Kilkenny Observer 26th August 2022

Global Report, Page 22 Friday 26 August 2022 ObserverTheKilkenny FRIDAYEVERY Tel: 056 777 1463 E: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie W: kilkennyobserver.ie FREESpecialEDITIONReport,Page14 Generation Woe How our young are missing out on life Ukraine’s War Six months on, world economy in tatters

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3e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM E:SPORTSsportseditor@kilkennyobserver.ie T:E:SALEST:E:ACCOUNTSaccounts@kilkennyobserver.ie0567771463sales@kilkennyobserver.ie0873820109or0873421958 T:E:DESIGNT:E:FEATURESfeatures@kilkennyobserver.ie0567771463design@kilkennyobserver.ie0873480279 ObserverTheKilkenny FRIDAYEVERY ObserverTheKilkenny FRIDAYEVERY UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7 E:EDITOReditor@kilkennyobserver.ie 10,000 COPIES PRINTED AND COUNTYACROSSDISTRIBUTEDCITYANDEVERYWEEK

e most a ected subjects are Irish, home economics and guidance counselling, which are facing a “severe supply crisis”, according to second-level school manag ers.

Full story, Page 6. Cancer breakthrough

Independent Councillor Ger Carthy made the call on New stalk Breakfast after it emerged the government decision to of fer free school transport has sparked a rush for places. With schools returning, fam ilies who previously had plac es on the school bus system are being told they need to nd their own means of transport. Elsewhere, third level stu dents are facing a huge accom modation shortage.

Irish shoppers are now buy ing less in store as grocery in ation soars to a 14-year high of 9.5% and it’s getting harder to nd Accordingdiscounts.tothe latest g ures from research group Kantar, consumer spending on groceries dipped by 0.7% over the 12 weeks to August 7.Consumers are also nding it more di cult to nd bar gains. e share of grocer ies being sold on promotion stood at 24.6% in the past 12 weeks. is marks a big de cline 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 now spending an additional €14.5m.Meanwhile, a former mem ber of the Low Pay Commis sion has warned of “possible distortions” in data that will be used to calculate the new livingVincentwage.Jennings, chief ex ecutive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents  Asso ciation, has raised concerns with the Government about the gures that the pay rate will be based on. Tánaiste and Enterprise Minister Leo Varadkar plans to replace the national mini mum wage of €10.50 an hour with the new living wage over four years, starting next year, and equal 60% of the average nationalElsewhere,earnings.companies in Ireland have pushed expect ed pay rise budgets to 3.4% to tackle the challenges of a tighter labour market, in a tion and worker expectations, according to a new report. But he Salary Budget Plan ning Report from global ad visory rm WTW found that not all employees will bene t directly from an increase in take-home pay.

See also Page 10 No rooms for the refugees

PHOTO: Pauline Loroy

INSIDE Paul Sport.................................P41TVFoodGerryGerryTravelHealthJohnMarianneHopkins....................P8Heron............P12Ellis........................P16&Science...........P18&Leisure............P19Moran..................P20Cody..............P26–28&Drink.................P38&Streaming............P39

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 eeing the war.

e Joint Managerial Body (JMB) representing about half of post-primary schools, said: “It is impossible to get a home economics replacement teacher.”emanagement body has asked the department to come up with guidelines for schools in di culty on how to make provision for Irish, home eco nomics and guidance coun selling in the year ahead. While it welcomes Depart ment 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 princi pals have been facing recruit ment 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 stu dents on the second year of the PME post-graduate master’s programme, which leads to the professional quali cation for the profession, for employ ment purposes.

See John Ellis, Page 16 Leaders ‘wrong’ on energy need 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. e 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.

It’s a dog’s day at MountainluxuriousView

e JMB has also identi ed the “increasingly onerous rec ognition pathways for teach ers from outside the jurisdic tion,” as an obstacle to more and speedier noheadingliesbusesbeMeanwhile,recruitment.thearmyshoulddraftedintodriveschoolwiththousandsoffamiwaitingtoheariftheyarebacktoschoolwithtransportoption.

e more than 400,000 postprimary pupils about to re turn to school are facing a crisis of increasing shortages ofGrowingteachers.pupil numbers and the shortage of teaching grad uates in important subjects are adding to the problem.

A new home screening test using arti cial 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. e test has more than 90% accuracy according to US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and is considered a “major breakthrough device”.

We feel the pinch with groceries

Schools crisis worsens

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 o ers both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces that are licensed for civil ceremonies, partnerships and blessings, and stunning main reception spaces for both intimate a airs or larger parties up to 220 guests, including four-legged furry guests too!

Owner of e Cookie Co-Op, Brian Walsh, pictured with DamienEnglish TD, Minister of State for Business, Employ ment and Retail) said: “I’m very proud to have e Cookie Co-op represent our county at the Local Enterprise Village at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. e team is excited to be involved; meeting new customers and getting for the opportunity to network with other Irish businesses taking part.”  ere 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 forCatherineanimals!

“Small businesses very rarely get an opportunity like this and it could be a signi cant event for them all in the growth of their business.   ey 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 audi ence, an audience that will be excited to be back following a two-year break.”

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Hennessy from the Local Enterprise O ce out lined what a signi cant op portunity this is for these busi nesses.

A omastown based business, e 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. e initiative of the Local Enterprise O ces (LEOs) will see 31 small busi nesses, one from each LEO area, take a stand in the Local Enterprise Village in the heart of the Ploughing Champion ships, opening their businesses up to almost 300,000 prospec tive customers across the three days of the event.   e Cookie Co-op is an artisan confectionery company, producing hand-crafted baked goods including cookies, brownies, and cookie bars. e Cookie Co-op’s products are distributed for wholesale across the South East and Midlands of Ireland. eir products are also directly available for delivery to customers nationwide and sold at farmers markets in Kilkenny City and CathaoirleachCounty.of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick said: “ e Cookie Co-op is proudly supported by the Local Enterprise O ce Kilkenny. is 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.”

News 4 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

For more see www.LocalEnterprise.ieinformation

omastown co-op takes the biscuit!

Cookie Co-op, will exhibit to 300,000 at Ploughing

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Mr Martin acknowledged the immediate challenge was to provide accommodation for refugees who have been staying in student accommo dation but will have to move out to other accommodation when students start returning to university later this month.

11 France:

We now rank seventh in alcohol consumption

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“ is was always going to be challenging, particularly in respect of the student accom modation 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“Andsaid we are potentially looking up to 15,000 other mi grants eeing di cult 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.”

Irish Red Cross SecretaryGeneral, Liam O’Dwyer told RTE Radio’s Morning Ireland on Monday that it had long been known that student ac commodation would have to be vacated in the autumn ahead of the start of the aca demic year. Mr O’Dwyer surmised that the refugees may be moved to hotels, institutional accom modation identi ed by the Government, sports halls or to the Gormanston military camp in Meath but he said that they did not have any de nitive 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. “ ere are 7,500 refugee chil dren due to go to school in Ireland in the coming weeks,” he said.

14 Austria:

New research shows Ire land is placed seventh in the Top 15 alcohol con sumers,Alcoholglobally.hasplayed a sig nificant role in the leisure time of many in today’s so ciety, 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 com mon for people to drink regularly in some coun tries than in others. Looking at the amount of alcohol consumed per person aged 15 years or older, the Seychelles is in rst place with around 20.5 litres of alcohol drunk a person a year, according to Our World in Data studies. Second place on the rank ings list is Uganda with about 15 litres per year, fol lowed by the Czech Repub lic with 14.45 litres, and Lithuania with 13.22 15 Countries Seychelles: 20.50 litres Uganda: 15.09 litres Republic: 14.45 4litresLithuania: 13.22 litres Luxembourg: 12.94 litres Germany: 12.91 litres Ireland: 12.88 litres Latvia: 12.77 litres Spain: 12.72 litres 12.65 litres 12.33 litres Burkina Faso: 12.03 li 12.03 litres 11.96 litres 11.90 litres ple live with Sunday, Septemberyouthing2045. However,yearsthanin Ireland which willdementiamoredoubleinthenext25toover150,000bythereisoneyoucandotohelp–can WalkTogether on18.Walkwithyourhouse 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. ere are only a few weeks left for participants to receive their packs.  Family-friendly pric es are €8 for kids and €20 for adults.

