65% and upper body 90% stronger respectively, are going to be at an advantage. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) no longer requires that trans athletes need to have undergone hormone treatment or surgery in order to compete.

Other questions raised are whether trans men should have access to female lavatories or to women’s prisons or refuges. It’s not that transitioning is just a matter of selfidentification but that women in particular have to accept that definition unquestioningly regardless of consequebces.

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SPECIAL REPORT More than 50% of women in their early 20s were depressed due to the pandemic causing significant disruption to their lives, according to a new study.

Research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) shows how the mental health of young adults has been detrimentally affected since the arrival of Covid-19.

According to the report, more than 55% of women in their early 20s and 41pc of men, were classified as depressed.

The survey of more than 2,200 people, mostly 22-year-olds in December 2020, has led to questions about the ongoing post-pandemic effect on the young.

In a similar survey carried out before the pandemic, 22% of men and 31% of women aged between 20 and 22, were classified as depressed.

The number of men experiencing depression has nearly doubled, according to the latest statistics.

Mental health experts have described the findings as “significantly concerning” and are urging the Government to address the lack of services available to young people who are in need of support at a critical time.

Job losses, difficulty studying remotely and less face-to-face contact with friends contributed to the increased depression rate.

Spending less time on sport and outdoors was also linked to higher depression rates among men.

While alcohol consumption declined for a large proportion, many turned to unhealthy eating habits during the pandemic.

Anne Nolan, one of the report’s authors, said: “Overall, alcohol consumption levels during the pandemic declined among young adults but the

Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, has urged the public to use its free mental health services, following the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report which classified 55% of 22-year-old women and 40% of 22-year-old men as ‘depressed’. The charity emphasised that two of its free services, its Support Groups and its ‘Thought Catcher’ service, have no waiting lists and can be used by anyone in Ireland.

Turn2Me stated that the results of this report are shocking and are reflective of what mental health professionals witnessed during the pandemic. Demand for Turn2Me’s services significantly increased during lockdown – at the peak of the pandemic, demand for its services spiked by 386%.

Turn2Me is urging anyone who is experiencing anxiety, depression, grief or relationship issues to sign up for their free support groups, which are facilitated by mental health professionals,

‘Urging the Government to address lack of services . .

How the pandemic impacted on mental health of our young small group who increased their consumption had poorer mental health.

“For women, eating more junk food and sweets was also associated with an increased risk of depression.”

Emer Smyth, co-author of the report, said the increase in those reporting being depressed was “very stark”.

“The figures were of concern before the pandemic, and we did express concern at that time, but these latest figures are very, very high.

“We are unsure of what the long-lasting impacts will be.”

Dr Joseph Morning of SpunOut.ie, told the Irish Independent: “The impact of the pandemic is going to be signifi-

cant and long lasting.

“The problem is there are going to be a lot of young people experiencing depression and it will compound the pressure on these already overloaded mental health services.

“Waiting lists will be longer, and when waiting lists are longer, young people are not getting the right help at the right

Mental health charity urges people to use its services

time.

“Your symptoms are growing and exacerbating, people are going to have more significant mental health issues than they would have if they could just get prevention at the right time.”

Dr Alison Rooney, a chartered psychologist from Malahide, Co Dublin, told the Irish Independent the pandemic had brought

and run six evenings a week.

The ‘Thought Catcher’ service runs every day from 2pm until 8pm. It’s a safe online platform where people can post about how they’re feeling, and other users can respond with positive, uplifting messages. Users can engage with both the Thought Catcher and the support groups without the barrier of a waiting list. These services are funded by the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP).

“The ESRI report is shocking,” Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said, “It clearly outlines how the pandemic negatively affected so many people, particularly young people. I would encourage anyone who is feeling depressed to engage with our free mental health services, particularly our Support Groups and our Thought Catcher – both these services are free, operated by mental health professionals and don’t have long waiting lists attached!”

People can sign up to

challenges to everyone.

However, those in their early 20s were particularly affected, as they were only just branching out into adulthood when all their social outlets were cut off.

“Being disconnected is a thing that really affects young women and young men,” Dr Rooney said.

“Young women in that age group were starting to find themselves, to live their lives as adults for the first time.

“They were becoming independent and then to have that cut off so radically and to be very disconnected to a normal development with their peers, has impacted them deeply.

“It’s been very hard and has fed into depression.

“Covid lockdowns knocked young people’s social confidence.

“I’ve seen in my practice, a lot of younger adults are struggling to regain a sense of self in social situations.

“Social confidence is like a muscle. You have to practise it and they didn’t practise for two years.”

Turn2Me’s free mental health services by going to Turn2Me.ie, setting up a free account, and signing up for the support groups or engaging with the ‘Thought Catcher’. For more information, go to Turn2Me.ie About Turn2Me: Turn2Me was founded in 2009 stemming from the very personal experiences of Oisin and Diarmuid Scollard, who lost their brother, Cormac, to suicide in 2003. In 2013, Turn2Me gained the support of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention to deliver counselling online. In 2019, Turn2Me joined forces with ReachOut Ireland to create a space for young people to find information to support their mental health online.

Since September 2021, Turn2Me offers adult counselling and peer support services to adults and young people aged 12 plus. It also offers group support services for teenagers, young people and adults.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Interest hikes, mortgage options Do you want to save on your monthly mortgage repayments? Want to lock in a rate before the proposed European Central Bank (ECB) announcement of the first of a series of predicted interest rate increases?

Many mortgage holders who have a good credit history can make some serious savings over the term of their mortgage.

In recent weeks Avant Money and ICS Mortgages have announced interest rate hikes with a sweep of increases across the board once the ECB make their announcement in July Joey Sheahan of MyMortgages.ie says: “It is expected that the first ECB rate increase will be approximately 0.25%, and that this will be followed later in the year by two, if not three, further increases with hundreds of thousands

of homeowners being affected.”

As the July ECB meeting draws closer, more people will want to move or switch, adding to the existing application processing delays that some lenders are already experiencing with the fear that lenders may no longer offer the current low rates.

For many people the whole mortgage process is a nightmare. But the the switching process had been made easier by the Central Bank. Since 2019 it has put new measures in place to make it easier to switch your mortgage.

According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), lenders must tell you about cheaper options 60 days before your fixed rate mortgage period ends.

If you have your home revalued with a correspond-

ing change in the loan to value ratio then the lender must notify you if you are on a variable rate (but not a tracker) that you can move to a cheaper rate due to the change. But you will need to push this with your lender.

When you submit a completed mortgage application, the lender must be given a decision within 10 business days. Not as easy as it seems sometimes; go through the checklist with a fine toothcomb and provide all the information requested making sure all financial documents are ‘in date’.

They must give you a comparison of how much your mortgage costs versus other options offered by your lender. Again, you need to ask, and they must explain the pros and cons of any mortgage incentives such as cash-back offers in a clear way.

What about cash-back offers? Can be too good to be true? They can! It might seem like a great deal, especially if you are moving house and have additional expenses. But what about the long-term cost? You need to do your homework with the interest rate always front and centre.

The CCPC website gives a striking example. A borrower is offered €6,000 cash back from Lender A – the interest rate offered is 4.6% on a mortgage amount of €300,000 over 25 years – total cost over the of term – mortgage minus the cashback – is €194,249.

Lender B offers, the same amount and term, but no cash-back – with an interest rate of 3.6%, the total cost of credit is €150,561.

In this example taking the €6,000 offered will cost €43,688 over the term of the mortgage and the mortgage

repayment with Lender A is €165 more expensive a month than Lender B. There is a range of mortgage adverts doing the rounds now. Lenders vying for your business and trying to lure you away from your current lender.

But before you commit, especially if contemplating moving lenders, you need to be aware that the mortgage repayment is not the only cost you will have to bear. You need to calculate the additional costs attaching to the move – for example: * Arrangement Fees – some lenders and brokers change an arrangement fee and can be up to 0.5% of the loan amount. Solicitors’ fees can be anywhere from 1%-2%. * A new valuation is required as part of a new mortgage application. A structural survey may be

required with the fee dependent on the type, age, and location of the property. * So should you go direct or use a mortgage intermediary? Research show about 65% of buyers go directly to the lender while 35% use mortgage intermediaries.

If yours is a straight switch and with some banks only requiring a payslip, photo ID, and six months bank statements for your main account to process a straight switcher mortgage, then that’s the way to go.

But if your mortgage is more complex, then the Intermediary route could be the way as many intermediaries have sophisticated software packages that will crunch all the possible permutations across all lenders for all imaginable scenarios.

John@ellisfinancial.ie 0868362633

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

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‘The Courting of Katie Earls’

BY NED EGAN

PART 3 “This seemed to annoy him, and he just said, in a sarcastic old tone: ‘Well Dan, we obviously have very different ideas about the value of your daughter.’”

“I stood up then, and told him straight out that ‘my daughter is of the greatest value to me, and that I’d raise ten thousand pounds for her – if only she could locate a man who was worth that much.’ At this he gave a start, seeming to realise for the first time how far out on a branch he’d walked. But before he could reply or recover, I said ‘goodnight, men’ and let myself out the door.

“Seamus came after me down the lane, expressed real regret at what had happened, and said he had no idea how Mattie was thinking, and hoped – genuinely - that it wouldn’t affect our life-long friendship. I said sincerely that I hoped

not. But I wasn’t a bit sure anymore. About any of the McCanns. How could I be?

“So there you have it, Katie.

I have no doubt Mattie will be a successful farmer, he’s a good worker, and he’s fond of you. The only way I can see out of it is to round up some ‘rainy day’ money, and pay the other girls up to what I give him. I have no option.

Mona and Nora – and their husbands – will not be made little of - so everyone should be happy about it, in the end.”

Katie was stunned. Heartsick. Her world turned upside down. She believed every word her father said. The lovely feelings and romantic thoughts of just a short time ago were suddenly of another age – another century – another life, even. We can only surmise about her misery. But, a strong girl she surely was.

“Father” she said – using the form of address she only ever reverted to in a crisis – “I will do what you suggested to Mattie – I will make the decision. You are a wonderful parent to me – to all of us. But if you thought any of your three daughters would be any happier by just getting more

money, you’d be wrong.

“We girls have lived a lovely life in this house – with the odd row and riot breaking out, of course – but that’s the way with all young women of spirit. We often laugh about your only rebuke to us – no matter what the provocation - or weather: ‘go out into the haggard, girls, and do ye’re screeching there!’ But I’m not asking Mona or Nora – nor you and mam – for advice.

This is about me, my future, my happiness – or otherwise.

I do love Mattie, so I’ll think long and very hard about this night’s scene in McCann’s kitchen.

“If you hear me moving around during the night, don’t worry. I’ll be up and down for cups of tea. I won’t sleep much, I’m sure of that. But I want the problem solved in my head before daylight. Mewling and moaning isn’t my way, so you won’t hear me weep about this dowry crux, no matter what.

“There are three things I know right now, father. One is that if I do wed Mattie, he’ll get the very same money as Mona and Nora got. No more, no less.

“Two is that – whatever happens – I’ll never discuss tonight’s affairs with anyone – nor do I want them mentioned to me - ever.

“Three is that I love Mattie dearly, and wouldn’t have wished this to happen for the world, so accept whatever I decide, without any question.

If you do – everyone who matters to me will.

“Goodnight now, father, and don’t worry about me.

I’m made of Earls’ stock – and they don’t come any tougher.”

This with a little smile.

She then put her arms round Dan, and gave him a great big loving hug – another break with the order of things, for the times, on this strange night, in good old Ireand.

We will leave Katie now to her night of soul-searching, and unhappiness. We won’t pry into her little tragic damaged heart, nor will we cheer, or gloat.

The next morning broke bright and sunny, and Katie cooked the breakfast, and was – to all appearances – her old self. At about three o’clock she told her mam that she was walking down to the village to post a letter.

No questions were asked

by anyone; no explanations were given.

Next day, about noon, there was a loud knock on the door. Ann went out, spoke to somebody, and called Katie.

When she went outside, Mattie McCann was still agitatedly showing something to Ann. On seeing Katie, he started towards her, and made to speak – but she lifted her hand, and cut him off – looking him straight in the eyes as she did so..

“Would you mind going inside, mother?” she then asked; and walked behind Ann as far as the door.

There she swung round, facing out to the white bright day. Saying nothing.

Mattie - shaken, smashed - moved close up to her, mumbling something like “dear Katie , I ……”

She stepped back, and shut the door in his face.

Her mother, interested always in her daughter’s welfare and safety, observed from a side-window, as, through blurred eyes, Mattie looked down at his hands.

Which held an envelope.

Containing: a letter? No. No letter.

Just the little present he’d

given Katie in in early, happier, days.

A cheap tin ‘mockwedding’ ring.

And that was the end of it all….

Addendum. The girl concerned {a distant relation of mine} made a very happy marriage later on.

Her husband, I do believe – though he knew nothing of the above-related story – refused a full dowry – and only accepted two hundred pounds to avoid giving insult to Dan. And he gave that to Katie to do as she pleased with.

Of Mattie McCann’s fate I have no knowledge.

Let us hope he had a long and happy life.

But it’s doubtful if he ever forgot sweet Katie Earls, or the delight and promise of that first fine golden day, in the sunlit dusted haze of a summer hayfield.

Ned E Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Kilkenny Observer.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

Science & Wellbeing Coursing through your veins every second of every day are tiny variations that categorise your blood into one of these groups: A+, A-, B+, B-, O-, O+, AB+ and AB-. Unless you’ve donated blood, were given a transfusion or found out during pregnancy, maybe you’ve never thought twice about your blood type and what it means for your health.

Research into blood type suggests it may matter more than we give it credit for — at least when assessing risk for certain health conditions, especially heart disease. These invisible differences in the blood may give some people an edge at staving off cardiovascular problems, and may leave others more susceptible.

What does blood type mean, and how are they different?

The letters A, B and O represent various forms of the ABO gene, which programme our blood cells differently to form the different blood groups. If you have type AB blood, for example, your body is programmed to produce A and B antigens on red blood cells.

A person with type O blood doesn’t produce any antigens.

Blood is said to be ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ based on whether there are proteins on the red blood cells. If your blood has proteins, you’re Rhesus, or Rh, positive.

People with type O- blood are considered ‘universal donors’ because their blood doesn’t have any antigens or proteins, meaning anybody’s body will be able to accept it in an emergency.

But why are there different blood types? Researchers don’t fully know, but factors such as where someone’s ancestors are from and past infections which spurred protective mutations in the blood may have contributed to

Why your blood type may make a difference to a healthy heart the diversity, according to hematologists. People with type O blood may get sicker with cholera, for example, while people with type A or B blood may be more likely to experience blood clotting issues.

While our blood can’t keep up with the different biological or viral threats going around in real time, it may reflect what’s happened in the past.

People with type A, type B or type AB blood are more likely

than people with type O to have a heart attack or experience heart failure, according to the American Heart Association.

