Kilkenny Observer 26th August 2022

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Friday 26 August 2022

Generation Woe How our young are missing out on life  Special Report, Page 14

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Ukraine’s War Six months on, world economy in tatters  Global Report, Page 22

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Schools crisis worsens The more than 400,000 postprimary pupils about to return to school are facing a crisis of increasing shortages of teachers.

Growing pupil numbers and the shortage of teaching graduates in important subjects are adding to the problem.

The most affected subjects are Irish, home economics and guidance counselling, which are facing a “severe supply crisis”, according to second-level school managers.

The Joint Managerial Body (JMB) representing about half of post-primary schools, said: “It is impossible to get a home economics replacement teacher.”

The management body has asked the department to come up with guidelines for schools in difficulty on how to make provision for Irish, home economics and guidance counselling in the year ahead.

While it welcomes Department of Education attempts to improve the number of teach-

ers in the long run, the JMB said short-term measures were also needed.

Other subjects where principals have been facing recruitment challenges over the past year include maths, English, religious education, French, PE and special education needs, according to school surveys in the last year.

In an attempt to tackle the crisis, the JMB is urging the department to recognise students on the second year of the PME post-graduate master’s

programme, which leads to the professional qualification for the profession, for employment purposes.

The JMB has also identified the “increasingly onerous recognition pathways for teachers from outside the jurisdiction,” as an obstacle to more and speedier recruitment.

Meanwhile, the army should be drafted in to drive school buses with thousands of families waiting to hear if they are heading back to school with no transport option.

Independent Councillor Ger Carthy made the call on Newstalk Breakfast after it emerged the government decision to offer free school transport has sparked a rush for places.

With schools returning, families who previously had places on the school bus system are being told they need to find their own means of transport.

Elsewhere, third level students are facing a huge accommodation shortage.

See John Ellis, Page 16

It’s a dog’s day at luxurious Mountain View

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has admitted that Ireland is facing a huge challenge when it comes to providing accommodation for Ukrainian refugees but he re-iterated Ireland’s determination to honour its international obligations to provide sanctuary for those fleeing the war.

Full story, Page 6.

Cancer breakthrough

PHOTO: Pauline Loroy

We feel the pinch with groceries

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it more difficult to find bargains. The share of groceries being sold on promotion stood at 24.6% in the past 12 weeks. This marks a big decline from the period around the last economic downturn, with 34.2% of groceries sold on promotion in 2010.

In the past four weeks, the value of grocery sales grew by 1.6%, with Irish consumers

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar have admitted the Government was “taken by surprise” by a warning from the energy regulator that peak-time electricity usage had to be drastically reduced to avoid power outages.

The revelation came as both said a detailed plan was now being put in place to reduce peak electricity demand, bring additional power generation sources on stream and manage the expansion of the energydependent digital economy, including data centres.

See also Page 10

No rooms for the refugees

As Ireland’s Best Exclusive Wedding Venue in the SaveMyDay.ie Irish Wedding Venue Awards 2021, Kilkenny’s Mountain View and its 120 acres of countryside is private to newlyweds and their guests on their special day.

And its is the latest luxury wedding venue to allow dogs attend the event!

With breathtaking backdrops of rolling hills, this unique venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces that are licensed for civil ceremonies, partnerships and blessings, and stunning main reception spaces for both intimate affairs or larger parties up to 220 guests, including four-legged furry guests too!

Irish shoppers are now buying less in store as grocery inflation soars to a 14-year high of 9.5% and it’s getting harder to find discounts.

According to the latest figures from research group Kantar, consumer spending on groceries dipped by 0.7% over the 12 weeks to August 7.

Consumers are also finding

Leaders ‘wrong’ on energy need

now spending an additional €14.5m.

Meanwhile, a former member of the Low Pay Commission has warned of “possible distortions” in data that will be used to calculate the new living wage.

Vincent Jennings, chief executive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, has raised concerns

with the Government about the figures that the pay rate will be based on.

Tánaiste and Enterprise Minister Leo Varadkar plans to replace the national minimum wage of €10.50 an hour with the new living wage over four years, starting next year, and equal 60% of the average national earnings.

Elsewhere, companies in

Ireland have pushed expected pay rise budgets to 3.4% to tackle the challenges of a tighter labour market, inflation and worker expectations, according to a new report.

But he Salary Budget Planning Report from global advisory firm WTW found that not all employees will benefit directly from an increase in take-home pay.

A new home screening test using artificial intelligence to detect oral and throat cancers from saliva samples has been launched in the United States, with hopes the device could change the future of oral and throat cancer detection. The test has more than 90% accuracy according to US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and is considered a “major breakthrough device”.

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins....................P8 Marianne Heron............P12 John Ellis ........................P16 Health & Science...........P18 Travel & Leisure............P19 Gerry Moran ..................P20 Gerry Cody..............P26–28 Food & Drink .................P38 TV & Streaming............P39 Sport.................................P41

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News A Thomastown based business, The Cookie Co-op, will get a chance to exhibit to almost 300,000 people at the National Ploughing Championships next month as part of the Local Enterprise Village. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) will see 31 small businesses, one from each LEO area, take a stand in the Local Enterprise Village in the heart of the Ploughing Championships, opening their businesses up to almost 300,000 prospective customers across the three days of the event.

The Cookie Co-op is an artisan confectionery company, producing hand-crafted baked goods including cookies, brownies, and cookie bars. The Cookie Co-op’s products are distributed for wholesale across the South East and Midlands of Ireland. Their products are also directly available for delivery to customers nationwide and sold at farmers markets in Kilkenny City and County.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick said: “The Cookie Co-op is proudly supported by the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny.

This is a fantastic opportunity for these small local businesses to showcase their products to the 300,000 visitors expected throughout the three days at the Local Enterprise Village.”

Owner of The Cookie Co-Op, Brian Walsh, pictured with DamienEnglish TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail) said: “I’m very proud to have The Cookie Co-op represent our county at the Local Enterprise Village at

Thomastown co-op takes the biscuit!

Cookie Co-op, will exhibit to 300,000 at Ploughing this year’s National Ploughing Championships. The team is excited to be involved; meeting new customers and getting for the opportunity to network with other Irish businesses taking part.”

There will be a variety of products and services on show for the visitors to this year’s Ploughing Championships to enjoy, which includes food, fashion, agri-tech productsN, farm safety equipment, spirits,

sportswear and even skincare for animals!

Catherine Hennessy from the Local Enterprise Office outlined what a significant opportunity this is for these businesses. “Small businesses very

rarely get an opportunity like this and it could be a significant event for them all in the growth of their business. They will be at the very heart of the action at the Ploughing Championships, getting the chance to tell their

story and sell their product or service to a massive new audience, an audience that will be excited to be back following a two-year break.” * For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie

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Refugees: we’ve a problem Taoiseach Micheal Martin has admitted that Ireland is facing a huge challenge when it comes to providing accommodation for Ukrainian refugees but he vowed Ireland’s determination to honour its international obligations to provide sanctuary for those fleeing the war.

Mr Martin acknowledged the immediate challenge was

to provide accommodation for refugees who have been staying in student accommodation but will have to move out to other accommodation when students start returning to university later this month.

“This was always going to be challenging, particularly in respect of the student accommodation and we’re acutely aware of it and there are no

easy answers – if you look, close to 48,000 Ukrainians have come into the country,” he said “And we are potentially looking up to 15,000 other migrants fleeing difficult situations and seeking asylum here and then you add on thousands who are availing of work permits and the population is growing, the challenge is obvious.”

Mr Martin’s comments came as the Irish Red Cross admitted that it does not know where the 2,500 Ukrainian refugees, who have been housed in student accommodation for the past few months, will be rehoused when they move out within the next 10 days.

Irish Red Cross SecretaryGeneral, Liam O’Dwyer told RTE Radio’s Morning Ireland

on Monday that it had long been known that student accommodation would have to be vacated in the autumn ahead of the start of the academic year.

Mr O’Dwyer surmised that the refugees may be moved to hotels, institutional accommodation identified by the Government, sports halls or to the Gormanston military

camp in Meath but he said that they did not have any definitive information.

And he said another issue of great concern to the refugees was that they be able to remain in an area where their children are registered to go to school.

“There are 7,500 refugee children due to go to school in Ireland in the coming weeks,” he said.

Dire state of Let’s get walking for Alzheimer’s... mental health care ‘putting patients at risk’ Patients’ lives are at risk because of the “dire state” of our mental health services, a leading psychiatrist has warned.

Dr William Flannery, a consultant psychiatrist and president of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, said: “The provision of mental health services in this country is in a dire state, and major problems are evident across the board for children, adolescents and adults.

“We are currently experiencing unacceptably long waiting lists for urgent care — and the crisis is particularly acute among children and adolescents who are the cohort who need to be treated particularly rapidly,” he said in an interview with national media.

“This is a huge failing, particularly when public confidence in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is so low given recent revelations on resourcing.”

The Mental Health Commission watchdog recently highlighted the outdated and neglected state of many HSE-run psychiatric units coupled with staffing issues.

Figures also show there are more than 4,200 children in mental distress on waiting lists for CAMHS, with 508 in a queue for care for over a year.

He said the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, the professional training body representing over 1,000 doctors, has warned that Government failings on mental health are putting patients’ lives at risk, and

that a radical overhaul of the entire system is needed as an urgent priority.

“Major problems are evident across all mental health services, including unacceptable waiting lists for children and adults who need urgent care.

He added there are “inadequate resources for prisoners”.

It comes against a background of a serious recruitment and retention crisis among doctors.

Urgent Government investment and a detailed plan on resourcing are needed to deal with a “tsunami” of mental health issues faced by people across the country, he added.

Pointing to revelations in the Irish Independent that more than 3,000 children and adolescents were turned away from CAMHS services in the first four months of this year even after being referred to the service by a GP, he said: “This is a depressing example of how disjointed and inadequate our health services are.”

He also said recent reports of mental health issues experienced by inmates in the prison system are “highly disturbing and it is not right or fair that certain inmates suffering with mental illness are detained in prisons”.

Dr Flannery stressed that “a consistent negative theme in mental health services was the recruitment and retention crisis which is resulting in a steady stream of medical professionals leaving the health system.”

Comedian Neil Delamere and beauty expert and entrepreneur Pamela Laird invite the public to make every step count for the third successive Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, proudly supported by Irish Life, which is taking place nationwide on Sunday, September 18, during World Alzheimer’s Month.

Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages and abilities to unite together with their families and communities to raise awareness and funds for dementia supports. The ASI hopes that 3,000 walkers across Ireland will help us raise €250,000 for vital services that help to support so many people with dementia and their family

carers across Ireland.

An estimated 1,413 people live with dementia in Kilkenny, and 64,000 people live with dementia in Ireland which will more than double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045. However, there is one thing you can do to help – you can Walk Together on Sunday, September 18.

Walk with your house-

hold, family, friends and pets; it’s guaranteed to be a fun event. You can choose where you walk, whether your back garden or the local park – remember, on Sunday, September 18th – Let’s Walk Together. There are only a few weeks left for participants to receive their packs. Family-friendly prices are €8 for kids and €20 for adults.

We now rank seventh in alcohol consumption New research shows Ireland is placed seventh in the Top 15 alcohol consumers, globally.

Alcohol has played a significant role in the leisure time of many in today’s society, and its usage dates back centuries. For many, it plays a crucial part in their social engagement, allowing individuals to bond more easily. Alcohol consumption, however, holds many risks regard-

ing health, both physical and mental, and can also play a part in society’s ills, such as crime.

In various countries across the world, alcohol has a different meaning and placement in society; basically, it is more common for people to drink regularly in some countries than in others.

Looking at the amount of alcohol consumed per person aged 15 years or

older, the Seychelles is in first place with around 20.5 litres of alcohol drunk a person a year, according to Our World in Data studies.

Second place on the rankings list is Uganda with about 15 litres per year, followed by the Czech Republic with 14.45 litres, and Lithuania with 13.22 Top 15 Countries 1 Seychelles: 20.50 litres 2 Uganda: 15.09 litres

3 Czech Republic: 14.45 litres 4 Lithuania: 13.22 litres 5 Luxembourg: 12.94 litres 6 Germany: 12.91 litres 7 Ireland: 12.88 litres 8 Latvia: 12.77 litres 9 Spain: 12.72 litres 10 Bulgaria: 12.65 litres 11 France: 12.33 litres 12 Burkina Faso: 12.03 litres 13 Portugal: 12.03 litres 14 Austria: 11.96 litres 15 Slovenia: 11.90 litres

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Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Turning a blind eye to vision of the future One of my abiding memories of my early school days is my father picking me up outside the school gates, on his bicycle — my mother having put an old cushion on the crossbar to make my journey across the city more comfortable.

We were heading right across ‘town’, as it was back then, to the rooms of Dr O’Donoghue in the Georgian confines of Merrion Square. Rooms I remember with chaise lounges, fine oak bureaus and dark, heavy drapes where the dying light of an evening would attempt intrusion. That, and the creaking floorboards, whose simple, understated mathematical ratio went back to the reigns of the first four Kings George of England.

Dr O’Donoghue was my eye doctor, my ophthalmologist, who, as a private practitioner, had been looking after my ‘lazy’, almost sightless,

eye since first spotting me as a year-old baby with my mother anxiously waiting in Temple St Children’s Hospital and kindly removing me from the public list, such was his interest — then a young professional — in my particular condition.

My effectively useless, bum eye and my wearing of glasses to correct my deficiency have defined much of my countenance for much of my life, the mental landscape of my childhood haunted with derisive echoes of ‘specks’, ‘bottle top’, or ‘old four eyes’.

I learned to live with it, the name calling and the physical shortcomings — the latter largely excluding me from the sporting world of formative years and from any notion in my secondary school years of wanting to be an airline pilot.

My glasses, my spectacles, down the years — the many years — have become my constant companion; if not

permanently perched on my nose, then never far out of reach; the first ‘go-to’ in the morning from the bedside locker and the last item removed at night.

From bifocal lenses to varied focals, tinted to lightsensitive, my every-otheryear change in style (a new prescription permitted my indulgence) became a fashion statement that, down the years, saw me adapt varying guises from John Lennon to Elton John to Elvis Costello to finally just plain old me.

The eyes may well be the mirror of the soul but they are also fundamental tools for the working journalist. We, who practice our trade on this remorseless and relentless treadmill, need our eyes to observe and watch and then to record and explain an evolving story. He’s a good journalist, my editor would say, he’s a great eye for a story. Or, my editor would

say, we better keep and eye on that story. Or, who’s watching the news?

Or CNN anchor Erin Burnett: “All eyes are on Taiwan tonight.”

And so it goes...

I was out some weeks back for dinner with an old friend I literally had not laid eyes on in 30 years. Not long after we had settled in, I noticed an aura of gold and black light surrounding her persona as she chatted away opposite me. Then, suddenly, and with no warnings or signs or symptoms of any kind, the sight in my right eye went poof! and disappeared. A black veil of darkness descended over the eye, the one that had been lazy all its life.

A consultation the next day with my local eye doctor saw me off to the Mater Hospital.

I had had a stroke, which brought no debilitating consequences at all bar the long black veil of blindness. An op-

eration some days later — by a Dr O’Donoghue! — opened up the right side of my neck and cleaned out the carotid artery to avoid a repeat episode.

As I write, I am still blind in my bad eye. The chances of any sight returning are

‘Defined much of my countenance for much of my life...

negligible. But, I am okay: I never used that bum eye much anyway, my other eye being the stronger with years of over-compensating for the lazy one. I like to think, though, that that old eye, with its lifetime of shirking responsibility, in finally giving up on his distorted views, guided the rogue plaque towards itself, rather than my brain, and laid down his life for the corporal body.

Had plaque reached my brain, the possible consequences don’t bear thinking about.

I am okay. Really. And I’m not alone. There are an estimated 246,773 people in Ireland who are blind or visually impaired. At the end of the day, in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.

Meanwhile, what the future holds for me and my oneeyed world remains to be seen…

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Pharma giant MSD to create 100 jobs in Carlow The pharmaceutical giant MSD has confirmed it will fill 100 new long-term jobs in Co Carlow as construction gets under way on a new manufacturing facility at the site of its existing biologics formulation and filling plant in Carlow town.

The company already employs 530 people at the site.

The new sterile manufacturing facility is being built for production of next generation oncology biologics. News of the investment was first reported by the Sunday Independent in April and planning is now in place.

