Kilkenny Observer 28 August 2026

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Energy users in ‘dark’

Thousands of households issued with incorrect estimates Energy companies have been ordered to radically improve their processes after it emerged that thousands of households were issued with incorrect estimates for their energy use.

An audit of the State’s 12 energy suppliers found incorrect estimated energy bill figures were calculated for 95,000 households.

The actual number could

be much higher as the audit covered only a sample of bills issued by the suppliers.

It is understood households were not out of pocket, as the incorrect calculations were not put into bills.

However, the issuing of the incorrect information on energy use would have affected customers when deciding whether to recontract at the end of a fixed-term

contract or switch provider.

The issue related to one unnamed supplier that owned up to the regulator about the mistake. The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) said the estimated energy use bungle was in addition to a series of blunders it found after investigating how suppliers treated householders.

Major problems with the

accuracy of bills, delays in issuing them, problems with smart meter tariffs and issues concerning refunds were uncovered.

CRU said an audit it conducted had highlighted what it said were several instances of non-compliance by electricity suppliers when dealing with households. It concluded four formal investigations into

supplier non-compliance, identifying issues affecting thousands of consumers. The suppliers were not named.

CRU officials said issues were found with how suppliers communicated with customers who have smart meters. Problems with timeof-use tariffs for those with smart meters were identified. Issues, mainly to do

Welcome for HSE free allowance of vital drug

Goodbye Dolly The death of Dolly Parton has been felt in all corners of the world, and Ireland was no different.

Throughout her touring days, she played to soldout crowds in Dublin and Belfast, intimate pub gatherings in Kilkenny and Kerry, and two gigs at Live at the Marquee in Cork in 2008 and 2014. She visited the Marble City in 2006.

On an appearance on The Late Late Show in 2020, Parton said her working-class roots meant she always felt a special affinity with her Irish fans.

She was 80.

“They appreciate and know what it is like to live hard and to be brought up poor, and I think that they know when I am singing it, I mean it,” she said.

“And I believe that they know that I feel that emotion that I have…I call it my Smokey Mountain DNA, but it is from those old songs brought over from Ireland and England.”

Haunts in traditional boozers were a staple of her trips to Ireland.

In 1990, she paid a visit to Páidí Ó Sé’s pub in Dingle.

Sorrow as M9 boys laid to rest Funerals have taken place for the five teenage boys killed in the devastating M9 crash.

Eighteen-year-old Jeremy O’Brien, from Carlow Town, has been laid to rest following his funeral Mass. Other teens involved in the crash were Alex McCarthy (16), also from Carlow; Joey Carthy (15) and Jack Kennedy

(17), from Athy, Co Kildare; and Kamil Pustkowski (17), from Limerick.

The five boys were killed instantly on August 22 in the early-morning crash in Co Kildare in which the five were driving the wrong way on the motorway.

They crashed into a car carrying three adult sisters and

with billing, were discovered that affected thousands of customers after an audit was carried out for the regulator by independent auditor Forvis Mazars.

The probe also found delays in processing customer refunds, complaints handling failures, billing cycle issues and failures to issue pay-as-you-go (PAYG) statements.

a seven-year-old boy. The occupants of the other car, Carlow women Niamh and Alma Kinsella, both in their 30s, and Ella Hendricken, who is in her 20s, remain in a serious condition following the head-on crash.

Alma’s young son is also in a serious condition. The innocent family were trav-

elling on the correct side of the motorway on their way to Dublin Airport for a family wedding in the UK before they were struck by the BMW. A lone bagpiper led the funeral procession as Jeremy’s coffin was carried in a horsedrawn hearse, with chief mourners, dressed in black

and white, walking behind it. Mourners were urged not to allow the tragedy or the circumstances that led to it to become the entirety of the story of those who died.

“We must not allow tragedy to become the whole story as we pray for those who were injured and those who have died,” mourners were told.

Deputy Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has said he is “absolutely thrilled to hear the news that Skyclarys has been approved by the HSE senior management team.

“I would particularly like to pay tribute to my local constituents Emily Felix and Oisin Pollard, for their tireless advocacy for the reimbursement of Skyclarys.

“I was privileged to host the Friedreich’s Ataxia advocates in the AV room in Leinster House so they could inform members of the house of the challenges they face from the devastating impact FA has had on their lives,” he said.

Following the breakthrough decision by the HSE to grant access to Skyclarys for individuals battling Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), marking a victory for patients and families who have campaigned tirelessly for over two years.

Deputy Newsome Drennan said, “This decision by the HSE gives clinicians the power to prescribe a treatment already available in numerous other countries across the EU. “The harsh reality is that those patients and their families should never have had to fight this hard or wait this long.”

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Welcome to the neighbourhood, folks ...

Just acquired by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg, estimated worth $195bn, Strancally Castle, a 30-minute drive from Youghal, is located in the centre of the Blackwater Valley.

It is close to Ballynatray House, which renowned UK inventor James Dyson acquired for about €29 million in 2024.

Strancally Castle was, according to its description in Brian De Breffney and Rosemary Folliott’s book The Houses of Ireland, “designed by the Pain brothers on a lavish scale; it took a brisk walk of 4½ minutes to reach the dining room from the kitchen”.

It was originally built around 1830 for John Keily, a former Tory MP. The Facebook chief is understood to have completed the purchase of the Gothic-revival style house and its 440-acre estate on the banks of the Blackwater from previous owners Michael and Giancarla Alen Buckley several weeks ago.

While the price paid by Zuckerberg is unknown at this point, the castle, which

has undergone a full restoration in the past 20 years, could have achieved anywhere between €20 million and €30 million given the

quality of the residence.

Insiders say Zuckerberg and wife Chan will continue to live in the US and plan to use the castle when they are

visiting Ireland.

A spokesperson for Zuckerberg said: “Mark and his family are excited to continue caring for this historic

home and look forward to spending time in Ireland, where Meta maintains its international headquarters.”

Zuckerberg’s interest in

buying an Irish property first emerged last summer.

Liberty Media billionaire John Malone told the Wall Street Journal that the Meta chief had offered to buy his Castlemartin House and Estate in Co Kildare – former home of the late AJF O’Reilly.

The three-storey building extends to 16,000 sq ft.

Architects James and George Richard Pain designed the main house and a nearby folly tower house and an inlet quay on the banks of the Blackwater.

Previous owners Alen Buckley, a co-founder of London-headquartered private investment firm RAB Capital, and his wife, daughter of the late Charles Forte, acquired Strancally Castle 25 years ago.

Buckley’s wife is also the sister of Rocco Forte of the Rocco Forte Hotels group.

In a statement issued to The Irish Times, they said: “We leave our home of 25 years fondly and are grateful for the opportunity we have been given to save and restore Strancally Castle …

We are delighted that Mark and his family intend to build on our stewardship by continuing to invest in maintaining and enhancing the property and grounds as their home in a sustainable manner …”

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Irish beef export doing well to Saudi Arabia Beef strongly grew in the first half of 2026, rising almost 8% versus the same period last year to €1.62 billion, according to the latest figures analysed by the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC).

Exports between January and June 2026 were €118 million higher than in the same period last year, despite the continued uncertainty and

disruption affecting trade and logistics across the Middle East region this year.

The figures illustrate there is strong demand for Irish goods across many of the region’s key markets, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, where strong growth was recorded.

Speaking about the figures, AICC CEO Ahmad Younis said: “The first half figures

demonstrate there is still demand but it’s important to recognise the ongoing challenges doing business in the Arab world during the ongoing conflict, particularly for Ireland’s SMEs. “We can see the market isn’t moving uniformly, however; some countries are seeing significant growth while others – including the United Arab

Emirates (UAE) – have experienced declines, which shows there are very different economic and logistical conditions facing businesses across the region.

Saudi Arabia remained by far the largest market for Irish goods in the region, with exports reaching €609.7 million in the first six months of 2026.

Around 400 Irish-owned companies are already exporting to or operating across the region, spanning sectors including agri-food, pharmaceuticals, education, aviation and technology.

The region’s reliance on imported goods, rising population and increasing infrastructure investment are creating opportunities for Irish com-

panies.

For Ireland, the region enables homegrown companies to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on a relatively small number of major trading partners, Younis said, noting how the latest figures should give Irish businesses confidence that the long-term relationship remains intact.

Wicklow couple fall victim to wedding scam A couple organising a wedding at a Co Wicklow hotel allegedly fell victim to a fake invoice with their personal data feared to be compromised in a suspected hacking, the Irish Independent understands.

The couple are understood to have been fooled by a fake invoice that appeared to be from the four-star Glenview Hotel in the Glen of the Downs, near Delgany.

It soon became apparent the couple had been the victims of a scam.

It is understood the Glenview carried out an internal investigation into the matter, identifying fears data for this one customer was compromised.

The Glenview confirmed to the Irish Independent that it had received one report on the matter. It was now engaged with the “relevant authorities”.

“To maintain confidentiality and privacy, no further information will be provided,” the hotel said.

The Glenview did not comment on whether the couple were asked to pay further invoices due for the wedding.

The Irish Independent made efforts to contact couples married at the Glenview around the time of the incident, but did not receive any replies.

A spokesman for the Data Protection Commission (DPC) confirmed it had received a data breach notification from The Glenview Hotel about this incident. The notification is currently being assessed by the watchdog.

Businesses are required to report personal data breaches to the DPC where the breach presents a risk to the affected individuals.

Organisations must do so within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach.

Where a breach is likely to

result in a high risk to the affected individuals, organisations must also inform those individuals without undue delay.

The issue of scammers targeting couples due to be married at Irish hotels has popped up in the past.

In 2023, a leading Irish hotel group warned guests and bridal couples about a scam where fraudsters were sending emails asking for deposits to be paid into bank accounts.

Since 2022, 34 consumers have contacted the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) about hotel payment scams.

The CCPC said these included consumers who were redirected to a different, fraudulent site to pay, consumers who received an email that looked like it was from the hotel telling them to update their card details for security reasons and consumers who received a call from someone pretending to be from the hotel asking for immediate payment.

Examples also included consumers who were told the online card system wasn’t working so they would have to pay by bank transfer.

“Consumers were often told they needed to re-enter details to ‘secure their booking’, and some consumers reported they had been contacted by scammers who had hacked the hotel’s profile on an online platform,” it said.

The CCPC said hotel scams can be particularly upsetting for consumers as they often mean the loss of both money and a long-awaited holiday.

It advised consumers to be wary of emails and texts that rush them into payments, to check with the hotel directly if receiving communications seeking early payment and to pay by credit or debit cards.

Just can’t believe it’s 21 years since Electric Picnic Melvin Benn, Electric Picnic boss, has warned festival-goers against taking illegal drugs at the Laois event.

The festival director echoed warnings from Gardaí about the dangers of harmful substances like ketamine, as drug gangs seek to flood the market this weekend.

“Do not mistake, it’s made for horses, for heaven’s sake. It’s the most nonsense thing in the world to take. Illegal drugs are illegal for a specific purpose and that is because they are potentially dangerous. So my message is not to take drugs and get a decent pint of Guinness down you.”

The HSE will have two welfare tents at the event in a bid to reduce the level of harm from illegal drugtaking.

This year, the event at Stradbally Hall is celebrating its milestone

21st birthday, with 80,000 people due to make their pilgrimage to the sprawling site.

Headline artists at this year’s sold-out event include Lewis Capaldi, Sombr, Zara Larsson, Gorillaz, CMAT, Fontaines DC and Amble. Asked why he thinks the festival has managed to last so long, Mr Benn said it was all down to “change and great line-ups”.

“There’s three aspects to the Picnic,” he said.

“There’s the live music, there’s the other things that go on and there’s the customers. All three change constantly and the line-up this year is incredible.

“Adding Amble, that was a real touch. It just finished off the line-up. They’re absolutely fantastic.”

Mr Benn’s personal favourite will be Van Morrison, who is performing on the main stage on Sunday afternoon.

“I have seen him an awful lot of times,” he said.

“He’s a special guy and a special performer. Rumour is there’s something going on with Mayo and The Saw Doctors, so I suspect that’s going to be an incredible moment for us at the Picnic. That’s an incredible story.”

He cited all-female indie band Florence Road as ones to watch in future.

The Bray locals will perform on Sunday afternoon at the Electric Arena.

There are several big changes to the event this year, including the GlowDepot, a new area in the woods. Set to become the new late-night party spot, it promises a celebration of Irish club culture.

Making its debut at the festival will be the Survivors Bar and Stage, curated by the team behind the Salty Dog and Berlinhaus stages. Among those performing on Survivor will be a motley crew of 70

singers called the Timahoe Male Choir. Singer Damien Bowe has described the group as “more like a travelling stag party”.

“All the guys are from the locality,” he said. “We’ve got accountants, digger drivers, farmers, priests, teachers, so it’s an eclectic mix of people.

“We played the main stage last year and that was an incredible experience.”

Another new addition is the Guinness tent, The Lovely Local, where a pint of plain will be available for the first time at the festival.

Jake Brown, head of commercial partnerships at Diageo, spoke about the upturn in the traditional drink, especially among younger people.

“For the first time in our history, we had more pints of Guinness sold in summer than we did over the Christmas period, which was a really interesting turn for us,” he said.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Tell your Ma, to have me tea on the table Apropos Marianne Heron’s column last week about Government plans to tackle online narratives nuanced by the ‘manosphere’ being welcomed if long overdue, Eoghan Cleary, an educational expert with the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy (Serp) Institute, says misogynistic online content has “got so bad so quickly” and that there is “no question” young people in Ireland are being targeted by it.

The Government’s already-in-place National Strategy for Women and Girls says “patriarchal norms, often focused on men as decision-makers and breadwinners and on women as carers, uphold harmful stereotypes and limit life opportunities”.

Cleary says female students he interacts with are being targeted on social media by explicit content.

There has also been that international rise in the prevalence of so-called ‘tradwife influencers’, predominantly based in the US, who promote traditional gender roles and women as homemakers who support their husbands as primary financial providers.

The tradwife movement sees middle-class women going on Instagram, TikTok and X with content ranging from baking fairy cakes from scratch to entering beauty contests for married women (!).

But who are these women, and what exactly are they promoting?

Generally considered the founder, American Hannah Neeleman is a stay-athome mother of eight, her husband a rich company owner. Utah-born and still living there, her online stories are straight out of what The Waltons and The

Brady Bunch once perpetuated. Having multiple children; cooking meals from scratch; doing the housework in flowing, floral dresses, with aprons a must – all the while preparing meals in time for husbands to return from work.

You get the drift.

Former ballerina Neeleman has 8.9 million Instagram followers. From what I can see, the basis of her appeal rests on the claim that the postwar period of the 1950s and 1960s was simpler and more clearly defined for women, an understanding that marries aesthetically with social media presentations of freshly baked fairy cakes or videos of cute kittens. The lifestyle includes conservative dress and grooming; morality, honesty, integrity, religious observance and dedication to families and community.

McGuinness welcomes Kilkenny move to new Voter.ie electoral registration system Carlow-Kilkenny TD and Leas Ceann Comhairle John McGuinness has welcomed the move by Kilkenny County Council from the existing CheckTheRegister.ie system to the new national Voter.ie electoral registration system.

Deputy McGuinness said the move represents an important step forward in making Ireland’s electoral registration system more modern, accessible and accurate, while making it easier for people to manage their own electoral registration.

“This is a very welcome development for the people of Kilkenny. The move to Voter. ie will make it easier for people to register to vote, check their details and keep their information up to date, all through a more streamlined national system.

“Having a centralised system also brings important benefits in terms of the accuracy and integrity of the electoral register. It will improve the ability of local authorities to identify changes such as people moving address or deceased electors, while also helping to identify and reduce duplication.”

Deputy McGuinness said the modernisation of the electoral register has already made the process significantly more convenient for voters.

“People no longer have to wait for a particular period of the year to make changes to their registration. Rolling registration and online services mean that people can take action when their circumstances change, rather than having to rely on a limited annual registration

window.

“The use of PPS numbers as part of the registration process also provides an important means of verifying identity and improving the quality of the information held on the register.

“For the public, this should mean a simpler and more accessible service. For local authorities, it provides better tools to maintain an accurate and comprehensive electoral register.”

Deputy McGuinness said the importance of having an accurate electoral register could not be overstated.

“Ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right is fundamental. At the same time, we need confidence that the electoral register accurately reflects the population and that people’s details are properly maintained.

“The introduction of Voter.ie is an important part of that process and I welcome Kilkenny County Council’s move to the new system.

“I would encourage people in Kilkenny to take the opportunity to check their electoral registration details and make sure that their information is correct and up to date.

“I also want to acknowledge the work of the local authority staff who have been involved in implementing these changes.

The effectiveness of any new system ultimately depends on the work carried out on the ground, and the move to Voter. ie will provide a stronger foundation for electoral registration in Kilkenny into the future.”

However, the reality is that in the post-war period, women had it much, much harder by way of little to no political power, appalling health care and gruelling, physical work. No modcons back then.

My own mother back then stayed at home and my father went out each day, clean-shaven and on his bike, and brought home the bacon. In Ireland then, women working in State or semi-State companies upon marrying had to resign from their job. That was the law.

We might like to think we have come a long way since. And in many ways we have. A lot done, but more to do – in terms of women in politics and in business.

Most couples living together today can’t have it all; in the main, women – still seen, perhaps unfairly stereotypically, as the more

natural child rearer – who work outside the home because they have a professional career, or those who have to work outside the home if only to help meet the mortgage and, ironically, the exorbitant cost of childcare. And then also run the house.

Back in the Eighties, despite a decade-long recession, I was lucky enough to be able for my wife to stay at home for 14 years and primarily rear our three children. She was/ is a great mother and her doing so has stood the test of time with my now adult children, still talking of the smell of freshly baked fairy cakes upon their arrival home from school.

There are, of course, many mothers today who have a similar privilege. Or, in some cases, fathers.

That this growing tradwife movement ties itself to the

mast of Kardashian culture (amassing followers online, sharing lifestyle tips, offering discount codes for products they endorse) is worth a column in itself.

While the term has been around since at least 2018, it continues to change, polarise viewers, stir controversy, raise questions and sometimes serve as comfort content for those who genuinely just want to know how to make fairy cakes.

Political researcher Mariel Cooksey defines tradwifery as “a movement that’s part aesthetic and part ideology, encouraging women to embrace supposedly feminine characteristics like chastity and submissiveness, and trade feminist empowerment for a patriarchal vision of gender norms”.

Meantime, I’m off to watch the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale ...

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Students' housing reaches crisis The Irish Property Owners Association (IPOA) is warning students are facing an increasingly desperate search for somewhere to live while at college. CAO offers are out and thousands of students are just beginning their search for a roof over their head for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The association said the shortage of accommodation had reached a critical point,

The Dictionary of Irish Biography (DIB) is pleased to announce the recent publication of three new biographical entries to its open access database. As ever, this release sees the publication of an eclectic range of noteworthy lives, drawn from across the spectrum of Irish society, including Laurence Forristal (1931–2018), bishop of Ossory, born in Jerpoint Church, Co. Kilkenny.

Born in Co. Kilkenny, Laurence Forristal was ordained a priest in 1955 after studying philosophy and theology in Ireland and Rome. He subsequently held a series of administrative and pastoral roles in the Dublin archdiocese before becoming an auxiliary bishop in 1980 and bishop of Ossory in 1981.

He was regarded as a highly capable and meticulous administrator and played a significant role in restructuring the Dublin archdiocese in the 1970s and in preparations for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland.

A major part of Forristal’s later career centred on the Church’s response to clerical child sexual abuse. In 1994–5 he chaired the committee that produced Child sexual abuse: framework for a church response, published in 1996, but the framework was subsequently criticised

with students facing intense competition for a limited supply of rooms and rental properties at the very time of year when demand increases sharply.

The Government’s own National Student Accommodation Strategy acknowledges that Ireland currently has a deficit of approximately 15,000 student beds and estimates that around 42,000 additional beds will be re-

quired by 2035.

However, property owners are warning that the student accommodation crisis is directly linked to the wider shortage of private rental accommodation, with students competing for homes alongside families, young professionals and other renters.

The latest Residential Tenancies Board figures show that 7,062 Notices of Termination were received in the

first quarter of 2026, compared with 4,693 in Q1 2025.

The IPOA said the continued loss of rental properties and the failure to provide sufficient new supply was creating an environment in which students had fewer legitimate options and were increasingly under pressure to secure accommodation as quickly as possible.

Mary Conway, Chairperson of the IPOA, said:

“Students receiving their college offers today should be looking forward to starting the next chapter of their lives. Instead, many will now face the anxiety of wondering whether they can actually find somewhere to live.”

“The reality is that there simply is not enough accommodation available.

Students are competing for a limited pool of properties, and that problem has been

allowed to develop over many years while the supply of private rental accommodation has continued to come under pressure,” she said.

The IPOA said the Government must urgently address policies which it believed were contributing to landlords leaving the private rental and reducing the availability of long-term rental accommodation.

in 2009 after many years of research by hundreds of contributors and its online edition now features almost 11,000 lives and continues to grow. The recent new entries also include John Daniel Alexander Robb (d. 2018),

surgeon and peace activist, and Dolores O’Riordan (d.

2018), musician and singersongwriter.

The Dictionary of Irish Biography (DIB) is Ireland’s national biographical dictionary. One of the flagship

research programmes based at the Royal Irish Academy, the DIB tells the island’s life story through the biographies of men and women born in Ireland, north and south.

Find out more at www.dib.ie.

Forristal joins the Elevated Irish as inadequate and misleading about reporting obligations.

His own handling of abuse cases was later examined by the Murphy and Cloyne investigations, which identified serious failures and delays.

Forristal acknowledged these

failures, making him virtually unique among the Irish episcopacy. He retired in 2007 and died in Kilkenny in 2018.

The DIB is one of the flagship research programmes based in the Royal Irish Academy. It was launched

When life's just full of beans...

From baggage fees and booking charges to delivery costs that mysteriously appear between your basket and the checkout, extra charges have become an unavoidable part of everyday life. Irish consumers might not like them, but many have become familiar with the eye-roll-and-pay routine.

New research commissioned by Frank and Honest has found that 92% of Irish consumers have thought twice before making a purchase because of extra charges.

Nearly half (42%) actively avoid businesses that add them, while one in three (31%) would rather look for a cheaper alternative altogether.

If Ireland could ban one extra charge forever, airline baggage fees would be the first out the departure gate (23%), followed by food delivery charges (17%)

and airline seat selection fees (17%).

The research also suggests younger consumers may be a little more tolerant of everyday extras. Four in ten (40%) 18–24-year-olds say they don't mind additional charges if they're clearly explained, compared with just a quarter (23%) of those aged 55–64, suggesting younger consumers are becoming more accustomed to everyday surcharges versus older generations.

When it comes to coffee, however, Irish consumers aren't against paying a little extra for the things that make coffee feel like a treat. A caramel syrup? Sure, why not.

A larger cup? Ah, go on then.

An extra shot? Don't mind if I do.

More than one in three consumers (35%) believe non-

dairy milk options should cost the same as dairy milk. Just 7% of coffee drinkers say it's an extra cost they're happy to fork out for.

At an average of 40 cent a cup, the oat surcharge has quietly become one of those everyday extras many consumers simply expect. There may be an eye roll, a quiet “are you having a laugh?” and another tap of the card, but that doesn’t mean anyone is happy about it.

When deciding where to buy their coffee, Irish consumers are clear about what matters: great taste (65%), good value (54%) and no unexpected extras.

After all, life's too short for bad brews, bad banter and surprise surcharges.

One less reason to roll your eyes...

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Pursuit not the answer for wrong-way drivers When it comes to the kneejerk reaction to the tragic carnage in the M9 and M50, M10, M60 wrong-way driving incidents, I recall the words of an old farmer. My dad had stopped to ask directions amid the drumlins of County Down, “If I were you,” advised the farmer, “I wouldn’t start from here.”

In the wake of the two horrifying crashes resulting in death and injury, I wouldn’t start by sending Gardai for UK training in high-speed, high-risk pursuit. It is a response which is far, far too late in a fateful chain of events which could be prevented at a much earlier stage. It’s a strategy likely to result in further tragedies, like the serious injury of four innocent members of a family from Carlow and the death of five youths as well as risks for Garda drivers.

It also does just what youth gang members want, for Gardai to join their deadly

game of cops ’n’ rob.

There are other less risky methods of stopping dangerous driving, from spike strips to puncture tyres, to drone tracking cars. Matters shouldn’t get to that stage though, but they do in a system which is failing to intervene effectively at every step along a way leading from the start of youth delinquency to horrific lifechanging injury and death.