While the increased risk is small (types A or B had a combined 8% higher risk of heart attack and 10% increased risk of heart failure, according to one large study) the difference in blood clotting rates is much higher, per the AHA. People in the same study with type A

and B blood were 51% more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis and 47% more likely to develop a pulmonary embolism, which are severe blood clotting disorders which can also increase the risk of heart failure.

A reason for this increased risk might have to do with inflammation that happens in the bodies of people with type A, type B or type AB blood. The proteins present in type A and

type B blood may cause more ‘blockage’ or ‘thickening’ in the veins and arteries, leading to an increased risk of clotting and heart disease.

This may describe the anecdotal (but currently inconclusive) decrease in risk of severe Covid-19 disease in people with type O blood, which has inspired research. Severe Covid often causes heart problems, blood clotting and other cardiovascular issues.

People with type O blood enjoy a slightly lower risk of heart disease and blood clotting, but they may be more susceptible to bleeding disorders. This may be especially true after childbirth, according to a study on postpartum blood loss, which found an increased risk in women with type O blood.

People with type O blood may also fare worse after a traumatic injury due to increased blood loss, according to a study published in the journal Critical Care.

Other research has found people with type AB blood might be at an increased risk for cognitive impairment when compared to people with type O. Cognitive impairment includes things like trouble remembering, focusing or making decisions.

While research available now shows that blood type can tip the scale in terms of someone’s risk of developing heart disease, big factors such as diet, exercise or even the level of pollution you’re exposed to in your community are the major players in determining heart health.

To keep your heart healthy, there’s no special recommendation other than a good heart-healthy diet that lowers inflammation, regardless of someone’s blood type.

Lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all part of a hearthealthy diet.

But future research could offer more definitive ways doctors treat patients based on their blood type. All factors considered equally, a patient with healthy cholesterol levels and type A blood may benefit from taking aspirin each day whereas it might not be necessary for a person in the same boat with type O blood.

How sitting on the floor can help you age well Back in 2014 research in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that the ability to get up from the floor is a significant predictor of longevity in people ages 51 to 80.

In the study, those who had the hardest time with the task were five to six times more likely to die during the researchers’ follow-up period than those who could sit and stand with ease. While the study is on the older side, more recent research, including a May 2020 study in the same journal, backs up the link.

That’s because how well you can move from standing to sitting and vice versa is a reflection of your overall health, fitness and function, says Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, a New York City-based spinal and orthopedic surgeon.

Having more and more trouble getting down onto and up off of the floor? Here’s the silver lining: Sitting on the floor is also a simple, effective way to maintain strength, function and vitality as you age.

3. A Strong Core and Legs Sitting on the floor can help you build a sturdier core and legs. Here’s why: “The core must be engaged when pulling the body up from the ground, so getting up and sitting back down multiple times can lead to maximal core engagement,” Dr Okubadejo explains.

Plus, “rising from the floor forces people to perform a similar motion to a squat,” he says. So, when you regularly sit on the ground, you’re essentially doing several repeats of the lower-body exercise throughout the day.

Fortunately, you don’t need to shun the chair for every activity. But spending some time on the floor each day can benefit your health. Here, are the pluses of plopping down on the ground.

co-ordination. So, the more you do it, the better your balance will be. This is especially important as you get older because it help reduce your risk for falls and resulting fractures.

1. Better Balance, Stability and Co-ordination Getting onto and back off of the floor recruits your balance, stability and total-body

2. Greater Mobility Moving into a floor-seated position engages the muscles surrounding multiple joints and body parts such as your

shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and feet, Dr Okubadejo says. Thus, a daily practice of sitting on the floor can help improve your mobility.

That refers to your ability to move through your joints’ full range of motion, which is critical to being able to move through life like you want to. It can also help you stay injuryand pain-free as you age.

4. Healthier Posture Sitting on the floor can help promote good posture. That’s because when you move from a standing position to seated (and back again) your joints must be aligned to maintain balance. Proper body alignment relates to how your head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles stack up with each other.

What’s more, floor sitting encourages you to sit more

upright instead of hunching your back — another factor for healthy ageing.

(Many of us sit too often and in less- than-ideal chairs, which doesn’t bode well for posture.)

Finally, while sitting on the floor can support good health as you age, you have to do it correctly to reap the full benefits.

Avoid slouching. When your back is in a curved position, it can put extra strain on your spinal discs and vertebrae, he says. Instead, sit with your torso tall and straight. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades down and together.

Sit on a small pillow or towel. This can ease any tailbone discomfort, he says. Plus, it can also place your pelvis in better alignment with your spine.

Move your legs. Any position can become a problem when you hang out in it too long. Try sitting cross-legged, with your legs straight out in front of you or with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.

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Travel & Leisure The Algarve has many facets, so figuring out where to overnight depends on how you plan to spend your days in this sun-drenched corner of Portugal. For aquatic activities and abundant nightlife, vibrant Lagos earns high marks for its wide-ranging appeal. If you’re here solely to party and lie on the beach, Albufeira has you covered. For a quieter getaway near pretty beaches, consider Ferragudo, a former fishing village with loads of character.

Though not on the beach, the historic town of Tavira lies within a ferry ride of a pretty sand-covered island. On the west coast, Sagres has an end-of- the-world feel with lofty views from its towering sea cliffs. The northwest of the Algarve has charming villages like Carrapeteira, set on highlands overlooking wild beaches, and has some excellent surf camps.

After you decide where to go, book well in advance The Algarve’s growing popularity means some of the best places to stay get booked up months in advance. .

Book restaurant reservations in advance, too.

Seafood fresh off the boat has long been a hallmark of the dining scene in the Algarve. A growing number of new restaurants headed by celebrated chefs are helping to transform the region into a major dining destination.

Once a virtual desert when it came to haute cuisine, today the Algarve is home to five restaurants with a Michelin star, and two restaurants (Ocean and Vila Joya) boasting two stars.

If you want to avoid the busiest crowds, consider coming just outside of the high season. In May and October, average daily high temperatures hover around 72 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 23 Celsius), which makes for some pleasant days on the shoreline. Things cool off by 1. Porquerolles, France Côte d’Azur too hectic? Try peaceful Porquerolles, one of the Îsles d’Hyères islands that lie just a ferry-hop away from Hyères on the French mainland. With no cars allowed, the only way to get around this densely wooded island is on foot or bike, and the only sound is the crackle of fragrant pine needles under your wheels.

The best beaches, such as Plage d’Argent, hug the north coast. They’re busy during high season, but once the day-trippers have left, peace reigns again.

2. Tabarca, Alicante Tranquillity is hard to find on the Costa Blanca. So head to Tabarca, 22 miles off Alicante, and you’ll discover an island whose waters are so clear, it was declared the country’s first marine reserve.

A 50-minute ferry ride brings you to this car-free paradise.

Spend a few days snorkelling, eating fish stew at one of the beach shacks, then walk around the fortified walls that encircle the town.

The Good Guide to the

e v r a g l A

night, so you’ll need a jacket as average lows range from 54 to 60 (12 to 15 Celsius).

If you don’t mind cooler temperatures, you’ll still find abundant sunshine during the low season months of November through March. You can also save big on lodging, with many places slashing their high-season rates by 30% or more.

You’ll get plenty of wear out of sandals, short-sleeve shirts and summer dresses in the Algarve. But things can cool off at night thanks to those delightful ocean breezes,

so be sure to throw in a few warmer layers – even in July and August when average lows can drop to around 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 Celsius). Although there aren’t any formal dress codes at restaurants, the Portuguese tend to dress up a bit at nicer places, so make sure to include something smart-casual when leaving the tourist resorts.

Study some Portuguese Many people speak English in Portugal, particularly in more touristy areas of the Algarve. Locals, however, always appreciate foreigners

making the effort to speak the language.

In the Algarve, you’ll find a wide range of dining options, including adegas (wine cellarlike eateries, that often serve wines straight from the cask), tascas (inexpensive familystyle restaurants), and easily recognisable restaurantes, which typically open for lunch and dinner only.

Pastries are an art form in Portugal, and you should definitely visit the nearest pastelaria wherever you roam.

The pastel de nata (custard tart) is one of many Portuguese

delicacies worth experiencing.

Apart from cafes, most places close between meal times, roughly from about 2.30pm to 7pm. Sundays can also be tricky when it comes to dining as many restaurants close entirely for the day or open only at lunchtime. This is a good time to have some snack food on hand – ideally sourced from the nearest mercado (market) the day before (since markets also typically close on Sundays!).

Another key bit of culinary knowledge is to remember that nothing that comes to

dunes and pristine beaches.

Get around the island by hiking or renting a bike from the whitewashed port village of Caleta de Sebo. Spend your days watching fishermen mending nets at La Laja, or try the wilder emerald waters of Las Conchas in the north.

Within walking distance of Caleta’s restaurants, Evita Beach Apartamentos has seafacing apartments.

5 of Europe’s enchanted islands 3. Bozcaada, Turjey Rich in Greek and Turkish heritage, Bozcaada, off Turkey’s west coast, is where Istanbulus go to escape the summer heat. From its beaches, the Achaeans launched the ships that

delivered the Trojan horse.

Today, Greek and Turkish cultures harmoniously coexist, with mosques alongside orthodox churches.

The island, a short ferry crossing from Çanakkale port, offers beach-facing tavernas,

a vineyard-covered hinterland and a lively port town. Set on a hillside overlooking the castle, Ela Tenedos Hotel has sea- view rooms.

4. Graciosa, Canary Islands

your table is free. Bread, cheese, olives and sometimes other appetisers are often brought to the table shortly after you sit down. These are called couvert, and they are never free. If you don’t want them, a polite ‘no thank you’ will see them sent back to the kitchen. Depending on the establishment, prices for couvert can range from €2 to €9 a person and upwards at pricier places.

The Algarve, like the rest of Portugal, overall is considered a very safe place. The main concerns are pickpocketing

Three miles north of Lanzarote, tiny La Graciosa offers an altogether different Canary Island scene: no cars, no noise and no crowds. Here, you’ll find an idyllic marine reserve with sandy lanes, low-key restaurants, wild sand

5. Syros, Greece Forget glitzy Mykonos and catch the 30-minute highspeed ferry to Syros instead, where you’ll find a perfect blend of liveliness and rural peace. Ermoupoli, Syros’s seaside capital, is buzzy but tourist-free. Neoclassical houses rise in tiers from the shores. Greeks linger over lengthy taverna lunches here, and the scenery is varied – a wild interior, freckled with olive groves and orchards, along with deserted lowkey beaches, many only accessible by boat. The new eco art hotel Aristide has nine stylish rooms, alongside regular artists’ residences.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

Feature

Closure of Immigrant Services at Fr McGrath centre a possibility due to lack of Funding What a difference a few weeks can make. On May 25, The Kilkenny Observer attended the Fr McGrath Centre for the ‘Fáilte Isteach’ certificates presentation. The event was a joyous occasion and the room was bursting with energy, laughter and pride.

Fast forward four weeks and the atmosphere has changed dramatically.

From being a centre filled with enthusiasm and energy, it is now a centre where uncertainty and nervousness prevail. And the reason?

IMMINENT DANGER The Fr. McGrath Immigrant immiSupport Service is in immi nent danger of permanently closing its doors when current funding for its Support Officer Samuel Morgan runs out at the end of next month.

Regrettably this threat is coming at a time when the expertise and trust built up over many years was never more pertinent.

The service has recently stepped up to the plate once again and reached out to Ukrainian refugees who are in need of empathetic support and compassion and has linked them to services, provided orientation to the Irish system, and welcomed them to the Fáilte Isteach language support project.

This critical service was founded over eleven years ago by Thomastown woman Theresa Delahunty, with the support of a group of volunteers.

Theresa takes up the story.

“The main focus here is to give specialised support to marginalised immigrants. We give them a step up to access and remain in education and training with various bodies i.e. ETB - this cohort sometimes leave courses because they feel they cannot keep up” The programme at the centre identified the challenges and inequalities of outcomes for different ethnic groups living in Kilkenny.

This arose due to deficits in English language, culture differences and little understanding of how the Irish system worked.

The initiative was designed to help immigrants overcome such barriers by providing one-to-one support while also focusing on linguistic, civic, and developmental training.

Success was measured by the increased numbers from ethnic communities who

engaged in education, skills training and social and community activities.

The Support Clinics which provides a one-to-one service in a low key manner has built trust with the immigrant community.

Those availing of this service know that confidentiality in a non-judgemental space is assured.

The Fáilte Isteach English Language project operated by the Immigrant Service is another key component of the service and is pivotal to integration, as Theresa says “without a common language there is no integration”.

Roll forward eleven

Support Officer Samuel Morgan

years and while some services for immigrants have improved, there is still little or nothing for those who find themselves outside the mainstream system, have little education, lack digital competence and have challenges adapting to a new culture.

To this day Immigrant Services remains the only dedicated hands-on supsup port for such immigrants in Kilkenny.

Funding has always been a major challenge and the service has operated on a shoestring budget.

However, with the commitment and goodwill of volunteers, support from the Fr. McGrath Centre and small grants from Kilkenny Leader Partnership, it has continued to pitch far above its weight.

The employment of a trained Support Officer to deal with

Stephen Murphy, Director of services

complex immigration issues has strengthened the service and has broadened the reach and range of services availavail able.

Many refugees who formerformer ly lived in the now defunct Johns Green Direct Provision Centre settled in Kilkenny.

They were joined by family members and created new family units, thereby expandexpand ing the immigrant population in Kilkenny.

A further growth in the lolo cal immigrant population was generated by the economic boom, with the subsequent crash bringing its own social and financial isis sues, when demands on the service reached new highs. During this period there was also an increase in the number of people seeking protection, resulting in Resettlement Programmes of refugees from South Sudan and Syria.

Throughout the changing demodemo graphics, Immigrant Service was there to reach out “Welcome Strangthe Strang ers”, and support

Theresa Delahunty founder of the service

them as they transitioned to a new way of life.

In the long-run this has led to better outcomes for individuals and families and has improved their chances of employment or education and led to sustainable integration with the local community.

Throughout the Covid pandemic which impacted heavily on immigrants, especially those with language and digital literacy deficits, Immigrant Service was to the fore to help them overcome many of their challenges as services went online.

The Fr. McGrath Immigrant Services remained operational throughout the lockdowns to support those who were isolated and cut off from everyday life and lacked the presence of a family network to support them.

The one-to-one training supplied by the service in the use of digital devices helped those most in need to access and use the online services for their everyday needs and stay connected during Covid restrictions.

Therese also explains the difficulty of those immigrants who have become irregular.

“This can happen as a result of delays or difficulty renewing their passports, especially from countries outside EU. We help them with their applications and procurement of documents.

