Kilkenny Observer 27th August 2021 by Kilkenny Observer

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 27 August 2021

Chunky O’Brien His style and skill in the great game  See page 3

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Covid Updates Latest research as lockdown eases  See pages 3 & 14

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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The Kilkenny

Observer Just weeks to freedom MANY of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions could be lifted in six weeks’ time, the chief medical officer (CMO) has indicated. The public will reach maximum vaccine protection from the end of next month, which should clear the way for a return to normality, including the scrapping of

Covid certs for pubs and restaurants. CMO Dr Tony Holohan said that imminent events like the All-Ireland football final should be confined to fully vaccinated people. But he also said the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) would not have a major concern with an event

like Electric Picnic going ahead once everyone in attendance was vaccinated. His comments prompted organisers of the festival to call on authorities to give them the green light so they can prepare for the concert at the end of next month. The chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advi-

sory Group, Professor Philip Nolan, said there was another four to six weeks to go before the population reaches maximum protection. It is hoped that inoculation rates in six weeks’ time will mean it would be safe enough for the Digital Covid Certificate to be scrapped for most domestic use, although it may

still be required for foreign travel. “It’s more towards end of September in terms of the level of coverage we’d have in the population vaccinationwise, that we think could be safe for us to see activities resuming without the need for us to be checking on the status of people who are using

With style and skill, ‘Chunky’ adorned the great game... Liam Chunky O’Brien AN APPRECIATION ----------------------By Jim Fogarty.

ON the Tuesday, when we heard of Liam’s death, it was appropriate to remember him as perhaps the greatest stylist to hurl for Kilkenny. Lets get his achievements down in print; • Four All-Ireland senior medals, 1972,74,75 and 79. • Man Of the Match in the EVERY FRIDAY

‘75 and ‘79 finals. • Texaco Hurler Of the Year in 1975. • Scored 1-7 in the 1979 final from left half forward. • Played at midfield in the ‘72,’74 and ‘75 finals. • Won an All-Ireland club championship with the ‘Village’min 1976. • Three Railway Cup medals with Leinster, ‘73, ‘75 and ‘77. • Four All-Star awards, 73,74,75 and 79. More important than his

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very impressive achievements, some just noted, was the style and skill with which he adorned the great game. As winter nights approach and as we must make do with memories, Chunky’s skill and artistry will feature in many recollections. Chunky is a family name handed down from previous hurling generations. Was there ever a more inappropriate name to describe the hurling wizard that was Liam O’Brien in the 1970s?

A cheetah, a cobra, would reflect his speed and score poaching ability. The lithe, lissom hurler who adorned the great stadia of Ireland for more than a decade could never be described as chunky. Recall his dashing runs from midfield, with the ball stuck to his hurley as if controlled by a magnet. Picture the sprayed passes left and right to better placed teammates, which inevitably led to vital scores. Visualise

the beautiful striking action which today’s overpaid and overrated golf pros would kill for. Yes Liam, it is not the bump and grind of the so-called hard men that will illuminate long winter nights. To this non-native you were the very prototype of the skill and artistry of Kilkenny hurling at its best. Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar do anam dilis. *See also Sport, Page 41

those - so, like, Covid passes and so on,” Dr Holohan said. “We therefore need to get to a certain threshold in terms of vaccination. We also would like to see that the disease control, which we’re not seeing at the moment, would be better than it is.” See also Page 14

We’re backing Team Ireland Team Ireland has 29 competitors, in a variety of sports, among the 4,000 from 160 different countries at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. Among them two with local connections – Kilkenny woman Mary Fitzgerald goes in the shotput while Tipperary native Rosemary Gaffney, who lives and works in South Kilkenny, is one of the equestrian hopefuls. Ireland has a good track record at the Paralympics – taking home 16 medals from London in 2012 and 11 from Rio De Janeiro in 2016. See Page 6

Girls’ education and the Taliban Sentiment comes easy, few leopards ever change their spots. The fundamentalist Taliban’s record has been chillingly horrifying — in particular how their Sharia laws equate with women’s rights, with the rights of girls... with terrifying echoes of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale... Paul Hopkins, Page 8

INSIDE

Marianne Heron ........................P12 Covid Update............................. P14 John Ellis ....................................P16 Health & Science .......................P18 Travel & Leisure ........................P19 Picture Special ..................... P30-31 Food & Drink..............................P32 TV & Streaming ........................P33 Gerry Cody ..............................36-37 Sport....................................... P40-47

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News

Less than half of us have a pension JUST under half of the Irish public currently have a pension, a decline of 3% from 2020, according to new research conducted by retirement experts Standard Life. In Leinster, 46% have a pension, with two in three (67%) of those with a pension reporting that they are confident about its performance. Nationally, Ireland’s youngest workers, Gen Z (18-24), are the most confident about their pension performance at 97% according to the Standard Life Retirement Pulse. The research has revealed the average monthly contribution into an Irish pension rests at €145, with men (€170.19) contributing more on average than women (€111.26). A gender gap can also be seen around pension awareness, with women 2.5 times less likely to know the status of their pension when compared to men.

The Standard Life Retirement Pulse shows that whilst 15% of adults across the nation say that they’re not currently contributing to their pension, nearly half (49%) of people in Leinster say that they are taking full advantage of the government tax relief available on pension contributions. The results also show that 59% of those with a pension in Leinster claim to take an active interest in it. The research has revealed that the way we view retirement is changing, with over a quarter (28%) of those aged 65 and over saying that retirement is an outdated concept, with 14% in Leinster saying that they don’t plan on retiring. The Standard Life Retirement Pulse has revealed that people want to keep busy and active as they age and see their jobs as a great way of doing this. Over half (51%)

‘Gen Z the most confident about their investment...

those in Leinster say they will continue working even if they are financially comfortable, showing that retirement is no longer viewed as an end to working life. In fact, working to beat the boredom (41%), keeping the mind active (37%), the social interaction (37%) and loving the job (29%) all rank above needing the money (24%) as reasons to keep working nationally. For those nearing retirement age (60+), they feel that retirement isn’t an

end to working life but an opportunity to create their own pace (52%). As we get older, we begin to align our identity more closely with our job, with work being a huge part of their identity for almost half (48%) of people over 65, but this is the case for just under a quarter of millennials (23%). This connection to our jobs also has a social element, with the research showing that three in five of those aged 55-64 enjoy the

social connection that work offers and are reluctant to give that up. Holistic Planning For Retirement Nearly half (47%) of people in Leinster believe that they are socially prepared for retirement, with over half (54%) feeling mentally prepared and over one in three (34%) reporting that they are financially prepared. However, preparedness for all of these is higher amongst those with a pension.

”

Nationally, those with a pension are also more likely to have a plan for their retirement (42%) when compared to those without a pension (26%) and are also more likely to see retirement as an opportunity to fulfil their potential. Speaking about the results of the Standard Life Retirement Pulse, Alan McCarthy, Head of Distribution said: “Whatever their plans, it is clear from the research that those with a pension are more likely to feel confident and look forward to their retirement.” * The Standard Life Retirement Pulse research was conducted by Research Plus Ltd on behalf of Standard Life as a nationally representative survey of 1,000 people.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

News

Kilkenny pair with Team Ireland at Tokyo Paralympic THE Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games have begun, with Britney Arendse and Jordan Lee carrying the Tricolour as they led the Irish team at the opening ceremony. Team Ireland was the third of the competing nations to be introduced, with 29 athletes representing the country in nine

sports. Two have Kilkenny connections. More than 16 months after the postponement of the event was announced, the rescheduled games finally get underway in a host country still ravaged by Covid-19. A total of 4,521 athletes from

168 National Paralympic Committees are due to compete in 22 disciplines until September 5. Among them two with local connections – Kilkenny woman Mary Fitzgerald goes in the shotput while Tipperary native Rosemary Gaffney, who lives and works in South Kilkenny, is one

of the equestrian hopefuls. Ireland has a good track record at the Paralympics – taking home 16 medals from London in 2012 and 11 from Rio De Janeiro in 2016. None of the 66 New Zealand athletes attended on the opening ceremony due to their concerns

of contacting coronavirus . A spokesperson said: “Our team will not be attending as we continue our commitment to our Covid-19 operating principles and guidelines, aimed at keeping our team as safe as possible.” Jordan will compete in the high

jump on Sunday. Fellow flagbearer Britney Arendse will also compete on Sunday, in the powerlifting competition. Britney was delighted to carry the colours. “This came as the most pleasant of shocks when I was approached,” she said. We wish them all well ...

€7m. makeover funding will splash colour on our towns

PHOTO: Willie Dillion

Kila and Afro sounds for Ballykeefe gigs IRELAND’S Kila will perform live from Kilkenny’s Amphitheatre at Ballykeefe on Saturday, September 11, on stage from 7pm. Tickets are €25 and available at Eventbrite only. Kíla have played at many festivals around the world, including Dún Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures, Electric Picnic, Womadelaide, Glastonbury, Féile an Dóilín, St. Chartier, Reading and Cambridge Folk Festival, Montreaux Jazz Festival and the Stockholm Water Festival. Our photo is by Willie Dillion who says: “There

are timid bodhran players and there are flamboyant bodhran players – and then there’s Ronan O Snodaigh of Kila who occupies a bodhran head space all of his own. “Like a prowling metal guitar warrior, he commands and dominates the stage, physically living every beat and twist of the music.” On Sunday, September 12 the Amphitheatre will reverberate to Africa sounds when Congolese rumba orchestra Elikya play back to back with Nigerian big band Yankari. Tickets are €10 and the gig begins at 4pm.

FIVE towns and villages in Kilkenny are to benefit from a new €7 million fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts. The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative is part of Our Rural Future programme and is designed to make rural towns and villages more attractive places to live, work and visit. Under the scheme, property owners will be provided with funding to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture. The funding has been welcomed by Fine Gael TD John Paul Pheland. In Kilkenny county, Castlecomer, Mullinavat, Goresbridge, Urlingford and Thomastown have been selected for the initiative. The types of projects to be supported include: * Strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours. *Commissioning of murals

in towns and villages. * Upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts. * Provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes. * Illumination and lighting of architectural features. * Installation of canopies and street furniture. *Decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs / wires. Meanwhile, the deadline is looking for participation in a free entrepreneurship development programme, taking applications until August 31, from local entrepreneurs and innovative business start-ups for its first phase, which starts in September. A total of €1.5m in Enterprise Ireland (EI) funding has been secured to run the New Frontiers programme at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in the next five years. The 55 early-stage entrepreneurs who progress to the second phase of the programme will have access to €15,000 funding each.

Rangers in Kabul rescue bid THE Government jet has been deployed to the Middle East to support the emergency mission of Rangers sent to Afghanistan.The Learjet 45 is being sent to an undisclosed location in the region. It is understood that it has been sent as a ‘contingency measure’ and will not be going into Afghan airspace.

There are believed to be 24 Irish citizens and eight dependent still in the country. Meanwhile, WHO the agency was unable to bring some 500 tonnes of medical supplies into the country, because of restrictions at Kabul airport, struggling to cope with a massive evacuation.

Woman (60s) dies in motorway crash A WOMAN in her 60s died following a crash on a motorway just outside a county Kilkenny town on Tuesday, August 24. The incident occurred in the townland of Longford Pass just south of Junction 4 outside Urlingford on the Tipperary side of the border on the M8 motorway at around 11.30am this morning.

The female driver in her late 60s, who was the sole occupant of her car, was killed instantly when the vehicle collided with a truck. The male driver (20s) of the truck was treated for shock at the scene by paramedics. The victim’s remains were removed from the scene to the mortuary in South Tipperary General

Hospital where a post mortem was carried out. The road was temporarily closed in both directions as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out an examination of the scene, with local diversions put place. Gardaí have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Any road users who were travelling on the M8 southbound, south of junction 4, and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make it available to Gardaí.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact Thurles Garda Station on (0504) 25100.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

How educating girls is in class of its own THE social theorist Simone de Beauvoir said: “Never forget that it only takes a political, economic or religious crisis for women’s rights to be called into question. These rights can never be taken for granted. You must remain vigilant throughout your life.” Mullah Baradar, leader of the Taliban, said: “We seek an Afghanistan with an Islamic system in which all people of the nation can participate without discrimination”. All people? There is deep international scepticism about what this will mean in practice. Sentiment comes easy, few leopards ever change their spots. The fundamentalist Taliban’s record has been chillingly horrifying — in particular how their Shariah laws equate with women’s rights, with the rights of girls. One of the urgent questions raised by the return of the Taliban to power is whether

the radical Islamists will again impose draconian restrictions — and it’s looking increasingly likely — on Afghan women and girls, as evidenced in Afghanistan once upon a time and Pakistan and Saudi Arabia now. No social or economic independence for women. No freedom in public. No schooling for girls. No opportunity. Let’s consider this. A number of verses in the Koran say that men and women “were created from the same essence”. Some also state that men are ‘qawwamun’ in relation to women. The meaning of this term is often debated. It has been interpreted to mean “protectors and maintainers” but also understood by some to connote the superiority of men over women. The same verse goes on to say devout women are “obedient” and that, if they persistently disobey, their male protec-

tors, as a last resort, should “strike” or “beat” them. Shariah law established that women have legal and financial rights, as well as the right to inherit. However, the Koran specifies that a sister inherits half of her brother’s amount. The Koran also states that a woman should not “reveal her beauty” to men beyond her family. Many Islamic jurists have ruled that this requires women to cover their hair and others their face. The Koran was written back in the 7th Century when women in then Arabia, like the rest of the known world, had few, if any, rights. Mind you, Mohammed’s wife was a reputable businesswoman. The potential fear here, however, is that the Taliban has not changed its ways, despite words to the contrary, and that women and girls will suffer under their rigid interpretation of Shariah law.

No schooling for girls conjures up a vision of a future dystopian generation of lost women, chilling echoes of Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. We should all remember Malala Yousafzai, the 15-yearold Pakistani shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012. Her crime? She campaigned for the right of girls to attend school. She survived, miraculously, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize two years later and graduated from Oxford in June last year. She has since devoted her life advocating for girls’ education. But (potentially) Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are not the only regimes where young girls are denied such a basic human right — protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Globally, there are 132 million girls out of school. Threats to girls’ education — poverty, war and, specifically,

gender discrimination — differ between cultures. In Pakistan, many drop out after primary school because parents believe it is “a waste of money to send a daughter to secondary school”. In Nigeria, expensive school fees put girls’ education, and futures,

‘Globally, there are 132 million girls out of school...

”

at risk. For tens of thousands of girls from Syria, Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan in refugee camps schooling is not on the daily agenda. Unicef says only 49% of countries have achieved gender parity in primary education. One in three adolescent girls from the poorest households around the world has never been to school. Consider this: *Girls with eight years of education are four times less likely to be married as children. More than 41,000 girls under the age of 18 marry every single day. *Educated mothers are twice as likely to send their children to school. *A child born to a literate mother is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five. Seems, we’ve still a lot to learn... * Copyright. First published in Meath Chronicle

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News

Plan for 17,000 more school buses SINN Féin has launched proposals that would see an additional 17,000 seats funded on the School Transport Scheme in the next academic year and the elimination of fees over a five-year government term. Sinn Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny said: “The scheme is an essential service, cater-

ing for 114,000 children daily, but each year the service is substantially oversubscribed, leaving parents scrambling to arrange transport to school for their children if they do not get a seat on their local bus. “Every summer, I speak with families in Carlow Kilkenny who are struggling to meet the

costs of the return to school. And every summer, the school transport palaver adds significantly to their stress – either they cannot get a seat for their child, or the costs associated with securing a seat will place a crippling financial burden on their family.” The Kilkenny Carlow TD

said Sinn Féin were proposing to invest €17m to deliver 17,000 extra places in the next academic year, eliminate fees at a cost of €13.8m over five years and allocate €5m for the purchase of new school buses next year. “Our plans will add more buses and routes, reduce

carbon emissions from the transport sector, cut back to school costs for families and encourage the use of public transport from a young age. “Sinn Féin have long stressed the importance of affordable and accessible school transport for all families. It is extremely disappointing that the

Government does not share this objective.” In terms of climate action, she said the transport sector accounted for more than 20% of our total carbon emissions, so if we were to meet our 2030 and 2050 climate targets, we needed urgent action in this area now.

Our young farmers ‘key’ to act on climate reduction

Winners all: James Stephens Captain Edward McDermott receives the trophy as his club win the John West Féile na nGael Kilkenny Division 1 final in Nowlan Park between James Stephens and Erins Own Castlecomer. With Edward are Anne-Claire Monde, Marketing Manager John West Ireland, Billy Dempsey, Chairman Kilkenny Bord na Óg, and Peter Rooney General Manager John West Ireland PHOTO: Finbarr O’Rourke

Hoban: the Cuffesgrange carpenter who designed the White House ... JAMES Hoban, the carpenter from Cuffesgrange ,is the man largely responsible for the design and construction of the White House. A new book tells the story of this son of a tenant farmer who trained to be an architect. Hoban (pictured) left his home in Desart, Cuffesgrange, and moved to America where his talent flourished. He met President George Washington and won a competition to design the official home for future presidents of the United States. Hoban collaborated with Washington on the design and impressed the President so much that he put the Kilkenny man in charge of the entire project, with all carpentry, stone masonry, and brickwork under his supervision. Work began in 1792 and was completed by 1800 in time to receive its first occupant, President John Adams, who took up residence in November that year. The remarkable story is told in James Hoban: Designer And Builder of the White House, published by the White House Historical Association. It is the first time Hoban’s life and work has been chronicled in one complete volume. This

book contains newly discovered details on his personal life and his architectural influences. It is an anthology which includes contributions by some of the world’s most knowledgeable scholars on James Hoban, who introduce us to the story of his life, influences, and work. The essays are followed by an illustrated catalogue of nearly 100 images of historic Dublin, Irish Country Houses, the White House, and sites known to James Hoban in America. The book’s author is Stewart D. McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, a non-profit association established in 1961 with a mission to conserve the White House and open a window on

the home of western democracy. “As the White House Historical Association celebrates its 60th anniversary, it is fitting that we celebrate the work of the elusive designer and builder who created the White House,” says McLaurin. “Together, the Irish, British, and American scholarly perspectives presented in this volume provide a proper introduction to the man, his life and his work.” The book traces Hoban’s life from his youth in Kilkenny, through his journey to America, and tells how he was selected to construct one of the world’s most iconic buildings. Hoban, born in 1755, spent his childhood on the estate of the Cuffe family where his father was a tenant. He trained as a carpenter and wheelwright in the workshops there, before moving to Dublin where he studied at the renowned Dublin Society Drawing School. It gave him the skills to practise as an architect and opened doors to an influential circle of developers, architects, and craftsmen who helped consolidate his architectural training before he left for America.

YOUNG farmers are the key to reducing agricultural sector emissions, according to Macra na Feirme The organisation believes young farmers have already shown a willingness to engage in measures that both reduce emissions and improve on-farm viability. Irish farms were perfectly positioned to meet the growing global food demand while reducing emissions. “Agriculture is uniquely placed to sequester and store CO2 and policies must ensure that this sequestering and storage is attributed to farmers and agriculture,” said Macra na Feirme President John Keane. It was clear from the recent IPCC report that the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation were two key drivers of increasing global CO2 emissions. Young farmers would mstep up, he said.

