Kilkenny Observer 25th October 2024

The burning at the stake of Petronilla de Meath

Kilkenny’s latest festival, The Toil And Trouble Festival, is to mark the 700th anniversary of the public execution by burning at the stake of Petronilla de Meath, handmaiden to the rich and powerful Alice Kyteler. This cruel event is known to have taken place near the location of the Town Hall on November 3, 1324. The festival will place next weekend - November 1 to 3. The three day conference is supported by the County

Council, Saint Canice’s Cathedral, the Heritage Council, the County Library, together with Kytelers Inn and Newpark Hotel. The weekend will dis cuss the various events and characters surrounding the dramatic fall from grace of the once all powerful and wealthy Dame Alice.

Formally opening in Kilkenny Castle, a venue that featured large in the unfolding story, with Cllr Michael McCarthy, County Coun-

cil Cathaoirleach doing the honours. On Saturday the scene changes to Kytelers Inn itself. There it will tease out the complex story, all of 700 years ago.

An organisation that was seminal to the wider story was the mediaeval Knights Templar, whose origins can be traced back to the time of the Middle Age crusades.

Historian and broadcaster Turtle Bunbury will sketch out the Irish perspective of

these warrior knights and their dramatic fall from their once lofty position of power and influence in the first of four talks in Kyteler’s Inn on the Saturday.

A warm welcome back to Bishop Michael Burrows who has kindly agreed to share his thoughts on ‘being a successor to Bishop Le Drede’.

A visit to Kyteler’s inn concludes with a tasting of Irishman Legacy in happy collaboration with the Kilkenny

Whiskey Guide. It is claimed – with good reason – that the earliest recipe for whiskey was written by Bishop Le Drede and is to be found in the Red Book of Ossory now on display in Saint Canice’s cathedral.

The following morning, Sunday service will take the form of a Remembrance Service of Atonement for Petronilla de Meath. The preacher is the Bishop of Meath Rev Patricia Storey.

The concluding presentation of the festival is Douce dame jolie a celebration of medieval music in the very capable hands of renounced harpist, Siobhan Armstrong with Laoise O Brien playing the recorder. This enchanting concert takes place in the entirely appropriate setting of Rothe House, commencing at 1.30

*See www.alicekytelerfestival.com

We’re in for food gongs

Our Cultural Destination win at World Luxury Travel

Awards Simply the best!

Kilkenny has been honoured with the prestigious title of Cultural Destination at the 2024 World Luxury Travel Awards. This accolade recognises Kilkenny’s exceptional commitment to providing unparalleled luxury experiences to travellers from around the globe.

The World Luxury Travel Awards, renowned for celebrating excellence in the luxury travel sector, acknowledged Kilkenny for its

The

unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern luxury.

From its stunning medieval architecture to its worldclass accommodations and gourmet dining, Kilkenny offers an exquisite escape for discerning travellers.

“We are thrilled to receive this esteemed award,” said Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael McCarthy. “Kilkenny’s dedication to excellence in hospitality and our continuous

efforts to enhance the visitor experience have truly paid off. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved in making Kilkenny a top luxury destination.”

The Vice-Chairperson of Kilkenny Tourism, Valerie O’Sullivan, who collected the award at the ceremony hosted at Galgorm, Co Antrim [pictured], said she was “delighted to accept the award on behalf of the en-

Telling it like it is. And with no holds barred

tire tourism and hospitality sector here in Kilkenny who work year round to make the visitors trip to Kilkenny an entirely memorable one”.

Kilkenny’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new.

Visitors can explore the historic Kilkenny Castle, stroll through the picturesque streets lined with boutique shops, and indulge in the finest local cuisine. The city’s vibrant festivals, arts and an-

imation scene, coupled with its luxurious accommodations, ensures a memorable stay for all who visit.

This award not only highlights Kilkenny’s status as a premier luxury destination but also sets a new benchmark for excellence in the travel industry. As Kilkenny continues to evolve and innovate, it remains committed to offering unparalleled luxury experiences that captivate and inspire.

The Good Food Ireland national awards have announced that two businesses from Kilkenny have made the 2024 shortlist across multiple categories. The winners are due to be revealed at a dinner on Monday, November 11 at The K Club.

O’Shea Farms in South Kilkenny has been nominated across three different categories.

The Good Food Ireland Awards 2024 in association with FBD Insurance celebrate businesses at every layer of our island’s food and drink industry. From primary producers, manufacturers, and chefs, to shops, hotels, tourism experiences, and restaurants, those businesses who make the shortlist are regarded by the judges as culminating all that makes Ireland’s food so out standing.

Michael wins!

Kilkenny’s Michael Nazarov was recently honoured by the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) at a concert and awards ceremony in the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan.  The talented musician performed before an invited audience of family and friends on Sunday, October 20 ahead of accepting a RIAM Spotlight Award from Paul Plunkett, Managing Director, ACE Autobody.

Full story, Page 6

Early J1 US Summer 2025 jobs for students

USIT, Ireland’s leading work abroad and J1 experts, has released the first drop of 2025 job opportunities on its Job Hub, with employment available in Chicago, New Jersey, New York State, Nantucket, Myrtle Beach, Los Angeles and San Diego. Students eager to experience this rite of passage are encouraged to apply early to access USIT’s Job Hub and secure their place for an unforgettable All-American summer, filled with invaluable work experience, lifelong friendships, and lasting memories.

Virtual Hiring Fairs will also be held in November and December for some of the most sought-after J1 destinations, including Chicago, San Diego and New York. These fairs, to be announced soon, provide an essential opportunity for students to connect with the largest pool of US employers, including some of the world’s most recognised brands.

The J1 programme is open to students of any nationality studying at a 3rd-level college across Ireland and Northern Ireland, aged 18 and above. It’s a bucket-list experience for many Irish students, with strong interest already building for next year. In 2024, more than 5,000 Irish students embarked on their J1 USA Work and Travel Visa from Ireland, and those wishing to do the same in 2025 are urged to secure their place as soon as possible.

The J1 USA programme starts from €999, which includes application processing, legal work papers, job vetting and approval support, five months of travel insur-

ance, a pre-departure J1 orientation and handbook, SEVIS fee, and ongoing support from USIT’s dedicated J1 team.

For an additional €300, participants can access USIT’s job placement service, which

includes full access to the Job Hub and Hiring Fairs, offering hundreds of jobs in cities and resorts. A deposit of only €99 is required to begin the application process, so students should act fast to secure their dream summer. For those still consider-

ing their J1 plans for next summer, USIT’s upcoming virtual ‘All You Need to Know’ session will provide an opportunity to get answers directly from a J1 expert. The next free session is scheduled for October 29 at 5:30 PM, offering a perfect start to plan-

ning this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

For more information on the J1 USA programme and updates on Hiring Fairs and other events, students are encouraged to visit www.usit. ie and follow @usittravel on social media.

Jobseekers may face benefit cut

Unemployed people who refuse to engage with social welfare employment services will see their Jobseeker’s Benefit cut by €90 under a plan quietly signed off by the Government after the Budget.

In one of her last acts as Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys decided to double the fine imposed on unemployed people in receipt of jobseeker payments who do

not engage with her department.

The previous reduction imposed on people who do engage with social welfare services on two occasions was €44, but Ms Humphreys doubled the penalty to €90 in the Social Welfare Bill which passed through the Dáil unnoticed.

Ms Humphreys, who last week made the decision to pull

It’s a spooky time this Halloween in Co. Kilkenny

From terrifying ghost tours to pumpkin picking with the children, Kilkenny has it all for the Halloween bank holiday weekend.

The Kilkenny ghost tour takes you through the medieval capital of Ireland. With its narrow cobbled lanes, remnants of its city walls and its mystic charm, it should be no surprise that Kilkenny is bursting with tales of the paranormal.

Tours leave Lanigans Bar on Rose Inn Street, in Kilkenny city each night at 8pm. Tickets start at €16.

Follow Independent Kilkenny on Facebook Kilkenny’s Toil and Trouble Festival, Co Kilkenny Witchcraft, Medieval Ireland and a ‘most extraordinary’ bishop are at the centre of a new exhibition unveiled in St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower.

For the first time in history, a 14th-century manuscript known as The Red Book of Ossory is on public display. Having survived wars, plagues, and the centuries, the 79-page vellum manuscript is the centrepiece of a new year-long exhibition.

The remarkable manuscript has returned to St Canice’s Cathedral where it was written 700 years ago by Bishop Richard Ledrede.

Tickets to the exhibition are included in general admission to St Canice’s Cathedral and start from €6.50. Tickets can be purchased at stcanicescathedral.ie.

Savour Kilkenny Food Festival is returning this month for its 16th year, promising a vibrant celebration of food and culinary excellence.

Taking place in Kilkenny City from October 25 to 28, this year’s festival boasts an impressive line-up of international and local culinary stars.

Renowned chefs such as Rachel Allen, JP MacMahon, Derry Clarke, Kevin Dundon, Gary O’Hanlon, Rory O’Connell, and Edward Hayden and Anne Neary will

out of the General Election, clashed with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party during budget negotiations over a proposal to increase the state pension by €15 a week while leaving the jobseeker rate unchanged.

Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, along with Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman pushed back against the plan and insisted all welfare rates should

increase by €12 a week, including Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Ms Humphreys introduced the significant change in welfare policy in the Social Welfare Bill which was voted through the Dáil by coalition TDs.

The Bill, along with the Finance Bill, are key pieces of legislation.

Since 2011, people who refused to engage with

department officials or return-to-work schemes would see their payments cut €44 a week.

If a person re-engages with welfare services, their full jobseeker payment is restored. This will still apply under the new legislation, but a person in receipt of a €232-a-week jobseeker’s payment could be left with €142 a week for failing to engage with the Department

of Social Protection about seeking work. This year, about 4,000 people had their payments reduced for failing to engage with state employment services. It is understood that Ms Humphreys decided that at a time of full employment and a tight labour market with many employers seeking extra staff, it was the right time to increase the penalty.

share their expertise alongside new Graignamanagh residents James Kavanagh and William Murray.

Entry to the Savour Market, cookery demos and talks on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27 are free. Dining events and special events are individually priced.

Join in on a family-friendly outdoor pumpkin hunt in the gardens at Shankill Castle to find out who took the pumpkins from the walled garden and where they are hidden.

Follow the trail, find the pumpkins and collect the clues to discover who stole the pumpkins. When each child finds the stolen stash of pumpkins, they can pick their own pumpkin to bring home.

Return to the Coach House Café to collect a reward (smoothie or apple juice and a Halloween treat).

Halloween fancy dress is very welcome, but come prepared for the outdoors, wellies are encouraged.

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Tickets for children are €15.

Tickets for accompanying adults are €6.

Celebrate Halloween at Castlecomer Discovery Park with their Halloween Fun, Craft and Games event, running on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27. Expect spooky crafts and exciting games for a day filled with Halloween fun. Tickets cost €8 a child.

Also taking place at Castlecomer Discovery Park is The Magical Mischief Workshop on Saturday November 2. The event offers an enchanting woodland experience for children.

Get ready for a spellbinding Halloween midterm at Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny.

From Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3 2024, embark on a magical journey where dinosaurs, wizards, and ghouls collide in a funfilled, spooky ‘Wicked Walk’ adventure through the hotel’s renowned family attraction, Jurassic Newpark.

Michael Nazarov was recently honoured by the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) at a concert and awards ceremony in the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan.  The talented musician from Kilkenny performed before an invited audience of family and friends on Sunday, October 20 ahead of accepting a RIAM Spotlight Award from Paul Plunkett, Managing Director, ACE Autobody.

Almost 40 music and drama students from all over Leinster were present to accept their RIAM Spotlight Award in the company of family, friends, neighbours and fellow aspiring artists.

Earlier this year RIAM announced this exciting new initiative, the RIAM Spotlight Awards to recognise and celebrate the diverse achievements of some of the almost 30,000 students around Ireland who engage

Michael takes top music award

annually with RIAM Exams. Presented in partnership with Ace Autobody as sponsors, the RIAM Spotlight Awards aim to reap real impactful benefits celebrating the achievements of young musicians who aspire for success in their creative endeavours and who, in turn, inspire other young people to achieve their dreams.

Each year almost 30,000 enthusiastic performers across a wide range of

disciplines participate in RIAM Exams throughout the whole of Ireland.    Stars such as musicians Sinéad O’Connor and Kian Egan, Harry Potter actress Evanna Lynch, TV presenter Lisa Cannon and actors Sarah Bolger and Andrew Scott are among the hundreds of luminaries who have, since participating in this examination system, gone on to forge highly successful careers.

Slow Wi-Fi speeds? These could be to blame!

With family life now almost completely dependent on a connected home, we all crave fast Wi-Fi speeds, whether that’s streaming Netflix, gaming or working from home. But when the worst happens, it turns out some of our most common household appliances could be at fault, and there are a few surprises.  Virgin Media Ireland has shared a list of the most common culprits in our home, and the different ways they slow down our Wi-Fi speeds.

1. Microwaves   Interference: Microwaves operate at a frequency of around 2.4 GHz, which is the same frequency used by many Wi-Fi routers. When a microwave is in use, it can

cause significant interference with Wi-Fi signals, leading to slower speeds or temporary disconnections.

2. Cordless Phones Interference: Older cordless phones, especially those operating at 2.4 GHz, can interfere with Wi-Fi signals on the same frequency, causing disruptions and slower speeds.

3. Baby Monitors Interference: Many baby monitors also operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency, potentially causing interference with Wi-Fi signals and leading to reduced network performance.

4. Bluetooth Devices Shared Frequency: Bluetooth devices operate on the 2.4

GHz frequency as well. Although modern Bluetooth technology uses adaptive frequency hoping to reduce interference, having many Bluetooth devices active simultaneously can still impact Wi-Fi performance.

5. Smart Home Devices Network Congestion: Devices such as smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices can congest your network if you have many of them connected, especially if they are constantly transmitting data.

7. Wireless Security Cameras High Bandwidth Use: Wireless security cameras that stream video over Wi-Fi can consume significant bandwidth, especially if they stream in high definition, potentially slowing down your network.

8. Streaming Devices   Bandwidth Consumption: Devices like smart TVs, streaming sticks (e.g., Roku, Amazon Fire Stick), and gaming consoles can consume large amounts of bandwidth when streaming high-definition or 4K content, affecting the performance of other devices on the network.

6. Neighbouring Wi-Fi Networks   Channel Overlap: Wi-Fi networks from nearby homes can overlap with your network, especially if they are on the same channel. This can cause interference and slow down your connection.

The Fact Of The Matter

Paul Hopkins

Rock ‘n’ roll: and the best years of our lives

Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse – and indeed Elvis and John Lennon – all left the stage, the building, at very young, and relatively young, ages.

Now, One Direction’s Liam Payne at 31 joins with the legacy of these artists.

A video on social media shows Payne singing and dancing at his former bandmate Niall Horan’s concert in Argentina just days before he was found dead from a 45 foot hotel balcony fall. The 31-year-old seemed to be in high spirits as he wrapped his arm around girlfriend Kate Cassidy’s shoulder and tenderly kissed her on the head. He waves his arm from side to side and sings along as Kate lovingly rests her head on his shoulder. Payne attended Horan’s gig at the Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires, reportedly posting to his Instagram stories beforehand

that he wanted to ‘square up a couple things’ with the Irish singer. That he suffered from addiction and mental issues is acknowledged – he was never able to come to terms with the instant fame and notoriety being a member of boyband One Direction brought him.

The leaving of the building of Elvis and John Lennon – and the enigmatic Amy Winehouse – took something of a toll on this writer, this music aficionado. I can remember clearly where I was when I heard they had died.

My young friend Ella tells me : “This is the first celebrity death that has affected me like this, I always knew that this would happen but I expected it to be in 30 years – not now.” She says that, when the news broke about the singer’s passing, she was asleep. She then woke up in the night, saw her phone and saw news alerts that Payne had died – but she originally

thought it was just a ‘sick joke’.

“I had woken up in the middle of the night and checked my phone to see the time, when suddenly I saw all the news alerts about his death. But, when I realised that it was actually real life and not a bad dream, I was left absolutely heartbroken.”

Like the deaths of Elvis and John Lennon to my generation, the going of Liam Payne has had a profound effect on today’s generation. Britain’s Got Talent has cancelled auditions for the 18th season in the wake of Payne’s death. Simon Cowell – who famously formed One Direction –decided last minute to call off the tryouts after he learned of the young star’s death.

Simon, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI were due to continue filming for BGT after auditions kicked off at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. A spokesman for the programme’s producer,

Freemantle UK, said: “Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain’s Got Talent auditions. Our thoughts are with Liam’s friends, family and all who loved him.”

Though popular music sales in general have plummeted

“That he suffered from addiction and mental issues is acknowledged...

since their peak around the turn of the Millennium, certain genres continue to generate commercial excitement: pop, rap, hip-hop, country. But rock — amplified and often distorted electric guitars, bass, drums, melodic if frequently abrasive lead vocals, with songs usually penned exclusively by the members of the band — barely registers on the charts.

Yes, we have those who died horribly young decades ago — as mentioned, Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, et al — and then there’s the litany of legends felled by illness, drugs, and just plain old age in more recent years: George Harrison, Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Lou Reed, David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Tom Petty. Those losses have been painful. But it’s nothing compared with the tidal wave of obituaries to come. The

grief and nostalgia will wash over us all. Yes, we Boomers left alive will take it hardest — these were our heroes and generational compatriots. But rock remained the biggest game in town through the 1990s, which implicates GenXers , no less than plenty of Millennials. And now GenZ.

There’s going to be an awful lot of mourning going on. And the musical giants still with us: Bob Dylan (81); Paul McCartney (82); Paul Simon (82) and Art Garfunkel (82); Carole King (82); Brian Wilson (82); Mick Jagger (81) and Keith Richards (80); Joni Mitchell (80); Jimmy Page (80) and Robert Plant (76); Ray Davies (80); Roger Daltrey (80) and Pete Townshend (79); Roger Waters (80) and Dave Gilmour (78); Rod Stewart (79); Eric Clapton (79); Debbie Harry (79); Neil Young (78); and Van Morrison (78). Rock on...

Ní Mhurchú in EU meeting on Waterford airport

Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, made the case for Waterford airport at the highest levels of EU governance when she had a one on one meeting recently with EU President Ursula Von Der Leyen in Strasbourg.

One of the first issues Ní Mhurchú raised with the EU

President was the reopening and funding of Waterford airport. According to Ní Mhurchú, the EU Commission had prioritised investment in rail infrastructure on mainland Europe at the expense of regional airports across the EU,

“In light of the green agenda, there has been an overall reluctance by the European

Lack of HAP homes sees more going homeless

Families and single people are being forced into homelessness for longer because of a lack of affordable housing, according to a housing charity'

The Simon Communities launched its quarterly report, 'Locked Out Of The Market', which measures the experience of people on a low income and dependent on Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to access housing in the private rental market.

It found that in 12 of the 16 areas surveyed in October, there were no properties available to rent in any household category within standard or discretionary HAP limits.

Only 33 properties were available to rent through the HAP scheme's discretionary rate in Ireland in October, with just eight of these outside Dublin.

It marks nearly a 25% reduction in the number of HAP properties available to rent throughout the country when compared with June . HAP is a form of social housing support provided by local authorities, where they make a monthly rental payment on a tenant's behalf to their landlord.

The report found 1,119 properties were available to rent at any price within the 16 areas surveyed over the three dates examined during this month.

This is a 5% reduction from the 1,178 properties available in the June 2024 report. Like June 2024, in 12 of the 16 areas surveyed, there were no properties available to rent in any household category within standard

or discretionary HAP limits.

These were Athlone, Cork city centre, Cork city suburbs, Dundalk, Galway city suburbs, Galway city centre, Leitrim, Limerick city suburbs, Limerick city centre, Sligo town, Portlaoise and Waterford city centre.

As seen in previous reports, most properties within HAP limits are located in Dublin, with 76%, or 25 of the total 33 HAP properties, found in the capital.