If they are in employment they can continue so long as they show evidence that they are in the process of renewing. It costs €300 to renew Irish Residence Permit (IRP)

for those with “humanitarian leave to remain” or “leave to remain” for any other reason.

Many who seek our State’s protection often fall under this category rather than refugee status.

Immigrant Services helps such people on a one-to-one basis with regularising their residency and work permit permissions, thereby, helping them to remain in employment or education.

CRUCIAL SERVICE HELPS INTEGRATION Stephen Murphy, Director of Services at the Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre said: ‘The closure of this Immigrant Advisory Service, developed by Samuel and volunteers over years, has played a crucial role in helping many people integrate, find work and access education or other essential family services.

The loss of Samuel’s expertise will hit some of our most traumatised refugees and asylum seekers hardest.’

He added: “considering we are now regarded as a lead community agency by Tusla for dealing with Ukrainian families in Kilkenny, the timing couldn’t be worse.’

We are appealing to the government and the County Council to help us find the small funds needed to keep this service running for another year.”

Despite all the good work, it now appears that the well has finally run dry insofar as funds are concerned and unless new funding is immediately sourced, there will be no option but to close the doors.

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Global Report Hundreds of blue, green and grey tents are pitched under the sun’s searing rays in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, a jumble of flimsy canvas and plastic along dusty sidewalks. Here, according to the Associated Press,i n the hottest big city in America, thousands of homeless people swelter as the summer’s triple digit temperatures arrive.

The stifling tent city has ballooned amid pandemic-era evictions and surging rents that have dumped hundreds more people onto the sizzling streets that grow eerily quiet when temperatures peak in the midafternoon. A heat wave earlier this month brought temperatures of up to 114 degrees (45.5 Celsius) — and it’s only June.

Highs reached 118 degrees (47.7 Celsius) last year.

“During the summer, it’s pretty hard to find a place at night that’s cool enough to sleep without the police running you off,” said Chris Medlock, a homeless Phoenix man known on the streets as ‘T-Bone’ who carries everything he owns in a small backpack and often beds down in a park or a nearby desert preserve to avoid the crowds.

“If a kind soul could just offer a place on their couch indoors maybe more people would live,” Medlock said at a dining room where homeless people can get some shade and a free meal.

Excessive heat causes more weather-related deaths in the US than hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes combined.

Around the country, heat contributes to some 1,500 deaths annually, and advocates estimate about half of those people are homeless.

Temperatures are rising nearly everywhere because of global warming, combining with brutal drought in some places to create more intense, frequent and longer heat waves. The past few summers have been some of the hottest on record.

Just in the county that includes Phoenix, at least 130 homeless people were among the 339 individuals who died from heat-associated causes in 2021.

“If 130 homeless people were

World on fire Climate change heat contributes to some 1,500 deaths annually in US but Europe is catching up fast dying in any other way it would be considered a mass casualty event,” said Kristie L. Ebi, a Professor of Global Health at the University of Washington.

It’s a problem that stretches across the United States, and now, with rising global temperatures, heat is no longer a danger just in places like Phoenix.

This summer will likely bring above-normal temperatures over most land areas worldwide, according to a seasonal map that volunteer climatologists created for the International Research Institute at Columbia University.

Last summer, a heat wave blasted the normally temperate US northwest and had Seattle, Washington residents sleeping in their yards and on roofs, or fleeing to hotels with air conditioning. Across the state, several people presumed to be homeless died outdoors, including a man slumped behind a gas

station.

In the state of Oregon, officials opened 24-hour cooling centres for the first time. Volunteer teams fanned out with water and popsicles to homeless encampments on Portland’s outskirts.

A quick scientific analysis concluded that last year’s Pacific Northwest heat wave was virtually impossible without human-caused climate change adding several degrees and toppling previous records.

Even Boston is exploring ways to protect diverse neighbourhoods like its Chinatown, where population density and few shade trees help drive temperatures up to 106 degrees (41 Celsius) some summer days.

The city plans strategies like increasing tree canopy and other kinds of shade, using cooler materials for roofs, and expanding its network of ‘cooling centres’ during heatwaves.

It’s not just a US problem.

An Associated Press analysis last year of a dataset published by the Columbia University’s climate school found exposure to extreme heat has tripled and now affects about a quarter of the world’s population.

This spring, an extreme heat wave gripped much of Pakistan and India, where homelessness is widespread due to discrimination and insufficient housing. The high in Jacobabad, Pakistan near the border with India hit 122 degrees (50 Celsius) in May. Dr Dileep Mavalankar, who heads the Indian Institute of Public Health in the western Indian city Gandhinagar, said that, because of poor reporting it was unknown how many die in the country from heat exposure.

Summertime cooling centres for homeless, elderly and other vulnerable populations have

opened in several European countries each summer since a heat wave killed 70,000 people across Europe in 2003.

Emergency service workers on bicycles patrol Madrid’s streets, distributing ice packs and water in the hot months.

Still, some 1,300 people, most of them elderly, continue to die in Spain each summer because of health complications exacerbated by excess heat.

Spain and southern France recently sweltered through unusually hot weather for midJune, with temperatures hitting 104 degrees (40 Celsius) in some areas.

Climate scientist David Hondula, who heads Phoenix’s new Office for Heat Mitigation, said that, with such extreme weather now seen around the world, more solutions were needed to protect the vulnerable, especially homeless people who are about 200 times more

likely than sheltered individuals to die from heat-associated causes.

“As temperatures continue to rise across the U.S. and the world, cities like Seattle, Minneapolis, New York or Kansas City that don’t have the experience or infrastructure for dealing with heat have to adjust as well.”

In Phoenix, officials and advocates hope a vacant building recently converted into a 200-bed shelter for homeless people will help save lives this summer.

Mac Mais, 34, was among the first to move in.

“It can be rough. I stay in the shelters or anywhere I can find,” said Mais who has been homeless on and off since he was a teen. “Here, I can stay out actually rest, work on job applications, stay out of the heat.”

In Las Vegas, teams deliver bottled water to homeless people living in encampments around the county and inside a network of underground storm drains under the Las Vegas strip.

Ahmedabad, India, population 8.4 million, was the first South Asian city to design a heat action plan in 2013.

Through its warning system, nongovernmental groups reach out to vulnerable people and send text messages to mobile phones. Water tankers are dispatched to slums, while bus stops, temples and libraries become shelters for people to escape the blistering rays.

Still, the deaths pile up.

Kimberly Rae Haws, a 62-year-old homeless woman, was severely burned in October 2020 while sprawled for an unknown amount of time on a sizzling Phoenix blacktop. The cause of her subsequent death was never investigated.

A young man nicknamed Twitch died from heat exposure as he sat on a curb near a Phoenix soup kitchen in the hours before it opened one weekend in 2018.

“He was supposed to move into permanent housing the next Monday,” said Jim Baker, who oversees that dining room for the St. Vincent de Paul charity. “His mother was devastated.”

The long road to the EU membership for Ukraine Formal EU membership candidate status to Ukraine is being supported by the European Union which has made similar recommendations for two other former Soviet states, a major political shift brought about by Russia’s invasion.

However, there are some hurdles Ukraine — as well as Georgia and Moldova — would have to clear to join the EU. While the recommendation marks a strategic eastward shift by the EU in the face of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Kyiv would likely take years to become a member of the 27-nation EU, if at all.

Ukraine would be required to carry out economic and

political reforms and it is unlikely the bloc would take in a country in a state of war.

At times of peace, it took Poland, Ukraine’s neighbour with similar population size and communist history, 10 years from applying for membership in 1994 to actually joining in 2004.

Turkey, on the other hand, got formal candidate status in 1999 but currently has no prospect of joining.

Membership talks stopped as ties between Ankara and the bloc soured, including over President Tayyip Erdogan’s crackdown on critics following an attempted 2016 coup, and other examples of what the bloc says is erosion of democracy and the rule of law.

The six Balkan countries’ EU membership bids have also been complicated in recent years by issues including migration, organised crime and the hopefuls’ mutual disagreements.

EU leaders will discuss the commission’s member-

ship candidate proposal for Ukraine during a summit in Brussels on 23-24 June. They all need to agree for the status to be formally granted.

Once that happens, Kyiv will start negotiations on aligning its laws with those of the EU under 35 so-called “chapters”, or thematic areas from financial to justice to climate.

A chapter is closed when the candidate country shows it has already implemented EU laws in that field. All 35 must be closed for accession.

Ukraine would be required to reform its economy and strengthen its democratic institutions, including to fight corruption. It will have to beef up legal protections and

track record on everything from human rights to market competition.

If and when all this is done, the EU and Ukraine will prepare an accession treaty. It must be approved by Ukraine, all EU governments and the European Parliament.

That means the process can always be stalled by politics.

Or be sped up by them, as is the case currently with the commission moving on candidate status, a step that would have been unimaginable just a few months ago.

The Netherlands, France and Germany have been among EU countries opposing bringing in new members in recent years.

But Kyiv now won the crucial backing of Paris and Berlin — the bloc’s top powers.

The new geo-political momentum since Russia invaded Ukraine marks a leap forward for Kyiv on its path towards EU membership — without determining the final outcome.

The EU’s last major enlargement was in 2004 when eight formerly communist eastern countries — including the Baltic States, Poland and Slovenia — joined.

Romania and Bulgaria followed in 2007.

Croatia was the last one to join in 2013 but the bloc since lost one when Britain in 2020 became the first ever country to leave.

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Summer days

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DAYS

Discover the wonders of Secret Valley Wildlife Park offers 14 acres of education, adventure and fun for all the family. Secret Valley has now been open to the public fifteen years and over theoe years has seen alot of changes, hard years and major rewards.

The newest addition to Secret Valleys amenities is the opening of the Hungry Tortoise Cafe/ restaurant where you can call in for a bite to eat now without paying to enter the park. You can fine the cafe off our new car park and entrance. The menu contains something for everyone from all day breakfasts, light lunches, crepes, pancakes to sweet treats, soft scoop ice-cream and great coffee. Call in from 9 to 6 everyday and our friendly staff will be happy to

look after you, The park has loads to offer visitors of all ages, from feeding a baby goat, hand feeding our llamas and alpacas, meeting Toby the tortoise, joining in with our keeper talks. With an indoor and outdoor playarea, quad train, adventure hunt there’s is plenty to do for all the family and thats before you see our wide variety of animals.

Secret Valley has 38 species of animals including. Meerkats, lemurs, monkeys, porcupines and capybaras. We also work with AAP rescue centre in Denmark, giving long term care to

exploited primates from the pet trade and laboratories in need of a happy home Education is a big part of what secret valley is about and we provide ecology sessions for both junior and leaving cert students as well as team building days for Ty and none exam years, We also provide a fun filled day for primary school students.

Looking to the future the Sv team have a lot of plans to enhance the park, these change will be on going over the summer and next year, watch this space as there is alot to happen at Secret Valley Wildlife Park So if you are looking for things to do in Wexford why not come and pay us a visit - you would be most welcome!

Summer days out in Ireland’s southeast ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

School’s over for the summer. Kids will be at home for three months and, if you’re a parent, your anxiety levels are probably soaring over how to keep them occupied for 12 weeks or so.

Kids get it good in this country! Take a short trip over the Irish Sea, and summer holidays are halved.

Given a lot of families take a fortnight’s vacation at this time of year, that means only four weeks, not ten, requiring creative invention to find child-friendly activities.

It needn’t really be all that difficult, though. Just think about what you most enjoyed as a child and, chances are, your kids will too. An added bonus is those fun days out needn’t cost much, or perhaps anything at all.

Kilkenny Castle has long been a favourite spot for young and old alike. Yes, if

you want to visit the castle itself, it’s going to set you back a few Euro. However, the grounds are filled with fun waiting to be found at zero cost. The playground is an obvious choice. Less clear, though just as appealing, are walks along the river, down to the lake with its abundant wildlife, and through wooded areas. In many parts of the gardens surrounding the castle, the trees create shade which dims the light making them perfect for adventures and exploring.

It might not offer the same secluded spaces, but fun days out can be had at the Rock of Dunamase in County Laois. The ruins offer endless possibilities for children’s games and explorations. Whilst they’re busy playing, parents can take in the stunning views.

Wexford and Waterford are blessed with something Kilkenny and Laois can’t offer. Dazzling coastlines.

Any trip to Tramore is likely to leave parents’ pockets feeling lighter, though great days out there are almost guaranteed, especially for children. There are,

however, also brilliant beaches where fun can be had for free. Bonmahon in the Deise County and Baginbun in the Model one are perfect places to build sandcastles and play in the sea.

Days out in the Tipperary mountains are sure to please young and old.

Watch kids, and adults, marvel at the gravity hill phenomenon on Slievenamon overlooking Carrickon-Suir where your car will miraculously roll uphill.

You can play a game to see who in your family works out what’s happening first!

Like the grounds of Kilkenny Castle, Oak Park in Carlow is a wonderful place for childhood adventures. Try out the exercise machines in the open area, too. Children will get a great kick out of them. It’s also educational as there are plenty of information boards telling you about what lives and grows in the forests.

Whilst getting to any of these places is going to cost you in fuel, they are easy on your pocket and huge on fun when you get there!

Designer Minds

Summer Camps are back

Designer Minds STEAM Summer Camps & Art Summer Camps are Coming! This summer, children throughout Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford and beyond will be BUZZING with excitement at the end of every day because, Designer Minds, Ireland’s leading summer camp provider, are back! This year there are two exciting experiences to choose from: STEAM camps or Brand-New Art camps. All girls and boys currently in Senior Infants to 6th class, can get hands-on with projects and challenges in the company of like-minded friends, so they will never get bored.

“It was fun, exciting and epic... are my 10-year-olds words.

Highly recommended!”

Christine, Galway Designer Minds STEAM Camps will be chock full of fun science experiments, awesome LEGO challenges, robotics and coding, Minecraft, teambuilding games, creative art projects, movie making and lots more!

Designer Minds Art Camps will be jam packed with painting, drawing, upcycling, print making and even some digital design. Kids will have fun creating and making in a space where every child can be an artist! The camps are taking place this summer in Loreto

Secondary School, Kilkenny.

STEAM Camps (18th-22nd July) or (8th-12th Aug) and Art Camps (11th -15th Jul) or (15th-19th Aug). Staycationing? Be sure to look out for Designer Minds STEAM Camps and Art Camps in other counties too! The cost for each 5-day, 4 hours per day camp is €140, sibling discounts available. The Designer Minds friendly, welcoming and fully Garda-vetted leaders are looking forward to ensuring that your child enjoys the ultimate summer camp experience. So don’t get stuck on a waiting list – secure your spot now at www.designerminds.ie

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How sugar may play a key role in Alzheimer’s A sugar molecule known as a glycan could play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.

For the study, researchers conducted a bit of “reverse engineering,” using brain tissues from five people who died with Alzheimer’s disease.