Dire state of mental health care patients‘puttingatrisk’

“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.”TheMental 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”.Itcomes 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.”

Comedian Neil Dela mere and beauty expert and Alzheimer’sSeptembernationwideLife,proudlyzheimer’sthemakeLaird inviteentrepreneur Pamelathepublictoeverystepcountforthirdsuccessive AlMemoryWalk,supportedby IrishwhichistakingplaceonSunday,18,during WorldMonth.  Alzheimer’sMemoryWalk is dementiaportservicesusers acrossASIdementiaawarenesscommunitieswithabilitiessuitablea family-friendly eventforallagesandtounitetogethertheirfamiliesandtoraiseandfundsforsupports.ehopesthat 3,000walkIrelandwillhelpraise €250,000 forvitalthathelptosupsomanypeoplewithandtheirfamily carers across Ireland. An estimated 1,413 peo ple live with dementia in Kilkenny, and 64,000 peo

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News Taoiseach Micheal Martin has admitted that Ireland is facing a huge challenge when it comes to providing accom modation for Ukrainian refu gees but he vowed Ireland’s determination to honour its international obligations to provide sanctuary for those eeing the war.

Patients’ lives are at risk because of the “dire state” of our mental health services, a leading psychiatrist has warned.DrWilliam 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“Weadults.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.

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Refugees: we’ve a problem

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

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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 inDrprisons”.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.”

Let’s get walking for Alzheimer’s...

6 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

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8 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie much‘Definedof myforcountenancemymuchoflife...

The Fact Of The Matter

Opinion

PAUL HOPKINS

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 comfort able.We were heading right across ‘town’, as it was back then, to the rooms of Dr O’Donoghue in the Geor gian con nes of Merrion Square. Rooms I remember with chaise lounges, ne oak bureaus and dark, heavy drapes where the dying light of an evening would attempt intrusion. at, and the creaking oorboards, whose simple, understated mathe matical ratio went back to the reigns of the rst four Kings George of England. Dr O’Donoghue was my eye doctor, my ophthalmologist, who, as a private practitio ner, had been looking after my ‘lazy’, almost sightless, eye since rst 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 pro fessional — in my particular condition.Myeectively useless, bum eye and my wearing of glasses to correct my de ciency have de ned much of my coun tenance for much of my life, the mental landscape of my childhood haunted with deri sive echoes of ‘specks’, ‘bottle top’, or ‘old four eyes’. I learned to live with it, the name calling and the physi cal 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 rst ‘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 in dulgence) became a fashion statement that, down the years, saw me adapt varying guises from John Lennon to Elton John to Elvis Costello to nally just plain old me. e 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 relent less 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. en, suddenly, and with no warnings or signs or symp toms 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 o to the Mater Hospital. I had had a stroke, which brought no debilitating con sequences 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.AsIwrite, I am still blind in my bad eye. e chances of any sight returning are 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 respon sibility, in nally 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 conse quences don’t bear thinking about.Iam okay. Really. And I’m not alone. ere 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…

Turning a blind eye to vision of the future

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UK economic woes 'will rub off on us'

Fearspost-Brexit.ofstag ation — where high in ation is cou pled 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. e Bank of England pre dicts the British economy will go into a 15-month recession this winter, and could stagnate for years after that. Smaller Irish rms — particularly those in the ag ri-food or engineering sec tors that are more exposed to the British market — are likely to feel the hit. " is is a slowly boiling frog of an issue in our nearest market, which we still have a very close economic rela tionship with,” said Simon McKeever, chief executive of the Irish Exporters Asso ciation. "As it boils and boils and boils, and the economy slows down over there, will they be buying less and less of our stu ?”

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 oncostsparkedglobaltheprojectsnewcentres,demandthethegasbyelectricitymajorityfastwindthethat2021.carryawardedconsultancycompletion.London-basedfirmCEPAwasthecontracttooutthereviewinMayThebiggestconcernattimewasensuringrolloutofoffshoreenergyhappenedenoughtosupplytheofthecountry'sneedsby2030,whichtimetheCorribfieldwillhaverunout.Sincethereviewbegan,CRUhassoundedalarmoverrocketingforpowerbydataprogressonmajoroffshorewind-energyhasslowedandwarinUkraineandthegasshortagehasacrisisovertheandavailabilityofgasinternationalmarkets.

Although trade with Brit ain su ered last year as a result of Brexit, Britain was still the destination for 11pc of Irish goods in June. For indigenous rms, the UK makes up around 30% of all goods exports, rising to around 60% for agri-food.  Services exports to Brit ain rose by €1bn in the rst 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 sec ond quarter, a record de cline, and consumer con dence at its lowest since 1974, it bodes ill for Irish rms."Ageneral decline in de mand is likely to accompany the deteriorating economic circumstances,” said Kieran McQuinn, a research profes sor with the Economic and Social Research Institute. " at all would have a ma terial impact, particularly for Irish rms that are trading still with the UK. "Irish SMEs would still source a lot of their inputs from the UK market, as well. at could be quite impor tant in terms of their costs.”

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e 26th annual Trip to Tipp in support of the National Council for the Blind, Ire land (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 Sep tember 4, whether you Kyle, run or merely walk. Long-time Trip To Tipp or ganiser Billy Shanahan said: “We couldn’t be happier to support NCBI with Trip to Tipp for another year. is 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 in credibly important to us and the event, namely Lorraine Shanahan, Gerry Shields and Michael Sutton.”

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

•registration 10am–60km

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.

Pharma giant MSD to create 100 jobs

Major look at newpowercountry'samidfears

e 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.

in cycle,TripCarlowtoTipp...or,walk...

Cycle 9.30am – 120km Glen of Aherlow Challenge – €30 Scenic tour of Tipperary – €30 registration • 11.15am – 10km Family Fun Cycle – €10 registration •Walk10– 10km walk – €10 reg •Runistration11am– 10km Road Run –€10 Showersregistrationareavailable 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 Com plex.

MSD Ireland has more than 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 rm's vaccine and biolog ics products has grown.

Ireland is set to import some of Britain's increasingly grim economic woes, even if the country importing less UK goods

e construction work will employ around 700 people. Once the new facility is opera tional it will have a sta of 100 including highly skilled jobs in quality, operations, engineer ing, supply chain and technical support.Planning documents show the new development will have a total gross oor area of over 1.9 acres and will include a new two-storey building, in corporating production suites, utilities, a warehouse, work shops, laboratories, o ces, and plant rooms.

e pharmaceutical giant MSD has con rmed it will ll 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 lling plant in Carlow town.  e company already employs 530 people at the site. e new sterile manufactur ing facility is being built for production of next generation oncology biologics. News of the investment was rst reported by the Sunday Independent in April and planning is now in place.

Kathleen Donnelly, along side 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 o her tandem bicycle in advance of this year’s Trip To Tipp! We can’t wait to get down to urles to enjoy what is always an amazing day out in support of event,walkParticipantsNCBI.’cancycle,orrunduringthewhichkicksoat the Ursuline Sports Complex on Templemore Road in urles. Refreshments, a commemorative medal and a commemorative t-shirt will be available for all par ticipants.

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WHITTYCLAIR

12 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

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. e Government sometimes su ers 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 wring ing 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 e ects of sanc tions against Russia and the war on Ukraine but part of those escalating bills are due to increases which could be curbed here.

