Kilkenny Observer 26th May 2023

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Friday 26 May 2023

Nursing Homes Crisis because of a shortfall in funding  Marianne Heron Page 12

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Observer Neglecting our kids kilkennyobserver.ie

There were 1,812 complaints to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) in 2022 – with 18 coming directly from Kilkenny. The OCO deals with complaints about services for children and is an alternative to court for those who are not happy with responses they have received from government departments and public services.

Falling Behind; the Ombudsman for Children’s Office Annual Report for 2022 reveals that education was once again

the most complained about issue (30%), with bullying, expulsion or suspension, and special education resources featuring in many of the complaints.

Significantly, the work of the office in 2022 shows that on many issues, Ireland is starting to fall behind on children’s rights. This was reflected in two major OCO reports to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and their subsequent Concluding Observations, which raised

concern about the standard of living and child poverty issues, mental health services for children in Ireland, the lack of inclusive school places for all children and the State’s failure to integrate children’s rights into legislation.

The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, said: “Last year, 2022, and 2012 before it have been the busiest two years for the OCO since our office was established. In total we received over 1,800 complaints, with 18 of these

coming from Kilkenny county.

“It is important that children and families in Kilkenny and in all parts of the country know that the Ombudsman for Children’s Office is here if you need our help or advice.

If you have complained about a service and are not happy, come to us and we will help if we can.

“Our Annual Report this year is called Falling Behind because we wanted to highlight how Ireland is doing in relation to children’s rights

and unfortunately, we’re not where we should be.

“We need to finally incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into legislation – 30 years after its ratification. We also need to totally reform our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) which we know are hugely dysfunctional and failing our most vulnerable children. Changes also need to be made to provide inclusive education for all children in Ireland.”

A Coalition row has broken out over Fine Gael’s call for a €1,000 tax cut in the Budget.

Fianna Fáil is furious over what it described as “populist”, “uncosted” and “nuts” pre-Budget “kite-flying”

by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s party.

Fine Gael is pushing for considerably larger tax cuts for workers on the average household income than in previous budgets, amid projections of record surpluses over the next four years.

Full story Page 6

Students from Coláiste Abhainn Rí in Callan, Co Kilkenny who were announced as the winners of the AWS GetIT Competition.

AWS GetIT is a fully-funded education programme and competition designed to inspire 12-14-year-old students, especially girls, to consider a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). The programme gives them access to curriculum designed to help build foundational skills.

Well done you guys, we are very proud of you all...

The problems of digital banking Do you remember back in the day when you had to visit the bank manager for whatever reason – review your overdraft, apply for a loan – you put a bit of effort into your appearance for the visit?

Now you don’t have to get out of bed to conduct most business with a bank.

John Ellis Page 16

Full story Page 6

Housing, labour shortage hinder SE

EVERY FRIDAY

ed leading voices in regional business at Mount Juliet Hotel in Kilkenny as part of its Regional Insights Series.

Ibec’s Head of Regional Policy Helen Leahy said: “Our vision for the South East is to realise its potential to become a globally competitive location. An inadequate supply of affordable housing is now the single largest impediment to attracting and retaining

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

Mortgage drawdowns hit a 14-year high at the end of last year, but first-time buyers are approaching their limits as prices rise faster than they can cobble together cash.

New data from the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) shows the mortgage market grew strongly in the second half of 2022, with the number of loans taken out rising 24pc to nearly 31,000 in the year – the most since 2008.

Coalition row over €1,000 tax cut

Meet the next generation of tech talent

Capacity constraints and labour supply are the key challenges facing business growth in the South East, according to Ibec, the group that represents Irish business. There must be greater focus by the Government on enhancing quality of life issues such as housing and infrastructure which are driving labour shortages in the region, it said.

The call came as Ibec host-

Mortgages hit a 14-year high

talented workers, without whom business investment and expansions are not possible.

“Labour shortages are a real concern for businesses in the region. People decide where to live and work based on quality of life and access to high quality services and amenities. Industry tends to follow talent, and in this regard, the region needs to have all the building blocks

in place as the attraction and retention of world-class talent becomes increasingly competitive on a global level,” she said.

The Regional Insights Series, sponsored by ESB and OpenEir, heard from expert speakers including Ibec’s CEO, Danny McCoy, members of the Ibec Executive Director Team, and leading voices in businesses in the South-East to explore new

ways to drive regenerative growth in the region.

Amongst Ibec’s priorities for the South East are: • Addressing housing and infrastructure challenges • Adapting businesses to the new economic realities • Enhancing capacity and skillsets to achieve sustainable development objectives • Investment in people and skills

SETU’S plans for future learning South East Technological University (SETU) is launching its first strategic plan, setting out the university’s five-year aim to become a leading global technological university driving the south east as a learning and innovation region.

The plan, titled ‘Connecting for Impact’, sets out SETU’s ambitions over the coming years to establish itself as the anchor institution for the ongoing development of the South East – and no less so than in Kilkenny.

Full story Page 28

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News Ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist firm, is delighted to return to the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards 2023 at this year’s National Ploughing Championships (Tuesday September 21 to Thursday 23) with the ifac Best Newcomer Award 2023, and for the judging of the Irish Agtech industry.

For the fourth year in a row, ifac is supporting Enterprise Ireland and the National Ploughing Association to recognise early-stage, Irish agtech businesses and entrepreneurs that are leading the way with their innovative products. Previous winners include: • Marteye (2019) – an online trading platform used by marts and breeders in Ireland and the UK • Strongbó (2020) – the automated collection and analysis of animal weight data through a bespoke hardware and software platform • Moonsyst (2021) – a smart rumen monitoring system to accurately detect heats and monitor health • Cotter Agritech (2022) – a hardware product to accurately handle, weigh and draft sheep and lambs along with a software product to reduce wormer use.

The winner of the ifac Best Newcomer

Outstanding in their fields: from left, the legendary Anna May McHugh (MD, the National Ploughing Championships), Jack Cotter (Cotter Agritech) and David Leydon (ifac), all heading for National Ploughing Championships

Ifac set to unveil newcomer agtech talent Award 2023 will receive 12 months of ifac advisory and accountancy services

such as business structure and tax advisory, financial planning, growth strategy

and corporate finance.

Startup businesses set to shape the future of the

Irish agtech industry will be on view within the Innovation Arena during

the National Ploughing Championships, as well as previous participants whose businesses are now more developed. These will include new machinery and systems designed to support farmers and sustainable farming.

David Leydon, Head of Food and AgriBusiness at ifac, told The Kilkenny Observer: “Despite all the economic uncertainty in the world, fortunately, the agtech sector has demonstrated its resilience and is in growth with many new early-stage startups. We are delighted to be back judging the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards and, via the ifac Best Newcomer Award, helping to unveil the latest agtech talent to help make farmers’ lives easier. We are looking forward to working with the 2023 award winner by providing our sectoral knowledge to help them develop their business.” * Applications are now open for the Innovation Arena 2023 Competition. The closing date is Friday, June 2 and applicants can apply here - https://www. eventsforce.net/enterpriseireland/frontend/reg/ thome.csp?pageID=925354&eventID=3271&CSPC HD=001001000000qaXr2e cQC5M25NsBfsxRqxWYy4 IF8CXAUdAdrQD.

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News

Family €1,000 tax break row A Coalition row has broken out over Fine Gael’s call for a €1,000 tax cut in the Budget.

Fianna Fáil is furious over what it described as “populist”, “uncosted” and “nuts” pre-Budget “kite-flying” by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s party.

Fine Gael is pushing for considerably larger tax cuts for workers on the average house-

hold income than in previous budgets, amid projections of record surpluses over the next four years.

The call for tax relief of more than €1,000 for full-time workers on an average wage of €52,000 would cost the Exchequer around €1.5bn a year, according to Fine Gael.

Mr Varadkar also confirmed

in the Dáil that there will definitely be an increase in the old-age pension this autumn, but the exact amount is yet to be determined.

Fianna Fáil, meanwhile, was caught by surprise with the call for more tax relief made in an opinion piece from three Fine Gael junior ministers in the Irish Independent.

Writing for the Irish Independent, three Fine Gael junior ministers – Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Martin Heydon and Peter Burke – argue that tax relief in the next Budget has been “well-earned” and should go further than in Budgets 2022 and 2023.

“A thriving economy means more resources for the Ex-

chequer at every budget, which will also allow us to put more money back in people’s pockets to help with the costof-living crisis and give the squeezed middle a break,” the three Fine Gael ministers write. “While we need to consider inflation and wages, tax relief in the next Budget has been well-earned. A full-time

Hundreds more health places for colleges

Technically, it’s a win for Callan

Students Coláiste Abhainn Rí in Callan, Co Kilkenny were announced as the winners of the AWS GetIT Competition.

AWS GetIT is a fully funded education programme and competition designed to inspire 12-14-year-old students, especially girls, to consider a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). The programme gives them access to curriculum designed to help build foundational skills, learn about cloud tech, and design app ideas to solve real-life problems. Schools are paired with a dedicated AWS GetIT Am-

bassador who supports the school and educator and acts as a role model for students.

After completing the programme curriculum, schools can submit a student app idea for consideration in a countrywide AWS GetIT competition.

This year, three schools were brought to the AWS GetIT final which took place at the AWS offices in Dublin. The teams in the final presented their ideas to a judging panel of people working in the tech industry.

The finalists were invited to present their app ideas on the day and answer questions

surrounding their design thinking cycle, teamwork, the issue they are tackling and the technology they will use.

The finalists were Group Eco by Coláiste Abhainn Rí, Callan whose students said: “Our app Renew Bottle’s will connect to a reusable water bottle, enabling the user of the app to track hydration and how many plastic water bottles they’ve saved.”

Focus by Bishopstown Community School, Bishopstown, Co. Cork. The students said: “Our app Focus is aimed at making driving safer. It is a known fact that drivers

continue to use their mobile phones while driving despite warnings of the dangers such as penalty points. We are aiming to make driving safer by offering an app that will be in the hands of the driver so that they do not need to lose focus and concentration while driving’.”

And, finally, Plant IT by Our Lady’s School, Terenure, Co. Dublin. “Our app Plant IT was designed to help solve the ongoing problem of biodiversity loss in Ireland. In our growing society, there seems to be less and less room for biodiversity, and so we are creating space... in our

gardens!”

Mike Beary, AWS Country Manager Ireland said: “AWS GetIT is a worthy initiative that allows students to get face-time with Ambassadors, who are successful women and non-binary people working in AWS. “In the last number of years, students in Ireland have been empowered to develop new skills through this competition. I hope that these skills inspire new interests and encourage young people of Ireland, particularly girls, to consider STEM for their future careers.”

Yes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away Eating a medium-sized apple each day in your 60s can help protect against the infirmity that comes with old age, scientists have found.

The fruit contains a particularly beneficial flavanol called quercetin, and just 10mg reduces the odds of frailty by 20pc, according to a study.

Up to 15pc of older adults experience frailty, a geriatric syndrome that leads to a greater risk of falls, fractures, disability, hospital admissions –and death.

Current dietary recommendations for frailty prevention

primarily focus on protein intake, but experts said it was becoming clear that certain fruits were also helpful for lowering the risk.

Flavanols are found in many foods including green leafy vegetables, apples, lettuce, tea, onions, berries, blackcurrants, cherries, peaches, soybeans, citrus foods, chocolate, peppers, grapes and even wine.

“Higher flavanols intake was associated with lower odds of developing frailty,” said Professor Shivani Sahni of Harvard Medical School.

“Specifically, higher quer-

worker on an average wage of €52,000 should get a tax break of more than €1,000 in October’s Budget. That is an extra €1,000 in your pocket after taxes.”

Finance Minister Michael McGrath described the move as “unusual”.

Fianna Fáil figures are furious with Fine Gael’s tactics.

cetin intake was the flavonoid that had the strongest association with frailty prevention.

“This data suggests that there may be particular subclasses of flavonoids that have the most potential as a dietary strategy for frailty prevention.”

Flavanols help to regulate cellular activity and work as antioxidants to fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress and damage in the body.

The research was based on data from volunteers in the Framingham Heart Study which has monitored the

health of residents of Framingham, Massachusetts, since the 1940s. A total of 1,701 over-65s took part in the study which resulted in 13.2% of participants becoming frail by the end of the 12-year project.

Those who had the highest flavanols intake – particularly quercetin – were found to be the least likely to become frail.

There is mounting evidence that flavanol may also be useful in fighting Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and Type 2

diabetes. Research by Wageningen University in the Netherlands also found that eating an average-sized apple would reduce the risk of stroke by 36-45pc, because of quercetin.

A University of Reading study found that eating two apples a day lowered levels of ‘bad cholesterol by almost 4%.

“There may be some validity to the old saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor (or frailty) away,” researchers concluded in the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Many places on healthcare degree courses are opening up for college applicants this autumn, including opportunities in medicine and nursing in Northern Ireland exclusively for CAO applicants as well as direct entry to nursing degree courses outside the CAO system.

Nursing will see the biggest increase in places amid efforts to improve workforce planning for the health sector and to make entry to this career path more accessible.

Many aspiring Irish nurses end up training in the UK because of the stiff competition for a place on courses at home.

Up to 440 new healthcare places will come through traditional CAO routes, including 190 in nursing, 60 in medicine and 25 in pharmacy.

A further 160 new college places are opening across a range of health and social care professional courses.

These include 25 in podiatry, 24 in occupational therapy, 20 in speech and language therapy, 20 in medical sciences, 13 in psychology, six in physiotherapy and five in radiation therapy.

The scale of the expansion should mean that CAO points for many courses will ease.

But, if demand for particular courses rises ahead of the CAO July 1 ‘change of mind’ deadline, it will increase the pressure for places.

Further and Higher Education Minster Simon Harris has led the initiative to open more college places in disciplines where there are skills gaps.

Work is ongoing in relation to further expansion in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing from 2024.

The Department of Further and Higher Education is in discussions with the Department of Health, which supports the funding of places in this sector, where, as well as lectures, students need clinical placements.

Separately, 25 places in medicine and, potentially, dozens of places in nursing, are opening in Northern Ireland this year for CAO applicants.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter Paul Hopkins

So, how are the knees Mr De Niro?

So, Robert De Niro, the Method actor of his generation, has become a father for the seventh time at age 79. And the news has caused a furore not seen since that infamous Will Smith slap at last year’s Oscars’ ceremony.

Flora Gill, daughter of London Times journalist AA Gill who died at age 62, wrote the other day in the London Independent: “I’m afraid to say that my first thought when hearing the ‘happy’ news was, ‘How incredibly selfish.’ I have my own bias, of course. I no longer have a dad. I was an adult, a fully-grown 25-year-old, and yet losing my father, age 62, still broke me. My dad died six years ago but missing him is still constant.”

Ms Gill goes on to say

that the selfishness of De Niro is evidenced in the rather obvious outcome that the actor will most likely depart this world when his seventh child is still relatively young and the child will thus be denied a father in his or her life.

Men and women who want children are having them later in life than a generation ago, what with the desire to travel the world, or building careers and trying to get a downpayment on a mortgage.

For a woman, today, to give birth in her early 40s is not an isolated event.

Yet, after age 30, women still attract frequent reminders about the ‘ticking of their biological clock’.

Not so men. Isn’t Bob De Niro the boyo might well be the refrain. But men, research now shows, have

biological clocks ticking too. By their late 30s, they might well consider how old is too old to be a dad.

Most researchers investigating older dads start with those in their 40s. Although, believe it or not, some even put 35-yearolds and up in the ‘older fathers’ category.

The average age of fathers has been steadily increasing since the Seventies. For example, in this neck of the woods dads used to be 25.5 years old when registering a birth, but they’re now 33.3 years old.

If you’re still in your 20s or 30s, you have a better chance of fathering a child than if you’re 40 or older because, before age 40, men have higher-quality sperm. Given sperm contain half the instructions for making a baby,

pregnancy is easier with top-notch swimmers, as it were. However, we need to put these risks into perspective. The odds of issues occurring are still only small for babies of older dads because they are quite low to start with.

Top-notch swimmers aside, there are other considerations. The fact that, like older grandparents, an older father may also have less energy for parenthood than a 20-something. Another surprise of having children later in life is that your friends could be younger. Your existing friends might be long past the nappy phase, and are now sending their ‘babies’ to university. But you’ll meet dads in the same stage of life as you go through your child’s schooling and such. Through shared par-

enting challenges, your social circle will expand with younger families.

A more stable money and career comes into play too with older fathers and there is also, with age, the wonderful attributes of wisdom, patience and perspective. The life experience that older dads bring is undoubtedly valuable for fatherhood.

Researchers report that older fathers show better parenting skills, more involvement with their children and greater maturity.

By age 40 or 50, you’ve probably had richer experiences to broaden your horizons, which someone in their 20s hasn’t yet had.

A former colleague of mine who became a dad again at 57 says being an older father makes his son lucky: “He is lucky because I am old enough

to give my son what I could never have given him when I was younger and that is patience.

Older dads are more patient, I think because we know we will probably never go through all this again... these moments are one-off gifts.”

At the end of the day, if you can’t work the selfcheckout at a supermarket or log onto iCloud without a grandchild to show you the ropes, you probably shouldn’t be juggling a newborn.

I’m reminded of that line from When Harry Met Sally, when Meg Ryan’s Sally points out that Charlie Chaplin was still having babies at 73.

“Yeah,” says Billy Crystal’s Harry. “But he was too old to pick them up.”

Meanwhile, I wonder how De Niro’s knees are?

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

News

Kelly appointed to key roles in Energy Transition Seán Kelly MEP (Ireland South) has been appointed to crucial positions in the European Parliament aimed at driving the energy transition and addressing climate change. Mr Kelly has been chosen as the lead negotiator for the for the European People's Party (EPP), the largest political group in the Parliament, on the Carbon Removal Certification

Framework within the Industry and Energy Committee and the Net Zero Industry Act in the Trade Committee.

The Carbon Removal Certification Framework proposal seeks to establish an effective certification framework for the verification of carbon removal and sequestration from the atmosphere, fostering greater transparency and quality.

“This framework should be designed in a way to incentivise businesses, including those in agriculture, forestry and industry, to capture and store carbon by providing certificates that represent high-quality carbon removal and sequestration,” said Mr Kelly.

Certificates of removals could be sold, creating new income opportunities for in-

dustries and for our farmers.

“There is huge potential for carbon farming in Ireland, which can play a big role in the sector’s decarbonisation while offering new income opportunities for farmers.

This of course will require the right regulatory framework and incentives to implement,” the Ireland South MEP said.

Mr Kelly has been actively

involved in the carbon sequestration debate, as demonstrated by his role as the lead author in the Parliament's Industry and Energy Committee for the Sustainable Carbon Cycles report, which was voted on during the April Plenary session in Strasbourg.

Additionally, he will contribute to the Net Zero Industry Act, which sets a

goal for the EU to domestically produce at least 40% of the technology necessary to achieve its climate and energy targets by 2030. This act aims to expedite permitting processes and improve access to financing for clean technologies. Mr Kelly emphasises the importance of these sectors in meeting the EU's ambitious target of climate neutrality by 2050.

Women’s Champions.

Franca Overtoom of the Netherlands has been named as the assistant opposite O’Neill for next month’s European showpiece, with England’s Anne Aspinall in reserve.

The fourth official for Barca-Wolfsburg will be Rebecca Welch, also from England.

The Women’s Champions League final will be broadcast live on the RTÉ News channel.

Credit Our Michelle Unions gets to blow low-interest the whistle loans offer for farmers Ireland's credit unions will launch a new low-interest secured agri loan from June 2023 as part of the Cultivate initiative.

The 'Cultivate Secure' package will offer secured loans of up to €300,000 on a term of up to 30 years, with the last payment to be made before the applicant reaches the age of 70.

It will be introduced in a number of credit unions initially and will be on offer to farmers seeking funding for capital investment, inheritance bills and land purchase.

Cultivate Secure will have a standardised interest rate of 5.25% and APR of 5.49% across the credit union network.

Almost 50 credit unions across 150 outlets currently provide short and mediumterm loans under Cultivate to farmers across the country.

The existing unsecured loan comes with 6.75% APR, max loan of €75,000, over a maximum term of seven years.

Cultivate Chair Joe Healy said the unsecured offering has been "a rip-roaring success”, and pointed to new appetite amongst farmers for a larger scale, secured offering.

"We have almost €100m out to farmers on loan through Cultivate at this stage and over 98% full payment on time, and the others you're talking about one to 10 weeks late. That's not bad now on €100m,” Mr Healy told the Farming Independent.

"Over the years, farmers, when they thought about

getting a loan, you just thought about the pillar banks… That mindset has been changing now in the general public when you see the mortgages, but also with Cultivate."

The Cultivate network is operated by Collaborative Finance Company Limited

by Guarantee.

The directors of Collaborative Finance CLG are employed by credit unions, who are members of the company. These member credit unions pay joining fees, annual membership fees and advertising contributions.

There are concerns the current lending limits set by the Central Bank, which restrict credit unions to offering less than 3pc of mortgage loans and less than 10pc of the small business (SME) loan market, will hinder the expansion of Cultivate going forward.

IFA Farm Business Executive Karol Kissane told the Farming Independent that he feels the Central Bank needs to look at the possibility of offering credit unions more freedom within the loan market.

"There is a huge deposit base in the credit unions — there's about €17-€18bn at the moment, so they do have the capabilities for a lot of lending,” he said.

"Farmers love quick, simple, local, flexible and personable, and the credit unions have the advantage of having all of those.”

"There is the possibility that credit unions could fill a lot of that hole that has been left by KBC and Ulster Bank leaving the market.”

Ireland's Michelle O'Neill has been named as an assistant referee for the Women’s Champions League final next month. The Wexford woman will run the line during Barcelona’s clash with Wolfsburg in Eindhoven on June 3, with

Wales’ Cheryl Foster given the whistle for this season’s European showpiece.

O’Neill has already been included on the list of assistant match officials for this summer’s World Cup, and has previously officiated

Rise in loneliness may be a myth It has become conventional wisdom that society is suffering from an epidemic of loneliness. But the research is mixed. While some data suggests that loneliness is prevalent, it is unclear if it is any worse than in the past.

