Kilkenny Observer 29 August 2025

For cryin’ out loud, baby!

40,000 children under three on creche waiting lists

Working parents are under pressure as up to 40,000 children under the age of three are on creche waiting lists, with almost 7,000 children under the age of one waiting for a place when there are only 97 available.

The high demand for creche places has led to lengthy waiting lists across the country.

Advocacy organisation Ear-

ly Childhood Ireland claims providers will be unable to expand capacity without “significant investment” in the sector in the upcoming Budget.

There are 16,849 children aged between one and two on creche waiting lists across the country and just 267 places available, according to the latest figures from Pobal, the organisation that adminis-

Outstanding in their field

Highbank Farm in Cuffesgrange will host an event from 11am to 2pm this Sunday, August 31, with capacity for up to 30 people to tour the farm. Visitors can board a train which goes through the farm, showcasing its organic orchards, ponds, woods, hedgerows and tillage fields.

The ‘Inside The Gate’ event is designed to boost public understanding of the importance of nature-friendly farming.

Pictured are Highbank’s owners Rod and Julie Calder-Potts who have built two lakes onsite, planted forestry and sowed pollinator friendly flowers to encourage solitary bees amongst other insects. There is a diverse range of wildlife on the farm, as well as a wide range of insects and fungi.

ters Early Years programmes.

There are a further 16,485 children aged between two and three years of age on waiting lists for a place and just 2,026 places available to them.

The waiting list data, which reflects the need for places for a given age group rather than a measure of overall demand, is based on the 2023/2024 annual survey of

the sector that was also carried out by Pobal.

While it can be used to give an indication of demand for places for a given age group or service type, not all services operate a waiting list and an individual child might be on multiple waiting lists in different services.

The organisation, which has more than 3,800 members,

ment to name a date to bring pay and conditions for Early Years and school-age care graduates in line with primary school teachers.

“No child should miss out because of failures to invest properly in this vital w orkforce, yet that’s exactly what’s happening to tens of thousands of children,” Early Childhood Ireland Policy Director Frances Byrne said.

Martha’s death: drug dealers hunted

As they await still the results of full toxicology tests, Long Island, New York police are on the hunt for the drug dealers they believe supplied the fatal dose that killed an Irish swimwear designer earlier this month.

Suffolk County homicide detectives suspect Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death on August 5 was an accidental overdose, sources said, noting a

powdery white substance was found next to her body inside a boat moored at the exclusive Montauk Yacht Club.

Police still don’t definitively know if the powder discovered near the 33-year-old Carlow native is heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, or a deadly cocktail of all three.

“[These dealers] may or may not have known [they were selling] poison to this girl, but

that doesn’t matter,” a source told The New York Post.

“Look at Matthew Perry’s dealer,” he said, referring to Jasveen Sangha, 42, who pled guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises and distribution of ketamine involved in a death, and now faces 43 years in prison for her role in the Friends star’s death.

“With higher profile cases like this poor girl in Montauk,

Telling it like it is. And with no holds barred

you’re going to see more and more of these dealers getting locked up.”

Prosecutors could “seek manslaughter or [criminally negligent] homicide charges” against the drug dealers, the same source said. “There’s a slew of possession and trafficking charges, and they could decide to get [federal authorities] involved, which would mean more time in

prison if they are convicted.”

State legislators have introduced ‘Chelsey’s Law’ that would give prosecutors more leeway when prosecuting dealers, by adding “druginduced manslaughter” or “homicide by sale of an opiate controlled substance” to the charges.

Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was buried in her native Carlow on Wednesday, August 20.

Great advice.

Your money in mind

“Without significant investment in Budget 2026, and a renewed focus on staffing, challenges to recruit and retain educators will continue to block efforts to expand access for families.”

While the focus on the reduction of fees has been welcome, proposals to increase subsidies will fuel demand for places without tackling issues faced by staff, she said.

Kelleher’s not ruled out Aras

The Fianna Fáil MEP for the South East, Billy Kelleher, has not ruled out running for President. He told RTE Radio that if the time came and he was nominated that might be a different story altogether. The grapevine in Cork is abuzz with suggestions Kelleher himself is being urged to run by his supporters and has backing elsewhere in the party.

The former junior minister is now a veteran and is a substantial vote-getter after three decades in politics. Full story Page 6

That’s rich! We’re not that wealthy

Every year The Economist magazine ranks countries by wealth. This year Ireland was not included. Why? Our numbers are “polluted by tax tricks,” they said. Big companies like Apple and Google funnel profits through Ireland using legal tax strategies, making our economy look richer than it is.

On paper, Ireland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person was €88,600 in 2024 putting us second in the EU behind Luxembourg and third in the world. That’s more than double the EU average of €33,550. But this is a fairytale and not the real story of how Irish people live.

John Ellis, Page 16

Quirky take on bright side of life

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY

MORAN

Come on in, Inside The Gate...

A nature-friendly farm in Kilkenny will open to the public this Sunday, August 31 for a one-day event organised by Farming For Nature, a nonprofit initiative that works with farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The ‘Inside The Gate’ event is designed to boost public understanding of the importance of nature-friendly farming, including practices that support healthy soils, clean water, diverse habitats, and sustainable food production.

Highbank Farm in Cuffesgrange will host an event from 11am to 2pm, with capacity for up to 30 people to tour the farm. Visitors can board a train which goes through the farm, showcasing its organic orchards, ponds, woods, hedgerows and tillage fields.

Farmers Rod and Julie Calder-Potts have built two lakes onsite, planted forestry and sowed pollinator friendly flowers to encourage solitary bees amongst other insects. There is a diverse range of wildlife on the farm, as well as a wide range of insects and fungi.

The event is free to attend but capacity is limited. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, so those wishing to attend must book online in advance. For more information and to register for a ticket, visit the Farming for Nature

website.

Inside The Gate is supported by RTÉ Ear To The Ground presenter Ella McSweeney who says the day is a “really valuable opportunity for young and old, from all back-

grounds across Ireland, to spend time on some of the most nature-rich farms in the country”.

Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project established under the

Burrenbeo Trust. Last year, the group launched the Farming For Nature Handbook, a practical guide to protecting and restoring nature. The handbook featured contributions from more than 50 Irish

farmers, who shared their experiences of how working with nature can help reduce their overheads and boost incomes.

