Kilkenny Observer 28th June 2024

Killer loses parole bid

Brian Hennessy murdered mother and two daughters in Kilkenny

The notorious triple killer Brian Hennessy has failed again in his most recent bid for parole. Sharon Whelan (30) was raped and killed by Hennessy at her remote Kilkenny farmhouse on Christmas morning, 2008. He then set fire to the house in Windgap, killing Ms Whelan’s daughters Zsara (7) and Nadia (2).

Ms Whelan’s brother John has campaigned tirelessly for changes to sentencing in relation to homicide and parole hearings.

He told reporters his family had “a small bit of relief” after they were informed last week that Hennessy’s bid for freedom has been refused. The killer will not be consid-

A legend in his own lifetime ...

The legendary Gaelic games commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh has died at the age of 93.

Mr Ó Muircheartaigh was born in Dún Síon just outside Daingean Uí Chúis (Dingle), Co Kerry, in 1930 and worked as a teacher, mainly in O’Connell School in Dublin’s Northside. (The Editor of this paper was a student of his back in the day).

Mr Ó Muircheartaigh’s first assignment for RTÉ was to provide an all-Irish commentary on the 1949 Railway Cup Final on St Patrick’s Day.

He continued teaching up until the mid-1980s when he became a full-time broadcaster with RTÉ, from where he retired in 2010.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

ered for parole again until February 2026.

“There is relief with the decision,” Mr Whelan said.

“Our thoughts are obviously with Sharon and the kids. I informed my parents about the decision of the parole board yesterday and the sense of relief was really palpable.

“They started talking about

what we will have to do in preparation for 2026 and I had to pull them back. We will take this decision and focus on it for now.”

It was Hennessey’s second bid for freedom. He was previously refused parole in 2018. Currently, convicted murderers serving a life sentence may apply for parole after 12 years

and every two years after that.

Hennessy, who was 23 when he committed the murders, walked into Ms Whelan’s home in the early hours of Christmas Day after telling friends that he was “going off looking for sex”.

He raped and strangled the mother, who was not known to him. He then set fire to the house, knowing two children

One in three students unhappy at school

About one-third of post-primary students feel that they don’t belong in school, or feel that they can’t express themselves, a new report by the Department of Education has found.

The report, published, as schools break up for the summer, by the department’s Inspectorate, found that one in 10 primary and special school students felt similar sentiments.

A total of 2,346 children and young people shared their views and experiences in the report.

Following the launch of the report, which is the first in a series of five annual reports, Minister for Education Norma Foley announced the launch of a new anti- bullying initiative in schools.

Speaking at the launch Minister Foley said that the new procedures would pro-

vide for a national database on which bullying incidents will be recorded and will form an annual national report.

This information will not identify students or schools.

When asked whether bullying over social media would be recorded in the database.

“To be fair to our schools, what happens outside of school happens outside of school.”

She said that if issues outside of school were brought into the classroom or into the school environment, then it would be an issue for the school to deal with.

“We must recognise that technology can be a tool used to cause hurt and pain,” she said, adding that though it may have positive uses, there was a need to “armour” against the negative impacts.

Minister Foley said that

from having worked in education for many years, she knows that parents’ greatest hopes are for their child to thrive – “but I also know that their greatest fear is that their child might be a victim of bullying in school.”

She encouraged children facing bullying in schools to share what they’re experiencing.

Analysis Page 14

were inside, before fleeing. In 2009, he was convicted of the triple murders and given three life sentences – one for murdering Ms Whelan and one for each of the children, to run concurrently after the first life sentence was served. However, in 2010 he succeeded in his bid to have all three sentences run concurrently.

Local house prices jump to €287,500

The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in County Kilkenny has increased to €287,500, up 8% in the last twelve months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance. This quarter, average prices remained unchanged, while the average time taken to sell has increased by one week to a total of seven, the Q2 REA Average House Price Index shows.

The survey shows that across the county, 47% of purchasers were first-time buyers, and 13% of purchasers were from outside of the county.  Full story Page 6

€3.5m for boy (15) in tractor fall

A boy has settled a High Court action for €3.5million after he suffered severe injuries when he was six when he fell from a tractor and into the path of a mower machine.

The now 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named by order of the court, had fingers amputated and later in hospital had to have part of a leg amputated, the court was told. Liam Reidy SC told the court that it was a very tragic accident on the farm owned by the boy’s grandfather. He had sued his father, who was driving the tractor, and his grandfather, who owned the vehicle. He suffered multiple injuries including a ‘degloving’ injury to his right shoulder, finger amputations, fractures and lacerations.

Kilkenny Arts Festival has announced its main summer programme with a plethora of new projects and commissions, exquisite performances, new collaborations, intriguing installations and much, much more.

Festival Director Olga Barry said: “We’re delighted to announce the 51st Edition of Kilkenny Arts Festival.

‘For over half a century, August in the Marble City has been synonymous with extraordinary artists and performers bringing their work to our beautiful city and fantastic audiences. New ideas in ancient spaces is the hallmark of Kilkenny in the late summer, and this year is packed with new work, intriguing collaborations, intimate experiences and epic spectacle - we invite everyone to come and join us to experience this special kinship between artists and audiences.’’

Just some highlights of this year’s Programme include: Irish National Opera with the European Premiere of two operas from composer Emma O’Halloran – Trade /Mary Motorhead with librettist Mark O’Halloran. The Irish Premiere performance of DRONE MASS by Jóhann Jóhannsson; presented with Chamber Choir Ireland and Crash Ensemble.

Light Up The Castle - a new commissioned spectacle for Kilkenny Castle by Fictions Picture Company, directed by Jack Phelan; presented in association with OPW.

Kilkenny Arts Festival time again!

A chamber and orchestral series that includes: The Irish Premiere of Errollyn Wallen – Dances for Orchestra, commissioned by Orchestra in residence, Irish Chamber Orchestra in a programme that includes Mozart’s Sym-

phony No 40, with Vaughan Williams’ hauntingly beautiful Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. A programme of contemporary classical music in the hands of international superstar Mari Samuelsen in solo recital and in the company

of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in programmes that range from Arvo Pärt’s heartbreaking Spiegel im Spiegel through Nils Frahm, Bryce Dessner, Philip Glass, to the closing of the festival with Max Richter’s utterly engrossing Vivaldi’s Four

Seasons Recomposed.

Philip Glass’ music appears throughout, featuring in programmes from Festival Favourites, the Carducci String Quartet, alongside popular quartets from Mozart, Shostakovich, Fanny Mendelssohn and Beethoven;

and in a very special late night at the Set Theatre alongside Steve Reich’s groundbreaking work from 1988, Different Trains; Rising star Irish pianist Máire Carroll performs a performance of ten of Glass’ trance-like Études for solo piano; Dutch/Korean harpist Lavinia Meijer is also a Glass specialist and interprets a range of Glass works alongside some of her own compositions; while the mighty Crash Ensemble treat us to a stonking performance of Glassworks.

Piano recitals feature heavily also, in the stunning acoustic of St. John’s Priory – Finghin Collins in a popular Romantic programme of Chopin and Schumann; and he joins forces with Máire Carroll to perform for the first time together in its entirety, the New Ross Piano Festival’s commissions of 15 works from contemporary Irish composers in response to the Ros Tapestries, currently on display at Kilkenny Castle.

You can book in person at the Festival Box Office 76 John Street, Kilkenny Kilkenny Arts Festival is grateful for the continued support from funders, particularly its principal funder, the Arts Council; Kilkenny County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

The Kilkenny Observer will give ongoing updates on the festival.

Solo recital: the renowned Mari Samuelsen in the company of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra

High rise in our seniors feeling depressed

Aware’s older adult research, just released, reveals high rates of depression and anxiety among seniors.

It shows that one in three experience loneliness and isolation while one third (34%) experience mild to moderate levels of depression, and two fifths (41%) with mild to moderate anxiety.

Sadly, 14% considered ending their lives in the last

12 months, according to the report. Also, those living with a chronic illness are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and loneliness. On a positive note, the majority (88%) still feel healthy enough to get out and about.

Aware, the national mental health organisation announced the findings from its recent survey focused on the mental health experiences of older adults in Ireland.

Kilkenny home prices jump by 8% to €287,500

The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in Co Kilkenny has increased to €287,500, up 8% in the last twelve months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.

This quarter, average prices remained unchanged, while the average time taken to sell has increased by one week to a total of seven, the Q2 REA Average House Price Index shows.

The survey shows that across the county, 47% of purchasers were first-time buyers, and 13% of purchasers were from outside of the county.

A total of 18% of sales in the county this quarter were attributed to landlords leaving the market.

“The market has remained strong over the past months, and new jobs in Kilkenny city are keeping demand up,” said Robbie Grace of REA Grace, Callan.

The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

The actual selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 2.3pc in the past three months to €315,352.

Prices in Dublin city rose by 1.6pc in the last three months, meaning that the average three-bed semi in the capital is now selling at €525,500 – an increase of 5.1pc in the last year.

Homes in commuter counties rose by 1.81pc over the past three months to an average of €327,500 – trebling their increase from the first three months of the year.

Major cities outside the capital rose by an average of over €5,000 in the last three months. The 1.5pc increase is equivalent to an average selling price

Homes in the country’s large towns continue to show the biggest growth, up 8.4pc on last June and 3.2pc this quarter.

A feature of the market is that many houses coming to the market are ex-rental stock, needing substantial refurbishment and upgrading, according to REA spokesperson Seamus Carthy.

“While we are seeing a slight improvement in stock, a lot of what is coming on the market in the capital is ex-rental and needing substantial refurbishment,” he said.

“Those intending to purchase a doer-upper are subject to different lending rules and their bank may look for proof that there are sufficient funds in place to renovate.

“There are huge issues sourcing people to do extensive repairs where multiple people are required, with construction companies telling multiple interested buyers at one recent property that it could be a year before they could do the job.

“As a result of this, people looking to trade up are opting for smaller extension work in their existing properties where it is easier to source labour.”

The online survey was conducted by Amárach Research with a nationally representative sample of 288 adults aged 65 and over in November 2023. The research was made possible in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland as part of its mission of ‘Equality For All In Thriving Communities’.

Commenting on the results, Dr Susan Brannick, Clinical Director at Aware said:

“These results are broadly in line with research into the prevalence of depression in this age group. Depression can impact on quality of life and be a risk factor for suicide in older adults. Depression is not a normal part of ageing and should not be accepted as so. Older adults are just as likely as younger adults to benefit from all depression treatments including talking therapies, so

it’s important that they are supported in accessing these services.”

The research also considered respondents’ perception of loneliness and social isolation as key indicators of mental wellbeing. The survey results indicated that approximately one third of older adults feel they are lacking companionship (35%), feel lonely (31%) or isolated from others (33%)

and feel left out often or sometimes (34%). Feelings of loneliness and isolation were higher amongst those not in a relationship, living alone or with a chronic illness. Perception of loneliness and social isolation correlated with symptoms of depression and anxiety with approximately two thirds also scoring within the range for mild to moderate levels of both conditions.

Irish hoteliers have warned that the disruption to Aer Lingus flights poses a serious risk to tourism with worrying implications for business levels and Ireland’s reputation as a holiday destination.

Michael Magner, President of the Irish Hotels Federation, has called on both parties in the dispute to meet as a matter of urgency and come to an early resolution that avoids any further disruption to passengers.

Mr Magner said: “There is enormous concern throughout our industry given how important Aer Lingus is for inbound visitors, particularly for transatlantic and longhaul flights. We are already seeing hotel cancellations as guests change their holiday plans, and there is a risk that this pattern of cancellations could escalate over the coming days.”

“It is hugely disruptive and a dreadful outcome for Irish

Hoteliers warn of losses over Aer Lingus dispute

tourism, including for the many thousands of downstream hospitality businesses the length and breadth of the country that heavily rely on tourism during the peak holiday season,” said Mr Magner.

“We are calling for a suspension of the industrial action and the threat of escalation and for both sides to engage positively in the interests of passengers and visitors to the country.

Any further disruption risks significant damage to Irish tourism and must be avoided.”

Meanwhile, Aer Lingus and the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) have been to the Labour Court to attend separate meetings over the pilot pay dispute. Despite the court’s intervention, it told both parties that it did not intend to involve itself any further for the moment.

The Fact Of The Matter

Paul

Hopkins

Why we need to talk about growing older

At the time of going to press, the US Presidential debate on CNN is still some hours away and so I am not in a position to comment on it, other than say it’s bound to be feisty.

One thing does stand out, though – the ongoing debate as to which of the two candidates is showing, allegedly, the highest rate of mental decline. There was a time when such debate was considered ageist and wrong. Particularly with the Democrats, it is considered such will hurt Biden – who has had a few ‘off’ days – more than Trump. Even Trump, however, has not escaped criticism. Back during his first run for president, the words ‘narcissist’ and ‘borderline personality’ started being mentioned, with mental health professionals quick to point out it is wrong to diagnose others short of medical prognosis.

Since then, dementia has become a major part of

Trump’s campaign to undermine Biden, and both men – 78 and 81 respectively – have behaved in ways that might give even the most cautious of American voters room for thought.

These are two of the oldest people to run for the highest office in America, if not the world (that’s for another day’s debate), at a time of unprecedented video manipulation and fake news. While it is not my place to judge if either or both are capable, mentally, off such high office, it seems it’s open season on ageism, particularly in public office. Even our own dearest Michael D has not escaped the occasional tirade.

We might like to think that those in the autumn of their years have never had it so good. Thanks to advancements in nutrition and medicine, not to mention those (no thanks!) elective cosmetic treatments, our picture of

ageing has changed radically in the past decades. In my lifetime, life expectancy has risen from 69 to 78 years. Then came Covid-19 and, all of a sudden, people aged 65 and older, two in 17 of us, were collectively labeled “high risk” — regardless of their health — and instructed to stay home, to cocoon in Ga Ga Land. Seemingly, this categorisation stemmed from the impact the virus had on residents of care homes. The reality is that our care homes house only a small percentage of those in their autumn years, and many of those are frail or have those ‘underlying causes’ to begin with, but we’re talking about just a small portion of the older population. But we old were all lumped together. Still are. There are some things that come with ageing. One is that wonderful, indefinable wisdom-of-sorts, of knowing that we all, whatever colour or

creed, roughly experience the same highs and lows, ups and downs, ins and outs of life; that the number of human emotions can be counted on two hands.

Another thing, for me, is I no longer suffer fools so easily

However, there is another

“Life expectancy has risen from 69 to 78 years ...

thing, relatively new in the history of Man, a more modern phenomenon, that of old age being the new demographic, a group getting steadily larger — alarmingly larger if you are in the business of allocating national expenditure. Witness the shortage of carers for a group dependent on such.

I am blessed that I am ageing relatively well.

We need to start thinking about both biological and chronological age. Chronological age is the years since birth, whereas biological age reflects physiology and how well a person is functioning.

Having said that, growing old — as we all must, if we’re lucky enough to make it thus far — can have its, eh, downsides. Hospitalisation. Cardiac problems, bowel cancer, breast cancer, fatal and nonfatal. Chronic immobilising pain in spine, knee, neck, foot. High blood-pressure. Not to

mention car accidents and farm accidents. Then there can be dementia, Alzheimer’s or suicide attempts — or thoughts because life seems suddenly tedious and pointless.

I need to lie down now, that above list has me suddenly all exhausted.

And then there’s the prospect of being forced to live with people you can’t stand! I don’t think about it — okay, okay, I do ... occasionally. And what I fear most is loss of autonomy, the kind of poverty that destroys autonomy. Unstinting boredom caused by an inability to read or hear. My deepest dread is of being reduced, simplified. Afraid that I’ll be robbed of the richness of who I am — my wonderful, individual complexity stripped away by forces beyond my control. It hasn’t come to that... yet, thank God. But I am so not alone with this train of thought…

No jail for jockey assault on daughter

A jockey working at the renowned Ballydoyle stud farm of leading horse owner John Magnier has received a suspended jail sentence for an assault on his teenage daughter 14 years ago.

Lorcan Donnelly (52), of Marlfield Avenue, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to a number of offences including cruelty to a child in

relation to an incident at his then family home in Redcross, Co Wicklow, on April 27, 2010.

Donnelly, a former horse trainer and a father of five from Gorey, Co Wexford, also pleaded guilty to separate charges of assault causing harm and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury on the same

date.

A sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court heard Donnelly beat his daughter, who was 13, with a piece of plastic pipe in anger at being called to her school earlier that day over an alleged theft.

Retired Garda Ger O'Donovan gave evidence that the accused's daughter reported the incident

in July 2020 to police in the UK, where she was living. A Garda investigation was initiated into the matter in February 2021.

At the time of the offences, Mr O'Donovan said the girl had moved from living in England with her mother to living with her father and his then-partner and her children in Wicklow.

ifac advises Co Kilkenny  employees to safeguard future by guarding income

ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm is advising Kilkenny employees to protect their incomes from life’s uncertainties. The top-ten accountancy firm advises protecting your income for the future to help maintain financial stability: a necessity in times of illness or death.

Mr Martin Glennon, who is, Head of Financial Planning at ifac, said: “In an unpredictable world, safeguarding your income against unforeseen events such as illness or death is not just prudent—it's essential. As financial advisors, we constantly emphasise the

importance of income protection to our clients, yet it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning.

“If you had an accident today, would you and your family be able to survive without your income? A sudden and unexpected loss of income can compromise your ability to meet daily expenses, repay debts, and maintain your standard of living.

"This is why life cover, specified illness cover and income protection insurance, are so important. They provide a safety net, ensuring that you or your loved ones continue to receive a portion of your income when

the unexpected happens,” he said.

Income protection insurance typically covers a percentage of your salary, often up to 70%, during periods when you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Specified Illness cover provides a lump sum if you are diagnosed with certain lifethreatening illnesses such as cancer or a heart attack. These benefits not only help in managing day-to-day expenses but also ensure that long-term financial goals, such as saving for retirement or children’s education, remain on track. In the event of a death, life insurance can provide a lump

sum or regular payments to your family, helping them manage financial obligations and sustain their lifestyle.

“We protect the things that our income provides, We do this to protect our lifestyle. But the biggest threat to our lifestyle is the loss of our Income. Should our income stop due to an unforeseen event, it can have a devastating effect. Protecting our income will alleviate the financial burden, providing peace of mind and financial stability," Mr Glennon said.

“Protecting your income is not just about securing your present; it’s about safeguarding your future."

The witness said there was trouble in the girl's school over an alleged theft from a locker and Donnelly was "very angry and physically aggressive” about the matter, which had also involved Gardaí.

"He was annoyed because he had to attend the school,” the witness said.

Mr O'Donovan said that

when they got home, the accused got his daughter to lower her pants and bend over before repeatedly hitting her with a plastic pipe.

The court heard the beating lasted up to 10 minutes. It stopped after her father's partner came into the room and grabbed the pipe off him.

Ireland the best place for pint of the Black Stuff

Ireland could have told you that themselves.

Now, the widely acknowledged truth has been proven by science.

There are Irish pubs located in destinations all around the globe, many of which claim to serve up the very best pint of Guinness.

However, those who’ve enjoyed a real, authentic creamy pint of Guinness here at home will tell you that there’s really nothing like a pint of the Black Stuff from its home country.

The science says it’s true as a new study reveals that Guinness really does taste better in Ireland.

Renowned scientists from the Institute of Food Technologists carried out a survey across 33 cities in 14 countries to discover the location of the very best pint of Guinness.

To reveal the results, they brought 103 nonexpert testers from across the globe to 71 different pubs. Factors such as the Guinness flavour, aftertaste, and

appearance were all considered.

What they found was pretty unsurprising; the majority of respondents said that the pints of Guinness served in Ireland were far superior to those found anywhere else.

The testers were then asked to mark each pint on a Visual Analogue Scale from one to 100. The pints from Ireland scored an average of 74, while other countries averaged around 57.

So, with such a huge difference in ranking, it’s pretty undeniable that Guinness really does taste better in Ireland.