Some data indicate that loneliness has decreased.

By jumping to a wrong conclusion, society risks implementing interventions that don't work or fail to address underlying causes.

Researchers now know that prolonged loneliness correlates with a range of health problems. Lonely people are at greater risk of stroke, diabetes, dementia, heart

disease and arthritis. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, alcoholism and sleep deprivation.

There’s no doubt that loneliness is a problem, one that is sadly prevalent and difficult to solve. In Ireland an estimated 400,000 are considered lonely, according to the advocacy group Alone.

But the idea that loneliness has exploded into a modernday epidemic may be overblown, and framing it in such perilous terms may have unintended consequences.

Loneliness is a state of mind arising from a discrepancy between the social

relationships a person experiences and those they desire and this subjective nature makes it challenging to study. A person can look lonely in a café corner while being content to daydream alone. Conversely, someone can be the life of the party while feeling disconnected from the crowd basking in their presence.

The global Jo Cox Loneliness report found that nine million adults in the UK often or always feel lonely. Onethird of Chinese older adults report suffering from loneliness. And research compiled

by Our World in Data show most older Europeans feel

lonely at least some of the time — from a relatively low 25% of adults in Denmark to a striking 62% in Greece.

More than 40% of all households in Scandinavian nations; more than 30% in France, Germany, and England; and more than 25% in Russia, Canada, Japan, and the US. At the same time, friendships appear to be on the decline.

According to the 2021 American Perspectives survey, many people today say they have fewer close friends than they did in the 1990s. Roughly one-tenth report they have no friends at all.

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Music Generation

Sounds of Summer

Music Generation Kilkenny in Collaboration with Kilkenny Civic Trust Music Generation Kilkenny in partnership with Kilkenny Civic Trust would like to invite you to ‘Sounds of Summer’ at Butler House & Garden on Saturday 10th June and Saturday the 17th of June. Both performances commence at 11.30am in the stunning surroundings of Butler House Garden adjacent to the magnificent Kilkenny Castle. Following the success of last years ‘Sounds of Summer’, the series provides a platform for young, emerging talent to perform after a year of tuition with Music Generation Kilkenny’s Musician Educators.

On the 10th of June the wonderfully talented young musicians from the ‘Creative Music Space’ will perform a selection of songs. Since September last year, the young musicians have engaged in small group tuition learning guitar, drums, and vocals. Having performed rock and pop tunes on the bandstand last Christmas, ‘Sounds of Summer’ will be the young musicians’ end of term performance and

they are very much looking forward to showcasing their talents in front of a live audience.

Sounds of Summer is a series of two concerts with the second taking place on Saturday the 17th of June featuring a performance from four Kilkenny Schools who take part in the Music Generation Kilkenny Primary School String Programme.

Up to 100 children will bring the beautiful sounds of the violin to Butler House Gar-

den at 11:30 am.

Entry to both performances is free.

Sinéad Blanchfield (Development Officer, Music Generation Kilkenny) said, “It’s great to be back in Butler House Garden for another ‘Sounds of Summer’ concert series. It was a great success last year and I'm delighted to partner again with Kilkenny Civic Trust for this wonderful initiative for the young musicians in our programmes.

Opportunities for them to perform in public are very important for their growth, development, and confidence

as young musicians. I invite Kilkenny music lovers to come and support these emerging young musicians”.

Speaking about the event, Ciarán Conroy (CEO Kilkenny Civic Trust) said, “We are delighted to welcome Music Generation Kilkenny and the wonderfully talented young musicians to Butler House & Garden this summer. The commitment of the young musicians was a joy to behold last summer so all those who attend this year are in for a treat.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the next generation of talented Kilkenny musicians showcase their superb musical abilities in the beautiful setting of Butler House Garden.”

Please note as this is an outdoor event, it is subject to weather permitting.

No booking is required.

Entry is Free.

For more information on Music Generation Kilkenny get in touch by: email: musicgenerationkilkenny@kcetb.ie facebook message: @musicgenerationkilkenny phone: 087 1765493.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

State funding discriminates against private nursing homes Headlines warning of a tsunami of nursing home closures earlier this month must have sent waves of concern coursing through thousands of families in Ireland. The crisis in the nursing home sector arises because of a shortfall in funding in the Fair Deal scheme, leaving vulnerable older folk and their families facing insecurity over their future care.

The whole point about the Fair Deal scheme was that it was intended to provide affordability and peace of mind for families and their elderly relatives, many in need of 24-hour care or suffering from dementia. Around 80% of the 30,000 residents in nursing homes are supported by the Government’s Fair Deal scheme where the individual pays 80% of their income and 7.5% of the

value of their home above an initial €36,000 and the Government pays the shortfall via the National Treatment Payment Fund (NTPFT) “It takes a whole load off your mind,” says the daughter of an elderly friend who is in a private nursing home. “If it closed Mammy would have to come home to me. She needs 24-hour care. I would have to give up my job and it would create a huge amount of pressure.”

The family are already fully stretched with four school-going children and there is no way that they could meet the cost for private nursing home care at an average cost of €1,200 t0 €1,500 a week.

Indications of a looming crisis in the care sector – where the subvention simply doesn’t stretch to

cover the cost of care in the private sector – have been there for months. In the last year, 20 private nursing homes have closed. “This year unless something changes another 20 or 30 will close,” warns Tom Finn of 11 strong Silver Stream Healthcare group .

So far, despite calls from the representative body for 460 homes, Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), to implement measures to bring stability to the sector, the only official response has been a temporary scheme to offset increased costs. “It’s not fit for purpose, it’s not consistent with the increased costs involved in food electricity and staffing,” says Michael McGlynn Communications and Research Executive for NHI. At the same time an intended policy paper on

the future of the sector has been stalled.

To exacerbate matters further, the already yawning gap between payments for HSE nursing homes and those in the private sector has widened still further. “While the funding crisis has led to the closure of more than 20 nursing homes in the last year, the already considerable gulf in payments to HSE nursing homes has increased, they are now receiving on average €800 extra funding per resident per week. These fees signify the reality of nursing home costs,” comments Tadhg Daly, CEO of NHI. In Co Kilkenny the disparity between payments to HSE homes and private and voluntary care homes under the Fair Deal Scheme is among the

widest at around €1,025 per week per individual. In January 2022 the disparity was €812, an indication of how payments to HSE homes have allowed for inflation while those the private homes have not.

“The chasm in how the State funds its own nursing homes represents discrimination against private nursing home residents and those entrusted with meeting their health and social care needs. It also has a direct effect on the ability of private nursing homes to appropriately renumerate and retain vital staff. A Fair Deal that is fair to all providers should be underpinned by the principle of equal pay for equal work,” says Tadhg Daly.

A consequence of the gap in payments are staff shortages in many homes, while another is the way

families may have to pay a couple of hundred euro a month for extras like occupational therapy.

The number of over 65s is set to double by 2051, whereas at present they represent 14% of the population. By mid-century one in every four will be over 65 and thus there will be a greater need for nursing homes in future. While the majority who are now living longer also remain healthy for longer, inevitably the demand for residential care will increase.

Vulnerable older people unable to live independently with health challenges really need properly funded care. Both they and their families want peace of mind and reassurance that care facilities can continue to operate.

They deserve a Fair Deal not an unfair one.

Support your joints with Joint Complex

CLAIR WHITTY

It’s important that we support and protect our muscle and joints particularly as we age. If we don’t and it’s left untreated it can lead to further loss of joint and muscle movement.

This discomfort is associated with wear and tear and is mostly caused by deterioration due to cartilage breakdown.

A couple of steps I recommend to customers who visit our stores and are looking to support their joints; Firstly, you should consider your footwear especially if you enjoy walking or running or if your job means you are on your feet a lot. Ensuring that

you are wearing proper footwear is the first place to start when it comes to looking after your knees.

There are changes you could make to your diet to support joint care. The top ones to avoid are sugar, sweet treats, dairy products, fizzy drinks, coffee, and alcohol. Increase anti-inflammatory foods like oily fish, avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, flax, chia seeds, ginger, and turmeric. Increase green leafy vegetables, berries and brightly coloured fruit.

Finally, Joint Complex by Revive Active is an Irish super supplement brand, it’s one of our most popular products.

It contains Glucosamine Sulphate, Hyaluronic Acid, and Marine Collagen, which are important nutrients to help support the joints and muscles. It also contains

MSM an important nutrient for the ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and Vitamin D to support bone health. It’s ideal to help relieve joint discomfort, and to improve joint mobility and flexibility. It works well alongside Omega 3 fish oils, turmeric, and ginger supplements for their natural anti-inflammatory benefits.

I hear positive feedback from people of all ages who use Joint Complex by Revive Active. Runners, walkers, dancers, gardeners, and busy people have told me how happy they are with it. They really like this supplement because they can get back to doing the things they enjoy.

You simply take one sachet per day mixed with water. It has a lovely and refreshing forest fruit flavour and is Irish made too!

So, take a look at your footwear, diet, and top up with supplements if needed to support your joint health.

If you have any questions why not phone, pop us an email, or visit us instore, we would love to help you get moving again.

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

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

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News

SPECIAL REPORT

By Tara Wylie New Star Mortgage Brokers ---------------------------------If you are hoping to buy or build a house in 2023, the best advice would be to engage with a mortgage broker early on, so that they can find out quickly which lender(s) you meet the criteria with first, as well as getting a bird’s eye view of the overall rates.

With Help-to Buy and First Home Scheme also available to First Time Buyers (FTBs) looking to buy a New-Build or do their own Self-Build, there is a lot of information to take in and not all FTBs understand how the schemes work.

We at New Star have taken the time to break down the essential points for FTB’s to help them understand the differences between the two schemes.

As a FTB, the Help to Buy Scheme (HTB) is available to First Time Buyers only (FTB) who are looking to buy a new home or apartment or build their main primary dwelling.

The refund is based on the four tax years prior to application. The scheme was enhanced in July 2020 with an increased relief available of up to €30,000 and has been extended to December 31, 2024.

The Minimum Loan to Value (LTV) must be 70% or more of the Purchase value of the property or the approved Valuation in the case of a Self-Build in order to qualify.

You must also be tax compliant and if self-assessed, you must also have Tax Clearance.

If you are applying jointly on a mortgage application, both of the applicants must be FTB’s and not have previously owned or built a property.

The value of the Property (if buying) or the approved Valuation in the case of a Self-Build must be €500,000 or less in order to qualify for the scheme.

First Home Scheme https://www.firsthomescheme.ie The First Home Scheme (FHS) is also known as the shared equity scheme and is available to First Time Buyers or those that meet the definition of FTB under the Central Bank of Ireland’s *Fresh Start*.

The Rules: You can only borrow the maximum amount available to you (4 x gross income) and not be availing of a Loan to Income Exception with the Lender.

You must have mortgage approval in place with one of the following Lenders:

Mortgages: a guide for first time buyers

AIB, HAVEN, EBS, BOI or PTSB. You must have a minimum 10% deposit based on the Purchase Price You can claim BOTH First Home Scheme & Help to Buy on a New-Build Purchase only The property you are buying must be a newly built house or apartment in a private development in the Republic of Ireland.

You can’t use this scheme towards your own Self-Build Mortgage.

The property must be your

main primary dwelling – it can’t be used to acquire property that will be rented out.

The FHS can fund up to 30% of the market value of your new home, however, this amount is reduced if you are also availing of the Help to Buy Scheme.

If you sell your property, the equity share and all outstanding service charges must be repaid in full upon sale of the property.

The property must be bought within the local authority property price

ceiling for the property type (be it house or Apartment). (https://www.firsthomescheme.ie/about/propertyprice-ceilings) When dealing with a mortgage broker we understand the complexities of these schemes and can help First Time Buyers understand what the schemes can offer and help guide them with their mortgage journey.

At New Star FM Ltd, every customer that comes to us is assigned their own qualified mortgage advisor from our Team and they will

remain with their customer all the way through the mortgage process.

Given a mortgage application is such a massive financial and emotional commitment, having continuity of care from our team is so important, especially when embarking on a Self-Build project.

New Star FM Ltd are passionate about one thing – their customers best interests. We have a fantastic team of professionals who are qualified and experienced and who provide a

Who can claim Help To Buy? To claim Help To Buy (HTB) you must: • be a first-time purchaser at the time of the claim • purchase, or self-build, a qualifying property between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2024 • live in the property as your main home for five years after you purchase or self-build it • be tax compliant. If

you are self-assessed, you must also have tax clearance • take out a mortgage on the property with a qualifying lender. The mortgage must be at least 70% of the: • purchase value of the property or • approved valuation, in the case of a self-build.

It should be noted that only mortgage loans from qualifying lenders are considered in calculating the 70% loan-to-value ratio. Funding received from the State as part of a Shared-Equity Scheme would not form part of this calculation.

To qualify, you must not have previously purchased or built a house

or apartment, either on your own or jointly with any other person. If you are purchasing or selfbuilding the new property with other people, all of them must be firsttime purchasers. If you have inherited, or have been gifted a property, depending on the circumstances, it may not affect your eligibility.

dedicated service to each of their customers.

New Star FM Ltd was set up in 2011, in the midst of a recession and we have grown over the years thanks to numerous referrals from their happy mortgage customers.

We are proud to be able to offer market based advice to you in relation to your mortgage as well as a complimentary financial advice to our New Star customers.

In addition to mortgage products we also offer a comprehensive range of life assurance and Savings & Investment products, with agreements in place that allow us to access products at discounted rates as well. * See First Home Scheme - https://www.firsthomescheme.ie and also https://www. revenue.ie/en/property/ help-to-buy-incentive/ index.aspx * If you would like to find out more about New Star FM Ltd and have all those niggly FTB questions answered by our professional, experienced Team, then why not contact us today. Website – https://newstarfm.ie or call Dublin – 01 63 63 100 or Mullingar – 044 933 5443 Instagram - https://www. instagram.com/newstarfinancial/ Facebook - https://www. facebook.com/newstar. advice.protection.mortgages/

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Tackling the problems of digital banking Do you remember back in the day when you had to visit the bank manager for whatever reason, review your overdraft, apply for a loan, you put a bit of effort into your appearance for the visit?

Now you don’t have to get out of bed to conduct most business with a bank.

Once you knew the bank manager and they knew you.

You had the opportunity to build relationships with bank staff and seek face-to-face assistance. We were once classed as customers, clients of the bank. Not anymore. We are now consumers and are pushed more and more to digital interaction to manage our finances whether we wish to or not. Take a tour of the net and you will see the various financial providers are improving the way they digitally interact with us.

One notable downside of digital banking is the potential loss of the personal touch.

Unlike traditional banking,

where customers could build relationships with bank staff and seek face-to-face assistance, online banking can feel impersonal. The absence of direct human interaction may leave some customers feeling disconnected or frustrated when they encounter complex financial issues or require personal advice.

While customer support is often available through helplines or chatbots, it does not provide the same level of reassurance or specific guidance as a conversation with a knowledgeable member of staff.

Striking a balance between the convenience of digital banking and the importance of personalised customer service remains a challenge that financial institutions must address to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty in an increasingly digital world.

Even cash is becoming scarce. You see it more and

more that actual money is not being accepted – card only.

Digital transactions have gained popularity but there are instances where cash payments or withdrawals are necessary or preferred. And when the system is down you may experience difficulties accessing cash from ATMs. Yes, accuracy increases, human errors are reduced, and you can keep a close eye on your finances. Apart from providing the usual banking functions it makes loans, investments, and insurance products more accessible to

those who lived in areas that have had inadequate services and those with limited mobility. As we see avenues have opened up for microfinancing and crowdfunding, enabling small businesses to access capital more easily.

But with any digital innovation, there are benefits and dangers associated with its use. These online advancements do offer convenience and accessibility. With just a few taps on a phone or clicks on a computer, you can access your accounts, make payments, transfer funds,

and perform a wide range of financial operations at a time that suits you, thus saving valuable time and allows you to manage your finances efficiently, regardless of your location.

However, it is essential to recognise and address the potential dangers that accompany these developments as cybercriminals are constantly evolving their techniques to exploit weaknesses in online platforms through phishing attacks, identity theft, and malware infections posing significant threats to users’ private financial information.

Data breaches happen regularly as hackers target financial institutions to gain access to customers personal and financial information.

One breach can have severe consequences, from financial loss to reputational damage for both the customers and institutions.

Digital banking relies heavily on technological in-

frastructure, which, at times “fall over”. These downtimes or system failures can prevent users from accessing their accounts. Such disruptions cause inconvenience, financial loss, and erode customer confidence.

Banks must continue to invest in tougher cybersecurity systems, employ better encryption techniques, conduct regular audits, and establish proactive incident response protocols to reduce the risks associated with data breaches. And even though they continue to pour money into on-line interaction they must not lose “the common touch”.

And as for us it is crucial we remain vigilant, use stronger passwords, set up two-factor authentication where available and stop sharing confidential details on social media sites. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

Sharing good resources

Gail Morrissey’s integrative approach is centred around creating a comfortable space for her clients where they can feel heard and understood without shame or judgement.

She works with both adults and adolescents in Kilkenny city and has worked for a number of years with services providing support for clients dealing with many different life challenges. She works with clients to help support and recognise where they might be in their own personal grief, which can fundamentally be an overwhelming response to ruptures in the very fabric of our being.

Mourning the death of a loved one, or the loss of a meaningful relationship, or struggling to accept some of our life traumas which can leave a lasting legacy behind can be extremely difficult. She supports clients while they

try to make meaning of their symptoms and understand how our distresses can manifest in different ways. She continues to work with clients without any shame, to compassionately start understanding that while some of our symptoms, thoughts, and even our behaviour, might seem chaotic or irrational, they are in fact natural responses to some very unnatural experiences.

Sources Of Stress In Teenagers Gail has a specific interest in working with young adults.

This specialised area of practice requires appropriate knowledge, skills, and competencies to enable her to promote constructive thinking and individual growth for teenagers.

Teenagers go through a variety of changes as they work towards developing their

own individuality and identity and the shift towards selfsufficiency. Unfortunately, this developmental stage can often be a confusing and stressful time and can for some, result in altered behaviour, agitation and aggression, as well as feelings of anxiety and low self-worth.

It’s a period in their lives where they go through so many changes, not just physical changes, but social and psychological changes that frequently make it hard for them to know how to act.

Adolescents tend to focus a lot on themselves and can be very self-conscious sometimes leading to feelings of insecurity, stress and social anxiety.

Working in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Practice as an IACP Practitioner. For more information visit www. gailmorrissey.ie or call 086 334 3888.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

News Science & Wellbeing The neurons that operate out walking reside in the lumbar spinal cord. To walk, the brain broadcasts commands through descending pathways that cascade from the brainstem to activate these neurons. A severe spinal cord injury (SCI) scatters this exquisitely organised communication system.

Whereas the neurons located in the lumbar spinal cord are not directly damaged by the injury, the depletion of essential spinal commands renders them nonfunctional.

The result is permanent paralysis.

Now, though, a new study by scientists at the US NeuroRestore Research Centre has identified the type of neuron that is activated and remodeled by spinal cord stimulation, allowing patients to stand up, walk and rebuild their muscles – thus improving their quality of life. This discovery, made in nine patients, marks a fundamental, clinical breakthrough.

The study was published last week in the journals Nature.

In a multi-year research programme co-ordinated by the two directors of .NeuroRestore – Grégoire Courtine, a neuroscience professor and Jocelyne Bloch, a neurosurgeon – patients who had been paralysed by a spinal cord injury and who underwent targeted epidural electrical stimulation of the area that controls leg movement were able to regain some motor function.

In the new study, not only was the efficacy of this therapy demonstrated in nine patients, but the improved motor function was shown to last in patients after the neuro-rehabilitation process was completed and when the electrical stimulation was turned off.

This suggested that the nerve fibres used for walking had ‘reorganised’ them-

One year in the next five will almost certainly be the hottest on record and there’s a two-in-three chance a single year will cross the crucial 1.5°C global warming threshold, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

The report, known as the Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update, warns that, if humanity fails to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero, increasingly worse heat records will tumble beyond this decade.

So what is driving the bleak outlook for the next five years? An expected El Niño, on top of the overall global warming trend, will likely push the global temperature to record levels.

Has the Paris Agreement already failed if the global average temperature exceeds the 1.5°C threshold in one of the next five years?

No, but it will be a stark warning of what’s in store

neuronal activity actually decreased during walking.

The scientists suggest that this was because the neuronal activity was selectively directed towards recovering motor function.

To test their hypothesis, the research team developed

advanced molecular technology. “We established the first 3D molecular cartography of the spinal cord,” says Courtine. “Our model let us observe the recovery process at the neuron level.”

Thanks to their highly precise model, the scientists found that spinal cord stimulation activates Vsx2 neurons and that these neurons become increasingly important as the ‘reorganization’ process unfolds.

Prof. Stéphanie Lacour helped the research team validate their findings with the epidural implants developed in her lab.

Lacour adapted the implants by adding light-emitting diodes that enabled the system to not just stimulate the spinal cord, but also to deactivate the Vsx2 neurons alone through an optogenetic process. When the system was used on mice with a spinal cord injury, the mice stopped walking immediately as a result of the deactivated neurons – but there was no effect on healthy mice.

This implies that Vsx2 neurons are both necessary and sufficient for spinal cord stimulation therapies to be effective and lead to neural ‘reorganization’.

“It’s essential for neuroscientists to be able to understand the specific role that each neuronal subpopulation plays in a complex activity like walking,” says Bloch.

“Our new study, in which nine clinical-trial patients were able to recover some degree of motor function thanks to our implants, is giving us valuable insight into the reorganization process for spinal cord neurons.”

Jordan Squair, who focuses on regenerative therapies says: “This paves the way to more targeted treatments for paralysed patients. We can now aim to manipulate these neurons to regenerate the spinal cord.”

steadily since 2015, when it was close to zero. For the years between 2017 and 2021, it was a 10% chance.

Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions have already driven up global average temperatures by more than 1°C since the late 19th century. The update notes the 2022 average global temperature was about 1.15°C above the 1850-1900 average, despite the cooling influence of La Niña conditions. Temperatures are now rising by about 0.2°C per decade.

We now have more than a century of average mean temperature data. That means it should be getting harder, not easier, to achieve new records. If there was no trend, we would expect to see fewer records as time passes and the data we’ve collected better captures the full range of natural climate variability.

Instead, because we are warming the world so

quickly, more heat records are being set globally and at the local level. The human influence on the climate is pushing temperatures to unprecedented highs with alarming frequency.

The current record global average temperature dates back to 2016. A major El Niño event early that year pushed up the global average temperature.

El Niño events are associated with warmer-thannormal seas over much of the central and eastern Pacific. This helps warm the lower atmosphere and raise global temperatures by about 0.1°C. This might not sound like much, but with rapid background warming it’s often enough to break the previous record.

In the seven years since the current global temperature record, humanity has continued to intensify the greenhouse effect. This is making a new record ever more likely.

First-ever spinal implant enables paralysed people to walk again

selves. The scientists believe it was crucial to understand exactly how this neuronal ‘reorganization’ occurs in order to develop more effective treatments and improve the lives of as many patients as possible.

To arrive at this under-

standing, the research team first studied the underlying mechanisms in mice. This revealed a surprising property in a family of neurons expressing the Vsx2 gene: while these neurons aren’t necessary for walking in healthy mice, they were essential for

the recovery of motor function after spinal cord injury.

For the first time, the scientists were able to visualise spinal cord activity of a patient while walking.

This led to an unexpected finding: during the spinalcord stimulation process,

Global warming : it’s going to be a scorcher!

if we don’t quickly reduce emissions to net zero.

The WMO update says there is a 98% chance at least one of the next five years

will be the hottest on record.

And there’s a 66% chance of at least one year over the 1.5°C threshold.

There’s also a 32% chance

the average temperature over the next five years will exceed the 1.5°C threshold.

The chance of temporarily exceeding 1.5°C has risen

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Travel & Leisure A day in London is full of monarchs, MPs, and West End stars. Your day will be dedicated to Central London. Specifically, we’ll keep to Westminster, Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Soho neighbourhoods.

This region is best known for its two large parks – St James Park and Hyde Park – and the two palaces of Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace. Of course, you also have the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey closer to the River Thames. For your first day in London, there seems no better place to start than British politics and ruling history. After all, the British Royal Family is famed worldwide and offers one of the biggest draws to visit the UK.

Cost: €60+ The Gothic structure of the Houses of Parliament is another iconic London landmark. The parliament building houses the debating chambers and is the heart and soul of England’s political scene. Many people see the Houses of Parliament as a symbol of democracy. The parliament is famed for its adjoining clock tower, often falsely nicknamed Big Ben. True London enthusiasts will know that the name refers to the famous Big Ben bell – right at the top of the tower.

Visitors can tour the Houses of Parliament, learning more about how the parliament functions and the roles of its different chambers.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a lot of history and depth. It makes the perfect addition to your itinerary. You can read all about the Houses of Parliament in our detailed guide here. As a quick side note, when you exit the parliament, make sure to appreciate the view of Westminster Bridge. It is one of the most famous bridges in London.

London Calling

Visit Hyde Park And Have Breakfast In St James’s Park Opening times: 5 ammidnight. Cost: Free Hyde Park and St James Park are just minutes apart. The two parks sit centrally in this area of London, and both feature a royal palace. Hyde Park is the largest and has a massive lake in the middle, with Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens at the far end. You can grab a takeout coffee and take a leisurely stroll through the park, often spotting the Household Cavalry training en route.

A walk through London’s most famous parks is a great way to wake up slowly and is beautiful all year round.

Head through Green Park and into St James Park for breakfast at St James’s Cafe.

While these parks are free, you can purchase a coffee and breakfast for around €14 with stunning, leafy views.

This is a pleasant way to start your morning, and aim to get there after 8 am. This way, you’ll visit after the manic rush hour and before the rest of the tourists descend.

Buckingham Palace Open 24 hours Cost: Free This royal palace is one of London’s famous attractions.

Buckingham Palace is massively associated with the late Queen and has been immortalised by international films, including Paddington Bear and the Bond films. Most people visit Buckingham Palace to stand at the black, wrought iron gates. You can peer through the bars and watch the guards, and at 11:30 am every day, the Changing of the Guard is a brilliant free activity in London.

You can book one of the walking tours of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms to get a closer look.

These tickets cost around €30 and give you access to the rooms that His Majesty the King receives members of the public in. These rooms are adorned by private collections of art and finery.

If you’d like an insight into the world of the Royal Family,

Trafalgar Square Open: 24 hours Cost: Free Trafalgar Square is another incredible landmark.

The 19th-century square is characterised by the statue of Admiral Nelson.

Admiral Nelson led his troops to victory in the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars. Since it was built, the square has seen many protests and a lot of political action. Nowadays, it features fountains and lion statues, and even London’s Smallest Police Station.

You only need ten minutes or so to appreciate Trafalgar Square in full. It is an easy attraction to slot into a busy itinerary yet has a lot of oomph and history to it as well.

this tour of Buckingham Palace is a must. If you time it right, you might finish the Buckingham Palace State Rooms tour just in time to watch the Changing of the Guard.

10 Downing Street Open 24 hours Cost: Free No. 10 Downing Street is one of those quick stop-andlook places. The address is marked in the brains of everyone in England and lots of people across the globe.

The home is gifted to every Prime Minister and acts as a private residence. For obvious reasons, the house is closed to public visitors as a relatively small property.

Unlike Buckingham Palace, the Prime Minister can hardly

shift to a different wing to avoid guests. Besides, security is so strict that Downing Street is gated off and guarded 24 hours a day.

Despite this, you can visit and peer at the Prime Minister’s house through the gates. The gates of Downing Street are also a hot spot for protests. If you have political interests, it is a fascinating place to visit and witness firsthand.

Reading the protest signs and speaking to people protesting is a great way to catch up on current affairs. Since it is heavily guarded, the protests tend to stay very peaceful.

inspiring attractions.

The headquarters are underground, not far from Buckingham Palace, and marked where Winston Churchill lived and worked throughout World War II. The PM is hailed as a hero for how he manoeuvered Britain toward victory in the war. Since today is dedicated towards monarchs and MPs, it is only fitting to add an attraction relating to Churchill – one of the most famous British PMs of all time. His story is told through interactive exhibits and animated stories.

Churchill War Rooms Open: 9:30 am – 6 pm Cost: €22 The Churchill War Rooms are one of London’s most thought-provoking and

Westminster Abbey Open: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Cost: €12 Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in London. The protestant

church is next to the Houses of Parliament and has a dramatic Gothic appearance.

It’s stunning to visit and admire from the outside.

This is best if you are pushed for time or on a budget. But otherwise, carve out half an hour or so to explore inside.

Inside, you’ll find that the grandeur continues, with beautiful architecture and decorations. There are also exhibits of wax effigies.

Westminster Abbey is such an icon in London. It is the home of British coronations, dating back to William the Conqueror. It is also popular for royal weddings, including Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.

Houses Of Parliament And Big Ben Opening times: 9 am – 5 pm.

Charing Cross Road Open: 24 hours Cost: Free If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will love London. Many of its streets were used as film locations, and Charing Cross Road was used throughout all eight films.

True Harry Potter fans might already recognise the street from the films, but if not, take a few pictures and re-watch the snippets on YouTube.

There are loads of Harry Potter-related things to do around London, so keep your eyes peeled.

This Harry Potter Tour is one of the most popular in the city and takes you to the studios where it was filmed!

National Gallery Open: 10 am to 6 pm.

Cost: Free While you are in Trafalgar Square, pop into the National Gallery. The National Gallery traces the history of Western European painting. It features some of the most beautiful paintings you’ll ever see.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Down in the dumps over dumplings and milk!

Question: where on High Street can you purchase a pint of milk or rather a litre of milk? Think about that for a moment or two. And the answer? You can’t! You can buy a pint of Guinness, a pint of Smithwicks, a pint of whatever you’re having yourself but you can’t buy a pint of milk!

You can buy an espresso, an Americano, a late (skinny late even) a cappuccino but you can’t buy a pint of milk. You can buy a shirt, a suit, a pair of shoes, a summer dress, a hat, a scarf, a pair of tights, but not a pint of milk. And you can buy cream, any God’s amount of creams as in beauty creams, but you can’t buy a pint of milk. You can buy Aran sweaters, duvets, delph, fajitas, nachos, sashimi, a bacon brie melt, a snickerbocker glory, a charm bracelet but not a carton of milk.

I find this incredible; you

can buy just about any commercial product under the sun (perfumes, papers, books, baguettes, batteries) but you can’t buy a pint of milk on our main thoroughfare, our High Street! Not that I ever get a longing for a pint of milk when on High Street – a pint of the black stuff perhaps but not a pint of the white stuff.

Still, I find it very strange.

Maybe I’ll open a little huckster shop that specialises in milk – full milk, skimmed milk, goat’s milk, oat milk, almond milk, butter milk, even sour milk (for the cooking). And I shall always remember going to the creamery with our billiycans for sour milk for our mothers to make wonderful, wholesome brown bread (all the tastier with salty country butter) that we didn’t, as youngsters, appreciate.

Mentioning my mother and her home cooking, here’s

another question: where on High Street would you get a dumpling? Where on any street in Kilkenny would you get a dumpling? Where in any restaurant in Kilkenny, in any county, would you get a dumpling? Very few.

If any. Whatever happened to dumplings that’s what I want to know? Remember dumplings? Lovely doughy, lumpy, scrumptious dumplings, bobbing about in a bowl of thick brown stew that our mammies made for us.

Warm, comforting, chewy dumplings that tasted of tender love and care. And home. You could go to just about every restaurant in Ireland (and God knows there’s plenty of them) you could go this very day, and every day for the next week or month or year, but I don’t believe you’ll ever find dumplings on the menu. Oh you’ll get quiche and lasagne

and vol au vents and curries.

But no dumplings. You’ll find crepes, croquettes and courgettes but you won’t find dumplings.

You’ll get Chinese food, Japanese food, Italian food, Turkish food. You’ll find vegetarian dishes, even vegan

and the ubiquitous microwave is not helping..

dishes. But you won’t find dumplings. You’ll probably be lucky to find stew on the menu. And, even if you do, it’ll more than likely be a dumpling-less stew.

I’m really down in the dumps over the absence of dumplings from our tables.

Does anyone make them or cook them anymore? Are there any out there who serve dumplings to their children?

Or maybe the modern home provider doesn’t know what a dumpling is. Is that possible?

Please tell me it’s not. Then again I wouldn’t be surprised.

I mean it’s all convenience food these days: pizzas, pies, burgers, fish fingers, sure the unfortunate dumpling doesn’t get a look in and the ubiquitous microwave is not helping.

I’m all for starting a Bring Back the Dumpling Campaign. I’m seriously thinking of getting together with a few

concerned and committed dumpling-lovers and dropping a few lines to our restaurateurs about introducing dumplings to their respective menus. Just think of some of the interesting dishes they could serve: Glazed Dumplings & Tossed Salad; Dumplings with Duck Terrine & Orange Sauce; Slivers of Dumpling with Strips of Smokey Bacon; Dumplings with Baby Spinach, Sorrel & Sage (for the vegetarians and vegans) Dumpling Delight, a duo of springy Dumplings, smothered in rich brown gravy.

The possibilities are endless, well plentiful shall we say. I have even toyed with the idea of opening a Dumpling Store which would (think Dunkin’ Doughnuts) specialise in dumplings only.

And milk!

On High Street.

Watch this space.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

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Global Report Despite all of the allegedly good things you can do with OpenAI’s new chatbot, you also need to be aware of the ways it could be used by people with malicious intent.

This last week, concerns about the risks of generative AI reached a new high. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman even testified at a US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to address risks and the future of AI. Meanwhile, a new study has identified six different security risks involving the use of ChatGPT. These risks include the potential for bad actors to use ChatGPT for fraudulent services generation, harmful information gathering, private data disclosure, malicious text generation, malicious computer code generation, and the production of offensive content.

Information gathering A person acting with malicious intent can gather information from ChatGPT that they can later use for harm.

Since the chatbot has been trained on copious amounts of data, it knows a lot of information that could be weaponised if put into the wrong hands.

In the study, ChatGPT is prompted to divulge what IT system a specific bank uses. The chatbot, using publicly available information, rounds up different IT systems that the bank in question uses. This is just an example of a malicious actor using ChatGPT to find information that could enable them to cause harm.

“This could be used to aid in the first step of a cyberattack when the attacker is gathering information about the target to find where and how to attack the most effectively,” said the study.

Malicious text One of ChatGPT’s most beloved features is its ability to generate text that can be used

to compose essays, emails, songs, and more. However, this writing ability can be used to create harmful text as well.

Examples of harmful text generation could include the generating of phishing campaigns, disinformation such as fake news articles, spam, and even impersonation, as lined out by the study.

To test this risk, the authors in the study used ChatGPT to create a phishing campaign, which let employees know about a fake salary increase with instructions to open an attached Excel sheet that contained malware. As expected, ChatGPT produced a plausible and believable email.

How ChatGPT can be used to harm you

Malicious code generation Similarly to ChatGPT’s amazing writing abilities, the chatbot’s impressive coding abilities have become a handy tool for many. However, the chatbot’s ability to generate code could also be used for harm. ChatGPT code can be used to produce quick code, allowing attackers to deploy threats quicker, even with limited coding knowledge.

In addition, ChatGPT could be used to produce obfuscated code, making it more difficult for security analysts to detect malicious activities and avoid antivirus software, according to the study.

In the example, the chatbot refuses to generate malicious code, but it does agree to generate code that could test for a Log4j vulnerability in a system.

Producing unethical content ChatGPT has guardrails in place to prevent the spread of offensive and unethical content. However, if a user is determined enough, there are ways to get ChatGPT to say things that are hurtful and unethical.

For example, the authors in the study were able to by-

pass the safeguards by placing ChatGPT in “developer mode.” There, the chatbot said some negative things about a specific racial group.

Fraudulent services ChatGPT can be used to assist in the creation of new applications, services, websites, and more. This can be a very positive tool when harnessed for positive outcomes, such as creating your own business or bringing your dream idea to life. However, it can also mean that it is easier than ever to create fraudulent apps and services.

ChatGPT can be exploited by malicious actors to develop programs and platforms that mimic others and provide free access as a means of attracting unsuspecting users. These actors can also use the chatbot to create applications meant to harvest sensitive information or install malware on users’ devices.

Private data disclosure ChatGPT has guardrails in place to prevent the sharing of people’s personal information and data. However, the risk of the chatbot inadvertently sharing phone numbers, emails, or other personal details remains a concern, according to the study.

The ChatGPT March 20 outage, which allowed some users to see titles from another user’s chat history, is a realworld example of the concerns mentioned above.

Also, ChatGPT and the new AI are wreaking havoc on cybersecurity in new and frightening ways Attackers could also try to extract some portions of the training data using membership inference attacks, according to the study.

Another risk with private data disclosure is that ChatGPT can share information about the private lives of public persons, including speculative or harmful content, which could harm the person’s reputation.

EU countries setting new wind and solar records In the last month or so, most of Portugal’s electricity came from solar and wind, with fossil generation limited to 24%.

Such greater solar capacity has got Portugal over the halfway mark, while Spain, Finland and Belgium are also breaking energy records.

Solar and wind produced more than half of Portugal’s electricity for the first time in the last month, according to new data from clean energy think tank Ember.

April saw the renewables reach 51% of electricity production – beating the previous monthly record of 49% in December 2021.

Strong solar deployment, electricity imports from Spain and lower demand kept energy generated by fossil fuels to just 24% – despite a droughtdriven dip in hydropower.

“As Europe emerges from a crisis winter, strong growth of wind and solar are paying dividends,” says Ember analyst Nicolas Fulghum. “This spring, renewables are already lessening the impact of droughts and high electricity prices across the EU, as well as lowering emissions.

“The lightning pace of deployment, especially of solar, promises many more records to come this summer.” Here’s how Portugal achieved the sparky feat, and where else is smashing records in Europe.

Sunny Portugal has been working on its solar infrastructure over the last several

months and is now reaping the rewards.

Last year, the country installed 0.9 GW of solar photovoltaics, increasing its solar capacity by more than 50% to 2.5 GW – enough to power around one million homes.

This helped push solar generation to an all-time high of 360 GWh in April, a significant gain on the previous record of 300 GWh in July and August of 2022.

“Portugal is entering the next stage of its energy transition,” says Ember analyst Matt Ewen.

“Wind power and interconnection made it possible for Portugal to phase out coal in 2021; solar is now pushing gas off the grid.”

Solar has been doing the heavy lifting compared to other Portuguese renewables in recent months. The 50 per

cent threshold was crossed despite relatively modest wind generation.

Meanwhile, droughts throughout last year which have continued into spring put stress on many Mediterranean countries. Portugal was subsequently affected by low output from hydropower stations, with droughts also impacting energy generation in Spain and Italy.

Wind and solar have been reaching new heights in many EU countries this spring.

Neighbouring Spain also saw all-time records of solar generation in April \4.2 TWh, 22% of electricity generation), with even higher records expected in the summer months when energy from solar is typically at its peak.

Wind and solar combined were also near record high

levels in Spain, comprising 46% of electricity produced.

Taking imports into account, the two countries of the Iberian Peninsula together met 49 per cent of their electricity demand with these two renewables in April.

Strong growth and consistent performance of solar and wind led to a number of other records across EU countries this spring too, Ember has revealed.

Sweden hit an all-time high in February of this year with more than a quarter \27%) of electricity coming from wind and solar. Finland saw wind and solar reach a record 29% of generation in April.

Belgium also recorded an all-time high for wind and solar last month; the clean energy sources hit 2 TWh and made up 29% of electricity generation in the country.

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Edward Hayden

The Drama League of Ireland has a membership around Ireland, second only to the GAA A Kilkenny man has been elected as chairperson of The Amateur Drama League of Ireland.

Edward Hayden, a proud Graignamanagh man was a very popular choice when the drama council met last week and voted for Mr Hayden to lead the council for 2023/24.

Speaking to the Kilkenny Observer following Mr Hayden’s election, Joanne Keane, Drama League of Ireland (DLI) said the Council was delighted to have Edward Hayden as the new Chairperson.

PRAISE FROM MAYOR Mayor of Kilkenny Cllr David Fitzgerald was another to offer congratulations. “He is an exceptional talent who continues to bring positivity and leadership to everything that he is involved in. We look forward to his advocacy on behalf of drama in Ireland” A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Mind you, amateur drama is only one of the many strings that makes up the life of Edward Hayden.

If it was revealed that Edward Hayden was in fact a twin you would accept the fact, and finally understand how the aforementioned Hayden gets through such an amount of work on a weekly basis.

When you look at his weekly schedule it appears gruelling and makes it difficult to fathom how one person can keep up this incredible pace.

He falls into the Margaret Thatcher mode of people who seem to need a mere four hours sleep per night’ From his online postings, one would be forgiven for thinking that every hour of his life is dedicated to the performing arts. Think again.

The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper met up with the newly elected chairman during the week and took a closer look at his schedule He is a chef and food writer and very wellknown to audiences from his weekly TV cookery appearances on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM. He also presents a weekly radio show, ‘The Saturday Show with Edward Hayden’, every Saturday morning on KCLR96fm.

His full time occupation is as a culinary lecturer South East Technological University, where he is course leader of the Higher Certificate in Culinary Arts Programme. He is also the chef and proprietor of The Edward Hayden School of Cookery’ in his native Graignamanagh, which boasts a large selection of recreational cookery classes for both the novice and experience home cook.

And, oh yes, has time for rehearsal and endless theatre productions all year round.

EARLY YEARS Edward was born in 1983 in Graignamanagh, and is the youngest son of Eddie & Sally Hayden and has one bother and three sisters; Anne, Jim, Esther & Lorraine He attended primary school in Graignamanagh in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal and The Boy’s National School and then attended secondary school in New Ross in Good Counsel College.

Edward started an arts degree in English, Spanish & Geography but decided after one year that this was not the route and instead attended Waterford Institute of Technology (Now SETU) to complete a Higher Certificate in Arts in Culinary Arts.

This was before obtaining a culinary arts degree at Cork Institute of Technology (Now MTU) and then finally graduated with a Masters degree in Learning & Teaching in Higher & Third Level Education.

Speaking with The Kilkenny Observer newspaper, Mr Hayden said he was delighted to be taking on the role as chair of the Council and was very much looking forward to the year

Theatre is lifeblood of the community says new chairperson of Drama League of Ireland

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Edward Hayden

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ahead.

I have a great love of drama and I have richly enjoyed appearappear ing with many drama groups in the area including the Kilcumney Players, Kats Theatre Group, Gowran ComLittle Theatre Com pany & New Ross Drama Workshop. My early joining of the Duiske Players Drama Group in Graignamanagh set me up and educated me for a long and happy career in amateur drama. Edward recently performed with New Ross Drama group in ‘Same Old Moon’ and Peggy Hussey from that society had this to say: “Edward possesses all the ingredients to make an exceptional chairman and will add a lot of spice to the role” CRADOCK AN INFLUENCE Edwards love for the world of amateur theatre was enhanced by his many visits to the Watergate theatre, when as a young man he watched numerous local productions.

Edward takes up the story: “I remember watching many productions over the years in the Watergate theatre, always with a very talented cast but to be honest I was always in awe of Mary Cradock. Her ability on stage to inhabit a character, to evoke such a range of emotions and to hold an audience and the narrative in the palm of her hand was always a treat to behold, and in all honesty I was her biggest fan.