The construction work will employ around 700 people.

Once the new facility is operational it will have a staff of 100 including highly skilled jobs in quality, operations, engineering, supply chain and technical support.

Planning documents show the new development will have a total gross floor area of over 1.9 acres and will include a new two-storey building, incorporating production suites, utilities, a warehouse, workshops, laboratories, offices, and plant rooms.

MSD Ireland has more than

Major look at country's power amid new fears A review of the security of the country's electricity and gas supply is due for completion within weeks.

It comes amid growing fears of power outages over the coming winter as demand for electricity rises faster than supply can increase to meet it.

The national energy regulator, the CRU, recently issued an emergency document to electricity supply companies, proposing steep new tariffs for large powerusing businesses to try to encourage them to ease off on usage during periods when supply is under strain.

Power companies were also told to find ways to get households to avoid unnecessary electricity use during peak times, particularly during the daily 5pm-7pm demand surge.

According to a report in the Irish Independent, the largest electricity suppliers said they would be engaging with the CRU on the matter but had not yet finalised their responses.

They have until September 1 to respond, a deadline the CRU acknowledged was unusually tight but said was necessary given the urgency of the issue.

Wider political and industry reaction to the CRU's intervention has ranged from shock to annoyance to anger. Much argument has focused on the role of data centres in draining power from the

national supply.

The collapse of several contracts that were to have secured back-up winter supply from electricity generation companies is also under the spotlight.

A review into how such arrangements are being handled and how the country's electricity supply has become so perilous was announced two months ago, with Dermot McCarthy, former secretary general at the Department of the Taoiseach, appointed to conduct it. But a much broader review, first announced by the previous government in November 2019 to examine the security of electricity now and up to 2050, is nearing completion.

L o n d o n - b a s e d consultancy firm CEPA was awarded the contract to carry out the review in May 2021.

The biggest concern at that time was ensuring the rollout of offshore wind energy happened fast enough to supply the majority of the country's electricity needs by 2030, by which time the Corrib gas field will have run out.

Since the review began, the CRU has sounded the alarm over rocketing demand for power by data centres, progress on major new offshore wind-energy projects has slowed and the war in Ukraine and the global gas shortage has sparked a crisis over the cost and availability of gas on international markets.

2,800 employees across its sites in Ballydine, Co Tipperary, Brinny, Co Cork, Dunboyne, Co Meath, Carlow and Dublin Marie Martin, site lead at MSD Carlow, said demand for the firm's vaccine and biologics products has grown.

"The new facility will play a pivotal role in ensuring we can continue to sustain future supply to meet medical needs.

The talent and commitment of our team is unmatched in the industry and we're very proud to see our operations and our team continue to expand,” she said.

Trip to Tipp... cycle, or, walk...

The 26th annual Trip to Tipp in support of the National Council for the Blind, Ireland (NCBI) is right around the corner and we would love for as many people to join us for the event which takes place on Sunday September 4, whether you Kyle, run or merely walk.

Long-time Trip To Tipp organiser Billy Shanahan said: “We couldn’t be happier to support NCBI with Trip to Tipp for another year. This event is so important to us all and to the work of NCBI in providing support and services to people who are

blind or vision impaired.

"We will also use this year’s Trip to Tipp to remember three people who were incredibly important to us and the event, namely Lorraine Shanahan, Gerry Shields and Michael Sutton.”

Kathleen Donnelly, alongside her daughter Annie, who is an NCBI service user, will be involved in Trip to Tipp again this year.

Kathleen said: “We already have Annie polishing off her tandem bicycle in advance of this year’s Trip To Tipp!

We can’t wait to get down to Thurles to enjoy what is

always an amazing day out in support of NCBI.’ Participants can cycle, walk or run during the event, which kicks off at the Ursuline Sports Complex on Templemore Road in Thurles. Refreshments, a commemorative medal and a commemorative t-shirt will be available for all participants.

Cycle • 9.30am – 120km Glen of Aherlow Challenge – €30 registration • 10am – 60km Scenic tour of Tipperary – €30 registration

• 11.15am – 10km Family Fun Cycle – €10 registration Walk • 10 – 10km walk – €10 registration Run • 11am – 10km Road Run – €10 registration Showers are available on the day. All cyclists must wear helmets. * Participants can register for their selected Trip to Tipp event online through the event page on the NCBI website, or on the day at the Ursuline Sports Complex.

UK economic woes 'will rub off on us' Ireland is set to import some of Britain's increasingly grim economic woes, even if the country importing less UK goods post-Brexit.

Fears of stagflation — where high inflation is coupled with low or no growth — are now gripping the UK after Citigroup predicted price rises could hit 18.6% in January, an outcome that could prompt interest rate hikes of up to 7%, analysts have said.

The Bank of England predicts the British economy will go into a 15-month recession this winter, and

could stagnate for years after that. Smaller Irish firms — particularly those in the agri-food or engineering sectors that are more exposed to the British market — are likely to feel the hit.

"This is a slowly boiling frog of an issue in our nearest market, which we still have a very close economic relationship with,” said Simon McKeever, chief executive of the Irish Exporters Association. "As it boils and boils and boils, and the economy slows down over there, will they be buying less and less of our stuff?”

Although trade with Britain suffered last year as a result of Brexit, Britain was still the destination for 11pc of Irish goods in June.

For indigenous firms, the UK makes up around 30% of all goods exports, rising to around 60% for agri-food.

Services exports to Britain rose by €1bn in the first quarter, year on year, while imports from Britain -— particularly fuel — are also on the rise.

But with UK workers' real wages down 3% in the second quarter, a record decline, and consumer con-

fidence at its lowest since 1974, it bodes ill for Irish firms.

"A general decline in demand is likely to accompany the deteriorating economic circumstances,” said Kieran McQuinn, a research professor with the Economic and Social Research Institute.

"That all would have a material impact, particularly for Irish firms that are trading still with the UK. "Irish SMEs would still source a lot of their inputs from the UK market, as well.

That could be quite important in terms of their costs.”

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

It’s time for a Government about turn You know those warnings about how much longer it takes to stop on a wet road?

Right: it takes double the time to pull up, never mind turn round. The Government sometimes suffers seriously from wet road syndrome, they can’t stop until it’s too late to avoid a crash.

Take the current energy crisis. You might think, given the amount of hand wringing over the swingeing rise in family fuel bills, that the Government is powerless to control the increases. Not so. Some of our energy crisis is due to the effects of sanctions against Russia and the war on Ukraine but part of those escalating bills are due to increases which could be curbed here.

How do you explain that some European Governments have set a cap on the price energy providers can charge on the wholesale market whereas ours hasn’t done so? In the case of

France, the cap set for their equivalent of the ESB is a 4% rise for this year while in Portugal and Spain gas used to generating electricity is limited to €50 a megawatt hour, a fraction of the price charged for electricity generated by wind power here.

Without a similar cap on the charges for wind generated power here the price is set to increase sevenfold.

What about those handsome profits being accrued by retail energy providers while we will shiver in energy poverty this winter? Bord Gais increased its profits by more than 70% for the first part of this year, while Energia paid a €40m. dividend to its investors. Surely it is time to find a way to hit the brakes on charges for public utilities on behalf of consumers, rather than dig into taxpayers’ pockets for handouts to compensate for greedy providers’ price hikes.

You might wonder why the

HSE would think twice on the issue when the NHS took the decision to close down the UK Tavistock gender identity clinic given concerns by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health that patients were being rushed into treatment by unquestioningly affirmative practitioners.

Alarm bells might have sounded too, given that the clinic faces class action on behalf of around a 1,000 families where young people have suffered “life-changing and irreversible effects”. But no, the National Gender Service is set continue referring children to Tavistock until it closes next year. Up to 230 have been referred in the last 10 years.

Several of these children were as young as five and you might question what TDs and Ministers, especially those with children, feel about pre-teen children with gender identity issues being

referred for puberty blockers, likely to be followed later by cross sex hormone treatment and surgery like mastectomies for trans boys ( ie. girls who want to gender identify as boys) or castration for trans girls.

The legal age of consent for sex in this country is 17 and the legal age for marriage is 18. Are pre-pubertal children old enough to decide and give informed consent to irreversible treatment which they may later regret and to drugs, which it is now emerging, may damage their cognition and development?

Time for a turnaround here

by Health Minister Stephen Donnelley and the HSE and a rethink about the way that the trans gender ideology is being pushed in our classrooms and online.

For years, buy-to-rent schemes encouraged by tax breaks were considered a great idea as buyers had nest eggs and renters had roofs

over their heads. But then landlords became the bad guys (Sinn Fein were particularly hot on this), were subjected to rent controls and then left the market in droves. The result is a rental famine which has deepened

‘Alarm bells have been sounded, too..

in the last few years. As of August 1 there were only 716 rental properties on Daft. ie for the entire country.

Landlords are fleeing the market, with 62% of termination notices issued to tenants because landlords were selling up.

Why? Partly due to taxation and regulations but it’s not difficult to see why when landlords in rent pressure zones are limited to rent increases of 2% when inflation is running at 10%. At the same time, demand for rental accommodation has grown due to the increased population and the fact that young people can’t afford to get a start on the housing ladder.

Ironically the Government are now considering offering landlords incentives to stay in the market in tandem with supports for renters.

Just shows what happens when bad policy isn’t reversed in time.

Let’s talk about bladder infection CLAIR WHITTY

Urinary tract infection or UTI’s as they are commonly called can be seen in adults, both male and female. Young children can have them too. A bladder infection can lead to kidney infection if not treated.

Symptoms can include an uncomfortable feeling in your lower abdomen with pressure in the groin area. You might have the need to pass water frequently. Your urine will most likely be cloudy. Cystitis is a common bladder problem if you have this, you’ll experience painful stinging or burning sensation at the end of urinating. Some of you will resist drinking water as you don’t want to go to the toilet too often on account of the discomfort caused when urinating.

Drinking water is important as concentrated urine is extremely irritating to the bladder. Aim to drink one and a half litres of water per day.

Supplements can include D Mannose, Cranberry, and Optibac For Women. If you get recurring infections, I would suggest a combination of all three. Optibac For Women is a probiotic that can be taken alongside antibiotics to help keep the delicate pH in balance and help prevent recurring

infection. D-mannose attaches itself to the bad bacteria and flushes them out of your system. Cranberries may help prevent the bad bacteria that causes infection from sticking to the wall of the bladder. Cranberry juice is refreshing and will help you get extra fluids in.

Choose a sugar one like Biona Cranberry Juice, as sugar will only aggravate the problem.

For less frequent infections I would suggest Quest Cranbiotix it contains probiotics and cranberry in the one formula and is one that I have taken myself. It worked quickly and got me back on track.

Children can get UTI’s too, for them there’s Waterfall DMannose Children, it can be taken off the spoon or mixed with water. It helps reduce

frequent urination caused by urinary tract infections. It flushes out E.Coli bacteria, the bacteria responsible for most bladder infections.

A.Vogel Golden Rod tea is one of the best teas that you can drink to support the urinary tract. Foods to avoid include tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, red meat, and sugar because they affect pH balance. Salty and spicy foods can irritate the bladder.

I hope this information helps you have a healthy bladder.

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

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Opinion

Death of a Bachelor

BY NED EGAN

Part 1 Hard to imagine a time when a young man was paid £1 {2 Euro} per week. Said week being six ten-hour days. In the old currency, this worked out at forty pence per day – or three shillings and fourpence. A pound of butter was three and sixpence – forty-two pence.

So, you see, the old talk about ‘things being chape’ is very relative indeed. A day’s wages wouldn’t even buy one pound of butter – and less than three pints! Think: how many packs of ‘im’ would you get now for a day’s pay? Maybe fifty? So ‘pull the other one’ about the good old cheap days. In some ways they were; in most – not.

In the early ‘fifties I was ‘digging it out and throwing it back far’ for a small farmer.

For the stranger, it’s important to point out it’s the farm that was small. The farmer could be any size at all. I will have to disguise the setup by adding or subtracting people in the

family involved. The old Army cliché – ‘no names - no pack drill.’

I’d show up at eight in the morning, having walked a good few miles from home, wet or shine. Sometimes down one road, across fields, over the river on a fallen tree-trunk, then up through woods to the house. There was always rain, snow, or dew on the grass, so, after the trudge, my feet would be wet all day. This due to my Welly boots being useless – having been spiked by thorns, the tines of an ill-used sprong, or the odd demented-doggy bite. A week’s wages to replace them, even from a ‘Chape Jack’ at the Fair.

More times, I’d walk all the way round ‘by the other road’ – as we used to say. But that was a mile farther. My feet would have been drier – but who cared? Nostrils were well attuned to the rank smell of ‘toe-jam’ – a black and foulsmelling hot damp OXO-like substance that accumulated between the indescribablygrimy toes over months of sweaty foot-confinement. Still, I was used to it all, knew no better. Such a life only looks grim in retrospect. But you could be happy in any kind of shite in those times. Lots worse

off.

Having got to Latitudes, a bit of breakfast would be served up by the Mam – as good or better than most farmhouses, I freely admit - {credit where it’s due.} Then out I go with the only son, Jack, to dog away all day. We might be scarthing {cutting} ditches, ‘laying’ them {intertwining the bushes}, setting spuds, turning hay, spronging dung, or ‘spinning’ it, making stooks or handstacks, hay cocks or tram cocks, cutting calf-horns - {saw’ly} relieving young piglets of their future daddy-joy equipment, sitting on three-legged stools milking cows – or any of many tasks, depending on the time of day or year. {Note: why three legs? Because three legs always balance - even on cobbles.} Jack was a grand lad, and a pleasure to work with. He was no slave-driver, and didn’t expect me to do any more than himself. Which, sometimes, wasn’t a lot…. He had two sisters married, and one home - a spinster. You heard lots of stories about ‘bitter oul maids?’ All those writers must have known the diminutive Kathy! She wasn’t the prettiest girl in the world – but not the worst-looking, either. It was the old acid smile and the cruel,

bitter, word that done for her, romantically. Couldn’t resist having a snap, whoever she was with. But I always thought the ‘divilment’ was in her from her Mam. Basically, I’d say Kathy could have been so different.

Her love of small animals was true. Before I got there, she’d visited a cousin. There she saw a shep dog – one of those black and white lads with bright ‘china’ eyes. Seeing his abused state, and being able to count his ribs, she returned that night – and stole him! The doggy loved his new home – and owner. I often saw, at dinnertime, a plate of our type of food put down for him.

Bacon, spuds and cabbage!

He’d gulp it all down – the only time I ever saw a madra eat cabbage. And Kathy called him Nell – in spite of his obvious ‘dog-ness!’ Her cuz knew where his shep dog was, used often pass the gate on his way to the Creamery. Would call the dog when he saw him. The happy canine lad would ignore him! Cuz was too scared of the flammable K to ask for ‘Nell’ back. I only saw Kathy’s really beautiful smile – when she looked at Nell.

Getting on into her thirties, in the end Kathy’d probably have

had a lash at any hero with a few acres who showed up.

Even a villain might have done, in her fading days. But she ran right out of men to bite. No phones much – but the ‘hard word’ travels. So, she was stuck.

Even though I always had a secret liking for her, she’d not waste a word on me.

By the time Kathy realised her many mistakes – it was all over. ‘The bus was gone,’ her old schoolmates on it – boys and girls - happy – or hapless with their choices. A man-less and childless future loomed.

Which may have been some unknowing bachelor’s – and some unborn unconceived baby’s - great and good fortune. Everybody’s good luck, maybe; except her own. A cruel situation. But if any woman ever dug a loveless grave with her tongue - it was Kathy.

And it could have been so different - with a few of those glorious smiles - for lads.

So, the only soft target now was Jack. Her mother didn’t suffer – being only too willing - and able - to fight her corner, and ‘dish it out’ herself. Both loved a vicious verbal brawl, and when they’d clash, they’d circle each other like fighting greyhounds – darting in quick for a fangy verbal snap – then

out again. It seemed to be their only pleasure in life. A rather doubtful one.

They’d hardly ever speak to me. A blessing, that. I didn’t matter, anyhow. A raggy youth.

I was a ‘nobody.’ It was the only farmhouse I ever worked in where the females lived for the insulting word. In spite of having a rather modest position in life, they still had big ideas: ‘I’m a larger dungbeetle than you,’ sort of thing.

I suppose if you look at tramps on the street in any city in the world, there’s a pecking order.

