Kilkenny Observer 26th January 2024 by Kilkenny Observer

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Friday 26 January 2024

Cervical Cancer Could be eradicated by 2040, says HSE  Page 3

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Our Food Waste In a world where 1Bn. go hungry every day  Paul Hopkins Page 8

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Carey firms clampdown Companies linked to former hockey star to be struck off

Four finance companies linked to Kilkenny native Catriona Carey are to be struck off by the Companies Registration Office. The companies were all involved in funds, trusts or financial activities, according to company records. The former Ireland international hockey player is listed

as a director of three of the companies and a former director and part owner of a fourth. The companies are among hundreds of firms targeted by the Companies Registration Office earlier this month, in a move on organisations that are not compliant with company rules.

The strike-off follows the arrest of Ms Carey last year by the Corporate Enforcement Authority for alleged breaches of company law. The corporate investigation is separate to the Garda fraud investigation into an alleged mortgage scam that she operated until her victims exposed her on RTÉ Investi-

gates in February 2022. Ms Carey is listed as the sole owner of Careysfort Asset Estates Ltd in Ireland. The other directors include Paddy Maher, who is being investigated for his alleged role in the mortgage scam. Ms Carey went on to offer her own service to distressed mortgage holders. She told

Cervical cancer to be effectively eradicated by 2040, says top HSE director Cervical cancer in Ireland will effectively be eradicated by 2040, making it a “rare” disease, a HSE director has claimed. Dr Caroline Mason Mohan, director of public health at the HSE National Screening Service, said: “We have around 10.4 cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 women. Elimination is defined as having fewer than four cases per 100,000 women. “Success depends on us all working together. For the public, this means taking three simple steps: get the HPV vaccine when it is offered; choose screening and get screened regularly from age 25 to 65 years old; and a ttend for further tests and treatment if you are advised.” Mooncoin native Vicky Phelan underwent a routine smear test for cervical cancer in 2011. Her test showed no abnormalities. However, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer three years later. Her test and many hundreds of others were diagnosed when the samples were ‘outsourced to a US clinic. Ms Phelan became the major force behind the Cervical Smear Campaign and relentlessly worked to have health officials here finally admit their gross error that led to the deaths of many young women in Ireland. The mother-of-two died at Milford Hospice in Co.Limerick in the early hours of November 14 2022 at just 48 years of age.. Dr Caroline Mason Mohan was speaking of the 2040 significance to

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borrowers in difficulty that she would buy the loans from their lenders, and promised them new loans at a discounted rate. Ms Carey’s victims say she demanded upfront deposits, ranging from €5,000 to €60,000. The loans never materialised, and victims say they lost their deposits. Cervical smear campaigner: the late Vicky Phelan underwent a routine smear test in 2011. Her test showed no abnormalities. However, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer three years later

Records have shown how more than €200,000 lodged to an account controlled by Carey was spent on foreign holidays and personal spending. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau arrested Carey and two others last year. The file in this case has yet to go to the DPP.

South East worst hit by new Covid The worst-hit counties for Covid-19 in the third week of January were Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary Mayo,Westmeath, Laois, Donegal, and Sligo. They were followed by Carlow, Offaly, Dublin, Clare and Cork, based on limited testing, with the lowest rates in Leitrim and Longford. Full story Page 6

We need to talk more about dying More than half of the Irish population (51%) expressed that discussions around death and dying are insufficient, according to a new survey, although comfort levels in discussing such topics have dropped by 18% since 2016, with just over six in 10 individuals (63%) claiming they feel at least relatively comfortable discussing dying and death. Full story Page 10

Ireland is loneliest country in Europe mark Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, from January 22 to 28. Dr Mohan said CervicalCheck was “asking women and people with a cervix to choose screening and check the online register to find out when they are due their next screening test”. Professor Nóirín Russell, clinical director of the HSE’s CervicalCheck service, said: “The first step is to check the register online to find out if you are eligible. We also encourage you to

check and update your contact details so we can invite you for your test when the time comes, and send your test results. “If you are still unsure about eligibility or have concerns, please talk to your GP or general practice nurse. “If you don’t have a GP, you can still book your free HPV cervical screening test with any of the 4,000 GPs or nurses on our register. You can find out about clinics near you on the HSE website.”

CervicalCheck offers HPV cervical screening every three years to women aged 25 to 29; and every five years to those aged 30 to 65. When you get an invitation, it is time to book your screening test with your GP or nurse, she said. Dr Sarah Fitzgibbon, primary care clinical adviser with CervicalCheck, said: “Never ignore symptoms of cervical cancer, even if you have had a recent normal screening result.”

Social isolation is a pressing issue worldwide, but particularly within Ireland. A study from the European Commission identified Ireland as the loneliest country in Europe, with our older population most severely affected by loneliness and isolation. Full story Page 14

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

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GERRY MORAN

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Andy Murray: an icon of Kilkenny Kilkenny and further afield have been paying tribute on social media and elsewhere to local legend Andy Murray who was buried last week. A local performer and publican, he is being remembered as an “icon who put Kilkenny on the world stage”. Andy Murray died on Monday, January 15 surrounded by his family at Kilkenny Care Centre. Mr Murray was a man of many talents. He was a performer who loved singing and also ran his own pub Little Andy’s Bar on Ormonde Road in Kilkenny City, considered the “smallest bar in Kilkenny City”. He was the lead singer of Fifth Degree and went on to join Black Aces Showband in the late 1960s. He also loved pantomime, and took to the stage in many theatres around Kilkenny including in the Watergate Theatre and Friary Hall. Since the news of Mr Murray’s death broke tributes have been coming in, both remembering his performing and singing talents and also his presence behind the bar in Little Andy’s. One mourner said on social media: “I first met Andy when I was a kid and probably getting in his way in the Friary

Hall when my own dad was stage manager, As years went by I worked backstage on lots of pantomimes, Andy was a huge talent with a powerful voice and a great presence in Little Andy’s too.” Another remembered: “We had great craic in the pub, having a few pints, throwing darts and us ‘singing’ songs, before Andy would thankfully step in.” Another person said: “He was full of attitude, a showman with a captivating voice,” another mourner said. “He put Kilkenny on the world stage with Fifth Degree. He was an icon in Kilkenny.” Andy Murray was predeceased by his wife Maria (nee Brennan), his parents Sean and Myra, his brother Martin and his sister-in-law Peggy (nee Long). He will be sadly missed by his daughters Gemma and Andrea, sons-in-law Niall and James, brothers Sean, Michael, and Joe, sisters Peggy, Mary, Monica and Joann. Andy Murray will be forever missed by his sisters-in-law Joan and Liz, grandchildren Charlie, Billy, Recce, Harry, Freddie and Faye, his nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Covid: SE is the worst hit The worst-hit counties for Covid-19 in the third week of January were Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary Mayo,Westmeath, Laois, Donegal, and Sligo. They were followed by Carlow, Offaly, Dublin, Clare and Cork, based on limited testing, with the lowest rates in Leitrim and Longford.

The more infectious JN1 Covid-19 variant is now the main strain circulating here, accounting for more than seven in 10 samples recently analysed, although it does not cause severe illness. There were over 940 cases of Covid in that January week, showing a drop in spread, with 346 patients with the virus in

‘Findings’ at Mother & Baby Tipp home A scan of the ground of a former Mother & Baby institution in north Tipperary – commissioned to explore the possibility that infants were buried in a ‘mass grave’ – has found at least three “anomalies” in the earth. The Mother & Baby Home Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea was one of the largest and most notorious mother and baby institutions in the State, with a total of 1,090 children dying there across almost four decades. The survivors’ group which campaigned for the ground surveys has welcomed the findings and has now sought government funding to carry out excavations of the anomalies pinpointed by the scan. The findings come amid concerns that there could be a similarly large-scale burial site of infants, similar to that found in Tuam between 2016 and 2017. It’s understood the anomalies indicate the ground was disturbed at some point, but further investigation is required to determine their exact nature. Run by the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea was one of the largest and most notorious Mother & Baby institutions in the country. Thousands of unmarried pregnant women passed through its doors from 1931 until 1969, with 6,079 babies born there during that period. A total of 1,090 children died across almost four decades at Sean Ross Abbey.

hospitals, mostly for other illnesses. Those who tested positive ranged in age from infancy to 103. However, the virus seems to be on the wane as does flu also looks like it is beginning to wane, with the hardest-hit counties that January week headed by Donegal, followed by Westmeath, Mayo, Sligo,

Leitrim, Offaly, Cork, Cavan and Kerry. Other counties above the national average were Roscommon, Galway and Waterford. A total of 1,450 flu cases were reported that week, with 306 patients hospitalised. The spread of RSV is also continuing to fall, with 304 cases last week and 109 hospitalised,

mostly very young children. Meanwhile research suggest that people who had long-Covid for six months had lower levels of some proteins and higher levels of others, compared with those who had fully recovered. The study’s findings are limited because of the relatively low number of people involved.

MEPs sabotage call for ceasefire in Gaza

Irish Green MEPs Grace O’Sullivan [pictured] and Ciarán Cuffe voted against a European Parliament Resolution on Gaza after amendments to the text made a ceasefire conditional upon the dismantling of Hamas prior and the release of hostages. The changes rendered the ceasefire call practically meaningless, in their view, and allowed Israel to continue the bombing of civilians in the name of dismantling Hamas’. The Resolution passed by a margin of 312 votes to 131 votes, with 72 abstentions. MEPs O’Sullivan and Cuffe supported amendments

to the text that expressed “deep concern at the dire and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip”, condemned the “disproportionate Israeli military response which has caused a civilian death toll of unprecedented scale”, and supported the idea of a European initiative to “put the two-state solution back on track” with peace talks following the conflict. The resolution also expressed strong support for the work of the International Court of Justice, but stopped short of explicitly supporting South Africa’s case accusing Israel of breaching the

Genocide Convention. In a shock move, MEPs from Fine Gael’s EPP group voted against language vowing to uphold the decision of the court. The Irish Green MEPs however found it impossible to support a Resolution that failed to make a meaningful call for a ceasefire. Member of the Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Palestine and MEP for Ireland South Grace O’Sullivan said: “In saying that the Parliament only supports a ceasefire on the condition that Hamas is eliminated essentially hands the far-right Israeli Govern-

ment a blank cheque to continue the bombardment of Gaza for as long as they want. Once again the EU has failed to provide any leadership on the Israeli onslaught on the Gazan civilian population. “Conservative groups, including the EPP, have played a consistent role as an obstacle to peace. “We need a braver EU that is willing to stand against the worst humanitarian crisis of our time and call loud and clear for a permanent ceasefire without taking sides. This is a dark day for the European peace project,” she said.

Kilkenny LocalLink sees 78% rise in its users Green Party TD for Carlow Kilkenny and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan has welcomed the record-breaking public transport passenger numbers for the year 2023. The figures show a 24% increase in passenger numbers in 2023 compared with 2022 and a 5% increase above the previous record year in 2019 before Covid. LocalLink services saw a 78% increase in usage compared with 2022 and a 265% increase since 2019. Speaking about the impact of increased services and reduced fares on public transport uptake in Kilkenny and Carlow, Minister Noonan said: “It’s really gratifying to see record levels of public transport use in 2023. This remarkable growth underscores the success of local measures that the Green Party has been working really hard to deliver. By making it cheaper and easier for people to choose public transport to get around their local areas, we are providing a viable alternative to the car for some journeys and giving people options that they didn’t have before. This is in stark contrast to other European countries where fares are increasing and passenger numbers still haven’t recovered since Covid. “We’ve seen huge improvements to public transport in Kilkenny and Carlow in the past few years. The new Carlow town bus launched by myself and Minister Eamon Ryan last year has been a roaring success. Most of the town now lives close to a bus stop and figures show over 10,000 passengers are using the new buses every single week. The new LocalLink services we launched connecting Kilkenny and Carlow to nearby towns have also been very popular, with more routes on the way,” he said.

Fake passport: family man avoids 10 years in jail A man with a Carlow address who provided documents for a fake passport application, which was certified by a Garda – who is now facing charges – has been given a suspended sentence. William Connors gave his birth certificate and other

documents to another man, who then attended at a Garda station in Kildare in January 2020 and applied for a passport using his own photos and Connor’s documents. The application was certified by a Garda before being sent to the Passport Office

for processing, John Byrne SC, prosecuting, told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Staff at the Passport Office noticed that the photos provided did not match a previous passport which had been issued to Connors and an investigation was launched.

A number of co-accused people, including the Garda who certified the application, are due to stand trial next year. Connors (30) with an address at Johnstown, Bennekerry, Co Carlow, pleaded guilty to an offence that

carries a maximum 10 year sentence. He has 19 previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. The man who allegedly applied for the passport already had a passport in his own name, but it is believed

he wanted a second fake passport, the court heard. Seamus Clarke SC, defending Connors, said his client was extremely remorseful for his actions. He is married with three children, one of whom has a serious health condition, the court heard.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Our food waste in world where 1Bn. go hungry Hands up those who remember real fried bread? Not the limp, half-hearted specimen that shuffles unashamedly these days around the plate of an Irish Fry, but the genuine article, fried in the lard that was the fat left over from the Sunday roast. In those days real men (and women) knew their fried bread and that it would put hairs on their chests (well, perhaps not the women). In those days too, there was little, if any, wasted food in the house of my upbringing. Even that left-over Sunday roast would taste better the next day, chicken bones made for great soup, and you’d never be a sandwich or two short of the picnic as long as you had a scrap or two in the larder. Soured milk was a delicacy and good for you. What little we had we valued and nothing went to waste. A report by the UN says the food the world wastes ac-

counts for more greenhouse gas emissions than any other aspect of consumerism, in a world where one in eight, about one billion people, go to bed every night hungry. Not peckish nor snackhappy, but tummy-aching hungry. Irish statistics show that just under five percent of people here are undernourished – whose food intake is insufficient to meet dietary energy requirements continuously. According to the UN report, every year a third of all food for human consumption, around 1.3 billion tonnes, is wasted, along with the energy, water and chemicals needed to produce it and dispose of it. In Ireland 24 percent of all food bought in our main supermarkets ends up being thrown out. We in this neck of the woods live in a world where we are inundated with a mass of food choices

everywhere we go, from Michelin-starred restaurants to fast-food outlets, to the questionable gourmet TV dinners for two, common at your local supermarket, bottle of wine thrown in for good measure. And we occupy a world where increasingly our children become obese and lethargic as they wolf down fast-food after junk-food like they were never going to be fed again in their little fat lives. Trying to decide whether that pint of milk left in the back of the fridge is any good? You’ll probably want to check the date. Unfortunately, it probably says ‘sellby,’ which is not exactly informative. ‘Sell-by’ date hasn’t gone by? You might pour a glass and still have it come out all lumpy. ‘Sell-by’ date went by a few weeks ago? You still might toss some perfectly good milk down the sink. The thing is, we consumers

are trying to base decisions on dates that are meant purely for manufacture and retail use. Before the 1970s, ‘sell-by’ dates were largely written in codes that were unreadable by the everyday shopper. That changed throughout the 70s as consumers demanded

“Five percent of people here are undernourished..

more information about the freshness of what they were eating. Retailers responded by simply ‘opening’ the coded ‘sell-by’ dates. In the sort run, these dates have really little meaning for you and me. And at the same time, different retailers adopted different labels meaning different things, including ‘bestby,’ ‘use before’ and ‘enjoy by’ and so we have ended up with a lather of labelling that means different strokes to different folk, depending on the manufacturer and the supermarket you shop in. A Harvard report recommends making ‘sell-by’ dates invisible to consumers again, replacing them with a “reliable, coherent and uniform consumer-facing dating system” that would give shoppers the information we need, nothing more. Ireland’s Food Waste Reduction Scheme provides financial support to food

businesses – but only in rural areas – to encourage projects which cut food waste. This scheme will help to reduce the one million tonnes of food waste Ireland produces each year. The scheme is open to organisations and operators involved in food waste reduction on initiatives aimed at reducing food waste generated by primary producers and food businesses but, again, only in rural areas. Our Government has committed to reduce food waste – that is food finally destined to be ‘wasted’, as simple as that – by 30 percent by 2030, in line with targets set by the EU. Meanwhile, the mother of my children went overboard at Christmas and the New Year and I’ve been living on the left-overs and scraps ever since. I’ve put on weight and struggled the other day to get into my favourite jeans. Fried bread is definitely off my menu...