One day I met her in Superquinn, (when I was a young lad), and just door stepped her with delight in meeting her, and she was so kind to me chatting all things drama. Even still, each Christmas, when she comes on my radio show on

KCLR to do a Christmas recitation I am still her biggest fan! There are many more wonderful actors, actresses and directors that I have worked with, watched and learned from but Mary was there right at the very start, so I must remain true to her”! And indeed on the evening of his election to the role of chair of the DLI one of the first mesmes sages on social media was from the aforementioned Mary Cradock: “Congrats to Edward on your great achievement. I have no doubt you will make a superb Chairperson” Mary Cradock, Lake Productions.

Another message of congratucongratu lations came from CEO of KCLR radio station John Purcell: “We’re delighted for Edward and wish him alall the best in his new role. He’s al ways a great performer whether on stage or on air and I’m sure he’ll be equally great in this new gig as Chair of the Drama League of Ireland.”

Edward joined the Duiske Players Drama Group in Graignamanagh in 1995 when Martina Connolly & Edel Bolger took him to the AGM, and he never looked back. He was just twelve and he says: “I’m sure many would have preferred I wasn’t there but they found jobs for me and I relished my time with the group, and still do.

The group has put on many wonderful plays over the years and always enterenter tain the audiences “ FAVOURITE SHOWS Having performed in so many produc produc-tions and with various groups The Kilkenny Observer enquired as to his favourite ones.

He lists off productions such as All My Sons by Arthur Miller, Sive by JB Keane, Spectre Don Nigro, and The Cripple of Inishmaan’ by Martin McDonagh.

Edward is keen to mention that although not a full length play the one man show that

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already served two years at board level as both board member and as the editor of the bi-annual DLI magazine.

Edward went on to explain that “DLI is very important and it aims to support, nurture and enhance the aspirations and activities of practitioners in the amateur theatre sector through education, training, advocacy and advisory services.

Mr Hayden went onto explain that the Drama League of Ireland has a membership around Ireland, second only to the GAA and amateur drama is the lifeblood of so many communities. interBefore we wrapped up the inter view we asked Edward of his plans as chair.

“I plan to work together with the board to ensure the development of drama in as many ways as I can.

Many groups lie dormant since the pandemic so I hope that we can encourage them to re-ignite. I also hope that we can help established groups protect themselves in terms of advice around having a constitution, protocols and all that goes with the success of a group” Edward was adamant that the DLI can continue to provide training with qualified professionals to continue to improve the standards of drama belong performed.

While aware that the ‘Competition circuit’ is a popular option for many groups. Mr Hayden believes that others feel precluded by the challenges it presents. “I would hope to either alleviate their concerns or work on the challenges to ensure that as many people as possible get to compete on the drama circuit, as great learning takes place in public adjudication.”

he performed in 2019, celebrating the works of John B. Keane where he took nine of his plays and thirteen of his characters and put them together in an evening of theatre, was perhaps one of the most euphoric theatrical moments of his life. This resulted in him being invited to perform the piece in Listowel, the stomping ground of John B. And what of the Drama League of Ireland and its role in Irish society.?

The new chair was full of praise for the organisation on which he has

A COMMENT FROM DUISKE We will leave the final word to Duiske Players from Edwards hometown of Graignamanagh.

Lily Breannan said that the group was absolutely delighted for Edward to get such an honour. “It is no more than he deserves” said Lily “ and I have no doubt he will execute his duties with his usual panache and charisma. This is a great honour for Duiske Players, Graignamanagh and Kilkenny, concluded the Duiske spokesperson. And so say all of us Lily. So say all of us.

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News

Inheritance tax changes call Increasing the age at which key inheritance tax reliefs can be availed of is among tax and farm succession measures grassroots that Fine Gael members are looking to be changed in Budget 2024.

In a meeting with Fine Gael TDs and senators in Leinster House recently, Fine Gael’s Agricultural, Food and Rural De-

velopment Forum (NAFRD) presented the group’s priority issues, which predominantly relate to environmental, planning and taxation matters.

The forum’s chair Eddie Downey (former President of the IFA) said the meeting was an important milestone for the group, and said its previous engagements resulted in successful out-

comes in Budget 2023. “We’ve seen huge strides made in recent weeks with additional measures being added to the Vacant Property and Derelict Rural Property refurbishments schemes, and that is definitely being acknowledged,” he said.

“However, there is perhaps more that we can do to streamline the planning process for

these projects. Capital Acquisitions Tax and Agriculture Reliefs remain firmly on the farming agenda, but stock relief and stamp duty are also emerging as areas where changes could be made.

“These reliefs are available to those aged 35 years and under, but there is an argument to be made for extending it to those

aged 40 and under. Similarly, capital allowances on the transfer of family farms from one generation to the next is an issue that recurs consistently.

“Land tax zoning is an issue that must be resolved too.”

After the meeting, Fine Gael Agriculture spokesperson Tom Lombard said his party does not have a formal position on it

and across other sectors to expand Kilkenny-based SETU activity. We are excited about the period ahead, and this plan sets us up well with a roadmap to really deliver for the people of the region.”

Chair of the Governing Body and Chancellor of SETU Professor Patrick Prendergast expressed his thanks to Prof. Campbell and her team for delivering an ambitious plan. “The Governing Body of the university wholeheartedly endorses this strategy as the best way to achieve the am-

bitions of SETU and deliver on what are rightly the high expectations of the region.

These are exciting times for the south east region and SETU’s Governing Body looks forward to supporting and overseeing the implementation of the plan in the coming years,” he said.

Dr Richard Hayes, VicePresident for Strategy at SETU, also thanked those who contributed to the development of the plan. “This plan is the culmination of six months of consultation and discussion both within the university, and between the university and external partners, including the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), the IDA, IBEC, the Southern Regional Assembly, regional local authorities and many others. We thank our staff, our students, and all our stakeholders for joining in the collective effort to produce this ambitious plan.

We look forward now to moving to implementation with the goal of transforming our university and our region in the time ahead.”

The plan is being launched in four centres across the south east region, with key partners of the university hosting the launch events. · The Wexford launch takes place in the Wexford Arts Centre on Monday, 22 May. · The Carlow launch will be hosted by Unum and takes place on Monday, 22 May. · The Kilkenny launch takes place in Tirlán in Kilkenny on Monday, 22 May. · SunLife in Waterford will host the Waterford launch on Tuesday, 23 May. The Strategic Plan is available on the university’s website from 22 May.

SETU looks to the future... and to its role in Kilkenny South East Technological University (SETU) is launching its first strategic plan, setting out the university’s five-year aim to become a leading global technological university driving the south east as a learning and innovation region.

The plan, titled ‘Connecting For Impact’, sets out SETU’s ambitions in the coming years to establish itself as the anchor institution for the ongoing development of the south east.

In so doing, SETU aims to have long-term transformative impact on the south east region. This will be achieved by creating new educational opportunities for people in the region, contributing to developing the skills and capacity of the regional labour force and driving regional innovation, which in turn will create high quality jobs and will help improve the quality of life for everyone.

The university’s priorities include access to higher education, supporting the student experience, developing a range of new courses and significantly increasing the volume and impact of the university’s research.

Expanding and improving physical and digital infrastructure across the uni-

versity’s campuses are also key priorities. This includes, among other investments, the development of a new campus in Wexford, a University-Enterprise Quarter at the former Waterford Crystal Site on the Cork Road in Waterford and new buildings for the Carlow campus.

Speaking in advance of the launch, SETU President Professor Veronica Campbell said, “We’re delighted to launch this strategic plan, the first plan for our new university. People who read it will have no doubt about our ambitions for the university and the south east region. We see ourselves as an anchor institution, an important change agent that will be central to addressing regional challenges – especially those relating to the green and digital transitions.

“The full implementation of this plan will see us expand our campuses and facilities, develop new courses in areas of regional needs, deepen our international partnerships and greatly enhance what we are doing in research and innovation – all in support of the development of the south east.”

In relation to the plan for Kilkenny, Prof. Campbell

Back to the future: President of SETU, Prof. Veronica Campbell (right) with Richard Hayes, VicePresident for Strategy at SETU, at the launch of the university’s new strategic plan for 2023 to 2028.

Photo: Patrick Browne.

said, “We very much look forward to enhancing our activity in Kilkenny and to that end, we have commenced detailed scoping discussions with Kilkenny County Council to identify future opportunities that can add value to the new university and to the city and county. We already have a strong presence in Kilkenny through our ArcLabs facility in St Kieran’s and, of course, with Teagasc in Kildalton, and we look forward to working with our partners in Kilkenny County Council

yet on the proposed inheritance changes.

“I think generation renewal and the pressure on a certain age profile in the farming community are hugely important topics.

“There is massive financial pressure on 25-35 year-olds who are dealing with TAMS application, looking for planning permission, building a house.”

More women die of heart attack than do men Women are more than twice as likely to die after a heart attack than men, according to a new study which highlights the need for greater awareness of the risks of heart disease in women.

According to the study, women aged 55 and below also had to wait 15 minutes longer for treatment after arriving at hospital.

Previous studies have found that women who have a heart attack when a major artery feeding into the heart is completely blocked have a worse prognosis during their hospital stay compared with men.

Experts suggest this may be because of their older age, increased numbers of other conditions, and stents being used less to open blocked arteries.

Study author Dr Mariana Martinho, of Hospital Garcia de Orta, in Almada, Portugal, said, “Women of all ages who experience a myocardial infarction are at particularly high risk of a poor prognosis.

“These women need regular monitoring after their heart event. Smoking levels are rising in young women and this should be tackled.”

The research compared short and long-term outcomes after STEMI in women and men, and looked at whether any sex differences were apparent in premenopausal (55 years and under) and postmenopausal (over 55) women. The study included 884 patients, with an average age of 62 years, and 27pc were women.

Women were older than men (average age 67 versus 60 years) and had higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and prior stroke, researchers found.

Ireland fines Facebook’s Meta €1.2 billion Meta, owners of Facebook, has been hit with a record fine of €1.2 billion by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) over the transfer of European user data to the US. The DPC levied the fine on behalf of European regulators, saying the European Data Protection Board had ordered it to collect “an

administrative fine in the amount of € 1.2 billion”.

Meta has said it would appeal the decision.

Meta is the owner of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram and has its global operations base outside of the US in Dublin’s Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.

The DPC has been investi-

gating Meta Ireland’s transfer of personal data from the EU to the United States since 2020.

It found that Meta, which has its European headquarters in Dublin, failed to “address the risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects” that were identified in a previ-

ous ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

The decision relates to Meta’s Facebook service and the DPC said that Meta Ireland infringed GDPR Article 46(1) when it continued to transfer personal data from the EU/EEA to the USA following the delivery of the

CJEU’s judgment in the Maximillian Schrems case.

It found that Meta failed to “address the risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects” that were identified in a previous ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

The CJEU interprets EU law

to make sure it is applied in the same way in all member states.

In response, Meta said it was “disappointed to have been singled out” and the ruling was “flawed, unjustified and sets a dangerous precedent for the countless other companies.” They intend to appeal.

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Opinion

Part one

Zero tolerance in old Kilkenny

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The advent of cement streets and pathways made it easier to keep Kilkenny swept clean and to keep litter at bay. But it wasn’t so easy back in 1336 when things were decidedly rotten in Cat City.

In that year, Gilbert Fort was Sovereign- or Mayor- of the town and commons of Kilkenny. He enacted a decree that obliged every citizen to sweep the pavement outside his or her house. This act of cleanliness was to be performed twice weekly: on Wednesday and Saturday. Anyone failing to sweep in accordance with this ruling was fined sixpence, threepence on Wednesday and three pence on Saturday.

Two years later, in 1337, a new Mayor adopted a more effective get tough policy to keep Kilkenny tidy…if not exactly beautiful. Sovereign John Cross was determined to punish litterlouts, and the Corporation agreed with his sentiments. It banned the washing of clothes or animal entrails in public fountains, a practice that the nobility found obnoxious and totally unac-

ceptable in a "civilized" age.

To deter the practice, the Corporation decreed that any such clothes or entrails should be confiscated and that the people washing them in the fountains would be placed in either a Tumbrel or Ducking Stool. The Tumbrel generally consisted of a cart on wheels. It was also known as the Scold’s Cart. The culprit was strapped into this, wheeled along public streets, and exposed to the jeers of the people.

The Ducking Stool was even nastier. Bound to the stool, the prisoner was lowered into water to receive a ducking, hence the name given to this instrument. With the stool resting on a riverbank, or held over a large bath, the chastiser operated a special lever attached to the stool to subject his prisoner to whatever degree of suffering and humiliation he or she had merited.

The ducking stool was also used in Kilkenny to restrain "loud women" and convicted gossipmongers. The logic behind ducking such unfortunate women was to "cool their immoderate heat", according

to the Town Sovereign. An English rhymester of later years summed up the popular attitude of men towards the public ducking of women.

If jarring females kindle strife, Give language foul, or lug the coif, If noisy dames should once begin To fill the house with horrid din, Away, you cry, you'll grace the stool; We'll teach you how your tongue to rule.

Cruel husThe scolds bridle aimed to curb gossip and control women

bands could also, legally, be complained by their wives and receive a ducking in the nearest pond or at a suitable spot along the Banks of the Nore, but men ruled and it was the women who mainly suffered.

Another instrument used to punish women accused of excessive gossiping was the scold’s bridle. This was an iron cage designed to fit around the head. It had a spiked tongue of iron.

When the clamp was placed on the woman’s head, the adjustable iron spike would be positioned directly over her tongue to effectively prevent speaking. If the clamped woman tried to talk, she suffered an injury and her tongue bled.

Women in clamps were sometimes paraded through

High Street and the Tholsel in quieter times

The old CBS in West Street Callan where Tim Kennedy taught

the streets of Kilkenny, to draw the ridicule of the populace, including other women who, in many cases, were as guilty as their clamped fellow citizens of talking too much. Hefty fines for gossiping in later centuries replaced this cruel form of punishment.

Needless to say, more serious offences were punished in Kilkenny as elsewhere in Ireland by the application of correspondingly greater penalties. Murderers, armed robbers, burglars, and forgers were among those hanged for their misdeeds.

Treason carried the death penalty with added pain! In addition to being half-hanged and taken down from the scaffold before expiring, you then had your intestines cut out and burned in front of you.

You’d still be conscious but in considerable pain as the

fire and smoke rose from your extracted insides. To (quite literally) add insult to injury, you’d hear the cheering of the throng amidst your anguish.

A public disemboweling drew bigger crowds than a hurling match or bull-baiting. It was a festive occasion.

After all that agony, you were beheaded. Your body was then quartered and perhaps hung in chains for a few weeks as a warning to other would-be traitors.

To prevent them from rotting too quickly, the head and quarters were parboiled.

Though the exact details of the punishment varied slightly from one execution to another, this was more or less the norm for treason, whether you were guilty of it or wrongly accused by somebody with a grudge.

To be continued…

Mayor of Kilkenny says the SETU strategic plan is ‘very disappointing’ for Kilkenny

Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr David FitzGerald has said the South East Technological University strategic plan is "very disappointing" from a Kilkenny perspective.

Cllr FitzGerald was reacting to the SETU strategic plan which was officially launched in Kilkenny in the Tírlan offices in the Abbey Quarter on Monday.

Mayor of Kilkenny Cllr David FitzGerald said Kilkenny was ignored as a key stakeholder.

"The failure to identify the need for a dedicated Kilkenny Campus with full faculty support ignores Kilkenny's role as a key stakeholder in the South East region.

Despite the submission from Kilkenny County Council,

the plan talks in generalities about the region while failing to address the specific needs of students in Kilkenny.

If implemented, this plan confirms my worst fears that SETU is simply a "rebranding exercise" for Waterford and Carlow IT. This plan doesn't attempt to deliver the long sought Kilkenny University Campus.’’

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

invaluable cost-saving advice, and the ultimate fashion musthaves for both weddings and honeymoons.

“I look forward to welcoming those on their wedding planning journey at the RDS for an unforgettable experience where we'll empower couples to create their dream wedding while staying within their budget. Get ready to say 'I Do' in style!"

From 'I do' to 'happily ever after' Essential wedding planning with Sara Kennedy The ultimate wedding guru and award-winning blogger, Sara Kennedy returns to host the highly anticipated 'I Do School’ at Ireland’s one stop wedding showcase - The Wedding and Honeymoon Show on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September, at the RDS, Dublin.

Sara joins hundreds of exhibitors offering guidance and inspiration on every aspect of the wedding planning journey, from inception to the design of the big day. Attendees can

benefit from consulting with seasoned experts in various fields, sharing their wealth of knowledge on floral arrangements, bespoke jewellery, eco-friendly décor ideas, and speechwriting tips.

Talking ahead of the show, Sara Kennedy, Sara comments, Kennedy “I am thrilled

to be returning as the host of the 'I Do' School at the much-anticipated Wedding & Honeymoon Show this September.

This unique feature, running across both days, provides couples with exclusive insider tips,

Running twice daily, the Live Catwalk Shows, sponsored

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Couples get the opportunity to explore the latest trends in wedding gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, occasion-wear, and mother-of-the-bride outfits, as well as discover the finest suits for grooms and groomsmen.

Some of Ireland’s top bridal brands will be showcasing, including Fiona Todhunter, Ennis Bridal Boutique, La Bella Sposa, Willow Bridal, Urata Designs, Angelo Bridal, My Dress Bridal and Dreamy Curves. Ladieswear brands such as Presley Blue and Pamela Scott will be displaying some exquisite Mother of the Bride ensembles and viewers will be treated to some fabulous menswear from The Grooms Room, Aston Formal Wear, Protocol for Men and Galvin Menswear. The talented

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Aveen Bradley, Group Weddings Manager at Press Up Hospitality Group, shares her excitement about the partnership, stating, "The Wedding & Honeymoon Show has long been known as the premier platform for couples to discover an abundance of wedding professionals, innovative ideas, and expert advice, so we are thrilled to announce that Press Up Hospitality Group is partnering with the event as the proud sponsor of the highly anticipated Catwalk Shows.

At Press Up, we understand that weddings are cherished moments, and as Group Weddings Manager, I am delighted to be spearheading this exciting partnership that

brings together the best of the wedding industry under one roof. By sponsoring the Catwalk Shows, Press Up aims to elevate this event to new heights, providing a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for attendees. We invite all brides, grooms, and wedding enthusiasts to join us at the RDS this September for a weekend of inspiration, style, and celebration."

The two-day event, serves as the ultimate destination to plan and perfect that special day.

The Wedding and Honeymoon Show will take place at the RDS, Dublin on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2023 from 10am – 5pm. For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.wed.ie or follow @ WEDDublin for show updates.

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Your hair is an expression of you Elita Hair Salon is run and owned by Svetlana Milcheva. Svetlana is a fully qualified stylist and colour technician for over 20 years. She qualified in Bulgaria in 1997 and has been working in Kilkenny for 18 years.

She is very well known and recommended throughout Kilkenny.

In October 2007, an opportunity arose for her to branch out on her own business and she took it, creating Elita Hair Salon. Since then she has never looked back!

Elita Hair Salon is an intimate salon with highly competent and trained staff offering a one to one service using only the highest standard of products. A comfortable, relaxed salon atmosphere that offers excellent consultation as well as after care advice.

They strive constantly to stay aware of the ever changing industry, continually training in every aspect of the craft.

As your stylist, they want you to get the most of your hair, so take advantage of their

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Your hair is, after all, the gown you never remove!

They offer a wide range of services from children’s hair to bridal hair, keratin therapy to voluminous treatment, express highlights to root touch ups. Gift vouchers and special offers are available as well as late night and Sunday appointments on request.

Call outs for events and ap-

pointments outside the standard opening hours are accepted upon booking. The salon's booking policy deposits apply. Due to the high demand and accuracy of bookings, attendance, quality and time of all of our services, a booking deposit is needed for call outs and appointments outside of standard working hours.

Save your time and get two services done at the same time! Elita Hair Salon offers both hair and nail services.

Take your choice of manicure; normal polish, Shellac, or gel finish. Don’t forget to take care of your toes!

Cosmetic pedicures are also provided with the option of normal polish or Shellac, using only the best of products, with a vitamin and fibre enriched base.

Keep up to date with the newest style and trends on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Pay a visit to Elita Hair Salon, or call 085 781 2981.

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WIN tickets to the Wedding and Honeymoon Show at the RDS

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd September

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Choosing the perfect

wedding songs

Music is a powerful element that sets the mood and atmosphere of your wedding day.

From the ceremony to the reception, selecting the right wedding songs is essential for creating lasting memories.

Setting the tone The ceremony is a deeply personal and meaningful part of your wedding day. Choose songs that evoke emotion and capture the essence of your love story. Consider a soft and romantic song for the bridal entrance, such as "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri or "Marry Me" by Train. For the exchange of vows, heartfelt ballads like "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers or "At Last" by Etta James can create a magical atmosphere.

And for the bridal exit, celebrate your union with an uplifting tune like "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder or "All You Need is Love" by The Beatles.

Embracing romance Your first dance as a married couple is a cherished moment. Select a song that represents your love and relationship. Classic choices like "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole or "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley exude timeless romance. If you prefer a modern touch, consider "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran or "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman soundtrack.

Don't be afraid to choose a song that has personal significance to you as a couple. Remember, this is your moment to shine and create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Keeping the party going The reception is all about celebration and having a great time with your guests. Create a playlist that includes a mix of genres and eras to cater to everyone's tastes. Start with energetic and upbeat songs to get everyone on the dance floor, such as "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars or "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston. Incorporate classic hits like "Dancing Queen" by ABBA or "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey to keep the energy high. For a romantic touch, include crowd favourites like "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton or "Amazed" by Lonestar.

Choosing the perfect wedding songs is a wonderful opportunity to infuse your special day with music that reflects your love and personalities. From the ceremony to the reception, each song can create magical moments and lasting memories.

Check out our wedding song list, but remember, it’s just a starting point. You can customise it to suit your personal preferences and the overall theme of your wedding. Enjoy the process of selecting the songs that resonate with you and create a memorable soundtrack for your special day.

