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The job’s not worth it Budget no solution to one in three earning below living wage One in three workers in Ireland are earning less than the living wage, a new report has found. The ‘Working Life On Low Pay’ report from the Working in Ireland Survey shows that 32% of workers in full-time roles were found to be earning lower than the real living wage – in other words, a salary is not

sufficient to live on. The survey also found that, despite 70% of low-paid workers earning more than the minimum wage, the number of hours offered by employers are often inadequate. The report suggests that women are the hardest hit by pay issues, with as many as one in three affected by low

pay compared with just 17% of men. “Most of Ireland’s low-paid workers are not on the minimum wage,” said Dr Lisa Wilson from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. “They are above it, on hours that do not add up to a living wage, in jobs they are prepared to work hard in, but that

offer little training or development in return.” In addition, full-time workers do not come out unscathed, with 22% of them receiving less than the real living wage. Whatever Budget 2027 gives back in terms of tax cuts and allowances will make little or no difference to those workers

earning below the living wage. The report also sheds light on the poor quality of training and development for lowpaid workers in their roles, with one in four reporting that they go home physically exhausted, while a third have been verbally abused in the workplace. Dr Wilson said that improv-

What our farmers really want ... and what they think about the future

Highest AI jobs on offer in EU The proportion of job ads that mention AI is rising rapidly and now stands at almost 15% of all posts, a report by a major hiring platform has found. Indeed’s latest Irish Labour Market Snapshot said this was the highest level of AI-related hiring among European countries that it tracked. It also said Ireland was leading Europe in the growth of data centrerelated job postings. The jobs website’s update for the period between July and September this year calculated the share of job postings that included keywords associated with AI such as machine learning, data science, generative AI and ChatGPT. “The pace of AI adoption in Ireland continues to gather momentum,” the report said. “The share of Irish job postings that mention AI in the description continues to rise rapidly, now at 14.9% of all postings – the highest among European countries we track.” PHOTO: Steve A Johnson / Unsplash Full report Page 10

Our new young brain drain Up to seven in 10 young adults are considering leaving Ireland for a better quality of life, a new poll has found. The poll from the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) found 68% of people aged between 18 and 24 are considering moving abroad. A slightly higher figure, 71%, said they believed their quality of life would be better if they lived outside of Ireland.

The findings of the survey, carried out by Red C, were described by NYCI Policy and Campaigns Manager Grace McManus as a “wake-up call”. “Too many young people feel that the chance to build a secure and independent life is slipping out of reach,” she said. “When almost seven in 10 are considering leaving Ireland, we cannot dismiss this

ing the working conditions for employees should not simply be an issue of hourly pay rates, but rather a consideration of the “broader conditions” of people’s jobs. The findings come amid planned industrial action over pay which was overwhelmingly backed by thousands of Fórsa public servants recently.

as simply a lifestyle choice. “Young people are responding to unaffordable housing, the rising cost of everyday life and growing uncertainty about secure, well-paid work. “Young people are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for a fair chance to live independently, plan for the future and build their own life.” The NYCI has commis-

sioned similar polling of young people in recent years, with housing and affordability consistently coming up as the main concerns. However, worries over employment have grown “significantly” year-on-year, with nine out of 10 young adults saying it is becoming more difficult to find secure and well-paid work. Just 17% of young adults

said they feel the Government is doing enough to support them through the costof-living crisis. As part of its pre-Budget submission, the NYCI has outlined three main priorities for young people: addressing the cost of living, investments to prevent and support exits from youth homelessness, and reducing education costs.

Exclusive survey findings from 1,170 face-to-face interviews show dairy farmers are slow to shop around for electricity but moving rapidly into solar, and one in three farmers would consider an EV. Rerouted Results, an Irish agricultural research company, interviewed 1,170 dairy farmers face-to-face on their own farms across Kilkenny, Cork, Waterford, Wexford and Carlow in the largest face-to-face survey of Irish dairy farmers ever done. Farmers with solar are 63% more likely to say they would consider an electric vehicle. Overall, one in three farmers would consider an EV when they next change car. Meanwhile, the median dairy farmer takes 10 days’ holidays per year, with one in 18 taking no days off at all. Up to 57% are optimistic about the future of dairy farming but are less certain on succession, with only 51% having lined up a successor. Meanwhile, plans to grant additional enforcement powers to Department of Agriculture (DAFM) investigators are angering some farming organisations. The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) have criticised the department’s lack of consultation after Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon announced new animal welfare legislation. Special Report Page 14

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It’s good moos for Kilkenny students Kilkenny students were among five finalist groups that will take part in the next iteration of the popular schools competition, Certified Irish Angus. At an event hosted by social media personality and presenter James Kavanagh at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, the student groups were presented with the Angus calves which they will rear over an 18-month period as part of the initiative. From Kilkenny, Rachel Walsh and Keelin Walsh from Loreto Secondary School were among the students who met the Irish Angus-cross calves they will rear for the first time. The Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition, supported by processors ABP and Kepak, was first introduced to secondary school students in Ireland in 2014. The unique initiative is designed to teach students about the care and attention required to produce top-quality beef, and it has engaged with more than 4,000 students in the last 12 years. New for this year, student finalists will receive oneto-one mentorship from

Food Origin’. The group will explore teenagers’ perceptions of food origin, examining how social media, education and industry engagement influence their understanding of food production, traceability and the agri-food sector. Through research, surveys and stakeholder engagement, they will assess awareness of the farm-tofork journey, explore interest in agricultural careers, and promote greater understanding through social media, educational events, farm visits and collaboration with industry representatives. Each finalist will receive the financial benefit of selling the animals to the processors upon the project’s completion. The winning students also receive an additional grant of €2,000 for their further education. Entries are open for the 2026/2027 cycle of the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition. Transition Year students across Ireland are invited to apply before the deadline of October 31.

Cowgirls: students Rachel Walsh (left) and Keelin Walsh from Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny, were one of five school groups announced to take part in the next instalment of the Certified Irish Angus Schools’ Competition

a senior professional working in a related area within the Irish agri-food sector. Loreto Secondary

School, Kilkenny, one of five schools announced to take part in the next instalment of the Certified Irish

Angus Schools’ Competition, is paired with Roz O’Shaughnessy from Bord Bia.

Students Rachel and Keelin will investigate the project theme ‘Exploring Teenagers’ Perspectives of

• To learn more visit: www. certifiedirishangus.ie/certified-irish-angus-schoolscompetition

Outstanding achievement for Kilkenny swimmer Abby Cunningham Congratulations to Abby Cunningham, a talented member of Kilkenny Swimming Club, who achieved an outstanding result while representing Ireland at the Junior Life Saving Competition held in Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, on September 5th and 6th. Abby produced a superb performance at the national level, returning home with an impressive haul of two silver and two bronze medals. Her achievement is all the more remarkable given the difficult conditions faced by the competitors, with strong winds and challenging sea conditions making the events particularly demanding. Competing in life saving requires much more than swimming ability. Participants need a high level of fitness, strength, water confidence, determination and the ability to remain focused and composed in difficult circumstances. Abby demonstrated all of these qualities throughout the competition. Representing Ireland is a significant achievement in itself and is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and commitment Abby has put into her swimming and lifesaving activities. To then come away with four medals makes her success even more noteworthy.

Abby is currently a Leaving Certificate student at Presentation School, Kilkenny, and is balancing the demands of her studies with the considerable training required to compete at this level. Her success is a great source of pride for her family, Kilkenny Swimming Club, Presentation School and the wider Kilkenny community. Everyone will wish Abby continued success in both her sporting career and her studies.

Abby Cunningham who represented Ireland in the Junior life saving competition.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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How El Niño may affect our weather in coming months The climate phenomenon known as El Niño has gained extensive media attention over recent days. Here, Met Éireann experts explain what El Niño is, and its influence on Irish weather and climate. El Niño refers to warm surface waters in the Eastern tropical Pacific that were first observed in the disruption of fish stocks for Peruvian

fishermen several centuries ago. The name comes from the Spanish word for ‘boy’, with the opposite phenomenon, i.e. cold and nutrientrich waters upwelling to the surface of the Eastern tropical Pacific, known as La Niña, the Spanish for ‘girl’. In a climatic context, we refer to the El Niño phenomenon as the oscilla-

tion between warm Eastern tropical Pacific sea surface temperature conditions (El Niño) and cold Eastern tropical Pacific sea surface temperature conditions (La Niña). This natural fluctuation between the two conditions influences weather and climate worldwide, with the entire oscillation process taking up to a few years in

time. The global mean temperature tends to be higher than average under El Niño conditions, usually with a time lag of several months. The currently developing strong El Niño has the potential, together with the underlying global warming trend, to lead to record high global mean temperatures in the second

half of 2026 and in 2027, and to extreme weather events. While El Niño has clear impacts on many regions worldwide through teleconnections (for example affecting monsoon systems), its influence on Ireland and Europe is comparatively weak, highly variable, and not robust in the present-day climate.

The global seasonal climate update of the World Meteorological Organization for this summer points in the same direction, i.e. no clear evidence of increased warming in Ireland due specifically to El Niño. However, in a future warmer climate, El Niño may have a greater influence on Irish and European climate according to recent studies.

voting and Public Participation Networks. The course will also look at local elections, what county councils have responsibility for, how functions are split between council staff and elected councillors and what the job of a councillor really involves. Sign up on SHE Academy on www.seeherelected.ie See Her Elected is a programme under Longford

Women’s Link supporting women in rural Ireland to become candidates in local elections. The programme aims to increase female representation in local government and ensure women from diverse backgrounds have a voice in political decision-making. It is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Business holds out to see how energy prices might pan out With energy costs set to rise yet again and Budget 2027 offering little respite, new research provides an insight into Irish businesses’ views on energy costs and the energy transition. The Bord Gáis Power Paradox survey of 125 Irish organisations found: • 69% are delaying major energy decisions while waiting for greater certainty. • 69% are trying to balance cost, carbon reduction and resilience simultaneously. • 22% believe they are unlikely to meet their 2030 emissions targets. • 81% are open to experimenting with new energy technologies. • 70% prefer flexible funding models such as PPAs and Energy-as-a-Service rather than traditional CAPEX investment. • 60% say internal resistance to change is a bigger barrier than technology or funding. • 62% are using external partners to accelerate delivery. Gáis has just Bord launched a dedicated business division to support Irish businesses on energy transition and help reduce costs. Shane Minehane, Director of Business at Bord Gáis Energy, and formerly Ireland Manager, Centrica Business Solutions, said: “The energy system is complex, and energy costs are a critical factor impacting business profitability. A dedicated business unit providing integrated solutions and expert guidance will be a valuable ally to Irish businesses – reducing costs, improving efficiency and accelerating progress towards a lower-carbon future.” Bord Gáis Energy customer, award-winning Irish

chocolatier Lily O’Brien’s, recently installed a solar PV system as part of their bespoke energy strategy. The install will pay for itself in three years and generate €1 million in energy savings over its lifetime. Michelle Vance, CEO of Lily O’Brien’s, said: “The solar installation allows us to generate renewable electricity on-site, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency as part of our broader ambitions. sustainability The process was straightforward from start to finish, and the business case was compelling, with the investment expected to pay for itself in just over three years. “The projected energy savings over the lifetime of the system are significant, and we’re already exploring opportunities to expand the installation and identify further ways to improve efficiency across the business.” Bord Gáis Energy installed and commissioned a 2.4MW ammonia heat pump system at Dairygold’s Cork facility. The installation has reduced the dairy co-operative’s carbon emissions by around 3,000 tonnes every year, while displacing more than 16 million kWh of gas consumption at the same time. Gearoid Lane, Dairygold’s Head of Engineering and Utilities, said: “This project highlights how investment in innovative technologies supports both sustainability objectives and operational performance. By capturing and reusing waste energy, the heat pump reduces carbon emissions and natural gas consumption while enhancing operational efficiency. It represents an important step in strengthening the resilience and sustainability of our business.”

Fancy a life in politics? This October, See Her Elected is offering a free, online course to demystify politics for women and encourage engagement in electoral politics. Their ‘Introduction To Politics’ course is for women who want to start to build up a bit of knowledge about politics, the functions of our county council and the day-to-day job of a county councillor. The course runs over

three weeks, with one live workshop each Monday at 1pm: • October 5: What is Active Citizenship • October 12: Your County Council • October 19: 50 Things to do before now and Local Elections 2029 So, what will it cover? How politics is organised in Ireland, how elections work, which government departments do what,

€60m paid in first year of zoned land tax Landowners paid almost €60m in Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) in the first year of the controversial levy. It comes as industry estimates suggest more than 50,000ac of land will be needed over the next 14 years if the Government is to meet its annual housing targets. The tax has been a major source of concern for farmers with land on the outskirts of cities and towns, who have

argued that agricultural land can be brought within the scope of the levy where it is zoned and serviced for residential development. Figures from Revenue show that in 2025, landowners declared €129.2m in Residential Zoned Land Tax liabilities, but more than half was deferred, mostly because development had commenced on sites. Just over 10,000ac were

declared liable for RZLT. Nine authorities – the four in Dublin, Cork City and County as well as Meath, Kildare and Wicklow – accounted for roughly €103.8m, or about 80% of the national liability. The aim of the RZLT is to get serviced land into use for housing, rather than to raise revenue. While hugely unpopular with farmers, the tax

was introduced in 2022 to encourage landowners to build houses on land that is zoned residential and also serviced with water, electricity and sewage infrastructure. However, the IFA believes that hundreds of farmers around the country have land on the outskirts of towns and villages that has been zoned residential, often without the knowledge of the landowner.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

The goal of a level playing pitch A week can be a long time in politics, but within three days in the world of sport a lot can happen. Just three days after Katie Taylor bowed out after a lifetime of glorious achievement, Sports Minister Patrick O’Donovan was once again talking of a “realistic” timeframe for the merger of men’s and women’s Gaelic games associations after meeting leadership figures in the wake of the resignation of Mary McAleese from the steering group. Misogyny would seem to have reared its ugly head again. Katie Taylor had no sooner left Croke Park than the news agenda abruptly moved to accusations and denials of misogyny over the integration plan that’s now been left hanging by a thread. The former president described the GAA’s stalling on the agreed timelines for

integration as “almost like a betrayal of the women in our sporting cultures”. She stepped down after an Integration Steering Group meeting at which the GAA’s representatives said that the agreed 2027 deadline for amalgamation of the GAA with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and the Camogie Association could not be met. And it remains unclear what the new timeline will be, if any, despite a series of meetings between Gaelic games leadership and Mr O’Donovan. GAA President Jarlath Burns denied the resignation of Dr McAleese had exposed a “crisis” in the plans for integration, but he acknowledged it marked a “setback”. Back in June, McAleese had talked of the consequences if any of the three associations

went against integration at their forthcoming special congresses this October. “If any of those congresses were to renege, then good luck to them in dealing with the public fall-out,” she warned. Three months later, her interview last week with Marie Crowe on RTÉ radio’s Inside Sport was one of the most visceral public takedowns of the GAA and showed the depth of her despair and frustration for a movement to which she was clearly dedicated. From claiming they had decided integration was not going to happen, to questioning their commitment to putting women in decisionmaking roles, to calling it a betrayal of women, it was a right slap in the face. Minister for Sport O’Donovan says they’re not going to “get caught into

timelines”. One wonders what the girls and women would make of that. The female players who get bounced around pitches because the LGFA have none of their own. Then there is their lack of any expenses. According to McAleese, the GAA talked of a federation. This would not be full integration, but would be an underhanded way of keeping the three organisations separate under one ‘umbrella’. There is also the thorny issue of finance. The GAA’s Jarlath Burns claims costs would double from €45m to €90m in any attempt to meet a level playing pitch when it comes to any semblance of equality and equity. Farfetched figures of €1bn and €500m had been previously bandied around the room, money always being a reason for not getting things done.

The place of women within the GAA world is absolutely reflective of the place of women in Irish society. Back in the 1880s and the establishment of the GAA there were women everywhere, but they’re all around the sidelines or in the background. There is no suggestion that they should play. It didn’t seem to have dawned on anyone. When he founded the Gaelic Athletic Association, Michael Cusack made huge play about the fact that the association would be open to “everyone”. That this was not for the rich, but it was also for the poor. Basically, if you wanted to play, you could play. But his “everyone” was male. Since roughly 2006 ladies’ Gaelic football has gone from strength to strength.

The membership of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) has reached 100,000, big-name brands are backing the sport, and the association earlier this year launched a three-year strategic plan to capitalise on the rising popularity of the game. Mary McAleese’s exposé has shown up the ongoing tepid commitment to integration. The mealy-mouthed verbosity of the men in charge. Sure, it’s only the young wans, they echo quietly. If it were not for the former president revealing what was happening behind the scenes, we would not now be asking questions about the commitment of the GAA to a timeline for integration. For equality. Uncertainty should never become an excuse or a reason for inaction.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Kilkenny 5th class pupils to feature on RTÉ’s Nationwide in Peace Doves report The full story of Peace Doves at St Canice’s Cathedral will feature on RTÉ’s Nationwide on Friday, September 25th, with contributions from artist Peter Walker, Dean of Ossory, the Very Reverend Stephen Farrell, the cathedral team and 5th Class pupils from Model School, Kilkenny. The installation brings together more than 10,000 handwritten messages of peace and is on display until November 7th.

The Peace Doves installation at St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, features more than 10,000 handwritten messages of peace created by British sculptor Peter Walker with the participation of local schools, community groups, businesses, visitors and individuals. The installation is on display until November 7th. See: https://www. stcanicescathedral.ie/peace-doves/

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Savour Kilkenny

Star-studded lineup due to arrive in Kilkenny for the October bank holiday weekend with Savour Kilkenny

Star-Studded Lineup Due to Arrive in Kilkenny for the October Bank Holiday Weekend with Savour Kilkenny. Rachel Allen & Edward Hayden at the Savour Stage at Savour Kilkenny

Savour Kilkenny, one of Ireland's premier food festivals, returns this October bank holiday weekend from October 22nd to October 26th, 2026. At the absolute heart of

the Festival Quarter on The Parade, the iconic Savour Stage and Taste Stage will host an extraordinary weekend of free-to-attend culinary demonstrations, expert talks, and a live

podcast recording. The Savour and Taste stages will take place on Saturday and Sunday of the festival,

Rory O'Connell at Savour Kilkenny

bringing together Ireland’s most celebrated culinary talent, Michelin-starred chefs, artisan producers, and emerging food talents. The epicentre of the festival action, the Savour Stage, will be expertly guided by fan-favourites Edward Hayden and Siobhan Donohoe, who will entertain crowds with their signature wit and expert insights. Saturday, October 24th highlights feature Michelin-starred talent Tom Comerford (Hunter's Yard at Mount Juliet Estate), 2026 Irish Food Personality of the Title Eunice Power with Tesco, Asia Market Managing Director Eva Pau, Ballymaloe Cofounder Rory O'Connell with Avonmore, healthy food advocate Sophie Morris, bestselling cookbook author Sarah Butler, and awardwinning pastry chef Shane Smith with Gem. Sunday, October 25th features Stephen Murphy & Aymeric Decourval (The Lady Helen at Mount Juliet), social media sensation Little Lou Cooks, renowned cook and teacher Rachel Allen, Dunbrody House Hotel proprietor Kevin Dundon with SuperValu Loughboy, social media baking star Orla Drumgoole (also known as Irish Mammy Cooks) with Gem, festival favourites Edward Hayden & Anne Neary, and zerowaste TV chef Erica Drum with Campion Insurance. On Saturday, October 24th, during Savour the Night, where the festival quarter remains open until 9pm with support from Kilkenny’s Nighttime Economy Fund, festival-goers can book tickets to attend the Podcast & Pints live podcast with James Kavanagh and William Murray sponsored by O’Hara’s on the Savour Stage. Tickets are €10 plus booking fee, include a pint of O’Hara’s from the Craft Brewers and Distillers marquee, pre-booking is essential. Adding an extra layer of excitement for food lovers, the festival will host exclusive book signings at the Savour Reception located between the Savour and Taste stage entrances. Festival-goers will have the unique opportunity to meet celebrated culinary authors face-to-face, purchase signed copies directly from them, and chat about their latest releases. Featured authors

hosting dedicated signings include Eunice Power with her new book My Irish Kitchen Table, Eva Pau with her debut Eva’s Asian Kitchen cookbook, Sophie Morris with her healthy eating titles including Sophie's Swaps and Sophie Swaps Homemade Wins, Sarah Butler showcasing her popular home cooking and collection of titles such as Batch Cooking, and Orla Drumgoole (Irish Mammy Cooks) with The Irish Mammy Cooks Cookbook. MC’d by Kilkenny native Tracie Daly, the Taste Stage shines a spotlight on rising culinary stars and local Kilkenny produce. Every participating chef is challenged to put local produce centre stage by incorporating ingredients from at least one Kilkenny food producer and sourcing a minimum of one-third of their ingredients within a 20-mile radius. Saturday highlights include organic farmer Mairéad Phelan, entrepreneur Ben Flanagan, awardwinning Chilean-born chef Rodrigo Gonzalez (Tābú Tapas), Eimear Brazil (The Kitchen Shift), Alice Tevlin (RUA Foods), and Ben Davis (Butler House). Sunday highlights feature pastry innovator Mairéad Finnegan (Roll It Pastry) sharing her retail expansion blueprint alongside the Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office (this is a free event but ticketed), wild food expert Thien Laitenberger, pizzaiolo Reggie White, regenerative agriculture champion Siobhán Hubbard (Newbard Farm), Michelin-star pastry chef Elizabeth Dunphy, and culinary cousins Tamsin & Scarlett Allen. All cookery demonstrations on the Savour and Taste Stages are free to attend, with entry operating on a firstcome, first-served basis. Demonstrations are very popular, and attendees are advised to arrive early to secure a good spot for their favourite chefs. Visitors can also experience the 100+ stall Savour Market, the Craft Brewers & Distillers Marquee brought to you by O'Hara's, and the Artisan Food Pavilion right against the stunning backdrop of Kilkenny Castle. For the full festival timetable, booking tickets for exclusive dining events, and more information, visit www.savourkilkenny. com.

