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The Kilkenny

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Friday 28 January 2022

Facebook Face-off EU in further moves to curb social media  Marian Heron, page 14

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Future World So, what can AI do and can it not do?  See page 18

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer

Home work to be done

EMPLOYERS in Kilkenny are being advised to consult with staff before planning a full return to the workplace. The lifting of most pandemic restrictions has seen the gradual return of staff to offices across Kilkenny, for those who had been working from home. An initial return began last September. However, updated advice from public health officials in November urged people to work from home again.

Trade unions and Opposition parties are among those calling for office workers to be given the option to work remotely into the future. New legislation on the matter is expected to be enacted by early summer. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said an employee of six months standing will be able to apply for remote working, under a heads of Bill passed by the Cabinet. The employer must reply to

the request within 12 weeks. If the employer is refusing a request under 13 listed conditions, it must be for a specified and what he termed “good” reason. The Tánaiste said any refusal by an employer to facilitate an employee could be appealed to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). After two years of rolling uncertainty in business, one thing is now definite. How we work, when we

work and from where we work has changed significantly and is unlikely to return to preCovid norms. A total of 90% of 35 to 44 year old employees who can work remotely would like to do so post-pandemic, according to Grow Remote. And this figure rises to 93% in traditionally major commuter counties like Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, it claims. The organisation also says

that 63% of employees are considering a change of jobs this year, with those surveyed reporting that they’re thinking about why they work, how they work, and wanting more flexibility and alternative benefits. Yet for many businesses that employ them, the future shape of the model for how staff will do their daily tasks remains far from unclear. See also Pages 6 & 15

IRELAND’S Vogue Williams has been appointed National Dairy Council Dairy Ambassador for 2022. On her Instagram feed, Vogue said: “I am super proud. I feel this is a pretty perfect partnership because of my love of milk, cheese and, yoghurts.” The National Dairy Council has been working since 1964 to promote and protect Ireland’s dairy reputation at home and abroad. Zoë Kavanagh, CEO of the NDC believes that working with a dairy-loving celebrity like Vogue Williams and — through her — spreading the dairy message, is a massive opportunity. “Vogue really has the floor right now – she is of the moment, a clear voice in muddled times, a working mum of two (soon to be three!) and someone that is, quite clearly, relevant and relatable to so many.”

Welcome back all, says Mayor EVERY FRIDAY

almost two years of uncertainty. We are all looking forward to getting our social lives back and our local pubs and restaurants are an integral part of that. “Our publicans and local musicians in particular have suffered terribly. Their livelihoods

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have been on the line. At the same time they have done so much to support all of us. “Closing their doors when they were asked to and adapting to the ever changing, often costly, public health measures, to protect our health.

“Our musicians entertained us from their homes, turned up when asked to raise money for charity, cancelled gigs, rescheduled gigs and cancelled them again. It was a rollercoaster for them all. But they did it for us.

A 40-year-old man has been charged with two counts of deception at a post office in Carlow. He is named as Declan Haughney, of Pollerton Road, Carlow. It follows allegations that a dead man’s body was brought to a post office in an attempt to collect that man’s pension. Another man has released without charge, with a file due to be prepared for the DPP.

What we learnt from Covid

Smile, and say cheese Vogue!

AS restrictions are lifted the Mayor of Kilkenny has wished the local hospitality sector a thank you and welcome back.. In a Press release Mayor McGuinness said: “Best wishes to all in the hospitality sector who are getting back to ‘normal’ after

Man charged in dead man ‘scam’

“From bar staff, waiters, musicians, taxi drivers, bouncers and so on, they went above and beyond to protect us. Beauticians, hair dressers, make up artists, photographers and so many more, all did their bit for all of us.”

An Expert Group has been set up to initially identify lessons from the public health components of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland. It is also tasked with looking at how to strengthen health protection generally and future public health pandemic preparedness. Its final report is expected in the middle of the year. Covid Update, Page 15

Drive test wait The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has confirmed that eight of its 60 test centres have longer waiting times than 10 weeks, while driving instructors and learner drivers say they are experiencing lengthy waiting times. There are 33,000 drivers waiting to take their driving test.

Best Travel award The Irish Travel Trade Network ITTN has won Best Travel News & Advertising Platform 2022 in the Irish Enterprise Awards. The ITTN is an occasional contributor to the Travel & Leisure page of The Kilkenny Observer.

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins...................... P8 Marianne Heron..............P12 John Ellis ..........................P16 Out & About ............... P24-25 Food & Drink ...................P26 TV & Streaming ..............P27 Sport ............................. P30-39

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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Calls to introduce ‘game-changing’ parking app for disabled drivers in Kilkenny FINDING a vacant accessible parking space would only be a click away for disabled drivers and passengers in Kilkenny if the county council introduced the DDAI Spacefinder app service, according Richard Ryder of the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI). “Driving means independence and equal opportunity for our members but finding a vacant accessible parking space is often time-consuming and stressful. In some cases, they could be forced to return home and try again later but with no guarantee of finding one even then,” said Mr Ryder Developed by Limerick company ParkMagic and supported by the Disabled Drivers Association, the DDAI SpaceFinder app gives realtime information on whether an accessible parking space is occupied or not, using sensors installed by the participating local authority. “Having the DDAI Spacefinder App service available in every county would take away the fear and stress out of everyday travelling and trying to find suitable parking. We are urging Kilkenny County Council to introduce it as it would literally

be a ‘game-changer’ for disabled drivers and passengers in their area,” Mr Ryder said. Limerick City & County Council was the first local authority to begin using the DDAI Spacefinder App service. The council’s traffic department installed small sensors at accessible parking bays in its city centre business district, delivering real-time updates to users of the app on Apple and Android. In addition, navigation to the nearest available accessible space is now on Apple CarPlay with Android Auto following shortly. The DDAI SpaceFinder service is available from Limerick firm ParkMagic and following its successful launch, other authorities have also expressed a strong interest in the service. ParkMagic chief executive Paul Fitzgerald said: “Local authorities, for the first time ever, will be able to collect real time information on accessible bay usage and turnover. This would be extremely useful to Kilkenny County Council in analysing and planning the provision and location of accessible spaces.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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€3m. to improve our roads THE Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D., yesterday confirmed that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has allocated funds to Ireland’s local authorities with a view to spending €289 million on walking and cycling infrastructure in urban areas in 2022. Kilkenny County Council is

funded as a rural local authority for projects within the City and County and has received an allocation of €3,000,000 for 2022. Some of the funding is for planning and design of projects while others are for implementation / physical works. In welcoming the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Kilken-

ny County Council Fidelis Doherty said: “It is great to see further investment in active travel for 2022 with 26 projects receiving funding in Kilkenny. This funding will accelerate delivery of sustainable transport modes and encourage walking, cycling and provide permeability in our City

and county towns.” Work projects include; • Public lighting on urban footpaths, walkways and cycleways, • Re-instatement of link from Ring Road to Cootes Lane and enhancement to Coote’s Lane • Commence implementation of One Way in Callan,

Employment growth sees workers in driving seat THE Cpl Salary Guide for Ireland 2022 has found that Ireland is experiencing one of the strongest job markets in years. Cpl are reporting growth across most sectors, with technology, life sciences and financial services leading the way. This growth has led to an unprecedented talent shortage, giving qualified candidates a stronger position when negotiating contracts. Meanwhile the Central Bank has said the country can expect growth for the next three years. With salaries expected to rise 5% this year (regions outside of Dublin are seeing particularly strong growth), the big focus this year is on benefits. Wellness programmes and hybrid working are no longer considered benefits, but essential to securing talent. Sectors such as marketing, legal and office support are now offering expanded benefit packages including increased annual leave, with some multinationals offering unlimited annual leave. An increasing number of technology clients are allowing employees to work abroad for up to two months of the year. Cpl’s salary guide, which portrays an in-depth look at 15 different sectors in Ireland for employers and employees, has also found that 80% of employers see identifying talent attraction and retention as their greatest challenge as they find themselves offering more pay and benefits to lure, attract and retain qualified staff. Cpl CEO, Lorna Conn said: “The big focus in 2022 is on benefits. Employees are looking beyond salaries. Work-life balance, more annual leave days and hybrid working are dominating the ‘how we work’ discussion. Getting ahead of the curve and winning the battle for talent is going to require innovative thinking that goes beyond salary increases and extra benefits. “ A company’s reputation, sustainability credentials and future prospects will all feature

heavily in candidates’ minds.” Cpl’s guide examines the changes as industries such as technology, financial services and marketing, that were traditionally Dublin-centric, begin to adopt hybrid working as standard. This means that companies are now looking further afield for qualified talent and are not geographically bound to a talent pool within commuting distance of the office. Job seekers outside of the Dublin region can now compete for roles that were previously based too far from home. Cpl’s Salary Guide gives the example of a Social Media Executive who can now expect pay parity across the country – last year the expected rate varied by about 10% between Dublin and other regions. More than 57% of business are aiming to be more human centric and 80% more society centric in the next five years. The challenge for businesses going forward is to attract and retain the best talent globally. Chief Strategy Officer at Cpl and Head of Future of Work Institute Barry Winkless, said: “It is essential that tech organisations get serious about defining holistically the value they are providing to current and future employees, nail what makes them unique, and communicate effectively to the talent market. This means fully designing and deploying a People Value Proposition (PVP). A PVP is a total design of the value that people receive when they join and stay in a business. It is the essence, the experiences, the culture, and the story of an organisation all rolled into one.” Candidates applying for executive and engineering roles can expect to see better bonuses on offer with benefits such as work from home allowances, gyms and health insurance becoming standard across the board. * See https://www.cpl.com/ ie/salary-guide

• Footpath development in City and County Feasibility and Design works include: • Cycle routes in Kilkenny City and Environs, • George Semple Bridge Improvement Study • School Safety zones. Mayor McGuinness referenced

the proposed improvements in cycling routes throughout the City stating: “Improvements to cycle routes will encourage more of the residents in the City to cycle to work, school and to access the City centre and help to reduce unnecessary use of cars and associated emissions.”

Best feet forward as Pasquale backs Denim Day for Dementia

TWICE ‘Dancing with the Stars’ winner, performer and choreographer Pasquale La Rocca is calling on members of the public to support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (ASI) annual nationwide Denim Day for Dementia fundraising campaign, kindly supported by Fujitsu, on Friday, March 4 to raise funds for vital dementia supports and services. The new ambassador

for ASI is asking everyone from around Ireland to don their denims – to crèche, school, their place of work or wherever they are – on the day and donate just €2 to support the 64,000 people living with dementia and their carers. The ASI welcomes Fujitsu, the global information and communication technology (ICT) company, as the first sponsor of Denim Day for Dementia.

The ASI is excited to bring the popular fundraising campaign back for its fifth year, after it was cancelled in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To get involved, members of the public are being encouraged to order their Denim Day for Dementia pack by registering online at www.alzheimer.ie or by contacting ASI’s fundraising team on fundraising@ alzheimer.ie or (01) 207

3800. The ASI needs to raise €3.2 million each year just to maintain vital supports and services for people living with dementia and their family carers across the country, and this campaign aims to raise €30,000 to support people with dementia and their struggling families. One in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland today is under the age of 65.

Low uptake from Kilkenny for cervical check KILKENNY has been identified as one of six counties with the lowest uptake of cervical screening in the country. But Carlow is ahead of the national average. As part of Cervical Cancer prevention week local wom-

en had been encouraged to attend their free appointment for cervical screening when they receive it. The most recent uptake statistics from Cervical Check shows that the national average for the five years up to March 2020 was 78.5% –

that’s just below the target coverage of 80%. Kilkenny falls well below that at just 69.7% – one of the lowest uptakes in the country. However, Carlow is well ahead with more than 87% of women in the county attending for their appointments.

Cervical Check said that, while Ireland compared favourably with international statistics, they would still like to see more accessing the benefits of regular screening, and acting to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Maybe nostalgia is not what it used to be... Not many people know this... but Alfie has let auctioneers into his attic. And dining room, study and cinema. Sir Michael Caine is downsizing with a house move, meaning that a treasure trove of memorable items from a lifetime in the film world, as well as much of his art collection, is due to be sold. Caine, 88, said he was reluctantly saying goodbye to many of his cherished items that told the story of his six decades as one of the most recognised and acclaimed actors in the world. His house, complete with cinema room and cottages in the grounds, was put on sale for £3.75 million. “It’s all nostalgia and remembrance with me,” Caine said of his collection which includes works by Marc Chagall and LS Lowry. With the New Year well and truly kicked in, and a touch

of spring in the stretch of the evenings, many of us are turning our thoughts to spring cleaning. If, like me, you live anywhere long enough — or you simply skew towards the nostalgic — it’s easy to accumulate a staggering array of sentimental items, aka clutter. You may not want to let go of tickets stubs, old meaningful letters, or the shirt you wore on your first date with your spouse. Because, hey, one day, you might want to re-read all those notes you passed in secondary school, or pass down your deb’s dress to your daughter! (Who, sadly, is unlikely to want it.) In his novella Franny And Zooey, the American JD Salinger recalls a visit to a sibling’s home: “The room was not impressively large, even by Manhattan apartmenthouse standards, but its accumulated furnishings might have lent a snug appearance

to a banquet hall in Valhalla.” In our journey through life, we tend to accumulate so much clutter — and I don’t mean the emotional baggage of life’s ups and downs — concrete stuff, objects, countless bric-a-brac, bought, borrowed or come-upon and stored for some other day when we might just find a use for it. We never do, of course, and the stuff just piles up. The stuff of furnishings, of pastimes and hobbies, the family memorabilia, the excess goods and gadgets that we may once have had temporary need of but no more. If you’re doing some timely spring-cleaning, may I be so bold as to suggest you save one or two items from important seasons of your life. Instead of two full boxes of notebooks and memorabilia from that ‘year abroad’, select one or two pieces that

hold the most significance, or conjure the most memories you hold dear. (Think bang for your buck, here.) You don’t have to get rid of all of your youngest child’s favourite stuffed animals; but keep two rather than, say, eh, 12. If you’re decluttering items from an experience that spanned many years, break it up into bite-sized chunks and save one item from each timeframe. (One item from each year of college, for example.) Humans are natural hoarders. I know. But I’m not alone. When was the last time you saw your dining room table? Or at least the top of your dining room table? If you’re like most busy people, you know it’s there somewhere — buried under piles of old bills, stacks of unread newspapers and copies of your kids’ old school reports I have a feeling we men are greater hoarders than

women, who are much more practical by nature. When both my parents died in the Millennium year within 10 weeks of each other my siblings and I set about ‘springcleaning’ their home before

‘We tend to accumulate so much clutter ...

”

putting it up for sale. A sad time for all concerned. Among the so many pieces of my Dad’s hoarded ‘stuff’ were two items which struck a chord with me. One was my very first pair of spectacles, or glasses, from way back when I was just three-years old. In pristine condition, in their case, complete with shammy cloth and all. The other item was when my Mother gave birth to me, my Dad was away working and the nursing home where my Mother brought me into the world had sent him a telegram to tell him the good news. It read: “Baby boy. Healthy. Mother and child doing well.” He had kept that, now faded, telegram all those years. Choked up doesn’t begin to explain how I felt that day, 20 odd years ago. Who said nostalgia was a thing of the past?

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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Oh boy, what a difference a generation makes IN a new study conducted by HRM Search Partners, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and Generation Z have all shared their views on what they see as the differences between the four generations. In this research, 1,151 participants shared their views with Generation Z seeing themselves as very

different to their older colleagues. Seven in 10 (79%) Baby Boomers see themselves as extremely hard working and five in 10 (53%) see themselves as extremely independent. Four in ten (43%) of Generation Z see Baby Boomers as resistant to change and set in their ways.

Eight in 10 (80%) Generation X value financial security. While five in 10 (57%) Generation X feel they place some value on Diversity, Generation Z strongly disagree (14%). Three in 10 (32%) Baby Boomers believe Generation X have difficulty juggling multiple priorities. Four in

ten (43%) Generation Z feel Generation X are more concerned over speed rather than the quality of work. While six in 10 (62%) Generation Y feel they place importance on relationships with their managers, three in ten (36%) Generation X and Baby Boomers strongly disagree. Eight in 10 (84%) Baby

Boomers feel Generation Y have an unrealistic expectation on how quickly they can move up the career ladder. Seven in ten (76%) Generation Y feel their cohort is strong on and has an intuitive knowledge of technology. Eight in ten (86%) Generation Z believe they are motivated to discover how

to work smarter using technology. Seven in ten (78%) Generation X believe Generation Z are impatient and frequently job hop. Six in ten (62%) Generation Y believe Generation Z are always on social media while seven in ten (71%) Generation Z agree and believe it to be a good thing.