Even day-old pups and cats brawl their way towards the best milk-point! {As they say in Oz about lucky people: “Must have sucked on the hind tit!”} Which, biologically speaking re our human mob, is not at all feasible. But there’s the Aussies for you….

The tormenting of Jack took many forms. But the main one was………

To be continued Ned E

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

News There are increasing reports of a rise in social anxiety among overly cautious 18 to 25-yearolds who often interact online, with many young people, increasingly deciding to stay within a comfort zone of a small network of like-minded friends, often online, according to newspaper reports.

They have been deemed ‘Generation Sensible’ for their focus on social issues, healthy living and drinking less alcohol. But therapists say Generation Z could miss out on a wealth of life experience due to their overly cautious attitude to taking risks.

Many young people increasingly choose to stay within that comfort zone of a small network of like-minded friends in which much of their social activity is virtual, according to mental health experts.

While this can give them more control over some aspects of their lives, it can also lead to social anxiety when they have to interact with people offline, the experts added.

Natalie Phillips, a psychotherapist who works with children and young people aged from 11 to 25, told the Guardian: “I’m seeing a disproportionate increase in referrals for social anxiety, professional anxiety, general self-confidence and relationship issues for this generation when they are confronted with the reality of being in an office, being in a nightclub, being in a pub, or being on a date.”

Her comments came after an academic study, published in the British Journal of Sociology, said Generation Z claim they drink less alcohol than their parents because they feel under pressure to perform academically, are more health conscious and do not want to lose control.

Ms Phillips said: “I do have the sense that [this generation] are possibly missing out on making mistakes and the sense of being young. I think they’re quite old before their time.”

She said many of the young people she works with have “restricted comfort zones” because they work from home or largely interact with colleagues online, and have a small number of friends who are of the same mindset.

“They are not in social situ-

SPECIAL REPORT

‘Much of their social activity is virtual..

‘Generation Sensible’ risk missing out on life, therapists warn

ations to the same extent that we were generations before them. There’s a danger that your world becomes inwardlooking, and that can then cause self-perpetuating anxiety. The outside world is much more scary because you haven’t got the experience to deal with that.”

This trend has been exacerbated by the pandemic, which has led to more young people working remotely and socialising in person less frequently, the psychotherapist said..

The study, entitled ‘More Options ... Less Time in the Hustle Culture of Generation Sensible’, says another

report entitled ‘Individualisation and Drinking Decline Among Twenty-First Century Young Adults’, found 70% of the young people surveyed felt they were under greater pressure than their parents to achieve academically and get a good career, leaving them less time to party.

The researchers from the universities of Kent and Leeds surveyed 517 people aged 18 to 25 who described themselves as moderate or nondrinkers in 2020.

Seven out of 10 respondents said they felt they did not need to drink as much because they have a better choice of hob-

bies than their parents’ generation.

Many also said that they reduced their alcohol consumption due to the rising cost of drinks, university debt, and pressure to succeed in academia and their future careers.

The researchers also interviewed focus groups of university students who were members of “sober” societies to understand why they abstained from drinking.

One focus group member, Jennifer, said: “[We are] hyperaware of the world as it is, and the problems with climate change and the political climate in the world, creating pressure on us to be doing our best to be making the world a better place, rather than just like living for the moment and having fun.”

Jane Darougar, a psychotherapist at Central Saint Martins school of art and design, said she was surprised to discover how many students said they were teetotal.

Ms Darougar attributed this to their greater awareness of the adverse impact of alcohol on their mental health.

“I’ve had students who said, I have underlying anxiety, I know that if I drink my anxiety will be through the roof the next day, and I just can’t deal with that,” she added.

“I remember when I was young people would say dutch courage, and you’d take a drink before you went do something that seemed a bit frightening. I think that’s gone, people don’t see that as a sensible or constructive way of managing.”

I was never a fan of de Valera, says Neil Jordan The writer and director of the acclaimed but controversial 1996 film Michael Collins, Neil Jordan, has said he followed the structure of a “gangster film” to portray the Irish revolutionary’s journey from violence to politics.

Collins’ role in Ireland’s independence struggle came to prominence following Jordan’s biopic of the leader and Tim Pat Coogan’s book, Michael Collins: A Speaking on RTÉ Radio, on the centenary of Collins’ murder, the Irish

filmmaker(pictured) said he was inspired in part by the peace process in Northern Ireland.

That whole idea of a violent movement, disengaging from violence – apparently – and engaging in politics in a real way – that’s the story that Collins was emblematic of, really “I took the template of a gangster movie, you know the Warner Brothers movies of the 30s and 40s that’s how I wanted to structure the film.”

He recalled the fierce controversy surrounding the film upon its release: “I was being accused of making some kind of apologia for political violence.

“It was it was the [structure] of a crime movie and people misinterpreted that in certain ways ... nobody seems to mention the amount of which we did get right.”

The film was well received in Ireland and abroad, but it was criticised for certain historical inaccuracies, including what some viewers

interpreted as the suggestion that de Valera was involved in Collins’s death.

“If you believe Tim Pat Coogan’s book, which I did, because it was the was the biggest, most extensive biography to have been published by that time, de Valera was in a farmhouse near a Béal na Bláth on that night, and he left the next morning.

“That’s what I show in the movie, and I’m sorry if people some people take the implication from it that

de Valera era had a hand in his assassination. I didn’t intend that at all.”

When asked if he thought the portrayal of de Valera in the film was fair, Jordan said: “No, of course not.”

He added, laughing: ” I was never a fan. I grew up in de Valera’s Ireland.

“It was a fair portrayal of the broad, a broader political set of decisions de Valera made at the time,” he said, adding that Rickman played the anti-Treaty leader “brilliantly”.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Going to college can be an expensive lesson Ireland is one of the most expensive places to go to college in the European Union. Prospective first year students will soon know what and where they will study and depending on the University or college place that will determine how much their education will cost.

College fees are never going to go away it seems, even though there were rumours that the registration fee would reduce over time. Not for now though, so the annual student contribution, known as a registration fee, which covers student services and examinations will be a maximum of €3,000 for the academic year 2022-2023. If you are getting a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) you may qualify for exemption from the student contribution.

The student grant scheme is the main financial support for students. It is divided into maintenance grants and fee grants. Prospective students apply through Student Univer-

sal Support Ireland (Susi) The grant is means-tested, based on the family’s gross income for the previous full tax year, ie. 2021. If you have more than one child in college at the same time, the reckonable income limits may be increased with the distance you normally live from the college also taken into account. Unfortunately, if you must repeat a year and it does not represent a ‘progression’ you generally will not qualify for the grant.

However, second-chance students may be eligible for a grant under certain circumstances.

A second-chance student is “aged over 23, did not successfully complete an earlier course and is returning to do an approved course after a full break in studies of at least five years”.

You may do a course during this five-year break and still qualify as a second-chance student, if the course was below undergraduate level and meets the progression rules.

There are other financial supports available, Student Assistance Fund, Fund for Students with Disabilities, Bursary for Care Experienced Young People and other bursaries and scholarships. You can get detailed information from the Citizens Information at www.citizensinformation.ie. Completing Susi’s online eligibility reckoner will give an indication of the grant available to you.

The payment schedule for the forthcoming academic year is yet to be confirmed but the first payment is planned for September 2022, according to Susi.

The bulk of college places will be offered on September 8.

Accommodation is a bigger headache for students and parents this year. A place to live is the biggest cost facing third-level students with some having to choose a course that’s not their first preference so they can live at home and commute.

If you live outside Dublin and you receive a place in UCD

for example accommodation ranges from €6,900 to €10,000 including utilities.

Trinity Provost Linda Doyle has described Ireland as being in a “real crisis situation” on the issue of student accommodation as she reiterated calls for more urgent and long-term

‘There are other financial supports available...

solutions to the crisis. Speaking recently on Today FM, Ms Doyle said the situation represented “something that’s been in the making for a decade” and that “the general housing crisis is the reason why students now are having this terrible time in finding accommodation”.

She confirmed that colleges had reached out to staff and alumni on the prospect of providing accommodation to students within their homes, similar to moves in other thirdlevel institutions in the region.

Students can register with the Students Union Accommodation Advisory Service to link with a landlord for what may be a more affordable accommodation option.

Students can make substantial savings by opting to live with a host family, says TU Dublin student engagement and experience officer Dr Rachel O’Connor. “Private rooms in purpose-built accommodation in Dublin city centre cost €230-

€258 per week. However, living with a host family this year is typically €165 a week for a fiveday agreement, including utility bills.”

There may be other options available, and most colleges will have a host family database to help your search.

Then there is the thorny question of how much spending money is enough. TUI Dublin’s cost of living guide has a handy reckoner https://www.tudublin.ie/for-students/student-life/ cost-of-living-guide/ For students living away from home, the guide estimates monthly living costs of €444, excluding rent, utilities, and the student charge. This includes €194 for food, €75 for social life, €64 for books and materials, €48 for travel, €39 for clothes and medical expenses, and €14.99 for mobile phone. For those living at home the costs shrink to €306 per month. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633.

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News & Wellbeing Science Talking about the heatwave we have experienced, and still being experienced in parts of Europe and the US, has focussed attention of that lucky ol’ Sun. That fella who has nothing to do but roll around heaven all day.

The Sun was worshipped by our ancestors, as a god, with good reason. As the fundamental source of light and warmth, it is also the fundamental source of life.

These days we don’t give the Sun much thought except in relation to the weather, or maybe in our dreams of a beach holiday. But we should be careful about demoting the Sun to a lesser than godlike status. The fact is, that yellow ball up in the sky has been waiting for a chance to kill us for a long time, and recently it has found a whole new way to mess with us.

Everyone knows not to stare into the Sun because its light output is so strong it will fry your eyeballs, even from 149 million kilometres away. We also know that the shorter wavelengths of light from the Sun, those in the ultraviolet spectrum, can damage your skin tissue, leading to everything from sunburns to skin cancer. But these are not the dangers discussed here. And let’s leave aside the fact that, in some five billion years, the Sun will swell into a Red Giant, swallowing the Earth entirely — or at best, boiling off the oceans and leaving our planet a toasted cinder.

Now let it be said that, if you rely on electricity for your daily life, then the Sun is waiting to use what is termed a CME to kill you.

The surface of the Sun is a violent roiling nightmare of superheated plasma, magnetic fields, and light so intense it would strip away your every atom. The magnetic fields are formed deep within the Sun, drawing their energy from the rotation of its ionised gases. These fields are highly volatile. They change form and character 1. Maintain your connections A chief complaint in surveys about working from home is social isolation. We miss connecting with our colleagues and friends.

Loneliness has significant implications for our work, with research showing work loneliness can result in emotional withdrawal, which ultimately leads to deteriorating performance and wellbeing, as well as poorer health.

Now lockdown restrictions have ended, maintaining connection is easier. Planning regular meet-ups with colleagues is an easy and effective way to overcome the social isolation felt working from home.

2. Tidy up regularly While a messy desk has helped win a Nobel prize and may be helpful for creativity, removing clutter is recommended for a lot of the other types of tasks we undertake in

Sun daze warning coming down

Heatwaves aside, that yellow ball up in the sky has been waiting for a chance to kill us for a long time, and recently it has found a whole new way to perhaps do so on timescales ranging from minutes to decades.

While they are created deeper in the Sun, magnetic field lines emerge at the solar surface in vast arcs like breaching whales. Usually, the arcs will rise upward from the surface only to fall back down. But sometimes, when conditions are right, magnetic loops drenched in hot plasma will separate from the solar surface and get blown into space. This is a CME, a Coronal Mass Ejection, and when one gets fired toward our planet, it can cause big trouble.

A typical CME will drive a

billion tons of plasma into space at energies equivalent to that of a flotilla of 200 aircraft carriers moving at 500 km per second. On any given day, the Sun may fire a few CMEs into space. Most are harmless to us. Occasionally, though, a CME will hit the Earth. When it does, it leads to what space scientists now call space weather.

Before we became a hightech culture, the collision of a CME with Earth was no cause for alarm. Just the opposite, in fact, it might produce beautiful auroral displays. (Auroras are emissions of light caused by the

flow of charged particles along Earth’s own magnetic field.)

But now that we rely so heavily on electricity, the massive flow of charged particles in a CME is no longer so harmless. CMEs can affect us in different ways. In the near-space environment of Earth’s orbit, the ionising radiation from CMEs has the power to knock out satellites and space stations.

These space storms are strong enough to be fatal to astronauts, which is why the space station has a special shielded compartment for them to hide in if a CME hits.

on the job undermines one of the key psychological drivers of our work, a sense of competence. It might be harder to gauge how your manager thinks you’re tracking with expectations, if you’re socially distant.

Obtaining feedback is vital for employees to develop this sense of competence, so make sure you ask for regular feedback.

5 ways to improve working from home an average workday. A clutter-free desk may reduce the cognitive load on our brains, making us more productive.

Researchers have found clutter influences employees’ thinking, emotions and behaviours. These factors affect decision-making, relationships, stress, eating choices and even sleep.

3. Limit Zoom meetings and reduce ‘pings’ The prospect of yet another Zoom meeting may well be uninspiring. There are a few things we can do. Switch off notifications if possible, and ask whether each meeting really needs to happen. Using document sharing and email

But the real problem for you and me is the electrical power grid. The magnetism in these space storms can load up power lines, causing outages. A particularly potent example of this effect occurred on March 13, 1989, when a severe space storm caused a system-wide failure in Quebec. The time from the onset of the storm hitting Earth to total blackout was 90 seconds, and 6 million people were left without power.

Coronal mass ejection: nightmare scenario The Sun has been waiting to kill us for a long time. In

can sometimes replace meetings. A good old-fashioned telephone call may also be a good alternative. During a phone call, we only have to concentrate on one voice and can walk around, which can help thinking.

4. Ask for feedback Wondering how we are doing

5. Find ways to disconnect It can be hard for employees who are working from home to switch off, particularly if we don’t have a dedicated home office space.

Around half of employees increase their work hours when working from home.

Not being able to switch off can have implications beyond the work day.

A study from 15 countries found 42% of individuals who worked from home had trouble sleeping and woke up repeatedly in the night,

our high-tech era, it has a whole new tool it can use to strike us. When conditions are right, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), magnetic loops drenched in hot plasma, can be fired toward Earth. This has happened before, and we refer to them now as Carrington Events.

If a Carrington Event happened today, most experts agree it would fry our power, GPS, and communication systems, leaving us cold, in the dark, and alone.

We do know that such super CMEs do occur. In fact, we may be overdue for one.

On Sept 1, 1859, telegraphs around the planet — all connected by electrical lines — began spraying sparks as a huge CME crashed into the Earth. Scientists now call this a ‘Carrington Event’ after the astronomer who observed the CME that caused this global glitch. If a Carrington Event happened today, most experts agree it would fry our power, GPS, and communication systems, leaving us cold, in the dark, and alone.

Luckily, we can prepare for something like this, and hopefully we will do so, before the ‘big one’ hits.

But the lesson for today is simple. If you are tired of worrying about global warming, pandemics, or political instability, it is good to know that the Sun, our forgotten god, is still out there ready to smite us.

The nightmare scenario, then, is a super CME hitting the planet and overwhelming power grids across the continent. If something like this were to happen, experts warn that it could take months or longer to get power back. That long recovery time is because there is no large-scale set of back-ups for all the transformers that would need replacing.

Imagine six months with no electricity across the entire country — it sounds pretty apocalyptic. compared to only 29% of individuals who always worked in the office.

Many workers enjoy not having to commute to the office, but there is a potential downside to losing the “transition time” involved in travelling from home. We might use this time to separate private issues from work ones, to prepare for the day ahead or process the one just passed.

In addition to practical considerations such as shutting down software and finalising tasks, research shows using defined end-of-day rituals can help achieve psychological detachment, emotional regulation of the nervous system and reduce physiological stress.

Instead of commuting, meditation, journaling, listening to music, engaging in hobbies or pleasurable activities, or undertaking exercise can give us a mental break, so we aren’t still thinking about work hours later.

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Travel & Leisure While it’s easy to see the word ‘tropical’ and think ‘expensive’, there are plenty of destinations that offer stunning, palm-fringed beaches and warm weather year-round. From the idyllic Caribbean and Mexico to Asia and South America, these tropical spots are both affordable and fun.

Montego Bay, Jamaica Jamaica is known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, Blue Mountains and vibrant culture.