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Irish AI jobs now one in seven The proportion of job ads that mention AI is rising rapidly and now stands at almost 15% of all posts, a report by a major hiring platform has found. Indeed's latest Irish Labour Market Snapshot said this was the highest level of AI-related hiring among European countries that it tracked. It

also said Ireland was leading Europe in the growth of data centre-related job postings. The jobs website's update for the period between July and September this year calculated the share of job postings that included keywords associated with AI such as machine learning, data science, generative AI and

ChatGPT. "The pace of AI adoption in Ireland continues to gather momentum,” the report said. "The share of Irish job postings that mention AI in the description continues to rise rapidly, now at 14.9% of all postings - the highest among European countries we track.” This compares with 9.7% in

the UK, 5.6% in Germany, 5% in Italy and 3.6% in the Netherlands. In the US, the share of job postings that seek AI skills is 6.7%. The report said the number of AI-related ads had risen rapidly. A spokesperson for Indeed said that, in January last year, the number of AIrelated job ads in Ireland was

much lower, at 6.8%. "AI is certainly changing the skills employers are looking for, and Ireland is at the forefront of that shift,” said Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed. "Around 15% of Irish job postings mention AI, one of the highest shares internationally.

"We're increasingly seeing AI create demand for new skills and roles, and that demand is spreading well beyond traditional tech jobs. The challenge is making sure people, particularly those early into their careers, have the opportunity to develop the skills employers will need as the world of work changes.”

New health care plan launched as private insurance weakest in over a decade A new Irish health membership launches this week offering families same day access to a GP, one secure place for every family member's health records, and a digital companion that organises the lot, for a monthly fee lower than the cost of a single GP visit. ViscaCare, built in Ireland by Gewardz Health, describes itself as a household health membership. It is designed to sit alongside private health insurance, not replace it, and to cover the part of family healthcare that insurance was never built for: the sick child on a Tuesday, the student who left home and left their GP behind, the parent whose records are in a folder in a drawer. Online GP services are already well established in Ireland. What sets ViscaCare apart is that it is built around the household and not the single appointment. Every member of the family has a secure health record of their own, a son or daughter can hold a separate one for a parent they are looking after, and Ask Mia pulls the information together so that a clearer picture reaches the GP before the consultation starts. The launch lands as the Health Insurance Authority reports the first quarterly fall in health insurance membership since 2020, with 1,663 fewer people insured in the three months to June and growth in the market at its weakest in a decade. Renewal letters are arriving in homes across the

country, and many households are deciding what they can keep. Membership includes same day GP consultations by phone or video, seven days a week, delivered through HealthHero, at home or when travelling in Europe for work or on holiday. Each consultation is charged at €39. ‘You’ plan members receive a €10 appointment credit every four months. Family members receive a free GP consultation every four months, usable by anyone on the plan. Carer members receive the same free consultation every four months, and the plan also extends same day GP booking to the parent or relative being cared for. ViscaCare launches with three plans. You, for one adult, at €24.99 a month. Family, for parents and every child of the family in full-time education, whether living at home or away, up to age 24, at €44.99 a month. Carer, at €54.99 a month, for the person looking after a parent or relative. It adds a second, separate vault holding that person's records, results and medications, controlled by the member, who decides who can see it and who can add to it, so a home carer or a brother or sister can upload a letter or check a prescription without a phone call. ViscaCare is available now on Android through the Google Play Store and on the web at viscacare.com, with the Apple app to follow in the coming weeks.

Senior medics call for total ban on e-scooters An outright ban on scrambler bikes, as well as a strengthening of laws on e-scooters amid concerns around the growing impact accidents are having on the hospital system, has been called for by senior medics. New figures show that of the four deaths caused by scramblers or e-scooters last year, two involved pedestrians. Of the 59 serious injuries caused by accidents, 15 were not scrambler riders but pe-

destrians, cyclists or people travelling in cars. The Government will this week publish a second set of rules around e-scooters, but it is understood that they will not include requirements that users must be registered and licensed to use them. Work on devising a new licensing system is still in progress, according to coalition sources, while an outright ban—on which ministers are divided—is still not on the table.

Ralph McTell to play Watergate Legendary British singersongwriter Ralph McTell [photographed here by Elly Lucas] will be embarking on his final national tour of Ireland, Somewhere Down the Road, and will play Watergate Theatre on Wednesday, November 4. The farewell tour will see McTell return to venues across the country for one last run of live dates, offering audiences a chance to celebrate a remarkable career that has spanned more than half a century.

The tour will comprise 16 shows over three weeks, opening in Navan on October 17 and concluding in Galway on November 8. Set to turn 82 this year, the tour marks a significant chapter in both Ralph’s personal journey and his longstanding musical legacy. Renowned for his warmth, storytelling and enduring catalogue of songs, McTell’s relationship with Irish audiences stretches back more than five decades, beginning with his debut Belfast

appearance in 1969, and has since grown through performances in renowned venues across the country, where his storytelling continues to resonate with listeners of every generation. Reflecting on the upcoming tour, Ralph says, “My Spring 2025 tour was the highlight of my year, made unforgettable by the presence of President Higgins at my Dublin concert. I can’t wait to see you all again somewhere down the road”. Ralph McTell has always

been open with his audience, and in recent years, he has faced personal health challenges. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, he continues to tour and create music. This final tour promises to be a fitting and heartfelt farewell to Irish audiences who have supported McTell since his earliest appearances on the island. • Tickets are on sale now from www.ralphmctell. com

Funchion on EU protection for rural areas Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion MEP, has said Cohesion Policy, LEADER and the future of EU funding must be protected to ensure economic growth, modernisation and development of skills across our regions. Speaking following a conference focusing on the future of EU funding in Carrickon-Suir, Co. Tipperary, MEP Funchion said: “Ireland has been transformed by Cohesion Policy since joining the

EU. It has reshaped our road infrastructure, particularly roads, upskilled our workforce through FÁS and its successor programmes, and continues to contribute to supporting the most vulnerable in society through the EIST programme. “I have also seen first-hand the hugely positive impact LEADER has had on rural communities. It has supported local businesses, community organisations and projects that have made a real difference on the ground,

while showing people the positive impact EU funding can have in their communities. “Cohesion Policy is the EU’s key mechanism for investing in people, communities and public infrastructure. It supports modernisation, skills development and economic growth across regions and countries," she said. “While Ireland is now a net contributor to the EU budget, we continue to benefit from Cohesion Policy today. It is es-

sential that these programmes are adequately funded in the next funding period to ensure communities across Ireland can continue to benefit. “At its heart, LEADER puts communities in the driving seat. Its bottom-up approach allows local people to identify the challenges and opportunities in their areas and develop solutions that work for them," Ms Funchion said. “This is an approach we should be strengthening, not dismantling."

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Diana: Earl Spencer’s lament for his sister The death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997 is a date that, like the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, people recall where they were when they heard the devastating news. The tragedy of her death after a high-speed chase by paparazzi in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris was summed up poignantly in her brother Charles Spencer’s oration at her funeral. “Of all the ironies about Diana perhaps the greatest of was this – a girl given the name of the ancient goddess of hunting was in the end the most hunted person of the modern age.” Hunted and now haunting, for nearly 30 years later the aftershocks of the story of Diana’s betrayal and unhappy marriage to Charles continue to rock the foundations of the British Royal Family. The latest seismic revelations come in Earl Spencer’s book, ‘Swan Song’.

If her brother held back on things he might have said at the time of her death, the full extent of his visceral feelings about the Royal family’s treatment of his beloved

older sibling are now laid bare in print. The most shocking revelations focus on Charles’, then Prince of Wales, reaction to Diana’s death and the Windsor’s insensitivity in the aftermath of her tragic fate. According to Spencer, Charles said: “Rest assured we will forget her soon enough,” in an argument with Spencer over whether his sons William (15) and Harry (12) should walk behind Diana’s coffin. Spencer was opposed to subjecting the boys to such an ordeal. The way Charles lashed out was appalling enough, but in the story fraught with exploitation and lack of empathy, laid bare in Spencer’s book, it was devastating. With hindsight the first clue of what amounted to a conspiracy of deceit was there in Charles’ and Diana’s 1981 engagement interview. Asked were they in love Charles replied: “Whatever in love

means.” His affections were engaged elsewhere, to Camilla, whose racy past had ruled her out as a royal bride. Charles was under pressure to marry at 32 and father heirs to the throne, and innocent Diana (20) was seen as a suitable match. ‘Swan Song’ reveals that Charles told Diana on the eve of their wedding that he was happy to marry her but was not in love with her. How cruel was that? But the demands of monarchy often make royalty and love bad bedfellows. Look at the fate of Henry VIII’s wives and the abdication of Edward VIII over his love for divorcee Wallis Simpson. Having produced an ‘heir and a spare’ as Diana put it, she found herself in a ‘crowded’ marriage when Charles’ affair with Camilla resumed. What might have been acceptable behaviour in the past, given a royal

penchant for mistresses, was a cruel blow for a vulnerable young woman in need of love and security. The fairy tale story was doomed from the start in a situation where monarchy came first, regardless of the impact on individuals. Diana, despite being the mother of the future king, had been stripped of her HRH title on divorce from Charles. In the aftermath of her death, the Queen offered, via Spencer’s courtier brother-in-law Robert Fellowes, to restore it. What was the point? The hurt had been inflicted and now Diana was dead. You have to wonder, though, why four-times-married Earl Spencer has chosen to rake up the tragic story of Diana’s death again. Charles had accused him of having “no sense of duty” in the argument over the funeral procession. Doesn’t Spencer have a duty of care towards

the feelings of his nephews William, king in waiting, and Harry, facing a difficult return to England, when both were cruelly damaged by their mother’s loss? In reopening old wounds, Earl Spencer’s personal account of Diana’s fate comes hard on the heels of other seismic events that point to failure in the 1,200-year-old monarchy. The scandals surrounding disgraced Andrew Mountbatten and his association with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein could have been nipped in the bud long ago. The circus surrounding Harry and Meghan’s controversial departure from Britain, their revelations while in the US, abrupt return and removal of their children from school after just two days over security concerns hardly inspire confidence in a family that hastily changed their German name Saxe-Coburg to Windsor during WWI.

Seasonal tips for kidsears, nose, and throat

Climate Change – are we all playing our part? WEEK 187

" Have a good day"

As the seasons change and everyone gets back into the CLAIR rhythm of school, WHITTY creche, and family routines, it’s worth having a few simple essentials in your cupboards so that you are prepared. Children can be unsettled by minor ear, nose and throat complaints, and a blocked nose, tickly cough or irritated throat can make bedtime much harder. A poor night’s sleep can leave your child tired and out of sorts the next day. If your little one has a sore then Otosan Throat Spray Kids is a great choice, it is suitable for sore throat, irritation, dryness, hoarseness or a dry cough. The spray is easy to use offering a refreshing feeling of relief. For coughs try Otosan ForTuss Cough Syrup it’s one of my favourites for kids from one year up. It’s designed to soothe both dry and productive coughs. It’s a combination of Manuka honey, organic wildflower honey and plant extracts to help ease your child’s discomfort. It’s perfect for daytime use or to help when a cough disturbs sleep at bedtime. Noses can become congested as colds, allergies and changes in temperature arrive. Otosan Nasal Spray Baby uses hypertonic seawater with Aloe Vera and plant-derived ingredients to help clear excess mucus, reduce congestion and hydrate the nasal mucosa. Another option to help relieve nasal congestion are the Otosan Balsamic Patches, these are aromatherapy patches which are perfect

for upper-airway symptoms including a blocked/stuffy nose, congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose at night. The aromatic vapours can help improve the passage of air through the nostrils. You simply stick a patch to your child's pyjamas or stick to furniture near their bed. And don’t forget little ears. Otosan Ear Cone is designed for ear hygiene and to help remove excess earwax and impurities. They are suitable for adults and older children, but ear symptoms can have many causes, where pain, discharge or persistent hearing changes are present consult with your doctor first. To support their immunity BetterYou Vitamin D Oral Spray for kids would be a perfect addition to their daily routine. Or for the fussy eater take a look at BetterYou Vitamin Oral Spray it’s ideal to help top up on essential vitamins and minerals. Having these products at home can mean that you are better prepared when minor seasonal complaints appear.

Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 | Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

News Between May 27 and August 27 this year, 20 trained surveyors made more than 5,000 farm visits and completed 1,170 face-to-face interviews with dairy farmers in Kilkenny, Cork, Waterford, Wexford and Carlow, the five densest dairy counties in the country. The average interview took 22 minutes and was done in the yard or at the kitchen table. The median herd was 120 cows. Every interview carries the date and the location, so the results can be cut by county and by the week the farmer was asked. 1: Energy bills back in focus Dairy farms run milking machines, milk cooling and water heating every day of the year, making electricity a significant recurring cost. Yet almost one in three farmers surveyed (31%) have been with their current supplier for at least five years and almost one in five (17%) have stayed with the same supplier for 10 years or more. Only around one in 20 uses an electricity broker. The finding comes after the September 9 announcement by Bord Gáis Energy that a typical domestic electricity bill would rise by 8.8% from October 9. Industry estimates suggest a typical dairy farm could save up to €2,800 a year (€28 per cow) by moving to a more competitive rate. 2: Solar adoption is surging While farmers showed some inertia about switching electricity providers, they also show a rapid adoption of solar panels on their farms. Solar panels are already installed on 21% of dairy farms and almost three quarters of existing solar installations have gone in since 2024. 3: One in three would consider an electric vehicle Around one in three farmers would consider an electric vehicle when they next change car. The objections from the two thirds who would not were practical rather than political: reliability, range, whether it would pull a cattle box or a calf trailer and whether charging would work on the farm. 4: 10 days off a year – and it is family who cover More than half take 10 days off or fewer while 1 in 18

Down on the farm: the biggest survey undertaken dairy farmers takes no days off. Nine in 10 do not use a professional relief service. When farmers do get away it is a family member (54%) or a neighbour or local person (36%) who steps in. 5: Optimistic about dairying – less certain on succession

Despite a difficult summer, 57% of farmers surveyed describe themselves as optimistic or very optimistic about the future of Irish dairying. Three farms in four (74%) expect dairy farming to continue on their farm in the long term. However, they are less certain on succession with just over half (51%)

having already identified a successor.

in five (80%) within the past five years.

6: The Ploughing Championship remains a national meeting point for dairy farmers Two in three dairy farmers surveyed (67%) have attended the Ploughing within the past three years and four

7: A third of farms do not measure grass Up to 37% of dairy farms do not measure their grass. In a grass-based system, knowing how much grass is ahead of the cows is what drives feeding and housing decisions. The counties where the drought bit hardest are the ones measuring least. In Cork 28% do not measure. In Wexford it is 44%, in Kilkenny 50% and in Carlow 70%.

OTHER FACTS AND FINDINGS • Shortage of cubicles: 31% of farms have fewer cubicles than cows, rising to 40% across Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow and Waterford, and 55% in Carlow. • The next investment cycle: Sheds are the most-named next major investment (52%), with slurry storage second at 21%. • Weather versus milk price: In late May, 35% named milk price as their biggest challenge and 13% named weather. By August, 44% were naming weather, drought, grass, fodder or feed, and 14% milk price. • Bord Bia paperwork: Farmers rated the stress associated with their most recent audit paperwork at 5.6 out of 10 on average. Almost 32% scored it eight or higher, and around one farmer in nine pays somebody else to help complete it. • Leased land: 54% of farms under 80 cows lease some land, rising to almost 90% of farms with 160 cows or more. • Milking infrastructure: Almost one in three conventional parlours is at least 20 years old, and around 6% of parlour farms put 15 or more rows through at every milking.

8: What is on the farm and what is coming next The survey recorded what technology every farm already owns, how old it is and what the farmer intends to buy next. 95% of farms still milk in a conventional parlour and robots are on 3%. Asked what the next major investment on the farm will be, sheds came

first at 23% and slurry storage second at 21%. Commenting on the findings, Con O’Mahony, Founder of Rerouted Results, said: “The electricity finding is probably the lowest-hanging fruit in the entire survey. Here is potentially €28 per cow that doesn’t require the farmer to milk another litre. Sometimes improving profitability is about paying less for what you’re already using. “One in 18 taking no days off for an entire year is a fairly sobering number. There is still a cohort of dairy farmers who are effectively slaves to the milking routine. Few other careers demand a split shift at unsocial hours 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” he said. “The national herd grew fast over the last decade and the sheds didn’t keep pace. That gap is where the next decade of farm investment goes.”

Concern over additional enforcement power for department Plans to grant additional enforcement powers to Department of Agriculture (DAFM) investigators are angering some farming organisations. The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) have criticised the department’s lack of consultation after Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon announced new

animal welfare legislation in an interview with the Sunday Independent. The proposed legal changes come in the wake of public scrutiny surrounding State enforcement operations, including incidents in Roscommon and Clare where images and footage emerged of department personnel euthanising animals on-farm.

The IFA claimed that during recent discussions with senior department officials following these operations, “it became clear there is no guidance or set procedures in place for department staff” involved in on-farm animal euthanasia. The IFA stated it has formally requested an urgent review of procedures and the development of clear guidance

for such investigations and actions. It also is strongly opposed to any expansion of enforcement powers for department officers. The ICMSA also voiced strong disappointment over the complete absence of direct engagement with farm bodies before the minister announced the proposals. ICMSA Deputy President

Eamon Carroll questioned the necessity and logic of introducing intrusive new legislation without providing a clear explanation to farmers. Carroll said that, while the ICMSA fully supported high animal welfare standards, the onus remained on the department to explain what legal gap the new legislation intended to fill and under

what exact circumstances it would be deployed. He said family farms were right to be cautious of intrusive measures and questioned what specific legal protections would be provided for individual farmers. Carroll called on the minister to spell out his intentions clearly and commit to independent oversight of the new powers.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Farming

57% of farmers have not encountered a Garda Checkpoint in their localities in the last two years – ICMSA say results raise queries about level of policing in Rural Ireland The President of ICMSA, Kilkenny farmer, Denis Drennan, has expressed “real concern” at the findings of the Agriland-ICMSA Survey, commissioned to coincide with this year’s Ploughing Championships, that showed that 57% of the 2300 farmer respondents had not encountered a Garda Checkpoint in their localities in the previous two years. The survey results showed identical findings over all regions of the state and will give some impetus to queries about the level of policing in rural Ireland and ‘on the ground’ Garda presence at a time when concerns about wider rural crime and serious driving infringements are growing. Mr Drennan said that while

there will doubtless be some for whom checkpoints of any kind are an inconvenience, the overwhelming majority of rural communities were reassured by encountering Garda Checkpoints as it was tangible evidence of a real presence and commitment to policing rural areas and safeguarding the inhabitants. “Obviously the Gardai will have their own strategy, but we are bound to note with some concern that this amount of people have gone two whole years living and driving around their own local rural communities without ever having once encountered a Garda Checkpoint. This might be something that the relevant authorities might want to look at, especially given the widespread concerns

ICMSA query Minister Heydon on Dept’s new animal welfare powers – “Why the new powers? In what circumstances will they be used? Why was there no consultation?” Expressing disappointment that there was no direct engagement between the Department and the farm

“Why the new powers? In what circumstances will they be used? Why was there no consultation?”, asked Mr Carroll Eamon Carroll, Deputy organisations Observing President of ICMSA, on his on proposed that ICMSA Tipperary farm new animal has been welfare powers, receiving calls ICMSA Deputy from concerned President, Eamon Carroll, members questioning the has called on the Minister for logic and need for these Agriculture, Food and Marine additional powers, Mr to spell out precisely what his Carroll said much concern intentions are in relation to could have been allayed the additional powers being if the Department had given to Department officials seen fit to consult the farm and how this will impact on organisations. family farms. “At this stage, the Minister “Is this an issue that law is going to have to spell abiding family farms should out his intentions for the have concerns about? We new legislation, and he (ICMSA) fully support the should also commit to highest levels of animal independent oversight of the welfare and will support use of this legislation. ICMSA additional legislation, but the understands the challenges onus is on the Department to on animal welfare, and we explain why they need that have worked constructively new legislation and in what with the Department to circumstances, they’ll be resolve matters in the deploying it. We are perfectly past; that’s why we’re entitled to be very wary of disappointed that there was intrusive legislation like no direct consultation on this where there has been this matter. Farmers have no clear explanation of why genuine concerns in relation it is required. Where is all to how specific powers have this coming from? What’s been and will be used and the ‘gap’ this legislation is the Minister should provide intended to fill? And even guarantees in relation to more importantly, what are independent oversight protections will be provided of such powers. Perhaps for individual farmers?” FAWAC or a sub-committee asked the ICMSA Deputy of FAWAC could play a role in President. this regard?” he concluded

around recent incidents and a perception that crimes aimed at farmers in their communities is again on the upswing. We all know that this is a complicated issue and that simple responses are rarely the full answer, but the concern would be that these findings are revealing a ‘wind-down’ of Garda activity and presence at precisely the time when rural communities need reassurance that they are being policed properly and safeguarded. People need to see the Gardai and if that means the very temporary inconvenience of a Garda Checkpoint at nighttime or even during the day, then most farmers and rural dwellers will consider that a small price to pay”, he concluded.

ICMSA President Denis Drennan with Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Martin Heydon, at the Ploughing Championships

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Don’t shut the door on your mortgage arrears One of the headlines last week said more than 12,000 mortgage accounts had fallen into arrears for the first time. That is not quite what the Central Bank of Ireland published. At the end of June there were 12,315 family-home mortgages in what the bank calls early arrears, behind by less than 90 days. That was down on the 13,694 recorded at the end of March. Longer arrears, over 90 days, stood at 21,081, or 3% of all accounts, the lowest share on record. Long-term arrears, over a year, are also at a low. So, missed payments are not piling up. But there are 33,396 family-home accounts in some form of arrears. Early arrears of 12,315 means thousands of households are already a month or two behind. Non-bank lenders hold a little more than 100,000 mortgages but account for about three-quarters of the accounts more than 90 days behind, and more than four-fifths of those behind for over a year.

If your loan was sold on after the last crash, this is not an abstract point. You may never have chosen to deal with a fund, but you can still end up dealing with one. The squeeze is coming from the cost of living, not from a binge of reckless lending.