Now Noonan’s the punter as he steps down from TradFest MINISTER Malcolm Noonan has stepped down as chair of Kilkenny Tradfest following 10 years at the helm. Over that time the festival has gone from strength to strength, with the cream of Irish traditional and folk music having performed and picking up a brace of National awards along the way. Although it has been badly affected by two years of the pandemic, Minister Noonan (pictured) is confident that this year will see a return to full houses and a vibrant trad trail. “We were all set to go in March 2020 with possibly our strongest lineup when Covid hit and we had to pull the plug on the whole thing. It was devastating for all the musicians, for venues, tech crew, Marian and her team and for audiences,” he told reporters. “I really feel we had developed something really special. The idea for Tradfest was hatched over a soup and a sandwich in Cleere’s bar with Willie Meighan, Marian Flannery

and myself. I look at past programmes; Finbarr Furey, Paul Brady, Beoga, Kilfenora Ceilí Band, it was incredible to bring these acts but also to showcase the amazing talent on our doorstep,” he said. “Something had to give, I have a hugely busy year this year with my ministerial portfolio and I just couldn’t give the festival the time it deserved.” He said that there was a great committee in place with unwavering support from Kilkenny City Vintners. “Most of all it’s in good hands with Marian Flannery and her team; she has done an amazing job getting it this far and I’m hopeful that with almost all public health restrictions lifted, Tradfest and the city’s other festivals can look forward to full houses, dancing and singing,” he said. “I’ll continue to support the festival and St Patrick’s Day Festival in whatever way I can, I’m really proud of what we have achieved with both but I’m also looking forward go attending Kilkenny Tradfest 2022 as a punter.”

Carol: “My life disappeared in the space of just 24 hours...’ KILKENNY mother Carol Donohue is unable to stand up for more than 45 minutes due to a life-altering condition. Ms Donohue, 43, has suffered from chronic pain in her neck, back and spine, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound for the past eight months due to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The only way for her to alleviate her symptoms is to lie down, so she has been almost totally bed-bound or couchbound. She told RSVP Live: “When

I wake up first thing in the morning I don’t have any symptoms, but within minutes of standing up, by the time I get to the bathroom to brush my teeth, I start getting symptoms. “If I lie flat for four or five days, I might have a good-ish day on the sixth day. A goodish day for me would be being able to sit up in a chair and watch telly for an hour or two.” Before the CSF leak happened, Carol Donohue was an active and successful woman. “I was a mountain climber for years. I was happy, healthy and fit. I had a good job as

a pharmacy assistant for 16 years, now I can’t go back to work because I am so unwell. “My life disappeared in the space of 24 hours.” It took Ms Donohue four months to figure out what was wrong with her, as she was misdiagnosed and not taken seriously by doctors, she claims. “I was diagnosed with optical neuralgia, fibromyalgia, I was diagnosed with seven or eight different things,” she explained. “All these different medications were being thrown at me and I took them because I

Covid sees our lamb prices rather sluggish HOGGET/ LAMB prices in Kilkenny could be best described as sluggish at the weekly mart sale compared to previous weeks’ trade. Customers were in short supply and one of our main customers was not operating due to the factory work force being affected by Covid outbreaks. Due to the restricted kill, prices have been reduced by €4 to €10 per head compared to the previous week. On the plus side, cull ewe prices remained fairly steady

with the reduction in this sector not as noticeable with a top call of €183. Due to these difficulties quotes from factories have fallen by 10 to 20 cent per kilo which hopefully will only be a temporary. The fact that lambs from UK and Northern Ireland were in short supply in 2021 was a help in stabilising the trade, but it is now suggested that lambs/ hoggets from that source have started to reappear in bigger numbers, which

is having a negative impact on prices. As I said earlier, hopefully this is just a short lived situation. Meanwhile, the cattle trade continues to provide excellent prices for all types. The most recent sale sale attracted 950 cattle with excellent prices for all lots.The numbers on offer were boosted by approximately 300 cull cows which saw excellent prices throughout the sale, which did not conclude until 2pm. Even though the heifer sale

started late it had no effect on prices with beef types peaking at €1790 and forward stores to €1,350 per head. Bullocks also sold very well with an indication of the excellent trade seeing a Friesian bullock which weighed 590 kilo making €1,340 or €2.27 per kilo. Continentals bullocks eg 595 kg made €1,690 or €2.84 per kilo. Remember, if you have beef or store bullocks or heifers the trade in the marts is hot and proves an excellent alternative to factories where you know

exactly what monies you get with no hidden reductions. The large sale of cull cows provided the top price of the day with a Char type weighing 970 kilo making €2160. Quality Friesian cows reached a high of €2 per kilo. Our most recent dairy sale on Monday saw a 100% clearance of the 60 in-calf cows and heifers on offer. In-calf cows ranged from €1,020 to €1,780 per head with in-calf Friesian heifers €900 to €1,320 per head.

didn’t know what was wrong with me. The MRI scans were showing nothing. “No medical professional would even try to help me. I was just told to live with it.” This all took a serious toll on Carol’s mental health. “I was so down and depressed. It was really dark,” she said. “A few months ago, I wouldn’t have even been able to talk about this. “I was always a worrier, I was always the carer looking after other people. I hated that I was left like this and I had to ask for help.”

One held after chopper ‘cop’ The Garda helicopter was called in to assist after a car failed to stop for local Gardaí on a recent Saturday night. It happened in Callan at around midnight and the air support unit was deployed for backup. Three men got out of the vehicle when it was eventually stopped on the Callan road and fled. One man was subsequently arrested.

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Opinion

Let’s have more of that inward gaze... AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

What do I wish for this new year? Well, it’s nothing tangible and it has to do with something Carl Jung said: “Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes.” In a culture where we spend our time racing around in answer to external demands it’s a thought-provoking statement. It was echoed by the late Gerry Robinson in a recorded programme on RTE’s Nationwide recently. The Irish born businessman spoke about the way that the pandemic had helped us understand the importance of “being a bit more inwards”. It was a focus that the retired business executive and former chairman of Granada TV was practising himself, painting landscapes and using the carpentry he learned from his father to make garden seats for the beautiful grounds he created around his Donegal home Oakville. That inwardness, drawing on his imagination and creativity, had clearly brought Gerry fulfillment. The magic of inwardness turns up in all kinds of places. While in Todi, a glorious

hilltop town in Umbria a few years ago, I went to visit the Casa Dipinta, (the Painted House.) This is the extraordinary second home of artist Brian O’Doherty and his wife, the art historian Barbara Novak. The kitchen/ living area is painted with vibrant pastel representations of the Ogham alphabet. Upstairs vivid geometric designs represent times

of the day and trompe l’oeil views. Brian returns to Todi each summer during the annual August festival there from his New York base. When back he climbs a rickety ladder to add to his unique interior design. Brian, born in 1928 in Ballaghadreen, Co. Roscommon, and who has lived in New York for over 50 years, is a striking

Loving your liver CLAIR WHITTY

THE liver is a major organ in the right side of the body. It has many functions; it removes toxic substances and waste products from the blood. It breaks down insulin and other hormones. It produces Cholesterol which we need a certain amount of to survive. Glycogen is stored in our liver and is broken down into glucose when it’s needed by the body for energy. Bile is produced in the liver and contains bile acids which are important to aid the breakdown of fat. The liver also plays an important role in carbohydrate, protein, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. A number of vitamins are stored in the liver including: vitamin A, D, E, and K. These are only some of the functions our liver carries out. This time of the year many of you will be thinking about supporting your liver after the recent period of indulgences. Here are some things you can do; eat foods that

support the liver including beetroot, carrots, green leafy vegetables, and blueberries. Things that put stress on the liver making it work harder are medication, in particular paracetamol. As well as alcohol, binge drinking, and high fructose foods. Supplements and herbs can help your liver. Milk Thistle is one of my favourites. Many supplements contain Milk Thistle so how do you choose one? This is how I decide. If you want to do a bit of a clean-up and support the main organs of detoxification, I

would choose Flor Essence a cleansing herbal tea blend of eight herbs. This contains Milk Thistle, Red Clover, Burdock Root, Turkish Rhubarb, Slippery Elm, Kelp, Sheep Sorrel, and Watercress. All to help support the organs of elimination, the liver, skin, colon, and the lymphatic system. Take 50ml 1-2 times daily, preferably before breakfast and before bedtime. I take this one every year. If you have been on a lot of medication, or have drunk a lot of alcohol, have hormone imbalance, digestive issues, or stubborn constipation, I would take Irish Botanica Milk Thistle. This comes as a liquid and is a potent form of Milk Thistle. It has been taken as a trusted “folk” supplement for generation. Take 20 drops twice per day in water. Your liver is a wonderful organ that acts silently on your behalf. Let’s start loving it today. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie Shop online: www. naturalhealthstore.ie

example of someone who, in later life is vital, refuses to allow age to confine him to stage, appearing much younger than his years. What keeps him evergreen is a passion rooted in creativity: one that gets him out of bed in the morning to continue contributing and, yes, to climb ladders aged 93. The great thing about that inward look to imagination

is that the resulting creations in all kinds of forms reach outward to others, offering uplifting experiences for everyone to enjoy in all kinds of settings. It’s something that Irish people have a gift for, especially in literature, theatre and music where that interior world of imagination, no matter where the individual is located, results in works which

reach all over the world and down through the centuries. Think of James Joyce, far from home in Trieste, conjuring the Dublin life of Leopold Bloom in Ulysses. But imagination can result in all kinds of other experiences. Just to mention a few: to cheer these dark nights there is the Wild Lights tour of iconic sights around the world at Dublin Zoo and a magical Lightscape with an Alice in Wonderland theme created with recycled lightening at Lough Crew estate in the Boyne Valley. Brightening the streetscapes is the New Ross walls project with vibrant paintings with Norman themes, while Waterford has wall art with Viking themes. And in the Observer’s home there was the 2021 Kilkenny Catwalk Art trail: all projects to boost civic pride and a sense of heritage. Listening in to reactions during lockdown there were clues about the way people were looking inwards and were surprised to find themselves happy, busy with things they loved doing: writing, painting, cooking, designing, or as one musician put it: “engaging with my muse.” And that can be the side of ourselves it’s all too easy to touch with in our highpressurise lifestyles. Don’t let’s lose that inward gaze, let’s have more of it.

Resolve yourself to restart your promise in february ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

How is your resolution for 2022 coming along? Many of us make promises to ourselves for the New Year. Few of us keep them going for very long. Most resolutions don’t last much beyond the first two weeks of January. I’m not hazarding a guess by saying that, it’s fact. Research has found that around 17 days into the New Year, the majority of people have either given up or are seriously flagging. You may be full of good intentions when the bells chime midnight on 1st January. These may be enough to keep you going for the first fortnight or so but then willpower starts to deplete and determination takes a different direction. Actually it’s no wonder this happens. First, many of us are exhausted after Christmas. Secondly, it can seem

that there isn’t much to look forward to. True, there’s a little bit of a stretch in the evenings but we’re still living in darkness for most of the day. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly of all, that cheer and goodwill we felt over the festive season is gone. There’s no doubt after the January 1 celebrations, positivity takes a nosedive, particularly as the black nights of winter are no longer brightened by a thousand multi-coloured bulbs. We’re edging closer towards Spring but not that you’d notice. Perhaps it should come as no surprise then that experts recommend starting, or perhaps restarting, resolutions in February. For a start, it’s the shortest month of the year. Even a few days difference can alter how we perceive our first target, getting a page of the calendar under our belts! Once we’ve done that, it can really make a massive change to our confidence in continuing. February is also a month of rebirth. Yes, it’s still cold and the days short, but they

are starting to noticeably lengthen. Spring has started to show it’s first signs too. You may be able to find some snowdrops starting to show close to your home, hear birds chirping, find frogspawn in a nearby pond. In short, February is a time of new life in a way January is not. Use this fact to allow nature to give you a helping hand. By starting in February, you’re also avoiding competition. If you’re flagging with your resolution towards the middle of January, it’s almost certain that you know someone, perhaps fond of boasting, who tells you they’re flying with theirs. Maybe they are, maybe they’re not. You don’t need that though as it is likely to leave you feeling like a failure that you’re not finding your life change a breeze. Begin (again?) in February and you cut all that nonsense out! (Re)starting your resolution in February has great benefits. You’re much more likely to succeed. As an old proverb says; “you only fail when you stop trying”.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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NICHOLAS LESNIAK The past months at “Twilight Youth Inclusion Club Kilkenny”, have been full of development and great joy. The youth club has become a popular recreation destination for the Youth of Kilkenny. Interesting and useful workshops have been created and many projects have been accomplished. Youth Development is one of the key pillars of Twilight Youth Inclusion Group and all the club’s members along with the amazing staff are doing their absolute best to nourish it. WORKSHOPS The members of Twilight Youth Inclusion Group Kilkenny had a chance to part-take in various workshops created by their Youth Leaders. Dogotherapy was a marvellous beginning to the Youth Club. It showed us the importance of integration and understanding with each other and other living things. Our Fantastic host – Dagmara, planted a seed of ambition and excitement in our members. We learned about the correct treatment of animals and dogs in particular. We had a chance to explore the dog’s behaviour and body language. It was certainly an amazing experience that we hope to reiterate in the future. Shortly after the workshop we began our first major project. “Twilight Youth Podcast”, is a completely independent and individual project created by our youth. Topics and themes of each audition will be chosen by the club’s members committee on behalf of two

representatives (Junior and Senior). Our members had the chance to test their mechanical and verbal skills during a special workshop. Everyone had a chance to operate the cameras, record the audio and even become directors. It was an amazing day full of education and amusement. As our sign of acceptance, understanding and inclusion we created a LGBTQA+ Inclusion Workshop during “Stand Up Week 2021”. Our members created a wonderful poster to spread their tolerance towards the “Rainbow Community”. It was an extremely important step for our youth club. TRIP TO KBOWL KILKEN NY The Youth Leader’s of Twilight Youth Inclusion Group Kilkenny along with the dogotherapy tutor Dagmara organised a trip to KBowl Kilkenny for our youth to positively mark the end of the Dogotherapy workshop. The bowling experience was the main highlight of the evening. The winners were delighted and the losers were dissatisfied but had a chance for a come back on the gaming machines. The positive atmosphere was perceptible in the air. Dagmara was presented with flowers, a symbolic present and a certificate of appreciation by the club’s members along with Nicholas – the Youth Leader. Dagmara is a truly amazing woman. Thank you for everything. YEAR 2022 PLANS The new year 2022 will be a year full of mutual develop-

ment at Twilight Youth Inclusion Group Kilkenny. We have interesting and useful workshops planned. 2022 will be a year of exciting and unexpected collaborations. We have reached an agreement with the Order of Malta for a Basic First Aid Course. The members will receive an official certificate after the completion of the course. Other aspects of everyday life will also be touched on during our workshops. Finance is one of the most important pillars of our lives. This is why we will be introducing a Financial secretary role in our youth club. The Financial Secretary will be picked by our members using the democratically system of voting. Local and abroad trips are planned for the year also. We hope to go on a planned trip to France to mark the end of the youth club year. The details of this trip will be discussed in the future. The future for our youth club is bright. We will do our best to keep our star shining. The Future of Twilight Youth Inclusion Group Kilkenny is appealing, and the goals are to be achieved. Our Development is equal to the development of our members. We will still constantly share the importance of inclusion, acceptance and development. These are the pillars of our club, and our duty is to nourish and present the importance of these pillars to the youth community. We will continue to create a safe environment for our youth to develop into the people that they aim to be as they are our future. Our Youth is our future!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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SPECIAL REPORT

EU in further moves to curb content of big tech giants THE European Union has taken a significant step towards passing legislation that could transform the way major technology companies operate, requiring them to police content on their platforms more aggressively and introducing new restrictions on advertising, among other provisions. The legislative arm of the 27-nation bloc has voted overwhelmingly to give initial approval to the sprawling regulations set forth in the landmark Digital Services Act. The legislation is the most aggressive attempt yet to regulate big tech companies as the industry comes under greater international scrutiny. It could serve as a model for lawmakers in the

United States who say they, too, want to rein in the businesses’ digital practices. The European Parliament and Council of the European Union — the bloc’s legislative bodies — are expected to debate the contents of the legislation for some months before voting on a final version. The version just approved will force companies to remove content that is considered illegal in the country where it is viewed, which could be Holocaust denials in Germany or racist postings in France. And it would significantly shape how big tech companies interact with users, allowing them to opt out of targeted advertising more easily and prohibiting companies from targeting adver-

tisements at children. “With the [Digital Services Act] we are going to take a stand against the Wild West the digital world has turned into, set the rules in the interests of consumers and users, not just of Big Tech companies and finally make the things that are illegal offline illegal online too,” said Christel Schaldemose, the centre-left lawmaker from Denmark who has led negotiations on the Bill. The latest vote was the culmination of months of debate among the parliament’s nearly 700 elected members. Members had considered including a provision that would have completely banned targeted advertising — the practice of using information collected from

users’ browsing history to tailor ads to them. They decided instead to give users the ability to opt out of certain types of tracking by changing a setting on their browsers. Currently, European websites ask users what types of tracking they would like to disable each time they visit. The legislation will also ban companies from employing deceptive tactics known as dark patterns to lure users to sign up or pay for services and products. And it would allow users to ask companies which personal characteristics, such as age or other demographic information, led them to be targeted with certain advertisements. Google spokesman Karl Ryan said the company

would examine the legislation to understand its impact. “We share the goal of [parliament] to continue to make the Internet safer for everyone and this vote on the DSA clears the way for a final agreement later this year, something we support,” he said. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Internet users are paying closer attention to technology practices, according to Gianclaudio Malgieri, associate professor of technology and law at the EDHEC Business School in France and the co-director of the Brussels Privacy Hub, and the reputations of some large companies have been battered.