Renowned beer author Pete Brown spoke to the Daily Mail about the findings. He said, “Drinking Guinness in Ireland is always going to be more enjoyable than in London or Paris, or anywhere else.

“There is a feeling of authenticity that you associate with drinking a beer in its true home. So, the ambiance you feel in an Irish pub would be like no other.”

As I See It Marianne Heron

Reaching for the stars like Barry Keoghan

It used to be a fairy godmother who would grant your wishes or a genie who appeared with the rub of a magic lamp. Now it seems, we possess the power ourselves to make the good stuff come true, at least that is the word according to Barry Keoghan.

In place of a magic wand actor Keoghan uses the word manifesting and his meteoric rise to stellar celebrity with films like ‘Saltburn’ and “The Banshees of Inisherin’ is proof that the theory works for him. With his bad boy looks and hooded eyes, Keoghan, born in Summerhill, Dublin, succeeded in realising his dreams despite a difficult background where he was taken into care aged five with his brother, experiencing 13 foster homes before his granny and his older sister raised him from age 10, his mum having died when he was 12.

There’s something very

heartening about hearing a positive story where selfreliance has paid off in the midst of all the bad news about negative stuff from wars to racism. In psychological terms, to manifest means turning an idea into reality, a bit like turning metaphorical water into wine. It involves using mind power to achieve a goal. Unlike some ‘how to’ selfimprovement books, manifesting is soundly rooted in established thinking ranging from the sports coaching of ‘ Inner Game of Tennis’ author Timothy Gallwey topositive psychology theory popularised by Martin Seligman,

But where do you even start when it comes to achieving what must, in Keoghan’s case, have seemed an impossible dream, when sometimes he didn’t even have the bus fare to get to acting class?

Part of the secret is to be authentic, to be in tune with

who you are: using your skill set in tune with your values and do something that you love doing.

Keoghan found his passion for acting watching films with actors like James Dean and Marlon Brando and when he answered a casting call in a shop window and auditioned for the crime drama ‘Between The Canals’. Minor parts followed and in 2017 he was cast as a boat hand in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dunkirk’.

Passion found, the next step in manifesting is to be absolutely clear about that you want – members of a certain political might party might benefit from learning this kind of lesson following the results of the local and European elections – then plan your priorities and what you need to do to realise them.

Two of the important things to do as well are to visualise what achieving them

will look like and to write the goals down – sounds deceptively simple but you are

“Something very heartening about a positive story where selfreliance has paid off ...

more likely to achieve them if you do. Sports coaches have found, for instance, that mentally rehearsing an athletic feat can be as effective as physically practising for the event. The same can be true for everyday life, thanks to neuroscience and what is now known about the brain’s plasticity: the way our minds are sculpted by our thoughts, learning and experiences.

Of course, there is more to it than that: talent is a big part of the picture and focus plays an important part too.

‘Emotional Intelligence’ author Daniel Goleman went on to write about focus, pointing out that the mind trains itself to notice what we focus on so that improvements become hardwired in our brains.

Sometimes goal-setting can be a bit like chasing the end of a rainbow; no sooner do you appear to be getting where you want to be than

the focus shifts off into the distance to a new goal to be achieved.

In a recent interview with GQ magazine Keoghan talked about how he believes in manifesting because it has worked for him. He admits to keeping ‘to do’ lists , even down to the names of directors he has wanted to work with and appearing on the front cover of GQ magazine. “It’s a massive moment,” he said. “I wrote this down in my to-do list — to be onna cover of GQ. I’m not even shittin’ you.”

Given what he had achieved, when he was asked if he had trouble finding new goals Geoghegan said: “No, I don’t want to get to a place of fulfilment, weirdly. I want to keep chasing this f**king thing, whatever it is.”

Wise guy, success like happiness isn’t a destination – it’s scenery on an ongoing journey.

Health benefits of lavender

I was sitting in my garden, on one of the rare fine evenings, when the vibrant colours of a Lavender plant caught my eye. I love the deep purple/ violet colour, and if you rub the flowers between your fingers and hold them to your nose, you will be treated to the wonderful scent of the plant.

Lavandula angustifolia is one of the most common of Lavenders. This type is known for its fragrance and is often used in cooking and in making essential oils. Lavender is well known for its calming and relaxing effect, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. The most common way to use Lavender is as an essential oil. This oil can be added to an oil burner or an electric diffuser to scent a room with a relaxing and calming scent. All you need is a couple of drops depending on the size of your oil burner. You could also add a couple of drops of Lavender essential oil to your bath to aid relaxation in the evening. Lavender oil may be used on its own or you can blend it with other oils to create a variety of blends. Lavender is usually included to help with relaxation, relieve tension, to aid sleep,

and to uplift the soul. It is the perfect essential oil to use for massage to relieve tense and sore muscles after a long busy day. Just remember to always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil first, adding a few drops of Lavender to oils like olive or almond oil. For relief from headaches and migraine, such massage oils can be massaged into your temples. Lavender is also traditionally used to treat insomnia. Lavender essential oil, candles, or incense sticks are commonly used for this purpose. You might also like Tisserand

Pillow Mist, which is sprayed onto your pillow to help you drift off to sleep. Its soothing scent can promote relaxation and induce sleep. It is said that regular use of lavender oil can help to regulate sleeping patterns.

Lavender has antibacterial properties and is useful to treat insect bites, skin scarring, and acne caused by bacteria.

I know that I am not doing this humble plant any justice, there is far more to this wonderful plant that can uplift the soul than I could possibly say here.

CLAIR WHITTY

SPECIAL REPORT

From generation to generation, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is one of the oldest questions in the book. As the world of technology continues to evolve, it seems the digital revolution is beginning to make its mark on the career aspirations of the next generation.

As part of its ‘Thank You Teacher’ campaign to praise our nation’s educators, as school close for the summer, a national survey by One4all Gift Cards has revealed that coders and influencers are now among the Top 10 jobs children want to have when they grow up.

It found that becoming a coder is the ninth most popular job for boys, whilst the impact of increased social media exposure means that becoming an influencer, TikTok star or a vlogger ranked seventh for boys and 10th on the list of dream jobs for girls.

Despite these very modern selections, the top jobs to which children aspire are not wildly different to those of previous generations. Becoming a teacher still takes the number one spot, followed by a medical professional in second place, and a footballer or police officer in joint third.

Reminiscing about their own career goals from their childhoods, parents revealed remarkably similar aspirations. Over one-fifth (22%) wanted to become a teacher, followed by a nurse, doctor, or dentist (17%), and a singer in a band (6%).

Amazingly, over half of adults say they either grew up to secure their dream job (29%) or still have hobbies related to their childhood wishes (23%) – think Sunday footballers who still dream they’re playing in the World Cup.

One4all Gift Cards’ annual Thank You Teacher campaign aims to recognise and reward inspirational teachers who encourage children to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. In

Teachers still the real influencers in career choices

44%

fact, the research revealed it was the praise of a favourite teacher that ignited many adults’ passion for their chosen career.

Over three-quarters (80%) of those surveyed can still recall a teacher pointing out a special skill or trait they excelled in – 44% of which said this skill or trait went on to shape their career, and 37% said it became part of a hobby.

Interestingly, many of the respondents also cite the area of Ireland they grew up in as a contributing factor to the subjects they were passionate about. Almost half (57%) of those from Ulster believe the region was influential, compared with just over a third (31%) from Leinster.

Despite the growth of TikTok culture, teachers remain the biggest early influencers on children’s

personal development. Revealing some of the most heartwarming memories of their teachers, respondents shared countless stories of guidance that instilled them with great confidence and strength.

One person surveyed with Aspergers recalled a teacher guiding her to “travel her own path with her head up high”, while another recounted being held in her teacher’s arms until her panic attack ended.

Having been praised for her musical abilities at 13 years old, one respondent went on to become a guitar teacher, while another became a professional dance teacher after being encouraged to do so by her teacher.

Commenting on the findings, Lou Hickey, EMEA Marketing Director at One4All, said: “Our teach-

The 10 most popular choices

ers are there every step of the way as we grow up and develop new skills, hobbies, and interests. They have an incredible ability to spot and nurture these special talents, particularly in children who don’t necessarily see it yet for themselves.

“Reflective of the rapid growth in social media, online technologies and platforms, it’s only natural that we’re beginning to see a real shift in children’s dream job aspirations.

“So many of the people we surveyed spoke with fondness about their time at school. Half of the adults have already reached out to their teacher to thank them, and an additional 36% would like to do so now – especially as they are now witnessing first-hand the guidance offered by teachers to their own children,” he said.

The issue of bullying and one in three students unhappy

By Gearóid Ó Riain

All is not well for a lot of children in school. One third of post-primary students don’t feel welcome there, or fully able to express themselves authentically. This shocking finding is from a new piece of research published recently, to their great credit, by the Department of Education, based on information igathered from 2,346 students across the country. The tendency heretofore when discussing bullying,  is for principals, teachers, policy makers and indeed parents to

focus on individual bullying, i.e. students bullying students. This is understandable, because they are the most obvious and typical examples of what we tend to understand as bullying. It could be one student excluding another, or calling names or being mean in some way. And of course these behaviours have to be tackled.

But, at its core, bullying is about the abuse of power one person, or group of people, has over another. In schools the adults wield all the power. So we must also consider institutional bullying – where the

policies, rules and punishments of a school are oppressive of students. Rather than framing the issue of bullying solely as a peer on peer issue, it is critically important to recognise and address the significant impact that the institutional culture of a school has on creating a climate that oppresses students and spawns bullying. It was refreshing to hear an expert in the field name that particular elephant in the corner - the institutional culture of the school - as something that needs to be examined when addressing bullying. Profes-

sor James O’Higgins Norman, UNESCO Chair on Bullying and Cyberbullying, DCU, emphasised this point when he gave his reaction to the Department’s findings on RTÉ’s Drivetime. He said: “Bullying is not a phenomenon that is divorced from the rest of the reality in school. The climate of the school really dictates the extent to which bullying will take place, so we need to look at our schools at a very deep level.”

He described a good school climate as one where “there is open communication between school leadership and the

staff and the students and the parents, and that everybody together is making decisions that impact on the lives of the kids”.

Thankfully, there are schools where this is the case. But openness and inclusion in decision making are not part of the DNA in many Catholic schools. Secrecy and control are the modus operandi of their ethos.

Mr O’Higgins Norman emphasised: “One of the things that is most absent from our schools is a full recognition of the voice and the agency of the child.” Student councils are a step in the right direction, but

within a repressive culture they run the risk of modelling false consultation, where all options are never genuinely on the table, thus disempowering students.

O’Higgins Norman stressed he was constantly hearing from children that nobody is listening. “They are being told what to wear, told what to learn, told we can have mobile phones,told we can’t have mobile phones. Nobody is listening to us.” Gearóid Ó Riain is a postprimary teacher. He can be contacted at saynotoschooluniforms@gmail.com

Opinion

The economy: some good news at last Your Money & You

Six months into 2024, there is a growing sense of optimism about the global economy. Energy and food prices have decreased, inflation is gradually easing, and interest rates are falling. The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates by 0.25% earlier this month, with further reductions of about 1.5% expected over the next 18 months.

Ireland’s economy continues to perform reasonably well. In the first quarter of 2024, the country saw GDP growth of 0.9%, marking the end of a technical recession. The labour market remains strong, with employment reaching a record 2.704 million by the end of March and unemployment at 4% in May.

Households in Ireland are generally in a strong financial position. Household savings were approximately €154.6 billion in March 2024, with outstanding household credit

John Ellis

at €101.5 billion. This is a notable change from 2007, when credit far exceeded deposits. The situation has been reversed since 2015 due to a robust economy and stringent Central Bank mortgage regulations. The tax take is holding steady, and exports, particu-

larly in pharmaceuticals, are rebounding after a sharp decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, consumer spending is under pressure due to cost-of-living increases, and the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector faces significant challenges.

Housing remains a critical issue. The Commission on Housing reports a deficit of between 212,500 and 256,000 homes as of the 2022 Census. This shortage is due to low construction levels after 2008, static household sizes, limited availability of housing, and high homelessness rates.

Despite 32,626 residential units being completed in 2023, it will take years to meet the actual and latent demand, necessitating urgent measures to boost supply.

Global geopolitical tensions are a cause for concern. The continuing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, a strengthening China-Russia alliance, and weakening relations between China, Russia, and the West add to the uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, a report authored by Jim Power of Aviva Life and Pensions offers a positive outlook for the next 12 months. Inflation is expected to average around 2% this year, while wages are projected to rise by about 4%. Interest rates are likely to continue their downward trend, and fiscal policy remains expansionary. Public expenditure is set to rise significantly, aimed at addressing pressures on health, housing, and the cost of living.

Budget 2024 included a significant financial package, and despite warnings from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) and Gabriel Makhlouf of the Central Bank, a similar approach is expected for Budget 2025, set for early October. With the general election looming, there is a strong incentive for a generous budget, including substantial income tax reforms. These may include widening tax credits and USC bands and increasing the standard rate tax band.

While Ireland faces significant challenges, the economic outlook remains optimistic, driven by “strategic fiscal policies and a resilient labour market.” Jim Power says: “The nation must navigate global uncertainties and domestic issues like housing to maintain its positive trajectory.”

john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

Cllr. John Brennan announces works in Clogh, Moneenroe and Castlecomer are progressing

Local Fine Gael Cllr. John Brennan stated that funding has been approved for the foothpaths at the Glen Moneenroe, Cllr Brennan stated that €35.000 was approved earlier this year. In Clogh, €32,000 has been approved for repairs to the bridge at Tourtane. €50,000 has been approved for works at Clogh Village around the fountain area. A new three year Road Works Programme will be implemented to coincide with these works at Clogh. Cllr. Brennan has proposed that major funding be approved to improve the Public Road Network in Clogh, Moneenroe and Castlecomer area. Cllr. Brennan concluded that he has also requested extra funding to improve and replace the local foothpaths in the area.

Kilkenny Country Music Festival is back

Gowran Park, Kilkenny

July 7th, 2024 1-7 pm

A great day of fun is to be had with music and dance with some of Ireland’s best Country Singers. The 6th Country Music Festival at Gowran Park is the place to be with state of the art facilities including onsite bars and restaurants, dancing on a giant dance floor, easy parking and plenty of activities for the kids

• We are also offering a premium package (€70) upstairs in the new weigh room building. Balcony looking down on stage – private bar, toilet facilities and complimentary food and meet the acts.

• Tickets available from Eventbrite and www. kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie - €30

• Shuttle bus from the Parade Kilkenny 12noon and 1pm - €10 return

• Large dance floor

• Bucking bronco, kids area • Ample outdoor seating – Welcome to bring own picnic and non-alcoholic refreshments

• U12 free

• Most appropriate dressed competition

Cllr. John Brennan

Cat ownership is linked to the development of schizophrenia, a new study finds

This revelation has ignited discussions and concerns about the enigmatic relationship between feline companionship and mental health.

In a startling revelation, new review conducted by Australian researchers suggests that having a cat as a pet might potentially double a person’s risk of developing schizophrenia- related disorders.

The comprehensive analysis, led by psychiatrist John McGrath and his team at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, delved into 17 studies spanning over four decades, originating from 11 different countries, including the US and the UK.

The aim was to unravel the perplexing link between cat ownership and the incidence of schizophrenia-related conditions.

“We found an association between broadly defined cat ownership and increased odds of developing schizophrenia-related disorders,” said Dr John McGrath, the lead author of the study.

This discovery has sparked a resurgence of interest in a hypothesis first proposed in a 1995 study: the notion that exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, commonly found in cats, could be a potential trigger for schizophrenia.

Toxoplasma gondii, a mostly innocuous parasite, is transmitted through various means, including undercooked meat and contaminated water. However, the most intriguing transmission route is through contact with an infected cat or its faeces.

It is estimated that 40 million people in the US alone may be harbouring this parasite, often without experiencing any discernible symptoms. Nevertheless, researchers have been continually uncovering peculiar effects associated with T. gondii infections.

Once within the human body, T. gondii has the capacity to infiltrate the central nervous system and influence neurotransmitters. Over time,

Oops, disturbing news about your cat...

this parasite has been linked to a range of alterations in personality, the emergence of psychotic symptoms, and the development of certain neurological disorders, including schizophrenia.

However, it’s crucial to note that the mere presence of an association between cat ownership and schizophreniarelated disorders doesn’t definitively establish causation, nor does it confirm that the parasite was transferred from a cat to a human.

The extensive analysis of 17 studies yielded a compelling

result: “a significant positive association between broadly defined cat ownership and an increased risk of schizophrenia-related disorders.”

Even after adjusting for covariates, the researchers found that individuals exposed to cats had approximately twice the odds of developing schizophrenia.

However, a few important caveats should be considered when interpreting these findings.

Fifteen out of the 17 studies examined were case-control studies, which cannot defini-

tively prove a causal relationship and often fail to account for factors that may have influenced both the exposure and the outcome.

Moreover, a notable number of the studies reviewed were deemed of low quality, a limitation acknowledged by the authors themselves.

The consistency of the findings across the various studies also raises questions.

While higher-quality studies pointed to associations in unadjusted models, these links might have been influenced by other factors that were not

accounted for in the analyses.

One study, for instance, found no significant association between cat ownership before the age of 13 and the later development of schizophrenia.

However, it did uncover a notable link when cat ownership was narrowed down to a specific age range (ages nine to 12), suggesting that the critical time frame for cat exposure remains elusive.

In the US, a study involving 354 psychology students failed to establish a connection between cat ownership

and schizotypy scores. Nevertheless, those who had experienced a cat bite exhibited higher scores compared to those who had not, hinting at a potential role of cat-related incidents in influencing mental health outcomes.

Yet, another study, encompassing individuals with and without mental disorders, unearthed a connection between cat bites and elevated scores on tests measuring specific psychological experiences.

Intriguingly, the researchers propose that other pathogens, such as Pasteurella multocida, may be responsible for these effects instead.

Dr McGrath and his team caution against jumping to conclusions based solely on their findings.

Found: the oldest known burial site in the world Science & Wellbeing

Paleontologists in South Africa said they have found the oldest known burial site in the world, containing remains of a small-brained distant relative of humans previously thought incapable of complex behaviour, according to the news agency AFP.

Led by renowned paleoanthropologist Lee Berger, researchers said they had discovered several specimens of Homo naledi – a tree-climbing, Stone Age hominid – buried about 30 meters (100 feet) underground in a cave system within the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO world heritage site near Johan-

nesburg. “These are the most ancient interments yet recorded in the hominin record, earlier than evidence of Homo sapiens interments by at least 100,000 years,” the scientists wrote in a series of preprint papers published in eLife. The findings challenge the current understanding of human evolution, as it is normally held that the development of bigger brains allowed for the performing of complex, “meaningmaking” activities such as burying the dead. The oldest burials previously unearthed, found in the Middle East and Africa, contained the remains of

Homo sapiens – and were around 100,000 years old.

Those found in South Africa by Berger, whose previous announcements have been controversial, and his fellow researchers, date back to at least 200,000 BC. Critically, they also belong to Homo naledi, a primitive species at the crossroads between apes and modern humans, which had brains about the size of oranges and stood about 1.5 meters (five feet) tall.

With curved fingers and toes, tool-wielding hands and feet made for walking, the species discovered by Berger had already upended the notion that our

evolutionary path was a straight line.

The oval-shaped interments at the center of the new studies were also found there during excavations started in 2018.

The holes, which researchers say evidence suggests were deliberately dug and then filled in to cover the bodies, contain at least five individuals.

“These discoveries show that mortuary practices were not limited to H. sapiens or other hominins with large brain sizes,” the researchers said.

The burial site is not the only sign that Homo naledi was capable of complex

emotional and cognitive behaviour, they said.

Engravings forming geometrical shapes, including a “rough hashtag figure”, were also found on the apparently purposely smoothed surfaces of a cave pillar nearby.

“That would mean not only are humans not unique in the development of symbolic practices, but may not have even invented such behaviours,” Berger told AFP in an interview.