If further research confirms the glycan finding, the

molecule could serve as a target for early diagnostic tests, treatments, and perhaps prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, say the researchers.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in the United States. Affecting an estimated 5.8 million Americans, the progressive disorder occurs when nerve cells in the brain

die due to the buildup of harmful forms of proteins called amyloid and tau.

Cleaning up the diseasecausing forms of amyloid and tau is the job of the brain’s immune cells, called microglia. Earlier studies found that when cleanup is impaired, Alzheimer’s disease is more likely to occur. In some people, this is caused by an

overabundance of a receptor on the microglia cells, called CD33.

“Receptors are not active on their own. Something needs to connect with them to block microglia from cleaning up these toxic proteins in the brain,” says Ronald Schnaar, professor of pharmacology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and

director of the laboratory that led the study.

Past studies from the researchers showed that for CD33, these “connector” molecules are special sugars.

Known to scientists as glycans, these molecules are ferried around the cell by specialized proteins that help them find their appropriate receptors. The protein-glycan

combination is called a glycoprotein. In a bid to find out which specific glycoprotein connects with CD33, Schnaar’s research team obtained brain tissue from five people who died of Alzheimer’s disease and from five people who died from other causes from the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centre which aided their findings

Agriculture All eyes on popular emissions summer festivals! targets to be agreed The coming weeks should see an agreement on emissions reduction target for agriculture — and any change in how methane from agriculture is calculated is unlikely to be considered.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue is to meet Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan to discuss how much of a cut agriculture will face.

The sector’s reduction target has been set at between 22pc and 30pc of its 2018 levels, but an exact figure has yet to be decided.

Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Laura Burke, said recently that agriculture must clarify how it will achieve reductions.

“We are particularly concerned when we look at the agriculture sector... because there’s an up to 30pc reduction in methane required. And the question is how do we go about that,” she said.

The challenge facing the country’s livestock sector in meeting the Government’s climate action targets was outlined by the EPA at the first meeting of the Food Vision Beef and Sheep Group, which took place last week.

The group, established by Minister McConalogue, is looking for ways to reduce emissions associated with the beef sector and follows the establishment of a similar dairy group earlier this year.

Measures According to The Farming Independent,farmorganisations were told at the meeting that full implementation of emission reduction measures already outlined “may just” get the agriculture sector to the minimum emissions cut demanded by Government.

However, the group was warned action could not be delayed and there must be progress made in the next two

to three years, according to a source at the meeting.

Some farm organisations at the meeting highlighted that suckler cow numbers have already reduced significantly since 2018. “Herd cuts were in the back of everyone’s minds at the meeting,” said the source. “There was a mood among some that the dairy expansion sector has gone too far.

“Beef farmers can’t be held accountable for expansion in the dairy sector if it comes to herd cuts.”

Pressure is mounting on the Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee to hold an urgent meeting regarding the Government’s handling of methane emissions from livestock before the Dáil’s summer break.

Professor Myles Allen of Oxford University has agreed to address the committee amid ongoing scientific and legal debate over the impact of bovine-sourced methane on global warming.

However, it’s understood any such meeting won’t now happen until the autumn.

Committee Chairman Jackie Cahill said “the only reason” the methane meeting has not yet occurred is because of the National Food Ombudsman Bill.

“The Agriculture Minister wants that to go through prelegislative scrutiny,” said Mr Cahill. “It’s a very detailed, complicated bill and it’s going to take four or five meetings to make progress.

“That will take up all our time between now and the recess.

The methane meeting will get preference when we come back in autumn. We’ve stakeholders saying the calculations are not being done correctly as regards ruminating animals.

“We want to give them a platform to bring forward their case; if they make a legitimate case, obviously it will have a very significant impact on the ceilings already applied,” Mr Cahill concluded.

Looking for something to do close by that won’t cost the earth? How about a visit to neighbouring Co. Tipperary, which was recently named one of the top holiday destinations in the world in the Condé Nast Travellers magazine. The premier county is set to embrace the title this summer, enhancing visitor trips with ample summer festivals kicking off this weekend.

Nenagh Castlefest will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26 with two days of music, food fayre, arts, crafts and, most importantly, fun! It is a free, daytime festival for families with a big emphasis on

children’s entertainment, and this year’s event will feature a new fun fair of rides, face painting and more over the weekend.

Castlefest 2022 is set to the biggest yet with three stages of live music on Saturday, June 25. With a serious music line-up from Louise Morrissey featuring All Star Backing Band, Brendan Shine, The Conquerors Showband, Olivia Douglas and local rising star Aishling Rafferty.

From July 1 to 10 Clonmel’s popular Junction Arts Festival will celebrate 21 years as the highlight of the arts and entertainment calendar in Tipperary. With less than two weeks to go,

excitement is building for the popular event which provides an important platform for regional and national artists from all disciplines.

Clonal is being transformed into a creative performance hub as the town prepares for an influx of visitors from home and abroad.

Live performance and more importantly live audiences are back with a bang as the festival brings the best of local and regional art together with exciting national and international work, bring together a programme that promises to entertain and entrance.

An action-packed programme is

complemented by the many tourist attractions in the town and surrounding areas making it the ideal staycation to kick off the summer season.

Programme highlights include; The Sofa Symphony, played live by a string quartet as musician Eamon O’Malley guides you through classical music’s greatest hits. Cikada Circus, Two acrobats (pictured above) welcome you into a world that yoyo’s between the harmonious and the absurd.

TUS Films, Digital Animation student production teams have created a series of animated films for the festival on the theme of ‘Hidden Histories’.

How Kilkenny has fared with a ‘better’ internet Homes in Kilkenny became the first ones in Ireland to try the new 2Gbps broadband internet, back in October 2021. The new network is at least twice as fast as the previous roll-outs, and soon it will cover another 64 Irish towns. The 2Gbps internet is being ushered by SIRO, a joint venture between EBC and Vodafone. Will it be enough to make Irish customers happy, particularly in areas which have little or no access to good broadband.

Back in 2014, download

speeds for fixed broadband wouldn’t cross 14Mbps. Six years later, the speed more than six-folded: 93Mbps. Indeed, there has been a lot of investment in internet improvement lately.

SIRO’s ambition to bring 2Gbps broadband to 770,000 businesses and homes is expected to cost EUR 620 million.

The effort counts on the support of the European Investment Bank and a pool of local and international lenders. These lenders are committed to ex-

panding the necessary infrastructure for SIRO’s services.

The past few years have put a lot of pressure on internet networks worldwide. The steep increase in users has created a demand for faster connections.

After all, it’s nearly impossible to work, study, watch movies, or play your favourite games on NetBet, with a sluggish internet connection. Nowadays, better internet means more accessibility to public services. It’s also essential for academic and professional purposes.

The Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Christian Thomsen, believes that the rapid expansion of broadband internet is essential for harnessing the benefits of digitalisation. The institution is backing EUR 170 million for SIRO’s project.

This support couldn’t come on a better occasion since SIRO expects to supply demands for 10Gbps internet for Irish businesses. Such an improvement will only be possible by expanding the current infrastructure.

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Support your local Amphitheatre Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre is reopening its doors to the public again after 2 years of restrictions.

There is an exciting and varied line-up with some shows already sold out.

However with so much going on all over the country one or two concerts are not going as well and we are highlighting them in case they are drowned out because you might be

disappointed to miss out.

On Saturday next June 25 our programme kicks off with a truly special occasion for folk and Traditional music lovers Beginning at 3 o’clock with Kilkenny’s finest Reel to Reel followed by Cormac Begley, Ye Vagabond, Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny and finally, the wonderful Altan, this promises to be a concert to remember.

Not only do we have music, we have workshops featuring local history, the art and craft of the makers of musical instruments, Interviews with the stars of the show including the legendary Andy Irvine on his 80th birthday, should be worth going to on its own.

And to finish off the night we have the finale of all finales, all the musicians, singers and artists, together on stage in

what should be a roof raising occasion.

You don’t want to miss it…

All of the above, plus Seani’s bar, food, shelter with Jim Maher M C There will be tickets for sale on the gate.

Under 12 Free with responsible adult Free parking Pass out, to get back in

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Feature

The Christian Brothers, John Lockes GAA Club and the purchase of a Hilly field The recently launched book ‘Coláiste Éamann Rís’ is 400 pages of the history and times of the CBS School in Callan, county Kilkenny. It celebrates 154 years and tells the story of the school from the early days and those who passed through the gates. One contributor to the book is Callan man Barrie Henriques. Over the next two weeks, we reproduce Barrie’s memories of those years.

BY BARRIE HENRIQUES Photos: Ignatius O’Neill

Part one

Ah the Christian Brothers, but more correctly the Irish Christian Brothers founded by Callan man, Edmund Rice back in the days. For the purpose of this diatribe, I will reference them as The Brothers.

I was born into an Ireland that coveted its neutrality as Homo sapiens indulged in a furore of blood-letting costing the deaths of countless millions. In Tuam of my beloved Galway, my education started with “the Nuns”, but more precisely with the Presentation Nuns being that the Mercy Nuns were also ensconced further out the Dublin Road. Tuam was a great centre of learning where the Archbishopric of the Arch Diocese was centred, and where we enjoyed second level education from both Convents, the Brothers, and St. Jarlath’s College. Additionally, a very fine Technical school provided education in the nonacademic field of learning.

There was “plenty of learning” around the place.

On completion of the second- class semester with the Nuns, we bade farewell to all our girl- friends-including the pitiable little girls from the Bon Secour Mother and Baby home- our band of ten-year olds marched two by two up the Dublin Road to the boy’s school. Our embryonic masculinity -we were big lads- had really turned a corner.

DRESSED IN ALL BLACK CASSOCKS Although our first teacher was a lay teacher- Paddy Quinn God Rest him- there were plenty of Brothers abounding. Dressed in their all-black cassocks, and wearing their distinctive biretta with the “three-pronged” top, they paraded around the yard in twos with menace. Even at that early age, there was an undertone perception of danger. Some carried a leather

­

strap in the cummerbund of their sultannes. On reflection, that strap, was a Government Issue of menace and pain in the hands of many who were not averse to using it unconditionally.

My regard for the Brothers was transient. I have known some vindictive savages who got great pleasure from dishing out unbelievable pain and insult. I knew many

more who were Apostles of Edmund Rice in every sense. I was honoured and privileged to number Brothers as very endearing and staunch friends.

Some I remember in my daily Rosary, and who have gone to be judged.

A HARSH UNWELCOMING IRELAND The Ireland I grew up in was a harsh, tough, unwelcoming

place. Children were abused in every which way possible, but particularly in a physical punishing way. It was an on-going process. There was always “a stick” in every house. It got plenty of use, to the extent that it was often replaced. When you heard your Mother say that your father will take the belt to you when he comes home, you were in severe trouble.

Violence was endemic in the Ireland in which I developed.

Women were but chattels, and children were seen but never heard, and chastised; how they were chastised!

It bordered on the barbaric.

But that was the culture of the times where Church ruled, the State submitted, and the poorer you were the more you suffered.

It was the culture of the times, and nobody saw anything wrong with that. And that culture was endorsed in all schools.

I hated school. I was terrified from the first day ‘till last. There were many like me. Right up to my Leaving Cert I was frightened. One or two lads took on the Brothers, but they paid an awful price. The happiest day of my life was the day I went out the gate after the last Leaving Cert exam.

Fast forward some twenty years or so. Like 60,000 of the finest our island produced every year from the 50s to well into the 80s, I emigrated. I was

lucky to get employment with Aer Lingus in Manchester.

Travelled the World over the twenty years or so, got married, had four children, and realised my ultimate ambition of returning home in 1973. We settled in Callan, and developed our Bar business. Initially it was a tough settling in process, but eventually I got involved in the activities of the town, and so started a culture that embraced so much to improve the town.

I was Chairman of the John Lockes Club, on the Parents School Development Committee, Callan United AFC, Racquetball Club, etc.

DREAMS OF THEIR OWN VENUE FOR GAA Most had ambitions of making drastic improvements to their organisations. The GAA Club

decided to buy their own place.

The Brothers decided that their establishment on West Street did not suit the purpose, and a new school was paramount.

Marvellous Committees were formed on both levels. £40,000 – an outlandish figure- was paid for a hilly field that was developed for nearly £100,000. It stands as testament to the Trojan work of so many great people, many of whom are gone to their maker.

At a meeting of the School’s Committee, Br. S.T. O Duinn intimated that a new green field site should be found on the outskirts of the town. Cunningham’s field (present location of Collaiste Eamon Ris) was earmarked. Eventually the process was agreed, a price was struck, and the wherewithal of the money (£80,000) was now the subject of deep discussion.

The town somehow had to address a situation of how and where a cumulative total of some £120,000 could be quarried. To compound matters the Country was not in a good place, with unemployment rampant and the emigrant ships full to the gunwales.

The Department of Education of the day made the building of a new Secondary School contingent of an acceptable site being acquired in the town.

Despite ferocious lobbying, the Department held tough until the site was procured. There were no options offered or even mentioned on the site issue.

Others through this tome will present the History of the building of Coláiste Eamon Rís. But my involvement was centred on producing the requisite site. To that end, the dreaded “FUNDRAISING” became the password among an enormous number of people. Many, like myself were faced with a double-barrel demand. Day and night, we were on the road selling this, signing promissory notes, asking for support, sending the customary begging letters to every known contact nationally, the UK, and America. Fundraising ideas were taken on board, evaluated, and decisions were made.

Farmers were asked to rear calves. Wherever there was a shilling to be made we were on it. We ran so many cabarets in so many locations, that many of our Committee were in mortal danger of alcohol fatigue. The length, breadth of the country roads were traversed, and some.

Photos of the launch of the book courtesy of Ignatius O’Neill Continued next week

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

Feature

Parishioners , clergy and friends gather as Fr Jim celebrates Golden Jubilee Photos by Edward Coady

F

riday June 10 was a special day for the parish and parishioners of St Canice’s in the heart of Kilkenny city.

A thanksgiving mass for the golden jubilee of Fr Jim Murphy was held and a packed church joined in the celebrations for the much loved priest.

Joined by many of his fellow priests from Ossory, the service was celebrated

by Bishop Denis Nulty.

The past fifty years could be described as an adventure, that saw Fr Murphy serving in different parishes in Ossory, including TullaherinBennetsbridge, Rathdowney, Clara and St Canice’s.

His ministry also saw him travel worldwide.

Speaking on Friday night, Jim said that he was grateful to his parents Willie and Maureen and to his family for their love and encouragement.

He also thanked the Parish Pastoral Council and staff and his colleagues Fr Tom Norris and Sister Concepta.

When it comes to looking back on his ministry, Fr Jim believes that the wonders of the world are in the small things that greet us each day.

According to Jim, the Lord is to be found not in the frantic storm or earthquake, but in the sound of the gentle breeze. “When I reflect on my time at St Canice’s, the Lord is to be found in the simple ordinary events”, said Fr Jim. Fr Murphy said that he loves hearing the beautiful choir each week, and is thankful for the generosity of people who helped with the renovation of the church and the gift of the Parish Centre.