Witnesses sought for boy (4) hit by driver GARDAI are renewing their appeal for witnesses to a road traffic accident that occurred on Station Road, Thomastown on Sunday August 15, at approximately 7:50pm. A four-year-old boy was struck by a car during the incident. He was taken to St Luke’s Hospital and was later transferred to Temple Street where he remains in a serious condition. The driver of the car was uninjured. Anyone with any information sbout the incident is asked to contact Thomastown Garda Station on 056 7754 150, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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Opinion

Breaking news: time to call the fashion police AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

SPOILER alert, this is a callout for the fashion police, no, not to chivvy us out of WFM (working from home) gear although the guy who forgot to put his trousers on when taking a zoom call recently needs a wake-up call. No, it’s about the fashion choices of female presenters on RTE. Does it really matter what they wear? Certainly, it does. Do you really want to be distracted from some important news items by wondering what on earth prompted a news caster to choose an unfortunate shade of acid green dress with contrasting inserts which made her look broad in the beam or asking yourself for the nth time why an otherwise gorgeous announcer always reads the news clad in unflattering PJs with something tied around her middle like baler twine? Or be worried about your wans who wear heels so totteringly high that you wonder if they are going to fall base over apex? Or what about the weather women? Figure hugging dresses are fine for party

wear but have some of them realised how just how much their tummy bulges show up in profile against all those curvy isobars? Or how about presenters who suddenly switch from wearing the kind of outfit that your Granny might wear for an afternoon tea party to wearing trainers and leggings to look trendy in line with a new studio design. It’s the kind of look which maybe grand for teenagers hanging out in a mall but hardly the thing for haranguing the latest Cabinet minister who happens to be in the firing line. When you are reading the news, including items about death, destruction and war, or issuing the latest orange weather warning about to hit Ireland, it is not the time to make a glaring fashion statement. This is the time for elegant understatement. Elegance is about being appropriately dressed for the occasion. German chancellor Angela Merkel was once asked why she dressed the way she does always in identical figure skimming jackets and dark trousers. “I am not a fashion model,” she replied firmly. Muti, or mother, as Merkel is called in Germany, found her look and has stuck to it, only the colours and fabrics

Angela Merkel: the German Chancellor, soon to step down is no fashion model

of her jackets change according to mood and season. A bit like a uniform really, or men’s wear, where with a jacket, shirt and tie, not forgetting the trousers, men are sorted if boring. “Looking stylish is as much about knowing what not to wear as knowing what suits you,” declare fashion gurus Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, who presented BBCs ‘What not to Wear’. Looking good on screen is challenging, not least

given the cost involved and according to RTE, depending on a number of factors, wardrobe allowances may be made available to presenters. They may also wear their own personal clothes at times. Then there’s the ‘does my front look big in this’ question, as TV adds kilos to your appearance and the RTE wardrobe department are on hand to advise screen presenters. Our female news and weather stars could make the most of the opportunity

to showcase Irish designs, although, say RTE, the suitability of clothing technically and style wise for on-air use is the primary focus but Irish labels are included when within established budgets. Most important of all presenters have the opportunity to demonstrate a sustainable approach to help change our over-consumption of fashion given the threat of global warming. None of us needs to buy and wear new outfits all the time. We are buying 60%

more garments that we did 15 years ago and the fashion industry is one of the biggest drivers of carbon emissions (it emits about the same quantity of GHGs a year as the entire economies of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom combined.) Fast fashion ends up being wasteful fashion. In the US for instance, it is estimated that 80% of unwanted clothing goes into landfill or is incinerated. It’s a pity to waste that opportunity.

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News

Delta not as good as other variants resisting antibodies, study shows THE delta variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 is not particularly good at evading the antibodies that vaccination generates, according to a new study. The researchers analyzed a panel of antibodies generated by people in response to the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine and found that delta was unable to evade all but one of the antibodies they tested. Other variants of concern, such as beta, avoided recognition and neutralization by several of the antibodies. The findings in the latest edition of the journal Immunity help explain why vaccinated people have largely escaped the worst of the delta surge. In previous studies, co-senior author Ali Ellebedy, an associate professor of pathology and immunology, of medicine, and of molecular microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri had shown that both natural infection and vaccination elicit lasting antibody production. But the length of the anti-

body response is only one aspect of protection. The breadth matters, too. An ideal antibody response includes a diverse set of antibodies with the flexibility to recognise many slightly different variants of the virus. Breadth confers resilience. Even if a few antibodies lose the ability to recognise a new variant, other antibodies in the arsenal should remain capable of neutralising it. “The fact that delta has outcompeted other variants does not mean that it’s more resistant to our antibodies compared to other variants,” says co-senior author Jacco Boon, an associate professor of medicine, of molecular microbiology, and of pathology and immunology. “The ability of a variant to spread is the sum of many factors. Resistance to antibodies is just one factor. Another one is how well the variant replicates. A variant that replicates better is likely to spread faster, independent of its ability to evade our immune response. So delta is surging, yes, but there’s no evidence that it is better at overcoming vaccine-induced immunity compared to other variants.” To assess the breadth of the antibody response to SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, Ellebedy and colleagues

— including authors Aaron Schmitz, a research specialist; Jackson S. Turner, an instructor in pathology & immunology; and Zhuoming Liu, a staff scientist — extracted antibodyproducing cells from three people who had received the Pfizer vaccine. They grew the cells in the laboratory and obtained from them a set of 13 antibodies that target the original strain that began circulating last year.

The researchers tested the antibodies against four variants of concern: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Twelve of the 13 recognised alpha and delta, eight recognised all four variants, and one failed to recognise any of the four variants. Scientists gauge an antibody’s usefulness by its ability to block virus from infecting and killing cells in a dish. So-called neutralising antibodies that pre-

Yet more good news on jabs and antibodies IN a new video on his YouTube channel, world pulmonary medicine and critical care specialist Mike Hansen explains all of the different factors which affect how vulnerable an individual might be against the Delta variant of Covid-19. Dr Hansen (pictured) begins by stating that if you have not had the vaccine and have not previously had Covid, then you currently have zero protection, and that your odds of contracting the Delta variant are looking “bleaker and bleaker, depending on what underlying risk factors you may have”. However, if you have not yet

been vaccinated but did previously have Covid, then it is possible that you will have some level of protection against the virus for about a year. There have also been studies which have found that for those who’ve had Covid-19, mRNA vaccination boosts the memory

antibodies that develop after infection, causing there to be a more robust immune response. “This is called hybrid immunity,” Dr Hansen explains. “Part of the immunity comes from the immune system from previous Covid infection, and the other from the vaccine.” Additionally, there is strong evidence that recovered patients who have received a single dose of the AstraZeneca, PQzer, or Moderna vaccines had a huge increase in protective antibodies against the Delta, Beta, and Alpha variants. “The big takeaway here is that vaccinating people who had previ-

ous COVID will likely give them much higher protection against delta and other variants,” says Dr Hansen. As for people who have been vaccinated but have not previously had Covid infection, they have been found to have high levels of neutralising antibodies against the Delta variant 8 to 16 weeks after receiving the second dose. Dr Hansen also cites a study (yet to be peer reviewed) which determined the PQzer vaccine’s effectiveness against Delta as being around 84 percent, making a booster shot a sensible precaution.

Croke Park melee ‘indefensible’ LARGE gatherings of crowds before and after the All-Ireland hurling final were “indefensible,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said. Crowds of people socialising on the streets around Croke Park, with little social distancing and few people wearing face masks, “wasn’t how it was supposed to work,” he said.

Some 40,000 spectators were permitted into Croke Park for the game on Sunday, where Limerick beat Cork 3-32 to 1-22. Large crowds gathered to socialise and drink along the streets near the stadium before and after the game, with videos circulated widely on social media showing a lack of social distancing and few people wearing masks.

Gardai have said it is investigating alleged breaches of Covid-19 regulations at one licensed premises in the area near the stadium. Gardaí also instructed several pubs to temporarily close on match day, due to the large crowds. The scenes were heavily criticised by arts and live entertain-

ment industry groups, who said they highlighted how current strict limits on numbers at music and other live cultural events were unfair. A decision from the Government on the latter issue is expected in the next few days. But the thinking is that current restrictions will stay much the same for at least six weeks.

vent infection are thought to be more powerful than antibodies that recognise the virus but can’t block infection, although both neutralising and non-neutralising antibodies contribute to defending the body. The researchers found that five of the 13 antibodies neutralized the original strain. When they tested the neutralizing antibodies against the new variants, all five antibodies neu-

tralized delta, three neutralized alpha and delta, and only one neutralized all four variants. “In face of vaccination, delta is relatively a wimpy virus,” Ellebedy says. “If we had a variant that was more resistant like beta but spread as easily as delta, we’d be in more trouble.” The antibody that neutralized all four variants of concern—as well as three additional variants tested separately—was called 2C08. In animal experiments, 2C08 also protected hamsters from disease caused by every variant tested: the original variant, delta, and a mimic of beta. Some people may have antibodies just as powerful as 2C08 protecting them against SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants, Ellebedy says. Using publicly available databases, the researchers discovered that about 20% of people infected or vaccinated against SARSCoV-2 create antibodies that recognize the same spot on the virus that is targeted by 2C08. Moreover, very few virus variants (.008%) carry mutations that allow them to escape antibodies targeting that spot. “This antibody is not unique to the person we got it from,” Ellebedy says. “Multiple antibodies targeting this area have been described in the literature; at least one is under development as a COVID-19 therapy.”

PUP cuts ‘must be halted now’ TD Kathleen Funchion has demanded that the Government immediately halt iwhat she says are “incoherent and ill-timed plans’ to cut the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). The cuts are due to begin on September 7, despite some sectors still being closed due to public health advice. The Sinn Fein TDsaid: “The pandemic is not over. Some sectors, such as the live entertainment industry, remain closed due to public health advice. Despite this, the government is insisting on ploughing ahead with unfair cuts to the PUP in just over a fortnight. “The cuts to the PUP and the plan to transition people from the PUP to Jobseekers on September 7 must be scrapped. “These cuts are punishing people who cannot return to work and will hit young workers hardest, she said. “They are a slap in the face for those in the live music and entertainment sector who

again this week have failed to get any clarity from the Government about when they can reopen. “These cuts will see many workers currently on the PUP rate of €203 being moved to Jobseeker payments. This will affect up to 29,000 people over the coming weeks. These workers are not jobseekers, they are merely being prevented from returning to their jobs due to public health restrictions. “Young people suffering the brunt of the government’s failure on housing and rents will be worst hit by this move with those under the age of 25 on the lowest rate of the PUP being transitioned to the reduced Jobseekers rate of €112.70 a week from 14th September 14,” the TD said. “Young people living at home will be particularly impacted. “The Government cannot continue with these unfair and short-sighted cuts which will plunge thousands of workers into financial uncertainty,” she said.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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News

New chapter as readers’ mobile library is coming back KILKENNY County Council Library Service will resume its full Mobile Library service from September 7. The mobile serves a variety of stops from village-based community stops, schools, creches, Early Learning Centres and nursing homes – more 60 stops across the County.The new

schedule from September will maintain the existing stops where users can select their own items but will also incorporate the popular door to door service for over 65s that are unable to visit their local library. Schools and creches on the routes can either access the service on the mobile vehicle or have

pre-selected collections dropped off to them.“Covid-19 restrictions meant we had to adapt our services to our users by developing new ways to serve our readers, and unfortunately the service to rural locations was suspended early last year. In 2020 we developed a new county-wide door-

door delivery service for over 65’s, as well as dropping off collections of books directly to schools and creches,” said Declan Macauley, Executive Librarian. “Next year will mark the 50th Anniversary of Kilkenny County Council’s Mobile Library Service, so it is especially heartening to be going back out on the road

in September to reconnect with our users and offer the browsing experience,” said Mr Macauley. “We are so looking forward to getting back on the road, and meeting up with our users, old and new,”said Caitriona Kenneally, Senior Library Assistant, Mobile Service. “We kept in touch with our

members throughout the lockdowns, and know that we were greatly missed, reaction to our return has been heartwarming.”All public health guidelines will be adhered to as part of this service. Details of our schedules and stops will be available soon on the library website, www.kilkennylibrary.ie.

Kilkenny’s crafts folk get world thumbs up KILKENNY has been granted Craft City and Region status by the World Crafts Council, just the fourth place in Europe to be so designated since the scheme started a number of years ago. Local crafts people are hoping the prestigious accolade will lead to the county becoming an even more popular destination for visitors and craft workers. The application was prepared by the Made in Kilkenny craft collective before being presided upon by judges from the European branch of the world craft body. Finally, word came through that Kilkenny had been successful. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful designation,” Made in Kilkenny chairperson Catherine Conroy told RTÉ News. “We’re so honoured to achieve this.” Made in Kilkenny was founded in 2009 by a group of craftspeople in the Kilkenny who came together to support each other and also to promote the area as a craft hotspot. The application for international recognition was supported by Kilkenny County Council and also by Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, a local Green Party TD, and the Crafts Council of Ireland. “It’s going to put Kilkenny on the international stage, the specialness of Kilkenny,” Catherine Conroy said, “because there are so many craftspeople here, not just among ourselves. “There are 30 in our group but there’s many others and

the quality is exceptional and it’s just going to spread it far and wide.” She pointed out that there’s a “long tradition of craft” in Kilkenny and the new award will bolster that reputation. Gus Mabelson, who also worked on the World Crafts Council application, told RTE that all involved were “delighted” with the success. “We decided to apply and we heard this year we were successful,” he said. “We’re the fourth [in Europe] to get that accolade. There’s one in Denmark, one in England and one in Scotland.” The award is a “great credit” to all involved in craft in Kilkenny, he added. Members of Made in Kilkenny range across people working in weaving, pottery, ceramics, jewellery and wood-turning. Christopher Hetzel of the Rudolph Hetzel jewellery shop on Patrick Street in the city said the designation was an appropriate recognition for Kilkenny’s strength as a craft hub. “We’ve been around for over 50 years,” he said of the family business which he now runs, operating the techniques in goldsmithing and silversmithing that have been used by experts for centuries. “Kilkenny has a great craft scene. The Kilkenny Design Workshops in the 1960s really helped to kickstart that and they trained locals as well as attracting people from other places and now we have fantastic crafts.” Meanwhile, its back to crafts business at hand...

Trains, planes and automobiles.... well not quite, but it’s some trip for charity WORKERS at one of Kilkenny’s biggest employers are walking, running, cycling, and swimming their way to 30,000km to raise funds for charity. Glanbia Ireland employees, their families and friends are getting on their bikes, they’re lacing up their walking and running shoes and grabbing their swimming gear in an effort to raise €40,000. They hope to surpass a combined 30,000 km goal in the space of a just a week with the funds raised

going to Breast Cancer Ireland, The Samaritans and suicide awareness charity – Teac Tom in Kilkenny. The Glanbia 300 takes place from September 6 to 12. Since it began seven years ago has raised almost €240,000 for multiple charities. Project sponsor Jim O’Neill said: “Two groups that will contribute a huge number of kilometres to the grand total are our 100k and 150k cyclists who will leave Glanbia

House on the morning of Friday, September 10, for a competitive tour of South Kilkenny and parts of Tipperary. “Starting from Kilkenny, riders will head south into Tipperary towards the foothills of Slievenamon where the 100K group will split, heading for Carrick on Suir and on towards Granagh, where it’s a sharp turn for the long 45k stretch home. “Once separated, the 150K group will continue towards the outskirts of

Clonmel before a hairpin turn sees them straddle the Waterford border to Carrick and back on the main route through Granagh, Mullinavat and Ballyhale. “Hitting our Kilometre target will not be possible without the help of all Glanbia Ireland employees. “We’re asking each of our employees, along with their families and friends, to commit to a minimum 15K challenge from September 6th to 12th,” Mr O’Neill said.

Top eye specialist appointed at Aut Even hospital THE hospital group UPMC have announced the appointment of Consultant Ophthalmologist, Mr Pathma Ramasamy (pictured), a specialist in retinal surgery including routine and complex cataract surgery. His appointment further strengthens UPMC’s expertise in this area and expands ophthalmology services available to patients in Kilkenny and across the South East so they can be treated closer to home. Mr Ramasamy will be based in Kilkenny’s Aut Even Hospital.

He graduated from University College Cork in 2007 and completed his higher surgical

training in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital Dublin, Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, and University Hospital Waterford. In 2015, Mr Ramasamy was awarded his doctorate from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and won multiple national and international awards for his research into metastatic ocular melanoma. He completed his subspecialty training in medical and surgical retina in Bristol Eye Hospital and was a recipient of the Irish College of Ophthalmolo-

gists/Bayer Clinical Fellowship Award for undertaking this work. Mr Ramasamy has also worked as a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital Dublin and in University Hospital Waterford. He is in the specialist division of the Irish Medical Council, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology. Mr Ramasamy is also a member of the Irish College of Ophthalmologists.

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News Your Money

How to keep a lid on your finances easy for you to compare, and banks are making it simpler to switch.

BY JOHN ELLIS

Go paperless - Electronic/ online bills save companies money compared to sending out paper bills every month, so as an incentive for you to go paperless they discount their rates. It might only be a few Euro a month but every little helps. And you’re saving on your recycling bill and dealing with piles of unnecessary paperwork.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

AS we head toward the end of another year the cost of back to school and the tax bill that needs to be paid in the next few weeks is front and centre of many of our minds. Half of the Top 10 worries according to a report by insurance firm Zurich is about money. These are 1. My health – 37% 2. The health of my partner, family, friends etc – 32% 3. My relationship with my partner, family, and friends – 23% 4. How to make my money last until the next time I get money – 19% 5. Debts – 17% 6. The security of my job – 10% 7. Looking after elderly relatives – 10% 8. My salary is enough to support me in the longterm – 10% 9. If my salary is enough to support me and my dependents in the long-term

Pay off small debts first - researchers find that consumers who use “the snowball approach” to tackle small balances first are likelier to eliminate their overall debt. So rather than chipping away at a big bill try to get rid of your little debts first. – 9% 10. How to afford a new home – 8% Don’t let debt consume your life. So how can we deal with financial stress. Face up to the situation. If it looks like you’re getting into debt, get advice on how to prioritise your debts. When people feel anxious, they

sometimes avoid talking to others. Get a snapshot of your financial health. MABS have some very helpful online calculators at https://mabs.ie/ tackling-debt/ It may seem simple but to keep track of your finances you need to know where your money is going. Many people don’t keep an accurate account of their out-

goings. Look for recurring monthly costs like memberships or magazine subscriptions that you don’t need or use anymore. How much are you spending on bank fees? Can you change that? Are your savings earning you even a modicum of interest? It pays to be informed. Change service providers -

research has shown many are missing out on savings of over €2,000 a year by failing to shop around for better value on their household bills, including their bank. You can save substantial amounts of money by shopping around for your service providers or what bank you will do business with. There is really no excuse when sites like bonkers.ie make it

Finally, make little changes - little changes add up to big savings., giving up take-away coffees will save you at least €3 a day. Walking to lose weight is free, as opposed to forking out for a pricey gym membership. Why not try a “zero spend day” once in a while to see if you can go an entire 24-hours without having to tap. john@ ellisfinancial. 0868362633

Time management is key for our wellbeing ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

STRESS destroys both our mental wellbeing and physical health. It can ultimately lead to chronic or even terminal illness. Stressful situations often develop when we feel we don’t have enough time but we can take back control of this with a few easy steps. First, are you doing too much and do you know how to say “no”? Frequently we feel ourselves up against the clock because we are too obliging and end up with more to do than we can manage. When someone asks you to do something, do you automatically say “yes”? If you can’t say “no”, people inadvertently pile more on you because they assume you can handle it. It isn’t rude or selfish to say “no”. You know how much you can manage and if you start politely refusing what you think you can’t

reasonably achieve, you’re likely to do much better at what you feel you can. Use to-do lists and prioritise. This saves on time spent trying to remember what you need to do. It also means that important tasks get done first. I’ve got a busy day today, I need to write this article, another for another publication, do jobs around the house, do a day’s work etc. I also want to watch a couple of sports matches. I’ve put these last two at the end of my list for today because, ultimately, if I end up not seeing them, it isn’t the end of the world whereas it’s much more important that I complete the other tasks. It also means that when I do sit down to watch them, I can give them my full attention. Try to avoid multitasking. Many people think trying to do more than one thing at once is a great way to get things done more quickly. Actually, it doesn’t work like that. You end up doing half jobs which need redoing to get them up to scratch. Allocate a reason-

able length of time to do each task and stick to it. Avoid distractions. You know the pattern. You sit down to do something, then you get an email from work or a text from a friend and this pulls you away from what you first intended to get done. Sometimes urgent things do happen which need your attention immediately but most of the time we can continue to concentrate on the task at hand and then give what popped up our full attention later. Don’t procrastinate! We frequently put things we don’t want to do or which seem difficult on the back burner. Avoid doing that like the plague! It only makes what we don’t want to do seem even more daunting and leaves us racing against the clock to get it done rather than being relaxed whilst completing whatever task it is. We can’t remove all stress from our lives. A little time management goes a long way to reducing it though. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