* https://buytickets.at/farmingfornature/1720352

New Board members at Agri Aware welcomed

Agri Aware has announced a number of new appointments to its Board of Directors. The newly appointed members bring a wealth of experience across communications, animal welfare, and environmental and social governance issues.

Two senior communication specialists have joined the Board. Head of Communications at Bord Bia, Rosaleen O’Shaughnessy, replaces her former colleague, the nowretired Mike Neary. Long-standing Board Member Jeanne Kelly is replaced by her colleague at Ornua, Group Communications Manager Sean O’Brien.

Bringing new expertise in the animal welfare space is Donal Lynch, founder of Slieve Bloom Veterinary and member of XL Vets Ireland.

Lastly, Dr. Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer at Tirlán, joins the Board of Agri Aware with a strong background in sustainability and ESG leadership. Agri Aware said it would like to express its sincere thanks to outgoing Board Members Tim O’Mahony and Dr Patrick Wall, who have retired and acknowledge the valuable contribution of Dr.Karina Pierce, who has stepped down.

Kelleher may run for President

The Fianna Fáil MEP for the South East, Billy Kelleher, has not ruled out running for President. He told RTE Radio that if the time came and he was nominated that might be a different story altogether.

According to last week’s The Kilkenny Observer, poking at Micheal Martin’s lack of enthusiasm, Kelleher has been

calling for an “urgent meeting” to discuss the presidential election and says the party should either run its own candidate or facilitate a candidate that “represents our values and beliefs as a political movement”.

The grapevine in Cork is abuzz with suggestions Kelleher himself is being urged to

Hair-raising survey on how Irish women feel about growing thin hair or losing it

New research has highlighted the growing reality of hair thinning and loss among women in Ireland.

The survey by Peter Marks, and conducted with more than 1,400 women nationwide, reveals that more than a quarter (28%) are worried about hair thinning or hair loss, underscoring the emotional and physical impact this issue continues to have. It also reveals that of those experiencing hair loss or thinning, one in five (21%) say their confidence has been significantly impacted due to this issue. When it comes to why women are experiencing changes in their hair, 60% report increased hair loss following a stressful time and 44% say that menopause or getting older has affected their hair.

Hair thinning is clearly having an emotional impact, with one in five of women (21%) reporting that it significantly or severely affected their confidence. As a result, many are changing their daily routines, 30% are using more styling products to create volume, 19% avoid certain hairstyles to conceal thinning and 18% have changed their hairstyle altogether.

These adjustments suggest a growing reliance on cosmetic solutions that add visual volume, rather than addressing the underlying causes of hair thinning. This points to a need for greater awareness, not only of treatment options, but also the value of consulting a hairdressing professional. An expert can help explore contributing factors while also offering styling tips and volumising techniques that deliver real impact.

The research shows a significant dissatisfaction with hair health among women in Ireland. Only one in five women (23%) are happy with their current hair condition and 68% believe their hair could be healthier.

Delving into the reasons

run by his supporters and has backing elsewhere in the party.

The former junior minister is now a veteran and is a substantial vote-getter after three decades in politics.

According to political commentator and analyst Fionnan Sheahan, writing in the Irish Independent, Kelleher has the “hallmark of an arch-disrup-

tor, ready to pounce if the opportunity arises”.

Meanwhile, former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin is the latest name to be linked with becoming Fianna Fáil’s presidential election candidate. He is believed to have been approached by a number of Fianna Fáil TDs and senators to seek the party nomination.

And, if he gets on the ticket, he would be a serious contender for the presidency, taking on Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, Independent Catherine Connolly and an asyet-unknown Sinn Féin candidate.

Mairead McGuinness blew her chance to become Fine Gael’s candidate in 2011,

behind dissatisfaction, the research reveals that thinning, hair loss and receding hairlines are now the number one concern among Irish women with 28% of respondents citing this as their top issue. This marks a shift from the 2023 study when dryness and breakage were the leading concerns. While these still remain key worries, a quarter (25%) of respondents continue to cite dryness and brittle hair as a primary issue.

The research shows that salon professionals remain the first port of call when it comes to hair concerns. A third (32%) of women said they sought advice from their stylist before approaching a GP or pharmacist.

This trust in hair stylists goes beyond expert advice. In fact, 41% of women say their stylist influences how they wear their hair — reflecting their role as both beauty advisors and emotional support.

Hair loss can be a sensitive topic and often silent concern, with many women feeling too self-conscious to seek help. The survey reflects, that 29% of women experiencing thinning hair have not investigated the issue and over one in five (21%) say they simply don’t know who to speak to.

Speaking about the survey results, Holly O’Keeffe, Peter Mark spokesperson, said: “This research provides meaningful insight into the evolving concerns women in Ireland have about their hair, with hair thinning and loss now emerging as major areas of concern. These issues are not only becoming more common, but also more emotionally significant for many women.”

O’Keefe said Peter Mark provided tailored recommendations for hair loss concerns and had meticulously sourced a selection of products that target hair loss from a range of angles to ensure each client was given the best opportunity for success.

only to be forced to drop out for medical reasons this year when she was on the ticket and the favourite.

Jim Gavin is a household name with a positive profile right across the country. He has serious credibility in the capital city where he is a living legend on foot of the success he brought to Dublin.

Key role for Sinéad at Mount Juliet

Mount Juliet Estate has announced the appointment of Sinéad Monahan as Director of Sales & Marketing, a key leadership role as the hotel enters a new era under new ownership.

“With Sinéad’s exceptional expertise and deep connection to the estate, we are delighted to welcome her into this expanded role and look forward to the continued success she will help drive for Mount Juliet Estate,” said Mark Dunne, General Manager.

With more than 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Sinéad brings exceptional industry insight, strategic focus, and a growth-oriented mindset to the role. A longtime Kilkenny resident with family ties to both

Kilkenny and Monaghan, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the estate’s position as one of Ireland’s leading five-star destinations.

Since joining Mount Juliet Estate in 2020, Sinéad has led the sales and events functions with distinction, developing and delivering integrated strategies across luxury leisure, corporate, weddings, and group travel. Her leadership has strengthened global client partnerships, expanded market reach, and contributed significantly to the estate’s strong reputation for excellence both in Ireland and abroad.