Energy bills are the obvious pressure. One in seven electricity customers were in arrears by July, about 323,500 homes, with an average unpaid balance around €509. More than one in four gas customers were behind. And then there are the rates.

Last week’s rise will not help the tracker end of the market. Variable and fixed deals are being repriced as I write. You can be working, on a decent wage, and still find the money does not stretch far enough. This is why early arrears matter. Miss one payment and

it may just be a bad month. Miss three and you are into a different process. Lenders must operate the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process. In plain terms they must treat your case properly, put trained staff in place, and look at an arrangement before they go legal. They cannot start court proceedings for at least eight months from when the arrears began, or three months after an arrangement fails, whichever is later. That protection is not a reason to wait or hide. The worst thing you can do is ignore the first letter. Call the lender. Ask for the arrears support unit, NOT the sales desk. If you are getting nowhere, MABS is still the free next stop (www.mabs.ie). The Insolvency Service’s Back on Track site (www.backontrack. ie) is there when a short arrangement is not enough. Do the sums before you go in. What is the shortfall each month? Is it the oil, the car, the electricity, or the mortgage

rate? Which bill is putting the home at risk? Restructures still exist. At the end of March there were tens of thousands of family-home accounts already on an arrangement. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure. They are how people stay in their home while things are difficult. An interest-only period, a term extension or a temporary reduction can help, but only if it is written down, and only if you know what happens when it ends. Pushing the problem down the road is not the same as solving it. This is not a re-run of 2008. Credit standards continue to be tight. The long-term arrears pile is smaller than it was. That is the good news in the Central Bank tables. After a week of higher rates and another round of energy increases, the next six months will tell us whether 12,315 was a falling number or the floor. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Installation homily by Bishop Ger Nash

Installation homily by Bishop Ger Nash –

September 13th 2026

Photos Pat Shortall Forgiveness creates true communion, transforming wounds, misunderstandings and divisions into living opportunities for deeper reconciliation, healing and shared growth. Over the past five years, the Catholic Church has been on a journey of Synodality, prompted by the late Pope Francis and now emphasised again by his successor, Pope Leo XIV. Synodality is not a strategy or a solution; it is a way of being together as God’s people. It is our human attempt to answer the question, “What does God want of the Church at this time?” This time, this era, this messy but interesting place, is where God intends us to start. And it starts with forgiveness of ourselves and others, so that we can truly understand that God is a God of Forgiveness. The synodal pathway calls us to listen attentively, discern together and walk side by side. This journey is only possible when we deliberately let go of resentment

A way of being together a or fear and choose the daily practice of mutual forgiveness. Forgiveness is the glue that holds the synodal pathway together, keeping the journey open when listening becomes difficult, when discernment reveals uncomfortable truths, and when the temptation arises to withdraw or dominate. An emerging Church of coresponsible action depends on relationships of genuine

trust, where the freedom of forgiveness allows people to participate fully, take necessary risks, make honest mistakes and begin again together in shared hope. Bishop Forristal On this very day, forty-five years ago, Bishop Laurence Forristal was installed as Bishop of Ossory, having already been an auxiliary Bishop in Dublin. We are in

a very different Ireland and a very different Church from September 13th 1981. Much has changed, and needed to change, in society, in Church and in life; but what matters to us on September 13th 2026 is where we can go from here. What new way of being God’s people with each other are we invited to explore? Starting today, the question has also been broadened to how we can

be God’s people across diocesan boundaries — boundaries that have remained impermeable since the year 1111. It will be a key task of discernment in the immediate future to see how the many varied tasks of Church can best be carried out by working together. I feel that the best growth will be in collaboration in everyday tasks, rather than an attempt to start at the top. The es-

tablishment of lay ministry in many dioceses in Ireland is already under way, and both Ossory and Ferns are at different stages in this project. Gradually, as the years roll on, it will be possible to imagine committed, trained and commissioned lay people across both Dioceses, collaborating in work, building supportive networks together, and working with clergy and other Diocesan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Installation homily by Bishop Ger Nash

and we are all called by our Baptism to offer the Gospel into that changing world. As we enter into a journey of change, the words that link our Dioceses of Ferns and Ossory at this point are in persona episcopi. This role will require from me not just a new set of skills, but a rearrangement and a delegation of work on a large scale. As that work is delegated, it will have an impact on the lives, work and ministry of many people in both Dioceses. The capacity and the skills needed by us all for the task ahead are not taught in colleges or classrooms. They come from the experience of walking the journey, starting with the real, trusting that God is at work even now in the world and in his people..

as God’s people staff to bring the Good News to all — young and old, local and stranger. One of the many skills that will be needed for this journey is the one that today’s readings emphasise: the ability to forgive and overlook the small irritations that other people cause, and to recognise that we are already a forgiven people. This is the insight that the servant in today’s Gospel did not possess.

A lot happened A few moments ago, I mentioned the forty-five-year gap since the installation of Bishop Forristal in this Cathedral. But I also want to mention some shorter gaps. The date on the Bull which was read at the start of this ceremony is July 29th which is also the date 10 years ago when Bishop Seamus Freeman retired and it is now just over 5 years since I was ordained

in St Aidan’s Cathedral in Enniscorthy. A shorter span of time, but much has happened in that gap — not least that five years ago we were still dealing with Covid-19 and its aftermath. And even though it was a traumatic and disconcerting time, we have almost forgotten the experience of lockdown to which we adapted. But the world changed then and continues to change now,

Collaborative Church At this time, the Church that we are laying the foundations of, in the Dioceses of Ossory and Ferns, will be a collaborative Church. The Church needs priests so that the Eucharist may nourish the whole Body, and she needs a fully involved laity so that the Body may carry Christ into every corner of the world. Forgiveness frees us from ranking one gift as some sort of add-on. The labour of the baptised is not just a useful but secondary activity that ultimately depends on the presence of a priest to become truly ecclesial. In reality, clergy and lay faithful walk the path to heaven as fellow pilgrims: each essential, each complementary, each loved by the Lord who calls us all. We are where we are by God’s grace; let us set out togethe Present There was 869 people present for the installation with the main celebrant wasBishop Ger Nash. Main Concelebrants: Archbishops, Dermot Farrell and Kieran O’ Reilly. Bishops Niall Coll and

Denis Nulty. Rt. Rev. Mgr. Patrick Saw Zay Ham, Deputy Head of Mission, Apostolic Nunciature. In total there was 18 Bishops 104 Priests - (Dioceses of Ferns, Ossory, Killaloe an friends). Representing other Churches:Rt. Rev. Adrian and Jacqui Wilkiinson, Church of Ireland. Dean Stephen Farrell, Dean of St Canice’s Cathedral. Mrs. John Harper, Methodist Church. Mr. Guy Jones, Chairperson, Irish Lebanese Cultural Foundation. Dignitaries present included Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle, Dail Eireann. John McGuiness, T.D. , Deputy Ceann Comhairle, Dail Eireann. Jennifer Murnane O’ Connor TD Cllr. John Coonan, Deputy Mayor. Cllr. Catherine Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach Laois Co. Co. Cllr. Joe Malone, Cathaoirleach Kilkenny Co. Co. Cllr. Shane Murray, Cathaoirleach, Tullamore Municipal District, Offaly Co. Co. Lloyd McGree, Order of Malta and Team. The celebrations continued with a reception in Newpark Hotel where 600 people gathered.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Janet... and The Only Way Out Is In Saturday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day, a day intended to raise global awareness, end mental health stigma and advocate for better mental health support systems. Just three days before World Mental Health Day, Janet E Sahafi will launch her new novel which is based around this very subject – mental health struggles and how we cope and love as we make our way through it in today’s world. ‘The Only Way Out Is In’ is the quirky love story between David Little and Jess Shackleton and how they navigate various emotional challenges that threaten to unravel the very fabric of their love. Janet has two previous novels to her credit: ‘Jigsaw’ and ‘Savoir’ (written under the pen name of Janet O’Rourke) as well as two non-fiction books: ‘Healing The Past’ and ‘Healing The

Spirit’. The book will be launched by Carlow author John McKenna at 7.30 pm, on Wednesday, October 7 in Langton’s Ballroom. Doors will open at 7pm. and all are welcome. In the meantime who, you may well ask, is Janet E Sahafi? Born in rural Oklahoma, Janet Sahafi has lived in a variety of interesting places in America and would never have predicted that she would end up in Ireland. Through her own life struggles, and subsequent therapy, she was introduced to psychodrama which she took to immediately. Returning to school after her divorce, she received a Masters Degree in Literature and Humanistic Education. Eager to learn more about how people handle challenges in their lives she trained as a psychotherapist and an

addiction counsellor. Roots have always fascinated her because of the unsettledness of her own life. The stories of her grandparents’ experiences in the times of the Wild West fed her imagination as a child. Janet came to Ireland for six days in 1990. On her third day while walking a country road in Donegal, she had a thought: “Why not come to Ireland and write the book.” A year later, with 300 US dollars in her backpack, she left a secure position as an adjunct professor in New York and came to a little cottage in West Clare where she began to write. Now a naturalised Irish citizen (a naturalised Kilkenny person even, as she’s been living in Thomastown for the last 26 years) Janet continues to write, her latest novel being the above ‘The Only Way Out Is In’ which will be

available in The Book Centre, High St. and on Amazon. ************ I was saddened to hear of the closure, after 32 years, of Khans bookshop in James’s St. Khans was a booklover’s delight; a treasure trove of all things literary. You could find a book on any subject under the sun – including the sun; astronomy, astrology, criminology, psychology – Khans stocked them all. Plus there was a lovely little section dedicated to local authors that included Jimmy Rhatigan’s ‘Love Is’ and Orla Hennessy’s ‘The Left House.’ to mention just a few. Books, books, books, that was Khan’s – bargain books, discounted books, best-selling books, all under one roof. And, of course, it had a vast and wonderful children’s section which is where this adult could fre-

quently be found picking up a book, or two, or three, for my grandchildren, building up a library of sorts for them and I love to see them make a beeline for those books when they visit. They are never disappointed. Above all I shall miss Khans at Christmas-time. Why? Because for years now I have been collecting various, beautifully illustrated, editions of Clement C Moore’s famous poem: ‘The Night Before Christmas’ (first published anonymously in 1928 as ‘An Account of a Visit from St Nicholas.’ To date I have about 30 or so in my collection. the majority of which I purchased in Khans. I shall miss Khans. Khan Kiely, thanks for the years of browsing and purchasing and sometimes just browsing. I wish you, and your staff, the very best in your future endeavours.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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News We apologise to our readers for an error in the body text of last week’s article. The story is republished this week with the correct text. Apologies to our readers for any confusion caused.

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers took another step back in time on Saturday. The theme was a series of cast iron plaques mounted in 1844 to mark the dividing lines between city and county. Though seventeen plaques were forged to define the Borough Boundary, only nine of them have survived and it was these that walkers set out to explore. Led by indefatigable historian Paddy Neary, the group trod a labyrinth of roads, lanes, tracks, walkways and intersections to view each of the treasured signposts to the past. The plaques are positioned across the city. Locations include the Castle Park Wall (opposite Fanad B&B), a wall at the junction of Nuncio Road and Kennedy Avenue, and walls on the Kells Road and the Circular Road. You can them on the Freshford Road opposite St. James’s Park, on the military barracks wall, and at the entrance to

A cast-iron heritage… Paddy Neary at the site of one of the boundary plaques

Nowlan Park. Paddy treated the group to a running commentary as

they traversed the city, and was attentive to the precise whereabouts of each trea-

The Heritage Walkers on their way to St Brigids well near Ballycallan

sured sign. Some of them were almost invisible, being faded and weatherworn, but Paddy led the group confidently to each relevant spot, which could be along an unfrequented boreen, or near a housing estate, or in a quiet arboreal hideaway. One plaque proved more difficult to locate than the others, and everyone joined in the quest to find it on a high moss-encrusted stone

wall. Eventually Paddy stood underneath the elusive marker, and the walkers felt vindicated. He recalled that in 1837 local authorities opted for boundary change and the division of Kilkenny City into wards. The election of November 1843 saw six aldermen and 18 councilors returned to the new corporation. Edmund Smithwich was appointed Mayor, so it was his name that appeared on

the boundary plaques forged in 1844. When Saturday’s “plaque hunt” ended, the walkers applauded Paddy for an especially engaging presentation. He gives a phenomenal amount of his time to bringing the past alive via the weekly outings. The group commends his tireless commitment to promoting all aspects of Kilkenny’s historic and archaeological heritage.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future By Judith Ashton

Ready for anything except living now! Just when I thought the state of the world couldn’t get any worse, the government booklet Be Emergency Ready landed in my post box. Having predicted this in my article of 5th June, I was not entirely surprised. Similar booklets have been delivered across Europe in recent months, so it was only a matter of time before Ireland caught up with our neighbours and joined their heightened anxiety about what might happen next. So what might the government know about future events that we are already being warned about? Consider the story of the frog in hot water: dropped into boiling water, it jumps out at once; placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it stays and gradually adjusts to the rising temperature without reacting and dies. I wonder whether each new crisis is slowly conditioning us to become less responsive. As a child, I remember the government telling us that, in

the event of a nuclear attack, we should shelter under the stairs, close the windows, and we would be safe. Insanity! When Covid arrived everyone danced in tune to the Government’s piper, like a frightened herd of sheep, all terrified of killing their granny. Everyone stockpiled toilet paper, people snitched on neighbours who gathered in their gardens; we were told not to venture further than 2 kms, forced to wear masks and could only socialise and dine out if we rolled up our sleeves for an untested “vaccine”. Did all that really happen? Some whistleblowers claim the pandemic was preplanned, that the vaccines and masks promoted as “safe and effective” didn’t work, and mandates designed to instil fear and control were preprepared. Could it possibly be true? Of course, planning ahead is sensible. We should always have some basic supplies and look out for our neighbours.

But how likely is it that we will face a real emergency? The risk is high. Everything is connected: what happens in the Middle East affects us all. If the Blonde Bombshell across the pond gets the hairstyle ruffled, we may all be doomed! Our divided, embattled, precarious world is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with few signs of stability ahead. Climate change is here, space battles are coming, AI has arrived in all its terrifying glory, wars fuel economies, and millions of hungry, thirsty people are being displaced—a trend that will continue. Water supplies are dwindling, food security is uncertain, fertility rates are falling, mental health problems are soaring, and cancer rates are rising; and the government sticks a bilingual leaflet through my door and expects me to feel reassured? Come on! It creates fear and increases a sense of frozen anxiety. So, what positive or empowering information

could the “Office of Emergency Planning” tell us? (Idea for booklet 2 entitled “Seeds and Water Butts.” Just maybe?) How about the UK World War 2 strategy, “Dig for Britain” where every private garden became food producing patches? How about we stop flushing the loo with drinking water? How about commandeering the massive

“Life is for living not fearing what’s next

empty glasshouses on the Dublin Road and growing food? How about teaching young people to cultivate an allotment rather than constantly focussing on their mental health? Digging, gardening, and growing crops can be excellent therapy! Our social infrastructure has become increasingly automated and technology driven. People managed for decades without constant connectivity; which ironically fosters loneliness rather than connection. Where has social media actually taken us as a species? We have become more selfish, numb, and disconnected. Is this all part of slowly conditioning us into amnesia, depression, and inaction so Musk, Zuckerberg and their robot armies can take over? Where has the spirit gone where people become proactive and not simply passive swallowers of increasingly hot water? What truly matters to us

human beings? Shouldn’t we live from the heart rather than through fear; caring for one another and recognising that our similarities outweigh our differences? We are all going to die. What matters is how we live now and connect to each other. We must choose love and sharing over fear and scarcity. The French philosopher Voltaire said, “Everyone should dig their own garden.” We can understand this literally or symbolically: perhaps we should cultivate self-knowledge, look within for essential truths about the human spirit, and reflect on our brief journey through life. What truly matters is how much we have loved, not how much fear we have embodied. Are we living our lives consciously or simply being slowly boiled!? How do you want to spend your days on Earth? “Be Emergency Ready” to love unconditionally! www.judithashton.com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Opinion

Thanks for the memories... Callan had an impressive line-up for this year’s Heritage festival

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Two retired Mercy sisters gave a tour of the former convent chapel, a building hailed in the National Inventory of Architecture as a structure of Regional Importance due to its exquisite stone masonry, Gothic Revival design, and features that include ornate terracotta, superb limestone dressings, and some of the loveliest stained glass in Ireland. A gathering of locals and returned emigrants listened enrapt as Sisters Ena Kennedy and Maria Goretti Comerford (who still reside in the Callan district) enlightened them about a place of worship that was central to the Convent’s spiritual existence for decades. Sister Ena recalled how Catherine McAuley was inspired to start the Mercy Order and the great boost for education in Callan that followed the arrival of the first Mercy nuns in the town in 1872. This development was prompted mainly by the fall-out from the historic conflict between rebel PP Fr. Robert O; Keeffe and high ranking clergy. The nuns stayed out of politics and got on with their mission. In 1881, a small functional chapel was built, but the devout women longed for a new chapel that would do justice and due reverence to the convent’s spiritual status. Sisters Ena and Maria invited us into the chapel and painted vivid word pictures of the herculean, but ultimately successful quest to build the place of worship. After years of ardent fund-raising, dedicated architectural and construction work, and endless rounds of heartfelt prayer, the chapel was completed in 1906. The Fennelly Crest incorporating the peacock

The nuns received an unexpected boost when the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr. Moran, formerly Bishop of Ossary, turned up at the opening ceremony. He had made a phenomenal voyage to support the nuns, and it was a good omen for the convent. Among those fondly recalled by sisters Ena and Maria were the building contractor for the chapel, Michael Kerwick (who also owned the Steppes pub back then) and a host of Callan carpenters, builders, and other tradesmen who played a part in giving the convent its resplendent new chapel. The construction team’s make-up reads like a who’s who of Callan’s finest tradesmen of that time, whose names live on through their descendents. Sisters Ena and Maria were warmly applauded for their presentation and locals spent more than an hour touring the chapel, basking in its aura of peace and tranquility, conscious of the “Sale Agreed” sign on the grounds of the Convent Complex that signaled yet another big milestone in its history. Elsewhere in Callan, elders of the district cast their minds back to a different Ireland. Joe Kennedy of Callan Heritage read locally composed poetry, while Philip Lynch regaled with a helping of witty anecdotes about 1940s farm life. Retired publican Breda Somers recalled her first agricultural science lesson: In Fennelly’s courtyard she saw nature taking its course among the livestock. Liam Rice, in addition to ably chairing the event, read from the writings of Kilkenny author/poet/artist Judy Rhatigan about everyday life in 1950s Ireland. In one book, Judy writes of the legendary Moat carnivals in Callan, describing how lads without ticket money for the dance in the marquee

would ask pals to stage a mock fight. When the stewards were busy breaking up the fracas, the other lads would sneak in and within minutes they’d be dancing around the platform The bakery Billy Keogh gave an informative talk about the bakery in Bridge Street that’s been going since 1838, and at the same premises since day one. Keogh’s Model Bakery is one of the oldest family-run bakeries in Ireland, famed nationwide, and even beyond our shores, for its turnover or rustic, baked in an old-fashioned brick oven. The bakery has scooped numerous awards for its top quality bread and confectionary, including an Against the Wind prize in 2012. The present shop front is among the most admired in Ireland. Billy alluded to some of the highpoints of the long Keogh’s saga. It survived the grim World War Two ration-

Billy Keogh at the entrance to his shop in Bridge Street

ing, when flour and petrol were scarce. Keogh’s delivered bread to people’s homes by horse and dray, barrows, or horse-drawn vans, as mechanized transport was scarce. And with flour severely rationed, families had to make do with brown bread. White bread was like gold. The ovens were fired, at

were too small for the turkeys. Keoghs’ obliged, and hundreds of turkeys were The cooked, each on its magnificent own plate to avoid convent any mix-up in turchapel key ownership. People still send Keogh’s rustics to loved ones across the globe. Nothing pleases a Callan emigrant more than to receive a specially wrapped Keogh’s rustic from the old country. On the other side of the world, they dream of a thick slice with a Sr Maria dollop of melting butter on it. Goretti The famine pot Comerford Etaoin Holahan, who was giving her baptized in the convent talk at the chapel, recited the tale of the convent famine pot and the peacock. chapel In the early 20th century, Mr. Fennelly was gifted a large famine pot on the occasion of his retirement from the Callan Workhouse Board of Guardians. The Workhouse team transported the pot to Fennelly’s and positioned it at the bottom right hand side of the courtyard, close to a hay barn. Mr. Fennelly used the pot as a feeder for his two black funeral stallions. At that time, his wife had a prized peacock that she adored, but it had the habit of landing on a local schoolteacher’s roof when it flew above Callan. The teacher complained about this to Mrs. Fennelly. Reluctantly she agreed to have the bird’s wings clipped. One day, a sheepdog chased the peacock, and being unable to fly away, it sought refuge in the famine pot. Unfortunately, the pot was full of water and the poor bird drowned. The pot was filled with clay and flowers sown in it. A century later, Etaoin and others were digging in Fennelly’s courtyard, as part of a clean- up, when they discovered the famine pot. Learning of its provenance, they decided to return it to the Workhouse. With great solemnity, the cauldron was transported back up Bridge Street and Green Street on a forklift, with volunteers holding on to it from either side. The poignant symbol of the Great Hunger returned to its rightful home. The peacock, in a sense, has also returned to its old haunt in Bridge Street, where a likeness of the bird now forms part of the specially designed Fennelly’s crest. Like the stories told in the courtyard, it honours a part of Callan’s multifaceted heritage. different times, by wood, coke * Historian Philip Lynch will or oil. Timber was available have a display of his artwork locally and Kilkenny Gas covering the history of the Works supplied the coke. The district, plus a collection of ovens served other purposes famine-era coinage, at the too. One Christmas locals apPower House in Callan, on proached the bakery to see if September 25th, 26th and their turkeys could be cooked 27th., from 1.30pm to 5 pm in the oven. each day. Some locals had no ovens, Admission free. while many people’s ovens

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

News

Fibre broadband underpins all of Cartoon Saloon’s infrastructure, COO says Photo:- Dylan Vaughan Fibre-powered broadband is essential for Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon’s operations as animators and storytellers in multiple countries routinely collaborate on the same piece of work at one time. The independent studio, established in 1999 by Paul Young, Tomm Moore, and Nora Twomey, is now a world renowned animation enterprise with five Academy Award® and two Golden Globe® nominations and many award wins, including BAFTA® and Emmy®. From its two bases in Kilkenny city, in The Maltings, just off James’ Street and in Glebe Hall on Barrack Street, the independent studio produces brave and beautiful stories in the form of short films, feature films, and TV series. Catherine Roycroft is Chief Operations Officer and moved back home to Kilkenny 17 years ago to work with Cartoon Saloon. “I’m delighted to have been a part of the massive journey Cartoon Saloon has taken

Catherine Roycroft Cartoon Saloon

over the years. The power of fibre-powered broadband for us is that it keeps us playing a very strong part on an internation stage at a very high standard. “We tell our own stories and retain the I.P of our work, which is the heart of Cartoon Saloon. But for us

to remain independent, we have to raise money by going out into the world, especially into Europe to find partners who value the work we do and can help find the financing to create it. We need to be able to support and sustain our co-production work which involves many hands

across countries like Canada, France, Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland with everyone collaborating in real time on the same piece of a project. “Fibre broadband underpins all of our infrastructure and is fundamental to us being able to work collaboratively across the world. If we

have a five-country co-production for example that is creating content one picture at a time, we need to be able to work at the same speed to support other people in other countries working and adding their hands to our work. The superfast fibre broadband that we now have in Kilkenny underlines and underpins all of that.” Cartoon Saloon is the founder and host of Kilkenny Animated, an annual festival of visual storytelling incorporating exhibitions, screening, talks, and performances celebrating creativity. In 2010 the studio’s first feature film, The Secret of Kells, was nominated for an Academy Award® and again in 2015 with Tomm Moore’s follow up feature, Song of the Sea, was also the first animated feature to win Best Picture at the Irish IFTA Academy awards. Directed by Nora Twomey, Golden Globe® and Academy Award® nominated The Breadwinner was released in November 2017 to huge critical acclaim. The studio had its first short film Academy Award® nomination in 2019

with Late Afternoon written and directed by Louise Bagnall and produced by Nuria Blanco. In 2020, Wolfwalkers, directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart was also Golden Globe®, Academy Award® and BAFTA® nominated and the studios second feature to win Best Picture at the 2021 Irish IFTA Academy Awards along with many other awards nominations and wins. Wolfwalkers is available worldwide on Apple TV+ Along WolfWalkers you can also view My Brother the Minotaur on Apple TV+. This all-new animated kids and family adventure series is an epic tale of folklore, mystery, and mythic adventure. It was created by Cartoon Saloon & long-time partners Dog Ears in Derry. Next for Cartoon Saloon is their upcoming feature film JULIÁN. A 4-country coproduction, it’s a joyful visually rich animation adventure about a 7-year-old boy who spends a transformative summer with his estranged Abuela (Grandmother) in Brooklyn. It’s due for release in 2027.