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Kelleher calls for lower rate VAT for food businesses Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has written to Finance Minister, Michael McGrath requesting that he consider revising Ireland’s VAT rates to move food-led businesses from a 13.5% rate to a lower rate of 9%. Mr Kelleher, a member of the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary

Affairs (ECON) and Taxation (FISC) committees, which deal with the overall VAT policy at European level, made the call following engagement with many foodled businesses who feel that their businesses are on the brink of becoming no longer viable. "The increase from 9 to

13.5% in terms of VAT, allied to the cost of implementing the increase in the National Minimum Wage, is making small food-led businesses simply unviable. "No one is criticising the increase in the Minimum Wage, as people need to be able to live and pay their bills," the Cork politician

told The Kilkenny Observer. "However, adding a VAT rise at the same time will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many foodled businesses in Ireland. "It’s quite simple in my mind - we should separate out how food-led businesses and accommodation providers are treated in terms of

VAT rates. They are operating in very different environments, with very different cost bases. “In recent weeks, we have seen a spate of food-led businesses closing due to their costs rising exponentially. Increasing VAT on these businesses will result in many of them becoming

non-viable. The result of this will be businesses closing and people losing their jobs. "I am urging Minister McGrath, who I believe has a very strong pro-SME outlook, to consider making such a change. We owe it to our food-led SMEs to give them a chance at survival,” said Mr Kelleher.

Are we sure just what homeless is anymore? By Noel Sherry ------------------------------We hear of people rough sleeping. What impact does that have? Do we consider it more when it's cold or when it’s wet? For a long-term rough sleeper, it's enduring. When most people think of homelessness, they think of drink or drugs. Stigmas often arise from a lack of understanding or fear, both of which can be exacerbated by inaccurate or misleading representations in the media. Stigmas can lead to stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination. Stereotypes last. They take on a historical context and can inform policy or people's reactions long-term. It's important to understand homelessness as it happens in your community. Rural homelessness is different to urban homelessness and so forth. The causes of homelessness have also changed over time. In Ireland, housing shortage is the most prevalent cause of homelessness today. Housing shortages doesn't discriminate. It doesn't matter whether your young or old, or male or female. If you’re in a vulnerable housing situation homelessness will find you. For example, homelessness among older people is becoming increasingly widespread across the world, not only in Ireland. It is associated with an ageing population, and other compounding factors such as poverty, rising inequality, and housing costs. Housing is simply not affordable for so many. So while supply is crucial, we won’t get anywhere unless homes are affordable.

What Is homelessness? Homelessness can be described as the absence of staple, permanent, and appropriate housing, or the prospect, ability, and means for an individual to acquire it. There are several categories of people that fall under the umbrella of homelessness. Those who access homeless services once and move on, or those who come back to Homelessness repeatedly, or people caught in the homeless cycle long-term known as the chronic homeless. In 2024, you will most likely become homeless due to losing your home because it is being sold and a lack of affordable accommodation to move to. If you’re an older person or couple, this is an overwhelming experience. Where do you go? Who can you trust to help you? The majority of research or media attention at present focuses on younger people; however, evidence suggests that people over the age of 50 are experiencing homelessness in countries across the world and Europe. Later life homelessness is a huge concern. Homelessness is tragic and traumatising at any age. For older people, that tragedy and trauma is compounded by the physical, mental and social challenges that come with age. * Noel Sherry is CEO of The Good Shepherd Centre in Kilkenny which is actively recruiting volunteers to continue its work to alleviate homelessness. To register your interest in volunteering, contact media@gsck.ie.

Inver station opens on Castlecomer Road Inver Energy announces the latest addition to its network of retail forecourts with the opening of Inver Castlecomer Road, strategically located just off the Castlecomer roundabout, in Kilkenny. This state-of-the-art station has been built from the ground up and supplies fuel and a wide range of food and beverages to motorists and the local community. With an investment of €2.3 million, Inver Castlecomer Road station features a spacious 168m2 SPAR store, de-

signed to provide a comprehensive variety of products and an excellent customer experience. In addition to the baristastyle Insomnia coffee, the shop offers a selection of hot and cold meals freshly made at their class-leading deli. "We are proud to unveil our most recent companyowned and operated service station that is assured to be the destination of choice for locals and road users." Ben Lenihan, Retail Director at Inver Energy.

Employing 21 people, Inver Castlecomer Road provides increased convenience and economic growth in the region. As part of the Inver network, the new station will nominate every year a local charity as part of the Inver’s Leading Lights initiative, supporting local organisations that make a difference in the community. Aligned with Inver's commitment to decarbonisation, Inver Castlecomer Road has HVO on the pumps — an al-

ternative to diesel capable of achieving up to 90% reduction in carbon emissions. "Inver Castlecomer Road exemplifies how we see forecourts continuing to evolve in the coming years. This includes providing expanded biofuels offerings and bringing lower carbon solutions to the Irish forecourt," said John O’Leary, Managing Director at Inver Energy. Inver Energy has been operating in the Irish market for 40 years.

We need to talk more about death, survey shows More than half of the Irish population (51%) expressed that discussions around death and dying are insufficient, according to a new survey, although comfort levels in discussing such topics have dropped by 18% since 2016, with just over six in 10 individuals (63%) claiming they feel at least relatively comfortable discussing dying and death.

The research of 1,000 people by Irish Hospice Foundation also found that: • Almost three out of four Irish people are clear that being together with extended family and friends is a key part of the grieving process. • However, one in every two Irish people struggle to know what to say to a person who is grieving or how to support them.

• The study revealed a notable increase in funeral attendance, with six in ten (64%) respondents having attended a funeral in the past year, a big increase since our last survey during Covid in 2021 when 48% had attended a funeral. Amanda Roberts, National Bereavement Development Manager at Irish Hospice Foundation, said: "As the nation's leading

charity dedicated to addressing dying, death, and bereavement, Irish Hospice Foundation strives to ensure that individuals facing end of life or bereavement receive the necessary care and support. Our research shows that there are gaps in the support available to the Irish public, as well as a drop in the level of comfort people feel discussing these issues."

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Transforming those old houses into new homes That term ‘property porn’, was new to me until it came up prior to the launch of TV architect Dermot Bannon’s new series of Room To Improve where he helps transform humdrum homes. Bannon admitted that he might be to blame for people feeling inadequate when they didn’t have aspirational homes. Call it what you like but I am a total voyeur when it comes to seeing what lies beyond the front door of houses. Whether it’s Cheap Irish Homes where Mary Molloy finds bargain gems for prospective home owners, or the BBC’s Escape To The Country where urbanites long to move to rural areas or Phil and Christie’s Location And Location or Love It Or List It – where homeowners choose between their transformed gaff or opt for

a new pad – I watch for my fix of property porn. For me it’s about more than the houses, it’s about that magic reaction between people and bricks and mortar which says this could be home. It’s also about the location, the views or the setting in an appealing garden. But there is also an element of guilt in remembering the thousands of people who are denied the possibility of an affordable home of their own due to the housing crisis. Back to Dermot Bannon, I simply had to watch the first episode of his programme on RTE. It turns out to be a heartwarming and inspiring story about a young couple who have set out to restore an abandoned 200 years old farmhouse and who hope to add an extension, all on

a shoestring budget. Enter Bannon like the fairy Godmother with sympathetic advice and the good news that, thanks to the recently increased vacant homes grant, they can just manage to realise their dream home. The result, after lots of consultation and drama along the way, is gorgeous, the kind of transformation that evokes a Wow or OMG response from anyone who visits. Bannon and his team had wisely got a briefing from the housing department on the grant beforehand, which gave rise to accusation that the department had made use of the programme to publicise the increased grant. Who cares? Both the increased grant and the programme are a great way to encourage people to rescue old houses

and create new homes. There are thousands of examples around Ireland of abandoned houses that could be transformed with the help of grants, imagination and, yes, hard work in a worthwhile step towards mending the housing crisis. There is one regular 40k drive I take, half an hour from Galway, where I spot 10 or so doer-uppers beside the road not to mention a development of more than a dozen holiday cottages in need of TLC and residents. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. launching Labour’s campaign to tackle vacancy and dereliction, Labour leader Ivana Bacik quoted a figure of 200,000 vacant properties nationwide with 5,000 in Dublin alone. Part of the explanation for these neglected properties lies in the habit, common

in rural parts, of abandoning an old home back in the day and building a new bungalow nearby. (Funny enough, these bungalows have now become the objects of makeovers in a TV programme My Bungalow Bliss presented by architect Hugh Wallace). Another factor is past emigration and the hollowing out of the centres of villages and small towns. Talking of which, the Department of Rural and Community Development are attempting to put the heart back into these communities with the Town And Rural Village Scheme TVRS, now in its second year. Designed to revitalise rural Ireland with €4.5 million funding it grants, €500,000 to local authorities to purchase buildings like former Garda stations or schools for local use

with a new lease of life such as IT hubs or community halls. Pity the scheme isn’t bigger and how about a scheme to bring life back to all those blind and vacant windows, over the shops in rural areas and back into use as homes? Also given the housing crisis, why on earth can’t residential log cabins qualify for planning permission? They are affordable, can be put up in a matter of weeks and built of a renewable resource. Opting for a doer upper and qualifying for a grant of up to €70,000, providing regulations are met and owners are prepared for hard work, can be hugely rewarding. The transformation of old houses not only provides new homes but can increase their value significantly.

Worried about exams? Find balance with Rescue CLAIR WHITTY

The mock exams are just around the corner, doesn’t time fly! This can be stressful and worrying for some of you. There are some things that you can do to help you feel more prepared. Having a study plan is important; start today if you haven’t already got one in place. Building in time for exercise would also help. This can be as simple as doing some jumping jacks or getting out for a fresh air walk. Good sleep hygiene is crucial. Aim to go to bed and get up in the morning at the same time each day. Give yourself some space from your phone and from study for up to an hour before going to bed. A simple way to help you get a good night’s sleep is to turn off notifications on your phone when you go to bed, allowing freedom from interruptions. Dehydration can affect your sleep so make sure you drink water regularly throughout the day. Rescue Remedy is ideal to take at times like this, especially Rescue Remedy Night if you can’t switch off. It

works to calm the mind and aids relaxation to help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. A healthy diet is essential and you need fuel for your brain now more than ever. Reduce caffeinated drinks and coffee, fizzy drinks, sugar, and highly processed foods. Drink plenty of water. If you don’t eat oily fish a couple of times a week, get started on Omega 3 Fish Oils, like Eskimo Omega 3, to nourish and feed your brain. Have some healthy snacks to hand while you study to support your brain. A bowl of nuts to nibble on or a few squares of dark chocolate, or even a cracker with some nut butter would be ideal. If you are feeling anxious or stressed, tools to help include burning relaxing essential oils

or incense. Meditation is a great way to calm the mind, aps like Head Space can help. Rescue Remedy is my go-to remedy to aid relaxation during these stressful times to help you find your balance. You can choose from drops which you can add to drinks, spray, or pastilles. Remember, if you are feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed talk to someone about it. There will be somebody who can help. Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

News

SPECIAL REPORT To celebrate the launch of AIB’s new Future Sparks School Impact Awards, which recognise and showcase schools that are making a positive impact in their local community, the bank has commissioned a number of key educational related insights. The School Impact Awards highlight and reward schools’ contributions to the social, financial, and environmental success of their community. They provide a platform to showcase the work of schools and students to inspire and ignite positive change. Schools across Kilkenny are encouraged to enter by registering for a participation pack at www.aibfuturesparks. ie/awards and submitting their entry. It comes as new research from AIB Future Sparks, an educational programme for secondary school students supported by AIB, shows that: Financial Literacy • Half of people are not very confident when it comes to managing their own personal finances, especially younger people. Confidence rises with age, with 66% of people aged 55 or over very confident in their ability to manage their personal finances, compared to 41% aged 18 to 34. • While three quarters (73%) of people say they have a monthly budget, only one in four people (26%) have a budget that they stick to. • Those who say they are not confident in managing their own finances are less likely to have a budget (46% of those not confident about managing their own finances do not have a budget versus 27% total) • Those who are confident are more likely to have a budget that they stick to (36% of those who are confident about managing their own finances versus 26% total). • Over two thirds of people believe that parents or guardians should take most of the responsibility in teaching their children about financial literacy. 97% believe that financial literacy should be taught in schools. People wish they had learned a

Only a quarter of people have a budget that they stick to And 97% believe financial literacy should be taught in schools variety of topics on financial literacy while in school with budgeting (74%) and saving money (70%) top. Sustainability • Nine in 10 people (91%) believe that parents or guardians are responsible for teaching children about sustainability. Three quarters (75%) believe schools are responsible and 69% of parents

with school-aged children say their child learns about sustainability in school. • More than nine in ten people (92%) say they care about sustainability but only 9% say they are currently doing everything they can to live more sustainably. One in four (25%) of those who care about sustainability aren’t sure what they can do about it.

• Reducing food waste (81%), recycling (75%) and reducing energy consumption / using energy saving lightbulbs at home (71%) are the top ways in which people are trying to help the environment. The youngest age group, 18 to 34, are most likely to say they buy eco-friendly, green, or organic products (32% versus 26% total). In 2021, AIB launched itsFu-

ture Sparks, a financial literacy and skills programme for secondary school students aimed at supporting 12- to 18-year-olds in learning key life skills. The programme, which includes educational resources developed by teachers to support the Junior and Leaving Certificate curricula, focuses on themes including sustainability, financial well-

ness, health, and well-being. More than 380,000 students in 659 schools on the island of Ireland have registered for the programme. Prize Fund of €25,000 The School Impact Awards with a total prize fund of €25,000 to recognise schools that make a positive impact on their local community.