Montego Bay is especially popular among families for the area’s laid-back charm, relaxed beaches and calm waters, which are perfect for small children. Instead of buying your airfare and accommodations separately, look for vacation packages that combine the two and typically offer discounted rates.

13 tropical destinations that won’t bankrupt you

scuba diving to horseback riding to cave exploring, Belize has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world. You can book Belize accommodations for less than $100 per night, and fill your days with cheap food and outdoor fun €1 is equivalent to about $2 in Belize currency).

Corfu, Greece Visitors who love Greek island culture but want to skip the pricey islands like Mykonos and Santorini will want to book a trip to Corfu. This tropical paradise is brimming with beautiful architecture, amazing beaches and even a donkey rescue. What’s more, highly rated hotels are available for €100 or less per night.

Algarve, Portugal Portugal’s beautiful Algarve region will appeal to all kinds of travellers. Located at the southern end of the country, the Algarve features incredible scenery awash with rugged, gorgeous beaches. While here, enjoy a bottle of vino for as little as 1 euro, take advantage of car rental deals for €30 or lower a day and score room rates for less than €120 a night

Phuket, Thailand Travellers seeking striking landscapes, affordable lodging and flavourful cuisine should look no further than tropical and intriguing Phuket. This cultural hot spot in Thailand is known for its easygoing beach atmosphere, cheap hotels and affordable activities thanks to the favourable exchange rate (€1 equals about 35 Thai baht).

While here, take a boat tour to soak in the scenery, relax in a Thai-style spa and visit the famous Big Buddha.

Menorca, Spain Menorca is an oceanfront paradise with a prime setting along the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you’ll find lower prices on food and lodging (as well as fewer tourists) compared to other nearby Spanish islands. Simply put, Minorca is ideal for frugal travellers who want to avoid the party scene of Ibiza and the tourists of Mallorca, and worship the sun in peace.

Zakynthos, Greece Zakynthos features some affordable hotels (rates often run less than $100 per night), beautiful beaches and a nonstop party scene.

Travellers flock to Greece beaches like Navagio and Gerakas to drink and lounge the day away in the sun.

This island also offers ample opportunities to connect with wildlife: Travellers can see nesting caretta caretta sea turtles and enjoy snorkelling at the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.

Varadero Beach, Cuba Varadero Beach is one of the largest tourist areas in Cuba, offering 13 miles of powdery beaches and snorkelling opportunities. Come here for the nightlife, relaxing coastline and affordable hotels. Several properties here feature room rates for well below $100 per night.

Plus, with €1 equaling roughly 24 Cuban pesos, your money will go far toward other vacation costs, such as dining, activities and getting around the Varadero Beach area.

Denpasar, Indonesia Tourists are attracted to this tropical paradise for its snorkelling and scuba diving, cultural flair and close proximity to everything from beaches to the famous town of Ubud. The capital of the Indonesian province of Bali is also known for its affordability. Not only can you find four- and five-star hotels for less than €70 per night, but your dollar will stretch far here (€1 is roughly equal to 15,000 Indonesian rupiah).

Curaçao Regarded as one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean, Curaçao offers picturesque beaches and vibrantly coloured architecture. Culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts head to Curaçao for its scenic landscapes, unique Dutch influence, and ample snorkelling and scuba spots.

If you skip the resort and opt

for a smaller hotel, you’ll likely find rates for less than €100 a night.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic features beaches with soft golden sands, crystal clear waters and all-inclusive resorts. Travellers can save a bundle by choosing one of

the many all-inclusive hotels available. These resorts allow guests to combine food and drink, as well as on-site and some off-site activities, for one budget-friendly price – all in an idyllic setting along the Caribbean Sea. What’s more, these resorts typically offer numerous pools, swimup bars, and ample eateries and activities. Plus, you’ll have your pick of a variety

of adults-only and familyfriendly options.

Pedasi, Panama Pedasi is a traditional and budget-friendly small town tucked into the southeast corner of the Azuero Peninsula of Panama. Known as a cheap destination for retirees, Pedasi lures travellers with its calming beach

landscapes and delectable seafood. Its hotel rates are also stellar; you can easily find accommodation in this area for less than €100 a night.

Boracay, Philippines Boracay has grown significantly popular among international tourists over the years, and for good reason. This island in the Philippines is known for its turquoise waters, plethora of picturesque palm trees and exquisite beaches, including the popular White Beach.

Once you arrive, rest easy knowing that hotels here usually cost less than €100 a night.

Belize With direct flights from many major cities across North America, affordable hotels and resorts, and activities that range from

* Please note that some of these destinations may be affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Check with the HSE and the Tourism Board.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Up, up and away — and without my pjs!

So we flew to Wales. Not something I looked forward to because of recent airport chaos but family beckoned.

And suddenly I’m remembering a time when a trip in an aeroplane was an adventure, fun almost.

I remember the first time I flew — all of 21, on a late night chartered flight to London. Couldn’t fasten my safety belt, didn’t know how, felt like a first class eejit even though I had just graduated from UCD one month earlier!

I’m remembering the first time my oldest son (who we are visiting in Wales) flew, all of six months in his mother’s womb on a flight to Tenerife! And then there’s my late mother-in-law, a mighty woman, who reached the venerable age of 99 years and three months but never set foot on an aeroplane! A brief snapshot there of flying — across three generations.

Flying was fine until 9/11, resulting then in long queues and stripping half naked at security. And just as we were adjusting to that along comes Covid and gargantuan queues, cancelled flights and lost luggage. Lost, and gone forever, luggage!

So, it was with no small degree of concern that my wife and I set off for Dublin Airport to board a flight to Manchester. A short hop across the ‘Pond’ – 35 minutes, according to our pilot, not counting the three hours in Dublin airport before hand! We arrived in plenty of time and booked Fastrack to help mitigate any airport delays. There weren’t any. We marched straight into the Fastrack zone, placed our bags on the designated trays and waited. Waited quite a while actually (15 minutes, maybe?)

Not having availed of Fastrack before I had no idea how

fast Fastrack should be. What did occur to me, however, is that if everyone availed of Fastrack it would no longer be Fastrack! Bags checked we waltzed through security – well not exactly, because of my prosthetic hip I inevi-

“The venerable age of 99 years and three months..

tably set the beeper off and had to be scanned. ‘My hip’ I tell them but they’re taking no chances, I could still be a potential terrorist with a hand grenade secreted in my groin!

Fastrack or no Fastrack, however, airports are a nightmare. How do we expedite all this queuing and waiting and frazzling of nerves? Then, a Eureka moment – teleportation! Yep, teleportation is the way to go which will save us travellers a lot of annoyance and airport angst. Remember Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise? ‘Beam me up, Scotty’ and in an instant he was beamed up from some inhospitable planet, or possibly some inhospitable tourist resort!

We need to be beamed across the pond or to wherever we’re going. We won’t even need to fly! Okay, so Startrek is science fiction but science fiction has always presaged

what’s coming down the line – consider Jules Vernes’s ‘From the Earth To The Moon’ (1869) foreseeing travel to the lunar surface or ’20,000 Leag ues under the Seas’ (1870) – envisaging submarines. So, speed things up, scientists, we need teleportation. And we need it NOW. Oh, a small concern regarding teleportation when it arrives, be sure you are free of any accoutrements when you step into the teleporter cubicle. Remember that sci-fi movie The Fly (1986), Seth (Jeff Goldblum) when teleporting himself across a room was unaware that a fly had entered the cubicle and he emerged fused with the creature! Not pleasant!

And who’d want to emerge from their teleporter cubicle in Marbella fused with the toothbrush you left in your top pocket or the wad of chewing gum in your back

pocket! Sticky, to say the least.

As it happened, and it happens a lot when I’m travelling now (even though I‘m not travelling a lot) I always forget something. This time I forgot my pyjamas. Now I could, of course, have slept in the nude but that kind of carry-on is best left to yoga gurus and hardy, health fanatics. However, I needn’t have worried as my son gave me a spare pair of his which is when I had another Eureka moment.

My son, who is pretty much the same build as myself, could loan me not just his pjs but his entire wardrobe! In short, I could travel to Wales wearing nothing but a pair of shorts, flip-flops and a T-shirt!

Brilliant! No need for Fastrack or a carry-on backpack! I could just sail through security – apart from the inevitable hip related ‘beep, beep, beep...’

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Global Report Six months after Russia invaded Ukraine, the consequences are posing a devastating threat to the global economy. Gas is not only much more costly, it might not be available at all if Russia completely cuts off supplies to Europe to avenge Western sanctions, or if utilities can’t store enough for winter, according to reports from the Associated Press (AP).

Germany may have to impose gas rationing that could cripple industries from steelmaking to pharmaceuticals to commercial laundries. “If they say, we’re cutting you off, all my equipment will be destroyed,” said Martin Kopf, who chairs Germany’s association of zinc galvanising firms.

Governments, businesses and families worldwide are feeling the war’s economic effects just two years after the coronavirus pandemic ravaged global trade. Inflation is soaring, and rocketing energy costs have raised the prospect of a cold, dark winter. Europe stands at the brink of recession.

On Ukraine’s front line, a fight to save premature high food prices and shortages, worsened by the cutoff of fertiliser and grain shipments from Ukraine and Russia that are slowly resuming, could produce widespread hunger and unrest in the developing world.

Outside Uganda’s capital of Kampala, Rachel Gamisha said Russia’s war in faraway Ukraine has hurt her grocery business. She has felt it in surging prices for necessities like gasoline, selling for €6.90 a gallon. Something that’s 2,000 shillings (about €16.70) this week may cost 3,000 shillings (€25) next week.

“You have to limit yourself,” she said. “You have to buy a few things that move fast.’’

Gamisha has noticed something else, too — a phenomenon called ‘shrinkflation’, where a price may not change, but a doughnut that used to weigh 45 grams may now be only 35 grams. Bread that weighed 1 kilogram is now 850 grams.

Russia’s war led the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Russia’s war at six months: a global economy in tatters N last month to downgrade its outlook for the global economy for the fourth time in under a year. The lending agency expects 3.2% growth this year, down from the 4.9% it forecast in July 2021 and well below a vigorous 6.1% last year.

“The world may soon be teetering on the edge of a global recession, only two years after the last one,” Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the IMF’s chief economist, said.

The UN Development Programme said rising food and energy prices threw 71 million

people worldwide into poverty in the first three months of the war. Countries in the Balkans and sub-Saharan Africa were hit hardest. Up to 181 million people in 41 countries could suffer a hunger crisis this year, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation has projected.

In Bangkok, rising costs for pork, vegetables and oil have forced Warunee Deejai, a street-food vendor, to raise prices, cut staff and work longer hours.

“I don’t know how long I can keep my lunch price afford-

able,” she said. “Coming out from Covid lockdowns and having to face this is tough.

Worse is, I don’t see the end of it.’’

Even before Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, the global economy was under pressure. Inflation had skyrocketed as a stronger-thanexpected recovery from the pandemic recession overwhelmed factories, ports and freight yards, causing delays, shortages and higher prices.

In response, central banks be-

gan raising interest rates to try to cool economic growth and tame spiking prices.

“We’ve all got all these different things going on,” said Robin Brooks, chief economist at the International Institute of Finance. “The volatility of inflation went up. The volatility of growth went up. And therefore, it’s become infinitely harder for central banks to steer the ship.’’

China, pursuing a zero-Covid policy, imposed lockdowns that have severely weakened the world’s second-biggest

economy. At the time, many developing countries still grappled with the pandemic and the heavy debts they had taken on to protect their populations from economic disaster.

All those challenges might have been manageable. But when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the West responded with heavy sanctions.

Both actions disrupted trade in food and energy. Russia is the world’s third-biggest petroleum producer and a leading exporter of natural gas, fertiliser and wheat. Farms in Ukraine feed millions globally.

The resulting inflation has rippled out to the world.

Near Johannesburg, South Africa, Stephanie Muller has been comparing prices online and checking different grocery stores to find the best deals.

“I have three children who are all in school, so I have been feeling the difference,” she said.

Shopping at a market in Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi, Bui Thu Huong said she’s been limiting her spending and cutting back on weekend dinners out. At least there’s one advantage to cooking at home with her children: “We can bond with them more in the kitchen, while saving money at the same time.”

Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Indonesia’s agriculture minister, warned this month that the price of instant noodles, a staple in the Southeast Asian nation, might triple because of inflated wheat prices. In neighboring Malaysia, vegetable farmer Jimmy Tan laments that fertilizer prices are up 50%. He’s also paying more for supplies like plastic sheets, bags and hoses.

In Karachi, Pakistan, far from the battlefields of Ukraine, Kamran Arif has taken a second, part-time job to supplement his wages. “Because we have no control on prices, we can only try to increase our income,” he said.

A vast majority of people live in poverty in Pakistan, whose currency has lost up to 30% of its value against the dollar and the government has increased electricity prices 50%.

And for Ireland, a summer of uncertainty Workers in Ireland have been quicker to dip into their savings and reduce pension contributions than those in Britain amid the current cost of living crisis.

Financial wellbeing firm Wagestream, a leading flexible pay provider that allows workers to access earned wages early, made the finding in a report on the cost of living crisis. The report, based on 10,000 UK and Irelandbased workers, found 70% are worrying more about money since the crisis began.

Jamie Lawrence, insights director at Wagestream and author of the report, said Wagestream’s findings offered a stark warning for Irish

employers. He said workers in Ireland were dipping into their savings faster than those in the UK.

“In a summer of uncertainty, a troubling picture has emerged for frontline and shift workers, particularly in

Ireland, where they are now reporting lower quality of life than much of the UK,” he said.

“Irish workers have also been among the quickest to act since the crisis began bydipping into savings and reducing pension contributions more than most of the UK.” Peter Briffett, chief executive and co-founder of Wagestream, said the usage of its early earnings access service in Ireland had “not changed a lot” but that the reasons had changed.

“When you access some of your earnings, we ask you what you are accessing it for.

It could be travel, discretionary spending or groceries, for example.

“We are absolutely seeing a much bigger shift in people

accessing their earnings for things like groceries and transport. Things that would normally be covered by their wages, they are now dipping into their earnings to cover the basic necessities.”

Wagestream, launched in Ireland in 2019, provides financial wellbeing benefit services. The app allows workers to track their shifts and earnings and choose how often they get paid.

Its number of employers in the UK and Ireland has roughly doubled since last year. Wagestream said Pizza Express (Milano in Ireland), Halfords and Right At Home had recently rolled out its services in Ireland to staff.

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Supporting immunity for a healthy back to school The start of the school year is a time of new beginnings and opportunities.

Keeping children healthy as they go back to school can seem challenging at times but fortunately, there are lots of ways that parents can help in supporting their child’s immunity against the usual bugs and viruses. Dr. Paula Gaynor and Mark Clifford, co-founders of Irish health supplement brand SOMEGA, share their healthy tips for supporting back to school immunity.

Well-Balanced Diet According to Dr. Gaynor, “Providing a healthy and wellbalanced diet is essential in helping kids to stay healthy. A well-balanced diet will contain fruits and vegetables, full of vitamins and antioxidants, lean protein, healthy fats, including omega-3s from oily fish, and wholegrains. Probiotic rich foods, including yogurt (ideally low sugar varieties) are also important as probiotics can help give the immune system a boost and inhibit the growth of harmful gut bacteria.”

Parents should try to give kids as much variety as possible. Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is important, as is providing a healthy lunchbox and nourishing dinners.

Having healthy snacks available is essential.

Trying to limit consumption of sugar-loaded foods and drinks is important as a high sugar intake negatively affects the immune system.

Regular Exercise, Good Sleep Habits and Stress Management Encouraging kids to be active is important – Healthy Ireland recommends that kids should play and be active at a moderate to vigorous level for at least 60 minutes daily. Regular exercise not only helps build strong muscles and healthy bones, it can also result in better sleep, improved moods, lower stress levels, and increased circulation of immune cells in the body

- all factors that contribute to a healthy immune system.

Good sleep habits are vitally important for kids. Sleep allows the body to rest, regenerate and heal and the lack of sleep can affect the immune system.

Research shows that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus.

For many kids, transitioning back to school is stressful and managing and reducing any stress that kids may have is also important as ongoing stress weakens the immune system.

Health Supplements “Multiple micronutrients play an essential part in supporting the immune response, in particular

vitamins C and D and zinc, copper, selenium and iron. Deficiencies of several of these micronutrients can impair many aspects of the immune system and can increase susceptibility to infection” says Mr. Clifford.