The high-profile crashes are part of a trend that has been there for years, where teens rob or buy cars then roar around roadways, terrorising and robbing locals, taunting the Gardai to give chase and posting videos of their exploits online to get ‘likes’.

Don’t tell me that parents, teachers and Gardai are not aware of youths who are getting into trouble at a much earlier stage. One of the youths killed in the M50 crash was in the care

of Tusla, two others were ‘known’ to the agency and were on their radar. The juvenile justice system is neither effective nor a deterrent in these cases.

The most effective immediate action would be for social media platforms to take down posts showing the weaponising of cars driven by reckless youths in balaclavas. Closing their online accounts and removing posts of their criminal activity would rob gang members of their satisfaction in gaining likes for their exploits and kudos from their peers.

Juvenile delinquency is a worldwide challenge, fuelled

by Young Male Syndrome (YMS). One way to explain this is that lads have engines before they have brakes, at a stage where they engage in risk-taking, physical aggression and competition for status, driven by hormonal and social pressures.

Zest Back to college this year energised What a fantastic summer we have had this year, it’s one CLAIR that I think we will all WHITTY remember for a long time. And with all that sunshine you would imagine that you would be all be well powered up for the year ahead, especially anyone that is heading back to work or college in September.

But not everyone will have had the chance to get out into the sunshine so I can’t assume that you will have had a good summer boost.

Some of you may still be looking for an energy or immune supporting remedy to kick start the new season.

And sometimes a hectic or busy summer can leave you exhausted instead of being energised. I am especially thinking about young adults who have had busy summers and will be

heading back to college. You might be worried that they will be tired, too tired to concentrate, or that they will get ill in their first weeks and miss college. This is a common worry for parents. You might be wondering about a supplement to help support them so they can get to feel their best.

My go-to supplement for teenagers and young adults would be Revive Active Zest. This is a super supplement and I like it not only because it is an Irish Brand, but it contains a powerful blend of 25 active ingredients including Beta Glucans, L-Lysine, L-Theanine, and Taurine. It’s an ideal combination that can help support their flagging energy, tired immune system, mental clarity and muscle function. It’s also an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts of all types.

Zest is especially formulated to suit from age 18-30, but don’t worry, you don’t have to be a student or a young adult, someone my age can take it too, and I am only 62! Anyone who needs a boost for the year ahead could benefit from taking it.

It comes in powder form and you simply add it to a glass of water, it tastes amazing. If this is the right supplement for you it can work quite quickly. You’re not waiting for a 3-month loading period.

I think Revive Active Zest is worth looking at for that extra support when needed, call in to see us for more information and advice.

Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 | Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

Without full brain development of the pre-frontal cortex until around 25, they don’t evaluate the consequences of the risks they are taking. The disinhibiting effect as gang members represent themselves in the parallel online universe doesn’t

“If I were YOU I wouldn’t start from here...

help either.

Countries tend to have two different approaches to dealing with delinquency: either punitive at a late (too late!) stage or a restorative model which is about early intervention at community level with social support rather than detention, where prison can become a revolving door for offenders.

Among the countries which have successful preventative measures are Iceland, with mandatory parental involvement and subsidised youth activities, and the Netherlands, which uses counselling, mentorship and community service.

Chivalry is a neglected word, once used to describe the bravery and kindness of knights in Medieval times.

Boys were sent from home to stay in households for prolonged training, beginning at 7 as pages and becoming squires as teenagers, alongside the serving adults, being

schooled, learning to defend the weak as well as training in martial arts like jousting and swordplay before graduating as knights.

Maybe a modern version of knighthood training which would inspire lads, giving them support, a chance to develop skills, gain selfconfidence and earn respect is needed: the things joyriders are seeking in the wrong way.

Belonging, through having friends and being a member of a group, having a purpose and succeeding are core human drives and build self-esteem. The teenagers who are members of gangs, competing with each other in robbing, reckless driving, escaping the Gardai and posting their exploits online are, in a bizarre and criminal way, satisfying those drives.

Finding ways to meet those needs in alternative ways must be part of effective prevention. Prevent...

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 183

"Every single one of us is valuable"

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The passing of Mick Lennon: the closing of a chapter The recent passing of Mick Lennon in his 96th year brought deep sadness to Kilkenny and to many parts of the country. His passing, since Mick was an integral part of the Newpark neighbourhood, leaves a huge void in our community. His passing also closes a chapter on a generation of the highly Respected and much loved Lennon family .Mick’s life, from birth to death, was lived within a few acres. Born in Ballybought (now Golf Links Road), he moved in 1955 to Newpark Lower -- at that time a newly constructed estate with modern facilities. During early childhood, times were hard but happy, as siblings and friends cavorted in ‘Curtis Field’ and around the large green farmland spaces that surrounded Ballybought. Here wildlife proliferated. A variety of birds enjoyed the trees and hedges; the corncrake and the cuckoo were regular and much anticipated visitors. Hares, rabbits and foxes likewise abounded. Growing up in this environment, Mick learned to appreciate the rich tapestry of nature and learned to identify accurately the different kinds of birdsong. This ability remained with him throughout his life and brought him much pleasure.

Pump Sundays after early Mass, the lads from Ballybought would gather at the pump, the designated meeting point for all youthful interactions,.

Then they would take off with their hunting dogs and traverse the fields to Johnswell. This journey was done with the permission of landowners

admiration.Mick had a keen interest in hurling and could talk knowledgeably about games locally and nationally. Having watched games over the decades, he had great admiration for players of commitment and class.

Names that resonated with him were Christy Ring, Jimmy Doyle, Nicky Rackard, Jack Mulcahy, Paddy Grace and Lory Meagher. But he believed the game’s finest exponent was Jim Langton.

-- with only one stipulation: if you opened a gate, you closed that gate behind you. After a day’s adventure, they would return in time for the 7pm Confraternity in St John’s.

His marriage to Jo Conway in 1960 saw Mick settle into life as a committed family man. They were blessed with three children, Michael, Rita, and Beth, who brought focus and stability to this young couple. Work in ‘The Boot Factory’ added constancy and security. As an employee, Mick was exemplary and a dedicated member of the workforce, renowned for his honesty, ability and commitment.

The conclusion of the working day saw Mick tending the gardens to the front and the rear of his home.

The front garden, enclosed by neatly trimmed hedges, contained an assortment of colourful flowers that complemented two magnificent hydrangeas. The back garden contained a variety of vegetables -- potatoes, onions, carrots and parsnips. Mick was an accomplished and proficient gardener, someone whose endeavours brought acclaim and

Greyhounds For all his love of hurling, there was no doubting his greatest sporting interest: greyhound racing. Here he was in his element. He loved the excitement, the intrigue, the camaraderie and the sheer joy this pursuit invoked. He became immersed in the industry as owner, trainer, and mentor to anyone seeking guidance and advice. His own successful dogs included Dana, Uncle Remus and the exemplary Miss Ritabeth .The greyhound fraternity is a tight knit and loyal group. Mick developed long lasting and friendly relationships. Included in this inner circle were John Hindle, Frank Scott, Paddy Sunderland, Pat Carroll and Joe Doheny, as well as his neighbours Mons Heffernan, Seánie Nolan, Joe Daly and Dinnie Moylan. Often, this coterie spent nights in an endless circle of debate on races, tactics and the merits or otherwise of specific dogs. The discussions ended only because of the need for sleep prior to work the following day. But this cessation was only a hiatus, since the discourse resumed at the earliest

possible opportunity. Over the years, Mick Lennon became an iconic figure whose expertise was eagerly sought by fellow enthusiasts. Damian O’Connell, Mick's close neighbour and friend, always sought his approval before buying a greyhound.

Damian credits Mick’s remarkable eye for sourcing Wellsborough Dan, his most successful winner.

25’s Mick liked to relax with a few quiet pints and a game of ’25’ (although it must be said that he was a fiercely competitive card player -- woe betide the player whose carelessness caused the loss of a trick). In earlier times, Langton’s and The Nore Bar were the hostelries of choice. In latter years, he migrated to Pat Carroll’s and the Army Barracks. He enjoyed these evenings with his friends and contemporaries, Bill Wilkinson, John Dunne, Tommy Higgins, Amby Fogarty and Larry Murphy. Chats among this group of trusted friends were often vociferous but always remained amiable.

With the birth of his first grandchild, Nicola, life changed and henceforth Mick, within the family circle, was always Grandad. Eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren embellished his life. He absolutely relished the joy and happiness they brought. He felt renewed and invigorated by them and became alive and energised in their company.

History Mick liked to relax with his pipe and enjoyed a smoke while sitting by

the fire. Reading was central to his mental well being. He particularly enjoyed history books and would quietly while away an hour or two engrossed in a novel.

His Catholic faith was extremely important to his being and self worth.

Even as the Church struggled with internal conflict, he remained steadfast and loyal. He was adamant that Mass and the sacraments provided succour and sustenance.

Though Mick was in ill health for some time, he remained alert and vibrant throughout, rediscovering the joys of Ireland’s Own and continuing to have a small wager at the weekends. The end came surprisingly quickly. Earlier that day he celebrated a much cherished winner at the races. Later, surrounded by close family, Mick left this world quietly, with dignity and composure – the same attributes that marked his life.

The enormity of his passing has left us bereft and distraught. We recognise that Mick was perhaps the last of his generation to have a detailed awareness and understanding of our locality. A library of knowledge, with the passing of this local historian, has disappeared forever. We will miss Mick Lennon greatly. His kindness and innate goodness touched the hearts of many people and he has left a remarkable legacy that will continue to resonate with all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Thank you Mick, for the company, the chats and the laughs.

Codladh sámh.

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BY ANNETTE KEATING

There is one kind of grief that has no proper name, because the English language never expected anyone to need one. For a parent who has buried a child, there is no word for what they have become, just the fact they carry such each day afterward. I found one word, ‘Vilomah’ from Sanskrit, which translates to “against the natural order”.

Unfortunately, I write this based on my own experience and that of other parents who have spoken publicly about losing a child. Neither is a substitute for the other.

Theory does not hold the weight of our stories and at no part of grieving is there a clean stage. However, we charter a lifelong ship we all sail in.

Based on my research, in the US, I found much of my material to help on my lifelong healing journey. I hope, dear reader, this helps you in some small way today.

The shock that does not lift on schedule Linton Weeks, a reporter, lost both his sons, 20 and 24, in a single moment in July 2009, when a tractor crashed into their stationary car.

Writing after the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012, he described the helplessness of watching another wave of parents enter the same unthinkable territory.

In the first days and weeks, people describe a kind of numbness, going through the motions of funerals, paperwork, phone calls, while feeling strangely outside their own body.

This is not you failing to grieve properly. It is your mind’s way of letting you function when the full weight of what has happened would otherwise be unbearable all at once. Let the fog do its job. Do not judge yourself for feeling “nothing”, or for feeling everything at once and then nothing again 10 minutes later.

You do not ‘get over it’ … you carry it differently Most people who study grief now understand it differently – the relationship does not end, it changes shape. Talking to the people, marking their birthday, keeping a photo close, telling their stories to people who never met them, these are not signs you are stuck.

That is how many people carry a loss for the rest of their lives and still build a life alongside it. I dream of my daughter on a regular basis. The last dream we were shopping, ‘Tasha teasing me about not paying for hairspray, to which I responded, you will pay for the hairspray young lady. As a parent we continue to parent

Coping with loss – and the grief with no name

our children even after death. Our instinct to protect them will always remain.

Anger, guilt and the unanswerable ‘why?’

Grief rarely arrives alone.

Anger at the situation, at whoever or whatever caused the loss; sometimes the person who died, sometimes at yourself, sometimes at others, is all too common. So is guilt, even when there is nothing to feel guilty about.

So is the endless replay of what might or could have been different.

These feelings do not mean something is wrong with you. They mean you are grieving a real bond in all its complication. Anticipated loss runs on a different clock. Research on parents who lost children to a terminal illness suggests parents begin grieving before the death itself (anticipatory grief ). A slow adjusting to the idea of a future without the child, starting months before the future event arrives.

This is not easier grief, in part because it demands more from the parents as they care for their child.

However, they have time to prepare, have conversations and say everything they need. They cope better than parents in the first years afterwards than parents who did not get that chance.

Neither path is lighter.

Sudden loss means grief tangled up in shock and unanswered questions, while anticipated loss often means grief arriving on top of exhaustion. Sudden loss and expected loss are not the same road. Research is consistent in that matter.

Studies comparing bereavement outcomes have found that a sudden, unexpected death tends to produce a more acute, more intense grief response, with parents likely to develop symptoms of trauma alongside the grief itself.

When to reach for support Losses are heavy enough that they need more than

time or willpower alone.

Profound grief often needs company with similar grief sufferers. Often parents carry PTSD into their child’s death, not just away from it.

Research on complicated

grief identifies a history of prior trauma and this is a predictor of a harder bereavement afterwards.

What seems to happen is not simply two separate conditions running side by

Towards new things with purpose Part of grieving ‘well’ is deliberately doing things that have nothing to do with your loss. This is not avoidance and it is not disloyalty. It is what researchers call restoration-oriented coping, the counterpart to sitting with the grief directly.

A new hobby, a new place, a small new skill, a new routine that did not exist before. I started by giving myself one hour every second day as a time out from grieving and slowly, over time, I built this up. Music really helped, relearning to play the piano.

Nature is such a wonderful place. Find a spot where you can relax completely. I scattered Natasha’s ashes where the sun sets. On August 31, I will be at our beautiful beach, waiting for the sun to set with flowers in my daughters’ memory, in the hope I will feel her presence blending with me.

“Words engage our mind, but in silence we hear the presence of our ancestors and ones gone ahead.”

side. A study of adults found that where earlier trauma sat in a person’s life shaped what resurfaced afterward; adversity from childhood tended to complicate the grief itself, while more recent adult trauma tended to reactivate specifically as PTSD symptoms layered on top of the new loss.

In practice, this means hypervigilance, intrusive memories and avoidance of existing PTSD do not stay separate from the grief. A flashback can belong to the earlier trauma or the child’s death because the brain does not file them into different drawers. None of this means a sign of failing to cope. It means the grief and trauma require treatment together rather than one after the other. Grief that stays intense with no lightening at all over a long stretch, or stops you from functioning, i.e. existing PTSD, sleeping, eating, working, caring for others, it is a time to contact a professional.

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Team Up to Clean Up returns for fourth year as Kilkenny communities unite for a cleaner county Registration opens for Team Up to Clean Up 2026

Kilkenny County Council is delighted to announce the launch of the fourth annual Team Up to Clean Up – Together for Kilkenny campaign, inviting communities, schools, businesses, sports clubs and voluntary organisations across the county to once again come together in a shared commitment to enhance the local environment by completing a litter pick in their neighbourhood over the 25th-27th

of September.

Since its launch in 2023, Team Up to Clean Up has grown into one of County Kilkenny's most successful community litter initiatives, inspiring thousands of citizens to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, civic pride and community stewardship.

Led by Kilkenny County Council and supported by valued sponsors Dawn Meats, Tirlán, PRL and the John O'Shea Trust, the initiative encourages people to view themselves not simply as residents, but as custodians of the places where they live, work and enjoy.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny

County Council Cllr Joe Malone said: "Team Up to Clean Up” has become much more than a litter-picking weekend. It is about creating lasting behavioural change and encouraging all of us to take responsibility for our local environment. The success of the initiative over the past three years demonstrates the power of communities working together to make a real difference” Bernadette Moloney, Environmental Awareness Officer who is co-ordinating the campaign this year would like to remind groups of the early bird registration offer, all groups who sign up before the 7th of

September will be entered into a draw for €250, early registration helps in ensuring litter picking packs are distributed in time. This year, to ensure we continue to be sustainable, previous participants can seek a top up supply of litter picking materials rather than receiving a standard litter picking pack which accommodates 8 volunteers.

Education remains a core element of the initiative. This year the campaign joins forces with The Rubbish Film Festival to empower secondary school students to create impactful short films that spotlight environmental challenges and drive meaningful

change.

Registration for Team Up to Clean Up 2026 is now open, and Kilkenny County Council is encouraging all community groups, schools, businesses, sporting organisations and residents' associations to sign up and play their part by registering via https://cleanup.kilkenny.ie/.

Early bird registrations before the 7th of September will be in with a chance to win €250, the registration portal will close on the 23rd of September in preparation for the Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny weekend, taking place from the 25th-27th of September.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Govt has six weeks to get its act together Last week I wrote about getting ready for Budget Day. This week, the focus turns to what the Fiscal Council is saying about the numbers.

With six weeks to go, the Minister will stand up in the Dáil on October 6 and set out the Government’s plans for 2027.

The Government has already signalled an €8.5 billion package. But the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council’s latest preBudget assessment suggests that the figure announced on the day may not tell the whole story. What matters, the council warns, is how much the State actually ends up spending.

That is becoming a familiar problem. In the past decades, Government spending has come in more than €2 billion above budget each year, on average in today’s money.

According to the council, the last year in which spending finished at or below the figure announced on Budget Day was 2013.

Health spending is already running ahead of plan this year. The council now expects the eventual overspend in

2026 to reach closer to €2.1 billion, around three times the €700 million currently acknowledged.

That makes the plans for next year harder to judge. The Summer Economic Statement already points to net spending growth of 6% in 2027, while the economy’s sustainable growth rate is estimated at around 5%.

The council thinks that pace is too fast. Ireland is already in a strong economic position, with employment continuing to rise, and there is little need for another major injection of demand. More spending could instead feed into prices.

Recent budgets, the council estimates, have added around 0.4 percentage points to inflation. For an average household, that works out at roughly €230 to €250 a year. If the same pattern continues, the cost could be approaching €1,000 a person by 2030.

But the €8.5 billion headline figure is misleading in another

way. Before the Government introduces any new measures, around €8 billion is expected to be taken up in 2027 by demographic pressures, an ageing population and existing commitments, including the public-sector pay deal.

That leaves considerably less for genuinely new measures than the €8.5 billion headline suggests.

Then there is corporation tax. Receipts reached a record €33 billion last year and are continuing to rise. The Government is spending roughly €7 for every €8 it collects in corporation tax, leaving only €1 aside. That looks comfortable while the receipts keep coming in. The problem is what happens if they don’t?

Without corporation tax receipts, the projected surplus this year would turn into a deficit of more than €10 billion. That leaves the public finances unusually exposed to a source of revenue that can change quickly and is con-

centrated among a relatively small number of multinational companies.

The Government’s mediumterm plan is to keep spending growth at an average of 6%.

But the Fiscal Council argues that this still leaves Ireland too dependent on corporation tax.

Its recommendation is for Ireland to introduce its own domestic budgetary rule, backed by legislation, which would broadly link net spending to the economy’s sustainable growth rate. The idea would be to impose more discipline when tax receipts are strong while protecting public investment from the kind of sharp cuts seen after the financial crisis.

None of these concerns are entirely new. General Government spending has increased by 54% since 2019.

Some of that increase is unavoidable. Ireland has a larger population, the population is getting older and inflation has

pushed up the cost of providing public services.

But the Fiscal Council also points to what it describes as “bad planning” and “poor expenditure management”.

When tax receipts are flowing, there is less pressure to make difficult choices about what the State can actually afford.

The Fiscal Council is not predicting a collapse in the public finances. Nor is it arguing that the Government should stop spending altogether.

Its warning is more gradual.

Ireland is allowing spending to run ahead of the economy, while becoming increasingly reliant on corporation tax receipts that cannot be taken for granted.

The Government has six weeks to decide what it wants to do about that. The more important question may be how much of it survives once the spending begins. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

This situation has now moved beyond frustrating and into the realm of the indefensible The Social Democrats have accused the Government of gross hypocrisy for continuing to deny visas to dozens of Gazan students awarded third level placements under the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme.

Speaking ahead of the ‘Let Them Study’ protest outside the Department of Justice this week, Carlow-Kilkenny based senator Patricia Stephenson, the party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, said: “I fully support this protest, which has been organised by Trinity BDS and the NCAD students’ union.

“This important scholarship programme is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs in close cooperation with the Department of Further and Higher Education. It is therefore baffling that many Palestinian students who have been offered fully funded third level place-

ments under the scheme are now being refused visas by the Department of Justice.

“While the Government insists there has been no change of policy, it has failed to account for the higher visa refusal rate this year.

“Some of the reasons given for the rejection of visa applications – including gaps in the students’ education or failure to produce original bank statements – are completely unrealistic when you consider that most of Gaza, including academic and financial institutions, has been destroyed by Israeli forces and is unable to operate as a normal society.

“This Government cannot claim to be a supporter of the Palestinian people when it acts with such cruelty and unfairness. With just weeks to go

until the start of the academic year, Gazan students are being denied the chance of escaping a warzone and the opportunity of higher education.

“To me, the blockage seems to be a result of three Government departments not communicating with each other. The Minister for Justice must immediately intervene and clear up this embarrassing mess, which is making Ireland’s support for Palestine look insincere and hypocritical.”

Deputy Jen Cummins, the party’s spokesperson on further and higher education, said: “This situation has now moved beyond frustrating and into the realm of the indefensible. These students have been awarded scholarships and places in Irish universities, yet more than half are facing visa refusals from the Irish Government.

“We raised concerns weeks ago and called for the relevant Government departments to work together to resolve the issue. Instead, as the academic year fast approaches, these students remain in limbo.

“These are young people trying to pursue an education while living through unimaginable circumstances. Applying the same document requirements as if they were applying from a functioning state completely ignores the reality on the ground in Gaza.

“The Government has demonstrated previously that it can facilitate the evacuation and arrival of Gazan students when there is political will. Ministers must now urgently review these cases and ensure that Palestinian students who have earned places in Irish institutions are not denied the opportunity to take them up because of unnecessary bureaucracy.”

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Quiet Land

Theatrical brilliance as Lake produce Gem Review by Tom Dayton.

Photos Pat Shortall When I was a young buck, studying journalism at UCG, I spent many happy hours in my spare time playing rugby.

As luck would have it, I played for the University, and later, got a few run-outs with the B team, wearing the Green of Connaught. My number 8 geansaí saw me in some great and thrilling battles. Like the great Willie Duggan of Kilkenny, I was regularly the last man out from a collapsed scrum. I mention this, purely to note that when it comes to awkward situations, my playing time with the oval ball saw many challenges.

Bombshell None however prepared me for the looks and verbal taunts I received at O’Hara’s pub in Thomastown last week. Allow me to explain. I was asked (and delighted to have been) to review a production of The Quiet Land by Malachy McKenna at Thomastown Concert Hall, presented by Lake Productions. As we sat in the Logan Street pub, we were joined by some members of the Kilkenny city theatre fraternity. Following the usual introductions we got down to discussing the play.

Apart from rugby, I had also dabbled in amateur theatre, so I was quite confident in offering an opinion on the production. I mentioned that I had seen Gerry Cody in a few recent productions, the latest being an incredible performance as Jack in The Weir, also at the Concert Hall.

So far so good. And then the bombshell. I explained I had never seen Brendan Corcoran and wondered (out loud) whether Corcoran was involved in Kilkenny theatre for long. I was about to finish my comment by saying how fantastic he was, but the words did not come fast enough.

If I thought being trapped underneath a 900kg rugby scrum was bad, nothing prepared me for this. Looks of incredulity faced me. It was akin to saying, in my adopted town of Inistioge, that I never heard of Eddie Keher. After twenty minutes of explaining that I wasn’t extracting the urine, they eventually accepted that due to the fact that I

am relatively new to Kilkenny, a genuine mistake had been made in not recognising this celebrated actor. They were not one bit happy.

A lesson learned. Note to self: In future, put brain in motion before operating tongue.

And so to the production.

Bewley’s I was lucky enough to have seen a production of The Quiet Land when it debuted at Bewleys in Dublin. Two of Ireland’s best players-Des Keogh and Derry Power- delivered a master class that still lives with me. Indeed I purchased a script of the play a number of years ago and it takes pride of place in my theatre library section. I regularly take it down to read. I could attempt to give a brief synopsis of McKenna’s story, however, I think Lake member Emily Kelly summed up the play best in her programme message. Kelly spoke to the audience: “In a world that rarely stops talking, you’ve chosen an evening built on what goes unsaid. Since 2018, Lake Productions has grown from a few friends who couldn’t stay away from the stage into nearly thirty productions.