Ireland is now the loneliest country in Europe Social isolation is a pressing issue worldwide, but particularly within Ireland. A study from the European Commission identified Ireland as the loneliest country in Europe, with our older population most severely affected by loneliness and isolation. A survey by Bounce Insights on behalf of HaloCare in December 2023, has highlighted the loneliness suffered by older people

within Ireland. For many people over 65 years of age in Ireland, the Christmas period intensified their feelings of loneliness. One in 20 surveyed over the age of 65 admitted that they would be spending the Christmas alone, with a further one in six reporting that they felt lonely, unhappy, angry, or disconnected over the Christmas season. One of the many contrib-

uting factors to this growing isolation for the older generation is the impact of geographical distance from loved ones. A total of 49% of over 65s surveyed reported having family members who live far away or abroad whom they would like to have spent time with, but can’t due to physical distance. Consequently, a number of older individuals spent Christmas alone and availed

of homecare services to help them over the holiday period. Compounding the challenges faced by many who rely on homecare services, according to the survey, the respondents often noticed a decrease in the level of service available over the busy Christmas season with 42% of those who avail of homecare services noticing a disruption in their homecare over Christ-

mas. Additionally, 39% of seniors expressed reluctance to leave their homes in winter weather, adding another layer of complexity to the already prevalent issue of loneliness amongst the older population. “There is no doubt that loneliness has detrimental effects on a person’s health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared loneliness a pressing global health

threat with mortality effects equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” “Here at HaloCare, we know all too well that older people can experience loneliness across the year. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year, so we can provide the support and social engagement that our clients need all year round.” said Martin Dunne, Managing Director. HaloCare.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

At last, some good news for future pensioners In a recent landmark announcement, the Government has revealed a series of significant changes to the State Pension (Contributory), promising flexibility and improved benefits for those aged 66 and above. The most striking development is the decision to maintain the State Pension Age at 66, contrary to recommendations from the Pensions Commission advocating for an increase to an older age. Their recommendation was a gradual incremental increase in the State Pension age by three months each year commencing in 2028, reaching 67 in 2031 (10 years from now), with further increases of three months every second year reaching 68 in 2039. To address concerns about the retention of the 66-qualifying age, the Government plans to transition from the current ‘Yearly Average Method’ to the ‘Total Contributions Approach’ over a phased 10-year period. This,

they say, will make the system fairer and more equitable for all contributors, streamlining pension calculations, ensuring a fair and consistent approach for all pensioners. Another change is the introduction of a flexible retirement system starting this month. Individuals will have the choice to continue working until age 70 in exchange for a higher State pension. This move aims to allow workers to make decisions in line with their personal circumstances and financial goals. To assist pensioners in making informed decisions, the government will encourage individuals to request a copy of their contribution statement on MyWelfare.ie. This summary of pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contributions will also serve as a valuable tool for estimating State pension (contributory) rates. Therefore, workers will now have access to a PRSI contri-

bution statement annually designed to facilitate a better understanding of entitlements and contributions. It will include those who have worked or lived in other countries, such as the UK who may still qualify for the Irish contributory State pension. At long last long-term carers are being recognised within the pension system for years of selfless and unpaid service for loved ones This move represents a crucial step toward valuing unpaid caregiving work and ensuring financial security for those who have sacrificed their careers for the well-being of others. To fund these changes the State pension system will be paid for by incremental increases in social insurance rates. To ensure transparency and fairness, the level and rate of these increases will be determined through a structured process every five years “by statutory actuarial reviews”. The application process for

the State pension (contributory) has been streamlined also, allowing individuals to apply three months before turning 66. But should you have contributions in multiple countries you are advised to apply six months before reaching the qualifying age. These reforms do represent a significant step forward for Irish pensioners. The Government is committed to a more flexible system including the recognition of “caregiving contributions”, and a more sustainable approach to pension provision which should have a positive effect with families across the nation. Now is the time to get your pension in order. Use all available information and services to stay informed to plan for a secure and fulfilling retirement. Start with the Government website – www. gov.ie. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

News Science & Wellbeing A group of scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have found a promising mechanism that may explain not just how memory and recollection works, but also, more broadly, conscious experience itself. Memories. We can, well, recollect them. The problem is that no one knows exactly how we call to mind, and with such ease, that party last weekend, with all the dancing and clinking of ice in glasses, the smell of circulating hors d’oeuvres, the jolt up the spine from catching a lover’s eye across a crowded room. All these emotional and sensory elements, we know, are registered in distinct areas of the brain — but how is it that we can reminisce and conjure them all up at once, recalling the mental event as a single experience? Now the scientists in San Diego have found this breakthrough about memory and recollection. In a recent paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, lead author and neurophysiologist Charles Dickey identified patterns of ripples — brief high frequency oscillations in neural activity — that synchronise across the human brain during spontaneous waking and memory recall. These ripples fan out across distant areas of the cerebral cortex (the wrinkly surface of the brain) that are responsible for the sensory elements involved in any mental event, and extend to the hippocampus, a seahorse-shaped structure key to memory. Many studies had previously investigated ripples in the rat hippocampus and their relationship to memory, but Dickey only recently identified ripples in the human cortex. There are several competing theories about networks of neuronal activity that may facilitate communication between different areas of the brain to give rise to conscious experience. But this may be the first observed mechanism that could potentially solve the so-called ‘soft problem’ of consciousness — the quest to identify the physical processes in the brain that underpin mental events. The soft problem is in contrast to the so-called ‘hard problem’ of consciousness, the question of how something physical like the brain can possibly generate the rich, clearly mental quality of lived experiences. “We have to solve the soft problem of consciousness first, and the hard problem doesn’t really impede that search,” said Eric Halgren, senior author of the paper and director of the UC San Diego lab where Dickey did his graduate research. The difficulty behind the soft problem of consciousness is that there isn’t a readily identifiable area of consciousness, though many possibilities have been proposed over the centuries. Rene Descartes, the 17th-century philosopher, thought the seat of conscious-

Thanks for the memories How newly discovered brain ripples may unify our experience by the moment, playing a memory like a song ness was the pineal gland, a small gland in the centre of the brain, but we now realise it’s probably responsible for producing and regulating melatonin for our sleep cycles instead. Two hundred years later a German physiologist named Johannes Müller suggested the medulla oblongata, the stem-like structure at the bottom of the brainstem, was responsible for consciousness. (We now know it’s chiefly responsible for involuntary functions like heartbeat, breathing, vomiting, and sneezing.) Later, the English physiologist William B. Carpenter nominated the thalamus, a boot-shaped structure in the middle of the brain, as the hub of consciousness, and then celebrated biologist Francis Crick considered the claustrum, a neural structure that appears like a crown of thorns around the cortex. It turns out that both the claustrum and the thalamus may indeed play important roles in

certain features of consciousness, but their candidacies as co-ordinating centres for consciousness remains largely conjectural. The largest hurdle for the search for consciousness in the brain was somewhat inadvertently discovered by 20thcentury neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield, who was treating patients with severe epilepsy by lesioning the malfunctioning areas of the brain that were instigating seizures. During his surgical procedures, Penfield noticed that certain movements or perceptions could be manufactured by stimulating different areas of the cortex; stimulation via an electrode on your forehead could produce the smell of a bandage, while one on the back of your head might make you see the Buddha and wiggle your pinky. This presented a problem of brain geography that is sometimes called ‘the binding problem’: How do distant areas — the ones involved in, say, the smell of bandages and the ones involved in the

throbbing pain of the wound under the bandage —communicate with one another to produce a seamless experience? Enter brain ripples. Brain ripples are so named because these high-frequency oscillations of neural activity appear as ripples on stereogram readouts of the cortex called electroencephalograms. “The cortex is where we have all our sensory areas, so experiences are primarily a cortical phenomenon,” Dickey said. “The idea is that an experience happens, and this affects the firing of synapses between specific sets of sensory neurons, strengthening their connections. Ripples may modulate this synaptic activity to consolidate the memory within the cortex.” “Ripples unify our experience by the moment, playing a memory like a song. “What’s really interesting about brain ripples as a mechanism for studying consciousness and memory is that they’re primarily temporal,”

Halgren said. Ripples emanate and multiply across the cortex spatially, but in the way that music fills a room. Ripples form fleeting but repeated patterns. They come and go like memories and experiences themselves. While these specific kinds of human cortical brain ripples are newly discovered, the purely theoretical underpinnings of them have been around since the late 1970s. One popular theory of consciousness is known as “binding-through-synchrony,” which postulates that a synchronisation of neural activity is what organises different sensory cues from different regions of the cortex into coherent experience. The theory has been around for decades, but evidence for it (beyond some experiments with the visual systems of cats) was limited. Brain ripples are the first observable and testable mechanism that could corroborate the binding-through-synchrony hypothesis.

What could this mean for consciousness and the study of the mind? The real test for whether brain ripples underpin conscious experience might include cortical stimulation experiments in humans to test if certain kinds of experiences can be induced by ripples (or, conversely, if conscious experiences can be interrupted by disrupting cortical ripples). If further research concludes that ripples do in fact coordinate the communication of all the different parts of the brain responsible for an experience of, say, a beach in August (with its hot sand everywhere, the blazing sun and cooling ocean, and drying off while waves whoosh nearby), then Dickey’s study could be an immense step forward for solving the soft problem of consciousness. * An unedited version of this article originally appeared on Nautilus, a science and culture magazine for curious readers.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Travel & Leisure If you are planning your first trip to Barcelona, you are probably wondering how many days do you need in Barcelona. You’ll want to spend at least three days in order to see the top sights, eat great food, and visit a few museums. If you want to get outside the city on a few day trips or dig in deeper, you’ll need at least 5 days. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region in northeastern Spain. They speak Catalan, not Spanish. The city is known for its unique architecture, including the famous works of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a must-visit area for history lovers, with its narrow streets and medieval buildings. El Born is another charming neighbourhood that is home to trendy boutiques, restaurants, and bars. La Rambla, also known as Las Ramblas, is a bustling pedestrian street that stretches from the Gothic Quarter to the waterfront. It’s an excellent place to peoplewatch and soak up the lively atmosphere. Barcelona is a vibrant city with a lot to see and do. To make the most of your time, it’s important to plan your itinerary in advance. Depending on your interests, you may want to spend more or less time at certain attractions. Consider visiting iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell, exploring the Gothic Quarter, and enjoying the local cuisine. Barcelona can be an expensive city, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing your experience. Look for budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels or Airbnb rentals, and consider visiting during the off-season when prices are lower. You can also save money by using public

Lampredotto panino: Italy Cruise along the cobblestoned streets of Florence, and you’re bound to bump into a trippai kiosk, where vendors preside over steaming pots of tripe boiling with vegetables and herbs. Order the classic lampredotto panino, and you’ll receive a crispy bun piled with tender slices of meat from a very particular part of the cow: its fourth stomach. Most lampredotto sandwiches come drizzled with a parsley-and-garlicbased green sauce and chili-infused olive oil. The preferred panino presentation is bagnato, or “bathed,” in which the upper bun is dipped in tripe broth and perched, warm and moist, atop lunch. Simit-Pogacha: North Macedonia Simit-pogacha is a beloved breakfast food in Skopje,

Planning your first trip to Barcelona

transportation instead of taxis, and by purchasing a Barcelona Card for discounts on attractions and transportation. Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, so crowds can be a concern, especially during peak season. Consider visiting during the shoulder season (April to June and September to November) to avoid the crowds and enjoy more moderate temperatures. Keep in mind that some attractions may be closed or have limited hours during the off-season. Barcelona has a great public transportation system, including buses, metro, and trains. The metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city, but buses can be more scenic. Consider purchasing a T-10 ticket for 10 rides, which can be shared between multiple people. The Barcelona Card is a great way to save money on attractions and transportation. It includes free entry to over 20 museums and attractions, as well as unlimited use of public transportation. The card also offers discounts at many restaurants and shops. It is well worth it if you’re going to be visiting a few museums and taking public transport, not so much if you don’t. Top Sights & Things To Do in Barcelona If you have just one day to spend in Barcelona, I would recommend going on this tour to make the most of your time. Barcelona in One Day Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Old Town with hotel pick-up.

BEST TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 1. Skip the Line: Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour (denitely the way to go) 2. Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small- Group Walking Tour (you’ll love this tour) 3. Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona (if you have extra time – super fun)

The world in five sandwiches capital of the Republic of North Macedonia. Bakers slice open a bun, stuff it with burek — a pastry crust of layered phyllo — and serve it as a sandwich. While burek

is often stuffed with other ingredients, this version has no meat, no cheese, no sauce. Just pastry. Moroccan pita: Morocco

Among the chaos of the Fes medina’s winding pedestrian walkways, street vendors slice and sear sausage-like entities that appear kindred to massive

haggises. These are pieces of camel’s spleen, loaded with ground meat, spices, olives, and preserved lemon. Traditionally, cooks prebake the stuffed, log-like loaf in one of Morocco’s many communal bread ovens until it turns a deep, dark shade, then fry slices to order. Medina vendors take rapidfire requests, scrambling the stuffed spleen with herbs, vegetables, and sometimes (if you ask nicely) an egg, in about a minute. Then, they’ll scoop the mixture into open pockets of batbout, a type of Moroccan pita. Fruit Sando: Japan While the fluffy, whitebread exterior of Japan’s fruit sando might seem unassuming, its interior holds something special. Chunks of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, kiwi, and banana are suspended in a light, fluffy whipped cream between slices of

shokupan, or Japanese milk bread. Special care is taken in assembling fruit sandos: Often, they are cut so precisely that the perfectly sliced and placed fruit shines against the background of cream and bread like panels of stained glass. Sánguche de potito: Chile On game days in Santiago, many fútbol fans can be seen biting into a sánguche de potito. The popular street food is a rich, chewy sandwich served inside a marraqueta bun and filled with fried onions and meat from the rectum, or sometimes intestine, of a cow. After cooking the meat until it’s juicy and soft, vendors mix it with fried onions, then slide both into the bun and top it with condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, chilis, or pebre (Chilean pico de gallo).

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Of mice and men... and haggis and worms! Almost 240 years ago a man was out ploughing a field in Ayrshire, in Scotland, when he turned up a wee mouse. Instead of stamping on the creature this gentleman went and wrote a poem to the mouse which became one of the most famous poems in the English language. The man was Robbie Burns, Scotland’s national poet, and he called the poem: ‘To a Mouse’ the opening lines of which go: ‘Wee, sleekit, cowrin’, timorous beastie O, what a panic’s in thy breastie! You may not be familiar with the lines but you will be familiar with this line from the poem: “The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.’” I mentioned Burns who gave us My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose and Auld Lang Syne some weeks back but I mention him this week because every January 25 the Scots celebrate the birth of

Burns who was born on that date in 1759. The celebrations are called ‘Burns Night’ and involve the recitation of his poetry and participating in a Burns Supper where Scot’s whisky is imbibed and the traditional Scot’s dish, haggis, is eaten. The ingredients for haggis are: sheep’s heart, sheep’s liver, sheep’s lung, all cooked in the sheep’s stomach and minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and mixed with stock. The haggis is served with tatties (mashed potatoes) and neeps (mashed turnips). Tasty or what? Burns died in 1796, aged 37, leaving behind numerous poems and songs and 12 children (by several women!) Meanwhile. about 20 years ago yours truly was digging the garden when I turned up, not a mouse, but a worm, so I decided to write a poem about it, trying to do for a worm what Robbie Burns did for a mouse. Here, with respects to Robbie Burns, is:

To a Worm (To be read, of course, wi’ a wee Scottish accent)

By a randy ant or centipede Whose pedigree’s not guaranteed?

Wee, sleekit, slippery creature Hope you don’t mind if you feature In this brilliant poem of mine Beats dangling from a fishing-line

Maself, I cannae understand Just how you cope with ne’er a hand Sure you cannae touch or squeeze or hug A fellow worm or friendly bug

Indeed has it nae to you occurred That I could be the early bird Ready to slide you down his throat Ach, but here relax, I’m just a poet

Can’t pick your nose or pull a pint Can’t write a poem or roll a joint Can’t sign a cheque or shoot a gun Mmmm, perhaps yer having better fun.

Inspired to verse by your pink figure All curled up here, beside my digger Forgive me if I stop and stare But you look so vulnerable lyin’ there

Still, you nae got snooker, darts, football What do you do for sport at all? No massage parlours, disco- bars No motor bikes or flashy cars.