While not a replacement for a healthy diet, supplements are especially useful in providing extra support for a healthy immune system, as well as providing other health benefits.

One of the most popular go-to supplements for supporting immunity is undoubtedly Vitamin C. It’s important to bear in mind that not all Vitamin C supplements are created equal.

Liposomal Vitamin C is the best absorbed form available.

SOMEGA offer a great-tasting, alcohol-free and sugar-free Liposomal Vitamin C liquid that is suitable for the entire family.

A Vitamin D supplement is important all year round in Ireland, but particularly as children head back into the classrooms and have less access to the outdoors and sunshine.

Pure and natural SOMEGA Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops are placed under the tongue for fast and effective

absorption and are ideal for both children and adults.

As many families do not consume enough oily fish, taking an Omega-3 supplement daily is important for adults and kids.

Omega-3s positively impact the immune system due to their anti-inflammatory properties and also support brain, heart and eye health. To be consistent in supplementing and ensure maximum health benefits, it’s vitally important that the taste of the Omega-3 supplement is appealing. SOMEGA Easy Omega-3 + Vitamin D3 has a creamy, smoothie-like texture and a delicious, natural peach-mango flavour and is highly popular with both kids and adults.

The Bottom Line For supporting back to school immunity, the best approach is a holistic one, incorporating good nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management.

Carefully chosen, high quality health supplements can provide invaluable extra support for the immune system.

SOMEGA products are available in health food stores and pharmacies nationwide. For more information, visit gosomega.com.

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Feature Photos by Donal Foley

T

he outbreak of the Irish Civil War and the deaths of Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith are among the main events to be commemorated in the 2022 decade of centenaries programme. The Government has announced a State commemoration will be held in remembrance “of all those who lost their lives” during the Civil War, which followed a split over whether to accept or reject the Anglo-Irish Treaty establishing the Irish Free State, after the War of Independence with Britain.

Last weekend saw the 100th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins commemorated throughout the country. And Kilkenny was no different.

Kilkenny County Council in association with Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group staged their own commemoration in the wonderful setting of Kilkenny Castle.

GREAT TO BE INVOLVED John Joe Cullen from the Kilkenny Historical re-enactment Group said he was happy to be part of the team commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins.

“For years, Civil War politics has been alive and well in the country and no matter what your allegiance, it is important to be able to come together on this occasion to remember an Irish hero,” said Mr Cullen.

“I think it sends out a very positive message when you have the leader of Fianna Fáil and Fianna Gael joining together at Béal na mBláth to honour an Irish hero”, continued Mr Cullen.

“Locally, we have a similar situation where Fianna Fail’s Pat Fitzpatrick, chair of the County Council and Fianna Gaels David Fitzgerald, (Mayor) share the stage for the commemoration”, added John Joe. The County Council backed project didn’t disappoint.

The event kicked off at 4p.m with a wonderful display of Irish dancing provided

by Lauren Scallan and Kate Flanagan from Kilkenny Academy of Irish Dance

Michael Collins, the man who made modern Ireland possible, commemorated on the 100th anniversary of his death at Kilkenny Castle COUNCIL CHAIRMAN SPEAKS OF HEROISM AND TRAGEDY Speaking at the event Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick spoke of Ireland’s history as a canvas of great heroism and much tragedy. “We must never engage in historical revisionism, and it is important for our younger generations to understand what our forefathers suffered in their struggles for our independence” said the Council chairman.

Mr Fitzpatrick continued by say that “Michael Collins played a leading role in the military and political movement which finally

brought an end to the British occupation in the 26 counties. Unfortunately, partition was the sacrifice which facilitated this momentous achievement.” Speaking of the 1916 rising Pat Fitzpatrick said “Collins was greatly influenced by the commitment and bravery of the 1916 Easter rising – having been a young activist in the GPO.” EXCELLENT RE-ENACTMENT The Kilkenny re-enactment group pulled out all the stops with a re-enactment of the attack at Béal na Bláth in 1922. Using the landscape of the hill at Kilkenny Castle,

the group captured the re-enactment to perfection, with a car (1918 Chambers) and motorbike ( BSA 500CC) from the era adding authenticity to the occasion.

Set to the background music of The Foggy Dew and Johnny McEvoy’s rendition of ‘Michael’, the all- male cast entertained the crowd with a very realistic performance.

Costumes, guns, bicycles and carts used in the reenactment were so authentic, which led to the production being real. Sound effects and music played a huge part in the re-enactment and credit for this must go to Ray Brophy who is instrumental

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in the success of much, if not all re-enactments created by the historical group.

REMEMBERING KIERAN CROTTY The idea of the re-enactment was the brainchild of Mayor David Fitzgerald, who said that he was delighted with the response of all councillors when he first proposed the event in the Council chambers. “It was wonderful to see the Council give the project their full backing” added Mr Fitzgerald.

The mayor went on to say that thirty two years ago another Mayor of Kilkenny, Kieran Crotty, took the bold

step to organise a conference to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Collins birth. At that conference for the first time, a cross party committee of civil war adversaries came together to hold an event to honour a man who shaped all our lives. This was the first event of its kind in Ireland.

Mayor Fitzgerald asked that as a nation we look forward to different commemorations without the need to glorify or celebrate.

“A little over 10 years ago, I too as Mayor led the first national commemoration ceremony outside Dublin after the government choose

Kilkenny as the regional centre with the ceremony held on the Castle grounds.

I remember clearly, the significance of that event and the realisation that we faced into a decade of commemorations that addressed still controversial events and challenged many peoples deeply held beliefs”, said the Mayor.

Councillor Fitzgerald continued: “The manner in which the Irish people have remembered these events and the lives shaped and lost over this turbulent decade underlines our maturing as a nation and our willingness to commemorate without the need to glorify and celebrate.

Today’s cross party commemoration here and in Béal na Bláth is yet another milestone on our journey as a nation.”

Concluding his speech,

Kilkenny’s first citizen said, “As we look back at 100 years of Irish Independence, let us now look forward and accept that challenge that Collins set us that we as the children of an independent Ireland and Republic, where the people are sovereign, renew our resolve to face the challenges of the next 100 years, of our generation and the generations to follow.”

A wreath to commemorate the death of Michael Collins was laid in front of the Irish Flag on behalf of the Council

by Cllr Fitzgerald and Cllr Fitzpatrick, and was followed by a minute’s silence.

Charlie Parsons played The Last Post and Reveille while piper Eugene Boland played The National Anthem.

Mayor Fitzgerald thanked all involved, paying a special word of thanks to the reenactment group for adding

such realism to the day and also to the staff at Kilkenny

Castle for their support in hosting the event.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

Feature (Photos jbs Kilkenny) On August 21, 2022, Kilkenny County Council held a commemoration for Michael Collins. In the magnificent setting of Kilkenny’s Castle Park, almost a thousand locals and visitors alike gathered to remember and celebrate the much loved Irish Revolutionary, soldier and politician. The Kilkenny Observer watched on, as a very dignified and respectful commemoration took place with speeches from the chairman of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick, and Mayor of the city David Fitzgerald. A highlight of the day was the re-enactment of the ambush, presented by the ‘Kilkenny historical re-enactment group’, on that fatal day at Béal na Bláth, one hundred years ago.

A wreath was laid by Councillor Fitzpatrick and Councillor Fitzgerald in memory of Michael Collins. See pages 26 and 27 for report.

Re enactors Austin Ryan, Ollie Gleeson, Declan Cooke, Donal Croghan, John Joe Cullen, Ger Cody, Phil Cody, Jim Dwyer,Pj Norton, Michael Boland Michael Gabbett.

Kilkenny County Council commemorate Collins

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Twilight young adults & Erasmus + Over the past few months we have reported on the activities of the Twilight Community Group Members. Our Youth Inclusion group had a great two-week experience with likeminded youth groups from France and Poland. This week we would like to tell you about our 18 to 30-year-old and Our Twilight Young Adults group ( TYA) The Twilight Community Group has developed a network of partners across Europe and beyond. Together we have information and educational programmes.

This involves both our organizations travelling to each other’s cities as we discuss many topics of interest for Ireland, Europe and the World in general.

We recently had teams in Turkey, Serbia, Poland and currently in Toulouse France with another group heading to Hungary the end of August All these programmes are of great benefit to the participants. It offers opportunities to be part of a very

progressive partnership. For example, we had 5 representatives in Bihac to visit the Refuge Camps as they discussed the ‘Migration to Integration Polices of the EU’. Our team of volunteers were in Poland as part of a five country programme of ‘Connecting Cultures’. We had teams at ‘Europe and it’s Future’ in Serbia. The upcoming projects include Solidarity, Waste as part of our Green programme.

Twilight through its Twilight Young Adults Group gives opportunities to all our Youth and young adults unique partnership EU wide projects to explore and develop new and exciting avenues of interest across Europe.

If you feel you have what it takes to represent Twilight please drop us a line to info@twilight.ie or call 086 3255840 for more information

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Garda chief Harris guest at Kennedy summer school One of the highlights of the Kennedy Summer School is the public interview session which commemorates the life and legacy of the late Noel Whelan, one of the founders of the school and this year, on Friday, September 9 Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will take a seat on stage to participate in the Noel Whelan

public interview at the annual summer school.

Mr Harris was appointed as Garda Commissioner in September 2018 for a five-year term. At that time Commissioner Harris had 34 years of policing experience with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) before joining An Garda Síochána.

Commissioner Harris will participate in the public interview with questions being posed by Kennedy Summer School Director Sinead McSweeney.

The annual school is set to host a number of expert discussions and is billed as ‘A Festival of Irish and American, History, Politics and Culture’. There will

be more than 40 guest speakers with the official opening taking place on Thursday, September 8 by Ambassador Claire Cronin, who is also participating in the Irish American State Legislators’ Caucus and will join a panel discussion, with Minister Simon Harris giving the keynote address at this year’s Speakers Lunch.

Calf exports ‘not ending’ despite new welfare plan The planned Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme under the new CAP should not be interpreted that calf exports might be ending, the ICMSA has warned.

The warning comes as the Department of Agriculture recently told farm organisations it had revised its approach to the scheme.

It said the new approach would see a focus on improving the beef traits of calves born in dairy herds, use of AI from high dairy beef index sires in dairy herds and to support retention of calves on the island, and greater integration into local production systems (dairy/ beef systems).

However, the Department said no change to the payment rate of €20/head is planned.

The Chairperson of ICMSA’s Livestock committee, Des Morrison, who had long argued for a dairy beef scheme, said it was quite possible that the department’s acceptance was motivated “to some degree” by their perception that pressure was growing to cease the export of calves.

“We were the sponsoring body for the scheme insofar as we proposed it and outlined the basic terms and conditions.

“So we can safely say what it

was that motivated us and why we felt that this scheme was required and, as far as we are concerned, the Dairy Beef Calf Scheme was and is designed to better integrate our dairy and beef sectors and give farmers another viable option.

“We do not accept the premise that this is an anticipation of an ending to calf exports, because we do not accept that we need to end calf exports at all,” said Mr Morrison.

“If that is the basis on which the department introduced it, then they can speak for themselves. But it’s very definitely not the basis on which ICMSA proposed it,” he said.

Mr Morrison said the department should be defending the export sector and should look again at what he said was the “absolutely pathetic payment rates” that it is offering in the scheme.

“Whatever the reason farmers have for considering the scheme, the payment rates are pathetic and mean that a potentially very important option and emissioneffective sector is hopelessly underpowered and won’t be able to get going,” Mr Morrison said.

US politician and grandson of Robert Kennedy, Joe Kennedy, will join the event remotely plus there are a host of politicians, political commentators and correspondents and leading global academics who will all join in the discussions billed for the annual school which is set to take place in New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Speakers will participate in debates on a wide range of subjects with the US and Ukraine featuring prominently.

The 2022 Kennedy Summer School programme of events and tickets are now available online at www.kennedysummerschool.ie or call St. Michael’s Theatre on 051 421255.

Win a great weekend away with Gavin James!

Fancy a weekend filled with exciting musical performances, artistic displays and tantalising cuisine amidst the leafy orchard of Bulmers Clonmel? Look no further. The Secret Orchard Live at Bulmers Clonmel, Co Tipperary returns following a successful launch in 2021 featuring headliner act Gavin James (pictured) taking to the stage at the exclusive event on Saturday, September 10.

And fans of great food and exciting performances are

being the opportunity to secure a spot for themselves and four friends for this unforgettable event. Those interested need only head over to Bulmers.ie where they will find all competition details on how they can nab tickets to the most exclusive event of the summer.

The Secret Orchard Live at Bulmers Clonmel will see performances from alt-electro pop project, 1000 Beasts, an explosive set from one of Ireland’s best-known

DJs, Marcus O’Laoire and a headlining gig from renowned musician, Gavin James.

Having had over 1.7 billion global streams as well as playing alongside fellow music heavyweights like Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Niall Horan, Gavin is one of Ireland’s modern musical successes. His third studio album, The Sweetest Part, was released last month to critical acclaim and Gavin will bring his memorable show to the Bulmers Or-

chard for one night only.

As well as unforgettable musical performances, guests can soak up a festival like no other. And, once the festivities end, attendees will enjoy luxury glamping amongst the trees and stars with four-person bell tents available for the night.

Bulmers will be selecting winners across the country to bag four tickets for the exclusive gig as well as a luxury glamping experience in the Orchard. Entries close on September 4.

Former Bishop of Ossory is buried Farmers move to front line in climate fight

The burial has taken place of former Bishop of Ossory, Séamus Freeman S.A.C. (19442022).

Séamus Freeman, born on February 23, 1944, was the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Ossory who was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in September 2007.

He later resigned as bishop on July 29, 2016.

Bishop Freeman was the el-

dest of eight children. His family moved to Callan, County Kilkenny whe After his education he entered the Pallottines in Thurles, he studied Theology at St Patrick’s College, Thurles, and Philosophy at UCD Dublin.

In 1981 he was appointed as rector and director of formation of the Pallottines in Thurles.

A team of Irish dairy farmers are moving from the field to the front line of the climate debate as part of a new campaign to tell the public what their industry is doing to be more environmentally-friendly and reduce its emissions.

The 11 Farmer Ambassadors (http://www.ndc.ie/ farmer-ambassadors) signed up to act as advocates and

spokespeople for Ireland’s family-farm-based, grass-fed dairy production system. The farmers – male and female, established and new to the business – will speak on behalf of Ireland’s 17,500 family dairy farms.

Zoë Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council, believes that there needs to be more balance in the debate around the future of dairy farming and its

role in Irish life – balance which is currently lacking.

“The Farmer Ambassador programme provides a voice for our industry – well, 11 voices – and we want to provide the platforms that they need to tell their stories so the public can feel better connected to the farming process that ultimately puts the dairy in their fridge,” she said.

A video of each of the farmer ambassadors sees them talking about themselves, their farms, and their views on some of the current issues facing Irish dairy – providing a snapshot of who they are and the sort of things that they are talking about.

The videos are available to view at http://www.ndc.ie/ farmer-ambassadors.

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The boy from Mucker, the brewery employee and hushing Lady Bellew “T

here is something very reassuring about sitting in a book shop.

Surrounded by millions of words, by hundreds of authors is a comfort blanket of sorts for many.”

The words of local theatre director Geoff Rose as he introduced Jimmy Rhatigan at the Coffee and Book Shop on William Street.

The beautiful and intimate setting was the ideal venue for this look at the life and times of poet Patrick Kavanagh brought by Playactin’ theatre company.

Often, while thumbing your way through the various sections, you wonder what a particular poet or novelist would think.

And so it was on Friday of last week, in association with Heritage week, we were given an excellent insight into the world of Irish poet Paddy Kavanagh with the presentation of “Where old Ghosts meet”.

Director Geoff Rose and actor Jimmy Rhatigan

obviously put a lot of thought, effort and rehearsal into the production and the forty plus audience really enjoyed the performance.

In a question and answer session that followed the performance, Jimmy was asked how his interest in Kavanagh began.

“It was fairly straightforward”, answered the former Brewery employee. “I started reading Kavanagh almost forty years ago and I suppose I never looked back.”

Jimmy explained that both he and his wife Judy have spent the last thirty years attending the annual Kavanagh week and have been at numerous lectures, readings and exhibitions on the man from Iniskeen.

The directorial handprint of Geoff Rose was obvious in this slick production.