Such statements are likely to ruffle some feathers in the world of paleontology, where the 57-year-old has previously faced accusations of lacking scientific

They emphasize the pressing need for more rigorous and extensive research before definitively establishing a causal relationship between cat ownership and schizophreniarelated disorders.

“In conclusion, our review provides support for an association between cat ownership and schizophreniarelated disorders,” the authors write.

“There is a need for more high-quality studies, based on large, representative samples to better understand cat ownership as a candidate riskmodifying factor for mental disorders.”

The intriguing findings of this study, published in Schizophrenia Bulletin, have opened a new chapter in the complex and mystifying relationship between our feline companions and the human mind.

As we ponder the potential implications of these results, it becomes evident that further research is crucial to unravel the enigma surrounding cat ownership and its influence on mental health.

Until then, cat lovers and mental health advocates alike await more concrete answers regarding the potential risks and benefits of sharing our lives with these furry friends.

Oh, dear... poor lille puttycats...

rigour and rushing to conclusions.

Many balked when in 2015 Berger, whose earlier discoveries won support from National Geographic, first aired the idea that Homo naledi was capable of more than the size of its head suggested.

“That was too much for scientists to take at that time. We think it’s all tied up with this big brain,” he said. “We’re about to tell the world that’s not true.”

While requiring further analysis, the discoveries

“alter our understandings of human evolution”, the researchers wrote.

Fascinating...

In Florida, there is a scenic canal paddling adventure in Winter Park [Main Street pictured] that deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list. These historic waterways connect the city’s picturesque Chain of Lakes and are an unforgettable attraction in Florida with impressive highlights.

The scenic canals of Winter Park, Florida, are a highlight for anyone exploring the area, particularly by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard courtesy of Get Up and Go Kayaking.

Guests who sign up for the historic paddling tour, will be guided through the historic waterways bordered by dense vegetation, including cypress trees draped with Spanish moss, ferns, and other native plants.

The canals were originally constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to facilitate boat travel between the lakes. They played a crucial role in the development of Winter Park, helping to make it a popular destination for winter visitors and affluent residents.

As guests wind through the Venetian-style canals, they’ll see some of Winter Park’s most beautiful historic homes and estates. These residences often feature Mediterranean Revival and other classic architectural styles, with manicured lawns and lush gardens that extend down to the water’s edge.

One of the coolest aspects about this unforgettable attraction is that you’ll be in a clear-bottomed kayak! Keep an eye out both above and below for the various wildlife, such as turtles, fish, and a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, and anhingas.

(Google Get Up and Go Kayaking Winter Park). Since these canals are

Winter Park: An Unforgettable Florida Attraction

almost always calm and much less crowded than the lakes, this tour is ideal for paddlers even with minimal paddling experience. As always, make sure to wear your life jacket before you cast off!

Meanwhile, take a holiday to Key West, Florida does not need to cost a mint, especially when you have your own home on wheels or tent. At Boyd’s Key West Campground, discover one of the best RV parks in

Florida. There you’ll find waterfront campsites, a refreshing, resort-style pool, and even a tiki lounge to relax after a long day. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Travel & Leisure recently named Boyd’s one of the nine best RV campgrounds in the US Reserve a site for the whole family, but just be careful –you may never want to leave.

You don’t need to break the bank to find a waterfront rental in Key West for a tropical weekend away.

“The scenic canals are a highlight for anyone exploring the area, particularly by kayak or canoe...

a waterfront paradise to park your

ocean, this campground has been around since the 1960s, offering unique camping accommodations in Key West.

But, you don’t even need to have an RV to enjoy this resort-style Key West RV park campground. You can also pay to pitch a tent for the weekend.

Spend the day kayaking or fishing around the Keys, launching right from your campsite, and enjoy the sunshine.

Here’s the fastest way to get to Australia, via the

Want a fast flight from London to Sydney? Don’t start at Heathrow, according to renowned travel writer Simon Caulder on The Independent online.

That’s the message from an exclusive survey of flight times conducted by The Independent. It coincides with a new ultra-fast link between the two cities –cutting the time to just 21 hours and 40 minutes.

The Singapore Airlines link from Gatwick will slice halfan-hour from the existing fastest flight time of 22h10m, which is on Emirates from Stansted.

The Independent has studied the fastest links on all the UK airports with one-stop connections to Sydney for Saturday, June 22 – the day Singapore Airlines started flying from Gatwick for the first time.

With a transfer time of just

55 minutes in Singapore, it represents the fastest journey since the Russian invasion of Ukraine extended trips. The most direct route from London to Sydney

involves hours of flying over Russian territory and passes overhead Hong Kong. With the airspace closed to most airlines, planes must follow a much longer track.

Third-fastest also goes to Gatwick, with the morning flight on Emirates via Dubai connecting for Sydney in a total of 22h15m Heathrow makes an

appearance in fourth place, with a flight time of 22h30m on Singapore Airlines.

This is a tie with the journey time from three other UK airports: Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester.

All come in joint fourth with 22h30m on Emirates via Dubai. The Glasgow time, with a 70-minute connection, is particularly impressive because the Scottish airport is 228 miles further from Dubai than is Gatwick.

Next fastest: 22h35m on Emirates from Gatwick: departs 2.30pm, arrives 10.05pm next day.

Connection in Dubai: 95 minutes.

To round off the table: another Gatwick flight, on China Southern via Guangzhou, is scheduled to take 22h40m.

The two airlines that fly direct from London to

UK

Sydney, ie without a change of plane, are significantly slower. British Airways is scheduled to take 23 hours while Qantas is 25 minutes slower.

Bargain hunters will need to be patient. On Skyscanner, the cheapest one- way flight is £616 on China Eastern from Gatwick, with a wait of almost eight hours in Shanghai.

Flights back from Sydney to the UK are slower because of prevailing winds. Singapore Airlines wins again with a time of 22h40m – but to Heathrow, not Gatwick. This has the shortest connection of any link studied, just 50 minutes at the South East Asian hub.

The only other flights to make it back to the UK in under 24 hours are both on Emirates: to Manchester (23h50m) and Newcastle (23h55m).

At Boyd’s Key West Campground, toward the end of Highway 1, you can

find

RV. With sites right on the

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Burying the hatchet and showing some leg!

This week, dear readers, some phrases, and catchphrases, that we are familiar with – but not with their origin. So, let’s start at home, well sort of – seeing as how many of us are Kilkenny ‘cats’ – here’s one that we all know very well – ‘letting the cat out of the bag’ as in giving away a secret. Well, the phrase goes back to market places in England many years ago. Traders would try to deceive unwary customers by putting a cat in a bag, claiming to wouldbe purchasers that it was a pig. Buyers would purchase without close inspection only to let the cat out of the bag and realise that they’d been tricked.

Staying with cats – we’re all familiar with ‘no room to swing a cat’ which has nothing to do with a cat. The cat in question is the ‘cat of nine tails’ a whip used for flogging rebellious sailors.

The expression refers to the cramped conditions on board ship which weren’t large enough to carry out the punishment successfully; hence the flogging took place on deck. And then there’s ‘raining cats and dogs’. This very old expression is linked with the ancient beliefs of sailors; in Norse mythology cats were associated with heavy rain and dogs with storms and the wind. And so ‘raining casts and dogs’ came to be associated with severe rainstorms.

Now it’s many, many years ago when I was an altar boy in the Black Abbey and a few of us would stand outside the church after 12 o’clock mass selling a magazine called, if I remember correctly, ‘Spotlight’, a Dominican publication, ie. a religious periodical. And I remember some of the hard chaws slipping out of Mass

after the last Gospel and looking long and hard at the magazine. And then, one of them asking: “Is there e’er a bit of leg in that, lads?”

We had no idea what he meant. But we made enquiries and soon learned what he meant. And so to the origin of ‘to show a leg’. It is believed to be a naval expression. It derives from the time when women were allowed on board ship and the order ‘to show a leg’ was given first thing in the morning to identify that a woman was asleep in the bunk and allowed to lie on unlike the men who had to get up and put their shoulders to the mast to keep things nautical. Then there’s ‘meeting a deadline’ (which I am desperately trying to do as I write, think I’m going to make it, Ed). [You did, thanks – Ed]. The original ‘deadline’ referred to a line

marked out some distance from the fence of a prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War. Any

“The shambles in Kilkenny where Dinny Meaney had his butcher shop...

prisoner crossing it was likely to be shot.

‘Donkeys Years’, as in a very long time (haven’t seen you in Donkeys Years), we are all more than familiar with and is reckoned to be a variation on donkey’s ears which, of course, are very long. An alternative expression for a ‘a long time’ is ‘yonks’ which perhaps comes from the sound made by a donkey.

‘Burying the hatchet’ meaning coming to peaceful terns with an enemy, or opponent, comes from the American Indian custom of burying tomahawks and other weapons as a sign that hostilities between the native American and the white settlers had ended (don’t think the whites, however, buried their guns).

We all know what ‘shambles’ means – the word comes from the old English ‘sceamel’, a table or stool, used by meat vendors in

the market place. (There is a narrow street in the city of York called The Shambles). I could be mistaken but we had an area known as ‘the shambles’ here in Kilkenny around where Dinny Meaney had his butcher shop.

To ‘speak off the cuff’, ie. to speak without preparation, probably comes from the practice of a speaker writing down all the points he wished to mention in a speech on the cuff of his shirt sleeve.

‘Red Tape’ something I think, that we are all allergic to, comes from the former use of a reddish colour tape to tie up bundles of official documents.

Finally – a new word (at least to me) JOMO. It means the Joy Of Missing Out –feeling content with staying in and disconnecting as a form of self-care. Love it. And thanks, Mags, for that.

Kilkenny County Council elects new Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, Fianna Fáil and Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, Fianna Fáil

Cathaoirleach:

Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael McCarthy has been elected as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council at the Council’s AGM held on Friday 21st June, 2024, in the Council Chamber, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny.

The newly elected Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council expressed his pride at taking over the role of Kilkenny’s first citizen.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, Fianna Fáil

Leas Cathaoirleach: Cllr. Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, Fianna Fáil, has been elected Leas Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council.

Get Ready for a Foot-Stomping Night with The Irish Yellers at Ryan's Bar! Friday 5th July

Michael Berly, a talented songwriter and performer, has been passionate about music since his childhood.

Born in Ohio, raised in Los Angeles, and now living in Portland, Oregon, Michael was inspired by legends like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to pursue his dream of writing and performing music. He has toured the US and Europe, released several solo albums, and co-founded the band The Old Yellers in 2000, which continues to perform today.

The Old Yellers have made a name for themselves with their unique blend of Indie Folk Rock, earning praise from critics and fans alike. Compared to music icons such as Neil Young and The Grateful Dead, their sound combines outlaw country and rock and roll, featuring great songwriting, harmonies, and energetic, foot-stomping performances.

Next Friday, July 5th, Michael returns to Ryan’s this time with the "IRISH YELLER’S” featuring John Gleeson of the Lincoln Skins/Niall Toner Band, Kieran “KJ” McEvoy of “The Remedy Club”, Sean Devitt from “Bagatelle”, and Konrad Liddy of “I Draw Slow”. Be there at 10 PM for a night of unforgettable music and good times!

Michael Berly

Photos by Vicky Comerford

Newly Elected Members of Kilkenny County Council

How Irish folklore can transform our learning The Last Word Pat Coughlan

Irish folklore is enchanting and educational, with ancient stories like The Salmon Of Knowledge sparking curiosity and discussions. These vibrant tales, passed down generations, breathe life into classrooms, keeping students’ attention rapt. As a student and later as a trainer I found that integrating folklore into lessons invites creativity and critical thinking.

It does not matter where I was training, be it in Kilkenny’s Noreside Resource Centre or Spain’s Centro de Formacion Profesional de Valencia, it worked. The magic of these tales lies in their ability to resonate, educate, and inspire across ages, offering students a fresh, engaging perspective on learning. They unlock imaginations and transform the educational experience, proving to be timeless tools for inspiration. Gathering students for a bit of group storytelling can work wonders for teamwork.

Imagine them sitting round, tossing ideas about, and bringing old Irish legends back to life. One might start off with the tale of Cú Chulainn, and another jumps in, adding their twist. This backand-forth not only fuels their imagination but also teaches them to listen and build on each other’s contributions. Then there’s the magic of drama exercises. Acting out a scene from a myth lets them step into another’s shoes, fostering empathy and co-operation. Think of folklore-based projects too, where they can dive deep, research together, and present their findings. These activities make learning more interactive and engaging, with everyone chipping in their part, inspiring not just a shared knowledge but a stronger camaraderie in the process. When students dive into Irish folklore, they’re not just listening to yarns; they’re learning to communicate bril-

liantly. Traditional tales offer a rich playground for improving their vocabulory. Debating the morals in these tales — like whether Cú Chulainn’s actions were justifiable — sparks lively discussions and sharpens their ability to articulate thoughts. Plus, when they present their take on a tale, they’re not just talking; they’re using gestures, facial

expressions, and all sorts of non-verbal cues. It’s like giving them a secret weapon for real-world interactions. Overall, storytelling rooted in folklore isn’t just fun; it’s a way to turn shy speakers into confident communicators who can hold their own in any chat.

Irish folklore is packed with puzzles and riddles that’d give

any modern training game a run for its money. Integrating these age-old brain teasers into the classroom breathes life into the curriculum, making it both dynamic and engaging. Imagine students gathered around, scratching their heads over a riddle the leprechauns might have posed – it’s not just fun but also a brilliant exercise in critical thinking.

Getting the young, and not so young, folk to dive into folklore projects can’t half make a difference. By having them research local myths or put together a collection of old tales, they’re not just learning—they’re building a bit of pride in where they’re from. Imagine a school where students organise a folklorethemed event, pooling ideas and efforts to celebrate their shared heritage. It’s more than just a school project; it’s turning learning into something that binds them closer. Projects like

these don’t just instil knowledge; they forge a stronger community where everyone has a stake and a voice, cementing that collective identity we all crave.

Isn’t it grand when students feel a genuine connection to their roots? To spark that passion for Ireland’s cultural heritage, there’s no better tool than folklore. One way is through creative writing; imagine students crafting their own tales based on ancient myths. Art projects can also bring stories to life –murals depicting Cú Chulainn or handmade fairy doors in the classroom. Then there’s multimedia: short films, podcasts, and more to celebrate folklore. These activities aren’t just fun; they engage students deeply, making old tales meaningful.

This approach not only teaches history but makes students part of it, keeping Irish storytelling alive for generations to come.

Cleaner than European Norms

Kilkenny shines bright again: Cleaner than European norms!

Kilkenny has once again demonstrated its commitment to cleanliness and environmental awareness and sustainability, ranking 4th out of 40 towns and cities surveyed in the latest IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) report. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Kilkenny County Council’s City Area Office, members of the local community, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful and local businesses.

The first national litter survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) since the introduction of the Government’s Deposit Return Scheme reveals a fall in cans and plastic bottles on our streets contributing to an overall improvement in litter levels. There was a rise in the number of sites deemed clean across the country, with a significant fall in those judged to be ‘heavily littered’.

The study, conducted by An Taisce on behalf of IBAL, showed a healthy rise in towns reaching the upper tier of cleanliness – ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ with Kilkenny retaining its position as 4th out of 40 cities.

According to the report, many of Kilkenny's sites have achieved top grades, showcasing the City's pride in its appearance. Some notable mentions include:

Kilkenny Train Station (Exterior and Interior), received a Grade A for its exceptional cleanliness and

presentation. The “Skate Park” which could have proved a problematic area based on last year’s survey, showed a virtual absence of litter.

Parliament Street, was described as an "exceptionally freshly presented shopping street"

with attractive paving and no litter issues.

The Bring Facility at St Canice's, has significantly improved from previous surveys, with no items of litter or misuse of recycling bins.

The R712 - Paulstown

Approach Road, created a "very positive first impression" with its wellmaintained and litter-free environment.

The area of the Riverbank, with the Pedestrian Bridge, received a Grade A for its lovely riverside environment and recent grass cutting.

" I am delighted to see Kilkenny ranking so highly in this survey," said Cllr. Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council. "It's a reflection of our community's pride in their environment and their commitment to sustainability. We will continue to work together to maintain this high standard and make Kilkenny an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit. "

" We are thrilled with these results," said Mags Whelan, Environmental Awareness Officer at Kilkenny County Council. "It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our council staff, local businesses, and residents who have come together to keep our City clean and beautiful. We are also incredibly fortunate to have a very active and

committed Tidy Towns Group in “Keep Kilkenny Beautiful” here in the City who work closely with Kilkenny County Council’s City Area Office to make the City and it’s environs an attractive and clean place to be.

"

There was a near-30% fall in the prevalence of can-related litter since the previous survey. While plastic bottles were also less common than in any past survey, they remain the third most prevalent form of litter on our streets.

“ It’s early days and we’re still seeing too many plastic bottles on our streets, but we can expect further improvement as people become accustomed to the Deposit Return Scheme and the legacy non-returnable items are flushed out of the system. Ultimately, we should see can and plastic bottle litter disappear entirely. ” -said Mags Whelan, Environmental Awareness Officer, Kilkenny County Council.

The IBAL report highlights Kilkenny's cleanliness as exceeding European norms, making it an attractive destination for tourists and locals alike.

Opinion BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The Callan Electricity Board

Twenty years before the advent of the ESB, Callan already had its own somewhat limited supply of electricity. Local business people, acting with the full sanction of the Town Commissioners, set up the town’s privately run electricity board in 1909.

Seamus O’ Brien, in his researches, unearthed the names of the board members for that first year: James O’ Mahony, Pierce Fennelly, Michael Shelly, Pat Pollard, James Lyons, Clark Lynch, Patrick Grainger, William Keogh, Dr. Shee, John Phelan, Martin Hayden, John J. Dunne, Patrick Molloy, James Lanigan, Thomas Kerwick, Bernard Delahunty, and Edward Callanan.

The scheme’s engineer was an Englishman, Albert Laytham. Aiding him in the early days of the enterprise were two of the town’s first electricians: John Connolly and Harry Beale.

People in other towns and villages looked on with envy and astonishment as Callan blazed a trail by initiating this technological feat in an age dominated by oil and gas lamps.

Seamus O’ Brien discovered that the Callan Electricity Board, as the company called itself, had been inspired by a similar scheme in Loughrea, County Galway. Though Callan was a smaller town, the fact that its main streets radiated from a central point made it ideal for the kind of operation envisaged.

A generating plant was rigged up in premises in Mill Lane acquired from the Lynch family. Emblazoned in large block lettering on the front of the wooden building containing the plant were the words: ‘Callan Power House.’

Part three

Golden Memories

famed electricity supply was that only the larger shops could afford to have it installed. Apart from these lucky recipients, the main streets were also illuminated many years before private houses began to avail of electricity. Curiously enough, the early streetlights were not attached to poles but secured

on iron wall brackets. The remnants of two of these can still be seen: One on a wall in West Street, near the Creamery, and the second on the Clonmel Road, opposite the priest’s house. Some of the wall brackets used for this purpose had originally carried oil lamps

By the mid to late 20s, the Power House was operating at full blast. Seamus, returning from school in the convent; could see the two large generators powered by Japanese engines that in turn required anthracite coal to drive them. He recalls: “The dynamos emitted a galaxy of sparks as the friction of the mechanism transformed the power into stored electricity.”

In Seamus’s childhood, the engineer in charge of maintaining the generators was Michael Power and the electricians were Frank O’ Regan, Joe Kennedy, and Joseph Carroll.

The downside of Callan’s

in the days before electricity. Barry Walsh of West Street had, at one time, been employed by the Town Commissioners to light the oil lamps. The vast majority of families in Callan had to wait a bit longer- some longer than others- for the comfort of electric light in their homes. Seamus had fond memories of the oil lamp that hung on the kitchen wall in his parents’ home in Bridge Street. It had a crudely made battered old tin shade around it, tacked to the ceiling. The shade was to prevent the smoke from blackening the ceiling and walls. A table

lamp was lit in the sitting room-but only on special occasions. At bedtime, enameled candlesticks were lit in the kitchen and carried upstairs.

In almost every house, Seamus recalled, a small lamp with a red shade was positioned underneath a picture of the Sacred Heart.