Also I hope I’m nae being rude But how do you cope down there, in the nude? Aye, what’s it like having to commute Underground in your birthday suit? Wriggling about in the dark in your pelt Cannae be healthy, d’ya never get felt

Hey, tell me you lyin’ in that drill How does a worm get a thrill? Now I don’t mean to embarrass, pry or vex But what do worms do for sex? An’ tell me if this is nae a lie

But I heerd yer sort of girl AND boy One end of you they say’s female The other end’s all macho male! My God but that’s a right wee laugh You’re really stuck with yer “other half” Ye better stick to the same old course ‘Twould be right painful to have a divorce. But here, I think I’m only wasting time Prattling on in rhythm and rhyme A single word you cannae hear Sure you don’t even have an ear! Ach and I dinna suppose that you heerd that MY “other half” wondering what I’m at If she finds out I’ve been chattin’ wi’ a maggot I’ll be locked up - I’ll really have had it. So, I’m away in now to watch the telly Off you go there on yer belly And here, keep off the lettuce and cabbage seeds Aye, an’ keep an eye out for centipedes!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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News

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 53

Final Countdown to #careerskilkenny on February 3rd Final preparations are now underway for careerskilkenny2024 which is taking place on Saturday 3rd February in St. Canice’s Cathedral. Led by Kilkenny County Council #careerskilkenny aims to showcase the volume and variety of high-quality jobs on offer in Kilkenny City and County both now and in the future, and highlight the advantages that Kilkenny offers as a location to live and work. The event will offer attendees a chance to engage directly with representatives from top companies in Kilkenny who will be on hand to answer queries about the roles and opportunities on offer. As the countdown to the event is on the itinerary for the day is now finalised. - Doors open at 10am when representatives from more than 30 Kilkenny City and County based companies will be on hand to describe

the roles on offer and answer questions. - Guest speaker Dermot Whelan takes to the stage at 11am to discuss Managing Stress and Making it Work for You. - Optimize Recruitment are offering clinics on CV writing and Interview Skills at 10.30am, 12 midday and 1pm. The event runs until 2pm and is free of charge.

If you are considering a change of career or a return to the workplace, find out what Kilkenny has to offer you in terms of high-quality jobs and lifestyle. LIVE WORK ENJOY KILKENNY Find out more about careerskilkenny2024 and register for your free tickets through belongkilkenny.ie/careers

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Global Report German documents outline a scenario where Russia goes to war with NATO. The documents were leaked. The military data envisages Russia winning in Ukraine then seeking to seize territory in the Baltics. Militaries often produce such internal documents to help plan for worst-case scenarios, according to a report in Business Insider. The classified documents were obtained by Bild, a German tabloid. (Bild and Business Insider share a parent company, Axel Springer.) The documents, produced by Germany’s Defence Ministry, imagine a situation in which Russia launches a massive spring 2024 offensive to take advantage of waning Western support. In this scenario, it defeats Ukraine. The documents are not a prediction but part of worstcase-scenario planning, a common exercise within militaries. A German official called the scenario “extremely unlikely”. The German documents imagine Russia turning its sights on NATO members in Eastern Europe, with it seeking to destabilise its enemies through cyber attacks and inciting internal chaos in the Baltic states of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. They describe Russia staging a series of escalations, then moving troops and weapons closer to the Baltic states, via its ally Belarus and Kaliningrad, a small, detached region of Russia surrounded by NATO states and the Baltic Sea. The end goal would be to move Russian troops into the Suwałki Gap, Bild reported, citing the documents. The gap is a 62-mile stretch of land separating Kaliningrad and Belarus. It has long been considered a weak spot in NATO’s east. If occupied by Russia, it would cut the Baltic states off from other parts of Europe. Under the scenario obtained by Bild, NATO would fight Russia to prevent it from occupying the gap. (NATO membership obliges states to come to each other’s defence if attacked.) One of Europe’s most senior politicians has told how former US President Donald Trump privately warned that America would not come to the EU’s aid if it was attacked militarily. “You need to understand that if Europe is under attack we will never come to help you and to support you,” Trump told European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2020, according to French European Commissioner Thierry Breton, who was also present at a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “By the way, NATO is dead, and we will leave, we will quit NATO,” Trump also said, according to Breton. “And he added, ‘and by the way, you owe me $400 billion, because

Putin ‘planning cyber attacks and inciting internal chaos’ in the Baltics It envisages the face-off coming to a head in early 2025, with Russia seeking to take advantage of the upheaval that could follow a new US Administration taking office after the 2024 presidential election. A German Defence Ministry spokesperson told Bild:

“Considering dierent scenarios, even if they are extremely unlikely, is part of everyday military business, especially training.” The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, noted that such documents were ordinary in military planning.

Trump says he’d ‘never’ help aid Europe’ if it were attacked

It said the timeline suggested was improbable. But it said that without continued Western support in the region, Russia could indeed push as far as the borders of NATO countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin socials

have long menaced NATO over its support for Ukraine. But Putin in December denied US President Joe Biden’s claims Russia could go to war with NATO, describing them as “complete nonsense.” European leaders and ocials have long sounded the alarm about

renewed Russian aggression against other parts of Europe if it wins in Ukraine. Jacek Siewiera, Poland’s security minister, said in December that an attack could come in as little as three years and would likely target NATO’s eastern ank.

you didn’t pay, you Germans, what you had to pay for defence’,” Breton said about the tense meeting, where the EU’s then-trade chief Phil Hogan was also present. Breton told the anecdote at an event in the European Parliament in Brussels, just days before the Republican Party holds its January 15 caucus in Iowa, the opening contest in Trump’s bid to win the Republican nomination for a run at returning to the White House. Party members will cast their votes for candidates including Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who both trail way behind the ex-president in opinion polls. According to a report in Politico, Brussels is rife with fear

about the possibility Trump will return to the US presidency. As the commissioner in charge of the EU’s industrial policy and defence agenda, Breton has pushed for the EU to boost its own self-defence capabilities amid Russia’s war in Ukraine, and on that Tuesday floated a €100 billion fund to ramp up arms production in the bloc. “That was a big wake-up call and he may come back,” Breton said about Trump. “So now more than ever, we know that we are on our own, of course. We are a member of NATO, almost all of us, of course we have allies, but we have no other options but to increase drastically this pillar in order to be ready [for] whatever happens.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Advertisement Opinion

Misinformation in Healthcare – a long-standing issue

A chartered physiotherapist’s view

BY PAUL BOLGER

Chartered Physiotherapist

The Oxford Dictionary describes misinformation as “the dissemination of false information, either knowing it to be false (see disinformation), or unknowingly.” The EU and other bodies are scrambling to reduce its harmful effects via social media and messaging platforms. While many of us are aware of this issue in relation to our society and politics, it has always been present in healthcare. Misinformation is not always intentional Some people knowingly spread misleading messages about health – anyone who has seen the insightful series ‘Dopesick’ will be able to tell you about lies that were spread that have been critical in causing the opioid epidemic in the US. However, in healthcare, many well-intentioned people give false information

without meaning to. Often this does not affect somebody negatively. For example, in the physiotherapy world, many painful conditions (such as an ankle sprain or back strain) will settle in time. So even if someone is given ineffective treatment or information, they are still likely to recover. However, there can be a niggling, subtle harm that well-intentioned misinformation can inflict. Beliefs influence health You read that correctly – what you believe can influence your health. This is backed by rigorous scientific evidence. That is not to say that you can simply ‘think’ yourself to wellbeing or sickness – there is much more to it than that. Consider this – you receive a medical test/scan. You go down one of two paths: 1. You are given the message that you are damaged, things will get worse with time, and you must stop doing activities that you love. 2. You are given the message that you have an issue that

is manageable, a plan is put in place to help, and you are told that you can still do many activities that you love. How would you feel in either of these situations? Would your behaviour be influenced for better or for worse? Unfortunately, some people come away from healthcare appointments with the first message. It is true that there are some ailments that we can currently do very little about medically. But many common and very manageable conditions – such as back pain – can be made worse with harmful messaging. With well-informed and helpful guidance, we can change our beliefs for the better. We begin to see ourselves as more capable, more robust, more adaptable and capable of getting back to the things that give our lives meaning. Us healthcare providers should ask ourselves, when informing those in our care - “Is this true?”; Is this helpful?”.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

News

UCD presents commemorative letterpress book to Kilkenny County Library Service

L-R Dr Catherine Wilsdon – UCD Library, Josephine Coyne – County Librarian and Nuala Roche – Executive Librarian

County Librarian Josephine Coyne was presented with a special limited edition book of commemorative poetry

by Dr. Catherine Wilsdon on behalf of UCD Library. Grief’s Broken Brow is a letterpress book containing poetry

and art inspired by archival material from the War of Independence and the Civil War.

Kilkenny poets got involved in the project over the past year in various ways. In March, Kilkenny

County Council City branch played host to Poetry as Commemoration workshops for both adults and school children. Poems composed in workshops led by Mary O’Donnell and Caroline Busher have been archived in UCD Special Collections. Local poet Róisín Sheehy led school workshops in Offaly and Nuala Roche’s poem ‘The Things You Carried, I Carry Them Too’ featured on the Poetry Jukebox in Galway City over the summer. As the Decade of Centenaries comes to a close, the project team are presenting public libraries and selected major repositories across the island of Ireland with a copy of the limited-edition book so that it can be made available to the public. The book will be available to view in the City’s new Mayfair Library when it opens. “I am delighted to accept this book of commemorative poetry” comments County Librarian, Josephine Coyne. It will certainly add value to our collection as well as continuing to connect people

to the importance of the Decade of Centenaries and the legacy of same. The book was designed and produced by Jamie Murphy at The Salvage Press and features original poems by Bebe Ashley, Chiamaka Enyi-Amadi, Martina Evans, Seán Hewitt, Nithy Kasa, Victoria Kennefick, Aifric Mac Aodha, Paul Muldoon, Padraig Regan, and Stephen Sexton. All ten poems are also available through the project website www. poetryascommemoration.ie and through a Poetry Jukebox installed at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin. The project was supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries programme 2012-2023 and each copy of the book is accompanied by a letter of introduction by Minister Catherine Martin. For further queries contact Josephine Coyne, Kilkenny Library Service at T: 056 7794160 E: Josephine. coyne@kilkennylibrary.ie

Public display of the preferred transport solution for the N24 Waterford to Cahir Project Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport (DoT) are developing the N24 Waterford to Cahir Project. The project is included in the National Development Plan 2021-2030. Following the Public Consultation to inform the Constraints Study in May/June 2021, and the second Public Consultation on Alternatives and Options in May 2022, a Public Display of the Preferred Transport Solution will commence Tuesday 23 January 2024 following a briefing to elected representatives and will run from 23 January 2024 to 09 February 2024. “I am delighted to see we are now at route option selection stage for this scheme and I wish to commend Transport Infrastructure Ireland for their engagement with us in advancing this critical piece of transport infrastructure. The development and completion of a transport solution along the N24 is critical to sustain and grow the economy of the region as a whole and further to enhance the safety of all road users.” Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive, Kilkenny County Council. “The upgrading of the N24 is a priority for Tipperary County

Council. This infrastructure will improve connectivity between the towns and cities across the South Eastern Region and we acknowledge the significant economic and social benefits that derive from such investments.” Mr. Joe McGrath, Chief Executive, Tipperary County Council. "The purpose of this nonstatutory public display is to inform the public of the Preferred Transport Solution that has been determined through an assessment of a broad range of potential transport solutions. The assessment judged the potential impacts of these solutions, and their relative success in achieving the project objectives to determine the preferred solution for the project. The Preferred Transport Solution includes alternative transport components such as bus, rail and active travel modes, and a road based component." The Preferred Transport Solution will be on display at in-person public displays at four venues across the study area on the below dates: • Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, Tuesday, 23 January 2024, 2pm to 8pm • Talbot Hotel, Clonmel, Wednesday, 24 January 2024, 2pm to 8pm

• Mooncoin Community Hall, Thursday, 25 January 2024, 2pm to 8pm • Carraig Hotel, Carrick-on-Suir, Friday, 26 January 2024, 2pm to 8pm All of the information presented at the in-person events will be available through the dedicated website www.n24waterford2cahir. ie throughout the display period from 23 January 2024 to 09 February 2024. Project brochures will be available at the four events or you can request a brochure by contacting us on (056) 779 4380 during office hours, Monday to Friday or by emailing: N24waterford2cahir@ kilkennycoco.ie. Maps of the Preferred Transport Solution Corridor will also be available to view at Kilkenny County Council Library, Belmont Road, Ferrybank (Ferrybank, via Waterford, X91 D211) and Tipperary County Council Civic Offices (Emmett Street, Clonmel, E91 N512) from 29 January 2024 to 09 February 2024. Property owners or reputed property owners whose property lies within the Preferred Transport Solution Corridor will be notified directly and will have an opportunity to meet with the project team throughout the display period.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Opinion

Old time fun and games BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Miss Butler’s Team Spirit

A woman who certainly made her mark in Callan was Miss Butler, who started the Minauns hurling and football teams in 1906. She was a sister of Colonel William Butler, who was also a great benefactor to the town. His granduncle, John Dunphy of Minauns, donated property to the Christian Brothers, which included houses in Bridge Street and West Street, and part of Westcourt demesne, thus enabling them to become established in Callan. Butlers had a small creamery in the Minauns before Callan Co-op bought the buildings in West Street from James Cahill of Kilbricken. Miss Butler recognised the value of sport in promoting healthy lives and a spirit of camaraderie. So, in the autumn of 1906, she set about recruiting would-be hurlers and footballers to represent their own little neck of the woods in matches against all-comers. Young fellows eagerly responded to her entreaty. The lads trained and honed their skills on a long field in the Minauns. Several times a week they entered the “pitch” through double iron-gates to practise. The teams won a fair few matches, but their lifespan was short. After a few years, Miss Butler married and settled in South Africa. Her departure was a setback for sport in the town, though the famed “Lockes” filled part of the vacuum. Among those who played on Miss Butler’s teams were: Bill Russell and his brother Nicky; Jack Rice, John Fogerty, Willie Hackett, Mattie Durney, Nicky Halley, Jaksie Power of Haggardsgreen; Jack Ward, Ned and Josie Mahoney; Pierce, Johnny, and Joe Dowling of Bridge Street; Bill and Jack Ryan of the Minauns; Lin Kelly and Paddy Holden of Mill Lane.

The Barefoot Hurlers

While the history of the Lockes teams in Callan is well

documented, the story of the town’s “unofficial” sportsmen and boys- the barefoot hurlers- is often overlooked by the more serious- minded aficionados of Gaelic Athletic prowess in days gone by. In the economically sparse years that preceded World War One, the Fair Green bustled with sporting activity When conventional prearranged games were not being played on the old pitch, fellows from the four streets would hold their own matches and abide by their own set of rules that could be amended, stretched, or occasionally forgotten about altogether as the situation (or loudest or most influential voice around) demanded. Each team represented a street in the town and had seventeen players. There were no committees, team captains, jerseys, or trainers involved, and no medals or other prizes for the winning side. Most of the lads wore no boots or shoes either. They played in their bare feet or stockings. There was, however, a referee, usually one of the experienced Lockes men. To make the showdowns even more challenging-or frustrating-depending on how you saw it-many of the players had no hurleys either. They had to borrow them from the Lockes men or use improvised worn out hockey sticks, broken hurleys, sally half flats, or croomogues.

Bride of the Year Callan Carnival 1950

Part two

The irregular games were complicated further by the presence on the Green of Mahoney’s sheep and a temperamental donkey named Sylvester owned by local man Jack Walsh. But the lads did their best to put on a good show for the fans, many of who couldn’t find sitting space on the iron seats under the trees inside the Coolagh Wall.