Science & Wellbeing

So, what are the chances of living forever? AT the age of 122 years and 164 days, French woman Jeanne Calment (pictured), when she died in 1997, set a record for oldest human. That record still stands. But we can expect that record will be broken by 2100, according to a report on BigThink.com Scientists study the maximum human life span using a datadriven approach. One study, published in June 2021, models and combines two key components: how the risk of dying flattens after age 110, and growth in the number of people to reach age 110 this century. An analysis of these two factors suggests it’s nearly inevitable that someone will break Calment’s record during the 21st century, with an 89% chance that someone will live to at least 126, but only a 3% chance that someone will reach age 132. Scientists are debating wheth-

er there is a fixed limit to our human life span, says the report. Some biologists say the data shows that ageing is not a disease that can be treated, but instead an inevitable process that cannot be fully stopped, whether through medical breakthroughs or other means. That there is a natural limit to life expectancy, implying that maximum ages will level off as well. But others think there’s good evidence that life spans will continue to lengthen, or at least for a lucky few, suggesting there is some hope for extending life spans dramatically via medical interventions. Ultrawealthy tech titans like Tesla’s Elon Musk and Google co-founder Sergey Brin are investing heavily in such research. Data on ‘super-centenarians’ or those who reach age 110, are limited and often of poor quality. Since these individuals died before 2020, they were

40 winks is not the best sleep IN one of the first studies to measure the cognitive benefits — or lack thereof — of short naps, research from Michigan State University finds that naps do not restore cognitive function if you are not getting six to eight hours of uninterrupted, slow-wave sleep (SWS). (SWS) is the most restorative sleep phase. It is the deepest type of non-REM sleep. It is a time when your muscles, heart rate, and respiratory rate are at their most relaxed, and it is characterised by high-amplitude delta brain waves. SWS is

associated with memory consolidation, and this is the phase of sleep in which dreams and sleepwalking can occur. “SWS is the most important stage of sleep,” says Kimberly Fenn, an author of the study. “When someone goes without sleep for a period of time, even just during the day, they build up a need for sleep; in particular, they build up a need for SWS. When individuals go to sleep each night, they will soon enter into SWS and spend a substantial amount of time in this stage.”

all born no later than 1910. Because of record-keeping limitations throughout the world at that time, only records from 13 countries could be included in the database. For that reason, our study is limited to individuals from those 13 countries. Mortality rates generally in-

crease as people age. For example, individuals are more likely to die at age 80 than age 20. But this changes for those who make it to 110 years old. The best available data suggests that mortality rates for these ‘supercentenarians’,”while high, do not increase as they continue

to age. In a sense, this means that supercentenarians stop ageing. Instead, supercentenarians as a group have a steady but very high mortality rate of about 50% per year. This means that for every 1,000 individuals who have reached age 110, we expect ap-

proximately 500 of them will have died before their 111th birthday, and 250 more by age 112. Taken to its logical end point, this pattern suggests only 1 of the 1,000 would reach age 120, and only 1 in a million ‘supercentenarians’ would reach age 130.

Hey Mammy,what time are the kids due? WITH 5,400 mammal species roam the planet, running the gamut in size and appearance — that astonishing diversity is also on display in how mammal mothers undergo pregnancy and birth, from the domestic dog bearing pups from different fathers in one litter to the swamp wallaby carrying babies in two separate wombs. Intelligent, long-lived species often have lengthy pregnancies, which allows ample time for foetal development. The African elephant has the longest pregnancy, at a whopping 22 months. “The baby elephant is born very complete, and it can walk long distances,” says Thomas Hildebrandt, a veterinarian at Germany’s Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research. Similarly, the five species of rhinoceros are pregnant an average of 16 months, resulting in a fully devel-

oped calf. Some marine mammals, such as the bottlenose dolphin, carry their young for between 10 to 12 months, which means that calves can keep up with their mother from the get-go. On the other end of the spectrum, the animal with the shortest known gestational period is the Virginia

opossum. North America’s only marsupial can give birth to an average of eight to nine infants just 11 to 13 days after mating; each of these ‘pinkies’ — so called for their fingerlike appearance — are the size of a dime. They make their way from the birth canal to the pouch to continue their development. Animals with shorter gestation periods have multiple babies, like your typical house mouse, a breeding machine that’s pregnant for just 19 days — yielding between 12 to 20 babies every two months. Because “their environment is very dangerous and constantly changing,” Hildebrandt says, the glut increases the chances that some will make it to adulthood. Domestic dogs and cats, as well as their wild counterparts, also bear multiple babies in a short period of time: A typical domestic dog gestation is 63 days, result-

ing in an average of five to six pups. Pups in a litter can have multiple fathers, a phenomenon called superfecundation. Because female dogs release more than one egg when they ovulate, and their cycle can last a week, they can mate with different males to fertilise as many eggs as possible, says Alexander Travis, a reproductive biologist at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. That’s why some dogs can have mixed-breed litters: A poodle, for instance, can give birth to a poodle-beagle mix and a poodle-retriever mix at the same time. More than 130 mammal species, such as bears, seals, sea lions, and several marsupials, can delay a pregnancy until conditions are just right. That could mean favourable weather, an abundance of food, or after older, competing siblings have set off on their own.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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Travel & Leisure

The Italian job - and a deal - as travel reopens

BY FIONN DAVENPORT

GROUP holiday specialist Travel Department welcomed its first customers back to Italy last week on its Lake Como, Milan and St Moritz tour including the Bernina Express. Sara Zimmerman, CEO, Travel Department: “We were delighted to welcome our first customers back to Lake Como this week.

“It’s clear that many of those joining our tour, whether first timers or returning customers, really welcomed the reassurance of travelling with a trusted tour operator with best in class safety standards.” Congratulations to the Travel Department – another good sign that travel is on its way back! To celebrate being back in

Italy Travel Department has launched its Italy Offer which gives €50pp* off any seven-night or more 2022 holiday to Italy by using the code: VP-ITALY50 when booked before September 30. Everything is included from flights, accommodation, transfers, and excursions to an expert local guide.

Ryanair, yet again, pulls out of Belfast BY FIONN DAVENPORT RYANAIR has announced that it will cease its services from Belfast International Airport and Belfast City in the autumn. This means Ryanair will operate no services from or into Northern Ireland. The carrier will stop flying to Alicante, Barcelona (Girona), Gdansk, Krakow, London Stansted, Malaga, Malta, Manchester, Milan (Bergamo) and Warsaw from Belfast International on October 30. Routes from Belfast City to Spain, Portugal and Italy will cease on September 12. Ryanair had reintroduced services had from Belfast City on June 1 last but strictly on a seasonal basis. However, a spokesperson for Belfast International Airport was quoted in the Belfast Telegraph as saying: “It is disappointing that Ryanair has now decided to withdraw operations

from the entire Northern Ireland market at the end of October, having variously had a presence in all three local airports in recent years. “It has been a difficult period for aviation and a time when consumers need some stability and faith in the Northern Ireland air transport network.” The spokesperson admitted the move was expected: “As we have been anticipating such a move, we have been engaging with our existing and other new airlines to provide continuity on the routes to be vacated by Ryanair, and to help sustain employment in the aviation industry at a local level in Northern Ireland. “To this end, we hope to be able to make announcements regarding fresh route development in the near future.” The airline terminated its service from City of Derry Airport earlier this summer.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

Community Group

Show racism the red card KILKENNY’S Twilight Community Group with their strong association with the Football Association of Ireland have been involved in the International Campaign of SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD. Post Covid the Charity held their Integration World Cup with the diaspora of all our New Communities togged out in their nation’s colours to represent their Country. This year the Immigrant Council of Ireland will be the lead organisation on the Show Racism the Red Card programme In the latest of the series of articles profiling the new communities in Kilkenny and Ireland, the spotlight is on the Romanians in Ireland. Ovidiu Matiut is the Integration officer with Spirasi, working to assist immigrants to find employment. He is also the secretary of the Romanian Community in Ireland. The programme he coordinates runs for six weeks and is made up of an intense three-week English for employment course, two weeks of life skills modules focusing on areas such as employment rights and entitlements, social welfare to work, Irish adult education system, money ad-

vice and budgeting and stress management. The sixth week is filled with work preparation skills such as writing C.V. s, cover letters and mock interviews. He is one of the estimated 20-30,000 Romanians living in Ireland.

As secretary of the Romanian Community group, he has seen a lot of changes in Ireland and the status of Romanians in Ireland. Romanians are allowed in Ireland only as visa holders and that is not easy to get. It is a long and very frus-

trated process and I think less than 50% of applicants will get a visa. The positive aspect for Romanians is that it is possible to have a decent life in Ireland even though the cost is high. Unfortunately, their qualifications are not recognised here

so they are not doing work according to their qualifications. Romanians began to move to Ireland initially in small numbers following the collapse of the Ceaucescu regime and as the Irish economy grew so too did the numbers of Roma-

What is Elder Abuse? ‘’Abuse may be defined as any act, or failure to act, which results in a breach of a vulnerable person’s human rights, civil liberties, physical and mental integrity, dignity, or general wellbeing, whether intended or through negligence, including sexual relationships or financial transactions to which the person does not or cannot validly consent, or which are deliberately exploitative. Abuse may take a variety of forms”.

Neglect considers the possibility of neglect if: • You are not receiving adequate liquids to drink or food to eat • Your clothes are not being washed when required • You are not being provided with appropriate clothing for the weather conditions • You are being denied the aids you need, eg glasses, hearing aid, dentures etc • You are being left alone for long periods when you cannot move about easily or prepare meals without assistance • You are bed/chair bound and you are experiencing significant discomfort which is not alleviated when this is brought to someone’s attention

nians moving here. The majority are in Dublin and probably male aged 20-45 years old. They work in IT, construction, hotel, and catering. When asked do the majority want to stay in Ireland, Ovidiu supposes that Romanians who have had family in Ireland are likely to stay but many others see their future in Romania. On leisure and sport activities Romanians like their satellite TV with Romanian channels. On a local level there are three Romanian football teams, one of which plays in the SARI Brian Kerr League. On the Romanian attitude to GAA, Romanians believes that it is an unusual sport and hence not many Romanians play. A recent Irish government survey which indicates that racism has declined in Ireland by 20%: “I do not agree what I can say is that the institutionalized racism is very big and as well the immigrants fear of reporting it. As well we cannot neglect the ability of same people to diversify methods of being racist”. Ovidiu Matiut, secretary of the Romanian Community in Ireland, told the immigrant Council of Ireland.

Community Group

Give us a hand to STOP elder abuse! AT the Kilkenny Older people’s Councils Annual Conference in 2019, one of the topics discussed was the abuse of our elders. To say I was astounded to hear, how it was inflicted in many cases by a member of the family while others stood idly by. To comprehend that this could be an ongoing problem in our society of today was of particular concern to the Twilight Community Group.

There has been very limited research on elder abuse, although there is some evidence that suggests it may be nearly as widespread in the community as child abuse. Although attention has increased somewhat in recent years, most research on elder abuse and neglect has focused on incidence, causes, and risk factors in the community. Elderly who live in settings other than their own homes or apartments or those of relatives

have received relatively little attention from either the research or policy communities. As we come to the end off the cycle of our Begin Together programme of our Health and Wellness programme, which was very kindly supported by the Bank of Ireland through the community foundation of Ireland, our Seniors Forum Steering Committee decided to take a closer look at what forms this abuse may take place against elders today. Firstly, we examined what the definition of the Term elder Abuse.

What forms can Elder Abuse take? There are several forms of abuse, any, or all of which may be carried out as the result of deliberate intent, negligence, or ignorance. • Psychological abuse • Neglect and acts of omission • Financial or material abuse • Physical abuse • Sexual abuse • Discrimination Psychological Abuse consider the possibility of psychological abuse if: • You are made feel afraid in your living accommodation • You are experiencing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness because of the attitude or behaviour of others • You are made feel tearful and agitated

Financial Abuse consider the possibility of financial abuse if: • Someone else has access to your accounts without your full permission • You feel pressured to allow someone else access to your accounts • Someone else makes decisions about your money without speaking with you • You feel you have lost all control over your money • Your money is being spent by someone else for things other than your bills, clothes, food, etc. • You feel pressured to give money to someone else

Physical Abuse: consider the possibility of physical abuse if: • You have been treated roughly, enough to leave marks or bruises • You have been treated violently which caused broken bones, sprains, dislocations, or other injuries • Someone has inflicted pain on you Sexual Abuse; consider the possibility of sexual abuse if: • Someone has forced you to be intimate with them without your consent • We consider this to be an issue we cannot neglect or ignore. it may be someone you know, it may be your parent or relative, and remember this could be you in a very short few years! • If you are experiencing any of the feelings or effects outlined above, you may need to speak with your GP, Public Health Nurse or Safeguarding and Protection Team or contact the HSE Information line on 1850 24 1850. In our region if you suspect that some is, or in danger of elder abuse the contact details to report such behaviour is. Ms. Geraldine Sutton, HSE Offices, Dublin Road, Lacken, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny Tel: 056-7784325 Email: Safeguarding.cho5@hse.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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News

New app makes air travel easier WITH consumer confidence in travel slowly returning, Aer Lingus has introduced a new digital Travel Support tool digital designed to remove confusion regarding travel restrictions and entry requirements for all Aer Lingus destinations. The interactive tool on aerlingus.com, powered by Sherpa, allows Aer Lingus customers to

search destinations and retrieve up-to-date tailored travel information based on their specific circumstances including vaccination status, return travel and flight connection requirements. Since Ireland’s lifting of the ban on non-essential travel on July 19 last, Aer Lingus gas said it has noted a high volume of queries from customers confused by the

entry requirements, restrictions and documentation needed for their journeys. The new Aer Lingus Travel Support tool helps to address these concerns by providing clear information, pulled from multiple official sources. Customers can get clarity on the types of Covid-19 tests accepted, age criteria for testing of chil-

dren and any exemptions that may apply at each destination. Sherpa began as a source for entry requirements to countries but, with Covid, quickly pivoted. The company was founded in 2015 by two friends Max Tremaine and Ivan Sharko who worked in the tech industry and travelled a lot for work. Originally focused on visa re-

quirements and such, they’ve quickly grown to become the go-to for Covid requirements and count Expedia, Lufthansa, American Airlines, Condor and British Airways to name just a few, among their partners. Speaking on the introduction of the tool Dave O’Donovan, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Aer Lingus, said: “We

are proud to partner with Sherpa on the integration of this new interactive search tool on aerlingus.com. This tool will help to boost confidence in the travel experience, assuring customers of the steps they need to take to ensure a smooth and seamless journey.” For more information and for bookings, visit aerlingus.com.

School’s makeover plan has 11 rooms for SNA

It’s child’s play when it’s play time ... THE long-awaited opening of the Pil River Park took place the other week, to great welcomes from the local community. It was a long wait for the community, with construction work delayed by the Covid lockdown, but on week-

end afternoon of the official opening, there was excitement for children and adults who were checking out the park for the first time. Located by the Pil River, and just beside the old Garda Barracks on the Main Street in Piltown, the park is

designed to have relaxing, river-side seating, a sensory garden, and lots of play areas for children. “Congratulations to the hard working committee and all who supported the plans, fundraising and work that went into this lovely, new

community facility,” Anti litter poster winners announced for new community park in south Kilkenny. The park can be enjoyed by all ages, with play areas for children and peaceful, riverside relaxation for others who can sit in the park and listen

to the river flowing by. Playground equipment is being installed along with thoughtful planting. As part of the Pil River Park there is a sensory garden which will include a raised flower bed in the shape of a boat, linking the bank and the river.

Teen boys, girls differ greatly over sexual consent, says new survey NOTICEABLE differences between how teenage boys and teen girls understand issues concerning sexual activity and consent have emerged in a survey of Irish secondary school pupils. Among the findings was that boys were more likely to agree it was acceptable to assume an active or even ‘controlling position” in a sexual encounter. The research also identified a number of ‘grey areas’ with acceptance of principles around consent not necessarily translating into practice in real-life situations. The survey of 613 teens, aged 15 to 17 years, in five schools, provides an insight into how young people think and feel about consent.

Around 2,000 people — students, teachers and parents — contributed to research conducted by the NUI Galway Active Consent team, providing the most complete picture to date of consent communication and how best to respond to meet young people’s needs. The findings fed directly into the development of a range of resources for use in schools with 15- to 17-year-olds, which are being launched today. The NUI Galway programme will help modernise sex education in schools, with the promised roll-out of an updated curriculum, to include, for the first time, the topic of consent, still awaited. The survey participants responded to three ‘consent sto-

ries’ that explored reactions to someone saying “no” to a partner, to whether a smile constitutes consent and to how males are perceived if they turn down sex. Findings include: * 93% of girls and 79% of boys agreed that consent is always required for sexual activity, while 18pc of boys were neutral on whether it is always required compared with 6pc of girls. * 62% agreed consent for this activity always needed to be verbal, comprising 67% of girls and 58% of boys. * 60% said non-verbal consent to sexual activity is sometimes OK, with little difference between the genders. *51% of boys were comfortable with intimate touching

with someone they had just met at a party, compared with 7% of girls. Another wide gap between responses from boys and girls was on the issue of having sexual intercourse with someone they had just met a party, with 35% of boys comfortable, compared with 5% of girls. Some 98% agreed it was okay to say “no, I don’t want to”, but there was divide on whether it was OK to make an assumption about ongoing sex just because they had done it before, with 83% of females saying it was “not OK”, compared with 57% of males. Being awkward, embarrassed, or being afraid of being judged or ruining the mood emerged as key barriers to consent com-

munication. Dr Pádraig MacNeela, coleader of the NUI Galway programme, said it responded to calls to support second-level school communities with positive, active consent. “Our research tells us that young people, parents, and teachers are all looking for practical advice on open communication that is based on mutual respect.” Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon said: “The Active Consent programme indicated that we are making progress in confronting what is not only a complicated issue, but an extremely important one for developing positive relationships and reducing sexual harassment.”

JOHNSTOWN school Coláiste Mhuire has received funding from the Department of Education & Skills to include the construction of a new general purpose/dining hall, a school library and eleven new special education rooms in a major extension planned for Coláiste Mhuire in Johnstown. In total, the development at the school will include construction of 12 general classrooms, two of which will replace prefabs at the school. There will also be 11 new special education rooms, a new home economics room, a new graphics room, two new science labs, a new art room, a new engineering room, a new tech prep area, two new project stores, a new staff room, a general purpose/dining hall and a library. John Paul Phelan TD said the extension was a significant enhancement of the original application approved for the school earlier this year. Mr Phelan acknowledged the fantastic work of Carlow Kilkenny Education & Training Board, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, and the school community, including teachers, students, the board of management and the parents council, for their efforts in advancing the project.

A tale of our King Henry NOW considered one of the greatest hurling players of all time, Henry Shefflin has won 11 All Ireland medals with his beloved Kilkenny, and enjoys success on TV as a sports pundit and commentator. However, life was not always easy for Shefflin. Now, in King Henry!, the second book in new children’s series celebrating Irish sporting legends from Paul O’Flynn of RTE, a fictionalised account, about the boy who became the man who won more All-Stars, Hurler of the Year awards and All-Ireland medals than any other.