The flame burned constantly, day and night. Luckily for the householders, paraffin oil cost only a penny a pint, and that amount kept the lamps flickering for a month.

This was considered a small price to pay to keep your soul out of Purgatory, or to

shorten your sentence in that unhappy place of confinement in the afterlife.

The privileged few who could afford electricity in the days of the Callan ESB had their use of current measured by meters. Their bulbs did not shine as brilliantly as later models.

Despite being ahead of its time in having electricity, Callan did not embrace the concept of the electric bulb without some reservation. It took a long time to catch on in certain quarters. Even into the 1940s many Callan people thought electricity might be a gigantic hoax or a kind of urban myth.

Seamus heard the reaction of a Callan woman who saw a light bulb for the first time. Weeks after she witnessed the switching on of the bulb in the house of an affluent neighbour, she was still assuring her friends: “Whatever anyone says, there must be paraffin oil involved somewhere in that thing!”

The Callan Power House no longer exists. The arrival of the semi-state Electricity Supply Board made the Callan Company redundant. The old Power House building later became a section of the Bacon factory. The hum of generators gave way to the squealing of pigs, until the abattoir likewise fell to the march of twenty-first century progress.

To be continued…

Callan in the early 20th century

Callan Power House formerly the Bacon Factory and before that the original Power House

Enjoy the fresh air, a walk and a story – Kilkenny County Council Library Service launches

Slí Na Scéalta at Kilkenny Countryside Park

Slí Na Scéalta is an outdoor, free and selfguided family reading experience that combines creativity, reading and exercise in a fun and interactive way.

It consists of 13 story panels located around the Accessibility Trail at the Kilkenny Countryside Park in Dunmore - a distance of 1.3 km. You can follow the story from beginning to end as you walk.

Brendan McDonalds wonderful story called “Elephant on the Farm” makes a great choice for this initiative.

The illustrations by Martin Beckett are bright and colourful and the amount of text on each page is brought to life to spark the imagination and curiosity in children.

“We are delighted to bring Slí Na Scéalta to a second location in Kilkenny, the Countryside Park located just 5km from the City at Dunmore” comments County Librarian, Josephine Coyne. We had so much positive feedback from parents and children in Woodstock about how enjoyable it was to have an outdoor reading experience as well as enjoying a walk outdoors so we would encourage parents and children to visit the Countryside Park.”

The new countryside park on the site of the closed municipal landfill at Dunmore occupies an area of approximately 24 acres and is located just 5km north of Kilkenny City Centre.

The new park also provides a myriad of other attractions including two ball walls, a bespoke viewing area, play and exercise equipment and novel relaxing spaces that include hammocks, and loungers along with Kilkenny’s first dedicated dog-friendly enclosure.

Expressing his delight on this latest

addition to the Kilkenny Countryside Park, Frank Stafford, A/Senior Engineer, Kilkenny County Council, noted “that this is a great time to visit the Park as the wild flower meadows, that extend across its 24 acres, are in full bloom and alive with a wide variety of insects, birds, rabbits and other mammals”.

Tá ár laoch ar lár- Our hero has left us

Ó hArgáin pays tribute to Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh Tá laoch na hÉireann, laoch na Gaeilge agus laoch an Chumann Lúthcleas Gael imithe uainne a deireann Seán Ó hArgáin inniu.

Cllr. Seán Ó hArgáin, former Mayor of Kilkenny and former Uachtarán of Gaeloideachas has said that the loss of legendary commentator, teacher, Kerryman and Irish language activist, has left the country in mourning but also in celebration of the unique person who truly became a national treasure.

‘I was lucky to get to know Micheál as a young teacher in Dublin and to have known him for the thirty five years since then. From the minute I met him at an Irish language function, I knew I was in the presence of a truly special and unique individual.

Micheál radiated positivity about our language, the importance of education and of course his incredible celebration of the role of Gaelic Games in our culture and society. He was the voice of our culture for a generation or more. Most importantly, he was a truly decent and kind individual who made everyone in his company feel special and important.

Micheál was a regular visitor to Kilkenny, where his cousin, Cathnia Ó Muircheartaigh, is Principal of Coláiste Pobail Osraí. He was guest of honour at the 30th anniversary celebrations of Gaelscoil Osraí and, as always, inspired us with his thoughts that night. Micheál was one of the first Uachtaráin of

Gaelscoileanna and played a crucial role in the early development of Irish language medium education in Dublin and throughout the country. I was proud to follow Cathnia in holding that office in recent years.

Micheál never forgot his roots as a teacher and believed passionately in the role of teachers as a force for good, and particular in the promotion of the Irish language.

Of course, all of us who love Gaelic Games adored Micheál’s vibrant, knowledgeable and entertaining commentary on our games. He became the voice of the nation after taking over from his own hero, Micheál Ó hEithir, and he had a huge grá for Kilkenny hurling, maybe almost as big as his love for the Kingdom, when it came to the big ball!

My last meeting with Micheál was in Áras an Uachtaráin a few short years ago, where he joined the Irish language community for a special day of celebration with President Michael D. Higgins, a special friend of his also.

The sentence that will stand out for me will be Micheál’s uplifting words for us during the Covid 19 crisis. He taught us the meaning of ‘Dúiseacht le dúthracht le breacadh an laeWake every morning with determination.’

Cllr. Ó hArgáin said that hundreds of scéalta and anecdotes will be shared in coming days about Micheál and extended his sympathies to Micheál’s eight children, siblings and wider family, particularly to his cousin Cathnia in Kilkenny.

Valentines night in June, as Lake Productions introduce Shirley

One of the most relaxed and entertaining theatre launches took place last week in the wonderful surroundings of Billy Byrne’s pub on John Street.

Over forty years ago during the halcyon days of my youth I frequented Billy Byrne’s, on a regular basis. At that time the pub was a haven for an eclectic mix of characters that loved fun and frivolity and the occasional pint. This was a time when Billy Byrne’s was to the forefront of innovative TV viewing. A fifty foot aerial to the rear of the premise beamed fuzzy pictures that allowed us, in two channel land, to view, through a snowy screen, the iconic ‘Match of the Day’ and the sometimes controversial Dave Allen. As I journey back across the years I call to mind the old familiar faces, that joined proprietors Billy & Hannah in making this hostelry such a cherished oasis: Black Bob, Red Rajah, Naxie, Duke, Tosh, Amby and so many more. Some, alas, have joined Billy & Hannah in the silent land, but I hope they are supping quiet libations and keeping a benevolent eye on those of us in life’s departure lounge. The stories and antics generated are legion. Leaping forward to the present day Billy Byrne’s survives and is home to a

Text: Gerry Cody

Photos Pat Shortall

Film Club, live music and

Cathal McFarlane, Susan Fahy and Geoff Rose ( Lake productions) photographed at Billy Byrnes. Both Cathal and Susan work with The Involvement centre and have collaborated with Lake in a number of radio productions

Gabriel Maher, former front of house manager at The Watergate theatre pictured with Ursual Egan and Marina Boyd

Derek Dooley of Lake Productions pictured with well known theatre practitioner and founder of Tri-Star Musical society Fergus Heffernan

Jim Cradock and Dick Holland at Billy Byrne’s for the launch of Shirley Valentine

Father and daughter. Joe Murray and Emily Kelly attended the Shirley Valentine launch

Lake Productions introduce Shirley

theatrical performances. Supported by a new generation and a new clientele it plays an integral part in helping the arts to grow and to flourish in Kilkenny. It was great to be back in Billy Byrne’s on Tuesday evening, initially to reminisce but perhaps more importantly to embrace change and to acknowledge the resilience of a superb family venture.

The reason for the visit to Byrne’s public house was to attend the launch of ‘Shirley Valentine’, a theatrical production being staged

by Kilkenny group Lake Productions.

Over 40 people gathered to hear about their forthcoming production on a night that included music, food, song and chat.

One could not stress how much the venue added to the launch. If the idea was to have the evening as a relaxed event, then that is exactly what was achieved. And some.

Liverpool theme

MC for the evening was Lake committee member Ken McGuire who kept the evenings entertainment flowing. Kicking off proceedings was the singing duo of Tony Cleere and Conan Doyle. And given that Shirley Valentine is set in Liverpool,

Geoff Rose gave a wonderful account of previous one person shows that have graced the Kilkenny stage in past years including performances from Kilkenny actors such as Jim Maher, Donal O’Brien, Michael Hayes, Jimmy Rhatigan and Ann Hurley.

Director of the show Mary Cradock gave a brief synopsis of the production before introducing Clare Gibbs who read an extract of the play. If her reading is anything to go by, then theatre goers are in for a wonderful production.

The attendance was like a ‘who’s who’ from the Kilkenny art scene and included the chair of the D.L.I.

Edward Hayden, Rose Kelly and Sheila Ragget from Stoneyford Stage school, Nicola Ryan from Barn Owl Players, Mark Cradock from Carlow Little Theatre and Linda Beale White from Kats Theatre. It was lovely to catch up also with playwright Frank Marshall, former Watergate staff members Gabby Maher and Dick Holland and Dunamaggin based artist Andrew Small.

the affable singing duo regaled the attendance with such songs as ‘Norwegian Wood’ ‘Don’t let me down’ and ‘Hide your love away’ by the Beatles. Other numbers included ‘Make you feel my love’, ‘Waterloo Sunset’ and ‘Sunny afternoon’ Geoff Rose to the occasion

When, in 1988, Liverpool playwright Willy Russell sat down to write Shirley Valentine, which Lake Productions will stage in the Barnstorm venue at the Home Rule Club from July 24 to 27th, the playwright was tapping into the oldest form of storytelling in the world of theatre, the one woman/ man solo performance.

Also in attendance was Thomastown based theatre maker Gillian Grattan.

There was also a strong contingent of Lake production members present including Joe Murray, Derek Dooley and Sean Hackett, who appeared recently in their production of ‘Da’ by Hugh Leonard.

Founding member of Lake, Emily Kelly thanked all for attending the launch and gave details of booking.

Lake Productions will stage SHIRLEY VALENTINE at the Barnstorm venue at the Home Rule Club, Johns Quay Kilkenny July 24 to 27th.

Booking now open. 083 325 0617

Cantwell painting

As part of the evening, a raffle for a Michael Cantwell oil painting was held. From the thirty people who bought tickets Nuala Culleton's name was drawn from the hat by Graignamanagh chef, and chair of The Drama League of Ireland, Edward Hayden. Ken McGuire congratulated Nuala and thanked all who supported the raffle. Proceeds were in aid of production of the play.

Providing the entertainment at Billy Byrnes for the Launch of Shirley Valentine were Conan Doyle and Tony Cleere

Director Mary Cradock pictured with Dunamaggin based artist Andrew Small

Committee members of Lake productions at the launch of Shirley Valentine. Back row: Ken McGuire, Ger Cody, Joe Murray, Geoff Rose. Seated : Emily Kelly, Mary Cradock, Clare Gibbs and Dee Gibney

Sheila Ragget and Rose Kelly from Stoneyford stage school at the Lake Productions launch

Actor and director. Clare Gibbs who plays the role of Shirley Valentine, pictured with director Mary Cradock

Nicola Ryan, Gabriel Maher and Linda Beale White at Billy Byrnes

Carlow Little Theatre member Mark Cradock and Brendan Corcoran at Billy Byrnes

Gun control advocates and domestic abuse victims’ rights groups have praised a US Supreme Court ruling upholding a federal ban on people under domestic violence restraining orders from owning guns.

The 8-1 decision in US v. Rahimi, which ruled that federal and state laws that prevent domestic abusers from temporarily owning a firearm do not violate the Second Amendment, came after several decisions by the conservative-leaning court in the last two years that have scaled back gun control laws.

Janet Carter, senior director of issues and appeals at the gun control non-profit Everytown Law, said the ruling was a step in the right direction but more work needs to be done to prevent gun violence.

“Our country has stood at a tipping point, with the safety of survivors of domestic violence on the line. But today, we took a step toward protecting millions from their abusers,” she said in a statement.

La’Shea Cretain, an Everytown volunteer, told ABC News she knows the decision will go a long way after she survived a violent encounter with her ex-boyfriend, a case profiled by ABC News.

The five bullets that put Cretain in a coma are still inside her body.

“It’s going to affect so many children from witnessing their mothers, fathers, grandparents or friends or anyone, experiencing gun violence, at the hands of abusers,” Cretain told ABC News.

She also said that the court showed that they listened to survivors’ experiences.

“They listened to us. Because it’s not a day, a minute, our second, but we don’t think about it. We don’t feel the pain. But we have to continue to go on in spite of it all,” she said.

Former Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a shooting in 2011 and now heads the Giffords Law Centre to Prevent Gun Violence, echoed that statement.

Her organisation noted that women in the US are 21 times more likely to die from a firearm than women in other

Gun control groups hail gun ban for domestic abusers

high-income countries.

“This is a win for women, children, and anyone who has experienced domestic abuse. Women should be able to live their lives free from the fear of gun violence,” Giffords said.

Although gun control advocates contend the decision could pave the way for similar laws and firearms restrictions against dangerous individuals, one of the nation’s most prominent gun rights groups argued that the Supreme Court’s decision is narrow.

Randy Kozuch, executive director of the National Rifle Association, said in a post on X that the decision “holds only that an individual who poses a clear threat of violence may be temporarily disarmed after a

“Women in the US are 21 times more likely to die from a firearm than women in other high-income countries...

judicial finding of dangerousness.” The NRA has been vocal against red flag laws passed in several states which allow people or law enforcement the right to petition a court to have a person’s firearms removed if they pose a threat to others or themselves.

“The Supreme Court’s nar-

row opinion offers no endorsement of red flag laws or of the dozens of other unconstitutional laws that the NRA is challenging across the country that burden the right of peaceable Americans to keep and bear arms,” Kozuch said.

Kelly Roskam, director of law

and policy at the Johns Hopkins Centre for Gun Violence Solutions, said in a statement that research has shown that armed domestic abusers are not just a threat to their significant other but to the general public.

“It also shows that laws prohibiting these individuals from having firearms are effective at reducing intimate partner homicide. It is imperative that we be able to continue to do so,” she said.

President Joe Biden, a staunch gun control advocate, vowed to continue to advocate for laws and policies that prevent arming domestic violence suspects.

Biden noted that Congress and his office have pushed

forward policies to prevent shootings in domestic violence cases citing the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, which he helped pass during his time in the US Senate, and the recent Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that narrowed the so-called “boyfriend loophole” so that dating partners convicted of domestic violence cannot buy a firearm.

“No one who has been abused should have to worry about their abuser getting a gun. As a result of today’s ruling, survivors of domestic violence and their families will still be able to count on critical protections, just as they have for the past three decades,” he said in a statement.

Hajj horror: travel agencies face possible prosecution

Egypt has revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that helped unauthorised pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia, authorities said. More than 1,300 pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials say Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorised pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca.

Speaking with the stateowned Al Ekhbariya TV, the minister said 95 pilgrims were being treated in hospitals,

some of whom were airlifted for treatment in the capital, Riyadh. He said the identification process was delayed because there were no identification documents with many of the dead pilgrims. He said the dead were buried in Mecca, without giving a breakdown.

The fatalities included more than 660 Egyptians. All but 31 of them were unauthorised pilgrims, according to two officials in Cairo. Egypt has revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that helped such unauthorised pilgrims to travel. Egypt sent more than 50,000 authorised pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Saudi authorities cracked

down on unauthorised pilgrims, expelling tens of thousands of people. But many, mostly Egyptians, managed to reach holy sites in and around Mecca, some on foot.

Unlike authorised pilgrims, they had no hotels to return to to escape the scorching heat.

In a statement, Egypt’s Government said the 16 travel agencies failed to provide adequate services for pilgrims. It said these agencies illegally facilitated the travel of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia using visas that don’t allow holders to travel to Mecca.

The government also said officials from the companies have been referred to the

public prosecutor for investigation. According to the stateowned Al-Ahram daily, some travel agencies and Hajj trip operators sold Saudi tourist visas to Egyptian Hajj hopefuls, violating Saudi regulations which require exclusive visas for pilgrims. Those agencies left pilgrims in limbo in Mecca and the holy sites in scorching heat, the newspaper said.

The fatalities also included 165 pilgrims from Indonesia, 98 from India and dozens more from Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Malaysia, according to an Associated Press tally. Two U.S. citizens were also reported dead.

Family-owned businesses at the heart of Kilkenny’s unique retail experience

Small retail businesses, many of them owned and managed by several generations of the same family, are the backbone of Kilkenny’s economy.

Kilkenny has over 930 retail businesses, and together they employ over 3,800 people. This makes it the third largest employment sector in the city and county, behind healthcare in first spot and manufacturing in second place.

These businesses are dotted along the city’s High Street, history-steeped side streets and picturesque laneways, all within walking distance of one another and all only a stone’s throw from Kilkenny’s centrally located car parks, locally-owned cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels. It all makes for a uniquely intimate retail experience and copper-fastens Kilkenny’s appeal as a destination for discerning shoppers, retailers say.

City-centre retailer and newlyappointed Chamber President, Anne Barber, said many of the customers who come into her gift shop, ‘Butterslip’ www.butterslip.com, and surrounding retailers are on a missiondriven shopping experience. She said that an ongoing partnership with Kilkenny County Council to promote the city’s unique retail offering will provide a welcome boost.

“Kilkenny has an absolutely brilliant retail offering. It’s compact. It’s clean. It’s easy to walk around. There are always challenges but we are doing so many things right and we get amazing feedback from destination shoppers. We have a great catchment area, just over an hour from Dublin and less than two hours from Cork, so it’s perfect for a day trip!”

Hotelier and chair of the City Centre Task Force, Colin Ahern, said

a successful and sustainable Tourism Industry in Kilkenny is dependent on a vibrant retail economy and vice versa.

“Kilkenny’s success has always been built on strong co-operation between retail and tourism and thankfully our retail offering here remains as unique and diverse as the City we live in.”

Third generation of Goods now at the helm

While staff turnover is a major issue in the modern retail environment, it’s absolutely not an issue for one third generation Kilkenny retailer who is edging towards 100 years in business.

Up until a couple of months ago, three staff at Goods of Kilkenny had worked in the renowned High Street fashion outlet for over 50 years

each. Two remain and while one has plans to retire the other long-serving member has absolutely no intention of calling it a day.

For generations, Goods of Kilkenny has been a one stop shopping destination for fashion for women and children of all ages. The third generation business first opened in 1927 and today, it is managed by Heidi Good, whose grandfather, Harry Good, founded the family business.

She took over from her father, Vivian, who has taken a back seat but still offers his pearls of wisdom as required.

“Today, I run the business in the role of Managing Director, my sister Mandy, a Director, works a day a week with me and our Dad is there to offer his wisdom. My grandfather opened up a shoe business in 90 High Street. Some years on he purchased 88 High Street and started to sell men’s and women’s fashion,

lingerie and haberdashery.

“My father took over the business in the 1960s. He bought another building that is the length of St Mary's lane. Over the next 20 years, he dug out a basement and built on 2 floors, giving Goods its 4 floors. Up until 2004, Goods was a traditional department store with cookshop, linens, men’s, ladies, kids fashion and shoes.

“In 2004, the company took a whole new direction and became a dedicated store for women.

The store was completely renovated and took a year to complete. Many well-known High street brands came into our store as concessions, while keeping some of the departments under our own management: Lingerie, Cosmetics and Kids clothing.

“In the intervening years, some of our concession partner companies closed down. Our response was to give more space to Hobbs, Phase Eight & Whistles, bringing them up to the top grade. This meant our customers have the premium selection from these fabulous brands. We also gave more space to a very successful Irish owned shop - Choice Boutique. We opened up an Accessories Department selling gifts and handbags and our own-bought women's fashion department offering quality with affordable prices. These brands include Benetton, B Young, Kaffe & YAS. Today we also have the largest lingerie department in the entire south east,” Heidi revealed.

It is so important when there are family members involved in a business that there are clear lines of responsibility, good communication, a ready willingness to listen to those who have years of experience and faced many challenges in their time

and that if there are disagreements in business matters, they are left in the workplace and not brought into home life, Heidi said.