Companies such as Facebook and Google had started to improve some of their advertisement and privacy practices, Malgieri said. But the European legislation would hold them more accountable. “For the first time, it will not be based on what Big Tech decides to do,” he said. “It will be on paper.” European policymakers have been far more aggressive than their U.S. counterparts in taking on the power and privacy practices of tech giants. The bloc’s General Data Protection Regulation, which took effect in 2018, is one of the world’s strongest privacy laws. It has influenced tech companies’ data collection practices around the globe.

Gaming’s the new buzz for the 2020s IF the 2010s were the decade of social media in the tech industry, there’s reason to think the 2020s are the gaming decade. Last week Microsoft said it planned to buy the gaming giant Activision Blizzard — maker of the Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush franchises, to name a few — for some $69 billion. If it survives antitrust scrutiny, the deal will make Microsoft, which already owns Xbox, Minecraft and Halo, a titan of

the gaming world. And that in turn could give it a big role in shaping not just how we work and play but how we interact online. Games have been a big industry for a long time, from Nintendo and PC gaming in the 1990s to PlayStation and Xbox in the 2000s, to the rise of mobile gaming in the 2010s. But in recent years, leaps in technology and innovations in gameplay have made them ubiquitous, from addictive smartphone time-killers to

deeply immersive, consolebased worlds that let millions of players interact in real time. And then came the pandemic, which supercharged the popularity of games even as they pushed more of our work and social lives into cyberspace. The better and more popular games get, the less they start to look like a niche entertainment medium and the more they start to look like the future of the Internet. It’s not just the number of

users but how they’re using those games. Increasingly, games such as ‘Fortnite’, ‘Roblox’ and ‘World Of Warcraft’ serve not just as places to complete quests and shoot bad guys but places to hang out. ‘Fortnite’ hosts massive live concerts attended by millions; ‘Roblox’ invites you to build your own games and experiences and invite your friends; ‘Warcraft’ was a pioneer in encouraging players to make friends, chat and work together in guilds.

These three are not outliers. They’re just some of the better-established examples of a trend that is fast becoming the norm. These days, teens are as likely to hang out on Discord or Xbox Live playing video games together as they are to interact on Instagram or Snapchat. Kids who aren’t old enough for a Facebook or Instagram account can socialise on Roblox, which is played by nearly 50 million people per day, most of them young. That convergence of gaming

and socialising is part of what has tech CEOs and investors frothing about the Metaverse, a buzzword cribbed from sci-fi that is being marketed as the next generation of the Internet. “Gaming is the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today and will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in announcing the Activision deal.

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Trials begin on Omicron jab PFIZER and BioNTech have started clinical trials for a reformulated vaccine to protect against the Omicron coronavirus variant. The rise of the Omicron variant has forced vaccine makers to reassess the effectiveness of their vaccines. Data has shown that booster

doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were effective at neutralising Omicron. But just two doses of it were far less effective against the new variant. “While current research and real-world data show that boosters continue to provide a high level of pro-

tection against severe disease and hospitalisation with Omicron, we recognise the need to be prepared in the event this protection wanes over time and to potentially help address Omicron and new variants in the future,” said Kathrin Jansen, Pfizer’s head of vaccine research and

development in a statement. The trial will involve up to 1,420 participants across the three cohorts. One of the groups will receive two doses of the companies’ COVID vaccine, another will receive two doses and a booster dose of their vaccine, while the last

will receive the Omicronbased vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech said it planned to manufacture four billion doses of the vaccine in 2022 and said that would not change even if an adapted vaccine was required. Pfizer is also developing a vaccine in pill form.

Get vaccinated or pay up now is the norm in many countries MORE governments are offering people a stark choice: Get vaccinated or pay up. Austria’s lower house of parliament has approved a coronavirus vaccine mandate for all adults starting February 1, with violators facing as much as €4,000 in fines. In Greece people older than 60 who decline the vaccine can be fined €100 a month. Italians who are older than 50 must also get vaccinated or face fines and

suspensions from work, beginning next month. In Canada, meanwhile, the hard-hit province of Quebec said it was considering a plan to impose a “significant” financial penalty on adults without at least a first dose of coronavirus vaccine. “These people put a very important burden on our health-care network, and I think it’s normal that the majority of the population is asking that there be a consequence,” Quebec Premier François Legault said at a news conference. Early data from Quebec, Greece and Italy appears to show that announcing these measures contributes to an immediate uptick in

vaccinations. But scientists and rights groups warn that they could come at a cost, potentially alienating skeptical people and fuelling distrust. European countries, in particular, have tightened restrictions on unvaccinated residents in an effort to vaccinate holdouts and curb the spread of the fastmoving omicron variant. “This is how we can manage to escape the cycle of opening and closing, of lockdowns,” Austrian

Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein told his country’s parliament. The chamber’s approval paves the way for Europe’s most far-reaching vaccine mandate. Starting in midMarch, police will demand proof of vaccination, and people who cannot provide it may be fined as much as €650. Those who ignore reminders to get vaccinated and contest their penalty could be forced to pay several thousand dollars. Those who are pregnant,

How we’ll live with an endemic WORLD wide, coronavirus experts share their belief that we will have to learn to live with Covid-19, they are highlighting one of the less-familiar terms in the pandemic glossary: endemic. Thousands who ‘followed the rules’ are getting covid. They shouldn’t be ashamed. “We have seen now that this is likely to become an endemic disease here in the United States and really around the world,” Rochelle Walensky, director of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said during an appearance on MSNBC. “We have many diseases that are endemic, influenza being one of them, that cause us minor challenges year after year that we can handle and tackle, and that may very well be what happens with covid.” This doesn’t mean that the pandemic is close to being over — many parts of the world are still experiencing elevated case counts,

hospitalisations and deaths driven by the highly contagious omicron variant. And, experts said, even if and when Covid-19 becomes endemic, we won’t likely be able to return to our carefree, pre-pandemic lives. Still, the word endemic is “a helpful concept, and it certainly provides some context as to where we are in this horribly unfortunate journey,” said Jacob Lemieux, an infectious-disease physician at Massachusetts General Hospital. The issue, however, is nuanced, he said. Albert Ko, Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Microbial Diseases at the Yale School of Public Health, agreed. “This is not a situation where you have a flip of the switch, like, we’re pandemic one day and then we switch to endemic. “This is a gradual process and this is the process that we’re undergoing now,” Mr Ko said.

have valid medical excuses or have recovered from the coronavirus in the previous six months will be exempt. Austria will also allocate nearly €1.5 billion to efforts to encourage vaccination. In Greece, revenue from the new fines will go to the health system, the government said. When the mandate was announced in late November, 520,000 Greek citizens older than 60 were unvaccinated. Since then, 220,000 of them have received

their shots or made an appointment, according to the Greek health ministry. Now, 90% of people older than 60 are vaccinated. The Italians announced a vaccine mandate in early January as Omicron surged. Less than 10% of the population was unvaccinated as of January 18, according to the Italian health ministry, but unvaccinated people occupied two-thirds of intensive-care beds and 50% of other beds in Italian hospitals.

When working 9 to 5 may no longer work THE traditional idea of going to the office five days a week or working 9 to 5 may be dying. Some companies are making room for more creative and flexible approaches to getting workers to do their jobs. Zoom, which many workplaces and workers relied on during the pandemic, is starting to allow its more than 6,000 workers to choose whether to work in the office, work remotely, or go hybrid, as in working remotely a certain number of days a week or month at their choosing. Workplace communications platform Slack is reimagining its office primarily as a gathering place for meetings and projects. And tech giants Amazon and Salesforce, which have many employees in Ireland, are allowing their employees to decide as a team when and where they should work, based on the projects at hand.

These approaches come as companies rethink workplace policies amid the fast spread of the Omicron variant and the ‘Great Resignation’, where many employers in the US and in Europe are finding it more difficult to retain talent. As with any big change, companies that don’t take a measured approach to implementing their policies could unintentionally exacerbate employee inequity. For example, if a company asks employees to pick two days in which they’ll work from the office, the result could be that some employees never get the opportunity to work together. It also may not be conducive to employees’ work, which may need more or less collaboration days. And it could ultimately make the workplace less equitable if managers let face time play a role in evaluations.

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Your Money

Cigarettes still kill 6,000 of us a year BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

IRELAND, though a recognised global leader in tobacco control, still has an unenviably statistic that one in every two smokers will die from a tobacco-related disease, and, according to the HSE, nearly 6,000 people will die in Ireland each year from smoking-related illnesses. The Healthy Ireland Survey 2021, which represents a detailed insight of a time interval during which necessary Covid19 restrictions had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland, found 16% of the population smoke daily and 2% occasionally. And, for the first time, 45 to 54-year-olds are the most likely age group (24%) to smoke, with an increase of 6% since 2019. But it’s not all bad news. A total of 27% of those who attempted to quit in the last 12 months were successful and, overall, less people are smoking now compared to five years ago with the rates of smoking among 25 to 34-year-olds (20%) having declined by 6% since 2019. This was the age group with the highest prevalence of smoking in each previous survey.

Karen Gallagher, Interim Head of Proposition at Royal London, says:“Each year thousands of people throughout Ireland aim to give up smoking, with the beginning of a new year seen by many as the perfect time to jumpstart their health goals. While we all know that quitting smoking isn’t easy, the Healthy Ireland report shows the prevalence of smoking in Ireland is reducing as more people successfully go tobacco-free.” Beyond the physical health advantages of quitting there are significant financial benefits to be had as smoking can double the cost of life and serious illness cover. Look at this comparision table comparing smoker rates with non-smoker rates from Royal London as an example.

Let’s assume you are currently a smoker and will be 45 this year. You will pay over €18,000 more in premiums than a non-smoker will for the same level of cover — €300,000 over the next 25-years. And the cost of serious illness cover rises even more steeply with €68,000 more being paid than a non-smoker for €300,000 over a 25-year term. Speaking about the cost analysis, Ms. Gallagher says:“The price differential here is quite substantial. Our experience is that, while many people expect smokers to pay more in premiums, many don’t realise how much more it adds up to over the lifetime of the policy.” Imagine further that in 12

GP visits or phone calls, if I had only kept those Eircom shares that helped light the fire some years back. So, what can be done to ensure senior members of our society can continue to access the necessary support they require? You have guessed it in one …. We are going on line! Its is called Smart Care

So, what is Smart care? Smart care empowers seniors to live independent, healthy and active lives in their own homes as well as providing their families with peace of mind. Its smart because it: Provides services designed to meet the specific needs of each and every customer, combines homecare, healthcare and sensor enabled 24/7 remote assistance to provide better and more affordable support, when required. Uses technology to enhance the level of reassurance, whilst reducing costs at the same time. We explored a bit more to understand this new service. They provide a service called remote assistance that uses the latest smart home technology. It uses a small hub, a bit like a modem, that connects discrete smart sensors, placed in the home to their 24/7 Remote Assistance team. Included in their standard pack is the hub, 2 motion sensors, a door sensor and a wrist worn fall detector, which doubles as a panic button. The sensors notify their Remote Assistance team should any of their customers require immediate assistance. Should this occur they give their customer a quick call to check that everything is

months’ time you have not smoked and intend never to smoke again, this includes the use of e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement products such as patches or chewing gum and you have lifecover and/or serious illness cover in place you could potentially get a significant reduction in the cost of your policy premiums. Financial advisors find that many potential clients who have become non-smokers since taking out a policy have never had the plan reviewed regarding current levels of cover and premiums and so many were and are still losing significant savings each year. I recommend that you get in touch with your Financial Broker to see if you can avail of more competitive rates and start saving money on your life and/or serious illness plans immediately. This may entail a new application for lifecover, even a medical and a smoker test called a ‘cotinine test’ where they take a sample of your saliva and run a test to see if there is nicotine in your system. It will take a small amount of your time but it could add significantly to your bottom line. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633.

Community Group

‘Its life Jim but not as we know it!’ DURING months of ‘the Pandemic’ the way we went to the doctor changed dramatically. We didn’t get to see him face to face. No thermometer placed in your mouth and for us men no finger where the sun doesn’t shine! And that was the only welcoming relief. It seems science has now developed for your local GP

to look down your throat or feel the tummy down the telephone line! God be with the days you would get a big spoon of the syrup, a goodnight sleep and whatever was ailing yah was out of you like a shot the following morning. I’m sure we have all seen reports about how populations across the Globe are

ageing and that by 2031 the population over 65 in Ireland will have increased to over 1 Million (source: CSO 2018) This will ultimately lead to increases in demand for homecare and health care services. 71% increase in the number of people who will require homecare packages 38% increase in demand for

okay. If their customer tells them they are not okay, or if they don’t answer, they then contact a family member or another nominated person. The remote assistance service costs €9 per week and also includes the cost of the technology. And here comes the catch! Their service works a bit like a mobile contract, in that customers would need to sign up to an 18-month contract. Their remote assistance service works in tandem with their homecare teams to provide more comprehensive support. They say that by combining homecare and remote assistance, their customers often need less homecare hours so reducing how much customers would need to pay. In addition, all their customers also get priority access to their healthcare services provided by their teams of 24/7 GPs and Nurses, as well as appointments with Counsellors, Physiotherapists, footcare specialists and dieticians. Okay, we are having a little bit of fun about this Smart Care. But let’s be honest it is the future of our Senior Health care. So, you will have to get use to saying AWAHHH down the Phone to your GP from now! Its life Jim but not as we know it!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

Science & Wellbeing ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) can perform many tasks better than people can, at essentially zero cost. This simple fact is poised to generate tremendous economic value but also to cause unprecedented job displacement — a wave of disruption that will hit blue- and white-collar workers alike. In the future, AI will be doing everything from underwriting our loans to building our homes, and even hiring and firing us. This transformation of how work gets done will not only result in severe unemployment, but potentially ignite a host of social problems, including depression, suicide, substance abuse, widening inequality, and social unrest. So where does that leave us? What are the jobs that AI can and cannot displace? What is the future of work? The jobs most at risk of automation by AI tend to be routine and entry-level jobs. AI’s main advantage over humans lies in its ability to detect incredibly subtle patterns within large quantities of data. Take the example of loan underwriting. While a human underwriter will look at only a handful of measures when deciding whether to approve your insurance application (your net worth, income, home, job, and so on), an AI algorithm could take in thousands of variables — ranging from public records, your purchases, your healthcare records, and what apps and devices you use (with your consent) — in milliseconds, and come up with a far more accurate assessment of your application. Such algorithms will displace routine white-collar work easily, just as software has steadily taken over routine white-collar tasks, such as bookkeeping and data entry. So, what can AI not do? These are the three capabilities where I see AI falling short, and that AI will likely still struggle to master even in 2041: 1. Creativity. AI cannot create, conceptualise, or plan strategically. While AI is great at optiRESEARCHERS have extensively explored whether timeof-day affects exercise benefits and performance. Though morning workouts may be optimal for circadian rhythms, afternoon exercise tends to be slightly more efficient. Overall, given the immense benefits of exercise, the best time to work out for most people is whenever they can fit it into their schedules. A key part of starting to exercise is choosing when to work out. Morning, afternoon, or evening: Which time is best? Scientists have studied this dilemma extensively. For novice exercisers, morning workouts are often the most dreaded. Trading a cozy, nurturing bed for a sterile, unforgiving fitness center can be a rude awakening to say the least. But morning workouts have their advantages. Challenging the body triggers the release of endorphins, uplifting one’s mood following exertion. These chemicals, along with a

What AI can do ... and not do

for care and empathy, or what we might call “human-touch services.” 3. Dexterity. AI and robotics cannot accomplish complex physical work that requires dexterity or precise hand-eye co-ordination. AI can’t deal with unknown and unstructured spaces, especially ones that it hasn’t observed. What does all this mean for the future of jobs? Jobs that are asocial and routine, such as telemarketers or insurance adjusters, are likely to be taken over in their entirety. For jobs that are highly social but routine, humans and AI would work together, each contributing expertise. For example, in the future classroom, AI could take care of grading routine homework and exams, and even offering standardised lessons and individualised drills, while the human teacher would focus on being an empathetic mentor who teaches learning by doing, supervises group projects that develop emotional intelligence, and provides personalised coaching. For jobs that are creative but asocial, human creativity will be amplified by AI tools. For example, a scientist can use AI tools to accelerate the speed of drug discovery. Finally, the jobs that require both creativity and social skills, such as strategy-heavy executive roles, are the ones where humans will shine. While it’s clear that there are a lot of lines of work that AI will struggle to master — and thus would be safer for workers to pursue for their careers — these alone won’t prevent a disaster for the legions of workers displaced from roles that will be easier for AI. That said, AI will liberate us from routine work, give us an opportunity to follow our hearts, and push us into thinking more deeply about what really makes us human.