In Dublin, the discretionary rate allows up to an additional 50% on the standard rate; which is limited to 35% elsewhere in the country.

Nine of the 16 study areas saw a reduction in the number of properties available to rent.

The survey showed that only two properties were available to a single person or a couple in a house through a standard HAP rate, both in Dublin city.

There were no properties available to a couple or oneparent households with one child through the standard HAP rate, with 16 available through discretionary HAP rates.

Seven properties were in Dublin city north, five properties were in Dublin city south, two properties were in Dublin city centre and two properties were in Kildare.

Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of Simon Communities of Ireland, said for those reliant on a HAP payment, there are "very few opportunities to secure a home”, unless you have additional income to top up the payment.

Woman is held in death of Carlow man

A man has died following an assault at a house in Carlow town on Monday night, October 21. The 30-year-old was found unresponsive with serious injuries after 11.40pm at a house in the New Oak Estate.

Emergency services treated him at the scene before he was transported to St Luke’s Hospi-

Commission to invest in our regional airports. This disproportionately impacts on an island like Ireland where air connectivity is vital for our rural economy,” she said.

According to the Airports Council International, a +10% increase in direct air connectivity comes with a +0.5% increase in GDP per capita for a region. Approximately half

of all European flights depart from regional airports which drives investment, creates jobs and connects remote parts of Europe like the South East coast of Ireland.

Ms Ní Mhurchú again criticised Transport Minister Eamon Ryan for dragging his heels on the reopening of Waterford airport, and claimed he is holding the

people of the South East to ransom on ideological grounds,

“I am calling on Minister Ryan to progress the investment that is on the table at Waterford airport. Ryanair have expressed an interest in operating from Waterford airport and now is the time to strike as Dublin airport is turning away flights.”

and from Waterford airport.

During the meeting with Ms Von Der Leyen, Ms Ní Mhurchú also raised the issues of low farm incomes in Ireland, the position of the Irish language and the situation in the Middle East.

Stay safe, down on the farm

Agri Aware is delighted to announce the launch of its Sowing Wellbeing in Every Field campaign with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

This campaign aims to raise awareness on physical health, mental health and farm safety among the farming community.

Over the course of the three-week campaign, which kicked off on Thursday October 24, Agri Aware will be sharing stories of farmers and those working in the agricultural sector who will be speaking about their physical health, mental health and farm safety journeys.

Each week a video will be released along with expert

advice and contact information related to each of the topics to raise awareness and provide support to the farming community.

The second instalment will be released on Thursday October 31 and the last on Thursday, November 7.

The three people involved, who will be sharing their story, include Nicholas King, a beef and sheep farmer from Co. Tipperary, Kerrie Leonard, a drystock farmer and thoroughbred horse breeder also from Co. Meath and Andrew Bonham from a sheep farm in Co. Westmeath who works for Meath Farm Machinery as a sales specialist.

The first video sees Nicholas King share his physical

health journey, detailing his struggles as an emotional eater that led to weight issues to now being physically healthy and confident in himself.

Kerrie Leonard is next and will share her experience of being involved in a farm accident when she was six years of age to where she is now, being active on the farm and breeding thoroughbred horses.

Lastly, Andrew Bonham from Co. Westmeath will share his mental health journey and detail how he went about improving his mental wellbeing whilst losing some of friends during that time to the same struggle.

Speaking at the launch

of the Sowing Wellbeing in Every Field campaign, Agri Aware Chairman Shay Galvin said: “This campaign is hugely important as the three topics highlighted pass the door of many, if not all farm families.

“We hope that this campaign helps to raise awareness around farmers physical and mental wellbeing and farm safety and showcase that it is ok to reach out for help, advice and support during the tough days.

“No matter the weather, we are here to help sow the seeds of wellness, in every field.”

To find out more about this campaign see agriaware.ie or on the Agri Aware social media channels @agriaware.

Why I'm stepping down from Dáil Éireann

By Jackie Cahill, TD

tal in Kilkenny, where he later died.

Gardaí and the Armed Response Unit arrested a woman in the Carlow town area in a follow-up operation a short time later.

The woman in question is currently being detained at a Garda station in Co Carlow.

It has been the honour of my lifetime to serve the people of Tipperary in Dáil Éireann since 2016, and the people of Thurles prior to that from 2014 as a member of Tipperary County Council. I am a lifelong supporter of Fianna Fáil, and I am immensely proud of our party’s historic role in shaping our country. It has been a privilege to be a Fianna Fáil TD and to work every day on behalf of the people that I have been elected to represent.

After much consideration, I have decided on personal grounds following health advice not to put my name forward in the upcoming General Election. This is obviously a very difficult decision, and one that I have made following discussions with those closest to me. Putting my name forward for election is not just a commitment for the upcoming six-week campaign; it is also a five-year commitment to meet the growing demands, both personally and professionally, that being a TD now entails.

Being an effective TD requires a great deal of time and energy, and unfortunately, I do not believe that I can continue to make this commitment to the electorate for another five years.

I am deeply grateful to my family and friends for their continued support throughout my career.

I would like to sincerely thank every member of Fianna Fáil who nominated me to run for the Party to represent us in Dáil Éireann for a third consecutive time.

I am deeply grateful to all the Fianna Fáil members, sup-

porters, and voters who have backed me over the years. To the people of Tipperary who elected me in both 2016 and 2020, I thank you for placing your trust in me to be our collective voice in Dáil Éireann.

It is my understanding that Fianna Fáil Headquarters will now recommence with the candidate selection process, and they will be in contact with members of the North Tipperary / North West Kilkenny Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceantair in the very near future in relation to this.

Ní Mhurchú is due to meet with management of Ryanair where she will again raise the issue of flights to

Stay well: Nicholas King, a beef and sheep farmer from Co. Tipperary shares his physical health story and journey

As I See It Marianne

Heron

Why are so many of our TDs quitting?

As the Autumn leaves come tumbling down, loosened by Storm Ashleigh, they seem just like the ongoing cascade of TDs leaving politics. The latest to fall from the Fine Gael tree is Minister Heather Humphries, bringing the total of Fine Gael TDs who will no longer be on the party’s branches in upcoming general election to 18 and they aren’t the only ones leaving.

Humphries’ (Cavan/ Monaghan) announcement last weekend was a surprise, given the timing on the eve of the General Election. Made Fine Gael’s deputy leader (64) just a few months ago, the popular Minister for Social Protection also has recent successes under her belt, including hot school meals for primary pupils and the rollout of auto enrolment for pensions.

The Minister cited her wish to spend more time with her grandchildren and

declining energy levels as her reasons for quitting after two decades in politics, 10 0f those in Cabinet. Age is an understandable reason for the exodus, in cases like Fergus O’Dowd (Louth/Meath,) a public representative for 50 years or David Stanton (Cork East) in politics since 1997 and who commented: “You can’t keep going this way into your 70s.”

The way politics are not family friendly – for men as well as women – is a reason given for leaving to spend more time with children and partners. Three days away from home for rural TDS, with 70-hour weeks with Dail sessions sometimes lasting to midnight are neither good for family nor health.

Personal reasons aside though, a toxic shift in the mood of Irish society may be to blame for loosening TDs’ hold on the political tree, where the pain involved becomes greater than the gain

in serving the public.

A UCD survey found that over 90% of politicians had experienced some form of abuse including threats and harassment which made them afraid or anxious. Nearly half of those surveyed had increased security at home and more than a quarter wanted extra security in constituency offices. On the canvassing trail during the local and European elections there were reportedcases of abuse and violence against candidates.

A lifetime in politics has given John McGuinness, FF Carlow/Kilkenny – a stalwart who will be seeking re-election this time out – a privileged view of the political playing field. In local politics since 1997 and a TD since 1997 McGuinness has spoken about the changes he has seen.

“It’s a big challenge. There is big Government now, much more than in the past, where people get squeezed

out to the margins. It’s not a good approach. And there is a change in public mood; anonymity in social media allows people to express opin-

“What you don’t see can’t hurt you...

ions they might not otherwise do and the language used is merciless. It’s a harsher world and people have seen their lives turned upside down with the wars, Covid and Brexit. And the big sectors marginalise groups like older people and the handicapped. At the same time politics has become about rhetoric rather than about action on behalf of marginalised people.”

The upside of politics, working with people at local level could get sidelined, he said. “People are not aware enough of being driven by the ethos of public serviceit’s the ability to help people improve their lives that is rewarding and that I enjoy.”

What can be done to tackle the threats and harassment and online hate that politicians suffer and that drive them out of politics? Legislation should help when the amended, controversial Hate Speech Bill finally makes into law. Tighter policing of social

media to ensure that abusive material or false information is taken down immediately is clearly needed. Maybe politicians would be well advised to steer clear of social media, outside of their own posts of course. What you don’t see can’t hurt you. But maybe measures for change should go further. Personally, I don’t think people should be allowed to post online anonymously and if you wouldn’t say it to your Granny you shouldn’t be saying it at all. Why should the fact that someone holds a different opinion, particularly someone who is a public representative trying to help their constituents make them the subject of threats and abuse?

If those responsible for toxic behaviour feel alienated or disempowered, maybe a better way is to involve them. A stint of community service helping others might work wonders.

Let’s talk vaginal dryness

Let me get straight to the point, I want to talk about vaginal dryness. It is a common problem that many women suffer from and can be very uncomfortable. I know, I experience this too. The dryness can be so intense that it can cause you to close down for business. Sex can be the last thing on your mind! The dryness is an uncomfortable, horrible feeling, it can be difficult to explain it. There can be irritation, soreness, or itching too. When you are this dry it can cause discomfort during sex.

Thankfully we are talking more about this issue than we were before, and fortunately there are some things that we can try to help.

For example, take a look at the YES® range of products. This company’s mission is Making Vagina’s Happy®, which sounds good to me. Their products are all natural, plant-based and certified organic by the Soil Association. They do not contain any parabens, glycerine, hormones, or any known skin irritants. The range includes personal lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, and intimate washes.

So let me tell you more

about them. The vaginal moisturiser is an isotonic gel that is pH matched to the vagina. It helps relieve vaginal atrophy, which is thinning of the vaginal tissues, and relieves discomfort and dryness. It can help alleviate irritation, itching and burning. YES VM® is designed to replenish vaginal moisture for up to three days, rehydrating and soothing the dry and sensitive vaginal tissues. It is brilliant to learn that an amazing 85% of customers experienced relief from symptoms in under an hour, pretty good results. Plus, the moisturiser is suitable for use with natural rubber latex and polyisoprene condoms and is vegan approved. The YES® vaginal lubricant

range includes a water-based option, which offers fast, intense hydration and feels natural, has no fragrance, and is pH matched. YES® OBbased lubricant is a natural emollient containing shea Butter and sweet almond oil. It is luxurious, nourishing, and provides a long-lasting glide. You can use the oil based one to be massaged as well if you like. Whilst YES® OB is compatible with silicone toys and water-play. It’s not condom compatible, so be sure to stick with water-based if you’re a condom user. Both lubricants are recommended by gynaecologists.

I am delighted to say YES® to these products and I hope you like them too.

CLAIR WHITTY

SPECIAL REPORT

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Patrick O’Donovan TD has announced the purchase of a site that will be home to a new College Of The Future in Kilkenny.

Government funding worth tens of millions of euro will drive the development of the site at Joinersfolly, south of Kilkenny City, creating a new state-of-the-art education and training campus for Kilkenny Carlow ETB (KCETB), and consolidating the delivery of skills provision for the county.

KCETB have also been given the green light to proceed to the next stage of development of this project, with sanction been given to begin the PreTender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy stage of development.

Minister O’Donovan said:

“I am so delighted to be in Kilkenny today to confirm that KCETB is moving to the next stage in the process of delivering a further education and training campus that the entire region can be proud of.

“Today we are signing for the purchase of a 15 acre site and I’m incredibly excited to see it become a campus that will deliver so much for the learners, staff and community of Kilkenny Carlow ETB.

“Back in 2022, my predecessor Simon Harris announced that Kilkenny had been chosen as one of the locations to develop a further education and training College Of The Future.

“And this week we are travelling to a number of different counties to share more good news, but today is all about KCETB where we are finally, through this fantastic site purchase and the approval for them to move to the next stage of development, bringing to fruition the ambitions of creating a state of the art facility that will benefit present

Multi-million euro plan for new college in Kilkenny

Future education: Mayor Andrew McGuinness, Andrea Dalton (Chairperson of the ETB), Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD and Deputy John McGuinness TD

learners and future generations,” the minister said.

“It is not ideal that FET provision in Kilkenny has been scattered around 14 different locations in the city. Now provision will be brought together at one modern, highspec facility where learners will have the opportunity to progress in the best possible facilities.

“This is what we mean when we speak about driving parity of esteem across the tertiary sector – it shouldn’t matter where you live, what you are studying, or whether you are in FET or university. Everyone should have the same

opportunity to reach their potential.”

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins TD said: “The proposed project by KCETB is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future on the newly purchased site at Joinersfolly which will address critical needs, including providing a state-of-theart education and training facility.

“The project will consolidate existing provision, incorporate new training programmes and specialisms, and develop support services

at one location with convenient transport access and services.”

KCETB Chief Executive Eileen Curtis said: “Today’s announcement is wonderful news for KCETB and, in particular today for Kilkenny city and county and marks an important step forward in the delivery of the college campus.

“The proposed new integrated FET college has been a key strategic priority for KCETB and will transform the learning opportunities available across our communities. It will provide for the future skills needs of local industries

and create a talent pipeline of graduates available to live and work in Kilkenny.

“Today’s announcement is a real vote of confidence in the area. It will ensure that Kilkenny with this new campus can provide a growing range of specialist courses and apprenticeships which will have long lasting benefits for the KCETB area,” he said.

SOLAS CEO Andrew Brownlee said: “Today’s capital infrastructure announcement for Kilkenny College of FET is a milestone moment for FET in the SouthEast that will drive access to

education, lifelong learning and workforce transformation in the region.

“This is a proud day for both SOLAS and Kilkenny and Carlow ETB, and most importantly, it’s an exciting day for all of the current and future FET learners in the Kilkenny and Carlow locality.

“With one in 10 adults in Ireland now learning through FET or apprenticeships, the ongoing development of high-quality college environments in key locations such as Kilkenny will play a critical role in meeting the increasing demand for upskilling across our communities.”

We are the brightest when it comes to solar energy

NRG Panel analysed how much electricity Kilkenny residents can expect to produce from solar. A total of 113 locations within Co. Kilkenny were captured in the study and calculations account for weather conditions, solar radiation, along with many other factors, for each area. With potential to produce 4,172.43 kWh p/y, Kilculliheen takes the title of Best Place in Kilkenny for solar, followed closely behind by Rathpatrick (4,171.81 kWh) and Dunkitt (4,143.49 kWh).

At the opposite end of the table are Moneenroe (3,653.76 kWh), Castlecomer (3,661.96 kWh) and Clogh (3,673.58 kWh).

The results of NRG Panel’s Solar Panels

Kilkenny study show that, with a 4 kWp system and a unit rate of 43 cents, Kilkenny residents produce €1,640.56 worth of electricity p/y from solar, on average.

The chart below shows the solar output, by month, for a 4kWp system in-

stalled in Kilkenny City.

Most electricity is generated during the summer months before gradually decreasing.

This November, Kilkenny residents can expect to generate 35% of the electricity they would produce during the annual peak in May.

In total, 113 areas in Co. Kilkenny were captured in

the study (sourced from the Surveying Open Data Portal by Tailte Éireann); Energy calculations take into account solar radiation, temperature, wind speed and are based on a south facing, 4kWp system with fixed panels on a 35 degree slope; and results were sourced from the European Commission Joint Research Centre.

Pensions, and reducing your tax liability Your Money & You

As the end of 2024 draws near, so too does the critical Revenue ‘Pay and File’ tax deadline. If you wish to reduce your tax liability for 2023, this is a great opportunity as pension contributions made before the deadline can significantly reduce your tax bill. But there are key rules and timelines you must follow to receive this relief.

If you wish to take advantage of this tax relief, the deadline is twofold. First, the standard deadline for making pension contributions and electing for tax relief to be backdated to 2023 is October 31, 2024. But if you use the Revenue Online Service (ROS), there is an extended deadline of Thursday, November 14, 2024. This extension applies if you file your tax returns online and are making pension contributions through Personal Pensions, Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs), and Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs).

This extended deadline is

John Ellis

also available to you if you are a Pay As You Earn (PAYE) customer, provided you make your contributions online and use the appropriate forms on Revenue’s site to claim the tax relief.

By contributing to your pension before the deadline and electing to have the contribution offset against your 2023 income, you can lower the amount of tax you owe. This is especially beneficial for those who have not yet maximised “their age-related contribution limits”.

Up to age 29: 15% of Net Relevant Earnings (NRE)

30–39: 20%

40–49: 25%

50–54: 30%

55–59: 35%

60 and over: 40%

These limits are calculated against your NRE, which is capped at €115,000. By understanding these age bands and earnings caps, you can optimise the amount of relief you receive, particularly as you get

closer to retirement.

If you are a PAYE client, pension contributions made in time for this deadline can

lead to immediate financial benefits. Unlike selfemployed individuals, who may be facing a tax bill at this

time of year, if you as a PAYE customers make a backdated pension contribution you could find you are entitled to a tax rebate. This is because your overall income tax liability for 2023 is recalculated to account for the new contribution, resulting in a refund of some of the tax you previously paid.

If you are self-employed and/or under the self-assessment tax system, this is a crucial period for managing your income tax bills. By making a pension contribution before the ‘Pay and File’ deadline and electing to backdate it to 2023, you can significantly reduce the tax you owe. This can be a vital step in lessening the overall financial burden as the contribution is offset against your prior year’s earnings.

While the benefits of making a pension contribution are substantial, there are several common pitfalls that can arise, particularly concerning eligibility for tax relief. For

example, if your employment status changes between 2023 and 2024, this can impact your ability to claim tax relief on contributions made to an AVC or occupational pension scheme. Similarly, if you have multiple income streams, for example you are self-employed with secondary employment, you may face limits due to dual-income rules. Do not wait until it is too late. Speak with your financial advisor, assess your contribution options, and make your payment before the end of October, or by the extended November deadline if filing through ROS. This is a once-a-year opportunity to reduce your taxes while investing in your future retirement. Take advantage of the available tax relief and ensure that your pension plan is working to the max for both your present and future financial health.

john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Science & Wellbeing

A lot has been written about the loneliness epidemic and the huge spike in isolation. It’s not just a post-Covid thing but has been in the works for a while. Study after study shows that, across a range of very different countries, people have fewer friends than previous generations, and they see those friends far less often.

The erosion of close social bonds is a many-headed beast driven by factors like geography, family, religious beliefs, and governmental policies. Another is education. It used to be commonly thought that people with a college degree were more likely to be lonely: The more educated you were, the fewer friends you tended to have.

According to a new study led by pollster Daniel Cox, that’s not true. Or, if it were true, it’s certainly changing now. Who has the most friends? Why are some people more disconnected than others?

One of the most curious insights is a positive correlation between those who went to college and having more connections. In other words, if you go to university, you are more likely to have more friends than someone who does not.

Two reasons for this. The first is that college graduates find it easier to find a job and keep it when they get it. “College graduates have steadier working lives,” Cox said. “They’re less likely to be unemployed for prolonged periods of time.” That’s important not only for financial security but also for our sense of connection. As Cox put it: “Workplaces are critical ways to form fast friendships and lifelong friendships.”

To form any kind of meaningful relationship with someone, you have to spend a sustained period of time around them. In our normal, day- to-day lives, this isn’t possible. You might swap a few pleasantries with your cashier at the supermarket, but you probably won’t invite them to your birthday drinks.

Micro-walks, defined as brief walking sessions lasting between 10 to 30 seconds, are emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against inactivity. This approach, backed by recent scientific research, suggests that these short bursts of movement may be equally, if not more effective, than longer, continuous walks in promoting overall health and well-being.