We are neighbours first and a theatre company second — which is, we think, the right way round. Tonight we give you Malachy McKenna’s The Quiet Land. Two old farmers, Eamon and Nashee, meet at a gate on a hillside, as they have for half a lifetime. They talk of hurling and weather

Tom and Helen Costello at The Thomastown Concert Hall

Jim and Anne Keating in Thomastown for The Quiet Land

At the AKA performance of Malachy McKenna’s play The Quiet Land were, Pat Fitzpatrick with his sister Ann Marie

Frances Sweeney and Lily Ryan attended ‘The Quiet Land’

Ella Gorey and Mary Delaney who attended the Quiet Land

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Quiet Land Joan and Helen Doyle, attending The Thomastown Concert Hall

Willie Joe Meally, Jane Meally and Aidan Comerford attended The Quiet Land at The Thomastown Concert Hall

Gerry Cody and Brendan Corcoran who were part of Lake Productions performance of The Quiet Land

Cora Wallace , Miriam Martin and Imelda Maloney at The Quiet Land

Kevin Lalor Fitzpatrick, Barrie Henriques and John Kavanagh at Thomastown Concert Hall

in that dry country code where the warmest thing a man can say is an insult, and silence does the heavy lifting. Beneath the banter lies a quieter grief — and two men learning, too late and just in time, how to say what matters”. Beautifully put Ms Kelly..

Duos It is of course wrong to compare Ballyragget shows and actors. Apples and folk Paul and oranges and all that. Plus, the BewKaren Phelan, ley’s production was professional, enjoyed while the Thomastown cast were the theatre amateur. Be that as it may, of the show by Lake two shows, I for one, feel Corcoran Productions and Cody got more from the script than I think any other performers did. The standard of acting, their delivery, their use of silence and the way they bounced off each other would make you wonder if there are any who would perform this show to a higher standard. Either professional or amateur. I think not.

If acting is about anything, it surely is about chemistry between actors. Trust in your fellow actor is paramount. Take the famous actor duos from the movies who worked exceptionally well together- Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, Fergus Heffernan and Willie Egan were part of the full house who attended The Quiet Land at The Thomastown Concert Hall and Tom Hanks and

Meg Ryan.

And of course you couldn’t forget the magnificent pairing of Laurel and Hardy and Abbott and Costello who are two of the most famous comedy teams in film history.

I have no hesitation in comparing the Corcoran and Cody performance in the same breath as the aforementioned actors. The McKenna play served up a delicious treat of an Ireland that the vast majority of city folk know little or anything about. Those who read my last review in The Observer on The Weir will know I rated it ten out of ten. I offer the same marks here. What a pleasure to have witnessed this incredible offering of theatre. Congrats to you Lake Productions. Like a certain alcoholic drink advertisement once said, the consumption of this play left me breathless. Lighting and sound was

by Paddy Morris. A truly splendid set design and decoration was by Terry Brennan.

The stones will speak Prior to the Quiet Land, we were treated to a most glorious black and white film, ‘The Stones will speak’, from The Terence MacDonald collection. Terence McDonald was a teacher, film historian, film collector and pioneering amateur film maker. Born in the city of Derry in 1926, the films he made during his lifetime are diverse in genre and subject.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Bar extensions, baptism and beer A funny thing happened during our Arts Festival gone by. Actually I don’t know if funny is the correct word but read on and you can decide for yourself. I am coming from a festival event, it’s maybe 11.20 pm and I’m thinking I might fancy a drink. It’s late in the night and what with closing time being 11.30 pm, more or less, I’m wondering if it’s worth my while popping in for a pint.

Anyway, I am passing a bar in Irishtown, there’s a member of staff, a young man, maybe 19 (had to be o18, right?) sweeping the pavement outside.

“Excuse me.” I say, “do you work here could you tell me if there’s bar extension because of fhe festival?”

“A what?” says the young man. “A bar extension” I repeat, somewhat puzzled and perplexed by his reply.

“What’s a bar extension?’ he asks me in all sincerity. I

swear. Not a word of a lie. And that’s when I laughed. ‘You do work here?” I said. ‘I do.’ ‘And you don’t know what a bar

extension is?” ’”No, what is it?”

And now I don’t know whether to laugh or cry as I

looked at this kid in a state of total, and utter, disbelief. I also figured out, quite quickly (I can be very sharp at times), that there was no bar extension in this particular licensed premises that night). And this I’m thinking tops my encounter, some months back, with the ‘kid’ working in the supermarket (which I wrote about previously) who, when I asked him where I might find white pepper, replied: “What’s white pepper?’ He was only aware of black pepper! Wonder if he knows what a bar extension is?

Back to my young man sweeping up outside the pub, I quietly explained to him what a bar extension was and how he would know all about it in time to come and know all about the unofficial ‘bar extension’, the ‘late one’, the ‘lock in.’ And sauntered home.

Staying with drink here’s an interesting case. In the 13th

Century in Norway it was possible for good, practicing Catholics to have their children baptised in beer! Why? Because of a water shortage.

The Pope, however, was far from impressed, in fact he was not impressed at all. At all. In the Catholic Church baptism is the first sacrament and if it is not performed correctly (the priest must use water in the service) one cannot receive any other sacraments.

And so, Pope Gregory 1X (1227-41) dropped those concerned a line: “We have learned that it sometimes happens that, because of the scarcity of water from of your lands but in , evangelical doctrine it is necessary to be reborn from water and the Holy Spirit (John 3.5) They are not to be considered rightly baptised who are baptised in beer.”

It occurs to me that there’s a water shortage in Kilkenny

at the moment – wonder if any of our clergy considered dousing an infant’s head in a drop of Smithwicks? Which reminds me – the monks of St Francis’s Abbey (the home of Smithwicks) had a daily allowance of, wait for it, six pints of beer, because the water was too dangerous to drink. Which would explain why the good monks got up at the crack of dawn – to pray, of course, but also to pee! ****** It was six in the morning when the phone rang in the reception desk of the hotel.

The night porter picked it up to hear a slurred voice say: “Excoosh me, my fren, but… hic…what time dush the bar open?” The porter replied: “It doesn’t open till 10, sir, but by the sound of your condition you won’t be allowed in”.

“Allowed in”, roared the drunk, “I’ve been waiting all night to get out!”

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Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

Celebrating every step along the way Whatever age you are, it’s important to take time to appreciate how far you have come. It’s easy to forget to acknowledge the progress we have already made.

Equally, we can overlook the accomplishments of those around us, missing valuable opportunities to encourage, inspire and strengthen our relationships. Celebrating achievements, our own and others’, is an important habit that promotes confidence, motivation and a positive community.

Acknowledging our own achievements allows us to reflect on the effort, resilience and determination that went into reaching a goal. During Art’s Week, so many talented artists had created beautiful things that clearly took patience and self-belief. Success is rarely the result of luck alone. Behind every accomplishment are countless hours of hard work, learning from mistakes, overcoming challenges and refusing to give up. By taking time to

celebrate these milestones, we acknowledge our growth and remind ourselves that our efforts have value and that we can love and appreciate ourselves!

Celebrating personal achievements also helps us develop the self-confidence to keep going and try new things.

It’s not only the major successes that deserve recognition; every step forward is worth celebrating, no matter how small it may seem. Completing a difficult project, learning a new skill, improving a personal habit or overcoming a fear all take time and effort.

Celebrating others is equally important. When we acknowledge another person’s success, we show respect for their hard work and demonstrate genuine happiness for their achievements. This strengthens friendships, families, workplaces and communities by creating an atmosphere of encouragement rather than competition. People are more likely to support one another when they know their

efforts will be appreciated and acknowledged. Many artists appreciate being validated and seen.

Celebrating the achievements of others also teaches valuable qualities such as humility, kindness and empathy. Instead of comparing ourselves to someone else’s success, we can choose to be inspired by it. Every person’s journey is unique, with different challenges and opportunities.

By applauding someone else’s accomplishments, we acknowledge that success is not limited and that comparisons are pointless! One person’s achievement does not reduce another person’s chances of succeeding. In fact, celebrating others creates support networks where everyone benefits from shared knowledge, encouragement and inspiration.

Art’s Week is always both an individual and a great community effort.

Praising achievements can improve motivation and

performance. Children who receive encouragement for their efforts often become more confident learners and continue developing their talents. Recognition does not need big awards or financial rewards. A sincere compliment, a note of appreciation or public acknowledgement can have a lasting positive impact on a person’s confidence and sense of belonging. The Dalai Lama always makes a point of thanking people who sweep floors and clean toilets and now, so do I, as we all benefit.

Celebrations can play an important role in maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing. Taking time to celebrate progress allows us to appreciate the present moment before moving on to the next challenge.

It reminds us that success is not only about reaching the final destination but also about appreciating the effort along the way.

Furthermore, celebrating achievements strengthens

relationships by creating shared moments of joy. By congratulating a friend’s success, attending a graduation ceremony, celebrating a birthday or recognising a family member’s personal milestone, we create lasting memories. Such celebrations show that we care about one another’s happiness and success. Expressions of support build trust, deepen connections and contribute to stronger, more positive communities.

It is also important to celebrate achievements in ways that are meaningful rather than extravagant. A celebration does not need to involve expensive gifts or elaborate parties. Sometimes a heartfelt conversation, a handwritten note, a handmade gift, a bunch of wildflowers, sharing good news or simply taking time to reflect can be just as meaningful.

The true purpose of celebration is recognition and gratitude, not material reward. It’s free and important!

Ultimately, celebrating achievements reminds us that everyone’s progress deserves appreciation and it encourages us to value persistence, recognise personal growth and appreciate the accomplishments of those around us. By celebrating both our own successes and the successes of others, we create environments where confidence, encouragement and mutual respect can flourish. In doing so, we not only motivate ourselves to reach new heights but also inspire others to believe in their own potential. Success becomes more meaningful when it is shared, acknowledged and celebrated together, enriching both individual lives and the communities to which we belong.

Thanks to everyone who made Thomastown’s Art’s Week such fun!

Please read Marianne Williamson’s “Our Deepest Fear”. www.judithashton.com

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Opinion

The “Busiest Street in Town”

Upper Bridge Street Callan in times past

William and Annie O Brien Seamus's parents

Part one

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

I’ve quoted the late Seamus O’ Brien many times in articles. Throughout his life, Seamus promoted all aspects of Callan’s heritage and was a tireless community activist.

He loved sport and served on local committees dedicated to reviving the sporting fortunes of the district.

He was a long serving secretary of the John Lockes Hurling Club.

Green Street Callan possibly 1900s

He used his position as a local newspaper correspondent to boost his native town with his commentaries and pithy news items.

Upper Bridge Street in Seamus O’ Brien’s childhood and teenage years was very different from the less attractive but still charming thoroughfare it is today. There were no satellite dishes, little in the way of traffic congestion, and not a derelict building in sight.

Though the shortest of the four Main Streets, it was for the opening decades of the 20th century the town’s principal shopping area. A

staggering twenty-seven businesses thrived in the street, which meant that every house was a hive of economic activity. A showcase of ambition and enterprise, some proud locals dubbed it, rightly or wrongly, the “busiest street in Callan.”

Seamus lived at number eleven with his parents, sisters, and brothers. Before 1914, Michael and Mary Bishop had owned the house.

Mary employed Annie Morrissey of Conahy in a drapery business she had established on the premises. Annie (Seamus’s mother) took over this business after Mary’s death

and in 1916 met and married William O’ Brien of Grangemockler, Seamus’s father.

A master carpenter and builder, William had been in town working on the construction of the creamery manager’s house in West Street. The couple opened a newsagent’s shop, which was a big success from day one, closing only a few years ago.

Early Memories Seamus was born in 1922, one of six children. One of his earliest memories is of his father shuffling through the shop with a struggling pig flapping about in a canvass bag, which he proposed to raise and fatten in the garden, a common practice at the time to supplement one’s income or provide food for the family.

Willie tried to stifle the squeals of the pig but Seamus heard it all too clearly. The sound seemed to pierce his eardrums.

A local butcher, Mattie Lanigan, slaughtered the pig.

Seamus was transfixed by the spectacle of the razor-sharp knife slicing and squelching into the animal's quivering carcass and the noise of its ever-decreasing cries of pain or distress as it expired.

Other pigs followed this one

through the house and into the garden.

The family enjoyed regular meals of pork steak, rashers, black and white puddings and pig’s head and shared the bountiful meat with their neighbours.

Another childhood memory Seamus treasured was that of the songbirds. They gazed and chirped at you from cages that hung outside almost every house in the town… filling the homes and streets of Callan with their melodious sweet music.

Finches and linnets were the main performers in this daily choir, though song thrushes put in an appearance too.

Some householders partially covered the cages with cloths to protect their birds from the ever-vigilant hawk, swooping over the Callan skies in search of easy prey.

The prevalence of this attachment to artificially generated dawn choruses and daylong avian operatic recitals in the town was extraordinary. In Green Lane, for instance, Seamus noted that, from the 1920s through to the late 1950s, the Kearneys, Dowlings, Corcorans, Fannings, Roches, Woodgates, and Keatings kept songbirds.

A Ms. Bergin was a conscientious objector on Green Lane who avoided this tradition as she felt that birds should not be confined in cages. “They should”, she opined, “be flying free in the wide blue yonder, as God intended.”

Today, the remnants of the songbird days in Callan are still evident, though you need to be especially observant to detect them.

Some of the nails from which hung the cages of those winged if captive entertainers are there, protruding from the walls about seven feet off the ground… reminders of an era that would, I imagine, be as offbeat and unfamiliar as the Stone Age to some twenty-

first century townsfolk.

The tradition of keeping songbirds in Callan began to fade out by the early 1960s and today it is rare to hear them in homes of the district.

Tom Comerford of Green Lane was among the last residents of the town to have a bird singing in front of his home. The singer that delivered the final performance for Tom died, according to Seamus, in the autumn of 1962.

As the aged linnet gasped her sawn song, in a rendition that would have put our present-day Celebrity, You’re a Star TV contestants to shame, passers-by allegedly wept.

Even the parish priest, recalled Seamus, shed a tear upon hearing of her demise and made a reference to her in his otherwise fiery Sunday Sermon.

God be good to the bird!

Some of the larger Callan shops had electricity in the 1920s, supplied by the town’s own scheme that had been up and running since 1909. But the majority of households had to make do with the old fashioned means of illumination. A flickering oil lamp hung from the kitchen wall of Seamus’s home.

A tin shade nailed to the ceiling encircled it to prevent smoke from billowing upwards and outwards and thus blackening the whole room.

At bedtime, the family had enamelled candlesticks to bring upstairs.

Seamus often read by candlelight, devouring the latest Westerns and increasing his general knowledge of the turbulent world into which he had arrived the year Michael Collins was shot.

In most Callan homes, including Seamus’s, a sacred heart lamp powered by paraffin burned day and night, a constant reminder of the never ceasing presence of God in their midst.

To be continued…

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LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS: NEWS, LAUNCHES OR EVENTS ACROSS HEALTH & BEAUTY? CONTACT: FEATURESEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Health & Beauty

Happy, Thank You. More, Please WELLBEING

Heart health checks worth knowing about HEALTH

Kyla Cobbler’s Happy, Thank You. More, Please. is a memoir about trying to find happiness without pretending that life is tidy, easy or completely under control. Due out on September 1, the book brings together the humour Cobbler is known for with a more personal look at the experiences that shaped her.

The title comes from five words Cobbler first heard when she was twenty-one: “Happy, Thank You. More, Please.” Over time, the phrase became a way of thinking about gratitude, confidence and the kind of life she wanted to build. In the book, she looks back at the years when she was still figuring herself out, often through mistakes, awkward situations and choices she can now laugh about.

Those stories include bad dates, too much alcohol, embarrassing moments and an extraordinary arrest linked to suspected drug smuggling. Cobbler doesn’t present any of this as a dramatic before-and-after story. Instead, she writes about the reality of growing into yourself: getting things wrong, learning from experience and slowly becoming more comfortable with who you are.

It’s also a story about how perspective changes with age, and how experiences that once felt humiliating or confusing can become reminders of what matters and what no longer does.

There is plenty here for readers who already enjoy Cobbler’s comedy, especially her sharp observations and willingness to make herself the punchline. But Happy, Thank You. More, Please. also seems set to show a quieter and more reflective side.

It explores the pressure to have everything sorted, the temptation to compare yourself with other people and the relief that can come from letting go of perfection.

At the centre of the memoir is a simple idea: happiness isn’t something that only arrives once every problem has been solved. It can be found in ordinary moments, in gratitude, in trusting your instincts and in accepting that a good life can still be messy.

Funny, open and unmistakably personal, Happy, Thank You. More, Please. promises to be an entertaining and thoughtful memoir about self-acceptance, resilience and learning to appreciate the life you already have.

You don’t have to feel unwell to have a heart health problem. High blood pressure and high cholesterol often cause no obvious symptoms, which is why a few simple checks can be useful even when you feel perfectly well.

Blood pressure is one of the easiest places to start. The HSE advises people aged 40 and over to have it checked at least once a year. Healthy adults aged 18 to 39 with no family history of high blood pressure should have it checked at least every five years. Checks are available at

HAIR Sunshine, swimming and holidays may be good for the spirits, but by late summer your hair can be feeling decidedly less cheerful.

UV exposure can leave hair dry, brittle and lacking shine, while chlorine can strip away some of the natural oils that protect the hair shaft and contribute to breakage and split ends.

If your hair is looking a little worse for wear, the first step is to treat it gently. Use conditioner after shampooing and consider adding a deep-conditioning treatment to your routine for a few weeks. When drying, avoid vigorous rubbing with a towel and let hair air-dry when practical. If you do use straighteners, curling tongs or a hairdryer, keep the heat down and give your hair a break from styling where possible.

After swimming, rinse hair with fresh water as soon as you can. Dermatologists also recommend shampooing

GP surgeries, some pharmacies and health events or you can use a suitable monitor at home.

A cholesterol check is another useful number to know.

High cholesterol is detected with a blood test rather than by symptoms. The HSE says people over 40 should have their cardiovascular risk reviewed regularly, while testing may also be recommended if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight or a family history of early heart disease or inherited high cholesterol.

Blood sugar matters too.

Diabetes increases the risk

Fabrikasimf

of coronary heart disease, so a glucose check may form part of an overall heart-health assessment, particularly if your GP thinks you are at increased risk.

It’s also worth knowing your pulse. An irregular heartbeat can sometimes point to an abnormal heart rhythm. If there is reason for concern, a GP may arrange an electrocardiogram, or ECG, which records the heart’s electrical activity.

It’s not a routine test everyone needs; further investigations will depend on symptoms and individual risk.

A heart-health check is about more than one figure.

The Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit measures blood pressure and pulse and, at some checks, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI and waist circumference, alongside lifestyle advice.

The most useful step is to ask what your own numbers mean. Your GP can consider them alongside your age, smoking, activity levels, medical history and family history to build a clearer picture of your cardiovascular risk.

If it has been a while since you had the basics checked, your next GP or pharmacy visit may be a good time to ask.

How to repair summerdamaged hair Wayhomestudio

and conditioning afterwards, while a swimming cap can help reduce exposure to pool chemicals.

A trim can also make tired ends look instantly healthier, particularly if summer has left them dry or split.

And don’t forget the scalp.

The Irish Skin Foundation recommends wearing a

wide-brimmed hat to protect the scalp, face, ears and neck from UV rays, particularly when spending extended periods outdoors.

Finally, if what looks like “damage” is actually sudden or excessive hair loss, bald patches, soreness or significant shedding, it’s worth speaking to your GP rather

than simply changing your haircare routine. The HSE advises seeking medical advice for sudden hair loss, hair coming out in clumps or areas that are itchy or sore.

A few weeks of gentler treatment can go a long way towards helping summerstressed hair look smoother, softer and healthier again.

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To learn efficiently - especially when time is limited - it’s important to use strategies that help you retain, recall, and apply knowledge effectively. Learning isn’t just about speed; it's also about understanding and being able to use information across different situations.

Strengthen your memory Several techniques can help improve your ability to remember what you learn: • Stay physically active and get plenty of sleep.

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Master the art of learning

as relational learning—helps create stronger mental associations.

For example, connect unfamiliar grammar rules to similar ones in a language you already know.

Apply what you’ve learned Practice is key. Whether it's mastering a physical skill or speaking a new language, using the knowledge in real-world contexts improves retention. Immersing yourself in practical activities makes the learning more meaningful and long-lasting.

Learn from mistakes Errors can be valuable learning tools.

Studies show that making mistakes close to the correct answer, especially when followed by feedback, improves long-term understanding. Reflecting on what went wrong helps develop critical thinking.

• Minimise interruptions to maintain concentration.

• Avoid last-minute cramming by organising your study sessions in advance.

Space out your study time Instead of studying for long periods in one sitting, break it into shorter, focused sessions with pauses in between. Spaced repetition helps reinforce earlier material while building on new content.

• Use elaboration - rephrase new ideas in your own words.

• Incorporate visuals such as charts, graphs, or diagrams.

• Read aloud or verbalise key points to reinforce understanding.

Keep your brain active Continuing to learn new things stimulates brain growth through a process known as neurogenesis.

Without regular mental challenges, new brain cells may be lost.

Through consistent learning, your brain strengthens important connections and lets go of unused ones - a process called ‘pruning’.

Diversify your learning methods Engaging with material in different ways can enhance understanding.

Test yourself regularly Quizzing yourself is one of the most effective ways to improve memory.

Practicing recall strengthens your ability to retrieve information later.

Rather than sticking to just reading or listening, combine approaches.

For instance, when learning a new language, try reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Taking notes by hand can also deepen memory more effectively than typing.

Reinforce learning by teaching Re-explaining concepts in your own words helps you better understand and remember them.

Share what you’ve learned through discussion, blogging, or teaching others. Teaching encourages active

recall and deeper processing.

Connect new knowledge to what you know Learning becomes easier when you link new information to familiar concepts. This approach—known

Focus on one task at a time Multitasking can hinder comprehension and memory.

Concentrate on one subject at a time to boost focus and learning efficiency.

These proven strategies can help you make the most of your study time and become a more effective, adaptable learner.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

clocked up many years of experience in education and childcare. Your child will be in competent hands at Lilliput as they are supported to grow into independent, capable young individuals.

Lilliput is aimed at preparing children for the transition into ‘big school’ by following a structured curriculum whilst allowing time for that all important interaction with each other.

Children can take part in a variety of activities so they will look forward to seeing what the day will bring. Last year they watched real live caterpillars transform into butterflies and chicken eggs hatch into baby chicks in the classroom. They also helped raise money for Childline by having a breakfast and pyjama day and Barnardo’s through their ‘Big Toddle’ Day!

A great start at Lilliput Montessori Lilliput Montessori is a family run preschool just off the ring road at the front of the Pococke estate, it is easily found. It caters for children from 2 and a half years until school age.

Lilliput is owned by Natasha Riley Byrne and she and her staff are dedicated professionals, each holding

recognised qualifications in education and childcare.

Natasha has over 30 years’ experience working in childcare and education.

She and her staff are dedicated professionals, each holding many recognised qualifications in education and childcare.

Natasha has been a qualified

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Montessori teacher for many years and holds her H.Dip in Early Childhood Education. In addition she is qualified to teach childcare and Montessori to adult learners. She also holds her Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs.

She also has many years of experience working in

national schools so she is well equipped to prepare your child for school.

Natasha opened Lilliput Montessori in 2008 and provides both morning and afternoon sessions for children from the age of two and a half years. Our highly skilled and qualified early childhood educators have

She always asks herself “what would I want for my children?” Lilliput caters for many areas of development and also boasts 2 secure outdoor areas so the children can enjoy outdoor play too.

She feels the early year’s sector is going from strength to strength and is excited to see what the future will bring in terms of early childhood education.

Please look for Lilliput Montessori on the social networking site ‘Facebook’.

Natasha updates this regularly with photos and news of the weekly activities.

Please do not hesitate to contact Natasha 087 6205515 to arrange a viewing or for further information.

Lilliput Montessori: 1 Pococke Valley, Johnswell Road, Kilkenny. lilliputmontessori@gmail. com.

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Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny launch new Autumn Training and Events Programme 2026 A new Autumn Training and Events Programme aimed at empowering small businesses in Kilkenny has been announced by the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny.

The Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny has launched their training and events programme for Autumn/ Winter 2026. This programme schedule provides potential new entrepreneurs and small business currently operating in the County, the opportunity to develop new skills and adapt to the ever-changing economic environment.