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Top supplements for kids heading back to school CLAIR WHITTY

IT’S that time of year again when you’re thinking about getting the kids ready to go back to school. Maybe you’re thinking about what to give them for extra support so that they are ready to face the school year ahead of them. Some of my favourite products for kids heading back into school are Eskimo Oil for Kids, vitamin D, and Revive Active, Junior Revive and Teen Revive for kids and teens, an Irish Brand. Omega Oils are extremely important for a child’s development especially brain function, vision, and immunity. Most young people don’t eat enough oily foods or oily fish to

get enough of these important omega oils. We cannot make these omega oils ourselves so they must be provided either through food and if not, in a good quality supplement. For example, Eskimo- 3 Kids Omega Oils contain the important DHA needed for brain development. Eskimo 3 Kids contains omega 3-6 and 9, plus vitamin D which we know is important for immunity, mood, and normal bone development. The oil is suitable for children 1–12 years old and can be enjoyed straight from the spoon, or you can add it to your favourite food or smoothie for an omega-3 boost. You can choose Tutti Frutti or Orange flavour. There’s also an orange chewable with omega-3 and vitamin D for the fussier eaters. You can choose Eskimo Brain 369 for young teenagers

in exam years. The sooner you start taking omega oils the better especially for exam students. Support their diet with a good multivitamin, for example Revive Junior is suitable for 4–12-year-olds or Revive Teen for ages 13–18. Both products contain a mix of nutrients including Wellmune® a Beta Glucan from the Kerry Group. This comprehensive formulation supports your child’s immune system, bones, cognitive function, mental performance, and heart. I love that you only have to give it on the school days, you have the weekend off. It has no flavour so you can mix it into anything. For example, yoghurt, juice, cereal, or milk. Support your kids’ diet with extra nutrients in Revive Junior/ Teen and omega oils in Eskimo Kids Omega Oils. This will help give their body the tools it needs to function at optimal levels, giving them a kick start this school year, and hopefully they’ll miss less days from school too. Why not call in to have a chat with us or check out our online shop for deals, blogs, and recipes. Shop online at www. naturalhealthstore.ie Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie

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New poems I

N 2019, ‘The Kilkenny Involvement Centre’ published a book of poems with the wonderful title ‘Poems from a Kilkenny Laneway’. The ninety page publication features forty poems with contributions from members at the centre as well as work from Kilkenny’s wider writing community. In conjunction with The Involvement Centre, The Kilkenny Observer newspaper will reproduce these poems over the coming weeks. The Kilkenny Observer is delighted to promote this project and we hope you enjoy the poems. Week eight sees poems from Joe Murray, Gerry Moran and Se Nicholson

His Eyes are Lowered His eyes are lowered, seldom he looks up. His hands are clasped around his ragged knees. He gazes at the grubby paper cup Which trembles in the stiff autumnal breeze. Some idling passers-by will look his way And some will even drop a coin or two. They look at him with eyes that seem to say Thank Christ I have a better life than you. Thank Jesus for my partner, house and kid, My job, my car, my healthcare and my gym. They revel in the comfort of the quid, Then on they walk and think no more of him. His eyes don’t lift to look at them, because It breaks his heart to see what he once was. Joe Murray

To Be, Or Not To Be

Together Male and Female

To be, or not to be..... An actor..... That is the question. Now here is the answer: You must be a chancer A ‘Jack of all Trades’ A singer, a dancer A leading man A fool, a messer A dame, ugly sister In short: a cross-dresser One night you’re a priest The next night a pimp You must talk with a twang Walk with a gimp No stage is too big No hall too small You must cry when called upon Shut up, shout or bawl. The skin, of course Must be made of leather To tread the boards In brass-monkey weather To bear the barbs Of outrageous critics To find family & friends First-class, free tickets. You need fortitude, courage Just to go on To play Shakespeare in Skeough To an audience of one! Last but not least Be your act good or bad Best asset of all Is to be.....stone mad!

He was confident, tall and attractive, the world at his feet, she was a planet of beauty that shone. He took her by the hand, they were aged 13.

Gerry Moran

Sé Nicholson

I was outside looking in, they knew I was an alien, they were on another planet, with green fields, everyone there had laughing, confident heads and wore the right clothes. They knew they were the best looking specimens on the planet. When they moved, it seemed they had practiced for years effortlessly, saying to me: “I know you can’t”, and when they kissed the planet blocked the sun. He was the Master of the Universe. I thought I was one of them! But no, it was only a dream, I could never be. Then one day on earth I met someone who didn’t care if I was a gladiator. I became the Master of the Universe I knew then I was always Master of my Universe.

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Feature

Final rehearsal with cast and crew of Lake Productions for the production of ‘War of the Worlds’

Sheelagh Lynch: An appreciation I

REMEMBER a production of ‘The Field’ in The Club House Hotel, during the early 90’s. Smithwick’s Brewery employee Tom Halpin played the role of the Bull McCabe. In the dramatic pub scene, where McCabe demanded the silence of the village on events that were about to unfold, Halpin came into his own. Fearsome and powerful, he delivered his lines with gusto. From my seat in the third row, I could see that disaster was about to unfold. A creaking flat on stage right was about to collapse. Tom spotted the problem and positioned his shoulder at the wall, ensuring the set stayed intact. From there, he delivered his final lines. Class. Exactly what you would expect from Tom. The Boy Scouts motto - Bí Ullamh, may also be applied where thespians gather, for they must be alert, and they must always be prepared.

Many curtain calls after that night, a long sojourn at the Watergate Theatre was to throw up its own ‘Halpin’ moments. Our Watergate Productions team staged over fifty in- house shows, which featured some of Kilkenny’s finest actors, directors, lighting designers and set designers. After every successful show; the actors received the applause and plaudits. Fair enough. However, if the truth be told, without the stage crew nothing would happen. The stage manager, for example, is the very cornerstone of any production and it is often their acumen and foresight that ensures a show does not cross the thin line that separates a successful production from a disaster. Without the stage manager, an actor may as well whistle Dixie. We were blessed to have had in our corner Mick Kavanagh (another Smithwick’s Brewery man) who stage

managed most of our shows. Pantomime or theatre, like a good second in boxing, Mick was always on hand. He was assisted on many occasions by a Rioch’s man Aidan Doheny. Today, Aidan is employed as a full time professional in this area. When Mick died, it was difficult to know who would replace him. Enter Sheelagh Lynch, stage left. If ever a person was suited to theatre work, it was Sheelagh. She took to it like the proverbial duck to water. It was if she had served a long apprenticeship and earned a bachelor’s degree in Stage Management & Technical Theatre. From the beginning Sheelagh was calm, authoritative and confident. She settled, quickly. Her commitment, dedication and leadership qualities central to her work ethic. Later, with Lake Productions, Sheelagh flourished. She displayed patience and panache as she stage-

Cast and backstage crew of ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’, Performed by Moonlight Players: Sheelagh Lynch, (Stage Manager) Brendan McGuire (Technical) Gerry Cody ( Director) James Nolan, Maggie Cooney, Frances Sweeney and Sean Hackett

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Feature

There was a lot more to Sheelagh than the theatre. But she was circumspect and divulged little of her home life or of her other interests. Casual conversations elicited the fact that she was a literate and a well- read woman. It is what one would expect from a woman from ‘The Continent’ and a past pupil of ‘The Lake’ school. I would not be surprised to discover that she was a woman who dabbled in writing. Nor would I be surprised if a search of a wardrobe in her house discovered a treasure of short stories or poetry with her copyright stamp on them. She had that way about her. As a colleague and as a friend she was pleasant, funny, kind, understanding and empathetic. Her family and home were sacrosanct and remained a private domain. For now, we are thankful to have shared part of Sheelagh’s life journey and we are grateful that this talented lady was a major part of the amateur theatre scene in Kilkenny. Sheelagh’s contribution to Lake Productions was enormous. She was one of our first members and was always willing to support and promote. Her body of work has enriched the theatre world and is widely appreciated. Prior to her death, Sheelagh had a lot of groundwork completed on a forthcoming production of ‘The Kings of the Kilburn High Road’. Alas, she will not see it staged. On Sunday the news of Sheelagh’s passing devastated our close- knit comcommunity. As we attempt to com Sheelprehend the enormity of Sheel agh’s passing we feel lost and alone. Our hearts are broken. One of our gallant band has, prematurely, exited stage left. Suffice to say we will miss her, greatly. Be at peace sweet kind and gentle lady. As the hearse left St Johns Church, a guard of honour was formed by members of the Kilkenny theatre fraternity. Later, The staff of the Clubhouse Hotel formed a guard of honour at the entrance to St Kieran’s cemetery. From your friends in Lake Productions managed such shows as ‘Trad’, ‘After Sarah Miles’ (both staged at Cleere’s Theatre) and ‘War of the Worlds’ performed at the Set Theatre in John Street. Sheelagh also stage managed ‘The Odd Couple’, staged by Gowran Little Theatre group. Other shows she worked with in various capacities included Jesters, KMS, and Stonyford Stage School. Her last production was ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’ with Moonlight Players, staged in ThomThom astown. For Sheelagh this may have been a new venue and a new group, but the challenge was welcomed. UnsurUnsur prisingly she triumphed. Moonlight Players learned much from Sheelagh as they benefited from her astute guidance and her understanding. Her stage management excelled and was integral to the success of the endeavour.

Sheelagh Lynch … Her work has enriched the theatre world and is widely appreciated

Backstage crew of ‘Steel Magnolias’, staged at The Watergate Theatre. Clare Lynch, Dee Gibney, Sheelagh Lynch and Siobhán Cody

For Sheelagh – The Stage Manager

She always arrived at the first rehearsal With script and pencil. Any director would wish that the actors script Had received the same attention as hers. Pencil notes scribbled over different scenes, Question marks on lines she needed clarified. A red pen showed her confusion with a line. Her customary net bag full of possible props that would be needed “Never too early to start,” she would say. A somewhat late arrival to the world of theatre I remember her delight When she learned something new. Like the day we told her about The Ghost light on the stage Tradition dictated that this light Remained on when the theatre went to black, This helped to light the way for the ghosts that are said To inhabit virtually every theatre. As stage manager she excelled. Props in the same place each nightNothing left to chance You knew as you broke the leg from side stage To enter the world of imagination She had your back. The nod she gave that said get ready, The thumbs up as you re-emerged Letting you know you did a good job When the curtain came down. As actors retired to Tom’s for a few libations She would be found on stage preparing for the next night Props in place. Check. Stage ready. Check. Lights out. Check. Ghost light on. Check Now she joins the list for whom that light is lit. We think of her and smile. (Jbs)

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Community Group

Gone but not

Left: Capitulation of Polish insurgents Warsaw Uprising, Oct 1944

forgotten

was, in fact, a reaction to five years of horrifythe horrify ing occupaoccupa tion — the murdering of Polish w o m e n , intelliPolish children, Polish intelli gentsia.” The Warsaw Uprising broke out 77 years ago, on August 1, 1944. In the “W” hour, over 40,000, mainly young residents of Warsaw, attacked the Germans occupying the Polish capital. It was initially intended to last only a few days but more than two months of fierce fighting ensued. The Warsaw Rising was the largest armed offensive of

any underground resistance in German-occupied Europe. It was led by the Polish Underground State’s resistance movement, the Home Army. After 63 days of fighting, running low on ammunition and food supplies, and not supported by the Soviet Red Army present on the Right bank of the Vistula river, the Rising ended with the insurgents’ surrender on October 2. In the end, approximately 200,000 insurgents and civilians lost their lives, and by the time the Nazi German forces withdrew from Warsaw in January 1945, around 85 percent of the city’s infrastructure had been completely levelled and barely six percent of Warsaw’s pre-war population remained in the city. Like the heroes of Ireland’s history of conflict with the British Empire, the Poland’s conflict with Communism, may be all gone to their graves for the cause they believe in. Gone But not forgotten. 1916

Warsaw

POLAND and Ireland have many fighting legends. Down through Irish mythology we have Queen Maebh the ‘Warrior Queen’ from Connaught, ‘An Dearg Doom’ and of course the hurling legend Setanta. As we moved in to the modern era of Irish History, we have the heroes of 1916. Michal Collins, Padraic Pearse and Eamon De Valera who became our president. Poland has their heroes too. The following is a

brief account of the Warsaw Uprising and this year’s celebrations At 5 pm, August 1, 2021, the usually busy streets of Warsaw and other Polish cities and towns came to a solemn standstill – a moment of stillness and silence amplified only by the air raid sirens marking the 77th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising – the battle fought by Warsaw citizens for their beloved city, for Poland, Europe and universal

human dignity. Crowds also gathered at the Roman Dmowski Roundabout in central Warsaw. People, families, children, flying flags and observing the moment of silence. In various districts of Warsaw, veterans of the Warsaw Uprising and public persons pay tribute to those who died fighting arms in hands that memorable Summer of 1944. 77 years after day zero of the

Warsaw Uprising, the veteran members of the Home Army (AK) told the young generations not to call them heroes but rather follow their example as it would serve them well Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) told the gathering that “it is important today to talk about the Warsaw Uprising in a broad context and remember that the reaction of its participants

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Picture special Seamus,Fiona, Lucas and Ben Mcgrath

Paul and Millie Glennon

Karly Phelan

The Cornally family

t u o Ab Out &

WITH

Up from Cork for weekend Colin Cronin and Sarah Linehan

y n n a D art Lah

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Picture special

Jonah Phelan and Fionnula Kirby

Catherine Dwyer and Anne Bourke

Ciara, John and baby Robyn Quinn

Andrea Murray with her two sons

Gerard, Jack and Millie.

Paul, Orla, Hazel and Matt O’Gorman

Pat Cody and Murty Bambrick

Former kilkenny hurler with his sons

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Dine Me

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

Food & Drink

Come

Better to pair wine with white cheese

With

Chicken jalfrezi Preparation and cooking time Prep:10 mins Cook:1 hr Easy Serves 4

Instead of calling the Indian takeaway, make your own easy chicken jalfrezi. This curry is also healthy with two of your five-a-day and a dose of Citamin C. STEP 2 To make the sauce, fry ½ roughly chopped large onion, 2 chopped garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped green chilli in a large pan with a little vegetable oil, for around 5 mins, until browned.

Ingredients For the sauce • ½ large onion, roughly chopped • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 green chilli, finely chopped • vegetable oil, for frying • 400g can plum tomatoes • 1 tbsp ground coriander • 1 tbsp ground cumin • 1 tsp turmeric For the meat & veg • 2-3 chicken breasts, diced • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp turmeric • ½ large onion, sliced • 1 red pepper, chopped • 2 red chillies, finely chopped (optional) • 2 tsp garam masala • handful of fresh, chopped coriander leaves • cooked basmati rice or naan bread to serve Method STEP 1 Take 2-3 diced chicken breasts and coat in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander and 1 tsp turmeric then leave it to marinate in the fridge while you make the sauce.

STEP 3 Add 300ml water to the onion mixture and simmer for around 20 minutes. STEP 4 Meanwhile, put a 400g can plum tomatoes in a food processor and give it a good whizz (aim for a smooth consistency). STEP 5 Heat another large pan and gently fry 1 tbsp coriander, 1 tbsp cumin and 1 tsp turmeric in a splash of oil for about a minute. Add the tomatoes to this pan and simmer for around 10 minutes. STEP 6 Next, whizz your onion mixture in the food processor and add it to the spiced tomato

sauce. Season generously, stir, then simmer for 20 minutes. You can make large batches of this sauce and freeze it for later use. STEP 7 Fry the marinated chicken in vegetable oil and stir continuously. After a few minutes, turn down the heat and add the remaining ½ sliced onion, 1 chopped red pepper and 2 finely chopped red chillies. Stir until the onions and pepper soften. STEP 8 Add the sauce you prepared earlier to the cooked chicken and simmer for around 10-20 minutes, adding a splash of water if it gets too thick. STEP 9 Just before you dish it up, stir in 2 tsp garam masala and handful of chopped coriander leaves. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

Mushroom brunch Preparation and cooking time Prep: 5 mins Cook: 12 mins - 15 mins Easy Serves 4 You only need mushrooms, eggs, kale and garlic to cook this tasty one-pan brunch. It’s comforting yet healthy, low-calorie and glutenfree too.

Ingredients • 250g mushrooms • 1 garlic clove • 1 tbsp olive oil • 160g bag kale • 4 eggs

Method STEP 1 Slice the mushrooms and crush the garlic clove. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan, then fry the garlic over a low heat for 1 min.

Add the mushrooms and cook until soft. Then, add the kale. If the kale won’t all fit in the pan, add half and stir until wilted, then add the rest. Once all the kale is wilted, season. STEP 2 Now crack in the eggs and keep them cooking gently for 2-3 mins. Then, cover with the lid to for a further 2-3 mins or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve with bread.

THE tradition of matching red wine with ‘a cheese board’ is fraught with difficulty. With a plate full of cheeses covering the gamut of blue, goat’s, creamy and hard styles, red wine is rarely the optimum choice. One of the favourite cheeses from the point of view of both taste and wine-friendliness, is quality Parmesan. With its protected designation of origin status, ParmigianoReggiano comes only from the north of Italy, its sweet and nutty flavour matching so well with many wines. But Parmigiano-Reggiano is given added interest because the cheese is sold with different levels of maturity, which in turn give the cheese subtly different aroma, flavour and texture characteristics. It is sold with a minimum of 12 months of ageing, but 18-, 24-, 36-month cheeses are labelled as such, even 48-month Parmesan appears in specialist cheese shops. a cheese from Lithuania called Džiugas, produced by Žemaitijos Pienas, which is in a broadly similar style to ParmigianoReggiano. It too celebrates different maturation styles, with 12-, 18-, 24-, 36-, 48and even 60-month examples. It is revered in Lithuania and comes from the town of Telšiai, where Žemaitijos Pienas employs almost 1500 people. The youngest of the cheeses has a touch of crumble and nuttiness, a few crystals just beginning to form, but the smoothness and waxiness is much more pronounced than in the more mature examples. Džiugas describe the aroma as ‘hay meadow’ and I like that: something hay-like and dry, but fresh and flower/grass-like too. That suited this unsual Sauvignon Blanc very nicely: a single vineyard wine from Spain, it is partly fermented and aged in American oak, so there is creaminess and texture as well as pristine Sauvignon aromas and flavours. Try it with a Torres, Fransola Sauvignon Blanc 2017.\As the cheese has matured it has become firmer and more friable, and Džiugas’ suggestion to snap off chunks to nibble is a very good one, especially with the right wine. The 24-month worked very well with the white wine, and with the Champagne, but was probably best with the Beaujolais. The crunch in the cheese has developed, as well as a slightly toffeed quality, but the lightness, forward fruit and good acidity of the Cru Beaujolais from Henry Fessy cut through and made for a really interesting combination in the mouth. The cheese is not strong, but does have personality enough to take on a low-tannin red. Choice: Henry Fessy, Brouilly ‘Les Brulees’ 2017.

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TV & Streaming

Convincing telling of Kerry Babies saga FOR those with Apple+ TV, can I recommend Out Of Innocence (2019), written and directed by Briton Danny Hiller, writes Paul Hopkins. It is based directly on The Kerry Babies affair, and subsequent Tribunal. It is so well told, written and directed, with consummate acting from a stellar cast. Fiona Shaw gives the performance of a lifetime as Catherine Flynn (Joanne Hayes’s mother), dramatic in its understatement, while newcomer Fionuala Flaherty delivers a convincing portrayal as Sarah Flynn (Joanne Hayes). It’s a compelling piece of work, not only for it cinematic prowess but because it is a chilling reminder of the way we were back in the early Eighties, not that long ago in the scheme of things. The past was another country. Socially regressed, sexually naive and ashamed, and paternalistic in many pockets of this land. Misogynistic and church-ridden, restrictive of women and ignorant of any sense of their fundamental human rights. A country and a people largely without any sense of common decency. The patriarchal nature of the judiciary was matched only by the politicians upholding of an outmoded Constitution. In fairness, not all otherwise there would have been no tribunal. Most of all, the story is told (certain creative license allowing) as close to the truth as I recall the case. Again, underplayed if anything. And it correctly spotlights the disgraceful ineptitude and total lack of forensic application of the Gardai investigating the death of two new-born infants which saw them put Joanne Hayes and her family through a rough and ready ring of unsafe Garda

Oh, you thought you liked Mark Duplass? Because he was the love interest in all those indie romcoms, played that doctor in The Mindy Project, and is easily the best character in The Morning Show? Think again! In Creep, a found-footage film that foregoes pageantry for a stark sense of panic, Duplass plays a strange loner named Josef that freelance documentary maker Aaron, played by writer-director Patrick Brice, can’t quite pin down. Duplex’ performance is intoxicating, and Brice imagines a universe so compelling.