A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B has shed light on the potential benefits of microwalks. By measuring oxygen intake as a proxy for energy expenditure, researchers made a startling discovery: those who participated in micro- walks burned up to 60% more energy than their counterparts who walked for longer durations, despite covering the same distance. This finding challenges the conventional wisdom

How college can be the glue for friendships

You might enjoy talking about your holiday with your taxi driver, but they likely won’t be at your wedding. Working eight hours a day in the same space helps facilitate these kinds of closer bonds.

The second reason college graduates are more likely to have meaningful connections is the skills and mindset that college often provides. For most students, college is more than just a rung on the career ladder — it also plays a fundamental role in shaping social lives. Educational institutions provide spaces where

people form long-lasting friendships and tend to get involved in various activities, from joining a choir to playing sport, that help individuals build broader social networks. Those with college degrees, therefore, are naturally placed in environments that foster connection.

As Cox told Big ThinkK “The primary way that people make friends is through institutions... you’re a member of a sports league, you go to a college or university, and you meet friends there.”

As college students grew

The benefits of the micro-walk

up, graduated, and joined the wider workforce, they left behind their college life but still retained their willingness to engage with what was around them. “College graduates just seemed to be more involved [in things like] informal book clubs and meetups,” Cox said. When Cox talks about book clubs and meetups, he’s referring to something sociologists call the ‘Third Space’. It is defined as as anywhere you get to meet other humans, which isn’t your home or the workplace. At home, your first space, you live with your fam-

that longer exercise sessions are always better. Instead, it suggests that short, intense bursts of activity can significantly boost metabolism and calorie-burning potential, offering a more efficient approach to physical activity for many individuals. The metabolic boost provided by micro-walks is particularly noteworthy. When we engage in short bursts of activity, our bodies must quickly adjust to the sudden increase in energy demand. This rapid transition can lead to a more significant metabolic response compared to the steady-state metabolism associated with longer, continuous exercise sessions.

Moreover, the frequent transitions between activity and rest throughout the day may help maintain a higher overall metabolic rate, potentially contributing to improved weight management

or the workplace, where we can shoot the breeze and relax a little.

Cox pointed out that college graduates are more likely to use these third spaces, but the problem goes beyond a simple educational divide; there is a wider decline in both the availability and use of shared community spaces. Historically, churches, unions, and other civic organisations served as hubs for social interaction, especially for those without a college degree. However, as these institutions decline — for whatever reason — so does the opportunity for those without degrees to form meaningful social bonds. Community spaces, once vital to the social fabric, have eroded, and this has disproportionately affected those with fewer resources. At the heart of is a simple message: We need to be around other people if those “people” are to become friends. College facilitates this in two ways: It allows you to join communities and activities, and it means securing longer exposure to a consistent workplace. It’s popular, if controversial, to rail against the damage of technology. Technology is often blamed for many things, and not all of them fairly. But one of the legitimate concerns is, as Cox puts it: “We use technology to fill in the gap that at one point we would rely on another human being for.”

ily or housemates. At work, your second space, you talk with colleagues and go to meetings.

Both, of course, have their place. Your home is essential to your well-being, and, as Cox argued, the second place of work is essential to forming connections. We need family, and we need to work. But we also need a third place. We need a playing field, a coffee shop, or a pub — a place where we can meet other people and exchange ideas. In other words, we need somewhere, which isn’t the home

and energy balance.

While traditional cardiovascular exercise often involves sustained periods of elevated heart rate, micro-walks offer a different approach to heart health. The frequent, brief increases in heart rate and blood flow associated with micro-walks can help improve cardiovascular function over time.

This intermittent cardiovascular stimulation may be particularly beneficial for individuals who find longer exercise sessions challenging or those with conditions that limit their ability to engage in sustained physical activity.

The benefits of micro-walks extend beyond physical health. Regular movement throughout the day can have profound effects on mental well-being and cognitive function. Brief walks can serve as mental reset buttons, helping to clear the

Online spaces and forums are important to many people, but they are an inferior surrogate for real third spaces. We need to physically go to a bar, a ballgame, or a library. We need to reach out to each other and not to the smartphone.

In other words, if the problem is that the friendship recession is caused by increased isolation, we need to consciously and determinedly buck the trend. We need to, as Cox puts it, “just get out of the house and spend time around where you live”.

mind, reduce stress, and improve focus.

Furthermore, the act of taking regular breaks from sedentary activities, such as sitting at a desk, can help combat the negative cognitive effects associated with prolonged inactivity. This can lead to improved productivity, creativity, and overall mental performance.

One often overlooked benefit of micro-walks is their potential impact on digestive health. Regular movement throughout the day can help stimulate the digestive system, promoting better gut motility and potentially reducing issues such as bloating and constipation.

By incorporating microwalks into your daily routine, you may find improvements in your overall digestive comfort and function, contributing to better overall health and well-being.

A trip or holiday can be made more comfortable and easy, with kind and hospitable people (like those found in the friendliest European destination). Sadly, not all countries are known to have warm and friendly locals.

In a Skyscanner survey (via Forbes), travellers named the rudest countries they’ve been to, and — perhaps unsurprisingly — France took the top spot in the list. Similarly, Paris was given the title of The Rudest City In The World by Insider Monkey based on Reddit posts written by travellers. In one thread, a Redditor with a now-deleted profile wrote: “French people in France cut in line, talk down to you and I often hear insults in French directed at me when I eavesdrop.”

In a separate thread discussing countries with rude locals, multiple commenters also considered France to be the worst.

A similar sentiment was shared in a Tripadvisor post by traveller 393arthur. The post, titled “French are so rude and arrogant to tourists – WHY ?” detailed accounts of non-French tourists being ignored in restaurants, rude shopkeepers, and other clashes between the author and French locals. While these experiences might not be universal, it seems a lot of work needs to be done before the “snooty Frenchman” stereotype is put to rest. Russian locals can come off as rude to outsiders

Though France and Russia are on opposite ends of the European continent, they’re both regarded as having rude locals by visitors. Skyscanner’s respondents named Russia the rudest destination for travellers after France, which gives the phrase “coldest places in the world” a whole new meaning. Russian people are thought to be blunt, direct, and confrontational by some outsiders. Redditor u/eye_ snap explained their take: “Russians will not smile until they know you. This includes

Why

Travel & Leisure

customer service or sales people. They are suspicious of everyone, until you become friends, then they are great friends to have.”

For tourists who don’t have time to earn the locals’ trust, this can result in many uncomfortable interactions. However, some insiders suggest that Russians don’t intend to be rude. Rather, their culture and communication style is simply different from that found in some other countries.

Skyscanner’s Russian Market Manager Tatiana

you

In a recent United Airlines –which flies Dublin to Newark, NJ – commercial, all the passengers on a flight are crying. It’s meant to highlight that there is a screen in every seat (and oodles of movies that may make you happy or even cry), and the TV advert ends with the narrator saying: “You can blame it on the altitude.”

It’s a cute ad, but altitude is only one of the myriad scientific, physical, or emotional reasons why fliers are more likely to join the Mile Cry Club.

“It is not unusual for a person to unexpectedly fnd

Danilova told Forbes magazine: “The Russian language is not as polite as English, so when Russians translate directly from Russian to English, it can sound rude to an English speaker even if they don’t mean it to.”

People may rub you the wrong way in the UK and Germany

In Skyscanner’s survey on rude countries, the UK and Germany rounded out the Top 4, each receiving about 10% of the total votes. The UK isn’t generally stereotyped as harshly as

are more

themselves crying while travelling in an airplane,” said Jodi J De Luca, a psychologist who specialises in how altitude affects our emotions. “We have little control over our environment, and, although we may not consciously be aware of our emotional vulnerability, our emotional brain, aka the limbic system, is working overtime.”

Part of that is due to the psychological stress of getting to your destination. Consider how much preparation goes into a trip. Before you even take off, there’s planning, packing, going to the airport

The rudest countries in Europe

France, and, ironically, 65% of survey respondents were from the UK and Ireland. British travellers may just be humble, though some have complained of run-ins with unfriendly Britons. On Reddit, u/ Ornery_Context_8797, who visited from the US, shared their difficulty socialising with people in Oxford. Other posts suggest the locals are even more antisocial in the capital, something you may want to keep in mind when trying to blend in with the locals in London.

It’s also good to be

prepared for unfriendly attitudes when visiting Germany. Many travellers have taken to discussion boards and blogs with personal stories of rude interactions with locals in the central European country. “Of all the people I’ve met so far, old Germans have a bit of a tendency to be the rudest, in a holier-thanthou attitude, but this is all very anecdotal,” wrote u/ ManaSyn in a Reddit thread.

On the blog Following the Wanderlust, writer Alison Haywood goes as far as claiming that “Germans

aren’t ‘direct’ — sometimes they are just plain rude,” citing a handful of personal examples. Whether you visit France, Russia, the UK, Germany, or another country in Europe, remember that rudeness is subjective. What might be considered respectful in one place doesn’t always apply in others. Learning about your destination before your trip can help you prepare for uncomfortable culture shocks and, more importantly, ensure that you’re not the one being rude in a foreign land.

likely to cry when flying ...

(possibly saying goodbye to loved ones), getting checked in and through security, and finding your gate. Then there’s the high-stakes Tetris

of trying to board the plane, find your seat, and stow your luggage. And once the boarding doors are shut, everything is suddenly out of your control. Even for seasoned travellers, it’s a lot.

All of that, said Ryan Warner, a clinical psychologist, can trigger feelings of “anxiety, exhaustion, relief, or even positive emotions, like feeling grateful. It’s a situation where a range of emotions can come up more easily.”

Flying also has a weird way of stripping away distractions. No texts, no emails (unless you’re

shelling out for Wi-Fi), no running around doing jobs.

You’re just... there. In your seat. With your thoughts.

It’s a forced moment of introspection, whether you asked for it or not. Warner said that time may offer fliers the opportunity to “reflect on meaningful moments.”

Or, De Luca added, prompt thoughts of our mortality because, “while flying, both conscious and unconscious thoughts of death lead to our subsequent emotional vulnerability”. Whichever end of the spectrum travellers find themselves on,

some weepiness does provide some feel- good benefits. According to De Luca, it helps release neurotransmitters and hormones, like oxytocin, which aids in relaxing and feeling more at peace, while endorphins help improve mood.

Other catalytic agents, says psychologist Dr Christina Scott, could include “not sleeping well the night before a trip or rushing to make the flight on time, each flooding our bodies with adrenaline and cortisol, which are chemicals that leave us feeling frazzled.

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry

Moran

Our terrifying Halloween night in a US jail!

Some years back our family spent Halloween night in jail! In a penitentiary to be precise. Little did I know when boarding a flight for New York that I, my wife and two daughters, would end up in the penitentiary in Philadelphia! Such, I suppose, are the vagaries of trans-Atlantic travel.

Not bad enough that my wife had some of her cosmetics confiscated (potential bomb material, security said) but we end up behind bars into the bargain.

“During the time you spend here, it is important for you to discover not only why you got into trouble but what changes you can make within yourself that will enable you to live a relatively happy and constructive life in the future.”

So read the first paragraph of my Handbook For Inmates. We hadn’t gotten into trouble, of course. God knows we’re a fairly good-living,

decent, up-right family. Nor could we blame the authorities for our “plight”. No, sir. We had only our American friends and hosts to blame. Old friends, they say, are best. They are. But they’re also full of surprises. Glad to be away from New York and the mayhem of Manhattan, we were looking forward to a relaxing Halloween evening in the home of our friends in the quaint town of Newtown, a 30 minute drive from Philadelphia. No such luck. Instead, thanks to our good friends, we found ourselves outside the Eastern State Penitentiary of Philadelphia, now a derelict world of crumbling cell blocks, for a night of Terror Behind The Walls. The most terrifying part of the night of, however, was the massive numbers outside the walls, queuing and pushing and jostling to get in to this real prison ranked sixth Best

Haunted House in the US.

The Eastern State Penitentiary of Philadelphia opened in 1828 and closed in 1971 after 142 years in service. The original seven cell blocks radiated like the spokes of a wheel and it had running water and central heating before the White House! Its vaulted sky-lit cells held many of America’s most notorious criminals, including bank robber ‘Slick Willie’ Sutton and, perhaps the most famous, or infamous, of them all, one Al Capone.

The Eastern State Penitentiary of Philadelphia was the world’s first true penitentiary in that it was a prison designed, not just to punish, but to inspire penitence (hence the name) or true regret, in the hearts of criminals.

The only regret in my heart that Halloween night was the teeming queue of teenagers, many appropriately attired and masked for the occasion,

lining the pavements. Noisy and boisterous I felt quite uncomfortable amid this mass of hyped-up, hor-

“The bright lights of Philadelphia were a welcome sight ...

monal sea of bodies.

Luckily for us our friends knew a friend who slipped us some VIP passes which allowed us to skip the interminable queue. Equally terrifying, however, was actually skipping the queue. Were they hisses I heard as we scampered along trying not to look obvious. OBVIOUS! There’s a queue a mile long and here’s my wife, two daughters, two friends and myself, skipping blithely past everyone. Blithely? I don‘t think.

And then the fun and games started in the Eastern State Penitentiary of Philadelphia. From every nook and cranny of this maze-like, menacing prison we were accosted by “prison wardens” and “inmates”. When we weren’t being accosted and verbally abused we were “set upon” and startled by ghoul-like, ghastly creatures. The constant darkness, dampness and knowing we were fum-

bling through real-life prison corridors and cells made the experience all the more authentic and eerie. Three-D glasses made our careful, cautious treading through the laboratory and the morgue all the more gruesome while our tiny, hand-held torches merely pin-pointed our presence for more ghoulish assaults and heart-stopping sudden apparitions. Shrieks, screeches and screams were the currency of the night – mostly from me, the head of our family, who led our cowering, hunched-up, bunch of six into each chilly corridor and cob-webbed cell, and paid the price ie. a near coronary around every corner.

The bright lights of Philadelphia were a welcome sight after our Night Of Terror behind the walls of the Eastern State Penitentiary, the sixth Best Haunted House in the US of A.

Local history competition for primary schools

Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Kilkenny County Council Library Services & Rothe House Trust are delighted to announce a new collaboration: Fadó FadóSparking Memories - Kilkenny Young Researchers Primary School Competition.

Kilkenny is a County with a rich and varied past. It also has been at the forefront in the study of local history since the mid-Nineteenth Century. Therefore, it’s our pleasure to launch this exciting new competition for primary school pupils aimed at promoting local history and heritage in the Mayfair Library on Wednesday 16th October 2024 with Mayor Andrew McGuinness.

We invite and encourage students to become young researchers and historians as they dig deep into history to learn about their local heritage. This can be anything from the history of an old building or ruin to local folk tales and stories. The scope of the competition presents an ideal opportunity for teachers to complement the history curriculum.

The winners will each receive a €100 Voucher and a perpetual trophy. The class of the winning entrant will enjoy an educational visitor experience at Rothe House and Gardens. Winning

entries will be on display in their local library and will be digitised and available for online viewing on the Kilkenny Library Digital Archive. https://digitalarchive.kilkenny.ie/

The prize-giving ceremony will take place in Rothe House in March 2025

Entries can be submitted under these two categories:

• Junior Competition: 3rd & 4th class pupils

• Senior Competition: 5th & 6th class pupils

For more info, see www. kilkennylibrary.ie Entries to be submitted to Kilkenny County Council Library Services, Local Studies Department, John’s Green House, John’s Green Kilkenny, R95 YH61- in person or by email to lstudies@ kilkennylibrary. ie by 4pm on Friday 14th February 2025. “This project is a collaboration of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Kilkenny County Council Library Services and Rothe House Trust and we are looking forward to receiving lots of entries, reading all about our local folklore and history and we hope this competition will encourage the students to explore their sense of place and their heritage,” says Alicia Dunphy, Library Staff Officer, Local Studies Department.

Fado Fado Sparking memories Launch Photo Mayfair Library Oct 24

Coughlan

Why the world should not go hungry... The Last Word Pat

Hunger, unfortunately, continues to afflict millions around the world, even though global food production consistently exceeds demand. I find it baffling that, in a world of plenty, so many still go to bed hungry. I find it hard to take the ads on television asking for a few euro to help relieve hunger when I know that there is plenty of food out there. Unequal distribution, food waste, conflicts, poverty, and discrimination all play their part. Addressing hunger requires not just immediate solutions but a holistic approach to systemic change and equitable access to resources.

Back in my days lecturing on social and economic issues, it was a must that I teach my students about the concept of ‘Laissez-faire capitalism’. I wonder how many people today know the meaning of the phrase.

Laissez-faire capitalism has its roots in the 18th century. It

emerged as a reaction against heavy-handed government controls. The Scottish economist Adam Smith said that the market did not need any regulation because it had an “invisible hand” guiding it. A sort of fairy godmother that slapped the hands of those marketeers that were bold. The idea was simple: let the market run free, and prosperity would follow. But, as history shows, this hands-off approach often led to stark inequalities and unchecked greed.

It’s maddening to think that, while there’s an abundance of food, so many still can’t get their hands on it. The crux of the issue lies in how food is distributed. Poor infrastructure, economic gaps, belligerents in wars and logistical nightmares all play their part. It’s like having a feast but no way to get to the table. Understanding these hurdles is key to ensuring everyone gets their fair share.

It’s shocking how much food gets wasted before it even reaches our plates. From farms to supermarkets, inefficiencies abound. I’ve seen perfectly good produce discarded due to cosmetic imperfections or improper storage. Market dynamics often force farmers to dump surplus crops. By tackling these issues head-on, we can redirect this wasted bounty to those who need it most, including in our own country, thereby reducing hunger and promoting sustainability. In conflict zones, the impact on food systems is devastating. I’ve seen how wars displace farmers, destroy infrastructure, and halt agricultural activities. It’s heartbreaking to witness communities that once thrived on their land now struggling to find their next meal. The activities of Israel in the West Bank and Gaza are prime examples. Peace-building is crucial, not just for stability

but for rebuilding these shattered food systems and ensuring sustainable access to food in post-conflict regions. Poverty is a relentless beast, trapping people in a vicious cycle of food insecurity. I’ve

“With the world producing 50% more food than it needs why do we still have hunger?

seen firsthand how limited purchasing power means families can’t afford nutritious food. And then there’s the infrastructure — or lack thereof. Poor roads and facilities cripple agricultural productivity, leaving rural communities stranded. By tackling poverty head-on and investing in infrastructure, we can pave the way to better food security and brighter futures.

I’ve seen how discrimination and social injustice can limit access to food for so many. Gender, ethnicity, caste, and socioeconomic status often intersect, creating barriers for marginalised communities. It’s disheartening to witness such inequality. I’ve often wondered how much of our hunger problem stems from a lack of education. Without proper knowledge about nutrition and sustainable farming, communities can’t make the best choices. Imagine if we

invested in educational programmes that taught people how to grow their own food and eat healthily. We’d see a massive shift in reducing food waste and boosting agricultural productivity.

But I ask: “Why governments don’t step up more to tackle hunger.” Limited intervention and weak policies leave small-scale farmers struggling and food systems vulnerable. We are back to ‘Lassez Faire’ again. It’s clear that hunger persists despite our world producing more than enough food. It’s a tangled web of unequal distribution, food waste, conflicts, poverty, discrimination, and weak government policies. Tackling hunger demands a holistic approach, embracing systemic change, sustainable farming, and fair access to resources.

By facing these challenges head-on, we can dream of a world where no one goes to bed hungry.

Nightjar confirmed to be breeding in south-east

A recent survey conducted in the southeast has successfully confirmed that one of Ireland's rarest and most elusive birds, the nocturnal Nightjar, continues to breed in the country, though in very limited numbers.

With only sporadic records of breeding over recent decades, mostly in the south and south-east, the general consensus was that we had effectively lost Nightjars, despite few attempts to prove otherwise. However, a new survey coordinated by BirdWatch Ireland and supported by Kilkenny County Council, Wexford County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund confirms that this species still survives in the southeast.