Top 30 wedding songs Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran All of Me – John Legend At Last – Etta James Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers A Thousand Years – Christina Perri Can't Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley Marry You – Bruno Mars Unforgettable – Nat King Cole I Don't Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith Perfect – Ed Sheeran I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston Make You Feel My Love – Adele Everything – Michael Bublé Your Song – Elton John Stand by Me – Ben E. King How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) – Marvin Gaye Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne Can't Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen Iris – Goo Goo Dolls I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder You're Still the One – Shania Twain Better Together – Jack Johnson I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin I Won't Give Up – Jason Mraz

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Looking for a make-up artist for your big day?

Then look no further…

Agnes Kealy is a bridal and occasion make-up artist based in the beautiful village of Borris, Carlow, but works all over the South East of Ire-land. Agnes began her make-up career almost 12 years ago managing the Urban Decay counter in House of Fraser. It was here that she learned her trade as a make-up artist and got a taste of what it was like to work in the industry. She has trained under Paula Callan who is famed for her make-up skills on ‘Dancing With the Stars’, and during the pandemic, Agnes decided to upskill in the Lauren Malone Academy in

Gorey. Agnes is now working as a freelance make-up artist focusing mainly on the bridal industry for the past 7 years.

Agnes says “I feel really privileged to have a job that I love and one that gives me variety every day. I have worked with so many beautiful brides around Ireland and I love making them feel like the best version of themselves. I love making them feel beautiful and confident on the most important day of their life. It is such a rewarding job. I feel a huge sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I have

helped contribute to a bride's special day. I really love it.”

If you would like to get in touch with Agnes for your big day you can email her at agneskealymakeup@gmail. com.

Agnes is now also providing makeup lessons and masterclasses. If you are looking to improve your own makeup skills or if you would like group lessons you can email her at the above address.

Agnes’ commercial portfolio includes high profile fashion shows and magazine shoots with clients such as ‘RSVP’. You can follow her daily updates on facebook and instagram or you can check out her website www.agneskealymakeup.ie.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Opinion

Girl Auction

BY NED EGAN

Part 19 Now, Simon has the double-barrel, and Bridie with the big tonsiltickling scian. Both have thrown on a few clothes, the warmest they’ve got; which isn’t saying much.

Looking out, Simon saw there was little light abroad. Just far stars bringing a dim glow from the frostwhite grass. Bridie now starts rummaging in the old dresser drawer, and finds a stub of a pencil. “Must leave a message for Ma and Da,” she said, quietly.

So she tears a piece out of an old copybook, and writes: ‘Ma and Da, if you wake up and find Sim and I are missing, don’t worry. We’ll be back safe and sound as soon as possible. The Connolly girls are in big trouble, and we’ve

had to go to their help.

Nothing serious {?} and we knew you’d approve.

Sim brought along your shotgun, Da, in case we come across a rabbit or pheasant{?} We should be home by daylight, but there’s a good few miles to travel, so don’t come looking for us, whatever you do; even if it’s tomorrow night, we’ll be back, Bridie.’

So that was the note. No histrionics. Just warning that there was danger abroad in the night. No way was Bridie going to leave them puzzled if they woke to an empty house. Simon looked over her shoulder, scrutinised the note in the glim of the tallow candle, and nodded. “Good work, sis, that’ll do. Not too much. You can’t dress it up as fun, whatever you do. They know we’re not thick. You’re a great girl to face a hard time with…”

Now, Bridie puts the purse with the ‘glinties’ on the table, beside the pig-sticker, saying “You’d better carry the purse, Sim, you’ve

got that sound inside pocket. Should we meet opposition, if it’s thought anyone is carrying the sovs - it’ll be me. I’ve already smeared them with honey, so they don’t jingle; and tipped a good dose of pepper into the purse, too, in case some rambling tarrier starts sniffing at it, in the bunny bunker under the Long Road Stile.”

Which spake drew an admiring look from Simon: “Cripes, sis – you’ve got absolutely everything figured!”

“Ah, Sim” she sighed, “if wishes were fishes…”

Simon and Bridie have now left their midnight home, and have set out to provide what help they can. Mainly, to place thirty sovereigns {left in their keeping by a thoughtful Connolly aunt} - in a rabbit burrow under the Long Road Stile.

The Stile is the exit from Bilzies onto the Long Road, and is at the end of the Hazel Path that the trio are now staring down, as it twists and winds away between dark

trees and skeochs. Again, be aware that the Dacent is patrolling the fringes, armed with a Purdey shotgun.

Now Molly turns to Babsie, and says, quietly: “We’ll be expected to take the Hazel Path, to move straight down it. There’s no knowing what we’re up against. The Dacent for sure, with his Purdey, and his evil witchy ma.

She’s the worst. We know most of Dacent’s evil ways – but she’s a cat of another colour. “The one thing they’ll expect is us traipsing down the middle of the nHazel.

This may not be the cleverest battle-plan in the world – but if we go the harder way – skirting between the path-side skeochs and saplings – at least we can’t be twigged easily by the Dacent.

And if you, Babs, and the madra track down one side, and I with the Four Ten the other - we’ll create doubt as to where the gun is. Because that’s what the Dacent is afraid of – I saw hot fear in his piggy eyes in the Five Acre fight, when I winged him.”

That decision made.

Molly now surveys the far reaches of the cold sky, checking if there’s any strange flitting figures

outlined against the glittering diamonds of the universe. It was now firmly in her head that ma Dacent would call up evil troops of spectres to prevent their escape. If only they could just get to that bloomin’ Long Road…

Turning to Babsie, she whispers: “Are you worried about being separated from me – slinjing through the dark on your own?” The answer came back, fast: “No, Mollers, I am ten, after all! And I have the madra, who will ‘go to town’ on any eejit that shows up.

All of a sudden the Mollers felt hope surging through her. And if she had her father’s gambling nature, she’d now bet on getting through this dangerous night.

But, just in case, she’d keep the Four Ten handy…

“I’ll go first, Babs – you and madra give a roar if you see anything as I cross the Path; we can’t be too careful.” A squeeze on her elbow: understood. Now, for the first time in several minutes, Molly steps from cover. The frostblasted grass crunches like thunder {she thinks}

as she moves cautiously across to the fairly dense skeoch bushes that front right up to the other edge of the Hazel. Then, swiftly, with no alarms from the sky, or behind her, she’s in shelter again.

The little runaways are only a few yards apart, anyway – The Path being only a few yards wide.

Then something odd starts to happen around them. In some very strange way, the fabric of the icy night changes.

The process is almost imperceptible. A tiny breeze, no stronger than the breath of an infant, drifts through the silent trees and bushes. The night gets neither hotter nor colder: but the breeze - is there. Neither of the sisters knows if the other had noticed it – but they both had. Silence reigned.

The girls said nothing; they never commented on anything strange - until they were sure. Here, they weren’t.

So they waited, still as statues……

To be continued….

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

News

Castlecomer Wellie Race Committee honoured at Civic Reception for remarkable achievements The Castlecomer Wellie Race Committee was recently recognized for their exceptional contributions to the community at a Civic Reception held in their honour held at Council Headquarters, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny.

The event was attended

by Elected Members of the Council and community members, who gathered to celebrate the committee's remarkable achievements.

The Castlecomer Wellie Race Committee has been a driving force in the community, raising funds for local charities and enhancing the well-being of those in the surrounding areas. Their passion, perseverance, and

community spirit have set them apart and made them a deserving recipient of a prestigious Civic Recognition Certificate.

During the event, a representative of the Castlecomer Wellie Race Committee shared their experiences and achievements, offering insights into the committee's incredible journey.

Elected officials also expressed their appreciation for the committee's invaluable service and commitment to the community's well-being.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, presented the Civic Recognition Certificate to the Committee. His words of appreciation highlighted the

amazing achievements of the Castlecomer Wellie Race and their contribution to local charities. "I am proud to be here this evening to honour the amazing achievements of the Castlecomer Wellie Race and its Committee, and acknowledge the contribution it has made to local charities and wish them continued success in the future," said Cllr. Fitzpatrick, "the Castlecomer Wellie Race Committee's dedication and contributions to the local community have been recognised through this Civic Reception and Certificate, which will only further inspire them to continue their positive impact on the community."

The power of music brings us all together

A fantastic concert was held at River Nore Music Academy honoring May 21st as World Day for Cultural Diversity! The air was filled with the melodies of different cultures, reminding us of the beauty in our diversity.

River Nore would like to thank the brilliant artists who graced the stage and captured our hearts and souls. Special thanks to the honorable Ambassador of Hungary, Mr.Tankoczi Zsombor, and Ms.Nani Klepo, the Attaché of the Croatian Embassy, who shared their

rich cultural history with the guests. Finally, they would like to thank Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick and Cllr Deirdre Cullen for their assistance in making this event a huge success! Their dedication to promoting cultural

diversity in our community is truly inspiring. Let's continue to celebrate and embrace our differences, for it is through cultural diversity that we create a more harmonious and inclusive world.

Kilkenny welcomes community recognition funding A total sum of €948,063 was announced today for 19 projects around the County under the first Community Recognition Fund, which aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants (‘new arrivals’) including towns identified for the rapid build homes programme.

The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine. €50 million was made available under the Fund, and this has been allocated between each local authority based on the number of new arrivals located there. €30 million of the Fund will be available in 2023 and €20 million in 2024.

A minimum spend of 60% must be incurred by the local authorities in 2023 with the remaining 40% in 2024.

The application submitted by Kilkenny was based on the number of Ukrainian arrivals to County Kilkenny per CSO statistics in December 2022. There are currently over 1,500 Ukrainians now resident in Kilkenny.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick has welcomed the funding stating that “I warmly welcome this funding which will have a positive impact on communities across Kilkenny and thank all communities for embracing and welcoming Ukrainians into their towns and villages”.

Nineteen projects in total were approved for Kilkenny including Kilkenny Countryside Park in Dunmore which has received funding to allow further development of same.

Other projects included a

bus shelter for Ballyhale to service the surrounding community; playground enhancement works in Castlecomer, Ballyragget, Freshford, Bennettsbridge and Kilmacow. Other recipients of the fund included St. Vincent de Paul Charity Shop, Butts Green; Community Radio Kilkenny City; Kilkenny Home Rule Club; Newpark

Close Family Resource Centre; Fr. Mc Grath Family Resource Centre; Ossory Youth; Thomastown Community Allotments; surfacing of the access road servicing Mooncoin Celtic Soccer Club and painting of properties in Graignamanagh.

The full list of projects and approvals are attached.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Recruitment

Factors influencing healthy ageing And “sure I am only as old as the “Blankety Blank” I feel”

A longer life brings with it, opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole.

Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or a long-neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health.

Now there are common health conditions associated with ageing, common conditions in older age include hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and de-

mentia. As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time. Older age is also characterized by the emergence of several complex health states commonly called geriatric syndromes. They are often the consequence of multiple underlying factors and include frailty, urinary incontinence, falls, delirium and pressure ulcers.

Evidence suggests that the proportion of life in good health has remained broadly constant, implying that the additional years are in poor health. If people can experience these extra years of life in good health and if they live in a supportive environment, their ability to do the things they value will be little different from that of a younger person.

If these added years are dominated by declines in physical and mental

capacity, the implications for older people and for society are more negative.

Although some of the variations in older people’s health are genetic, most is due to people’s physical and social environments – including their homes, neighbourhoods, and communities, as well as their personal characteristics – such as their sex, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The environments that people live in as children – or even as developing fetuses – combined with their personal characteristics, have long-term effects on how they age.

Physical and social environments can affect health directly or through barriers or incen-

tives that affect opportunities, decisions and health behaviour. Maintaining healthy behaviours throughout life, particularly eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and refraining from tobacco use, all contribute to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, improving physical and mental capacity and delaying care dependency.

Supportive physical and social environments also enable people to do what is important to them, despite losses in capacity. The availability of safe and accessible public buildings and transport, and places that are easy to walk around, are examples of supportive environments. In

developing a public-health response to ageing, it is important not just to consider individual and environmental approaches that ameliorate the losses associated with older age, but also those that may reinforce recovery, adaptation and psychosocial growth.

Challenges in responding to population ageing There is no typical older person. Some 80-year-olds have physical and mental capacities similar to many 30-year-olds. Other people experience significant declines in capacities at much younger ages. A comprehensive public health response must address this wide range of older people’s experiences and needs.

The diversity seen in older age is not random. A large part arises from people’s physical and social environments and the impact of these environments on their opportunities and health behaviour. The relationship we have with our environments is skewed by personal characteristics such as the family we were born into, our sex and our ethnicity, leading to inequalities in health.

Older people are often assumed to be frail or dependent and a burden to society.

Public health professionals, and society as a whole, need to address these and other ageist attitudes, which can lead to discrimination, affect the way policies are developed and the opportunities older people have to experience healthy aging.

Globalization, technological developments (e.g., in transport and communication), urbanization, migration and changing gender norms are influencing the lives of older people in direct and indirect ways. A public health response must take stock of these current and projected trends and frame policies accordingly.

While all this information is very important for us to know and think about. We also must remember. Age is just a number on a piece of paper, It is a state of Mind and as some of the more cheeky seniors say “sure I am only as old as the “Blankety Blank” I feel Answers to Studio TEN , Twilight Community Group 15A International Cultural House Hebron Business park Kilkenny.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Praying the Rosary

The importance of the grotto at Deerpark Mine remember community gathers for rosar Words: Kilkenny Observer Photos: Pat Shortall Catholics around the world planned to pray a special Rosary on Saturday, May 13th to honour Our Lady of Fatima and to beg her to intervene in the world, to stop the growing spiral of sin, revolution and violence.

The driving force behind the Worldwide Fatima Rosary on May

13 was the thought that Our Lady would be pleased to see one million people praying the Rosary all together on May 13th.

And so as you travelled around the country, many towns and villages took up the call at 4pm on May 13th and joined together as one to recite the rosary.

One such area was Castlecomer, in North Kilkenny where over twenty joined in prayer.

The Kilkenny Observer newspaper was represented and saw the significance first hand on how important the occasion was.

There was an extra special touch to the occasion as the Lady of Fatima statue was situated on the site of the Deerpark mine.

And significantly, six former miners were in attendance.

Chief organiser of the day was John Ryan, himself a miner back

in the day.

John expressed his happiness and delight to see so many turn up for the occasion.

“I would have to say a word of thanks to the editor of the annual magazine ‘The Deenside’, Margaret McGrath, who informed me that the statue at the mines was in fact of our Lady of Fatima”, said John.

John, who is ‘Rosary Captain’

thanked all who attended saying that prayers were being offered for every miner who ‘bent the knee or tipped the cap’ as they passed the grotto on their way down the mine.

Former councillor Maurice Shortall said that great credit was due to those who organised the event, paying special tribute to John Ryan.

Maurice reminisced on all for-

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Praying the Rosary

ed as y prayer mer miners and families of miners who endured the hard life of coal mining. “It was a job that the people of ‘Comer were glad to get and it sustained many families in the area, but conditions were tough and you got nothing easy” said the former Labour councillor.

Mr. Shortall said that great credit was due to Nixie Boran the union rep’ who helped to allevi-

­

ate a lot of hardship and managed to improve working conditions.

Maurice also paid tribute to Seamus Walsh (RIP) who did incredible work for the miners and the mining community and left a wonderful legacy in Castlecomer with The Coal Mining museum at The Discovery Park.

Perhaps, this would be an apt time to remember one of Seamus Walsh’s poems:

“And yes I was proud to be a miner And to be a miner’s son, And I’m proud to sing their praises And I’ll sing them ‘till I’m done.

And I’ll keep a light a- shining In the tunnel dark and deep, And when people talk of mining It is of your deeds they’ll speak” (Seamus Walsh)

Those in attendance agreed that the rosary at Deerpark in honour of Our Lady of Fatima was very special and the attendance of some of the surviving members at the prayer meeting added to the occasion.

The last word should go to the organiser John Ryan who explained that people today may not fully understand the work that miners did and the dangers

encountered on a daily basis.

“Remember, a lot of boys and men were going underground in the dark and coming out eight hours later in the dark” said John.

He continued: “One of the best descriptions I heard on the significance of the grotto at the mine entrance was from local man Willie Joe Meally, who described the statue as ‘our Health and Safety of the day’.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

kilkennyobserver.ie

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Greek lamb with potatoes and olives

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 1 hr and 10 mins Serves: 4

Entertain the easy way with this quick-to-prepare rustic one-pot just serve with crusty bread.

Ingredients • 800g medium-size potatoes, skin on, thinly sliced • 4 large tomatoes, thinly sliced • 1 aubergine, thinly sliced • 4 garlic cloves, chopped • 3 tbsp oregano leaves, plus extra for sprinkling • 85g pitted Kalamata olives, halved • 5 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle • 100g feta cheese, crumbled • 4 lamb steaks

Cappuccino cake Prep:15 mins Cook: 30 mins Serves: 12 slices If you’ve offered to bake a treat for a stall or your local coffee morning then this cake stall classic is just the thing.

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Layer up half the potato, tomato and aubergine in a baking dish, scattering with garlic, oregano and olives, and drizzling with oil and seasoning as you go.

STEP 2 Scatter over the feta, then repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up. Finish with potatoes and a little oil.

STEP 3 Bake for 50 mins or until the veg are tender (cover with foil

if they’re getting too brown).

Top with the lamb steaks, rubbing with a little more oil and seasoning. Bake for 15-20 mins

more until the lamb is cooked.

Allow to rest and cool a bit before scattering with oregano and serving with crusty bread.

Pulled chicken and black bean chilli

For the frosting • 500g tub mascarpone • 2 tbsp light soft brown sugar • cocoa powder or drinking chocolate to decorate Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter 2 x 20cm sandwich tins and line the bottoms with greaseproof paper. Beat butter and sugar together with electric beaters until pale and creamy. Add the fl our and eggs in one go and keep beating until evenly mixed.

Fold in the walnuts (if using) and half of the coffee. Spoon the mix into the prepared tins and bake for 25-30 mins or until golden and well risen.

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 1 hr Serves: 4 Make a batch of Mexicaninspired pulled chicken and black bean chilli, which can be easily doubled and kept in the freezer. Serve with rice or tortilla wraps.

Ingredients • 2 tbsp sunflower oil • 2 onions, sliced • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 tbsp oregano • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 3 tbsp chipotle in adobo or 1 tsp chipotle paste • 350g passata • 1⁄2 chicken stock shot or cube • 400g can black beans, drained but not rinsed • 1⁄2 lime, juiced • cooked rice or tortillas, coriander, feta, lime wedges and chopped red onion, to serve (optional)

Ingredients • 250g pack butter, softened • 250g light soft brown sugar plus 2-3 tbsp • 300g self-raising flour • 4 eggs, beaten • 50g walnuts, toasted and finely chopped (a food processor is easiest), optional • 200ml very strong coffee (made fresh or with instant), cooled

STEP 2 Leave the cakes in their tins for 5 mins before turning onto a wire rack. Sweeten the remaining coffee with the extra sugar and sprinkle 4 tbsp over the sponges. Leave to cool completely.

Method STEP 1 Heat the oil in a shallow saucepan or casserole dish with a lid. Tip in the onions and cook over a medium-low heat for 5 mins until softened.

Add the chicken and turn up the heat to medium. Stir in the garlic, a small pinch of sugar, the oregano, cumin seeds and some seasoning. Cook for a

couple of minutes, then add the chipotle and cook for a few minutes more. Pour in the passata, 100ml water and add the stock. Season and bring to a simmer.

STEP 2 Cover with a lid and cook for 40-50 mins, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken into

the sauce using two forks, then stir through the beans. Simmer for 5 mins more, then turn off the heat. Squeeze in the lime juice. Can be kept chilled for three days and frozen for up to two months. Defrost thoroughly and reheat. Serve with rice or tortilla wraps, and some coriander, feta, lime wedges and red onion on the side, if you like.

STEP 3 While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Tip the mascarpone into a large bowl and beat in the sugar and remaining coffee until smooth and creamy. Use about half of the frosting to sandwich the sponges together then, using a palette or cutlery knife, spread the rest of the frosting over the top of the cake. Decorate with a dusting of cocoa powder or drinking chocolate. If you’re making this cake to eat at home, it will keep covered in the fridge for 2-3 days.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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A decade on, Arnie’s one more The Last Stand After a decade ago The Last Stand is right to the top of the Netflix popularity charts. In mid-April of 2023, the Kim Jee-woon action movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Johnny Knoxville was Netflix’s No. 1 movie. Ten years on, this is a minor work of justice, as The Last Stand was actually a pretty good movie.

It was bright, upbeat, enjoyably violent, and boasted a fun cast of notable supporting players, including the inimitable Luis Guzmán, Jaime Alexander, and Rodrigo Santoro.

Forest Whitaker played an FBI agent. The film was a modest critical success (it boasts a 61% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but only made $43 million at the worldwide box office. It passed from the public consciousness pretty quickly

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after that.

The Last Stand”was meant to be something of a comeback for Schwarzenegger.

That said, Schwarzenegger turned to politics and was the governor of California from 2003 until 2011. When he did return to acting, it was in the gimmicky “Expendables” movies, which only existed to get 1980s action heroes on the screen together. The plotting and action were lacklustre.

The Last Stand, then, was Schwarzenegger declaring a new act in his film career.

He acknowledged that he was older, and appeared in this new film as a smalltown sheriff who was openly past his prime. After being thrown through a window, someone asks Schwarzenegger’s character how he feels. “Old,” he replies.

The premise of The Last

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

to steam right now on Amazon 1. Air

Air joins the likes of The Social Network and Moneyball on the list of movies that sound conceptually dull but turn out to be extremely enjoyable. This Ben Affleck directed sports drama is already a shoe-in to be among the year’s best movies.

The easy-going film tells the true story of Nike’s attempts to woo up-and-coming basketball player Michael Jordan in an effort to convince him to sign a contract with them over sportswear rival Adidas. On paper that doesn’t exactly sound like the most compelling hook for a film, but watching Nike exec Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) scramble as he attempts to put together a presentation for the athletics no-nonsense mother (the ever-excellent Viola Davis) is highly engaging.