Countywide roadshow aims to boost fibre broadband uptake across rural Kilkenny Kilkenny County Council drive to showcase fibre broadband benefits for homes, schools, farms and businesses Kilkenny is the first county in Ireland where the roll-out of fibre-power broadband is complete and a countywide drive is now underway to significantly increase the number of homes, businesses, farms, and schools benefiting from the ultra-fast service. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the largest ever telecommunications project undertaken by the Irish State. The €5 billion investment is radically transforming the country’s broadband landscape and life in rural Ireland through the delivery of quality, affordable high-speed broadband to all parts of Ireland where such services were not available commercially. In Kilkenny City and county alone, 19,000 premises can now avail of fibre-power broadband. While sign-ups in Kilkenny are higher than the national average, the

local authority wants to see more even more homes and businesses benefitting from transformative minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second. Kilkenny County Council has teamed up with NBI and it is leading a drive to increase uptake in rural areas in particular. Local councillors have already been briefed and are on board. Customer-focused information is now being shared through a series of public and business-facing initiatives, including an easy-tounderstand roadshow in community hubs and with community groups in the coming weeks. The no obligation, information-focused roadshow will showcase how easy it is to get connected, and how new customers can benefit from instant rewards worth up to €95. Confirmed venues to date include Castlecomer Community Hall on September 22 from 9.15am to 11.15am; Muckalee Community Café on Friday, September 25 from 12.30 to 2pm; Ferrybank Library on

Saturday, September 26 from 10.30am to 1pm and Thomastown Library on Tuesday, September 29, from 1.30pm to 4.45pm. Further venues around the county will be confirmed in the coming days and publicised in each community and on Kilkenny County Council’s social media channels. Interested customers will be encouraged to enter their Eircode on the www.nbi.ie website and choose the package that best suits their needs from up to 70 providers. They can also request a no obligation call from one of the NBI team who can answer more technical questions about connecting to the network. The focus is increasingly shifting from large-scale construction to network completion, activation, and customer connections. TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer of National Broadband Ireland, said “We are now firmly in the final phase of the main build, with substantial completion in sight by the end of this year. Kilkenny is amongst the first counties to reach this milestone. Each

connection we make is a step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring every community in Ireland can fully participate in the digital economy.” Access to fibre-power broadband throughout Kilkenny City and in every town, village and parish in the county helps ensure it’s an even better place to live, work and raise a family, Lar Power, Chief Executive, Kilkenny County Council, said “Quality, affordable high-speed broadband is a necessity, not a luxury and having access to it in the most remote of areas is transformative for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kilkenny. It also allows us to have smarter, more efficient and more resilient and data-driven council operations. This investment also supports local job creation, remote working and entrepreneurship, promoting digital inclusion and community wellbeing to reduce rural isolation. Fibre broadband allow us to deliver better services and experiences, no matter

where people live or work.” Broadband Connection points (BCP’s) in Kilkenny where free high speed broadband is connected for community use are a tremendous local asset and also help reduce rural isolation and support clustering and partnerships between small local enterprises and others using the free service. Joe Malone, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, explained, “The BCPs or local hubs as many are known in Kilkenny include Tullaghought Parish Hall, Crosspatrick Parish Hall, Galmoy Community Centre, Graine Community Hall, Ballyouskill Parish Hall, Connolly's Pub, Dunbell, Kilkenny and Muckalee Handball Club. We’re very keen to play our part as a local authority in promoting the use of this transformative technology and urge people to engage with us, attend their local roadshow events and reap the rewards.” Having access to the high speed network also has environmental benefits and future-proofs our city, towns and villages. As the series

of county-wide roadshows begin, Katherine Peacock, Administrative Officer, Communications & Business Process Improvement, Kilkenny County Council, said “Having access to affordable and quality broadband reduces the pressure on our infrastructure, including roads and transport, supporting our climate goals. There are also lower emissions and energy costs associated with moving away from copper. Fibre broadband also helps every town and village in Kilkenny to attract enterprises, grow jobs enabling people to work remotely, support local businesses throughout the week, leading to sustainable rural communities where families can enjoy a greater work/life balance, spend less time in their cars and more time doing that they really want to do." "The NBI investment also aligns with our EU and national broadband and digitisation targets, providing greater network resilience to mitigate against and respond to extreme weather events,” she concluded.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS: NEWS, LAUNCHES OR EVENTS ACROSS HOMES & GARDENS? CONTACT: FEATURESEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Homes & Gardens

Get your garden storm-ready GARDEN NOTE Ivan Nemchinov

Autumn often brings stronger winds and heavier rain, so it’s worth spending a little time checking the garden before the weather turns. Start with anything that could move in high winds. Garden chairs, tables, plant pots and bins should be secured or moved somewhere sheltered. Hanging baskets are best taken down if stormy weather is forecast. Check fences, gates and sheds for loose panels, hinges or roofing felt. Small repairs are much easier to deal with before wind and rain make the damage worse. Trees and larger shrubs are worth a look too. Remove any clearly dead or damaged branches that are safe to reach, but leave bigger jobs to a qualified tree surgeon. Clear leaves from gutters, drains and paths so rainwater can move away properly. It’s also a good time to check greenhouse panes and doors. Also check outdoor taps and hoses before colder weather arrives. Disconnect hoses, drain them and store them away to reduce the risk of frost damage later in the season.

Rug size matters HOME HACK Pexels

Before you turn the heating back on HOME October 1 is often seen as the unofficial start of heating season in Irish homes. By then, the evenings are drawing in, there’s a chill in the mornings and many of us are starting to think about switching the heating back on after the summer. Before doing that, though, it’s worth giving the system a quick once-over. If the boiler has not been serviced in a while, now is a

good time to get it checked. It’s much better to deal with a small problem in early autumn than discover it during the first really cold week of winter. Radiators are worth checking too - turn the heating on for a short while and make sure they are warming up properly. If one is hot at the bottom but cold at the top, it may need bleeding. It also helps to keep radiators clear of sofas, curtains and other furniture so the heat can move around the room.

This is also a good time to look at your timer and thermostat. After months of little or no use, settings may no longer suit your routine. There’s no point heating the house when nobody is home, and small changes to heating times can make a noticeable difference. SEAI advises keeping living areas at around 19C, with bedrooms and hallways generally comfortable at lower temperatures. A few other simple checks can help too - look for

Autumn lawn care GARDEN

A rug can pull a room together, but the wrong size can make the whole space feel cramped. One of the most common mistakes is choosing a rug that sits like a small island in the middle of the floor. In a living room, it usually works better when at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on the rug. This helps connect the furniture instead of making each piece feel separate. In a dining room, the rug should be large enough for chairs to stay on it when they are pulled back from the table. A rug that is too small quickly becomes awkward as well as impractical. If you already own a rug that feels undersized, try layering it over a larger plain one rather than replacing it. The aim is simple: use the rug to define the whole seating or dining area, not just the empty patch of floor in the middle.

Early autumn is a good time to give the lawn some attention before wetter, colder weather sets in. Start with fallen leaves, because if they’re left sitting on the grass for too long, they can block out light and leave damp patches underneath. Rake them up regularly and, if you have the space, add them to your compost heap for leaf mould rather than throwing them away. You can keep mowing while the grass is still growing, but raise the mower height slight-

ly and avoid cutting when the lawn is very wet. A shorter cut may look tidy, but leaving a little more length gives the grass better protection going into winter. If parts of the lawn feel hard underfoot or tend to hold water, use a garden fork to aerate the soil. Simply push it into the ground at intervals to help air and water move more freely around the roots. It’s also a good time to tackle bare or thin areas. To do this, rake away dead grass, loosen the soil and reseed while there is still some warmth in the ground. Keep

Kaboompics

draughts around doors and windows, close curtains once it gets dark and keep internal doors shut where possible to hold warmth in the rooms you are using. And before the heating season properly begins, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. A little preparation now can make the house more comfortable when the colder weather arrives - and may help avoid problems later in the season. Tuğba

newly sown patches moist if the weather stays dry. Neaten edges and remove obvious weeds, but there’s no need to overdo it at this time of the year. Avoid walking on the lawn when it is waterlogged or

frozen, as this can damage the grass and compact the soil further. Clearing debris from nearby drains and lawn edges can also help excess water move away more easily during prolonged spells of autumn rain.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Tom Murphy Car Sales

Tom Murphy Car Sales opens new Toyota Professional Commercial Centre

New facility gives businesses direct access to Toyota’s commercial range, specialist support and advanced vehicle technology

Tom Murphy Car Sales has opened a dedicated Toyota Professional Commercial Centre for the southeast, expanding our support for businesses and commercial drivers across the region. The new centre brings vehicle sales, fleet expertise and aftersales support together in one location. Customers can explore the New Toyota Hilux pick-up, Land Cruiser 4x4 and the

Proace van family, including a choice of body sizes, diesel and battery-electric powertrains. Across the range, technology such as multimedia connectivity, navigation, parking sensors and rear-view cameras helps drivers work efficiently and stay informed on the road, with specifications varying by model and grade. For added peace of mind, our commercial vehicles

come with Toyota’s exceptional Relax warranty* available up to 10 years of vehicle age or 185,000kilometers, whichever comes first. Helping to keep you and your business on the road with confidence. Through Toyota Financial Services and KINTO, business customers can choose a funding route that reflects how they intend to use and manage their vehicles. Options include Hire Purchase

for businesses that want to own the vehicle at the end of the agreement, Contract Hire for tailored fixed-term leasing, and KINTO One, Toyota’s fullservice leasing solution for a single vehicle or a wider fleet. “This investment strengthens the support we can offer commercial customers,” said a Dave O’Sullivan, Toyota Commercial Sales Manager - Tom Murphy Car Sales. “We can advise on vehicle capability,

powertrain choice, connected technology and ownership support, helping each customer select a Toyota that fits the work they do.” Whether you’re looking for a single commercial vehicle or a complete fleet solution, our team is here to help you find the right vehicle and finance solution for your business. Now for a limited time, all New Toyota Proace and Toyota Corolla Hybrid com-

mercial vehicles come with a free three-year service plan, offering greater value and helping to reduce the cost of keeping your business moving forward. For more information contact Dave O’Sullivan on 051 301222 | email info@tommurphycarsales.ie | or visit www.tommurphycarsales.ie *Relax Warranty T&C’s Apply

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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The Butts Area Regeneration Project

Sunshine and treats, as Butts community celebrate fun day Photos jbsphotos Kilkenny

The rain eased off. The sun came out. Children ran in races, played various sports, and received medals galore . The fun factor was incredible as The Butts area gathered as part of the community fun day. It was all part of The Butts area regeneration programme. When initially founded, The Butts Area Regeneration Project aim was to carry out a detailed assessment of the Butts area and to engage fully with residents to determine what measures could best benefit the community. Funding to the amount of €850,000 was made available by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to prepare a detailed plan of actions for the Butts Area Regeneration Project. A Community Liaison Officer for the project was appointed in August 2024 .Vincent Hannon Architects (VHA) were selected as consultants for the project. A Town Team was established with community representatives from the Butts. There are also various sub-groups in place on issues including Housing, Sport, Youth, Age Friendly, Heritage, Traffic/Road Safety, Education and Tidy Estate/Bio Diversity. Several community consultation events have taken place, the most recent and final one on June 25th 2025 in St Canice's Neighbourhood Hall, Butts Green. Speaking with the Kilkenny Observer newspaper, Chairman of the Kilkenny Town team, Paul Clifford said the scheme had come on in leaps and bounds, “We linked with The Medieval Mile committee on the day their half marathon race took place and finished at The Waterbarracks”, said Paul. Present on the day and keeping everything moving smoothly were Council representatives, Annette Fitzpatrick,( Town regeneration officer) Marie Smith ( community liaison officer) and Vincent Guthrie (Medieval Mile committee). On the day, youngsters and adults alike enjoyed burgers and ice cream. A great day was had by all Plans On the 10th of September plans were on display in the Neighbourhood Hall on The Butts Green for ten housing units to be constructed on the site at Lord Edward Street known locally as Sister Anthony’s. Most of these new units are age friendly and the plans were well received by the community who have been engaging in the process over the last year or more.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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The Butts Area Regeneration Project

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Food & Drink

Roasted Tomato & Red Pepper Soup with Cheesy Soda Bread Toasts

What’s in your cup?

RECIPE

This rich, warming soup makes the most of ripe tomatoes and sweet red peppers, with roasting bringing out their natural sweetness. Served with crisp cheesy soda bread toasts, it makes an easy lunch or light supper. Serves: 4 Ingredients For the soup • 700g ripe tomatoes, halved • 2 red peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped • 1 red onion, cut into wedges • 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp dried oregano • 500ml vegetable or chicken stock • 1 tsp tomato purée • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • Small handful fresh basil, optional For the cheesy toasts • 4 thick slices soda bread • 100g mature Irish Cheddar, grated • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tbsp mayonnaise or crème fraîche • Freshly ground black pepper • Method Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6. Place the tomatoes, peppers and onion on a large roasting tray. Add the garlic cloves, drizzle everything with olive oil and scatter over the oregano. Season with salt and pepper, then toss well. Roast for 30–35 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and beginning to caramelise around the edges. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins and transfer everything from the tray to a saucepan. Add the stock, tomato purée and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer for five minutes, then blend until smooth. Add a splash of extra stock or water if you prefer a thinner soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir through a few torn basil leaves if using. For the cheesy toasts, lightly toast the soda bread on both sides. Mix the grated Cheddar with the mustard, mayonnaise or crème fraîche and a little black pepper. Spoon the mixture over the bread and place under a hot grill for two to three minutes, until bubbling and golden. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve with the cheesy soda bread toasts alongside. For extra richness, finish each bowl with a small swirl of cream or a drizzle of olive oil.

Chevanon Photography

DRINK October 1 is International Coffee Day, a chance to celebrate one of the world’s bestloved hot drinks. For lots of us, coffee still means a cappuccino, latte or Americano, but café menus have become much more varied in recent years. You’ll see drinks ranging from cortados and piccolos to combinations using tonic water, condensed

milk, citrus and even cream cheese. Some of these options are simply variations on espresso and milk. A cortado, for example, mixes espresso with roughly the same amount of warm milk, while a piccolo is a small, milky coffee with a stronger coffee flavour than a typical latte. But others are a lot less familiar. A dirty chai is a chai latte with a shot of espresso added,

One Pan Wins from Nevin Maguire COOKBOOK Neven Maguire is back with a new cookbook aimed firmly at busy home cooks. One Pan Wins is built around a simple idea: every recipe can be made using just one pan, pot, tray or tin. The result is a collection designed to cut down on preparation and washing-up while still delivering the kind of comforting, family-friendly food Maguire is known for. The Cavan chef has long built his cooking around accessible recipes, and this book follows the same approach. Dishes range from Lazy Beef Lasagne and Italian Sausages with Lentils to Thai Salmon and Green Vegetable Curry, Slow Roast Spiced Leg of Lamb and Spinach and Feta Filo Pie. There is plenty for anyone who wants quick dinners, but

the book also includes baking and desserts. Pistachio Banana Bread, Tiramisu Chocolate Squares and Caramelised Apricot Upside-Down Cake are among the sweeter recipes given the one-pan treatment. Maguire, chef and proprietor of MacNean House and Restaurant in Blacklion, Co Cavan, has become one of Ireland’s best-known chefs through his TV programmes, cookbooks and practical approach to home cooking. One Pan Wins should appeal to families, novice cooks and anyone tired of facing a sink full of dishes after dinner. Its strength is not novelty for its own sake, but useful recipes that fit easily into everyday life. It’s the sort of cookbook designed to be used, not admired. One Pan Wins: Easy Meals All Made in One Pan by Neven Maguire is published by Gill

bringing coffee together with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. If you prefer something sweeter, the affogato combines hot espresso with vanilla ice cream or gelato, making it as much a dessert as a coffee. Cold coffee has also moved well beyond the iced latte. Espresso tonic mixes coffee with tonic water and ice, while Vietnamese iced coffee uses strong coffee and sweetened

condensed milk for a richer, sweeter drink. There are even more unusual options, including sea-salt coffee, mushroom coffee and coffee topped with cheese foam! International Coffee Day is a good excuse to try something different, but there’s nothing wrong with sticking to a favourite either. After all, for most coffee drinkers, the best cup is still the one they genuinely enjoy.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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What’s On McCabe makes his mark

NIALL MCCABE | THE SALMON POOL, THOMASTOWN | SAT, SEPT 26 MUSIC Niall McCabe brings his blend of folk, soul and Americana to The Salmon Pool in Thomastown, giving local audiences the chance to hear one of Ireland’s most distinctive singersongwriters. Raised on Clare Island, McCabe developed a style shaped by Irish storytelling traditions, acoustic music and the wide-open textures of Americana. His writing is observant rather than showy, often focusing on family, memory, place and the people who leave an impression. That restraint is matched by a

warm, recognisable voice and intricate guitar playing that give his songs a strong sense of character without crowding them with unnecessary detail. His 2023 debut album, Rituals, introduced him to a wider audience, and he followed it with Stranger in 2025. Across both records, traditional Irish influences sit comfortably beside strings, pedal steel and understated band arrangements with the songs always kept at the centre. That momentum continued in 2026 with The Heart Remembers, featuring harmony vocals from Sting and Foy

Vance, Jerry Douglas on instruments and arrangements by John McCusker as well. McCabe’s profile has grown steadily in recent years. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville in 2025, toured Britain with the Transatlantic Sessions and appeared at festivals including Celtic Connections, Cambridge Folk Festival, Galway Folk Festival and Doolin Folk Festival. He has also shared stages with Mary Black, Sharon Shannon and Chris Isaak, while earlier international touring with Beoga saw him perform alongside Ed Sheeran and Johnny Swim.

Good Grief at Set Theatre AOIFE DUNNE: GOOD GRIEF | SET THEATRE | THURS, OCT 1 | 8PM COMEDY Aoife Dunne brings her successful debut show Good Grief to Set Theatre on Thursday, October 1, following a run of sell-out dates around Ireland and the UK. Aoife is a comedian, poet, writer and storyteller, and Good Grief sits somewhere between stand-up and theatre, using humour to tackle subjects that don’t usually sound like obvious comedy material. At the heart of the show is the loss of Dunne’s mother when she was 23 and the years that followed. Rather than treating grief as something solemn and untouchable, she looks at the strange, messy and sometimes very funny moments that come with trying to rebuild a life

after loss. The result is a show that moves between laughter and much more tender territory, taking in family, Irishness, shame, survival and the odd ways people cope when life doesn’t go according to plan. Good Grief proved a hit throughout 2025, selling out its tour as well as performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and Galway International Arts Festival. Demand saw the show extended into 2026, with further sold-out dates around the country. Aoife’s combination of sharp observation and very personal storytelling has helped her build a sizeable audience online too, but Good Grief is very much a live show - one that relies on the intimacy of sharing a difficult story in a room

full of people and finding the funny side together.