The mysterious and elusive Nightjar is one of our most intriguing birds. A summer visitor with perfectly camouflaged bark-like plumage, it can be incredibly difficult to spot, only revealing its presence after dark, when the male engages in it’s hypnotic ‘churring’ song.

Nightjars were once more common and widespread in Ireland, their rising and falling song was so widely-known that the bird was given its own name: Túirne Lín, meaning spinning-wheel. However, the numbers completing the journey to Ireland from African wintering grounds each May have diminished dramatically. This is thought to be related to habitat loss and a decrease in large insects due to the use of pesticides. Nightjars feed on moths and other flying insects, and they are well equipped for this: they have very large eyes adapted for hunting in low light, and a wide-gaping mouth designed to capture insect prey in flight.

As the Nightjars ‘churring’ has faded from popular memory and from most of its former range, the species has slipped into relative obscurity, which is somehow fitting for a secretive bird adapted to disappear into its surroundings. We have mourned the declines of species such as Curlew, Hen Harrier and Ring Ouzel, but the disappearance of Nightjar has largely gone unnoticed.

The uncertainty over the status of Nightjar in Ireland set the scene for a survey undertaken this summer. The aim of the survey was to try and confirm whether Nightjar still remain in Ireland and in the process, to learn more about this enigmatic species to help inform its conservation. The Nightjar survey was coordinated by BirdWatch Ireland and concentrated on some of the most suitable remaining areas for Nightjar in Counties Kilkenny and Wexford.

Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland John Lusby, who coordinated the efforts, explained how the survey was carried out: “We used acoustic recording devices which were set to record bird song in the late evening and throughout the night in areas deemed to be suitable for Nightjar, which were typically low-lying hills with forest plantation and especially recently clear-felled forest surrounded by suitable foraging habitat, in the hope that we would detect the very distinctive and unmistakable song of Nightjar, thereby confirming its presence in an area”.

These survey efforts were rewarded when, within the many hundreds of hours of recordings, and among the songs and calls of many other bird species, the fabled churring of Nightjar was detected from not one but two of the survey sites. Subsequent monitoring of these sites provided confirmation that one of these pairs bred successfully, marking what appears to be the only known Nightjar successful nesting in the country.

Colin Travers, one of the lead surveyors for the Nightjar survey, commented,: “It was such an amazing privilege to listen to Nightjar ‘churring’, although I was not previously familiar with this magical song, it felt natural to be listening to it in the Irish landscape, and obviously the significance of hearing their churring cannot be overstated, as it is telling us in very simple terms that even if we have somewhat forgotten about Nightjars, they are still here”.

Although Nightjar numbers do appear to be extremely low in Ireland, there is some

hope if we look to nearby Wales and other countries where conservation efforts have proved successful and where Nightjar populations are recovering. John Lusby, commented “now we know that Nightjar are still here, we need to do all we can to make sure we don’t lose them, which should include protecting and enhancing the nesting and foraging habitats at the sites where they are known to occur as well as other areas which have the potential to host Nightjar, hopefully this will help to ensure that birds will return to these areas next May and in future summers and expand out to other areas”

Bernadette Moloney, Biodiversity Officer with Kilkenny County Council, who supported the Nightjar survey, commented, “it is incredibly important to understand what biodiversity we have and to protect what we have remaining. This survey served to highlight the biodiversity importance of some sites in the south-east which have otherwise not received much attention and are not part of our network of protected sites and it is wonderful to know that Nightjar still remain in these areas”

Claire Goodwin, Biodiversity Officer with Wexford County Council said that “we were delighted to support this survey with the assistance of funding through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund and it is brilliant news to learn that there were two pairs identified, one pair breeding successfully. Whilst this is marvellous news the low numbers highlight the fragility of the species and the urgent need for protection and conservation of their habitat”

Susie remembered as new family room opened at St. Luke’s

The new family room in St. Luke’s Hospital for supporting relatives of patients in end-of-life care was officially opened on Monday 14th October by Conor MacLiam, Chairperson of the Susie Long Hospice Fund and Niamh Lacey, General Manager of St. Luke’s Hospital.

The family room funded by the Susie Long Hospice Fund provides a private space in the hospital for family members to take a break in a quiet setting during the most stressful of times. The facilities include a bed, TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a bathroom. The room can also be used to facilitate meetings and consultations with the multidisciplinary team.

The family room is being fully utilised and has become an essential element in providing respite and privacy for those whose loved ones are at end-of- life in the hospital.

The family room is part of a suite of supports being provided by the Susie Long Hospice Fund to the hospital. These supports are part of a five-year agreement between the charity and the hospital to substantially improve the care experience of palliative care patients and their families. HSE policy has significantly changed since the Susie Long Hospice Fund began with a mission to provide the highest possible quality end-of-life care for patients and their families through the establishment of a 12-

bed hospice in Kilkenny. Since the charity’s inception, there was a huge emphasis on the need for privacy and dignity for all patients during end-of-life care. This need has been fulfilled as all new hospital rooms in St. Luke’s are single occupancy and have transformed the experience of palliative care for patients and their families.

As well as the new family room, the supports provided by the Susie Long Hospice Fund include:

The purchase of three state-of-theart Murphy beds, six Buddy chairs and room enhancements in the 72bed Ormond wing of the hospital so that relatives can be by the bedsides of their loved ones.

An education fund to cover European Certification in Palliative Care for six staff members of St Luke’s Hospital and one postgraduate diploma in palliative care every year.

Provision of complementary therapies for palliative care patients.

With the help of Margaret Ryan, St. Luke’s End-of-Life Care Coordinator, the Susie Long Hospice Fund is continuously exploring new ways to improve and enhance the experience of patients and their families in the hospital environment.

Commenting on the opening of the family room Conor MacLiam said “On this, the 17th anniversary of Susie’s passing, with the opening of this family room, I am happy to say that St. Luke’s is making great strides forward in end-of-life care.

respondents, 39.4% died in a hospital. The survey findings highlight the need to create compassionate spaces within acute hospital settings.

The support from the Susie Long Hospice Fund has enhanced endof-life care in St. Luke’s General Hospital for their patients, their loved ones and the staff who care for them. This valuable support has allowed us to improve how we integrate hospice principles into our acute care setting.

In partnership with Margaret and her end-of-life care team, so much progress has been made since the days when Susie was a cancer patient. I, and other families and friends of end-of-life patients know how this room will make a huge difference.”

St. Luke’s General Hospital is a Hospice Friendly Hospital (HFH). The HFH Programme is an initiative of the Irish Hospice Foundation in

partnership with the Health Services Executive (HSE), introducing a strategic and focused approach to the improvement of end-of-life care in acute hospitals.

The findings of the first national End-of-Life Survey was launched on the 11th April 2024, providing valuable insights into the care journeys of those who received end-of-life care between September and December 2022. Of the 4,570

The Susie Long Hospice family room offers a tranquil, comfortable and private space for patients and families within the busy hospital environment during their care journey. A spokesperson at St. Luke’s General Hospital told The Kilkenny Observer that they are very grateful for this ongoing collaboration with the Susie Long Hospice Fund, improving end-of-life care at the hospital.

Photos: Willie Dempsey

The Susie Long Committee

The opening of the new Susie Long Room at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny

Conor Mac Liam, Chairperson of the Susie Long Hospice Fund, cuts the ribbon on the new Susie Long Room. Also included is Niamh Lacey, hospital manager

The new Susie Long Room at St Luke's Hospital

Cllr Joe Lyons welcomes Minister O’Donnell to the Kings River, Callan

Minister of State for the OPW visited Callan last week to view the work undertaken on the Kings River and to meet up with candidate for the General Elections, Cllr Michael Doyle. He was welcomed to the Town by Cllr Joe Lyons who gave him a detailed report on the Kings River Project. He inspected the work complete around the eye of the bridge which had been completely blocked for many years. The work was funded under the Climate Action Programme.

Cllr Lyons showed the Minister the area of the River, between the bridges, that will be completely desilted and all associated works will be carried out to rid the Towns amenity of the unsightly sand dunes and shrubbery and improve the visual aspect of the Kings River that is adjacent to two Public Parks. Cllr Lyons said, he worked very closely with Minister Heather Humphreys, Department of Rural Affairs and Minister Patrick O Donovan Department of the

OPW, to obtain the funding of €247,800, which is copperfastened to carry out this work in July '25.

The Minister met many of the public on his walkabout, and also some business people in the Town. He heard the problems, issues and challenges of being self-employed in an Irish rural Town. He was extremely impressed with his visit to Keoghs Bakery, and Billy's story of The Family Baker in Callan for generations (and the famous rustics).

Thank you from Conor

Tuesday 8th October saw KBowl Kilkenny host a fundraiser in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital with half price bowling, raffles and fun for everyone.

“We decided to do a fundraiser as a thank you for all they did for my grandson, Conor, when he was diagnosed with Sagittal Craniosynostosis as a small baby two years ago,” says Shane Murphy, KBowl’s owner. “It was a very anxious time for us as a family, but to see how the team worked to fix Conor’s skull over two surgeries was amazing and now he is a very lively, healthy little boy. We will be forever grateful to Temple Street Hospital, so doing a fundraiser to give back just made sense.”

The man of the moment even made an appearance on the fundraiser day with his mum Becky, and had a great time with family, staff and customers and proved you are never too young to bowl. Customers also enjoyed half price bowling on the day, and lots more donated online with KBowl raising €3,000 so far. “People love to get involved for a good cause, especially for children’s charities, and our customers were very generous,” commented

Shane. Conor turned 2 a few days before the fundraiser and watching him have fun, like all small children should have the opportunity to do, is what fundraisers like this are all about.

Alannah Butler, Corporate Executive in Children's Health Foundation said "We are incredibly grateful to KBowl Kilkenny for the wonderful support they have shown for sick children and their families across Ireland. Fundraisers

and events like these are vital in helping Children's Health Foundation fulfil its mission of providing exceptional care, support, and resources to young patients across all Children's Health Ireland sites. Thank you for helping us give every sick child every chance."

Sagittal Craniosynostosis is where the ‘plates’ in the skull fuse together before birth, something that would normally happen as you grow in your first few years, causing the skull to be long shaped from front to back and altering the shape of the space the brain needs to form correctly. It’s still unknown why it happens, and corrective surgery is needed to fix it. Conor was the first person to have this type of surgery done in Ireland. His surgeons came from Sweden to perform the 2-part process and with the team in Temple Street, a few small scars hidden by his wavy blonde hair are the only evidence there was anything ever amiss.

Scan the attached QR code to donate and help CHI Temple St continue to do their fantastic work.

Former Cllr Tommy Maher, Minister Kieran O Donnell, Mary Byrne, General Election candidate Cllr Michael Doyle, Dermot McCabe, Cllr Joe Lyons

Conor and Grandad Shane

Coolagh Pattern -1987

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Ninety-year old Paddy Norris told Radio Eireann’s Donnacha O’ Dualin at the Coolagh Pattern that he felt he had enjoyed a “good run.”

Before cars were invented, he had walked as a boy to patterns in Coolagh from Cruchtabeg. He would save pennies in the weeks leading up the pattern to buy sweets on the happy day. His love of the old tradition persisted into adulthood and remained constant in his later years.

Paddy would join the revelers on Pattern night as they danced and consumed “rakes of drink.” He certainly needed such breaks from the daily routine: in his early years, he rose at 6am and toiled until 7 pm for half a crown per week as a “creamery chap.” And he spent countless hours, from dawn to dusk, behind a horse and plough in fields around Coolagh.

Paddy’s reminiscences were interrupted by shouts of jubilation from the camogie pitch, where one of the teams had just notched up another score. Olive O’ Neill told Donnacha of the important role Callan had played in reviving the County’s fortunes on the national camogie scene. The Callan Camogie Club had been founded in 1974, and two of its best-known members were the Downey sisters, Anne and Angela.

A star of the 1987 Coolagh camogie match, Breda Cahill, revealed to Donnacha that she “couldn’t wear a helmet as it was a bit warm on the head.” She was about to commence her own analysis

of the match, Eamon Dunphy style, referring to “bad pullers and great pucks”, when a loud “thump” distracted the RTE man and herself.

A parachutist had dropped onto the camogie pitch, barely missing a goalpost and looking quite relieved that he had failed to land on the crossbar. Applause greeted his arrival. Another parachute was sailing gently towards the field, a snow-white circle in the sky silhouetted against a purple cloud. A third one, bright red like a big celestial rose petal, seemed to hover above the venue, frightening birds and drawing hundreds of handshielded eyes skyward.

Amongst the older and wiser folk enjoying the autumn sunshine at the pattern was a woman Donnacha could hardly wait to meet: 85-old Nell Leahy. Her sharp memory and charming ability to weave tales of yesteryear had endeared Nell to locals, and to thousands of radio listeners who had heard her lilting voice.

Born in 1902, she recalled an age when patterns at Coolagh were held, not in a field, but on the crossroads. She explained to Donnacha that the pattern had been organised near an old church in the area for centuries, but the celebrations moved from this location after 1812 when a new road running between Callan, Windgap, and

Carrick formed a crossroads at Coolagh.

In her childhood and early teens, locals and visitors attended Benediction in Coolagh Church before heading for the eagerly awaited annual funfest at the pattern. The official Church view of patterns had given way again to a quiet tolerance of the tradition, though worshippers were cautioned about over-indulging in the “hard stuff” that flowed generously at the night-time fringe activities that accompa-

nied each pattern.

This eminently sound advice was gratefully received, respectfully acknowledged (“Lord Graciously Hear us”), and tactfully set aside once the music and dancing began. And such restraining words were blissfully forgotten when the corks and caps starting flying off the bottles, and the glasses clinked in the shebeens.

These makeshift pubs might consist of an old canvass covering thrown over

five or six branches stuck in the ground. Just as men of previous centuries had kept an eye out for the Redcoats, the drinkers in the shebeens would post lookouts to prevent the boys in blue from spoiling the fun.

Children loved the pattern, Nell confirmed, and she never forgot the sense of elation she and her childhood friends in Coolagh felt as the big day approached. Auntie Clifford would be at the cross early in the morning. Her stand was loaded with fruit, sweets, chocolate, fresh cakes, and sticks of Peggy’s Leg.

The box she sat on concealed bottles of stout-She had these in case the lads got thirsty later on. Auntie Clifford was a hit with the kids. She was kind to them because she knew they only had a few pennies to spend.

The day after the pattern, Nell recalled, she and the other children went crying back to school. “We’d pass armies of wasps on the way”, she told Donnacha, “swarming around the rotten apple cores at the Cross. And in school we’d daydream about the matches, and the sweets, or the donkeys running. The teacher told us to cheer up. There would always be another year.”

My book Callan in Pictures and Words is available from Amazon.

(Picture of Coolagh football Team November 1913: Front row L/R: Mick Fitzgerald, Bill Fitzgerald, Martin Hawe, Jack Power

Second row L/R: Jim Leahy, Jack Mc Kenna, Jack Fitzgerald, Jim Somers, Larry Murphy.

Third row L/R: Tom Walsh, Tom Somers, Jim Byrne, Paddy Hawe, Bill Saunders, Jack Luttrel, Maurice Coady, and John Grace.)

Nell Leahy with her donkey

Sean Holden with Callan Person of the Year Award

Toil and trouble will have theatre as its centrepiece

create theatre in different types of spaces using different techniques. Michael Somers who directs the piece said “it's in the round”.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, Somers had this to say “It's more challenging for sure. We have no lights or props. This piece is down to the work the actors put in. The text they created and the vision of just creating using many different techniques. Our plan is to bring it to a full length. But we're only starting.”

It’s been 700 years since Alice Kyteler became the focus of an investigation initiated by the local clergy, particularly by the Bishop of Ossory, Richard de LeDrede. The accusations against her included heresy and witchcraft, fuelled by her unconventional practices, which included the use of potions and her association with a servant named Petronella, who was also implicated in the witchcraft charges. Kyteler’s story continues to intrigue historians and feminists alike, symbolizing the struggles of women in a patriarchal society and the often tragic consequences of that struggle.

The Witch Hunt of Alice Kyteler illustrates the complexity of life in Kilkenny 700 years ago where four languages were spoken, whiskey invented and plague was a common occurrence. It has actors from all over

Kilkenny and indeed the world including Catriona Walsh, Nicci St George Smith, Paul Behan, Megan Kelly, Willie Ryan, Nicole de Villiers, Kevin Tynan, Evan McCormack as well as Ukrainian and South African influences. Making his stage debut will be Michael Conway. There will also be local musicians. Róisín Kerin is stage manager with Isabelle Gill the creative artist.

The play will be performed in The Hole in the Wall, High Street, Kilkenny. Admission is €10 and it runs from Monday 4th - 6th November. Early booking is advisable as spaces are limited. This performance will be followed by a symposium about the production and the events surrounding Kilkenny's most famous witch.

The Witch Hunt of Alice Kyteler is a short 40 minute piece about the witch hunt of Alice Kyteler, Kilkenny's world famous witch and her endeavours to evade capture.

This play has been created by Core Productions. Set up in 2024, Core endeavours to

Catriona Walsh and Paul Behan

Programme cover of a 1968 ‘New Theatre Group’ production about Alice Kyteler

The Petronella restaurant Kilkenny, named after Petronella who was tortured and forced to proclaim that she and Kyteler were guilty of witchcraft

The famous Kyteler Inn on Kieran Street Kilkenny.

Donald Trump says he wants a presidential victory on November 5 to be so overwhelming that the results are “too big to rig”.

The Republican leader, who still refuses to accept that he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, told supporters in the state of Georgia: “We want a landslide. We can’t let anything happen.”

No matter the margins, Republicans and Democrats are preparing for a potentially lengthy battle over the results once they come in. Dozens of lawsuits that could set the stage for challenges after the votes are counted are already playing out in courts across the country. Most have been filed by Republicans and their allies.

Many of the cases involve challenges to mail-in balloting, ballots from overseas voters and claims of voting by people who are not US citizens.

Trump, who faces federal criminal charges over his efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat, has repeatedly declined to state unequivocally that he will accept this year’s results.

Democrats, meanwhile, warn that election deniers installed in key voting-related positions nationwide may refuse to certify legitimate results and prompt litigation.

Harris seeks to win over Republicans uneasy about Trump with visits to Midwestern suburbs.

“In 2020, the election deniers were improvisational. ... Now that same election denialist impulse is far more organised, far more strategic and far better funded,” Michael Waldman, President of the Brennan Centre for Justice, told reporters during a telephone briefing. “At the same time, the election system is far better able, we believe, to handle something like this.”

While partisan battles over voting rules have long been part of presidential campaigns, election litigation has soared in recent years. With money pouring in for legal fights and the number of outside groups involved in election litigation proliferating, the disputes are not likely to slow down anytime soon.

“It’s not even just the parties — it’s outside organisations, and they’re fundraising on how they’re able to protect democracy, how they’re able to preserve the integrity of the election, whatever it might be,” said Derek Muller, an election law expert and professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School.

“They have wealthy donors who are backing this litigation. So there doesn’t seem to be any de-escalation in sight.”

With under two weeks before Election Day, about 180 voting and election cases have been filed so far this year, according to Democratic lawyer Marc Elias, who founded the election litigation tracking group Democracy Docket.

It comes four years after Trump and his allies flooded the courts with lawsuits claim-

AMERICA: will it be 2020 all over again?

ing fraud. Those filings were roundly rejected by judges nominated to the bench by presidents of both major political parties.

The rate of election litigation has nearly tripled since 2000, when the Supreme Court in a five to four vote effectively settled the election in favour of Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore, election law expert Rick Hasen, now at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, wrote in 2022.

The High Court’s role in that race supercharged interest in election law, fuelling a rise in litigation that accelerated in 2020 because of changes to voting rules during the coronavirus pandemic.

Changes to campaign finance rules a decade ago have allowed donors to give parties huge sums of cash specifically for legal fights. Election litigation these days is not always about winning in court, but also sending a political message to galvanise donors.