Geoff adapted and directed the performance with his usual flair. His experience as a director goes back the best part of forty years and he has worked with such groups as

Jimmy Rhatigan (actor) and Geoff Rose (director) outside The Coffee and Book shop where Jimmy performed his one man show on Patrick Kavanagh

The Kilkenny Observer attended the theatre production of ‘Where Old Ghosts meet’ staged at the Coffee and Book store on William Street as part of Heritage week. The forty strong audience was treated to a wonderful telling of the story of Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh by Kilkenny man Jimmy Rhatigan, under the direction of Geoff Rose.

Theatre Unlimited, The New Theatre Group, Playactin’ Theatre group Bickerstaffe and Pan Productions.

EARLY YEARS AT INISKEEN As an audience we learned about the young lad from Mucker, his parish of Iniskeen and the nine acre farm that would one day be

A drawing of Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh by Kilkenny woman Judy Rhatigan

his.

Although working as apprentice to his father as a cobbler, life was to change for the daydreaming Paddy Kavanagh.

We learned of him leaving school at 13, his move to Dublin and his banter with other poets and writers on the Irish scene.

How fellow writer Brendan

Behan annoyed him by regularly referring to him as the F----- from Mucker.

Obviously his love of poetry shone through as did his love of land, life and love itself.

We were treated to a story of Kavanagh telling Lady Bellew to stop interrupting him when he gave a talk in the ‘Tech” in Kilkenny.

It was later reported that Kavanagh was the only person ever to speak in such a manner to the good lady.

It is fair to say the performance was a labour of love, and word and song was delivered with the conviction, love and insight that the boy from Mucker deserved.

And the audience joined

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

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35

Feature Kilkenny man Jimmy Rhatigan performing ‘Where old ghosts meet’ at The Book and Coffee Shop’ on William Street as part of Heritage week

enjoyed the poets company, but at twenty two, she was not interested in a romantic relationship with this forty year old man. Kavanagh, struck by Cupids arrow, saw things differently and this

ensuing disappointment found expression in the poem that would eventually become On Raglan Road. It was first published in The Irish Press in 1946 as Darkhaired Miriam ran away.

Raglan Road On Raglan Road on an autumn day I saw her first and knew That her dark hair would weave a snare that I might one day rue; I saw the danger, yet I passed along the enchanted way, And I said, let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day.

On Grafton Street in November we tripped lightly along the ledge Of the deep ravine where can be seen the worth of passion’s pledge, The Queen of Hearts still making tarts and I not making hay Oh I loved too much and by such by such is happiness thrown away.

I gave her gifts of the mind I gave her the secret sign that’s known To the artists who have known the true gods of sound and stone And word and tint without stint for I gave her poems to say.

With her own name there and her own dark hair like clouds over fields of May On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now Away from me so hurriedly my reason must allow That I had loved not as I should a creature made of clay When the angel woos the clay he’d lose his wings at the dawn of day.

Poetry, song, coffee and storytelling in a beautiful coffee shop in Kilkenny on a Friday afternoon. What more could you ask for?

in as well The sixty minute show included some of Kavanagh best known work with audience members joining in, in some of the songs. One such song, Raglan Road had the audience singing along.

Written by Patrick Kavanagh and made famous by singer Luke Kelly, On Raglan Road is one of the great iconic

Irish folk tunes.

Jimmy Rhatigan explained that the song began its life in the 1940s as a lyric poem written by Kavanagh following his doomed infatuation with Hilda Moriarity, a young medical student from Dingle.

Kavanagh befriended Hilda in 1944 when they both lived on Raglan Road. She

Cllr Maria Dollard and Nickey Maher

Lady Bellew

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

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Dine Me Food & Drink

Come

With

Banana bread Prep: 15 mins Cook: 50 mins Cuts into: 8-10 slices

A cross between banana bread and a drizzle cake, this easy banana loaf recipe is a quick bake that can be frozen. It’s great for using up overripe bananas, too.

Frozen banana lollies

Ingredients • 140g butter, softened, plus extra for the tin • 140g caster sugar • 2 large eggs, beaten • 140g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 2 very ripe bananas, mashed • 50g icing sugar • handful dried banana chips, for decoration salad, to serve (optional) Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

STEP 2 Butter a 2lb loaf tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment.

STEP 3 Cream 140g softened butter and 140g caster sugar until light and fluffy, then slowly add 2 beaten large eggs with a little of the 140g flour.

STEP 4

Fold in the remaining flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 2 mashed bananas.

STEP 5 Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for about 50 mins, or until cooked through. Check the loaf at 5-min intervals from around 30-40 mins in the oven by testing it with a skewer (it should be able to be inserted and removed cleanly), as the time may vary depending on the shape of your loaf tin.

STEP 6 Cool in the tin for 10 mins, then remove to a wire rack.

STEP 7 Mix 50g icing sugar with 2-3 tsp water to make a runny icing.

STEP 8 Drizzle the icing across the top of the cake and decorate with a handful of banana chips.

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 5 mins (plus freezing) Serves: 4 Ingredients • 2 bananas • 4 large strawberries • 100g natural yogurt • 200g dark chocolate • 1 tbsp hundreds and thousands You will also need: • 4 wooden lolly sticks Method

Turkey, strawberry & avocado salad Method

STEP 1 Put the turkey fillets between two sheets of baking parchment and bash to a 1cm thickness using a rolling pin. Tip the turkey, lemon slices, garlic and 1 tsp salt into a large, deep pan. Cover with water so the turkey is submerged, then bring to the boil over a medium heat. Reduce the heat to low-medium, cover and cook for 10 mins, or until the turkey is cooked through and the juices run clear. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon, cover loosely with foil and leave to cool slightly.

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 10 mins Serves: 4 Enjoy this vibrant summer salad for a quick midweek meal. With turkey, strawberry, avocado and spinach, it’s healthy and full of nutrients.

Ingredients • 400g turkey breast mini fillets

• • • • • • • •

2 lemons, 1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp maple syrup 2 tsp olive oil ½ tsp poppy seeds 160g baby spinach 1 avocado, peeled, stoned and sliced 200g strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters • 10g basil, torn

STEP 1 Peel the bananas and trim off the very ends if you’d like them neater. Then chop them each into 4 equal-sized chunks. Thread a strawberry onto each lolly stick first, then push on the pieces of banana.

STEP 2 When all your banana pops are made lay them on a baking tray and put in the freezer, uncovered, for 1 hr.

STEP 3 Put the yogurt into a tall glass or jug then dip each banana pop into the yogurt to coat (avoiding the strawberries), then place back onto the tray to refreeze until set.

STEP 2 Whisk the lemon zest and juice with the maple syrup. Slowly whisk in the oil, then the poppy seeds. Season.

STEP 4 Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30 second bursts (stirring after each blast) then pour into a mug. Dip the end piece of each banana pop in the chocolate then sprinkle over the hundreds and thousands.

STEP 3 Shred the turkey using two forks. Divide the spinach, avocado, strawberries and basil between plates and top with the turkey. Drizzle with the dressing to taste, then serve.

STEP 5 The chocolate should set pretty much instantaneously, but you can keep them in the freezer until you want to serve them for up to 1 week

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

What critics are saying about prequel to GoT House Of The Dragon is set some 200 years before Game Of Thrones and is based on the Targaryen civil war.

The show has been created

by GoT author George RR Martin, with Ryan J. Condal and Miguel Sapochnikas coshowrunners. It has a stellar cast with Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke all starring.

While the last series of Game Of Thrones somewhat sullied what came before it, there is no denying that the show was a huge success for HBO and the sort of event TV that had the world talking.

Does House Of The Dragon live up to this? According to the first batch of reviews, which are based on up to six of 10 episodes watched, it has the scale and grandeur but, for some, doesn’t quite hit the high points Game Of Thrones did.

The UK Independent writes: “The highest compliment I can pay House Of The Dragon is to observe how much it feels like Game Of Thrones. I remember eagerly awaiting the first Hobbit movie in 2012, nine years after the end of Lord Of The Rings, only to find a dizzying film stripped of all the earthy charm of its forebear. House Of The Dragon looks and feels like Game of Thrones.”

The Guardian notes in its four-star review: “All is as it was in GoT’s heyday. Fun, propulsive, looking great and sounding passable. And that, after the bizarrely poor finale to what had been a roaring success of a show, is a relief.”

The BBC also gave it four stars, explaining: “It’s pure Games Of Thrones – just not in the way you remember... This is a darker, more solemn, more sophisticated piece.”

5

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well worth watching on Netflix

Four fascinating seasons of The Sinner (2017—) await to be cracked open, each one focused on a murder committed by an unlikely offender in even stranger circumstances. Season 1 follows Jessica Biel’s Cora, who stabs a man to death on a beach in a sudden frenzy, but has no idea why.

It’s up to Bill Pullman’s Detective Ambrose to unravel the shockingly disturbing events embedded in her psyche that lead to her being triggered. Highly recommended.

In Money Heist (2017—) the mastermind doing Ocean’s Elevenlevel prep work with equally satisfying reveals is The Professor. He’s got banks in his sights and we see how his intricate plans come together with slick flashbacks, timejumps and even an unreliable narrator. This is captivating TV with a distinct Spanish identity — and don’t let the dubbing don’t let the subtitles put you off.

Empire gives the show three stars, concluding its review with: “House Of The Dragon has a lot to prove, and it makes an admirable attempt in its first few episodes. But for better and for worse, it has not escaped the shadow of its predecessor.”

The Hollywood Reporter has issues with the show but does note: House Of The Dragon looks like you want a Game of Thrones-adjacent series to look, which comes in no small part from the contributions of director/coshowrunner Miguel Sapochnik. Jim Clay’s production

design is rich and layered and takes even locations we know to more expansive places.

Vanity Fair is charmed by the show but doesn’t think it quite lives up to Game Of Thrones: “House of the Dragon isn’t some wholly unworthy thing, merely shadowboxing with the legacy that bore it.

“The series creates its own boldness, to its credit and detriment...

“What results is a show that is entertaining in a familiar, nostalgic way, but also one that strains too

hard for a sense of weight and grandeur.”

IndieWire explains in its review: “The first six episodes set up an intimate yet epic tale of how misbegotten pride, outdated customs, and an obsession with power burned down a long-thriving kingdom... all while enjoying the ensuing ugliness more than they examine its unnecessary proliferation. Pure spectacle and (often icky) soap opera make for intermittently absorbing TV.” House of the Dragon is on NOW / Sky Atlantic.

The cat and the psychologist In his film, Inside the Mind of the Cat — an hour-long documentary streaming on Netflix — director Andy Mitchell has gathered feline professionals in an attempt to answer the burning questions cat owners have. It’s a movie that knows its audience, and it’s certainly a must-watch for anyone with a camera roll dedicated to capturing their furry friend.

You’ll be cooing from the very first shot of a particularly

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adorable feline creatures, and nodding your head emphatically as various cat people wax poetic about how cats aren’t unfriendly — they are simply misunderstood.

The experts interviewed in the film include the director of the Cornell Feline Health Centre, Dr Bruce Kornriech; an associate professor at America’s Unity College and cat ‘psychologist’ Dr Kristyn Vitale; a cat researcher at Azabu University Dr Saho

Takagi; and Ukrainian cat trainers Maryna and Svitlana Savitzky.

You’ll get answers to questions like why cats always land on their feet and whether your cat knows their own name. You’ll learn that your furry friend can run up to 30 mph, can jump as high as five or six times their height, and is one of the few animals in the world who use 100% of their muscles when they jump.

You’ll also get a crash course in the history of the evolution of the housecathuman relationship, which, we’ve recently learned — thanks to a recent discovery of a cat skeleton in a child’s grave on the island of Cyprus — dates back at least 10,000 years. And, perhaps most importantly, you’ll get these experts’ opinions on that burning question we all want to know: Do our cats love us as much as we love them?

This fantasy based on Jef Lemire’s comic book is the definition of weird and wonderful. Sweet Tooth (2021—)f ollows Gus (a stellar Christian Convery), a halfdeer half-human child, who lives a sheltered life in the forest with his dad Pubba (Will Forte). Events relating to The Great Crumble, a viral pandemic, sweep Gus into an adventure branching down mysterious, action-filled and highly entertaining paths.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) was annoyingly canceled after one season, as the critically acclaimed fantasy series is, well, a gem. A prequel to the 1982 Jim Henson film, the series returns to the planet Thra, where three Gelflings inspire a rebellion against the absolutely diabolic Skeksis. The puppet design and performances sneak up on you.

You’ll find yourself deeply invested in this outing.

This miniseries is from a couple of years ago, but in case you missed it, it’s definitely worth checking out. In the vein of The Sinner, Alias Grace (2017) steps back into its young female protagonist’s past to figure out why she commits murder, of which she has no memory. An adaptation of a Margaret Atwood novel, the show stars a hypnotic Sarah Gadon as Irish immigrant Grace, navigating a turbulent life as a servant for a family in colonial Toronto. Partly based on a true story, this isn’t a straightforward mystery with straightforward answers.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

Feature

Bishop Denis Nulty pays tribute to Bishop Séamus Freeman SAC following his death Just after lunch today (Saturday, 20th August 2022) I received the call informing me that Bishop Séamus Freeman SAC, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Ossory, had died peacefully in the company of his family at Highfield Heathcare, Dublin.

On hearing the news I thought of the words that Bishop Freeman offered as he retired as Bishop of Ossory on the grounds of ill health in July 2016, when he spoke of the great privilege it had been to have served the people

of the Diocese of Ossory.

His only regret was that he was unable to stay as shepherd of the Diocese for longer.

Bishop Freeman served the Church faithfully for many years including in his worldwide leadership of the Pallotine Order, as a parish priest in Rome and here in Ireland as Bishop of Ossory. His deep care for each person he encountered, his interest in the areas of pastoral renewal and faith formation were to the fore throughout his ministry.

During his time here

in Ossory he facilitated the realisation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and placed a great emphasis on the role of lay people responding to their baptismal call.

He worked tirelessly for the restoration of our beautiful Cathedral Chapter House and surrounding campus. This work, which continues, has served to enhance the

faith life of the Diocese and remains as a fitting piece of the legacy that he leaves behind.

All of us will remember Bishop Freeman as a kind and gentle pastor as we

hold his family, friends and his Pallotine brothers and the priests of Ossory in our prayers in the days to come.

May he rest now in the peace of the Lord.

Kilkenny’s Holy Wells

St. Rock’s (or Rioch’s) Well This was located inside the old Fair Green Wall, close to St. Rock’s Church, which, along with the well, has vanished almost without trace. A large body of water called Walkin’s Lough existed close to the former site of the well.

The Lough was created by the waters of the well accumulating in the basin of the Green and swelled by tributaries from the encircling higher ground in the winter season. It was predicted in ancient times that Walkin’s Lough would flood the entire City. It came close to doing so on numerous oc-

casions.

In 1830, the Corporation addressed the flooding threat posed by the Lough when it had a covered sewer built in Walkin Street to allow the Lough waters to disappear en route to the River Nore.

Walkin’s Lough and Rock’s Well have both been vanquished from Kilkenny. The site of the nearby church in Upper Walkin Street is still fondly known as St. Rock’s Churchyard. The church may have been built in the tenth century and is believed to have served as the parish church of the district at the time of the

Anglo-Norman invasion.

But the later erection of St. Mary’s church in Kilkenny’s “Hightown” led to neglect and disuse of St. Rock’s, which stood outside the Town Wall.

Eventually, it degenerated into a ruin. But devotees of St. Rock still attended annual get-togethers and patterns on the first Sunday of August at the site of the church and at the well.

These Patterns and festivities continued until, in 1830, Bishop Kinsella suppressed the traditional “Pattern of St. Rock”, the last quasi-religious event of its kind in the City.

The memory of Saint Rock, his church and the Holy Well was preserved in a low key and dignified way by local man Tommy Reade, of Fiachra Place. He tended to the graves in the old churchyard and, when I spoke to him in 2005, I found him a mine of information on the legacy of St. Rock’s holy places in the City.

He was mowing the grass that grew over the well-tended graves. “Many of the tombstones and markers you see here came from St. Rock’s church”, he informed me.

Tommy was instrumental in erecting a much-talked about stone plaque at the entrance

to the churchyard to honour the lives of children and others who died young.

County Wells: Johnswell The water of St. John’s well, located about five miles from Kilkenny, can cure every ailment known to man…except love and jealousy. That’s according to legend.

Historian Canon Carrigan described it as the most famous holy well in the entire Diocose of Ossory. An intriguing claim, given that he listed hundreds of wells in the Diocese.