“I am blessed to have both my dad and my sister working with me in the roles they have in the business. We get on great and moments of tension can always be deflected with a good dose of humour.

“Like many other businesses, Goods has faced many challenges over the decades it has been in business: mass emigration in the 1980s; the global crash 2007 onwards; Covid; increased living costs; competition. And the only way to plough through any of those challenges is to do something. If you do nothing, you'll be dead in the water. The key is do something...anything! It may not be a quick fix but it puts in motion an energy that gets you through those challenges.

“During Covid we fast-tracked getting our product up online. During cost-of-living crisis, we kept our margins low so that the customer would not be hit with increased prices and encourage them to shop and to continue to enjoy shopping.”

Like so many parts of medieval Kilkenny, there is a lot of history in the walls of the High Street store.

“My aunt, Sylvia, was born here as my grandparents were living over the shop for the first few years of their marriage. Part of what is now Quiz on the ground floor, used to be my grandfather's office. In the 1930s to 1950s, staff used to live over the shop. Some were as young as 15 or 16...it was an apprenticeship. My dad still has letters, written to my grandfather, giving their child permission to go to a dance. Different times! Definitely different times,” she concluded.

Kilkenny Retail Campaign

Kilkenny Retail Kieran Street

Kilkenny Retail Campaign

Goods of Kilkenny - Mandy, Vivian and Heidi Good

A grim legacy: Kilkenny’s industrial schools

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

A shadowy chapter of our past opened up for the Kilkenny Heritage Walkers last weekend when they confronted the mixed legacies of two former industrial schools: St. Joseph’s on the Waterford Road, and St. Patrick’s on the Kells Road.

St Patrick’s first saw the light of day in 1879, when the Bishop of Ossory, Dr Moran, acquired from the State an agricultural college known as the “model farm” to establish an industrial school for boys of the diocese.

Located a mile outside Kilkenny city, the large house with outbuildings stood on 80 acres of land. The Sisters of Charity moved into the house and in December 1879, St. Patrick’s was certified as an industrial school suitable for “the admission of 186 boys up to the age of 10 years.”

From the beginning it was an austere place; plagued by malnourishment that sometimes verged on starvation. The boys learned trades and great emphasis was placed on the acquisition of good manners.

The Kilkenny Journal referred to lively concerts and plays being staged at the school to keep up morale. They certainly needed breaks from the relentless grind of learning through punishment. Thoughts of “sparing the rod” were far from the minds of educators in those days.

A church was provided to

cater for the spiritual needs of the boys, and donations poured in from the locality to pay for side altars, sanctuary lamps, statues, and other hallowed accessories. Whatever about awareness of actual conditions for the boys in the school, the community was deeply attentive to the boy’s prospects in the next world: A bell and belfry of cut stone was donated by pious Kilkenny folk to St. Patrick’s. The institution closed its doors in November 1966 after which the buildings were converted to a centre caring for people with learning disabilities.

Learning through fear St. Joseph’s was founded in 1873; a year after the Bishop of Ossory Dr Moran asked the Religious Sisters of Charity to care for homeless girls of the county. The Bishop laid the foundation stone to great acclamation in 1877. The building comprised a convent, school, and chapel. It went on to cater for girls only until the closure

of St Patrick's School for Boys in 1966 prompted the Department of Education to permit the enrolment of boys in St Joseph's.

Children came from the Kilkenny area but also from other parts of Ireland, especially Dublin. They found themselves in the school for a variety of reasons, or alleged reasons, the official ones listed as “destitution, illegitimacy, illness or death of a parent, parental inability to exercise proper

guardianship or being unable to cope.”

In theory, industrial schools had “no penal or corrective function”, the aim being to ensure that the inmates left with skills to prepare them for life outside the institution. In practice, strict discipline was maintained from the outset and this all too often involved brutal ill-treatment, as revealed in the shocking 2009 Ryan Report.

Records show that the number of children in St.

Joseph’s ranged from between 131 in 1933 down to 97 in 1983. Numbers declined during the 1980s and only 25 children remained in 1993. By the time the Health Board took over the institution in 1999 the figure had dropped to ten.

Education at St. Joseph’s, as at St. Patrick’s; went hand-in-hand with a severe punishment regime. Beatings and emotional abuse were common. Fear stalked the rooms and the corridors.

Throughout most of its grim history, it was a place to be endured, and you’d be lucky to survive St. Joseph’s unscarred by the longer term effects of cruelty and abuse. Despite this fearsome reputation, many former inmates expressed gratitude for a basic education received in an age when poverty and illiteracy were rife in Ireland. The technical classes at the school were professionally run.

Acting on a proposal from Lady Cuffe, who took a philanthropic interest in the plight of such children; samples of needlework from the school were sent to the Glasgow Festival, where it impressed patrons and judges. The children of St. Joseph’s also won prizes at story-telling and musical talent events.

In the mid 1940s the quality and value of education at St. Joseph’s received a boost with official recognition from the Education Board: the inmates could now expect to be taught to Primary Cert level.

In defence of St. Joseph’s the point has been made that the nuns there couldn’t cope with the large numbers and had to deal with social and psychological pressures that few human beings would find endurable.

When the South Eastern Health Board took over the building in 1999, the curtain came down on an institution that had impacted the lives of many children…for better or worse.

Dark Heritage

In her presentation on Saturday, Marianne Kelly of the Heritage Walkers avoided passing judgment on either of the institutions, but painted a vivid word picture of what life must have like for the inmates.

Between St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s she indicated another historic building: the House of Industry. Now a modern apartment block, it was completed by renowned architect William Robertson in 1833 to serve as a fever hospital. Among its most illustrious patients in the 20th century was the Callan-born, internationally famed artist Tony O’ Malley.

Marianne led the walkers on a sombre tour of St. Patrick’s. It’s like the proverbial “deserted village” nowadays: not a sign of life in any of the buildings that once buzzed with the voices of nuns and teachers, and the laughter or quiet sobbing of boys learning the hard way.

The large visitor group fell into a reverential silence when it entered the little cemetery where the bodies of boys that died while at the school are buried.

The group joined Marianne in a recitation of the “Angel’s Prayer”; in front of a memorial to yesterdays’ children.

The walkers said goodbye to St. Patrick’s and St, Joseph’s, reminders of a sad and almost unbearable part of our heritage.

The memorial dedicated to the boys of St Patricks industrial school

Marianne Kelly charts the history of St Patricks on the Kells Road

Addressing the legacy of St Josephs Industrial School

The Kilkenny Observer has linked up with Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny

With lots of retail outlets to choose from and places to grab a bite to eat, not to mention the exciting news of three new businesses joining the Shopping Centre.

Complete your entries below...

✁

Question: Name one of the shops at Market Cross Shopping Centre

Competition Rules

1. This competition is sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer

2. The prize will be €200 voucher for Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny

3. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, July 17th2024 at 5.00pm.

4. The winner will be chosen by an open draw held at the office of The Kilkenny Observer on Friday, July 19th 2024.

5. The prize is non-transferable; no cash equivalents may be claimed.

6. All competition entries must be completed on the above form only.

7. The winner will be advised by phone. Please be available to take the call

8. After being notified the name and photograph of the winner will be posted in the next edition of the Kilkenny Observer.

9. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering the competition.

10. The competition is not open to The Kilkenny Observer employees or their families.

A journey embracesthatbeauty, passion, dedicationand

“The Open Gardens of Ireland takes you on an enchanting journey through Ireland’s finest gardens.”

Those were the words of broadcaster, culinary arts lecturer and TV chef, Edward Hayden when he officially launched the new book by Shirley Lanigan in Rothe House on Tuesday night. "This book is more than just a guide; it is a tribute to the beauty, passion, and dedication that she found in each garden, and of course the unique narrative associated with each one," he said.

"These gardens are more

than mere collections of plants and flowers; they are living, breathing embodiments of our history, culture, and community spirit.

They tell stories of generations past and present, each one adding its unique touch to the vibrant tapestry of our natural world," he added.

A large crowd attended the event hosted by Valerie O'Sullivan and her team at Rothe House while Khan Kiely of Khan Books on James's Street had the book stall.

‘The Open Gardens of Ireland’ is a spellbinding journey through 400 divine

and diverse gardens on the island of Ireland.

Following 18 months on the road, Shirley Lanigan's painstakingly researched homage to gardeners, which took her from the top of North Antrim to the tip of West Cork is now available.

From petite and formal to huge, plant-populous jungles; from wild and natural to ordered and intricate; through hidden sanctuaries and into the iconic, treasured public gardens and parks, ‘The Open Gardens of Ireland’ leads you on a grand tour.

“Gardeners have so much to share with us and we can learn from them by visiting and studying their creations”

according to Shirley. Gardeners have long been standing up for and working quietly and diligently on sustainability; preserving wildlife and biodiversity.”, continued the author. Shirley has expertly exposed the lengths to which they have gone to enrich our planet.

Trinny Kenny, Gerry and Susan Keoghane

Evan Kenny, Sharon and Paul O'Shea

Joe Gough and Shirley Lanigan

Edward Hayden and Shirley Lanigan

Mick Lanigan and Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick

Jimmy and Mary Lenehan

Denis Lahart, Tim Kiely, Shane Lanigan and Clare Lanigan

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 75

‘Everything is connected’

The Backyard Band single launch

The Backyard Band will launch their new single “You can be a Winner” in Orchard House Bar, Kilkenny on Saturday next June 29th.

The Backyard Band is made up of three former members of the Band Tweed- Brendan Ryder, Vocals/ Guitar, Dave Hallissey, Sax, Harmonica, Vocals, and Gay Brazel, Guitar & Vocals.  Tweed were one of Irelands top bands in the 70s and 80s playing to full houses all over the country, sometimes seven nights a week. The three Tweed lads are joined by Mick

Grace, Drums/Vocals and Peter Dowley, Bass/Vocals.

The Band have been together since 2019, writing, recording and gigging around the South East.

They Headlined the Comeragh’s Wild Festival last year, and have become regulars at Kilkenny Roots Festival and Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival.

Recently they have been in Middlewalk Studios recording and out of those sessions comes the new Single, which was written by Brendan Ryder.

The

Bonus track on the single is another Brendan Ryder penned song “Land of Make Believe”.

band will of course play their usual set of Classic songs on Saturday night with some Tweed favourites and originals also in the mix. The new Single will be available and the band are looking forward to meeting everyone. Gig starts at 9.30 with free admission.

The single priced at €5 will also be on sale in Rollercoaster Records Kieran Street Kilkenny.

White Twine and Old Suitcases

The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and Recovery College South East have produced a wonderful anthology of poetry and prose. ‘White Twine and old suitcases’ comprises of 128 pages and 60 authors and is complemented by some wonderful photos and artwork by TASK camera club. It is printed by Modern Printers. It is definitely recommended reading for all lovers of poetry. The Kilkenny Observer is happy to run the poems each week to promote creative writing and to highlight these wonderful centres. Available in all Kilkenny book shops. €10

Bedridden

Would you hold it against me if my eyes currently don’t go moist? I’d turn back on the works if I had the choice. Doesn’t mean I don’t miss you any less, You’re like me, we need bulletproof vests. You and me are so alike,

If I could turn on the works maybe then I’d be alright Like you used to all the time every time, Tell myself you’re ok, just a line I wasn’t buying Lying in there for weeks at a time

What could we do? Wasn’t for the want of trying But it wins, that thing that bears down and down, Grey clouds, grey skies, no happiness to be found All the time: “You alright? Anything we can do?” There’s nothing, no. Alright, no, alright? Nothing new.

David Cooke

A White Feather

A white feather, a Quill to write this note to you a very personal one with many twists and turns to it. One that opens your heart on a rainy day full of love it can’t get a right sentence full of everything positive in it. A brilliant detail write over and over again classic written in basic ink through many corridors long a white feather is the thought of the day a very special song.

Damien Cooney

The Writing Group in Kilkenny

Boil the kettle. Quick. Quick. Why did I opt for the fancy glass one with the blue light?

I should have bought the super-fast-charging model. Perfect for rushed times like this.

Tapping my toe against the cabinet, chewing on the sleeve of my cardigan, I wait.

My mind drifts to the online session ahead. I look forward to this every Wednesday and I am bereft of it when we are on break. Though my attachment is entirely selfish.

This keeps me on track. It raises the standard. I get so much from hearing everyone speak and share their hard-learned truths. And they are so tangible, always there in the poetry of their words, in the heartfelt praise, in the sweet lyrical flat accents.

Bubbling boiling beeps bring me back to the hurried moment. Slapping in a green teabag, lashing on the water, thanking myself for not using milk or honey ‒ time goes unwasted.

Seconds to spare, I eject myself from the kitchen, my cardi parachuting me to the finish ‒landing just in time. Screens pop open with familiar faces and, excitingly, a few new ones.

The usual chorus of hellos, how-are-ya’s, and unmute-yourselftheres begin. And so I relax into the warmth of my mug, into the sound of community, into the longed-for voices of home.

Catherine Cronin

Eimear’s novel attracts wonderful crowd as Kitty’s War is launched

By Kilkenny Observer reporter

Photos by Pat Shortall

The wonderful O’Loughlin Gaels pavilion was the venue for the launch of a new book last week. Kitty’s War is the second book by Eimear Lawlor having first published ‘Dublin's Girl’ in 2021 during lockdown. The novel is set in 1941 in Ballyfoyle, Kilkenny, and The Curragh Military Camp, against the backdrop of World War II. What a pleasure it was to meet up with Sheila Forsey who performed

the launch. In a different life Sheila was involved with Watergate productions and a chat before proceedings got underway evoked some lovely memories. Sheila engaged in a Q and A with Eimear to reveal some wonderful insights into the research, planning and writing of this historical fictional novel. The ‘Loughs’ pavilion was packed with supporters and Khan Kiely who was selling Eimears books reported great sales.

The story "Kitty's War" follows the life

of Kathleen "Kitty" Flynn, a young Irish woman who faces immense personal and societal challenges during one of history's most tumultuous periods. She wants to return to London to escape her past and move on but is forced to stay when her brother becomes seriously ill. The Kilkenny Observer attended the launch and spoke with the author.

We first asked Eimer about the title.

“The name "Kitty's War" is a play on words. The Germans had seriously considered in-

vading Ireland during the war in a plan called Operation Green, codenamed ‘Operation Kathleen’.

The IRA had tried to strike a deal with Hitler that if they helped invade Ireland, it would be a stepping stone to Britain. Additionally, Ireland was strategically positioned with ports to Europe and on the west coast to the Atlantic”, explained Eimear.

Ms Lawlor went on to say that she has always been interested in world wars, and she stumbled upon a book in the Kilkenny library called

‘Luftwaffe Crash-Landing in Ireland.’

Research

“When I first started writing about Kitty, I stumbled upon the fascinating yet largely untold story of British and German internees in The Curragh during the Second World War!”, continued the author.

For Eimear, this discovery provided a rich historical context that deeply influenced the narrative of "Kitty's War." The Curragh Camp in County Kildare housed both

British and German soldiers, creating a unique world compared of the broader conflict and different to the internment camps in Europe. This aspect of Irish history is untold, and according to Eimear she felt compelled to shed some light on it through Kitty's story.

Brief Synopsis In 1941, Kitty moves back to Ireland from the bombravaged streets of London to the serene yet turbulent Irish countryside. Kitty navigates love, loss, and survival.

Mary O’Donovan and Margaret Canning at O’Loughlins GAA club

Josie Lawlor and Orla Mackey celebrating the launch of Kitty’s War

Signing copies of her book Kitty’s War was Eimear Lawlor

The novel captures her scarred and disillusioned relationship with her brother Anthony, who returns from fighting in the Spanish Civil War. Their lives are further complicated by their encounters with a German airman,, whose presence brings danger to the attention of G2, Irish Military Intelligence, because of her brother's past. She has to make a choice to save herself or her brother. Kitty's War" intertwines personal struggle with historical events, giving readers a glimpse of life in Ireland during World War II. The story centres on the life of Kathleen "Kitty" Flinn, whose experiences reveal

the personal and societal impacts of living in Ireland in the 1940s. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Ireland's neutrality and the lesser-known internment of German soldiers at The Curragh Camp in County Kildare.

On the night of the launch, military men Larry Scallan, Jim O’Keeffe,(Kilkenny military muse-

um) and Michael Rowley ( Curragh history Group) were in attendances showing many artefacts from WWll which added greatly to the evening.

Eimear Lawlor was born in Co. Cavan and now lives in Kilkenny.

She did a diploma in creative writing with Maynooth university and her work has been broadcast on The Ryan Tubridy and The Ray Darcy

Launch of 'Kitty's War'

shows on RTE. Her debut novel Dublin’s Girl was number one best seller on Amazon and listed number six in the Irish Times original fictional chart

‘Kitty’s war’ is available in Eason’s Book centre and all bookshops nationwide. Also available in U.K., Amazon USA and Australia.

Melinda Skehan and Marie Cummins at the book launch of Kitty’s War

Author Eimear Lawlor, Mary Reade and Helen Staunton at the launch of Kitty’s War

Lizzie Shortall and Darren Claffrey

Olivia Collins and Sheila Lennon pictured at O’Loughlins for the launch of Kitty’s War

Staff from Khan’s bookshop who were on selling duty at the launch of Kitty’s War. From left :Mandi O’Toole Power , Stephanie Cahill and Khan Kiely

Sean O’hArgáin

Eimear Lawlor, Sheila Forsey and Marian Flannery at O’Loughlins

At O’Loughlins GAA club for the launch of Kitty’s War were Breda O’Connell and Lucy Heary

Gerry Bowe, Eimear Lawlor and Josie Molloy enjoying the night at O’Loughlins

Author Sheila Forsey, Eimear Lawlor and Siobhán Donohue

Food & Drink

Healthy lasagne

Prep:15 mins

Cook:1 hr and 15 mins

Serves 4

Enjoy our lighter version of the family classic – lasagne. It has bags of flavour, but comes in at under 500 calories a portion, as well as packing in four of your five-a-day.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion (250g), finely chopped

• 320g carrots, finely chopped

• 2 celery sticks (140g), finely chopped

• 2 bay leaves

• 500g 5% beef mince

• 3 large garlic cloves, finely grated

• 400g can chopped tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 1½ tsp vegetable bouillon powder

• 400ml semi-skimmed milk

• 30g wholemeal flour

• generous pinch of nutmeg

• 6 sheets wholemeal lasagne (125g)

• 25g finely grated parmesan

STEP 1

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion, carrots, celery and one of the bay leaves for 8-10 mins until the veg softens and is starting to turn golden. Add the mince and garlic, and stir-fry until the beef browns, about 5 mins. Tip in the tomatoes and a canful of water, the tomato purée and bouillon, bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for 20 mins, removing the lid after 10 mins to reduce the mixture slightly.

White chocolate cookies Come Dine WithMe

Prep:10 mins

Cook:12 mins

Serves 10

Bake a batch of these soft Americanstyle cookies, studded with chunks of white chocolate. Leave to cool or eat slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients

• 120g unsalted butter, softened

• 85g light brown soft sugar

• 65g golden caster sugar

• 1 medium egg

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

• 180g plain flour

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 180g white chocolate, broken into chunks

STEP 2

Meanwhile, pour the milk into a medium pan with the flour and whisk over a low heat until the mixture is lump-free. Add the second bay leaf and a good pinch of nutmeg, and continue to cook, whisking, for

Method

STEP 1

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line two large baking sheets with baking parchment. Beat the butter and sugars together in a large bowl using an electric whisk, or in a stand mixer until just combined. Crack in the egg and beat again. Stir through the vanilla, flour, bicarb, chocolate chunks and ¼ tsp fine sea salt.

STEP 2

Roll the mixture into 10 even-sized balls between the palms of your hands. Arrange over the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 mins until golden brown at the edges. Leave to cool slightly on the sheets, then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely, or eat warm with ice cream.

8-10 mins until thick.