It’s time for a Government about turn Opinion As I See It Marianne Heron ‘Alarm

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 urinat ing. Some of you will resist drinking water as you don’t want to go to the toilet too of ten on account of the discom fort caused when urinating. Drinking water is important as concentrated urine is extreme ly irritating to the bladder. Aim to drink one and a half litres of water per Supplementsday. 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 ushes them out of your system. Cranberries may help prevent the bad bacteria that causes infection from sticking to the wall of the bladder. Cran berry juice is refreshing and will help you get extra uids in. Choose a sugar one like Biona Cranberry Juice, as sugar will only aggravate the problem. For less frequent infections I would suggest Quest Cranbi otix 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 o the spoon or mixed with water. It helps reduce frequent urination caused by urinary tract infections. It ushes out E.Coli bacteria, the bacteria responsible for most bladderA.Vogelinfections.GoldenRod tea is one of the best teas that you can drink to support the urinary tract. Foods to avoid include tea, co ee, zzy drinks, red meat, and sugar because they a ect pH balance. Salty and spicy foods can irritate the bladder.Ihope this information helps you have a healthy bladder. Shop store.ieEmail:Phone:CrossNaturalstore.ieonline@naturalhealthHealthStore,MarketShoppingCentre0567764538info@naturalhealth infection

How do you explain that some European Govern ments 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 gener ated by wind power here. Without a similar cap on the charges for wind gener ated power here the price is set to increase sevenfold. What about those hand some pro ts being accrued by retail energy providers while we will shiver in energy poverty this winter? Bord Gais increased its pro ts by more than 70% for the rst part of this year, while Energia paid a €40m. divi dend to its investors. Surely it is time to nd a way to hit the brakes on charges for public utilities on behalf of consum ers, rather than dig into tax payers’ 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 Pae diatrics and Child Health that patients were being rushed into treatment by unquestioningly a rmative practitioners.Alarmbellsmight have sounded too, given that the clinic faces class action on behalf of around a 1,000 families where young people have su ered “life-changing and irreversible e ects”. But no, the National Gender Service is set continue refer ring children to Tavistock until it closes next year. Up to 230 have been referred in the last 10 Severalyears.ofthese children were as young as ve 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 mastecto mies for trans boys ( ie. girls who want to gender identify as boys) or castration for trans girls. e legal age of consent for sex in this country is 17 and the legal age for marriage is 18. Are pre-pubertal chil dren 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 class rooms 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 par ticularly hot on this), were subjected to rent controls and then left the market in droves. e result is a rental famine which has deepened in the last few years. As of August 1 there were only 716 rental properties on Daft. ie for the entire country. Landlords are eeing the market, with 62% of termina tion notices issued to tenants because landlords were selling up. Why? Partly due to taxa tion and regulations but it’s not di cult to see why when landlords in rent pressure zones are limited to rent increases of 2% when in a tion 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 a ord to get a start on the housing ladder.Ironically the Government are now considering o ering landlords incentives to stay in the market in tandem with supports for renters. Just shows what happens when bad policy isn’t re versed in time. bells have sounded,beentoo...

Let’s talk about bladder

EGANNED

Death of a Bachelor

13e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Opinion

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! ink: how many packs of ‘im’ would you get now for a day’s pay? Maybe fty? So ‘pull the other one’ about the good old cheap days. In some ways they were; in most – not. In the early ‘ fties 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. e farmer could be any size at all. I will have to disguise the setup by adding or subtracting people in the family involved. e old Army cliché – ‘no names - no pack drill.’I’dshow up at eight in the morning, having walked a good few miles from home, wet or shine. Sometimes down one road, across elds, over the river on a fallen tree-trunk, then up through woods to the house. ere was always rain, snow, or dew on the grass, so, after the trudge, my feet would be wet all day. is 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 MoreFair.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-con nement. 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.

BY

Lots worse o 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.} en 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 diHererent.love of small animals was true. Before I got there, she’d visited a cousin. ere 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! e 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. e happy canine lad would ignore him! Cuz was too scared of the ammable 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. ‘ e bus was gone,’ her old schoolmates on it – boys and girls - happy – or haplesswith 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 di erent - with a few of those glorious smiles - for lads. So, the only soft target now was Jack. Her mother didn’t su er – being only too willing - and able - to ght her corner, and ‘dish it out’ herself. Both loved a vicious verbal brawl, and when they’d clash, they’d circle each other like ghting 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. ey’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….etormenting of Jack took many forms. But the main one was………Tobecontinued Ned E Disclaimer e opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily re ect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of e Kilkenny Observer.

I was never a fan of de Valera, says Neil Jordan

“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 sen sible or constructive way of managing.”

SPECIAL warntherapistsoutriskSensible’‘GenerationREPORTmissingonlife,

News 14 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

‘Much of their social activity is virtual...

Natalie Phillips, a psycho therapist who works with chil dren and young people aged from 11 to 25, told the Guard ian: “I’m seeing a dispropor tionate increase in referrals for social anxiety, professional anxiety, general self-con dence and relationship issues for this generation when they are confronted with the reality of being in an o ce, 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 Sociol ogy, 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 loseMscontrol.Phillips said: “I do have the sense that [this genera tion] 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” be cause they work from home or largely interact with col leagues online, and have a small number of friends who are of the same mindset. “ ey are not in social situ ations to the same extent that we were generations before them. ere’s a danger that your world becomes inwardlooking, and that can then cause self-perpetuating anxi ety. e outside world is much more scary because you haven’t got the experience to deal with that.” is trend has been exacer bated by the pandemic, which has led to more young people working remotely and social ising in person less frequently, the psychotherapist said.. e study, entitled ‘More Options ... Less Time in the Hustle Culture of Genera tion Sensible’, says another report entitled ‘Individuali sation 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.

ere are increasing reports of a rise in social anxiety among overly cautious 18 to 25-yearolds who often interact online, with many young people, in creasingly deciding to stay within a comfort zone of a small network of like-minded friends, often online, accord ing to newspaper reports. ey have been deemed ‘Generation Sensible’ for their focus on social issues, healthy living and drinking less alco hol. But therapists say Gen eration Z could miss out on a wealth of life experience due to their overly cautious atti tude to taking risks. Many young people increas ingly choose to stay within that comfort zone of a small net work 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 as pects of their lives, it can also lead to social anxiety when they have to interact with peo ple o ine, the experts added.

e researchers from the universities of Kent and Leeds surveyed 517 people aged 18 to 25 who described them selves 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’ gen eration.Many also said that they re duced their alcohol consump tion due to the rising cost of drinks, university debt, and pressure to succeed in aca demia and their future careers.

e researchers also inter viewed focus groups of uni versity students who were members of “sober” societies to understand why they ab stained 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 cli mate 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 psycho therapist at Central Saint Mar tins school of art and design, said she was surprised to dis cover 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.

e writer and director of the acclaimed but contro versial 1996 lm Michael Collins, Neil Jordan, has said he followed the structure of a “gangster lm” to portray the Irish revolutionary’s journey from violence to politics. Collins’ role in Ireland’s in dependence struggle came to prominence following Jordan’s biopic of the leader and Tim Pat Coogan’s book, Michael Collins: A Speaking on RTÉ Ra dio, on the centenary of Collins’ murder, the Irish lmmaker(pictured) said he was inspired in part by the peace process in Northern Ireland.at whole idea of a vio lent movement, disengaging from violence – apparently – and engaging in politics in a real way – that’s the story that Collins was emblematic of,“Ireallytook the template of a gangster movie, you know the Warner Brothers mov ies of the 30s and 40s that’s how I wanted to structure the lm.” He recalled the erce con troversy surrounding the lm 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 cer tain ways ... nobody seems to mention the amount of which we did get right.” e lm was well received in Ireland and abroad, but it was criticised for certain historical inaccuracies, in cluding 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 bi ography to have been pub lished by that time, de Val era was in a farmhouse near a Béal na Bláth on that night, and he left the next morn ing.“ at’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 in tend that at all.” When asked if he thought the portrayal of de Valera in the lm 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 politi cal set of decisions de Valera made at the time,” he said, adding that Rickman played the anti-Treaty leader “bril liantly”.