Directed by creature connoisseur Guillermo del Toro, Crimson Peak is a dark gothic fantasy you’ll want to fall into headfirst. Mia Wasikowska leads as a 19th-century American heiress, whisked away to England by her handsome new husband, played by Tom Hiddleston. Once the young bride arrives at her groom’s family mansion, however, visions of ghosts begin to plague her. That her sister-in-law, played by Jessica Chastain, treats her with mysterious disdain isn’t helping. An epic mystery with more exquisite scenes than you can count, this spectacular ghost story gives longtime del Toro fans the horror flick they’ve always wanted from the iconic director.

practices, sloppy police work, and gut-wrenching emotional bullying. Joannes Hayes’s and her family’s only crime was to be simple farm folk, not imbued

with very much education nor emotional intelligence, and to be scared and, perhaps, a little thoughtless, if not clumsy. But back then, such elements as these were still seen too

often by Church and State as crimes of a sort. The wee blessed donkey ... but we’ve come a good ways since... though there is more to be done....

Reset Lord of Ring for Amazon IT’S been 18 long years since Peter Jackson wrapped his beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy (and seven relief-filled years since he put his other trilogy to sleep). Now, after a prolonged period of Hobbitlessness, fans will finally return to Middleearth courtesy of Amazon Prime, whose own Dark Lord has emerged with a benevolent gift for us mortals in the form of a LOTR series based on JRR Tolkien’s extended mythology. The show remains shrouded in mystery, with media reports generally focused on the Smaug-sized price tag ($250

shock horror on Netflix

million for the rights, $465+ million for production). But with filming wrapped and a release date set for 2022. For those who don’t know their Silmarillions from their Sarumans, Amazon’s series will take place about thousands of years prior to Frodo and the Fellowship’s quest to destroy the One Ring — and thus the reign of warmongering Sauron — in the Lord of the Rings series. The era is referred to as the Second Age of Middle-earth. The series, which began development in 2017, will

reportedly draw heavily from The Silmarillion, Tolkien’s posthumously published Middle-earth Bible that spans the entire history of the land he created, as well as Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middleearth. According to an official plot synopsis first carried by TheOneRing.Net and later confirmed by Amazon, the series ‘will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin.’ It teases an appearance by ‘the greatest villain that ever flowed from

Tolkien’s pen,’ plus characters both ‘familiar and new.’ Additionally, the synopsis mentions locations such as the Elven capital of Lindo, the island kingdom of Númenor and the Misty Mountains of Led Zeppelin’s discography. Whether the series plans to Tree of Life its way through the history of Middle-earth before focusing on the Second Age remains to be seen, though rumour has it that director J.A. Bayona (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) will be introducing the Second Age as a whole in the first two episodes.

Writer-director Remi Weekes’ His House is easily my favourite scary Netflix release of 2020. Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu star as refugees from South Sudan seeking asylum in Britain who are assigned to live in an eerie neighbourhood where they aren’t welcome. Spectacularly frightening and ruthlessly critical of its subject matter, His House delivers everything it must — and then some.

Remarkably bad for a movie directed by Martin Scorsese but pretty good otherwise, Shutter Island follows US Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) on his investigation into an institution for the criminally insane. A twist ending and tons of jump scares make this is a one-of-akind experience you’ll feel very strongly about.

From cellos and foreplay to hallucinations and hiking, The Perfection does absolutely whatever it wants. Featuring Allison Williams in her best role since Get Out and Dear White People’s Logan Browning in her best part ever, this vibrant genre blend will get a reaction out of you. Not necessarily a good reaction, but a reaction nonetheless. It’s body horror meets psychological thriller meets occult drama meets classical music. With bugs. And vomit. I, for one, loved it!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

News Joan Gleeson making a presentation on behalf of the Eastern Environs to Fr Brian Griffin

L R Fr Dan Carroll, Jane Dineen, Fr Brian Griffin, Fr Lorcan Moran

Committee members. Back Row LR Bridget Dooley, Miriam Griffin and Brigid Gleeson

Parting is such sweet sorrow THE Eastern Environs Community group gathered in St John’s Parish Centre to bid a fond farewell to Fr Brian Griffin after his

six -year sojourn in the Parish. Fr Brian’s transfer to cover the two Laois parishes of Castletown and Camross was the

Last chance to win the ‘You’re a Star’ Quilt! WITH the weather set to be warm and sunny this week, we will get to enjoy a last burst of summer and hopefully some nice sunshine. But once the children are back to school and the days get shorter it will be time to start thinking about cosying up for the winter again. And what better addition to your home than the beautiful handmade ‘You’re a Star’ quilt! Made by the members of the South Midlands Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society, the quilt features 72 star blocks and was sandwiched by an award-winning quilter and textile artist from Cork, Mary Palmer. The members kindly donated the quilt to Teac Tom to be raffled to raise funds for this vital service.

Teac Tom is a suicide intervention and support charity based in Kilkenny city. It was established by Angela Hayes and her family after she suffered the tragic loss of her son Thomas in 2012 to suicide, on the anniversary of his dad’s death. Teac Tom provides support to those who are in crisis and those affected or bereaved by suicide. The charity is providing up to 100 hours of free counselling every week to those in need in our community. There is immediate, community-based support available from a team of both trained volunteers as well as professional counsellors. Angela Hayes, CEO of Teac Tom, says that the last 18 months have been extremely challenging as the pandemic has restricted

surprise inclusion in the Bishop’s recent Diocesan clerical changes. In bidding farewell to Fr Brian, the charity’s fundraising capabilities. At the same time, there has been an increased demand for services and that is likely to increase further over the coming years. After a successful exhibition during Kilkenny Arts Festival, the quilt has been packed up and is ready for its new home! The response to the quilt raffle has been overwhelming so far and tickets have been bought from all corners of Ireland, as well as Europe, Canada and the US. There are just a few weeks left to buy tickets as the raffle will take place in the second week of September Tickets for the raffle are available online or at Teac Tom, 15 Ormonde Rd, Kilkenny. Tickets are just €5 each or 5 for €20. Thank you for your support! www.idonate.ie/raffle/irishpatchworksociety www.thethomashayestrust. com / 056 7796592

Ann Coonan, Fr Brian Griffin and Brigid Gleeson

Joan Gleeson of Eastern Environs, felt confident that his calm understanding persona would see him blossom in his new sur-

roundings. Fr Dan Carroll, St John’s, thanked Fr Brian for his commitment to the parish and its

people and said his kindness, humility and good humour had left an indelible mark on all those he met.

Twilight in Bihac With the collapse of Kabul and decades of conflict and it is like a game of snakes and ladders as the US and coalition forces reached 99 only to slide back down to Number 1, yes back to where it all began. The Twilight community are holding a Migration to Integration project in host city (Bihac) Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Charity organisation based in your city Kilkenny are sending 6 delegates. Mr Stephen Mungovan, Twilight’ s Inclusion & Diversity Officer is the project leader. He will be joined by Natalia Caulfield, Events Co Ordinator, Karen Hughes, Pam Leonard, and Dermot Eardley. Having in mind that after high peak of refugee and migrant crisis in 2015, EU today is still main hub for influx of migrants and refugees from all over the world especially war affected areas in Africa and Middle East. Due to a fact that migration is a natural thing, and it will happen constantly and as we are witnessing high rise of anti-migrant behaviour in many European countries, we believe action is needed to fix this issue in our community and raise awareness. We identified Erasmus+ and its goals as one of the solutions we can do to change this situation in participating countries and their local communities. Training Course will help youth workers

to develop new tools and skills which they can carry home with them and to understand reality how it is not just by what is served to them via media channels. 1. Increase knowledge and understanding about migrant and refugee population, their problems, and needs. 2. Empower young people & youth workers to be advocates for activism & human rights. 3. increase awareness among young people about the need to help migrants and refugees in local communities through social inclusion 5. Inspiring participants to create new methods and tools that will facilitate future networking 6. Sharing experiences and good practices in relation to migrant and refugee population in the countries of partners 7. Promote Erasmus+ programme and non-formal education. TWILIGHT COMMUNITY GROUP (Ireland) is the lead applicant organization with Mano Europa (Lithuania) - coordinating organisation. Both will be joined by delegates from Association of youth Movement Bihac (Bosnia and Herzegovina) - UDRUZENJE GRADANA CALAMUS (Serbia) - Reencontro, associação social, educativa e cultural (I.P.S.S.) (Portugal) Active Youth (Malta) -MUL-

TECILER (Turkey) -Beyond Borders (Italy) Twilight Community Group with such a broad and diverse gathering of young adults we will get a comprehensive and pan European view on the topic of Migration to integrate Chairperson for Twilight Murty Brennan believes these projects are invaluable to the development of Policy and Practices “By listening to our Young Adults from all the different regions of Europe we can get a pan European View of the situations we are researching. These programmes take place on a regular basis. We have another trip for 5 delegates to go to Lithuania as Mano of Europe lead Our Skills, European future project raise awareness and importance of soft skills and how to use these skills with proper validation can contribute to job opportunities.” Travelling dates for this 2-part project are 18th -19th September and the 16th – 24th October 2021 If you wish to available of these and many more opportunities join the Twilight Inclusion Group by calling to the International Cultural house 15 A Hebron business Park or 0567813105 , tyi @ twilight.ie And please take our Google doc Migration to Integration survey available on Twilight Community Group face book page

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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Feature

The gas lighting of Kilkenny city A Lamplighter went methodically about his work

By Cois Céim in association with The Saturday Walkers Group

HE lighting of our city streets, which we take for granted, is a fairly recent phenomenon. For centuries after the founding of Kilkenny city, the only light available to people who braved the streets and laneways after nightfall would have been the light they provided for themselves such as a lantern, oil lamp or rush light. A bye law in 1672 stated a candle or lantern be placed in a window of every house during the Winter months. A century later the Corporation had made some provision for street lighting as we find them advertising in 1768 for two or three lamplighters. The light at this time was provided by the burning of oil on a cotton wick with protection from wind and rain by a glass bowl. It was recorded in 1818 that from 25th March to the following October to discontinue the lamps. It was noted

that for the previous two years the full cost of the city lamps had been met by the Corporation. Previously the costs were defrayed jointly by the Corporation and the citizens. INTRODUCTION OF GAS LIGHTING IN THE 1790’s The use of gas for lighting dates from the 1790s. Initially it was used for factory lighting. In the early 1800s gas for lighting was supplied on a municipal basis in the major cities of Scotland and England. Similar progress was made in Ireland when Cork was supplied with gas in 1816. In 1829 the Mayor of Kilkenny was asked to convene a public meeting to discuss the plan for lighting the city by gas. A report was signed by thirty four of the leading citizens, who were principally from the commercial and business communities. The meeting was convened on the 28th

May, and which Mr Peckston , who had installed gasworks in Dublin, Drogheda and Waterford outlined the plan. £6,000 was required as share capital by which a gas light company would be formed and managed by a committee of five proprietors. A committee was appointed to look into the matter and report to the meeting on June 1st. Mr. Peckston’s original plan was to extend street lighting to 3586 yards. The committee recommended the street lighting amount to 1055yards. Omitted from the scheme: Green St., Dean St., Coach Rd., Bull Alley., Vicar’s St., Lee’s Lane, Michael’s Lane, Magdalen St., Pennyfeather Lane, and Upper John St. to the Barrack Gate. The streets left in the scheme were Patrick St., The Parade, King St., John St. (to the pump) High St., Walkin St., (to the chapel) William St., Chapel

Lane., Wellington Square, James St., Coal Market., Irishtown (to Dean St.) and probably Rose Inn St. In a move to decrease expenditure further, they proposed to extend the burners or lamps at a distance of 80 yards rather than the 60 yards which Peckston proposed. They believed the principal streets would be well lighted by sixty five burners. The running costs would be paid for by the Corporation or the citizens. LIGHTING THE MORE PROSPEROUS AREAS OF THE CITY It is fairly clear that the lighting was being introduced into the more prosperous parts of the city. The more obvious reasons why this was so, was that probably the majority of the promoters of the gas house scheme lived on the selected streets, also these streets contained the better class of housing. Another reason was

the leading trade and commercial premises were on these streets and there would be greater opportunities for supplying private lights. When the final plan was brought before the public in late July, the yardage of the streets was 3288 to be lighted by sixty five burners at 50 yards spacing. The costs which would fall on the public purse were a very important part of the equation. There seemed to have been recognition that the Corporation would not meet the whole of the running costs (£195) and it was suggested the inhabitants should make use of the Lighting of the Towns Act. Under this Act the householders of towns and cities where there was no provision for lighting or cleansing, might vote for their introduction with the costs been met by a rate on property. A meeting was convened on July 27th to take a vote on whether to

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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Feature

Nothing remains of the gas works, except the laneway leading to the site is a reminder. It is named Gas House Lane. Photo: jbs photos Kilkenny

Coach Road was omitted from the scheme Photo: jbs photos Kilkenny

were open. Mr Liddell the proposed contractor had prepared a report, showing that the Kilkenny Gas Light Company was capable of a profit even in the first year. All but twelve of the 400 £10 shares had been taken up by February. Of the sixty shareholders all but one were local people with only a handful outside the City itself. On July 20th 1838 the trustees were granted a ninety nine year lease from the Corporation of a plot of land at St. John’s Green. On August 3rd Andrew Liddell announced that he commenced the contract and announced supplying gas within three months. Mr Wright’s at John’s Bridge Wellington Square had newly which availed of the opened and Gas light scheme. had for sale Photo: jbs photos Gas Lustres, Kilkenny Pendants, Brackets, Tubes etc. A meeting of the gas consumers was held in December 1842, and indicates that gas was available in Coal market, High St. John St. King St. The Parade, Patrick St. Rose Inn St. and Walkin St. It is likely that the system extended by March 1844 for some of those who requested the meeting were from Dean St., Magdalen St., Upper John St., and William St. By 1849 there

implement the Act. There was extensive opposition to the Act, a placard was posted up throughout the city addressed “To the people. Warning- that they would have to submit to a system of taxation if the proposal was carried into law”. Of the £195 projected annual cost, £100 would be met by the corporation, £20 by Irishtown, £65 be raised as a tax on the city and £10 by Irishtown. With no seconder for the proposition the Marquis of Ormonde in the interest of initiating a discussion moved accordingly. The proposition was defeated and the introduction of town gas was abandoned for a further eight years. In January 1838 proposals were again made for the establishment of a gas lighting company. There appears to have been no question that it would not proceed. The first advertisement announcing that share lists

The original gas lamp frame at St John’s church on the Dublin Road (Photo by Pat Shortall)

A picture of the gas light stand at the handball alley on Michael Street. (Photo: Pat Shortall)

were 177 lamps compared to the sixty five proposed in 1829. THE NIGHT OF THE BIG WIND DAMAGED CHIMNEY The Kilkenny Journal reported on November 24th 1838 that the City was lit with gas on the previous Wednesday for the first time. Unfortunately in early January 1839(the night of the big wind) the chimney at the gas works over 100 feet high and built only a short few weeks was brought down in the hurricane and falling on the gas house damaged the works. Eight months later the company was able to light the city, the new chimney having been completed. The company was constantly the butt of complaints from the citizens and consumers. Sometimes about the public lamps, ‘a penny candle would show as much or more light’. But principally about the price of gas. In 1849 a requisition was signed by 109 individuals, that gave an idea of the amount of private customers the company supplied. The complaints and threats of both individuals and the corporation, which included a boycott of gas and the reversion to oil lighting achieved marked reductions in the early years from 15shillings per 1000 cubic feet in 1839 to 11s and 6 pence in 1844 to 9 shillings and 2 pence in 1855 and by 1898 to 5shillings and 9 pence. The finances of the company were in great shape despite the reductions. The dividend on shares had risen to 10% by 1844 and had settled at 7% by 1851. Forty one shares were offered for

sale by Mr. Fitzsimmons of the Medical hall, one of the original committee of management. The position of Fitzsimmons as a major shareholder may have had some bearing on an unexplained incident in 1841. It was reported that bullets were cast at Kilkenny gasworks in the presence of a superintendent, a disclaimer was published that “Mr Phillips, an apprentice to Mr Fitzsimmons, had nothing to do with the casting of bullets which had taken place at the gas works”. There was more side products to Gas production than, coke, tar, benzol, and ammonia. HUGEE INCREASE OF THE USE OF GAS By 1899 Kilkenny Gas Works was serving over 300 customers, output being 12 million cubic feet per annum. In the ensuing 60 years, output had increased to 34 million cu.ft. supplying 1500 customers. The high cost of coal and labour made coal gas manufacture uneconomic and in the 1970s Kilkenny ceased production. The major cities switched to natural gas piped from Kinsale. Kilkenny itself benefited from a feeder off the Cork Dublin pipeline. The plant was demolished and the site sold to developers in the 1990s, as a commercial entity. Nothing remains of the gas works, except the laneway leading to the site is a reminder. It is named Gas House Lane. Sources: Old Kilkenny Review 1997, Edward J.Law.