Her appointment comes at a time of continued recognition for Mount Juliet Estate, with recent

achievements that reflect the impact of Sinéad’s leadership, including the prestigious global Amour Wedding Award, a testament to her vision and excellence in positioning the estate as a world-class wedding destination.

Additional accolades include Ireland’s Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ 2025 by Great Place to Work®, and Executive Head Chef John Kelly’s win for Best Chef at the 2025 Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards, further affirming Mount Juliet Estate’s standing as a leader in Irish hospitality and fine dining

In this expanded remit, Sinéad will spearhead the estate’s global sales and marketing strategy, with

a particular focus on the relaunch of the Georgian Manor House and the implementation of long-term plans that support sustainable growth and brand evolution. A champion of heritage, innovation, and guest experience, her vision is to ensure Mount Juliet Estate continues to lead as a world-class destination for discerning travellers. Central to her approach is the cultivation of strategic partnerships, including ongoing collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Ireland’s Ancient East. Sinéad is committed to supporting the promotion of Kilkenny and the surrounding region as a premier destination for international and domestic tourism.

Visually impaired Michael (75) for Everest

A young 75-year-old Michael Ridgeway from Misterin, Adamstown in Co. Wexford , is undertaking a very challenging trek to base camp at Mount Everest in September.

Michael has serious visual impairment due to macular degeneration but says he is undertaking a very daunting challenge for two reasons: “First, for the love of my life,

Geraldine, passed away over four years and left a major vacuum that cannot be filled. She was very generous and giving so I am doing this in her honour.

“And, second, Mary’s Meals is an exceptional charity which feeds many, many school children every day in 16 countries. A meal costs just 11c and it takes €22 to feed a child for a

year. My specific goal is to feed the children of Ngoza Primary School, Zambia for a year at a cost of €6,000. Geraldine would want me to look after those in need.”

The trek itself starts on September 25 and takes a total of 18 days. “We will go from +30 degrees to -30 during that time and will be walking six or seven hours on average until we reach

18,000 feet,” says Michael. “The main problems are temperature and altitude sickness.”

People who may wish to help can do so as follows:

1. G o to marysmeals.ie, click on 3 horizontal bars, then fundraise, search and trek.

2. G o to Cullen’s shop/post

The Fact Of The Matter

Paul Hopkins

The seeping racism that blackens our welcome

While we are, as a society, noted for our welcoming nature, every so often, and more often of late, we find ourselves badly wanting when it comes to being the land of Cead Mile Failte. Racism is a reality here. We may not be seeing an out-and-out rightwing swing and inbred hatred but too often we are hearing of people facing down blatant discrimination, hate speech and, sadly, physical violence.

I recall when Twitter found itself some years ago in front of an Oireachtas Committee of Justice to answer claims that it did not do enough to respond to racist content on its site which a couple said had forced them to leave the country. The Justice Committee heard that Twitter’s decision to simply remove tweets aimed at Fiona Ryan and her fiancé Jonathan Mathis was “weak” and that the service provided “hateful content to a huge audience”.

The couple received death threats after appearing in a

Lidl supermarket ad campaign and subsequently left the country with their 22-monthold son.

A hate crime is legally defined as “any criminal offence perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender”.

According to the anti-racist organisation, Show The Red Card, active in Ireland since 2006, and throughout Europe since 1995, racism “affects thousands of people in Ireland today”. A spokesperson told me: “There’s the obvious everyday racism, where people are called names, abused and harassed. Then, there’s the kind of racism that is more subtle. The kind that makes it harder for people to get jobs or housing because of their colour or nationality.” Meanwhile, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has labelled Direct Provision

Hedgerow Foraging Walk

To celebrate National Hedgerow Week, join Monica Fleming for an informative walk to examine the hedgerow along Dunmore Mass path.

Two walks are scheduled for Thursday, the 4th of September at 4pm and 6pm

To book, text

086 128 7277

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“a severe violation of human rights”.

Yet another native of India was attacked by youths the other evening while walking in a park. An e-scooter ran into him deliberately and he was then punched and kicked. It was daylight, He told reporters he was going back to India for good, that Ireland was no longer a safe place to be, and that many Indian people now feared for their lives.

Racism didn’t begin last month, says Azmia Riaz. “People who look or sound like me walk with their fist tightened around their house keys because the streets fill them with fear,” she says. Imagine how much more crippled our health service would be were there no longer Indian doctors and nurses manning our hospitals – their kindness and professionalism I have been on the receiving end of on more than one occasion. And I thank them for their care.

An event funded by the Heritage Council

The European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) has repeatedly raised concerns about “vulnerable minorities in Ireland”, repeatedly calling on the Government to tackle “an undercurrent of low-level racist violence”.

My friend Aileen says:

“Racism affects thousands of people in Ireland today...

“Racism is fear, ignorance and intimidation wrapped in the threadbare shroud of misplaced nationalism.”

There will always be one or two people wrapped up in that threadbare of ignorance, citing “concerns” as an excuse for their behaviour and goaded by the likes of Conor McGregor. Yes, there are valid concerns, what with the housing and the shortage of teachers. But to kick a man when he is down just because of his ethnicity has no place in a society that purports to be good and welcoming. Whatever the colour of their skin or the language they speak, they are human beings just like us – and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Not always so. It was disclosed last week that the provider of an International Protection accommodation facility in Dublin failed to identify residents’ sleeping arrangements as a welfare risk, according to the Health Infor-

mation and Quality Authority (HIQA). The inspection report – one of six published – said the sleeping arrangements impacted the dignity and privacy of residents and were not in line with requirements of the Housing Act. When inspectors visited the centre, accommodating 231 people at the time, they found 11 families where children aged 10 and above were sharing bedrooms with parents or siblings of a different gender.

HIQA said this could lead to “accumulative harm” to the children.

Culturally there are differences between the Irish and the newly-arrived but such diversity could add positivity and knowledge to future generations. Listen. And we might learn that we’re not so different after all.

The late American civil rights activist Maya Angelou had it right when she said: “Each of us is more alike that we are unalike.”

Kilkenny could lead the way in restorationnature

Kilkenny City and County could be a leader nationally on restoring nature. That’s the view of Kilkenny based Senator, Malcolm Noonan who formally launched the Kilkenny Biodiversity Action Plan in Woodstock Gardens as part of Heritage Week.