He speaks highly of the great work being done for the elderly at Troyscourt and the community action at Fr McGrath Centre as well as projects such as meals on wheels and the great effort seen in the Parish Council.

“All these things are what makes St Canice’s parish such a wonderful place, and I thank all for the continued support,” said Fr Jim.

Bishop Denis Nulty with Fr Jim Murphy and fellow priests from Ossory at theGolden jubilee celebrations

To celebrate the golden jubilee in the priesthood Fr Jim planted a Cornus Kousa ( Milky Way) tree.

Looking on, Bishop Nulty and Michael Kelly.

Musical Director John O’Neill with Fr Richard Scriven ( St Mary’s)

Mons’ Michael Ryan, Fr Jim Murphy, Fr Willie Dalton and Fr Tom Coyle pictured at St Canice’s church for the golden jubilee celebrations.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

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Feature Jim was ordained by Bishop Peter Birch on June 11, 1972.

Following the mass of thanksgiving, a tree was

planted in the church grounds after which light refreshments were served in the local community centre.

Fr Jim Murphy and Bishop Denis Nulty

Fr’s Dan Bollard and Tom Norris.

Fr Tom Monahan ( Dominican) and Mons’ Dan Cavanagh.

Caoimhe Joyce and Imelda Murphy who participated at the golden jubilee mass for Fr Jim Murphy.

Fr Tom Coyle - 32 years as a Priest of the Diocese of Ossory Meanwhile Fr Tom Coyle celebrated mass on Thursday 16th June, in St Mary’s Cathedral to remember his ordination anniversary which was on the16th June 1990.

Welcoming Fr Tom, Fr Scriven, Administrator of the Cathedral, congratulated Fr Coyle commenting that his life’s work was a game of two halves!

In the first half he looked after the ‘soles’ of High Street when he worked in the shoe department of Goods Shop and in the second half he looked after the ‘souls’ of St Eugene’s Cathedral (Derry), Rosbercon, Castlecomer and as PP of Galmoy.

Fr Tom and his family have had a long association with the Cathedral Parish and in particular with church music in the cathedral.

Fr Scriven congratulated Fr Jim Murphy and Fr Dan Bollard who are natives of the parish and golden jubilarians this year with Fr Charlie Kelly who was curate in the cathedral (1972-1975; 1977-1987). Fr Lorcan Moran celebrates 40 years this year and he also served in the cathedral (1995-1997).

St Canice’s parishioner Sean O’Neill attending the mass.

Fr Tom Norris (St Canice’s) arriving for the golden jubilee celebrations.

Fr Martin , chaplain to the Kerala Community at the golden jubilee.

Fr Scriven, Fr Coyle and Fr Thomas Canning (Derry)

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Chicken souvlaki

Prep: 45 mins Cook: 40 mins plus at least 3 hrs marinating Serves: 4

with a little space underneath.

Remove the chicken from the fridge, take one thigh and thread it over 2 skewers, so it has a skewer through either side. Thread another piece of chicken on top, leaving a slight gap between each piece; you should fit 6 thighs on each pair of skewers. Position the skewers on top of the roasting tin and set aside while you finish the pittas.

Marinate the chicken for these Greek-style spiced kebabs as long as possible to soak up all the flavour and make it really tender.

Serve with warm bread, salad and tzatziki.

Ingredients • 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs For the marinade • 4 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried mint • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp coriander • 1 tsp sweet paprika • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • zest and juice 1 lemon, plus 1 lemon cut into wedges to serve • 4 garlic cloves, crushed For the pitta wraps • 250g strong white bread flour • 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast • 1 tsp golden caster sugar • 2 tsp olive oil, plus a little for greasing For the tzatziki • ½ cucumber • 200g Greek yogurt • small bunch mint, finely chopped • 1 small garlic clove, crushed • juice ½ lemon To serve • 1 butter or round lettuce • 4 large tomatoes, seeds removed, chopped • 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced You will need • 4 long metal skewers

Method STEP 1 Tip the chicken into a large bowl and add the marinade ingredients, along with 1 tsp salt and plenty of black pepper. Mix well, ensuring each thigh is well coated. Cover and chill for at least 3 hrs, or up to 48 hrs if you have time.

STEP 2 A few hours before you want to eat, make the pitta. In a bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar and 1/ 2 tsp salt with your fingertips.

Add 150ml lukewarm water and 2 tsp olive oil, and combine to a dough. Tip onto a work surface and knead for 8-10 mins (or use a tabletop mixer for 5 mins). Clean, then lightly oil your bowl, return the dough and cover loosely with

cling film. Leave to rise for 1 hr or until nearly doubled in size.

STEP 3 Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll out to circles, as thin as you can. Cover with sheets of oiled cling film and leave to rise for 15-20 mins.

STEP 4 To make the tzatziki, halve the cucumber lengthways and scoop out the seeds. Finely chop, then combine with the remaining ingredients, along with a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.

STEP 5 Heat the grill to its highest setting. Line a roasting tin with foil and find 4 metal skewers long enough to sit across the top

STEP 6 Heat a large frying pan (or two if you have them) over a mediumhigh heat and brush the breads with oil. Gently lift one into the pan. It should sizzle, and bubbles should appear on the surface after 1-2 mins. When the underside is golden, flip it and cook for another 2-3 mins.

Continue until all the breads are cooked, wrapping them in foil as you go. Keep the bread warm in the bottom of the oven while you cook the chicken. Alternatively, cook on the barbecue for 5-8 mins, turning occasionally.

STEP 7 Put the chicken under the hot grill and cook for 15-20 mins, brushing with oil and any juices from the bottom of the tin regularly, and turning halfway through cooking. Once cooked, remove from the oven and rest for 5 mins.

STEP 8 Cut through each pair of skewers to make four kebabs and serve in the warm bread, with lettuce, tomato, red onion, lemon wedges and tzatziki.

Celebrate seasonal ingredients and bake this easy apple sponge cake. This Polish recipe uses soured cream for a moist sponge and a tot of rum.

Ingredients • 4 apples • 1 lemon, juiced • 440g caster sugar • 4 eggs • 480g plain flour • 7g baking powder • 250g soured cream

• 50ml rum • 20g butter, melted, plus extra for the tin • 10g icing sugar Method STEP 1 Peel, deseed and cut the apples into eighths. Pour the lemon juice over the apples and sprinkle with a little caster sugar so that they do not darken.

STEP 2 Heat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Beat the eggs with the remaining caster sugar in a mixer until you have a thick,

Prep: 5 mins plus cooling, no cook Serves: 1 Discover how to make iced coffee at home. With this simple recipe, you can get a cooling caffeine fix with no fuss. Try it with a shot of maple syrup.

Ingredients • 200ml strong black coffee • 50ml milk • ice • maple syrup, optional Method STEP 1 Make a 200ml cup of black coffee following pack instructions, then allow the coffee to go completely cold. Pour into a blender with the milk along with 2 or 3 handfuls of ice and maple syrup, if using, then blend until smooth and foamy.

STEP 2 Pour into a chilled tall glass and serve.

Easy iced tea Prep: 5 mins Plus infusing and chilling Serves: 6 Make up a jug of refreshing iced tea to serve on summer days. With a subtle tea flavour, oranges, lemons and mint, it’s an excellent alcohol-free party drink.

Ingredients • 6 tea bags • 2 tbsp golden caster sugar • 1 tbsp runny honey , plus extra to serve • 2 lemons , 1 juiced, 1 sliced • 1 orange , sliced • small bunch mint , leaves picked • ice

Apple sour cream cake Prep: 20 mins Cook: 50 mins - 1 hr Serves: 8 to10

Iced coffee

pale, mousse-like mixture.

Sift over the flour and baking powder, and fold it in followed by the soured cream, rum and butter.

STEP 3 Butter the inside of a 23cm springform tin and arrange

the apples on the base. Spoon the batter on top and level it with a spatula. Put the cake in the oven and bake for 50 minutes-1 hour without opening the door. Cool the cake and then turn it out onto a plate, and sprinkle it with icing sugar to finish.

Method STEP 1 Put the tea bags, sugar, honey and 1.5 litres water in a large jug. Leave to infuse for 10 mins, then remove and discard the tea bags.

Chill until ready to serve.

STEP 2 Stir in the lemon juice, lemon slices, orange slices and mint leaves. Fill the jug with plenty of ice and stir again.

STEP 3 Fill tall glasses with ice and pour over the iced tea, then serve with extra honey to taste.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

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Advertisement TV & Streaming

Stranger Things and iconic Kate Bush

5

5 to stream right now on Netflix

Rebecca Hall makes her directorial debut in magnificent fashion with her 2021 adaptation of Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel Passing. It tells the story of two light-skinned Black women, one of whom chooses to ‘pass’ as white. Tessa Thompson and our own Ruth Negga embody the duality at the heart of this delicate story, shot in black and white. Gracefully handled, Passing is a tender portrait revealing powerful psychological depths.

Andrew Garfield takes the spotlight for this biographical musical drama about Jonathan Larson, the late composer behind Rent and Tick, Tick... Boom! The movie, helmed by Lin- Manuel Miranda in his directorial debut, follows Larson’s career and the time pressure he feels to leave a lasting impression. With joy-inducing music, a meaningful narrative about the creative process and a passionate performance from Garfield as Larson, Tick, Tick...

Boom! is a graceful and feel-good tribute.

Legendary 80s singer Kate Bush has once again become a household name due to her 1985 song ‘Running Up That Hill (Make a Deal With God)’ featured in an iconic scene in the first volume of Stranger Things, season four.

While Bush was a creative force to reckon with in her time, her music has become popular once again due to its significance in the fourth episode of the season.

Titled ‘Dear Billy’, the most epic episode features Sadie Sink’s Max being enshrouded by darkness. As Vecna plays vicious mind games, waiting to pounce on her by using her guilt-ridden mind

as leverage in the Upside Down, Max’s friends begin playing Bush’s song which brings her back to reality and helps her fight against Vecna.

While Sadie Sink and the creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, have been praised for the beautiful significance of the scene, Sink allegedly did not know who Bush was until the fourth season. However, following the scene, she is immersed in Bush’s works.

Sink revealed, “I did not know Kate Bush beforehand, but then I immediately skimmed through her work and then became increasingly more obsessed, and

then I was listening to her all the time.”

Sink said that the creators “could not have picked a more perfect song” for the sequence while being in awe of “the energy of the song, the synth and the lyrics.”

She continued: “Knowing the emotional connection that she [Bush] has to that song and how it’s kind of her anthem, played into it.”

Like Max, Sink played it in the background at home on loop to see if she “would go instance because that’s what Max was having to do.”

Apparently, she is “still not sick of it, which is good”.

Starring Millie Bobby

Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Robert Englund, Jamie Campbell Bower, Matthew Modine, Brett Gelman and Raphael Luce among others, the fourth season is the penultimate season before the series comes to an end with a fifth and final season.

The second and final volume of Stranger Things season four is scheduled for a July 1 premiere on Netflix and will have two featurelength episodes.

The Best Documentaries on Netflix 1. Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey There are a lot of Netflix documentaries about cults gone mad, but Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey might be the most disturbing of the lot.

Unlike Murder Among the Mormons, which almost treated its topic like a screwball comedy, Keep Sweet is a very grim story about a grim human being in Warren Jeys.

It’s a fantastic documentary, and among the best Netflix has produced, but it comes with a very hefty content warning.

2. Our Father As good as Netflix documentaries are, there’s been a

tendency to drag true crime out into these bloated multi episode series. Thankfully Our Father is the opposite of that. It’s a lean, perfectly executed documentary focused on Donald Cline, an Indiana fertility Doctor who used his own sperm to inseminate a ridiculous amount of women against their will.

This is an incredible piece.

One of those stories that just escalates and escalates to the point where you’re jaw is dropping in disbelief.

3. The Staircase The true crime documentary genre is utterly saturated at this point, but The Staircase stands out.

Focusing on Michael Peterson and the death of his wife Kathleen, The Staircase is more than just a murder mystery. It’s a drawn-out epic that takes place over literal decades, a documentary that follows Peterson and examines his every move, but somehow still remains objective.

4. Formula 1: Drive to Survive The absolute gold standard for long running sports documentaries. Drive to Survive is so good, and so popular, that it’s inspired a whole new level of interest in Formula 1, especially in the US. This show is great at elevating the char-

acters that occupy the sport.

More shows like this please.

5. Icarus This Oscar-winning documentary is an absolute belter.

Icarus starts out as an expose on the impact performanceenhancing drugs have on sports performance, but a sequence of events drags director Bryan Fogel into a web of geopolitics and conspiracies. To say more would spoil it, but Fogel ultimately has created a documentary that had a very real impact on our perception of sports as a whole. In that respect, Icarus is a literal game changer.

Stay tuned. More next week

This fine 2021 British drama excavates a whole lot of buried treasure with a distinguished cast in Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James and Johnny Flynn. It’s based on the true events around the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo, yielding a priceless trove of Anglo-Saxon artifacts hidden in a burial ship. Romantic, intellectual and moving, The Dig is a full sweep of elegance.

The Boys in the Band from 2020 sets a new stage for an ensemble cast who all performed the classic play-by-the-same-name’s 2018 Broadway revival. Among them, Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto and Matt Bomer. The movie brings new perspectives to a birthday party celebrated by a group of gay men in 1968 New York City. The party takes an unexpected turn when a visitor from the host’s past calls in. With a cast that knows how to play oc each other and compelling themes such as selfloathing and internalized homophobia, The Boys in the Band is a thought-provoking, engaging drama.

A black-and-white David Fincher tale from 2020 about the unsung screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz who helped Orson Welles write Citizen Kane. Step back into Old Hollywood, with beautiful cinematography and take in the behind-the-scenes of how studio systems functioned in a dicerent time. Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried are among the exceptional cast of this biographical drama filled with the lightness and darkness of its hero’s life.

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Community & GAA Notes

Some of the Clara minor panel that enjoyed their trip to Curracloe on Sunday.

GRAVEYARD MASS Clara Annual Cemetery Mass will take place in Clara on Sunday 26th June at 4.00p.m.

There will be no 10.00am. mass that Sunday.

JUNIOR Ds FALL SHORT The Clara Junior Ds fell just short on Wednesday of last week when they ran out of time after a stirring comeback against Dicksboro in Clara. Clara began the brighter and led 0-3 to 0-1 after 10 minutes.

Then the Boro took control and a flurry of scores left them 3-9 to 0-5 ahead at the halftime whistle. Clara, who had started the game with only 14 players, which the Boro sportingly matched, looked to be out of contention.