15e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Advertisement

Going to college can be an expensive lesson Your Money & You John Ellis ‘There are other available...supportsfinancial

e payment schedule for the forthcoming academic year is yet to be con rmed but the rst payment is planned for Sep tember 2022, according to Susi. e bulk of college places will be o ered 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 rst 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 accommoda tion as she reiterated calls for more urgent and long-term solutions to the crisis. Speak ing recently on Today FM, Ms Doyle said the situation repre sented “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 nding accommodation”. She con rmed that colleges had reached out to sta 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 Accommoda tion Advisory Service to link with a landlord for what may be a more a ordable accommoda tionStudentsoption.can make substantial savings by opting to live with a host family, says TU Dublin student engagement and experience o cer 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 veday agreement, including utility bills.”ere may be other options available, and most colleges will have a host family database to help your search. en there is the thorny ques tion of how much spending money is enough.

16 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

john@ellis nancial.ie 086 8362633.

ere are other nancial sup ports available, Student Assis tance Fund, Fund for Students with Disabilities, Bursary for Care Experienced Young People and other bursaries and schol arships. You can get detailed information from the Citizens Information at www.citizensin formation.ie. Completing Susi’s online eligibility reckoner will give an indication of the grant available to you.

Opinion Ireland is one of the most ex pensive places to go to college in the European Union. Pro spective rst 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 contribu tion, known as a registration fee, which covers student ser vices 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. e student grant scheme is the main nancial support for students. It is divided into maintenance grants and fee grants. Prospective students apply through Student Univer sal Support Ireland (Susi) e 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 ‘progres sion’ you generally will not qualify for the grant. However, second-chance stu dents may be eligible for a grant under certain circumstances. A second-chance student is “aged over 23, did not success fully complete an earlier course and is returning to do an ap proved course after a full break in studies of at least ve years”. You may do a course during this ve-year break and still qualify as a second-chance student, if the course was below under graduate level and meets the progression rules.

TUI Dublin’s cost of living guide has a handy reckoner tolivingformedicalfor€64€194studentexcludingmonthlyhome,cost-of-living-guide/lin.ie/for-students/student-life/https://www.tudubForstudentslivingawayfromtheguideestimateslivingcostsof€444,rent,utilities,andthecharge.isincludesforfood,€75forsociallife,forbooksandmaterials,€48travel,€39forclothesandexpenses,and€14.99mobilephone.Forthoseathomethecostsshrink€306permonth.

17e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Advertisement

1. Maintain connectionsyour A chief complaint in surveys about working from home is social isolation. We miss con necting with our colleagues andLonelinessfriends. has signi cant implications for our work, with research showing work loneliness can result in emo tional withdrawal, which ulti mately leads to deteriorating performance and wellbeing, as well as poorer health. Now lockdown restrictions have ended, maintaining connection is easier. Plan ning regular meet-ups with colleagues is an easy and ef fective way to overcome the social isolation felt working from home.

& 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. at fella who has nothing to do but roll around heaven all day. e Sun was worshipped by our ancestors, as a god, with good reason. As the funda mental source of light and warmth, it is also the fundamental source of life. ese 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 god like status. e 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 ul traviolet 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 ve billion years, the Sun will swell into a Red Giant, swallowing the Earth entirely — or at best, boiling o the oceans and leaving our planet a toasted cinder.Nowlet 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. e surface of the Sun is a violent roiling nightmare of superheated plasma, magnetic elds, and light so intense it would strip away your every atom. e mag netic elds are formed deep within the Sun, drawing their energy from the rotation of its ionised gases. ese elds are highly volatile. ey change form and character on timescales ranging from minutes to decades. While they are created deeper in the Sun, magnetic eld lines emerge at the so lar 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. is is a CME, a Coronal Mass Ejec tion, and when one gets red 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 otilla of 200 air craft carriers moving at 500 km per second. On any given day, the Sun may re 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 emis sions of light caused by the

News 18 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

3. Limit Zoom meetings and reduce ‘pings’ e prospect of yet another Zoom meeting may well be uninspiring. ere are a few things we can do. Switch o noti cations if possible, and ask whether each meeting really needs to happen. Using document sharing and email can sometimes replace meet ings. 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.

2. Tidy up regularly While a messy desk has helped win a Nobel prize and may be helpful for creativity, removing clutter is recom mended for a lot of the other types of tasks we undertake in an average workday. A clut ter-free desk may reduce the cognitive load on our brains, making us more productive. Researchers have found clut ter in uences employees’ thinking, emotions and be haviours. ese factors a ect decision-making, relation ships, stress, eating choices and even sleep.

Sun daze warning coming down

homefromworkingimproveto

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

4. Ask for feedback Wondering how we are doing on the job undermines one of the key psychological drivers of our work, a sense of com petence. 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. Find ways to disconnect It can be hard for employees who are working from home to switch o , particularly if we don’t have a dedicated home o ce Aroundspace.half of employees increase their work hours when working from home. Not being able to switch o 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, compared to only 29% of indi viduals who always worked in the o Manyce.workers enjoy not having to commute to the of ce, but there is a potential downside to losing the “tran sition time” involved in trav elling from home. We might use this time to separate pri vate issues from work ones, to prepare for the day ahead or process the one just passed. In addition to practical con siderations such as shutting down software and nalising tasks, research shows using de ned end-of-day rituals can help achieve psychologi cal detachment, emotional regulation of the nervous sys tem and reduce physiological stress.Instead of commuting, meditation, journaling, lis tening to music, engaging in hobbies or pleasurable activi ties, or undertaking exercise can give us a mental break, so we aren’t still thinking about work hours later.

ow of charged particles along Earth’s own magnetic eld.)Butnow that we rely so heavily on electricity, the massive ow of charged par ticles in a CME is no longer so harmless. CMEs can af fect us in di erent ways. In the near-space environment of Earth’s orbit, the ionis ing radiation from CMEs has the power to knock out satellites and space stations. ese 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.

5 ways

But the real problem for you and me is the electrical power grid. e magnetism in these space storms can load up power lines, caus ing outages. A particularly potent example of this e ect occurred on March 13, 1989, when a severe space storm caused a system-wide failure in Quebec. e 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 e Sun has been waiting to kill us for a long time. In our high-tech era, it has a whole new tool it can use to strike us. When condi tions are right, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), magnetic loops drenched in hot plasma, can be red toward Earth. is has happened before, and we refer to them now as Carrington Events. If a Carrington Event hap pened 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 su per CMEs do occur. In fact, we may be overdue for one. On Sept 1, 1859, telegraphs around the planet — all con nected 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 communi cation systems, leaving us cold, in the dark, and alone. Luckily, we can prepare for something like this, and hopefully we will do so, be fore the ‘big one’ hits. But the lesson for today is simple. If you are tired of worrying about global warm ing, pandemics, or political instability, it is good to know that the Sun, our forgotten god, is still out there ready to smiteeus.nightmare scenario, then, is a super CME hitting the planet and overwhelmingpowergridsacross the con tinent.somethingIf like this were to happen,experts warn that it could take months or longer to get power back. at long recov ery 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.

BeachgettingsuchtowardyourroughlyPlus,wellherehotels.coastlineforopportunities.snorkellingComeherethenightlife,relaxingandaordableSeveralpropertiesfeatureroomratesforbelow$100pernight.with€1equaling24Cubanpesos,moneywillgofarothervacationcosts,asdining,activitiesandaroundtheVaraderoarea.