Senator Noonan who was Ireland’s first ever dedicated Minister for Nature spoke at the launch and said that already many wonderful initiatives to restore nature were underway in the county. He pointed to the work of farmers across the county who were improving water quality, allowing hedgerows to flourish and putting in ponds on their land. As Minister he announced a new nature reserve for Kilkenny in Cullohill which is now among the great semi natural grasslands of

Ireland and is being managed through conservation grazing.

‘The launch of the plan is the culmination of a huge amount of public participation led by Biodiversity Officer; Bernadette Moloney and her biodiversity working group. It is practical, concise and fully aligned with the National Biodiversity Action Plan which I launched two years ago. We know now too that we will have to implement a national Nature Restoration Plan in line with the work that I led on in the EU over the past five years and the ambition for this can be met if government resources communities, local authorities and farmers to implement it’.

‘Kilkenny was the first county in Ireland to adopt the All Ireland Pollinator Plan and announce a county insect; bombus hortorum (garden bumblebee). We have such a range of diverse habitats here from the river Nore and its tributaries, to our estuary in south Kilkenny. This

plan is for the entire community to be part of and I am encouraged by the work being led by Kilkenny County Council, tidy towns groups and by individual volunteers’.

Senator Noonan acknowledged the uphill battle to restore nature at scale to strengthen our resilience to extreme weather, manage flooding, regulate temperatures in our towns and to underpin our food security in a climate unsafe age.

‘Kilkenny County Council is starting to roll out Nature Based Solution (NBS) measures to manage surface water runoff in towns and slow down water for extreme rainfall events. All of these actions combined will deliver co-benefits for nature, water and climate. I want to commend Bernadette, Kilkenny County Council staff and members for leading on and adopting such an ambitious plan for nature in our county. Now we need to get on with the work ahead to restore nature!’ concluded Senator Noonan.

SENATOR MALCOLM NOONAN

Most farmers don't have strong views on climate

New research has found that up to 60% of farmers do not hold strong views on climate change itself, with only minority elements holding explicit climate change denial views.

In a set of studies conducted by the Agri Mental Health group between UCD and TU Dublin, economic pressures and exclusion from development of Government policies

were identified as the main barriers to the uptake of sustainable farming practices.

The studies, a scoping review and series of nationwide focus groups, found that farmers face additional dilemmas around commitment to family tradition and long-term concerns about the scientific accuracy of current guidelines.

According to one partici-

Trump 'may ban visas' for employees of tech firms

US president Donald Trump's Administration is considering imposing sanctions on EU or member state officials responsible for implementing the bloc's landmark Digital Services Act, two sources familiar with the matter said, over US complaints that the law censors Americans and imposes costs on US tech companies.

Such a move would be an unprecedented action that would escalate the Trump administration's fight against what it sees as Europe's attempt to suppress conservative voices.

Senior State Department officials have yet to make a final decision on whether to go ahead with the punitive measures that would likely come in the form of visa restrictions, the sources said.

It was unclear which EU or EU member state officials the action would target, but US officials held internal meetings on the topic last week, according to the sources.

While trading partners frequently complain about domestic rules they see as unfairly restrictive, sanctioning government officials over such a regulation is extremely rare. The relationship between the Trump Administration and the EU is already frayed by tariff threats and tense negotiations as well as US criticism of treatment of US tech companies.

Citing an internal State Department cable, Reuters this month reported that the Trump Administration has instructed US diplomats in Europe to launch a lobbying campaign to build opposition to the Digital Services Act (DSA) in an effort to have it amended or repealed.

The DSA is meant to make the online environment safer in part by compelling tech giants to do more to tackle illegal content, including

pant: "It creates a massive level of frustration among farmers when they can see something, and a lot of time farmers are correct on the ground… but the opportunity to feed it back up the line is minimal”.

Focus group results indicate that the country's farmers feel excluded from the development of policies that govern their practices – leading to a

lack of clarity on how to act to remain compliant.

The recent findings support previous research from UCD's Agri Mental Health group, which identified concern over government policy as the main reported stressor impacting Irish farmers, with almost a quarter of Irish farmers being at risk of suicide.

While economic pressures

vary based on farming practices, the research highlights how, in facing these pressures, farmers see themselves "as businesspeople first”.

One farmer said: "At the end of the day, farming is a business, and to be sustainable in business, you have to be making money.”

In addition to shorter-term financial pressure, farmers hold long-term concerns

about the accuracy and consistency of scientific advice, with many farmers taking on a "wait and see” approach when it comes to making change.

Commitment to family tradition is also a dilemma faced by many farmers, who report that changing traditional practices can feel like "a betrayal” to the work of older generations.

hate speech and child sexual abuse material.

Washington has said the EU is pursuing "undue” restrictions on freedom of expression in its efforts to combat hateful speech, misinformation and disinformation, and that the DSA is further enhancing these curbs.

In the directive, secretary of state Marco Rubio ordered US diplomats to regularly engage with EU governments and digital services authorities to convey US concerns about the DSA and the financial costs for US companies.

In May, Mr Rubio had threatened visa bans for people who "censor” speech by Americans, including on social media, and suggested the policy could target foreign officials regulating US tech companies.

A State Department spokesperson did not confirm nor deny Reuters' reporting on potential punitive action.

"We are monitoring increasing censorship in Europe with great concern but have no further information to provide at this time,” the spokesperson said.

An EU Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the potential for sanctions, but had previously called censorship claims by the US "completely unfounded.”

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in the EU. It lies at the heart of the DSA,” the spokesperson said. "It sets out rules for online intermediaries to tackle illegal content, while safeguarding freedom of expression and information online.”

The Administration has moved away from the traditional US promotion of democracy, instead focusing on trying to clinch bilateral trade deals and advocating for selective causes, particularly those linked to right-wing politicians.

A shot in the arm good for your baby ...

From September 1, the HSE will offer RSV immunisation in maternity settings to all babies born in Ireland from September 1 to February 28, 2026. It has also extended this programme to all babies in Ireland born in the six-month period from March 1 2025 to August 31, 2025.

The HSE is building on last winter’s successful RSV immunisation programme which was delivered to newborn babies in maternity settings and higher risk babies in the community.  The 2024 programme significantly reduced infections, serious illness and hospitalisations.

Key figures include:

• Almost 22,500 babies were immunised.