“It’s become part of the campaign to sort of show your stuff

in court,” said Rebecca Green, a professor at William & Mary Law School and an election law expert. “It’s become common that campaigns will litigate as a matter of sort of headline drawing, getting a message out.”

Trump’s lies about losing the 2020 election have been adopted by many in his own party.

But in 2020, while he started off with a deep bench of sophisticated lawyers, most left the effort as Trump continued to make unfounded claims of voter fraud, even as his own administration insisted the election had been secure and there was no widespread fraud.

The Republican National Committee this spring launched what it described as an “unprecedented” election integrity program, with plans to have 100,000 volunteers and lawyers in key battleground states as part of a “commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the 2024 elections”.

“President Trump’s election

integrity effort is dedicated to protecting every legal vote, mitigating threats to the voting process, and securing the election. While Democrats continue their election interference against President Trump and the American people, our operation is confronting their schemes and preparing for November,” said Claire Zunk, RNC elections integrity communications director. She said they were prepared to litigate.

Some of the cases currently in the courts appear unlikely to be resolved before November 5, but the claims could come back after the votes are tallied to challenge the results in court, said Jess Marsden, counsel at the group Protect Democracy and director of its programme to ensure free and fair elections.

The most important courtroom fights could be over rules for certifying the vote. There’s a new, faster review process for certification disputes under updates to the Electoral Count Reform Act passed by Congress in 2022.

Similar to redistricting cases, certification disputes can go before a three-judge court in the state where they originated and be quickly appealed to the Supreme Court.

“I do suspect that might be utilised by losing candidates as a Hail Mary attempt, or in some cases, worse, a way to try to enlist the court in trying to change the outcome of the election,” said Wendy Weiser, vice-president for democracy at the Brennan Center. “That said, it’s also a safeguard in case there’s been some shenanigans relating to certification.”

In Georgia, a judge has declared that seven new election rules recently passed by the State Election Board are “illegal, unconstitutional and void.” That includes one that required the number of ballots to be hand-counted after the polls close. Another required county officials to conduct a “reasonable inquiry” before certifying results, but it did not specify what that means.

Republicans have appealed the judge’s decision invali-

dating the rules to the state’s highest court. RNC Chair Michael Whatley called that ruling “the very worst of judicial activism.”

“By overturning the Georgia State Election Board’s common-sense rules passed to safeguard Georgia’s elections, the judge sided with the Democrats in their attacks on transparency, accountability and the integrity of our elections,” Whatley said in a statement. “We will not let this stand.”

There was no legitimate way for a county or state to refuse to certify election results, but that doesn’t mean they would not try, Weiser told reporters. Even if they were unsuccessful, those efforts could fuel conspiracy theories and “contribute to chaos and delays,” she said.

“If there are multiple efforts to refuse to certify simultaneously and a huge flurry of lawsuits simultaneously when the margin is very close, that will make it more challenging for election officials,” Weiser said.

The annual TASK Sale of Works and Family Fun Day

An annual Sale of Works took place on Wednesday 9th October and a Family Fun Day was held on Sunday 13th October. Both were features of TASK’s marking of National Mental Health Week at its base in the Old Auxiliary Hospital in Kilkenny. TASK (Training and Support Kilkenny) is a rehabilitative training programme for adults, part of the HSE’s mental health services. TASK helps people to improve and maintain mental well being, develop coping strategies and self-care skills and primarily regain confidence. Based in the Old Auxiliary Hospital complex in Kilkenny, TASK has a studio space in the main building, a workshop for upcycling furniture and a garden and horticultural project.

The annual Sale of Works opened in a Marquee on the grounds of the Auxiliary Hospital with the sale of upcycled furniture, arts and crafts and by all accounts, sales were reported as excellent.

At the launch of their art exhibition, over 50 people gathered to view the work of 14 artists, all based at the former hospital.

There was access to the TASK garden at the Auxiliary on the Family Fun Day on Sunday which featured Face Painting, Apple Pressing, Kids Treasure Hunt, Upcycled Furniture, Art Exhibition Music and Refreshments. The Kilkenny Observer attended both events and managed to capture some photos while there.

An evening of singing with Ireland of Island Peace Choir

At a well-attended Edmund Rice Memorial Chapel on Saturday night, a large attendance enjoyed an evening of singing with the Ireland of Island Peace Choir. Credit to the Christian Brothers as the Church was transformed for the occasion. Under dimly lit lights, seating was rearranged in various circular rows, lanterns both inside and out, and hundreds of candles, the atmosphere lent an air of calmness as the Choir sang for Peace, in our hearts and in the world. Br. John Burke spoke of his delight on behalf of the Community to have the Peace Choir visit Westcourt on their

25 year tour. Afterwards he thanked all who helped in any way to make the night so successful. He said the Choir would love to return to the Memorial Chapel to put on a music and song workshop, which would be open to the

public. The leader of the Choir spoke of the many years and stories, since the Choir was formed shortly after the Omagh bombing. It is hoped to have an annual night with the Peace Choir at Westcourt as the setting and the venue

HSE Recruitment Cap must be lifted to protect patient care and safety in Carlow/Kilkenny

Labour General Election candidate in Carlow/Kilkenny, Cllr. Seán Ó hArgáin calls on government parties to back the Labour Party Dáil motion to end the cap on healthcare recruitment and deliver safe staffing levels in our hospitals and community services to support patient care in Carlow/ Kilkenny.

Under the new HSE Pay and Numbers Strategy, positions are deliberately being left vacant and unfilled, and this is putting even more pressure on frontline staff, and undermining services.

Cllr. Ó hArgáin said:

“I was happy to attend the recent lunchtime demonstration by members of SIPTU, the INMO and Fórsa at St. Luke’s Hospital, where I heard at first hand the damage that the Pay and Numbers Strategy is having on them personally and on our vital local and regional health services.

“Government party candidates can’t hide from the impact their policies are having on our frontline healthcare services. The HSE’s de-facto recruitment embargo is damaging to patient safety, undermining care, and impacting on efforts to retain staff.

“Thousands of positions across the country, and many in Carlow and Kilkenny are deliberately being left vacant.

Local clinical managers have been stripped of autonomy and can’t fill vacancies when a healthcare worker retires, changes job or takes maternity leave.

“Healthcare workers in Carlow/Kilkenny are being forced to do more with less, and safe patient care is not guaranteed. The INMO has highlighted that thousands of positions were abolished over the last two years under the last embargo, and nursing posts in cancer, palliative, paediatric, and rehab care are being left vacant.

“We’re half way through October and already 969 patients have been left languishing on trolleys in St. Luke’s Hospital. It’s not good enough.

“If you’re sick, you should get access to safe and timely care but over 700,000 people are on hospital waiting lists, and trolley numbers in our Emergency Departments remain too high.

“Speaking to healthcare workers in Carlow/Kilkenny, it’s clear that they are extremely concerned about the weeks and months ahead. Each worker goes above and beyond for their patients but the Government simply is not valuing them.

“The HSE’s Pay and Numbers strategy will mean vital positions across Carlow/

Kilkenny will be left vacant. Government representatives have to accept responsibility for this. It’s also now taking up to a year to fill vital positions.

“The Labour Party believes that roles that are critical to patient safety in Carlow/ Kilkenny should be filled. A comprehensive workforce planning strategy is needed to ensure that enough qualified staff are being trained and recruited and that we retain those we already have. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael can’t ignore the concerns of healthcare workers and they must address core issues like staff safety and providing key worker housing, so no healthcare worker is priced out of living in the community they serve.

“Ireland’s health infrastructure is struggling to meet demand, and that has to change. Every day, people in Carlow/Kilkenny are seeing the impact of this first hand.

“Understaffing in the health service is impacting the ability of staff to provide safe care. It’s putting patients at risk and it’s damaging our efforts to retain existing staff.

“Healthcare workers in Carlow/Kilkenny deserve better. I am calling on TDs in Carlow/Kilkenny to support Labour’s motion next Wednesday in the Dáil. Together, we can build a healthcare system that works.”

White Twine and Old Suitcases

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

A Letter to my Future Daughter

You will make waves, darling.

They will not be water

But they will be fire.

You will scorch the earth, my love,

Where others refuse to tread

Or give up and pack up

You will raise your head

And continue on.

Where others will walk the line

You will follow your own path.

And where others wear gold and crowns

You will wear courage, loudly.

My love,

You will be extraordinary.

You will be five hundred stars in the night sky

And you will wonder why

You ever bothered

Wonder what they think about you.

Raise your head, and follow through.

A struck match, you wait

To set this world ablaze.

Isobel Tiernan

John and the Frog

John knew a frog called Charlie down by the small round pond and on afternoons when the sun was hot and no one was around they’d sit by the pool for hours on end the frog on a leaf the boy in the sand and talk to each other as boys and frogs do of jelly and tadpoles and homework and zoos and if John was unhappy or puzzled or sad he’d tell Charlie about it and Charlie’d say ‘Gad’ ‘Well that’s true’ or ‘How awful’ or ‘I say what a cod’ his expression was smiling and strikingly odd and John sat there nodding the whole summer long and grew nineteen inches and became very strong

Now that he’s bigger he thinks it’s a joke when his young brother Billy said ‘John, that frog spoke!’

Mike Watts

The Hump of the Week

On Wednesday evenings after the supper, my father would gather himself and drive up the road to Manogue’s shop for the paper.

He would come back with the ‘Kilkenny People’, a few groceries And two bags of cheese and onion crisps for my sister and I.

Or two bars of chocolate or two of something. Later we discovered a wrapper in his jacket pocket.

He had a bar of his own on the way home.

And why wouldn’t he?

‘The hump of the week,’ he would say, ‘We’re over the hump of the week.’

Martha Woodcock

health.

There was lovely energy on display by all and the weather was even glorious. And of course, what also helped was the ‘cuppa’ and the treats after some great volunteering. There was plenty of laughter and chats during the tea break with a great community feeling and spirit to the morning.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, the group of volunteers paid thanks to all who supported the morning, and were keen to point out that this event was the first of many.

Butts regeneration project:

Funding of €850,000 has been made available for a comprehensive regeneration plan for the Butts area in Kilkenny City. The need to review fully the structures, services and amenities in the area has been raised by residents and local elected representatives for many years, and officials of Kilkenny County Council submitted a proposal to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which has now been successful.

Butts Town Team and tidy estate event

The Butts Town Team held a tidy estate event recently. All volunteers met at 19 Pearse Street, the community house which is open to everyone three mornings a week.

Marie Smith, the community liaison officer, works from this community space and all are encouraged to drop in and say hello. This wonderful venue is used to share and discuss suggestions for the Butts’ regeneration project. The streets and green areas in the community were the target for these eager bunch of volunteers. The sports area of the community, the Water Barrack’s soccer pitch and handball alleys, which have seen no upgrade

or development in many many years despite the huge willingness of the community for this to happen. Most in the community see sport as a way of keeping the younger generation on a healthy positive path in life, with great social connections to their friends and their community and to their overall social

The funding will allow the local authority to carry out a detailed assessment of the area and to engage fully with residents to determine what measures could best benefit the community now living there.

The Butts Community is one of the oldest, estate type communities in Kilkenny City and was built at a time when families didn’t have cars, work was close by and large rear gardens grew vegetables. If constructed today, it would most likely be designed very differently to meet the requirements of modern family living.

Funding in the amount of €850,000 has been made available to prepare a detailed plan of actions for

the Butts area regeneration and preparations to begin that process are under way.

The Butts Town Team is made of multiple sub committeeselderly, sports, education, housing, traffic, heritage, youth and estate management. The Butts community has made a huge effort in setting up the Butts Town Team as part of the regeneration programme for the Butts community.

All sub committees have a chairperson who put themselves forward and were

elected by their community. There is a chairperson over all the sub committees, elected by the community. All sub committees’ members are engaging with the community, and they are very aware of the importance that the voice of the Butts community is at the centre of any developments in their community.

Chairpersons of the sub committees are meeting via Zoom with the VHA consultants. On the 6th of November there will be a community consultation with the VHA consultants in the neighbourhood hall. People from the community are urged to attend. If you would like to get involved in any of these sub committees contact your community reps.

Food & Drink

Pumpkin cake Come Dine WithMe

One-pot paneer

curry pie

Prep: 25 mins

Cook: 1 hr and 30 mins plus cooling

Serves: 6

What’s more comforting than a curry in pie form? This one-pot paneer pie is filled with a makhanistyle filling and topped with a crisp puff pastry lid.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 440g paneer, cut into 2cm cubes

• 4 tbsp ghee or butter

• 2 large onions, finely sliced

• 2 large garlic cloves, crushed

• thumb-sized piece of ginger, finely grated

• ½ tsp hot chilli powder

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp fenugreek seeds

• 1½ tbsp garam masala

• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 300g potato, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes

• 150g spinach

• 150g frozen peas

• 100ml double cream

• 2 tbsp cashew nut butter

• plain flour, for dusting

• 320g sheet all-butter puff pastry

• 2 large eggs, 1 whole, 1 yolk only, lightly beaten together (freeze the leftover egg white for another

recipe)

• 2 tsp nigella seeds

• pilau rice or green veg, to serve

STEP 1

Heat the oil over a medium heat in a shallow flameproof casserole dish roughly 30cm wide. Add the paneer and fry for 5 mins, turning with tongs until each side is golden. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with kitchen paper.

STEP 2

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Slices: 15

Make this ghoulishly good

Halloween pumpkin cake for a sweet party showstopper. It’s great for using up leftover pumpkin and tastes similar to carrot cake.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 300g s elf-raising flour

• 300g light muscovado sugar

• 3 tsp mixed spice

• 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 175g sultanas

• ½ tsp salt

• 4 eggs, beaten

• 200g butter, melted

• zest 1 orange

• 1 tbsp orange juice

• 500g (peeled weight) pumpkin or butternut squash flesh, grated

For drenching and frosting

• 200g pack soft cheese

• 85g butter, softened

• 100g icing sugar, sifted

• zest 1 orange and juice of halfer, cut into cubes

• 1 egg, beaten

Method

STEP 1

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/ gas 4. Butter and line a 30 x 20cm baking or small roasting tin with baking parchment. Put the flour, sugar, spice, bicarbonate of soda, sultanas and salt into a large bowl and stir to combine.

Heat the ghee or butter in the same dish over a medium-low heat, then add the onions and a big pinch of salt. Fry for 15 mins, or until softened and caramelised. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cook for 1 min, then tip in the spices and fry for a further 2 mins. Scrape the spiced onions into a food processor or blender along with the tomatoes and blitz until smooth. Pour back into the pan with 1½ cans of water, then stir through the sugar and potatoes. Bring to the boil, lower

to a simmer, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 mins or until the potato is just tender.

STEP 3

Add the spinach and peas, and cook for 5 mins. Stir in the cream and cashew butter, then return the paneer to the pan and season to taste. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely.

STEP 4

Heat the oven to 220C/200C

and juice, then mix with the dry ingredients till combined. Stir in the pumpkin. Pour the batter into

fan/gas 8. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry out to just bigger than your casserole dish. Cut a thin strip off each side and fix these around the edge of the casserole. Roll the pastry sheet over the top and press the edges with a fork to seal, and tuck in any overhang. Brush with the egg, sprinkle with the nigella seeds and bake for 30-35 mins or until deep golden brown. Leave to rest for 15 mins before serving with pilau rice or green veg.

the tin and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch.

STEP 3

To make the frosting, beat together the cheese, butter, icing sugar, orange zest and 1 tsp of the juice till smooth and creamy, then set aside in the fridge. When the cake is done, cool for 5 mins then turn it onto a cooling rack. Prick it all over with a skewer and drizzle with the rest of the orange juice while still warm. Leave to cool completely.

STEP 4

If you like, trim the edges of the cake. Give the frosting a quick beat to loosen, then, using a palette knife, spread over the top of the cake in peaks and swirls. If you’re making the cake ahead, keep it in the fridge then take out as many pieces as you want 30 mins or so before serving. Will keep, covered, for up to 3 days in the fridge.

STEP 2 Beat the eggs into the melted butter, stir in the orange zest

Woman Of the Hour will hold you for 95 minutes

Woman Of The Hour is available to stream on Netflix, and you’re going to want to make time to watch this crime thriller. Based on a stranger-than-fiction true story, it looks to have all the ingredients to be a Netflix smash hit.

Woman Of The Hour focuses on the infamous American serial killer Rodney Alcala (played by Daniel Zovatto), and more specifically, his bizarre decision to appear on an episode of the popular television show The Dating Game in 1978. Rather than keep a low profile, the murderer signed up to appear on the show, and meets Cheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick), an aspiring actress.

During the episode’s taping, Cheryl is actually charmed by Alcala who answers her playful questions

with surprising wit and intelligence. But when the pair leave the studio lot and go for a drink afterward, Alcala’s true sinister nature comes out, and Cheryl is left highly disturbed and eager to escape.

While the movie is centred on Alcala’s appearance on The Dating Game and Cheryl’s chilling experience, we also flashback to see the various brutal murders committed by the serial killer in the years before 1978. These sequences are no doubt gripping, but also extremely stomach-turning, as we see Alcala take advantage of multiple vulnerable young women.

There’s also a brief (but highly impactful) side story focusing on a member of the live studio audience named Laura (Nicolette Robinson). She recognises Alcala after

a prior encounter and attempts to alert the show’s producers only to be met by men in positions of power that don’t take her seriously. It’s enraging to watch her plead for help and be met with unsympathetic looks. So, while Woman Of The Hour does have all the usual elements of a thriller that will keep you hooked — a masterful job building tension in the third act — what really stands out is how it shines a spotlight on society’s largely uncaring approach towards violence against women. And, while this isn’t new territory for the genre, it’s an important message nevertheless.

A lot of credit should go to directorAnna Kendrick for her work on both sides of the camera. The playful sequences during Cheryl’s appearance on The Dat-

ing Game are particularly impressive. Kendrick is her usual charming self, but these moments are interspersed with flashback scenes of horrific violence, that add an almost unbearable sense of dread to the proceedings. Cheryl thinks she’s just having fun on a dating show, unaware of just how truly dangerous the man sitting behind the screen that she knows only as Bachelor No. 3” is.

Woman Of The Hour is a well-constructed crime thriller, one that puts its focus on the victims rather than the perpetrator (though Zovatto is impressively repulsive as Alcala), and with a zippy runtime of less than 95 minutes, it easily holds your attention throughout. By the end, it’ll leave your heart racing, but also your fists clenched in quiet fury.

Overlooked true drama worth the viewing

In 2008, Tom Hardy starred in the biographical prison drama Bronson. The movie gives a loose insight into the fascinating life of prisoner Michael Peterson, who adopted the boxing persona of Charles Bronson, after the American actor of the same name.

The notorious criminal, known as Britain’s most violent prisoner [pictured], was initially sentenced to seven years in jail for armed robbery in 1974 aged just 22. However, due to his tendencies to take hostages and continued violence towards the guards, he’s spent most of his life in prison, often in solitary confinement. Having spent most of the last 50 years behind bars, he continues to serve a life sentence to this day despite never having committed murder. More recently, he changed his name again to Charles Salvador in tribute to the artist Salvador Dalí and had his parole rejected once more in 2023.

Hardy found the part to be incredibly physically demanding. With only five weeks to prepare for the role, the actor reportedly gained 40 lbs to match Bronson’s physique. At the time, the prisoner said he did 2500 push-ups a day. Contrary to popular belief, Hardy has clarified that he did not do this many himself.

The movie received many nominations during awards season, including at the Sundance Film Festival. Bronson won Best Film at the Sydney Film Festival, while Hardy’s depiction of the notorious criminal won him Best Actor at the 2009 British Independent Film Awards.

It is one of the most underrated British films and is streaming on Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

1. Territory

The new six-episode Netflix series is built around a family dynasty, a succession drama, and a scramble for control of a sprawling cattle station. When Marianne Station is left without a clear successor, generational clashes threaten to tear the Lawson family apart.