Despite that wider exposure, his music has retained the same grounded quality. He tends to favour close observation over grand statements, and his strongest songs find meaning in ordinary experiences, whether he is writing about home, relationships or distance. That approach should suit The Salmon Pool particularly well. McCabe’s live performances are known for their warmth, humour and direct connection with audiences, and the smaller setting should allow the detail in his songs and guitar work to come through clearly.

Your picks for this week TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE - OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Brad Pitt heads into the Alaskan wilderness in Heart of the Beast, a survival thriller from Fury director David Ayer. Pitt plays Special Forces officer James Belmont, stranded after a plane crash with his combat dog, Odin. Battling brutal conditions and wild predators, the pair must rely on each other to survive. J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe co-star. Heart of the Beast opens in cinemas today (Friday) across Ireland. What to read: Former Ireland and Munster captain Peter O’Mahony tells his story in All In, a frank autobiography tracing the people, places and coaches who shaped his 15-year career. From Cork Constitution to captaining Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, O’Mahony reflects on leadership, setbacks and life at the highest level. Written with Dion Fanning, All In was published by Sandycove yesterday (Thursday, September 24), after his retirement from rugby. What to stream: Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson play heightened versions of themselves in Brothers, a new Apple TV comedy built around their famously close friendship. Their easygoing bond is thrown into chaos when a family secret suggests they might actually be related. With Woody descending on Matthew’s Texas ranch and a political storyline gathering pace, the eight-part series mixes celebrity satire, family comedy and the pair’s natural chemistry to often hilarious effect. What to listen to: Camille O’Sullivan brings Loveletter to Cleere’s tomorrow night (Saturday) and Sunday. Joined by longtime collaborator Feargal Murray, she celebrates her dear friend Shane MacGowan, Sinéad O’Connor, David Bowie, Radiohead, Jacques Brel and Nick Cave. Each song becomes its own story, moving between tenderness, theatricality and joyful chaos. Expect a deeply personal set from a performer known for turning familiar songs into something raw, dramatic and entirely her own on stage. What to play: Minecraft Dungeons II returns to the blocky action RPG world with tougher enemies, fresh locations and a new threat spreading across two worlds. Players can battle solo or team up with up to three friends in local or online co-op, collecting weapons and gear along the way. Developed by Mojang Studios and Double Eleven, the sequel expands on the original’s dungeon-crawling formula and launches on September 29 across major platforms.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA CLUB LOTTO The lotto results for 15th September did not produce a lotto winner. |as the numbers were 4, 16 and 24. So a €30 Lucky Dip went to Mary Nolan, Deirdre Brennan, Mick Brett, Dollie Kehoe and Martin Nolan. Now have a go it could be you, you never know. THANK YOU A special thank you to all who supported Rory’s Miles To Mayo collection and to Young Irelands and Blacks and Whites members who also added to the bucket collection at the game in Clara last week. There was €430 raised which we presented to him when he stopped off in Clara. LEGENDARY People in Clara and all over Kilkenny were very saddened on Wednesday of last week to learn of the passing of longtime Clara resident Eamonn Langton at his home. Eamonn was a legendary entrepreneur who built up a business in Kilkenny that was known far and wide. It is not an exaggeration to say that he put Kilkenny on the map as his flagship nightclub was among the nation’s best known. The quality of the food served at his establishment, the level of service given to customers and in time the premium accommodation provided were all delivered with a personal touch by Eamonn that made Langton’s one of the top venues in the whole country. He had an uncanny knack of making his customers feel both appreciated and appreciative. Eamonn was recently acknowledged in his home city by being awarded the Freedom of the City, an accolade only bestowed upon the crème de la crème. He was a huge supporter of the GAA in Kilkenny and fed county teams for the last 50 years. Clara GAA club has benefited from Langton House sponsorship for many years. He was extremely generous in his nature, and many people and organisations were the beneficiaries of his kind acts. Above all he was a great friend to countless people and was great fun to be around. Such was his impact that his passing even elicited a reference from Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil. I suspect that would have drawn a chuckle from Eamonn, because he remained extremely grounded. Sincere sympathies are extended to his wife Trish, to his children Eddie, Conor and Tracey, to their spouses Niamh, Blanaid and Neil, to his sister Mary and to his grandchildren Ned, Pia, Isobel, Eve, Arlo, Otis, Aly and Glen and to all his extended family and many friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. MINOR HURLING The Clara minors were defeated in their final group game of their season in Clara on Saturday evening. But there was no shame in this two point loss to Glenmore in a hugely entertaining affair as the team showed their customary resolve and really died with their boots on. First year referee Eoin Larkin contributed hugely to the enjoyment here as he adopted a no fuss approach and let the players get on with it. It resulted in a free flowing 4-18 to 3-19 game that had people talking about the referee for all the right reasons. Glenmore grabbed a late goal and a point to take a 3-7 to 2-7 lead at halftime. The Clara goals were scored by Rory Treacy early on and by Aaron Carrigan after about 20 minutes with a lovely lift and flick all in the one movement. Jack Byrne had hit three lovely points from play, likewise Dara Leamy with two and Podge Meany had converted two frees. Clara started the second half well and 1-3 as against a single point by Glenmore saw them back in the lead. Podge Meany, Sam Corr and Jack Byrne from a free had provided the points and the goal was a real gem, with a great Liam Treacy catch and delivery gathered by Aaron Carrigan who passed expertly to Dara Leamy and the finish by Dara was clinical. Clara stayed ahead until midway through the half, when a Glenmore goal saw them retake the lead. Clara soon achieved parity again and the game ebbed and flowed for the next 10 minutes. Then a Glenmore surge moved them five points clear and Clara looked to be tiring but they never gave up the ghost and three late frees had them back within striking distance again but unfortunately, they just ran out of time. A tremendous contest that will stand to both teams in good stead when the knockout hurling starts. Team- Ciaran Gibbons, Liam O Callaghan, Sam Lawlor, Ollie Butler. Sam Corr 0-1, Micheál Meany, Liam Treacy. Ruairi Bowden Mullen, Podge Meany

0-8, 0-6f. Rory Treacy 1-1, Aidan O Connell, Dara Leamy 1-2. Jack Byrne 0-6, 0-3f, Aaron Carrigan 1-1, Robert Coogan. Subs used James McDonald, Raphael Scanlon. SENIOR HURLING The sense of relief was palpable in Ballyraggett on Saturday when Clara beat Erin’s Own 1-21 to 2-15 in the first round/ relegation semifinal. Although Clara were the better side 18 wides didn’t lend itself to an easy win and the result remained in doubt right to the death. The first half was nip and tuck throughout with Clara taking a slender 1-8 to 1-7 advantage to the dressing room. The goal arrived after five minutes when Rory Glynn gave a lovely long hand pass to his hard running brother Dara. Dara gathered the ball beautifully before making ground and giving the Comer netminder no chance. Rory added a point later in the half, and four points by Conor O Shea (3 frees), two by Chris Bolger and one by Joe Connolly accounted for Clara’s first half total. A long range Martin O Connell point got Clara up and running in the second half, but Comer grabbed the next three scores to move ahead. Substitute Joe Power, Paul Cody and Lester Ryan finished scores after neat Clara interplay to regain the lead, and after Erin’s Own had converted a free a point each by Chris Bolger and the Glynn brothers left Clara four clear and kicking for home. But the Comer men had other ideas and a quickfire 1-2 from their main marksman Michael Brennan saw them back in front. Dara Glynn latched onto a breaking ball and equalised before a Conor O Shea free edged Clara ahead again. Again, Castlecomer regained parity but in the closing minutes it was Clara that outscored their opponents four points to one. Paul Cody and Joe Power pointed for Clara, Comer answered with a pointed free, but Rory Glynn had the game’s last two points to seal the victory. On Clara march to a quarter final meeting with their first round conquerors Thomastown but they can now have a proper crack at this with a bit of freedom. Team - Kevin Nolan, Harry Boyle, Matt Kenny, Shane Staunton. Martin O Connell 0-1, David Barcoe, Conor Cody. Paul Cody 0-2, Jack Langton. Dara Glynn 1-2, Conor O Shea 0-5, 0-4f, Joe Connolly 0-1. Rory Glynn 0-4, Lester Ryan 0-1, Chris Bolger 0-3. Subs used Luke Lawlor, Joe Power 0-2, Ciaran Prendergast. SENIOR CAMOGIE Not to be outdone by their male counterparts the Clara senior camogie team also qualified for a quarter final on Sunday by defeating O Loughlins Gaels 2-16 to 0-13 in Nowlan Park. Although it never looked like Clara were going to lose this one, it was to O Loughlins credit that they never threw in the towel, and the final score might have been a bit harsh on them. Although Emma Shortall opened the scoring O Loughlins settled quicker and led 0-3 to 0-1 after eight minutes. Clara were finding it hard to get the ball out of their own half, but they gradually got to grips with the situation and got five points in a row from five different sources, all from play. Keara Ryan, Rebecca Nolan, Siobhan Curtis, Emma Shortall and Lucy Boyd were the scorers and, when O Loughlins converted a free, Lucy Boyd replied with another point. This gave Clara a slender 0-7 to 0-4 lead, but fate conspired to turn the game on its head over the next few minutes. Rebecca Nolan, who was having a stormer, was forced off with a blood injury, and her replacement Aisling Curtis made an immediate impact. First she was fouled to draw a penalty, which Mary O Connell blasted to the roof of the net. Then she flashed over a point herself, and Clara’s lead was out to seven points. Not bad for a two minute cameo appearance. Aisling was to return later on and was very prominent on her reappearance also. To add insult to injury when Rebecca Nolan returned to replace Aisling she also flashed over an immediate point and helped Clara to a 1-9 to 0-5 halftime lead. O Loughlin’s started the second half with real intent and scored two early frees. Siobhán Curtis got one back for Clara, but O Loughlin’s replied with another point. Then Emma Shortall grabbed the all important second goal and Mary O Connell followed it up with a pointed free. From there to the end both teams scored five points each with Clara keeping the scoreboard ticking to fend off the hard trying city girls. So, Clara have now set up a quarter final meeting with Tullaroan which should be a tight affair.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Ónagh Fitzgerald, Rachel Whelan, Katie Ryan. Gráinne Glynn, Aisling Nolan, Laoise Nolan. Rebecca Nolan 0-2, Claire Nolan. Niamh Ward, Keara Ryan 0-2, Mary O Connell 1-4, 1-0 penalty, 0-1f. Siobhán Curtis 0-2, Lucy Boyd 0-2, Emma Shortall 1-3. Subs used Aisling Curtis 0-1, Grace Barcoe, Emily Phelan, Margaret O Connell. FRESHFORD WINNER AT CLONASLEE SHOW Well, done to local lad Gyll Condon and his dad David who continued their winning ways at the Clonaslee show last week with their champion ram -Gill Vale Evan who won his class against all breeds in the ram lamb class. This ram is the last full brother to their All Ireland supreme overall champion. DARTS A darts exhibition will be held in Farrell’s bar on Saturday 10th October with famous dart players John Henderson and Richard Burnett in attendance The chosen charity this year is Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. You can go along to watch the darts or if you would like to take them on in a game, please put your name in. All support and donations would be greatly appreciated for this very worthy cause Please put the date in your diary. HOME FROM AUSSIELAND Home on holiday at present in her native Freshford is Esther Carroll (nee Dermody) formerly of Boherkyle Freshford with her husband Denis formerly of Conahy and their family all the way from Australia. BIRTHDAY BOY Very special birthday wishes go out to well known local man Terry Campion of Sart, Freshford who celebrated a very special birthday at the weekend Terry celebrated the occasion at his home accompanied by family and friends. GAA St Lachtains u14 boys defeated Tullogher/Rosbercon in the first round of this year’s Roinn B championship on Sunday morning last in Tullogher on a score of St Lachtains 1-22 Tulligher 3-6 The Intermediate hurlers year came to an end on Sunday afternoon last in Gowran in their championship quarter final clash against the Rower/Inistioge. The game went right down to the wire when a late free from goalkeeper Darren Brennan was cleared off the Inistioge goal line and the game finished

Rower/Inistioge 0-27 to St Lachtains 1-21. Please check the club’s social media pages for juvenile fixtures for next weekend. The U6 and U7s had a great day out at weekend at O’Loughlins blitz. St Lachtains had 26 kids togged out who played a number of games against O’Loughlins, Erin’s Own, Naas, Graigue/Ballycallan, Danesfort, Thomastown, Conahy and Barrow Rangers. Huge thanks goes to Stephen and all at club for organising a great day. The U 12 had a great day out last week when they played in the Fennelly tournament in Kilmanagh and put in some great performances against Callan, Myshall and Thomastown to reach the final against Graigue/Ballycallan. They were beaten by just one goal in extra time. The following day they made the shorter trip to Tullaroan for another blitz winning the shield final against Bennettsbridge. A great day out and thanks to the organisers and to the players,parents and mentors LOTTO There was no jackpot winner in the weekly lotto last week. The lucky dip winners were. Michael Murray (€50) Trish Quinn and Paddy White (€25 each). Tickets are €2 and can be purchased online on Clubzap or you can get your paper ticket from the ticket sellers and the club thank all for their continued support. FRESHFORD FORÓIGE YOUTH CLUB Freshford Foróige Youth Club is currently looking for adult volunteers to help support its weekly youth activities. The club provides a welcoming and enjoyable environment where young people can meet friends, take part in fun activities and develop new skills. Weekly meetings are open to all young people aged between 12 and 17, with new members always very welcome. The club relies on the support and enthusiasm of volunteers to help ensure that the meetings continue to provide a safe, positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Anyone interested in becoming an adult volunteer, or young people looking for further information about joining, can contact Aidan Gleeson on 086 067 4485 or by email at aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie. Barry Flynn can also be contacted on 087 458 115. SOCCER NEWS

Gyll Condon and his dad David who continued their winning ways at the Clonaslee show

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Community & GAA Notes Freshford town junior side had their outing of the season on Sunday when they took on Temple Villa A in the Leinster Junior Cup at Freshford. The home side were forced to field a young inexperienced side as so many players were unavailable and the young lads did themselves proud despite been well beaten by a strong experienced Athlone side. The u 14 boys drew with East End on Saturday on a 4-4 scoreline. The junior side are under a new manager Micheal Brophy and his management team. Training takes place each Friday evening and new members are very welcome and anyone interested in signing up can come along to the field on Friday evening or contact the club secretary or the manager. The astro turf pitch is now open for bookings through sportskey online portal or Contact committee member or social media page for more details BRIDGE Summer bridge continues each Monday evening in Threecastles Hall (R95WK45) at 7.30pm. All are welcome SPLIT THE POT Split the pot proceeds for the month of September are going to Freshford coursing club You are asked to kindly support this cause throughout the month. The winner last week was Jim Marnell and he won €236. Proceeds go to different local clubs each month and tickets are just €2 and can be purchased in any of the local pubs or businesses. PARISH NEWS Masses each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’s church at 9.30am (unless otherwise stated) Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening. WEBCAM The mass webcam has been installed by Church Media Ireland. All masses at Lachtain’s church will be livestreamed through the webcam at Https// church media.ie/st-lachtains-church-frffreshford. OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941. RADIO If you wish to listen to live broadcast of mass on Tuesdays, Fridays or Sundays from Freshford Church you can tune in to 105fm on your radio. NEWSLETTER The parish newsletter is available every week and it is also on the website. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours. MASS CARDS Mass Cards and Mass Bouquets are available in the Parish office and also from Annette at Tulla. VISITS Fr. Mark is happy to visit the sick and if you would like to receive a visit from Fr. Mark, you can contact him by phone or through the parish office. LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and is a welcoming hub in the village. They’re always happy to see more people on both sides of the counter, so why not drop in to support your local café, meet a friend, enjoy a chat, and savour some delicious homemade food? Along with great refreshments, The Loop hosts a variety of community activities that bring neighbours together. The café is also seeking volunteers to help keep these services thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon. MABS The Money Advice and Budgeting service is a free confidential and independent money Management and Advice service. MABS assist people in dealing with their existing debt problems who have difficulty paying a mortgage or those facing legal action because of debt. They also provide information and access to Insolvency services including free Debt Relief Advice under the Personal insolvency options. For more info or for an appointment contact MABS on 0818072610.

were first to register a score with a point after 30 seconds. The game was level at 4 pts each after 10 minutes. Then, in a 15-minute blitz The Village added a further 2-9 to bring their total to 2-13 to 0-4, the goals coming from Stephen Manogue and Eoin Guilfoyle and points from Tadgh O Dwyer 4 from frees, Ed McDermott 2pts, Sean Deely 1pt and Luke Scanlon 2pts. The Village added a further 4 points before the half time whistle to bring the score to James Stephens 2-17 Barrow Rangers 0-5. At the start of the second half Shane Donohoe replaced the injured Niall Delaney and Niall Mullins moved to centre back. The Village showed their experience and closed out the game. Eoin Guilfoyle scored his second goal in the 41st minute followed by Luke Scanlon in the 44th. The game was out of reach for Barrow Rangers with the scoreboard reading 4-21. The Village emptied their bench and brought on Conor McEvoy, Mattie McWey, William Spencer, Diarmuid Behan. Mattie McWey raised another green flag for the Village. When the referee blew the final whistle and the scoreline was 5-25 to 0-15points. The Village are now in the semi-final against Tullogher Rosbercon on the weekend of 3rd/4th October. Best of luck to the Management and players on this outing. 1976 CHAMPIONSHIP ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS On 14th March 1976, in Semple Stadium, James Stephens defeated Blackrock (Cork) in the AllIreland Club hurling final on a scoreline of 2-10 to 2-04 to become the first Kilkenny and Leinster club to lift the Tommy Moore cup. On Saturday night last that team was honoured with a 50th anniversary celebration in the clubrooms in Larchfield. Also present were a number of the Blackrock team from that historic day. Club Secretary Niall Connolly was MC for the night and introduced club chairman Richie Manogue who commended the team and management and the legacy which inspired following generations of Village hurlers. Richie also remembered the now deceased team members Mick Taylor, Liam “Chunky” O’Brien, Mick Crotty, Mick Leahy, Josie O’Brien, Paddy Larkin and manager/ trainer, Sean “Georgie” Leahy. County Board chairman P.J. Kenny paid tribute to the team’s historic achievement. Former Cork County Board secretary and Blackrock clubman, Frank Murphy, spoke of the great hurling tradition in the two Villages of Blackrock and our own Village and thanked the club for inviting the Blackrock club members to join the celebration. James Stephens club president, Liam Tyrrell, recounted the passage through the Kilkenny and Leinster club championships of 75/76 leading up to the glorious All Ireland victory. Richie Manogue then presented a specially designed framed certificate to each of the panel members. Also, to mark his unique achievement, Richie presented a certificate to Donie Collins to commemorate his All-Ireland Club victories with

Blackrock and James Stephens. The night was also a celebration of the 1976 county final victory for the club’s footballers, defeating Railyard on a scoreline of Village 1-09, Railyard 0-06 which they won for the first time that year and for which certificates were also presented. Following the formalities a specially prepared photo montage was displayed on the clubroom’s screens accompanied by a new Village song. It was then time for food and reminiscence which led to many games being replayed and many tall tales being spun. A big thank you to our Blackrock guests on the night Frank Murphy, Frank Cummins, Eamonn O’ Donoghue, Donie Collins, and Pat Moylan. Also, thanks to the organising committee of Richie Manogue, Dan Cody, Niall Connolly, Liam Tyrrell and Mick Moore. CRANNCHUR (LOTTO) Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite: 2, 11, 20, 28. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir. Na mion duaisneanna €40: Aidan O’ Dwyer, Aine O’ Sullivan, Patrick Walsh, Eileen Cushen, Geraldine Power. BENNETTSBRIDGE MURAL IN THE VILLAGE There is much interest in a colourful mural which is well underway on the side of David Power’s Bridge side Butchers. It promises to be a very colourful addition to the village landscape and will include well known landmarks including the bridge, the river, and sporting images. Well, known contemporary artist, Graham Carew is the creator of the mural. BUS STOP Following a temporary Stop/Go traffic system in the village last week speed and pedestrian ramps have now been installed at the new bus shelters. Lights have been installed at the raised pedestrian ramp at the new bus shelter making the area safe for everyone. An additional ramp has also been installed on the approach to the bus shelters on the Thomastown side which will assist in slowing down traffic, at the request of Councillor Deirdre Cullen. This had been asked for in submissions prior to the work being carried out. GATHERING GROUP The weekly meetings of the Gathering Group resumed last Wednesday and members are looking forward to getting back to activities. Tea and chat were the order of the day followed by chair exercises, rings and bingo. MASSES TIMES Wednesday 10.30am. Friday 10,30am. Sunday 10,30am. Tuesday 7,30pm. Tullaherin Saturday 8pm LOTTO RESULTS There was no winner of the Jackpot. Dispite the numbers, 8, 15, 26, 27, being drawn. However, consolation prizes were given to John Holohan, BB, James Crotty, BB, Jack Bolger, ℅ O’Donnell’s, Alan Forde, BB, Breda Ryan, Blackwell. EAST END

East End U13 girls got their season off to a brilliant start with a 4-0 win over Callan Utd at the weekend. A super solid performance from everyone on the panel, with some great football played throughout. Congratulations to our goal scorers Holly, Leah, Catherine and our captain Emily, who rounded off a brilliant night with a goal. What a way to start the season. SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Our senior team turned in a great performance to defeat Danesfort in the first round of the Championship in Nowlan park last Sunday. We led by 4 points at the break and pulled away to win by 9 in the end, well done to all the players and management. We now play Graigue Ballycallan in the quarter final next Saturday at 2pm in Nowlan Park. Good luck to all the lads. All support will be greatly appreciated for this important clash. UNDERAGE GAMES Our minors defeated Galmoy / Windgap last Saturday. They also had a good win over Piltown last Thursday away. Our under 14 team defeated Clara after extra time in the championship first round last Sunday in a great game. Well, done to all teams and best of luck in the upcoming championships. SPLIT THE POT The next draw takes place this Friday at 6.00pm in the clubhouse. Thanks again for the support. GRAIGUENAMANAGH CANOE CLUB REPORT We landed in Finland on Friday last to a wonderful welcome from Satu of Kohina Kayaking Club in Kotka greeted us at Helsinki Airport together with Peppae we proceeded to Kotha and out to Kontti. We got the tour of their fabulous club house Sauna and club gear, this was our base for the next 4 days. Paddling on the Kymijoki river alongside the members of Kohina Club, days1 and 2 we joined together sharing kayaking stories, programmes, skills sessions and inclusive paddling as the Kohin club guided us around Kymijoki river sections on their doorstep. Lots of sections making it feel like different rivers and lakes at times. Lots of white water sections on show even with low water levels there was challenges. Super fun. BARROW BUS We need your help! Have you taken a trip on the Barrow Bus? If so, please take a minute to complete this short survey about your experience. https:// forms.gle/tSHZEuSuefX7J1vm7 As an action research project, your feedback is critical to understanding how the project has worked. The results will go into a final report shared with transport policy leaders, helping them to design future services. Your answers can cover any trip taken during the service, or after your next trip. TOWN OF BOOKS