2. A Beautiful Mind Stand is B-movie gold. A dangerous criminal named Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega) has slipped out of FBI custody in Las Vegas and goes on the run to the Mexican border in a fast, sexy sports car. In order to get to Mexico, however, he will have to pass through a small Arizona town called Somteron, a real city on Highway 95. Somerton, in the movie, is overseen

by Sheriff Ray Owens (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a disgraced LA cop who was transferred to the boonies as penance for a bungled operation back in the city.

Altered by the FBI, Sheriff Owens will have to assemble a makeshift blockade in Somerton and stop Noriega from getting through. The bulk of “The Last Stand” is devoted to how Owens secures the town and arms his deputies (Luis Guzmán,

Jaime Alexander, and Rodrigo Santoro). Thanks to an eccentric local weapons collector named Lewis (Johnny Knoxville), they have access to ancient WWII weapons and non-police-issue machine guns.

The film’s climax will indeed be a last stand between Somerton, and Cortez’s goons.

Director Kim Jee-woon (The Good, The Bad, The Weird, and I Saw The Devil), making his first Englishlanguage feature, seems to have remembered that he was making a down-toearth B-Western, keeping the pace brisk, the action exciting, and the characters fun. It might be the lightest film in the director’s oeuvre, a résumé otherwise replete with moody noir and dank horror movies.

Definitely worth the watch.

Sweeping the 74th annual Oscars, A Beautiful Mind from 2021 scooped up Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted and Best Supporting Actor with further nominations in four more categories including Best Actor for Russell Crowe’s leading turn as celebrated mathematician John Nash.

Inspired by Sylvia Nasar’s biography of the same name, A Beautiful Mind opens with the brilliant but socially awkward Nash arriving at Princeton University in 1947. Flash forward a few years and Nash’s brilliance is noticed by the Pentagon who enlist his help studying encrypted telecommunications, but as his obsession over this top-secret assignment grows he becomes convinced that he is being watched and that sinister forces may be following him.

3. She Said

Based on the book of the same name, She Said recounts the New York Times investigation that exposed decades of sexual abuse and misconduct by famed Hollywood product Harvey Weinstein.

The film is centred on two dogmatic journalists, Jodi Kantor (Carey Mulligan) and Megan Twohey (Zoe Kazan), who worked tirelessly to expose Weinstein’s crimes and ensure that the women he took advantage of are given a platform to speak their truth.

It’s all very powerful stuff.

4. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Heat is on ... on Netflix. Watch it!

Heat on Netflix has a great story that is both simple and sprawling and its cast includes some of Hollywood’s finest actors Heat’s director is one of the greatest directors working today Why Heat has stood the test of time It’s one of Mann’s films that, in this author’s mind, hold the title of “best action movie ever made.” His 1995 masterpiece, Heat, is lots of things: an action movie, yes, but also an epic crime drama, a Los Angeles mood piece, a story about the utter failure of modern relationships, an intense bank heist thriller, an indictment about the United States criminal reform system, etc.

Heat‘s plot can be boiled down to this: it’s a cops and robbers movie, but told in

detail, with attention paid to character development, tension, and realism. Neil McCauley, played by Robert De Niro in one of his last truly great roles as a leading man, is a career thief based in Los Angeles. After a botched robbery that leaves multiple bank guards dead, McCauley and his crew decide to pull off one last score: robbing $12.2 million from a bank in downtown LA. Hot on their tail is Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino, in peak Pacino form), a former Marine and LAPD cop who methodically pieces together McCauley’s plan and tries to stop him.

That’s Heat’s story in a nutshell, but the genius of the movie is how it also contains a multitude of side stories that are delicately in-

terwoven within the movie’s overall robbery plotline.

There’s Neil’s tender flirtation with Eady, a lonely graphic designer he meets at a bookstore; Vincent’s crumbling marriage to Justine, who is angry for being passed over for Vincent’s obsession with his job; Vincent’s stepdaughter Lauren, who is quietly sinking under a wave of teenage depression; and Chris, Neil’s closest partner who has a tempestuous marriage to Charlene.

There’s a lot going on; for instance, the serial killer subplot! But Heat never feels overstuffed, nor do any of its stories feel underdeveloped.

Everyone in the large cast is given a chance to shine, yet Mann always keeps the focus on the driving force of

the narrative: the final heist, and the key players who are involved in pulling it off or stopping it from happening.

Heat’s cast includes some of Hollywood’s finest actors It’s not too much of a stretch to claim that everyone in Hollywood was cast in Heat, but it sure seems like it. In addition to Pacino and De Niro, Heat also starred Val Kilmer as bank robber Chris Shiherlis.

Kilmer was at the height of his fame in 1995, having just starred as the Dark Knight in Batman Forever and was just cast in the 1997 action pic The Saint. As Kilmer’s wife, Ashley Judd was beginning her ascent into Hollywood stardom, having earned critical raves in Smoke the same year and lining up her next movie, A Time to Kill.

One of the most consistently funny comedy alms of the 2000s, Forgetting Sarah Marshall sees Jason Segel play Peter Bretter, a composer for a popular crime drama show that stars the titular Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). Oh, and Peter’s also been dating Sarah for ave years, and she just dumped him to date a British Rockstar (Russell Brand) instead.

Flying to Hawaii in an effort to escape his heartbreak, Peter winds up at the same resort that Sarah is staying at with her new rocker beau. It’s a situation ripe for comedy, and the film gets great mileage out of some truly toe-curlingly uncomfortable situations.

5. Shutter Island

Standing out in a filmography as impressive as Martin Scorsese’s is a difficult task but Shutter Island (2010) manages to rank as one of the iconic director’s most thrilling movies because of its nerve-shredding tension and expertly plotted mystery.

Set in 1954, Shutter Island follows a U.S. Marshall named Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) who arrives with his partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) at an institute for the criminally insane on the eponymous island.

Their job is to investigate the strange disappearance of a patient in the middle of the night, but the duo soon starts to suspect that everything is a twisting tale that will leave you guessing until the very end.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Community & GAA Notes

LOTTO Lotto Results 16th May. Numbers drawn, 17, 18, 28. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Peter Nolan, James Dowling, Stephen Whearty, Robbie McPartlan, Barbara Farrell. Thanks to all for your support.

SUPPORTERS CLUB Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club. For anyone wishing to join or pay their membership renewal please contact Martin Nolan of Clara at 086-2343254. Thanks for the support.

PILTOWN DRAW Hurlers co-op member draw tickets (Piltown tickets) are now available from Executive, Camogie and LGFA committee members, senior hurlers and camogie players or contact Dermot Nolan 0879206998. This is an important fundraiser for our club and your support is appreciated. First draw takes place on June 13th.

COUNTY Hard luck to David Barcoe who was part of the Kilkenny minor team that lost out to Munster champions Clare in the All Ireland semi-final in Thurles on Saturday. Davy was introduced as a late sub as 14 man Kilkenny went under to a strong second half Clare display.

Well done to backroom staff Conor Phelan and John Murphy for their part in Kilkenny’s victory over Dublin in Nowlan Park on Saturday.

JUNIOR D The Clara Junior Ds had a terrific 2-16 to 3-10 victory over St. Martins on Sunday morning. Initially struggling to field a team, players like Gary and Noel Kehoe and Thomas Armitage answered the call and made up the numbers for Clara. All three played their part in the victory but this was a win for the whole team. Ned Langton, who had an outstanding game, picked up a nasty looking injury near the end but hopes were high that it mightn’t be too serious.

Ned and midfield partner Harry Boyle, along with forwards Sean Carrigan and Noel Kehoe were the only scorers for Clara but they still managed to hold on for the win.

Team - Ruairi Breen, Nick O Keeffe, Mick McDonald, John Brennan. Cian Kelly, Gary Kehoe, Adam Harding. Harry Boyle 0-9, 0-4f, Ned Langton 1-2. Conor (Curly) Phelan, Noel Kehoe 0-2, Sean Carrigan 1-3. Eoin Harding, Ben Nolan, Thomas Armitage.

CAMOGIE The U10 Camogie team had a busy week playing matches.

On Wednesday night they travelled to Thomastown for a Go Games blitz competing against teams from Thomastown and Gowran. On Saturday Bennettsbridge travelled to Clara for more Go Games. There was plenty of fantastic skill on show over the matches played. Well done to all the girls and coaches and parents for facilitating the development of these players for the future.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage 2023 to Lourdes begins this week. It will be led by our Bishop Niall Coll.

The annual Lourdes Church door collection will be taken up next weekend before all our masses.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION IN GOWRAN CHURCH

The Clara U10 Camogie Squad

Congratulations to our First Holy Communicants and the families involved. 23 young boys and girls received the ‘Bread of Life’ for the first of numerous occasions during their lives.

There is one other mass on Corpus Christi which is the 11th June. Hopefully all the boys and girls will dress up again for this mass of thanksgiving YEAR OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS As the Irish Church has now begun a special year of prayer for Vocations please join with us in praying for the needs of our own Diocese. You can pray the Novena at home and they will pray it at our daily Masses in the Parish. Copies of the Novena prayers are available in the Church.

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT Great day for the club at the Leinster Matchplay finals in Enniscorthy. The club were represented in both of the inter and junior semifinals and finals. Mark Comerford and Patrick Robinson in the intermediate and James Casey and Robert Middleton in the junior. Mark and James won their semifinals with Robert and Patrick narrowly beaten in their games.

Mark finished runner up in the final to the home course player Wayne Allen.

James won the junior final against another home course player Jack Kirwin. Well done to James on his win and all the players who represented the club over the weekend in two immaculately prepared courses in Bagenalstown Pitch and Putt and St Patricks Enniscorthy.

GOWRAN BOYS WIN YOUNG IRELANDS U-12 TOURNAMENT The annual U-12 Young Irelands Tournament took place in Gowran with this years Tournament held in honour of Beatrice Treacy. It was a very special occassion on a very special day, and the Young Irelands boys were most fitting winners with the team Captained by Patrick Treacy who is a Grandson of Beatrice.

Beatrice’s Husband Paddy Treacy presented The Cup to Patrick in a very special moment, while her Son Brian “Beano” Treacy came home from New Zealand especially for the occassion.

Before The Tournament began last Saturday morning, the eight teams that competed lined up in a circle led by a Piper Musician.

The eight teams that competed were Young Irelands Gowran(Cup Winners), Graigue-Ballycallan, Danesfort, Mullinavat, St. Martins, Mooncoin, Bennettsbridge (Shield Winners) and Barrow Rangers.

Beatrice was a Young Irelands stalwart heavily involved in The Club for so many years with both Hurling and Camogie. She served as PRO of The Club for almost 20 years, while in Millenium Year(2000) she was Editor of The Gowran GAA Story.

She was also a founding member of St. Marys Camogie Club in Gowran, while she was very centrally involved in Kilkenny Camogie both as a County Board delegate and also was a Selector in Kilkenny’s First Senior All-Ireland in 1974.

Beatrice’s Granddaughters Steffi and Tiffanie were on The Starting Team as Kilkenny won The Senior All-Ireland last year.

JUNIOR A TEAM SURVIVE TULLAROAN FIGHTBACK The Young Irelands survived a late onslaught against Tullaroan to win 1-19 to 1-17 last Friday night in Gowran, as they made it two wins from two.

The Gowran Men appeared to be in total control as they led 1-13 to 0-6 at half-time thanks to a Killian Carey goal.

Killian pointed a free at the start of The Second-Half to extend the lead to 11 points (1-14 to 0-6), but Tullaroan came storming

back and by about the midway point of the Second-Half they had narrowed the gap to just four points. 1-15 to 0-14.

Young Irelands steadied the ship with points from Dylan Carey, Paddy Langton with a superb long range effort and Jimmy Lennon as they led by 6 points with less than 10 minutes remaining. 1-18 to 0-15.

However, Tullaroan scored a fortutious goal from a long range shot to halve the deficit(1-18 to 1-15) to set up a nervous finish, but Young Irelands held out for a relieving victory.

JUNIOR F TEAM FINISH STRONG TO OVERCOME BORO The Young Irelands Junior F Team finished strongly to overcome Dicksboro 1-13 to 0-14 in a most enjoyable and entertaining game in Gowran last week.

Dicksboro led 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time, as Davy Carter pulled off a great save late in the first-half to deny The Boro Men a certain goal.

The City Men were quickest off the blocks at the restart, and by the 41st minute they built up a 0-13 to 0-8 lead.

Thomas Carroll was giving an exhibition for Young Irelands at Centre-Forward as he scored 0-4 from play to keep The Gowran Men in contention. Young Irelands kept chipping away primarily through the exploits of Jack Lagraff who added 0-4 - 0-3 from play - as they narrowed the gap to a solitary point entering the closing 5 minutes. 0-14 to 0-0-13. The winning goal came moments later as a well worked move ended up with Diarmuid Langton firing the winning shot to the net.

A tenacious display by Young Irelands as their strong work rate laid the platform for victory, with Jack Glendon and Jonny Dunphy in particular magnificent in defence.

U-19 DRAWS Young Irelands U-19s have been drawn in the same Group as Lisdowney, Ballyhale Shamrocks and Danesfort as they will attempt to defend their League title. Those matches are scheduled to take place in July YOUNG IRELANDS DOG NIGHT Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs will host their annual Dog Night in Kilkenny Greyhound Track on Sunday 28th May. There are a whole host of Prizes to be won on the night and a great night out is guaranteed. First Race is at 7.30pm, and Admission is €10 for Adults with Children Free.

All proceeds from Ticket Sales will go to Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs.

For further information on The Young Irelands Dog Night, check out The Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Club pages on Facebook for further details.

SEMI-FINAL DISAPPOINTMENT FOR CIAN AND KILKENNY MINORS There was disappointment for Cian Phelan and The Kilkenny Minors as they were defeated 0-23 to 0-15 against Clare in The All-Ireland Minor Semi-Final in Semple Stadium Thurles last Saturday.

YOUNG IRELANDS GOLF CLASSIC The annual Young Irelands GAA Golf Classic will take place in Gowran Park on the weekend of Friday 23rd and Saturday June 24th with €3000 in Prize Money on offer.

Tee times available on Friday and from 2pm on Saturday, while a Team of 4 costs €200.

Players without a GUI Handicap will be given one on the day, and prizes for Longest Drive, Nearest The Pin and Money Hole.

For further information on Tee Times, contact Liam Walsh on 087 2647248.

SCHOOLS HURLING Well done to Joseph Langton, Kieran Carter who were part of The St. Kierans College U-15 Panel that won the All-Ireland Super 9s hurling tournament in Gort, Co Galway, while well done also to Dylan Brennan, Liam Farrell and Dylan Drennan who were part of The St. Kierans College Panel that won The Leinster 1st year Final in Inistioge.

St. Kierans College won 3-12 to 0-16 against Good Counsel of New Ross as Dylan Brennan was both Goalkeeper and ViceCaptain.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAMOGIE FINALS One of The biggest days in Young Irelands Grounds takes place next Sunday as five Primary Schools Camogie Finals will be played on what is a very special day, as many of the girls will be playing in their first Final.

First up at 11am, Conahy National School play Moneenroe National School in The Roinn F Final, Tullaroan National School play Paulstown National School in The Roinn D Final at 12.30pm, while St. Aidans National School Kilmanagh play Freshford National School in The Roinn C Final at 2pm. Tullogher-Rosbercon National School play Muckalee National School The Roinn B Final at 3.30pm, while the days activities will be concluded

by The Roinn A Final between Bunscoil Macauley Ris and Clara National School at 5pm.

Stella Langton from Young Irelands will be playing for her School An action packed day of Camogie Finals to look forward to on a very special day for The young girls.

COUNTY FINAL WINNING TEAMS It is hoped to honour The County Senior Final winning Teams of 1996 and 2002 along with The Intermediate County Final winning Team of 1992 at a Presentation Night either later this year or early in 2024.

It was hoped to have the night out in 2021, but unfortunately it couldn’t take place due to The Covid Restrictions.

U-11 HURLING Well done to the Young Irelands U11s who gave a great display of hurling as they welcomed St Vincent’s GAA Dublin who stopped by on their way to Nowlan Park for The Kilkenny against Dublin Match.

MAGS HENNESSY Mags Hennessy was awarded The Club person of the year at The Kilkenny Rugby Club Awards. Mags received the award for her efforts in helping promote the Womens game, and her trojan work in helping The Adults, Minis and Youths. Congratulations Mags on a well deserved Award.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of club lotto dated May 16th. Numbers drawn were 1, 2, 8, 20 Bonus 27 Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw:1. Shiela Fahy c/o Mick Nolan. 2. Delores Walsh c/o Ml Doran. 3. Dinny and Mags c/o G Buckley. 4. Jimmy and Ann Doyle c/o E Maher. 5. Joan Knox c/o N Tyrrell 6. Anita Corcoran c/o Ann Cullen. 7. Murty Bambrick c/o Paddy Greene.

8. Brian Hogan c/o Online. 9. Nigel Farrely c/o Online. 10. Paula

Laura Murphy and Danielle Quigley, Kilkenny Camogie Intermediate team with the Leinster title they won last weekend.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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News Community & GAA Notes U15s O’Loughlin Gaels Ava Butler, Aoife Dillon, and Orlaith Donnelly enjoy a successful day at the Kilkenny Blitz.

Rogers c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support LEINSTER CHAMPIONS Congratulations to Laura Greene and Danielle Quigley who helped Kilkenny Camogie Intermediates to a Leinster Title on Saturday last. Laura was also awarded the Player of the Match accolade after a powerful performance at mid-field . Well done to both girls CLUB TEAMS Please continue to support all our club teams. Fixtures will be posted on O’Loughlin Gaels Club social media. All our teams are working very hard and enjoy your support.

CAMOGIE All roads lead to Gowran on Sunday28th May when the St.Lachtain’s National School camogie girls take on St.Aidans in the final of the Cumann na mBunscoil competition at 2pm. The girls are wished all the best in the final and local support would be greatly appreciated so why not go along and cheer them on.

PEGGY CULLINAN RIP The people of Freshford and surrounds were saddened last week to hear of the passing of Peggy Cullinan, late of Riverside Drive, Kilkenny and formerly of Kilkenny Street, Freshford. The deceased who was in her 80s was a member of a well known and respected family in the village. She was a kind caring and good living lady and worked as a Nurse for many years in the Clinic in James’ Green and amongst the community in the County. She was predeceased by her brothers John, Joe, Frank and Charlie and her sister Mai. Her Funeral Mass took place in St.Canice’s Church, Kilkenny on Sunday morning last followed by burial in St. Lachtains Cemetery, Freshford. She is mourned by her brothers Pat, Jimmy and Fr. Billy, her sister Joan, sisters in law, brother in law, nephews, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews and extended family to whom sincere sympathy is extended SUMMER CAMP Freshford’s longest running annual summer camp will be held again this year from the 31st July to 4th August at the GAA Grounds. This camp has been organised and run for the past two decades almost by local man JJ Grace and his aids. For bookings or more information please contact JJ on 086 8629666 CONCERT Féile Lachtain 2023 continues this weekend with a concert by upcoming singer/songwriter Ciara Dalton and friends at Ionad Lachtain on Saturday at 8.00 p.m. Ciara is from Dublin and has strong family connections with Freshford. Her most recent performance in Dublin was at Whelan’s of Camden Street.

Admission is €10. Tickets on Eventbrite or at the door.

LIGHTING OF WALKWAY AT GAA CLUB Councillor Mick McCarthy was delighted to welcome funding recently for the lighting of the proposed new walkway project in St.Lachtain’s GAA Club. The money has been allocated under the Committee Recognition fund and will be of great benefit to the community and surrounding area.

LOOP CAFE The Committee of the Loop Café held a very successful fundraiser on Friday night last in Kavanagh’s Bar with Rod Stewart tribute providing the entertainment.

Thanks to all those who meet a friend for a cup of coffee/tea and homemade scones or get lunch at a very reasonable price, who supported the event or donated in any way.

The Café which is a great addition to the village is open from Tuesday to Saturday each week from 9.30am to 4pm.

The lucky winner of the May draw was Geraldine Kelly who won the sum of €182. The draw takes place once a month and tickets can be bought in any of the shops in the village or local pubs at just 2e each.

PLAYGROUND Work is progressing fast and is now at the latter stages at the local Playground on the Kilkenny Road and it hoped that the playground will be opened within the next few weeks. This will be a great additional benefit to the villagae and much credit is due to the hard working Committee who have worked tiredlessly for the past few years to get this playground up and running.

MEMORIAL WALK The Catherine Kavanagh 10 year Anniversary Memorial Walk will take place on Sunday June 18th starting from the GAA Grounds at 12.15pm. All are welcome to come along and join in, in honour of Catherine. Donations will be accepted and donation boxes will be available in the Clubrooms. All proceeds will go to the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul.

HERITAGE CENTRE. Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 to 4.30. Gifts on sale to suit every occasion.

FITNESS Fitness sessions Boxing/fitness sessions at Community Hall Freshford – Have you had a diagnoses of Parkinsons, Alzheimers or other neurological condition? If so maybe you are keen to get some level of fitness back or work on you balance or upper body strength? If so, these classes are just what you need. Classes take place each Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon - sessions cost just €10 each and are facilitated by a boxing coach. They will also give you the chance to socialise and meet other people. For more information or to sign up please contact Brenda Cooper on 0871369253 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will

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

CHURCH NEWS VISIT OF BISHOP COLL Bishop Niall Coll will celebrate Mass in Bennettsbridge Church on Sunday 28th May at 10.30am. We look forward to welcoming Bishop Coll to St Bennett’s Church and meeting him afterwards in the Community Centre.

LOURDES CHURCH DOOR COLLECTION The Annual Church door collection for the Lourdes Invalid Fund will be held next weekend in both churches FUNDING FOR BRIDGE PLAYGROUND Under the Community Recognition Fund Bennettsbridge playground has been awarded €35,500 for the provision of an inclusive roundabout, inclusive play panels, the installation of bike parking stands and general upgrades SESSIONS HOUSE – CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Local councillor, Deirdre Cullen was delighted to welcome Minister Heather Humphries to Thomastown for the official opening of Sessions House. This project received funding from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund in partnership with Kilkenny County Council and the Design Craft Council. Sessions House will be a centre of excellence for Jewellery and Goldsmith 3rd level accreditation bringing educational opportunities, employment and footfall to the town. A very positive day for Thomastown.