The hurlers in these matches were ill-supervised, as referees were open to any and all sorts of undue influence from the crowd, the players, or fellows who had appRocheed them in the pubs the night before and bought them unhealthy amounts of beer or spirits. Matches between competing street teams were not advertised in the local news-

Callan Street Team: 1946. Pictured are: Back Row: PJ Nolan, D. Lynch, J. Somers, Jim Holden, Jackie Nolan, P. Holden, D. Carey, L. Tynan. Middle Row: B. Barry, T. Kilroy, J. Walsh, M. Gardiner, T. Nolan. Front Row: Milo Carey, Milo Hackett.)

paper, but by word of mouth. Peter Roughan recalled how “fixtures” were agreed upon: “Davy Reilly might bring back a challenge from the Mill Street lads that Budgie Corcoran’s men would knock hell out of Green Street; or maybe Paddy Holden of Mill Lane would send word up West Street by some of the Kilbricken creamery boys to Paddy Kenny that Bridge

Street would hurl the heads off ’em when they caught the West Street lads on the Green next time”. To be continued... My book Callan in Words and Pictures has more stories about those bygone days. It’s available on Amazon and on loan from Kilkenny County Library

(Miss Butler’s Footbal team, Minauns, Callan, 1909. Pictured are: Back Row: Jim Somers, Sean Downey, Dick Kearns, Joe Grainger. Middle Row: Micxk Curran, Billy Troy, Nicky Russell, John Fogerty, Jack Molloy, Joe Kealy, Martin Woodgate. Seated: Paddy Holden, Wattie O’ Brien, Neddie Mahony, Martin Holden. On floor: Jackie Bowes, Jimmie Hickey.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Tradfest Burnchurch

Keeping it local with national stars - Tradfest bringing it all back home One of the headline shows of this year’s Kilkenny Tradfest sees international singing star, Iarla Ó Lionáird heading the bill on Monday March 18th. Iarla and his band will be ably supported by local up and coming group Burnchurch in the Set Theatre. A native of Cúil Aodha in the Múscraí Gaeltacht area

Iarla & Band

of West Cork, Iarla has been living with his wife Eimear and family in Inistigoe for over two decades. From his base in the South Kilkenny picture-postcard village, he has travelled the world as lead singer of the AfroCelt Sound System, before fronting the breakthrough traditional music supergroup, The Gloaming, winning mul-

tiple awards for their three studio albums and one live album. More importantly, they gained a faithful live audience, everywhere from Carnegie Hall to their annual sold-out week-long run in Dublin’s National Concert Hall. The band played a fondly remembered concert to a sold-out St. Canice’s Cathedral during Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2014. Since the group ended its work, which was followed by the sad death of guitarist Dennis Cahill, Iarla has embarked on a series of collaborations with other artists, including Steve Cooney, Una Monaghan, Kevin Murphy, Nick Cave, Peter Gabriel, Donncha Dennehy and Crash Ensemble and other literary and film projects. He has won the Meteor Music Prize, Gradam TG4 and dozens of other folk awards. He also famously appeared in the film blockbuster version of Brooklyn. As well as teaching in Kilkenny’s Gaelscoil Osraí, Iarla has lectured in Princeton University, the University of Limerick and many other academic institutions and is currently completing a Doctorate in World Music. For this special Kilkenny performance, Iarla will be joined by pianist and composer Cormac McCarthy, another Cork native, and

Galway multi-instrumentalist and cross-genre star, Matthew Berrill. Playing support on this night will be Danesfort-based group Burnchurch. The group is made up of sisters, Sadhbh and Síofra Ní Chasadaigh and their brothers Éanna and Ruairí, who are part of the next generation of the renowned Ó Casadaigh family. Their cousins include Sibéal N Chasadaigh and Maitiú Ó Casadaigh, both making waves in the tradtional and contemporary music scene in recent years. In their own right, Burnchurch have won a number of national song competitions and have featured on stages at Electric Picnic, Kilkenny Yulefest and Kilkenny Tradfest. They gained huge attention last year when their composition Ringwalk, was the walk-on song for boxer Katie Taylor’s world title fight in the 3Arena. They perform an exciting blend of traditional music along with their own truly contemporary song writing. They have also garnered a substantial following on social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok. Tickets for the Set Theatre concert are now available, as are the tickets for all the festival’s headline concerts at https://kilkennytradfest. com/tickets/

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Special occasions

The big day This article was written by Michael Doyle, student at Ormonde College of Further Education on work experience with The Kilkenny Observer. When it comes to preparing for those special occasions for you, your young relatives, or others, you want only

the best in quality for them. Whether that’s a communion, a confirmation, or your wedding day, planning how to celebrate and what to gift can be a long and tricky process. Here, we’ve provided a guide describing the many appropriate gifts and venues that can go a long way in helping you and your loved

Bouncy Castle Bouncy Castles are a great idea for a celebration should you choose to celebrate the kids’ big day at home. Hiring a bouncy castle for your celebrations means that the adults can relax and have time to talk to others as the kids spend hours running around and bouncing up and down with their friends and family.

ones celebrate a day they’ll never forget. KBowl Kilkenny KBowl Kilkenny is a bowling alley situated beside MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. They offer a wide variety of fun, entertainment, and party options suitable for your

needs. In addition to bowling, they have finger food, and an arcade that operates under a cashless card system. The arcade, known as KZone, includes driving games, sports games, and a Virtual Reality Rabbids game. You can find out more information about KBowl on their website.

Hotels There are many hotels to choose from within Kilkenny. Hotels are a great way to spend your wedding day. Hotels are keen to provide good quality service and facilities to make your special day that bit more special. Hotels are convenient as you could stay overnight, should you choose to stay and party all night long.

Ryan Jewellers An option for gifts or wedding rings could present itself in Ryan Jewellers Kilkenny. Located on High Street, they are the leading diamond specialists when it comes to jewellery in Kilkenny. With a luxurious private viewing room and a wide range of communion gifts and wedding rings in store, their experienced staff can help you make the right choice. They have a fantastic wedding ring selection that you can avail of with a special offer where you can receive a €150 in-store voucher for Bridal or Groom jewellery when you purchase two wedding rings. Wherever you decide to go for gifts or venues, we hope that your people of the day have a happy and wonderful time celebrating their big day.

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Special occasions

Communion day preparation checklist to ensure your little one has a day to remember

3-4 months in advance 1. Set a date 2. Choose a location 3. Set a budget 4. Write the guest-list 5. Contact the Godparents 6. Book the photographer (if required) 7. Put together the party menu 2-3 months in advance 1. Buy/make the invitations 2. Organise entertainment for young and old 1-2 months in advance

1. Keep checking the list to make sure you’re on schedule 2. Send the invitations 3. Buy the thank you cards 4. Souvenirs for the godparents - picture mugs, frame 5. Provide enough seating and crockery 6. Buy party decorations 7. Book the hairdresser 8. Check how many are coming 1 week in advance Shopping list for the perishables

1-2 days in advance Final preparations cleaning the house, garden and putting up some decorations The day of the party 1. One final check that everything is in order 2. Take lots of pictures 3. Enjoy! After the party 1. Gather the clean-up crew 2. Send the thank you cards 3. Collect together the best memories

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Recruitment

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

Five winter mocktails

With

Sweet potato and peanut curry

A mocktail is a broad term for a non-alcoholic drink, usually a mixture of different fruit juices, alcohol-free alternatives and fizzy drinks. These often are directly recreating famous cocktails but with no alcohol. For example, making a mulled wine punch with cranberry juice instead of wine, or using a 0% ABV spirit to make an alcohol-free passion fruit martini.

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 45 mins Serves: 4 Cook this tasty, budget-friendly vegan curry for an easy family dinner. With spinach and sweet potato, it boasts two of your five-aday and it’s under 400 calories. Ingredients • 1 tbsp coconut oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, grated • thumb-sized piece ginger, grated • 3 tbsp Thai red curry paste (check the label to make sure it’s vegetarian/ vegan) • 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter • 500g sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks • 400ml can coconut milk • 200g bag spinach • 1 lime, juiced • cooked rice, to serve (optional) • dry roasted peanuts, to serve (optional) Method STEP 1 Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil in

1. Pear and rose punch A delicate blend of pear, apple and rose gives this wintry punch a sophisticated flavour. Garnish your punch bowl with vibrant redcurrants for the real wowfactor. a saucepan over a medium heat and soften 1 chopped onion for 5 mins. Add 2 grated garlic cloves and a grated thumb-sized piece of ginger, and cook for 1 min until fragrant. STEP 2 Stir in 3 tbsp Thai red curry paste, 1

tbsp smooth peanut butter and 500g sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks, then add 400ml coconut milk and 200ml water. STEP 3 Bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30

mins or until the sweet potato is soft. STEP 4 Stir through 200g spinach and the juice of 1 lime, and season well. Serve with cooked rice, and if you want some crunch, sprinkle over a few dry roasted peanuts.

2. Virgin piña colada Get a taste for the tropics with our spiced virgin piña colada, an easy virgin cocktail recipe that is sure to become a new favourite. Make up a mock rum syrup by combining pineapple with sugar and spices, then combine it with creamy coconut milk, pineapple and lime juice.

Air-fryer Bramley apple crumble

3. Faux fizz Swap your prosecco for a brilliantly fizzy cocktail, made from a base syrup of pear, apricots, honey, lemon and rosemary. Pour into a champagne flute and top with cold sparkling water to make the ultimate faux fizz.

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins plus cooling Serves: 4

• 75g demerara sugar • 2 tbsp porridge oats • cream, custard or vanilla ice cream, to serve

Tuck into this apple crumble, made exclusively in the air-fryer. Add dried berries, cherries or sultanas, if you like, and enjoy with vanilla ice cream or custard.

Method STEP 1 Heat the air-fryer to 180C. Put the apples, cinnamon, sugar and dried fruit, if using, in a heatproof dish with 2 tbsp water. Cover and cook for 10-12 mins until the apples have softened and become juicy.

4. Non-alcoholic G&T Serve up an alcohol-free G&T at your Christmas party, infused with fragrant spices and botanicals including chamomile, cardamom, mint, cloves and rosemary.

Ingredients • 600g Bramley apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped • 1 tsp ground cinnamon or ginger • 2 tbsp caster sugar • 2 tbsp dried berries, cherries or sultanas (optional) For the crumble • 100g butter • 150g plain flour

STEP 2 Meanwhile, rub the butter into the flour, then stir in the sugar, oats and a pinch of salt until you have a coarse breadcrumb-like consistency. STEP 3

Stir the apple mixture, then sprinkle over the crumble in an even layer. Air-fry for a further 10

mins until golden brown. Leave to cool slightly, then serve warm with cream, custard or ice cream.

5. Non-alcoholic mulled wine It’s not Christmas without a steaming mug of mulled wine in hand. Replace the wine element with fruity pomegranate and apple juice to make a mulled wine mocktail version. Combined with warming cinnamon, star anise, cloves and peppercorns, it’s sure to fill the house with wonderfully festive aromas

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

comedies to have a good laugh this week 1. Kath & Kim

From Australia comes this sitcom (2002-2007) following the day-today lives of a jovial, middle-aged mom (Kath Day-Inight, played by Jane Turner) and her selfish daughter (Kimberly Diane Craig, played by Gina Riley). Kim’s husband is a salesman and Kath’s love interest works as a “purveyor of fine meats”. These women who revel in the belief that they’re up to date in terms of style. The show makes fun of their aspirations for good taste that eludes them. As a whole, the series focuses on their personal struggles and the overall dullness of their mundane achievements.

2. Master Of None

Kidnapping of woman police called hoax gets new attention on docuseries On March 23, 2015, Denise Huskins was kidnapped by a masked intruder who broke into the home in Vallejo, a city in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn [b0th pictured] , told detectives he woke up to a bright light on his face and that intruders had drugged, blindfolded and tied both of them up before forcefully taking Huskins in the middle of the night. Quinn also said the kidnappers were demanding an $15,000 ransom. A Vallejo police detective interrogated Quinn for

hours, at times suggesting he may have been involved in Huskins’ disappearance. Quinn took a polygraph test which an FBI agent told him he failed, the couple said later in a book about their ordeal. Huskins, who was 29 at the time, turned up unharmed two days later outside her father’s apartment in Huntington Beach, a city in Southern California, where she said she was dropped off. She reappeared just hours before the ransom was due. That same day, police in Vallejo announced in a

news conference that they had found no evidence of a kidnapping and accused Huskins and Quinn of faking the abduction, which spurred a massive search. Police said they became suspicious because Quinn waited hours to report the kidnapping. At the news conference, spokesman Kenny Park expressed disgust over the resources supposedly squandered, with 40 detectives assigned to the case, and the fear it caused among the community. “It was such an incredible story, we initially had a

hard time believing it, and upon further investigation, we couldn’t substantiate any of the things he was saying,” Park said. But Quinn and Huskins were adamant that it wasn’t a hoax and insisted they were the victims. Quinn’s attorney explained the delay in reporting to police by noting that his client had been bound and drugged. How the couple were proven right is told in a riveting three-part docuseries now streaming on Netflix. No spoilers here is our motto...

New Harlan Coben adaption draws big viewers Netflix’s latest Harlan Coben adaptation, starring former Coronation actress [pictured] Michelle Keegan (and she’s wonder) has truly gone and blown the doors off any other TV show released recently. The first week of viewing stats for Fool Me Once are out, and they are truly eyeopening. According to Netflix stats, we spent 238 million hours watching Fool Me Once from January 1 to January 7. Not only is this good by the standards of Netflix shows, it’s a bigger oneweek haul than any show of 2023. That includes smash hit Night Agent, which peaked in its second week with 216 million hours viewed. To find a show that performed better than Fool Me Once we have to rewind

back to November 2022 when Wednesday was going like gangbusters. It clocked 341 million hours in its first week, and a mind-blowing 411 million hours in its sec-

ond. But then it is the most successful Netflix show of them all. Fool Me Once reviews were mixed, ranging from 1-star stinkers to 4-star re-

views that generally called it a sort of guilty pleasure. And the last Harlan Coben Netflix adaptations, of which there are now eight, didn’t make anything like this splash. 2021’s Stay Close peaked at a 91-million-hour week, while 2022’s Hold Tight didn’t even chart. But, it was a Polish production so didn’t have the best chance audiences. Fool Me Once has clearly captured the public’s imagination with its twisty-turny story. Maya’s husband is killed, but a wider plot unravels when she believes she sees him on a ‘nannycam’. It’s an eight-episode series and, in true Netflix style, all are ready and waiting for a binge watch. Check out the best Netflix shows of them all

Comic Aziz Ansari’s real-life experiences come into play for this comedy/drama (2015-2021). He stars as Dev Shah, a New York based 30-year-old actor struggling to discover what he really wants out of life, driving home the fact that being young and single in the Big Apple is not as easy as you may think. Scenes showing Dev’s younger years is certainly something those with computer issues can identify with.

3. Murderville

Based on the British series Murder in Successville, this comedy (2022-present) on Netflix gives viewers some great comic performances in a silly, messy, largely improvised sitcom. The feeling is you’re watching a combination of a game show and a theatrical production that hasn’t been burdened by any sense of rehearsal It stars Will Arnett as a jaded detective who teams up with a different celeb guest playing themselves — Conan O’Brien, Annie Murphy, Ken Jeong, among others — trying to solve a quirky murder.

4. Beef

Released on Netflix in April 2023, the 10-episode series received eight wins at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards. A contractor happens to be on the wrong side of the parking lot where a houseplant business owner is trying to get out, with road rage ensuing. We all have our bad days, but the situation between the two strangers and their pettiness snowballs into a prolonged feud that serves as the basis of this comedy.