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP QFINAL James Stephens Intermediate team took on last year’s Junior Champions Barrow Rangers in the quarter final of Michael Lyng Intermediate Hurling Championship in sun-baked Clara. Barrow Rangers

East End U13 girls had a brilliant 4-0 win over Callan Utd

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Community & GAA Notes

Extra time sees Graiguenamanagh trough

A little look back at Town of Books Festival 2026. What a lovely weekend it was in Graiguenamanagh from 21st to 23rd August. Our beautiful town was full of books, book lovers and over 25 independent booksellers, and it was brilliant to see so many people come along and enjoy it. A huge thank you to everyone who visited, browsed, bought a book, joined an event or simply soaked up the atmosphere. And to all our wonderful booksellers, thank you for bringing your books and your passion to Graig. We’re so lucky to have such a special place to host a festival like this. A big thank you to Blacknight, our Main Sponsor for 2026, for their continued support, and to Kilkenny County Council and St. Canice’s Credit Union for supporting the festival. Thanks for being part of it. We hope to see you all again next year! DUISKE COLLEGE Wishing the very best of luck to past pupil Jack Moylan, who will proudly represent Ireland at the Home International Beach Sprints Regatta on September 19th Jack will compete in the Senior Mixed Double alongside Cliodhna Nolan of UCC Boat Club. We are especially proud of Jack, who, together with Ms Teresa Doyle, was a founding member of our Get Going, Get Rowing programme, developed in conjunction with Rowing Ireland and Graiguenamanagh Rowing Club. It is wonderful to see how the programme has grown into the well-established initiative it is today, giving so many of our pupils the opportunity to experience and enjoy rowing. Best of luck, Jack, we’ll be cheering you on. DUISKE PLAYERS It’s that time of year. We are currently planning our spring production, which is going to be a smash-hit comedy and we are looking for men (playing age 30-50) for some key roles. Have you even thought

‘I might like to try that’? Well now is the time. New, budding or experienced male actors are all welcome to apply. What can we offer you? Great fun, lots of laughs, drama, friendship, support, a winter passing actvity and lots of tea. HIGHVIEW CLUB SHOP We’re currently in the process of opening a club shop in our clubhouse, we’re looking for a glass door fridge. If you know of anyone with one or can point us in the right direction, please let us know. Thank you. HUB Reminder: Applications are still open. There’s still time to apply for the €10,000 Barrow Valley Activities Hub Community Grant for community groups in Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch. If your group has a project or idea that could make a positive difference locally, now is the time to apply. €10,000 available in total. Successful applicants may receive part or all of the available grant. The closing date is 30th September at 5pm. To get an application form, email eventsatthehub@gmail. com or call into The Hub office to pick one up. WATERWAYS COLLEGE What is your local stream telling you? A stream is much more than flowing water. Its stones, gravel, vegetation, water clarity, flow and even the land surrounding it can all provide clues about its condition. On our two day SSCS Course, you’ll learn a structured way of looking at these clues and recording what you find in the field. The SSCS survey considers features including substrate, silt, surrounding land use, livestock access, water clarity, flow and the overall stream setting. The course is running on 3rd and 4th October in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny The Tutor is Ken Whelan. Learn how to read a river.

Https://waterwayscollege.ie/learning-hub/parttime/small-streams-characterisation-system-sscs/ HIGHVIEW Well, done to all our underage teams on Saturday last. Some fantastic goals scored. Our u14 girls had a good result with a lot of new players and new management team. U14A team starting where they left off last season with 2 wins from 2 this season. Our u14 B team were really unlucky on The Fair Green Astro today and on another day would have left with all 3 points. ROWING CLUB Monster the Loch 2026. Congratulations to our two adult crews who trained all summer and competed in the Monster the Loch challenge in Loch Ness, Scotland this weekend. The two crews were made up of Jennifer Patterson, Nick Cashin, Thelma Cantlon, Rosy Cantlon and Cox Paul Donohue and Mary Cummins, Paul Langton, Ronan Blanchfield, Julia Coffey and Cox Olivia Condon. Both the club and the crews wish to sincerely thank St. Michael’s RC stmichaelsrowingclub and Wicklow RC wicklowrowingclub for generously lending us their coastal boats which were used for the event. Special thanks also go to the best 4 mascots ever, Kim, Gayle, Maria and Paddy who made the journey with the crews GAA Well, done to the Graignamanagh junior hurlers who produced a thrilling extra-time victory over Windgap in Round 2 of the Junior Hurling Championship. In a hugely entertaining contest, Graignamanagh eventually emerged nine-point winners on a remarkable scoreline of Graignamanagh 6-22, Windgap 4-19. This was a game which ebbed and flowed from the opening whistle, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance. Windgap never allowed Graignamanagh to settle and continually tested the home side’s defence, while the Graig attack showed great determination and finishing ability throughout. The large number of scores reflected the open and attacking nature of the contest, with both teams producing some excellent passages of hurling. At various stages, the game looked as if it could go either way, keeping supporters from both clubs on the edge of their seats. Graignamanagh’s players showed tremendous character when the pressure was at its greatest and finished the stronger in extra time, eventually securing a deserved nine-point victory. Credit is due to all the players and management for their commitment and effort in what was a memorable championship battle. The victory sees Graignamanagh advance to the Junior Hurling Championship quarter-final, where they will meet Emeralds next weekend. SCORERS Stephen Kinsella 1-09 (8f). Michael Bolger 2-03. Ted Dunne 2-02. Sean Hamilton 1-02. Pierce Blanchfield 0-04. Cian O’Shea 0-01. Richard Foley 0-01 (f). By Jim Whelan. (A further report can be read on this match in the Sports Section of this newspaper.) GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN ACTIVE RETIREMENT Meetings and activities have now resumed at Paulstown Community Hall, giving members and the local community an opportunity to come together again. The next meetings will take place on Thursday, October 1, 15 and 29, at Paulstown Community Hall, R95 NY93. Everyone is welcome to attend and take part in the activities. Further information can be obtained locally, and new members are always welcome to come along and meet others in a friendly community setting. BARROW RANGERS The lotto Match 3 winner on 15th September was Therese Bambrick (€100). BRIDGE UNITED Congratulations to the winners in the lotto draw on 14th September (€50 each): Paul Brennan and Ned Carter. CHILDRENS’ FOREST SCHOOL Will be held on Tuesdays, 4.30-6.30pm for 11-15 years old with experiences of Bushcraft, Knots, Fire lighting, Cooking, Foraging, Nature art and Games at Shankill Castle, Paulstown. Information: Eithne 089 602 6945. CHURCH SERVICES AND PARISH EVENTS Mass Times, Goresbridge: Saturday 7.30pm; Sunday Tom Healy

at 10.00am. Paulstown: Sunday at 11.30am. Weekday Masses, Goresbridge: Wednesday. Paulstown: 10.00amThursday, and Friday at 10.00am Church of Ireland (Holy Communion), Grange Sylvae at 11.30am Sunday 27 September. Harvest service at 7pm Sunday 27th in Leighlin Cathedral. TALKING THE TALK “Cúpla Focal” is a welcoming Irish language conversation circle held every Friday at the Goodly Barrow Cafe. The gathering provides a relaxed and friendly environment where people can practice speaking Irish, improve their confidence, and meet others with a shared interest in the language and culture. Open to everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers, the group focuses on informal conversation, encouragement, and learning through everyday chat. Whether you want to revive your school Irish, sharpen your fluency, or simply enjoy a social evening with fellow Giliberti, Cúpla Focal offers an enjoyable and supportive space to use the language in a natural way. DANCE CLASSES AT IONAD DARA, GORESBRIDGE. Join us at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge each Monday at 7:00 pm. Learn and enjoy a variety of dance styles, including Jive, Line Dancing, and all forms of Social Dancing. Class Fees, per call: adults: €10 secondary school Students €5, primary school students: Free and seniors over 80 free. Information, contact Declan on 085 708 9128. SPLIT THE POT Support Goresbridge Rural Development by taking part in Split the Pot. Entries are available in Maher’s and online. Simply scan the QR code or visit lottoraiser.ie. The winners of the draw on Sunday, 20 September were: 1st Prize (€100): Mack Kirk 2nd Prize (€20): Siobhán Wortley. 3rd Prize (€20): James Prendergast TAR ISTEACH The Tar Isteach Shop, Goresbridge, welcomes donations of bric-a-brac, including household items, unwanted gifts, toiletry sets, delph, dishes, and cutlery. All donated items should be clean and in good saleable condition. Quality handbags are also greatly appreciated, as are any customers. YOGA FOR ALL Yoga classes have resumed. They are at 10am each Tuesday in Ionad Dara. Contact Caroline 087 9371 939 KILMANAGH COMMUNITY CONNECT FUND Naomh Aodhan Active Ladies Group was honoured to be among the 50 recipients recognised at the St. Canice’s Credit Union Community Connect Fund 2026 awards ceremony recently held in Hotel Kilkenny. A huge thank you to everyone at St Canice’s Credit Union for their generous donation through the Community Connect Fund. The event was hosted by Maura Derrane, and it was a pleasure to be in her company. The funds received will pay for the purchase and installation of blackout blinds for Naomh Aodhan Community Centre. On behalf of all the members of Naomh Aodhan Active Ladies Group we would like to thank St Canice’s Credit Union for their support and generosity. SET DANCING Set dancing has started back in Ballycallan hall since Friday 18th September at 6.30pm. For further details contact Mary Dunphy at 086 401 0914. OLD SCHOOL BOYS The local men’s group, of varying vintage, have their next gathering on Friday, September 25th, 10am to 12 noon, in the Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh. ATHLETICS CLUB From now on, our running sessions will revert to the winter schedule and meet at Callan Medical Centre at 7pm, every Tuesday and Thursday. Whether you’re an experienced runner, just getting started, prefer to jog, or simply want to get out and walk, everyone is welcome. Our sessions are all about getting active, improving fitness, meeting great people and, most importantly, enjoying ourselves along the way. So, grab your runners and come along. MOUNT CARMEL DRAW The Mount Carmel Monthly Draw is starting soon. It is only €25 for the full year, and you get 12 draws. You can join many ways, on our website www. mountcarmelcallan.ie, in Mount Carmel, Callan Post Office, Lyons Greengrocers, Maher’s Inver Station, with our loyal promoters and with Elaine Bryan. We would like to thank everyone who supports us in so many ways, especially in our Draw and Golf Classic that was held recently, all who

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Community & GAA Notes sponsor us and who join us, you are much appreciated. All the monies we raise is used to help keep Mount Carmel as the wonderful care facility that we are so fortunate to have in the middle of our town. For our residents who move into Mount Carmel for a little bit of assistance but can still be independent. All your support makes it their home, where they can stay in their community and that is the most important thing. 800th ANNIVERSARY The 800th Anniversary of the passing of St Francis “The Transitus” at the Capuchin Friary Kilkenny is a very significant occasion for the whole Franciscan Family worldwide and indeed locally. It is so timely in the church following the legacy of Pope Francis and also now with Pope Leo. The Capuchin Friars are hosting a Triduum October 1st 2nd and 3rd at the 10.30 Mass. The Preacher is Fr Joe Bulman OP. Bishop Ger Nash will celebrate the 12noon Mass on Sunday October 4th which is the Feast of St Francis. All are Welcome. COMMUNITY CENTRE Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh is available to hire for meetings, social occasions, etc. To check for time and date availability contact booking officer Tom at 086 315 1573. ACTIVE LADIES CLUB Naomh Aodhan Active Ladies have recommenced meetings since Monday 21st September from 7pm – 9pm. New members are always welcome. If there is any event or occasion happening in the community and you need some extra help, please contact us as we will always have some people available to help. Contact 086 373 99 83 for further details. IRISH DANCING McAliskey School of Irish Dance will hold classes for children aged 4 and upwards on Tuesdays and Fridays in Naomh Aodhan Community Hall, Kilmanagh. Contact 083 863 8436 for further details.

works. Practice hours will remain the same and likewise the telephone number, 051 511834, will remain unchanged. CIRCUIT TRAINING The Community Centre will host circuit training for strength and conditioning from 6.20am to 7.20am twice a week. Please ring Maria on 087 910 9490 or Jack at 089 251 8559 for details. FERRYBANK RESIDENTS MEETING The next meeting of Ferrybank Community Residents Development Group will be held from 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Wednesday, 30th September. New members welcome. SLIEVERUE ROUNDABOUT Road Resurfacing works have commenced at the N29 Slieverue Roundabout and Belview Road and are anticipated to continue until Friday, 2nd October. FERRYBANK GAA Wellkids continues for boys and girls aged four to six years from 10.00am to 11.00am each Saturday at the Ferrybank GAA grounds. It is a great way to be introduced to Gaelic games and to meet new friends. FERRYBANK COMMUNITY MUSIC CLUB The Club meets from 6.00pm to 8.00pm in the Hillsfield Centre each Tuesday. New members (18+) are welcome. People can join and learn at their own pace. The first session is free and the cost thereafter is €5 per session to cover expenses. Please e-mail ferrybankcn@gmail.com for more details. LINK ROAD The Greenway Design Team has completed the detailed design for the Link Road from the Belmount Roundabout to the Abbey Road and has also completed the detailed design for the Trailhead Carpark which will be located off the link road. TIDY TOWNS Well, done to all in the Ferrybank Tidy Towns Group. Their recent efforts along the Abbey Road have improved the appearance of the area. GREENWAY The Greenway Design Team continues to progress the detailed design of the greenway between Curraghmore and Ballyverneen (9km). The Liaison Team continues to engage with local landowners to agree final lay-outs and accommodation works. Work on the detailed design, including the procurement of surveys, has commenced on the link to Glenmore. It will also include a Section 38 planning application for the Pink Rock Loop which will facilitate access to the scenic banks of the River Barrow, crossing under the Rose Kennedy Bridge. The Section 38 application is expected to be advertised shortly.

KILMACOW HOME ENERGY EVENT Thanks to everyone who participated in the Home Energy Event in Kilmacow Community Centre last Wednesday. A special word of thanks to all who provided information stands at the event. KILMACOW HERITAGE The Graveyard Working Group will undertake maintenance work at Dunkitt Graveyard from 2.00pm on Saturday, 26 th September. All offers of help will be welcomed. MARIAN HALL The Hall hosts Taekwondo from 6.00pm to 8.00pm each Monday. Please contact Audrey at 086 373 9284 for more details. It also hosts Line Dancing from 7.00pm to 8.30pm each Tuesday. Please contact Suzanne at 087 630 0336 for details. KILMACOW CHOIR The Choir would welcome new members to its practice from 6.00pm to 7.15pm each Wednesday. Please contact Úna at 087 270 6977 for more information. KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 7, 9, 13 and 28. There were five Match 3 winners. MULLINAVAT TABLE QUIZ The monthly table quiz is due to commence at 8.00pm on Monday, 5th October. The cost per table of four is €20. The following have been included in the rota for the next round of quizzes. Kilmacow Heritage, Community Development Group, GLAS, Ladies Football, Hospice, St. Senan’s Parents Association, Marian Hall, Community Energy, Youth Club, Marfan Research and St. Senan’s Athletic Club. The first group in the rota for 2026/2027 is the Community Energy Group. Any group which wishes to be included in the rota for the next round to table quizzes should contact Tomás Breathnach before the end of September. HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING A Coffee Morning in aid of the Hospice Movement will be held in the Community Centre, Mullinavat from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturday, 3rd October. All support would be gratefully appreciated. All money raised locally stays locally. SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society will host a talk by Liz Gillis on the ‘1926 Census – A treasure trove for local historians’ at 8.00pm on Thursday, 24 th September in the Parish Hall. Admission €5 for non- members. All welcome. MULLINAVAT LOTTO The winning numbers on Monday, 14th September were 3, 8, 15 and 16. There was one Match 3 winner. MULLINAVAT PUSH TULLAROAN ALL THE WAY

JOHNSTOWN Moving in for the tackle

Mullinavat produced a hugely determined and spirited performance before eventually going down to Tullaroan after extra time in a thrilling Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship knockout encounter at John Lockes GAA Grounds, Callan, on Sunday. The south Kilkenny side can take considerable credit from a performance which saw them push one of the county’s established senior clubs to the limit. In glorious September sunshine and before a large attendance, Mullinavat showed great character and resilience throughout a contest which swung from one side to the other on numerous occasions. Having battled their way through a fiercely competitive opening, Mullinavat refused to allow Tullaroan to gain any sustained control. Every time their opponents threatened to pull clear, the Mullinavat players responded with determination, keeping themselves firmly in contention and ensuring that the outcome remained in doubt. Their battling qualities were particularly evident as the game moved into the closing stages, with neither side prepared to give an inch. Mullinavat continued to fight for every ball and made Tullaroan work extremely hard for their eventual victory. It was only after extra time that Tullaroan finally secured a four-point victory, ending Mullinavat’s involvement in the knockout stages. Despite the defeat, Mullinavat’s display was one of considerable credit, underlining their ability to compete at senior level and giving their supporters plenty to be proud of. (A full report on this match can be read in the Sports Section of this newspaper) BALLYFASY WIND FARM An Commisiún Pleanála has given notice of its deci-

sion to determine the application for a 110kV Grid Connection for Ballyfasy Wind Farm without an oral hearing. It has concluded that the case can be dealt with adequately by written procedure. An Commisiún Pleanála gave notice already of its decision to determine the application for a 10 year planning permission for Ballyfasy Wind Farm (consisting of 10 wind turbines and associated infrastructure) without an oral hearing. This latest notice means that both applications (Wind Turbines and Grid Connection) will be dealt with by written procedure. SMALL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS NATIONAL PLAN The Small Wastewater Treatment Plants National Plan will shape the future delivery of wastewater services in small communities. Submissions from the public, community groups, environmental organisations, local authorities, business representatives and others are welcome. The consultation documents are available at www.water.ie/smallcommunitiesww. Submissions can be made by e-mail to smallcommunitiesww@water.ie or by post to Small Wastewater Treatment Plants, National Plan, Enterprise Fund Business Centre, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 AF43 by Tuesday, 20 th October. TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF DOCTOR’S PRACTICE The HSE intends to undertake building works on the Health Centre from Monday, 28th September and it is anticipated they will take eight weeks to complete. Dr. Ronan Cleary’s practice will operate from the Ferrybank Primary Care Centre, Belmont Road, Ferrybank X91 PK2V for the duration of the

CATHEDRAL DRAW Anyone wishing to join the new Cathedral Draw is invited to get in touch with Peter Norton on 086 835 9027. The draw offers an opportunity for local people to get involved and support the initiative. The first draw will take place on Wednesday, September 30th, so anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Peter as soon as possible. Further information on the draw and how to take part is available directly from Peter. LOURDES The Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2027 will take place May 14th to 19th. More details to follow. All bookings except assisted pilgrims must be booked through JWT 012410800. MR. THOMAS FRANCIS HOLOHAN (RIP) The death took place recently of Francis, Dublin and late of Ballyspellan, Johnstown. Francis had a doctorate in English and History, which he taught in Dublin. He was the author of two books on Politics and society in Northern Ireland and an outline of modern European history. He was part of the Fenian Team who won the county final in 1986 and in his younger days was on the CBS Thurles team who won the Harty Cup in 1956. He also played for Kilkenny Minors. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Mary, his sisters and brothers Michael, William, Maura, Kathleen and Julia (died in infancy) and by his niece Cliona Flanagan. He is sadly remembered by his brother Kevin, nieces and nephews Marion, Maeve, and Emer Flanagan, Roisin McEneany, Mary,Thomas, Ailis and Liam Holohan and Pauline Hayes, extended family, neighbours, and many friends. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church, Johnstown followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard. COLAISTE MHUIRE