STEP 3

Remove the bay from the mince and white sauce, and discard. Spoon a third of the mince into the base of a 19 x 24cm baking dish and top with

two lasagne sheets. Spoon over half of the remaining mince, then top with two more lasagne sheets, the rest of the mince and the remaining lasagne sheets. Spoon over the white sauce and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 40 mins until bubbling and golden.

Sloe gin fizz

Prep: 5 mins.

Serves 1

Treat yourself to a sloe gin fizz, made with sloe gin and lemon juice and topped up with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon slice and a blackberry.

Ingredients

• 50ml sloe gin

• 25ml lemon juice

• 2 tsp sugar syrup

• ice • sparkling water

• lemon slice

• fresh or frozen blackberry

Method

STEP 1

Pour the sloe gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker and fill up with ice cubes. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, then strain into a tall glass filled with more ice. Top up with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice and a blackberry.

Hot gin toddy

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 5 mins

Serves 2

Wind down at the end of the day with this gin-based hot toddy made with warming lemon, orange, honey and spices. It’s also a great Christmas tipple.

Ingredients

• 50ml gin

• 50ml freshly squeezed orange juice

• 50ml lemon juice

• ½ lemon, sliced

• 2 cloves

• 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 juniper berries, lightly crushed

• 2 tsp runny honey

Method

STEP 1

Divide the gin between two small heatproof glasses or mugs.

STEP 2

Pour 100ml water into a saucepan with the rest of the ingredients, reserving one lemon slice. Heat gently over a low heat until simmering.

STEP 3

Strain the mixture into a jug, discard the fruit and spices, then pour the toddy over the gin in the glasses and stir gently to combine. Cut the reserved lemon slice in half, use these to garnish the drinks and serve warm.

Ryan Reynolds’ Safe House climbing Netflix charts

Even though he’s become something of a Netflix regular after headlining Michael Bay’s 6 Underground, time-travelling adventure

The Adam Project, and the streaming service’s biggestever original hit Red Notice, Ryan Reynolds remains capable of putting bums in cinematic seats.

In an age where recognisable properties and established franchises are often the main draw to entice audiences towards their local multiplex, Reynolds has established himself as being among the last of a dying breed after proving himself to be one of the few A-listers who can open a movie based largely on their involvement.

The first two Deadfall flicks, The Hitman’s Body-

guard, Detective Pikachu, Free Guy, and John Krasinski’s IF have all soared at the box office with Reynolds leading the line, so it was inevitable that when he was partnered up with another bona fide drawing card the end result was going to be nothing other than unqualified success.

Sure enough, when he sparred opposite Denzel Washington in 2012’s action thriller Safe House, the film comfortably cleared $200 million in ticket sales. The main selling point was always going to be the prospect of watching the two A-listers bounce off each other from opposite sides of the law, and in that regard, Easy Money director Daniel Espinosa’s Hollywood debut didn’t disappoint.

Washington has a blast gently gnawing on the scenery as the fantastically named Tobin Frost, a disgraced CIA operative who turned to a life of crime. Reynolds’ rookie Matt Weston spends his days hanging around safe houses that largely go unoccupied, at least until he ends up plunged into a battle for survival when the bolthole is placed under attack.

Following the standard action movie template of ‘polar opposites form a reluctant mutual alliance that blossoms into mutual respect by the third act’, the mismatched duo need to stay one step ahead of their pursuers and figure out who wants them dead while ensuring they’ve got eyes in the back of their head

to prevent the other from committing any additional acts of treachery.

It’s an easy sell for a blockbuster and one that Netflix subscribers have embraced with open arms after Safe House emerged as the seventh most-watched feature on the platform’s worldwide watch list. Big stars are almost always guaranteed to do big numbers on-demand, and in the modern age, they don’t come much bigger or more popular than Reynolds and Washington.

There was even talk of a potential sequel for a while that never materialised, so as it stands, Safe House is a strictly one-and-done effort boasting two top stars operating at the top of their charismatic game.

New voice for Batman has been announced

One of the most iconic characters in all forms of entertainment is Batman and it makes sense that this character would be played by an actor that could live up to that standard, and with that in mind, a new voice of The Caped Crusader has been announced.

There have been many iconic actors that have donned the cowl such as Adam West, Michael Keaton, and Christian Bale, to name a few. However, arguably the greatest of which is the late, great Kevin Conroy who

was the voice of Batman in the 90s animated series, as well as Rocksteady’s Arkham franchise, and much more.

Later this year, DC is bringing us the new animated series, Batman: Caped Crusader to Amazon’s Prime Video and not only has the new voice of Bruce Wayne been revealed but so too have Harley Quinn, Catwomen and Two-Face.

As reported by Vanity Fair, the voice of Batman in this upcoming animated series is Hamish Linklater, who you may know as Father Paul,

the priest from the Netflix show, Midnight Mass.

“I never in a million bajillion years imagined that I would actually get the part.

Not only had I never been cast to do voiceover work before this, but also—it’s Batman! You don’t go from zero to Mount Olympus,” Linklater told Vanity Fair.

“Then I got the call and I screamed so loud. I just ran and grabbed my kids and was just like, ‘Dad’s Batman!’”

As for the role of Selina Kyle aka Catwoman, the

to watch this week on stream 5

1. Trigger Warning

The new Netflix movie stars

Jessica Alba as a Special Forces commando-turned- barkeeper whose military skills come in handy when a violent gang starts to run rampant in her hometown. Mark Webber, Gabriel Basso and Anthony Michael Hall also star.

IndieWire’s David Ehrlich described Trigger Warning as “lifeless and instantly forgettable” (ouch!), but if you’re just looking for a way to switch your mind off for a few hours, this could do the trick.

2. Five Nights At Freddy’s

Having debuted on Peacock in the US way back in October, Five Nights at Freddy’s is now finally streaming on Sky and Now. This feature-length adaptation of the hit horror video game series stars Josh Hutcherson as a troubled security guard whose routine night shift at a oncesuccessful, now-abandoned pizzeria is disturbed by a group of murderous animatronics. Five Nights at Freddy’s was produced by the same team behind M3GAN, The Black Phone and The Invisible Man, so expect plenty of blood-curdling surprises.

3. Black Barbie Arriving hot on the heels of the biggest film of 2023 (remember the one starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling?) is Black Barbie on Netflix. This feature-length documentary – which comes from Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland production company – tells the littleknown story of three trailblazing women at Mattel who created the first Black Barbie. Expect talking heads and eye-opening archival footage.

privilege has been handed to Cristina Ricci (a brilliant choice by the way) who has starred in productions such as the Netflix show Wednesday, the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and perhaps more notably, as Wednesday Adams in Addams Family Values.

As for the other half of the Joker, Jamie Chung will be the voice of Dr Harleen Quinzel aka Harley Quinn. Jamie Chung has had previous DC experience playing the role of Valarie Vale in the TV show, Gotham.

4. Federer: Twelve Final Days

This week’s factual Prime Video offering is Federer: Roger Federer’s professional tennis career. Featuring interviews from numerous rivals and friends, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, Federer: Twelve Final Days has been described in one review by The Hindu as a “rudimentary yet nostalgic account of a sporting legend’s swansong,” so Federer fans – or indeed tennis fans, period – won’t want to miss this one.

5. Marry My Husband Park Min-young plays timid office worker Kang Ji-won, whose husband and friend are having an affair and who is killed when she confronts them. She wakes up in the past and, armed with knowledge of the ‘future’, begins to live her life differently in this fast-paced timetravel story

Stress – the long game

Some things that we know are linked to healthier stress in the long run

BY PAUL BOLGER

Last week we looked at “quick fixes” for when stress becomes a little bit too much. But we can’t just rely on emergency options. In the long run we know there are many things that are linked to a healthier relationship with stress.

(I want to emphasise here that I am a physiotherapist, not a psychologist – I'm not a specialist on this topic and am only scratching the surface here. For anybody seeking the best individual advice, working with a registered psychologist is a great place to start.)

In this article I simply want to point out and briefly examine a few factors that lead to a healthier stress balance.

Social Support

We are social beings. Within each of us are biological drives to connect with others. This has been linked to our survival – our ancestors would not have survived for long if they were not part of a group.

It is well understood that social support is one of our most powerful stress relievers. Feeling like we can rely on others when things go against us is good for our health. If you do not feel like you have the support of others, can you think of things that you could do to change this? Usually, these things take some time and effort to change.

Exercise

Being physically active regularly can have similar effects on mood as medication for depression or anxiety (and without the side effects). It is not the “cure”- but it is part of the solution.

For those who are very inactive and don’t know where to start – even a 10-minute daily walk can have potent health benefits. Start there, and then see where that takes you.

Self-Compassion vs SelfEsteem

Us Irish tend to be very selfdeprecating – we play down our successes and struggle to accept compliments. While a degree of humility is

not a bad thing, we often go overboard with this. When things don’t go your way, how do you talk to yourself - are you harsh and belittling? Or do you talk to yourself the way you might talk to a respected friend? Developing selfcompassion can be a challenge, but it may be a very worthwhile challenge that impacts you in many ways. www.self-compassion. org is a website full of fantastic information and practices to cultivate selfcompassion.

Inequality Drives Stress

While the above examples generally relate to the individual, societal factors play a pivotal role in how stress impacts health. Researchers have shown that inequality negatively impacts stress within a society – being linked to physical and mental health. This is not just the case for income inequality, but also inequality of treatment –where some groups are treated differently to others. Can we promote equality and fairness in our own day-to-day lives? At a local and national level, who are the people working towards a fairer, healthier and more content society? How might we support them in their cause? Any step in the right direction will have a positive effect on our health as a society.

Kilkenny Sport Focus

Michael O’Leary

Mia Griffin

Four weeks from today (Friday July 26th), the opening ceremony will take place in Paris to officially mark the start of The Olympics.

Team Ireland could potentially have their best Medal haul at an Olympics with so many prospects across a wide range of sp orts.

Flying the flag from Kilkenny for Team Ireland are Jeremy Duncan w ho is part of the Mens Hockey squad, and also Mia Griffin from Glenmore who will be part of th e Ireland Squad for The Team Pursuit in Track Cycling. She was part of The Ireland Squad that secured qualification in April, and having secured qualification in the Team Pursuit, they are also guaranteed places in both the Womens Omnium and Madison events. It's a remarkable acheivement for an Irish Team to have qualified for an Olympics in Track Cycling, as they are the only country to have qualified without a Velodrome.

Mia had already booked her ticket to Paris back in the Autumn with a 3rd place finish in the Road Race at the Tour of Guangxi, but having qualified in her specialist pursuit event she has de cided to skip the road and give all her attention to the track.

Coming from a Village steeped in GAA, Mia was a very talented Camogie player at underage level, and in 2015 she was part of the Kilkenny Panel that won the Minor AllIreland. A year later in 2016, Mia was part of the Glenmore Team that won the Intermediate County Final, while the following year in 2017 she had the honour of captaining the Kilkenny Intermediates.

Mia's introduction to the sport came about as a result of a work colleague of her Mum spotting an ad on Cycling Ireland, and she put her Camogie career on hold to concentrate on Cycling.

The Glenmore native

made history by becoming the first female Irish c yclist to compete on The World Tour, and riding in her first European Championship in 2018 as part of The Ireland Team in The Pursuit Event, they secured a top ten finishing in 10th place, while f urther top ten places were produced in 2019 as they finished 9th in the Europeans and 10th in The World Championships.

In 2021, as she was part of the Irish Team that won a Bronze Medal in The Team Pursuit at The European Track Championships in Switzerland, w hile she was also part of the Irish Team that won Gold in The Team Pursuit at The World Cup in Saint Petersburg in Russia.

Mia returned to Kilkenny last year to compete in th e Ras Na Mban where she secured stage victories in both Callan and Tramore in g lorious Summer conditions, while she also won Gold at The National Criterium Championships.

L ast January s he was part of the Ireland Team that finished 4th in The Team Pursuit at The European Track Championship in the Netherlands, while also in January she signed for a new British UCI Continental team for road races.

From playing Camogie with Glenmore and Kilkenny to Cycling around the World and on the verge of becoming an Olympian, it's been an incredible journey and adventure. Just a month to go before she is part of the biggest sporting event on the planet.

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

CLARA

CLUB LOTTO

Lotto results for 18th June. Numbers drawn 1, 22, 26. No Jackpot winner €30 each to Donal Murphy, James McGarry, Mary Fitzpatrick, Martin Dooley, Kieran Tobin

SENIOR HURLING

Clara gained their first point of the Senior/Intermediate league on Friday evening in Clara when they shared the spoils with Tullaroan. Tullaroan were sharper from the outset and two points from Pádraic Walsh had them up and running. But Rory Glynn responded with two of his own before Tullaroan scored six of the next seven to move five ahead. Then Clara hit a purple patch and got four in a row through Rory O Keeffe, Joe Connolly, Rory Glynn and David Langton. However Tullaroan finished the half strongly to take a 0-11 to 0-7 lead to the dressing room. Three Clara points began the second half. Two Conor Hoyne efforts were followed by a real peach from Harry Boyle, who had by now gotten to grips with Pádraic Walsh. After a Tullaroan free had pushed the lead out to two, a brace by Martin O Connell and Chris Bolger had the game level. It was nip and tuck the rest of the way and after Rory Glynn and Conor Hoyne had each equalised for Clara Glynn put the home team ahead but Tullaroan again levelled matters. Both sides will rue some bad wides and overall there can be few complaints about the result. Best for Clara were Sean O Shea, Matt Kenny, Harry Boyle, Chris Bolger and Rory Glynn.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Paddy Bolger, Sean O Shea, Evan Whearty. John Murphy, Matt Kenny, Harry Boyle 0-1. Rory O Keeffe 0-1, David Langton 0-1. Conor Hoyne 0-4, 0-3f, Martin O Connell 0-1, Chris Bolger 0-1. Rory Glynn 0-5, Joe Connolly 0-1, Sean Carrigan. Sub used Lester Ryan.

SENIOR CAMOGIE

Clara eked out a one point win over James Stephen’s on Friday evening in the Kells Road. Both teams were understrength and the game was played 13 aside. The extra space led to a high scoring affair and a late Clara surge helped procure the points.

Team - Gráinne Glynn, Anna Walpole, Rachel Whelan, Aoife Treacy. Lucy Cody, Katie Ryan. Rebecca Nolan, Siobhan Treacy. Niamh ward, Aisling Curtis, Niamh Byrne. Róisín Kealy, Lucy Boyd.

GOOD LUCK

Best of luck to Clara’s David Barcoe who lines out for Kilkenny minors on Saturday in the All Ireland final in Nowlan Park. Kilkenny are bidding to win the title for the first time since 2014.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

JUNIOR LEAGUE WIN

The O’Loughlin Gaels Junior team won their first round game in this year’s JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior Hurling League against Mooncoin by 2-27 to 0-8 in St. John’s Park on Saturday night. It was a good team performance featuring a range of scorers with Greg Kelly registering 0-7 and Jack Sheridan scoring the two goals, one in each half and adding four points for good measure. The team was: Declan Murphy, Jay Leahy, Barry Lawlor, Ben Kinchella, Jamie Young, Evan Walsh, John Doyle, Oisín Murphy, Matthew Russell, Ryan Poyntz, Greg Kelly, John Mc Namara, Alex Sheridan, Sammy Johnston, Jack Sheridan. Subs: Alex Molloy, Tadhg O’ Meara, Luke Quigley, Harry

O’Grady, Ben Tyrrell. CAMOGIE SUCCESS

Congratulations to O’ Loughlin’s Laura Greene, Laura Murphy and Danielle Quigley who were all part of the Kilkenny Senior camogie team which defeated Derry 4-17 to 0-7 in the Glen Dimplex All Ireland championship in Páirc Lachtain on Saturday last.

UNDER 8’S STREET LEAGUE

O’Loughlin Gaels Under 8’s have enjoyed playing in a street league competition with the other city clubs

Dicksboro and James Stephens over the last few weeks ending with games in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday last. They are pictured after receiving their medals with fellow O’Loughlin Gaels and Kilkenny senior players Luke Hogan, David Fogarty and Conor Heary. Well done to everyone involved.

BEST WISHES

Everyone in O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and Camogie club is behind the Kilkenny minor hurlers especially our own Conor Holohan, Daniel Mc Cormack, Cian Byrne, Manager Niall Bergin and SandC coach James Kelly as they play Tipperary in the All Ireland final in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday 29th June at 5.30pm. Let’s make sure there is huge support on the day for our players.

Parking and facilities will be available in St. John’s Park for supporters attending the final.

SUMMER CAMP

If you haven’t done so already don’t forget to book your child’s place on O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp. Week

1 is from Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August and Week 2 is from Tuesday 6th to Friday 9th August. Contact Stephen Murphy to book at 085-7181325 or Stephen will be in the club Sunday morning at 10am to collect payment for the Summer Camp and take any new registrations. Payment must be made by 26th of June to secure your place and a jersey. Any payments after this date will not be guaranteed a jersey.

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated June 18th. Numbers drawn 10, 17, 19, 22 Bonus 9. Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto. Thank you for your continued support

Promotors draw. 1. Caoine Murphy c/o Esther Maher. 2. Kieran Ryan c/o Gerry Buckley. 3. Bobby Woods c/o Paddy Greene. 4. Michael Rowe c/o Paddy Greene. 5. Vicky Trehy c/o John Joe Cullen. 6. Geraldine Casey c/o Sean Casey. 7. Elizabeth Rice. 8. Laura Loughnane c/o Online. 9. Conan Doyle c/o P Cleere. 10. Pauline Murphy c/o Online

TOBAR NA GAEILGE

Irish Summer Camp in Johnswell Community Hall for 9-11 year olds from 22nd to 26th July. 10 am to 1pm each day. Contact tobarnagaeilge@yahoo.com or 087- 6673302 for details or to book.

NOTES

If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels. kilkenny@gaa.ie

FRESHFORD

MICK IS NEW CATHAOIRLEACH

Congratulations to local recently re-elected County Councillor Mick McCarthy who was elected Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council for the next year. Mick is the first local man to fill the position since Sean Gibbons of Berna, Freshford held the role. He is wished all the very best in

his new role and Cllr McCarthy said he was honored and proud to take up the position.

FEILE CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to St.Lachtains U15 hurlers who won the Division 3 Feile final at Rosenallis on Saturday last. The boys had a great day out and finished winners on the day. The boys lost their opening game to Whitehall Colmcille before proceeding to defeat Rathdowney Errill, St. Mullins and hosts Rosenallis on the path to the cup final. The St Lachtains men went on to beat a strong St Rynaghs side from Offaly in the final on a scoreline of 1-5 to 1-1. Well done to Jamie Kavanagh who was presented with the player of the tournament award. Well done to everyone involved.

The boys got a great welcome back to the village with supporters turning out to cheer them on as they were paraded around the green on a trailer. Well done to the boys, their management and all involved in the great win.

JUNIOR F FINAL

Best of luck to St Lachtains Junior F hurlers in the final next weekend when they take on Gowran at Palmerstown on Sunday afternoon next. They had a great win over Tullogher in Tullogher in the semi final to book their pace in the final. The lads and management are wished all

the best in their quest for glory. So please go along next Sunday in your colours and support the team.

Team: M Nolan, C Bowden, D.Quinn, D.Burke, L.Whelan, F.Tobin, C.Lehy, C.Dalton, S.Burke, J O’Connor. BHughes, M.Durnan, E Landers, D.Killeen, S.Counihan. J Cantwell.

INTERCOUNTY CAMOGIE

Intercounty action returned to Pairc Lachtain last Saturday with a Kilkenny Intermediate and Senior double header. The facilities were in tip top condition once again and are a credit to club officials and the many volunteers working away behind the scenes. Once again the positive feedback on our grounds has been overwhelming recently, thanks to all involved in maintaining our facilities.

ST LACHTAINS N.S. WIN DOUBLE

St.Lachtains NS had great week last week when they won two major finals. On Tuesday evening the U11 boys had a 3pt win over Kilmacow in the final on a scoreline of 3-7 to 4-1.