The courses on offer range from Start Your Own Business Programmes to Vlogging and Podcasting. There will also be mentoring clinics in areas such as Social-Media, Procurement, Financial, Business Advisory and Digital Marketing. Additionally, educational networking events such as AI Master Series 2026 – Understanding AI and National Women’s Enterprise Day will take place in the coming months.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Joe Malone expressed excitement about the Autumn Training and Events Programme, stating, "Investing in the growth

Photo: (L-R) John O'Gorman (LEO Kilkenny), John Mulcahy (Business Advisor, LEO Kilkenny), Cllr. Joe Malone (Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council) and Denis Casey, Casey Business Consulting

and development of our small businesses is crucial for the success of our local economy.

The training schedule offered by the Local Enterprise Office are designed to empower entrepreneurs with practical skills and knowledge, enabling them to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their business goals.”

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, said “The launch of the Autumn Training and Events schedule is designed to support small businesses owners and entrepreneurs based in County Kilkenny. Small business owners have a range of different priorities and needs. Kilkenny County Council is committed to providing supports to local businesses through the Local Enterprise Office and is conscious that for a business to succeed, it is essential to support them by enhancing their skills, competencies and knowledge”.

With hundreds of Kilkenny businesses availing of the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny mentoring and training supports this year to date, there is something for all small businesses no matter what stage of their business journey they are at.

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Mental health in education September is around the corner, and students are preparing for a new school year and the next step in their education. While some students can feel positive or indifferent about school, others can find school to be challenging. This feeling could be heightened due to the beginning of a new school year or new school, with each bringing their own sense of unpredictability and level of stress.

A student’s stress factors can be varied, be it academic, social, or personal reasons, or a mixture of these. These stresses and challenges can have a negative impact on student’s mental health if they don’t look after themselves, or don’t recognise the signs.

Students need adequate well-being supports in place to help them in times of need. In this article, we take a look at the pressures

students face, what schools are doing to help, and how students can manage their mental health.

Students can face many pressures during secondary school, including academic expectations, fear of failure and achieving Leaving Cert points. Friendships, bullying and peer pressure can also cause stress, alongside relationships with teachers and the wider school community. Personal relationships, commitments, puberty, emotional changes and difficulties at home may add further pressure.

However, every student experiences and responds to stress differently.

Schools are recognising the potential varied stress factors students may face. In attempt to relieve stress for students, schools provide accessible mental health support from guidance counsellors, facilitate

well-being classes, provide education and awareness on the signs of mental health struggles and demonstrate how students can selfalleviate themselves through mindfulness and breathing techniques.

However, even with these supports, there is a growing need to improve the quality and accessibility of these supports across all schools.

Students can manage school stress through healthy habits, regular breaks and seeking support, while also looking out for struggling classmates.

Mental health is an important aspect of our lives. It affects how we think and interact with others and our surroundings. Having the competence to realise, develop and maintain a good mental health is important to nurture a persons personal and academic development.

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Walt Disney Walt and Mickey Mouse Credit: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

BY NIAMH HOLOHAN

Kilkenny city and county oozes charisma and magical enchantment.

The castle boasts native fairytalesque allure. There are so many global links that trace their heritage back to Ireland.

I was partially raised on the fables and fairytales that Walt Disney reimagined and created. I have had a Disney fever ever since and when I learned from a serendipitous conversation that Walt Disney’s heritage and connections stemmed from his ancestors in Ireland. I was so flabbergasted that I wanted to proclaim it to everyone everywhere. What really gave a cat (myself) her cream

Walt Disney’s business in Kilkenny

was that they were based in Kilkenny for almost two hundred years.

According to the BBC, Disney was a well- known name in Ireland in the 1600s-1800’s- in fact a dean of Armagh Cathedral bore this name.

However, this name is etched into Kilkenny history. It originated in France channeling to England and then settling in Ireland. It is of Norman- French extraction and anglicized from ‘d’Isigny’ which literally means ‘from Isigny’ and refers to families who came from the town of Isigny-sur- Mer in Normandy.

Walt Disney’s great Grandfather Arundel Elias Disney was born in Kilkenny in 1801 and he married Maria Swan in 1832. Walt’s grandfather Kepple Disney was born on November 2nd that year. Having married, they set sail from Kilkenny to Ontario in 1834. According to sources they lived comfortably in Ire-

land known from the earliest records and leased 122 acres of land. In 1792 their abode was large and spacious.

Their home was situated in a vastly improved area of Kilkenny.

Walt Disney’s grandfather married an Irish born immigrant Mary Richardson in 1858. Disney’s father Elias was born in Canada in 1859.

The family lived nomadically. In 1878 they relocated to Kansas. Elias worked on his father’s farm until 1884 and for a further two decades was situated in Colorado, Denver, Florida and Chicago he settled in Missouri with his wife Flora and five children of which Walter (Walt was born in Chicago Illinois on December 5 1901). Walt Disney and his brother Roy both founded the Walt Disney company in 1923 and along with his other siblings were raised on the tales of the Emerald Isle.

His mother would captivate their

imaginations reading Irish and Celtic fairy stories to them as children.

In 1925 Walt honeymooned in Ireland with his Bride Lillian Disney.

The wealth of Celtic history and fairytales always weaved their way into his storytelling sculpting the magic of his globally acclaimed studio.

Both Walt and his wife bought and exchanged the iconic Claddagh rings for one another as a declaration of their love. They wore these for the remainder of their lives allegedly never taking them off. The tradition of folklore transcended to his own children; Diane Disney, Miller and Sharon Mae Disney.

According to a source featured in an article in the Walt Disney Family Museum; In 1946 when Walt was rebuilding his studio following the

Darby O'Gill poster: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain – U.S.)

aftermath of World War II, he compiled a letter to his sibling Ruth that ran; ‘We are starting a picture on the Leprechauns or ‘little people’ so we plan to spend most of our time (in Ireland), gathering background material and learning all we can about Irish Folklore’.

It would take a further fourteen years before this vision materialized.

Throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s he visited Dublin numerous times in an effort to research his film Darby O Gill and the Little People and later made more Irish inspired films namely the fighting Prince of Donegal, based on the biography of Red Hugh O’ Donnell. Sean Connery and Jimmy O’ Dea were two of the cast in this classic film Darby O’ Gill and the Little People. Walt and Lillian did visit Ireland for the premier of the film.

In a BBC article the renowned Kilkenny Historian and former tour guide Frank Kavanagh recalls Disney’s trips and said; ‘He always took part in the yacht races down there. But we’re Irish -we don’t make a big deal of these things. We just said ‘ah yeah, we know Mr. Disney he’s a nice guy they came from France forgetting everything in between but the whole family as they are today started out in Kilkenny. They went from being Lords in the 1300s Walt to failed invadDisney ers in England Courtesy: NASA / through the Wikimedia various tortures Commons that went on (Public becoming Irish Domain) immigrants. It’s a story in itself its everything that you’d expect from the Disney family -creative magic’.

Having visited Orlando’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Paris the magic of Walt Disney is literally spellbinding.

It captivates you and you never ever forget how Disney strived to change the world and preserve the perpetual youth and magic and capture the imaginations of children of every age. Considering his origins are in the Kingdom of the Cats it’s surprising that he created the most iconic mice Minnie and Micky mouse. Well there’s are pair of them in it. But we are the Kilkenny cats and will forever claim the Kilkenny mice that came from the heart of Disney.

Castlecomer woman Niamh Holohan’s educational background is in journalism and the humanities and has long been a lover of writing which is very close to her heart.

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Mill Family Resource Centre

A great day in every way

The Mill Family Resource Centre would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who joined us and supported our Annual Family Fun Day at the Centre on Sunday, August 16th. The event once again proved to be a wonderful afternoon for the local community, with families, friends and supporters coming together to enjoy the activities while supporting an important cause.

The Annual Family Fun Day is a key fundraiser for the Centre, helping to support the Counselling and Play Therapy Services provided to children, young people and families in Urlingford and the surrounding areas. These services play an important role in the community, and the continued support of local people, businesses and organisations is greatly appreciated.

The afternoon offered something for everyone, with a fantastic selection of stalls, activities and displays.

Among the attractions were the Agri Aware Farm, face painting, a bric-abrac stall, cake stall, barbecue, knitting and crochet group and a military display. There was a great atmosphere throughout the afternoon, with plenty of people taking the opportunity to browse the stalls, enjoy some refreshments and catch up with friends and neighbours.

The Mill Family Resource Centre would also Sue Cox, like to thank Manager all those who with took part and Cllr. Pat helped make Fitzpatrick the day such a success, including Cois Nore, Urlingford Fire Brigade and An Garda Síochána. Their participation added greatly to the event and was enjoyed by those attending, particularly the younger members of the crowd.

A special word of thanks goes to the Centre staff – Sue Cox, Josephine Rafter, Gráinne Ryan and Sinéad Brennan – along with all the volunteers who gave generously of their time both in the preparation for the event and throughout the day. They included Selina Murphy, Mary Phelan, Phyllis Carroll, Geraldine Byrne, Kathleen Gleeson, Kyle Keogh, Tadhg Webster, Paddy Bambrick, Shannon Stranger and Edel Leahy.

The bingo proved to be a major hit with the large crowd, with plenty of excitement and good humour as people competed for the various prizes. The crowd remained afYour not getting terwards for the monster raffle, these back which provided a fitting finale

Agri Aware Farm

Happy with their face paint

to a very enjoyable afternoon.

The Centre is particularly grateful to all the businesses, organisations and individuals who sponsored prizes and made donations towards the raffle. From Urlingford and Johnstown, thanks go to Urlingford Arms Hotel, Butler’s Inn, Ahern Fuels, Copymoore Ltd, Nevin’s Carpets, Norma’s Hair Salon, Joe Deegan’s Centra, Anna Danielles, Maya’s Nail Boutique, The Lash and Brow Room, John Bowden and Sons, Life Pharmacy, Wishing Well, Inch Hair Design, the Mill F.R.C. Crochet and Knitting Group, Mary Phelan, MW Hire, Roadmaster, Liubov Cherchik, Patricia Burke, Pierce Kavanaghs, Away with Flowers, Kool Cutz Barbers, Kealy Painters, Elys Daybreak and Dalys Inver Johnstown.

Thanks, are also extended to Kilkenny County Council, Thurles Credit Union, Sam McCauley’s, Ryan’s Jewellers, Allens, Gleeson Steel, K Bowl, Campion Pumps, Meubles, The Hoban Hotel, Dunnes Garden Centre in Durrow, Duggans Menswear, Wilsons Pharmacy, Neville Hotels Group, Fortune Drapery and The Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow.

The Mill Family Resource Centre is extremely grateful to everyone who helped, attended, sponsored, volunteered or simply supported the event. The success of the day once again highlighted the tremendous community spirit in Urlingford and the surrounding areas, while helping to raise valuable funds for the Centre’s Counselling and Play Therapy Services.

Knitting and Crochet Circle Stall

Urlingford Fire Brigade Demostration

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Homes & Gardens

Know when a crack matters HOME HACK Atypeek Dgn

Seeing a crack in your wall can be unsettling, but it doesn’t always signal a structural disaster. In many cases, fine, straight lines in new plaster or near joins are just the result of the house settling or material drying out. To keep an eye on things, take a photo with a ruler for scale and date it - this makes it easy to spot if the gap is actually growing. You should really only start to worry if you notice diagonal cracks, “stepped” patterns in the brickwork or if doors suddenly start sticking in their frames.

Sometimes the issue isn’t movement at all; water stains, crumbling patches or a musty scent usually point toward a hidden leak or damp. Resist the urge to just slap some filler over the crack right away, as hiding the symptoms can make it harder to diagnose the root cause. If the cracks are clearly widening or the wall itself looks bowed or unstable, it’s time to call in a professional building surveyor or structural engineer.

Prevention is your best friend here - keeping your gutters clear and your drainage in good shape can stop a lot of these issues before they start. A quick check every now and then gives you peace of mind, and getting expert advice early is always better than ignoring a potential problem or losing sleep over a harmless hairline crack.

Make every drop count GARDEN NOTES Christina & Peter

Good watering means getting moisture to the roots, not simply watering more often. In dry weather, established beds benefit more from a proper soak once or twice a week than from a quick daily sprinkle. This encourages roots to grow deeper, where the soil stays cooler and holds moisture for longer.

Morning is usually the best time to water, aiming at the base of the plant rather than the leaves. Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials need closer attention during their first season, even after light rain.

Pots and containers can dry out surprisingly quickly, particularly in warm or windy weather, so check them regularly. A layer of compost, bark or leaf mould will help the soil hold moisture and keep weeds down.

For more accurate watering, use a watering can, seep hose or drip system rather than a sprinkler. Grouping pots with similar needs together also makes the job easier.

HOME As autumn approaches, draughty windows and doors can quickly make themselves known. But age alone isn’t a reason to replace them - the real question is whether they are still doing their job properly.

Windows or doors that are difficult to open and close, warped frames, damaged timber, persistent draughts or water getting in may all point to deterioration. Condensation trapped between panes can also indicate that a sealed glazing unit has failed.

Worn seals, hinges and minor gaps can often be repaired if the frames and glazing remain sound. But single glazing, older poorly performing double glazing or external doors that no longer seal effectively may make replacement worth considering. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) specifically states single glazing, older double glazing and poorly sealed external doors among the types that can benefit from upgrading.

Energy efficiency is another consideration. SEAI says around 10 percent of a home’s heat can be lost through poorly performing windows, doors and uninsulated floors. When choosing replacements, look at the Uvalue, which measures heat loss. The lower the figure, the better the performance; SEAI recommends windows and doors with a U-value of

Ksenia Chernaya

When should you replace windows or doors?

1.4 W/m²K or lower.

Newer, more airtight windows can improve comfort levels, but fresh air still needs to circulate. Where rooms don’t already have adequate ventilation, SEAI advises considering windows with trickle vents.

Government guidance also stresses that good ventilation is important for remov-

ing moisture and maintaining healthy indoor air.

A standalone SEAI windows and doors grant opened in March 2026 for eligible homes built and occupied before 2011 that meet insulation requirements. Grants for windows range up to €4,000 depending on house type, with €800 available per external door

for a maximum of two doors.

Before committing, get several quotes and compare specifications, U-values and certification as well as price. Good windows can last many years, so repair where it makes sense - but persistent draughts, failed glazing and damaged frames are signs it may be time to upgrade.

GARDEN As summer begins to fade, the garden doesn’t have to follow suit. With the right mix of late-flowering perennials, grasses, foliage and berries, autumn can be one of the most colourful times of year. Kilkenny-based horticulturist Aimee Moore of Botanical Graphics shares the plants she relies on to keep borders looking good well into the season.

For flowers that carry colour through to October, Aimee recommends Echinacea, Aster and Sedum.

“These are among the best performers,” she says. Sedum has the added benefit of being particularly attractive to butterflies.

Ornamental grasses also come into their own at this time of year, bringing movement and texture as other plants begin to fade. Aimee uses grasses in all of her planting schemes, with four favourites: Stipa ‘Ponytails’, Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’, Miscanthus ‘Gracillimus’ and Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’.

For foliage colour, Japanese maples are hard to beat, turning vivid shades of red and orange before leaf fall.

Position them carefully,

Tawatchai07

Planting for autumn colour however, as they dislike exposed, windy sites and full sun. Heuchera are another useful choice, offering semievergreen foliage in a wide range of autumnal tones,

while Acer rubrum makes a real statement as a feature tree.

And don’t overlook berries.

As well as adding seasonal interest, they are an impor-

tant food source for wildlife.

Aimee’s must-have berrying plants include hawthorn, rowan, viburnum, pyracantha and cotoneaster. botanicalgraphics.ie

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Food & Drink

Warm Salmon & New Potato Salad with Lemon and Herbs

rawpixel.com

RECIPE

Back to school:

smarter lunchbox ideas

FOOD

This is the kind of salad that works well at the end of summer: fresh enough for a warm day, but substantial enough to count as dinner. The potatoes and salmon are served warm, while lemon, herbs and a sharp mustard dressing keep everything light. It is also easy to scale up if you are feeding a crowd.

Serves: 4 Ingredients • 600g new potatoes, halved if large • 4 salmon fillets • 2 tbsp olive oil • 150g green beans, trimmed • 2 spring onions, finely sliced • Small handful fresh parsley, chopped • Small handful fresh dill, chopped • Small handful fresh chives, chopped • Salt and black pepper • Lemon wedges, to serve For the dressing • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • Juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp honey • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated • Salt and black pepper Method Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Add the green beans for the final three minutes of cooking. Drain well and leave to steam for a minute.

Meanwhile, heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Place the salmon on a lined baking tray, rub with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until just cooked through and beginning to flake.

To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, mustard, honey and garlic. Season to taste.

Tip the warm potatoes and beans into a large bowl and pour over most of the dressing. Toss gently so the potatoes absorb some of the flavour. Add the spring onions, parsley, dill and chives.

Break the salmon into large flakes and fold through the salad, taking care not to break it up too much. Spoon over the remaining dressing and finish with extra herbs and black pepper.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges. For a more substantial meal, add soft-boiled eggs, peppery rocket or a handful of peas.

Leftovers also work well cold for lunch the following day.

Back-to-school lunches have a habit of falling into a rut: the same sandwich, the same snack and the same half-eaten piece of fruit returning home at the end of the day.

A better lunchbox doesn’t need to be elaborate. The trick is variety, a little planning and food children will actually eat.

Start with the main item and rotate it through the week. Sandwiches are fine, but wraps, pitta pockets, mini rolls and cold pasta can make

things feel less repetitive.

Fillings such as chicken and sweetcorn, grated cheese and chutney, tuna and cucumber or hummus with roasted vegetables travel well and can usually be prepared quickly.

A slice of homemade pizza, a small portion of pasta, or a few pieces of roast chicken can make a more appealing lunch than another round of sliced bread. A wide-necked food flask is useful once the weather cools, especially for mild curry or pasta.

Grapes, berries, apple slices,

satsumas, cucumber sticks and cherry tomatoes are more likely to be eaten when they are ready to go. A small dip such as hummus can help vegetables disappear faster.

Snacks are another area where simple works best.

Oatcakes with cheese, plain popcorn, yoghurt, homemade flapjacks or a small scone all give a bit more staying power than sugary bars. Schools may have their own rules around nuts and allergens, so it’s worth checking before packing anything new.

One useful approach is to prepare two or three components the night before. Chop fruit, fill a wrap, portion out yoghurt or pack leftovers while clearing up dinner.

That makes mornings far less rushed.

It is also worth involving the kids in the choices. Give them two or three options rather than asking an open-ended question. If they’ve picked the filling, fruit or snack themselves, there’s a better chance the lunch box will come home empty.

Dinner done, lunch sorted COOK BOOK Speaking of lunchbox ideas, George Georgievski’s Tonight’s Dinner, Tomorrow’s Lunchbox takes a practical approach to one of the busiest parts of the school week: getting something decent packed without starting from scratch every morning.

Known as the “School Lunchbox Dad”, Georgievski has built his TikTok following around making family food practical, colourful and less stressful. His latest book takes that idea a step further by linking dinner directly with the next day’s lunch. Every recipe is designed to do double duty, giving leftovers a second life rather than sending parents back to square one each morning.

The book starts with under20-minute dinners, then moves through healthier “fakeaways”, chicken dishes, onepan meals, recipes inspired

by different cuisines and slower roasts for days when there is more time. The point isn’t about fussy meal prep, but cooking once and getting more from it.

That makes the book especially useful at the start of the school year, when routines are being reset and lunchbox enthusiasm can disappear quickly. A family dinner that can become a wrap, pasta pot, rice bowl or snackable lunch the following day saves both time and food.

Georgievski also includes advice on batch cooking, using ingredients before they go off, reducing waste and making better use of kitchen staples.

There’s even a section on what to do with leftover bread.

At 192 pages, Tonight’s Dinner, Tomorrow’s Lunchbox is built around one very practical question: if you are cooking dinner anyway, why not make tomorrow’s lunch easier at the same time?

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What’s On

Your picks for this week TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE - OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Bella Ramsey stars in Sunny Dancer, a warm coming-of-age drama about Ivy, a 17-year-old cancer survivor reluctantly sent to a summer camp for teenagers affected by the illness. Written and directed by George Jaques, the film follows Ivy as she slowly finds friendship, freedom and a sense of belonging among her fellow campers. Neil Patrick Harris, James Norton, Jessica Gunning and Ruby Stokes also feature prominently in the supporting cast.

Ridley Scott takes us to the end of the world MOVIE Ridley Scott returns to science fiction with The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic thriller based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel, out today.

The film stars Jacob Elordi as Hig, a pilot trying to survive in a world devastated by a deadly flu pandemic.

Hig lives a stripped-back existence alongside Bangley, a former Marine played by Josh Brolin. The pair have built a workable life in isolation, but they approach the new world differently. Bangley is practi-

cal, suspicious and focused on staying alive. Hig is less willing to accept that survival is all there is. When he picks up a mysterious radio transmission, it gives him a reason to believe there may be something beyond the safety they have created.

That signal sends Hig into dangerous territory, with the story moving beyond the usual question of how people survive after civilisation collapses. The more interesting part is what surviving leaves you with. Hig has lost his wife, lives with the memory of

the old world and still wants some kind of human connection. That puts him at odds with the harsher logic that has kept him alive.

Margaret Qualley joins the cast as Cima, a medic Hig encounters on his journey, while Guy Pearce, Allison Janney and Benedict Wong also appear. The screenplay is by Mark L. Smith, whose previous credits include The Revenant.

Scott has been working in science fiction for nearly five decades, but The Dog Stars looks smaller and more

personal than something like Alien or The Martian.

The trailer still promises gunfights, aircraft and danger, but the central relationship between Hig and Bangley appears to give the film its weight.

Post-apocalyptic films are hardly rare, and the setup will sound familiar to anyone who has watched The Last of Us or similar survival stories. What may separate The Dog Stars is its focus on grief, loneliness and the choice to keep looking for other people when isolation might be safer.

Woodland Show comes to Inistioge OUTDOORS Ireland’s Woodland Show comes to Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum in Inistioge on Saturday and Sunday, bringing two days of timber, crafts, demonstrations and family activities to one of the county’s best-loved outdoor settings.

The event celebrates Irish trees, woodland management and traditional skills, with plenty on offer for visitors and families. A major attraction will be the Celtic Chainsaw Carvers, who will create sculptures live during the weekend, while machinery displays will include mobile sawmills, harvesters, processors, timber equipment and pruning tools.

There will also be a strong focus on woodland knowledge and biodiversity, with information stands, talks

and walks looking at sustainable woodland creation, nature and related projects.

Visitors will be able to meet groups involved in forestry, conservation and woodland management and get practical information on a range of topics.

For families, the carnival area on the croquet lawn will host a craft fair, children’s arts and crafts, biodiversity workshops, bushcraft demonstrations, games, reenactors, food vendors and live music.

The show first took place at the JFK Arboretum in 2024 and then Kilkea Castle in 2025.

Ireland’s Woodland Show runs from 10am to 5pm on both days. Admission is €10 for adults, while children go free, and tickets will also be available at the gate.

For further details, visit irelandswoodlandshow.com.

What to read: Cecelia Ahern returns with Love Unlocked, a warm romantic novel about Melody, who has sworn off love, and Al, an incurable romantic. Their paths cross after Al orders the removal of lovers’ padlocks from a Dublin bridge, apparently triggering break-ups around the world. As the pair investigate what is going wrong with other people’s relationships, they find themselves drawn closer, raising the question of whether love can surprise them too.

What to stream: Adam Scott and Robert De Niro lead Netflix thriller The Whisper Man, based on Alex North’s bestselling novel. When widowed writer Tom Kennedy’s son disappears, Tom turns to his estranged father, a retired detective who once caught a notorious serial killer. As the new case begins to echo those old crimes, buried tensions and frightening connections emerge. Michelle Monaghan also stars in this dark, unsettling mystery, now streaming on Netflix.

What to listen to: The 502s bring their feel-good beachfolk sound to the Set Theatre on Sunday, August 30 at 8pm.

The Orlando five-piece are known for high-energy live shows, bright harmonies and songs built for a good time. Following the release of their 2025 album Easy Street, the band are back on the road with their Nonsense All Night tour, promising an upbeat, colourful set packed with infectious energy from start to finish.

What to play: The Blood of Dawnwalker arrives on September 3 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. This dark fantasy open-world RPG puts players in the role of Coen, a young man who lives as a human by day and a vampire by night.

Set in 14th-century Europe, the game blends exploration, combat and supernatural powers as Coen races against time to save his entire family and survive the dangers around him.