This photo shows one of only three remaining gaslight stands which is on the laneway between Dean Street and The Black Abbey. (Photo Pat Shortall)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news BEREAVEMENT Sincere sympathies to the Murphy family on the sad passing of Siobhán (nee Fleming) of Maddoxtown recently. Siobhán was the beloved wife of Fintan, and mother of Clara club player John, also Club Coaching Officer, and Catherine. There were several club events postponed over last weekend as a mark of respect to Siobhán and her family. The huge turnout at Clara for her funeral on Sunday was testament to the esteem in which she was held in the community and further afield. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis. U14 CAMOGIE To wrap up the Roinn C league this year, the Clara girls finished with a Final appearance on 10th August against Ballyhale Shamrocks, the only team to beat them throughout the league. Unfortunately for the Clara girls this wasn’t their day to reverse that result. Despite a really strong attacking start by Clara, striking the crossbar in the first two minutes, Ballyhale quickly took control. This strong and well balanced Ballyhale team dominated for the remainder of the game and ran out impressive winners 4-7 to 0-1. These Clara girls will have better days. Clara team: Ava Kenny, Orla Carrigan, Katie Boyd, Caragh Brennan, Onagh Fitzgerald, Sarah Dunne, Ceola Leamy, Pia Langton, Lucy Boyd, Katie O’Connell, Jessica Brennan, Aisling Hayes, Aoibhe Callery, Danica Tervit-Krueger, Aoibheann McDonald, Moya Kelly, Brooke Flynn, Amy Bergin, Lucy Kealy. U16 CAMOGIE Clara finally got their u16’s league underway with a tough encounter away against Kilmacow/Slieverue on Sun 15th August. This young team including 8 u13’s/u14’s can be proud of how they played against a physically stronger team. After conceding a couple of early goals, Clara reorganised, made some positional changes and fought back to get within a single score. However Kilmacow/Slieverue managed to hold on and finished strongly with a final score of 4-4 to 2-3. Clara team: Ava Kenny, Danica Tervit-Krueger, Rachel Brickell, Katie Agar, Sarah Dunne, Emma Corr, Lucy Boyd, Pia Langton, Joanne Comerford, Jessica Brennan, Faye Lannen, Aisling Hayes, Claire Murphy, Brooke Flynn. FÉILE CAMOGIE This years FÉILE is an U15 competition. Clara competed against 5 other teams in the preliminary round of Feile competition last Saturday 21st August in what proved to be an exciting day’s camogie. Each team played 3 matches and the team top of the table progress to the final to be played next weekend. With a strong panel of 23, including 8 u12’s who all hugely contributed, Clara won their first two matches; Clara 2-8 v Bennetsbridge 2-2 and Clara 2-3 v Barrow Rangers 0-3. They then faced a Tullogher side who had already beaten a fancied Ballyhale team. This last game ended up being the decider as both teams were the only ones who had not yet been beaten. Led out by our team captain and one of only 3 u15’s, Katie Agar, Clara played with an intensity the coaches were delighted with. The Clara backs and midfield didn’t give the attacking Tullogher players an inch of space. Midfield also found their own space to take some scores themselves, but also to supply great ball to the forwards who were so effective and didn’t waste any opportunities. In what was undoubtedly Clara’s most efficient and impressive performance of the day, they won their last match and a place in the final on a 4-5 to 0-4 score line. From our on-fire goalkeeper, through the whole team and subs, the Clara girls can be delighted with their performances. Clara team: Katie Agar(c), Ava Kenny, Sarah Dunne, Danica Tervit-Kruger, Maria Hogan, Rachel Brickell, Aoibheann McDonald, Lucy Kealy, Amy Bergin, Caragh Brennan, Onagh Fitzgerald, Katie O’Connell, Moya Kelly, Pia Langton, Joanne Comerford, Lucy Boyd, Jessica

Brennan, Aisling Hayes, Aoibhe Callery, Katie Boyd, Ceola Leamy, Faye Morrissey, Orla Carrigan. COUNTY CAMOGIE Mary O Connell gave a great performance on Saturday at Pairc Ui Chaoimh as Kilkenny seniors had an easy win over Wexford to set up a semi final meeting with Cork. Mary finished with a personal tally of 1-3. She worked extremely hard and was rewarded for her efforts. Aisling Curtis, who is currently injured, is also a member of the panel. Well done girls. Clara also had good representation in Fermoy on Saturday as the Kilkenny minors beat Limerick 1-27 to 1-8 to also qualify for an All Ireland semi final. Laoise Nolan and Emma Shortall started and Rachel Whelan was also picked on the starting lineup but had to cry off. Gráinne Glynn and the Ryan sisters, Keara and Katie, were also on the bench. SHIELD FINALISTS The Clara Féile hurling team performed admirably on Saturday in St. John’s Park but were beaten in the final of the Shield Competition by Mooncoin. They were unfortunate to be drawn in the same group as eventual Cup winners Graigue Ballycallan and even more unfortunate to meet them in their first game. The Ballycallan lads prevailed by 5 points. Next up was Tullogher Rosbercon who were easily despatched. They then beat Lisdowney in the Shield quarter final, which set up a semi final meeting with Glenmore. This game went to extra time and took a lot out of the Clara boys in advance of the final. However Mooncoin were very deserving winners of that final. But a great days hurling by the Clara lads and well done to the mentors also. Johnny Shortall, Mark Galvin and Dara Glynn were the sideline gurus for this. Panel - Ori Phelan, Daniel Murphy, James Cody, Conor Galvin, Tommy Delaney, Philip Carrigan, Hugh Kelly, Conor Hoyne, Luke Lawlor, John Bergin, David Barcoe, Eoin Corr, Joe Power, Liam Carrigan, Dillon Cummins, Bill Kealy, Tom Boyle, Tom Murphy, Sean Cooke. A number of Clara boys were involved as Kilkenny travelled to Thurles to take on Tipperary on Saturday in two U16 hurling fixtures. One victory for each side was obtained. Harry Boyle, Rory Glynn and Ben Crow partook in one game while Zach Lawlor and Sean Carrigan played in the other game. Well done to all. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this week’s club lotto. Numbers Drawn were 3, 4, 6, 20 Bonus 17 Next week’s Jackpot will be €6,200 (Aug 24) Promotors Draw: 1. Pat Comerford c/o Tommy Gregg 2. Lorraine Scanlon c/o Esther Maher 3. Peggy Gregg c/o Tommy Gregg 4. Noreen Breen c/o Mick Nolan 5. Marie Dunne c/o Neil Loy 6. Sally Cleere c/o Kevin Cleere 7. Claire Mahony 8. Gerry Tyrrell c/o Online 9. Thomas Bryan c/o Online 10. Brian Murphy c/o Online Thank you for your continued Support. Play Again at www.oloughlingaels.com/ lotto CHARITY MATCH On Saturday O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie will host a Charity Fundraiser event in aid of the Kilkenny Homecare Team. The main event of the day will be a match between the Camogie club’s Mother’s MaMogie team and the Club’s Junior C team. Throw in at 5pm. From 4pm the event throws in with underage blitz and includes long puck competitions throughout all ages and to include a very competitive Dad’s long puck. The evening ends with a Cocktail evening in the lounge from 8pm for the adults, while the young Gaels continue to hurl on the pitches. Please support this great event for a great cause.

McCARTHYS EUROSPAR SUMMER CAMP 21 After two weeks of full on Gaelic Games Activities at St. Johns Park the 2021 O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp came to an end for over 260 young participants. Plans are already in place to welcome our young Gaels back but for now thanks to organisers and mentors for making a very special event. A special word two to our new Sponsors McCarthy’s Eurospar, Newpark Shopping Centre. Please support the club by supporting our sponsors. Join the club loyalty scheme at Eurospar, you don’t have to be a member just a shopper so please ask for details in store. FEILE 21 Disappointment for our u15 boys last weekend as they fell short in their group to come runners up in the div 1 Shield Final. The panel enjoyed some invaluable game time as they prepare for championships in the coming week. We wish them and their mentors the very best of luck. On this coming Saturday St. Johns Park will host a Div 2 group in the Feile Camogie to include our u15 girls. We wish them all the very best. The girl’s first game throws in at 10:30am. Hon the Loughs. GIVE RESPECT GET RESPECT We wish all our teams and mentors the very best if luck as they move into the business end if the season. ..the Championships. Our juvenile teams all start their championships from Sept 1st and our Senior and Intermediate teams begin the league/championships on the weekend of Sept 4th. It is important to the club that standards set out by the GAA’s Code of Behaviour are upheld. .. in simplest terms that common decency when playing, mentoring and supporting is maintained. No foul or abusive language shall be directed to match officials, opposing players or indeed our own players while at our games. Leave the instructions to the coaches. Keep it simple - be supportive and positive at all times. That way we can all get the best out of our games. Give Respect Get Respect. EMERALDS GAA CLUB Under 15’s: Congratulations to the U15 hurlers who won the Roinn C League Final against Ballyhale on Wednesday, August 11. Emeralds started strong but Ballyhale came into the game and were dominant up to half-time. Ballyhale leading by 9 points just after the break but the Emeralds came back closing the gap to 4 points. Just as it seemed that the Emeralds were back in the game, Ballyhale scored a goal against the run of play and tackled on a few points to go 10 points in front heading into the final water break. After the water break Emeralds really got going with goals from Micheal Ahern and Cormac Burke, along with a combination of points from play and frees, resulting with the two teams level at full time. With 20 mins of extra time Emeralds took control coming out as league champions. Final Score: Emeralds: 6-21, Ballyhale: 5-13. Well done boys! Scorers: Micheal Ahern (3-7), Callum Lawlor (1-5), Cormac Burke (1-3), Jimmy Cleere (0-4), Oisin Quinlan (1-0), Oisin Deegan (0-2). Team: Diarmuid Burke, Simon Zhang, Craig Barnaville, Conor Holohan, Conor Gibbons, Micheal Ahern, Darragh Hickey, Oisin Deegan, Oisin Quinlan, Cormac Burke, Conor Kavanagh, Daniel Tobin, Callaum Broderick, Jimmy Cleere, Callum Lawlor. Subs: Nathan Barnaville, Cian Hickey, Cathal O’Dwyer, Richard Costello. Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and 1 sheet €10; Double books and 2 sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support. Piltown tickets: Are available from the usual sellers or any committee member.

Total prize fund of €115,000. First draw takes place on September 28. EMERALDS URLINGFORD & GRAINE LOTTO August 16 prize fund was: €4,200. Jackpot: €2,200. Numbers drawn: 10, 12, 17 and 25, bonus no 20. No winner and one match three winner: Kitty Grace. Promoters prize: Anna Danielle. Five lucky dips of €20 each: B & F Joyce, Sheila Minogue, Sean Kelly, Mick Ryan, Eileen Stanley. Next draw takes place on August 23 in the Clubrooms. Results next week. URLINGFORD ON THE MOVE WALKING TRACK Works are commencing shortly for Urlingford on the Move’s new Community Walking Track in Emeralds GAA Clubgrounds, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny. The walk way consists of: Walking surface, lighting, fencing, wheelchair friendly and own access gate. Our vision is to provide a facility in Urlingford where everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed, to participate, to grow and be inspired to continue with a lifelong engagement in our community. Urlingford on the Move have been successful in raising funding from various sources but there is still a shortfall, therefore we need and value your support. You can support this wonderful amenity by donating €20 on their GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/84e0e081 for your chance to win one of three prizes: 1st: €2021; 2nd: €200; 3rd: €50 Donate €50 - three chances to win; donate €100 - seven chances to win a prize. Envelopes have also been distributed to households in the locality, please return these envelopes to the Post Office. For the next three weeks the Split the Pot for the Walking Track so please support, thank you. URLINGFORD LIBRARY Children’s Summer Stars Reading Adventure is finishing on Friday August 27 at 5pm. Don’t forget to return your completed Summer Stars Card, filled in with all the titles you have read. You will be entered into our Raffle with great prizes. MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Outdoor Coffee Morning: In aid of teen/ adult counselling services at the centre on Wednesday, August 25 from 11am to 1pm. There will be coffee, tea, cakes, bric-a-brac, raffle prizes and music. The music and singing on the morning will be from Caroline King. Hope to see you all there. Mill Allotments: The allotments and Community garden are open to the public from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday each week. Courses for September 2021: Health Care Level 5: We are recruiting new learners for the Health-care Level 5 course commencing in September 2021. Pathway to Employment Course, Level 4: We are also recruiting for the Pathway to Employment Level 4 course which will be commencing in September 2021. Please contact Sue in the Mill Family Resource Centre for more information on these courses and application forms on 056 8838466 Community Bank Savings: Are available at the Centre. Please contact the Centre for more information on opening an account. Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine on 056 8838466. Counselling Services: Teens from age 12 upwards, adult and family low cost counselling services are available at the Mill Family Resource Centre, please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment on 056 8838466. Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of teen addiction and general counselling services. Donations can be left into the Mill Resource Centre. Contact Sue on 056 8838466 Services that the Mill FRC provides to

the public are: Family Support; One to One Support; Drop in IT Support computers / laptops & mobile phones; Senior Alert; Community Savings; Room Rental; Social Welfare, HSE, Tax, Garda & Government Forms & advice on completing all forms; Internet Access, Printing & Photocopying, Emailing, Scanning, Typing Service, CV / Cover Letters; Homes for the Elderly. URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT Draw takes place every Sunday evening in the Urlingford Arms Hotel. Last Sunday’s share of the pot was €477 and was won by Bernie Nolan, well done Bernie! For the next three weeks, half the pot goes to Urlingford on the Moves Walking Track and the other half could be yours. So don’t miss out, get your envelopes in businesses in town or from any member of the Walking Track committee. URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396. URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc. can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail. com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address. WEDDING The wedding took place on Friday 6th August at St. Marys Church, Cahir, Co Tipperary between William Walsh youngest son of Pat and Noreen Walsh Chapel St., Freshford and Miss Aoife Casey of Cahir. The ceremony was performed by Fr Peter Cullen. The bride was attended by her sister Carol as Maid of Honour and bridesmaids were Julie Hoare, Deirdre Evans and Aisling McGrath. Best man was Chris Nolan and groomsmen were Tm Walsh, Tom Holohan and Eoin O’Donnell. The Music in church was provided by Ciara O.Brien. Readings were by Ann Fitzgerald and Meabh Casey. Prayers of the faithful were done by Donna Casey, James Walsh, Kate O’Meara , James Dowling, Conor Casey and Catherine Corner and reflection was read by Shauna O’Donnell. The reception for the families was held at Millennium Hotel, Clonmel. The couple will reside in Tullaroan and are wished many years of happy;married life together OLYMPICS With the Olympics now over in Tokyo, Freshford had a special connection at the games this time around. Sinead Cullinane( nee Diver ) who was representing Australia in the Marathon event.is daughter in law of Pat and Ann Cullinane of Limerick and Kilkenny Street Freshford. Sinead is a native of Belmullet, Co. Mayo and she and her husband Colin and family reside out in Australia. Sinead ran in the women’s marathon on 5th August at 11pm Irish time and many locals were tuned into it and she finished a proud 10th out of 110 runners. Well done to Sinead and all involved. BAPTISM Baby Aoibheann O’Flaherty was baptised recently in St.Lachtains Church, Freshford. Congrats to the proud parents Graham and Charlotte O’Flaherty of Clashacrow Freshford. The couple already have two sons Fionn and Tadgh. SOCCER With all quiet on the field of play. The season is hoped to resume shortly and run fairly to schedule this year. The FAI Summer soccer camp was held at the Sportsfield at Woodview from the 2nd to 6th August with a crowd attending and plenty of activity for the youngsters WEDDING Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Robert Barnaville, Poulbawn Freshford and Rebecca Kenny of Barna Freshford who were married on Thursday last. Reception for family

and friends was held in Newpark Hotel. The couple who are both well known in the area and are residing in Urlingford and are wished all the very best in their married life together CAMOGIE Congratulations to St.Lachtains U15 girls and their management who qualified for the Feile finals in great style at the weekend winning all three of their games. St.Lachtains/Lisdowney were well represented on the Kilkenny Senior side at the weekend when they beat Wexford in the Quarter final. With Ann Dalton coming out of retirement to join the bench as sub goalkeeper. DEATH The death took place recently of Mrs. Mary Hogan late of Cree kill, Gathabaun . The deceased was in her 97th year and both her and her family are widely known in the local area. Funeral mass took place in Gathabaun Church followed by burial in Johnstown Cemetery. She is mourned by her sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild, sons in law, daughters in law and extended family to whom sympathy is extended. TIDY TOWNS Freshford tidy towns committee continue to do tremendous work around the village. With entry having gone in for the Supervalu Tidy Towns competition the committee meet each Wednesday evening at 7pm on the Green. They are always looking for helpers so if you have an hour to spare why not go along and help keep the village looking well. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Carey family Gathabaun on the recent death of Stephen Carey late of Rathlogan Johnstown Burial took place in Johnstown cemetery following funeral mass in St.Kierans Church, Johnstown. HERITAGE WEEK St. Lachtains Church Musuem and Arts centre which was given a grant recently has had work done on the first phase of the accessibility and display project funded by The Heritage Council. These projects was part of their Heritage week entry. National Heritage week took place last week and the museum at the Church was open all during the weeks for visitors. A good number of people visited the centre during the week. WORKS Works are taking place this week and for next few weeks at Kilkenny Street,Freshford with a stop and go system in operation. Traffic will be disrupted for next few weeks during day hours Macadam overlay and associated works have taken place at Clashacrow recently and at Sart Road, Freshford also on the LS5010 at Ballinamara. These works will be of huge benefit to the residents and road users according to local Cllr. Michael McCarthy and great credit is due to the Area Engineer and his staff for their efforts GAA NEWS The Junior F championship campaign unfortunately got off to a bad start when they were defeated by Blacks and Whites in Skeoughvosteen recently. Team: M.Walsh, C.Donnelly, D..Quinn, J.Cantwell, D.Burke, M.Nolan, D.Fitzpatrick, L.Costigan, C.Leahy, J.Dooley, K.Hughes, D.Killeen, M.Kavanagh, S.McGree and C.Colclough. St Lachtain Junior B side were in action recently against Glenmore. In a close game throughout the result was decided by a strong final 15 minutes from the local lads as they turned around a 3 pt deficit at the 2nd half water break to come out winners with 5 points to spare at the final whistle. The game came to life in the second half as the first half struggled with wides coming from both sides. The first half saw St.Lachtains a point up 1-6 to 1-5 and a strong last 15 minutes from the Freshford lads was the difference with a decisive goal

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes coming from Patrick Killeen the major score in the end to add to a brace of good points from Padraig Donnelly, Cathal O’Leary and Cian Dawson to finish on a final score of 2-17 to 1-15 They played Dicksboro in the semi final at Freshford on Saturday evening and came out second best against the city side losing out on a final score of 2-22 to 2-13. Thanks goes to the players for their work put in during the year and to the management team of JJ Donnelly, Tommy Kennedy and Joe Dermody. Team: J.Burke, M.Burke, L.Kennedy, Ml Kavanagh , P.White, J.Cleere, C.Rafter, P Donnelly, C.O’Leary, A.Rafter, P.Killeen, B.Hughes, J.Campion, A.Rafter and C.Dawson St.Lachtains U15 boys were narrowly beaten in the John West division 3 feile shield final on Sunday They lost out in the final after extra time to neighbours Tullaroan having Beating Bennettsbridge in the quarter final and Conahy in the semi final. A big well done to Michael Farrell, Paugie Donnelly and all the coaches who done a fantastic job over the past few weeks in running the St.Lachtains GAA Summer camp . A great turnout for the week was matched with the great coaching from all. The Committee would like to thank everyone involved for their fantastic contribution. MEMBERSHIP As the Club get closer to the start of the Club season there is still some outstanding membership. Membership must be paid to be in line for tickets to local club games. Piltown draw - Piltown tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from any committee CLASSES Fitness classes are resuming outdoors on Mondays and Wednesday evenings catering for all levels of fitness. Individual and group sessions available also. For further information please contact Tommy on 083 1069291 DUMPING With the great work that the Tidy towns are doing around the village and surrounds and the Village looking so well it is disgusting and disheartening to see that people are dumping bags of rubbish on the roads leading out of the village. A bag of personal rubbish was thrown on the Sart road recently and also rubbish thrown in the river at Moate Road which had been only recently cleaned. PARISH NEWS Mass continues in St.Lachtains Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday at 11am with a limited number of 50 people. Mass also in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 8pm with numbers limited to 25 due to social distancing requirements. During lockdown the church has always been open for private prayer each day It is however most important that we continue to wear masks, main social distancing and sanitise our hands and it is very important that you do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19. The Parish the internet and phone lines are now back in action following the line upgrade and the office hours have returned to the normal schedule. NOTICES The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. As part of the 1400 year celebrations plans are being put together for a montage of photographs of the Church and Parish’s through the years. If you have any photographs that you think would be appropriate for such a display please call or get in touch with the Parish Office. The plan is to copy the photographs so be assured all original

photographs will be returned to its ow ner. 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 Masks - With covid restrictions still remaining with us the wearing of masks and social distancing etc. is most important It is still as important as ever to stay safe and we are reminded about wearing our mask at all times in all shops, and crowded places and on public transport. You are reminded also that Masks can be purchased locally while supporting a very worthy charity. Washable face masks are being made locally and are available at Dooley’s Electrical shop at The Square, Freshford with all proceeds being donated to the Charity ALONE. Alone manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or who are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of Coved 19. Professional staff are available to answer queries or give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. You can call them on 0818 222024. If you are experiencing a personal crisis are unable to cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. Amber Kilkenny Women’s Refuge; If you need confidential support or information relating to domestic violence you can call their helpline on 1850424244 or 056 7771404 or email info@amberwomensrefuge.ie GROW 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 Dunnamaggin Development Group is busy preparing for next Sunday’s Vintage Fayre 29th August 11am to 4pm. We have a designated Marquee for Afternoon Tea €5 per person. Please book via messenger on our facebook page or phone Gwen on 083 4544484 to book a place. We will have over 20 Traders with us - lots new stalls. There will be a Vintage Car rally. Teddy Bears Picnic for the kids so let them bring their favourite Bears for this. Best Dressed Vintage Person with lots of great prizes from 2pm to 3pm and will be judged by our 2018 Kilkenny Rose. Anyone wanting to enter this event please assemble at our Afternoon Teas Marquee from 2pm. Free Apple Pressing just bring along your apples and containers for the juice. Barbeque and pop up Cafe and lots more. So looking forward to this event and all monies raised is for the enhancement of Dunnamaggin Village and our new Community Madge’s Garden DUNNAMAGGIN GAA: U15 DIVISION 1 FEILE SUCCESS The Dunnamaggin U15 hurlers were crowned Division 1 Shield winners on Saturday after an excellent win over city side O’Loughlin’s in the final held in Palmerstown. Dunnamaggin had an early start with their first match at 9:30 against Dicksboro. With matches just 10 mins a side every score or chance to score need to be taken. Our first match was a very tough encounter and although the lads fought hard they lost. This loss put them into the shield competition where they played Windgap/ Galmoy and beat them 0:3 to 3:08. It was on then to a quarterfinal against Thomastown, although loosing narrowly at half time a super second half display saw them winning 2:03 to 1:03 and into a semi final against St.Martins. This was a good tough