5. Arrested Development

Orange County in Southern California might look like a nice place to live, but when you’ve set your sights on leaving, it’s not so easy to do. Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) finds himself forced to stay in this white-collar community and run his family real estate business. Why? His dad, George Bluth, Sr (Jeffrey Tambor) is sent to prison for committing white-collar crimes involving a whole lotta money. The sitcom reveals a multi-layered show that focuses on the fractured and entitled Bluth family. Each family member has their own weirdness. Some good belly laughs.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Presentation Kilkenny - All-Ireland glory Presentation Kilkenny have been enjoying a whirlwind ride both sides of Christmas with All-Ireland glory in both Volleyball and Basketball. Just before Christmas, the Pres girls won The AllIreland Senior "C" School Volleyball Final when they defeated Mountrath Community School, while last week they won the Senior Basketball competition with victory in The All-Ireland Final against Our Ladys Castleblayney. Also, Kilkenny City Vocational School Girls enjoyed All-Ireland glory when winning The All-Ireland Senior "B" School Volleyball Final against Coláiste an Eachréidh Athenry, and they were adding to both The Senior "C" and Senior Boys AllIrelands they won last year. The Volleyball All-Ireland Finals were played in MidDecember at the National Indoor Arena, Dublin, and Presentation Kilkenny won by two sets to nil against The Laois School. The first set they won 2517, before a 25-19 win the second set confirmed them as All-Ireland Champions. Presentation Kilkenny Squad: Aoibhe Ryan, Laura Challoner, Aisling Dwan (Captain), Rachel Power, Pearl Jensen, Kyla Byrne, Lily O'Brien, Kayla Ston, Chloe Lynch, Ashley

before winning The second set 15-19 as they added to their All-Ireland Senior "C" title the previous year.

KCVS Volleyball

Noukeu, Viktoria Dukic, Ena Hickey, Coaches: Lisa Carey, Kate McDonald

Further Kilkenny glory arrived in The All-Ireland Senior "B" School Volleyball Final, when Kilkenny KCVS Volleyball

City Vocational School Girls won also by two sets to nil against Coláiste an Eachréidh Athenry as they

produced strong finishes in both sets to emerge victorious. The first set was won 25-20, Pres Basketball

Kilkenny City Vocational School Squad: Martina Malossini (Captain), Maria Rios, Carla Soler Mira, Carmen Solar De Casbro, Gala Pelizzoli, Cecilia Dei Rossi, Viola Sarna, Elena Bruno, Coach: Debbie O Connor More celebrations came The Presentation's way last week as they won The AllIreland U19A Girls Schools Cup for the very first time at The National Stadium in Tallaght, having withstood a strong fightback from Our Lady's Secondary School Castleblaney (Monaghan) to win 49-46. The Pres girls led 7-2 at the end of the opening quarter, before a strong 2nd quarter put them 21-8 up at halftime. They extended their advantage throughout the third quarter to lead 41-25, and they appeared to be well on their way to victory. However, Our Lady's fought back and Presentation Kilkenny had to endure a nervous final few minutes. The Pres girls managed to see the job through during those final moments as the celebrations began in earnest. Presentation Captain Gemma Lawlor collected the Cup on behalf of her successful teammates, and she was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) after scoring 21 points of her teams total. Afterwards, The girls returned to a rapturous reception as they were treated to a guard of honour by the entire school. The victory capped off a superb month of All-Ireland glory for the school, and they have a chance to complete a Cup/League double with a League Semi-Final to look forward to. Presentation Kilkenny Squad: Lucy Coomey, Aoibhin Dunphy, Gemma Lawlor (Captain), Clodagh O’Neill, Valerija Dovbijenko, Roisin Leahy, Aoibh Lawlor, Ruby Egan, Tara Kovarova, Kaitlyn Summers, Aoibheann Walsh. Coaches: Sally Teehan, Puff Summers

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Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA CLUB LOTTO Lotto results 16th January. Numbers drawn - 3, 9, 30. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Rosita Corr, Keith Hogan, Breda Prendergast, Dan McDonald, Miriam Ragget Power. Thanks for your support. LAST MAN STANDING Only a few days to go, get the entries in. Last 1 Standing National League 2024. Test your skill, predict a winning team for each round, to win or share the €500 Jackpot. Challenge Family Members, Teammates, Work Colleagues etc, €10 per entry. Click on the website to play. Thanks for your support and best of luck. NARROW DEFEATS Hard luck to Paul Cody and the Kilkenny seniors who suffered a one point defeat at the hands of Wexford in the Walsh Cup semi final in Callan on Saturday. Conor Phelan and John Murphy were also involved in Kilkenny’s backroom team. Hard luck also to Clara N.S teacher Paddy Deegan and his O Loughlins teammates who were agonisingly beaten by St. Thomas’ of Galway in the All Ireland club final in Croke Park on Sunday. O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of club lotto January 16th. Numbers drawn 11, 17, 18, 19 Bonus 12 Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto. The best of luck to everyone. Promotors Draw. 1. Alice Walsh c/o Ml Nolan. 2. Eoghan Croghan c/o N Loy. 3. Johnny Phelan. 4. Bobby Woods c/o P. Greene. 5. Pat Gannon c/o John Joe Cullen. 6. Joe Fanning C/o Paddy Green. 7. Katrina Fitzpatrick c/o D O’Connell. 8.Jan Anderson c/o Online. 9. Claire O’Dwyer. 10. Rosemarie Maher c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support ALL-IRELAND There was huge disappointment all around St. John’s Parish on Sunday afternoon after the O’Loughlin Gaels Senior Hurlers were pipped by the narrowest of margins to St. Thomas’s of Galway in the All-Ireland Club Final. A huge support travelled to Croke Park to cheer on the lads and that same support were all back in the Club Hall to welcome the team home with a rousing reception. Just the tonic for our players, management and backroom team. Brian Hogan and captain Mark Bergin addressed the crowd in the hall expressing their absolute pride in representing the club on the greatest of days for club hurling. The crowd reciprocated that sentiment with a rapturous round of applause for everyone involved in the team. As a club we could not be prouder of these lads and have no doubt once the dust settles their minds will refocus on the upcoming season. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s journey. Up the Loughs. FRESHFORD BORD NA NOG Bord na Nog held their AGM on Friday night last in the Clubrooms with a good crowd in attendance. The following officers were elected for the forthcoming season: Chairperson – Kevin Dalton, Secretary, I. Kennedy, Treasurer, Dawlish Registrar, K Dalton, BNF Rep – D.Walsh, Coach Co-ordinator, K.McCaarthy, CPO, P.Dowling, ASAP, B Whitty. EVERY STEP COUNTS Unfortunately The Clubs community walk in conjunction with the GAA “Healthy Clubs Every step counts challenge 24” on Sunday last was cancelled due to storm Isha. It will now go ahead on Sunday next 28th January at 6pm. This is a family friendly event for young and old. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. Check out their social networks for details on how to register for the “Irish Life every step counts” Challenge. TOM’S BIRTHDAY Special Birthday wishes go out to well-known local man Tom Hayes, who celebrated his 80th birthday last weekend. Tom who was the last Lord Mayor of Freshford marked the special occasion with friends and relatives at a get together in Kavanagh’s Bar last Sunday evening. ENGAGEMENT

Congratulations are extended to Chloe Fox, Bohergloss, Freshford and her fiancé Marcus who announced their engagement recently. The happy couple are wished all the very best. FUNDRAISER EVENT A fundraiser to launch Jerseys 4 James in aid of Waterford Hospice will be held in the Valley Inn on Bank Holiday Sunday Feburary 4th. (see Poster) BRIDGE Freshford Bridge Club continues each Monday7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Threecastles. New members are very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610. COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford Threecastle Community alert held their AGM on Friday evening last in the Community Hall. The following officers were elected for the forthcoming year; Chairperson – John Bergin, Secretary – Jacinta Power, Treasurer – Ml Cormack, PRO – A. Morrissey. The Freshford Community alert money is now due and you are asked to please pay same by 1st February as they will be removing unpaid members after this date. Envelopes are available from Community members and new members are very welcome to join up. SOCCER NEWS Freshford Town U12s had a great result with a convincing win over Callan Utd on Sunday morning last The Junior side had a 2-0 victory in their away league game recently with goals from Paul Ryan and Luke Franey. In the schoolboys section the U13 boys went down 2-0 to Lions in their recent game while the U13 girls were beaten by Thomastown on a 3-0 score line and the U15 boys had a good win over Freebooters on a 5-2scoreline with goals from Charlie Kavanagh(2) and D.Ryan, J.Marnell and C Dalton adding one each. FOROIGE Foroige would like to start a youth club in the

Freshford area and they need adult volunteer leaders. A youth club has huge positive benefits to young people in the community and volunteering offers great rewards to the adults involved. For more information please contact Aidan Gleeson on 086 0674485 or Aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie IONAD LACHTAINS St. Lachtains Church Museum and Arts is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 to 4.30pm. CULLING DEER Local Cllr. Michael McCarthy had welcomed the news that Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalogue has said the culling of deer will take place as recommended by a new report on managing wild deer populations. “There have been a number of dangerous incidents on the R693 Freshford to Johnstown Road and very timely the report includes the consideration of adjusting national laws in relation to expanding the shooting season for deer culling. Road safety is of paramount importance while there are also problems with biodiversity and farm management.” Said Cllr. McCarthy. LOOP CAFE The Cafe is now open every day from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and your continued support would be greatly appreciated. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café. They are also looking for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so. PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website

every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie. GOWRAN WEDNESDAY MUSIC NIGHT Dalton House Daycare Centre, Wednesday Music Night is back. Come along and join in with local musicians for a sing song. They will have music every Wednesday night from 8pm to 10pm. Enjoy some light refreshments for only €5pp. EXERCISE CLASSES Sit and Be Fit Exercise Classes for Seniors will begin in January 2024 in Dalton House Daycare Centre. If you would like more information contact 0567726718. GOWRAN AC Congratulations to Andrew Copper on his double gold yesterday in Shot Put and WFD. Andrew had an incredible throw of 17.54 in the Shot Put. Rachel Gardiner was back in action in the U20’s with a 9th place finish in the Shot Put and 7th in the WFD. Chloe Lynch had an impressive 4th place finish in the Pole Vault, whilst James Kelsey finished 7th in the Triple Jump. This was James 1st U20 indoors competing up in age too. Well done to everyone. During the week Kate Hayden ran a brilliant race in the Wexford Schools XC to claim a 3rd place individual medal in the junior race and helping St Mary’s New Ross team to 2nd place. The senior athletes competed in stormy conditions in Avondale in the Leinster Intermediate and Masters. Masters men O35+, Paul Deegan 54th, Matt Ryan 132nd, David Farrell 133rd. County Team O35+ 6th. O65+ Mick Walsh 20th County Team 3rd Intermediate Men. Matthew Holland 17th. Joe Keohane 22nd. Johan Muller 30th. James O’Reilly 39th. Club team 5th GOWRAN PANTO Tickets for Snow White and the Several Dwarf are now on sale. Last year’s show was completely sold out so don’t be disappointed and book now!. https://www.gowranpanto.com/tickets GRAIGUENAMANAGH GRAIG NOTES Anybody who wishes to submit news items, club events, announcements etc., for these Notes can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm. LOTTO, GAA AND SOCCER Numbers drawn on the 15/01/2024 were 5, 13, 19, 26. and there was no winner. The following won €30 each Anthony Timmins, Pat Gill, Peggy Foley, Lila Bolger, Maria Coleman. Tickets can be had from any Committee member. GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Community & GAA Notes Winners for the Draw on January 18th 2024 were First Prize €467 to Ciara Tracy Doyle, Second Prize €50 Seamus Kelly,Third Prize €25 Mary Grace Coady. Draw takes place on Thursdays at 4pm. CLINIC Cllr Peter Cleere will hold his Clinic on Saturday morning from 9 am at his Office in Main St. Graiguenamanagh. RAMBLING HOUSE The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district’s also join in. The next Session is on Friday February 9th at 7.30 pm. MICHAEL CLARK RIP The death occurred of Micheal Clarke of Glynn, St Mullins on Sunday 14th January, Micheal had some health problems recently and his passing was regretted by his Family and his many friends from far and near, especially in Graiguenamanagh and surrounding districts of Carlow and Wexford. His Funeral took place in St Mullins Cemetery after Funeral Mass in Glynn Church, Celebrated by Father Eddie Aughney adm. GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN BARROW RANGERS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB The club is taking part in the Irish Life Every Steps Counts challenge! The challenge runs until February 12th. It very simple to take part: 1. Download the Irish Life My Life App 2. Register. 3. Select Challenges under social tab and select Barrow Rangers Camogie Club under Leinster Challenge. For anyone looking for company while running or walking there is a meet up at Applegreen every Monday and Thursday at 7pm. LOTTO There was no winner of the first Lotto of the year. For the weekly Lotto online tickets are available at www. lottoraiser.ie/BarrowRangers BRIDGE UNITED Next away match to Deen Celtic at 12 midday Sunday 21st January. Results of U13 SFAI Sketchers Trophy. Gorey Rangers 0-1 Bridge Utd. The scorer was Oisin Doyle. This puts Bridge United into the last 32 in Ireland ENROLEMENTS Scoil Bhríde N.S, Goresbridge is now accepting enrolments for the 2024/2025 school-year. Parents may contact the school office between 9am and 1pm on 059 9775168 for further information or email the office at office@goresbridgens.ie CHURCH SERVICES Saturday 20th, Sunday 21th January, Mass in Goresbridge at 19.30, 10.00 and in Paulstown at 11.30am. Church of Ireland services Sunday 21st: Morning Prayer in Shankill Church Paulstown. Enquiries to the Dean of Leighlin at 087 276 7562. DANCE FIT Running every Tuesday at 8.30pm in Paulstown Community Hall. See Dance Fit on Facebook to register PAULSTOWN BASKETBALL CLUB

Mary Harty and Michael Carty had two great wins at a big tournament in Enniscorthy on Sunday

New members welcome. Each Saturday from 4pm. BRIDGE LESSONS Paulstown Bridge Club is commencing lessons in playing bridge in a relaxed informal setting. Further information available from Mary Quinn 086 1704459 or Mary Purcell 086 1659779 KILCUMNEY PLAYERS This is one for your diary. The Kilcumney Players will present The Seafarer by Conor McPherson n Thursday 8, Friday 9 and Saturday 10th of February at 8pm in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge. PAULSTOWN CHURCH CHOIR Have you a talent for singing or playing a musical instrument? New adult and children members welcome to the Paulstown church choir. Contact the parochial office (059 9775180) FOROIGE Would you like to volunteer with Foróige to support young people in Paulstown For more information contact Aidan Gleeson (aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie) CUPLA FOCAL Would you like to brush up or practice your Irish over a cup of coffee? All welcome! Weekly Friday chatting in Irish over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow this Friday 19th January at 11am. Whether it is a few words or many, it doesn’t matter. Contact Ann on 0857529485 for further information. Fáilte roimh chách. GOODLY BARROW MUSEUM AND CAFÉ Open Wednesday to Sunday. A great place to meet up and chat as well as to savour delicious cooking or just a cuppa. (next to the river Barrow in Goresbridge) TAR ISTEACH Is open Monday to Saturday in the mornings. Funds raised to towards improvements around Goresbridge. Good quality clothes, bric a brac are accepted. Unfortunately, toys, nursery products, DVDs and baby clothes cannot be accepted at present. GORESBRIDGE CALENDERS A few are still available in pharmacy or Maher’s Spar. Funds are for local development. BENNETTSBRIDGE KILKENNY SHOWCASES ITS CRAFTS Showcase Ireland was held this week in the RDS, Dublin. It is one of the country’s largest international trade shows. Local crafts people take part in this trade fair each year. Over 3,350 buyers visit the event from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, the USA, Mainland Europe and the Far East, generating sales orders of over €25.6 million during the 3 days of the show. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. Among the Kilkenny exhibitors were, Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Jerpoint Glass Studio, Biddy’s Good Luck Horse Shoes and Geraldine Walsh Art. Biddy’s Good Luck Horse Shoes is a family run business in Kilkenny which creates gifts for all occasions from genuine horseshoes. Nicholas Mosse Pottery and Jerpoint Glass Studio are well established and have been exhibiting at the fair since it began almost 50 years ago. CARDS RESULTS January 2nd First Prize John /Maria Reade(10 games) Second Prize John Drennan/Declan Twomey and Tom Drennan/Robbie Carroll(8 games). Table Prize Pauline Keating/Martin Clarke. January 9th First Prize Toddy Skehan/Brian Blackmore(11 games ) Second Prize Michael Kenneally/Neddy Walsh (9 games ) Table Prize Mary Doyle/Mary Cummins January 16th First Prize Siobhan Donovan/Joan O’Gorman and Rose Hayes/Anne Lehane ( 11 games ) Table Prize Charlie Hill/John Shortall LOTTO Results 15th January. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers 1, 4, 8, 11. Jackpot now €5,600.00. Consolation Prizes, Kuimiria Cody, Stroan, D’Bally Boys, Pat O’Neill, Ballyreddin, Shane Bailey, c/o Crafted, Mary Walsh, Legan. CHURCH NEWS Weekday masses this week. Thursday and Friday 10.30am. CONFIRMATION Confirmation will be held in St Bennett’s Church on Sunday, 25th February, 2024. On that weekend, to facilitate those who are not directly involved in the confirmation, there will be an evening mass in Bennettsbridge on Saturday, 24th February at 7pm. CONFIRMATION PREPARATION MASSES