AI is poised to displace millions of jobs, both bluecollar and whitecollar. However, there are skills that AI cannot master mising for a narrow objective, it is unable to choose its own goals or to think creatively. Nor can AI think across domains or

apply common sense. 2. Empathy. AI cannot feel or interact with feelings like empathy and compassion. There-

fore, AI cannot make another person feel understood and cared for. Even if AI improves in this area, it will be extremely

difficult to get the technology to a place where humans feel comfortable interacting with robots in situations that call

24-hour sleep-wake cycle. While early workouts could be a struggle for night owls to grow accustomed to, sticking with them could make these

individuals more alert in the morning and more tired at night, hopefully resulting in more sleep and improved health outcomes. But alas, early exercisers may not be able to achieve peak performance. Stiffer muscles, fewer stored energy reserves from overnight fasting, and a slightly cooler body temperature in the morning add up to hamper exercise output. Therefore, more avid exercisers might prefer working out in the afternoon. Exercise itself may also be more efficient in the afternoon. A small, 12-week study focusing on pre-diabetic and diabetic men found that afternoon training produced slightly more beneficial metabolic effects and resulted in a little more fat loss compared to morning training. The advantages, however, were marginal. Finally, some folks may decide to work out later in the evening. Studies centred around this time of day tend

to focus on whether or not nightly exercise negatively impacts sleep quality. Gathered research suggests it does not and, instead, actually improves sleep. This finding comes with a big asterisk, however. Intense exercise performed within an hour of one’s bedtime absolutely will make it more difficult to fall asleep. For this reason, most exercise experts recommend at least 90 minutes of downtime between the conclusion of an exercise session and attempting to fall asleep. At the end of the day, whether morning, afternoon, or evening, it is optimal if exercise timing remains somewhat consistent, research has found. So, taking everything into account, when is the best time to exercise? There actually is a straightforward answer! If you’re not about to go to sleep, if you’ve got some free time on your hands, and if you haven’t already exercised today, the best time to exercise is now.

Morning, noon, or night: the best time to exercise few others, boost energy levels, alertness, and focus, which can make you more productive and attentive at work. Moreover, for those who

struggle to fall asleep at night, habitual morning exercise may help to reset their circadian rhythms, the internal, biological processes that regulate the

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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Travel & Leisure IF you fancy doing a road trip around Ireland, your own wonderful country, there are two great ways you can get around on these road trips. You can rent a car and stay at hotels or Airbnbs along the way. Or you can rent a camper van and have a self-contained place to stay. Both have their pros and cons. Renting a camper van is a unique and awesome way to experience Ireland, but it can also cost more than a hotel and you’ll need to be prepared to cook your own food and find a shower and facilities, when needed. Also, as we know, many of our roads are quite narrow. Let us now look at driving the Wild Atlantic Way which can take between 10 and 14 days depending on stopovers and such, with, say, Kinsale being your starting point and finished the holiday in Inishowen. That’s a distance of 2,500 km. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most famous and most epic road trips in all of Ireland. Starting in Kinsale in Co Cork and ending in the charming town of Inishowen in Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way is a road trip that takes you through Ireland’s spectacular west coast. It stretches 2,500 km in length which makes it the longest defined coastal route in the world! You can visit the Wild Atlantic Way in around 10 days at a quicker pace, but if you want to really enjoy it and take advantage of all of the route, then two weeks is a better time period. The amazing thing about this drive is the epic views on every turn.

TRAVELLERS heading to Spain will be required to show proof of a Covid-19 booster shot starting next month, the country becoming the latest country to rely on the extra shot. Starting February 1, most international travellers will be required to show proof they have received a booster dose more than 270 days (about nine months) after the last dose of their initial vaccine series, according to Spain’s tourism site. As with the initial shots, visitors will have to wait at least 14 days after their booster dose to enter the country. The new booster dose rule is in addition to the current requirement of filling out a Spain Health Control form, which can be obtained through the Spain Travel Health portal or through apps (on Android or iOS devices). When in Spain, face masks are required to be worn both in indoor public spaces and outdoors. Spain is reporting about 64,700 new cases

Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal route in the world!

From dramatic cliffs, typical Irish green rolling fields, epic mountains and endless charming Irish towns, the Wild Atlantic Way road trip truly offers everything you want. There are so many amazing places to stop and see along the way, but a few highlights would include, the Cliffs of

Moher, the Ring of Kerry and the town of Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula, Mizen Head which is Ireland’s most South Westerly point, and Achill Island among many other amazing sights! There are lots of great places to stay in Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way, but on this road trip,

it’s definitely worth renting a campervan and wild camping at some amazing places in Ireland. Wake up to stunning beach sunrises, epic cliff views, charming lakes and other unique wild camping spots in Ireland! The wild Atlantic with its unrestrained and untameable tides and

storms has continuously been moulding the west coast of Ireland. With a constant meeting of water and land, a deeply indented and wild terrain has emerged with towering cliffs, spellbinding bays and beaches, mystical islands, always changing and never reaching the

end. In the isolation or perhaps expressed in a different way living near and with the Atlantic at your doorstep has ensured that old traditions and the Irish language have been preserved. A trip along the Wild Atlantic Way is also an encounter with the past.

to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. To be eligible, travellers must book and prepay for a stay in an approved hotel for two separate nights (on day 1 and day 5), prepay for two PCR tests to take on day 1 and day 5 of their trip, and pre-arrange a transfer from

the airport to their hotel. Travellers must stay in their room on day 1 and day 5 of their trip until they receive the results of their coronavirus tests. Additionally, travellers will have to arrive with proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of

their departure as well as purchase insurance with at least €50,000 in coverage. Travellers will have to apply for the program online, which will reopen for applications on February 1, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Spain, Thailand and that booster shot on average each day, according to Reuters, which is a significant decrease from earlier in January. Meanwhile, Thailand is once again making it easier for tourists to visit with the return of its ‘Test & Go Thailand Pass’ programme, allowing

vaccinated international visitors to travel to any part of the country and skip quarantine. Starting February. 1, Thailand will allow fully vaccinated travellers from any country to apply for the programme up to 60 days before their trip, according

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Much More Than Words THIS WEEK, in our look at the recently published book of poetry and prose by The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, we feature poems from Ann McKeon, Sé Nicholson, and Eoghan O’ Driscoll. Thanks to Grainne Coffey and Dan Ryan for photos.

If ever a book deserved the award for ‘The Perfect Title’ surely that accolade must go to a new compilation of poetry Much More Than Words. Indeed its very title describes comprehensively the diversity of the treasures to be discovered within its covers. This volume of carefully crafted poems, interspersed with prose and enhanced with well-chosen

Anne McKeon

images, is the second collection produced by The Involvement Centre Kilkenny and the first in a joint venture with The Recovery College. The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to promote the work of The Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, and so, will publish a selection of their work over the coming months.

Se Nicholson

‘Much More Than Words’ can be purchased at the following Kilkenny outlets: Bargain Books, The Butterslip Khans Bookshop, James’ Street & The Book Centre, High Street. Price: €10

Eoghan O’Driscoll

The Forest

No Hope Brings Hope

The Crow

The French poet Guillevic said: When every one of your days, hours, moments are sacred to you – when the earth and you, the space with you is sacred to you all the days of your life – then will you dwell in the field of glory1 Our encounter with the forest was welcoming, silent, cool and shady from the mid-day sun and it brought Guillevic’s poem to life. We walked into this cathedral of trees and light, silence and shadows, home to so many different forms of life. I wonder would one be able to count the beings that lived there? Under the canopy of trees, light filtered in through the leaves as it does through stained glass windows and cast its mottled rays into the shade where spiders dwelt in complexly woven webs of gossamer. Pine needles lay in pile upon pile, which years of autumn winds and winter snows had placed there.

When I can’t face the day because it’s too much, too big, a wall that cannot be climbed. When I feel alone in your company, untouched by your love and care. When the light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train, it’s closing in, there’s no escape, the sun shines but I cannot feel it. When there is no point but we don’t wish to hurt others by ending it all. Or is it the sun shining in the morning when I get out of bed and have the strength to keep going? When a smile lifts my spirits and you’re there for me, being active and focussed And the pleasure of just doing. Being grateful for the simplest of things, A prayer said in church even when it’s the last resort, when I stop running from myself and see there is no fear. Now I have all I need, I have peace.

I watch the crow From the window of the ward . The expected storm had come. The crow knew this Long before the weather man. The crow’s god is the weather Open to offerings. He knows I am watching him . When I was a boy, the crow ate from my hand. Now he moves off Into the wild wind and rain. “Relax,” the nurse said, As I moved off into a storm all of my own.

Being present became the only thing we could be. Every moment was ‘now’. Nothing was in the past and there was no future. Pure ‘being’ came upon us and we didn’t need to tell each other what was happening – we had merged with the ‘now-ness’ of the forest and its life. If we go quietly we might see a deer, I said. We saw no deer but a sign that said BEES AT 500m. As we went past the sign we could see no clear path ahead of us at first. Then placing one step in front of the other we walked through the veil of green pine, oak and sweet-chestnut branches which gave way to our footfall. The path became full of light because of an opening in the forest roof, and rays of sunshine lit the ground where about twenty mauve Pyramidal Orchids stood among tall grasses creating a welcoming surprise. The encounter between us was, as described by Guillevic, sacred. We were captivated by their presence as we watched them soaking in the sun that illuminated this clearing. They were swaying gently with a light breeze that wafted its way through the trees. How old were their years? For how many winters had they remained dormant in the soil of this sacred ground? How many springs had the promise of warmer sun given them the energy to break through from the womb of decomposed pine needles, leaves and grass? How many summers had they surprised the wandering travellers such as us two, or even the forest hermits of ancient times? Just beyond the orchids was the bee hive. A marvellous relationship existed between this hive and the flowers. Each ensuring the continuation of the other as the orchids were pollinated and the bees were fed with the nectar of these and other wild flowers in the surrounding countryside. The hive was quiet. We could see very little movement. We knew that inside the wooden box were thousands of worker bees, cleaning the hive, feeding the queen, building chambers for the new larvae and awaiting the return of other workers with the pollen from that day’s harvest. What a wonderful balance of give and take was in this forest of trees, plants, animals and insects. We had no part to play in it except as observers. My companion said to me, I think this must be one of the loveliest places we have ever been! -----------------------------------------------------------------------1 Translated and paraphrased from the poem Ouverture that appeared in Creuser Notre Source Intérieure – Approche poétique et interreligieuse. Poèmes de Guillevic. Journées de ressourcement 1999, Frère Bernard-Joseph, Abbaye d’Orval, Belgium. Anne McKeon

Se Nicholson

Eoghan O’Driscoll

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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News

World Cup fundraiser for our Powerchair footballers A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to keep alive Team Ireland’s dreams of competing at the Powerchair Football World Cup in Australia later this year. The Association of Irish Powerchair Football (AIPF) is hoping to send a 25-strong delegation to the tournament, comprising coaching staff, players and carers.

With poor Government funding, a GoFundMe campaign is seeking to raise €100,000. Powerchair football is a mixed-gender adaptation of the running game played in specialised wheelchairs. Ireland, who are ranked sixth in the world, secured a World Cup place after winning bronze at the EPFA European Nations Cup in 2019.

AIPF Chairman Donal Lawlor said: ‘’Our goal has always been to represent Ireland at the highest level and we have finally earned the opportunity to do so. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to inspire other disabled people in Ireland that they too can achieve great things on a global stage. “To get to this point we have had to sacrifice money from

our own pockets and rely on donors and well-wishers for financial support, which has not been easy.” AIPF’s Secretary Donal Byrne said: “The funds cover expenses for the delegation. We have seven players, seven care assistants and coaching staff. Then there is the logistics of the actual equipment. We have to bring the players’ everyday chairs as

well as their sports chairs. The cost of flights is probably going to be the biggest bill that we will face.” Team Ireland began World Cup preparations last October following the easing of Covid restrictions. Team member Aoife McNicholl said getting to Australia would be a massive achievement for the team.

“Having an interest in sports all my life but not having the opportunity to play, to finally get a chance to get on the pitch with my teammates and play would be amazing. Wearing the green jersey and seeing all the support from family and friends would be amazing,” said Aoife, who has spinal muscular atrophy and got involved in the sport as a child.

Farmers told to get right advice on partnership WITH the February deadline looming, ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm, is advising Kilkenny farmers that getting the right advice is crucial for registered farm partnerships. Philip O’Connor, Head of Farm Supports at ifac said: “Changing farm structures is a big decision for any farmer and all Department of Agriculture, Revenue and legal aspects should be reviewed fully before entering a farm partnership.” According to ifac, once your accountant and /or solicitor have examined the structure and it makes financial, succession and legal sense, the next step is to deal with the Department of Agriculture. The deadline for applying for a Registered Farm Partnership number is February 11. While you can 100% be in a registered farm partnership after this date, your BPS will remain in your name for the 2022 scheme year. A registered farm partnership comes with lots of advantages. The main ones are: Department of Agriculture • As a registered partnership, you can avail of various grants, including a double ceiling for TAMS/investment on the farm. Tax • Enhanced stock relief: 50% stock relief as opposed to the standard 25% • 100% stock relief for youngtrained farmers is still available for those who are partners • Will achieve the active farmer status for succession. • Practical benefits • Registering your partnership also provides a good route for

succession and expansion • Non-family partnerships are an effective amalgamation of skills and resources and offer helpful economies of scale. Women farming in partnerships We are all aware that many women play a significant role on Irish farms, from the day-today farming activities to farm management and financial oversight of the business. Unfortunately, this is often uncredited and under-recognised. The CSO Labour Force Survey 2020 showed that 15% of workers in the primary agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector were female - the highest since 2010, yet only 4% of farms are registered in joint male and female names. Said Philip O’Connor: “It’s important that women are encouraged and supported to become officially recognised for the work they do on farms and forming a registered farm partnership could be the first step.” By farming in partnership, it could lead to additional benefits such as: • Where land is jointly owned it ensures both partners meet the farming test (for capital gains tax purposes, lands need to be owned and farmed) • A contributory pension in one’s own right can be achieved. • Over the past few years, farmers have created “Joint Herd Number” structures to qualify for the 2015 National Reserve and 2015/16 Young Farmers Scheme without seeking either legal or taxation guidance. • The question arises in individual cases as to whether a partnership has been created and if so, what are the potential consequences?

The Arts Council to celebrate its 70th birthday! THE Arts Council is celebrating 70 years since its first meeting 0n January 25, 1952. Over the course of 2022, to celebrate those 70 years supporting the arts, the council will announce a diverse programme of events aimed at bringing art into the home of every citizen in Ireland, inviting debate around the future of the arts, connecting individual artists’ stories to audiences around the country, all supported by a vibrant social media campaign. Speaking today, Prof. Kevin Rafter, Chair of the Arts Council said: “In the past 70 years,

the Arts Council has seen its funding increase from an initial £1,100 in 1952 to a record level of €130 million in 2021 and 2022. This is a signal of the central importance of the arts to Irish society and that has been particularly recognised during the Covid crisis. This anniversary year will be important in ensuring the arts remain central to our national recovery.” Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council said: “In 1952 we supported just four art forms – architecture, music, sculpture and theatre.

That has now expanded to cover the disciplines of circus, dance, film, literature, opera, street arts & spectacle, traditional arts, and visual arts. The potential for the arts sector is immense and our Paying the Artist, equality, human rights & diversity, and spatial policies will enable us to build the brightest possible future for artists and audiences.” The first council meeting began at 3:30pm on Friday 25th January 1952 at number 45 St. Stephen’s Green. The meeting was attended by (pictured) seven people; Patrick J Little

TD (appointed Director); Mon Pádraig de Brún; Dr. Richard Hayes; Mr. Thomas McCreevy; Mr. John Maher; the Earl of Rosse. Dr William O Sullivan was appointed secretary and Dr Alfred Chester Beatty sent his apologies. In an unusual sign of consensus, the council meeting was addressed by both Taoiseach John A. Costello and opposition leader Eamon de Valera. The presence of both men was a signal of how important public funding of the arts through the Arts Council was considered.

Closing date looms for Laois Kilkenny fund EIRGRID, the national electricity grid operator, is reminding community groups and not-forprofit organisations that there is still time to submit grant applications for the Laois Kilkenny Community Benefit Fund. The deadline for submission of applications is Tuesday, February 1, at 2pm. The Community Benefit Fund has been established with a total value of €511,500, with an initial €204,600 available for

community groups to apply for. Priority will be given to groups and not-for-profit organisations in communities adjacent (within 3km) to the line in Laois, including Coolnabacky, Timahoe, Ratheniska, Spink and Ballinakill and in Kilkenny, Ballyragget, Ballyouskill and Tinnalinton. Earlier this month EirGrid provided a virtual workshop and one-to-one clinics on writing a successful grant applica-

tion. These workshops provided additional supports for potential applicants. Speaking about the fund, EirGrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon said: “EirGrid is stepping up to ensure everyone has a reliable, high quality standard of electricity supply. And, while developing essential infrastructure to ensure this, EirGrid wants to make sure communities and groups are supported in their efforts to

increase public wellbeing.” “We know that when communities work together great things can be achieved, and the Laois Kilkenny Community Benefit Fund is there to help make projects and initiatives a reality.” You can download an application at https://eirgridcommunityfund.submit.com or for more information contact Avril Wilson at avril.wilson@eirgrid. com.

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Picture special

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

Maeve Doheny and Lydia Huston

The Spollen family

JJ Ryall and Seamie Fogarty.