Sensing this once-great dynasty is in decline, the outback’s most powerful factions — rival cattle barons, desert gangsters, Indigenous elders, and billionaire miners — move in for the kill. With billions of dollars at stake, everyone wants a piece of the pie. This series will immerse viewers in a part of Australia they’re not used to seeing on TV and in film, as everything unfolds on the land’s wild and untamed frontier

2. Lone Survivor

Lone Survivor chronicles the US Navy SEALs counter-insurgent mission during the war in Afghanistan. A four-man SEAL team was tasked with locating Taliban leader Ahmad Shah, but the reconnaissance and surveillance mission didn’t go as planned.

Heavy on the action versus the personal stories, Lone Survivor was universally praised for the visuals and battle scenes along with the cast, which includes Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, and Eric Bana. It’s a harrowing look at the dangers and pressures of war and the brave men and women who fight for their country. On Amazon.

3. Batman Forever

While it might not be considered the best Batman film – from 1995 – some believe that Val Kilmer was underrated in the role. He plays opposite Jim Carrey as Riddler in Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever, the third movie in the inaugural Batman film series. The plot follows Bruce Wayne/Batman (Kilmer) and his fight against Two- Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and Riddler, who are trying to steal information from the minds of those in Gotham City. The movie also introduces Batman’s sidekick Robin (Chris O’Donnell) as well as his love for Dr. Chase Meridian (Birth‘s Nicole Kidman).

For fans of the DC Comics universe, it’s worth watching or re-watching Batman Forever to see where you might rank it within the franchise. On Amazon Prime.

4.Liaison

Eva Green and Vincent Cassel star as a UK agent and French spy trying to tackle cyberterrorism attacks against Britain. Liaison has received middling reviews, but the leads have garnered some acclaim. And the criticism is that Liaison lacks substance, not thrills or tension. Six episodes on Apple TV Plus

5. The Consultant

The Consultant stars Christoph Waltz as a scenery-chewing, you guessed it, consultant who appears at a mobile game company after its CEO mysteriously disappears. That may make it sound like a workplace comedy, but this one is pitch black with elements of horror thrown in. On Amazon Prime.

CBS, Kilkenny City and Grennan College, Thomastown represented Kilkenny on the South East Schools team in the under 15 Basketball Ireland Schools Inter-Regional Boys Basketball tournament last weekend

Fionn Ryan from Grennan College in Thomastown and Matthew Tuohy from the Kilkenny CBS in Kilkenny City were both selected to represent Kilkenny on the South East Schools team in the under 15 Basketball Ireland Schools Inter-Regional Boys Basketball tournament that took place on Saturday 19th and 20th of October. The South East team was made up of school players selected from Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary where they played against teams from the South West, the West, the South and the Midlands in what was an action-packed weekend of basketball.

The Basketball Ireland event took place in the University of Limerick Sports Arena where both boy's and girl's regional teams battled it out in a very competitive display of Basketball. The Schools Basketball Inter Regionals are a Representative Competition for the 9 Regions in the Irish Schools Basketball System in Ireland. Players are selected to represent their region from the Schools within that region and the tournament is held annually where the 9 regions in Ireland get to compete against each other. The Schools Inter-Regionals was set up by Tom Collins in 1977 and the Cups are named in his honour. Tom Collins was a teacher and a basketball coach whose vision and organisation led to a dramatic growth of schools involved in playing competitive basketball in Ireland.

Fionn Ryan shoots a 3 pointer against agains the South West Team

Matthew Tuohy Drives to the basket agains Team South

Fionn Ryan and Matthew Tuohy County Kilkenny Players on the South East Undwer 15 Team

The South East Team

Kilkenny Sport Focus

Michael O’Leary

2024 World 4-wall handball championships

It's a huge week ahead in Handball with The 2024 World 4 Wall Handball Championships taking place at a variety of venues including across Kilkenny.

The Championships start tomorrow (Saturday) and there will be matches every day throughout the week until the final day of action on Sunday week November 3rd, as The National Championships are also run in conjunction with The Worlds.

This is the second World Handball Championship to have taken place in Ireland this year as The World Wallball Championships took place at The University of Limerick, and having two World Handball Championships in Ireland in the one year has given the sport a higher profile to an International audience.

The World 4 Wall Handball

Championships will be held in 4 counties across Ireland in Kilkenny, Dublin, Carlow and Laois, with matches in 8 venues across Kilkenny.

The matches will be played in Lisdowney, Galmoy, Clogh, Kilfane, Windgap, Callan, Kells and O'Loughlin Gaels with several competitions in both Adult and Juvenile.

Matches will also be played in Tinryland, Garryhill and Borris in Co. Carlow, Cullohill and Monavea in Laois, and also in The National Handball Centre in Croke Park, where the best of Irish and International Handball competitors will be playing throughout the week.

The World Wallball Championships in August brought about plenty of glory for local competitors, and hopes are high that further World Championship glory will be replicated in The 4 Wall competitions

w ith plenty of local interest on show.

The underage grades have attracted a massive entry in both boys and girls competitions, with most of the entrants drawn from Ireland and a spread of titles across the various counties is almost guaranteed.

Having The World 4 Wall Handball Championship in Ireland is a perfect opportunity to showcase the sport to a wider audience, and it's massive for Kilkenny to be one of the hosts of thes e Championships. It would most certainly be extra special and unique for any of the local handballers to win a World Championship Medal on home territory, as the county gets ready for the biggest Handball event on the planet.

A strong back

BY PAUL BOLGER

When it comes to caring for our backs, how important is strength? You often hear different things depending on who you ask. Let’s explore this idea to gain a greater understanding about how we might best care for these wonderful backs of ours.

Fit for Purpose

When it comes to back health, a degree of strength is important, but it is only a part of the story. It is important to be ‘Fit for Purpose’. What does this mean? Being strong, flexible and fit enough to meet your normal day-to-day demands. Now this is all well and good if you are regularly active, but it can become an issue for those in pain, those with a health issue or those recovering from an injury.  Where a lot of people get caught out here is when the seasons change and they jump headfirst into

resilient to these physical

Consistency is essential when it comes to changes in fitness –regular bouts of activity, no matter how small, add up in the long

Practicing the above points should help to put most people on a better path to caring for their back health. Being ‘fit for purpose’ (i.e. strong and fit enough for what life throws at us), pacing ourselves and taking a gradual approach to increasing strength and fitness will all reduce the risk of us suffering from an

That said, there are many other factors that impact back health. If you read my article last week (which is available on the Kilkenny Observer website), you will know that things that affect our health impact our back health – such as smoking, general fitness and sleep. It is also well established that things that impact our psychological health and wellbeing are pivotal here too. A strong back is useful, but it is only one part of the story.  As always, if you want to use this information to manage a certain problem that you have, it is best to do so under the guidance of a registered healthcare professional.

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

CLARA

CLUB LOTTO

Lotto results for 15th October. Numbers drawn - 12, 17, 19. No Jackpot winner.

€30 each to Frances Mulrooney, Dermot Byrne, Peter Coogan, Laura Nolan, Maisie Brennan. Thank you for your continued support

CAMOGIE

Clara Camogie Club will hold its AGM on Friday 22nd November at 8.30pm. Below is link to form for members to submit nominations for camogie committee and coaching roles. https://forms.office.com/e/VSS2DhtvB1. Please return your nominations before Friday 8th November. If anyone wants to get involved in any capacity, please let a current committee member know or use this form. New faces and fresh ideas are alway welcome.

HURLING

The Clara U21 hurlers continued their preparations for this year’s championship with a resounding win over the Rower Inistioge on Sunday morning in Clara. On a very windy morning the Clara men used the ball very well and worked some brilliant scores. All but one point of their 2-17 total came from play. The Rower weren’t helped by losing their talisman Eoghan Lyng just before halftime after he received an accidental blow to the ear but nevertheless this was an impressive display by Clara.

Team - Conor Cody, Ben Crow, Zach Lawlor, Hugh Kelly. Ben Murphy, Harry Boyle, Luke Lawlor. Philip Carrigan, Ned Langton. Joe Power 0-3, David Barcoe 0-1, Sean Carrigan 0-1. Rory Glynn 2-6, Cian Kelly 0-1, Conor Hoyne 0-5, 0-1f. Subs Daniel Ryan, Dillon Cummins, Eoin Corr, Jake Maher, John Bergin.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

COUNTY CAMOGIE CHAMPIONS

Last Saturday proved an historic day for O’Loughlin’s camogie players as they won the Abbot Kilkenny Intermediate Camogie championship defeating Mooncoin in the final by 0-12 to 1-8 in John Locke Park. The teams were level at half time, 0-4 each, but O’Loughlin’s took control of the game after the break and by the 50th minute led by four points 0-10 to 0-6. However, a Mooncoin goal led to a tense finish and a draw seemed likely as the sides were level as the clock entered injury time. But substitute Aoife Shealy proved the hero scoring a late point to secure the win and the title for O’Loughlin’s. The winners had stars all over the pitch, none more so than Danielle Quigley who made a number of inspirational runs

forward from the centre back position and received the player of the match award for her display.

Well done to everyone involved, players, mentors and back room team. It is a fantastic achievement and the club can look forward to Senior camogie in 2025.

The winning team was Kate Furlong, Ailbhe Galwey, Neasa Galwey, Jen Holohan, Hannah Quinn, Danielle Quigley, Abigail Egan, Laura Greene, Jen O’Keeffe, Aisling Butler, Laura Murphy, Emma Poyntz, Kate Lawless, Ruth Crowley, Ena Lawlor. Subs: Eva Collins, Aoife Shealy.

Manager: Eoin Lawlor, Selectors, Amy Bryan(Coach), Damien Donohue (Coach), Tadhg Crowley, James Kelly (S&C), Colleen Rickard (Physio). Sponsors, Mc Donagh Junction.

LET’S GET THE GREEN AND WHITE FLYING

Following the Camogie success last weekend attention now switches to the O’Loughlin Gaels hurlers as they take on Thomastown in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship final on Sunday next. With both the camogie and hurling teams doing so well, it is essential that the St. John’s parish community gets behind our teams. Let’s get the green and white flags, bunting and car flags flying and show our great teams that we are 100% behind them as they seek to bring glory to the club and the parish.

The hurling final is in UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday 27th October at 2.30pm. Make sure you’re there to support our parish team. O’Loughlin’s abú !

LOTTO

There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated October 15th. Numbers drawn were 9, 12, 19, 24 Bonus 5. Thank you for your continued support. Play now at www. oloughlingaels.com/lotto

Promotors draw. 1. Jim Doran c/o Ml Doran. 2. Joe Mackessey c/o M Deegan. 3. James Gibbs c/o JJ Cullen. 4. Marie Cunningham c/o Ml Doran. 5. Theresa Trehy c/o E Kinchella 6. Ml Doran. 7. Deegan Girls c/o M Deegan. 8. Caroline Hickey c/o Online. 9. Ben Leydon c/o Online. 10. Ben Fogarty c/o Online.

NOTES

If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@gaa.ie

FRESHFORD

MARY MAHER RIP

The people of Freshford and the surrounding area were saddened last week to hear of the passing of Mrs. Mary Maher late of Sart, Freshford. In her early 80s the deceased had been unwell for some time, but nevertheless the news of her death was learned with sorrow. A very quiet and good living

lady Mary was well known and respected in the Parish. She was a former member of the ICA for many years. She was predeceased by her brother Paddy and her sister Breda. Her remains were removed from her home on Friday evening to St.Lachtain’s Church Freshford. Funeral mass took place on Saturday morning followed by burial in St. Lachtain’s Cemetery. She is mourned by her husband Michael, son Michael, daughter Anne, grandchildren, son in law, brothers and sisters, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom sincere sympathy is extended.

HALLOWEEN MARKET

A special Halloween market will be held at the Loop Café on Saturday morning next from 10am -1pm. With various stalls there will also be special treats for the kids including face painting etc. So why not go along and support the event

BIRTHDAY

Special birthday wishes go out to Mollie Fortune of Clashacrow who celebrated her 21st birthday last weekend. Molly marked her coming of age at a party with family and friends in Kavanagh’s Bar on Saturday night last.

GAA

St Lachtains Junior hurlers team have qualified for the county final for the second year running after defeating James Stephens in the semi final on Saturday last at UPMC Nowlan Park. The sides went in level at the half time break with ten points each on the scoreboard, some poor shooting saw the Freshford men hit 10 wides in the first half.

St Lachtains hit the ground running after the break, scoring 3 unanswered points in the open minute of play. The local lads kept up their good form for the remainder of the half running out winners with a scoreline of 0-27 to 1-14. Best for St Lachtain’s were Cathal O’Leary and especially the half back line.

Team: D Brennan, S Dawson, C Bergin, S Rafter, P Donnelly, B Kennedy, C Hickey, B Quinn, M Donnelly, A Rafter, C O’Leary, P Killeen, D Maher, J Maher, S Donnelly. Subs: C Dawson, Alan Rafter, J Fitzpatrick, C Donnelly.

U16 COUNTY FINAL:

St Lachtains U16 hurlers took on Conahy Shamrocks on Sunday morning last in the U16 Roinn C County Final in a wind swept MW Hire Dunmore. St Lachtains had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half and led at the break 1-7 to 0-5.

The boys put in a huge “backs against the wall” performance in the second half, but couldn’t hold onto the lead against a strong Conahy side aided by a very strong breeze and were beaten on a scoreline of Conahy Shamrocks 1-13

St.Lachdtain’s 1-8. The young men from Freshford have to be commended for the determination and effort they showed in the difficult conditions. Well done to the team management and all involved.

CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to neighbours, Lisdowney hurlers who won the Michael Lyng Intermediate hurling final on Sunday last defeating Young Ireland of Gowran by 3pts.

There are some Freshford connections on the winning team with Aidan and Ben Tallis who are grandsons of Michael and Kathleen Burke Ballylarkin and the O’Carroll brothers who are grandsons of Mrs. Mary Kelly, Kilkenny Street.

DEATH

The death occurred last week of Fosset (Fossie) Gray late of Ballyroe House, Freshford. He was predeceased by his wife Frances. Although advanced in years his passing caused widespread sorrow. His funeral mass took place in Tulla Church followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. He is mourned by his sons, John and Leonard, daughter Rosealeen, grandchildren, daughters in law, sisters in law, nephews nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

BINGO

The weekly bingo sessions continue each Friday evening in Freshford Community Hall at 8pm with some good prize money and a raffle each week. All proceeds go to the Irish Wheelchair Association. The Committee would like to thank all the people who turn up each week and ask you to please support this weekly fundraiser. Tell your friends and spread the word around.

LOOP CAFE

Kilkenny Adult Learning services ate offering everyone in the area free classes in basic and intermediate computer courses. Classes start at 9.30am in the Green Room at the Loop Café on Tuesdays. Everything you need including laptops are provided. So why not go along and improve your knowledge and skills. For more information please contact 056 7763149 or email info@KilkennyAdultLearning.ie

With summer holidays behind us and community activities starting up again, the Loop Community Café is looking for new pairs of hands to help out. Chopping veg, washing plates, cleaning counters, making coffee – you name it, we need it! If you can take part any time from Monday to Saturday, even for an hour or two, please stop by or call the café at 056 8832650.

SOCCER

Freshford Town U13 boys had a good win over Evergreen in their home league game on Saturday last coming out winners on a 5-1scoreline with goals from Max O;Neill (2)Tom Dalton, Iarla Carroll and Lochie McCarthy.

The Junior side had their first game of the season on Sunday last when they took on Clover Utd at home they were beaten 4-3. Scorers for Freshford Town were Jordan Burke and Gary Sullivan (2)

The soccer academy for young boys 5/6 upwards continues

each Saturday at 9.30am and will continue each week. The Club is presently looking for volunteers across all levels and if you can help or give a bit of your time they would be most grateful. You can contact any member of the Committee or just turn up at the training sessions Freshford town soccer club are one of the clubs who received Sports Capital funding recently in the region of €150,000 a welcome boost for the club for their regeneration project.

IONAD LACHTAIN

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

The latest event held in the centre was last Friday evening when they held a talk on a local farmhouse restoration project and the “Heritage Council Traditional farm Building Grant Scheme” that funded it.

On Sunday next 27th October at 3pm they will host the inaugural Ned Kennedy Memorial Lecture. This is in honour of the late committee member and local historian Ned Kennedy. It is planned to host a special historical talk each year. This year historian Turtle Bunbury will give a talk on “The Irish Diaspora: Tale of Emigration, Exile and Imperialism”. The event is free to the public.

THE POT

SPLIT

Last week’s winner of split the pot was Bridget Treacy who won €326. This month’s split the pot proceeds is in aid of Freshford Playground and you are asked to please support this project which is a great addition to the village. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs.

Freshford Playground received an LCDC grant recently for new outdoor recycled inclusive furniture that arrived at the Community Playground recently and they would like to thank Kilkenny County Council re same.

SQUASH

Freshford squash club are presently accepting membership. New members are also very welcome and you can contact any member of the Squash committee re same.

KNIT AND KNATTER

Every Wednesday morning in the Loop Cafe there is a knit and knatter session from 10am two 11am. There is a fee of €6 per person, which includes tea/coffee and sweet treats. No experience is necessary as guidance will be given. New members are always welcome so why not go along and gain a new skill and more importantly have gun.

TRAD MUSIC

Lisdowney Traditional Music Group resumed recently and continues each week in the Community Hall Lisdowney each Thursday. Children from six upward are all welcome.

PARISH NEWS

Mass

is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. and 11am Mass in St.Lachtains Church on Sundays. The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards

Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year –Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@ amberwomensrefuge.ie.

THREECASTLES LOCAL HISTORY WALK

There will be a Walk and Talk telling the story of Threecastles between 1900 and 1920. The Walk will be from Threecastles Cross to St. Nicholas Church Tulla. The Walk takes place on Sunday November 3rd.at 2pm. Eleanor Cantwell will lead the Walk.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB

JUNIOR HURLING SEMI-FINAL

From the throw-in in Saturday afternoon’s Kilkenny Junior championship semi-final decider, the club’s junior hurlers gave themselves the perfect start with top quality points from Oisin Bateman and Micky Drennan inside three minutes

O’Loughlin Gaels co-captains Laura Murphy and Jen Holohan receive the Intermediate Camogie Cup.

O’Loughlin Gaels Danielle Quigley receives the player of the match award after the County Intermediate Camogie final.

before St.Lachtain’s settled into the game. Both players continued their impressive form scoring three more points before St. Lachtain’s equalised the game at 0-05 each in the 13th minute. From there to the close of the half both clubs traded scores in a competitive fixture to end at 0-10 each. However, all was to change over the closing 30 minutes as a refocused St. Lachtain’s team with wind assistance rediscovered their scoring touch while catching the Village off-guard and knocking over four points before a Micky Drennan reply in the 4th minute. Then in the 8th minute goalkeeper Daniel Power was forced to make a reflex save to prevent the rampant Freshford men increasing their already widening lead at 0-16 to 0-11. With the outfield players unable to stem the constant flow of the sliothar to the St.Lactain’s attack the overworked full back line of Stephen Power-Kellett, Adam O’Connor and Sean Deely, fronting netminder Daniel Power, had to be at their best to deny their opponents many goal scoring opportunities. Huge performances were also demanded of David Hennessy and Dinny Stapleton while Oisin Bateman and Micky Drennan ran themselves into the ground over a demanding hour’s play. In the 17th minute with the points mounting up for St. Lachtain’s at 0-21 to 0-12, wing forward Eoin Deely whipped the sliothar to the net to give a short lived window of hope to James Stephens but unfazed the Freshford club side moved up a gear or two over the closing 15 minutes and finished the game with a 0-27 to 1-14 total for a deserved place in the 2024 county junior final against Windgap. While the final result was disappointing it should not deflect from the fact that the junior hurlers enjoyed a successful campaign, winning the 2024 Junior Section “B” (senior & intermediate teams) league and championship titles. For this, much credit must also go to the management team of Frank Manogue, Dan Cody, Leo Hennessy, Pat Hyland and Fergal Walsh for their enthusiastic commitment to their panel of players over a long season. Well done to all involved.