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

Pedasi, Panama Pedasi is a traditional and withPedasidestinationPanama.thethesmallbudget-friendlytowntuckedintosoutheastcornerofAzueroPeninsulaofKnownasacheapforretirees,lurestravellersitscalmingbeach landscapes and delectable seafood. Its hotel rates are also stellar; you can easily nd accommodation in this area for less than €100 a night. Belize With direct ights from many major cities across North America, a ordable hotels and resorts, and activities that range from 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 ll your days with cheap food and outdoor fun €1 is equivalent to about $2 in Belize currency).

Punta DominicanCana,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. ese resorts allow guests to combine food and drink, as well as on-site and some o -site activities, for one budget-friendly price –all in an idyllic setting along the Caribbean Sea. What’s more, these resorts typically o er numerous pools, swimup bars, and ample eateries and activities. Plus, you’ll have your pick of a variety of adults-only and familyfriendly options.

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. is 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 Menorca, Spain Menorca is an oceanfront paradise with a prime setting along MediterraneantheSea. Here, you’ll nd 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.

Varadero Beach, Cuba Varadero Beach is one of the largest tourist areas in Cuba, o ering 13 miles of powdery beaches and

While it’s easy to see the word ‘tropical’ and think ‘expensive’, there are plenty of destinations that o er 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 a ordable and fun.

Zakynthos, Greece Zakynthos features some a ordable hotels (rates often run less than $100 per night), beautiful beaches and a nonstop party scene. Travellers ock to Greece beaches like Navagio and Gerakas to drink and lounge the day away in the sun. is island also o ers ample opportunities to connect with wildlife: Travellers can see nesting caretta caretta sea turtles and enjoy snorkelling at the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.

Phuket, ailand Travellers seeking striking landscapes, a ordable lodging and avourful cuisine should look no further than tropical and intriguing Phuket. is cultural hot spot in ailand is known for its easygoing beach atmosphere, cheap hotels and a ordable activities thanks to the favourable exchange rate (€1 equals about 35 ai baht). While here, take a boat tour to soak in the scenery, relax in a ai-style spa and visit the famous Big Buddha.

Curaçao Regarded as one of the most a ordable destinations in the Caribbean, Curaçao o ers picturesque beaches and vibrantly coloured architecture. Culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts head to Curaçao for its scenic landscapes, unique Dutch in uence, and ample snorkelling and scuba spots. If you skip the resort and opt for a smaller hotel, you’ll likely nd rates for less than €100 a night.

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 o er discounted rates.

Boracay, Philippines Boracay has grown signi cantly popular among international tourists over the years, and for good reason. is 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. * Please note that some of these destinations may be a ected by the coronavirus pandemic. Check with the HSE and the Tourism Board.

Travel & Leisure 13

bankruptthatdestinationstropicalwon’tyou

19e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie

20 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

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

Up, up and away — and without my pjs!

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

So we ew to Wales. Not something I looked forward to because of recent airport chaos but family beckoned. And suddenly I’m remember ing a time when a trip in an aeroplane was an adventure, fun almost. I remember the rst time I ew — all of 21, on a late night chartered ight to London. Couldn’t fasten my safety belt, didn’t know how, felt like a rst class eejit even though I had just graduated from UCD one month earlier! I’m remembering the rst time my oldest son (who we are visiting in Wales) ew, all of six months in his mother’s womb on a ight to Tener ife! 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 ying — across three generations. Flying was ne 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 ights and lost luggage. Lost, and gone forever, luggage! So, it was with no small degree of concern that my wife and I set o for Dublin Airport to board a ight 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. ere weren’t any. We marched straight into the Fas track zone, placed our bags on the designated trays and waited. Waited quite a while actually (15 minutes, maybe?) Not having availed of Fas track 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 tably set the beeper o 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 night mare. How do we expedite all this queuing and waiting and frazzling of nerves? en, a Eureka moment – teleporta tion! 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 possi bly some inhospitable tourist resort!Weneed to be beamed across the pond or to wherev er we’re going. We won’t even need to y! Okay, so Startrek is science ction but science ction has always presaged what’s coming down the line – consider Jules Vernes’s ‘From the Earth To e 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 teleporta tion when it arrives, be sure you are free of any accoutre ments when you step into the teleporter cubicle. Remem ber that sci- movie e Fly (1986), Seth (Je Goldblum) when teleporting himself across a room was unaware that a y had entered the cubicle and he emerged fused with the creature! Not pleas ant!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 trav elling now (even though I‘m not travelling a lot) I always forget something. is 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 fanat ics. However, I needn’t have worried as my son gave me a spare pair of his which is when I had another Eureka moment.Myson, 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, ip- ops and a T-shirt!

FurthermoreGerryMoran

21e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Advertisement

Six months after Russia invad ed 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 o supplies to Europe to avenge Western sanctions, or if utili ties can’t store enough for win ter, according to reports from the Associated Press (AP). Germany may have to im pose gas rationing that could cripple industries from steel making to pharmaceuticals to commercial laundries. “If they say, we’re cutting you o , all my equipment will be destroyed,” said Martin Kopf, who chairs Germany’s associ ation of zinc galvanising rms. Governments, businesses and families worldwide are feeling the war’s economic e ects just two years after the coronavirus pandemic rav aged global trade. In ation is soaring, and rocketing energy costs have raised the prospect of a cold, dark winter. Europe stands at the brink of reces sion.On Ukraine’s front line, a ght to save premature high food prices and short ages, worsened by the cuto 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 some thing else, too — a phenom enon called ‘shrink ation’, 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 Interna tional Monetary Fund (IMF) N last month to downgrade its outlook for the global econo my for the fourth time in un der a year. e 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. “ e world may soon be tee tering on the edge of a global recession, only two years after the last one,” Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the IMF’s chief economist, said. e UN Development Pro gramme said rising food and energy prices threw 71 million people worldwide into poverty in the rst 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 su er 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 sta and work lon ger hours.

“I don’t know how long I can keep my lunch price a ord able,” she said. “Coming out from Covid lockdowns and having to face this is tough. Worse is, I don’t see the end ofEvenit.’’ before Russian Presi dent Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, the global economy was under pressure. In ation had sky rocketed as a stronger-thanexpected recovery from the pandemic recession over whelmed 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 dif ferent things going on,” said Robin Brooks, chief economist at the International Institute of Finance. “ e volatility of in ation went up. e vola tility of growth went up. And therefore, it’s become in nite ly harder for central banks to steer the ship.’’ China, pursuing a zero-Cov id 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.Allthose challenges might have been manageable. But when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the West re sponded with heavy sanctions. Both actions disrupted trade in food and energy. Russia is the world’s third-biggest pe troleum producer and a lead ing exporter of natural gas, fertiliser and wheat. Farms in Ukraine feed millions globally. e resulting in ation has rippled out to the world. Near Johannesburg, South Africa, Stephanie Muller has been comparing prices online and checking di erent grocery stores to nd the best deals. “I have three children who are all in school, so I have been feeling the di erence,” sheShoppingsaid. at a market in Viet nam’s capital of Hanoi, Bui u Huong said she’s been limiting her spending and cut ting back on weekend dinners out. At least there’s one advan tage to cooking at home with her children: “We can bond with them more in the kitch en, while saving money at the sameSyahrultime.”Yasin Limpo, Indo nesia’s agriculture minister, warned this month that the price of instant noodles, a staple in the Southeast Asian nation, might triple because of in ated wheat prices. In neighboring Malaysia, veg etable farmer Jimmy Tan la ments 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 battle elds of Ukraine, Ka mran 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 in come,” 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%. 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 Financialcrisis.wellbeing rm Wagestream, a leading exible pay provider that allows workers to access earned wages early, made the nding in a report on the cost of living crisis. e report, based on 10,000 UK and Irelandbased workers, found 70% are worrying more about money since the crisis began.