LOTTO RESULTS Lotto 25th May. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 11, 17, 22, 28.

Consolation Prizes, Rory Tyrell, c/o Richie Cody, Carmel Egan, Castlegarden, Liam O’Neill, Ballinaboola, Bernadette Vousden, c/o Crafted, S and P Connery, Norewood Heights.

ART GROUP

Meeting as usual this week as the group continues to work towards the Kilkenny Arts Week Exhibition. This year promises to be a continuation of the success achieved last year and the interest shown in the work of the artists. A vote of sympathy was passed to the family of Veronica Wall, a member of the class who died recently.

GATHERING GROUP The Gathering Group held their weekly meeting last Wednesday and enjoyed a table quiz with questions set by Mary Williams.

This week a visit to Billy’s Tea rooms in Ballyhale is planned. The group will take its summer break shortly.

CAMOGIE Great win for the Juniors on Sunday. Well done to all. Bennettsbridge/John Lockes 1.14 Piltown 1.06.

U 12 Hurling Well done to the U12 boys winning the Shield Final at the weekend against Danesfort at the Young Irelands GAA U12 Tournament in honour of Beatrice Treacy.

GAA Inter county Hurling Well done to David Blanchfield and the Kilkenny team that defeated Dublin in Nowlan Park in the Leinster championship last weekend. Best wishes for the game this weekend.

GAA SCRAP METAL COLLECTION Many thanks to all who contributed to Bennettsbridge GAA recent scrap metal collection which had a very good response.

Please contact Leo 086-8861906 or Tim 086-3441652 if anyone has more scrap to donate and they will arrange collection.

CLUB HURLING The Junior B team play Emeralds at home this Friday at 7 pm.

Best of luck to both teams. Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for all club fixtures and changes UNDERAGE GAMES Our under 13 team had a good win over Emeralds in round three of the league and play Mulllinavat away this Friday night.

Our under13 a-side team had a great win over O’Loughlin’s in their first league game last week. Our under 12 hurlers played some great hurling in the Gowran tournament last Saturday.

The ‘Bridge lads defeated Mullinavat and Mooncoin and lost out to Gowran in their group to finish second in the group and qualify for the shield final. They played Danesfort in the final and

Bennettsbridge U12 hurlers winners of the Shield in the Gowran Memorial to Beatrice Treacy.

Bennettsbridge/John Lockes, winners over Piltown.

DEATH James Cahill of Ennis, Co. Clare and formerly of Moated House, Kilkenny Road, Freshford. James was a brother of the late Jack Cahill and a member of St.Lachtains Junior hurling team that won the County final in 1959, beating Thomastown in the final, Funeral mass took place in St Joseph’s Church, Ennis followed by burial in Drumcliffe Cemetery.

SPLIT THE POT

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Community & GAA Notes Saturday 27th at 9am and will finish at 13:50pm. The Roinn B competition will start on the afternoon of Saturday 27th at 2pm and will finish at 18:50pm. The Roinn A competition will start on the morning of Sunday 28th at 10am and finish at 14:50pm.

COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family and Teens, aged 12 plus.

General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

Bennettsbridge National School winners of the schools’ county final. played very well to win the shield. Well done to all the players and mentors.

MEMBERSHIP 2023 Membership for 2023 is now being collected by registrar Samantha McGarry or any committee member. Membership remains the same as last year. 120 for adult players, 80 for student players and 40 euro for non-playing members. Early payment would be most appreciated as the bills for 2023 start to come in.

GOLF CLASSIC 2023 The annual golf classic will take place in Gowran Park on June 9th this year. All support welcome in the form of teams or in sponsorship. Many thanks for the support.

HURLERS CO-OP DRAW Hurlers Co-op draw tickets are now on sale through all committee members. Prizes to the value of 125,000 are on offer including three cars and two holidays. The first of 5 draws will take place on June 13th. Tickets cost 50 euro and half of money from all tickets sold is returned to the club.

SPLIT THE POT Well done to Alan Flynn who won 139 euro, to Maura Shiel who won 30 euro and Mark Dobbyn who won 20 euro. Envelopes are available around the village. If you want to play on-line with club force please see the clubs Facebook page for details. Thanks again for the continued support.

event. Thank you to all those who organised the event, those who sponsored each hour, walked or ran the loop. Thank you to Ann Downey and Pat Fitzpatrick who opened the event.

GAA St. Patrick’s GAA.The Junior side we’re in action against

Starters and Finishers at Naomh Brid Camogie Lap the Loop.

Deirdre Cullen, pictured with Minister Heather Humphries at the opening of the Sessions house in Thomastown.

GET WELL SOON Get Well Soon wishes are sent to Fr. Eamon O Gorman as he continues to convalesce. Everyone is looking forward to having him back when he is better.

TIDY TOWNS The Youth club have upcycled and planted some donated wheel barrows on Bridge Street and they are a welcome addition to the town. The Tidy Towns committee hope to expand the memory flower basket project this year, if anyone would like to purchase a basket the cost is €35. Memory baskets purchased last year can be reused at a cost of € 15. For details please contact 085 7403812/087 2955864 The National Tidy Town’s competition is now in progress, please assist in keeping your school, premises, street, estate, road, lane etc, clean and tidy, even 5 minutes work will help a lot.

LAP THE LOOP Naomh Brid Camogie Lap the Loop was held on Saturday on Sunday and was a great success and a wonderful community

Dicksboro on Sunday the final score was 3-21 to 1-21. Well done to the Junior team. Junior A Sunday 28th May @7.15pm Vs Tullaroan in Ballyragget.

The Phelan Stone Tournament will take place this coming weekend. The Roinn C competition will start on the morning of

DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

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

APPEAL Any further clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

Contact number for the Centre 056-8838466 L.T.I. RECRUITING L.T.I. Pathway to Employment Course QQI Level 4. There are still some placements available on our L.T.I. Programme which is due to start in May. If interested, please call the Resource Centre on 056-88-38466 or call into us here at the office.

ST KIERANS HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY Applications are invited for tenancy of one-bedroom accommodation at St Kieran’s Place. Application forms are available from the Mill Family Resource Centre. Completed application forms should be returned to the Mill Family Resource Centre no later

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Community & GAA Notes than Friday 9th June 2023.

SAVE THE DATE Mill Family Resource Centre. Family Fun Day. Sun 23rd July 2023.

1.30-4.30pm

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday, 11am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 11am to 1pm VOCATIONS 2023 is the year for vocations to the priesthood. Leaflets are left in the church and anyone interested in having a chat or would like to find out more information, please contact Fr. Joe Walsh of the Thurles parish.

CASHEL AND EMLY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The annual pilgrimage will take place from the 17th - 22nd June 2023, anyone interested in the Parish please contact the Parish council for further information.

YOGA AND NUTRITION WORKSHOP A 6 week yoga and nutrition workshop began Wednesday 17th of May at 10.30am to 11:30am in the Hill School, Grange. All are Welcome. For more details contact Louise at 087 7718771 BLESSING OF NEW GROTTO There was a large gathering at the blessing of the new Grotto to our Lady in Glengoole Church Grounds which took place last Saturday evening. Fr Pat Murphy blessed the new Grotto and congratulated everyone associated with the erection of the statue.

GORTNAHOE PLAYSCHOOL The official opening of the extension to Gortnahoe Community Hall incorporating the new playschool will take place this Friday 26th May at 12 noon. All are welcome.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday night at 7.00pm with doors opening from 6.00pm and will continue each Saturday night at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. We look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their family, it will be a great nights entertainment for all.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekend’s winner, Thomas Breen Jnr. from Graigueahesia, who won 351 in the Split the Pot draw.

Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of May will be in support of the Gortnahoe National School. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated FREE LIBRARY A lot of new books, especially Children’s Books have come in to Gortnahoe Community Hall library. They are free to take home and the library is based inside the main door of the hall. When the hall is opened anyone can go inside the main door and select a book or books of their choice and they will disturb no one in the hall. This is a Gortnahoe Community Hall Initiative and this idea will succeed with the local parish support.

WILLIAM NOTTON RIP The death has occurred of William Norton, Kilcooley, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary 18th May, 2023. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Angela, sister Mary and brothers Michael and John. Deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Eileen, his adoring family Louise, Eric, John and William, son-in-law Sajjad, daughters-in-law Noelle and Jacqui, grandchildren Lee, Adam, Jack, Mathew, Liam, Hannah, Eva, Saoirse and Aifric, sisters Margaret and Sheila, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. William reposed at his residence last Saturday evening followed by removal on Sunday morning to The Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe, arriving for Requiem Mass. Burial took place afterwards in Fennor Cemetery.

May William Rest in Peace.

RUBBISH COLLECTION It was great to see individuals and groups picking up rubbish on the side of the road throughout our parish over the last few weeks. It would be great if people would volunteer to pick up rubbish in their own area to keep our parish tidy. We would appeal to motorists to refrain from throwing litter out of cars as plastic items, etc., can be harmful to the environment and does nothing for the beauty of our countryside.

CHURCH NEWS CATHEDRAL DRAW Money for the Cathedral draw for May will be collected next weekend May 27th and 28th.

SYMPATHY ..

Sympathy is extended to Nora and Pat Costigan, Ballycuddihy on the death of Nora’s brother in law Sean Honohan, Donoughmore, Co. Cork RIP. MRS BREDA BENDLE( nee) Ryan RIP Breda died at her home of many years in Midsummer Norton, Somerset, England. Predeceased by her sister Nellie, Breda will be missed by her brothers and sisters Kitty, Laddy, Johnny, Nan and Margaret. She was laid to rest in England.

MRS MARY ORR( nee) Walsh RIP The death has taken place of Mary Orr,Ballycuddihy, Johnstown, peacefully at the Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick, after a long illness. Mary was well known and loved in the area, a great neighbour who loved a game of cards, especially whist. Predeceased by her parents Paddy and Tess, she will be sadly missed by her husband Nicky, daughter Patricia, son in law Stephen, grandchildren Joey, Katie and Nicky, brothers in law, sister in law,

cousins, relations, neighbours and friends. Mary was laid to rest in Johnstown Cemetery after Requiem Mass in St. Kieran’s Church.

BINGO Bingo continues each Wednesday night at 8.30pm in St. Mary’s Hall JOHNSTOWN HERITAGE GROUP Johnstown Heritage Group wish to express thanks to all those who contributed so generously to their recent envelope collection to cover the cost of the monument to be erected honouring the hurling and camogie players of the area since hurling was first mentioned as being played at Ballyspellan Spa in 1742. The base for the monument is now in position. The group are also having an outing on Thursday July 6th to Johnstown Castle and gardens. More information shortly.

JOHNSTOWN TIDY TOWN TEAM The Tidy Town’s Team are looking for volunteers from all approach roads and the town to come out on Monday 29th May at 7pm for a community clean up in advance of judging for the Tidy Towns. Gloves and bags will be supplied on the evening.

Please wear hi-viz jackets or vests. Judges will be visiting in early June so best foot forward. Thanking you all in advance.

GRAINE CHURCH Bishop Coll, newly elected Bishop of Ossory, was chief celebrant with Fr. Ollie Maher PP at a special Mass on Sunday to celebrate Graine Church, which was opened 50 years ago by the late Bishop Peter Birch. This church was built on the site of the original church and retained many features like the four stained glass windows, the Stations of the Cross, the marble and a crucifix from the grounds of the church. The Church was built for the “princely” sum of £35.000!

SPA UNITED AFC Results.

U14 girls cup semi-final Spa 3 Evergreen 1, U15 boys cup Spa 2 Callan 5, U14 boys league division 2 River Rangers 0 Spa 3, U13 boys shield Spa B 1 Callan 2, U12 boys plate Spa 3 Freebooters 0, Lions 1 Spa 2.

CUP WINNERS U14 girls Cup Final Spa 3 (Laura O’Flynn, Alanna Russell, Clea Whelan) Callan Utd 0. A great win for the U14 girls in St. Canice’s Credit Union Cup. Well done to the squad and their management.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO...

Lotto winning numbers 6,21,24,26. Three match threes Tom Garrett, Mary Fitzgerald and Michelle c/o P.O.

HURLING The intermediate hurlers faced Dunnamaggin on Sunday morning last in the Michael Lyng Motors Senior/Intermediate Hurling League in Dunnamaggin. Conahy were short a number of players and Dunnamaggin were the winners in the end by 1-15 to 0-12.

TEAM: Karl Downey, Conor Duggan, Philip Cass, Liam Cass, Frank Gunner, Darren Cuddihy, Donal Cass, Eoin Carroll, Ciaran Rice, Bill Murphy, Edmond Delaney, James Bergin, Billy Mulhall, Tom Rice, Mark Gunner, Padraic Delaney, Padraig Gunner.

The junior B hurlers took on Glenmore in their latest game in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior B League in Jenkinstown on Tuesday last. Conahy had the better of the exchanges in the opening half, thanks mainly to a goal from Bill Murphy, and led by 1-8 to 0-9 at the break. But slowly but surely the visitors came back into the game. After a dramatic final few minutes, it was Glenmore who emerged the winners on a 0-20 to 1-15 score line.

TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Conor Duggan, Padraic Gunner, Cian Harding, Donal Cass, Donal Brennan, Frank Gunner, Darragh Hennessy, Eoin Carroll, Kieran Brennan, Sean Dunne, Brooklyn Synott, Billy Mulhall, Bill Murphy, Damien Cuddihy.

FUNDRAISER A fundraising Cake Sale and Coffee morning will take place on Saturday, May 27th, in aid of the Conahy Shamrocks Under-15 hurlers who will take part in Féile na nGael on June 24th. All support from the community would be appreciated.

COUNTY TEAM Well done also to Tom Phelan who was part of the Kilkenny senior team that defeated Dublin in the Leinster Senior Championship in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday last.

CAMOGIE WINNERS Conahy Camogie Club were represented by Róisín Phelan, Ellen Gunner and Emma Mulhall on the Kilkenny Intermediate camogie team who defeated Carlow in the Leinster final in SETU Carlow on Saturday last.

GAA SUMMER CAMP Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Bórd na nÓg will once again host a ‘Future Stars’ Summer Camp this year. It will take place in the Polo Grounds, Jenkinstown from Tuesday 1st August to Thursday 3rd August (inclusive). The Camps is open to Boys and Girls between the ages of five and twelve and will take place on each of the three days from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. (with a lunch break from 12.00 p.m. until 12.45 p.m. Detailed and quality coaching will be given to all participants and Kilkenny Inter-County Players will contribute to the coaching, subject to their availability. Registration can be done online via the GAA club website – www. conahyshamrocks.gaa.ie .

GRAVEYARD MASSES The annual Graveyard Mass for Conahy Cemetery will take place on Sunday, June 4th at 11.30 a.m., while the Kilmacar Cemetery Mass will take place on Thursday, June 8th at 7.30 p.m.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto were 2, 3 and 21. There was no jackpot winner so the consolation prize winners were Seamus Hally, Leyla Rose Healy, Declan Downey, Rita Healy and Sarah Molloy. The promoters’ prize winners were Peter Mulhall, Kay Phelan and Toddy Lacey.

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 18th May. Nos: 6 21 23 27.

Jackpot: €9500 Not Won Draw Prizes. €50. Valentin Fazacas c/o Online. €25 each Patricia Dalton c/o Davy Dalton €25 each Joe O’Dwyer c/o Jimmy Murphy. €25 each Conor Phelan c/o online Hurlers Co Op John Clarke c/o online. Promotors prize Ned Buggy. Thank you for your continued support.

GOLF CLASSIC Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club are delighted to launch the Annual Golf Classic at Kilkenny Golf Club Friday 14th July with some tee times still available for Thursday 13th also. Book your Tee Times early as they will fill up quickly. They’re are limited Juvenile Tee Times at discounted prices. Contact Seamus Rochford for any further details.

SUMMER CAMP 2023 Bookings are now OPEN. The Camp is suitable for kids of primary school age 5-13.

Week 1 Monday July 17th - Friday 21st July. Week 2 Monday Aug 14th - Friday 18th Please Book Early as Spaces are Limited. See our ClubZap for more details or any Committee Member CLOTHES COLLECTION FUNDRAISER Dicksboro GAA & Camogie Club are raising funds through a clothes resuse scheme to support our fantastic Camogie Feile Girls heading to Mayo in the National Finals. You can drop any unwanted clothes to Dressing Room 3 before Wednesday 7th June. More details are on ClubZap. KILKENNY CAMOGIE Kilkenny were crowned winners of this year’s Leinster Intermediate Camogie Championship on Saturday in SETU Carlow for the 3rd time in almost 10 Years. Huge Congratulations to our Senior Club Players Jane Cass, Niamh Phelan and Katie Byrne who have contributed massively to this successful team.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Congratulations to the 25 young people, named below, who received their Fist Holy Communion on Saturday 20th May in our parish. It was a lovely occasion for prayer and fun for these youngsters. Thanks to their teacher Claire, Brigid in the school office, and all who helped them prepare. Tim Ryall, Kyle Heafey, Charlie Brennan, Finn Brennan, William Leahy, Seánie Fitzpatrick, Tom O’Neill, Matthew Marnell, Dáire O’Shea, Grace O’Shea, Emily Hoyne, Emilia Murphy, Niamh Murphy, Saoirse Power, Pippa Cleere, Niamh Kenna, Emma Butler, Sarah Murphy, Aoife Kenny, Lana Dunne, Millie Fitzpatrick, Emma Walsh, Holly Burke, Jane Byrne, Daisy Power Fitzpatrick.

TONY BUTLER A popular member of our parish community in the person of Anthony (Tony) Butler has died recently. Tony was formerly from The Commons, Ballingarry and undoubtedly he remained a true blue Tipperary man all his life. He lived most of his life in Dama, Ballycallan where he made many friends. He will be sadly missed by his wife Maura, sons Thomas and Adrian, daughter Laura, brothers George, John and Kevin, sisters Mary, Helen, Ann, Frances, Teresa and Patricia to whom we express our sympathy.

His requiem mass was celebrated in St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycallan by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P., Fr. Pat Duggan, Bennettsbridge and Fr. Derry Quirke, P.P. Ballingarry. Burial took place in St. Mary’s cemetery in Ballykeeffe.

JOHN DUNNE A joyful and solemn celebration of the eucharist for the late John Dunne, Ballycloven, Callan took place in St. Molua’s Church, Killaloe recently. John was a kind, caring and wonderful neighbour and greatly loved by all. His requiem mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P., Fr. William Dalton, P.P., Callan and Fr. Philip O’Halloran, M.H.M. Soloist Frances Ryan sang appropriate hymns to the occasion. Sons Paul and Gavin, brothers Joe and Jimmy sang songs which John loved. The eulogy given by Paul, depicting various phases of the life of his dad, drew joyous applause from the congregation. He also sang a song “Wayfaring Stranger” by Johnnie Cash which was his dad’s favourite song.

John’s burial took place in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe.

Sympathy is expressed to his wife Anne, sons Paul and Gavin, daughters in law, grand children, relatives and many friends.

MARY KEALY Sympathy is expressed to Ann Brennan, Ballyhendricken on the death of her sister, Mary Kealy, Goresbridge.

ANNE KELLY Sympathy is expressed to the Nugent family, Ballycallan on the death of the late Betty’s sister, Anne Kelly which has occurred in England.

CHURCH JUBILEE On June 22nd, we will hold a special Mass to celebrate the golden jubilee of Kilmanagh Church. Bishop Niall Coll will be the celebrant. The Mass will be followed by refreshments and entertainment. All are welcome to attend.

SCHOOL JUBILEE The School held a Mass on Tuesday, 23rd May at 7pm remembering 50 years of education in St. Aidan’s. It was followed by a book launch and refreshments.

CEMETERY MASS The Ballykeeffe Cemetery Mass will take place next Sunday 28th May at 7pm. Please let those outside the parish know about this date and time.

Tullaroan Cemetery Mass will take place on Tuesday, August 15th at 7pm.

CEMETERY CLEAN-UP A clean up of Ballykeeffe cemetery will take place next Friday,

26th, starting at 6.30pm. Many hands make light work. All help appreciated. Bring along your own brush and shovel.

LOTTTO RESULTS Results for 08/05/23. Numbers drawn were 4; 8; 20; 29. Lucky Dip winners were Pat Brennan, Danny Hoyne and Kathleen Blanchfield. Se.llers’ prizes went to Ann Fitzpatrick and Bill Ryan.

Results for 15/05/23. Numbers drawn were 1; 2; 18; 29. Lucky Dip winners were Daire O’Shea, Laurena Kennedy and Conor Murphy.

Sellers’ prizes went to Tom Butler and James Cahill.

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

MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish. Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 27th. at 8.00p.m.

Sunday 28th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford. Wednesday 24th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday 27th. at 6.30p.m FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Congratulations to the Pupils from Monroe and Newmarket Schools who will receive their First Holy Communion on this Sunday 21st. Also to Teachers and Parents who helped in the preparation.

PRAY FOR Peter Culleton, Mullinavat who died recently.

Months Mind Mass. Joan Foran, Monroe, Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 28th. May at 10.00a.m.

Anniversary Mass. Maura Farrell, Glenmore House, Stoneyford.

Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 27th. May at 6.30p.m.

ROTA Week-end 27th and 28th May 2023. (Feast of Pentecost) Readers. Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Raggett. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Deirdre Rohan. Sunday 10.00a.m.

Marie Ryan.

Eucharistic Ministers Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Bernie Grace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cuddihy, Sunday 10.00a.m. Ann Power.

NOVENA FOR VOCATIONS On Saturday 20th. May (Vigil of the Ascension) we began a Diocesan Novena for Vocations to Diocesan Priesthood. As the Irish Church has now begun a special year of prayer for Vocations, please join in praying for the needs of our own Diocese. You can pray the Novena at home and we will pray it at our daily Masses here in the Parish. Copies of the Novena prayers are available here in the Church. You can also access the Novena on the Diocesan Website or on the following social media platforms.