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA CLUB LOTTO The Lotto results for 18th August produced the following results, the numbers drawn were 6, 12, 26, which resulted in no jackpot winner. €30 Lucky dip went to Luke Whelan, Eileen Curtis, Nicky Cashin, Ollie Langton and Dick Nolan.

LGFA Clara qualified for this year’s Junior County football final by virtue of a hard earned 4-7 to 1-9 win over Callan in Callan CBS. They now await the winner of the Castlecomer v Muckalee 2 replay. They got off to a flyer here when team captain Maria Shortall had the ball in the Callan net in the very first minute. Three further goals by Lucy Cooney, Maria again and Annie Dunne as well as two points

by Gráinne Glynn and a fly kicked one by Annie Dunne gave the Clara girls a healthy 4-3 lead at halftime. But Callan had just as many scores with 0-7 and looked dangerous in possession. They had also struck the crossbar with a goal attempt and were a very lively fit bunch of players.

It was important to keep the scoreboard ticking in the second half and Clara struck early through a Niamh Ward free and a Maria Shortall point from play. The scoring rate was greatly reduced as the persistent rain made conditions very slippery, and a hard running Callan were probably more affected by this. Time after time neat build up play broke down with the final pass but timely interventions by a solid Clara defence helped in this regard too. They did manage a goal and a point to cut the deficit to six but a couple of late points by the Coomey sisters Lucy and Daisy helped settle Clara nerves. This was a good test in preparation for a final for Clara and Callan can hold their heads high too after a valiant effort.

Team - Jane Flynn, Katie Scriven, Mia Murphy, Sarah Jane Codd. Katie Ryan, Ailbhe Galwey, Ónagh Fitzgerald. Niamh Ward 0-1f, Caragh Brennan. Gráinne Glynn 0-2, Claire Nolan, Lucy Cooney 1-1. Maria Shortall 2-1, Mary O Connell, Annie Dunne 1-1. Subs used Aisling Nolan, Keara Ryan, Daisy Cooney 0-1, Aobha O Gorman, Róisín Kealy.

Also, Caoimhe Bennett, Robyn Clifford, Doireann Corr, Moya Kelly, Ceola Leamy, Millie Molloy, Kate Murphy McDermott, Katie O Connell.

JUNIOR JOY Clara enjoyed a comfortable 1-31 to 2-15 win over Tullaroan in Clara in a Junior championship clash between the two sides. Despite being short a few important players, the Clara men hurled really well to take the points. A free scoring half forward line did most of the damage, but all the forwards scored except Alex McDonald, and Alex hurled very well, got on loads of ball, ran hard at the Tullaroan defence before offloading to better placed colleagues. The name of the game was get the ball into the forwards and the dividends were reaped because, despite shooting eleven wides, thirty two scores were garnered over the hour. This type of attacking game also lends itself to a much better spectacle.

Joe Power opened the scoring for Clara, who got sixteen scores in each half. Joe was to be very influential from both play and frees before going off injured following a heavy collision midway through the second half. Killian Phelan took over on the frees and proved to be an able deputy.

Hugh Kelly was particularly prominent early on and, helped greatly by David Langton, drove Clara forward. A string of five points midway through the half forged Clara into a 13-5 lead but a slack spell before the break enabled Tullaroan to score a goal and two points. Clara were still 0-16 to 1-7 up at the interval though.

Tullaroan closed the gap with a free in the new half, but normal service soon resumed. Tullaroan battled hard but the introduction of Luke Lawlor, Philip Carrigan and Conor Galvin gave Clara fresh impetus. Conor Cody was very dominant at centre back and was ably flanked by Jake Maher and Paddy Ryan. Behind them Paddy Bolger, Zach Lawlor and Daniel Ryan were very good with dealing with danger. Cian Kelly’s puck outs were crucial to the whole operation, and he was very solid under loads of dropping ball.

Tullaroan did manage another goal with ten

minutes left but it was immediately answered by a Luke Lawlor goal after he took a sumptuous return Conor Galvin pass before rifling to the net. Late scores from buzzing veterans Tom Ryan, Sean O Shea and Joe Connolly as well as accuracy from new freetaker Killian Phelan and Luke Lawlor kept Tullaroan at arm’s length the rest of the way.

Team - Cian Kelly, Paddy Bolger, Zach Lawlor, Daniel Ryan. Paddy Ryan, Conor Cody 0-1, Jake Maher.

Hugh Kelly 0-2, David Langton. Joe Power 0-8, 0-5f, 0-1 x 65, Killian Phelan 0-8, 0-3f, Joe Connolly 0-3.

Sean O Shea 0-2, Tom Ryan 0-3, Alex McDonald.

Subs used Luke Lawlor 1-3, Philip Carrigan 0-1, Conor Galvin.

CAMOGIE HEARTACHE Clara lost their second game of the camogie championship in Thomastown when going down 1-12 to 0-13 to the hosts. This was a game that got away from the Clara girls as Murphy’s Law prevailed.

Anything that could go wrong did go wrong. The experienced Thomastown girls took full advantage and came away with the points.

Clara got the first two points of the game courtesy of Mary O Connell and Emma Shortall. They had the advantage of the breeze, and it felt like a breeze that was worth about four points. Despite good pressure Clara never really flowed, and the scores were hard to come by. Two Keara Ryan points were cancelled out by similar Eva Hynes strikes and the gap remained at two. Even worse was to follow as two Eva Hynes frees tied the game. Suddenly Clara were given the opportunity to put a bit of daylight between the teams when awarded a penalty but the lift got away from Mary O Connell and she had to reach for the strike and the sliotar flew over the bar. Mary added another free to leave Clara ahead six points to four at the break.

Thomastown began the second half like a train and hit four points in a row to seize control of the scoreboard. Then Clara had their best spell and scored four on the bounce themselves, all from play. Lucy Boyd hit the first from a tight angle and Mary O Connell equalised. It was at that juncture that the game was probably won and lost. First an Emma Shortall goal was disallowed for an alleged square ball infringement, even though the sliotar went directly to the net from distance. Then Clara were awarded a second penalty and this time the Thomastown goalkeeper hardly had to move to make the save. Undaunted, Clara pushed on with points from Rebecca Nolan and Keara Ryan. On the very next play however a rare Thomastown foray ended with the sliotar being blasted to the roof of the Clara net. Eva Hynes added a free and suddenly Clara found themselves two points down, having been well on top for the previous ten minutes or so. They did fight back with scores by Lucy Boyd and Emma Shortall levelling the game again, but it was Thomastown who finished the strongest with three points in the last six minutes

Happy winners race night

only answered by a Mary O Connell free. As with all tight losses, it just seemed that Clara didn’t get the rub of the green in this one. They hit nine wides to their opponents’ three. A few strange refereeing decisions didn’t go their way. If they can take the learnings on board all is not lost. A few players seem to be too uptight at the moment. They need to relax and rediscover the flow that they were playing with a month ago. There is no reason why they can’t be flowing again when the real stuff starts.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Katie Ryan, Claire Nolan, Rachel Whelan. Ónagh Fitzgerald, Aisling Nolan, Gráinne Glynn. Laoise Nolan, Rebecca Nolan 0-1.

Lucy Boyd 0-2, Keara Ryan 0-3, Mary O Connell 0-5, 0-2f, 0-1 x penalty. Margaret O Connell, Siobhan Curtis, Emma Shortall 0-2. Sub used Caragh Brennan.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS SUCCESSFUL GREYHOUND RACE NIGHT O’Loughlin Gaels held a very successful night at the dogs when they held their annual fundraiser at the recently refurbished Kilkenny Greyhound Track. The large crowd of club members and supporters enjoyed some great races in the fine

evening sunshine while the juveniles in attendance enjoyed their treat of a hotdog and mineral.

Thoughts are ready turning to next year’s event.

THANKS FROM CHAIRMAN Over the last few weeks O’Loughlin Gaels has held two of its annual fundraisers. Club Chairman Nigel Leydon expressed his thanks for two amazingly successful events stating that neither would have been possible without the exceptional work of certain people. He continued: Benny Cleere’s Golf Classic committee of Michael O Reilly, Brendan Cleere, Shay Lawlor, Paul Cleere, Brian Murphy Snr, Coleman Loughnanne and Evan Walsh made sure our Golf Classic ran off brilliantly.

Thank you to Kilkenny Golf Club, their catering staff managed by Eddie Frisby as well as Groundkeeper Sean Dowling and his ground staff.

Our Greyhound Night in the newly refurbished Kilkenny Greyhound Track continues to be our Club’s main fundraiser. It started over 25 years ago and is already pencilled in with track manager Tom Kinane for next year.

Thank you to Richie Moylan, Richie Kearns, Joe Nolan and Padraic Leydon who started it all off. It has helped build the infrastructure you see around St John’s Park we are all so very proud of today.

Thank you to all the players who sold tickets and

All smiles at race night

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Community & GAA Notes

Winners alright at race night

All winners at race night

to the managers who collected the books of tickets and money. Thank you to the team coordinators Luke Leydon, Margaret Hanlon, Danny Wall, Orla Skehan and Keith Kinchella.

The hardest, but a very rewarding job, is selling tickets door to door in our parish. Calling to each household, you feel the warmth and support our Club enjoys.

Thank you to Richie Moylan, Joe Nolan, Liam Burke, Marty Hanlon, Margaret Hanlon, Damien Sweeney, Brendan O Leary, Eddie Maher, Seanie Tyrrell, Aidan Fogarty, Mark Nolan, Declan Gibbons, Geoff O’Shea, Noel Buckley, John Lawlor, Hugh Mahon, Joe Malone and Conor Denieffe.

Treasurer Sean Casey has been on the road for 5 weeks and is a brilliant volunteer in our Club.

Thank you to Stephen and Caroline McCormack who organised a brilliant raffle on the night and are exceptional O’Loughlin Gaels volunteers.

Thanks Sean Hogan, Ben and Liz Fogarty for coordinating the prizes and Conor Denieffe for the photos.

Thanks Ann Coghan and Eileen and Bronagh Cleere for manning the door.

Thank you to Noel Buckley for cooking the Hot Dogs and Donal Croghan and Eleanor Cleary for serving them.

Thanks to John Joe Cullen for sponsoring the Hot Dogs and we all wish John Joe a speedy recovery at this time.

Thanks to George Chandler for being MC on the night.

The “Dog Night” simply would not have happened without Sean McNamara. He is the ultimate proffessional and we are lucky to have him in O’Loughlin Gaels.

Thank you most sincerely to all our race sponsors and thank you to Padraic Leydon for coordinating all the corporate sponsors.

Finally, thank you to all the people who bought tickets and congratulations to all the prize winners. Gaeil Uí Loclainn Abú.

SENIOR CAMOGIE TEAM WIN O’Loughlin Gaels Senior Camogie team recorded its first win on Sunday morning last in Round 2 of the Senior Camogie Championship, defeating St Brigid’s Ballycallan on a scoreline of 0-19 to 2-08.

The game, played in Kilmanagh saw a superb display from the girls, who were in control from start to finish. Well done to all.

CONGRATULATIONS BRIAN Congratulations to O’Loughlin Gaels Brian Hogan on his appointment as Manager of the Kilkenny Under 20 hurling team for 2027. Brian is a two time

All Star and holder of seven All- Ireland medals, eight Leinster medals and six National League medals while he captained Kilkenny to the 2011 All Ireland senior title. At club level Brian has won four Kilkenny and two Leinster senior club titles and has managed O’Loughlin’s seniors to the county and Leinster club titles also. The club wishes Brian every success and support in his new role.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated August 18th. The numbers drawn were 4, 19, 20 and 23. The bonus number was 18. Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com Winners of the Promotors Draw were1. Claire Mahony. 2. Anna Lyons c/o H Mahon. 3. Eleanor Rowe c/o P Greene. 4. Anthony Woods c/o P Greene.

5. Pat Carroll. 6. Paul Wall c/o N Tyrrell. 7. Kitty Gaffney c/o K Cleere. 8. Conor Denieffe c/o Online.

9. Noreen Ryan c/o Online. 10. Martina McGarry c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support.

FRESHFORD GYLL WINS AGAIN Congrats and well done to local lad Gyll Condon who had great day at the Iverk show on Saturday last. He won 1st and 2nd in the ram lamb section

and 1st and 2nd in the ewe lamb class and then his ewe lamb Gill Vale Ellen went on to be tapped interbred show Champion. He is a constant winner at various shows already this year and was thrilled to be part of the Iverk 200th anniversary show NEW HOUSES The scheme of new houses at Buncrussia street which will be known by An Tobair is now complete and ready for occupation.

Meanwhile another scheme of houses has just been started further up the road at Tobernapeasta beside the Oasis crèche LEAVING CERT Congratulations to all the local boys and girls who received their Leaving Cert results on Friday last attending various schools in the surrounding areas with many receiving high grades and they are wished all the very best as they now prepare for college or apprenticeships and enter the next stage in their lives.

NEW BABY Congratulations to Caoilfhionn Costigan and her partner Sean on the birth of their baby boy Seadhna Joseph, a little brother for Iarlaith and also to the proud grandparents Tony and Mary Coatigan of Cooleshall, Freshford. Caoilfhionn is a midwife at St Luke’s hospital Kilkenny and Sean farms at his home in Ballacolla.

GAA St Lachtains minor hurlers defeated Galmoy/ Windgap in the third round of the Roinn C league/ championship in Galmoy on a score of 2-21 to 3-11.

The u 16 boys drew with Shamrocks Ballyhale in the Roinn A league/Championship fixture in Pairc Lachtain on a score of 3-19 to 4-16.

Meanwhile the intermediate side lost out to Mooncoin in their 4th round league/championship game in Thomastown on final score of Mooncoin 1-22 St Lachtains 2-11.

The minors will play Glenmore on Friday evening in the Roinn C league/championship. The match will also double up as the Div 2 league final.

St Lachtains u14 boys will take on Clara on Monday evening at 7pm in Pairc Lachtain Well, done too Lachtain’s u12 boys on a great performance in Castlecomer, they played against Erin’s Own and Graigue Ballycallan in the competition. A big thank you to Erin’s Own for the invite.

LOTTO There was no jackpot winner in the weekly lotto last week and the jackpot is now 1100 euro. The lucky dip winners were Kevin Crosby (€50) Michelle Killeen and Eleanor Dooley (€25 each).

Tickets are €2 and can be purchased online on Clubzap or you can get your paper ticket from the ticket sellers and the club thank all for their continued support.

IONAD LACHTAIN A heritage walk took place on Saturday last at Kilrush House from 11am to 1pm. A built heritage and landscape walk covering the history of Kilrush House from last the site of the early Christian church to the early 18th century work of architect William Robertson. Refreshments were served afterwards in Ionad Lachtain.

FOROIGE Freshford foroige youth club are looking for adult volunteers for September. There will be weekly fun meeting for all 12-17 year olds and new members are very welcome. For more information please contact Aidan Gleason on 086 0674485 or aidan. gleeson@foroige.ie or Barry Flynn on 087 458115 THREECASTLES HERITAGE Threecastles heritage group held two events for heritage week 2026. Exploring this year’s theme of “heritage at risk” was on Monday of last week and people were invited to Threecastles graveyard where Anne Caroline Distel KAS talked about the medieval grave slabs while Eleanor Cantwell and Claire O’Donnell recounted some of the social history associated with this historical graveyard.

Among the hills of Killaree took place on Sunday last at 12.30pm with the walk at Killaree Led by Eleanor Cantwell, Michael Doheny and Claire 0’Donnell There was some wonderful history to be found in this special towns land.

SOCCER NEWS With things a little quieter on the field of play at this time of year, there is no better opportunity to make use of the club’s astro turf pitch. The facility is now open for bookings, offering an ideal venue for training sessions, games or a kickabout with friends. Bookings can be made easily through the SportsKey online portal. Alternatively, anyone

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Community & GAA Notes The Village lineout before the final

looking for further information can contact a committee member or send a message through the club’s social media page. So, with the summer evenings to enjoy, get a group together and get the boots on.

BRIDGE Summer bridge continues each Monday evening in Threecastles hall (R95WK45) at 7.30pm All are welcome SPLIT THE POT Split the pot proceeds for August is going to Prague house. Winner of the first week was Sean Doran and he won €156. You are asked to kindly support this cause throughout the month.

Proceeds go to different local club each month.

Tickets are just €2 and can be purchased in any of the local pubs or businesses PARISH NEWS Masses each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’s church at 9.30am (unless otherwise stated) Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening.

WEBCAM The mass webcam has been installed by Church Media Ireland. All masses in at Lachtain’s church will be livestreamed through the webcam at Https//church media.ie/st-lachtains-churchfrffreshford.

OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941.

RADIO If you wish to listen to live broadcast of mass on Tuesdays, Fridays or Sundays from Freshford Church you can tune in to 105fm on your radio.

NEWSLETTER The parish newsletter is available every week and it is also on the website. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours.

MASS CARDS Mass Cards and Mass Bouquets are available in the Parish office and also from Annette at Tulla.

VISITS Fr. Mark is happy to visit the sick and if you would like to receive a visit from Fr. Mark, you can contact him by phone or through the parish office.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and is a welcoming hub in the village. They’re always happy to see more people on both sides of the counter, so why not drop in to support your local café, meet a friend, enjoy a chat, and savour some delicious homemade food? Along with great refreshments, The Loop hosts a variety of community activities

that bring neighbours together. The café is also seeking volunteers to help keep these services thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon.

MABS The Money Advice and Budgeting service is a free confidential and independent money Management and Advice service. MABS assist people in dealing with their existing debt problems who have difficulty paying a mortgage or those facing legal action because of debt. They also provide information and access to Insolvency services including free Debt Relief Advice under the Personal insolvency options. For more info or for an appointment contact MABS on 0818072610.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE The Intermediate hurlers maintained their unbeaten league run as they registered their 4th victory when defeating Lisdowney in Urlingford. The game opened brightly with both teams on 3 points each after 6 minutes, the James Stephens scores coming from Stephen Manogue (1) and Sean Deely (2). Lisdowney maintained their pressure on the Village defence, where Conor Heffernan and Niall Mullins stood out. By the 15th minute Lisdowney had added 1-02 from play plus two pointed frees to which the Village replied through Cian Kenny (0-02), Oisin Bateman (0-01), Conor Heffernan (0-01), Ed McDermott (0-01) and a great long-range effort from goalkeeper Sean Manogue (0-01). With Ed Lauhoff and Oisin Bateman working hard at midfield the Village began to take control and following a great defence splitting run from Cian Kenny the ball was finished to the net by Tadhg O’ Dwyer in the 16th. minute. Within a minute the Village were on the attack again and when referee Owen Beehan awarded a penalty to the Village, Cian Kenny duly finished to the net. From here to half time Lisdowney added 4 points while the Village registered points through Tadhg O’ Dwyer, Cian Kenny, two from Oisin Bateman, a well taken goal from Ed. McDermott and further points from Cian Kenny (free), Ed Lauhoff and Eoin Guilfoyle.

This left the half time score at James Stephens 3-16, Lisdowney 1-11.

The Village began the second half in full flight and after great work by Ed. McDermott, Eoin Guilfoyle finished to the net in the 32nd minute.

Ed Lauhoff added a further point (38th minute) while Lisdowney added two pointed frees before adding another from play following an outstanding save from Sean Manogue. From here to the end the Village were in complete control adding a further 1-07 to Lisdowneys 0-04, scores coming from Eoin Guilfoyle (goal), Ed Lauhoff with points in 14th, 21st and 29th minute, Cian Kenny points in 23rd, plus 24th and 25th (2 frees) and Stephen Manogue. Final score James Stephens 5-24, Lisdowney 1-18. The final league game will be against

Barrow Rangers.

Footnote: Credit to the Emeralds club in Urlingford for having the pitch in such great condition despite the ongoing weather conditions.

JUNIOR COUNTY FINAL: The Junior hurlers gave a power packed display of precision combination play and determination to secure a 4-21 to 2-12 Junior hurling championship final victory over a gritty Fenians team in sunbaked UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday afternoon. For the first 14 minutes the teams traded point scoring until corner forward Allen Larkin latched on to a long delivery from Jackie Tyrrell to rattle the net and give The Village the lead at 1-05 to 0-05. Having opened the door James Stephens went on to outscore the Fenians by 1-07 to 0-03 over the 2nd quarter to give The Village a 2-12 to 0-07 lead at the break.

In that time midfielder Fionn Cody hit over two quality long range points and nippy corner forward Allen Larkin broke through to bag a second goal. With strong leadership from centre back Jackie Tyrrell and his wing men Jack McGrath and Adam Butler there were few opportunities for The Fenians to make an impression on the scoreboard.

The inside trio of James Tyrrell, Luke Hickey and Billy Wall in front of Padraig Joyce played their part with unyielding tackling. Midfielder Ross Whelan gave a masterful display feeding the ambitious forward line in which Eoin Larkin leadership skills were to the fore.

As expected, the Johnstown players came out with renewed vigour for the 2nd half but, their efforts were matched score for score by the determined Village forwards, with David Walton contribution of 0-06 from frees and open play a telling factor. A penetrating drive

by Ross Whelan in the 6th minute who brushed aside the Fenians defenders for a stand-out goal was followed by a breakthrough three pointer for the Fenians by full forward Darragh Tobin in the 9th minute but, the Village remained firmly in the driving seat at 3-14 to 1-09. When Eoin Larkin impressively raced onto a breaking ball in the 16th minute to finish to the net it put the result out of reach for the battling Johnstown men increasing the James Stephens lead at 4-15 to 1-10. However, true to their hurling tradition The Fenians kept plugging away and were rewarded with a second goal in the 18th minute but, the rampant James Stephens forwards finished with six points for a final tally of 4-21 to 2-12 to claim the league title.

At the presentation, team captain Matt McWey accepted the League trophy on behalf of his delighted team-mates and club supporters. (a further report on this match can be read in the sports section of this newspaper.)

JUNIOR ‘F’ SEMI-FINAL While the Junior F campaign for 2026 came to an end against a strong Mullinavat team, who have competed in the last number of finals, heads could be held high after this semi-final. The Vil-

lage started well, with some well taken scores by Dec Byrne however, two goals conceded in quick succession midway through the first half could have spelt disaster. That said, The Village rallied with Sean Rea to the fore to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Ultimately, the game would end in a 6 point defeat with the opposition getting the rub of the green in front of goal. After the match however there was a sense of pride within the team for a brilliant effort all year. The team improved as the year went on and a real victory for this group was to give gametime to 54 different players over the year and ensuring that every player got meaningful game time in all games while still being quite competitive.

MINOR HURLING LEAGUE: The club’s minor hurlers received an early reminder of the competitiveness of the 2026 Kilkenny minor championship when going down to a comprehensive defeat 2-25 to 1-16 to John Lockes in Larchfield. Starting brightly the Village took an early lead at 1-03 to 0-03 thanks to a fine goal by Oliver Phelan in the 8th minute. The determined John Lockes responded with a flow of quality scores through their impressive passing game and from placed balls through the accuracy of their marksman, Ollie Donovan. With James Stephens now on the back foot goalkeeper Cian Dermody was forced to make close-in saves in the 11th and 19th minutes to minimise the high scoring rate of the Callan lads who were knocking over points by the minute to lead by 0-15 to 1-08 at the break.

Again, the Village opened the 2nd half in positive mode scoring three points through Rory Glynn (1,2 &amp; 5mins) and full forward Conor Leahy in the 3rd minute but, the talented Callan lads were equally effective registering five points of their own to keep their lead at 0-19 to 1-13. In the 19th minute John Lockes struck a crucial blow when raising a green flag to stretch their lead at 1-20 to 0-14. The slick passing Callan lads went on to add five more points to Rory Glynn’s two final scores over the closing 10 minutes for a comfortable 1-25 to 1-16 victory. For James Stephens only Rory Glynn, Ruairi Power, Conor Leahy, Oliver Phelan and Sean Daly came close to showing their true form during the game. Consolation for the below par performance came from the fact that this was James Stephens first outing in the championship campaign against a team that has a number of fixtures under their belt to hone their skills.

Surely better days lie ahead.