“Irish workers have also been among the quickest to act since the crisis began bydipping into savings and reducing pension contribu tions more than most of the UK.”Peter Bri ett, 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.

ineconomyamonths:warRussia’satsixglobaltatters

“When you access some of your earnings, we ask you what you are accessing it for. It could be travel, discretion ary spending or groceries, for example.“Weare absolutely seeing a much bigger shift in people accessing their earnings for things like groceries and transport. ings that would normally be covered by their wages, they are now dipping into their earnings to cover the basic Wagestream,necessities.”launched in Ireland in 2019, provides nancial wellbeing bene t services. e 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 sta .

“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.

And for Ireland, a summer of uncertainty

e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie Global Report

Jamie Lawrence, insights director at Wagestream and author of the report, said Wagestream’s ndings offered a stark warning for Irish employers. He said workers in Ireland were dipping into their savings faster than those in the UK.

23e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Advertisement

SOMEGA o er 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 andPuresunshine.andnaturalSOMEGAVitaminD3LiquidDropsareplacedunderthetongueforfastandeective absorption and are ideal for both children and adults. As many families do not consume enough oily sh, taking an Omega-3 supplement daily is important for adults and kids. Omega-3s positively impact the immune system due to their anti-in ammatory properties and also support brain, heart and eye health. To be consistent in supplementing and ensure maximum health bene ts, 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 avour and is highly popular with both kids and adults.

vitamins C and D and zinc, copper, selenium and iron. De ciencies of several of these micronutrients can impair many aspects of the immune system and can increase susceptibility to infection” says Mr. Cli ord. 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 bene ts. 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.

Health Supplements

24 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

e

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

Advertorial e start of the school year is a time of new beginnings andagainstchild’sinparentsoftherefortunately,atchallengingcantotheyhealthychildrenKeepingopportunities.andasgobackschoolseemtimesbutarelotswaysthatcanhelpsupportingtheirimmunitytheusualbugsviruses.Dr.Paula Gaynor and Mark Cli ord, co-founders of Irish health supplement brand SOMEGA, share their healthy tips for supporting back to school immunity.

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 thecellsofcirculationincreasedlevels,stresslowermoods,improvedsleep,andimmuneinbody - 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 a ect 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.

“Multiple micronutrients play an essential part in particularresponse,thesupportingimmunein

Parents should try to give kids as much variety as possible. Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is drinkssugar-loadedconsumptionTryingissnacksasimportant,isprovidingahealthylunchboxandnourishingdinners.Havinghealthyavailableessential.tolimitoffoodsandisimportantasa high sugar intake negatively a ects the immune system.

Supporting immunity for a healthy back to school

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 sh, 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.”

Regular Exercise, Good Sleep Habits and Stress Management

25e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Advertisement

The outbreak of the Irish Civil War and the deaths of Michael Collins and Arthur Gri th are among the main events to be commemorated in the 2022 decade of centenaries programme. e 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 di Kilkennyerent.County Council in association with Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group staged their own com memoration in the wonderful setting of Kilkenny Castle.

RE-ENACTMENTEXCELLENT e 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 e 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 e ects and music played a huge part in the re-enactment and credit for this must go to Ray Brophy who is instrumental

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 su ered in their struggles for our independence” said the Council chairman.MrFitzpatrick continued by say that “Michael Collins played a leading role in the military and political movement which nally brought an end to the British occupation in the 26 counties. Unfortunately, partition was the sacri ce which facilitated this momentous achievement.”

26 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

COUNCIL CHAIRMAN SPEAKS OF HEROISM AND TRAGEDY

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.

Speaking of the 1916 rising Pat Fitzpatrick said “Collins was greatly in uenced by the commitment and bravery of the 1916 Easter rising – having been a young activist in the GPO.”

Michael Collins, the man who made KilkennyofanniversaryoncommemoratedIrelandmodernpossible,the100thhisdeathatCastle

Photos by Donal Foley

“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. e County Council backed project didn’t disappoint. e event kicked o at 4p.m with a wonderful display of Irish dancing provided by Lauren Scallan and Kate Flanagan from Kilkenny

Feature

27e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie in the success of much, if not all re-enactments created by the historical group.

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 e Last Post and Reveille while piper Eugene Boland played e 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 sta at Kilkenny Castle for their support in hosting the event.

REMEMBERING KIERAN CROTTY e 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 rst proposed the event in the Council chambers. “It was wonderful to see the Council give the project their full backing” added Mr Fitzgerald. e 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 rst time, a cross party committee of civil war adversaries came together to hold an event to honour a man who shaped all our lives. is was the rst event of its kind in Ireland. Mayor Fitzgerald asked that as a nation we look forward to di erent commemorations without the need to glorify or celebrate. “A little over 10 years ago, I too as Mayor led the rst national afterceremonycommemorationoutsideDublinthegovernmentchoose

Kilkenny’s rst 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.”

Kilkenny as the regional centre with the ceremony held on the Castle grounds. I remember clearly, the signi cance 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: “ e 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,

Feature

(Photos jbs Kilkenny)

On August 21, 2022, Kilkenny County Council held a commemoration for Michael Collins. In the magni cent 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. e Kilkenny Observer watched on, as a very digni ed 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.Reenactors 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

28 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie Feature

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News 30 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

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Over the past few months we have reported on the activities of the GroupCommunityTwilightMem bers. Our Youth Inclusion group had a great two-week experience with likeminded youth groups from France and Poland. is week we would like to tell you about our 18 to 30-year-old and Our Twilight Young Adults group ( TYA) e Twilight Community Group has developed a net work of partners across Eu rope and beyond. Together we have information and educational programmes. is involves both our orga nizations 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 bene t to the participants. It o ers oppor tunities to be part of a very progressive partnership. For example, we had 5 repre sentatives 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 ve country programme of ‘Connecting Cultures’. We had teams at ‘Europe and it’s Future’ in Serbia. e upcoming projects include Solidarity, Waste as part of our Green programme. Twilight through its Twi light 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.Ifyoufeel you have what it takes to represent Twi light please drop us a line to info@twilight.ie or call 086 3255840 for more informa tion

Twilight young adults & Erasmus

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Win a

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 Har ris 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 Sep tember 2018 for a ve-year term. At that time Commis sioner Harris had 34 years of policing experience with the Police Service of Northern Ire land (PSNI) before joining An Garda Síochána.  Commissioner Harris will participate in the public in terview with questions being posed by Kennedy Summer School Director Sinead Mc Sweeney.eannual school is set to host a number of expert discus sions and is billed as ‘A Festival of Irish and American, History, Politics and Culture’. ere will be more than 40 guest speakers with the o cial opening taking place on ursday, September 8 by Ambassador Claire Cro nin, who is also participating in the Irish American State Leg islators’ Caucus and will join a panel discussion, with Min ister Simon Harris giving the keynote address at this year’s Speakers Lunch. US politician and grandson of  Robert Kennedy, Joe Ken nedy, will join the event re motely plus there are a host of politicians, political commen tators 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.

Garda chief Harris guest at Kennedy summer school

Fancy a weekend lled with exciting musical performances, artistic displays and tantalising cuisine amidst the leafy orchard of Bulmers Clonmel? Look no further. e 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. ose interested need only head over to Bulmers.ie where they will nd all competition details on how they can nab tickets to the most exclusive event of the summer.e 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,  e Sweetest Part, was released last month to critical acclaim and Gavin will bring his memorable show to the Bulmers Orchard 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. A team of Irish dairy farmers are moving from the eld 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 environmen tally-friendly and reduce its emissions.e11 Farmer upfarmer-ambassadors) signeddors (http://www.ndc.ie/Ambassatoactasadvocatesand spokespeople for Ireland’s fam ily-farm-based, grass-fed dairy production system. e farmers – male and female, established and new to the business – will speak on behalf of Ireland’s 17,500 family dairy farms.