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Community & GAA Notes A Parents’ Night for parents and guardians of students hoping to attend the school in 2027 will take place on Thursday, October 1st, at 6.30pm. This meeting will provide an opportunity for parents to learn more about the school, its facilities and arrangements for incoming students, as well as to ask any questions they may have. The closing date for applications is Friday, October 23rd, and parents are encouraged to ensure applications are submitted before the deadline. CHAIR PILATES Chair Pilates classes resume in St. Kieran’s Hall on Tuesday, September 29th, at 11am with instructor Clodagh. A block of four classes costs €40. Places should be booked in advance, with registration available by contacting 087 807 5670. New and returning participants are welcome to attend. FENIANS H.C. Johnstown Sports Field Committee are delighted to report that the Community Field Project is progressing well. The new walkway and floodlights are up and running. Phase 2 will soon begin with the upgrade of existing facilities to create a modern recreational hub for the whole community. They are inviting members of the community to support the project through the “ buy a wall space”. Suggested contribution €250 or anything you wish to give. Pay by Bank Transfer community concern IBAN:IE97AIBK933333 03753043, cash or cheque payable to Community Concern , send to John Renehan, Chairperson , or Revolut to 0868153324. SPA UNITED AFC The club is up and running for the new season. Results as follows Junior League division 2 Lions B 3 Spa 1 (Ciaran Beehan), U14 girls league division 1A Evergreen 1 Spa 2, U14 boys league division 2 Spa 2 Callan 1, U14 boys league division 2A Callan 0 Spa 5, U12 boys league division 1A Spa 4 Deen Celtic 3 SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The latest lottery draw has taken place, with the winning numbers being 1, 7, 14 and 16. There was no jackpot winner on this occasion, so the top prize will roll over to the next draw. There were, however, two Match Three winners, with Pat Bergin and Helen Gleeson both successfully matching three of the winning numbers. Congratulations to both winners, who can look forward to their prizes. Participants are reminded to check their tickets carefully following each draw, as there may be more than one winner in the lower prize categories. The next draw will take place as scheduled. THE MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The Knitting and Crochet Circle Christmas Fair will take place at The Mill Family Resource Centre on Friday, December 4th, from 11am to 1pm. There will be a wonderful selection of handmade items available to purchase, including beautiful blankets, dolls, teddies and a variety of festive Christmas creations. It promises to be a great opportunity to pick up something special while supporting the talented members of the group. The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to be an important hub for the local community, providing a wide range of services, supports, activities and opportunities for people of all ages. The Centre offers a warm and welcoming place where people can meet others, learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and enjoy a friendly social environment. A Local Training Initiative (LTI) Programme will be starting shortly. The free programme includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing participants with valuable practical skills which can help improve confidence, independence and employment opportunities. A wide range of courses is available through the Centre, including SNA QQI Levels 5 and 6; Childcare and Computing QQI Level 4; Early Learning and Care Certificate and Advanced Certificate QQI Level 5; LTI QQI Level 4; Office Administration and Payroll QQI Level 5; and Basic Computers. Anyone interested in finding out more about these courses, including application details, is encouraged to call into The Mill Family Resource Centre or contact the Centre directly. The popular Youth Club has also returned and takes place every Wednesday evening from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The club is open to young people aged 10 to 12 years and provides a great opportunity to meet friends, enjoy activities and have some fun in a safe and welcoming environment. Hot news from The Mill Family Resource Centre is that the Thursday Club is being revived and reenergised! The club is looking forward to welcoming back old members while also encouraging new members to come along and join in the fun. A great selection of activities is planned, including art,

crafts, chair yoga and music, with, of course, plenty of time to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. The Thursday Club meets every Thursday afternoon at 2pm at the Mill Centre. It is a great opportunity to get out, meet people, try something new and enjoy a friendly afternoon in good company. Everyone is welcome, and the organisers are particularly looking forward to meeting both new and old members. Simply call into the Centre or contact Sue or Josephine for further information. There are also plenty of bargains to be found on the Centre’s clothes rail, so why not drop in and see what is available? But don’t go on Thursdays, they will make you do chair yoga. For further information on any of the activities, courses or services available at The Mill Family Resource Centre, contact 056 8838466. GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 1pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening. CATHEDRAL REROOFING PROJECT Inourhands Songs of Hope and Inspiration: Come along and enjoy a musical evening with Des Willoughby, Louise Morrissey, Marc Roberts and Clodagh Lawlor in Cathedral of the Assumption, Friday October 2nd. Ticket Donation: €35 – from Parish Office (0504 -22229); Bookworm (0504 22257) & Holycross Abbey Shop (0504-43124). PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continues in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth. Bring mat and water. GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. A special thanks for the support at our 30th anniversary bingo last Saturday. We had a full house and very appreciated of the extra support from the parish. Please continue to support us this Saturday and every Saturday. It is a great afternoon’s entertainment. DANCE CLASSES Dance Classes: Learn to jive, foxtrot, waltz, etc in Gortnahoe Hall at 8pm on Thursdays, starting this Thursday, Sept 17th. €10 pay as you go. Contact Sally at 087-7931308. SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Anna Maher, Ballysloe who won €248 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for September is in aid of Ballysloe Sensory Garden. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated. MILLENNIUM MEN ON THE MOVE CLASSES Started on Monday 14th September for 10 weeks 12:30–1:30pm in the Millennium Family Resource Centre Glengoole, E41DW22. Total Cost €20. Come along for some light exercise’s followed by a cup of tea and a chat. For further information contact Alice Teehan 083-1014313. BOOK LAUNCH Bord na Mona Littleton Story presented by Moycarkey Borris Littleton Two Mile Borris Men’s Shed and Community History Group in Horse and Jockey Hotel on Friday 25th September at 8pm. All welcome FREE WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS Saving Money by Understanding Your Energy Bill Join ALONE’s Community Impact Network for a friendly and practical workshop covering energy bills, grants and entitlements, comparing providers, budgeting, energy-saving tips and digital skills. Tuesday, 29th September 2:00–4:00pm in the Millennium Family Resource Centre, Glengoole. Bring latest gas or electricity bill if possible. Complimentary refreshments and a useful booklet provided. CONAHY HURLING The junior hurlers narrowly got the better of Kilmacow by a single point in the second round of the JJ Kavanagh Junior Championship on Saturday last in Danesfort. Playing with the aid of a stiff breeze in the opening half, Conahy led by 0-12 to 0-5 at half-time. However, Kilmacow came storming back in the second half and took the lead with two well taken goals. Conahy regained their composure in the final minutes, and substitute Harry O’Mahony

was able to score the winning point to secure a Conahy victory by 0-18 to 2-11. The locals will now face Piltown in the championship quarter-final this Saturday afternoon at 12.00 in Danesfort. TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Padraig Gunner, Philip Cass, Darragh Horgan, Ciaran Rice, Darragh Hennessy, Liam Cass, Jack Rhatigan, Edmond Delaney, Patrick Kennedy, Tom Phelan, Thomas Rice, Bill Murphy, James Bergin, Mark Gunner. Subs.: Rob Ring, Harry O’Mahony, Karl Downey, Eoin Cahill. The minor hurlers were also in action against Kilmacow in their latest game in the Kilkenny Vehicle Centre Roinn B League/Championship in Kilmacow. In what was an excellent game between two very even teams, Conahy emerged victorious on a 2-18 to 1-19 score line, with the Conahy goals coming from Jack Buggy and Darragh Horgan. TEAM: Neil Webster, Mounir Zouaoui, Tadgh Hennessy, Bobby Dooley, Finn Sherman, Jack Rhatigan, James Byrne, Rory Rhatigan, Darragh Horgan, Joe Boland, Patrick Kennedy, Jack Buggy. M.J. Buggy, Rory Sherman, Billy Rowe, Camryn Kenehan, Brian Tierney, Mikey Hurley, Jack Gamble. The under-14 boys played host to Danesfort in Jenkinstown in the Duggan Steel Roinn D League on Friday last. Though the visitors were the better side in the end and deserved winners, huge credit should go to the young Conahy team for an excellent effort all through. TEAM: Conor Horgan, Ethan Maher, Padraig Murphy, Daniel McEvoy, Cillian Nolan, Noah Meany, Charlie Redmond, Darragh Foley-McGee, Cian Rhatigan, Ciaran Quinn, Richie Rowe, Rory Kiernan, Adam Flynn, Tommy Murphy, Joshua Byrne, Billy Hickey, Rory McDonald, Charlie Dunne. CAMOGIE The intermediate camogie girls produced a fine performance to defeat Rower-Inistioge in the opening round of the Abbott Intermediate championship on Sunday morning last in Thomastown. It was a close game in the opening half with the sides level at 0-8 apiece at the break. However, two second half goals from full-forward Amy Brennan were the key scores as Conahy advanced to victory on a 2-15 to 1-11 score line. Best wishes go to Conahy defender Aisling Maher who suffered a severe injury during the game. TEAM: Siofraidh Kennedy, Hollie Brennan, Grainne Comerford, Amy Morrissey, Aisling Maher, Katie Brennan, Sofia Kerr, Emma Mulhall, Caoimhe Hennessy, Katie Brennan, Ellen Gunner, Naomi Kerr, Sarah Dooley, Amy Brennan, Molly O’Dornan. The under-16 girls were narrowly defeated by Clara in a thrilling semi-final in the St. Canice’s CU Roinn D Championship in Jenkinstown on Saturday evening last. Conahy led by 3-4 to 2-4 at half-time and still led by a goal coming into the final minutes, but Clara finished strongly scoring 1-2 without reply to win out by 6-8 to 6-6. Hard luck to the Conahy girls, who battled so bravely until the end. Many thanks to their coaches Christy Kennedy, Amy Bryan, Áine Mulhall, Mick Cahill, Frances Gamble, Amy Morrissey and Sarah Molloy. TEAM: Lucy Butler, Emily English, Sophie Conway, Sophie Meany, Grace Butler, Ruth Carroll, Isobel Dunne, Eva Kennedy, Hannah Styles, Aobha Dunne, Keelan Kennedy, Mary Lou Rowe, Bríd Gamble, Rachel Mulhall, Michelle Cahill, Emily English, Grace O’Meara, Juliet Dunne. The under-14 girls scored an excellent win over Piltown in the St. Canice’s CU Roinn D quarter-final on Thursday evening last in Jenkinstown. Conahy were solid all throughout the field and won out by 4-5 to 3-3. They will now travel away to Kilmacow for the semi-final this Saturday morning at 11.00 a.m. Best of luck to all involved. TEAM: Lucy Butler, Emily Joyce, Grace O’Meara, Lily O’Shea, Ella Ryan, Sophie Meany, Juliet Dunne, Rebecca Staunton, Isabelle Flynn, Aobha Dunne, Lucy O’Neill, Brid Gamble, Hannah Buggy, Michelle Cahill, Bella Buggy, Emily Lennon, Emily Walker, Eve O’Neill. The under-12 girls were also victorious in their county final game against Barrow Rangers in Jenkinstown on Saturday morning last. In a tight and close game all through, Conahy won out on a 3-4 to 2-3 score line. Well, done to all the girls on a great win. TEAM: Iris Dunne, Thi Yen Lenehan, Lily O’Shea, Emily Joyce, Grace Kennedy, Ella Ryan, Siabh Keohane, Bella Buggy, Hannah Buggy, Aisling Phelan, Lucy O’Neill, Eve Curran, Eve O’Neill, Breda Phelan, Hayley Weadick, Aoibheann Flynn. GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 11, 21 and 32. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Conor Hennessy, Caoimhe Bergin,

Ann Conry, John Gleeson and Áine Mulhall. The promoter prize winners were Toddy Lacey, Helen Cahill and Larry Bergin. NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat. Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie. Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Vigil Saturday at 6.30p.m. ANNIVERSARY MASSES Anastasia and James Hurley, Ennisnag: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 26th. September at 6.30p.m. Neddie Dwyer, Croan: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 26th. September at 8.00p.m. ROTA (TWENTY SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Deirdre Rohan. Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Foran. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Natalia Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy; Sunday 10.00a.m. Ann Power. HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, HUGGINSTOWN House No. 5 is now vacant. Any elderly person who is interested in applying please contact the Secretary, Lily Burke, Croan, Dunamaggan, Co. Kilkenny. Tel. 056 776 8008 for an Application Form STONEYFORD TEXT ALERT A.G.M. On Wednesday, the 30th. September, Stoneyford Text Alert will hold their A.G.M. at 7.30p.m. in the Community Centre. The Garda Crime Prevention Officer and members of our local Gardai will be in attendance to speak to us about personal safety and safety and security around the home. Everyone is invited to attend. OSSORY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2027 The dates for The Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2027 are Friday May 14th. to Wednesday May 19th. inclusive. Details regarding costs will follow shortly. All bookings apart from those travelling as assisted pilgrims are to be made directly with JWT. Tel. 01 241 0800. ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL RESTORATION FUND DRAW The first draw for St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund 2026/2027 year is due to take place on Wednesday 30th. September 2026. The draw year 2026/2027 will run from September 2026 to August 2027. Draw will be held at 8.00p.m on the last Wednesday of each month. Tickets are available at the Parish House, Hugginstown: Telephone contact 056 776 8693. All Tickets to be bought by Monday 28th. September if you wish to be part of the First Draw on Wednesday 30th. September. Subscription €10.00 per month: Prize Money €5,000.00 per month. Roman Catholic Diocese and Parishes of Ossory - Registered Charity No. 20015831. LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 14th. September 2026.Numbers: 25; 32; 12; 04. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner. 5 x €30.00. Winners, Bridie Murphy, Dunbell, Mary Ireland, Danesfort, Liam Duggan, Ballinteskin, Pauline Maher, “On-Line”, Ally Cassin, Ballygerdra. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers) Teresa Fitzgerald, Ger Carroll, Fred Malzard. CONSULTATION MEETING FOR OUR PASTORAL AREA A Consultation Meeting for Pastoral Areas which takes place on Wednesday 30th. September 2026. The meeting will take place in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Slieverue from 7.00p.m. to 9.00p.m, with an opportunity for tea and a chat afterwards. Bishop Ger Nash is looking forward to meeting with Priests, Parish Pastoral Council and Pastoral Area Council members, and all parishioners who would like to attend.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport

Extra time needed to separate sides

James Power's goal gives Windgap a 4-18 to 3-18 extra time lead over Graiguenamanagh

By Jimmy Walsh This JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling 2nd round championship tie had everything any spectator wanted - commitment, skill, great scores, goals-ten of them, penalties, extra time, and until two minutes to go, to the final, final whistle, no easily predictable result as a possible decision by penalties loomed. Played in perfect conditions in front of a large crowd on a lovely warm, sunny day at the ever-expanding and facilities-improving Shamrocks grounds in Ballyhale, it saw Graiguenamanagh hit the jackpot and a quarterfinal place with two late goals after a memorable game that gave them a somewhat flattering 6-22 to 4-19 win. With recent championship and league wins shared, and both sides showing a combined seven changes since the league tie in Tullougher, the game opened in whirlwind fashion with five scores in three minutes. Billy Power put Windgap ahead before Michael Bolger replied from the puckout. James Power responded before Ted Dunne rounded the Windgap defence 1-1 to 0-2. After the sides shared four points through Stephen Kinsella, Cian O’Shes, Pat Grace, and Billy Power, Billy and Conor Doyle tied the score at Wind-

Graiguenamanaghs Michael Bolgers extra time penalty evades Windgaps Eoin O'Shea to tie the game at 4-18 as Pat Power watches on

gap 0-6, Graig 1-3. Two Stephen Kinsella point frees had the Barrowsiders back in front before Pat Grace and Padhraic Foley tied the game 1-5 to 0-8. After a free flowing move, Billy Power restored Windgap's first-minute lead at the end of the first quarter 1-6 to 0-8, as his side got a good run and saw their accuracy level drop as they recorded six wides and the unerring Graiguenamanagh side hit three points on the trot to lead by 1-9 to 0-9 at the break. The resumption saw Billy Power hit a brace, with assists from the industrious Killian Enright and Pat Grace, reduce the lead to a single point before Pierce Blanchfield got one back, 1-10 to 0-11. In a game of turns, a sweeping move inside the twenty-metre line saw Jack Doyle, Adam O’Shea, and Jack again set James Power up for a Windgap goal, 1-11 to 1-10 after thirty-three minutes. In the thrilling and competitive, end-to-end fare, the next twenty minutes saw Graiguenamanagh slowly add four points on the trot and then another three through five players Richard Foley and Stephen Kinsella a brace apiece, Séan Hamilton, Ted Dunne and Michael Bolger as a Billy Power free interrupted them with a free to see them lead by 1-18 to

Windgaps William Phelan attempts to clear against Graiguenamanaghs Michael Bolger

1-12. The icing appeared to be on their cake when Séan Kinsella stepped up to take a penalty, his rocket cannoned off the foot of Eoin O’Shea’s post, a resultant point was missed, and a Windgap transformation began. It saw them hit 2-4 to 1-0 in the final eight minutes of the game to bring the game to an exciting 3-15 to 2-18 draw. It arrived after Jack Doyle finished a line ball to the net, two fine

James Power points followed to leave a point in it, 1-18 to 2-14. Then substitute Séan Hamilton raised a green flag for Graig, 2-18 to 2-14, and it looked all over. Then another turn saw Séan Purcell bury a free past a seven-man defence on the Graig goal line, and then deliver a long handball pass that won Billy Power a free. It was pointed and resulted in a drawn game in a welter of excitement on the final whistle, 3-15 to 2-18. Extra time saw Windgap start with a whirlwind and three points on the trot by Jack Doyle, James Power, and a long Séan Purcell free, and had two half chances only to see Graiguenamangh through a Ted Dunne goal

fore Windgap had it back to two points through a Billy Pat Grace gains Power free. With midfield possession tiring bodies and as Joe Dowling awaits the subs bench’s the outcome being used, an all-out attack mode by Windlevel it at gap saw two counterattack 3-18 apiece. Graigue goals in a minute, Windgap then went a goal through a Jack Hickey penahead after Jack Doye finalty and a Michael Bolger ished a Pat Power, and corner goal swinging the advantage back Séan Foley move to the away from Windgap for a denet. At the other end, Graig served victory after a classic got the numerical advantage with a slightly flipside on the of the three extra time goals play, 6-22 to 4-19, win for the scored before the break as Barrowsiders when the acMichael Bolger tied the game complished referee Michael once again at 4-18 at the end O’Sullivan called time. of the first period of extra The quality of the fare, saw time. spectators destined for other On the resumption, it was venues stay to see it out as the Graigue men who struck news of the titanic battle three points on the trot bewas spread live on Clubber and CRKC Radio and even brought a positive nod on Mondays RTE’s Liveline programme.

Graiguenamanaghs Jack Ryan challenges Windgaps Darragh O'Shea

The sides were Gráig na Manach; Colin Bolger, Owen O’Brien, Ivan Bolger, Dylan Cahill, Joe Dowling, Richard Foley 1-2, 1-0 penalty, 0-2 frees, James Meaney, Sean Walsh, Cian O'Shea 0-1, Pierce Blanchfield 0-2, Jack Ryan, Steven Kinsella 0-11, 0-8 frees, Seamus Kavanagh, Ted Dunne 2-2, Michael Bolger 2-3, 0-1 free. Subs: Ivan Bolger, Séan Hamilton1-1, Thomas Ryan, Nicky Ryan, Bearna na Gaoithe; Eoin O’Shea, Peter Landy, Willie Phelan, Sean Foley, Pat Power, Séan Purcell 1-1, 1-1 frees, Darragh O’Shea, Killian Enright 0-1, Pat Grace 0-1, Billy Power 0-9, 0-5 frees, James Power 1-4, Jack Doyle 2-1, Conor Doyle 0-1 Adam O’Shea, Padraic Foley 0-1, Subs; Michael Power, Sean Barron, Séan Power, Zak Kennedy. An réiteoir Michael O’Sullivan.

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Sport Sideline cut by Michael Malone

Tullaroan need extra time to advance St Canices Credit Union Kilkenny SHC Round One. Tullaroan 1-28 (31); Mullinavat 2-20 (26) After Extra Time. John Power at John Lockes GAA Grounds. Tullaroan recorded their first victory in the knockout stage of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship since 2022 when they eventually overcame a hugely resilient Mullinavat side after extra time at John Lockes GAA Grounds in Callan on Sunday. In a gripping and highly entertaining championship encounter played before a large crowd in glorious September sunshine, Tullaroan eventually prevailed by four points after a contest which appeared to have swung one way and then the other on numerous occasions. Mullinavat led by four points at half-time and looked to be in a strong position, but their task became considerably more difficult just three minutes into the second half when they were reduced to 14 players following the dismissal of veteran midfielder Michael Malone. Despite being a man down for most of the remaining 60-plus minutes, Mullinavat refused to surrender and produced a remarkable display of determination, taking the game to extra time before finally running out of energy. Tullaroan, who had endured a difficult record in recent senior championship knockout encounters, showed great character themselves and eventually found the extra quality required to get over the line. Shane Walsh opened the scoring for Tullaroan with an excellent sideline cut inside the opening minute, but

The star Martin momenKeoghan. tum then Then came swung a major back turning towards point. Just Mullinavat three minutes into the in the closPadraic Gahan (M) ing stages of second half, picks his pass as Dylan Mullinavat's the opening Simpson (T) moves in half. Michael hard-working Malone added a veteran midfielder point and Knox folMichael Malone was lowed with another successful shown a red card following free before Mullinavat struck a high challenge on an opponent. Mullinavat were now for the game's first goal. Brian faced with the daunting prosPhelan finished a good move pect of playing the majority of after efficient work from the second half. Remarkably, Conor Power, giving Mullinavat a significant boost just the dismissal appeared to before the break. At half-time galvanise rather than discourage the South Kilkenny side. Mullinavat led by four points, Conor Walsh intercepted 1-9 to 0-8, and Tullaroan knew possession and converted to they had plenty of work to do. leave Mullinavat five points Knox opened the secondclear, but Tullaroan were half scoring with another beginning to find increasing Mullinavat free, but Tullaroan space around midfield as the immediately responded numerical advantage began through Kilkenny inter-county to tell. Dylan Simpson converted a free before Keoghan added two excellent points as Tullaroan began to close the gap. By the 40th minute the score stood at Mullinavat 1-11, Tullaroan 0-12. Mullinavat refused to yield and Conor Power and substitute John Walsh restored their five-point advantage with two excellent scores. From there, however, Tullaroan began to turn the Mullinavat prepare for extra time screw. Ciallan Brennan, Bill Gaffney and Dylan Simpson all found the target, while goalkeeper Niall Holland produced two remarkable long-distance frees from well over midfield, including one which travelled more than 100 metres. Those scores transformed the contest and left Tullaroan ahead for the first time since the opening stages, Tullaroan's team talk before extra time 0-17 to 1-13.

Mullinavat responded almost immediately when Conor Power found the target. Dylan Simpson restored Tullaroan's lead before three successful Oisin Knox frees put the South Kilkenny side 0-4 to 0-2 ahead. Simpson responded with a point from midfield before Knox again converted for Mullinavat. Peter Walsh then got on the scoresheet for Tullaroan, while Adam Mansfield replied for the Vegas side. The game was developing into a lively and open contest and, by the 20th minute, Tullaroan had drawn level at 0-6 apiece following further points from Peter Walsh and Bill Gaffney. Knox, who was proving a constant threat from placed balls, restored Mullinavat's advantage from another free. Tullaroan responded impressively, however, with Dylan Simpson and John Walton both finding the target before the 27th minute.