SYMPATHIES At the recent management meeting expressions of sympathy were passed to the Delaney family, Patrick Street on the death of Elizabeth (Girlie) Delaney, who died on Saturday week last in Drakelands Nursing Home. Popularly known ‘Girlie’ she was the wife of former James Stephens hurler Seamus Delaney, proprietor of the renowned Delaney’s Bar, Patrick Street. Seamus was a member of the club’s 1955 Kilkenny junior championship

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Community & GAA Notes winning team. Girlie will be sadly missed by her husband Seamus, her son Gerry and daughters Rita, Ailish and Mary and her brother-in-law Edward (Ned) and the extended Delaney family. Girlie was laid to rest in Foulkstown cemetery following Requiem Mass in St. Patrick’s Church on Tuesday afternoon. Air dheis Dei go raibh a anam dilis.

COIS NORE The Cancer Research Charity Cois Nore are continuing their fundraising events with a concert in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday 3rd October starting at 7pm. On the night, the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir will be joined by the Gwalia Singers of Wales who are on their 60th anniversary tour for an evening of celebration and song. Tickets cost €25 and are available through ww.celticconcert. eventbrite.ie. The proceeds of the night will be shared between Cois Nore Cancer Support and the Dillon Quirke Foundation. Support would be much appreciated.

CRANNCHUR (LOTTO) Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite 2, 3, 13, 25. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir. Na mionduaisneanna €40: Des McGrath, Grainne, Michael O’Dwyer, Michelle Power agus Des McGrath.

BENNETTSBRIDGE HISTORY IN THE MAKING AT CROKE PARK! East End United and Bennettsbridge Camogie Club are teaming up for an unforgettable night to celebrate one of Ireland’s greatest female athletes, Katie Taylor, in her final fight at Croke Park!

We’re showing the entire fight live on a big screen in the community Hall, so bring the energy and come and support Katie! On Saturday 5th September, Doors Open: 8:30 PM Bennettsbridge Community Hall. Tickets: On sale now!

On the night: Sizzling BBQ, Sweet Shop, Raffle, Door prize entry with admission. All are welcome and all support is much appreciated for this fundraising event THIS SUNDAY Bennettsbridge is getting ready for a fun-filled Community Picnic on Sunday, August 30th, and everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a relaxed morning with family, friends and neighbours. The event will take place at Bennettsbridge Playground and Green from 11am to 1pm, with plenty of entertainment and activities planned for all ages. There will be music to create a lively atmosphere, along with face painting to keep the younger visitors entertained.

Those attending can also enjoy an ice cream, while a coffee van will be on hand to provide refreshments for the morning. Families and individuals are encouraged to bring along their own picnic and a mat if they wish, making it a perfect opportunity to sit back, enjoy the surroundings and catch up with others in the community.

Filming will also take place during the event for the Bennettsbridge Film, so it promises to be a memorable morning for everyone involved. All are welcome to come along and enjoy the community spirit!

MENS SHED Members of the Mens Shed welcomed Donie Butler, Kilkenny Railway Historian to the Community Hall in Bennettsbridge recently. This followed on from an information meeting in the village given

by Donie Butler. Donie gave a talk on Bennettsbridge Railway Station to the thriving Men’s Shed in Bennettsbridge. Many of the group gave anecdotal accounts of stories related to the railway station. Donie Butler is Chair of the Kilkenny Railway Heritage Society and can be contacted at 087-315 6359 kkrailwayhs@gmail.com The Society is open for membership at €20 per annum.

THANK YOU, MARGARET! The numerous groups associated with the Community Hall in Bennettsbridge are sad to see one of the stalwart members of our community retire from her role as administrator of the Centre.

Margaret has been at the helm for many years and has always been there for everyone. She is wished health and happiness in whatever role she takes up.

CAMOGIE NEWS Are you looking to get active, meet new people, and be part of something new?

Bennettsbridge Camogie Club is looking to get Social Camogie up and running, and we want YOU to be part of it! It’s all about fun, fitness, and enjoying the game in a friendly environment. No experience needed, all abilities welcome. Interested in giving

it a go? Get in touch today so we can gauge numbers and get this team off the ground! Any queries or for further details contact 087 623 5885.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the McDonald and Ryan families on the death of Carol McDonald (nee Ryan), Dunbell, Maddoxtown (Formerly of Breanormore, Grangemockler, Co. Tipperary) in St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Wednesday, 19th August 2026.

Carol was predeceased by her parents Christopher and Mary, brother Christy and sister Maureen, her father and mother-in-law, Toddy and Essie McDonald.

Carol is survived by her husband Pat, sons, Dan, PJ and Michael, daughters, Sharon, Aisling, Clare and Áine, her 19 grandchildren, daughter-in-law Rachael, sons-in-law, Ken, Cathal and Andy, Dan’s partner Michelle and Aine’s partner Eoin; her brothers: Gussy, Aidan, James and Gerry, sistersin-law, Breda, Kathleen and Imelda, brother-in-law Donal, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Carol lay in repose at Shasby’s Funeral Home, Kilkenny City on Friday, 21st August with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Colman’s Church, Clara, followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

CARDS RESULTS 4th August: First Prize John O’Brien/ Patsy Gibbons, Brian Blackmore/Annie Lehane (10 games) Table Prize Mary Cummins/Mary Doyle 11th August: First Prize Tommy Hayes/Bridget Murphy, Siobhán Donovan/Joan O’Gorman, Richie Proctor/Richard/O’Keeffe, Toddy Skehan/Marty Hanlon (9 games). Table Prize Paul Gurrie/Rose Hayes 18th August: First Prize, John Drennan/Declan Twomey (11 games). Second Prize Frank O’Neill/ Michael. Table Prize Ger Kelly/Annie Lehane MASSTIMES Bennettsbridge, Wednesday 10.30am. Friday 10.30am. Sunday 10.30am. Tuesday 7.30pm. Tullaherin Saturday 8pm LOTTO There was no winner of the Jackpot. The numbers drawn were, 6, 11, 12, 16. However consolation prizes were bestowed on Damien Phelan, Bennettsbridge, Noreen Dobbyn, Bennettsbridge, Michael and Ann Dobbyn, Gowran Road, David Dowling, Bennettsbridge, Bernie Ryan, Newpark Close.

GAA Senior Hurling League: Our senior hurlers played Mullinavat on Tuesday evening last in Ballyhale in the fourth round of the league.

Junior B Team: Well, done to our junior B team who retained their status with a deserved win over Piltown last week. This year featured a lot of young players and hopefully will push on next season.

Thanks: We hosted two intermediate games and one junior E semi-final over the past weekend.

Many thanks to all who helped out with stewarding, with the shop and car parking over these three games. Huge thanks also to our club sponsor Bennettsbridge Limestone for their continued help with watering the pitch during this current dry spell with the surface in great condition for the games. All your help is greatly appreciated.

Underage Games: Our under 14 team defeated Tullogher on Monday last week and played Piltown on Monday last. Our under 16 team are at home to Gowran on Friday next. Our under 12 team played in the go games finals with games against Galmoy and Mullinavat and played very well.

FIELD DAY 2026 The field day is confirmed for Sunday 13th of September this year. Another great day is promised this year with hurling and camogie games, wheel of fortune, bric-a-brac, raffle, foam party, BBQ, cake sale and much more on the day. Any donations for the wheel of fortune, bottle stand, raffle etc will be greatly appreciated. We require unwanted toys, unwanted gifts etc again this year.

Please see the club social media pages for dates of drop off.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN The Bennettsbridge GAA club Pitch signage campaign is still underway. Thanks to all the business owners who have supported so far. If interested, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

GRAIGUENAMAMAGH BARROW BUS Time for something completely different. We’re

excited to announce a NEW Sunday service connecting the Barrow Valley with the Blackstairs mountains. Starting THIS Sunday August 23rd.

Here are the top things you need to know: Loops out to the Scullogue Gap for a breathtaking Sunday hike. Morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off in Muine Bheag train station linked to train times.

Serves new locations Glynn and Borris. Does NOT serve Skeoughvosteen or Paulstown (we’re sorry!).

Two services on the ever popular St. Mullins to Graiguenamanagh route - walk the Barrow and get your free bus back. Operating on Sundays ONLY until the end of the research project in October Check out the timetable for all the details, book ahead where possible HUB A fantastic announcement was made during Graiguefest last weekend, BVCD is delighted to launch a €10,000 Community Grant Fund for community groups in Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch. The fund is designed to support local groups and community initiatives that help make Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch an even better place to live, work, play and connect.

A total of €10,000 is available, applications are open to all community groups and clubs in Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch, individuals can not apply.

Successful applicants may receive part or all of the available grant, depending on the applications received. The decision by the Barrow Valley Community Development Board of Directors is final.

Are you Interested in applying? Request an application form by emailing eventsatthehub@gmail. com. We’re looking forward to seeing the ideas, projects and initiatives that this funding can help bring to life in our community.

GAA The clubs Junior team made it 3 wins from four in the Junior league/championship with a hard win of the Fenians club from Johnstown on a scoreline of 3-16 1-19. Two goals from the inform Seamus Kavanagh and one from Pierce Blanchfield proved to be the decisive scores.

This was never going to be easy against a team who were intermediate last year. Fenians played with a slight breeze in first half and were the better team for the first 15 mins and went into and early 4point lead. But our lads responded well and managed to go in level at half time, Graig 2-8 Fenians 1-11.

We started the second half much better than the first and good scores from Pierce Blanchfield and Steven Kinsella helped us to build up a 7 point lead. However, the Northern side to their credit came at hard in the last 20 mins and managed to reduce the deficit to a single white flag, but scores from Jack Ryan and two from Stephen Kinsella ensured the Famed green and white supporters went home happy. Next up is Piltown on Sunday 6th Sept FERRY BRIDGE Local people should be aware that the Ferry Bridge is set to reopen the 28th, but there will be a traffic management plan in place.

HUB Once again, this year we are linking up with Munster Chernobyl Aid “Another Journey Of Hope” to bring much needed supplies to the orphanages and hospitals in Belarus this September.

We would greatly appreciate any donations of sanitary products, clothes, hygiene products etc. All items can be dropped to the Hub before September. This is a very important Humanitarian Aid mission as things in Belarus have become increasingly difficult.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN BARROW RANGERS There were no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner in the lotto draw of 18 August.

Congratulations to the winning team, the Under14s Roinn A in the League Round 1 last week.

BOXING CLUB (PAULSTOWN) Well, done to all the boxers who competed recently. Every one of them boxed really well, gained valuable experience and represented the club brilliantly.

Tom Healy

BRIDGE UNITED The club is calling on all players, parents, supporters, and friends to get behind one of its biggest fundraising events of the year, taking place on Friday, 5th September, at 7.00pm at Kilkenny Dog Track.

Every ticket purchased will help raise vital funds for the club’s Astro Turf Project, supporting the continued development of facilities for all Bridge United AFC players. Tickets cost just €10 and promise a great night out while supporting the future of the club.

CHURCH SERVICES AND PARISH EVENTS MASS TIMES Goresbridge: Saturday 7.30pm; Sunday at 10.00am. Paulstown: Sunday at 11.30am Weekday Masses, Goresbridge: Wednesday at 10.00am.

Paulstown: Thursday, and Friday at 10.00am.

Adoration, concluding with Benediction, takes place every Tuesday from 10.30am to 6.00pm in Paulstown Church.

The Legion of Mary meets each Thursday at 3.00pm in the Parish Hall, Paulstown. New members are always welcome.

The Sacred Heart Prayer Group gathers every Friday following the 10.00am Mass in Paulstown.

CUAS MUSICAL CONCERT The renowned West Kerry group CUAS will perform at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge, on Friday, 4th September at 8.00pm. Steeped in the rich musical traditions and songs of West Kerry, CUAS promises an entertaining and memorable evening of music.

The group will be joined by talented local Kilkenny musician Gerry Walsh, who will provide support on the night. Tickets: €23 For tickets and further information, contact Gerry Kavanagh on 086 044 3152 or book online through Eventbrite. Don’t miss this fantastic night of traditional music and song.

TALKING THE TALK “Cúpla Focal” is a welcoming Irish language conversation circle held every Friday at the Goodly Barrow Cafe. The gathering provides a relaxed and friendly environment where people can practice speaking Irish, improve their confidence, and meet others with a shared interest in the language and culture.

Open to everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers, the group focuses on informal conversation, encouragement, and learning through everyday chat. Whether you want to revive your school Irish, sharpen your fluency, or simply enjoy a social evening with fellow Giliberti, Cúpla Focal offers an enjoyable and supportive space to use the language in a natural way.

DANCE CLASSES AT IONAD DARA, GORESBRIDGE. Join us at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge, starting Monday, 14th September at 7:00 pm. Learn and enjoy a variety of dance styles, including Jive, Line Dancing, and all forms of Social Dancing.

Class Fees: Adults: €10 per class. Secondary School Students: €5 per class. Primary School Students: Free. Adults aged 80 and over: Free For more information, contact Declan on 085 708 9128. Everyone is welcome, whether you’ re a beginner or an experienced dancer.

MR MAHON The death has taken place of Bernard (Bernie) Mahon, beloved husband of Mary and loving father of Carol, Elaine and Sean. He will be sadly missed by his sister Detty, son in law David, daughter in law Angela, brother in law Seamus and by his beloved grandchildren, Shane, Eve, Roísín and Hazel, who were the light of his life. Bernie will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family and his good neighbours and many friends.

MRS WAITES The death has taken place of Ann Waites at Borris Lodge Nursing Home surrounded by her family.

Predeceased by her husband Paul and grandson Thomas, sadly missed by her loving sons Seamus and Frank, grandchildren Sinead and Tommy, great grandchildren Shay and Cayden, brother Michael, the Dempsey family, in-laws, relatives and friends.

SPLIT THE POT Support Goresbridge Rural Development by taking part in Split the Pot. Entries are available in Maher’s and online. Simply scan the QR code or visit lottoraiser.ie.

The winners of the draw on Sunday, 23rd August were 1st Prize (€100): Jessie Murphy. 2nd Prize (€20): William Morrisey. 3rd Prize (€20): Emma Madden

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

Community & GAA Notes TAR ISTEACH Bric a Brac including household items, unwanted gifts, unwanted toiletry sets, delph, dishes, cutlery are all welcome at the Tar Isteach shop in Goresbridge. Items should be in a saleable condition. Quality handbags are welcome. Customers are welcome too.

KILMANAGH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Mount Carmel Supported Care Home Annual Golf Classic will take place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th August 2026. Team Entry Fee €100. For Tee Times contact John Healy on 086 1664256 or Margaret Maher on 087 960 6440. We are appealing to your generosity for this very worthy fundraiser, which you have so kindly supported in the past. Your Sponsorship can be given in any of the following ways; 1. Monetary Donation; 2. Donation of prizes for the Golf Classic. Bank Account Details: IBAN: IE53AIBK93309014719192 BIC: AIBKIE2D CLOTHES COLLECTION Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, Kilmanagh have organised a fundraiser in the form of a Clothes Collection. If you are thinking of doing a summer clearout please think of us. We can take clothes, duvet covers, pillowcases, sheets, handbags, shoes (in pairs only), rugby boots, belts, hats, scarves, belts, suits. All items must be in good wearable condition. We cannot take duvets or pillows (just the covers). Items can be left at Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, R95 YT25 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 5pm and 7pm. If you want any further information, please contact 086 373 99 83.

LOTTO Results for 2nd August. Numbers drawn were 13; 19; 29; 30. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners were Ann Murphy, David Harrison, Mark Hogan and Brendan Corcoran. Sellers’ Prizes went to Mary Dunphy and Shane Lynch.

Results for 17th August. Numbers drawn were 8; 19; 20; 27. There was no winner. Lucky Dip winners were Kitty Delaney, Simon, Lorraine and Celine O’Dwyer and Anne McGrath. Sellers’ prizes went to Pat Comerford and Philomena Brennan.

Results for Summer Draw which was held on 2nd August. Lucky Dip winners were €100 to Tom Walton, Biddy Byrne, Sophie Malone, M. Luby and John and Mary Butler. €50 to Caragh Power, Sabrina Murphy, Mairead Bannon, Joan Ronan, Conor Murphy, The Pollard Family, David Brennan, Linda Hayes, Josie Ronan, Paddy Delaney.

Promoters’ prizes went to Philomena Brennan, Ann Fitzpatrick, Bree Harrison, Eddie Brennan, Michele Comerford and Mary Murphy.

VOLUNTEERING VACANCIES Kilkenny Men’s Shed is seeking a Volunteer Woodwork Tutor to deliver basic woodwork workshops for its members in a friendly and supportive environment. The role involves sharing skills in furniture restoration or small-scale woodworking projects. This opportunity requires approx three hours per week, with all materials provided.

St. Canice’s Parish Homes is looking for Volunteer Drivers to support its Meals on Wheels service.

Volunteers are needed for just one day a week between 12 noon and 1pm to deliver hot meals, collect dishes and provide a friendly check-in with older people. Volunteers will need to use their own vehicles.

Kilkenny Community Early Years Project, which provides cross-community needs-based services to children and families, is recruiting volunteers for two Board roles: Trustee / Board Member and Company Treasurer. Experience in finance, business, education, community development, legal or childcare is welcomed. Board meetings take place at least six times a year, with full induction and ongoing support provided.

Order of Malta Kilkenny is recruiting Volunteer Medics to provide first aid and ambulance support at sporting, community and major events across the county. Comprehensive training is provided, making this role suitable for anyone interested in developing first aid skills while supporting the local community. Volunteers are encouraged to attend at least one event per month, with flexibility to volunteer more often if they wish.

Droichead Family Resource Centre in Callan is looking for volunteer Board Members. They are

particularly interested in people with experience in governance, finance, HR, legal, fundraising, communications, education, health or community development. The role requires a commitment of approx 2 hours per month for a minimum of one year.

Mount Carmel Care Home in Callan is looking for volunteers for a range of roles, including Social and Therapeutic Gardening Club Volunteer, Arts and Crafts Activities Volunteer, Musical Volunteer and Cycling Without Age Trishaw Pilot. Volunteers will help bring joy, creativity and meaningful social connection to older adults.

Bennettsbridge Scout Group is looking for Scout Section Leaders. Volunteers will help deliver fun, educational weekly activities that build young people’s confidence, teamwork, leadership and outdoor skills. The role requires 1–2 hours per week during the school term with meetings generally taking place on weekday evenings.

Thomastown Credit Union is looking for Volunteer Directors to help shape the future of this community-led organisation. Volunteers will support the governance and management of the Credit Union while developing new skills and helping their local community. Meetings take place monthly on Monday evenings, with a commitment of appr. four hours per month.

No Name Club in Thomastown is looking for Adult Leader Volunteers. The role as an adult leader will be to organise and facilitate club meetings, providing a safe and fun environment where young people aged 15-18 years can feel welcome. Adult volunteers offer approximately 2 hours a week.

Age Action is seeking Volunteer Digital Skills Tutors to help older people develop confidence using smartphones, tablets and computers through its Getting Started programme. Volunteers provide one-to-one support in small, student-led classes, helping learners with everyday digital skills such as internet use, video calling and apps.

Classes take place in Thomastown Library on Wednesday from 12pm–2pm.

Loop Community Café in Freshford is looking for Volunteer Café Assistants. Volunteers may assist with serving refreshments, welcoming customers, preparing hot drinks, clearing tables, washing dishes and supporting community events. No previous café experience is required, as full training and support will be provided.

St. Lachtain’s Ionad Museum and Community Shop in Freshford is looking for friendly volunteers to welcome visitors to its museum and community shop. Volunteers will help greet visitors, process sales, keep the space tidy and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. No detailed knowledge of local history is required, and flexible weekend volunteering opportunities are available.

Foróige Freshford is looking for Volunteer Leaders to support local young people aged 12–17 in a safe, fun and welcoming club environment. Volunteers will help mentor and encourage young people, support weekly activities and build positive relationships. Meetings take place for 1.5–2 hours per week during the school year, with full training and support provided.

If you find a volunteering role that interests you, visit our site to register or apply to www. volunteerkilkenny.ie or contact us by info@volunteerkilkenny.ie. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, please get in touch to see how we can support you too. For more information, please visit www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or info@ volunteerkilkenny.ie KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

the maintenance work at Dunkitt from 2.00pm on Saturday, 29th August. All offer of help will be welcomed. Seeing Kilmacow Differently Kilmacow GLAS will host a follow up nature walk from 9.00am to 10.00am on Sunday, 30th August. No pressure. No agenda. Just Nature. All welcome.

KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 6, 8, 11 and 23. There were two Match 3 winners.

HOME ENERGY EVENT Learn to make your home warmer and more energy efficient at a Home Energy Event in Kilmacow Community Centre from 5.00pm to 9.0opm on Wednesday, 16th September. All welcome.

MARIAN HALL Line dancing with Suzanne will begin in the Marian Hall from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, 1 st September. The cost is €10 on a Pay as you Go basis. Suitable for beginners. All welcome.

The Marian Hall will also host a Yoga Class from 7.00pm to 8.00pm each Wednesday, commencing on 2nd September. The cost is €50 for a fourweek block (or €15 per class). Contact Laura on 087 680 2303 for more details.

MULLINAVAT MULLINAVAT FESTIVAL OF HURLING AND CAMOGIE The Camogie Club and Hurling Club in Mullinavat will jointly host a festival of hurling and camogie, fun and community from 10.00am to 2.30pm on Saturday, 29th August to Sunday, 30th August. A raffle will be held in conjunction with the event.

Tickets are €5 each (or six for €25). There are many fabulous prizes, and the draw will be held on Sunday, 6th September. It promises to be a great weekend.

MULLINAVAT LOTTO The winning lotto numbers on Monday, 17th August were 7, 10, 16 and 22. There were no Match 3 winners.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society will host a talk by Liz Gillis on the 1926 Census – A treasure trove for local historians at 8.00pm on Thursday, 24th September in the Parish Hall. Admission €5 for non- members. All welcome.

MOONCOIN PARISH HALL The Parish Hall will host Chair Yoga at 12 noon on Monday, 31 st August. Contact Lisa on 087 655 8716 for more details.

The Day Care Centre returns after the Summer Break on Wednesday, 2nd September. The schedule includes Bingo or Cards (1.30pm), live music (3.00pm) with tea and refreshments at 4.00pm.

The cost is €3. Everyone is welcome.

Hip Hop is back in the Hall from 4.00pm to 6.0pm on Friday, 4th September. Please call Rachel on 087 783 7570 for details.

FERRYBANK

Rockenham - Best Residential Estate in Munster Award 1978

Benches restored Well, done to Ferrybank Men’s Shed and Ferrybank Tidy Towns for their work on restoring and painting the benches on the Abbey Road.

BUTTERFLY RUN Shannon Foley will take part in the Butterfly Run in Templemore in October. Funds from the event will be in aid of Féileacáin (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland). Please see Ferrybank Community Newsletter for details on how to support this event.

HILLSFIELD MEETING The monthly meeting of Ferrybank Residents Community Development Group will be held from 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Wednesday, 26th August. Local residents are welcome to attend.

They can also e-mail ferrybankcn@gmail.com to be kept updated on events in the Ferrybank area.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK The swing, damaged a number of weeks ago, has been repaired and returned to the Neighbourhood Park by Kilkenny County Council.

PART-TIME COURSES Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board and Back to Education Initiative will provide two part-time courses in Belmont from September.

A pert-time Office Administration course from 9.30am to 4.30pm will commence on Wednesday, 9th September and a part-time SNA course will commence on Thursday, 10th September. Please contact btei@kkadulted.ie or telephone 056 7701020 for more information.

TIDY TOWNS Rockenham won the Best Residential Estate – Munster in 1978. The plaque presented at the time has been cleaned off by the local Tidy Towns Group and restored to its rightful place on Rockenham Green. It is lovely to see this little bit

KILMACOW KILMACOW YOUTH CLUB The club returns after its summer break for a Taster Month in September. Activities include arts and crafts, sports for fun, board games, subsidised trips, community engagement and events.

New members are welcome to come along in September with Registration taking place on the first Friday of October.

KILMACOW HERITAGE The Graveyard Working Group will continue

Bench on Abbey Road.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

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Community & GAA Notes of history being acknowledged and the work of the volunteers in 1978 including Ned McKiernan, Molly Kelly and Joan Whelan, being recognised and appreciated.

JOHNSTOWN COIS NORE The Kells Kings Charity Cycle takes place on Saturday, August 29th, with cyclists of all abilities invited to take part in what promises to be a fantastic day on the bike. There are three great routes to choose from, covering distances of 30km, 68km and 116km, making the event suitable for everyone from those looking for a leisurely spin to more experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.

Participants will be well catered for along the way, with water stops provided at Mullinavat, Coppanagh Hill and Goatsbridge. There will also be a food and rest stop at the hall in Inistioge, giving cyclists a welcome opportunity to refuel and recharge before continuing their journey.