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

32 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie News

Zoë Kavanagh, CEO of the Na tional Dairy Council, believes that there needs to be more bal ance in the debate around the future of dairy farming and its role in Irish life – balance which is currently lacking.  “ e 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 talk ing about themselves, their farms, and their views on some of the current issues fac ing Irish dairy – providing a snapshot of who they are and the sort of things that they are talking about. e videos are available to view farmer-ambassadors.at http://www.ndc.ie/ e burial has taken place of former Bishop of Ossory, Séa mus Freeman S.A.C. (19442022).Séamus Freeman, born on February 23, 1944, was the Roman JulyHedictwasthe DioceseCatholic Bishop ofofOssory whoappointedby PopeBeneXVI inSeptember2007.laterresignedasbishopon29,2016.BishopFreemanwastheel dest of eight children. His fam ily moved to Callan, County Kilkenny wheAfterhis education he entered the Pallot tines in  urles, he studied eology at St Patrick’s Col lege, urles, and Philosophy at UCD Dublin. In 1981 he was appointed as rector and director of for mation of the Pallottines in urles.

Former Bishop of Ossory is buried

e planned Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme under the new CAP should not be interpreted that calf exports might be ending, the ICMSA has warned. e 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/ beefHowever,systems).the Department said no change to the payment rate of €20/head is planned. e 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“IfMorrison.thatisthe basis on which the department introduced it, then they can speak for themselves. But it’s very de nitely 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 o ering in the scheme.

Farmers move to front line in climate fight

Speakers will participate in debates on a wide range of sub jects with the US and Ukraine featuring prominently. e 2022 Kennedy Sum mer School programme of events and tickets are now available online 421255.St.nedysummerschool.ie orat www.kencallMichael’seatreon051

GavinawayweekendgreatwithJames!

Calf exports ‘not welfaredespiteending’newplan

33e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Advertisement

34 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

“T here is something very aboutreassuringsittingin a bookSurroundedshop. by millions of words, by hundreds of authors is a comfort blanket of sorts for many.” e words of local theatre director Geo Rose as he introduced Jimmy Rhatigan at the Co ee and Book Shop on William Street. e 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 GhostsDirectormeet”.Geo Rose and actor Jimmy Rhatigan obviously put a lot of thought, e ort 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 straightforward”,fairly answered the former Brewery employee. “I started reading Kavanagh almost forty years ago and I suppose I never lookedJimmyback.”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. e directorial handprint of Geo Rose was obvious in this slick production. Geo adapted and directed the performance with his usual air. His experience as a director goes back the best part of forty years and he has worked with such groups as eatre Unlimited, e New eatre Group, Playactin’ eatre group Bickersta e 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 his.Although working as apprentice to his father as a cobbler, life was to change for the daydreaming Paddy Kavanagh.Welearned 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.Andthe audience joined

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

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

Kilkenny Observer attended the theatre production of ‘Where Old Ghosts meet’ staged at the Co ee and Book store on William Street as part of Heritage week. e 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 Geo Rose.

e

The boy from Mucker, BellewhushingemployeebrewerytheandLady

Feature

35e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie in as well e 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 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 di erently and this ensuing disappointment found expression in the poem that would eventually become On Raglan Road. It was rst published in e Irish Press in 1946 as Darkhaired Miriam ran away.

Kilkenny man Jimmy Rhatigan performing ‘Where old ghosts meet’ at The Book and Co ee Shop’ on William Street as part of Heritage week Feature Lady Bellew Raglan Road On Raglan Road on an autumn day I saw her rst andatknewherdark hair would weave a snare that I might one day rue; I saw the danger, yet I passed along the enchanted Andway,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, e 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 Withsay.her own name there and her own dark hair like clouds over elds of May

On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now Away from me so hurriedly my reason must allow at I had loved not as I should a creature made of Whenclay the angel woos the clay he’d lose his wings at the dawn of day. Poetry, song, co ee and storytelling in a beautiful co ee shop in Kilkenny on a Friday afternoon. What more could you ask for?

36 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie Advertisement

37e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Advertisement

lolliesbananaFrozen

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

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 10 mins Serves: 4 Enjoy this vibrant summer salad for a quick midweek meal. With turkey, strawberry, avocado

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

nutrients. Ingredients • 400g turkey breast mini llets • 2 lemons, 1

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

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

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

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

STEP 4 Fold in the remaining our, 1 tsp baking powder and 2 mashed bananas.

You will also need: •4 wooden lolly sticks Method

•1•200g dark•100g natural•4 large•2 bananasstrawberriesyogurtchocolatetbsp hundredsand 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.

Me Come Dine With Banana Turkey,breadstrawberry

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

spinach, it’s healthy and

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.

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 STEPMethod1

Food

STEP 5 e 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

38 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie 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. Ingredients • 140g butter, softened, plus extra for the tin • 140g caster sugar • 2 large eggs, beaten • 140g self-raising our • 1 tsp baking powder • 2 very ripe bananas, mashed • 50g icing sugar • handful dried banana chips, for decoration salad, to serve (optional) STEPMethod1 Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

& avocado salad & Drink

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 5 mins (plus Serves:freezing)4 Ingredients

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

Put the turkey llets 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.

well onwatchingworthNetflix5

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?

critics are saying about prequel to GoT

House of the Dragon is on NOW / Sky Atlantic.

In his lm, Inside the Mind of the Cat — an hour-long documentary streaming on Net ix — director Andy Mitchell has gathered feline professionals in an attempt to answer the burning ques tions cat owners have. It’s a movie that knows its audi ence, 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 rst shot of a particularly adorable feline creatures, and nodding your head emphati cally as various cat people wax poetic about how cats aren’t unfriendly — they are simply misunderstood. e experts interviewed in the lm 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’llget answers to ques tions like why cats always land on their feet and wheth er your cat knows their own name. You’ll learn that your furry friend can run up to 30 mph, can jump as high as ve or six times their height, and is one of the few animals in the world who use 100% of their muscles when they jump.

In Money Heist (2017—) the mas termind doing Ocean’s Elevenlevel prep work with equally satis fying reveals is e Professor. He’s got banks in his sights and we see how his intricate plans come to gether with slick ashbacks, timejumps and even an unreliable narrator. is is captivating TV with a distinct Spanish identity — and don’t let the dubbing don’t let the subtitles put you o . is fantasy based on Jef Lemire’s comic book is the de nition 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 e Great Crumble, a viral pandemic, sweep Gus into an adventure branching down mysterious, action- lled and highly entertaining paths.

Four fascinating seasons of e Sinner (2017—) await to be cracked open, each one focused on a murder committed by an unlikely o ender in even stranger circumstances.

What e cat and the psychologist

Season 1 follows Jessica Biel’s Cora, who stabs a man to death on a beach in a sud den frenzy, but has no idea why. It’s up to Bill Pullman’s Detective Ambrose to unravel the shocking ly disturbing events embedded in her psyche that lead to her being triggered. Highly recommended.

House Of e Dragon is set some 200 years before Game Of rones and is based on the Targaryen civil war. e 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 star ring.While the last series of Game Of rones 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 talk ing.Does House Of e Dragon live up to this? According to the rst 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 rones did. e UK Independent writes: “ e highest compli ment I can pay House Of e Dragon is to observe how much it feels like Game Of rones. I remember eagerly awaiting the rst Hobbit movie in 2012, nine years after the end of Lord Of e Rings, only to nd a dizzying lm stripped of all the earthy charm of its forebear. House Of e Dragon looks and feels like Game of rones.” e 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 nale to what had been a roaring success of a show, is a relief.”eBBC also gave it four stars, explaining: “It’s pure Games Of rones – just not in the way you remem ber... is is a darker, more solemn, more sophisticated piece.” Empire gives the show three stars, concluding its review with: “House Of e Dragon has a lot to prove, and it makes an admirable attempt in its rst few epi sodes. But for better and for worse, it has not escaped the shadow of its predecessor.” e Hollywood Reporter has issues with the show but does note: House Of e Dragon looks like you want a Game of rones-adjacent series to look, which comes in no small part from the contributions of director/coshowrunner Miguel Sapoch nik. 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 rones: “House of the Dragon isn’t some wholly unworthy thing, merely shadowboxing with the legacy that bore it. “ e series creates its own boldness, to its credit and detriment...“Whatresults is a show that is entertaining in a familiar, nostalgic way, but also one that strains too hard for a sense of weight andIndieWiregrandeur.”explains in its review: “ e rst six episodes set up an intimate yet epic tale of how mis begotten pride, outdated customs, and an obsession with power burned down a long-thriving kingdom... all while enjoying the ensu ing ugliness more than they examine its sorbingmakeandproliferation.unnecessaryPurespectacle(oftenicky)soapoperaforintermittentlyabTV.”