• 83% of those offered im-

munisation accepted it for their babies

• Among those immunised (compared to similar babies the previous year who were not immunised), there was a significant decrease in the impact of RSV including:

• 65% reduction in total number of cases presenting.

• 57% reduction in cases presenting to emergency departments.

• 76% reduction in babies requiring hospitalisation

• 65% reduction in babies needing intensive care due to complications of RSV

Dr Lucinda Ryan, Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine, HSE Dublin and South East, said: “Every winter, RSV infection causes serious illness including hospitalisations, especially among young infants.

“Before this programme’s introduction, each winter, four out of every 100 infants were hospitalised because of RSV, with some infants needing special treatment in intensive care units. A further 50 out of every 100 infants got RSV and many needed medical care from their GP, or the emergency department of a children’s hospital.

“We are urging parents of all eligible babies to get them immunised against RSV when the programme begins in September.”

Parents and guardians of babies born from March 1 to August 31, 2025 can book an appointment at https:// www2.hse.ie/conditions/ rsv/immunisation/. These appointments will only be available from Sep-

tember 1, 2025 and until the first week in October of this year.

Parents and guardians are advised to book early to ensure their child is protected ahead of any surge in RSV infections later in the autumn/winter.

Dr Brian Keating, Public Health Specialist Registrar, HSE Dublin and South East, said: “As well as protecting young babies against serious illness, the RSV immunisation programme will safeguard vital hospital paediatric services during the busy winter months by limiting preventable admissions caused by RSV related illness."

* See https://www2.hse.ie/ conditions/rsv/immunisation/

Castlecomer school Principal says well done!

Castlecomer Community School has sent hearty congratulations to all their Leaving Cert students of 2025 and to their teachers who helped get them there.

Pat Murphy, Principal of the Co. Kilkenny school, said: "We had some exceptional results this year with our highest number of students taking the honours Maths and Irish papers than any previous year.

"Out of our 100 students who sat Leaving Cert 2025, 20% got more than 500 points. Just over 40% attained more than 450 points in their Leaving Cert. Special congratulations to Jake Connery and Shona Ruane who were our top achieving students.

"Also, a big well done to our Leaving Cert Applied students who did exceptionally well," said Principal Murphy.

"We expect the great majority of our class to go onto 3rd level degree courses this year. Whilst eight of our 6th Year class have already secured very good apprenticeships."

Last year almost 90% of our Leaving Cert class went on to study 3rd Level degrees courses and they would expect similar numbers in 2025.

"We know that from our work with past students on

average 85% of our students will go on to study 3rd level degrees, 7% will go on to apprenticeships, 3% will go on to PLC courses with about 5% going to Agricultural College or employment," he said. "Our two Guidance Counsellors are on hand to assist our 6th Year class of 2023 with any further options, queries they might have. Well done to everyone and all the very best in your future."

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Corcoran Horticulture Ltd is a family run business dedicated to keeping outdoor spaces looking their best. What started as a part-time business in 2020 quickly grew to a full-time business in 2022. We’re a locally owned, fully insured business built on trust, reliability and a commitment to high-quality services. With a passion for horticulture, we specialise in maintaining everything from private gardens, housing estates and everything in between to large commercial properties.

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Eric Corcoran, Albert Benton, Fiach O Byrne and Jake Byrne

Opinion As I See It Marianne Heron

Presidential hopefuls and the art of saying ‘no’

Decisions, decisions…. life is full of them, tea or coffee, walk or drive – mostly the mundane kind. Some of them are harder, like the ability to say ‘no’, something that we aren’t necessarily good at doing. The Presidential election provides interesting issues about saying ‘no’, as would-be candidates declare interest in running and then decide the contest is not for them. These decisions can have far-reaching implications. Take Mairead McGuinness’ withdrawal from her position as favourite to succeed Michael D, one of only two confirmed candidates, the other being Catherine Connolly, TD. This ‘upset the apple tart’, as Bertie Ahern, a potential candidate who has yet to say ‘yes’, would put it. McGuinness, the former EU Commissioner, quit the contest citing medical grounds after a week’s stay in hospital,

confounding many expectations and leaving Fine Gael in ne ed of a new candidate.

Former Minister Heather Humphries, who previously said ‘no’ to running as she wanted to spend more time with family and friends, has now agreed to put herself forward for selection as a Fine Gael candidate, so too has MEP Sean Kelly. Promising Presidential hopeful Tony Holohan, who steered us through Covid, has now said ‘no’ to standing, among other considerations because he wants to protect his family from abuse which has included vile social media posts, like the one saying the sender was glad his late wife was dead. Knowing when to say ‘no’ is an art which doesn’t come easily for most of us including presidential hopefuls. ‘Yes’ can seem easier but it may not be the right decision for us as individuals. Often concerns

about what other people will think of us or the desire to please people get in the way of making the best choice for ourselves.

How often do we say ‘yes ‘ to a request out of a sense of obligation, only to regret the amount of time and energy involved and become resentful of the commitment? “Why ever did I let myself in for this?” Being able to decline requests without guilt is a key theme in US journalist Damon Zahariades’ b ook The Art Of Saying No. He nails the ‘doormat dilemma’ of over-commitment by prioritising the ne eds of others over our own as part of the problem, with ‘people pleasers’ need for approval. The ability to be assertive and to have clear boundaries about requests, as well as being honest and direct, leads to healthier relationships, he maintains.

Easy to write, but not so easy to put into action, especially when we tend to care about what people think of us. “They will think that I am being

“Concerns about what other people will think of us...

selfish or mean if I say ‘no’,” goes our inner dialogue. Mel Robbins, author of a current best seller, has brisk advice on worry about other’s opinions. Her book Let Them is about her theory of that name which can be applied to key areas of life, including ‘“let them think bad thoughts about you”. Apparently we have around 70,000 thoughts a day which can’t be controlled and some of them are going to be negative. “The truth is, people will have negative opinions of you and there is nothing you can do to change that fact. Let them. When you allow your fear of what other people will think to stop you from doing what you want to do, you have become a prisoner of other people’s opinions,” Robbins says. It’s hard to for individuals to say ‘no’ and to admit that realisticallywe don’t

have the stamina, the level of political awareness required for the Presidency or the r hino hide needed to withstand criticism, especially when hubris is urging them on.