BONUS BALL

The October bonus ball number following Saturday night’s National Lottery draw was 19. The lucky winners, who each will receive a cheque for €500, are Franny Cantwell and James Bateman. Our thanks, once again to the many members and friends of the club for their continuing support for the fundraiser. The next draw will take place on 16th November.

CLUB SHOP

Shop supervisor Breda Manogue advises that the club shop will be open every Tuesday evening from 8 to 9pm, between now and Christmas to facilitate the purchase of James Stephens sports and leisurewear. Along with playing gear the shop stocks new padded jackets, hats and umbrellas and reversible snoods in club colours. Why not call in and order, in time, your festive presents or phone Breda at 087 9648756.

ARMY RECRUIT TRAINING

Congratulations to club men Donagh Carney and Ryan Scanlon who celebrated the completion of their recruit training programme in James Stephens Barracks last week. Both new recruits have lined out in the famous Red and Green jersey of the James Stephens club teams from juvenile and under-age teams right through to junior championship grade. Ryan is also a brother-in-law to Donagh who married his sister Jade in July. We wish them well in their army career.

LIBRARY NEWS

Librarian Alan Dunne advises that it’s Spooky Storey-time in Loughboy Library on Thursday afternoon, 31st October starting at 4pm so, why not join storyteller Helena Byrne for an evening of ghoulish and gory ghost stories, Halloween games and creepy tales of old. The event is suitable for children aged 7 and upwards with a parent/guardian. To book a place phone 056 7794176 or email loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie

LOTTO

Last week’s numbers were 13, 21, 25, 29. There was no winning ticket. The € 40 consolation winners were James Doyle, Grainne Dorney, Fiona Noonan, Caroline Carroll and Joanne McCormack. Again, thanks to all who continue to support this vital fundraiser.

GOWRAN

GOWRAN LITTLE THEATRE

Congratulations to Gowran Little Theatre on their four night run of Dancing at Lughnasa

The cast and crew received a standing ovation each night.

GOWRAN PANTO

Halloween party takes place this Friday night, October 25th from 7 to 9pm. Cost of entry is €5. Open for all primary school children.

BUS IMPROVEMENTS

Feedback on a proposed bus service improvements along the Graignamanagh / Kilkenny corridor’s being sought by the National Transport Authority. The proposals focus on increasing bus frequency and improving access to reliable public transport for rural residents.

The consultation will be open for submissions until 5pm on Friday 15th of November – to view and share your opinions please see consult.nationaltransport.ie

Alternatively, please make a written submission to the address Connecting Ireland October 2024 Consultation Transport Service Planning, National Transport Authority, Dún Scéine, Harcourt Lane, Dublin D02 WT20.

GOWRAN AC

Well done to everyone who made the trip to Dunboyne for the Leinster Even and Novice Cross Country. Although the sun was shining it was tough on the athletes taken on the course and the gusty winds of storm Ashley too. The U12 girls started off the day with individual placing for Orla O’Keeffe (8th) and Abigail Hunt (10th). Conor Carroll also placed 8th for an

individual medal and through to the All-Irelands in November. Results as follows: U12 Girls (*County team 4th). Orla O’Keeffe 8th bronze*. Abigail Hunt 10th bronze* Sarah Mulrooney 56th*. U12 Boys Darragh Glynn 84th. Jay Pollock (pulled out injured). U14 Girls (*County team 7th). Emily O’Keeffe 41st*. Heidi Ryan 48th*. Mia Kennedy 63rd*. U14 Boys (* County team 4th). Bobby Coomey 25th*. Peter Grimley 57th. David Carroll 59th. Matthew Byrne 78th. U16 Girls (* County team 7th). Lucy Cunningham 43rd *. Anna Kelsey 60th* U16 Boys (*County Team 3rd). Conor Carroll 8th bronze. U18 Boys (* County team 7th). James Kelsey 60th*. Michael Holland 78th

Novice men (* County team 5th) **Club team 4th. John Coady 16th*. Johan Muller 33rd* Colin Pollock 36th* Sean Morrisey 37th *

INTERMEDIATE FINAL

Young Irelands brave attempts came up short in the Intermediate Final against Lisdowney in UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday. A 2nd goal by Lisdowney put them in the driving seat as they led 2-9 to 0-8, but Young Irelands fought back to trail by just two points (2-10 to 0-14) inside the final 10 minutes. However, Lisdowney dug deep as they closed out the game to win 2-12 to 0-15.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOOTBALL

Congratulations to The Gowran Primary School Football Team who won 3-3 to 2-2 away to Kilmanagh in the QuarterFinal of the Country Cup.

BENNETTSBRIDGE

DANNY STARS

A young Bennettsbridge hurler acquitted himself well with St Gabriel’s London in the London Senior Hurling final versus Robert Emmett’s. Danny Coyne, son of Murt and Angela Coyne, scored a massive 4 goals with the victorious St Gabriel’s side.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to the Grace and Greene families on the death of Madge Grace, nee Greene, Grennan, Thomastown. She was a sister of Micheál Greene, Barronsland, Bennettsbridge. Madge died in Archersrath Nursing Home on 16th October. She was predeceased by her sister, Maureen. Sadly missed by her husband Percy, sons Liam, Brendan and Eugene, grandchildren Cillian, Lisa, Lily, Megan and Rowan, daughter-in-law Shirley, brother Michael and extended family, neighbors and friends. She lay in repose in the Mercy side chapel, Church of the Assumption, Thomastown. Requiem mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption followed by burial in St Mary’s New Cemetery Thomastown.

JOSEPHINE WALLACE RIP

Sympathy is extended to the Wallace family, Kilfera, Bennettsbridge Road, on the death of

Josephine Wallace (nee Carroll). Josephine passed away on 18th October 2024, at Archersrath Nursing Home. Predeceased by her parents Julia and Peter and brother Billy. Beloved wife of Joe and much loved mother of Matthew. Josephine will be deeply missed by her husband and son, sisters Bridget and Mary, daughter-in-law Caroline, grandchildren William, Jacqueline, James and Abigail, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny. Burial took place in Foulkstown Cemetery.

ART GROUP

It’s that time of year again folks, and the BB Art Group Annual Christmas Card Sale is now in progress. Some new scenes relating to Bennettsbridge have been added together with some old favorites. Available in local shops and as before St Vincent De Paul Society will share in the proceeds.

MENS SHED

Members of the Mens Shed had a very enjoyable visit to Gowran Park on Wednesday where they enjoyed breakfast after which they returned to the Community Centre for their regular activities.

LOTTO

The draw was held on14th October. There was no no winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 3, 19, 21, 22. Consolation Prizes, Anne Marie Mullins, C/o Mosse’s, D’Bally Boys, Cian Dowling, Marian Place, Seamus Walpole, Station Road, Carmel Costigan, Grovine.

CHURCH NEWS

MASS TIMES

Masses during the week, Tuesday evening 7,30pm. Wednesday and Friday morning, 10.30am. Saturday(Tullaherin) 8pm. Sunday(Bennettsbridge) 10.30am.

OCTOBER STATIONS

Offerings are welcome through the month of October. Your

contributions throughout the year are much appreciated.

MISSION SUNDAY

The special collection in support of the missions last weekend was well supported in both churches.

FIRST COMMUNION

The enrolment ceremony for the 2025 First Communion Class took place on Sunday last. Twenty five children accompanied by their parents attended. Celebrant was Canon Pat Dalton, PP. Last Wednesday at a special meeting in the church, four parents volunteered to help out with the Parish Preparation Masses. Thanks went to Billy Molloy and Deirdre O’Brien who enhanced the ceremony with their music.

BORD NA NOG

Last week the first night of our athletic running sessions in conjunction with the Camogie Club took place. Great to such great numbers in attendance. Well done all! Sessions continue each Wednesday night.

EAST END UTD

U15 girls secured 3 points at the weekend with strong win over Highview Ath, putting them top of the table. Final Score East End 4, Highview 1. Great win for the U13s last week in the SFAI Cup, securing their place in the next round. Final score East End 3: Cahir Park 2

The future looks bright for our under age players. The U8s played their hearts out last week against Freshford showing off some fantastic soccer. Well done boys and girls, keep up the good work!

HANDBALL

Kilfane Handball Club are co-hosting the 2024 World 4-Wall Championships. The games are starting on Saturday 26th October - Saturday 2nd November. The Finals are in Croke Park alley on Sunday 3rd November. The Juveniles are in Kilfane Alley Sat 26 Oct Mon 28 Oct. Tue 29

Adults

in

BORD NA NOG AND CAMOGIE ATHLETIC RUN SESSIONS

East End U15 girls secured 3 points with strong win over Highview, putting them top of the table

Danny Coyne played with the London St Gabriel’s team won the senior final scoring 4 goals

Community & GAA Notes

are welcome.

GAA

Under 21 Hurling

Best of luck to our under 21 hurlers who play Mooncoin away in the Roinn A championship this coming Friday at 7.45 under lights. All support greatly appreciated.

Under Age Hurling

Our under 12 team suffered a narrow defeat to Danesfort in the shield final of the floodlight league. The boys acquitted themselves well in this league playing Piltown, Glenmore, Mullinavat.Thomastown and Danesfort. They played some great hurling and improved greatly during the year. Well done to all. The underage season is coming to a close now with some football still to be played.

Congratulations

Well done to Danny Coyne on winning the London senior hurling championship with St Gabriel’s last weekend. Danhy had a fine game scoring 4-1 in the final. Well done to him and his teammates.

Lucky Dip Raffle

The senior players are running a fundraiser at the moment. Tickets cost 1 cent to 20 euro in a lucky dip, for example a ticket pulled could cost you one cent or up to 20 euro maximum. Prize money is 1000 euro first prize, 500 euro second prize, 300 euro third and 200 euro fourth prize. Please contact Michael Shiel on 0868856810 or David Blanchfield on 0860529386 if you would like to take part. Split the Pot

The next draw takes place this weekend in the clubhouse. Thanks again for the continued support.

O’Neill’s Club Shop

A new range has been added to the Bennettsbridge online shop on the O’Neill’s website, simply enter Bennettsbridge into the search box to access the full range of adult and kids club gear.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH

GRAIG NOTES

Should you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm

LOTTO.GAA AND SOCCER

The numbers drawn on 14/10/24 were 1, 19, 22, 29. there was no winner. The following receive €30 each Edel Kenney, Aslley Fenlon, Paul Kielty, Liam O’Shea,, Ben and Luke Lawlor. Tickets are available from any club member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW

The winners for the draw which was held on17/10/ 2024 were First Prize Brigid and Lauren €380.00, Second Prize € 50 Lar Cushen, and Third Prize €25 Judy Bolger. Money raised through Tidy Towns Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all the year round. Draw takes place at 4pm on Thursdays.

RAMBLING HOUSE

The Monthly Rambling House Session is held on the second Friday of each month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district. The next Session is on Friday November 8th at 8.oo pm

MASS TIMES FOR DUISKE ABBEY GRAIGUENAMANAGH

Monday to Friday 10 AM, Saturday 7,30 PM, and Sunday 11AM BUS IMPROVEMENTS

Feedback on a proposed bus service improvements along the Graignamanagh / Kilkenny corridor’s being sought by the National Transport Authority. The proposals focus on increasing bus frequency and improving access to reliable public transport for rural residents.

The consultation will be open for submissions until 5pm on

FOR YOUR DIARY

Light up the Parish Christmas Tractor Run will take place, this year, on Saturday 14th December. All money raised going to the local Saplings School in Goresbridge.

FORÓIGE YOUTH CLUB (PAULSTOWN)

New members always welcome (aged 12-17) as well as volunteers. Contact Aidan Gleeson tel. 086 067 4485. Weekly gatherings resume on Friday 11 October at 8pm. Contact Trish 086 3347 426

MEN’S SHED – GORESBRIDGE

An information evening to explore the possibilities for a local men’s shed will take place on Tuesday 29th October at 8pm in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge. Information - Tom Healy at 087 9181436.

PIONEERS

80 years of the Pioneers will be celebrated, this year, in Goresbridge. Further information is available from Eileen 086 166 4471.

SPLIT THE POT

In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie

DONATIONS

Tar Isteach shop is looking for mugs, dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, water glasses, pictures, vases, winter dresses, knits, if you are doing a clear out, we are also back taking ladies clothes, if you are planning a new wardrobe and want to get rid of winter clothes. We’ll take handbags, belts, scarves.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKIL

BINGO

Bingo is being held in the CYMS Hall each Wednesday night starting at 8pm.

on Friday night at 19.45. All support is welcome.

TRACTOR RUN

Ballyouskill Vintage Club Annual Tractor run takes place on Sunday 27th October registration from 11pm. All Support is welcome.

MENS SHED

Ballyragget Men’s shed continue to meet Tuesdays in the Cannon Malone hall at 10am for their healthy eating programme and Thursday evenings at 8pm. Work is continuing on their shed and new members are always welcome.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

The annual Christmas Craft fair and turning on of the Christmas lights will be held on Friday December 6th this year. The market will begin at 5pm and run until 7pm with the lights been turned on the square at 7.30pm. If you wish to have a craft stall at the market please contact Juanita via WhatsApp on 087 295 5864 tables cost €15.

CANCER SUPPORT

Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Kilkenny have an Outreach Service available for the community of Ballyragget and the surrounding areas every Monday morning. Call in for a chat, support, and registration to The Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny. The Cois Nore Outreach service will be held at Dr Hogan’s Rooms on the square in the morning - from 10 am to 12 pm. Please do not hesitate to drop in or, for an appointment - contact 087-4833941.

CARDS

Conahy progressive 25’s have started back every Sunday night at 8pm, in the club house. All welcome.

JOHNSTOWN

A Disco is being held in the Community Hall on Sunday Nov 3rd from 5pm to 7 pm for children age 14 and under. Dona-

Friday 15th of November – to view and share your opinions please see consult.nationaltransport.ie

Alternatively, please make a written submission to the address Connecting Ireland October 2024 Consultation Transport Service Planning, National Transport Authority, Dún Scéine, Harcourt Lane, Dublin D02 WT20.

CLINIC

Cllr Peter “Chap” Cleere will hold his clinic on Monday Evenings from 7pm at his office in Main Street Graiguenamanagh.

GORESBRIDGE AND PAULSTOWN

ACTIVE RETIREMENT

A group has been set up for Paulstown and Goresbridge. It costs €1 to join and €2 per meeting you attend. Continuing every Thursday - 11am at Paulstown Community Hall. Everyone is welcome.

BADMINTON

Badminton takes place every Monday 8-10pm in the Community Hall in Paulstown. A 4-week ‘come and try’ Adult’s Badminton Programme has started in Paulstown, it is being held on Wednesdays. The aim of this programme is to get as many people involved and playing and form an affiliated club within Paulstown

Currently, there is interest in setting up a Badminton club, as well, in Goresbridge. An exploratory meeting will take place in Ionad Dara at 7pm on Thursday 7th November.

BARROW RANGERS

There was no jackpot winner of last week lotto draw. The Rangers draw takes place each Tuesday. Tickets may be purchased locally or at lottoraiser.ie

Upcoming match: Barrow Rangers vs Emeralds at 2pm on Saturday 2dn November.

BRIDGE UNITED

The Bridge Under-15 girls drew 3-3 with Freebooters. Bridge scores: Orlaith Carroll, Alice Maher and Holly Drennan. Leinster Junior Cup results: Skryne Tara 3-5 Bridge A, with Bridge scores by Jack Treacy (2), Pierce Blanchfield (1), Eoin Kavanagh (1), Marty Dalton (1). A Halloween soccer camp for boys and girls aged 4-13 will take place from 10-1pm on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 October. Contact Conor English 085 132 1589.

CHURCH SERVICES

Weekend masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday. Also in Paulstown on Sunday at 11.30am. Weekday mass is at 10am in Paulstown this Friday and the following Tuesday and Thursday. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm. The rosary will be prayed every Monday at 5.45pm in Paulstown church for the remainder of this month.

DRAMA FESTIVAL (GORESBRIDGE)

Goresbridge One Act Drama Festival takes place on Friday 25th and Saturday 26ht October in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge. There are 3 plays performed each night starting at 8pm on Friday and 7pm on Saturday night. Tickets are €12 nightly with Concessions at €8. Season Ticket (all 3 nights) is €30, and a Friends Ticket is €50 (admits 2 people for the 3 nights).

This festival is part of the Drama League of Ireland One Act Festival Circuit that involves 24 festivals throughout the 32 counties of Ireland. The festivals showcase the best of amateur drama and tickets are available at the door or email goresbridgedrama@gmail.com

GAA

St. Patrick’s Under 21 side will take on John Lockes at home

East End U13s good win in the SFAI Cup, over Cahir Park

Tom Healy

tion €3 which includes D.J. dancing, face painting, nail art and treats. Wear you Halloween costume.

KID’S CAMP

A kids camp is being run from October 29th to October 30th/30 in the Community Hall with art teacher Alliyah and local artist Louise. Lots of art and craft activities for Halloween and a display of all the wonderful creations at the end. LIBRARY

The following workshops are being run in the Library on the following dates. Thursday October 31st. Art workshop with Rachel at 11 am for ages 7 to 10. Flower arranging with Eva Holmes November 6th and 13th. Information contact 0567794182. PRIDE OF PLACE

You are invited to a video and open night in the hall on Friday October.25th at 7.30 pm.

FUNDRAISER

A unique fundraiser is been run toraise fundsfor the refurbishment of the balcony seats to match the grant given by Kilkenny Co.Co. Seventy five seats, each seat costs €200 can be sponsored by individuals, families or members of the Diaspora. If interested contact Marie Garrett 0851880202,Fiona Tynan 0879143574,Breda Campion 0863348462,Kevin Murphy 0868101378 and Bernie Tobin 0868511190 before Nov 29 th.

SPA UNITED AFC

Results junior league division 2 Spa 3 ( Ciaran Beehan,Conor Tobin 2) Evergreen 0, Youths league division 1A High view 4 Spa 3, U15 boys national cup Spa 5 Clonmel 0, U 14 boys national cup Spa 5 St. Patrick’s 3, U 13 boys national cup Hanover Harps 0 Spa 1, U16 boys league division 2 Spa 4 Freebooters 0, U 15 boys league division 1A Spa 2 Callan 0, U 14 girls league division 1A Spa 6 Callan 4, U 13 girls league division 1 Spa 0 Evergreen 0. Also in action the U 11boys hosted Bridge Utd while the U11 girls travelled to play Newark. SPA DEVELOPMENT FENIANS LOTTO

We have a Jobs Board, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required.

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

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

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

SACRAMENTAL DATES

The dates have been announced for the following sacraments in the parish. Confirmation will take place on Friday 28th February at 11am and First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 17th May at 11am.

OCTOBER 400 CLUB DRAW

The result for October, 1st Prize €200 Alan and Cara Bartley, Georges Park, 2nd Prize €100 Kevin and Eithne Power, Coole. Other prize winners were Patricia Walton, Callan, Joe andMargo Coady, Urard, Mary Purcell, Aubrey Road, Michael Rochford, Rathbeg, Michael and Eileen Cahilll, Gortnahoe, Heffernan Clan, Ballynonty, Noel and Eileen McCormack, Glengoole and Thomas Kavanagh, Urlingford. Promoters prize winner was Teresa Bartley.

400 CLUB DRAW

A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the 400 club draw in support of the Gortnahoe Glengoole parish. The new draw will commence in November and promoters will be contacting all households in the parish to renew their membership for the next 12 months. We look forward to the continued support of our parish.

GORTNAHOE COMMUNITY HALL CHRISTMAS DRAW

Gortnahoe Community Hall are holding their Christmas draw on Sunday 22nd December in Gortnahoe Hall. Further details of prizes and the distribution of tickets will follow in the coming weeks. The Christmas Draw is an important fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Hall.