Siobhan Minnock and Cian Courtney

t u o b A nny Out &

WITH

Da t Lahar

Zina and John from Bray

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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Picture special The Maher family

Noel Brophy playing a few tunes in Kieran St

Jonathan, Emily and Darby Wright

Liz O’Leary and Maeve Kenny

Aisling Prendergadt and Rachel Brennan The Gittens with their grandson

Cathal and Tagdg De Courcey

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

Feature

Templemartin graveyard & St. Martin of Tours Fr Willie Purcell Blessing Graves 11th Nov.2021

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY PAT SHORTALL

f a history teacher in any county in Ireland other than Kilkenny were to ask, “Where is Templemartin Graveyard?”, how many pupils might raise their hands to respond with the correct answer? The natural conclusion would be to suggest that the percentage would be extremely low. But, should the same question be put to pupils within Kilkenny, a more positive show of hands would surely be expected, perhaps there may even be one or two who would click fingers in eagerness to proclaim publicly whatever knowledge they

had accumulated. Templemartin is approximately three miles from Kilkenny city. The graveyard adjoins the ruins of the ancient monastic church on a site a little over a quarter of an acre in size. Its most prominent feature is the arched Romanesque Doorway, which is still in relatively good condition. Gravestones are scattered haphazardly and randomly throughout. It is impossible to estimate the number of burials that actually took place there, as often, just a wooden cross was the only symbol afforded to mark a grave. These would erode with the passing of time, thus, over the centuries, it is easy to understand how a

little burial space would be forgotten. The remains of a 13th century baptismal font can still seen at the old church The holy well of St. Martin is reputed to lie in what is locally known as Mrs. Quirke’s bog a short distance north of the old church. The last burial took place there in 1991; it was that of local lady, Helena (Lena) Lennon. The first headstone mention of her deceased relatives dates to 1929. Representatives from the local community, with the assistance of Kilkenny Co. Council, regularly complete the necessary tasks for the upkeep of the site. The patron Saint of Templemartin (Thomple – Waurthan) was St.

Martin of Tours, the Roman army officer who became the third Bishop of Tours. St. Martin is famously associated with at least one very generous deed. One day on his journey to battle, he saw a poor man dressed in rags during a period of freezing temperatures. He drew his sword to cut the cloak he was wearing in two and gave

one-half to the suffering man. The following night he had a vision of Jesus, who appeared to him, dressed in the half cloak he had given to the poor man he had encountered the previous day. The feast of St. Martin of Tours occurs on 11th November. Recognising the importance of the Saint and his feast day, fairs and other business

transactions took place at Templemartin crossroads on the 10th and the 23rd of November each year until about 1860. Leafing through the pages of Volume 3 of Canon William Carrigan’s, History and Antiquities of Ossory is probably the best place to commence research on the area. Here the Canon informs the reader that, “The

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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Feature

parish of Templemartin, or as it is called on the Ordnance Map, St. Martin’s. It comprises the townlands of Highrath, Lavistown, Lyrath (part of) Rathbourne and Templemartin, in all 782 statute acres. The church can scarcely be later than the 13th century. It consisted of nave and chancel; within the nave there are two uninscribed

know from history, was not his only target. However, the local inhabitants from then to the present day did not forget the sacredness of the church grounds. Tombs and burial plots were erected and constructed after the devastation, within and between the original walls of the church building. In November 1970, Mrs. Madge Buggy on behalf of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, carried out an extensive survey of the tombstones and their inscriptions. Many well-known Kilkenny family names were included in her findings. Representatives of families such as Walton, Ryan, Nolan, Long, Kavanagh, Phelan and Loughman. Indeed, on a recent visit, I learned of many more familiar city and county names, which are still in existence today. The well-respected Wheeler Cuffe family boasts a very fine preserved memorial set in the wall in the chancel. It can be clearly seen over another ornate monument. This concerns the memory of the Shortall family, who had connections with Clara Castle. As with other stone uprights, it survived Cromwell’s rampage, as it is dated 23rd December 1562. There is also the following heart rendering inscription on a tablet set into the wall on the right side body of the church. “In loving memory of Mrs. Mary Long (nee Nolan) who died on the 20th May 1920 aged 51 years, also five children who died young”. On 13th August Andrew Carroll 2019, the first who attended mass for at the blessing of least 300 years the graves, was celebrated with appropriate sincerity beside the dominant yew tree opposite the church ruin. People from neighbouring parishes and the local community gathered to honour in prayer, the memory of those who constructed the church on the holy grounds and coffin-shaped slabs, with those who attended mass incised crosses, also a and the sacraments on fragment of a baptismal or the site for so many years. holy water font.” An order of devout monks There is evidence to from Tours, France, in suggest that the New the 11th century, are Model Army led by Oliver understood to be the Cromwell, during his first religious to inhabit conquest of Ireland was the area. They too, were responsible for an attack mentioned in a special on Templemartin church. blessing by Fr Willie As a result, all that Purcell, parish priest at remains is the sad scarred Clara. During this special spectacle of what once was mass, he paid tribute to all a quaint country church who preserved the faith and monastic burial during the by-gone age. He ground. That onslaught recognised the difficulties most likely occurred presented to them at the during the late spring of time and this celebration 1650. Kilkenny being the was also held in their Confederate capital at memory. the time, it was a prime Part of the celebration objective for Cromwell’s on that damp August campaign of slaughter and evening, was the promise terror, but the city as we

At the 2019 Mass

that the holy sacrament of the mass would join the list of graveyard masses in the parish each year. Unfortunately, covid 19 and its corona virus arrived as a serious health

risk soon after, thus, shelving all immediate plans for gatherings in 2020. However, in a small way, the pre-pandemic vow of 2019 was not ignored. As once again, on 11th

November 2021, parish priest of Clara, Fr. Willie Purcell performed a sacred blessing at Templemartin’s church and graveyard, to honour once more the feast of St. Martin of Tours.

Group at Templemartin Mass on 13th Aug 2019

Alice Brennan Tony Byrne John Maher & Donal Murphy

Mass Committee Members Tom Healy Phil Dowling Donal Mc Donald & John Dowling

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Roasted aubergine & tomato curry Prep: 15 mins Cook: 45 mins Serves: 4

Slightly sweet with added richness from the coconut milk, this simple vegan curry is a winner. It’s also freezable if you need a quick midweek fix. Ingredients • 600g baby aubergines, sliced into rounds • 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, finely sliced • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 tsp garam masala • 1 tsp turmeric • 1 tsp ground coriander • 400ml can chopped tomatoes • 400ml can coconut milk • pinch of sugar (optional) • ½ small pack coriander, roughly chopped • rice or chapatis, to serve

CLASSIC NEGRONI To make the perfect classic negroni cocktail all you need is balance: use equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari, and choo.se the best products you have in reach. Ingredients • 25ml gin • 25ml sweet vermouth • 25ml Campari • ice For the garnish • slice of orange Method STEP 1 Pour the gin, vermouth and Campari into a mixing glass or jug with ice. Stir well until the outside of the glass feels cold. STEP 2 Strain into a tumbler and add 1 large ice sphere or some fresh ice, and garnish with an orange slice, using a blood orange when in season.

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the aubergines in a roasting tin with 2 tbsp olive oil, season well and spread out. Roast for 20 mins or until dark golden and soft. STEP 2 Heat the remaining oil in an ovenproof pan or flameproof casserole dish and cook the onions over a medium heat for 5-6 mins until softening. Stir in the garlic and spices, for a few mins until the spices release their aromas.

More for your cocktail hour

TOM COLLINS

STEP 3 Tip in the tomatoes, coconut milk and roasted aubergines, and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20-25 mins, removing the lid for the final 5 mins to thicken the

Chipotle sweet potato and black bean stew with cheddar dumplings

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 50 mins Serves: 4 Enjoy this filling sweet potato and black bean stew as a budget-friendly midweek meal. Served with ‘more-ish’ cheddar dumplings, it’s great for feeding a full house. Ingredients • vegetable oil , for frying • 1 large red onion , finely sliced • 250g bag diced butternut squash and sweet potato • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 2 x 400g cans chilli black beans or chilli kidney beans • 3 tbsp chipotle chilli paste • 125g self-raising flour • 60g unsalted butter , cubed • 70g mature cheddar , grated • 1 large green jalapeño , finely sliced (optional) Method

Master the art of the classic Tom Collins cocktail, plus three twists. Gin, lemon, sugar syrup and soda water are the ingredients for your cocktail cupboard.

sauce. Add a little seasoning if you like, and a pinch of sugar if it needs it. Stir through most of the coriander. Serve over rice or with chapatis, scattering with the remaining coriander.

STEP 1 Heat a glug of vegetable oil in a large flameproof casserole over a medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook for 7 mins until softened. Tip in the squash and sweet potato and fry for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes, beans and 250ml water. Stir through the chipotle paste and season to taste. Pop a lid on the dish and gently simmer over a low to medium heat for 25 mins or until reduced and the sweet potato is soft. STEP 2 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Mix the flour with ½ tsp salt. Add the butter and rub together with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the grated cheddar then quickly mix in 4 tbsp cold water. Roll the mixture into eight balls. Put the dumplings on top of the stew and place, uncovered, in the oven for 15-20 mins, or until puffed up and light golden brown. Serve the stew with the sliced jalapeño scattered on top, if you like.

Ingredients • 50ml gin • 25ml lemon juice • 25ml sugar syrup • 125ml chilled soda water • Method • STEP 1Build the drink over plenty of ice in a Collins glass, stir gently and garnish with a slice of lemon. THREE TWISTS RASPBERRY COLLINS Raspberries give this twist on the classic Collins a pretty splash of colour. Start by gently muddling a handful of raspberries in the bottom of an empty Collins glass, then add the ice, all the other ingredients and mix well with a long handled spoon. Garnish with an orange slice. BRANDY COLLINS This is a really refreshing way to enjoy cognac. For best results, use a young-ish VS or VSOP cognac that’s nice and fruity. Just make the drink as normal, substituting cognac for gin, then garnish with a slice of ginger or a ribbon of lemon peel. ELDERFLOWER COLLINS Elderflower and lemon is a winning combination. You can make it with elderflower cordial or liqueur for something a touch more boozy. Mix the drink as normal, but use the liqueur or cordial in place of the sugar syrup. Garnish with a lemon slice.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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Advertisement TV & Streaming

Check out this good sci-fi movie while still on Prime

thrillers to watch on Netflix

The second adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s 2005 novel, David Fincher’s 2011 thriller The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is as heady, taut, and explosive as you would expect from the director of Seven and Zodiac. Daniel Craig (Skyfall) stars as Mikael Blomkvist, a disgraced investigative journalist who is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve the disappearance of his grandniece over forty years ago. During his investigation of his client’s family Blomkvist is aided by Lisabeth Salander (Rooney Mara), a taciturn hacker and the namesake of the film. Graphic, intense, frequently gorgeous, and thoroughly engrossing, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo easily ranks among Fincher’s finest.

WRITTEN by Carl Lucas and directed by Gille Klabin, The Wave (2019) on Amazon Prime is a fascinating sci-fi exploration of psychedelia. Frank (Justin Long) is a lawyer at an insurance company and a pretty good one at that. He just scored a major coup for his employer, looking through the details of a recently deceased firefighter’s case and finding a loophole to deny a claim that would cost the company millions. This firefighter had a heart condition and was taking medication for it, but bad side effects made him quit. In the insurance company’s eyes, he might as well have committed suicide. In 2020, Gille Klabin told Interlocutor magazine that the storyline “is actually based on the writer/producer Carl’s real life cousin,” who died and had their life insurance policy rejected. Klabin described the movie as “partially a vengeful fantasy of the universe fixing a moral wrong, but it was also an attempt to humanise and understand the person simply doing their job well.”

Despite winning over his fellow lawyer Jeff (Donald Faison) and being in line to score points with his boss, Frank’s life seems empty. His wife, Cheryl (Sarah Minnich), loathes him. So he throws caution to the wind and goes out with Jeff the night before his big meeting with the boss. Which leads to drinks, which leads to meeting Natalie (Katia Winter) and Theresa (played by both Jocelyn Montoya and Sheila Vand). Jeff is instantly smitten with Theresa, who calls him out when he tries to defend his job. She accuses him of not believing a word he’s saying, to which Jeff responds that he doesn’t believe she cares. It’s a fun, flirty scene, hampered only by Jeff’s inability to get away from his wife’s phone calls. The four make their way to a house party, then quickly become two as Jeff and Natalie get lost in the crowd. Frank and Theresa start having fun on their own, but Frank is cautious about trying drugs until he meets Aeolus (Tommy Flannagan). Women surround Aeolus, he dresses in elaborate coats,

and he has the best drugs. He offers Frank a bag of cocaine that makes him feel wonderful, and when the chance comes to take a drug that’s ingested through the tip of someone else’s tongue he jumps at the chance to make out with Theresa. But before he can really enjoy the high, the drug hits him just like Aeolus promises it would: like a wave. Frank suddenly finds himself alone and without his wallet. The party is over and he’s covered in household rubbish. Theresa isn’t around. No one at all is around. His phone is dead and he has no idea what neighbourhood he’s in. With his big meeting in only a couple of hours, Frank panics and races to beat the clock while also justifying himself to his wife. Frank eventually makes it to the office, where he gets to reveal his big plan for denying a firefighter’s family life insurance. But this drug is making time act weird. He keeps jumping from one location to another, and phone calls with a furious Cheryl

confirm that all his money is somehow gone. Trying to figure out why his life is suddenly falling apart, Frank reconnects with Jeff and Natalie. The three set about trying to figure out what Frank has taken, which leads them to a drug dealer. But Frank’s reaction to the drug is only increasing, and he keeps jumping in and out of time. The drug dealer doesn’t like this, and things only get weirder from there. It’s effectively confusing, but what really makes these sudden changes work is Klabin and VFX supervisor Patrick Lawler’s wonderful visual portrayal of the experience. Not quite cartoony, they show human emotions slowed down and sped up, heightened and damped, as coloors bulge and burst out of every corner. Klabin credits working on “decades of low budget music videos” for pulling off the movie’s unique look. An unusually personal scifi movie asking how willing people are to change their lives, The Wave punches far above its low budget.

Sex Education edges near final season NETFLIX’S Sex Education S3 was one of the most highlyanticipated releases of 2021 and gained huge viewership, earning the streamer massive revenue. Following the success of the third season and the renewal news regarding an upcoming fourth season, fans have been waiting to see what the show has in store. While the show deals with

a lot of raunchy yet educational stuff that might make a little awkward family binge session, the wide range of characters help heighten the emotional quotient and adds relatability to the show. Besides Asa Butterfield and Emma Mackey starring as Otis and Maeve, 26-yearold BAFTA-winning actress Aimee Lou Wood also plays the character, Aimee Gibbs.

Despite various misunderstandings with Maeve, she manages to forge a friendship with her, and together they become an iconic duo. In the third season, Aimee has a pet goat and attends therapy with Otis’ mum, Dr. Jean Milburn due to her struggle with intimacy. While Wood, 26, spoke about how she knew “basi-

cally nothing” about the fourth season narrative, she is admittedly “confused” about the story arc as the school, now sold to developers as informed in the third season, would now be “gone”. Much to the chagrin of dedicated fans, Wood has emphasised how the show will “have to come to an end” soon”.

Uncut Gems directors Benny and John Safdie’s 2017 crime drama Good Time is anything but. Robert Pattinson stars as Connie Nikas, a small-time criminal forced to scrounge up money to afford his brother’s bail after a botched bank heist. Connie’s journey is a road to perdition, leading him down the darkest corners of New York City to the seediest depths of its underbelly. The film is charged with the same manic, all-or- nothing energy that came to define the Safdies’ breakout hit, but here, it’s even more fatalistically tragic and perilous.

Martin Scorsese’s ominous psychological thriller Shutter Island proved a colossal critical and commercial success when first released back in 2010, and the appreciation for the film’s nuanced visuals and pacing has only continued to endure in the decade since. Leonardo DiCaprio’s turn as Edward ‘Teddy”’Daniels, a U.S. Marshal whose missing persons investigation at the film’s titular psychiatric facility quickly unravels into a descent into the darkness of his own psyche, ranks among one of the actor’s best, with the character’s final line transforming what was already an unnerving third act into one of the most chilling and memorable of Scorsese’s entire oeuvre.