Padraic Brennan arrived for the second half to give Clara the full complement, but the Boro actually increased their lead in the early stages. Then slowly the home side began to get a grip on proceedings, and helped by a couple of Ben Nolan goals and some neat Rory O Keeffe scores, they fought their way back. Ruairí Breen then goaled and two points by Rory O Keeffe and Alan Coleman left just three points between the sides. A Dicksboro score by their Man of the Match Matthew Kelleher was cancelled out by Rory O Keeffe and with time almost up Ruairí Breen gained possession about 30 yards out. Ruairí wound up for a piledriver, but a despairing Boro defender got a hook in to thwart him. It was a brave effort from the Clara men, who never threw in the towel, and responded very well to manager David Mulrooney’s halftime urges. They were best served by Dermot Nolan, Mick McDonald, Alan Coleman, Brandon Ryan, Rory O Keeffe and Ben Nolan.

Team - James Dowling, Jack Carrigan, Dermot Nolan, John Brennan. Brandon Ryan, Mick McDonald 0-2, 0-1f, Thomas Armitage.

Paul Murphy, Alan Coleman 0-1. Rory O’ Keeffe 0-9, 0-1f, 0-1x 65, Ben Nolan 2-1, Michael Corr. Padraic Brennan, Ruairí Breen 1-0, Jack Murphy.

MINORS GO TO BEACH The Clara minors had a very enjoyable sojourn to Curracloe on Sunday. The weather was decent, the food was delicious (compliments of Freshco’s Mark and Sharon) and the craic was 90. They were put through their paces by Barry Power and Trevor Cummins and presumably slept well on Sunday night. Thanks to the parents for transporting the lads down

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner to this week’s Club Lotto (June 14). Numbers drawn were 4, 16, 19, 27 Bonus 11. Next weeks Jackpot will be €9,600 (June 21). Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw . 1. Theresa Trehy c/o E Kinchella. 2. Chris Goulding c/o Dan O’Driscoll 3. Ollie O’Driscoll c/o Dan O’Driscoll . 4. Dinny & Mags c/o John Joe Cullen 5. Jimmy & Ann Doyle c/o Esther Maher. 6. Alice Walsh c/o Mick Nolan 7. Danny Treacy c/o Michael O’Halloran . 8. Nora Roberts O’Reilly c/o Online 9. Linda O’Leary c/o Online. 10. Jake Leydon c/o Online . Thank you

St. John’s Schools - Winners Camogie Schools Final

Cousins Eve and Lilly accept the cup on behalf of St. John’s Schools for your continued support RACE NIGHT AUGUST 19TH Date for Your Diary - August 19th O’Loughlin Gaels RACE NIGHT. Tickets and Full Details out soon but Friday August 19th is a big family evening at Kilkenny Dog Track. Don’t miss it ..tell your friends and neighbours and let’s give this social evening a welcome return.

CAMOGIE Well done to the girls of St. John’s Snr and Johnswell NS who won the Cumman na mBunscoileanna Camogie Final at Nowlan Park on Saturday. It was a great occasion and a well earned win by all involved. Lovely hurling SUPPORT CLUB TEAMS As the exam break ends many of our teams will return to competitive action this week. We encourage you all to get out and support our club teams, they put huge effort into their preparations and appreciate all the support they get.

IONAD LACHTAIN The unveiling of the bust size art piece of the late Sr. Patricia, a native of County Kerry, founder of Prague House took place on Sunday last at Ionad Lachtain Heritage centre. The piece of art was done by local artist Kevin Buckley of Woodview Freshford and was presented to the museum at Ionad Lachtain Heritage Centre. The ceremony was opened by Ned Kennedy and Paul Murphy from the Prague House Committee spoke also. A poem written and recited

by Teresa Dillon about Sister Patricia and her work and life during her time in Freshford and Teresa unveiled the master piece which was donned with the Kerry Jersey. The ceremony ended with a rendering of “Down in the County Kerry” sung by Kathleen Doyle with Paddy Butler giving her a hand. Tea and refreshments were served afterwards.

MRS KILLEEN RIP Freshford lost another of it more senior citizens last week with the passing of Mrs. Mai Killeen late of Kilkenny Street, Freshford.

The deceased who was in her 91st year was predeceased by her

husband Michael. A native of County Galway, as was Mick, the couple came to Freshford back in 1960 and carried on a family pub in the village for decades which is still going to this day. She was a kind friendly and good living lady and both her and her family are widely known and respected in the area. Funeral mass took place on Sunday afternoon in St.Lachtains Cemetery Freshford followed by burial in St.Lachtains Cemetery. She is mourned by her sons Paddy and Declan, daughter Rita, grandchildren, son in law, and daughters in law, and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

CENTRE OPEN Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 until 4.30. Kevin Buckley’s replica of the Shrine of St. Lachtain’s Arm is currently on display in the museum courtesy of Freshford Community Club. Also on display is another replica of the shrine created by Pádraig Donnelly. There are gifts for every occasion on sale in the crafts shop. New additions here include souvenir Freshford greeting cards and carrier bags and clocks set in miniature hurleys and sliotars. While these sport the Black and Amber colours, they can be ordered in any county colours.

Ned Kennedy’s book “Edmund Fitzpatrick Artist and Illustrator” is on sale at O’ Shea’s Shop and all Kilkenny bookshops. Cost €12. It can be ordered by post from O’Shea’s by adding post and packing.

SUMMER CAMPS The annual summer camp will take place at the GAA Grounds from 25th to 29th July with organiser JJ Grace and his team of helpers.

Bookings are now been taken for the camp which is the oldest camp in the village and has been going for the past number of years very successfully. For more information or for booking please contact JJ on086 8629666 CEMETERY MASS The annual Cemetery mass in St.Lachtains Cemetery Freshford will take place on this Sunday 26th June at 11a.m. This is the first time in the past three years that mass will take place as the event didn’t take place for the past two years due to the pandemnic. People are reminded to let family members know and try to make sure family graves are cleaned up for the event.

GAA St.Lachtains Junior F hurlers took on neighbours Lisdowney in the League semi final at Pairc Lachtain on Sunday evening last. A close game throughout saw the local side come out winning by 3 pts and qualify for the final.

Team: M.Walsh, J.Cantwell, Kennedy, D.Quinn, J.Hickey, M.Nowlan J.Bowden, P Maher, C.O’Leary, .Donnelly, C.Power, M.Durnan, D.Killeen, B.Dermody, J.Bergin St.Lachtains minors taken on Burren Rangers on Friday evening next at 7.30 at Pairc Lachtains.

Hard luck to the St.Lachtains U11 schoolboys who were beaten

by Tullaroan in the schools final at Nowlan Park on Wednesday evening last. Having led in the first half of the game they were somewhat unlucky to lose out by 3 pts to a stronger Tullaroan side.

Well done to all the team management and mentors and supporters for their fantastic efforts throughout the year.

SPLIT THE POT The weekly lucky winner of the split the pot draw last week was Alan Rafter Woodview who won himself €136. The draw takes place each Wednesday. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. The draw is held each Wednesday and boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanaghs Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls & Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. This months proceeds are going to Freshford Community Café. The Committee would ask you to Please support this fund raiser.

SOCCER All is quite on the field of play for Freshford Town as the season has now finished for juniors and schoolboys.

The training sessions for U8s which was held each Saturday morning from 12 noon to 1pm at the Sportsfield at Woodview finished up recently for the summer holidays HOME FROM DOWN UNDER Visiting Freshford at present from down under Australia is Paul Deacon and his family at his family home at Buncrussia Street. The family emigrated to Australia some years ago and have been unable to get home since before the start of the pandemic.

WINNER Congratulations to local lady Claire Dermody who is a member of Kilkenny City Harriers on winning 10 mile ladies race recently.

Congrats also to Aoife Murphy and Emma Daly who represented St.Lachtains in the Poc Fada completion at Gowran race course on Wednesday evening last.

COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford /Threecastles Community Alert group remind you that anyone wishing to join the text alert scheme or have a personal alarm installed should contact any of the above Committee. It is 10 euro per phone number. New members are always very welcome.

The group wish to thank everyone who has joined for their continued support. Please contact any of the committee members to discuss, John Bergin 0862592535, Jacinta Power 0877658672, Mick Cormack 0863535293 or Anna Morrissey 0858277965.

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

MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with

activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie HELP FOR AL L Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

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

Rosary in Dunnamaggin: The rosary will take place the first Monday of every month during the summer at 8pm at Our Lady’s Grotto Baurscobe, Dunnamaggin. All are welcome.

CEMETARY MASS Cemetery Masses: will take place in Kilbride Cemetery this Friday (June 24th) at 8pm. Kilmoganny on Friday 8th July @ 8.00 pm: Dunnamaggin on Friday 15th July @ 8.00pm Kilree to be arranged BRIDGE CLUB Kilmoganny Bridge Club Results for 8/06/2022: 1 Kitty Meagher and Catherine Burke. 2 Emer Wallace and Gerry FitzGerald. Bridge results for 15/6/2022: 1 Catherine Burke and Helen Lanigan. 2 Jackie Kennedy and Rita Townsend. Bridge is every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in St. Eoghans Centre, Kilmoganny. All welcome.

DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Dunnamaggin Development Group has received funding from Kilkenny County Council’s Amenity Fund to develop a Remembrance Walk through the trees to the side of St Leonard’s Church.

This inclusive, reflective, meditative space will remember all those we have lost, particularly those who have died during the pandemic and especially those we could not grieve for in the usual Irish way due to the restrictions in place at the time. We are hosting a planning meeting to listen to the thoughts and ideas of all the residents of the Dunnamaggin Parish area. This will take place on Tuesday July 5th at 7pm starting at the church. We would encourage young and old to attend and share with us how they envisage the Remembrance Walk.

BARN DANCE Get your dancing shoes and cowboy hats on and come on down to Madge’s Garden on Saturday June 25th 7pm to 10pm for some Line Dancing. Ray Cahill, line dancing maestro will be on hand to put us through our paces, a BBQ will be available and Ray’s will be open to quench the thirst. €5 on the gate - €10 to include a Burger and mineral. Sunday June 26th our monthly market takes place from 11.30am to 4pm. From 1pm to 3pm Ray will be on hand to give free Children’s Line Dancing Lessons - spot prizes throughout and one especially for best dressed cowboy and cowgirl. Connect with neighbours and friends - BBQ, Real Lemonade from Gwen’s Stall and lots of craft and food stalls.

LEINSTER JUVENILE ATHLETICS Kells were well represented at the Leinster Juvenile Athletics Championships in Tullamore winning medals in U-15 Hurdles, U-17 800m, U-17 Hurdles and U-18 Long Jump The Kells athletes who competed with Kilkenny City Harriers AC in the Leinster Athletics Championships in Tullamore on Sunday were, Cormac Holden U-15, Muireann Holden U-15, Louisa Gilmore U-17, Bláithín Holden U-17 and Noah Gilmore U-18. Congratulations to all KELL’S HANDBALL CLUB Kells Handball Club: Feile 40x20 2022. A very busy weekend saw four Kells teams in action in the 40x20 Feile held in Kilkenny, Carlow and Laois venues. Players received Kells jumpers and shorts on the gear night on Thursday and were all eagerly anticipating the games to come.

In division 1 Kells were hosted by O Loughlins and played Talbots Inch, Abbeyknockmoy and Tuamgraney. O Loughlins organised a speech from former Kilkenny great Tommy Walsh who spoke of

Medals winners from Kells at the Leinster Juvenile Athletics Championships in Tullamore L-R: Cormac Holden U-15, Muireann Holden U-15, Louisa Gilmore U-17, Bláithín Holden U-17 and Noah Gilmore U -18

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Community & GAA Notes his days playing feile and the memories he still has of it. The Kells lads put in strong performances but didn’t make the final where Talbots Inch sealed their first Divsion 1 title beating Abbeyknockmoy in the final. All these lads were playing the best players in their age group and will have gained a lot from the experience. Daniel Hayes claimed bronze in the skills event The Division 1 girls competition was held in Kilfane and despite some good performances the girls weren’t in the shake up for the final as Lochmacrory defeated Kilfane in the final. The Kells girls claimed bronze and also Mia O Connell claimed bronze in the girls skills event.

Our Division 3 boys team competed in Tinryland and met strong opposition in Carrick On Suir, St Mellans from Monaghan and Inis Mór. Unfortunately the lads didn’t make the final but can be proud of their efforts. Tim Doherty competed in the skills competition. Our division 3 team and our division 7 team took part in the Feile parade and greatly enjoyed the experience.

To cap things off our Division 7 team won the D7 Feile title seeing off host club Monavea in the final. This was a brilliant victory for the lads and had put in many hours training for the event. They had been on a good run throughout the day which culminated in an excellent performance in the final.

Congratulations to the team and trainer Joe Sheridan who got the results from their training in the build up to the Feile. To cap off things in Monavea team member Darragh Lyons took home a 2nd Gold Medal winning the skills competition. Great credit to Darragh as it’s not easy win any skills competition.

Thanks to all coaches and parents for their hard work. To host clubs O Loughlins, Kilfane, Tinryland and Monavea for having us and looking after players, coaches and supporters alike the hospitality was brilliant and the players will remember it for a long time to come.

Boys D1 team - Timmy Corr, Daniel Hayes, Matthew Murphy, Conor Dillon, Ronan O Mahony Girls D1 team - Shauna Hayes, Emily Phelan, Mia O’ Connell, Emily Shortall, Rachel Phelan Boys D3 team - Tim Doherty, Mattie Corr, Cathal Rossiter, Alan Cunniffe, Daniel Smith Boys D7 team - Sean Sheridan, Darragh Lyons, Jason Lafford, Hugh Healy, Nicky Healy Skills winners. D1 Boys - Daniel Hayes (Bronze). D1 Girls - Mia O Connell (Bronze) D7 Boys- Darragh Lyons (Gold) Also it goes without saying but thanks to coaches and mentors who travelled with and supported team members on the day and in the buildup the Feile with many long hours spent training. Congratulations to all involved with Feile 2022 DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES FOOTBALL Our U14s had two wins in the past week in their final two league games. Last week a win over Erin’s Own. This week they faced off Railyard with some fantastic scoring from a range of players. A hat trick from midfielder Kaitlyn Summers, Two goals for Tiernaigh O Neill Walsh, 2 points for Sarah O’Shea, a goal for Stella Butler, a point for Ali Dowling and a whopping 3:5 for free taker Amy O’ Shea.

The girls know that not one of these scores was possible without the effort and determination put in by the whole squad from the goalkeeper right up.

LOCAL LOTTO Local Lotto Draw Results for June 13th - Winning Numbers : 23, 30, 33. No Winner.Winners of the Draw for 5 x € 30. Jimmy McCormack ( Jimmy McCormack ),US2+1 ( Kathleen Kirwan ),Maria Reid ( Johnno Reid ),DHC ( DHC ),Phillip Tallon ( Malachy Hogan ). Jackpot next week June 20th € 1,450. Venue : Townsend’s Dunnamaggin at 9pm.