It was famed both for its status as a place of sanctity and miraculous cures and as a meeting place for merrymakers, thieves, murderers, rioters, yahoos, beggars, hooligans, excessive drinkers, and debauchers.

While the age of the well is unknown, we know it has been attracting pilgrims and other visitors for at least four centuries. The devout Christians who visited the well said rosaries, did “rounds”, or sought miraculous cures from the waters believed to be truly blessed. Another belief was that cutting your feet on stones or broken glass near the well could save you save from Hell, or reduce your sentence in

Purgatory.

As a centre of spiritual pilgrimage, it was known throughout Ireland and far beyond its shores. From ancient times, a belief was passed down through the generations that whenever Heaven wished a pilgrim to be cured of an ailment, special signs would portend that miracles were on the way.

It was believed, for example, that the sky opened above the well at midnight to allow Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and

St. John to descend with the speed of lightning in the form of three snow white doves into the watery depths of the fountain. Whenever this occurred, you could be sure that somebody would be cured within the next week or so.

(Pictures show, 1.St John’s Well and 2. Antiquarian Stephen Mullallywith the late Seamus Lawlor of the Nore Folk Museum decsending the steps of the well) To be continued...

-John Fitzgerald

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

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Hurling matters

Top table beckons as Intermediate takes shape

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Kilkenny Intermediate League Those teams wishing to join the top tier of club hurling in Kilkenny are continuing in their bid to reach the promised land as the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate League takes shape.

Last season Henry Shefflin’s Thomastown were heavily fancied to join the senior ranks, but game up just short. No doubt they will be hoping to go one better this season, but will not find it any easier, with the likes of Mooncoin and Danesfort with lofty ambitions of their own.

Speaking of Danesfort, they are the only unbeaten side at intermediate level after 3 rounds of games.

The next couple of rounds will show us all where each club is at as championship kicks in.

As Mooncoin showed us last season, they love an ‘aul championship run. It would be some story if the ‘Coin made it backto-back promotions.

Group A

Thomastown had hoped to join Danesfort with an unbeaten record after 3 rounds, but Young Irelands hadn’t read that script and duly took the points following an eventful encounter at Dr Tierney Park, where they emerged 2-point winners. Trailing by 5 at the short whistle, The Gowran side turned the tables after the interval to get over the line by 2 points. That left both sides on four points after the first three league rounds.

Carrickshock joined the Thomastown and the Gowran side on four points

having overcome Conahy Shamrocks by the bare minimum at Tom Ryall Park last weekend. Trailing by 6-points at the interval, the ‘Shock lived up to their name and stunned the Shamrocks with a spirited second-half display. This win followed on from their 2nd round defeat to Thomastown and an opening round victory over Young Irelands.

Dunnamaggin have also secured two wins to reach the 4-point mark after 3 games. Wins over St Martins and Conahy Shamrocks followed an opening round defeat to Thomastown. The 1985 All-Ireland Senior Cub Champions St Martins are struggling to find any form and like Fenians are adrift at the bottom of their respective groups.

Young Irelands will take on Conahy Shamrocks at St John’s Park tonight and will be keen to build on their victory over Thomastown last time out. Talking of the Town, they will look to get back on track when they face St Martins in Clara.

Meanwhile something will have to give when Carrickshock and Dunnamaggin clash at Windgap.

Group A

Richie Hogan and Co. Have taken the scalps of Mooncoin, O’Loughlin’s and most recently winless Fenians. A hardfought 1-point win over former Junior champions Mooncoin, was followed by a routine victory over O’Loughlin Gaels in Bennettsbridge. Then last weekend at Pairc Lachtain, they romped to an easy win over Johnstown based side Fenians.

2014 Hurler of the Year Richie Hogan was in fine form from both play and the placed ball as they notched a 14-point win over 14-man Fenians, following Rory Phelan’s dismissal just before half-time.

Mooncoin have registered 2 wins over Fenians and St Lachtains as they adjust to intermediate life again. Rower Inistioge who would love to get back to the senior ranks at the first time of asking, have secured wins over Fenians and most recently O’Loughlin’s along with a share of the spoils in an entertaining draw with St Lachtains.

St Lachtains will look to put some more space between themselves and Fenians when they clash at Lisdowney tonight.

The meeting of Danesfort and Rower Inistioge at Gowran tomorrow afternoon could well prove to be a decisive encounter as the league enters its final rounds. Thomastown will host the meeting of O’Loughlin’s and Mooncoin on Sunday, and no doubt the ‘Coin will look to finish the weekend on a high by securing maximum points.

Group A

Group B

St Martins

Danesfort

Thomastown

O’Loughlin Gaels

Young Irelands

Mooncoin

Dunnamaggin

Rower Inistioge

Conahy Shamrocks

Fenians

Carrickshock

St Lachtains

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Kilkenny Intermediate League #

Team

P

W

L

D

F

A

Pts

1

Thomastown

3

2

1

0

80

55

4

2

Young Irelands

3

2

1

0

68

61

4

3

Dunnamaggin

3

2

1

0

57

52

4

4

Carrickshock

3

2

1

0

64

69

4

5

Conahy Shamrocks

3

1

2

0

64

61

2

6

St Martin’s

3

0

3

0

44

79

0

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Kilkenny Intermediate League #

Team

P

W

L

D

F

A

Pts

1

Danesfort

3

3

0

0

78

53

6

2

Rower Inistioge

3

2

0

1

69

66

5

3

Mooncoin

3

2

1

0

71

56

4

4

O`Loughlin Gaels

3

1

2

0

68

75

2

5

St Lachtain’s 3

0

2

1

60

78

1

6

Fenians

0

3

0

50

68

0

3

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

LOTTO COMING BACK The Clara Club Lotto will return the 13th September with a first draw jackpot of €5000. Details of where and how to purchase tickets to follow next week.

JUNIOR Clara Juniors were beaten by hosts Erin’s Own of Castlecomer on Sunday evening of last week. It finished 4-19 to 4-11 but ‘Comer had this one wrapped up long before the end. Having suffered defeat to Clara at senior level the day before, they signalled their intent here with a very strong lineup. They quickly proved their superiority and by the half time whistle they led 1-12 to 0-3. They had eight different scorers at that point, while Clara had only two Joe Connolly frees and a Dara Glynn point from play to show for their efforts.

The second half began in similar fashion and at the second half water break the ‘Comer lads had a huge 17 point advantage. But then Clara kicked into gear and led by substitutes James Casey and Ruairí Breen, they outscored their opponents 3-5 to 1-2 in the fourth quarter to give the scoreboard some semblance of respectability. Joe Connolly scored two of the goals, and Ruairí Breen crashed home a piledriver, while James Casey added two points before he again had to leave the fray through injury. It was a spirited comeback by the Clara men who actually narrowed the gap to five points before Erin’s Own closed out the scoring with a goal of their own.

Team - Jason Barcoe, Evan Whearty, Mick McDonald, Jack Carrigan. Neal Prendergast, Tom Ryan 0-2, James Dowling.

Stephen Quinlan, Alan Coleman. Rory O Keeffe, Joe Connolly 2-5, 1-3f, 0-1 x 65, Ciarán Prendergast. Ben Nolan, Dara Glynn 1-1, Bill Cody. Subs used James Casey 0-2, Ruairí Breen 1-1, Nick O Keeffe.

U19s MAKE FINAL Clara U19 hurlers qualified for the Roinn E county final on Thursday by virtue of an extra time win at home to John Lockes of Callan. With a very young team the Clara boys simply refused to throw in the towel against a team that many felt would take the honours at this grade. The first half was following that script as Callan raced into a breeze assisted 1-10 to 0-4 lead. Then a good move by Clara ended with Ned Langton finding the net and the gap was back to a manageable six. Callan added a free to lead 1-11 to 1-4 at the interval. A restructuring of the Clara defence had seen Tommy Delaney come in and make a great impact, while relocated roles for Ben Crow and Zach Lawlor had also seen them blossom.

The second half saw Clara take the game to Callan. Sean Carrigan opened the scoring and although Callan replied with a free the game was now being played in their half of the field. Sustained pressure led to fouls and Rory Glynn converted four frees. Conor Cody landed a huge score from centre back and Rory Glynn got his first from play. The gap was down to two and all the momentum was with the home side. Then Harry Boyle, who was having the game of his life, surged forward for two points on the trot to tie the game. Callan broke down the field and won a free to regain the lead but Rory Glynn responded in kind. Again Tomás Roche from a free put Callan ahead, and all Clara supporters held their breath as Conor Cody equalised with an eighty yard free to send the tie to extra time. 1-15 each.

Callan had the wind for the first half of extra time and quickly moved two points ahead, but this time Clara had a

The lovely plaque presented by the Poc Fada Committee to honor Lester Ryan’s contribution

steely response and Rory Glynn from a free, Adam Harding and Glynn again from play gave the Clara boys a 1-18 to 1-17 lead at the break with the breeze to come. Cian Kelly had made a tremendous save to ensure this position.

When Ned Langton opened the second half of extra time with a sublime point from in front of the dressing rooms it felt like it was going to be Clara’s night. And so it proved with three points in a row from Dillon Cummins, Sean Carrigan and Adam Harding moving them four clear. Two frees each from Callan sharpshooter Tomás Roche and his Clara counterpart Rory Glynn gave Clara a stirring 1-24 to 1-20 win which sets them up for a meeting with the Fenians of Johnstown in the final. Date and venue yet to be confirmed.

Team - Cian Kelly, Nick O Keeffe, Zach Lawlor, Ben Crow.

Noelie O Brien, Conor Cody 0-3, 0-2f, Ben Murphy. Harry Boyle 0-3, Sean Carrigan 0-3. Ned Langton 1-2, Conor Booth, Adam Harding 0-2. Rory Glynn 0-10, 0-8f, Jamie Agar, Luke Dunne. Subs Tommy Delaney, Alex McDonald, Dillon Cummins 0-1.

LESTER RYAN The recent victory of Clara’s Killian Phelan in the Poc Fada in the Cooley Mountains evoked memories of the long association that Lester Ryan RIP held with the competition.

Lester and his family travelled to the event annually and he worked tirelessly for many years in the promotion and organisation of the ancient tradition. This was recognised by the Poc Fada Committee in 2021 when they invited Lester’s wife Christine and Lester’s family along to the Cooleys. There they presented Christine with a plaque in appreciation of Lester’s heroic efforts to keep the competition in the limelight. Lester always had a dream of starting a hurling museum in Kilkenny and had collected match programmes and memorabilia over a long period of time with that in mind. He always felt that the Fox and Goose in Clara would have been an ideal venue for the museum.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Lester’s dream came to pass someday? I’m sure he would have given pride of place to Killian’s success in the same museum. He would have been as proud as punch of a fellow Clara man taking the spoils in 2022. Rest happily Lester. Gone but not forgotten.

EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch.

Gates open at 5pm. Single books and one sheet €10; Double books and two sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support. Monster Bingo: Sunday, September 4th at 6pm.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO August 15th prize fund was: €9,100. Jackpot: €7,100.

Numbers drawn: 17, 19, 23, 24, bonus no 26. No winner and two match 3 winners: Timmy Holohan, Noel Butler.

Five lucky dips of €20 each: R&D Comerford, Nellie Lacey, Joseph Coady, Tommy Moore, Finn Ahern. Promoters prize: M. Cleere. Next draw takes place on Monday, August 22nd in the Clubrooms. Results next week.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE BTEI Healthcare Course QQI Level 5 - Begins September 2022: We are currently taking names for the Healthcare QQI Level 5 programme starting September 2022. Please contact us if you are interested in completing this course.

LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level 4: LTI is recruiting for the new programme in the Centre. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact us for an expression of interest form. More details can be found on our website www.millfrcurlingford.com 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.

Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes one-to-one, family and teens, aged 12+. General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression.

Other Counselling Services available: Drug, substance and gambling addictions. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment. Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be 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.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot was Eddie Colleton who won €350. Congrats Eddie!

Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town with proceeds this week going to Emeralds Camogie Club, thanks to everyone for their support.

URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@ gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

WINNERS Very Special Congratulations go out to David Condon and his son Gyll of Bohergloss Freshford who had the winning hogget Ram at the Tullow Livestock Sales on Sunday last. David and Gyll are into sheep breeding and have had various winners over the past months.

HOME FROM AUSTRALIA Home on holiday from down under since last week is Eoin Guinan and his wife and daughter. It’s his first time home since before the pandemic and the proud grandparents John and Kathleen met their granddaughter for the very first time in person.

FEILE LACHTAIN 2022.

On Monday evening last, Kilkenny archaeologist Mr. Cóilín Ó Drisceoil delivered a lecture at Ionad Lachtain on “Excavations at St. Lachtain’s Church.” With free Admission . The lecture was postponed from the previous week Meanwhile on Friday evening last Mike Cormack’s book of 21st century photographs was launched at Ionad Lachtain and is now on sale.

NEW BABY Congratulations are extended to John Paul Kavanagh and his wife Paula on the birth of their baby son Oisin last weekend and also congrats to his big brother Sean.

GAA St.Lachtains Junior B hurlers campaign came to a sad end on Sunday evening last as they came out on the wrong side of a 3 point difference when they took on St Martins at Pairc Lachtain. A close game throughout but unfortunately never saw the local men close the gap.

J Burke. D.Quinn. L Kennedy. J Cantwell. P White. M Donnelly. P Maher. C Rafter. C O’Leary. C Donnelly. C Power. P Killeen. E Landers. P Campion. A Rafter. Subs M Kavanagh. C Dawson After a disappointing midweek game against Mooncoin on Wednesday evening last the Intermediate hurlers now face into 4th round intermediate league action when they take on The Fenians of Johnstown in Lisdowney on Friday evening next with throw in at 7.00pm SYMPATHY Sincere sympathy is extended to Johnny, Tony and Michael O’Neill, Kilkenny Street and their extended family on the death of their brother Pierce which occurred in England last week. In his late 60s Pierce had been a regular visitor back to Freshford until his illness. He was predeceased by his father Tom, mother Joan and sister Alice. Funeral will take place in Uk at later date.

SPLIT THE POT The weekly lucky winner of last weeks split the pot draw was Kay O’Sullivan, Johnstown Road, who won the sum of €91. The draw takes place each Wednesday. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. The draw is held each Wednesday and boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanaghs Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. Big thanks for all your support.

DEATH The death took place last week of Mrs. Mairead Power late of Kyle, Barna. The deceased who was in her late 60s was well known and respected in the village and surrounds.

Although she had been unwell in recent times nevertheless her passing caused widespread sorrow and regret. A quiet and friendly lady, she was a member of the local Parish choir in the village. Funeral mass took place in St.Lachtains Church Freshford followed by burial in Graine Cemetery.

She is mourned by her husband Martin, son Ger, daughters Ann Marie and Helen, grandchildren, son in law, daughters in law, brother, sister in law, nephews, nieces and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.

The death also took place last week of Colm Kennedy late of Balleen Freshford. Collie as he was known was widely known and respected in the locality. Funeral mass took place on Thursday last in Clontubrid Church followed by burial in Tifeaghna Cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Mary, Sons Neil and Pat, Daughters Sheila and Anne, grandchildren, sons in law, daughters in law, brother, sister, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith

Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie.

LOOP CAFE Big Work is continuing on the Community Cafe at Buncrussia Street. The premises recently got new windows and front door and has been given a complete revamp with exterior painting a vibrant green colour. It is due to open in September and great credit is due to the volunteers who have worked so hard to get all the work done.

BIG THANK YOU The organisers of the recent fundraiser in aid of upgrade to Paintwork in St. Nicholas Church Tulla wish to say a big thank you for your kind donations with a total of 860euro collected.

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.

MARKET AT MADGE’S GARDEN After a massive success last year, we are very excited to host our Vintage market again on August 28th, 11.30am to 4pm. We would like to invite you all to join us for afternoon tea. As we have no BBQ on Sunday booking for Afternoon Tea is advised through our facebook page Dunnamaggin Community News.

It is the last weekend before the kids go back to school and what a better way to catch up with your friends than to come along to our teddy bears picnic from 12noon - all you need is your teddy bear and blanket. There is a café and sweet shop and lots of games available.

Once again we are holding our annual Best Vintage Dressed competition at 2pm with a guest judge and a fab prize. All ages welcome.