On Thursday evening the U13 boys had a great victory over Mullinavat in the final of the Corn Ui Bhriain competition. Finishing on a score of 4-09 to 2-12

Congratulations to both teams and their managers Paul and Cian and all involved in the win.

St Lachtains NS u13 team who won the final

St Lachtains NS U11 team who won the schools final

St Lachtains U15 Hurlers Winners of Feile Division

O’Loughlin Gaels Under 8’s Street League Panel

BIRTHDAY

Birthday wishes are extended to local girl Aine Bowden Dunphy of Buncrussia Street, Freshford who celebrated her 21st birthday last weekend. Aine celebrated her coming of age at a party with family and friends in Kavanagh’s Bar on Saturday night last.

GRAVEYARD MASS

The annual graveyard mass will be celebrated in St. Lachtains cemetery Freshford on Sunday next the 30th June at 11am. If weather is inclement the mass will be celebrated in the Parish Church. People are asked to make sure that their family graves are clean and tidy for the occasion.

It has also come to our attention again recently that damage is being done to or items are been removed from graves in our local cemetery. This was reported earlier in the year and has been happening again recently. You are asked to be vigilant and keep an eye on things and if you see anything suspicious please report same to the Garda Siochana .

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to the O’Sullivan families of Gathabawn who suffered a double bereavement during the past week. Donal O’Sullivan died suddenly last week at his residence. His Funeral mass took place on Friday in Gathabawn Church followed by burial in Johnstown Cemetery.

Then on Saturday his brother Nicky O’Sullivan passed away at Fenor Hill Nursing Home Urlingford. Although he had been unwell for a time nevertheless his passing caused widespread regret and sorrow. His funeral mass took place on Monday in Gathabawn Church followed by burial in Johnstown Cemetery.

Sympathy is also extended to Mrs. Kathleen Doyle, Woodview on the recent death of her brother Patrick Fitzpatrick late of Carrigallen, Co.Leitrim. Funeral mass took place in St.Marys Church, Drumeela with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery

COMMUNITY MARKET

Freshford Community Cafe launched its Community market recently and will be held in the Alley each Saturday from 10am – 1pm selling fresh vegetables fruit flowers etc., and all local support would be greatly appreciated. New stalls would be very welcome and anyone interested in taking a stall can contact any member of the Committee

The Loop café is open each day from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm with some lovely treats and food on offer at a very reasonable price. This is a great addition to the village so why not meet your friends there for a cupa and a chat

SUMMER CAMP

Freshfords longest running summer camp takes place again this year at the GAA Grounds under local man JJ Grace and his coaches. JJ has been running the camp for many years now and it will take place from 29th July to 2nd August this year. For more information or for booking please contact JJ on 086 8629666 WALK

A fundraising charity walk was held on Sunday last to help raise funds for Prague House and the Loop Café. The event commenced from the Square with a good turnout and fabulous weather for the occasion. There was music on the green and refreshments for all at the Loop café. Thanks goes to all who participated or helped out in any way.

IONAD LACHTAIN

St.Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm.

DAY TRIPS

St Joseph’s Young priest’s society held their annual pilgrimage to knock on Saturday last Freshford active retirement group held a day trip to Powerscourt and Glendalough last week. A great day was had by all who travelled

SPLIT THE POT

The local split the pot draw is back in action and last week’s winner was Oisin Kavanagh who won €194. The split the pot proceeds for June goes to Freshford Tidy Towns. Please support the local tidy towns. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs so be in to win.

DEATH

The death occurred last week of Marie Lane (nee Carroll) late of Middleton, Co.Cork and formerly of Threecastles. Funeral mass took place in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary Middleton followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Sympathy is extended to all her family

BRIDGE

Freshford bridge club continues every Monday at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Three castles. New members are always very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610.

FOROIGE

Foroige held an information evening in the Community Hall recently and are looking for adult volunteers for a Youth club. For more info contact Aidan n 086 0674485 or Aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie

PARISH NEWS

Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. and 11am Mass in St.Lachtains Church on Sundays. The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards

Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory. ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808 SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB

CAMOGIE FEILE

On Saturday last the club’s U-14 camogie panel travelled to Wexford for the 50th Feile Camogie Commemorative Festival and over a long day performed with great credit. An early 10am start saw the young Village players get into their stride with a hard earned 0-04 to 0-01 victory over Craanford (Wexford) and followed up with another hard fought 1-05 to 2-00 win over Rathnure (Wexford). Continuing their run they accounted for Ahane (Limerick) with a well deser ved 3-05 to 1-05 victory which earned them a place in the semi-finals of the tournament. In the semi-final, playing against a strong breeze in the first half, the James Stephens girls were under intense pressure and did well to hold the local favourites, Duffry Rovers (Wexford) to 1-05 to 0-00 at the break. Now with wind advantage the young Village starlets regrouped for the 2nd half and fought bravely to get back into contention for a place in the final. A Niamh Moore goal, with five minutes remaining, brought the deficit back to three points and when Molly Dunne pointed shortly afterwards the result was in the balance but alas the Wexford girls held out against intense Village pressure for a 1-06 to 1-04 victory at the final whistle.

While overall this was a huge panel effort throughout a long day’s play, a special mention must be given to Lucy Lennon and Jasmine Timmons McEneaney in defence Ali McDonald and Emma Larkin in midfield and Maura Barton and Molly Dunne in attack. Our thanks to team manager John Murphy and his selectors Eoin Larkin Emer Larkin, Tom Moore, Andy Doyle and Emmet Larkin for their commitment to the training and coaching of the young camogie players which no doubt will ensures a bright future for our national game as the girls progress through the age grades.

MINOR ALL-IRELAND FINAL

At Wednesday evening’s management meeting chairman Aodan O’Ruairc extended best wishes to the Kilkenny minor hurlers and the seven club players on the panel as they prepare to take on Tipperary in Saturday evening’s All-Ireland minor final in UPMC Nowlan Park. The club players involved are team captain Bill McDermott, Larry Phelan, Conor McEvoy, Diarmuid Behan, Conor Heffernan, Padraig Joyce and James Bergin. Here’s hoping the young Cats will have done enough at the end of play to secure victory and end a decade long wait for the Irish Press Cup to rest on the banks of the Nore.

JUNIOR HURLING

On Friday evening in Larchfield the Junior hurlers got their league/championship season off to a positive start with an unexpected comprehensive 4-22 to 1-13 victory over Dicksboro. The game was evenly balanced 0-06 to 0-04 after 21 minutes when Dicksboro struck for a goal from a long-range delivery. Two minutes later James Stephens raised the green flag when Stephen Manogue slipped in behind ‘The Boro defence to send the sliothar to the ‘Boro net. Oisin Bateman continued the positive

work for The Village with an exceptional point score from a sideline cut in the 26th minute. Further points from Shane Guilfoyle, Sean Deely and Geoff Coyne brought the half time score to 1-12 to 1-07 in favour of the home club. Unexpectedly, the 2nd half was all one-way traffic for James Stephens with substitute Edward McDermott hitting the net in the 8th and 10th minutes and the inform forwards registering points from all angles to put the result beyond the reach of an understrength Dicksboro side. A more difficult test lies ahead when they take on Ballyhale Shamrocks on Sunday next 30th June in Ballyhale.

CAMOGIE

Our minors played Danesfort in the summer league on Sunday morning losing by 5-12 to 2-10. A good first half had the Village girls leading by 5pts (2-8 to 2-3) but lost their way in the second half for Danesfort to take control. Best for the village were Kate Larkin, Sophie Meagher and Niamh Leahy in the backs, while Emily Smith and Lucy Coomey fought hard in midfield with Lucy Drennan and Laura Leahy adding most of the scores. Well done to Niamh Deely, Michelle Teehan and Sophie Dwyer on a comfortable win for the Kilkenny Seniors and Hannah Scott, Aoife Cantwell and Tara Murphy on drawing with Dublin in the County Intermediate BBQ DIARY DATE

Co-ordinator Ann Marie White advises that the annual Club BBQ evening has been confirmed for Saturday evening 10th August in Larchfield, starting at 6pm and finishing at 8pm. The popular social event brings the families of hurlers and camogie players across all grades together to enjoy the craic and discuss the championship prospects of club teams as the competitive season gets underway. The fee for adults is €7 and €5 per child for which attendees will receive a tasty burger and a drink, non-alcoholic for the under-aged. For the young at heart there will be fun activities such as face painting, Hanging Tough, Poc Fada, a Crossbar Challenge and running races for all age groups to participate in while popular D.J. Scooter will be at the turntable to provide music selections to suit all ages. The club social centre will open from 8pm. All are welcome.

HURLER’S CO-OP DRAW

The club had three winners in the first draw of the 2024 Hurler’s Co-Op Draw that took place on Tuesday evening

of last week. Pat O’Neill Castle Road won €200 and Andy Boylan, Bennettsbridge Road won €150 while John Brett, Waterford Road won the last prize of the evening €100. The next draw will take place on Tuesday night, 25th June, the results of which will be published in next week’s edition. Meanwhile, the club’s management committee very much appreciates the support of the many club members, friends, parishioners and supporters who loyally contribute to the draw year on year.

U-8 CITY HURLING LEAGUE

For the young Village hopefuls the U-8 City Street League came to a conclusion on Saturday in UPMC Nowlan Park with games against Dicksboro and O’Loughlin Gaels. Juvenile mentor Shane O’Connor would like to acknowledge the support of the County Board for the use of Nowlan Park which gave the young players a sense of the big occasion. Thanks too to Ed McDermott who presented the medals to the young hurlers and to the families for supporting the league over the last two months. The enthusiastic young players can now look forward to the next round of Go Games which will be held in Thomastown.

FOULKSTOWN MASS

Folk should take note that the annual Foulkstown Cemetery, Mass of Remembrance for deceased family members and friends will take place on Thursday evening, 25th July starting at 7.30pm. As per usual, folk are asked to inform family members who are living away of the date and time who would like to attend the popular remembrance ceremony.

LOTTO

Last week’s numbers were 6, 15, 21, 31. No winning ticket. The €40 consolation winners were Jan McIntyre, Ruth Carolan, Lucy Dorney, Mary Fogarty and John Healy. You can get your ticket on Clubforce any time up to 6pm on Tuesday, or, from any club seller.

GOWRAN

GOWRAN AC

Following on from the success of the juveniles in Tullamore, it was the turn of some of the seniors this week. Massive congratulations to Cillian Dunne for yet another superb race in the St Abban’s Stage 4 Summer League. Cillian had a great finish with Tinryland’s Mick Kelly just getting the nod from the officials when they

James Stephens GAA and Camogie Club U-8 City Street League Panel

James Stephens GAA and Camogie Club U-14 camogie panel

Community & GAA Notes

both came in at time of 13:09. Brilliant running Cillian Well done to all the Gowran runners that took on the Kilkenny road race series over the past number of weeks. They were presented with their awards on Friday last and a huge well done to Mick Walsh and Pat Lennon and Matthew Ryan who were on the winning teams. Massive shout-out to Tom Corrigan, who swapped out the track for the glorious Croagh Patrick as he conquered the Gaelforce West race last weekend, taking the running, kayaking and cycling all in his stride.

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT

Well done to Harry, Eoghan and Dylan who all finished in the prizes at CKW Regional Strokeplay in Enniscorthy. Harry Concannon, Eoghan Morrissey and Aidan O Connell were players in the juvenile section which was played alongside the adult grades for the first time yesterday. Harry had a great score of 114 from fellow Gowran player Eoghan Morrissey a fantastic performance from all the boys on their first time playing the tough playing St Patrick’s course.

Dylan Hanrahan took 2nd place in the Gents Intermediate section with a great round of 5 under in the final round. Well done to all the players who represented the club and to St Patrick’s club for the fantastic condition of the course on the day.

DALTON HOUSE DAYCARE

Weekly Wednesday music session in Dalton House kicks off at 8pm. Why not join for a sing song and some light refreshments for €5pp.

GOWRAN PARK

Ladies Day takes place on Saturday July 27th. Early bird tickets now on sale at www.gowranpark.ie

GRAIGUENAMANAGH

GRAIG NOTES

Should you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm

LOTTO GAA AND SOCCER

Numbers drawn on17/06 /24 were, 3, 6, 17, 23. and there was no winner, The following won €30 each Mick Furlong, Ann O’Brien, Liz Earl, Sharron Holden, and Kate Kelly. Tickets are available from any club member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW

The winners of the draw held on 20th June 2024, were first prize €440 Bernie Carroll, 2nd prize €50 Lilly Brennan, 3rd prize €25, Andy Gildchrist. Money raised through Tidy Towns Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all the year round. Draw takes place at 4pm on Thursdays.

RAMBLING HOUSE

The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district’s also join in. The next Session is on Friday July 12th. At 8pm.

CEMETERY MASS

The Annual Calvery Cemetery Mass was celebrated on Friday evening last June 21st by Rev Fr Mark Townsend PP, The weather brightened up, and it was lovely and sunshine with mild Temperatures with a large attendance.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN

CHURCH SERVICES

BRIDGE UNITED

The club needs your help with our Under-8s next season. If you are interested in helping with coaching next season please contact Colin 087 6528212.

A summer soccer academy for boys and girls aged 5-14 will be held in Goresbridge on 7th-9th July from 10am to 1pm. Further info from Conor English tel. 085-1321578.

Cemetery mass on Friday 5th July in Well’s Cemetery followed by Queen of Peace (Goresbridge) on 19th July. Weekend masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday as well as in Paulstown at 11.30am. Weekday mass is at 10am in Paulstown on Friday and the following Tuesday and in Goresbridge, Wednesday, at 10am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm.

COFFEE MORNING

A coffee morning will be held at 9.30am on 28th June in Paulstown Community Hall (new kitchen) for Cois Nore Cancer Support. Info from Frances Kelly tel. 086 6055992.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Are you interested in enjoying light gardening in the community garden in Goresbridge? Pick up garden tips, enjoy a chat and a cup of tea afterwards. We meet every Wednesday at 11am in the Respond House, St Brigid’s

Close off Barrack Street. All welcome. Feel free to bring a friend, neighbour, family member.

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP

Our Community clean up takes place each week on Thursday at 7pm by the bridge.

CUPLA FOCAL

Weekly Friday chatting in Irish continues over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow at 11am.

FORÓIGE YOUTH CLUB (PAULSTOWN)

New members always welcome (aged 12-17) as well as volunteers. Contact Aidan Gleeson tel. 086 067 4485.

MOTOR HOME AIRE

A Motor Home Aire will open in July 2024 with 32 spaces for motor homes. This is a new venture in Goresbridge at Cois Bearbha People’s Park beside the River Barrow in Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny. Eircode is R95W7TH. Our facilities are basic for the moment and the daily charge is €10.

Phone (083)4748900

MULTISPORTS SUMMER CAMP IN PAUSTOWN

A Multisport camp returns to the pitch this year on the week of July 1st-5th. The camps are suitable for children aged between 5-13 years and runs from 10am until 2pm. Summer Multisports camps are run and organised by PE teachers whose aim is to provide children with an opportunity to have fun and be active through a range of sports (GAA, football, frisbee, rounders, Olympic handball etc.) this summer. Cost for 1 child is €70 with discounts for each child after! To book please visit www.multisportcamps.ie. To find out more please contact 0876884136

SHANKILL CASTLE, PAULSTOWN

Shankill Castle is now open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for June, July, and August, from 11 -5pm with daily castle tours at 3pm.

SPLIT THE POT

The Split the Pot in aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie

BENNETTSBRIDGE

SPECIAL NIGHT FOR CAMOGIE

In advance of the All-Ireland Féile event being held in Ferns, a special evening took place in the clubhouse on Tuesday. Members of Bennettsbridge Camogie 1981 féile county champions were invited down to the clubhouse where Ann Hayes (captain) gave a few words of inspiration and support to the team. The ladies were presented with a photo of the 1981 winning team, many thanks to all who took the time to come down.

We would like to give a massive thanks to our main sponsors, in particular Patsy O’Brien, UPMC, Thomastown Credit Union, Glanbia, Sean Holden, PJ Cullen and Barry Croke along with the many other businesses and individuals that have donated to the Féile team.

FÉILE 2024

A fabulous day in Wexford! The girls unfortunately lost out in the Cup semi-final to eventual winners Boherlahan Dualla. To be top 4 in Division A is a huge achievement in itself. Well done everyone, we are all so proud of you.

On Sunday evening the team and mentors marched from Glanbia to the village where they were applauded by supporters. A BBQ and Disco was held in O’Donnell’s.

SCHOOL CHAMPIONS 2024.

It is worth recording the performance of the Bennettsbridge Primary School team in their final game in the Cumann na mBunscoil Crotty’s Pharmacy Roinn C, which led them to achieving the County Championship 2024 by beating Mullinavat and collecting the Georgie Leahy Cup. Playing with the wind Bennettsbridge got off to a steady start but it was Mullinavat who opened the scoring with a point. James Rohan got Bennettsbridge off the mark with a point followed afterwards with a point from Reuben Morrissey and a pointed free from James Rohan. Mullinavat kept in touch with a point in what was turning out to be a physical encounter. Two points from Elliot Morrissey and a pointed free from James Rohan left the score at H/T, BB 0-6, M. 0-4. Bennettsbridge also lost Hugh Leacy to injury during the half to be replaced by Eanna Cleere. Bennettsbridge got the perfect start to the second half with a goal from James Rohan and a point from a free, to leave the score 1-7 to 0-4. Then came the Mullinavat charge during which they scored 1-2 and in the same period BB defended heroically. Bennettsbridge finished the stronger with two points from James Rohan. Final score, Bennettsbridge 1-09, Mullinavat, 1-06.

A great team performance was probably the difference in the end. The management would like to thank the parents for their support during the campaign. Many thanks to Sheila Aylward and Tracy Walsh Brennan (BB N S)for their cooperation throughout. A big thank you to James Crotty, our local pharmacist, who sponsored the meal after the match in the Amber Restaurant. Proprietor, Ping and Jairu looked after everyone in great fashion. The medals were presented to the team by Enda Cleere, long serving goalie with the ‘Bridge Senior hurling team. The management would like to wish all the 6th Class players the best luck in their future hurling and camogie careers.

Panel: Alanna Drea, Bríd Bolger, Izzy Brennan, Lia Farrell, Kristy Ozola, Sean Byrne, Mikey McNally, David Rohan, Eanna Cleere, Reuben Morrissey(Capt.), Elliot Morrissey, Nathan Heuston, Hugh Leacy, Fionn Hennessy, Zach Hennessy, Cian Mulcahy, Jack Minogue, Robbie Dobbyn, James Rohan, Conor McCormack, Louis Kelly Doyle, Dara O’Farrell, Mikey Ryan, Danny Martin, Donovan Gaffney.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Bolger, 7 Tinnehinch, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, who died on the 20th of June 2024 in St. Luke’s Hospital. Mary worked locally for many years in Chesneau Leather factory. The news of her death was received with sadness by her many friends and colleagues in the area. She is survived by her sisters Noreen and Rose, her brother in law Mike, from the USA, her many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends and is pre-deceased by her parents Hannah and Patrick. Reposed at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Graiguenamanagh on Saturday 22nd of June. Removed to Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh, at 6pm for Rosary and prayers. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Sunday 23rd followed by burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Tinnehinch.

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT

A number of Gowran players featured in the CKW Regional Strokeplay in Enniscorthy recently.

Included was local man, Dylan Hanrahan, who took 2nd place in the Gents Intermediate section with a great round of 5 under in the final round. Well done to all the players who represented the club yesterday and to the St Patrick’s club for the fantastic condition of the course on the day.

CHURCH NEWS

At mass on Sunday, Fr Pat Duggan thanked all who were associated with the laying of tarmacadam in the church forecourt. It is a welcome addition and replaces the flagstones which had become a safety hazard. He thanked all the volunteers who worked hard to prepare the surface and also thanked everyone who gave donations to this and to the work on the graveyard extension. Mass Times

Wednesday and Friday 10,30am

GATHERING GROUP

The Gathering Group will take a break for the summer, having had their final meeting last Wednesday in Crafted Cafe at 11am.