Steven Soderbergh’s 2018 psychological horror thriller Unsane stars Claire Foy as Sawyer Valenti, a young woman who is involuntarily committed to a mental institution in what she suspects is an elaborate plot orchestrated by her stalker. Shot entirely on an iPhone 7 Plus, the film is tense and claustrophobic with visuals composed primarily of close-up shots that place stark emphasis on Foy’s frenzied performance.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news BEREAVED Sypathies are extended to the Kehoe family on the death of Noel of Clifden House. Noel was Chairman of Clara GAA Club when they won their first senior county final in 1986. He was also the founder of Marble City Boxing Club and was responsible for keeping many the lad and lassie on the straight and narrow over the years. What a legacy to have left? He was also an absolute gentleman and will be sorely missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. CAMOGIE Clara had a large representation in the Leinster Schools Final between Presentation Convent Kilkenny and the Loreto Convent Kilkenny in Callan on Saturday. The game finished in a draw and the two teams will have to do it all over again. The replay hasn’t been fixed yet at time of going to print. Emma Corr was on the Loreto panel while no fewer than seven of the Presentation starting team hailed from Clara - Laoise Nolan, Rachel Whelan, Grace Barcoe, Gráinne Glynn, Emma Shortall and the joint captains Katie and Keara Ryan. The Brickell sisters Niamh and Rachel were also on the panel. Good luck to all in the replay. REGISTRATION GAA Club registration is now in full swing. The process has been much simplified and can be done online through Foireann.ie. Registration has to be completed by players and coaches before return to training and playing. O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this week’s Club Lotto (Jan 18th) Next Week’s Jackpot will be €10,600 (Jan 25th) . Play again at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw 1. Mick Cahil c/o Mick Nolan 2. Laura Comerford c/o Peter Dowling 3. Gerry Fitzgerald c/o Neil Loy 4. Mick Nolan 5. Denise Brennan c/o Damien O’Connell 6. Biddy Fogarty c/o Damien O’Connell 7. C Goulding c/o Dan O’Driscoll 8. Padraig O’Neill c/o Online 9. Brian Hogan c/o Online 10. Helen Morrissey c/o Online Thank You for your continued support RENEW MEMBERSHIP NOW All current members are asked to renew their memberships to O’Loughlin Gaels GAA, Camogie and Handball Clubs for 2022 now. Full details and payment options at www.oloughlingaels.com/ membership RETURN TO PLAY We’re gearing up to a Spring return. Registration is available on your Foireann App (Return to Play) and via www.oloughlingaels.com/membership. This year family membership includes boys playing GAA and girls playing Camogie. Families with boys and girls are asked to register via the GAA club Foireann. We need volunteers too: Hurl carriers, mentors, suppliers, first aid , stewards, administrators - if anyone can offer help in anyway please contact GAA Juvenile Chairman Brian Fox 087 998 4853. O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club Juvenile Chairwoman Orla Skehan 087 948 9975 Sponsors : Pat Carroll’s, McCarthy’s Eurospar and MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre BAR OPEN Back in full swing! With restrictions lifted and Bar stools reopened,we are delighted to announce the club bar is open for business and back to normal hours - Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm. The only place to discuss and dissect all your club’s news. Looking forward to seeing you all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYOR Special Birthday wishes go out to the Lord Mayor of Freshford. Well known local man Tom Hayes, Ard Lachtain who is the present Lord Mayor celebrated his birthday at the weekend at a special get together with his friends at Kavanaghs bar. FIONA ON TODAY FM Local girl Fiona Bergin from Cooleshall Freshford featured on a programme on Today fm Sunday morning last. Fiona who is daughter of Willie and Josephine Bergin was reared on the farm at Cooleshall and now works in the theatre in London.

She was speaking about her success on Tic Toc. She loves the farm and the animals and set up the site during lockdown and her followers just grew to an unbelievable amount over the months. RECYCLE CHRISTMAS TREES Christmas tree recycling drop off point is the same as previous years with a local one at The Green Freshford and is operational for the past week or two. FROM MALAYSIA Spending Christmas and the New Year with his parents in Freshford is Jason Moriarty. Jason who comes from Woodview Freshford is home on an extended holiday from Malaysia. SYMPATHY Deepest sympathy is extended to Pauline Dawson, Johnstown Road Freshford and all her family on the sudden death last week of her nephew James Dawson late of Castlecomer Road, Ballinakill. James was only in his early thirties was predeceased only two years ago by his dad Shem. Shem and all his family grew up in Freshford before emigrating to the Uk for many years and he and his wife Judy and three sons returned to Ireland a number of years ago and set up home in Co.Laois. The family are widely known and respected in the area. Funeral Mass took place in St.Brigids Church Ballinakill on Friday morning last followed by burial in St.Lachtains Cemetery Freshford. He is deeply mourned by his mother Judy, brothers Jason and Anthony, his daughter Ellie Rose and her mum Marie, aunts, uncles, cousins and a large circle of friends. Sincere sympathy is also expressed to Paul Durnan, Arganey Freshford on the death of his father Michael Durnan late of Beech Park Kilkenny. Funeral mass took place in St.Fiacres Church Loughboy on Friday last followed by burial in Foulkstown Cemetery. NEW CROSSING Local residents are happy to see that the new pedestrian crossing at Kilkenny Street in the village is now fully operational making it safer to people to cross the busy street. PLAYGROUND There has been exciting news for Freshford recently with the announcement that Planning Permission has been granted for the long awaited village playground. Great credit goes to the Committee and their hard work in this regard. SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side were in action at the weekend when they took on Bridge Utd. In an away game and came out winners on a 5-1 scoreline with goals coming from Jack Cleere (2) Ml.Burke, Shane Donnelly and Cathal O’Leary The U9s welcomed the Lions sides from Durrow on Saturday morning last to Freshford where they played three games and everyone got to show off their talents. The training sessions for U8s started back last week after the Christmas holidays and will continue each Saturday morning from 12noon to 1pm at the Sportfield at Woodview. All boys from 5 to 8 years old are welcome so go along and join up. MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie GAA NEWS Two local hurlers featured on the Kilkenny Senior hurling side which drew with Wexford on Saturday last at Wexford. Darren Brennan played in goal while James Maher also lined out at half back. AGM St Lachtains Gaa club AGM will be held on Friday 4th Feb at 7.30pm at the Clubrooms . All motions should be with the Secretary as soon as possible. LAST MAN STANDING St.Lachtains GAA Committee will once again run a

“Last Man Standing” competition for the upcoming National League all details will be given on their Facebook page very soon with names to be given to any of the players or committee. PARISH NEWS Attendance at Masses and indoor settings are now back to full capacity Mass in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 8pm. Some Safety measures remain in place which includes wearing of masks, sanitising and full sanitation of the Church after every celebration Last Sunday marked the beginning of Catholic schools week 2022 and during the week celebrations will be held to mark the contribution that catholic schools primary and post primary make to supporting each other. The restoration of the Stations of the Cross in the Church continues with ten now completed and just four more to go. In order to continue the work you are invited to sponsor one of the stations maybe with your family or a group of your friends. The sponsors will be included in a special roll of honour displayed in the church as a lasting legacy. For further information re same you are asked to please contact Monsignor Kennedy NOTICES The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. 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. COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford/Threecastles Community alert group remind you that the annual text alert scheme membership is now due. It cost just 10euro per phone number and you can pay membership to any committee member. If unsure or for more information please call Jacinta on 0877658671 or Anna on 0858277965 . New members are welcome and the group wish to thank you all for

your continued support. With winter upon us now and the dark evenings and long nights you are reminded to take care of yourself and take care of your elderly neighbours and friends. 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 28434 2 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. ST LEONARDS NATIONAL SCHOOL Congratulations to the debating team from St Leonard’s who have qualified for the final of the Concern Debate Competition again this year. Team: Megan, Ena, Croia, Sophie, Hannah and Alana Good luck in the final! We are now taking enrolments for September 2022, please contact the school office for an application form, the closing date is February 28th 2022. LOCAL LOTTO Weekly Draw Results for 17th January 2021. Winning Numbers : 17, 31,35. No Winner. Winners of the Draw for 5 x € 30. Mockel (Petes Shop),Mag Flynn (Pauline Flynn),Olive Buckley (Olive Buckley),BEOFS (James Moylan),Breda Smyth (Breda Smyth) Jackpot for Next week (January 24th) €5050. Venue Townsend’s Pub Dunnamaggin at 9pm, All Welcome. CANCER RISK WEBINAR The Irish Cancer Prevention Network is hosting a webinar covering practical steps to reduce our cancer risk on Friday 4th February at 1pm for World Cancer Day. Learn how we can all take action to reduce cancer risk through a series of presentations with a panel of experts. Topics

Good luck in the final to St Leonards NS Concern Debate Competition Team Pictured some members of the team

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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News Community & GAA Notes covered will include: Eating for health, Radon, Skin Protection, Breastfeeding. Know the signs, find cancer early. Register to watch live or receive a link to watch the recorded webinar. To register go to, https://ims.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ X1kXq18bQ2O6eGlSmkglew IRISH GARDEN BIRD SURVEY The Irish Garden Bird Survey continues until the end of February and Birdwatch Ireland are asking members of the public to keep note of the highest number of each bird species visiting their garden every week up until the end of February. We support this great initiative and encourage Kilkenny Citizens to help with this survey. Please send your garden bird records online, by email or by post to Birdwatch Ireland. DUNNAMAGGIN GAA Dunnamaggin GAA Club Juvenile AGM. Please note the Dunnamaggin GAA Club Juvenile AGM will take place Virtualy on Friday 28th January 2022 @8pm. Further details to follow. Thank you. CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results JAN 17th. Nos: 8–15– 26– 31 Jackpot: €7,300 not won Draw Prizes – €50: Jenny Kearns c/o Dicksboro. €25 each Five Girls c/o Joe Phelan. €25 each Cillian Breathnach c/o Online €25 each Brian Murphy c/o Online Co-op draw ticket Deirdre Beirne c/o Tom Beirne .Promotors prize Timmy Hackett. New weeks draw 7,450 25Th of jan 2022 CAMOGIE FINAL The very best of luck to the Dicksboro Senior Camogie Team and Management, who play Oullart the Ballagh on Sunday in the Leinster Senior Camogie Club Championship Final. CLUB REGISTER 2022 We are delighted to announce that Registration for Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club for 2022 is now open. There are a number of ways for existing and new members to register with the club . Click on the link below ( For existing members enter your e mail address to retrieve all details from last year’s registration process ) Go to the membership page on Clubs App and sign up https://dicksborogaa.com/membership_signup Gowran Development 2021, In Gowran 2021, the unwanted sequel to 2020, started with a familiar storyline and it was a slow start in Gowran due to lockdowns but by March we were itching to get out and about to tidy up our beautiful village for the summer months ahead. So, over two weekends in late March and early April a team of over 40 local volunteers, divided in pods, combed the highways and byways in, around and approaching Gowran to pick rubbish. Who would have imagined they would fill three trailers loads (about 1.5 tonnes in total) of rubbish in the ditches within 500 meters of the village green! More’s the pity, we’re certain the scene is replicated in every village and town across the country. The month of May saw a young local lad (Brogan McAviney) start a fundraiser to raise much needed funds for Pieta House. The challenge he set himself was an eyewatering 100Km outdoor river swim in rivers around Kilkenny over the month of May,and he did it with gusto despite the rough weather, raising over €8000 for his chosen charity. Surely an inspiration to us all and great to see the future is safe and in good hands. Christian Eriksen’s near fatal cardiac arrest opened people’s eyes to the risks of heart failure and it both kick-started and added momentum to a campaign to obtain defibrillators for the communities of Gowran and Dungarvan. A group of local social (slightly mad) runners took up the mantle and set themselves the challenge to run a half marathon around the roads of Gowran and Dungarvan to raise the funds needed. They set themselves the target of raising €5000, enough to purchase two top quality defibrillators, but the entire community and local businesses rallied behind the cause, helping to smash the target and resulting in more than €9000 been raised. A special thanks must go to Eamon Nolan of CTB Recycling and Anthony Coomey of Kearney, Roche, and McGuinn Solicitors

for their very kind donations. One defibrillator has been installed in Dungarvan villages thanks to Joe Bollard and the other was installed in Gowran in Hennessey’s Garage forecourt with thanks to Pat & Eileen Hennessy and Cathal Fitzgerald. In addition, the local GAA club (Young Irelands) decided to mount their own defibrillator on the external wall of the club meaning the villages of Gowran and Dungarvan now have three defibrillators available to them to be used if needed. ON THE SPORTING FRONT HORSE RACING 2021 was a busy year in Gowran for horse racing fans. Although COVID restrictions were in place for several meetings throughout the year, nonetheless the management, staff and horse racing connections were on hand to provide a wonderful year’s racing. 2022 promises to be even better with 18 meetings taking place at one of Ireland’s most popular horse racing venues. On Thursday 27th January the new season begins with the biggest event of the year. The Goff’s Thyestes Day – National Hunt. A limited number of tickets have been on sale for this event. Hopefully COVID restrictions will allow those who are lucky enough to have purchased tickets to attend. In the month of May alone three meetings will be held. Two evening meetings and one day meeting taking advantage of the long bright summer evenings. This promises to be a very exciting year for horse racing in Gowran. The year just passed finished on a high when Tornado Flyer caused a major upset in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St. Stephen’s Day. The shock 28/1 winner was ridden by local Gowran jockey, Danny Mullins from Wateree Stud and trained by his uncle Willie. The horse won by nine lengths. CHELTENHAN 2021 AND GOWRAN CONNECTIONS Earlier in the year in March, Danny also recorded his first Cheltenham winner on board Flooring Porter in the Stayers’ Hurdle. The 12/1 winner was trained by trainer Gavin Cromwell and owned by the Flooring Porter syndicate from the Roscommon Galway border area. Danny had ridden in Cheltenham many times just missing out on the winner’s prize. His parents Mags and Tony are well known local horse trainers. Danny had success in the 2020 Thyestes Chase at Gowran winning on Total Recall for his uncle Willie. Another Gowran Trainer, Paul Hennessy celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in the Cotswolds with his first win in Cheltenham in the Coral Cup with the 33/1 winner Heaven Help Us, expertly ridden by Richard Condon. One of two horses which Paul owns. Paul has had many great days on the Greyhound track winning the Irish, English, and Scottish Derby’s. Some of the great dogs he trained were. Jaytee Jet, The Late Late Show and Quarter to Five. Put The Kettle On, ridden by Aidan Coleman, winner of the Champion Chase was another horse with local interest. The horse was bred locally by the Butlersgrove Stud and came in a 17/2 winner for Henry de Bromhead to complete a great week for Henry. GREAT SPORTING WEEK FOR GOWRAN IN MID SUMMER In mid-summer Danny’s dad Tony Mullins travelled from his stables in Wateree to the great racing festival in Royal Ascot England with the grey mare Princess Zoe. The mare trained by Tony finished second in the Gold Cup on the Thursday. Tony had concerns that the ground may not have been soft enough, but the mare arrived safely home at 9-00am the following Friday morning to join her friends in the paddock happily showing no aftereffects. Ridden by Joey Sheridan, the horse was sent off at 28-1, a fine each way bet for anyone that backed the horse. Another great grey horse with Gowran connections was Nicolaus Silver who won the Aintree Grand National in 1961 at one stage trained at the Kirwan stables just outside Gowran. CAMOGIE Many games were played throughout the year. Great thanks are due to all the officials, mentors, parents and of course the players themselves for taking part and providing great entertainment whilst observing COVID restrictions and above all keeping everybody safe in these difficult times. In June, Young Irelands Camogie Club were well

represented in the camogie league final against Galway held in Croke Park. Steffi Fitzgerald, her sister Tiffanie, and Ciara O Keefe were all members of the victorious Kilkenny team. Two minutes into injury time, Steffi scored a wonderful point from play followed by a great pass to Mary O Connell who put the ball over the bar to secure the victory for Kilkenny. The senior camogie team progressed to the Senior Championship quarter-final but lost out to a stronger Clara team by a score of 4-12 to 3-5. Young Irelands U14 camogie team finished the year in October with a County Final win over a gallant Tullogher. 25 YEARS ON In a normal year, Young Irelands would have celebrated the great success which the club achieved in 1996 by winning their first ever Senior County Final defeating James Stephens in the final replay by 3-09 to 2-10. Celebrations will be on hold for another day. Fund Raising - was difficult again this year. Through the great efforts of all involved, the club continues to generate income to maintain grounds and keep all activities going. The lotto was again a great success and continues to provide a great source of income. The YI Golf Classic was well supported as were other regular fundraising events. The Club are very grateful for all the support throughout 2021. While it would have been nice to see further development of the Castle Ellis facilities, prudent management of finances was essential to maintain current infrastructure and manage the finances of the club. Everybody can be assured that the club will fully develop all facilities over time with the help of supporters and the community. Young Irelands Intermediates played what was arguably their best performance of the year, to defeat John Lockes of Callan. In difficult playing conditions in Ballyhale, Gowran played exceptional hurling in the Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate Championship Relegation Final which earns them the right to play at Intermediate level again next year. The final score was Young Irelands Gowran 3-13; John Lockes Callan 1-7 Underage was once again the highlight of the year with the Monday evening underage a great success. Underage coaching began over 25 years ago in the old pitch and has gone on from strength to strength. Gowran won both the U13 A1 League and Championship double. There was great sadness in November as Young Irelands, the community of Gowran, family and friends, mourned the sad loss of Harry Byrne R.I.P. Harry had a great love for his local club, the GAA and sport in general. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis ATHLETICS Gowran Athletics Club had a very successful year despite restrictions that Covid 19 brought. Many athletic events were cancelled or postponed however Gowran AC had some great success whenever events did go ahead. At local, regional, and national levels Gowran AC athletes had some outstanding performances. Some highlights would include: Cross Country Billy Coogan’s selection for the Irish Schools team that travelled to Scotland where he placed 6th. Bronze Club Team U12 boys with Evan Ryan, Darragh Carroll, Robert Coogan and Aaron Carrigan in the All-Ireland Cross Country. At the Cross-Country Relays this year the U12 boys came 3rd place with Aaron Carrigan, Milo Geraghty, David Carroll & Aidan Corrigan. The U14 Boys also came 3rd with Joe Hayes, Conor Carroll, Tomas Carroll, and Evan Ryan. Matthew Holland’s 6th place finish in the All-Ireland U19 Cross Country in Gowran The performances of Ruth Kennedy in taking 4th place in the Leinster Novice Cross-Country in Kilmacow in October and 5th in the Leinster Intermediate in Dunboyne in January 1st and 2nd individual performances of Niall Sheehan and Dean Rowe in the County 10k in Rosbercon leading the club team to County glory Up and coming female stars at the County Cross Country include May Timmins who impressed by winning the U9 and U10 races, Emily O’Keeffe 1st U11 girls, Abigail Hunt 3rd U11, Kate Hayden 2nd in U13, Lucy Coomey 3rd in U15.