OSSARY PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The Lourdes Pilgrimage takes place from May 23rd. to 28th. We pray for the safety and wellbeing of all pilgrims and the success of the Pilgrimage.

AFTER SCHOOL FACILITY A kind, enthusiastic, patient, reliable person wanted to work in, or run, an After School Facility in Newmarket School from 1.30p.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday on school days. For further information please call 056 776 8919 CEMETERY MASSES FOR 2023 Mass in Calvary Cemetery on Friday 2nd. June at 8.00p.m. Mass in Kilcasey Cemetery on Friday 16th. June at 8.00p.m. Mass in Hugginstown Cemetery on Saturday 1st. July at 8.00p.m. Mass in Stoneyford Cemetery on Friday 7th. July at 8.00p.m.

PADRE PIO NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Holy Cross Abbey, Thurles on Sunday next 28th.

May. Ceremonies will begin at 1.30p.m. If interested in travelling please contact: Kay Power 086 168 7073 or Lily Burke 056 776 8008 LOTTO Lotto: Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 15th. May 2023 Numbers: 25; 32;31; 21. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00. Winners. Roisín Murphy, Lismatigue, A. and M. Rohan, Carraigetna. Mary Bryan, Jenkinstown Park, Ger Carroll, Harristown, Eugene O’Donovan, Kilmoganny.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers), Claire Cleary, Jimmy Sheehan, Teresa Fitzgerald.

ALONE “Alone” is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home across Kilkenny. Our work is for all older people and aims to improve their wellbeing. We have a National network of staff and volunteers who provide Support Coordination, Practical Supports, Befriending, a variety of Phone Services, Social Prescribing, Housing with Support and Assistive Technology. We use individualised support plans, to address health, financial benefits and supports, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs using technology and harness other services. We use personalised support plans, provide a point of contact for access to health, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs.

If you or an Older Person you know needs help of any kind please contact “Alone” on 0818 222 024, lines open 7 days a week; 8.00am to 8.00p.m. or email: hello@alone.ie or contact, Liz Nolan, (Support Coordinator) Mobile Number: 086 108 6504.

Do you have an occasion, fundraiser, community event, local news or stories from your club, school, parish, village or town, then why not share them on the KILKENNY OBSERVER NOTICEBOARD (and include a photograph if you can). Just e-mail them to jack@kilkennyobserver.ie

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Floodlit Soccer League Advertisement

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The O’Neill Centre are presented with a cheque for €5000, thanks to the Floodlit Soccer League

Kilkenny Floodlit Soccer League 22nd Awards night was held in Kytelers Inn on Thursday last. Winners and Runner up Trophies were presented in 7 competitions as well as Player of Year in Div 1, 2, and 3.

Egans Bar were winners of the James Tynan Memorial Trophy for the League Championship and they were also Floodlit Cup winners while not to be out done, Glendine FC were two competition winners also, winning Div 1 League and Floodlit Shield.

League newcomers Power Ranger from Paulstown were Div 2 winners while Conahy team Dinan Rovers won Div

3. Another new team to the League, Rural Roads Utd led

by Padraig Crawford won the Dalton Cup. Player of the Year Trophies in all 3 Divisions were also presented.

The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the presentation of a cheque for €5000 to The O'Neill Centre. Director of Services at the Centre Paula Rutkins accepted this cheque and thanked Floodlit League organisers Eamon Cleere and Gerry O'Keefe, as well as all participants for their generous donation.

Trophies on the night were presented by League sponsor John Dalton of Daltons Chancellor Mills. John had

played in the Floodlit League in previous years and said that he was delighted to be associated with such a well run League that has many benefits.

Preparations are underway for season 2023/24 which will start in September/October with some entrants already in.

Any teams wishing to enter the League for next season can get contact details on the League website www.kffl.ie List of Winners and Runners up.

DIV 2 LEAGUE Winners:- Power Rangers.

Rinner Up:- Rural Roads Utd DIV 3 LEAGUE Winners:- Dinan Rovers.

Runner Up:- Kells FC FLOODLIT CUP Winners:- Egans Bar Runner Up:- Kearns Butchers SHIELD Winners:- Glendine FC Runner Up:- Rural Roads UTD. DALTON CUP Winners:- Rural Roads Utd. Runner Up:- Power Rangers.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP Winners:- Egans Bar. Runner Up:- Glendine FC DIV 1 LEAGUE Winners:- Glendine FC Runner Up:- O.S. Utd.

Player of Year Div 1- Paul O’Brien - Egans Bar. Player of Year Div 2- Jimmy Byrne - Power Rangers Player of Year Div 3 - Neil O’Riordan - Dinan Rovers.

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Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Young Irelands Gowran Now that we are into the busy summer season, GAA and Camogie Clubs in particular are busy with fundraising events as a whole range of events will take place across the county.

Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Club in Gowran will be busy over the summer with a number of events planned, and the first of their arranged events takes place with their annual Dog Night in Kilkenny Greyhound Track this coming Sunday night.

The Dog Night has been a major success since the first running of the event, and with the longer evenings and likelihood of lovely summer weather, it's a perfect social opportunity to meet-up with friends and neighbours.

There are plenty of prizes to be won this Sunday night, and for anyone that purchases a ticket including advance they will be entered into a Draw for a chance to win.

Similar to last year, The Camogie Club have come on board for this fundraiser

and with both the GAA and Camogie Clubs raising funds for Sunday nights event from Ticket and Raffle Sales, it will generate greater interest and should bring in extra income for both Clubs.

The action gets underway on Sunday Evening with the first race from 7.30pm. Admission is €10 for Adults with children free, and all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs.

For further information on The Young Irelands Dog Night, check out The Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Club pages

on Facebook for further details.

Meanwhile, on the playing field last Saturday, the annual U-12 Young Irelands Tournament took place in Gowran with this years tournament held in honour of Beatrice Treacy.

It was a very special occassion on a very special day, and the Young Irelands boys were most fitting winners with the team Captained by Patrick Treacy who is a Grandson of Beatrice.

Beatrice's Husband Paddy Treacy presented The Cup to Patrick in a very special moment, while her Son Brian

Kilkenny City and County Bridge results

Kilkenny Bridge Centre is situated just off the Ring Road, Kilkenny.

There are 9 Bridge Clubs in the Bridge Centre and 2 Clubs play each night from Monday to Thursday.

There is a morning bridge on Tuesday mornings.

Beginners and Improvers Classes are ongoing.

All Clubs finish the end of May and re open in September.

RESULTS Club 17 - 16th May 1. Liam and Bridget Holohan 2. Noreen Bergin/Mary T. Murphy 3. Kathleen O'Shaughnessy/Mary Walsh 4. Christine Leonowicz/Linda Darlington.

Summer Bridge every Tuesday Morning at 10.30 a.m.

All welcome. Open to non members for summer months.

Ormonde Castle Bridge Club - 15th May 1 Anna Morrison/Yvonne Grant 2. Catherine McGoff/Mary Shields 3. Eileen O'Brien/Margaret Tynan Kilkenny Bridge Club - 16th May 1 Catherine McGoff/Margaret Knowles 2. Peter Ryan/Liz Jennings 3. Breda Deevy/Sheila Ryan 4. Angela Carroll/Maura O'Mahony SUMMER BRIDGE Bridge for the summer months will be held in Kilkenny Bridge Centre on the following days Tuesday Morning commencing 6th June at 10.30 a.m.

Wednesday Evening commencing 7th June at 7.30 a.m.

Summer bridge is open to non members.

Bridge results to Marion at 087 654 4737

"Beano" Treacy came home from New Zealand especially for the occassion.

Before The Tournament began last Saturday Morning, The eight teams that competed lined up in a circle led by a Piper Musician.

The eight teams that competed were Young Irelands Gowran(Cup Winners), Graigue-Ballycallan, Danesfort, Mullinavat, St. Martins, Mooncoin, Bennettsbridge (Shield Winners) and Barrow Rangers.

Beatrice was a Young Irelands stalwart heavily involved in The Club for so many years with both Hurling and Camogie.

She served as PRO of The Club for almost 20 years, while in Millenium Year (2000) she was Editor of The Gowran GAA Story.

She was also a founding member of St. Marys Camogie Club in Gowran, while she was very centrally involved in Kilkenny Camogie both as a County Board delegate and also was a Selector in Kilkenny's First Senior All-Ireland in 1974.

Beatrice's Granddaughters Steffi and Tiffanie were on the starting team as Kilkenny won The Senior All-Ireland last year.

As mentioned, Young Irelands will be busy with a range of Fundraising events over the next few months.

The annual Young Irelands GAA Golf Classic will take place in Gowran Park on the weekend of Friday 23rd and Saturday June 24th with €3000 in Prize Money on offer.

Tee times available on Friday and from 2pm on Saturday, while a Team of four costs €200.

Players without a GUI Handicap will be given one on

the day, and their prizes for longest drive, nearest the pin and money hole. For further information on Tee Times, contact Liam Walsh on 087 2647248.

Meanwhile, one of the great highlights of the year takes place on Sunday July 9th with The Kilkenny Country Music Festival in Gowran Park.

A whole host of acts will take to the stage with Mike Denver once again returning along with Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley, while Olivia Douglas and Brendan Shine will also perform at this years Festival. Tickets are available from Hennessys Shop, Gowran, Gowran Pharmacy anad Porters Newsagent, High St, Kilkenny, and also at https://www. eventbrite.ie/ For further information on This years Kilkenny Country Music Festival, check out https:// kilkennycountrymusicfestival. ie/ for all the details.

Plenty for Young Irelands in Gowran to look forward to throughout the Summer Months, with The Dog Night at Kilkenny Greyhound Track on Sunday Night starting at 7.30pm.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Hurling matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster SHC Round 4: UPMC Nowlan Park

All-Ireland Series place bagged as Dubs beaten

Tom Phelan gets possession and gets away from Daire Gray

Kilkenny 0-27 Dublin 0-21 Kilkenny ensure smooth progress to the All-Ireland series with a battling win over Dublin in UPMC Nowlan Park last Saturday. At the final whistle there was 6 points between the sides and Derek Lyng & Co. will know that improvements will be required in all areas as the championship progresses.

The standout headline from the game was TJ Reid briefly moving ahead of Patrick Horgan in the championship scoring stakes. The Shamrocks Ballyhale man is quite simply phenomenal, one of the very best in hurling history, but like this Cats team, TJ is all about the here and now.

Dublin were typically difficult opponents and made the home side work hard for their victory and this will have pleased their manager Micheál Donoghue, as he prepares to take on Henry’s Galway in Parnell this weekend. Our boys will make the trip to Chadwicks Wexford Park knowing that if they avoid defeat, a Leinster final appearance and another battle with Mr. Shefflin awaits.

There was one change to the starting XV that hit 5-31 against the Saffrons last time out, with O’Loughlin’s Paddy Deegan coming in for Glenmore’s Alan Murphy in the engine room while Dublin had Paul Crummey and Sean Currie in for the injured Ronan Hayes and the dangerous Alex Considine.

The Cats opened the scoring in the first minute thanks to a free from TJ Reid and his nemesis on the Dublin side Donal Burke levelled matters a few minutes later, also from the placed ball. Na Fianna’s Sean Currie then did well to turnover the ball and move it to his No.10 Danny Sutcliffe and the St Judes man fired over a lovely point to give the visitors the lead. The opening exchanges were lively, with both sides bringing plenty of fire to the contest.

The lively Sutcliffe was being as direct as possible when he was in possession and this approach lead the St Judes man winning a free off O’Loughlin’s Huw Lawlor and the accurate Donal Burke popped over the placed ball. The same duo combined a minute later, this time Sutcliffe appeared to lose a boot before Galway whistler Liam Gordon awarded the men in blue a free.

Again, Na Fianna’s Burke stood over the placed ball and split the posts to give his side a 3-point lead with 11 minutes gone in UPMC Nowlan Park.

The home side needed a score to settle them down and one came a minute later from Mossy Keoghan.

The Tullaroan man was inside the full-back line, was a goal on? The sensible decision was to take the point and Mossy did that from quite

Cats win as TJ & Horgan smash 600 in championship scoring stats a tight angle. Another point followed within 60 seconds. This time it was a peach of a score from David Blanchfield. The Bennettsbridge man is improving with every outing and is beginning to make one of the wingback jerseys his own.

Less than a minute later the sides were briefly level, O’Loughlin’s Paddy Deegan striking over a fine point.

Donal Burke showed that it isn’t just the placed ball that makes him a talent when he fired over a fine point from play. Two further scores from Micheál Donoghue’s men followed.

Erins Isle’s Conor Donohoe came forward from his defensive position to extend the visitors lead before St Oliver Plunkett’s Cian Boland hit the third score on the bounce to restore their 3-point lead. Boland’s point was the pick of the bunch, Sutcliffe

plucked the sliotar out of the air and fired a cross-field pass to the Boland who wrong-footed his man before striking over from distance.

TJ Reid then struck back for the home side, this time a placed ball from his own ‘65 before Kilmacud Crokes Mark Grogan popped one over from close range. Tom Phelan then pointed for the black and amber when again, a major may have been possible.

The next two scores would be the history-making ones. Kilkenny were awarded a free close to the left sideline and TJ struck it beautifully between the posts. Reid was now level with Patrick Horgan in all-time championship scoring stats. Just 2 minutes later an easier placed ball opportunity saw TJ briefly become the highest scoring player in the

history of the Championship with 30-509. Words will not do this man justice. In typical TJ fashion he got a third on the bounce as Kilkenny took the lead for the first time in since the opening minute.

Captain Eoin Cody was relatively quiet but then rifled over a lovely point before Graigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan did likewise as the Cats moved into a 3-point lead. Derek Lyng’s charges had definitely raised the tempo and their hunger and this was evident when they turned over the Dubs and TJ slotted over the free. Midfielder Mark Grogan fired over his second of the game for the first Dublin score in a while, but the final score of an intriguing first half came from Cats corner back Mikey Butler. The halftime scoreboard read Kilkenny 0-13, Dublin 0-9.

Dublin started the second half with the intent and purpose that saw them cause Lyng’s men problems in the opening period. Donal Burke tagged on another free before Whitehall Colmcille’s Daire Gray fired over.

Burke then made it a 1-point game when he scored a classy point from the left sideline. Game on. Conahy Shamrocks Tom Phelan then registered his sides first score of the second period and his second of the game before TJ added another dead ball, his 7th point of the day before Mossy Keoghan dispatched a fine individual effort to push the home sides lead to four.

Danny Sutcliffe was then fouled and Burke punished the indiscretion, but Tom Phelan then got his 3rd score to keep the visitors at arm’s length.

From the puckout, Sutcliffe won

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Hurling matters - Review

Richie Reid finds the going tough surrounded by Sean Currie and Cian O Sullivan

TJ Reid. A 10th point of the day or Donal Burke followed as the Na Fianna man popped over another free. Galmoy’s Billy Drennan then replaced man of the moment TJ Reid as those in attendance showed their appreciation for the great man.

A flurry of points followed as the game entered additional time. Billy Drennan reminded the crowd that he was back with a lovely score, while the impressive Danny Sutcliffe fired over. Adrian Mullen then registered a second score of the game before Dublin full-back Eoghan O’Donnell pointed for a rare score. Two more scores were taken before the long whistle, one for each side, Dara Purcell for the visitors and a third of the day for the hard-working Paddy Deegan to leave the Cats six points clear on a final scoreline of Kilkenny 0-27, Dublin 0-21.

Scorers for Kilkenny: TJ Reid 0-10 (10fs), Paddy Deegan, Tom Phelan 0-3 each, Adrian Mullen, Martin Keoghan, Eoin Cody 0-2 each, Mikey Butler, David Blanchfield, Richie Reid, Billy Ryan, and Billy Drennan (f) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Dublin: Donal Burke

0-10 (8fs), Danny Sutcliffe, Mark Grogan, Dara Purcell 0-2 each, Eoghan O’Donnell, Conor Donohoe, Daire Gray, Cian Boland, Sean Currie 0-1 each.

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Tommy Walsh; David Blanchfield, Richie Reid, Darragh Corcoran; Adrian Mullen, Paddy Deegan; Tom Phelan, John Donnelly, Billy Ryan; Martin Keoghan, TJ Reid, Eoin Cody.

Subs: Walter Walsh for Ryan, 53 mins; Cian Kenny for Phelan, 57 mins; Padraig Walsh for Corcoran, 61 mins; Cillian Buckley for R Reid, 64 mins; Billy Drennan for TJ Reid, 70 mins.

Dublin: Sean Brennan; Paddy Doyle, Eoghan O’Donnell, Paddy Smyth; Conor Donohoe, Conor Burke, Daire Gray; Mark Grogan, Chris O’Leary; Danny Sutcliffe, Donal Burke, Cian Boland; Sean Currie, Cian O’Sullivan, Paul Crummey.

Subs: James Madden for Gray, 46 mins; Alex Considine for Crummey, 48 mins; John Bellew for Grogan, 60 mins; Dara Purcell for Donohoe, 63 mins; Darragh Power for O’Sullivan, 67 mins.

Referee: Liam Gordon (Galway)

>> SHERRY SAYS.. possession before being fouled again.

Only one outcome, another placed ball score from Donal Burke. His Na Fianna club mate Sean Currie then fired over a fine score from play, but the home side responded with a free from TJ after Mossy was halted illegally.

Walter Walsh was then introduced in place of Billy Ryan as Derek Lyng sought to freshen things up. Things were getting a little tasty at times, a championship edge to proceedings in Nowlan Park. TJ picked up a yellow as referee Liam Gordon sought to calm things down. Burke swung over another free before Paddy Deegan rifled over a cracking point to keep the home side up by three.

Three minutes later Richie Reid surged forward and landed a superb score and the Cats built on this with

Paddy Deegan determined to get away from Eoghan O Donnell

another free from TJ. Eoin Cody then notched his second point and in the blink of an eye, Kilkenny were 6 points to the good.

Cian Kenny, Padraig Walsh and Cillian Buckley had all entered the fray, the latter replacing Richie

Reid who appeared in a little bit of discomfort as he hobbled off.

Kilkenny appeared to have the measure of this gutsy Dublin team and this was confirmed with the next two scores, both from Shamrocks Ballyhale men, Adrian Mullen and

A great game of hurling from these two sides. Dublin and Kilkenny served up a championship treat for the supporters in UPMC Nowlan Park. It was a real ding-dong battle at times and the men from the Capital acquitted themselves well.

In Donal Burke they have a real talisman and genuinely talented hurler. The Na Fianna man kept the scoreboard ticking over for the visitors and he had a decent supporting cast in Danny Sutcliffe, Cian Boland, Mark Grogan and Paddy Smyth. The loss of Ronan Hayes was a blow to the Dubs and they will hope to have him back in blue very soon.

TJ – what more can be said? Surpassing Patrick Horgan’s championship scoring record is an unreal achievement. There’s still some fuel in the tank and the Shamrocks man will be hoping his county play deep into the summer.

O’Loughlin’s Paddy Deegan came into the starting team and had a great game, notching 0-3 in an energetic display. Tom Phelan will have been pleased with his performance and 3 points from the Conahy Shamrocks man will have done his confidence the world of good.

All-Ireland series participation guaranteed. We head to Chadwicks Wexford Park this weekend owing our opponents one. It’s certainly time for the Cats to get the better of the Slaneysiders. Secure the result and we can start to plan for the provincial final and another tussle with Henry’s men.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

Motors Classifieds

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

Planning notices Online

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Aaron Meyler intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed new dormer style dwelling, proposed vehicular entrance, proposed driveway, borewell, wastewater treatment system with percolation area, stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Raheenroche, Dungarvan, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

I, Roddy Breen intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to install a septic tank and percolation area and all associated site development works at Ballyreddin North, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Clyde Meyler intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed upgrade and repositioning of wastewater treatment system and percolation area for existing dwelling, relocation of borewell, boundary change and all associated site works at Raheenroche, Dungarvan, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie

I, James & Ruth Walsh intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to retain existing first floor en-suite bathroom, walk-in-wardrobe, two dormer windows and all associated site development works at Lousybush, Kilkenny R95 R2HF. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Richard Walsh, intend to apply for Planning permission for: (A) 8 No. Semi-detached, two storey, three bedroom dwellings, (with optional ground floor rear extensions). (B) proposed vehicular entrance, (C) Proposed internal roads/footpaths and public lighting, (D) Proposed connection to existing Foul, Storm and Water main infrastructure. (E) Proposed diversion of existing foul drain. (F) Demolition of 2 No. Existing sheds, (G) Demolition of front boundary wall, (H) Proposed landscaping/boundary treatments and all associated site works at Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is sought for the offset adjustment of the boundary wall at the road junction close to the Boher Lodge Gate to Ballylinch Stud, Ballydonnell, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

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

Applicant: Ballylinch Stud

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Mark & Emma Dunne intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to demolish existing garage, build a self contained unit and store to existing dwelling house, new entrance and all associated site development works at 5 Noremount, Kilkenny, R95 W70H. 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.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

JOHANNA (HANNAH) BYRNE BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

MARTIN FLYNN 2ND ANNIVERSARY

6th Birthday Away From Home

In loving memory of Martin Flynn, late of Melville Heights, Kilkenny and Drakelands Middle, Kilkenny, who died on 29th May 2021.

Johanna (Hannah) Byrne whose birthday occurs at this time Today always meant so much to me Now it only brings me tears I wish that God could have spared you For just a few more years I’m thinking of you today Nan I know that’s nothing new You were my thoughts of yesterday And you’ll be in tomorrows too The memories I’ll treasure forever They always make me smile I just wish I could hold you again If only for a while

Greatly missed and remembered with love by the Flynn family, SOS Kilkenny and all of your many friends everywhere.

Anniversary mass will be offered on Sunday 28th May 2023 at 11.00am St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny

The Blessed Virgin

The Blessed Virgin

(never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. F.P.

(never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. B.R.

But until the day that we unite When we’ll no longer be apart But until that day, remember Nan You are always in my heart Happy Birthday Nan Love your Grandson Joseph XXX

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.B.H.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.DM.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 May 2023