ART

Meeting Monday usual time, 2 to 4pm. Artists are working towards their annual exhibition to be held during Kilkenny Arts Week from 8th - 18th August.

LOTTO 17th June,2024. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 1, 6, 7, 28.

Consolation Prizes, Canada Crew c/o O’Mahony’s, D’Bally Boys, Mary Cassin, Bishopslough, Kathleen Leadbetter, Jerpoint Glass, Eamon McEvoy, Gowran Road.

CARDS RESULTS

11th June. First Prize Bridget Murphy/Tommy Hayes and Charlie Hill/Gerry Kelly ( 10 games ). Table prize Mary Whelan/Pat Hanlon.

18th June First Prize. Mary Doyle/Mary Cummins and Colm Tobin/John Drennan ( 10 games ). Table Prize Lar Gibbons/Mick Fitzpatrick.

GAA ALL IRELAND FÉILE CAMOGIE

Well done to the Bennettsbridge Camogie Féile team who participated in the Division 1 Feile in Ferns last Saturday. The ‘Bridge girls drew with Newmarket on Fergus, Granagh Ballingarry and drew with Athenry to come second in the group and advanced to meet BoherlahanDualla in the semi-final of the cup competition. The Tipperary girls proved to be an excellent team and defeated the ‘Bridge girls on a scoreline of 3-9 to 0-7 with Boherlahan going on to win the competition. All credit to all the team and management who played with great heart and skill to finish in the top 4 of the premier All Ireland Féile competition. Well done to all involved. FIELD DAY 2024

The 2024 Field Day will take place on August 18th this year. A great family day is promised with more details to follow.

DOG FOULING IN PITCH

Please note no dogs are allowed on the playing pitch, fouling has again become an issue and in the interest of health and safety we ask all to keep dogs outside the GAA grounds.

MEMBERSHIP 2024

Membership for 2024 should now be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member. Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players. Early payment would be most appreciated. Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details.

SPLIT THE POT

Well done to Paula Nolan who won 167 euro, to Mary Clarke who won 30 euro and to Pierce Purcell who won 20

Dylan Hanrahan, featured in the prizewinners CKW Regional Strokeplay in Enniscorthy

Bennettsbridge Féile Team 1981 PIc Tom Brett

Tom Healy

euro. Thanks again for the support.

HURLERS CO-OP DRAW

Thanks again to all who bought and sold tickets for this year’s Piltown draw . The club came out for €150 in the first draw with the second draw taking place last night. Best of luck to all who took part.

JOHNSTOWN

CHURCH NEWS

This years Cemetery Mass times are as follows. Friday June 28th Graine, Monday July 1st Tubrid, June 5th Galmoy, Tuesday 9th Johnstown (incorporating Donoughmore and Fertagh), July 14th Crosspatrick. All masses at 7.30pm except Crosspatrick 9am.

JUNE COLLECTION

The June collection for the priests is now due.

KNOCK PILGRIMAGE

The parish pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Thursday August 1st (provided there is enough interest). Cost coach €25 to be paid by week ending July 20th. A stop on the way at Central Hotel, Moate, tea and scone €5.24. Two course meal on the return journey at Abbey Hotel, Roscommon €30. Information and booking Marie Wilson 0868585158.

URLINGFORD LIBRARY

Join Helena the storyteller for a magical workshop of stories, nursery rhymes and dancing. Sat July 6th at 12 noon in the library. Children 0 to 5 must be accompanied by an adult all the time. Contact 0567794182 or email urlingford@kilkennylibrary.ie.

Family game show ages 7 years with parents, grandparents the whole family Saturday July 20th at 10.30am.

FAMILY FIELD FESTIVAL

Dog show results. .dogs judged by Ann Daly and Kathleen Whitford, main prizes sponsored by Tirlan and presented by Brendan Hickey. Any variety 1,Lilly, 2 Cooper, Large dogs 1 Pepsi, 2. Vixen, Gundogs 1.Skye, 2. Heidi, Toy dogs 1. Phil, 2. Archie, any variety handled by a girl 1 Brodie, 2. Goldie, any breed handled by a boy 1. Cooper, 2. Charlie Fluff, All kinds of everything 1 Neela, 2. Indi, most handsome dog 1. Freddie, 2. Poppy, best in show winner Pepsi and reserve Phil. Thanks to the great dog show team Marie Wilson, Peg Henderson, Nora O’Gorman, Margaret Kirwan, Ann Walsh, Bridget Barnaville, John Dowling with MC Kevin Murphy. Rosettes sponsored by Kathleen Whitford with rosettes for champion and reserve sponsored by Dawn. Dog pens by Brian Nicholson and erected by Tom Hughes.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO

The winning numbers 3,4,17,21 one match three Shemie Tobin.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

SAVE THE DATE

Mill Family Fun Day Sunday the 25th August 2024, put the date in your diaries for a day of fun

ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY

Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a one-bedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I.

Names been taken for L.T.I. Q.Q.I. Level 4 due to start

soon.

NEW COURSES

There will be two new courses commencing in September, Office Admin one to two mornings a week. Basic Computers one to two mornings a week. These courses will be free of charge.

COUNSELLING SERVICES

Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Adult and Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 5+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

SENIOR ALERT

If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine in the centre.

DEFIBRILLATOR

Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS

Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

JOBS – TRAINING BOARD

We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required. For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm

GRAVEYARD MASSES

The dates for the cemetery masses are as follows, Glengoole and Ballinalacken Tuesday 2nd July at 7.30pm in Glengoole Church, Aglish Thursday 4th July at 7.30pm in the graveyard, Good Shepherd Thursday 11th July at 7.30pm in the graveyard, Fennor Thursday 25th July at 7.30pm in the graveyard and Boulick Thursday 15th August at 7.30pm in the graveyard.

GOOD SHEPHERD CEMETERY

A clean up in preparation for the Cemetery Mass will take place this Wednesday evening the 26th June at 6.30pm.

TUESDAY BRIDGE

Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106

GORTNAHOE BINGO

Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to the last weekends winner of Split the Pot draw, Dick Purcell, Ballysloe, who won €193. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. From the following Sundays of the month it will be in support of the defibrilator. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

FEILE 2024

Congratulations to our U15 boys who traveled to Clonlara in Co. Clare last Saturday representing the club and the county in the Feile na nGael National competition. The team did fantastic on the day getting to the All Ireland final. Many thanks to the mentors, to the juvenile officers and committee, to the fundraising committee and all the sponsors who supported the fundraisers in any way. Finally much praise to the parents for their continous support and most of all to that fantastic bunch of players who worked their heart out and did Gortnahoe Glengoole and Tipperary so proud. Congratulations to all.

MILLENNIUM FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

GLENGOOLE

Will run a mini camp for children with autism aged 5 – 7 years. Tuesday 9th July Music; Wednesday 10th July Art; Thursday 11th July Blossom Yoga. All classes will run from 10 am to 12 noon (approx.) and the total cost for three classes is €15. Places are limited – contact Julie on 083 1008075 to book.

DEFIBRILLATOR

A new defribillator has been installed at Glengoole Hall part funded by grant aid from Tipperary County Council. It can be accessed through the National Ambulance Service by dialing 999 or 112.

OPEN GARDEN

Will take place at Clough Farmhouse, Clonoura, Glengoole E41 K765 on Sunday 7th July at 1pm in support of MoChara Animal Rescue. Phone 086 3634071. Refreshments will be available.

CONAHY

CAMOGIE

Well done to the under-14 camogie girls who qualified for the league final after a win over Dicksboro in a really tight game played in Jenkinstown on Thursday night. The girls came back from an early Dicksboro lead to score a great win. Best of luck to the girls for the final, which is expected to be played on this Saturday, though this has to be confirmed as of the time of writing.

TEAM: Leyla Rose Healy, Brid Gamble, Ruth Carroll, Emily Kennedy, Sophie Conway, Eva Kennedy, Emily English, Shannon O’Shea, Rachel Mulhall, Katie Murphy, Mary Lou Rowe, Keelan Kennedy, Michelle Cahill, Ava Dunne, Isobelle Dunne, Hannah Boland, Juliette Dunne.

Well done to Roisín Phelan (Senior) and Emma Mulhall, Danielle Morrissey, Ellen Gunner and Sofia Kerr (Intermediate) who were part of the Kilkenny Senior and Intermediate panels who beat Derry and drew with Dublin respectively in their most recent All-Ireland Championship game on Saturday last in Freshford.

CLUB LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 14, 31 and 34. There was no jackpot winner, so the consolation prize winners were Edel Healy, Shay Healy, Liam Burke, Joe Cass and James Carroll. The promoter prize winners were Margaret Buggy, Peter Mulhall and Shay Healy. Many thanks to everyone who supports the GAA Club Lotto.

HUGGINGSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD

MASS TIMES

Aghaviller Parish. Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil –Saturday 29th. at 8.00p.m Sunday 30th. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford, Wednesday 26th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday 29th. at 6.30p.m Friday 28th. Feast of St. Irenaeus. Saturday 29th. Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul (Apostles)

PRAY FOR

George Butler, Clonassey, Mullinavat; who died during the week.

Oliver Roche, Lawcus: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 29th. at 6.30p.m.

ROTA

(Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers. Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Catherina Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Valerie Farrell; Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Pat Kenny. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill, Sunday 10.00a.m Kay Power

SCOIL AIREAGAIL

School is seeking host families for Spanish students who will be joining their school next year. Please contact info@ scoilaireagail.ie or (056) 776 8632 for more details.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS

Diocesan Designated Liaison Person, Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232.

Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

CARRICKSHOCK G.A.A.

The Club wishes to thank all who contributed to the recent fundraisers; all who purchased Piltown Draw Tickets and those who assisted and supported the Golf Classic. A reminder that only Paid-Up Members will be included in the draw for All Ireland Semi-Final Tickets.

CEMETERY MASSES 2024:

Hugginstown Cemetery,Mass on Saturday 13th. July at 8.00p.m. Kilkeasy Cemetery, Mass on Friday 19th. July at 8.00p.m. Stoneyford Cemetery, Mass on Friday 2nd. August at 8.00p.m.

SEEKING, SERVING AND SHARING CHRIST IN A SYNODAL CHURCH:

The Priory Institute, two-week on-line Summer School is reflective, informative and interactive and will run from 19th. August this year. The course includes eight recorded presentations and three on-line zoom discussions and is very flexible as it is delivered entirely online. Find out more and register click, prioryinstitute.com

JUNE COLLECTION

The “June Collection 2024” for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese will be taken up during the months of June/July. Envelopes for this collection are available at the back of the Church.

SCOIL AIREAGAIL

School is seeking host families for Spanish Students who will be joining their school next year. Please contact info@ scoilaireagail.ie or (056) 776 8632 for more details.

TRIP TO KNOCK

Trip to Knock on 13th. July in honour of Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Staying overnight in Knock House Hotel. For further information please contact Frank Aylward on 086 812 8705

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 17th. May 2024. Numbers: 21; 01; 19; 31. No Winner First 3 Numbers Draw. One Jackpot Winner, €6,400.00. Winner: Doireann Power-Rice, Kerry. €200.00. Seller of Jackpot Ticket, Ann Power, Lawcus 3 x €15.00 (Sellers), Deirdre Rohan, Tommy Murphy, Mary Doyle.

Remembering Bennettsbridge Féile Team1981

Hurlng matters - Preview

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

Electric Ireland Al-Ireland MHC Final 2024

Kilkenny vs Tipperary

Tomorrow, UPMC Nowlan Park, 5:30pm

Kilkenny go in search of a first AllIreland Minor Hurling title since 2014 when they welcome Tipperary to UPMC Nowlan Park tomorrow (Throw-in 5:30pm). The neighbours agreed to toss for venue selection, and hopefully as a good omen, the Noresiders won that first contest that will see Niall Bergin’s young panel have home advantage for the decider.

It’s bit like our senior hurlers, the wait for the biggest prize in hurling has been too long for our young lads. As mentioned, it was 2014, beating Limerick by four points in Croke Park, thanks in part to an inspirational performance from John Walsh who notched an impressive 2-5 from play to help get Pat Hoban’s young Cats over the line. Tomorrow’s opponents are another Munster opponent, this time near neighbours Tipperary, and this is certainly going to be another battle for Bergin’s boys.

After their titanic extra-time win over Clare in the semi-final in Thurles, the Cats manager made reference to a challenge match earlier in the season against the Premier County, which by all accounts was a tight affair, and there’s no reason to expect matters to be any different in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday evening. Both sides arrive to contest the decider, confident of being able to take that one final step and claim the biggest honour in minor hurling. James Woodlock is the

One more step!

Bergin’s boys seek home glory against Tipp

man looking to mastermind a second title in three years at this level, having led his county to the 2022 crown when Tipp got the better of Offaly at tomorrow’s venue by one point. The Drom & Inch clubman will be instilling a sense of confidence in his side –recalling how The Premier County were crowned champions in the Marble City.

Tipperary’s road to this year’s final began with the Munster championship. They won 3 of their four games as they reached the provincial decider. Victories over Cork, Waterford and Limerick saw them finish in second place to the only side to get the better of them, Clare. The banner won the group game in Semple Stadium by 4 points and went unbeaten to qualify for the Munster final where they would face-off against Tipp. The final was played at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in Limerick and Tipperary prevailed by 7 points as

they became the first side to lift the new Electric Ireland Munster minor hurling trophy. One of their star men that day was Stefan Tobin who notched an impressive 1-3 in the final. The Carrick Swan man is a real handful for opposition defenders and will provide a real test for the Kilkenny rearguard. His possible match-up with Larry Phelan could be a real game swinger and whoever prevails in this battle could make the difference. One thing is certain, The James Stephen player will relish the battle with Tobin and won’t be found wanting. Tipp had plenty of influential performers in Limerick. Cillian Minogue, Euan Murray and Eoghan Doughan were more than able support to Stefan Tobin. Durlas Og’s Minogue finished with 1-1 and will take a bit of watching tomorrow as will his club mate Euan Murray. As with any game, the accuracy from placed

Jake Mullen can help fire Cats to victory

balls will be crucial, and while the Cats have the talented Jake Mullen, Saturday’s opponents have a quality finisher in Eoghan Doughan. The Moneygall player finished the Munster final with 0-6, half of which came from the placed ball. In midfield, it’s likely to be Tiernan Ryan plus one from Adam Ryan and Darragh O’Hora. The defence is skippered and shackled by Holycross man; Cathal O’Reilly and has steady performers in David Ryan and Jake DonelanHoulihan, the latter can hit long range free’s also, a useful string to the modern player’s bow!

James Woodlock will know that his team shipped 8-65 during their Munster campaign and that they cannot afford to ship a big total at UPMC Nowlan Park. The provincial decider was a better day at the office for Tipp defensively, conceding 0-16 against a Banner side that had registered 6-70 in the group stages. The Premier County’s netminder, Daire English will need to be on his toes tomorrow night and the Fr Sheehys player will have been watching the ‘videos’ of the young Cats, preparing for what might come.

Home advantage will be something that Niall Bergin will be keen to harness in the decider.

The O’Loughlin’s clubman will know that his side will need to show plenty of fight and resilience, along with their undoubted ability when they tackle Tipp. The young Cats are led superbly by Bill McDermott and the Village player showed all his qualities as he helped drag his team over the line in the semi-final against Clare.

At the back, the black and amber have a real mix of talent, one of whom is Oisin Henderson.

The Dicksboro player is a real asset to the team, as he breaks lines with great pace and serious intent and he has that recovery speed to help avert danger when it arises.

One player to note is a clubmate of Henderson, Louis Raggett. I was very impressed with the shift that the Dicksboro lad put in when he entered the fray in place of Jack Dollard, who needed some running repairs after a clash in the first half of the semi-final. Interestingly, when the Glenmore man was ready to return, Raggett kept his place in the lineup and certainly earned his stripes that day. Larry Phelan and David Barcoe have been other standout performers in this seasons march to the final.

In the engine room, the deadly duo of Robbie Doherty and Kevin Buggy have formed an impressive partnership in centrefield. Erin’s Own’s Buggy was rightly awarded POTM after his all-action display against Clare, he was everywhere, broke up attacks, drove forward and took scores to boot. His Mooncoin partner in crime also likes a score and I’m expecting Robbie Doherty to keep up his form in tomorrow’s final.

Alongside captain Bill McDermott, the forward unit has

Hurling matters - Preview

talented hurlers in the shape of Jake Mullen, Conor Holohan and Ollie O’Donovan. The John Lockes man is another who has blistering pace to accompany a low centre of gravity and serious skill. Ollie can really pose problems to the Tipp defence and his manager will look for the corner forward to be given good quality ball that can allow him to work his undoubted magic. O’Loughlin’s forward Holohan will look to repeat his semi-final goal scoring heroics in UPMC Nowlan Park tomorrow and Conor has shown that he is a key cog in the attacking machine.

We have seen the latest in the Shamrocks Ballyhale conveyor belt of Mullen’s grow in the stripes. At times Jake appears to be a clone of senior county star

Adrian, and as mentioned in my report of the Clare game, he does things that are ‘pure Adrian’. Jake isn’t afraid to mix it either, another quality that I love in forward stick men! Mullen’s placed ball ability is a major plus for Bergin’s boys and his tally of 0-13 in the semifinal win was key to helping the Cats claim a final berth. Work rate is something that Jake won’t be found wanting on either, he covers a hell of a lot of ground and is just as comfortable out the field as he is closer to the target.

It’s all set up for a cracking contest in UPMC Nowlan Park tomorrow evening. Let’s all get behind Bergin’s boys and give them our backing and help them get over the line against neighbours Tipp.

Oisin Henderson attempts to block Tom Power from shooting

Ollie O Donovan and and Joe Mc Nulty in a battle for possession

Bill Mc Dermott will lead from the front

Larry Phelan Shows great determination as he gets away from Sean Hyland

Planning notices

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Rebecca Maher and Brian Fitzpatrick intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed new two storey dwelling, proposed vehicular entrance, driveway, borewell, wastewater treatment system with percolation area, stormwater soakaways, detached garage, landscaping and all associated site works at Ballydowel Little, Rathmoyle, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND MONTHS MIND

Eileen 32 St. Fiacres Place Kilkenny.

Eileen’s husband Tom and family would like to thank all those who sympathised with them on their recent sad loss.

Our gratitude to all those that attended the rosary, the funeral mass and burial. To all who sent mass cards, made phone calls and all who posted their condolences on RIP.ie, we are very grateful for all your kind words and support.

To those who cared for Eileen, Dr. Emmet Jordan and all the doctors and staff of Castle Garden Surgery.

A special thank you to all the staff of Archersrath Nursing Home, for all their care and kindness shown to Eileen over the past 8 months.

A sincere thank you to Fr. Willie Purcell for his personal and kind words at the prayers and mass.

To all those who took part in the funeral mass and burial, we thank you.

A very special thank you to Michael and Breda Shasby from Shasby Funeral Directors for their professionalism and compassion to all the family.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt appreciation.

Eileen’s Months Mind and Birthday Remembrance Mass will take place on Sunday 30 th June at 12 o’clock in St. Fiacres Church, Kilkenny.

RYAN 9TH ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Josephine Ryan, Greenfields, Freshford Road, Kilkenny whose 10th anniversary occurs at this time.

Loved and missed every day. Phil, Fran, Martin, Anne, Richard grandchildren and great grandchildren

R.I.P

Birthday remembrance of Geraldine Ryan, Greenfields, Freshford Road, Kilkenny whose birthday occurs at this time.

Missed and loved daughter Nini, sons Eoghan & Niall sisters and brothers, grandchildren, daughter-in-law Jenny and her many many friends.

R.I.P

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.

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. D.C.

9TH ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of our dear Mother Ellen, late of 16 McAuley Place, Kilkenny who died on June 27th 2015.

They say there is a reason

They say time will heal

But neither time nor reason

Will change the way we feel

When days are sad and lonely

And everything goes wrong

We seem to hear you whisper Cheer up and carry on

Always remembered by her daughters Kathleen, Theresa and family.

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. S.B.

READE

JOSEPHINE

GERALDINE RYAN BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

ELLEN DELANEY