Track and Field Billy Coogan’s performances in the Steeplechase in Leinster and All-Irelands bringing home gold Odhran Prendergast (U13) coming 2nd in Leinster in the 80m Sprint and the Long Jump. He went on to finish 2nd in the All Irelands in the Sprint. Tomás Carroll (U13) performance winning the Leinster High Jump and coming 2nd in the All Irelands. Dunne At Leinster Level, Rachel Duff winning the sprint, Aoibhlinn Steger 3rd in the High Jump, Darragh 3rd in the 200m. Peter Dunne’s ongoing improvement in pole vault placing 3rd in Leinster Gowran have a strong representative of throwing athletes who won medals at Leinster Level including James Kelsey, Noah Denieffe, Charlie Ryan, Evan Ryan, Hazel, Coogan, Rachel Gardiner, Anna Brennan and Orlaith Brennan. Events included the Javelin, Turbo, Shot Putt, Discus, and Hammer. Cillian Dunne winning the County 800m at the age of 17. The winning of the overall club in the County Track and Field Shield 2021 Our Paralympian Mary Fitzgerald participated in the delayed Tokyo Olympic 2020 games in September 2021. She represented Ireland in the F40 Shot Putt. Building on an outstanding season where she continually threw personal bests and won a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Bydgoszcz, she finished 6th in a hugely competitive Olympic final. Mary is a wonderful ambassador for the club. The club which trains locally continues to grow in strength with new senior and juvenile members joining regularly. We are an integral part of the community. One of our key events which went ahead this year was the Stook 10 mile which went ahead for the ninth time in November. One of the highlights of 2021 was Gowran AC hosting of the All-Ireland Cross-Country event at Gowran Racecourse Park in early December. This was a huge national event, which had an attendance in the region of 7,000 with 2,500 athletes taking part. This event has been applauded by many far & wide in the athletics world. We expect Gowran Athletics Club to continue to develop & excel in the sporting life of the Gowran Community. SPOOKTACULAR As the autumn leaves began to fall, and minds turned to the long dark nights ahead with the thought of brightening them up with Christmas lights around the village green over the festive season. To raise cash and to help bring the community back together again in an outdoor and safe setting, the abomination that is Spooktacular was born! Wind and rain threatened to kill the event before it had even come to life, but the organisers took a last-minute gamble and went ahead as planned. The event drew a crowd from across Gowran and its hinterlands for the ghoulish spectacle much to the joy of young and old alike. The inclement weather only added to the nightmarish atmosphere SHARE THE LOAD RELAY IN AID OF SOLAS Early on Saturday December 11th forty-three runners, joggers and walkers descended on Gowran to run a relay marathon (26miles or 42km in teams of 4 or 5) in aid of SOLAS Cancer Support Centre. €1379 was raised for the ExWell programme by the Support Centre. This programme will help support people going through cancer, sharing the benefits of exercise as medicine for good health and recovery from serious illness. Christmas Lights: With the money raised from Spooktacular and a grant of €450 with thanks from Yulefest Kilkenny the community purchased more lights and accessories to add to the yuletide festive atmosphere within our beautiful village. As we look forward to 2022, plans are already underway to help our community not just survive but thrive together and to make the coming years bigger and brighter for us all. Happy New Year to all from all of us in Gowran! If you’d like to be kept informed of what’s happening in Gowran or if you’d like to get involved in our plans for Gowran into the future, please reach out to us on our Facebook page @ gowrandevelopment.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

Hurling matters

Sport

Joey’s Ball - Joey Holden takes possession

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Semi-Final Shamrocks Ballyhale 2-15 St Thomas’ (Galway) 0-20 Semple Stadium, Thurles, Sunday 23rd January 2022

WE’LL come back to the start later. Extra time loomed. The sides were deadlocked. We were now in 3 minutes of additional time. The Clare referee awarded yet another free to the Connacht champions. Conor Cooney slotted it over, as he had done for most of the preceding 60 minutes. One minute later, another free. This time Cooney rifled it over from his own half. St Thomas’ now 2 points up going into the last minute of the signaled three. Ballyhale launched the ball into the danger zone. Adrian Mullen tried to gain possession; the ball broke to TJ who was wrestled to the ground by the opposition full-back, Fintan Burke. 62.47 on the clock. TJ picked himself up and went into his ‘free-taking mode’. The referee indicated that there were about 30 seconds remaining to the Kilkenny legend. Roughly 22 metres out, on the angle to the right of the St Thomas’ goal, TJ struck a fierce shot that rocketed to the back of the net past a plethora of bodies. Game over. Shamrocks Ballyhale through to the AIB AllIreland Senior Club Hurling Championship Final. Let’s rewind about 60-odd minutes. Shamrocks took to the Semple stadium turf minus star midfielder Ronan Corcoran, missing out through injury. It was a midfield pairing of Paddy Mullen and Conor Phelan that lined up in the engine room for James O’Connor’s side as they began their quest to reach a third club final in a row. Ballyhale also welcomed back Joe Cuddihy following his recent suspension. From the throw-in, Shamrocks attacked. Richie Reid pumped a long searching ball into the opposition full-back line where Eoin Cody took possession and headed for goal, before his effort was smothered away by a scrambling St Thomas’ defence. From the puck-out, the ball made its way to young wing forward Eanna Burke who fired over a nice point from out on the right for the games first score. The same player doubled his account on 4 minutes, when he took a nice pass before popping over the ball over the bar. Following a sloppy restart, Brendan Farrell took full advantage and split the posts to give his side a 3-point lead. St Thomas’ were playing with great hunger and desire as they hunted down their more illustrious opponents with steely determination. The dangerous Eanna Burke then won a free which Conor Cooney popped over with ease to extend the Galway sides lead. It would be the eighth minute before the Leinster champions opened their account, courtesy of a point from TJ Reid after a nice catch and turn. The Connacht champions responded immediately when Paddy Mullen was adjudged to have fouled his man. Cooney slotted the placed ball to restore his teams 4-point lead. This appeared to stir Shamrocks into action, as the Kilkenny side hit four on the bounce. First up was Eoin Cody. The Young Hurler of the Year, two years running, picked up the ball out on the left wing and swung over a lovely point. Moments later, the same player took a sideline cut and found TJ with an excellent delivery. TJ laid his pass off to the on-running Joe Cuddihy who fired over an excellent point. From the next passage of play, TJ again picked out Cuddihy on the right and the No. 21 duly obliged by slotting his effort over the bar. Seconds later, Eoin Cody emerged from a scrimmage and showed unbelievable skill and poise before registering the equalising score and undoubtably the best point of the game to date with 13 minutes gone. Kenneth Burke’s side hit back with a well worked score from CONTINUED >>>

Colin Fennelly grits his teeth

The Late Late Show! TJ strikes at the death to send Shamrocks to Croker

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Hurling matters Darragh Corcoran under pressure

All pix: Danny Lahart

Richie Reid challenges Conor Cooney

! TJ Reid winning the free that led to the winning score!

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Hurling matters

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Shamrocks pre match

... CONTINUED

midfielder Bernard Burke. From the puck-out, Shamrock’s net minder Dean Mason picked out TJ Reid. The roving attacker then found last season’s County captain Adrian Mullen, who struck a nice point on 15 minutes. The next attack from the westerners didn’t end in a score. Again, Mason’s restart was excellent. He saw Eoin Cody signal and break to his right and managed to pick him out with ease. The impressive attacking star took possession and fired over from distance for the last score before the first water break. Shamrocks led by the minimum, 7 points to 6. When play resumed, Conor Cooney registered another score from the placed ball, when again, referee Rory McGann gave another decision in favour of the underdogs. It did appear that those marginal calls were going the way of the St Thomas’ side. The Connacht side reclaimed the lead soon after, when Eanna Burke hit a magnificent point to rival that of Eoin Cody’s minutes earlier. Moments later, the most prominent of the Burke’s had a glorious chance to raise the green flag, but saw his improvised effort expertly saved by Mason. Another ‘soft’ free allowed Conor Cooney to slot another free from about 45 metres out. Midfielder Bernard Burke then got his second point of the day with a long-range effort from halfway. That capped somewhat of a purple patch for the N66 based side, as they had reeled –off their own 4 scores in a row to lead 0-10 to 0-7. The All-Ireland champions then replied with three scores. The hugely impressive Eoin Cody then cut in from the right touchline before striking over a fine point. Not to be outdone by his young apprentice, TJ then pointed from the right-hand side. From the puck-out, Eoin Cody won back possession before finding his captain at the edge of the ’D’. Fennelly made no mistake and swung over the point, to make it ten apiece. The next passage of play say Eoin Cody lose his hurl, but true to his nature, he battled on to try and disrupt his opponent, before being blown up for a foul. Conor Cooney pointed the placed ball as his side regained the lead on 26 minutes. The St Thomas’ full-back, Fintan Burke who was having a good game on Fennelly then got out in front of his man, before arrowing a pass into Eanna Burke, who collected the ball before splitting the posts with for a fine score. Cooney then showed his skill from the sideline cut, when he pointed to leave his team up by 3. A nice ball into Fennelly looked like it might cause problems, but the veteran forward was fouled. TJ popped over the placed ball, to reduce the gap to two points. Conor Phelan who had struggled to make an impact on the game was replaced in injury time at the end of the first half by Eoin Kenneally. Dean Mason then made another fine save as referee McGann blew for the interval with St Thomas’ leading 0-13 to 0-11. The Connacht champions were good value for their 2-point lead. They were first to most balls, disciplined in the tackle, and were keeping the score board ticking over, thanks largely to placed balls from Conor Cooney and the main threat from play, Eanna Burke, who had notched 4 points in the first. Period. Ballyhale, despite Eoin Cody’s brilliance, had been on the periphery of the game, and definitely weren’t the referee’s friends. The second half was just about one minute old when the Galway side opened the scoring. Eanna Burke turned provider and set up Darragh Burke for a good point. St Thomas’ were awarded what seemed like their millionth free shortly after, just outside the ‘D’. The deadly Cooney did the needful and his side now led by four. The referee also showed a yellow card to Brian Cody for his part in the play, leading to the foul. TJ Reid was battling well, anytime the ball came near him. He managed to secure the sliotar and pop a nice pass to the supporting Cuddihy who struck over a lovely score from distance. Reid was then given the chance to further reduce the deficit, when he himself was fouled. St Thomas’ then strung together a nice move which ended with former county star James Regan tag on a lovely point. Brian Butler was sprung from the bench to replace the injured Kevin Mullen on 43 minutes. A couple of minutes later, Evan Shefflin was harshly adjudged to have fouled Cooney, and received a yellow card for his troubles, despite it appearing like the wing-back had delivered a well-timed shoulder to his opponent. Following a touch of the magic sponge, Cooney recovered to fire over the placed ball and leave his side 4 points clear at the second water break. James O’Connor’s men really needed to stand up and show their pedigree in the final quarter. The ball found its way to Adrian Mullen, who struck for a point, only to see his effort well blocked by the on-rushing defender. Fortunately, the ball broke to Paddy Mullen, who took aim and fired over a lovely score from out the pitch. Shortly after, Shamrocks almost fashioned a goal chance. Just when it looked like Adrian Mullen was about to swipe the ball home, The opposition

TJ Reid fires over a point

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Hurling matters Darren Mullen & Eanna Burke exchange words

Richie Reid clears down field

Bainisteoir James O’Connor looks on as Evan Shefflin challenges Against all odds... Adrian Mullen on the charge

defence somehow managed to hack the ball clear. Another soft free followed for the Galway side, and again Cooney took advantage. Adrian Mullen who was becoming much more prominent in the game took the ball before being tackled high, which the referee spotted and TJ rifled over the subsequent free. Darren Mullen was then replaced by Conor Walsh with what looked like an arm injury on 53minutes. Darragh Corcoran then went on a barn-storming run before passing to his captain, whose attempt to burst through on goal was crudely halted by John Headd. PENALTY!! TJ calmy stepped forward and fired his shot past the helpless keeper Kelly in the St Thomas goal. The sides were now level, 1-5 to 0-18, with just four minutes remaining. Eoin Reid then entered the fray, replacing earlier substitute, Eoin Kenneally. Then followed just under 4 minutes of pure championship hurling excitement. Cooney struck his brace of free’s, the second, a monstrous effort from his own half, before 5-time Liam McCarthy winner & 5-time all-star took aim and hit the bullseye deep into injury time. The long whistle sounded. Shamrocks Ballyhale 2-15, St Thomas’ 0-20. A third All-Ireland club final on the bounce now awaits James O’Connor’s charges.

>> SHERRY SAYS... It was like St Rynaghs all over again. Shamrocks Ballyhale were determined to go to the wire in this one. Let’s be frank, should James O’Connor’s men play like this against Ballygunner in a couple of weeks, there may be no reprieve. This wasn’t their best 60-odd minutes of hurling this season, but with semi-finals, it’s all about getting over the line and making the showpiece in Croker. To their credit, the Connacht champions will feel hard done by after this result. For large periods of the game in Thurles, they appeared the better side. Eanna Burke was outstanding in the first half, hitting four lovely points. Conor Cooney was supremely accurate from the placed ball, and didn’t miss many. In defence, Fintan Burke was immense, relishing his physical battle with Shamrocks captain, Colin Fennelly. St Thomas’ midfield edged the engine room battle, the absence of Ronan Corcoran was a key factor here. It appeared every time Ballyhale went into a tackle, the whistle sounded, and Cooney obliged. The main scoring threat for our Kilkenny champions was the trio of TJ, Joe Cuddihy and Eoin Cody. Restored to the starting XV following suspension, Cuddihy hit 3 lovely points, while Eoin Cody continues to sparkle on the big stage. One of his points was as good as you will see in any match. Now to TJ Reid. The serial winner finished with 2-5 to his name. Both majors, hugely crucial to his sides semi-final victory. TJ struck his penalty with supreme confidence, never in doubt. His second major, however, well that was fairytale stuff. I found myself clenching my fist in the air when it hit the net. I for one, didn’t want this Ballyhale journey to end in Thurles. TJ & Co. Will need to recover mentally and physically from this bruising contest as they lock-in on Waterford’s and Munster’s finest, Ballygunner. The medical team and physios will be worked hard over the next couple of weeks as they look to give these Shamrocks the best possible chance of taking to the Croker turf in decent shape. The Ballyhale bus has one more stop to make. Thanks TJ.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Walsh Cup Review Wexford 2-25 Kilkenny 2-25

No quarter given as neighbours give it all ahead of National League

Chadwick’s Wexford Park, Saturday January 22nd 2022 THE large crowd in attendance at Chadwick’s Wexford Park last Saturday, were treated to an exhilarating contest between two sides that love to put it up to each other. While honours were shared, Walsh Cup holders Wexford advanced to these years final on scoring difference, and will face-off against Mattie Kenny’s Dublin. New Wexford manager, Darragh Eagan named a strong starting XV following their 12-point victory away to Laois in the competition opener. Tipp native Eagan, continues to build a strong backroom team to support him, and the talk around the terraces before the match with their beloved neighbours, was the appointment of former Ireland rugby union international Gordon D’Arcy. The Fern’s man will join former boxing coach Billy Walsh in assisting Eagan as they look to build a much more competitive Yellowbellies panel. Eagan’s opposite number, Brian Cody decided to mix things up a little from last week’s win over Cheddar’s men in Callan. O’Loughlin Gaels duo Mikey Butler and Eoin O’Shea started, along with The Village’s Cian Kenny, who would be one of the star performers for the Noresiders on the day. Conahy Shamrocks attacking star James Bergin registered the first score of the day from the placed ball, before Wexford’s strong running game kicked in and began to cause problems for the visitors defence. Attacking from deep positions allowed win-backs Matthew O’Hanlon and Connal Flood to hit early points when the space opened up for them. Crossabeg-Ballymurn dangerman Oisin Flood then extended his sides lead when he slotted over a fine point from play, one of five that would be registered by the Wexford No.10 who would prove to be a constant thorn in the side of the black and amber defence. Further Model County scores from Foley and star-man Conor McDonald and a reply from Cian Kenny left the home side 0-5 to 0-2 up after the opening exchanges, as the more seasoned Wexford team showed their worth. Kilkenny had St Lachtains netminder, Darren Brennan to thank shortly after, when he pulled off a tremendous save to thwart Rathnure’s Rory Higgins goal-bound effort. James Bergin then added a brace of free’s to leave just one between the neighbours, but three quick-fire Wexford scores from McDonald, cornerforward Cian Byrne and the marauding No.5 Connal Flood saw Darragh Eagan’s team race into a 4-point lead with just under 12 minutes on the clock. Naomh Eanna’s McDonald and Rory Higgins tagged on another two points for the hosts, before Brian Cody’s team upped the ante a little, in advance of the first water break. Scores from Eoin O’Shea, our own No.5, James Maher, Thomastown’s John Donnelly and two CONTINUED >>>