game but the Dunnamaggin men had settled into a nice rhythm of play and three second half goals saw them advance to the final 4:05 to 1:04. Next was the anxious wait to see who had won through from the other side of the group in James Park. Soon it was found out that it was the O’Loughlin lads who were our opponents. Dunnamaggin settled to their task early with two quick points. This really set the boys up well but a fortuitous goal put O’Loughlins ahead by the minimum at HT 1:02 to 1:01.Dunnmaggin opened very well in the second half and took the game to O’Loughlins well taken goals for Dunnamaggin on the 3rd and 4th minute really decided this game and with some titanic defending in the backs keeping O’Loughlins scoreless in the second half Dunnamaggin ran out winners Dunnamaggin 3:02 O’Loughins 1:02. Well done to this super bunch of players, Manager Noel Lahart, Selectors Niall McCormack, Brian O’Shea, Willie Phelan Covid officer/Logistics Philip Tallon on a great day for the club. JUNIOR A’S REACH CO. FINAL The Dunnamaggin Junior A team took on the much fancied Thomastown team in the Semifinal of the Junior A championship in Dunnamaggin on Saturday afternoon. Thomastown opened the scoring with a point but Dunnamaggin settled to their task and slotted four points in a row to push the lead out. Thomastown did respond with a point but Dunnamaggin headed into the water break 0:06 to 0:02 up. Thomastown opened the scoring after the water break with a point but Dunnamaggin had a really strong second quarter display with some super scoring and titanic defending to see them head in 0:03 to 0:11 up at Half Time. Thomastown were always going to respond in the 3rd quarter and that they did out scoring Dunnamaggin 1:04 to 0:02 to send the sides into the water break 1:09 to 0:14. This was turning out to be a really super game of hurling and the last quarter was going to continue in that spirit. The first 5 mins of the last quarter really settled this encounter with Dunnamaggin scoring Thomastown 1:03 to 0:01 the goal coming from the stick of Denis Walsh. Thomastown immediately got a point back but Bill McCormack cancelled that out with a super point from the sideline from play. Thomastown did fight hard to the finish and did score a goal to help close the gap but the damage was done and the Dunnamaggin men advanced to the final on a score line of Thomastown 2:11 Dunnamaggin 1:21. JUNIOR F’S REACH CO. FINAL The Junior F hurlers took to the field on Sunday morning in Dunnamaggin last to contest their Championship Semi Final Vs Glenmore. Dunnamaggin had beaten Glenmore previously in the league stages of this competition but knock out championship can be tight affairs.Dunnamaggin opened the scoring with a point from play but Glenmore hit back immediately with a goal. Both sides exchanged points but when Dunnamaggin hit three points before the water break and three points after it they drew back level and opened up a nice lead 0:08 to 1:1. Both sides added three points each before half time to send the sides in 0:11 to 1:4.The opening exchanges of the second half were an even affair but when Kieran Bergin broke through the 21 on the 7th min and headed for goal there was only one result Dunnamaggin tagged on another 2 points without reply before newly introduced Dylan Crehan found the net for Dunnamaggin’s second goal just before the water break there was no way back for Glenmore. After the resumption both sides traded three points each before the final whistle blew. FT Dunnamaggin 2:18 Glenmore 1:09 GAA CLUB WALKWAYS The newly installed walkways around both our pitches are proving really popular and a great additional facilities to the club. The walkway in Dunnamaggin is 725m long and the one

in Kilmoganny is 445m long. Most people are walking anticlockwise around them and this seems to be working well. Thanks again to all who helped in any way to get the walkways in so quickly by either sponsoring a load of stones/ equipment or volunteering over the days of construction. LOCAL LOTTO DRAW for 16th August 2021 Winning Numbers : 9,30,33 No Winner. Winners for Draw for 5 x € 30. Angela Barry ( Delaney’s ),Shayne Gordon ( Pat Comerford ),Jimmy McCormack ( Jimmy McCormack Kilm.),W Peters ( Jimmy McCormack Kilm ).Emilia Byrne ( Bobs Shop ). Jackpot for the 23rd August € 1,750. Draw in St Leonards Hall, Dunnamaggin @ 9.00pm all welcome. Dunnamaggin Gymkhana takes place this year on September 5th. Proceeds to Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team and St Joseph’s Home Kilmoganny. CAMOGIE JOHN WEST FEILE 2021 Saturday 21/8/21 saw the U15 Camogie John West Feile take place in Kilkenny. Windgap were drawn in Division 1 along with James Stephens, Glenmore and St. Brigids in their group. Thank you to Glenmore who hosted the matches for this group. The girls fought hard in their first game against James Stephens, which gave them a great platform going into their remaining two matches. They next moved on to play Glenmore at 11am and came out victorious. Their final game was against St. Brigids. The girls knew they needed a draw or a win to be able to progress to the Division 1 final. They led by 6 points at half time and went on with some outstanding team play to secure a comfortable win as the final whistle sounded. The girls now go on to play Tullaroan/St.Annes in the Feile Final set for Saturday 28th August at 6.30pm in a venue yet to be confirmed. The Windgap 2021 Camogie Feile panel consisted of Jenny Saunders, Emily Freaney, Ria McCormack, Chloe Drennan, Laura Doyle, Ava-Lily O’Neill, Niamh Enright, Eleanor Hayes (Captain), Ciara O’Shea, Ona Kennedy, Caoimhe Power, Cathy Power, Lauren Enright, Aisling O’Shea, Alaina O’Shea, Megan Kenneally, Ava Phelan, Roisin Cronin, Tamara Whelan, Kate O’Brien and Moya Egan, with a management team of Michael Saunders, Dermot O’Shea, Valerie Doyle, Marieanne Hayes and Niamh Bambrick. The Minor, Intermediate & Senior KK camogie panels are all through to the All Ireland semifinals next weekend best of luck to our players Nathania & Sontae Jackson on Minor, Gillian Costello on the Intermediate & Denise Gaule & Michaela Keneally on the Senior panel. Congratulations to Denise on her Player of the match Saturday in the quarter finals against Wexford. Recovery College South East online workshop for your mental health- Changing Habits - AUGUST 31st 2021 - 11am to 12 noon - Have you ever stopped to think about your habits or how they impact your daily life? bWhile some habits can be detrimental, such as wasting an hour on Twitter when you should be studying, others can be great to have around. Learning to brush your teeth when you were young helps you have good dental health when you are older. However, everyone has some habits they would like to change and by breaking down the cycle of a habit, you can identify what triggers the routine and begin to address what really needs to change. This 60-minute workshop will help you better understand habit formation and provide you with some practical tips on how to create and maintain beneficial habits. To book email enrolrecoverycollegesoutheast@ gmail.com or phone 0861746330 TEAC TOM – QUILT RAFFLE Teac Tom is continuing to provide its supports and services to those affected by or bereaved by suicide throughout the summer. We have seen an increase in the numbers of people contacting us via our 24-hour helpline and

through our social media channels. As people feel safer, we are getting some walk-ins again. However, to facilitate everyone and ensure compliance with the guidelines, it is still better to call first to make an appointment (056-7796592). There is a very special fundraiser being held at the moment by the South Midlands Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society. They made and quilted a beautiful ‘You’re a Star’ quilt that will be raffled in early September in aid of Teac Tom. Tickets can be purchased at www.idonate.ie/raffle/ irishpatchworksociety Many thanks to all involved for their tremendous support! GOWRAN PTICH AND PUTT Gowran Scratch Cup takes place on Saturday, 4th September. Entry fee is €10. Please contact 086 3796495 by text with name and registration numbers to book a time. Well done to Michael Holland and Jack McShane who played in the National U16 Strokeplay. Both played well with great second rounds after getting to know the course in the first round. Jack just missing out on a prize in the U13section GOWRAN AC On Saturday, three athletes competed in the final day of the All-Ireland juvenile Track and Field in Tullamore. Silver for Odhrán Prendergast U13 Boys in the 80m sprint, 6th for Rachael Duff U12 Girls 60m Sprint and 8th for Evan Ryan U12 High Jump. Great run for Odhrán in the U13 boys in both his heat and final. Going into the final with the 4th best time, Odhrán fought hard to win his silver medal. Rachel Duff qualified easily for the final. She ran well in the final to finish 6th despite torrential rain, the wet track and a false start. Evan Ryan was pleased with his 8th place finishing position in his first year competing in the High Jump. Well done to all our athletes who competed in the Counties, Leinster’s and All Irelands in Track and Field. GOWRAN PARISH Mass is being streamed every morning on Gowran Parish Facebook page, masses this week Gowran Sunday at 11.30.am, Monday at 9.30.am, Wednesday at 9.30am, Thursday at 9.30.am and Friday at 9.30. am. Volunteers required for two hours each week in Gowran Abbey Nursing Home for Men’s Shed and Art and Crafts. Volunteers apply to Jenny at Gowran Abbey Nursing Home. GOWRAN PARK Tickets are now on sale for races on Wednesday, 1st September at www. gowranpark.ie The first race is at 1.35pm. Well done to the Jimmy Bruen team on a great win over Baltinglass yesterday to become the Leinster Area champions. The team will now battle it out for an Irish pennant in Shandon Park Golf Club in Belfast from September 6-9th. Well done to the management and team. SPORTS ROUND-UP – MICHAEL O’LEARY U15 girls reach Feile final on super Saturday for Gowran girls Pride of place goes to the Young Irelands U-15 Feile Camogie Team as they qualified for the Division 3 Camogie Feile Final after winning all three games in Gowran today. On a hectic day of action, the Gowran Girls endured their toughest test in their opening match, as they won by a solitary point 3-4 to 4-0 against Rower-Inistioge. Match Two saw them brush aside Kilmacow/Slieverue 6-4 to 2-3, before producing another outstanding performance with a Second-Half domination against Conahy running out 6-9 to 3-1 winners. That victory qualified them for a Feile Final showdown with near neighbours Clara who also won their three Group Matches. On a Super Saturday for Young Irelands

Camogie, Steffi Fitzgerald was part of the Kilkenny Senior Team that easily defeated Wexford 3-19 to 1-12. They have now been drawn to play Cork in the All-Ireland Semi-Final next Sunday week, 29th August in Croke Park & it will be the first time that the Senior Camogie Semi-Final will have been played in GAA HQ. Also, their was joy for Kilkenny Minor Co-Captain Sarah O’Donnell & her fellow compatriots as they easily accounted for Limerick in Fermoy 1-27 to 1-8 to qualify for the All-Ireland, while in what will be a busy weekend at Inter-County Level next weekend, Ciara O’Keeffe & Tiffany Fitzgerald will be involved with the Kilkenny Intermediates in an All-Ireland. A very successful week for Young Irelands Camogie began with the U-16s inspired by two Superb Julie Lennon goals overcoming Windgap 4-9 to 2-8 on Wednesday Evening, while also on Wednesday the U-12s began their League campaign as they won against Tullaroan. U-15 HURLERS PERFORM WELL TO REACH FEILE SEMIS The U-15 Hurlers acquitted themselves well in the Feile Competition, as they reached the Semi-Finals of the Division 1 Grade before losing to a very strong Erins Own Castlecomer outfit. Young Irelands won their two Group Games in James Park against John Lockes Callan 2-9 to 1-0, before overcoming O’Loughlin Gaels 1-5 to 0-7. Those two Group Victories set-up an Semi-Final clash against Erins Own, but a stronger Castlecomer outfit won 0-13 to 1-3 before they lost out 1-7 to 0-3 against James Stephens in the Final. Meanwhile, the Intermediates continued their preparations for the upcoming League/Championship with a Challenge game against Piltown last Tuesday night in which they secured a narrow victory. Most importantly, a number of players carrying injuries throughout the Summer are back providing a much-needed boost in the weeks ahead. Julie’s brilliant golden brace secures victory Young Irelands Gowran 4-9 Windgap 2-8 Two Superb Pieces of Individual Brilliance from Inter-County U-16 Player Julie Lennon proved significantly instrumental, as they came from behind to defeat Windgap on a Glorious Sunny Evening in Gowran last night. The Gowran girls were quick off the mark with a very early goal, before Windgap replied with a goal to take the lead at the first Water Break. However, Young Irelands responded with a goal late in the first half to take a narrow lead at the interval. Windgap fought back with 1-2 without reply early in the Second Half to regain the lead, before Julie Lennon’s brilliance came to the fore. Her first goal was around the 40th minute, as she emphatically drilled a low bullet shot from an acute angle which she positioned precisely to perfection. The Second Goal arrived about three minutes & it was a similar effort. Again, she was located at an awkward angle, but she managed to shake off the attentions of the Windgap defence before positioning her shot with powerful accuracy. It was a significant turnaround & Young Irelands now led 4-5 to 2-7 going into the final quarter. The Gowran girls controlled the final quarter with as they outscored Windgap 0-4 to 0-1 with Lennon & Ellie Murray adding further points, while the hardworking Zara Carey posed a potent threat. Defensively, they were dominant led by the Superb Aisling Fitzpatrick at FullBack, while Ciara Bryan & Aine Delahunty defended diligently throughout. Congratulations to Dylan Cleere Huge congratulations to Gowran native Dylan Cleere who rode his first winner in Killarney last Saturday Afternoon, steering Shiroccoville (100/30jf) to land the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle (div I) for trainer Emmet Mullins.

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News Sport

Golf NOTES

CASTLECOMER GOLF CLUB There was a huge turnout for John Lacey’s Captains Prize over the weekend. Heavy rain on the previous day made the course very challenging, resulting in the course playing much longer than usual. Eamonn Holland recorded two steady rounds of 71 & 70 to come out on top by two strokes. Results as follows: 1st Eamonn Holland 141 2nd John Phelan 143 3rd Mark O Dowda 143 4th Paul Buggy 144 5th Michael Curry 145 6th Jack Dunphy 145 Gross Padraig Curry 149 1st Day 1 Arron Murphy 68 2nd Gross Karl O Donnell 152 1st Day 2 Enda Morrissey 69 2nd Day 1 Damien Fogarty 69 (b9) 2nd Day 2 Anthony Holohan 70 (b9) Over 60 Tommy O Neill 147 Past Captain Sean Scanlan 149 Student 1st Luke O Brien Peterson 142 Student 2nd David Allen 147

Student 3rd James McEvoy 148 Ladies Weather conditions were unfavourable for the regional final of the All-Ireland Women’s Fourball played on August 20. The Castlecomer Ladies had Rathdowney GC as opposition in this prestigious competition. The home pairings of Bessie Brophy/ Emer Foley, Helen Murphy/ Honoria Fogarty, Margaret O’ Keefe / Ita Madigan encountered heavy rain throughout the round. Conditions were similar for the away team, Joan Brennan/ Nuala Mahon and Maureen Norton /jo Costigan. Both courses were playing difficult, and all players were sternly tested. Unfortunately, the home side came up short having battled to the end. Managers Margaret Furlong and Ita Madigan were proud of the effort of the team on the day and thanked the panel for their contribution in previous rounds. A rumble was the format for the ladies’ weekly competition. Teams of three were selected and the event was well supported and enjoyed by all. Many thanks to our Competition Secretary Noreen Curry who works tirelessly to facilitate the lady members. Result: First Patricia Doheny, Catrina Meagher, Kathleen O’ Neill 77 pts Lady Vice-Captain Helen Murphy has announced the venue for the annual outing.

The ladies will play Rosslare GC on September 25. Any lady interested in joining Helen for this fun event should include her name on the sheet posted in our locker room. The Cullen Cup Team will play the next round of the competition before the end of the month. Mixed Scramble Fiday August 20 Result: Net 22 Catherine Campion Marty O’ Shea Donie O’ Neill

CALLAN GOLF LADIES On Thursday August 19th, Lady Captain Anna’s Charity Day in aid of Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare was held. The weather held up well and with the course in super condition it lent to great scoring on the day. Husband and Wife team of Ellen and Dick O’Shea took 1st place with a Great Score of 58pts. Results: 1st Ellen & Dick O’Shea 58pts 2nd Anslem & Mary Molloy 55 pts 3rd Margaret Bower & Johnny

Kennedy 55pts 4th Joe Tierney & Philip Cunningham 54pts 5th Chris Noonan & Catherine Cositgan 53pts 6th Kathleen Shanley & Margaret English 51pts 7th James Tierney & Thomas Long 51pts Best Mixed Team: Berna & Dick Walsh 50pts Best Ladies Team: Bridget Holohan/Ann Needham 50pts Best Gents Team: John Ryan & John Proctor 49pts Nine Hole S/F: 1st Margaret Comerford 23pts 2nd Rose Brophy 19pts

Beginners 9 Hole Stableford winner was Deirdre Nicholson A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS WHOSE NAMES WERE CLEARLY DISPLAYED ON THE DAY August 17th 3 Person Team Event Winners: Eilish Ahearne/Rita O’Neill/Ann Wemyss 81pts 9 Hole S/F 1st Catherine Dore 21pts 2nd Ena Hearne 20pts c/b On Thursday August 26th Lady President Marie O’Riordan will hold her Prize for the Ladies

8 Things that can cause a running injury EOIN EVERARD

INJURY need to not be an inevitable part of your running. Find out the common causes of running injury so that you can better avoid them. Aside from the pain of a running injury, there’s always the frustration of not being able to run and seeing all your hard-earned training gains going to waste. However, avoiding a running injury is possible, provided you take certain precautionary measures and are vigilant. It is quite a common scenario for your running training to be going really well so that you feel you are making real progress — only to be struck down by an injury. Once unable to train, you’ll feel all your hard work over the preceding months is starting to be undone. But is it really? Thousands of runners will identify with this scenario, and you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ll be back to square one when you are able to resume running again. However,

there are many positive steps that you can take to speed up your running recovery and help you maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, so that you can return to your previous running distances sooner rather than later. Assessing your running injury The enforced period of rest or reduced training that follows an injury is the time when you should take the opportunity to assess how and why you picked up an injury in the first place. Evaluating the reasons for your injury will not only help in treating the injury but also in making sure that the injury doesn’t recur. Causes of running injuries typically include: 1. TOO MUCH RUNNING TOO SOON Running involves a repetitive action, with the same motion repeated thousands of times during each run session. This can lead to overuse injuries. Additionally, if too rapid an increase in mileage is involved, this can increase the chances of an injury occurring. As a general rule, you should avoid increasing your total weekly mileage

or the maximum distance of your longest run by more than 10 per cent. This will allow your body to adapt to the increased stresses it is being placed under. 2. TOO FAST TOO OFTEN Faster paced running places the body under greater stress due to greater surface impact and and the muscles stretching further with increased stride length and faster cadence. The 10 per cent rule can be applied to faster runs, whereby your fast quality sessions (excluding warmup and cool-down) do not exceed 10 per cent of your total weekly mileage. 3. TOO LITTLE RECOVERY TIME BETWEEN RUNS Improvements from training occur not during the training session itself, but during the periods of rest when the body is recovering. Training fatigues and stresses the body, and it’s during rest that it repairs and rebuilds itself, adapting to cope with the increased load you are placing upon it. Skipping rest days and recovery sessions denies the body a chance to repair, and may set you off on a road towards injury.