The registration fee includes a warm meal at the finish, making it the perfect way to round off the day. With great routes, good company and a worthy cause, the Kells Kings Charity Cycle is not to be missed.

WEEE RECYCLE Residents in Johnstown and the surrounding areas will have a great opportunity to dispose of unwanted electrical and electronic equipment responsibly when a WEEE recycling collection takes place at the Church car park on Saturday, August 22nd. The collection will run from 10am until 4pm and provides a convenient way for householders to clear out old electrical items that may otherwise be difficult to dispose of. WEEE, or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, includes a wide range of everyday household appliances and electrical goods.

Recycling these items ensures that valuable materials can be recovered and reused, while potentially harmful substances are kept out of the environment. It is also an important part of reducing the amount of electrical waste going to landfill. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the collection and bring along their unwanted electrical and electronic equipment.

The event offers a simple and environmentally friendly way to have a clear-out while helping to support better recycling practices in the local community.

The collection will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 22nd, at Johnstown Church car park.

PLAYER RECRUTING PROGRAME Spa United AFC are looking for new players, girls and boys, to join their soccer squads. Contact Jamie via What’s app on 086300076.

GOLF CLASSIC St. Anne’s camogie club are hosting their annual Golf Classic in Rathdowney GC on Sat 12th September. Teams of four € 140. Prizes for GUI members and non GUI. Prizes in both categories, 1st,2nd,3rd, nearest the pin and longest drive.

Some tee times available on Friday evening.

Contact Anna Ryan on 0873916720.

COIS NORE A night of song and celebration in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny on Sat October 3rd at 7pm.

For this night only the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir will be joining the Gwalia Singers of Wales 60th Anniversary Tour. Tickets € 25 plus fees available from celticconcert.eventbrite.ie. Proceeds from the night will be donated to The Dillion Quirke Foundation and Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Carmel Broderick and family, Johnstown who has been bereaved by the death of her brother Con in China. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe followed by cremation at The Island Crematorium.

BIG THANKS The Mill Centre would like to extend a massive thank you to all who supported their family fun day recently. This is a yearly event that supports their counselling/Play therapy services for Urlingford and the surrounding areas. Many thanks also to the sponsors, stall holders, Urlingford Fire Brigade, the Gardai, the staff and volunteers and anyone who contributed in any way to make the day a huge success.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers this time were 4,8,23,27.

There was no jackpot winner but there were two match threes Gina Morrissey and Noreen Henderson are the winners.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The Mill Family Resource Centre would like to extend a massive thanks to everyone who joined and supported us on Sunday 16th August at the Centre for our Annual Family Fun Day. This is a yearly event that supports the Counselling\Play Therapy Services for Urlingford and the surrounding areas.

The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to provide a wide range of supports, services, and activities for individuals and families within the local community. The Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space, offering opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and social connection for people of all ages.

One of the upcoming opportunities available is the Local Training Initiative (L.T.I.) Programme.

This free L.T.I. course will be starting soon and includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing participants with valuable life skills that can support employment and independence.

Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to call into the Centre or make contact directly for further details and application information.

The Youth club is back every Wednesday from 5.30 – 6.30pm. For Ages 10yrs – 12yrs Come along and look at our clothes rail, great bargains to be had.

For information on any of the above please contact the Centre on 056- 8838466 (See our feature in this copy of your favourite local newspaper) GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 1pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

PASTORAL MINISTRY Would you like to serve as a Pastoral Minister within your parish and Parish Combination group? A programme in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership will begin in October and lead to a two-year course of study in Mary Immaculate College, Thurles. See poster on notice board at main doors of both Churches. Brochures available from Fr. Walton. Information from Katherine Dullaghan, Development Office on 086 1033761.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION Thanks to everyone who contributed to the recent Epilepsy Ireland collection; a total of €227.75 was received.

IN OUR HANDS Monster Metal Scrap Collection: Thurles Mart, this Friday August 28th and Saturday August 29th.

All types of Metal accepted. We are not able to accept household electrical appliances such as washing machines, etc. Call Phil on 087 2420074 to arrange collection. This is in aid of the Cathedral Reroofing Project.

PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continue in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth.

Bring mat and water.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game.

400 CLUB DRAW The results for July 1st prize €200, Michael Cleary, Graiguehesia, 2nd prize €100, Anna and James Ryan, Clonmore. Other prize winners were Caitriona and Blair Leahy, Graigue, Ann Long, Grange, Rose Delaney, Inchorourke, Bridget Campion, Graigue, Timmy Crowe, Clonimiclan, James and Bridget Brennan, Glengoole, Patrick Grant, Urlingford and Liam and Mally Noonan, Grange.

Promoters prize winner was Rena Ryan.

400 CLUB DRAW The results for August 1st prize €200 Paul Farrell, Glengoole South, 2nd prize €100 Seamus Hanafin, Thurles. Other prize winners were Paul and Louise Dwyer, Longfordpass, Donal Pollard, Coole, Fr. James Walton, Gortnahoe, PJ and Martina Butler, Graiguehesia, The Harrington Family, Fennor, Sarah Morris, Poynestown, Pascal Norton,

Graiguewood and Gavin, Faye and Ultan Carr c/o Sarah Cahill, Gortnahoe. Promoters prize winner was Mary McGivern.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Fionnuala Doheny who won €322 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220.

Split the Pot for August is in aid of the Camogie Club. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

MILLENNIUM MEN ON THE MOVE CLASSES Starting Monday 14th September for 10 weeks 12:30–1:30pm in the Millennium Family Resource Centre Glengoole, E41DW22. Total Cost €20.

Come along for some light exercise’s followed by a cup of tea and a chat. For further information contact Alice Teehan 083-1014313.

CON CLEARY RIP The death has occurred of Con Cleary, Dublin / China / USA and formerly of Boulick, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Con is deeply regretted and fondly remembered by his brothers Tim and James, sisters Marian and Carmel, sister-in-law Evelyn, former partner Rita, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Con reposed at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford last Wednesday evening. Funeral Mass took place on Thursday in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe, followed by cremation at The Island Crematorium, Cork. May he rest in peace.

CONAHY HURLING The junior hurlers shared the spoils with Galmoy in their fourth round match of the JJ Kavanagh Junior League in Cloneen HC Grounds. Conahy led by 0-13 to 0-10 at half time and an early second half goal from substitute Patrick Kennedy soon increased their lead. But the Galmoy men fought back as the second half progressed, and with time almost up, had opened up a two point lead. But two pointed frees from Edmond Delaney levelled the game, and though Conahy had a third free to win the game, it went narrowly wide. The final whistle blew with the sides level at Conahy’s 1-23 to Galmoy’s 2-20. The locals will be back in action on Sunday week, September 6th, when they play Emeralds in Canon Kearns Park at 1.00 p.m.

TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Padraig Gunner, Philip Cass, Darragh Horgan, Ciaran Rice, Darren Cuddihy, Jack Rhatigan, Jack Murphy, Edmond Delaney, Rob Ring, Tom Phelan, Karl Downey, Bill Murphy, Brooklyn Synott, Mark Gunner, Patrick Kennedy, John Kennedy, Harry O’Mahony, Liam Cass.

The minors had a two point win against Piltown in Jenkinstown in the Kilkenny Vehicle Centre Roinn B League/Championship. Conahy 2-19: Piltown 0-23. They will be back in action next Monday night when they travel away to play Kilmacow at 7.00 p.m.

CAMOGIE The intermediate camogie girls lost out to Mooncoin in their second round game of the Abbott Intermediate League in Mooncoin. The opening half was an even affair with the sides level at 0-5 apiece at the half time break. An early second half goal from Molly O’Dornan was a boost to Conahy, but Mooncoin responded clinically with 1-7 without reply to open up a commanding lead. Conahy battled hard and replied with points of their own, but Mooncoin were full value for their victory, winning in the end by 2-18 to 1-11. Conahy are back in action on Sunday week, September 6th, when they play host to Barrow Rangers at 11.00 a.m.

TEAM: Siofraidh Kennedy, Amy Lawless, Grainne Comerford, Amy Morrissey, Aisling Maher, Katie Brennan, Sofia Kerr, Emma Mulhall, Caoimhe Hennessy, Hollie Brennan, Ellen Gunner, Aisling Downey, Naomi Kerr, Grace Mulhall, Molly O’Dornan, Amy Brennan, Grace Butler, Hannah Styles, Eva Kennedy, Keelan Kennedy, Clodagh Lawless, Emily Lawless, Robyn Morrissey, Caoimhe Mulhall, Emily Murphy, Sarah Murphy, Mary Lou Rowe, Sarah Webster, Sarah Molloy.

GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 9, 28 and 37. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prize winners of

€30 each were Catherine Meany, Mary Tierney, Kevin Healy, John Carroll and Nicholas Baldwin.

The promoter prize winners were Shem Butler, Larry Bergin and Toddy Lacey. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat.

Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) - Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat).

Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ ossory.ie. Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired).

Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Vigil Saturday 22nd. at 6.30p.m.

Mick and Peggy Raggett, Croan: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 29th. August at 8.00p.m.

ROTA (TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Tom King. Hugginstown, Saturday 8.00p.m. Catherine Dwyer. Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Foran. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Mary O’Grady. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick, Sunday 10. 00a.m. Ruth Crowley HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, HUGGINSTOWN: House No. 5 is now vacant. Any elderly person who is interested in applying please contact the Secretary, Lily Burke, Croan, Dunamaggan; Tel. 056 776 8008 for an Application Form BISHOP OF OSSORY: The Episcopal Installation of Ger Nash as Bishop of Ossory will be on Sunday 13th. September in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny at 3.00p.m.

Evening Prayer with Bishop Ger: All are invited to join with Bishop Ger as he leads in Evening Prayer in preparation for his Episcopal Installation as Bishop of Ossory when he begins his ministry as our Bishop. On Friday, 28th. August in Church of the Assumption, Owning, at 7.30p.m.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 17th. August 2026. Numbers: 09; 20; 29; 26. There was no winner of first 3 Numbers Drawn. There was one Jackpot Winner: €6,100.00.

Winner: James Kenneally, Catstown. €200.00.

Seller of Jackpot Ticket: James Irish. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Jimmy Walsh; Mary Doyle; Catherine Duggan..

STUDY THEOLOGY ONLINE: The Priory Institute provides online Theology courses to degree level. Attend Saturday lectures in Tallaght or from the comfort of your own home. Register now to begin on 19th. September.

Find out more on our website, prioryinstitute. com POOR CLARES, GALWAY, Half-Day Retreat for women 18-40 with Women’s spirituality speaker Louise Mc Guinness. An opportunity to encounter God’s love and deepen your life of prayer and communion with God. The event will take place from 2.00p.m. to 6.0p.m. on Sunday the 6th. of September for more information and to register: https://cherisheddaughters. eventbrite.ie “ANAM CARA” “Anam Cara” is very pleased to announce our first Bereavement Information Evening especially dedicated to supporting surviving siblings this autumn.

As part of our commitment to supporting everyone following the death of a child, we are exploring opportunities to further support the entire family. This event is the first, hopefully of many, of that commitment. This event is open to all parents whose child or children have died, regardless of the age of their child, circumstances of their death, or time since bereavement. We are also opening this Bereavement Information Evening to bereaved adult siblings over 18. For further information: Isabella (Elsie) Wiessner, Tel. 01 404 5378 Email: i.wiessner@anamcara.ie.

Web. www.anamcara.ie

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

44

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

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Sport

JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling League

By Jimmy Walsh The fourth round, JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling League derby game between the unbeaten league leaders John Lockes and down the table, two pointers Windgap took place in Thomastown on Sunday afternoon. The general opinion around, was to get the game played, and everyone through without injuries for the knockout campaign ahead.

With Windgap's playing in excellent conditions, against the slight breeze that was denoted by the tricolour flying downriver into the Brownsbarn goal, Jack Doyle set up the games first attack, before Tomás Roche pointed the Locke's ahead following a pass from Paddy O’Brien.

The games first turning point, followed immediately, as the referee’s attention was called back by an umpire to two players entangled on the ground.

It saw Windgap’s Shane Doyle get his marching orders after just four minutes. His sides response was positive and instant, as Billy Power pointed a sixty five after a Sean Purcell free was deflected out. A Jack Doyle point followed after a long ball through William Phelan and Adam O’Shea had set it up. With the wides total, at four to one against Windgap, Billy Power made amends as he spotted a goal chance from twenty five metre free and took it to see Windgap 1-2 to 0-1 ahead after twelve minutes.

A pointed free by Tomás Roche (who went on to add twelve points) reduced the lead, before two pointed Windgap frees saw the scores at 1-4 to 0-2 at the quarter way stage. They drew an immediate response as Tomás Roche

was first to a breaking ball and set up Ollie O Donovan to goal 1-4 to 1-2. After Windgap’s Jack Doyle won a sideline puck and pointed under pressure, his teammate Willie Phelan made a goal saving interception before Tomas Roche and Zak O’Halloran reduced the lead to 1-5 to 1-4 after twenty minutes.

In the free flowing play Séan Purcell who went on to play a very prominent role in the game pointed a free from behind his own sixty five and one from Billy Power extended Windgap's lead to 1-7 to 1-4.

A reply from a Lockes free brought two Windgap points after Pat Grace was fouled and Padhraic Foley hit one off the sideline, 1-9 to 1-5 after twenty five minutes. The play to the half time break appeared to reflect the Callan sides numerical advantage as they got the upper hand by scoring four points to two as Tomás Corcoran added two frees, one after a throw ball were penalized and Ciarán Phelan and Ollie O’Donovan contributed with assists by Ryan Bergin and Owen McGrath. In between Séan Purcell pointed another long range free, after steps were penalized and Adam O’Shea and an impressive Billy Power set up Padhraic Foley for a goal chance, that ended in a point to leave the half time score at 1-11 to 1-9.

Basking in the sunshine, as over a hundred young hurlers pucked about, Windgap were the first side back out as Jack Doyle pointed to stretch their lead 1-12 to 1-9. The expected numerical and energy sapping tide, looked to be on the way as Tomás Roche had tied the sides at 1-12 apiece thirty five minutes. Two fine responses, one by Padharic Foley, who later retired injured, and Pat

Power for Windgap were nearly negated, as the Lockes full forward line combined to strike the post and a resultant free left it at 1-14 to 1-13 after forty minutes. In response a brace of Windgap points from a free and Jack Doyle were balanced by a Callan free and Ryan Bergin as the three quarter way stage was reached at 1-17 to 1-5 with the game still very much in the balance. As the tricolour danced a jig, blowing up and then down the field, theexcitement grew on one side, as it looked like Windgap’s battle to hang in, was holding up with the scores at 1-19 to 1-17.

Then the ground erupted,

All eyes ar an sliotar buí in the John Lockes and Windgap Junior League tie in Thomastown.

with Windgap's second goal after a Billy Power pass set up Michael Power and was added to by a Killian Enright point 2-20 to 1-14 with eight plus minutes to go. Five minutes later the excitement had swung around as a Lockes goal by corner back Adam O’Sullivan and a pointed free saw the scores at 2-20 to 2-16 and Windgap’s tiring legs were being really tested. With a nice spell of injury time expected, Killian Enright lifted the siege for Windgap with a brilliant solo, jinking, player evading run and a point 2-21 to 2-16.

The remaining minutes saw Michael and Billy Power add points before the former was

Referee David Hughes awaits the outcome of the dropping ball between John Lockes and Windgap Junior League.

red carded after a clash as he followed a long dropping ball into Brian Doheny’s square.

What was expected to be a dead rubber game, turned out to be an intriguing clash as Windgap's back division held strong against the numerical odds and the entire team hunted from pillar to post for an inspiring brace of league points as John Lockes stayed online as the table toppers and the favorites for a coveted league final place.

The sides were Bearna na Gaoithe; Eoin O’Shea, Peter Landy, Willie Phelan, Sean Foley, Pat Power, Séan Purcell 0-2frees, Darragh O’Shea, Killian Enright 0-2, Pat Power,

John Lockes and Windgap players contest the dropping ball.

Billy Power 1-11, 1-8frees, Pat Grace, Adam O’Shea, Padraic Foley 0-3, Conor Doyle, Jack Doyle 0-4, Subs; Michael Power 1-1, Sean Barron, Darragh Doyle.

Séan Locha: Brian Doheny, Danny Carey, Jack McDowell, Adam O’Sullivan 1-0, Denis O’Sullivan, Micheal Lynch, Tony Delaney, Paddy O’Brien, Ciaran Phelan 0-1, Eoghan Lynch, Owen McGrath, Ryan Bergin 0-1, Ollie O’Donovan 1-1, Tomás Roche 0-12, 0-8 frees, Zak O’Halloran 0-1, Subs; Conor Brett. Réiteoir David Hughes. An scór deireanach from St. Johns Park Bearna na Gaoithe 2-23 John Lockes 2-16

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Sport Taking his man on

Turning in field

JJ Kavanagh Premier Junior Hurling League Kilmacow 0-25; Cloneen 1-14 (17).

John Power at St John’s Park.

Kilmacow got the better of Cloneen in Saturday’s entertaining junior hurling clash at St John’s Park, continuing their impressive recovery after a disappointing openingday defeat to Emeralds. The South Kilkenny side have now put together a very encouraging run of form, recording three wins and a draw from their last four outings. That sequence has propelled Kilmacow firmly into contention in what is proving to be a highly competitive Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship.

For Cloneen, however, the campaign has proved much more difficult. A combination of unfortunate circumstances has left them short of playing numbers, making their task all the more challenging during the hard summer conditions experienced in 2026.

About to be tackled

Despite those difficulties, they showed plenty of determination and gave Kilmacow a serious test, particularly during the opening half.

Kilmacow were generally in control of proceedings, but for much of the afternoon they struggled to turn their territorial advantage into scores. They created two excellent goal chances inside the opening 10 minutes, but on both occasions Cloneen goalkeeper Gary Delaney came to his side’s rescue with outstanding saves.

Those interventions gave Cloneen confidence and ensured that Kilmacow were unable to build the kind of early lead their dominance suggested was possible.

Kilmacow eventually opened the scoring through a James Walsh free, with Patrick Dollard adding another point shortly afterwards. Cloneen responded through Gearoid O’Neill, but Kilmacow began to establish a degree of control.

Ian Ahearne, Walsh and

Dollard all found the target as Kilmacow moved 0-5 to 0-1 ahead. However, their failure to make the most of their opportunities was becoming increasingly costly. In addition to the two excellent saves from Delaney, Kilmacow had also registered several disappointing wides.

Cloneen made them pay for that lack of accuracy when Eoin Regan found the back of the Kilmacow net with a goal against the run of play.

It was a major boost for the Northern side and completely changed the momentum of the game. Three Cloneen points from frees followed, with Regan again heavily involved, and remarkably, despite having enjoyed considerably less possession for long spells, Cloneen had turned the contest on its head. They now led by 1-4 to 0-5.

Kilmacow regrouped and began to regain their composure as the half progressed.

The remainder of the opening period was closely contested, with both sides working hard and neither able to establish a decisive advantage.

Kilmacow eventually regained the lead, but Cloneen’s defensive organisation ensured they remained firmly in contention.

At half-time, only a single point separated the teams, with Kilmacow ahead on a scoreline of 0-12 to 1-8.

and they began to pull away from their opponents.

Kilmacow outscored Cloneen by 13 points to six during the second period.

The South Kilkenny outfit were more efficient in attack and, as the half progressed, they looked increasingly comfortable.

Cloneen continued to battle and showed considerable spirit despite their limited numbers.

Their defensive work remained a feature of their performance and they prevented Kilmacow from adding the No ones ball yet goals that might have turned the contest into a much more one-sided affair. In the end, though, Kilmacow’s greater strength and their second-half scoring burst saw them home, keeping their hopes alive in a fiercely competitive Junior Hurling Championship.

There were several excellent individual performances for Kilmacow. Young centreSerious Challenging back Rian McDonald impressed with a composed The secdisplay, while James Walsh ond half was and Patrick Dollard contriba different proposition. With uted strongly on the scorethe aid of the wind, Kilmaboard. Johnny Hayes also put cow began to make their in a committed performance territorial advantage count as Kilmacow continued to and gradually stretched build momentum. the Cloneen defence. Their For Cloneen, their defengreater possession was now sive display was a major posibeing converted into scores, tive. They showed resilience

throughout and can take considerable encouragement from the way they frustrated Kilmacow for long periods.

Up front, Eoin Regan was their standout attacking threat. His goal was crucial in changing the direction of the first half, and he was involved in much of the good work Cloneen produced going forward.

Ultimately, Kilmacow deserved their victory, particularly on the strength of their second-half performance.

Having recovered so well from their opening defeat to Emeralds, they can now look forward to the remaining games with growing confidence as the Junior Hurling Championship enters an important stage.

SCORERS KILMACOW: James Walsh (0-10, 0-7 frees), Patrick Dollard (0-5), John Hayes (0-4), Rian McDonald (0-2), Ian Ahearne, Tom Reddy, Jack O’Neill, Sean Dowling (0-1 each).

CLONEEN: Eoin Regan (1-8, 1-7 frees), Ciaran Cooney (0-3, frees), Gearoid O’Neill, Ashley Kerr, Brian Cahill (0-1 each).

TEAMS CLONEEN Gary Delaney, Michael Doyle, Malachy Flaherty, Gearoid O'Neill, Breanainn Buggy, Harry Roche, Brian Cahill, Michael O'Leary, Francie Ward, James Love, Padraig Cooney, Ashley Kerr, Padraic Delaney, Eoin Regan, Ciaran Cooney KILMACOW Kieran Dowling, Sean Blanchfield, Niall Bowe, Donnacha Williams, Tadgh Connolly, Rian McDonald, Tom Butler Sean Dowling, Fergal Suffin, Tom Reddy, Patrick Dollard James Walsh, John Hayes, lan Ahearne, Jack O'Neill.

Referee: Eoin Hayes.

Lifting under pressure

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

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Sport

JJ Kavanagh Junior B Hurling Final 2026

James Stephens captain Matty McWey addressed his team with Jack Kavanagh of sponsors JJ Kavanagh looking on Man to man marking

James Stephens 4-21; Fenians 2-12.

John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park.

James Stephens completed a league and championship double in the Junior B grade with a comfortable fifteen-point victory over Fenians Johnstown in the last of this weekend’s four finals at UPMC Nowlan Park.

A combination of the experience of 17 All Ireland Senior Hurling medals between Jackie Tyrell (9) and Eoin Larkin (8), along with numerically more talented hurlers available proved too tough a task for the Fenians Johnstown men on this occasion.

James Stephens led by eleven points at the interval and were never likely to lose such a lead, on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Kilkenny GAA headquarters.

Fenians opened the scoring with a Tomas Sharkey point, but this we the only time they led all afternoon.

James Stephens replied with scores from Ross Whelan, David Walton, and a point from distance by Bill Whelan.

James Stephens

All action

Fenians were competitive in the opening stages and points from Sharkey (free) and John Henderson had them back on terms. David Walton (JS) and Sharkey exchanged points to leave it 0-4 each after ten minutes.

By the 14th minute the Village men had opened a five-point lead with a David Walton point, then a goal by corner forward Allen Larkin when he caught an incoming pass and swivelled before striking home, fol-

Fenians Johnstown

lowed by a seventy-metre point from Walton (1-6 to 0-4).

Kevin Reid reduced the margin for Fenians with a 100-metre free but in the next ten minutes James Stephens had added a further 1-4 without reply. Fionn Cody, Zac Scanlon, Ross Whelan, Matty McWey and then their sides second goal, again scored

by Allen Larkin.

By the interval, both sides had added two further points, Eoghan Sumner and a Tomas Sharkey free

for Fenians, Ross Whelan and a distance strike by Fionn Cody for the City men. Half time James Stephens 2-12; Fenians 0-7.

The second half started with a Kevin Reid free from midfield for Fenians, replied to by two Village points scored by Bill Whelan and a David Walton free. Kevin Reid replied with a Fenians free, but one minute later, in the 36th minute, Ross Whelan finished a third goal for James Stephens, after they created an overlap, 3-14 to 0-9.

While Fenians replied with a goal of their own a minute later through Darragh Tobin, this, after a long inbound delivery, and Darragh Tobin followed with a point soon afterwards. It was, now 1-10 to 3-14: but there was never a real chance of a comeback.