Next Sunday, the first of three preparation masses for children who will make their confirmation will take place. Children are expected to attend all three masses. OSSORY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES Booking is now open for the 2024 pilgrimage. It will depart from Cork on 22nd May and will fly directly to Lourdes with accommodation available in the hotels La Solitude, Padua, or Agena. As capacity is limited it is strongly advised to book early. Contact 01-2410800 or info@joewalshtours.ie. KILKENNY VOLUNTEERING CENTRE Kilkenny Volunteering group have many openings for volunteers in various programmes throughout city and county. info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or phone on 089 258 4946 for more information ART GROUP It was back to the weekly art sessions on Monday last and there was a full attendance. Artists are excited to be back in action and looking forward to a fruitful term under tutor, Julie Moorhouse. Each year the focus of the group concentrates on producing an exhibition during Kilkenny Arts Week. During the next few months a theme will be finalised which will incorporate the various work of each artist. GATHERING GROUP The Gathering Group continues to attract a full attendance each week and the usual chat, chair exercises, cards and bingo fits the bill nicely for the two hour sessions. MENS SHED Men from the community and beyond have been enjoying their weekly meetings with the newly formed Mens Shed group. The hall provides a warm and welcoming space for the men. The provision of a Darts Board and Rings Board together with card games occupies much of the time and several other options are in the pipeline. All are welcome! GAA Tractor and Truck Run Huge thanks to all who helped out, attended and took part in last Sundays run in conjunction with the Kilkenny/Carlow Home Care Team. Thankfully the weather was not too bad and a very good crowd turned out again this year. Many thanks to all who sponsored prizes for the event and to Glanbia for the use of the yard. Particular thanks to Tim and Jack Dooley, Mick Brennan, Leo Mahon and Brendan Hughes for their hard work during the past few weeks. Football League Bennettsbridge football team begin the year this weekend with a home game versus Slieverue in the league. Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for fixture details. Senior Intercounty Hurling Liam, Kevin, David Blanchfield and Bill Hughes were in action for Kilkenny in their defeat to Wexford in the Walsh cup last Saturday. Bennettsbridge GAA Healthy Club Join team Bennettsbridge for Irish life step challenge 2024.There is still time to join this year’s event. The challenge started on January 8th and ends on February 12th. Simply download the ‘My life app’ and join the chal-lenge. Team Bennettsbridge is registered so please join us to compete our 4,000 km challenge. Those that have participated before just need to join team Bennettsbridge. Split the Pot The next draw takes place this Friday at 6 pm in the clubhouse. Thanks again for the continued support. Membership 2024 This year’s membership can now be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member. Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non-playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players. JOHNSTOWN MR. TOMMY COLLETON RIP The death has taken place peacefully at home, after a short illness, of Tommy Colleton, Coolnacritta , Galmoy. Tommy was a stalwart in the parish of Galmoy, a gifted craftsman with wood, a great neighbour and a man of great faith. Tommy worked in Roadmaster in Johnstown, Power Kitchens, Greenroads, Mother of Fair Love and K.E.Y. Predeceased by his parents Tony and Anne, baby daughter Laura, brother Jimmy and sister Mary (Sr. Philomena) who died recently in Wales. He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken wife and best friend Breda, his adored daughters Cathy, Anna and Imelda, sons in law Eddie, Briain and Peter, his much cherished grandchildren James, Jack, Danny, Saoirse, Fionn and Abigail, brothers Pat and Martin, sister Nellie, sisters

in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Galmoy followed by burial in Johnstown Cemetery. COLAISTE MHUIRE The following night classes commenced on Thursday January 25th from 7 to 9pm. Interior design €70 for six weeks duration and Art for beginners, landscape, still life €70 for six weeks. No enrolment evening, contact info@colaistemhuirekk.ie or 0568831135 for information/queries/payment of fees. SPA UNITED AFC Weekend results. Youth league division 1A Spa 1 Evergreen 5, U14 girls league division 1 Spa 5 Evergreen 0, U12 boys league division 1A East End 1 Spa 1, U12 league division 2 Deen Celtic 0 Spa 1. Also in action were the U12 girls who travelled to play Kileshin in a friendly with Molly Maher and Sarah McEvoy getting on the score sheet. The U8’s travelled to Highview Athletic and the U9’s played Freshford Town and both groups were brilliant as they continue their development. SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 1,7,26,27 four lucky dips Willie Brennan, Michelle Grehen Carroll, Margaret Moriarty and Richard Beehan. GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm MONTHLY FAMILY MASS The next family mass will take place in both churches on the first weekend of February (3rd/4th). As usual, all would be welcome to join the choir with a practice half an hour before each Mass. ALTER SERVERS A recruitment drive to re-introduce altar servers for both churches took place in the three parish schools during the past week. Any primary school pupils who attend a school outside of the parish and who wish to serve in either churches are asked to contact Fr Walton after Mass or at his house during the coming week. CLUB SOCIAL Gortnahoe Glengoole GAA are holding their dinner dance/social in the Anner Hotel this Saturday night 27th January. Doors open at 6.30pm and the meal will be served at 7pm. There will be a presentation of medals on the night. Your support would be appreciated. TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to the last weekends winner Pat Webster, who won €175 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of January will be in support of St Vincent de Paul. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated ENERGY SAVING INFORMATION EVENING An information evening will take place on Tuesday 30th January between 7.30 and 8.30pm in the Millenium Family Resource Centre, Glengoole facilitated by EcoVision, a Tipperary based not for profit organisation sharing advice identifying energy guzzlers, reducing heating loss and sourcing grant funding. Attendees will receive a goodie bag to help them start saving energy at home. CLOTHES COLLECTION There will be a clothes collection on Wednesday 31st January in Ballysloe school. Anyone who would like to donate clothes for the collection, please leave them into the school prior to the 31st. This is a fundraising event for Ballysloe School. ROSIE WALSH RIP The death has occurred of Rosie Walsh, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, January 15th. Peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her adoring parents Christopher and Bridget, her brother Daniel who died in infancy, niece Claire Walsh, brother-in-law Pat Langton and nephew Paul. Sadly missed by her devoted family, brothers Billy, Michael, Christopher and Gerard, sisters Mary Langton and Breda Bergin, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews,

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Community & GAA Notes extended family, neighbours and a close circle of friends. Rosie reposed at her sister Breda’s residence Gortnahoe last Wednesday evening, January 17th. Followed by removal on Thursday morning to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe arriving for Mass of the Angels. Interment took place afterwards in the Good Shepherd Cemetery. May she rest in peace. JOHN BONEY RIP The death has occurred of John Boney, Lickfinn, Ballynonty, Thurles, January 20th, peacefully in the loving care of all the Staff at Tír na nÓg, Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel. John, beloved son of the late Thomas and Margaret Boney. Deeply regretted by his sister Nell Clancy, brother-in-law Lory, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. John reposed at Devitt’s Funeral Home last Monday evening. Followed by removal on Tuesday to St. Patrick and St. Oliver’s Church, Glengoole for Requiem Mass followed by Burial in the adjoining Cemetery. May he rest in peace. BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL PATIENCE PAYS OFF. The end is in sight for the long-suffering residents of Haven Court, Ballyragget. Prior to the taking in charge of the estate by Kilkenny County Council a series of improvement works have been scheduled. Cllr. Michael McCarthy has paid tribute to the residents for their patience and also to Una Kealy of the Planning Department of Kilkenny County Council who is coordinating the works. . “Remedial initial improvement works including drainage will be undertaken, in the coming weeks, to be followed by resurfacing. The entrance to the estate had deteriorated dangerously and was badly in need of an overlay.” Said Cllr. McCarthy. GAA St Patrick’s GAA as part of Ireland Lights up will have the pitch lights on Tuesday evenings 7-8pm. membership is being taken at present also contact Martin Bergin, Enda Mooney or Tomas Healy. The Intermediate football league gets underway this weekend St Patrick’s have a BYE in round one and will play Carrickshock in round two at home. CYMS HALL Zumba is back with Rebecca on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. On Wednesday mornings a group meets to create crafts and have a chat, all are welcome. Bingo continues on Wednesdays nights.

were Ann Marie Feehan, Donnacha Bergin, Ann Burke, Liam and Sarah c/o Dooley’s Garage and Olive Lacey. The promoter prize winners were Helen Cahill, Teresa Dollard and Margaret Buggy. JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB MEMBERSHIP Registrar Mark Noonan reminds members that their membership fees are now due. Fees can be paid through the GAA approved website, https://www. foireann.ie/ where having followed the guidelines to the James Stephens site the different membership fees are clearly displayed. Please note that the club no longer uses the Clubforce website for membership registration but will continue to use Clubforce for the online entries to our weekly club lotto. BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS Congratulations to The Presentation Secondary School basketball team on their historic All-Ireland Senior School’s Basketball final victory over Our Lady’s College, Castleblayney in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght last weekend. The Presentation girls had to contest right to the final whistle to ward off the persistent challenge of the Co. Monaghan girls to claim a hard earned narrow 49 to 46 victory. The team included multi talented James Stephens camogie players Gemma Lawlor, Aoibh Lawlor, Roisin Leahy and Aoibheann Walsh. Gemma Lawlor was the teams star performer netting 21 points for which she was justifiably nominated for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the game. Well done to The Presentation Secondary school, the players and coaches on this historic breakthrough sporting achievement. WALSH CUP Not even the pinpoint accuracy of clubman Eoin Guilfoyle who chalked up 1-06 could save Kilkenny

HUGGINGSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD

CONAHY GAA MEMBERSHIP GAA Club Membership for 2024 is now due and can be paid online via the club’s Clubforce platform over the coming weeks. Alternatively, a number of membership collection nights will be held in the GAA Clubhouse over the coming weeks, with dates to be announced very soon. Please check the club’s social media for the various rates of membership available and club players in particular are reminded that membership must be paid prior to starting training and the playing of matches to ensure appropriate injury cover. GAA Bórd na nÓg membership for 2024 is also due for all under-age players at this time. The cost is €50 per player and can also be paid via Clubforce prior to the start of training. FOOTBALL The on-field GAA action for 2024 commences with the intermediate footballers on this coming Saturday evening when they travel to Muckalee to take on the home side in the opening round of the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Intermediate League at 6.30 p.m. Best of luck to all involved. EVERY STEP COUNTS CHALLENGE Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club have just started the “Every Steps Counts 24 Challenge” for club members and parishoners. The challenge began on January 8th and runs to February 12th, with the goal of this challenge to collectively hit 4,000km for the Club to be entered into the provincial draw. To join, participants can download MyLife from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and when downloaded, go to Social > Challenges > MyLife’s Every Step Counts Challenge. Search for “Leinster” and then “Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club”. All support for this initiative would be appreciated. CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 19, 23 and 36. There was no winner of the €1,200 jackpot, so the consolation prize winners

from defeat at the hands of Wexford in Saturday afternoon’s Walsh Cup semi-final in Callan. Always chasing the game Kilkenny were 0-15 to 0-09 in arrears with only six minutes of game time left to play when, following a second Wexford sending off, Eoin rattled the net from the penalty spot to place the final outcome in the melting pot. Undaunted the Wexford men forged ahead again with a point but a second goal from BiIly Ryan in added time made for a nail biting finish. Eoin kept the pressure on Wexford with a late point but an excellent free conversion from the sideline by Seamus Casey was enough to secure a 0-17 to 2-10 victory for the Slaney men and a place in the final against Galway. Cian Kenny, recovering from injury, was unavailable for selection. SENIOR FOOTBALL At the January meeting of the Co. Board the draws for the 2024 senior football league/championship were made. The club has been drawn in group A along with O’Loughlin Gaels, Mooncoin, TullogherRosbercon and Lisdowney. The league section “kicks off “ next weekend with a series of first round fixtures but James Stephens received a bye, being the odd team in the only group of five competing teams. Training has already commenced under lights in Larchfield. HURLING MATTERS At the same Co. Board meeting it was also decided that the Senior Hurling League (Byrne Cup) competition would commence on the weekend of 28th April. The All County Junior Hurling League is scheduled to commence on the weekend of 21st April. Meanwhile the start of the 2024 Kilkenny Senior Hurling League/ championship title race will commence on the weekend of 4th August. BONUS BALL The January Bonus Ball winners were James McDermott and Marie Adams when their number 11 emerged at the National Lottery draw at the weekend. Congratulations to both winners who will each receive a cheque for €500 in the next few days. The next draw will be on 17th February. Meanwhile our thanks to all who continue to support the club fundraiser. LOTTO Last week’s Lotto numbers were 14 :23 :24 :32. There was no winner. The €40 consolation winners were Catherine Davis, Mikey O’Dwyer, Mickey c/o Fan, Catherine Lawlor and J.Foley. This week’s jackpot will be €11,600.

JOHN O’NEILL RIP

Members were saddened to hear of the unexpected passing, on Tuesday of last week, of the much respected Honorary Member of the Club and former bar treasurer, John O’Neill. John was a proud Deise native born and reared on the Waterford side of the River Suir in Carrick on Suir. Since its introduction over 30 years ago John was the driving force behind the club’s weekly lotto and other fundraising events, so vital to the financial wellbeing of the club. A person with a strong sense of community, John was also a committee member of the Citizen’s Information Centre in the city and a supporter of the Irish Heart Foundation. Our sympathies are extended to John’s wife, Sheila, his son Shaun, daughter Annette, his brothers Billy and Jimmy and the extended O’Neill family. Sadly, John’s younger brother Paddy, a Malahide resident died only a fortnight ago. As a tribute to the long serving club official, members provided a guard of honour for his funeral procession to St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy for Requiem Mass on Monday at noon after which John was laid to rest in Foulkstown Cemetery. “Air dheis Dei go raibh a anam dilis”

MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 27th. at 8.00p.m.; Sunday 28th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Wednesday 24th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday 27th. at 6.30p.m. Friday 26th. Feast of Sts. Timothy and Titus. ECUMENICAL SERVICE An Ecumenical Service will take place in St. Edmund’s Church, Castletown, Co. Laois on Sunday 28th. January at 3.00p.m. It is hope to have representatives from different Christian denominations in attendance. All are welcome to gather in prayer and reflection with our Christian brothers and sisters. PRAY FOR Anniversary Masses Val Lee, Stoneyford: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 27th. at 6.30p.m. Walter Broderick and Sr. Canice Broderick, Croan: Mass in Huginstown Church on Saturday 27th. January at 6.30p.m. Tess Farrell, Kyleva. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 28th. January at 10.00a.m. ROTA Rota for next week-end: 27th. and 28th. January (Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Raggett. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power. Sunday 10.00a.m. Marie Ryan Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Bernie Grace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Crowley CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS Many thanks for your very generous contributions for the Christmas Offerings and for your support throughout the past years. CONFIRMATION 2024 Confirmation will be celebrated for Aghaviller Parish in Hugginstown Church on Thursday 22nd. February at 11.00a.m. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024 For Stoneyford School on Sunday 12th. May in Stoneyford Church at 11.00a.m.