GORTNAHOE BINGO

A special Halloween bingo will be held this Saturday 26th October at the earlier time of 4pm, doors open at 3pm. Over €4,000 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game and a Halloween special game for €800. We look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their family for the Bank Holiday weekend, it will be a great afternoons entertainment for all.

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Joan Morris, Ballysloe who won €207 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of October Split the Pot will be in support of the Gortnahoe Christmas lights. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

VEHICLE RUN

Lauren Ryan and Hannah Hearn would like to thank most sincerely all those people that brought vehicles, helped in any way and contributed to a very successful fundraising effort on Sunday 13th October. €8,300 was raised on behalf of the Hope Foundation.

GORTNAHOE COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

Sponsors extend their very best wishes to Eamon Corbett upon his retirement as supervisor. They would like to thank him for 38 years of service as well as for his courtesy, approachable and pleasant manner. We welcome Rona Sorrell as the new supervisor and wish her well in taking on the mantle from Eamon.

Paul Society have a new contact number - (085) 2160466should anyone in the locality wish to avail of their support. CONAHY BOOK CLUB

The Conahy Book Club is flying along in recent times. Books read this year include Lessons in Chemistry, Year of the Locust, A Thread of Violence, The Lost Dressmaker of Paris, Hannah Coulter, to name but a few. The Club do not just read books, they listen to audiobooks too. So if you like to read or listen to books, why not join them for their Christmas night (they know it’s early) on Friday, November 22nd at 7.00 p.m. at The Orchard, Kilkenny, they would love to see you. The next book is “All the Colours of the Dark” by Chris Whittaker. If you would like to join the book club app, please text Marion O’Dornan on 087-1649567.

BRIDGE CLASSES

Bridge Classes will commence at Tulla Hall, Threecastles on Monday, November 4th, commencing at 7.30p.m. to 9.30p.m. for 10 weeks. If interested in attending the classes please contact Mary on 087-2369535.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET AND STONEYFORD

MASS TIMES

Aghaviller Parish, Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil – Saturday at 8.00p.m,Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Wednesday at 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday at 6.30p.m.

PRAY FOR

Anniversary Masses John O’Grady, Stoneyford, Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 26th. October at 6.30p.m. James and Mary Barron, Sheepstown, Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 26th. October at 8.00p.m.

ROTA (30TH. SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

Readers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Tom King. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Catherine Dwyer; Sunday 10.00a.m. Deirdre O’Shea. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Pat Kenny, Hugginstown Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cuddihy, Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr

MISSION SUNDAY 2024

Mission Sunday is celebrated this Sunday 20th. October. The Holy Father has chosen the theme “Go and Invite everyone to the Banquet”. Mission, he says, is a tireless going out to all men and women in order to invite them to encounter God. An extra Collection for the Missions will be held after all Masses on this weekend. Thank you for supporting in whatever way you can, and please remember it is more than an appeal for financial help. Missionaries also need our spiritual support. On Mission Sunday; Missionaries take great strength in knowing that the faithful of the world are keeping them in their thoughts and prayers.

OCTOBER STATIONS

The October Station Envelopes 2024 are available at the Church Porch. Your contributions are for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese. Your envelopes can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly - Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).

This week’s winning numbers 1,3,17,18. Four lucky dips Michelle Carroll,Tony Quinlan,Declan Tobin and The Friday Blues. Next week’s jackpot € 2,900.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY

Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a onebedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I.

Free L.T.I. Course, which includes Driving Theory/Driving lessons starting soon, contact us for further information.

COIS NORE

Outreach Advice Clinic, at the Mill every Friday Morning from 10am to 12pm

COUNSELLING SERVICES

Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Adult and Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 4+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

SENIOR ALERT

If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

DEFIBRILLATOR

There is a defibrillator located in the Mill FRC if and when it may be required.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS:

Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be dropped off during our opening hours. Please call before dropping off.

JOBS – TRAINING BOARD

CONAHY

HURLING

Congratulations to the under-16 hurlers who won the Roinn C county final on Sunday last in MW Hire Centre (Dunmore) with a win over St. Lachtain’s (Freshford). The Freshford boys started better and led by 1-7 to 0-5 at half-time. But with the benefit of the wind in the second half, Conahy came back strongly and with ten minutes to go, took the lead with a Jack Rhatigan goal. They held onto that lead from there until the finish, winning in the end by 1-13 to 1-8. Well done to all the team and their management team of Sean Brennan, Eoin Carroll, Ciaran Muldowney, Ciaran Rice and Ger Byrne.

TEAM: Neil Webster, Rory Dunne, Tadhg Hennessy, Bobby Dooley, Darragh Horgan, Patrick Kennedy, Finn Sherman, Rory Rhatigan, Billy Rowe, Adam Morrissey, Jack Rhatigan, Joe Boland, M.J. Buggy, Brian Phelan, Rory Sherman, James Byrne, Camryn Kenehan, Padraig Quinn, Jack Gamble.

CLUB LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 8, 15 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot, so the consolation prize winners were Eva Kennedy, Cora Buggy, Aoife Mulhall, Rita Bergin and John Gleeson. The promoter prize winners were Teresa Dollard, David Maher and Julie Jackman. Many thanks to everyone who supports the Conahy GAA Club Lotto.

SUNDAY NIGHT CARDS

Progressive 25’s take place every Sunday night in the GAA Clubhouse at 8.00 p.m. All are welcome.

CONAHY CHURCH MASS

Parishioners are asked to note that Sunday Mass in Conahy Church will be at 11.00 a.m. from Sunday, November 3rd. This will also be the blessing of the graves in Conahy Cemetery for the month of November on Sunday, November 3rd.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Please note that the Conahy conference of the St. Vincent de

REMEMBRANCE MASSES FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED Remembrance Masses for the Faithful Departed will be celebrated on Saturday 2nd. November,in Stoneyford Church at 6.30p.m. and in Hugginstown Church at 8.00p.m. We will remember all who have lost a family member during the past twelve months. Families will be invited to bring a candle to the altar in remembrance of their loved ones during Mass. If you had a family member who died outside the parish and would like them included in this Remembrance Mass, please let us know during the week. All are invited to write down the names of their own departed ones and place them at the altar. They will be remembered at all Masses during November. LOTTO

Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 14th. October 2024. Numbers: 04; 07; 17; 06. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner. €30.00. Winners: Lillian Carr, Barnadown, Ann Power, Lawcus, Rose Kelly, Ennisnag, Matty Murphy, Rockall, Maggie Cuddihy, Knocktopher. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers) Kathleen Fennelly, James Irish, Eamon Irish. ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE MASS

St. Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow/ Kilkenny Annual Remembrance Mass will take place on Tuesday 22nd. October at 7:30p.m. in St. Canice’s Parish Church, Kilkenny for families and loved ones of patients who have died in the hospital. The Mass, organised by the End of Life Care Committee, particularly remembers the patients who have died between 1st. September 2023 and 31st. August, 2024. There will be an opportunity for families and friends to light a candle in remembrance of those who have died. The Mass can also be viewed via the following link: https://www.stcanicesparish.ie/ web-cam/ OLDER PEOPLES INFORMATION SERVICE

Kilkenny Older Peoples Council has arranged a series of information presentations, to be professionally provided, for people aged 55 and over, in the Mayfair Library, Parliament Street, Kilkenny. The Presentation given by H.S.E on “Minding Your Wellbeing, Selfcare” on Friday 25th. October. Time 11.00a.m. to 1.00p.m.

There will be plenty of time for questions and answers and a cup of tea. Booking is not required. When there, why not avail of an opportunity to see the new modern Library facilities that Kilkenny has to offer? All are welcome.

Hurling matters - Michael Lyng

Sport

Lisdowney on the Up as they claim Intermediate crown!

BY NIALL SHERRY

EDITOR

Lisdowney 2-12 Young Ireland’s 0-15

Lisdowney were crowned intermediate champions for the second time in four years after they beat both Young Ireland’s and Storm Ashley to return to the senior ranks in Kilkenny club hurling. A brace of majors for Trevor Fletcher’s outfit proved crucial in UPMC Nowlan Park, with Liam Dunphy and Cathal Jordan the green flag raisers in the Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate Hurling County Final. Gowran will rue some missed chances in the second period, when they had the fierce wind at their backs, but Lisdowney’s greater experience was telling on the day. Lisdowney got off the mark early on, thanks to a fine point from their experienced captain, Mike Kenny. Their opponents levelled matters less than a minute late when Ted Drea fired over for his only score of the game. The next score came from

Major brace see’s Gowran fall at final hurdle

the hurl of Lisdowney’s netminder,

Aidan Tallis, who struck over a booming placed ball from deep inside his own half, giving a strong indication of the wind advantage the favourites had in the opening period. With the game a little scrappy, a product of the conditions and the prize at stake, it was no surprise that there were a few wides early on, from both sides. Some nice team play saw the ball worked to Pat O’Carroll who split the posts to nudge side two points clear. The finalists traded some shoulders, and the game was a little end-to-end, as neither side could assume any level of control.

Young Ireland’s reduced the deficit, following a good turn and shot from Seamus Farrell with about 11 minutes gone in UPMC Nowlan Park.

The deadly Brian Kavanagh got his first point of the day from a free, but Gowran responded with a cracking point from Padraig Naddy, who shot beautifully off his left side. Then came a big moment on the day. Liam Dunphy struck his shot fairly well, but Young Ireland’s netminder

Jason Brennan hot his hurl to it, but could only deflect it to the net. Lisdowney now led by four points.

The goal scorer followed up his major with a nice point, less than 60

seconds later. Barry Power’s side got one back when Killian Carey pointed after 22 minutes. Niall Brennan then nicely set up David O’Carroll, and the midfielder made no mistake as he split the posts.

Young Ireland’s placed ball specialist, Sean Carey registered his first point of the day from a free, after Ted Drea was tripped as he made his way forward. The same player doubled his tally on 28 minutes after brother, Mikey was fouled.

Lisdowney’s Dylan Jordan tried his luck from distance, and aided by the exceptionally strong wind at his back, his effort sailed over the bar. The final point of the opening period

was also a Lisdowney one, a free from Brian Kavanagh, after Mikey Carey was blown up for charging out of defence, to leave Trevor Fletcher’s charges five points up at the interval. With the wind now at their backs, Young Ireland’s emerged from the changing rooms, knowing that they had a 5-point gap to bridge, but it would be Lisdowney that increased their interval lead, Brian Kavanagh pointing from a placed ball after Dylan Jordan was fouled. Lisdowney keeper, Aidan Tallis then saved well from Ted Drea, as he struck for goal. Sean Carey was then fouled and the same player split the posts to reduce the gap to

five. Gowran built on this score by striking the next one also, substitute Jim Conlon firing over after a fine run.

The second of the game’s majors came next and it a great take and finish from Lisdowney full forward, Cathal Jordan whose effort was struck well and beat Gowran keeper Jason Brennan at the near post to increase his sides lead to seven points. Young Ireland’s needed to respond and that’s exactly what they did. Captain Mikey Carey took a fine catch and drove forward, purposefully before splitting the posts with a quality finish. Again, Lisdowney hit back immediately, another placed ball effort from Brian Kavanagh, who defied the wind to register.

Gowran, who were trying to return to the top table of club hurling for the first time since 2009, then went on a run of scoring to get back in the game. Free’s from Sean Carey, coupled with scores courtesy of the impressive Killian Carey and wing back Paddy Langton resulted in the gap being cut to just 2 points. The next score was an important one and it came from Lisdowney defender Dylan Jordan who registered his second point of the Intermediate decider. You felt that Young Ireland’s would need a goal with time running out, but the experienced Brian Kavanagh drew a foul and converted the resulting free, to make it a twoscore game. Killian Carey had now deployed on the edge of the square as Barry Power’s men knew a major score would be required. Paddy Langton looked to strike the ball into the danger zone, but aided by the strong wind his effort carried over the bar for the final score of the game. Lisdowney were back in the senior ranks as 2024 intermediate champions and Hanrahan Cup winners, on a full-time scoreline of 2-12 to 0-15.

Lisdowney Intermediate Champions

Cathal Jordan Finds it difficult to get away from Sean farrell

Padraig Naddy dives in To try and prevent Liam Dunphy from Clearing

O’Loughlin’s seek to down Town!

Hogan & Doherty lead their sides into battle

BY NIALL SHERRY

EDITOR

O’Loughlin Gaels vs Thomastown

Sunday, 2:30pm, UPMC Nowlan Park

Referee: David Hughes

This weekend sees the culmination of the Kilkenny senior club hurling season as UPMC Nowlan Park hosts the meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels and Thomastown in this year’s St Canice’s Credit Union final. (Throw in 2:30pm). Sunday’s final promises much, so hopefully the wind doesn’t become the biggest factor like it did in the Intermediate Final last weekend. Both finalists arrive in the decider with confidence, having navigated one of the Island’s toughest senior club championships to reach the showpiece occasion.

Holders, O’Loughlin Gaels lifted the Tom Walsh Cup last season for

performances, they have shown resilience and nous as they bid to go back-to-back on Noreside. One of the big factors in their run this season, has been the form and impact of Kerry’s Fionán Mackessy who has settled in to his new club and life in the Marble City with ease. The Kingdom star has had some great showings and has displayed great leadership in games, none more so than the semi-final win over Bennettsbridge, where in the absence of suspended captain, Mark Bergin, Mackessy took on the role of placed ball specialist and finished the game with a hugely impressive personal tally of 1-7 as they overcame a stern challenge from Tim Dooley’s side.

While the Two-time Poc Fada champion has added much to O’Loughlin’s, some of the ‘usual suspects’ have been more than prominent during this campaign. At the back, goalkeeper Stephen Murphy has got a pretty decent full-back line ahead of him. Huw Lawlor is usually flanked by Mikey Butler and Tony Forristal, with the former likely to return to the starting XV, following his recent suspension. Having said that, Ronan Buckley, didn’t let anyone down when he came in for the semi-final encounter. If numbers,

Tough to get past and always good for a score, least seasons Kilkenny skipper won’t be found wanting in the heat of battle. Either side of Paddy is David Fogarty and Jordan Molloy. This trio will have a pivotal role on Sunday as they look to cut off supply to the Thomastown inside forward line and curb the influence of county star John Donnelly. All three of the Loughs half back line regularly trouble the scoreboard and their markers may find themselves defending as much as attacking!

In midfield, Jack Nolan and Jamie Ryan have struck up a lovely partnership. The former’s work rate and constant scheming around the middle third is a vital ingredient in the St John’s Park’s ability to provide a platform for those further forward to ply their trade. In their most recent outing, Jamie Ryan hit four wonderful points in a display that caught the eye. When you have a focal point like Luke Hogan, there is always the option of a fast delivery into the bustling full forward who can cause plenty of problems to any defence. Sean Bolger gives absolutely everything for his side and is a great link player, knitting together moves across different lines and constantly breathing down the neck of any defender in his path. In Owen Wall, you have a real jack-inthe-box who you can’t take your eye off, otherwise he’s on his bike. Another returning player is likely to be captain, Mark Bergin who will be keen to get his hands on another Tom

Standing in O’Loughlin’s way on Sunday is the formidable challenge of Thomastown. Having won the intermediate title on Noreside last season, Noel Doherty’s outfit went one better than their fellow finalists and claimed all three available titles, county, provincial and national as they returned to the top table of hurling in Kilkenny. Thomastown settled into senior life quickly and looked impressive as they got a couple of early wins under their belt before a little blip saw them lose to Glenmore, Dicksboro and then to Mullinavat in the Shield final.

A quarter final tie with Shamrocks Ballyhale saw the Town lay down a serious marker to the remaining sides in the competition as they emerged winners, with 2 points to spare. Goalkeeper Diarmuid Galway had a big hand in the win, pulling off a fantastic save to deny a certain goal. Ahead of netminder Galway, Peter Connellan, Ned Kirwan and Brian Staunton will be busy shackling the Loughs attacking threats, while the ever-improving Zack Bay Hammond will get up and down UPMC Nowlan Park with superb dynamism. Captain Peter McDonald and John Joe Farrell will square up against the impressive Jack Nolan and Jamie Ryan, and will be keen to stifle the O’Loughlin’s duo’s impact on proceedings, in order to provide a platform for a trio of Donnelly’s, John, Stephen and Robbie to cause a little havoc in the Loughs rearguard. Robbie Donnelly has been keeping the scoreboard ticking over for Thomastown, looking fairly reliable from the placed ball, while getting Stephen back from injury looks to be a huge boost to Noel Doherty’s side. Luke and Rory Connellan will cover

plenty of ground for their side ad are both more than capable of tagging on a couple of scores also.

As usual, the impact from both sides’ benches could play a big role in the outcome of Sunday’s decider. Brian Hogan can spring the likes of Paddy Butler, Eoin O’Shea and Conor Kelly, while their opponents have the likes of Thomas O’Hanrahan, Jack Holden and Naoise Dempsey to call upon. If the weather conditions are fair, we could have another great county final on our hands, and while Thomastown won’t fear their opponents, O’Loughlin Gaels look primed for another assault on Leinster this winter and will go into this weekend’s final as favourites. The bookies normally get things right, and Brian Hogan could well be smiling again this Sunday afternoon.

Walsh Cup.

Left: Zach Bay Hammond - will look to drive his side on

Inset: Fionan Mackessy has been inspired in Loughs run to final

John Donnelly will stand tall for Thomastown

Defensive duoMikey Butler and Huw Lawlor

Planning notices

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Significant Further Information

We, John and Denise Lawlor intend to submit Significant Further Information to Kilkenny County Council subsequent to Planning Application Ref Number 24/60366, to retain (a) change of location of existing domestic garage (b) existing detached utility room (c) existing domestic shed (d) existing dog kennel (e) roof profile of existing dwelling (f) the location of existing dwelling on site (g) the position of entrance from previous permitted planning permission ref number 98/830 and all associated site development works at Raheen, Dunnamaggin, 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 2 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Maeve and Conor Carey for full planning permission to construct a granny flat extension to the side & rear of dwelling, alteration works to existing entrance and driveway and all other associated site works at College Gardens, Kilkenny R95 H6XV The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Peter Boland and Jessica Scriven for outline planning permission to construct a 2 storey dwelling, entrance onto laneway, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Rossmore, Callan, Co. Kilkenny

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of David Dimond for full planning permission to construct a bungalow, vehicular entrance, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Killeen, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PATRICIA (TRISH) MAHER 1ST ANNIVERSARY

Patricia (Trish) Maher Canverstown, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny whose 1st Anniversary occurs on 3rd November.

We hold you close within our hearts

And there you shall remain

To walk with us throughout our lives

Until we meet again

Now I am contented

That my life was worthwhile

Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile

When you are walking down the street

And you’ve got me on your mind

I’m walking in your footsteps

Only half a step behind

And when you face the gentle breeze

Or the wind upon your face

I’m giving you a great big hug

Or just a soft embrace

So please don’t be unhappy

Just because I’m out of sight

Remember that I am with you all

Every morning noon and night

Just a prayer from the family

Who loved you so much Trish

Just a memory fond and true

In our hearts you will live forever

Because we thought the world of you

Trish, love you, miss you

From Mam and Dad

Michael, Jenny, Terri, John, Emma and Billy nieces and nephews

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Tullaroan on Saturday 2nd November at 7.30pm

KATHLEEN

(KAKA) WALSH 1ST ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Kathleen (KaKa) late of 19 Bishop’s Hill, Kilkenny, formerly of Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny who died on 26th October 2023

Your life was one of kindly deeds

A helping hand for others needs It’s not the words they are but few It’s the love that we keep in our hearts for you

Forever loved and missed

Your friends Rita, Kim, Jenny, Gemma, Tommy, TT, Gerry and all her little family; Leon, Courtney, Amelia, Arianna, Lucy, Billy, Emma, Sofia, Lottie and Darcy.

Anniversary Mass for Kathleen in St. Canice’s Church on Sunday 27th October at 10am.

The Miracle Prayer

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

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.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. A.B.

The Miracle Prayer

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

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.S.

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

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. D.C.

The Miracle Prayer