LOCAL LOTTO Local Lotto Results for August 15th Winning Numbers : 5 ,7 ,15 . No Winner. Winner’s of Draw for 5 x € 30. Pauline Flynn ( Pauline Flynn ),Seamus Knox ( Malachy Hogan ), Anne Connolly ( Marie Kelly ),DHC ( DHC ), Sarah Doherty ( Joan Phelan ). Jackpot week August 22nd € 1,750. Venue Townsend’s, Dunnamaggin at 9pm. All welcome DUNNAMAGGIN GAA NEW DATE for our Annual GAA Golf Classic - The Annual GAA Golf Classic will now take place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th of September.

KELLS KINGS CHARITY CYCLE Less than 2 weeks to go until one of Kilkenny’s finest cycling events takes to the road on September 3rd A fantastic 116km (or 85km) of lumpy and bumpy roads taking in some of Kilkenny’s finest scenery. Finishing back in the picturesque Kells village, where you get some complimentary gourmet food and can re-live the cycle over a cool beverage in the Motte and Bailey Bar and Lounge. What are you waiting for, book now on the following link https://coisnore.ie/online2/ KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE We have lots of new roles for the Autumn. Mind you with the weather we are having it feels like a long summer!

L’arche Kilkenny are looking for various volunteers with an interest in gardening , culinary skills and general interest in supporting their centres in Callan and Kilmogany .

Irish Wheelchair Association would love to hear from inter-

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News Community & GAA Notes

Dicksboro Summer camp participants

ested volunteers. They are looking for volunteer drivers and volunteers for support in their garden.

Community Radio Kilkenny City would love to hear from any volunteers who would like to join their board. In particular they are in need of a secretary.

Cois Nore are looking for Link Volunteers to help support their service users. Volunteers will support anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis.

Teac Tom are keen to hear from volunteers who would like to be part of their fundraising and events team. This is a great opportunity to put some of those great ideas you have to a good cause!

For more information or to register your interest, see www. volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 089 2584946 DROICHEAD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Droichead Family Resource Centre are now enrolling for the Moving on Programme commencing in September 2022.

Get Driver Theory, Driving Lessons and Test preparation while training in Employment Skills including Safepass, HACCP and First Aid. Training allowance paid subject to DSP entitlements. For more information contact Droichead Family Resource Centre on (056) 7755660. Kilkenny Parents Hub will be held in Droichead Family Resource Centre on Wednesday 24 th August from 9.30am-12.30pm. This is a confidential drop in support and advice service for parents / guardians of children 0-18. Family Support Services are available Mon- Fri. For more information call, email or text our Support Workers. Jess (085) 8564950 developmentworker@droicheadfrc.ie Carmel (083) 2098069 familysupport@droicheadfrc.ie Droichead Family Resource Centre has a Fully Funded Part Time Course starting in September 2022 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-12.30pm. If you are interested in Healthcare and would like a QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Qualification, contact Back to Education Initiative on (056) 7701020 or email btei@kkadulted.ie for more information. Look out for upcoming courses & workshops throughout the Autumn in Droichead, including First Aid Responder, Fitness and Gentle Movement Classes, Pottery & Art Classes , Dance and Photography. For more information contact Droichead Family Resource Centre on (056) 7755660.

Did you know that there is a low cost typing and photocopying service available in Droichead Family Resource Centre? For more information and to keep up to date with all of the services , supports and community groups available at Droichead follow us on Instagram and Facebook or call the centre on (056) 7755660.

PPN NEWS We are delighted to inform you that on Saturday 17th September Kilkenny PPN together with Waterford, Carlow, Wexford and Tipperary PPNs will be hosting a South East Region Environmental event in the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle from 9.30am to 2pm for our members promoting all things sustainable and climate action. Speakers will include Michael Ewing (Environmental scientist & lifelong activist), Eanna ni Lamhna (Irish biologist, Author and Enviromental Consultant), Breda Maher (Climate Action Regional Officer), Jeanette O’Brien (Climate Officer Carlow County Council) and Waterford Comhairle na nOg & Comhairle Project Environment. The event will be facilitated by Jen Harris, CEO of Waterford Sustainable Living Initiative. Lunch will be provided in the Pembroke hotel from 2pm. More information to follow.

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results August 18th. Nos: 14 20 27 29. Jackpot: €3,800 Not Won. Draw Prizes – €50: Robert Nolan c/o online. €25 each Josephine Butler c/o online €25 each Mandy Butler c/o T& J Knox . €25 each Brian Kennedy c/o online. Co op draw ticket Betty O’Rourke c/o

Dicksboro Summer camp participants

Dohertys Bar. Promotors prize Jimmy McGarry. New week’s draw €3950 25th August SENIOR HURLERS Second half goals from Cillian Starr and Graham Egan lead Boro to a great win over Gowran in the Junior F 1/4 Final.

Well done lads Hard luck to our Junior B team who lost out to Clara, Sunday evening 3-17 to 2-16. Also hard luck to our Junior D Team, who came short against a strong Rower Inistioge.

SENIOR CLUB CAMOGIE Well done to our Senior ladies who played St Brigid’s in the first round of the Michael Lyng Hyundai Championship.

Boro girls won 0-18 to 0-05. Next up is Windgap at 11am on Sunday in Palmerstown.

SUMMER CAMP 2022 A massive thanks to all who attended both weeks of Summer Camp. Sincere thanks to all those who helped out over the two weeks to make it a huge success - Niamh, Aoife, Catherine, Caoimhe, Philly and Eddie and our Team Leaders. Also we are very grateful for those who helped in the background. The Camp would not have been a success without all of your help.

HAND BALL Well done to Boro Man and TalbotsInch Handballer Ciaran Neary in reaching the All Ireland Semi Final in Roscommon on Saturday. A fantastic achievement Ciaran. Up the Inch.

Huge congratulations to TalbotsInch Inch Handball Club who won the Div 1 Feile 60x30 in Wexford. TalbotsInch had 2 Teams represented in this tournament. Div 1 & Div 2. The 8 boys are all u15 Boro lads so well done to James Kenny, Dan Carroll, Anthony Clifford, Rian Dowling, Samuel O’Shea, Oisin Henderson, Conor Deegan and Sean Caroll.

The boys are trained by Ciaran and Jim Neary. Well done to all involved.

PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is opened every Thursday from 8.30pm.Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night.

All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table,we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista and minerals.

RECENT WEDDING St. Molua’s church in Killaloe was the venue chosen by Aoife Ryan, Dareen and Cathal O’Neill, Danesfort for the celebration of their marriage. Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. was the celebrant of their nuptial mass. Aoife’s sister Stephanie was her chief bridesmaid while her sister Vivienne was her bridesmaid.

Cathal’s brother Michael was his bestman while Sean O’Dwyer and James Cunningham were groomsmen.

Aoife’s two little nieces Clodagh and Grace and nephew Sean were the excited flower girls and pageboy as they attended their auntie Aoife. Sean O’Dwyer was usher. The first and second readings were superbly read by Donna Weekes and Kathy Woodcock. The prayers of the faithful which were specially for Aoife and Cathal were read by J.J. Ryan, Lorraine O’Byrne, Michael Cunningham, Lisa Nolan and Stacey Quirke. The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Aoife and Cathal’s mothers Patricia and Eileen. The beautiful communion reflection which was so appropriate was read by Brid Murray. The music which undoubtedly adds to the solemnity of any wedding was rendered by Áine Máire Ní Chonchubhair and Claire Chawke and Aoife’s brother J.J. Best wishes for a new life filled with joy and happiness to Aoife and Cathal and indeed to the other newlyweds whose weddings were celebrated recently in our parish.

PATSY LANIGAN Our parish community is saddened on the passing of a popular and well known personality namely Patsy Lanigan.

He was born in Pollough, Kilmanagh and lived all his life in

Graighayden. He had many friends, many of whom visited him and his late wife Brigid. Their door was always open and a warm welcome awaited all who visited there. Ill health forced both of them to spend their remaining years in Strathmore Lodge in Callan. Brigid has predeceased Patsy by nigh on two years. His support for Graigue Ballycallan hurling club was many of his interests. His requiem mass was celebrated in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Kilmanagh by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. He was laid to rest in St. Mary’s cemetery Ballykeeffe with his beloved wife Brigid.

He is predeceased by his brothers Dick and John and his sister Peggy. We express our sympathy to his sister Mary and brother Edward in London and to his brother James in Kerry, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

MOUNT CARMEL JULY DRAW The results of the July Mount Carmel Draw are as follows: €200 Jim Mullins Ballyhack; €100 Harry and David Bryan, West Street, Callan; €30 each to Finbarr Sweeney c/o Fergus; Margaret Lennon, Green Street, Callan; Celine Egan, Kilmanagh; John Kenny, Butlerswood; Jack and Catherine Lynch, Skeaugh; Sr. Loretto Crowley, Convent; Marie Hogan, Kilmanagh; Orla Vaughan, The Square; David and Teresa Lynch, Knockreagh; Dan O’Neill, Minauns. Promoters’ prizes of €15 each went to Fergus Keane, Michael Maher and Callan Post Office.

KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE L’Arche Kilkenny are looking for various volunteers with an interest in gardening, culinary skills and general interest in supporting their centres in Callan and Kilmoganny Irish Wheelchair Association would love to hear from interested volunteers. They are looking for volunteer drivers and volunteers for support in their garden.

Community Radio Kilkenny City would love to hear from any volunteers who would like to join their board. In particular they are in need of a secretary.

Cois Nore are looking for Link Volunteers to help support their service users. Volunteers will support anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis.

Teac Tom are keen to hear from volunteers who would like to be part of their fundraising and events team. This is a great opportunity to put some of those great ideas you have to a good cause. For more information or to register your interest, see www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 089 258 4946. Thank you for your continued support.

BALLYCALLAN HISTORY BOOK A very limited number of parish history books are available.

This was a recent update of Fr. Holohans notes on the parish (1875) and includes an update of parish history and clergy since 1875. The cost is €10. Contact Fr. Liam Taylor for further details.

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 in Aghaviller Parish:Monday 22nd. to Sunday 28th. August 2022.

Hugginstown Church: Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. (No 9.30a.m. on Monday) Vigil Saturday 27th. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 28th. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford Church: Wednesday 31th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil Saturday 27th. at 6.30p.m.

Saturday 27th. Feast of St. Monica.

Pray For: Adam Czekala, Castlemorris and formally of Germany. Funeral Mass on Monday at 11.00a.m Anniversary Masses: Ned and Stasia Power, Condonstown : Mass in Huggin-

stown Church on Saturday 27th. August at 8.00p.m.

Mick and Peggy Raggett, Croan: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 28th. August at 10.00a.m.

Rota for next week-end: 27th. and 28th. August 2022 (Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time).

Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Raggett.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Tommy Murphy. Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Carroll.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Bernie Grace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy.

Sunday 10.00a.m. Kay Power.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 15th. August 2022. Numbers: 30; 27; 32; 18.

No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: €30.00 Winners:Willy Dwyer, Sheepstown; Daniel Doyle, Ballyfoyle; Breda Millea, Lismatigue; David O’Toole, Fiddown; Padraig Crowley, Aghaviller 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Teresa Fitzgerald;Mary Doyle; Anne Power.

Draw on Monday 22nd. August 2022. Match 3: €500.00; (First 3 Numbers Drawn) Jackpot: €5,300.00. (4 Numbers in any order) THE MOUNT CARMEL GOLF CLASSIC The Mount Carmel Supported Home Care Callan Golf Classic will take place in Callan Golf Club on Friday 26th. and Saturday 27th. August. Cost for team of 4 is €80.00. To book your tee time please contact Callan Golf Club 056 7725136 or John Healy 086 1664256 or Margaret Maher 087 960 6440 ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL RESTORATION FUND DRAW The first draw for St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund 2022/2023 year is due to take place on Wednesday 28th.

September 2022. The draw year 2022/20223 will run from September 2022 to August 2023. Draw will be held at 8.00p.m on the last Wednesday of each month. Tickets are available at the Parish House, Hugginstown: Telephone contact 056 776 8693. All Tickets to be entered by Monday 26th. September if you wish to be part of the First Draw on Wednesday 28th. Subscription €10.00 per month: Prize Money €5,000.00 per month.

Roman Catholic Diocese and Parishes of Ossory - Registered Charity No. 20015831 Safeguarding Contacts: Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Kathleen Sherry Tel: 087 1000232 or email: dlp@ossory.ie. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Teresa Broderick and Carmel O’Toole KILKENNY BEREAVMENT SUPPORT Kilkenny Bereavement Support is running a Training Course for Volunteers commencing on Friday 16th.

September and running for 30 hours over a 5 week period.

They have 3 places available on this course. The course will take place in Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Kilkenny. If interested, please phone 056 775 6538or visit their website www. kilkennybereavementsupport.com for an application form.

Closing date: Sept 5th.

The Annual Emerald Trophy 18Hole Stroke on Tuesday 16th was won by Rita O Neill who is playing great golf all this year.

Results 1. Rita I Neill 79-10=69. 2. Ann Wenyss 86-15=71. 3.

Niamh Cunningham 94-22=72. The nine hole winner was Ailish Carey with 21points.

Senior Ladies 12Hole Thursday 18th winner was Melanie O Brien with 28points This coming Friday and Saturday the Annual Mount Carmel Classic will take place. It will be a 4 person team event. It always proves to be a well supported event with many good prizes to be won. Ring the clubhouse at 0567725136 for bookings

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 August 2022

Motors Classifieds

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

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 087 2587745 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

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

CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

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Classifieds Motors

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Stephen Cahill intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed new storey and a half style side and rear extension to existing dwelling, renovations, driveway, upgrading of wastewater treatment tank and percolation area, stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Ballyduff, 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 9.00 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 change of use from residential to veterinary clinic to include single storey extension to the rear and 2-storey extension to the side and front to include residential apartment on the first floor. Alterations to the existing residential structure, foul water connection to the public sewer on the Waterford Road, car parking, widened road entrance, boundary treatment, signage, landscaping including all ancillary and associated works at Birchfield, Waterford Road, 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: Village Veterinary

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL The Board of Management of St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny intend to apply for permission for development at St. Kieran’s College, College Road, Kilkenny. This development will consist of works, all within the curtilage of Protected Structures as described below.

Demolition of single storey 5no.classroom block (320.5sqm), two storey changing room block (402sqm), three storey toilet block (55.5sqm), part demolition of single storey toilet block (204sqm), all attached to the north of the 1933 Protected Structure, demolition of a single storey Bantile structure (241.6 sqm) to the west and of a single storey glass corridor (287.2sqm) to the south of the 1933 wing. Demolition of a two storey VEC building (4292sqm), removal of associated car park and existing gates/pillars to lower New Street.

Construction of 7834sqm of new general and specialist classrooms, General Purpose space, Special Needs Unit and ancillary accommodation in part three, part two and part single storey accommodation, located to the north and west of the protected 1933 wing with PV panels on the new single storey roof. Refurbishment internally of the 1933 building/Doody wing (2635.2sqm) to provide administration, Library and teaching spaces, re-rendering of 1933 wing externally and refurbishment of existing timber windows. Creation of a new quadrangle space enclosed to south of 1933 building with the 19 th Century Protected Structure.

Refurbishment of existing detached gym internally and fully recladding externally with new roof glazing and fenestration to Lower New Street, single storey extension to gym (199sqm) to south west providing replacement changing facilities.

New entrance avenue with new gates / pillars and associated lighting from reconfigured entrance to Lower New Street, part over cladding with stone of existing eastern concrete site boundary wall/ piers and railing replacement along with associated works to foot path on lower New Street. Construction of a 90no. space car park to south east of protected structure with new 28sqm electrical substation adjacent. Proposed 3no. additional universal access car parking and 348no. bicycle parking. Opening in stone boundary wall to College Road and relocation of gas skid to provide construction and fire tender access during construction, reinstatement upon completion. Construction of a 65sqm external store with enclosed heat pump enclosure to west of the new single storey classroom accommodation. Provision of temporary modular teaching accommodation (368.4sqm) within future new quadrangle during construction phase. The planning application can be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during Office hours i.e. 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Kilkenny Voluntary Housing Association intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission (previously granted planning permission 98990003) for the change of use of existing building to two apartments and all associated site development works at 2 Steeple Court, New Building Lane, 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.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022

47

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.C.

St. Anthony Prayer,

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms.

The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen C.C.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. 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. P.OD.

St. Anthony Prayer,

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms.

The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen M.R.

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. H.D.

48

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022