All Welcome.

GOWRAN DEVELOPMENT Community Employment Scheme (CE) - The scheme currently has a number of positions vacant in the area. If interested, contact the CE office in Goresbridge, on; 059 9775675 or 086 8566242. Thanks to all participants who worked on the scheme in Gowran throughout the years maintaining public places and helping to keep Gowran litter free.

St Mary’s Church Gowran - the church opened again last week for the Summer season following two years closure due to COVID. Entrance to the church is free. Guides will be only too delighted to guide you through the long history of this National Monument.

Visitors can view the many monuments of national importance on display within the church.

Tidy Town - is back. Due to COVID, Tidy Towns didn’t take place in 2020. The event was a virtual event last year. However, this year the judges will visit again. Gowran has entered the competition for almost 40 years. Thanks to all who plant and look after flowers, paint their premises and generally look after the area.

THE KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival takes place this year in Gowran Park, takes place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers.

Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com GOWRAN PARISH June Collection for the Priest. June Collection envelopes are welcome if you have not already subscribed. Place envelope in the Weekly envelope collection box at the back of the church. Thanks to all who do subscribe for their donations.

CEMETARY MASSES Gowran on Tuesday 5th July 7.30pm and Dungarvan Wednesday 6th July 7.30pm YARD SALE Yard Sale takes place in Parochial House Gowran 2next Saturday 11am onwards. 50 or 60 electrical household goods and some small occasional furniture will be offered on sale at drop down prices. All

items are new.

Electrical Goods and household items. Before the Covid lockdown these items were part of the raffle prizes at each Thursday night Bingo. Although Bingo is back again the usual raffle will not be brought back. Pieces of occasional furniture. A small number of household furniture remained unsold at the last Parish Auction.

These will be on offer to anyone interested. All items will be priced and it will be first come.

SPORT ROUND UP MICHAEL O’LEARY STORMING FINAL QUARTER AS INTERMEDIATES STORM THEIR WAY TO LEAGUE FINAL A storming final quarter saw the Young Irelands Intermediates power their way to victory against Danesfort in Gowran on Friday night as they won 2-18 to 1-17. Trailing 0-10 to 0-7 in first-half injurytime, Young Irelands grabbed an equalizing goal on the stroke of half-time courtesy of a superb finish by Ted Drea following a brilliant run by Sean Carey. 0-10 to 1-7.

Danesfort added a point within seconds of the restart, before Ted Drea grabbed his second goal moments later courtesy of a brilliant flicked attempt as they now led 2-7 to 0-11.

Young Irelands began to accelerate & four points in a three minute spell between the 35th & 38th minutes from Tommy Phelan & Paul Holden with three frees saw them regain the lead. 2-11 to 1-13.

Danesfort replied with the levelling point in the 40th minute (2-11 to 1-14), but the Gowran Men took over for the remainder of the game as they outscored their opponents 0-7 to 0-3. Paul Holden - including two frees - and Sean Carey added three further points each, while substitute Padraig Naddy impressed greatly when introduced also got in on the act. Overall, it was an excellent Young Irelands performance & they can look forward with confidence to a League Final showdown next Saturday night at 7pm.

Meanwhile, the Young Irelands Junior A Team have qualified for a League Final showdown with Thomastown following a 0-16 to 1-11 win away to Graigue-Ballycallan in the League Semi-Final in Kilmanagh on Sunday Evening.

DISAPPOINTMENT AS CAMOGIE GIRLS LOSE OUT TO SUPERIOR ROWER OUTFIT Unfortunately, there was disappointment for the Gowran Primary School Camogie Team as they lost out 3-15 to 3-3 to Rower-Inistioge in the Primary Schools Roinn B Final in Nowlan Park on Sunday Afternoon. Rower-Inistioge inspired by the brilliance of Muireann Kenny got off to a terrific start and they led 1-2 to 0-0 after 5 minutes, before the Gowran girls replied with two pointed frees from Aimee Byrne and a goal from Saidhbh Farrell to draw level in the 10th minute. 1-2 each. However, Rower-Inistioge were undettered and 5 unanswered points from Muireann Kenny between the 11th and 23rd minutes gave them a 1-7 to 1-2 lead, and despite Eilish Keating grabbing a point, the Gowran girls were left with an extremely difficult task as the Rower girls grabbed goals late in the first-half from Muireann Kenny & Aoibhinn Downey to lead 3-7 to 1-3 at the interval.The Gowran Girls tried their utmost throughout the SecondHalf & an Eilish Keating goal in the 35th minute gave them a glimmer of hope(3-8 to 2-3), but despite grabbing a late goal, Rower-Inistioge continued to dominate and they ran out resounding winners.

GOWRAN SQUAD: Ashling O’Neill, Bronagh O’Neill, Aoife Brennan, Aoibheann Drennan, Katie Comerford, Holly Drennan, Aimee Byrne, Saidhbh Farrell, Claire Kavanagh, Eilish Keating, Daisy Coomey, Neassa Ahern, Orlaith Carroll, Ellie Carter, Dearbhla Convery, Katie Ryan, Vicki Cahill, Niamh Brennan, Ciara Farrell, Ruby Butler, Leah Dreeling, Lauren Phelan, Emily Patterson, Jane O’Connor, Anna Kelsey, Megan O’Neill, Rebecca Kelly, Mentors: Miriam O’Keeffe, Emma Nolan, Padraig Brennan.

TWO NARROW LOSSES FOR U-13 HURLERS The Young Irelands U-13 Hurlers had two narrow losses over the past week as they lost out 1-9 to 0-8 against John Lockes Callan where they had a late penalty saved, while last Saturday they came up short losing out 2-7 to 1-8 against Dicksboro. They have another home match this coming Friday Evening at 7.30pm against O’Loughlin Gaels.

CAMOGIE WRAP-UP There was mixed fortunes for the Young Irelands Camogie Teams over the past two weeks.

The Junior Team won their League match 1-7 to 1-2 against St. Martins, the U-14 Team were successful 5-7 to 3-7 away to St. Annes last Wednesday Evening, but unfortunately there was disappointment for both the Senior & U-16 Teams at home last Sunday.

The Senior girls lost 6- 12 to 1-5 against St. Brigids last Sunday Morning, while it was a narrow defeat for the U-16 girls on Sunday Evening as they lost 2-4 to 1-5 against Ballyhale Shamrocks.

The U-16 girls are back in action this evening(Wednesday) as they travel to South Kilkenny to play Tullogher in the Quarter-Final of the Summer League.

Meanwhile, Well done to both Lucy Coomey and Eimear Brennan who were part of the Kilkenny U14 Development Squad that won their Leinster Blitz in Portlaoise on Saturday.

POC FADA Well done to Jim Conlon who was runner-up in the Long Puck Competion held in Gowran Park last Thursday. Jim will be action for the Young Irelands Minors as they resume competitive action at home to Bennettsbridge next Monday Evening at 7.30pm.

The Young Irelands Minors were in flying form prior to the exam break with 5 wins and a draw from their 6 matches and they will be hoping to continue their winning run against near neighbours.

YOUNG IRELANDS ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Young Irelands annual Golf Classic will take place this coming weekend, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th of June. €3000 in prizes with Teams of four €200 including Meal. For Tee Times contact Liam Walsh on 087 2647248.

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results June 16th. Nos 2-13-17-21.

Jackpot €2450 1st Prize €50 Danielle Delaney c/o Dohertys Bar. 2nd Prize €25 Cillian

Breathnach c/o online 3rd Prize €25 Conor Hogan c/o online. 4th Prize €25 Mary McGinley c/o online Hurlers Co Op Ticket Linda Molloy c/o T & J Knox. Promotors Prize Jim Murphy Next week Draw €2600 SUMMER CAMPS 2022 Save the date for our hugely popular Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club Multi Activity Summer Camp. Week 1 - July 18th - 22nd. Week 2 - August 15th - 19th. Booking System Now Open. FINAL DATE FOR BOOKING 29TH JUNE NEW THIS SUMMER Dicksboro GAA & Camogie Club are delighted to launch a 3 Day Development Camp.

For Ages 12’s-16’s. 10am to 1pm , 8th, 9th and 10th of August cost €45. Organised by Dicksboro Games Promotional Officer Philly Campion TO BOOK visit https://dicksborogaa.com/products. Queries to cathmcpeters@gmail.com PRIMARY SCHOOLS Huge Congratulations to St Canices School on winning the Roinn A Hurling and Camogie. And hard luck to the Camogie Roinn B Team who lost out in the decider. Great to see so many of our young club players playing in Nowlan Park. Well done to Kilkenny GAA and Kilkenny Camogie.

JUVENILES Well done to our brilliant u10’s who played in the Naas Tournament.

Great skills on show and great memories made by all involved. The Boro u9’s went to John Locke’s and played in the next stage of the Go Games. They represented the club brilliantly. Well done lads.

SENIORS Well done to the Junior D Team who defeated Clara on a scoreline of 3-16 to 3-13. And hard luck to the Junior A’s who were defeated by Thomastown in the Semi Final 2-22 to 1-19.

HANDBALL An historical and successful day for TalbotsInch Club as two teams participated in the National Feile. Division 1 Team of Anthony Clifford, James Kenny, Rian Dowling and Andrew Brennan claimed the First Div 1 Title for the club.While in Div 4 team of 4, Boro lads Joe Dowling, Conor Deegan, Sean Kavanagh and Sean Carroll were Runners Up. This is a fantastic achievement for TalbotsInch and huge credit to Jim Neary and Ciaran Neary for their time and dedication to these young players. Huge thanks to O’Loughlin Gaels for their fantastic facilities in the Div 1 games and to Windgap in the Div 4.

Our Junior Ladies took on Rosslare in the Junior Cup on Sunday 19th. It turned out to be a very close encounter indeed with Rita O’Neill taking her opponent down the 21st hole at Rosslare Golf Club. Great credit goes to our ladies who were very narrowly beaten 3/2 .

CALLAN GOLF CLUB The Carton Cup Ladies took on Baltinglass in the last 16 of the Carton Cup 9 hole competition at Baltinglass on Sunday. Coming from a very level course to such a rolling hilly course where the only level ground was the tee box it proved a very difficult task for our ladies as all were playing in their first interclub competition. The ladies were disappointed not to make it to the final 8 of this competition which leads to Carton House. But, we wish Baltinglass all the very best and hope they go all the way.

PLAY IN PINK Sisters Berna Walshe and Anna Starr featured in the Play in Pink competition which was held at Carrick on Suir Golf Club on Wednesday 15th. They took 3rd place from a field of 70 plus teams.

SENIOR LADIES OUTING The sheet for the Senior Ladies outing to the Gold Coast is displayed in the Ladies Locker Room so please enter your name if interested.

RESULTS Tue 14th Annual Butler Cup Stroke Competion. Bridget Holohan (29) 66. Caroline Healy (36) 68 c/b. Anne Phelan (35) 68. Marian Butler (26) 69 9 Hole. Teresa Phelan (11) 21pts. Ailish Carey (19) 18pts Senior Ladies Thursday 16th.Twenty six Ladies played where the scoring was very high indeed.

1.Ellen O’Shea 29pts c/b. 2.Mary Grace 29pts c/b. 3.Jean Grace 29pts c/b 4.Ena Kennedy 28pts. 5.Geraldine O’Sullivan 28pts TUBORG PREMIER LEAGUE It was the David Murphy show on Friday night, he played unbelievable darts all night until he got to the final. In one game against Michael (Sully) O Sullivan he hit 3 180’s in 3 legs ,in the first leg he took out 118 for a 15 darter, but he needed to because Sully threw brilliant darts as well taking out a 129 on the bull but the shot of game no the night was by David Murphy with the score at 2 - 2 he took out a 145 in 15 darts to win the game 3 - 2 .Kieran Furlong had a 129 finish on the bull but the best finish on the bull was by Cian Cullen who took out a 135 a fantastic way to finish a game. Jamie Grant hit a14 and a 15 darter taking out a 116 on X 18 for a great leg of darts. Ritchie O Hanlon had the highest finish on the night with a brilliant 154 , on to the last 16 , PJ Byrne and Mickey Keeffe played the first game, Mickey played great darts against PJ but in the end PJ, hitting his doubles was the winning of the game. The next game between Mick Kelly and Kieran Furlong was a great game with Mick Kelly coming out on top by 3 / 2 , Kieran Furlong had 2 great legs in his loss, he hit a 13 darter and a 15 , he finished the bull for a 129 on the 15 darter so he was unlucky that Mick was at the top of his game against him. Allen Bennet and John Leahy played against each other in the 3rd game, Allen used all the experience he has to beat John 3 / 0 John just couldn’t get going in the game and Allen punished him for it. The 4th game was a cracker, David Murphy and Mick (The Flash) Dwyer, David took the first game but Flash fought back to take the next game, but his fighting soon came to an end as David took the next 2 legs, again his finishing was superb not giving Flash a shot at a double in either of the 2 legs. The 5th game saw Cian Cullen and Ritchie O Hanlon, the Waterford man threw great

darts, he was beaten 3 / 1, but in the leg he won he took out a 154 against Cian.

The next game was between Michael Cummins and Mick Dwyer, Michael Cummins got off to a brilliant start winning the first 2 legs, Mick Dwyer Jnr is never beaten and he made the comeback of the night, winning 3 legs in a row finishing all 3 legs on 76/ 89/ 94 using his 3 darts in all the finishes. Next game was between Tommy Dalton and Jamie Grant , the young man from Waterford was in top from the start having a 15 darter to start with, he didn’t get it all his own way as Tommy is throwing darts at the moment , Jamie went on to win the game by 3 legs to 2 . The last game was a cracker of a game, Kieran Lennon played Michael ( Sully) O Sullivan,Kieran played the best leg of the night hitting a 13 darter in the first leg, unfortunately for him Sully played his A Game, his finishing was brilliant as was his setting the finishes up, his scoring was great as well. The first Q / Final was between PJ Byrne and Mick Kelly, Mick is in great form at the moment and is throwing brilliant darts. PJ took the first leg in a very close game, Mick struck back talking the next 2 legs with some good finishes , PJ made it tough to see who would win it by making it 2 - 2 , he took out 96 in 2 darts for a 14 darter, Mick took it all in his stride and never gave PJ a shot at a double as he checked out 40 to win, in what I say was the best game of the night. The next game was between between two Wexford men, Allen Bennet and David Murphy, number 1 and 2 in the table at the moment, the game showed why they are at the top of the table, Allen Bennet is playing absolutely brilliant darts at the moment, but it was David Murphy who was playing unbelievable darts all night showed why he is number 1 at the moment in the league, he beat Allen 3 / 1 with again hitting big scores and great finishing. On the the 3rd Q / Final, Cian Cullen and Mick Dwyer Jnr, Mick Jnr got of to the start anyone would love to, he played brilliant darts hitting every thing he went for taking out great finishes, he won 3 / 1 but in the leg that Cian won he took out a 135 finish by hitting 25 treble 20 and a fantastic shot at the bull.