The race for the Presidency is beginning to look lik e an overly large entry for the Grand National, as favourites fall and others – we maybe wish weren’t in the running – stay in the field against the odds, blind to the need to say ‘no’.

It’s a big ask for anyone to commit themselves and their family to the spotlight in the Aras for seven years and one where certain values, something we haven’t heard much about from hopefuls, are paramount. It’s an ask too that c andidates should remind themselves about John F Kennedy’s words: ”Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.”

Why is Vitamin D3+K2+A vital for healthy ageing?

This is a common question that I get asked. I was delighted to have a chat with nutritional therapist, Dr Barbara Barrett at Wild Atlantic Health. Barbara recently completed a PhD in natural medicine and is an expert in Vitamin D3 and K2. We talked about the benefits of Vitamin D for bone health, and how having adequate levels in the elderly can help counter the decline in immunity and slow ageing. Barbara explained that Vitamin D is a hormone and regulates over 2000 genes, playing a key role in slowing the "hallmarks of ageing", from mitochondrial health to DNA repair.  Adding Vitamin K2 can reduce neuronal death in Alzheimer’s and may lower dementia risk by 40%. Vitamin A boosts immunity, it’s excellent for skin, eye health, (a common challenge for the ageing), and cellular health.  We discussed how in Ireland 50% of adults are low or deficient in Vitamin

D and up to 500,000 people suffer from osteoporosis and osteopenia which is linked to deficiency.  Considering

our northern latitude, we get minimal UV light from October to April each year. Even during summer most

people’s levels are likely to be half of that needed for optimal health.  Ageing, indoor lifestyles, sunscreens

and higher BMI all limit Vitamin D production and absorption.  Barbara says that sun

exposure is key to increasing levels naturally. However, to see improvements we need approximately 20 minutes on the face, arms and legs (without sunblock), when the sun is at its high point. Living in Ireland, this isn't always possible which is why Wild Atlantic Health developed their unique D3+K2+A supplement.

She explained that Vitamin D3 and K2 work better together and should be taken with a fat-containing meal. 3,000 IU is an ideal daily, enhancing energy, sleep and thyroid function thereby supporting healthy ageing. Take a look at the Irish brand Wild Atlantic, their supplement contains 3,000 IU of Vitamin D3 and has the highest K2 dose of 300 mcg. This helps prevent arterial calcification, promoting cardiovascular health and channelling calcium to the bones, limiting frailty, and promoting longevity.

For more information and advice about Wild Atlantic's Vitamin trio D3+K2+ A, call in to see us at Market Cross Shopping Centre. Always consult with your health care professional if you are on any medication.

Barbara & Clair

Pop-up dress shop for Gaza coming to Mountain View Markets

A special charity pop-up dress shop is coming to the Mountain View Markets on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of September, with a

heart-warming mission to support those most in need in Gaza. Shoppers will have the chance to pick out a pre-loved dress they love in exchange

for a suggested donation, with lots of bargains to be found throughout the weekend. The event promises not just great fashion finds, but also a chance to give back- with all proceeds going directly to Gaza Go Bragh, a dedicated group carrying out life-saving humanitarian work on the ground in Gaza. The organisation is led by Piaras O’Brien. In addition to the dress shop, there will be a big raffle taking place dur ing the market with amazing prizes up for grabs, generously donated by local businesses and supporters.

Lots of beautiful dresses have already been kindly donated to the pop up shop but in order to make the event a huge success the organisers are calling on the community for more help: "We need your dresses!” say organisers Emma and Hazel Fahy. The sisters are Kilkenny natives who decided to do something proactive in response to the desperate need of charities like Gaza go Bragh to raise funds in order to continue the invaluable work they are doing. They continue, "If you have a preloved dress in good condi-

tion– something you think someone else would love –we’d be delighted to take it off your hands.”

Those interested in donating a dress or helping out can email emmafahy@gmail.com to arrange a collection. You can also contact them via Instagram @agrandlittlecountry.

Gaza go Bragh is a humanitarian organisation dedicated to providing critical support to displaced families in Gaza. Their focus is on delivering essential aidwater , food and shelterswiftly and transparently to those

most in need, especially in areas that have been abandoned or overlooked. The group are committed to alleviating suffering and empowering communities, with a vision to grow and support displaced Gazons as long as there is a need

Local shop owners are also encouraged to get involved, either by donating stock or raffle prizes. This is a brilliant opportunity to declutter your wardrobe, find a new favourite piece, and most importantly, support an urgent cause.

Mark your calendars for the 27th and 28th of September to 'shop with purpose' at the Mountain View Markets and help make a difference.

"We need your dresses!” say organisers Emma and Hazel Fahy who will hold the dress sale at Mountain view market

Mountain View Markets at Ballyhale

Creative Christmas Connections in Co. Kilkenny has been shortlisted for the Age Friendly Community Innovation Award at the 2025 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards, organised by Age Friendly Ireland.

The Kilkenny project has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to creating inclusive, supportive communities where older people can live well, feel valued, and stay connected.

Now in their ninth year, the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the people, projects, and partnerships driving real change for older p eople in towns, cities, and rural areas right across Ireland.

Each shortlisted initiative has been selected for its impact, innovation, and potential to inspire similar efforts in other communities. Among the nationwide shortlisted projects are Gas Networks Ireland and Tirlán, with a base in Kilkenny, who are both up for the award.

This annual celebration is run by Age Friendly Ireland, the national body for Ireland’s 31 local authorities, delivering the Government’s vision of an Age Friendly Ireland.

The awards ceremony will take place on October 23 at The Galmont Hotel, Galway, jointly hosted by Galway City Council and Galway County Council.

Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said: “Every year, the awards highlight the very best of community innovation, collaboration, and commitment to improving the lives of older p eople. The shortlisted projects show what can be achieved when local authorities, communities, state agencies and individuals work together. We extend our thanks to Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, and Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, for their support in bringing this celebration to Galway.”

The 2025 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards will honour achievements across eight categories, each aligned with a World Health Organisation (WHO) Age Friendly theme. These include awards for best in Age Friendly Transport; Active and Healthy Ageing; Business Innovation; Safety and Security; Communications; Environment; Community Innovation; and Housing.

Shortlisted projects were visited by the judging panel, which is chaired by Pat Dowling, former Chief Executive of Clare County Council; and includes Madeleine Quirke, former Chief Executive of Wexford Chambers; Ned Gleeson, former County Manager of Limerick County Council; and Anne Haugh, former Director of Services for Clare County Council.