For Monroe/Newmarket Schools on Sunday 19th. May in Hugginstown Church at 11.00a.m. PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE Weekend Residential courses available. 26th to 28th. April and 20th to 22nd September 2024. Details: www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org STUDY THEOLOGY ONLINE The Priory Institute provides online Theology courses to degree level. Attend Saturday lectures in Tallaght or from the comfort of your own home. Register before February 14th. Find out more on our website, prioryinstitute.com. Click here to see a 2 minute introductory film Prioryinstitute.com DIVINE MERCY We have established a Divine Mercy Alcove in St Mary’s Church, Convoy, Co Donegal, which includes a first-class relic of St Faustina. As part of the on-going development, we would like to draw up a list of Divine Mercy Groups. If you know of any Divine Mercy Group, no matter the size, please send the details to Fr. Eamonn Kelly, Parochial House, Convoy, Co Donegal, F93 HX2R or eamonnkelly1949@gmail. com or 087 9077985 before 8th. February. It is hoped to be able to establish contact between all the groups. Thank you for your help. OSSORY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The Annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024 is now available to book! The departure will take place on 22nd. May 2024 from Cork Airport; flying direct to Lourdes with accommodation available in the hotels La Solitude, Padoue or Agena. With capacity being limited this year, it is strongly advised that pilgrims wishing to travel to Lourdes book as soon as possible. Should you require any additional information on the pilgrimage, please do not hesitate to contact 01 241 0800 or info@joewalshtours.ie. For Assisted Pilgrims please contact Fr. Anthony O’Connor 087 251 7766 or maoc50@me.com LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 15th. January 2024 Numbers: 03; 04; 31; 26. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn, No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00 Winners: Brenda Brenner, Hugginstown; Maura MacNamara, Harristown; Martin Irish, Hugginstown; B and D Irish, Hugginstown; John and Aileen Dalton, Boolyglass. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Caitlin Roche; Trish Power; Teresa Fitzgerald. CARRICKSHOCK GAA The Club invites all to join ‘2024 Light up Ireland’ every Wednesday at 7.30p.m. at the “Waterboys Walkway” Hugginstown: Walk and Chat; All are very welcome. MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE COMPUTER CLASSES Computer classes will be commencing here in the centre from 10.30am-12.30pm from Tuesday the 27th February- Tuesday March 26th. Duration of course is 5 weeks. COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes Oneto-One, Adult, Teens and Children’s Play Therapy. Counselling Provided: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety & Depression, Drug & Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 5 years and upwards. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment. SENIOR ALERT If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine. DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required. CLOTHES DONATIONS Appeal for Clothes Donations. Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off. JOBS TRAINING BOARD We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required. For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Hurlng matters - Final review

Burke breaks Lough’s with stunning winner

Sport ‘Non-goal’ sparks controversy at Croker BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB All –Ireland Senior Hurling Club Championship Final Páirc an Chrócaigh, Referee: Sean Stack O’Loughlin Gaels 0-17 St Thomas’ 0-18 On the biggest day in the club hurling calendar, O’Loughlin Gaels came out on the wrong side of a 1-point margin as they fell to an injury time wonder score from St Thomas’ Eanna Burke which saw the westerners head home clutching the Tommy Moore Cup for the second time in their history. Both sides gave plenty over the course of 70-odd minutes of pulsating action in Croke Park in a bruising encounter, plenty of yellow cards, a red, some cracking scores and Owen Wall’s ‘goal that wasn’t. St Thomas’ were good with fifteen on the pitch and excellent when a man down for the majority of the second half, so hat’s off to them, but one wonders how things might have panned out had the Kilkenny side’s clear goal been given. The game started at a frantic pace, and Brian Hogan’s outfit got off the mark in the first minute, thanks to a placed ball effort from Mark Bergin, after Conor Heary was fouled. Galway’s St Thomas’ were level in seconds courtesy of a lovely point from James Regan from out the park. Having been fouled for his side’s first score, Conor Heary then became heavily involved in proceedings. Firstly, he set up David Fogarty who strode forward before rifling over from distance. The Loughs wingforward then lined-up and caught Conor Cooney with a powerful shoulder which seemed to catch the Toms captain in the chest. A skirmish developed and when order was restored, Heary saw yellow for his robust challenge, although some wanted red, while former Galway skipper David Burke received a card of the same colour for his part in the handbags afterwards. Eanna Burke then struck over a point after Mikey Butler’s control deserted him, which saw the sides level after eight minutes at

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Hurling matters - Final review

hearts ! headquarters. Then came one of the game’s biggest talking points. O’Loughlin’s attack saw the ball moved to Owen Wall, who took aim and struck his shot towards the net. Tom’s full-back Fintan Burke caught the sliotar as he fell back over the line. Much to the amazement of, well most people, the umpires failed to make that important call and the ball was ‘cleared’ from the danger zone. More about that later. David Burke then profited from a poor defensive clearance from the Loughs and popped the ball over the bar for the first of his 3-point haul in a POTM performance. Paddy Deegan then fired over a trademark score from halfway to restore parity seconds later. Captain Mark Bergin then showed his battling qualities to win possession before rifling over a quality score. James Regan then notched his second of the day after more good work by than man David Burke. Then came another contentious moment in the decider. Jordon Molloy was bursting forward but got bottled up and referee Sean Stack blew for a free to St Thomas’s. As the Lough wing-back stood up he appeared to move his head and butt David Burke, who hit the ground rather dramatically, but no action was taken, much to the relief of the Kilkenny side. To compound the Tribesmen’s frustration, Molloy then struck over a lovely point. Toms captain Conor Cooney then popped over a placed ball before Sean Bolger edged his side again with a cracking little point. The game was scrappy at times as both sides sought to get the upper hand, hunger, passion and skill, all present in equal doses. Brian Hogan, however, was a picture of calm on the sideline as he watched his charges get about the pitch.

St Thomas’ were forced into a change when corner-back David Sherry appeared to pick up an ankle injury in a race for possession and after a lengthy stoppage he was replaced by Evan Duggan. Loughs full-forward Luke Hogan then set up Jordan Molloy for his second point of the day before Paddy Deegan struck over another booming effort to leave 3 points between the sides in Croker. Kilkenny star Huw Lawlor then saw his name taken for a trip on Eanna Burke and Conor Cooney duly sent over the resulting placed ball. Luke Hogan then showed some nifty footwork to turn his man before striking over a sweet score from under the Cusack Stand as the Croke Park announcer advised of 7 additional minutes to be added. There was still time for two further scores in the opening period, a nice point from Mikey Butler who found himself in acres of space and showed great accuracy to register, while Toms captain Conor Cooney latched onto a pass from his goalkeeper to split the Loughs posts. The last piece of action of the opening period saw Eanna Burke cautioned following an offthe-ball clash with Mikey Butler.

As the short whistle sounded, Brian Hogan’s men headed for the changing rooms with a 2-point lead, 0-10 to 0-8, having had the benefit of the elements at their backs in the first half. When the final resumed, it was the westerners that struck first, thanks to a monster score from David Burke from the middle of the park. Then came a huge call from referee Sean Stack. As Jack Nolan attempted to weave his way out of trouble, Toms forward James Regan appeared to catch the Loughs midfielder above the neck with his glancing challenge. The Dublin whistler brandished the colour red, much to the disbelief of Regan. Kenneth Burke’s men were now not only 1-point down, but also a man down for the guts of 30-odd minutes. Stephen Murphy, a survivor of his side’s last final appearance, stepped up and dispatched the resulting free. If the O’Loughlin’s players and supporters were expecting a wobble from the Galway side, they were very wrong. St Thomas’s pushed on and registered the games next four scores. Captain Conor Cooney struck two of those while Victor Manso and netminder Gerald Kelly

notched the others to give their side a deserved 2-point lead. The Noresiders needed a score and with the aid of Hawkeye, they got one via Sean Bolger. Cathal Burke then was set up nicely by David Burke and the Toms number 7 slotted a fine point to restore the Connacht sides twopoint lead midway through the second period. Brian Hogan then sent on Conor Kelly in place of the largely ineffective Eoin O’Shea to try and freshen things up a little. Conor Heary, whose game was clearly stifled by the early booking, then latched onto a long ball and calmly split the posts to leave just the bare minimum between the sides. Victor Manso then sent over his second and final point of the game, before being replaced by Bernard Burke with about ten minutes remaining. Owen Wall then went on a lovely, angled run but his handpass was just a little too high for Paddy Deegan, but referee Stack was playing an advantage, so play was called back, and Mark Bergin popped over the free to keep the Lough’s faithful believing. Jamie Ryan then entered the fray in place of Cian Loy but the next score came from Eanna Burke, cutting in along the endline and striking over on the angle. More cards were brandished as things continued to get a little tetchy, Shane Cooney and Paddy Deegan, the latest recipients. St Tomas’ captain, Conor Cooney then popped over another placed ball to leave the gap at three points with about two minutes of regulation time remaining. Loughs captain, Mark Bergin was fired over a sweet point from play as the match entered 4 minutes of additional time. As they had done in so many games this club season, O’Loughlin’s were going to have to dig very deep to try and turn things round and they set about doing just that in injury time. Owen Wall set up sub Conor Kelly for a score to reduce the deficit to just one point and with just one minute of added time left, David Fogarty unleashed a mighty effort from halfway to deadlock matters. Everyone was set for extra time, well everyone except Eanna Burke. From the restart, St Thomas’s drove

the ball deep inside the Loughs defence. No one appeared to want to claim possession, it was almost like pinball. Somehow St Thomas’ Damien McGlynn emerged from the crowd with the sliotar almost under his arm as he was being ushered toward the sideline. The ball hit the ground, but McGlynn had the presence of mind to toe poke it towards the supporting Eanna Burke. Burke flicked the sliotar up on hurl, flicked it over his head and struck a shot off his left side under the Hogan Stand sideline. As time stood still, the sliotar somehow defied the elements, the science, probability and dissected the O’Loughlin’s posts. St Thomas’s 1 point up, time all but up. Brian Hogan’s charges went in search of another equalising score, and they were given a chance when Sean Bolger was pulled back, close to the Cusack stand sideline on halfway. One last chance at forcing extra time. Captain Mark Bergin stood over the placed ball. He struck his effort, but it drifted agonisingly wide, to the left of the St Thomas’ posts. There was to be no happy ending this time. St Thomas’ All-Ireland Champions 2024. Full time at Croker, O’Loughlin Gaels 0-17, St Thomas’ 0-18. O’Loughlin Gaels: Stephen Murphy (0-01, 0-01f ); Mikey Butler (0-01), Huw Lawlor, Tony Forristal; David Fogarty (0-02), Paddy Deegan (0-03), Jordan Molloy (0-01); Jack Nolan, Cian Loy; Conor Heary (001), Eoin O’Shea, Mark Bergin (004, 0-02f ); Owen Wall, Luke Hogan (0-01), Sean Bolger (0-02). Subs: Conor Kelly (0-01) for O’Shea (47 mins), Jamie Ryan for Nolan (50 mins), Paddy Butler for Loy (58 mins). St Thomas’: Gerald Kelly (0-01, 0-01f ); David Sherry, Fintan Burke, Cian Mahony; Shane Cooney, Cathal Burke (0-01), John Headd; Damien Finnerty, David Burke (003); Victor Manso (0-02), Conor Cooney (0-06, 0-04f ), Darragh Burke; James Regan (0-02), Oisin Flannery, Eanna Burke (0-03). Subs: Evan Duggan for Sherry (20 mins), Bernard Burke for Manso (50 mins), Damien McGlynn for Flannery (15 mins). Referee: Seán Stack (Dublin).

>> SHERRY SAYS.. Congratulations to St Thomas’s. An incredible performance in Croke Park last weekend to claim their second ever Tommy Moore Cup. Despite being down to 14 men for the majority of the second half, Kenneth Burke’s found a way to grind out the win in difficult conditions. Eanna Burke’s injury time winner was simply stunning. Brian Hogan was bitterly disappointed in the aftermath of his side’s final defeat and will know that his side didn’t probably hurl to their potential when it mattered most. The Loughs may have fallen short in the national decider, but it still has been a good season for the St Johns Park side. Owen Wall’s ‘ghost goal’ will be a bitter pill to swallow for all concerned with the Kilkenny club over the next few months and should give the incoming GAA President Jarlath Burns something to add to his list for his term ahead. This campaign has shown that there are plenty of good hurlers on Noreside, and in David Fogarty, there’s a real gem growing there. The Loughs can regroup and approach next season with the aim of retaining their county title to start with. For Messrs. Deegan, Butler, Lawlor, Heary and perhaps one of two others, the black and amber will consume their focus. Talking of county matters, Derek Lyng’s Cats came up short against Wexford in Callan last Saturday in the semi-final of the Walsh Cup. Yet again, the management team ran their eye over some players hoping to stake a claim for Allianz League places. All eyes will now turn to the upcoming league campaign which begins the first weekend in February, ironically with Wexford visiting again, this time in UPMC Nowlan Park.

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Bryan Maloney intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Proposed Retention Permission for (a)Existing Single storey front extension, (b) Existing single storey rear extension. Demolitions associated with renovations and elevations changes. Planning permission for a change of use of the first floor habitable space to storage space only. Planning permission for (c) renovations to existing dwelling and elevational changes, (d) proposed new construction and renovations to the aforementioned front and rear extensions. including all associated site works. at Gorteen, Skeaghvasteen, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is sought by Richard Dalton for development at Goslingstown, Castlebamford, County Kilkenny. The development will consist of the construction of a two-storey dwelling with dormer windows to facilitate attic level accommodation and a detached single-storey domestic garage. Other works as part of the development include on-site wastewater treatment system and percolation area; soakaway; reinstated vehicular entrance with piers and gates; upgraded driveway; landscaping; boundary treatment; and all associated works to facilitate the development. Castle Bamford (a protected structure – Ref. C329, and National Monument – Ref No. KK019-039001 & KK019-039003) is within the site curtilage. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. Web: www.gmarch.net.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission sought for the construction of single storey extensions to front and rear of existing derelict cottage, all associated demolition works, and alterations to existing cottage to facilitate reinstatement works and ancillary related site works at Knock, Danesfort, Co. Kilkenny. Applicant: Liam Mullen, Pigeon Park, Danesfort, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Liam Mullen, Pigeon Park, Danesfort, Kilkenny

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

MICHAEL MOORE 24TH ANNIVERSARY

BILLY (WILLIAM) CULLETON 27TH ANNIVERSARY

JAMES NOLAN 1ST ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Michael, late of St. Anthony’s College Road, Kilkenny, who died on 27th January 2000. R.I.P

In loving memory of my father William (Billy) Culleton late of Stephen Street, who died on 28th January 1997.

In loving memory of James, late of Carn, Dunbell, Co. Kilkenny, whose anniversary occurs on 27th January.

Sweet are the memories Close by me they stay No passing of time Will take them away

To hear your voice, James, and see your smile, To sit and talk with you awhile, To be together in the same old way, These are our dearest wishes today.

Always remembered by your daughter Noreen, son-in-law Tommy, grandchildren Martina and Tommy.

Loved beyond words and missed beyond measure by Mam, Dad, Dermot, Margaret, Elaine, Catherine, Peter, Claire, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and your beloved nephews and nieces.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference

Sadly missed by your loving family

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 28th January at 10.00am in St. Colman’s Church, Clara, Co. Kilkenny.

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. L.S.

The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

Classifieds Motors

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

087 2587745

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024

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Classifieds Motors

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 26 January 2024