Honours even as Wexford advance

Take that! Walter helped revive the cats

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Hurling matters All pix: Danny Lahart

GOAL GUY - Chris Bolger was lively and scored his sides 1st goal

Mr Cody makes his point

Brian Cody - pleased with his sides comeback

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Hurling matters

Sport

Padraig Walsh hit a long range score

... CONTINUED

others from Mossy Keoghan and Chris Bolger mean that the cats only trailed by one at an briseadh uisce, 0-10 to 0-9. The Yellowbellies then hit a little bit of a purple patch in the second quarter, as they raised their intensity to over-power the opposition. They registered 1-4 without reply as Kilkenny struggled to contain the growing threat posed by the home side. Dublin Whistler, Thomas Gleeson awarded the hosts a penalty after some interference on Rory Higgins’s hurl. Wexford keeper Mark Fanning stepped up and fired his penalty beyond his opposite number in the cats goal. McDonald, Flood and Foley all notched points to put the home side firmly in control ahead of the short whistle. James Bergin and Cian Kenny kept the score board ticking over for the visitors, and the final action of the half saw Shelmaliers Conor Hearne pointed from a difficult angle to leave Wexford 1-16 to 0-12 ahead at the interval. While Cody’s charges performed at a better level during the second period, it was Cian Byrne that struck the first point after the break, from a placed ball. James Bergin did likewise for the away side, before a key moment in the game arrived. To all in attendance, it appeared that the impressive Chris Bolger’s shot was destined for the Wexford net, but net minder Mark Fanning had other ideas, and somehow, he managed to deny the Clara attackers effort. Cian Byrne and James Bergin then swapped free’s before Bolger gained revenge and rifled his low shot past Fanning into the net. The gap was down to 5 points. Could the scene be set for another Kilkenny revival against a post Davy Fitz Wexford? Kilkenny manager Cody then replaced James Bergin with the more seasoned Walter Walsh. This substitution signaled a change in free-taking duties, with Cian Kenny taking on the responsibility. Indeed, the Village clubman pointed his first two place ball opportunities, sandwiched between one from Wexford sub, Paul Morris. The Kilkenny comeback was shunted back a little when Cathal Dunbar struck a fierce shot that nestled in the top corner of Darren Brennan’s net. Wexford had restored their 7-point lead by the second of the day’s water breaks. To their credit, Kilkenny put a serious shift in

Eoin Murphy was back in the panel

David Blanchfield in action

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Hurling matters Colm Prenderville made a great impact from the bench

during the final quarter. Their more experienced ‘heads’ began to chip away at the home sides lead. Scores from Walter, Mossy, subs Davind Blanchfield and Colm Prenderville along with a lovely long-range one from Padraig Walsh, left the home crowd a little less raucous as they feared the comeback! Cian Kenny hit a couple of frees to leave his side just 3 points in arrears by the 65th minute. The home supporter’s worst fears were realised moments later, when following lovely play from Messrs. Padraig and Walter Walsh, Graigue/Ballycallan’s Colm Prenderville somehow managed to breach the Wexford goal line. The game was now all square! Kenny and Prenderville then pointed to put the Noresiders two up, but Darragh Eagans side responded with scores from Flood and Morris to tie matters up as the teams entered additional time. James Stephen’s Cian Kenny then slotted over a free, much to the delight of the travelling Gaels, but there was to be one more score registered, and that came when Conor McDonald struck a lovely point to halt the Kilkenny faithful’s celebrations. We were all sqaure again.

Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan almost snatched it in the dying seconds, but he saw his effort hit the woodwork. Level pegging it was to finish, 2-25 apiece.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Wexford: M Fanning (1-0 pen); S Donohoe, L Ryan, C Devitt; C Flood (0-4), P Foley, M O’Hanlon (0-1); K Foley, J O’Connor; O Foley (05), C McGuckin (0-1), C Hearne (0-1); C Byrne (03, 2f), C McDonald (0-6), R Higgins (0-1). Subs: M Dwyer for Hearne (ht), H Kehoe (0-1) for Byrne (46), P Morris (0-2, 1f) for Higgins (46), C Dunbar (1-0) for O’Connor (50), D Dunne for O Foley (55), A Doyle for McGuckin (61), B Edwards for P Foley (67). Kilkenny: D Brennan; C Wallace, T Walsh, M Butler; J Maher, H Lawlor, C Buckley; C Kenny (0-4 frees), M Carey; P Walsh, E O’Shea (0-3), J Donnelly (0-4); J Bergin (0-7 frees), M Keoghan (0-3), C Bolger (1-1). Subs: W Walsh (0-2) for Bergin (42), R Buckley (0-1), for Carey (47), D Blanchfield for C Buckley (53), C Prenderville (1-0) for O’Shea (55). Referee: T Gleeson (Dublin).

For a pre-season game in January, this game certainly belied its billing. The way this match went, I was half expecting to see Gordon D’Arcy come on after the hour marker to try and see the Model County home!!! Brian Cody made multiple changes to his starting XV as he looks to assemble a panel to tackle this seasons Allianz League campaign. It was great to see Cian Kenny in the black & amber – he put in a shift and no doubt will have pleased his manager with his performance. Young James Bergin also did well from the placed ball. Mossy never lets anyone down and puts himself about with great effect, and almost snatch victory for us at the end! Chris Bolger has been in a couple of lively performances, and took his goal well. The defence did struggle, especially in the 1st half, as Wexford’s potent and experienced attack caused our back six all sorts of problems. The management will have noted this, but will also know that there are many ‘regulars’ due to return in late February and early March. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

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Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB All-Ireland club JHC Semi-Final Mooncoin 2-26 Salthill-Knocknacarra 0-11 LIT Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, Sunday January 23rd 2022

THE famous ballad would no doubt have been reverberating around the River Suir following Mooncoin’s comprehensive 21-point semifinal victory over Salthill-Knocknacarra last weekend. Willie Coogan’s side maintained the county’s proud record in the junior grade, and will now have the opportunity to become the tenth Marble County side to hold the muchcoveted title if they defeat Ballygiblin of Cork in February’s final. Coogan will be hoping that this year’s team can go one better than that of 2017, when Mooncoin lost out to Mayfield of Cork by the bare minimum. Coming into the semi-final, much talk surrounded the form of Salthill’s Donal O’Shea. Having recently made his senior inter-county bow for Henry Shefflin’s side, hopes were high in the west, that O’Shea could propel his club to All-Ireland glory this year. The rising star did top score for his side, but the more seasoned Mooncoin machine simply had too much in all departments for their Connacht counterparts. Yes, SalthillKnocknacarra were missing the captain, Michael O’Donnell who had picked up a knee injury during the week, but it would have taken 10 O’Donnell’s to alter this result. The Galway champions did in fact open the scoring at the Gaelic Grounds through cornerforward O’Flaherty, but Mooncoin responded in kind, with interest and reeled off the next five scores with Ciaran Quilty the notching the first score for Coogan’s crew. Pa Walsh from a free, nice points from play from Martin O’Neill, Kevin Crowley & John Fitzpatrick left the Kilkenny side 4 points up, but they then shot a few wides before O’Shea and Shane Kelly replied for Diarmuid Ó hAodha’s side to keep them in touch, before Fitzgerald knocked over his second point of the day. At the water break the Marble County side led 0-6 to 0-3, but should have been much further ahead. The hydration stoppage allowed the Mooncoin manager to address the wides, and his charges radar was more precise during the 2nd quarter. Adam Croke got the next score as his side’s movement and strong running was causing many problems for Diarmuid Ó hAodha’s team. Donal O’Shea got one back for the westerners, before Pa Walsh fired over a free and Martin O’Neill added one from distance. Things were about to get worse for SalthillKnocknacarra. An Adam Croke interception helped set-up the on-running Kevin Crowley, who expertly fired beyond Brian Hyland in the opposition goal to raise the first green flag of the day to push Mooncoin 8-points up. Indeed, Croke almost had a major himself shortly afterwards, but his effort was helped over the bar. Midfielder Seanie Gannon was next to trouble the score board when he fired over

Coogan’s Crew Croker Bound! Cork’s Ballygiblin lie in wait John Fitzgerald scored 1-5

Sean Gannon on the scene

Sean Gannon leads the charge

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Hurling matters a well taken point. Pa Walsh added a couple more, while there were also points for Killian Hogan and a stunning one from distance by James Delahunty, which brought the first half proceedings to a close with Mooncoin leading on a score line of 1-15 to 0-6. Salthill-Knocknacarra’s afternoon got even worse just 3 minutes into the second period, when John Fitzgerald took a lovely catch from Mairtin Gannon’s superb long pass, before striking the ball past the helpless Hyland in goals. The next few minutes became the ‘Pa Walsh show’ as the deadly No.14 rifled over 4 points, including a nice one from play. The Connacht champions were caught between trying to engineer goals and taking points, and they did neither. The one green flag opportunity they mustered was brilliantly saved by Eoin Purcell in the Mooncoin goal. John Fitzgerald then added to his personal tally when he struck over another good point before the second water break. Diarmuid Ó hAodha’s side had failed to raise a flag of any colour during that 3rd quarter as the score board read Mooncoin 2-20, Salthill-Knocknacarra 0-6. The final quarter saw Donal O’Shea hit 3 further consolation scores, as Willie Coogan made a raft of changes. Killian Hogan, the impressive Martin O’Neill (2), John Fitzgerald’s 5th and an injury-time James Aylward point completed the rout for the Noresiders as they systematically dismantled their opponents to reach the All-Ireland Junior hurling final next month. Final score, Mooncoin 2-26, SalthillKnocknacarra 0-11.

All pix: Danny Lahart

Mooncoin Scorers: Pa Walsh (0-8, 0-6 frees), John Fitzgerald (1-5), Kevin Crowley (1-1), Martin O’Neill (0-4), Killian Hogan (0-3), Adam Croke (0-2), Jim Delahunty, James Aylward, Sean Gannon (0-1 each). Mooncoin: Eoin Purcell, Aidan Doyle, Cormac Daly, Mark Kearns, Martin O’Neill, Paul Henebery, Jim Delahunty, Máirtin Gannon, Sean Gannon, Kevin Crowley, John Fitzgerald, Ciarán Quilty, Adam Croke, Patrick Walsh, Killian Hogan. Subs: Sean O’Dwyer, for Henebery (45), L. Tracey, for Crowley (45), J. Aylward, for M. Gannon (47) mins, J. Delahunty for Walsh (53), C. Brophy, for Delahunty (53). Salthill-Knocknacarra Scorers: Donal O’Shea (0-6, 0-2 frees), Sean Burke, Daniel O’Flaherty, Shane Kelly, Canice Crosby, Neil Hyland (0-1 each). Salthill-Knocknacarra: Brian Hyland, John Cullinane Quinn, Rory McDonnell, Patrick Rowesome, Stephen Piggott, Gary Waldron, Brendan Moran, Seanie Joyce, Sean Burke, Shane Kelly, Brian Griffin, Donal O’Shea, Daniel O’Flaherty, Fergus Hanney, Canice Crosby. Subs: Keith Gleeson for Waldron (h-t), Ross Gorey for Griffin (37), E. Gavin for CullinaneQuinn (43), Neil Hyland for Hanney (43), Rian McNeill for McDonnell (54). Referee: Nathan Wall (Cork)

Cormac Daly won’t take it lying down

>> SHERRY SAYS... Mooncoin are back in the All-Ireland JHC Final. There is no doubting that Willie Coogan’s outfit possess the talent to go one step further than 2017. More importantly than the talent, they seem to have the mental strength to capture the national title. Hopefully the injury sustained by the influential Mairtin Gannon won’t sideline him from the showpiece event early next month at headquarters. The Connacht champions had Donal O’Shea, but Pa Walsh, Ciaran Quilty, John Fitz, Martin O’Neill, Adam Croke, Killian Hogan trump that. Diarmuid Ó hAodha’s side even dropped an extra man back to try and contain the Mooncoin threat, namely Pa Walsh, but The Leinster Champions have many more aces in their pack. 2 out of 3 All-Ireland Club Hurling Finals will have Marble County representation. Let’s hope the silverware comes to Noreside.

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Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Maighread Curran intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed dormer dwelling, proposed vehicular entrance, proposed garage, driveway, connection to public water mains, proposed wastewater treatment tank and percolation area, stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Foulkscourt, Johnstown Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie. KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Charles Brennan intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed new storey and a half dwelling, proposed vehicular entrance, proposed garage, driveway, borewell, proposed wastewater treatment tank and percolation area, stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Whiteswall, Galmoy, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie. KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I ,Aisling Reade,intend to apply to above authority for Permission for the following at Ballydaniel Threecastles Co.Kilkenny (a)Erection of Dwelling House (b)Erection of Garage (c)Installation of New Waste Treatment System (d) Entrance from Public Road (e)Associated Works The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Aisling Reade

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Alison Bergin and John Keane intend to apply for Planning Permission for development at Baunmore, Clara, Co. Kilkenny, to include the following: 1. To construct a part two-storey, part single-storey dwelling with attached single storey carport & garage. 2. the provision of a new treatment plant & percolation area, a new borehole well, 3. a new vehicular site entrance 4. all associated site developments works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch. net

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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Motors

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

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Motors

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

EILEEN Young IrishTYNAN Film Makers on the set of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

JOE BRENNAN Young Irish Film Makers on the set of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Eileen (Nee Roche) FilmTynan school 2019 71 Old Callan Road, Kilkenny Died December 4th, 2021

Dunnamaggin, Co. Kilkenny Died December 28th 2021

the National Youth

Frank, Martin, Pat, Veronica, Helena, their father Paddy, sister Phyllis, brother Joe (Canada), daughters- in- law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, would like to sincerely thank everyone who sympathised and supported them in their recent sad bereavement of their beloved mam Eileen . Special thanks to those, who sent mass, sympathy cards, letters, flowers, posted condolences on the R.I.P. website, telephoned, texted and visited. Our sincere thank you to all those who attended the funeral mass especially those who travelled to be with us. Thank you for all your kind words and support. We would like to convey our gratitude to Dr. Brendan Lee, Dr.Cormac Behan at Castle Gardens Medical Centre and all the kind caring staff that provided such wonderful attentive care and support throughout many years. A sincere thank you to Michael O’ Connell and all the kind caring staff at O’ Connell’s (Haven) Pharmacy, High St, you were always so kind in your support to mam. A special thank you to all the consultants, doctors, nurses and healthcare staff of St Luke’s Hospital, Aut Even Hospital, Ard Keen Hospital for their dedicated, sympathetic care and compassion. A special word of thanks to Fr. Brian Griffin for leading the rosary, celebrating the requiem mass and for regular visits to our home as mam’s Pastoral Carer, to Fr. Dan Carroll and the priests of St. Johns, Fr Peter Muldowney, Fr. Willie Purcell, Jane (sacristan). Fr. Richard Scriven, St Marys Cathedral, Fr. Pat Carey Chaplain, St. Luke’s Hospital, your support meant a lot to mam and ourselves, to Martina Burke and Michael for the lovely music; Eddie Hughes, videographer, Johnsons Funeral Directors who attended to every detail and also the gravediggers in St Kieran’s cemetery. Eileen’s Months mind mass will be celebrated on Sunday 30th January at 11.30 am in St. John’s Church, Kilkenny. We were truly blessed to have a wonderful, loving, kind and caring mam.

the National Youth Brennan FilmJoe school 2019

Joe’s friend Catherine, his sister Ann, relatives and friends would like to express their sincere thanks to all those who sympathised with them in the recent sad loss of Joe, to those who sent Mass cards and floral tributes. Also our thanks to all who attended the rosary, funeral mass and internment. We would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Conall MacConmara, Ayrfield Medical Practice, the nurses and staff of St Luke’s Hospital, nurses and staff of St. James’s Hospital and Glebe House, Castlecomer District Hospital and we do not forget the help Joe received from his good neighbours and friends who assisted him in his visits to the hospital, a special thanks to them.

Young Irish Film Makers on the set of the National Youth Film school 2019

BILLY (WILLIAM) CULLETON 25TH ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of my father Billy Culleton, late of Stephen Street, who died on 28th January 1997. Today is the anniversary of a Father gone to rest and those who think of him today are the ones who loved him best Always remembered by your daughter Noreen, son-in-law Tommy, grandchildren Martina and Tommy.

The Miracle Prayer

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

Also thanks to Fr. Fergus Farrell for celebrating the requiem mass. We would also like to thank P. Molloy & Sons Funeral Undertakers for their first-class kindness and support during this sad time and also the gravediggers in Kilmoganny cemetery. Thinking of you today Joe on this your Months Mind Sadly missed Your friend Catherine, Sister Ann, relatives and all your good friends.

The Miracle Prayer

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 28 January 2022