An age-and-climate-friendly village in Kildare and a Halloween safety initiative by An

Kilkenny on shortlist for Age-Friendly Awards

Great places to age in and grow older

Age Friendly Ireland Shared Service co-ordinates the management of 31 local authority-based, multi-agency Age Friendly Programmes to improve the quality of life of older people throughout Ireland. In April 2019, Ireland achieved a historic milestone by being recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the first fully affiliated Age Friendly Country in the world.

Age Friendly Ireland facilitates cities, counties, towns and villages across Ireland to prepare for the rapid ageing of our population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

Age Friendly programmes work to provide Age Friendly environments, housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for older people to participate in community activities. By doing so, these communities are better equipped to become great places to age in and grow older.

Garda Síochána in Kerry were among the winners of the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

For more information about this year’s awards and to learn about all the finalists, visit agefriendlyireland.ie.

About the Awards

Each year there are eight categories of awards, aligning to the World Health Organisation themes, as they have a meaningful impact on the lives of older people in Ireland. They are:

1.  AGE FRIENDLY TRANSPORT AWARD

Getting to where you want to go when you want to go is so important to so many older people. This category recognises the vital difference that availability to good quality, easily accessible, user friendly

tive in their approach, and which recognise that older people as both producers and consumers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our society. We welcome entries from collaborative projects where business and the community came together to effect change.

4.  AGE FRIENDLY SAFETY AND SECURITY AWARD

Feeling safe and secure at home and when out and about greatly enhances the lives of older people. This category acknowledges the impact of community-based responses that enable older people to feel secure in their homes and in the wider community, and to know what to do when they don’t.

5.  AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNICATIONS AWARD

A lack of access to information is often cited as a barrier to ‘ageing well’ in Ireland. The ability to access clear and concise information can impact on a range of aspects of an older person’s life, from health and wellbeing to social connectedness to financial security. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the ne ed for older people to use technology, but has also identified gaps where older people are not able to access the wide range of services that have moved online. This award recognises efforts being made around the country to bridge the information gap.

6.  AGE FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AWARD

The built environment has a unique impact on the lives of all older people. Simple things like adequate public seating, level footpaths and appropriate crossing times at pedestrian crossings all have a huge impact on the ability of older people to be active in their towns and villages. This category recognises projects that bring about change in the built physical environment with older people in mind.

7.  AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY INNOVATION AWARD

and reliable transport options can make to an older person.

2.  AGE FRIENDLY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY AGEING AWARD

We are living for longer, but remaining healthy and active in later years can be a real challenge. This award recognises those initiatives that optimise opportunities for good health in later years, so that older people can continue to play an active role in community life.

3.  AGE FRIENDLY BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARD

We know that creating an enjoyable and accessible experience for older consumers pays dividends for small and large businesses and the wider community. This category acknowledges age aware businesses which are innova-

The voice of the older person is at the heart of the Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme, the Programme is designed and implemented with them and not for them. This award recognises those innovative projects that are driven by older people for older people. These projects not only enhance the lives of older people, but benefit the community at large.

8. AGE FRIENDLY HOUSING AWARD

As people age they spend more time in their own homes. This means that older people’s quality of life, and thus their health, can depend on the appropriateness of their home environment and the conditions in which they live. This award recognises innovative housing initiatives that enable older people to remain independent for as long as possible.

Kilkenny celebrates a resounding success of National Heritage Week 2025

National Heritage Week 2025, which took place from August 16th to 24th across Kilkenny City and County has come to an end after a highly successful programme of heritage engagement for all. With over 60 diverse events and hundreds of participants, this year’s theme, “Exploring Our Foundations”, inspired communities to delve into the stories, landscapes, and tradi-

tions that shape Kilkenny’s rich heritage.

From historic walking tours and craft demonstrations to digital heritage workshops and folklore storytelling, the week offered something for everyone and crowds of all ages turned out in the sunshine to explore our local built, cultural and natural heritage.

The success of Heritage Week would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of volunteers, community groups, and local organisers. Their passion and commitment brought each event to life, fostering a deeper connection between residents and their shared heritage.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh praised the efforts: “We are immensely proud of our rich heritage in County Kilkenny and the stewards of that heritage across the county who work tirelessly to protect it and promote it all year round. Heritage Week is a celebration of their work and of the community spirit that makes Kilkenny so special.”

The Kilkenny County Council

Heritage Office extends heartfelt thanks to all who participated in, attended, and supported this year’s programme. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to celebrate Kilkenny’s heritage throughout the year.

For more information on upcoming heritage initiatives, visit www.kilkennyheritage.ie.

Heritage Week Canoe Trip on the River Nore by Norevision Photo credit Freddie Greenall

Heritage Week Medieval Tile Painting at Jerpoint Abbey (Thomas O’Reilly and Naoise Rice) Photo credit Freddie Greenall

Heritage Week Mass Path Walk on Dunmore Mass Path

Photo credit Kilkenny County Council

Opinion

Your Money & You

John Ellis

That’s rich! We’re not as rich as we might think

Every year The Economist magazine ranks countries by wealth. This year Ireland was not included. Why? Our numbers are “polluted by tax tricks,” they said. Big companies like Apple and Google funnel profits through Ireland using legal tax strategies, making our economy look richer than it is.

On paper, Ireland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person was €88,600 in 2024 putting us second in the EU behind Luxembourg and third in the world. That’s more than double the EU average of €33,550. But this is a fairytale and not the real story of how Irish people live.

GDP is the measure used when comparing countries’ wealth. It’s calculated by dividing a country’s economic output by its population, sometimes adjusted to account for price differences across borders. For Ireland this paints a wildly flattering picture as our GDP is exag-

gerated by multinational corporations shifting profits here – and not because the average person is swimming in cash. It’s like saying “your household is rich because your neighbour parks their yacht in your driveway”.

To get a clearer picture,

Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO) created a better gauge called modified Gross National Income (GNI) This removes the distortions from inputs like tech firms’ accounting methods and aircraft leasing. Using GNI Ireland slides from second

to fourth in the EU sitting at about 124% of the EU average behind the Netherlands and Denmark. Back in 2019 we were eighth, so we’ve climbed a bit, growing faster than many of our EU neighbours. Still, it’s difficult to believe we’re richer than

countries like Germany or Sweden which look just as prosperous, if not more so.