4. RUNNING SURFACE CHOICE Different running surfaces impact on the body to varying degrees. Running off-road challenges the body’s balance and coordination far more than road running because of the unstable surfaces you are running on. This places more demands on the knees and ankles and can lead to muscle and tendon pulls. Equally, running solely on surfaces such as concrete and tarmac can lead to conditions such as shin splints or overuse injuries. The best solution is to vary your running surfaces and introduce any changes gradually. 5. SUPPLEMENTARY TRAINING E.G. GYM WORK AND PILATES Committed runners will often do more than just running, in an effort to improve. Sports Pilates and resistance training can be beneficial to a runner, but it is easy to do either the wrong training or the right training incorrectly. A good example would be a runner building up leg strength in the gym. If they were to concentrate solely on their quadriceps muscles (front of the thigh),

this could lead to an imbalance between the strength in the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles, which eventually could result in hamstring pull. This is why I provide sample gym workouts with appropriate exercises so that they compliment your running.

overload of passive structures such as plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, calf or shin problems, knee, hip or back complaints. Our Sports Pilates class is designed to get you working hard the muscles you neglect so that it takes pressure off these passive structures of the body.

6. INCORRECT RUNNING SHOES Novice runners will often sustain an injury due to having incorrect shoes for their running gait (the way in which their foot lands). All runners should seek out specialist advice from a running shoe specialist, who can advise on the best footwear choices for their type of foot and foot movement.

8. RACE EVENTS Racing can be a risk to the runner because their competitive edge kicks in. In a race situation, a runner will push themselves harder than in a training run, so frequent competition can increase the likelihood of sustaining an injury, especially if insufficient recovery time is allowed between races. The solution is not to over-race and always allow enough post-race recovery.

7. LACK OF FLEXIBILITY AND CORE STABILITY Lack of flexibility and poor stability accounts for a large percentage of running injuries. Tight, inflexible muscles are very much like an elastic band that hasn’t been stretched for months — try to stretch it too far too fast and the likelihood is that it will break. Poor movement at the hips and excessive movement at the back and knees is a recipe for disaster with

As a physio I have a lot of guides to help people in particular with leg pain and low back pain. If you hear anyone complaining about this, then please email me on eoineverard@gmail.com and Ill send you my book on Back pain or guides on knee or leg pain to give to them or visit everardpilates.com to see a Pilates solution right for you with our free trials.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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Tribute

Sport 1962 Co Champions ( under 14) Roinn A. Back row: Br Michael , Seamus ‘ Callaghan’, Michael Kinsella, John Hayes, John Doyle, Billy Kane, Nicky Lawlor, Paddy Dwyer, Tommy Tyrell, Tommy Dowd, Br Macarius. Front Row: Michael Burke, Michael Hayes , Liam “Chunky” O Brien, Sean Rush (capt), Tony Deegan, Jimmy Loughman, Martin Heffernan, Mick Burke

Liam ‘Chunky’ O’Brien: The Natural Talent LIAM ‘Chunky’ O’Brien holds a special place in the hearts of all Gaels. He played the game with an extraordinary freedom of expression. His flamboyant and inspiring performances often enriched and enlivened a Sunday afternoon. Thankfully for Kilkenny, many of these performance took place on September Sundays in Croke Park. Chunky (surely a misnomer) loved the big stage. His

performances in All-Ireland finals testify to this truth. The mesmerising solo runs with the sliotar balanced precariously on the bás of his hurl as he dodged his way through despairing opponents is one of the 1970s’ enduring sporting memories. If Chunky gave the impression of being as vulnerable as a street urchin, underneath that façade was a teak tough athlete. He was deceptively resilient and could take harsh punishment and

come smiling through. This trait would be of invaluable service after his retirement when he had to fight another battle against a far more dangerous opponent. Showing the courage of old, this battle too was won. And even though the hard knocks did not cease, he still has come smiling through. Maith an fear Liam. ( Extract taken from ‘The Stripy Men’ GAA book 2008)

Kilkenny and the wider hurling world are in mourning following the sad news of the passing of a true Kilkenny legend BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

There are many occasions when masters of the game of hurling meet. One such occasion was the meeting of two legends of hurling, Jimmy Doyle from Tipperary, and Liam “Chunky” O Brien from Kilkenny. The meeting took place in Butlers of Urlingford. The chat of games won and lost , great player and above all else, respect

Liam ‘Chunky’ O’Brien died peacefully at St Lukes hospital in Kilkenny on Monday of this week. The news broke across the city On Tuesday, with Kilkenny GAA posting the following message online and via their social media sites: “Kilkenny GAA is deeply saddened today on hearing the sad news of Liam ‘Chunky’ O’Brien’s death. He was an immense hurler for Kilkenny winning 4 AllIreland titles in the 1970’s and 7 Leinster titles. He also had a stellar career with his club James Stephen’s winning 4

Kilkenny SHC titles”. His club added that “Liam was the ‘prince’ of midfielders and served his club and county with great distinction in the 70’s.” Chunky represented the black and amber 26 times over an 11-year period. during his county career, he amassed an amazing scoring total of 4-73. Simply wow! Liam O’Brien would start his early years with Newpark Sarsfield’s, before moving to the ‘Village’ in 1969. This move would see the gifted hurler flourish and go on to pick up many honours for both club and county. As a midfielder, O’Brien was best known for his poise, powerful solo runs and accurate finishing. ‘Chunky’ would form one of the best midfields in hurling history

alongside Frank Cummins, winning three of his four Liam McCarthy medals from centre-field. His fourth AllIreland winning medal was claimed from a wing-forward role – and boy did he shine in the final – scoring 1-7 against the Tribesmen of Galway. Like many Gaels, for ‘Chunky’ it was first and foremost about the club – and the James Stephen’s club is certainly the better for O’Brien’s legacy with the ‘Village’. Two All-Ireland club titles would be gained along his illustrious career. ‘Chunky’ would also be the recipient of 4 All-Star awards and the coveted ‘Hurler of the Year’ accolade in 1975. Rest easy ‘Chunky’ - No doubt there will be a huge crowd at the gates to greet you.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

Camogie news

Sport Kellyann Doyle injury spoils Wexford win BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

KILKENNY advanced to an AllIreland semi-final battle with Cork by seeing off the challenge of neighbours Wexford with relative ease. Brian Dowling’s side took to the Páirc Uí Chaoimh turf determined to put the recent defeat to Galway behind them, and came out of the blocks sharply to show that they certainly meant business. Aoife Doyle struck a fine point early on to set the tone, and followed up shortly afterwards when a Denise Gaule free was batted down by the Wexford keeper. The Piltown shooter’s persistence paid off when she emerged from a group of players to rifle a lovely shot to the back of the net in just the 3rd minute. Wexford had not been able to get a foothold in the game early on, and were grateful for a couple of points from the O’Connor sisters, Ciara and Sarah to help try and settle the young Slaneysiders nerves. The Cats, who were playing into a stiff breeze in the first half, were rampant, and had further scores from Katie Nolan, Mary O’Connell and the ultra-reliable Denise Gaule as they surged ahead. They would have been completely out of sight, had it not been for a fine save from Wexford netminder, Laura Brennan, who reacted brilliantly to deny a certain goal. Kilkenny, energised by their start, then reeled off three points in quick succession. Such was the stripey-women’s dominance early on, that by the eight minute, five of the six starting forwards had registered flags. Wexford, who arrived as massive under-dogs, were struggling to come to terms with the opposition’s movement, skill level and greater desire. With Windgap’s Denise Gaule prompting from a deep lying position, Dowling’s side made it to the first water break with what was looking like an unsalable 8-point lead, 1-8 to 0-3. When play resumed, Kilkenny continued to turn the screw, with further scores from Nolan and Gaule, as the Model County had no answer to the cats’ inter-play as they looked a level below the black and amber. A number of silly fouls allowed Kilkenny to

build on their lead, and the tie looked all but over when the second green flag was raised in the 24th minute. Following another great passage of play, the returning Katie Power off-loaded to Mary O’Connell who accelerated away from her marker before firing an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net. Kilkenny’s front six were causing problems to Wexford all over the pitch. This platform was afforded to them by a hard-working and dogged defence, where once again, Davina Tobin was outstanding. The Emeralds club woman was giving an all-star

performance, ably assisted by Michelle Teehan. Until injury struck, Kellyann Doyle was also in inspired form, making many surging rounds from wing-back. The Piltown defender appeared to be in much discomfort as she made her way off the pitch. When Cork referee Andy Larkin brought first half proceedings to an end, Kilkenny had the job done, the scoreboard reading 2-13 to 0-6 in the Noresiders favour. Wexford came out with much more purpose in the second half. Manager Kevin Tattan will have been pleased by how his charges acquitted themselves for the remainder of the contest. Once again, the 3rd quarter showing from Kilkenny won’t have pleased the management team. The Yellowbellies actually outscored their opponents six points to five in this period. Whether or not this was simply a case of taking the foot off the gas given the margin of

StripeyWomen SemiFinal bound

Mary O’Connell heading for goal

Player of the Match - Denise Gaule

Special K - Katie Power

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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Camogie news Grace Walsh battling hard

lead held, or something more worrying, Brian Dowling will no doubt have taken note and will be keen to ensure the 3rd quarter drop-off isn’t repeated next time out. After the second water break, Kilkenny livened up a little, and struck a couple of lovely scores from both Grace and Miriam Walsh. Tattan’s team continued to battle and attempted to reduce the deficit with a great score from Leah Walsh and a couple of frees from the very accurate Chloe Foxe, who finished the day with a personal tally of 0-7. Again, Kilkenny responded. A Long-range attempt from Densie Gaule was misjudged by keeper Brennan, and the ball crossed the line to raise a 3rd green flag for the cats. At the other end, Aoife Norris, who had made a brilliant save to deny Ciara O’Connor, saw her line breached late on, with four-time All-Ireland winner, Katrina Parrock getting the final touch to a long ball into the danger zone, to add some

respectability to the score line for Wexford. As the game entered stoppage time, Kilkenny had substitute Miriam Bambrick red-carded following an off-the-ball altercation with Chloe Foxe. As the referee brough proceedings to a close, Kilkenny had earned the victory, on a score line of 3-19 to 1-12. Another semi-final awaits, and just like last year, it’s the rebels of Cork that stand in the way, but that’s a matter for another day. SCORERS FOR KILKENNY: D Gaule 1-6(3fs, 1 45); M O’Connell 1-3; K Nolan 0-3, M Walsh 0-3 each; A Doyle 1-0; K Power, G Walsh 0-2 each KILKENNY: A Norris, C Dormer, D Tobin, M Teehan, C Phelan, M Farrell, K Doyle, G Walsh, D Gaule, M Walsh, K Nolan, M O’Connell, S Fitzgerald, K Power, A Doyle. Subs: N Deely for K Doyle inj (21), M Kenneally for Fitzgerald (47), L Murphy for Nolan (50), M Bambrick for Teehan (55)

>> SHERRY SAYS...........

Manager Brian Dowling

ALL aboard the train to Croker! Yes, our stripey women our on the road again, and this time it’s a trip to headquarters for what’s sure to be an almighty battle with Cork...again! The victory over this young Wexford side was expected, but at half-time the Kilkenny faithful would have possibly been expecting a bigger winning margin. The first-half display was one of great team-play, excellent execution of skill and a desire to progress. In this half, the forwards were tormenting their markers, their pace and movement proving too much for the Wexford defence. In contrast, the Kilkenny back line were resolute. The Slaneysiders found it very difficult to create any attacking platform, relying on placed balls and long-range scores to try and keep in touch with their more illustrious opponents. When we mention Denise Gaule, its normally in terms of accuracy and scoring prowess, but what gets frequently overlooked is her ability to win the ‘dirty ball’ and drop into pockets of space to launch numerous attacks. It may not be the ‘prettier’ side of the game, but by God it makes the team tick on a high level. Rightly named Player of the Match, the Windgap shooter finished with a tally of 1-6. Going back to the cats defence, they performed exceptionally well. Davina Tobin is a wall, a barrier, thou shalt not pass. The supporting cast of Phelan & Teehan, with Norris behind them did the job. The shoulder injury sustained by Kellyann Doyle may prevent the Piltown defender from taking any part in the semi-final, coupled with Miriam Bambrick’s red card will mean manager Brian Dowling may need to shuffle the pack once more. So, 4pm this Sunday in Croke Park. Let’s hope there’s another trip on September the 12th to plan afterwards.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

Camogie news

Sport Rebel battle stands between Cats and final berth

Cork.... we’ve bee

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

WHEN Kilkenny and Cork take to the hallowed turf of Croke Park on Sunday afternoon, they will most likely know who awaits in the battle for the O’Duffy Cup on September 12th. This is the fourth year running that Kilkenny, Cork, Galway and Tipperary have contested the semi-finals, Tipperary the only side not to advance in that time to the final. It’s a case of déjà vu for the semi-finalists. Last season Kilkenny emerged victorious, on a score line of 2-10 to 1-11. The goals were scored by Miriam Walsh and a certain Anne Dalton. The latter would retire from inter-county camogie at the end of that season. Little did we know that last Saturday’s team sheet would feature the same legend in the position of substitute goalkeeper. It’s a situation that’s likely to be repeated on Sunday, as Emma Kavanagh picked up a serious knee injury in training recently. For the first time in championship camogie history, the semi-finals are being staged at headquarters. Galway will get proceedings under way at 2pm, against Tipperary. Our ladies our due to commence battle at 4pm against the Lee-siders. Following last weekend’s expected victory over Wexford in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, manager Brian Dowling was reasonably satisfied with his side’s win. “We were very happy with the first half, especially the first 20 minutes and they were probably the best 20 minutes we played all year but we dropped off a bit in the second half,” he said post-match. “That happens when you’re far ahead but it’s something we have to work on because if that happens in an All-Ireland semi-final, we’ll be out of the championship fairly quick.” The manager may be forced to make at least one change to his starting line-up for the semi-final clash, following the shoulder injury sustained by influential wing-back Kellyann Doyle. At the time of writing, it’s appears highly unlikely that the Piltown defender will have recovered in time to take her place. It was Niamh Deely that replaced the stricken Doyle against Wexford, and she will be pushing hard to get the call for Sunday’s clash.

It was good to see Katie Power getting much needed championship minutes, and the nippy forward still possesses the quality to operate at the top table. The Piltown forward hit two lovely points

against Wexford, but it was her inter play and link up with teammates that caught the eye. Kilkenny will hope that their

defence is on point again, they will certainly need Tobin, Phelan and Teehan to be on top form to snuff out the Cork attacking threat, led by the super-talented

Amy O’Connor. Along with O’Connor, the cats will need to keep close tabs on Katrina Mackey, Orla Cronin. The Courcey Rovers duo of Captain Linda Collins and Fiona Keating are central to the rebels

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

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Orla Cronin. Ultimately, this game could come down to a pure shootout between the teams. Brian Dowling will be hoping his side deploy the necessary firepower to outgun their opponents for the entire 60 plus minutes. He knows that they can’t afford any down-time in the semifinal. Neither side will want a replay. Let’s hope our stripeywomen leave it all on the green, green grass of Croke Park this Sunday. • Also in action this weekend are our Intermediate & minor camogs. The intermediate side take on the Royal County of Meath in the semi-final at Nowlan Park at 2pm. This clash sees the 2016 champions versus the 2017 winners.... Meanwhile the minors take on the formidable challenge of Galway at Abbotstown, also on Saturday. let’s hope a couple of black and amber wins sets the county up nicely for Sunday’s serving at headquarters

‘Look Who’s T alking’

Player Name: Ao ife Norris Club: Piltown Position: Goal

Sporting highlig Hard to separate ht so far: Winning the club them so I have two. with Piltown in 20All-Ireland All-Ireland last ye 15 and winning the ar (2020) If you could only band for the rest listen to 1 singer or would you choo of your life, who se? Coldplay Pet hate: Noisy eaters Best Holiday De stination done do: & to Went to Australia best. To do: Amer in 2017 definitely the ica Sporting Idol & Michael Jordan why: and drive to be thhis attitude, workrate team to be the be e best and for his st If you had to de scribe yourself words: in 3 Chilled, Sarcastic , Honest

Party of 6

forward play. Killeagh’s Chloe Sigerson is a dynamic runner, and could possibly start in the midfield engine room, should Ashling Thompson fail to recover from a recurring hamstring injury. In defence, Cork have been boosted by the return to the panel of versatile former All-Ireland winner Pamela

Mackey. It is possible that Cork boss Paudie Murray could well have a marking job in mind for the returning Mackey. Rebel’s boss Murray will have been alarmed at the ease with which Waterford cut through his defence in their final group game last time out and raised the green flag on three occasions. He will know that the likes

of Aoife Doyle, Miriam Walsh and the two Katie’s will punish any such generosity on Sunday. Converting frees could prove crucial in this clash, and Windgap’s Denise Gaule will look to take her ‘player of the match’ form from the Wexford win into this weekend’s semi-final. The rebels may look to share the placed balls between Katrina Mackey and

You are allowed people for dinn to invite 6 famous er.....name the inviting! 6 chosen guests & reasons for • 1. Maura Higg ins: funny and wo • 2. Roy Keane: uld bring good ba Brut would be good cr ally honest, mindset and think nter him and Maura ai c to gether • 3. Shane Lowr • 4. Michelle Ob y: sound and genuine • 5. Lewis Capa ama: inspirational and very know ldi: all round ente rtainer and woulledgeable table d fit in well at th • 6. Michael b Jo e rdan: seems like a nice guy and go od actor Team mates! • Best trainer • Worst trainer Kellyann Doyle (Inspo). • Queen of styl - Gaule - wouldn’t be a fan of st retching • Best Taste in e - Dormer music - Ciara Ph • Worst taste in elan • Most difficult music - Michelle Teehan opponent - Miri am Walsh

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

Junior Pat Maher Shield

Sport

Junior Pat Maher Shield FREEBOOTERS A 4  0 DEEN CELTIC AFC A good win for Freebooters in this Maher Shield clash on a beautiful sunny evening in the Fair Gree.

Freebooters dominated from the start and Deen Celtic found it very hard to break down a very impressive Freebooters team. Goals from Peter Higgins, Jim Ryan, Andy Walsh and Eoin Delaney

gave Freebooters a comfortable 4-0 win. Andy Walsh, Chris Phelan, Jim Ryan and Peter Higgins all played very well. Freebooters will now play Bridge United in the next round

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

The first game for both teams in this competition All images: Danny Lahart

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Junior Pat Maher Shield

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Memoriams/Miracle prayers

News Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by Sabrina O’Shea & Edward Hickey to construct a part single & part two storey dwelling house, domestic garage, new bore hole well, provision of a new treatment plant & percolation area, new vehicular site entrance and all associated site developments works at Grange, Ballyragget, 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.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021

Motors Classifieds

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

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Classifieds Motors

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 056 7726289 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

Glass & Glazing Services Window + Door Repairs Units, Hinges, Locks Repaired or Replaced Mirrors Cut Toughened Glass/Security Glass All Domestic & Commercial work undertaken

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. A.S

The Miracle Prayer

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Miracle Prayer

(never known to fail). O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. M.B

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

TO PLACE YOUR NOTICE IN THE KILKENNY OBSERVER IN MEMORIAM DEATH NOTICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCES

Beloved St. Clare,

by your trust in God’s providence, obtain help for all the poor and needy; by your love for the Infant Jesus, obtain the protection of our families; by your love for Jesus crucified, obtain for us courage in every trial; by your love for Jesus in the Eucharist, obtain our request……….. by your attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, obtain for us the grace of prayer and devotion; by your likeness to Mary our Mother, obtain peace in our hearts our homes and our world. Amen. A.ON

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The Miracle Prayer

CALL TO US AT THE OFFICE AT ANY TIME Monday – Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm (We are open during lunchtime) Bring the picture and the verse, we can scan the picture and return it to you while you are at the office. EMAIL TO accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie Email the picture and the verse to us accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie and include your telephone number. We will call you to confirm and you can pay by card over the phone. BY PHONE 056 7771463 You can also place your notice by phone. We can take the verse from you over the phone and the picture can be sent by WhatsApp. PLEASE NOTE All pictures and verses will be held on file for future years

The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 27 August 2021