39e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie TVAdvertisement&Streaming

e Dark Crystal: Age of Resis tance (2019) was annoyingly canceled after one season, as the critically acclaimed fantasy series is, well, a gem. A prequel to the 1982 Jim Henson lm, the series returns to the planet ra, where three Gel ings inspire a rebellion against the absolutely diabolic Skeksis. e puppet design and performances sneak up on you. You’ll nd yourself deeply in vested in this outing. is miniseries is from a couple of years ago, but in case you missed it, it’s de nitely worth checking out. In the vein of e Sinner, Alias Grace (2017) steps back into its young female protagonist’s past to gure out why she com mits 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.

Purgatory.Asacentre of spiritual pilgrimage, it was known throughout Ireland and far beyond its shores. From an cient 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 oc curred, 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)

Kilkenny’s Wells

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.Onhearing 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 forBishoplonger.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 toMaycome.he rest now in the peace of the Lord.

To be continued...

-John Fitzgerald

Holy

Feature St. Rock’s (or Rioch’s) Well is 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. e Lough was created by the waters of the well accumu lating 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 ood the entire City. It came close to doing so on numerous oc casions.In1830, the Corporation addressed the ooding 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 van quished from Kilkenny. e site of the nearby church in Upper Walkin Street is still fondly known as St. Rock’s Churchyard. e 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 rst Sunday of August at the site of the church and at the well.esePatterns and festivi ties continued until, in 1830, Bishop Kinsella suppressed the traditional “Pattern of St. Rock”, the last quasi-religious event of its kind in the City. e memory of Saint Rock, his church and the Holy Well was preserved in a low key and digni ed 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 informa tion 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 tomb stones 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 e water of St. John’s well, located about ve miles from Kilkenny, can cure every ail ment known to man…except love and jealousy. at’s ac cording to Historianlegend.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.Itwasfamed both for its status as a place of sanctity and miraculous cures and as a meeting place for merrymakers, thieves, murderers, rioters, yahoos, beggars, hoo ligans, excessive drinkers, and debauchers.Whiletheage of the well is unknown, we know it has been attracting pilgrims and other visitors for at least four centuries. e 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

40 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

Top table beckons astakesIntermediateshape

41e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie Hurling matters

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai ThoseIntermediateKilkennyLeagueteamswishingtojointhetoptier

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.

GroupA 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. GroupA 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.

StMartins Thomastown YoungIrelands Dunnamaggin ConahyShamrocks Carrickshock Group A #TeamPWLDFAPts 1Thomastown321080554 2YoungIrelands321068614 3Dunnamaggin321057524 4Carrickshock321064694 5Conahy312064612 6ShamrocksStMartin’s303044790 Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Kilkenny Intermediate League #TeamPWLDFAPts 1Danesfort330078536 2Rower320169665 3Inistioge 4Mooncoin321071564 O`Loughlin312068752 5Gaels 6StLachtain’s302160781 Fenians303050680 Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Kilkenny Intermediate League Danesfort O’LoughlinGaels Mooncoin RowerInistioge Fenians StLachtains Group BSport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IEEDITOR

42 e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022kilkennyobserver.ie

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

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.

BIG THANK YOU

Community

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.

MARKET AT MADGE’S GARDEN A er 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 a ernoon tea. As we have no BBQ on Sunday booking for A ernoon 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.

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 “Exca vations 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.

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.

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 Seniorrequired.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 infor mation or to make an appointment. Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be le into the Centre, please call before dropping o . Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466.

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.

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)

DEATH

JUNIOR Clara Juniors were beaten by hosts Erin’s Own of Castle comer 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 su ered 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 di erent scorers at that point, while Clara had only two Joe Connolly frees and a Dara Glynn point from play to show for their e Theorts.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 sub stitutes James Casey and Ruairí Breen, they outscored their opponents 3-5 to 1-2 in the fourth quarter to give the score board 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 Kee e, 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 Kee e. 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 sup porters 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 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 Teamconfirmed.-Cian Kelly, Nick O Kee e, 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.

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

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, an nouncements 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.

LOOP CAFE Big Work is continuing on the Community Cafe at Buncrus sia 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.

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.

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.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT

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.

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 complimen tary 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

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.

LESTER RYAN

HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life di icult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and con fidential 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.

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. TheNoticesparish 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 con tributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish O ice. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be le in or emailed to the Parish O ice by 11am on Thursdays. Parish o ice hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass SpecialCardsprinted parish cards are available at the Parish O ice or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish o ice on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie.

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.

& GAA Notes

SPLIT THE POT

SincereSYMPATHYsympathy 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.

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.

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 di erence 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 Ra er. C O’Leary. C Donnelly. C Power. P Killeen. E Landers. P Campion. A Ra er. Subs M Kavanagh. C Dawson A er 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

The recent victory of Clara’s Killian Phelan in the Poc Fada in the Cooley Mountains evoked memories of the long as sociation 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 e orts to keep the competi tion 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.

First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: €30.00 Winners:Willy Dwyer, Sheepstown; Daniel Doyle, Bal lyfoyle; Breda Millea, Lismatigue; David O’Toole, Fiddown; Padraig Crowley, Aghaviller 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Teresa Fitzgerald;Mary Doyle; Anne Power.Drawon 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 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 - Regis tered 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 interest ed, please phone 056 775 6538or visit their website www. kilkennybereavementsupport.com for an application form. Closing date: Sept 5th.

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 O icer), Jeanette O’Brien (Climate O icer 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 informa tion to follow.

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 development worker@droicheadfrc.ie Carmel (083) 2098069 familysup Droicheadport@droicheadfrc.ieFamilyResource 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 photo copying 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.

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 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.

News 43e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie We welcome all GAA Club and Community notes for publication in The Kilkenny Observer email to sales@kilkennyobserver.ie Community & GAA Notes

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.

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 Bal lycallan 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 Ballykee e 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.

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

MOUNT CARMEL JULY DRAW

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 par ticular 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

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 Cli ord, 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.

Dicksboro Summer camp participants

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.

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, announce ments 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.

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 O ice.

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

Mass Times in Aghaviller Parish:Monday 22nd. to Sunday 28th. August Hugginstown2022.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. VigilSaturday 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).

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 inter 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 par ticular 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.

RECENT WEDDING St. Molua’s church in Killaloe was the venue chosen by Aoife Ryan, Dareen and Cathal O’Neill, Danesfort for the celebra tion 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 o ertory gi s 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.

Dicksboro Summer camp participants

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

44 kilkennyobserver.ie e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 Motors Classified section To advertise your business in our classi ed section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie Classi eds NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm CAR WASH – 087 2587745 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE JOEPARSONSGARDENMAINTENANCESERVICESINCLUDE•Hedgecutting••Grasscutting••Powerwashing••Dryrubbishremoval••Treepruning• CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

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KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Stephen Cahill intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a

Applicant: Village Veterinary

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning notices

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

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.

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.

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.

Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

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.

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. M.M.

St. Anthony Prayer,

47e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 kilkennyobserver.ie

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle 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 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).

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

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.

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,

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.

The Miracle Prayer

48 kilkennyobserver.ie e Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 August 2022 Advertisement