Jamie Grant and Sully played the last Q / Final , Sully keep his game up throwing great darts to beat Jamie 3 / 1 in what was another good game,with Sully hitting his doubles so well he gave Jamie little opportunity to get a shot at a double. The first S / Final saw Mick Kelly and David Murphy, in what was a great game, Mick Kelly played great darts in the first 2 legs but after settling down David Murphy got back into the game scoring great and finishing even better he hit the double with the first dart in each of the games he won. The last S / Final was between Mick Dwyer Jnr and Sully, Mick again played super darts in winning by 3 legs to 1, Sully played very good but couldn’t get it right when his finishing let him down when he needed it. On to the Final, it turned out to be a fantastic game, with both players not getting the better of each other, the darts went with the throw each holding his own until the last leg where Mick Dwyer broke David and went on to win the Final. The standard of play is great with 6 different players having won on the night so no one is dominating the League. A mention to a few people who are improving week after week, Gez Quiruga who’s playing good at the moment, taking legs off of some of the lads who would normally not let her, Robbie Van Geisko, played some of the best games I have seen him play in a long time . So I will see ye all on next Friday night.

Arik Boczon and his brother in law Robbie Van Geisko both from Poland. Arik hasn’t missed a single game in the last 7 years of the league

David Murphy who played brilliant darts all night,but met his match in Mick Dwyer Jnr in the final

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Sporting tribute

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

The hurling world was shocked to the core last weekend, with the news of the passing of Tyrone’s greatest ever hurler, Damian Casey.

The 29-year-old Dungannon man died while in Spain, where the gifted stick man was due to attend a friend’s wedding.

Tyrone GAA announced the sad news by saying: “Heartbreak and grief can come in many forms but are especially cruel when brought about by the sudden death of someone young, talented, outgoing and in the prime of life.

“Accordingly, Gaelic Tyrone is totally shaken by the news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a supreme hurler just now at the peak of his powers.”

Tyrone GAA added: “Damian Casey was a special gift to Tyrone and to hurling.

We were the richer for his presence and are the poorer for his passing.”

Chair of the Tyrone Couinty Board,Michael Kerr said: “This breaking news is beyond belief.”

“Someone who brought honour, delight and simple, straightforward gladness to our whole county, and far beyond, is gone and it’s so hard to take in.”

“There are very difficult days ahead for Sean, Susan, Louise and Catherine, for Damian’s wider family circle and many friends and associates, for his team-mates and for the Gaels of Dungannon and Tyrone.

“Our deepest sympathy goes to them, and our focus must now be on providing the support and comfort that will be so badly needed.”

Dungannon Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club, where Damian learnt his craft and played with distinction for years, shared the devasting news on their social media channels on Saturday morning.

“The Committee, Officers, team mates and members of Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club Dungannon are devastated by the sudden passing of our Senior Hurler Damian Casey.

Our thoughts at this time are with his heartbroken father & mother Séan and Susan, his sisters Louise and Catherine and the wider Casey family circle.”

“No amount of words can express fully the depth of their and our despair at this awful time, nor can any amount of words fully capture what Damian meant to his family, his club Eoghan Ruadh and GAA in Tyrone and beyond.”

“Quite simply he was a unique talent, but above all

that, a truly wonderful son, brother, teammate, friend and leader. For one so talented, he was blessed with a modesty beyond belief. Accolades were bestowed on him for his achievements on hurling fields across Ireland and though acknowledged quietly and privately, they never changed the modest, team focused, club focused lad who first walked into our club over two decades ago.”

“Eoghan Ruadh’s Club House will open each evening and all are welcome to call. “ Ar dhéis Dé go raibh anam uasal.

Tyrone Senior hurling manager, Michael McShane simply said “On earth you were a star both as a hurler and a gentleman. May your star shine brightly in heaven. Rest In Peace mo chara. You will be sorely missed.”

Across the Island, the reponse to Damian’s passing was widespread. Kilkenny GAA said: “Kilkenny GAA and all in the hurling community locally are terribly saddened to hear of Damien’s death. Such a talent gone far too early.”

Damian Casey – incredible, phenomenal, understated, a true Gael As we all know, Tyrone is a hot bed of Gaelic football.

Hurling largely plays second fiddle to the big ball.

Damian hurled from a young age with his beloved Eoghan Ruadh club and played Gaelic Football with the Thomas Clarkes club, both in Dungannon. He was a natural athlete, excelling in both codes, and showing those leadership qualities that would stand to him during his senior playing days.

The sliotar became his main focus from about U14 upwards, and by God did he master his craft.

Damian attend St Patrick’s Acadamy before studying at Ulster University, where he represented them at Fitzgibbon Cup level.

His club are second only to Eire Og of Carrickmore, in the number of Tyrone senior hurling championships won.

24 in total. The hurling club in the town has been going since the early 40’s, but never had its own base. Eoghan Ruadh would play games at Dungannon Clarkes O’Neill Park and other neighbouring pitches, until the opening of their own sports complex in November 2015.

Casey helped his club win four of those treasured titles, and it was while staring for his club that he came to the attention of the County hurling selectors. Damian represented the red-hand county from U16 level upwards, winning All-Ireland titles at both U16 and minor level. He progressed through to U21 level, before making

Tyrone’s Damian Casey gone too soon

Hurling mourns the death of a bright northern star Gone too soon Damian Casey

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

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Sporting tribute

A master of his craft

his senior inter-county debut in 2012. Just two years later, Damian would captain his county to their first ever Nicky Rackard Cup title at just 21 years of age, scoring 0-8 in the final win over Fingal.

Just a few weeks ago, Damian was an instrumental in his county’s second Nicky Rackard win.

That day in Croker against the Rossies, Casey finished with a personal tally of 0-14.

The modest Dungannon man had spear-headed his county’s rise to play hurling at its highest level ever. Anyone whoever crossed his path, speaks

highly and fondly of Damian.

From his senior debut in 2012, Casey represented the Red Hand’s for the 101st time in that win at Croker last month. Not one single match did he miss having made his debut. Phenomenally, he registered a score in every single game that he played in the red and white of Tyrone. Even when working across the pond, Casey made the journey home for every match. His dedication and desire to play his game, unbelievable.

Casey’s scoring total for Tyrone in league and

championship stands at an incredible 39-908, that’s 1,011 points. To put it in some sort of context, Cork’s Patrick Horgan became the senior championship’s top scorer of all-time, when he overtook the legendary Joe Canning of Galway recently.

Horgan averages 8-4 points per game played. Damian averaged just over TEN. He was to Tyrone what TJ is to Kilkenny.

A winner of numerous awards across his career, Casey remained grounded and wasn’t entirely comfortable when the accolades were spoken about in his presence.

Eoghan Ruadh was paramount to Damian

Humble and modest, a product of his rearing, Daman Casey just loved to hurl.

As Buff Eagan tweeted after the news broke: “Heartbreaking to hear of the Death of Tyrone hurler, Damien Casey. One of the Best Forwards to come out of Ulster. The Dungannon man played over 100 games for his county, and INCREDIBLY averaged over 10 points a game. May the Tyrone Sod Rest lightly on this Hurling Warrior.”

In a recent interview prior to the Nicky Rackard Cup Final, Casey said “I grew up wanting to play for Dungannon and Tyrone all my life.”

Damian loved his club; he loved his town and he loved his county. Hurling was everything to him. Our sport is worse off without Damian.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean, Susan, Louise and Catherine at this terrible time and in the days and weeks ahead.

Free taker supreme

The Hurler’s Prayer Grant me O Lord, a hurler’s skill, With strength of arm and speed of limb Unerring eye for the flying ball And courage to match whate’er befall May my stroke be steady and my aim be true My actions manly and my misses few No matter what way the game may go May I rest in friendship with every foe When the final whistle for me has blown And I stand at last before God’s judgement throne May the great referee when he calls my name Say, you hurled like a man; you played the game.

– Seamus Redmond

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

Motors Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 087 2587745 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

JOEPARSONSGARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE • Hedge cutting • • Grass cutting • • Power washing • • Dry rubbish removal • • Tree pruning •

CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

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Classifieds Motors

PUPS FOR SALE

NEWFOUNDLAND PUPS FOR SALE

2 MALE AND 1 FEMALE GOOD HOMES ONLY TELEPHONE:- 086 7263280

Advertise your Legal Notices/Licence Applications with us at The Kilkenny Observer.

Call: 056 7771463 / 086 2395370 or email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie for extremely competitive rates.

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Jenna O Neill and Shane O’Brien intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed new part single storey & part two storey dwelling, proposed vehicular entrance, proposed garage, driveway, connection to local authority water main, wastewater treatment system with percolation area, stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Stangs, Gowran, 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. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought for a 2-storey residence with foul water treatment system, improved road entrance, landscaping, boundary treatment and associated works at Carrigatna, Kilmaganny, 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. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Applicant: JJ Frisby and Aoife Moore

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Notice of Further Information/Revised Plans We, Creanross Limited Ref. No. of the application: 21978 At: Grenan, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

The development applied for consisted of: 27 No. 2 storey semi-detached and terraced housing units together with proposed boundary treatments, landscaping and all associated site development works & for the proposed road network and necessary services to connect to existing residential development known as Mallfield, (Planning permission ref. 021058).

The revised plans will consist of: a) A Natura Impact Statement b) A Visual Impact Assessment c) Original 27 No 2 storey semi-detached and terraced housing altered to a. 22 No 2 storey semi-detached and terraced housing and 2 No. two storey apartment blocks each containing 2 apartments at Ground floor and 2 at first floor levels d) And all associated works Significant Further Information/Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net

TO PUBLISH PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street Telephone: 056 7771463/086 2395370 Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

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Recruitment

Cromwell in Kilkenny So how did Cromwell come to be at the gates of Kilkenny on that day in March 1650? To answer that we must go back a bit further, to August of the previous year, when he landed in Dublin with an army of more than 17,000 crack troops…men trained to the pitch of military perfection.

Having subdued Drogheda, whose garrison his forces eliminated with ease, he turned his attention in a southerly direction. Wexford fell to his rampaging forces

on October 11th. New Ross followed on the 19th. Sweeping across South Kilkenny, he captured Carrick-on-Suir on November 23rd.

Waterford put up stiff resistance, holding out against seemingly impossible odds.

Cromwell and his army hunkered down in winter quarters in Cork throughout December and January.

But on January 29th, his mighty spring offensive got underway. He cut across Tipperary like a hot knife through

butter. Fethard capitulated without a shot being fired.

Cashel proved another virtual walkover for the Puritan leader, after which he felt confident that Kilkenny City would fall quickly into his hands. He was encouraged in this belief by an act of treachery by an officer of the city garrison called Tickle.

This gentleman, thinking it was better to be on the likely winning side in the ongoing military campaign, sent letters to Cromwell, offering vital information that could have

eased the way to a bloodless victory for the invaders.

In one missive he wrote: “If your Excellency will draw before this town I will send a messenger unto you upon your first approach, and shall give an account of the weakest part of the town and the force within exactly”.

Cromwell offered Tickle £4,000, a high command in his army, and the governorship of Kilkenny in return for the proposed betrayal.

Unfortunately for Cromwell,

and even more so for Tickle, some of these treasonous letters were intercepted. Tickle was half-hanged and disembowelled for his betrayal. Apart from this hiccup- the discovery of the traitor in the City garrison- Cromwell was also wary of the fact that plague had been ravaging Kilkenny for weeks.

Whilst this malady had depleted the strength of the defending garrison- a plus for the attackers-it also posed an obvious and deadly risk to forces attempting to enter the city. Another factor in his decision to delay the big push on Kilkenny was a lack of firepower and other resources vital for a siege. Over-reliance on the co-operation of the traitor had caused him to scale down his forces.

Following this initial setback in his quest to capture Kilkenny, Cromwell diverted his forces to attack Callan, which resisted, but fell to the

Cromwellians after three days of fierce fighting .

Captain Mark Geoghegan, who led the defence of Skerry’s Castle in West Street, Callan, died defending the town. The remaining members of the garrison and many civilians were then massacred. Geoghegan’s wife escaped after killing at least a dozen enemy troops during the siege.

By mid-March, Cromwell had stormed into Thomastown. The defenders were crushed like ripe tomatoes.

His troops went berserk in Gowran, killing men, women, and children at random after seizing control of the village.

Its castle was burned to the ground. Gowran became a staging ground for the next phase of the campaign in this County: The attack on Kilkenny City.

-John Fitzgerald Continued next week…

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

Film MALONE FRANKYoung ANDIrish NELLIE Makers on the set of ANNIVERSARIES the National Youth Film school 2019

Frank Malone 21st Anniversary

Nellie Malone 15th Anniversary

In loving memory of Frank and Nellie late of Wolfe Tone Street, Kilkenny whose anniversaries occur at this time.

Time and years slip gently by But love and memories never die Always remembered by Val, Marie Lily and families.

Young Irish Film EAMON WALLACE Makers on the set of 12TH ANNIVERSARY

the National Youth Film school 2019 In loving memory of Eamon, late of 40 Lord Edward Street, who died on June 27 th 2010 It was a sudden parting Too bitter to forget Those who loved you dearly Are the ones who can’t forget We often sit and think of you And think of how you died To think you could not say goodbye Before you closed your eyes Your life was one of kindly deeds A helping hand for others needs Sincere and true in heart and mind Beautiful memories left behind The blow was hard, the shock severe To part with one we loved so dear Our loss is great, we’ll not complain But trust in God to meet again Two tired eyes are sleeping Two willing hands are still The one who worked so hard for us Is resting at God’s will Our family chain is broken Nothing seems the same But as God calls us one by one The links shall join again Sadly missed by your loving Mother Margaret, brothers and sisters, daughter Kayleigh, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Young Irish Film EAMON WALLACE Makers on the set of 12TH ANNIVERSARY the National Youth Film school 2019

In loving memory of Eamon, late of 40 Lord Edward Street who died on June 27 th 2010 When tomorrow starts without me And I’m not there to see If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me I wish so much you wouldn’t cry The way you did today While thinking of the many things We didn’t get to say I know how much you love me As much as I love you And each time you think of me I know you’ll miss me too But when tomorrow starts without me Please try to understand That an angel came and called my name And took me by the hand And said my place was ready In heaven far above And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love So when tomorrow starts without me Don’t think we’re far apart For every time you think of me I’m right here in your hearts

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. P.L.

Lots of love Precilla, Makayla, Gabrielle, Theresa, Melissa and Chloe.

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. P.L.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022

47

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Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. E.W.

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. F.C.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. E.W.

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. F.G.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. J.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.D.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.H.

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. P.O.D.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 June 2022