In the 46th minute Walton added a Village pointed free, and two minutes later came a fourth James Stephens goal, this one a blast from the past. A long Jackie Tyrell delivery broke close to goal, and Eoin Larkin finished to the net, it was now 4-15 to 1-10. In the last ten minutes both sides used substitutes as Village coasted to a well merited fifteenpoint victory.

The city side averaged ten-point winning margins in their earlier round victories versus Danesfort, Conahy Shamrocks and Tullogher Rosbercon and following this win, like City neighbours O’Loughlin Gaels and Dicksboro, will feature in the Junior A grade next season.

All three sides already have second teams in the Junior Championship proper also.

SCORERS: JAMES STEPHENS David Walton (0-6, 0-4 frees), Ross Whelan (1-3), Allen Larkin (2-0), Eoin Larkin (1-2), Fionn Cody (0-4), Bill Whelan (0-2), Zac Scanlon (0-2), Matty McWey, Jack McGrath (0-1 each). FENIANS Tomas Sharkey (0-5, 0-4 frees), Darragh Tobin (1-1), Kevin Reid (0-3 frees), Aaron Dermody (1-0), John Henderson, Eoghan Sumner, Bobby Tynan (0-1 each).

TEAMS JAMES STEPHENS Padraig Joyce, James Tyrrell, Luke Hickey, Billy Wall, Jack McGrath, Jackie Tyrrell, Adam Butler, Ross Whelan, Fionn Cody, Matty McWey (captain) Bill Whelan, David Walton, Zac Scanlon, Eoin Larkin, Allen Larkin. Substitutes Used: Daniel Power for Ross Whelan, Liam Rafter for Allen Larkin, Stephen Power-Kellet.

FENIANS Billy Garrett, Shane Curran, Sean Brennan Paddy Cullen, Alex Lawlor, Kevin Reid, Luke Walsh, Cormac Ryan (joint captain), Eoghan Sumner, Niall Carroll, John Henderson, JJ Delaney, Tomás Sharkey, Darragh Tobin, Podge Sweeney.

Substitutes Used: Aaron Dermody, Bobby Tynan, Paddy McCormack (joint captain), Niall Mackey, Darragh O’Grady.

Referee: Eoin Hayes.

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kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport Mooncoin captain Kieran Fagan is presented with the trophy by Rory Williams of the comprtion sponsor.

Taking possession

Countrystyle Foods Junior D Hurling Final 2026 Mooncoin 1-21; Young Irelands 1-14.

John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park Mooncoin made amends for their disappointment in the 2025 Junior D County Final when they emerged victorious in this year’s decider against Young Irelands of Gowran at UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday last.

In a keenly contested final, which remained in the balance for the majority of the evening, Mooncoin produced a strong finish to eventually secure a seven-point victory and bring the Junior D county title back to the Suir side club.

There was a sense of unfinished business for Mooncoin following their defeat in last year’s county final, and they showed great character to ensure there would be no repeat this time around. Young Irelands, meanwhile, had plenty of reason for confidence. They had won the D championship in 2024 before claiming the E title in 2025, and their progression through the grades continued with their appearance in this year’s final.

However, the latest step up proved just a little too demanding.

Young Irelands could hardly have wished for a better start and took the lead with a second-minute goal from David Holland. Mooncoin respondMooncoin

ed positively and quickly settled into their rhythm, with Billy Delahunty, Ethan Ryan and JP Purcell all finding the target as the sides were level by the seventh minute.

From there, the opening half developed into a fascinating contest, with neither side able to establish any real dominance. The teams were level on six occasions during the first half, with both defences being tested and both sets of forwards showing an ability to punish any lapses.

Moon coin enjoyed periods of pressure, but Young Irelands were equally determined and continued to find scores when opportunities arose. As half-time approached, there was little to separate the sides, and the Gowran outfit eventually took a slender advantage into the interval. The half-time score read Young Irelands 1-9, Moon coin 0-11, leaving the destination of the title very much undecided.

Moon coin made an excellent start to the second half, with two Ethan Ryan frees putting the Suirsiders in front for the first time. Young Irelands refused to panic, however, and Ciaran Byrne soon restored parity with a well-taken point. Ryan added another free for Mooncoin, before Paul Kinsella responded for Young Irelands. The tension was evident as the sides continued to trade scores

Moving forward in attack

and, as the final quarter approached, they remained locked together at 1-11 to 0-14.

It was at this stage that Mooncoin began to gain the upper hand.

Four of the next five points went to the Suirsiders, with Kieran Fagan, Ethan Ryan, who contributed two, and Mikey Ryan all finding the target. Paul Kehoe’s free was Young Irelands’ only response during this spell, leaving Mooncoin three points clear at 0-18 to 1-12.

Kehoe kept the Gowran side in touch with another free in the 55th minute, but the next four minutes proved decisive.

Ethan Ryan and Mikey Ryan both added important points for Mooncoin before the game’s crucial moment arrived. Mooncoin were Young Irelands

awarded a penalty, and Ethan Ryan showed his composure to dispatch the ball to the Young Irelands net.

That goal effectively put the result beyond doubt and gave Mooncoin the breathing space they had been searching for throughout the contest.

Both sides added a point before the final whistle, but Mooncoin had done enough and celebrated a thoroughly deserved seven-point victory. Their younger team showed impressive composure during the closing stages, particularly when the pressure was at its greatest. Young Irelands deserve great credit for their performance and for remaining competitive for so long, but Mooncoin’s stronger finish ultimately proved decisive.

After the disappointment of 2025,

Awaiting the incoming ball.

Mooncoin can now celebrate county final success, while Young Irelands can look back with pride on another significant step in the club’s progression through the grades.

SCORERS MOONCOIN: Ethan Ryan (1-11, 0-9 frees, 1-0 pen), Billy Delahunty (0-3), Stephen Brennan (0-3), Mikey Ryan (0-2), JP Purcell, Kieran Fagan (0-1 each).

YOUNG IRELANDS: Paul Kehoe (0-5, 0-4 frees), David Holland (1-2), Ciaran Byrne (0-2), Johnny Dunphy (0-2), Tommy Carroll, Paul Kinsella, Eoin Phelan (0-1 each).

TEAMS MOONCOIN Niall O'Hanlon, Zack Power, Niall Blanchfield, Lee Freyne, Jackie Ryan, Darragh Murphy, Eoin McGrath, Robbie Finn, Kieran Fagan (C), Mikey Ryan, Ethan Ryan, Stephen Brennan, JP Purcell, Billy Delahunty, Danny Purcell. Substitutes, Ciaran Dillon for JP Purcell, Patrick Kinsella for Danny Purcell, Ray Wall for Billy Delahunty YOUNG IRELANDS Peter Hutchinson, Martin Carter (C) Thomas Drennan, Michael Lennon, Eoin O'Neill, Cathal Darcy, Jack Kennedy Byrne, Paul Kinsella, Tim Brennan, David Holland, Tommy Carroll, Paul Kehoe, Chris Nolan, Johnny Dunphy, Ciaran Byrne. Substitutes, Ben Drennan for Chris Nolan, Philip Middleton for Johnny Dunphy, Eoin Phelan for Tommy Carroll.

Referee: Jack Miller (Piltown).

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

Sport

JJ Kavanagh Junior A Hurling Final

Glenmore captain Robbie Fitzgerald is presented with the trophy by sponsor Jack Kavanagh and Pat Cooney (Junior Board Chairperson)

Glenmore 2-17; Shamrocks Ballyhale 0-14.

John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park Glenmore captured the JJ Kavanagh Junior A Hurling Championship title for the fifth time with a powerful second-half performance against Southern neighbours Shamrocks Ballyhale at UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday last.

Having won last year’s Junior B title, Glenmore had returned to the A grade with plenty to prove, and they produced an impressive display when it mattered most. The latest success adds to previous Junior A triumphs in 1959, 1989, 1998 and 2004, giving the club a fifth title at the grade and another memorable chapter in their history. The outstanding performer on the day was 19-year-old Glenmore forward Jason Cody, who delivered a remarkable individual performance.

Cody finished with a personal tally of 1-12, including five points from play, and it was his second goal in the 58th minute that finally put the result beyond doubt.

Glenmore made the brighter start, with Cody opening the scoring in the third minute. Shamrocks Ballyhale responded impressively, however, as Eoin Reid and Luke Donnelly, who contributed two points, quickly turned the game in their favour. Glenmore refused to be unsettled and responded with a three-point burst by the 12th minute.

Shamrocks Ballyhale

Intercepting the pass

Evan Halligan and Cody were both on target as the sides were level once again.

Reid restored the Shamrocks lead, but Cody was beginning to exert a growing influence on the contest. He first pointed from play before adding another from a placed ball. Reid levelled matters once again with a free, but Glenmore then enjoyed another productive spell.

Halligan and Cody, with two points, combined for three unanswered scores to leave Glenmore 0-8 to 0-5 ahead by the 25th minute.

Moving the ball on

Ballyhale continued to battle and two further points from Reid kept them within touching distance. Glenmore goalkeeper Paul Brophy then produced one of the scores of the game when he converted a huge 110-metre free, ensuring Glenmore retained a narrow advantage at the interval. Half-time: Glenmore 0-9, Shamrocks Ballyhale 0-7.

The second half began with Ballyhale reducing the deficit when Donnelly converted a free. Glenmore immediately responded through another Cody free, before Robbie

Fitzgerald added a point following clever work by Eoin Aylward. At 0-11 to 0-8, Glenmore appeared to be gaining control, but Shamrocks were not prepared to surrender their challenge.

Donnelly struck twice before Reid added another free, and suddenly the sides were level at 0-11 apiece in the 38th minute.

That proved to be a crucial turning point. From there, Glenmore moved through the gears and produced their best spell of the match. They reeled off five unanswered Glenmore

points to open up a 0-16 to 0-11 advantage. Aaron O’Neill got the sequence underway, before Cody took centre stage once again. Three of his scores during the spell came from play, underlining his outstanding contribution.

Shamrocks finally stopped the Glenmore scoring run when Larry Cody pointed, but the response was immediate.

Evan Halligan found the net to give Glenmore an important goal, while Jason Cody added another free to stretch the lead to 1-17 to 0-12.

Killian Ryan pulled a point

back for Ballyhale and, for a brief period, there was still hope of a dramatic comeback. However, those hopes disappeared in the 58th minute when Jason Cody struck his second goal of the afternoon. It was the score that finally broke Shamrocks’ resistance and confirmed Glenmore’s return to the top of the Junior A grade.

The final margin was nine points, but the scoreline does not fully reflect how competitive Ballyhale were for long periods.

Shamrocks remained firmly in contention until the second Glenmore goal and deserve considerable credit for their efforts. For Glenmore, however, it was a day to savour. Their strong second-half display, allied to the outstanding contribution of Cody, secured a fifth Junior A championship crown and ensured their return to the A grade was marked in the best possible fashion.

SCORERS GLENMORE: Jason Cody (1-12, 0-7 frees, 1-0 penalty), Evan Halligan (1-2), Paul Brophy, Robbie Fitzgerald, Aaron O’Neill (0-1 each) SHAMROCKS: Eoin Reid (06, 0-5 frees), Luke Donnelly (0-5), Larry Cody, Killian Ryan, Dylan Aylward (0-1 each).

TEAMS GLENMORE Paul Brophy, Padráig Cody, Ciarán Vereker, Shane Duhig, Stephen Cody, Colm Doherty, Philly Roche, Cathal Sheehan, Dean Croke, Evan Halligan, Eoin Aylward Tommy Dunne, Oisin Mullally, Jason Cody Robbie Fitzgerald.

Substitutes: Aaron O’Neill for Oisin Mullally, Paul Murphy for Tommy Dunne, Jack Ryan for Cathal Sheehan.

SHAMROCKS Patrick Hearne, Killian Ryan, Cian Cullen, Brian Butler (Captain), Larry Cody, Michael Kenneally, Gavin Butler, Dylan Aylward, Chris Coady, Luke Donnelly, Conor Walsh, Cathal Coogan, Eoin Reid, John Fitzpatrick, Michael Barron. Substitutes: Finnian Shefflin for John Fitzpatrick, Rian Shefflin for Michael Barron, Jack Holden for Cathal Coogan, Tom Cleere for Dylan Edwards, Sean Shefflin for Michael Kenneally.

Referee: John O’Gorman (Dicksboro).

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Sport

Iverk Produce Roinn C Junior Hurling Final 2026 Pat Dunphy, treasurer of the Junior Board presents the trophy to St Martins captain Paddy Nolan with junior board chairperson Pat Cooney looking on

Out over the line

A big clearance

Going for it

St. Martins 1-23 (26); Erins Own 3-12 (21).

John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park “Theres only one Keano” has been a football chant in support of Roy and Robbie Keane in the last few decades and last Friday evening at UPMC Nowlan Park another Keane, namely Michael, was

St. Martins

a similar hero for St Martins!

The second half substitute recorded 1-6 as he led the Muckalee/Ballyfoyle Rangers men to a fourth Junior grade title in recent years. St Martins had won Junior A (2007), B (2009 and 2022), E (2020) and now C is also ticked off, after their latest triumph.

St Martins deserved their victory in a contest where the sides were level several

times before Martins struck for home in the final quarter.

Everything that Michael Keane done for St Martins was equalled by Michael Murphy of Erins Own. After twenty years of service for the ‘Comer men, he was still their main man, Michael contributed 2-7, 2-1 from play, and done all in his power to lead his team to victory.

Another blast from the past about this Junior C Final was John Mulhall. Back in 2011, then Kilkenny manager Brian Cody declared, to much amusement in the crowd,

at that year’s Kilkenny All Ireland winning homecoming, ‘you’ve probably just witnessed a performance by a fella who is probably going to have the shortest intercounty career of all-time" after a controversial song created regarding the 2011 Senior Hurling Final victory over Tipperary. Fifteen years later, the man with a single All Ireland Senior medal, was also a super sub, scoring 0-3 and leading by example, for his club, at Kilkenny GAA headquarters.

This was the first of six

Erin's Own

Junior A-F finals grades at Kilkenny GAA headquarters, grades where hurlers both start and finish their club careers.

Two first half goals kept Comer in touch in this final.

The first by Michael Murphy ten minutes after finishing from a long puck out and second by Luke Connerry following a fine team move.

Otherwise, St Martins were in control. With a first half fivepoint unanswered sequence from two Geoff Dooley frees, two John Mulhall points and a Jamie Morrissey score

marking their dominance. At the interval St Martins just led by a point 0-13 to 2-6.

John Mulhall (SM) and Michael Murphy exchanged points at the start of the new half. Ditto Michael Keane (SM) and Murphy.

Luke Connery (EO); levelled matters at 2-9 to 0-15. Keane and Murphy exchanged frees, and then the start of the St Martins takeover. Three unanswered points from Jamie Morrissey, a Keane free and Morrissey again.

A Michael Murphy Erins Own free broke the sequence, but then a decisive St Martins goal. A long ball goalwards confused the Comer keeper and full back line. Michael Keane pounced, 1-19 to 2-11 ahead and St Martins heading for victory, four points ahead, 1-19 to 2-11. Michael Murphy did get a Comer goal before games end, but St Martins were worthy champions.

SCORERS ST MARTINS: Michael Keane (1-6, 0-3 frees), Cormac Quirke (0-3), John Mulhall (0-3), Jamie Morrissey (0-3), Ollie Walsh (0-2), Geoff Dooley (0-2 frees), Patrick Coughlan, Aaron Farrell, Michael Ruane, Brian Byrne, (0-1 each).

ERINS OWN: Michael Murphy (2-7, 0-6 frees), Luke Connery (1-1), Jake Conway (0-2), Robert Coogan, Stephen Daly (0-1 each).

TEAMS ST MARTINS Niall Shore, Tadhg Gill, Paddy Nolan (captain), Matthew Shortall, Brian Byrne, Michael Ruane, Jack Farrell, Jamie Morrissey, Aaron Farrell, Patrick Coughlan, Ross Dowling, Cormac Quirke, Adam Morrissey, Ollie Walsh, Geoff Dooley. Substitutes: Michael Keane for Ross Dowling, Padraig Buggy for Geoff Dooley, Bill Dowling for Jack Farrell, Tom Shore for Jamie Morrissey., Tom Shore for Jamie Morrissey ERINS OWN Sam Coogan, Martin Walsh, Bobby Brennan, Mark Kennedy, Alec Kerr, James Mullins, Evan Harding, Shane Rice, Kevin Holland, Cathal Dunny, Michael Murphy, Robert Coogan, Jake Conway, Stephen Daly (captain), Luke Connery, Substitutes: Tristan Daly for James Mullins, Jack Buggy for Stephen Daly, Jack Coogan for Robert Coogan Referee: Peter Burke.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport Village look to go

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League 2026 Things are shaping up nicely ahead of the final round of group games in this season’s Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League, as teams battle it out for a shot at getting to the top table, while others fight against a drop to Junior level on Noreside. Only one team has a perfect record heading into round 5 and that is city side, James Stephens, who are seeking a return to senior level, having missed out last season, when coming up short against Danesfort.

Eoin Larkin’s side are in rude health and will be most people’s favorites to get back to where they belong in 2027. The Village are the top scorers at intermediate level this season, plundering 17 goals in the previous four rounds in group B. Intercounty star, Cian Kenny has been deployed in the’6’ role and his reading of the game and passing ability make him the ideal playmaker for the Kells Road side.

The focal point of their attack is Ed Lauhoff, and the former underage Kilkenny player certainly looks to be coming of age and shouldering the responsibility of patrolling the edge of the square.

The experienced Luke Scanlon and Matthew McWey flank the towering Lauhoff, and both like to raise green flags as they have shown this season.

The final group game will see James Stephens take on Barrow Rangers at St John’s Park tomorrow week.

The Paulstown based side lost out to Walter Walsh & co. Last weekend,

5 & 0 as they eye senior return Mooncoin look to top Group A with Inistioge victory

but had good performances from Joe Healy and midfielder, Jack Kelly.

Hot on the heels of The village are Lisdowney who are seeking an immediate return to

Cian Kenny will be key to Village hopes

Andy Hickey Shows perfect Balance chased by Tommy Phelan

Adam Croke is always a threat for Mooncoin

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

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Hurling matters - Review Brian Kennedy has given all in Freshford struggle

Aidan Tallis has been in top form for Lisdowney

senior level. Everything was going well for the North Kilkenny club, but they were brought back to earth in their round four game last time out, when Eoin Larkin’s side hit 5-24 to condemn Liam Dowling’s charges to their only defeat so far this campaign. Aidan Tallis continues to be one of their main men, and the intercounty man will be keen to return to senior level at the first time of asking. Brian Kavanagh, Eoin Kenny and Charlie Brennan will be key for the blue and white stripped clad side as the business end of the season approaches. Round 5 see’s Lisdowney travel the short distance to Ballyragget to take on relegation candidates, St Martin’s who had a 3-point win over Blacks & Whites in Tom Ryall Park in round 4.

Tullogher Rosbercon will be confident in getting something from their meeting with Eddie Scally’s Black & Whites when the teams meet in Bennettsbridge. The black and amber clad men had a good victory over Barrow Rangers in Ballyragget last weekend and leapfrogged their opponents into third place. Big Walter Walsh rolled back the years and had a stormer, hitting 1-3 while midfielder Conor Hennessey notched 0-7 in the win.

Group A of the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League is a really tight affair. Mooncoin remains unbeaten with 3 wins a draw from their outings to date but know that Dunamaggin and Rower Inistioge are breathing down their neck, with both sides 2 points off top spot. Killian Hogan, Martin O’Neill and young Adam Croke provide a serious attacking threat, while Jim Delahunty, Paul Hennebry are an experienced pair to man the engine room.

Luke Scanlon attempts to block Michael walsh

Mooncoin’s final group game sees them on the road to tackle Rower Inistioge, who will be looking to take maximum points to make it interesting when the totaling up takes place. Rower got past a disappointing Young Ireland’s side last time out in Bennettsbridge, Eoghan Lyng, Eoin O’Brien and the evergreen Richie Leahy all contributing on the day.

Dunamaggin who are also in the race at the top end of the table take on struggling St Lachtain’s in Callan, and they will need to bounce back following a 3-point derby defeat in Hugginstown to Carrickshock.

Denis Walsh Hickey’s Brian and Andy, and a pair of Fitzpatrick’s will look to drive a final nail into Freshford’s season, who may play with a little more freedom when many expect them to lose. Brian Kennedy, Paddy Killeen, Liam Hickey and Cian Dalton have quality, and, on their day, they can trouble many teams.

The meeting of Carrickshock and Young Ireland’s in Thomastown see’s both sides go in search of a second win in group A. The Gowran side know that they picking up maximum points might just recue something for them. Seamus Farrell, Killian Carey, and Cian Phelan will need to put their best feet forward for the red and white stripes. Carrickshock will look to the talented trio of Eoghan O’Neill, Jake O’Dwyer and John Power as they do battle at the Grennan venue.

So, an exciting ‘Super Saturday’ in prospect in the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League as Round 5 will set things up nicely for the business end of the season on Noreside.

• In intercounty news, it was confirmed last Saturday afternoon that Brian Hogan will assume the role of Kilkenny under -20 manager for next season. The appointment is set to be ratified during the September County Board meeting next month. The O’Loughlin Gaels clubman enjoyed a stellar paying career, racking up seven All-Ireland wins with the Cats, while he has also been responsible for the St John’s Park side’s resurgence in recent seasons, that led them to both county and provincial glory, and falling just short of the treble in 2023.

Hogan was part of Henry Shefflin’s management team with the U-20’s last season and will look to build on the work done earlier this year.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Katie Browne and Greg Pollard, intend to apply for Permission for development consisting of a) Modifications and additions to the existing dwelling house including a two storey side extension, a single storey rear extension, attic conversion including rear dormer window, and internal layout modifications; b) Demolition of the existing rear garden shed, and construction of a new garden shed; c) All associated site works, at 7 Smithsland Court, Smithsland South, Kilkenny, R95C9A2 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed Darragh Martin, Forbairt Design & Build, darragh@forbairtdb.ie

I, Anne Clancy, intend to apply for Planning Permission and Retention Permission for development situated at No.2 Middleknock, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. R95 C9CE. The development will consist of Planning Permission for (a) alterations to existing three-storey mid-terrace dwelling including construction of two-storey extension (b) and extension of dormer to the rear to accommodate habitable space, and (c) all associated site works to facilitate the development. Retention Permission to retain (a) attic conversion including dormer roof extension to accommodate non-habitable space and (b) demolition of single storey extension to the rear elevation.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056- 7753933. web:www.gmarch.net

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, APW UK WIP Limited t/a Icon Tower, are applying to Kilkenny County Council for permission to erect a 24m high lattice telecommunications support structure together with antennae, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment, all enclosed by security fencing at Donaguile, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during Office hours i.e. 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We David Dowling and Katie O Connor wish to apply to Kilkenny County Council for full planning permission to construct a new dwelling, waste treatment system and all associated site works at Davidstown, Slieverue, 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.

Planning Permission is sought for alterations and extension to the existing residence to include renovation of the garden store to an ancillary garden room, the demolition of a lean-to store, a replacement wastewater treatment system, the installation of an ancillary storage shed fully to the rear of the property. The shed to the rear is ancillary and associated with the private dwelling. The alterations to the existing residence includes replacement of the roof, revised internal layout and replacement windows and doors with all ancillary and associated works at Foulkscourt, Rathdowney Road, Johnstown.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Applicant: Rodger and Amy Greene

The Kilkenny

Observer

We, Michael and Sinead Keating, intend to apply for Planning Permission for development situated at Stangs, Gowran, Co.Kilkenny. R95 H768.

The development will consist of Planning Permission for – a) Change of use of top floor storage room to bedroom and alterations and subdivision with new dormers windows to rear and new gable window, (b) construction of new covered patio canopy to veranda with a rooflight and (c) conversion of a ground floor bedroom to a utility room with adjacent shower room and another ground floor bedroom converted to a family snug room and all associated site works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056- 7753933 web:www.gmarch.net

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

EVERY FRIDAY

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Jan Kennedy for full planning permission for following works: - To close existing dwelling vehicular entrance and form a new relocated vehicular entrance with improved sightlines - To install a new wastewater system to current EPA guidelines All works at Coolaghmore, Callan, 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.

CONTACT OFFICE: 056 7771463/087 3820109 OR EMAIL: SALES@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

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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.T.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.C.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.C.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.D.M.

St. Anthony Prayer

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

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

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

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

Classifieds

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026

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Classifieds

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kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28th August 2026