Martin Keoghan (T) looks for options as Conor Walsh (M) closes in

Mullinavat responded through two Oisin Knox frees, either side of a Shane Walsh placed ball for Tullaroan, and the game was level once again. With neither side prepared to give way, extra time was required. Full-time: Mullinavat 1-15, Tullaroan 0-18. Tullaroan made the better start to extra time, scoring three unanswered points through Shane Walsh, who contributed two, and Dylan Simpson. Mullinavat substitute Conor Duggan replied before Shane Walsh restored Tullaroan's advantage. John Walsh then converted a Mullinavat free, but Tullaroan finished the first period of extra time strongly. John Walton and Gearoid Dunne added points to leave them 0-24 to 1-17 ahead at the interval. Again, Tullaroan were quicker to the ball when play resumed and their pressure eventually produced a major breakthrough. A high ball was delivered into the Mullinavat square and Martin Keoghan rose to claim possession before finishing to the net. When Shane Walsh added another point shortly afterwards, Tullaroan had opened up an eight-point lead, 1-25 to 1-17. At this stage, most teams might have accepted that the game was beyond them. Mullinavat, however, were certainly not prepared to do so. Despite being a man short, chasing a sizeable deficit and having players carrying injuries, they launched an astonishing late comeback. Conor Duggan reduced the deficit with a point before John Walsh found the net from a free. The same player then produced two wonderful points as Mullinavat suddenly found themselves back in contention at 2-20 to 1-25,

with just two points separating the teams. The momentum was again with the South Kilkenny men, but Tullaroan held their nerve when it mattered most. Gearoid Dunne added a crucial point before Shane Walsh converted a free to finally settle a remarkable championship encounter. The final margin was five points, but it did not reflect the drama and tension of a game in which both teams had opportunities to take control. For Tullaroan, goalkeeper Niall Holland was outstanding, particularly with his extraordinary long-range frees. Tomas Dunne, Tommy Walsh, Martin Keoghan, Shane Walsh and Dylan Simpson also made major contributions to a memorable victory. Mullinavat could take considerable credit from their performance despite the defeat. Tom Aylward, Oisin Knox and John Walsh were among their leading performers in a display which demonstrated enormous courage and determination. For Tullaroan, the victory ends a long wait for success in a senior championship knockout game and provides a significant boost as they progress in the competition. They now advance to a quarter-final meeting with O'Loughlin Gaels, while Mullinavat can reflect on a tremendous effort which came within touching distance of producing one of the great comebacks of the Kilkenny championship. SCORERS TULLAROAN: Shane Walsh (0-7, 0-2 frees, 0-1 sideline), Dylan Simpson (0-6, 0-1 frees), Martin Keoghan (1-3), Peter Walshe (0-3), Bill Gaffney (0-2), John Walton (0-2), Niall Holland (0-2), Gearoid Dunne (0-2), Ciallan Brennan (0-1). MULLINAVAT: Oisin Knox (09, 0-6 frees), John Walsh (1-4, 1-1 frees), Brian Phelan (1-0) Conor Power (0-2), Conor Duggan (0-2), Adam Mansfield, Michael Malone, Conor Walsh, (0-1 each). TEAMS TULLAROAN: Niall Holland, Joe Coughlan, Tomás Dunne, Charlie Cleere, Tommy Walsh, Pádraig Walsh, Bill Walton, Martin Walsh, Bill Gaffney, Martin Keoghan, Peter Walshe, Dylan Simpson, Shane Walsh, Gearoid Dunne, John Walton. Substitutes, Callan Brennan for Shane Walsh, Eamonn Holland for Charlie Cleere, MULLINAVAT Seán Fitzpatrick Bill Dempsey, Tom Aylward, Joe Gahan, Pádraig Dempsey, Padraic Gahan, Michael MaloneI, Ian Duggan, Conor Walsh, Oisín Knox, Ger Malone, Conor Power, Brian Phelan, Adam Mansfield. Substitutes, John Walsh for Brian Phelan, George O’Connor for Adam Mansfield, Conor Duggan for Conor Power, Patrick Walshe for Padraic Gahan. Extra Time, Adam Mansfield for Póidín Knox, Patrick Walshe for Ian Duggan, Conor Power for Conor Walsh. Referee: Peter Burke.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport

Glenmore finally break senior championship knockout hoodoo St Canices Credit Union Billy Reid and Harry Shine under the dropping ball as Shane Murphy and James Carroll get ready to challenge

Kilkenny SHC Round One. Glenmore 5-28 (43); Dicksboro 3-27 (36) (AET) John Power at Mullinavat GAA Grounds Glenmore finally recorded a memorable knockout victory in the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship after an epic encounter with Dicksboro before a large and appreciative attendance at the Mullinavat GAA Grounds on Saturday last. It was a victory which had been a long time coming for the South Kilkenny club. Since returning to the senior grade five years ago, Glenmore had endured a succession of championship disappointments, failing to win a single knockout game. Previous defeats to Dicksboro in 2025, Erins Own in 2024, Bennettsbridge in 2023 and Shamrocks Ballyhale in 2022 had left the club searching for that elusive senior championship breakthrough. They finally got it in the most dramatic fashion possible. This was a contest which ebbed and flowed throughout, with Dicksboro appearing to have the game under control for long periods before Glenmore produced a remarkable fightback. When extra time arrived, the South Kilkenny side had gathered sufficient momentum to complete one of the most significant senior championship victories in recent years. For Dicksboro, meanwhile, the defeat will be another bitter disappointment. The city club have enjoyed considerable success at underage level over the years, producing talented minor and under-21 teams, but have found it difficult to convert that progress into senior championship success. Their five senior county titles, won in 1923, 1926, 1950, 1993 and 2017, remain their only senior championship triumphs. There was little indication during the opening half that Glenmore were about to create history. Dicksboro started in impressive fashion and controlled the early exchanges with precise passing and intelligent movement. Their structured approach allowed them to dictate the pace, and they struck for an openingminute goal following a fine passing movement involving Joe Sheehan and Harry Shine, with Timmy Clifford providing the finishing touch. Glenmore responded quickly, however, and Ciaran Kirwan showed the first glimpse of what was to come when he found the net in the sixth minute to bring the sides level at 1-1 apiece. Dicksboro remained firmly in control for much of the remainder of the half. Their passing was crisp and Eoin Murphy clears the danger

Shane

Eoin Murphy looks to have things under controll as Cillian Hackett makes a challenge

Harry Shine and Shane Murphy in an aerial challenge as Darragh Vereker and Cillian Hacket await developments

Darragh Holohan is happy to see that one go outside the upright

their movement created openings, while Glenmore struggled to impose themselves on the game. At half-time, Dicksboro had established a fivepoint advantage, leading 1-15 to 1-10, and appeared to be in a commanding position. Yet Glenmore were about to produce a second-half performance of a completely different nature. They abandoned much of the intricate

passing approach which had served Dicksboro so well and adopted a more direct, old-school style of hurling. It was a tactic which suited their powerful forwards, particularly Ciaran Kirwan. Kirwan, who joined Glenmore from Kill in Waterford in August 2024, produced without question his finest performance since arriving in South Kilkenny. He scored three goals and two points from play, won a penalty

Stapleton and knocks one was over a constant threat to the Dicksboro defence. His performance had echoes of the traditional Glenmore full-forward of old, and there was more than a hint of club legend Christy Heffernan in the manner in which he attacked the Boro goal. Dicksboro continued to lead into the second half, but Glenmore were gradually closing the gap. The turning point came in the 48th minute when Ian Byrne produced a brilliant piece of individual play. Winning possession in the dressing-room corner of the Mullinavat grounds, Byrne cut inside two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot past Darragh Houlihan. The score left it 2-17 to 1-20 and suddenly Glenmore sensed that the game was there for the taking. A Shane Stapleton free was answered by Ger Aylward before Dicksboro responded with an unanswered 1-1 in the 50th and 51st minutes. Cillian Hackett, who was outstanding throughout and finished with 1-7 from play, supplied the goal, while Patrick Lacey added a point to leave Dicksboro four ahead at 2-22 to 2-18. Glenmore refused to buckle. Ian Byrne converted a free and Hackett replied at the other end, but the momentum was now with the South Kilkenny men. They struck for an unanswered 1-2, with Darragh Hartley finding the net, and by the second minute of added time Glenmore had moved into the lead. Dicksboro needed a response and Shane Stapleton supplied it with a pointed free, ensuring that the teams could not be separated after normal time. The scoreboard read Glenmore 3-21, Dicksboro 2-24. Extra time beckoned. The first period belonged to Ciaran Kirwan. The Glenmore full-forward won a penalty, although the opportunity was not converted, but the disappointment was short-lived. Two minutes later Cathal Beirne broke away and intelligently laid the ball off to Kirwan, who made no mistake with

the finish. At the end of the first period of extra time Glenmore had moved into a commanding position, leading 4-23 to 2-26. They increased that advantage at the beginning of the second period with points from Ethan Phelan, Jason Cody and Ian Byrne, leaving Glenmore six points ahead. There was, however, further drama when Glenmore were reduced to 14 players after a red card. Dicksboro attempted to take advantage and Shane Stapleton converted a free, but Glenmore were now refusing to relinquish their advantage. Then came the decisive moment. In the 76th minute, Ciaran Kirwan completed his magnificent performance by scoring his third goal of the afternoon and Glenmore's fifth. The scoreboard showed Glenmore 5-26 to Dicksboro's 2-27, and the result was effectively settled. Dicksboro did manage to pull another goal back through Cillian Hackett and they too finished the game with 14 players following a red card, but Glenmore had done enough. The final whistle was greeted by scenes of understandable delight among the Glenmore players, officials and supporters. After five years of senior championship disappointment, they had finally broken their knockout hoodoo. What a game this was. Alongside the outstanding Ciaran Kirwan, Glenmore received excellent performances from Shane Murphy, Ian Byrne and Darragh Hartley, while Ethan Phelan and Jason Cody also made important contributions during extra time. For Dicksboro, Cillian Hackett was exceptional, finishing with 1-7 from play and providing a constant threat. Timmy Clifford and Shane Stapleton also impressed, while the city side will wonder how a game which they appeared to have under control at half-time ultimately slipped away. For Glenmore, though, the afternoon will live long in the memory. Their senior championship journey has finally delivered a knockout victory, and they achieved it after one of the most extraordinary games Mullinavat has witnessed in some time. SCORERS GLENMORE; Ian Byrne (1-14, 0-10 frees), Ciaran Kirwan (3-2), Darragh Hartley (1-2), Charlie Phelan (0-2), Jack Dollard, Shane Murphy, Cathal Beirne, Billy Reid, Ger Aylward, Ethan Phelan, Jason Cody, Colm Roche free (0-1 each). DICKSBORO: Cillian Hackett (1-7), Shane Stapleton (0-9 frees), Timmy Clifford (1-5), Patrick Lacey (1-0), Joe Sheehan (0-2), Anthony Clifford (0-2), Tom McPhillips, Harry Shine (0-1 each). TEAMS GLENMORE Eoin Murphy, Darragh Vereker, Eoin Aylward, Richie Hennessy, Tomás Mullally, Shane Murphy, Billy Reid, Darragh Hartley, Jack Dollard, Cathal Beirne, lan Byrne, Jason Cody, Charlie Phelan, Ciarán Kirwan, Philly Roche. Substitutes: Ger Aylward for Jason Cody, Ethan Phelan, Colm Roche for Ethan Phelan, Dean Croke for Ian Byrne. DICKSBORO Darragh Holohan, Niall Rowe, Padraic Moylan, Evan Cody, Alan Phelan, Tom Kenny, Eoin Fennelly, Tom McPhillips, Joe Sheehan, Anthony Clifford, Harry Shine, Timmy Clifford, Mark Nolan, Shane Stapleton, Cillian Hackett. Substitutes: Patrick Lacey for Mark Nolan, Ollie Walsh for Tom McPhillips, James Carroll, Eoghan Moylan, Louis Raggett for Joe Sheehan. Referee: Gavin Quilty (Slieverue).

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Hurling matters - Review

Sport

Joey Holden Cpt Ballyhale Shamrocks Receives the Senior League trophy From Kalyan Kysuma St Canices Credit Union Sponsor Also Jim Fennelly Vice Chair

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League The double-header in UPMC Nowlan Park last Saturday delivered two fantastic games as Shamrocks Ballyhale and Graigue Ballycallan emerged victorious in the League and Shield finals respectively. The Gaels that turned up to watch the deciders were certainly given value for money as both games went right to the wire. First up at Kilkenny HQ was the meeting of Graigue Ballycallan and O’Loughlin Gaels in the Shield final and these two teams put on a great game of hurling, as no quarter was given as the finalists battled hard. Brian Hogan’s side opened the scoring but GBC’s main man, Aaron McEvoy got things moving for the light blues. With Loughs placed balls being taken by goal-getter Ruarc Sweeney, the scoreboard was kept moving, with Conor Kelly and captain Paddy Deegan chipping in also as the St Johns Park side held the slenderest of leads at the short whistle. When play resumed after the interval, O’Loughlin’s continued to maintain the lead and held a 4-point lead at different stages early in the second half, but to their credit, Richie O’Neill’s charges kept plugging away and thanks to the accuracy of Aaron McEvoy, they were always in the game. When former Kerry star, Fionan Mackessy split the posts in the 53rd minute to push the lead to three points, some sensed that the 2023 County champions would push on and see the game out, but the men from Tom Ryall Park hadn’t read that part of the script and they deadlocked matters just a minute later when sub Conor Walton struck the only major of the game after Stephen Murphy in the Loughs goal could only parry Aaron McEvoy’s stinging effort into Walton’s path for an easy tap in. Paddy Deegan and Cormac Neary swapped scores and with Hogan’s men leading by the bare minimum, up stepped Aaron McEvoy who struck over a lovely, placed ball effort, before rifling over the games winning score from play. An exciting finish to a cracking game and a reminder that Richie O’Neill’s side can be a force to be reckoned with. With the Shield final done and dusted, Shamrocks Ballyhale and Thomastown took to the UPMC Nowlan Park pitch bidding to be crowned senior league champions. Both sides probably lined up a little stronger than expected, and this led to an intriguing contest at headquarters. Eoin Cody, who looks

Silverware secured! Shamrocks edge ‘Town while Graigue Ballycallan beat OLG in thriller to have benefited from Kilkenny’s unusual early Championship exit, was in sparkling form throughout, and it was the former two-time Young Hurler of the Year that got the first couple of scores for Mark TJ Reid is looking for support as hes held by Eddie Donnelly

Aylward’s side. Another star to have a freshness about them was TJ, and the legendary attacking genius was putting on quite a display at his second home. Shamrocks look in total control in a

then sent

contest that was that was fiercely competitive, but things looked a little tighter when Luke Connellan raised what Billy Dowling would be the only green is Stopped by flag of the game on 12 Alex Sheridan minutes. Then came as he tries to one of the scores of the clear afternoon, TJ stepped up to take a sideline cut some 45 metres out. With a sumptuous amount of curl, the veteran’s effort sailed between the posts, pure genius. Eoin Cody over a and Stephen Donnelly shared the couple of next four scores as the Páirc Na lovely points, while Killian Corcoran Seamróg men held a 3-point lead managed to get on the scoresheet with 20 minutes on the clock. Noel form a more advanced wing Dohery’s outfit then hit the games back position, but Thomastown next three scores, Peter McDonald, responded with the last three scores Stephen Donnelly and Cian Doherty of the opening period, a brace of all raising white flags as the ‘Town placed balls from Stephen Donnelly deadlocked matters in UPMC and a tidy point from Ben Nevin to Nowlan Park. leave the 2024 County champion’s Brian Cody, such a valuable on level terms, as the teams headed member of this Shamrocks team,

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Hurling matters -Review >> SHERRY SAYS...

Tom Dunphy Cpt GBC receives the Senior Shield from Kalyn Kusyma Also Jim Fennelly

Eoin Cody is held up by Peter Connellan

for the changing rooms and a well-earned break. When play resumed, TJ struck his team’s first two scores of the second half, either side of a nice point from the lively Luke Connellan. Donnelly’s Stephen and Robbie notched scores to give the Grennan based side a four-point lead on 46 minutes, and all looked good for the men in blue, but Aylward’s side Luke Connellan in action

never panicked and began reeling Doherty’s team in. A mistake from Thomastown netminder Diarmuid Galway’ restart gave a chance to Niall Shortall and the inform attacker punished the error to edge the current County champions ahead. The excellent Eoin Cody then sent over a quality score to make it a 2-point game, and despite the ‘Town throwing everything at their opponents, they could only tag on one more score before the long whistle. League title secured for Shamrocks, now for their Tom Walsh defence. Elsewhere last weekend, there was no shortage of drama and excitement in the other Championship round one games. None quite matched the high scoring affair between Glenmore and Dicksboro, as the Pairc na Ratha side got a first win in the Tom Walsh Cup since their return to the top table in 2022 and ended the Palmerstown based sides season in the process. Ballyragget was the venue for the relegation semifinal between Clara and Erin’s Own, and it would be the maroonclad side that maintained their senior status with a battling 3-point win. An early brace from Michael Brennan gave the Comer men an

early lead, but some great interplay between the brothers Glynn saw Dara fire brilliantly to the net after just 5 minutes to leave Clara two ahead. Conor O’Shea kept things ticking over for Clara, but Shane Feehan and Michael Brennan kept the blues in touch, and when former Kilkenny star, Conor Fogarty fired to the net on eighteen minutes, Erin’s Own were up by one. The pacy Rory Glynn deadlocked matters shortly after, and his captain Chris Bolger tagged on two points with only a Michael Brennan placed ball in response for Comer as they went into the interval one point in arrears. Martin O’Connell got the scoreboard moving in the second half but a trio of scores from Brennan’s Michael (2) and Eoin saw Erin’s Own edge ahead in the contest. Clara stepped on the gas and hit three unanswered scores courtesy of Joe Power, Paul Cody and Lester Ryan to lead by two while Michael Brennan continued his placed ball conversion for the opposition. The men in maroon then sent over another trio of scores via Chris Bolger and the brothers Glynn to leave the gap at four points after 47 minutes of action in Ballyragget. Michael Brennan continued his crusade, striking over another brace of points before he raised the third major of the relegation clash. Conor McMahon did brilliantly to win possession and pop the pass to Brennan, who struck his shot to the Clara net, Comer by one with about ten minutes remaining. Cody and Power registered scores for Clara, while the deadly Brennan converted

another placed ball to leave his side one point in arrears, but that would be the last score for Buggy’s team as the Langton’s sponsored side struck two further scores both from Rory Glynn as Clara remain at the top table in 2027. In the other games, there were wins for Tullaroan and Bennettsbridge over Mullinavat and Danesfort respectively. The Sash had five points to spare over The Vegas Boys in Callan; Shane Walsh was in good form, notching 0-7 while Mossy weighed in with 1-3. Dylan Simpson hit 0-6 and netminder Niall Holland added another two points to this season’s growing tally. The relegation semifinal between the ‘Bridge and Danesfort at UPMC Nowlan Park saw Nicky Cleere finish his afternoons work with 0-8. Sean Morrissey struck three nice scores while there were braces for Liam Blanchfield, Hugh O’Neill and Eoin Walpole as the hooped side emerged 9-point winners.

Its winner stays on from here on in, no second chances. The quarter final draw has thrown up some tasty clashes, with all four games being held at UPMC Nowlan Park tomorrow and Sunday. If Saturday whets the appetite, Sunday is certainly the main course! Bennettsbridge who have struggled for form all season, have a free hit against Graigue Ballycallan. With their senior status secured, they may play with a little more freedom against the sky blues, but they will need to curb the threat of Aaron McEvoy who has hurled well all summer. Thomastown gave a decent account of themselves in the league decider, and they will know that if they bring their ‘A’ game, they should have too much for Clara. Sunday sees a cracking double header, first up is the meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels and Tullaroan. Ruarc Sweeney, Paddy Deegan, Fionan Mackessy vs Mossy Keoghan, Dylan Simpson, Tommy Walsh. This promises to be an exciting battle, really hard to call, Brian Hogan and Dave Mulcahy will have their sides primed for this clash. Supporters of these two sides will likely take in the final last eight clash between Shamrocks Ballyhale and Glenmore. Mark Aylward’s league champions and current Tom Walsh holders will not underestimate the men from Pairc na Ratha, two teams in the south of the county going head-tohead. Both teams have exciting stickmen in their ranks and will need to win the physical battle to allow their craft to shine. Eoin Murphy will look to shut out TJ, Eoin Cody etc, while any ill-discipline by the Shamrocks will allow the deadly Ian Byrne to punish from dead balls. A great weekend in store, for the neutrals anyway!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Evelyn Leigh, intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for full planning permission to construct a single-storey family flat extension to the front of the existing dwelling, together with all associated site works, at Moneenroe, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, R95 PHD8. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed DB Design Studio, info@dbdesignstudio.ie

We, Patrick and Rhona Mccooey, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission a change of use of existing agricultural buildings to short-term accommodation comprising of 2 no. self-contained apartment units, internal and external alterations including raising the existing roof, new dormer type roof windows and rooflights, insertion of new external window and door openings, new wastewater treatment system and sand polishing filter and all associated site works at Jerpoint Hill, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny R95 T3FP. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Lisa Prendergast, intend to apply for planning permission for the construction of a new part single-storey, part two-storey dormer dwelling house, a new vehicular entrance, provision of a new sewage treatment plant and percolation area and all associated site development works on a site situate at Stangs, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

TOM WALL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND MONTHS MIND The family of the late Tom Wall, Great Oak Callan, Co. Kilkenny would like to express our sincere thanks to all who supported us during our recent sad loss. Thank you to everyone who sent mass cards, floral tributes and messages of sympathy and to those who attended the funeral. To all our wonderful neighbours, relatives and friends for their support and generosity. A special word of thanks to Fr. Mark Condon for your guidance and beautiful mass and to Molloys Funeral Directors for their exceptional kindness, professionalism and support.

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.R.

A special word of thanks to his friends at the Monday Rosary. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as an expression of our deepest gratitude. Month’s Mind Mass will be held on 26th September 2026 at 6pm in St. Molua’s Church, Killaloe, Co. Kilkenny, R95 YX09.

The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

Classifieds

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026

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Classifieds

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 25th September 2026