A better way might be to gauge our wealth by looking at what people actually spend on groceries, rent and education, then add to the mix Government supports like social welfare and/or childcare and we have what’s called Actual Individual Consumption (AIC). According to Eurostat, Ireland’s AIC is middle of the EU average at 99%, up from 94% in 2019. High savings in Irish households might make our spending look lower than it could be but it’s a far cry from the GDP fantasy.

But there’s good news too. Our economy is genuinely strong. In mid-2025, 2.82 million people were employed, a record, up 2.3% from last year. Immigration added 49,200 workers and more people, especially women, are joining the workforce with participation at 66.4%. Construction jobs

went up by 18%, though tech jobs dipped by 4.1%. Unemployment is low at 4.8% and while 20.7% of workers are part-time many want more hours.

The GDP mirage infamously dubbed ‘Leprechaun Economics’ after a 26% jump in 2015 skews everything from EU budget contributions to global perceptions. By combining GNI and AIC Ireland’s probably on par with or just behind Northern Europe’s heavyweights and ahead of southern nations. We’re “a solid mid-tier success not a global elite”.

But wealth isn’t just money. Housing struggles for young people, uneven services, and even our rainy weather shape how ‘rich’ we feel.

Policymakers should focus on fairness and sustainability, not chasing fake rankings. Ireland’s doing well... let’s keep it real.

john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Powering progress: FT Energy wins prestigious solar industry award

Kilkenny-based FT Energy has been named Business All-Star South East Solar Company Of The Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation – the second year running the company has earned this title.

The accolade recognises FT Energy’s excellence in solar solutions, commitment to sustainability, and customer-first innovation across Ireland’s energy landscape. Known for delivering high-quality solar PV and air-to-air systems, FT Energy plays a pivotal role in helping homes, businesses, and farms across the region reduce carbon emissions and become more energy independent. Their work empowers customers with cleaner, greener, and more efficient energy choices.

Michael Brennan is the Managing Director of FT Energy, a company focused on delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions across Ireland. With deep expertise in the energy sector, Michael leads the business with a vision for cleaner, more efficient, and futureready energy services. His leadership is defined by a commitment to performance, trust, and customer care – values that guide FT Energy in

helping homes and businesses reduce costs and carbon footprints. Under his direction, Figtree Energy continues to grow as a trusted partner in Ireland’s renewable energy journey.

Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair of the AIBF Adjudication Board, said “FT Energy is setting a high standard for sustainability in Ireland. Their dedication to quality, education, and environmental leadership is inspiring. This second accreditation is a testament to their continued innovation and integrity in the green energy sector.”

Michael Brennan, Managing Director at FT Energy reacted to the news “We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition from AIBF for the second year in a row. Our mission is simple – to help clients transition to renewable energy with confidence and care. This award validates the trust our customers place in us and fuels our commitment to building a greener Ireland.”

Kapil Khanna, Managing Director of AIBF, added “FT Energy exemplifies the values of innovation, excellence, and sustainability. Their impact across the South East and beyond shows what’s possible when expertise meets purpose. We are proud to honour them once again.”

FT Energy’s Managing Director Michael Brennan & Team celebrates being honoured with Business AllStar South East Solar Company Of The Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation

Science & Wellbeing

Researchers have now demonstrated that hydration plays an even deeper role in health – other than the common advice to drink more water for energy, appetite control and clearer skin.

It influences how our bodies react, hormonally, to stress, keeping cortisol in check and in turn lowering the risk of many serious health conditions. It’s the first study to show that fluid intake influences cortisol reactivity to stress.

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) scientists, investigating whether water influenced stress hormone levels, found that adults who habitually drink less fluid mount a far stronger cortisol response to stressful situations than those who drink plenty – even when other factors, like elevated heart rate and feelings of anxiety, remained fairly uniform.

Using a UK health database, researchers screened 100 healthy men and women aged 18–35 years, selecting 32 who fell into either the lowest or highest 25% of fluid intake. Those in the “low” group drank an average of 1.3 litres a day, while the “high” group had an intake of a average of 4.4 litres daily.

Importantly, both cohorts were otherwise well matched for age, sex, sleep quality, anxiety levels and other factors known to affect stress responses.

After a week of monitoring their usual intake with smart bottles and fluid diaries, the volunteers returned to the lab to take part in the Trier Social Stress Test, which mimics a nerve-wracking job interview where participants give a speech and perform mental arithmetic while being observed.

The test is designed to trigger a fairly uniform stress response, allowing scientists to measure psychological and biological reactions in a controlled way.

Researchers also measured urine colour and osmolality (for water concentration) and levels of plasmaco-

All humans have their own smell – as indeed do animals.

There’s the wonderful smell of a new baby, the enjoyinglife smell of a young boy or girl, the look-at-me aroma of a teenage girl, the smell of a hard-working labourer, and, yes, the smell of those who have their bus-pass.

There’s a reason “old people smell” is instantly recognisable — and it has nothing to do with bad hygiene.

The scent, a blend of must, cardboard, and something vaguely metallic, isn’t caused by skipped showers or mothballs. It’s biological. And according to experts, it gets more pronounced with age because of what’s happening inside the body.

Leslie Kenny, founder of Oxford Healthspan, told theNew York Post that the

Don’t stress.... just drink more water

peptin, a stable by-product of the hormone vasopressin. Vasopressin helps conserve water in the body but also stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which in turn drives cortisol release.

And this is where things get interesting. Cortisol, very well known as the “stress hormone,” is secreted by the adrenal glands as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response.

While a moderate, shortlived hormone surge is healthy and potentially critical when faced with real dangers, exaggerated or chronic cortisol release has been linked to weight gain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease

and a weakened immune system.

Endocrinologists aside, most of us probably haven’t considered that water intake and stress hormones are even linked, let alone intrinsically connected.

The researchers found –and this was expected – that the low-intake group consistently showed signs of poorer hydration – darker urine, more concentrated urine and higher copeptin levels.

But the striking result came after the stress test.

Both groups reported feeling equally anxious and showed similar heart rate elevation during the mock interview. But their cortisol responses diverged sharply.

Across the high-intake group, cortisol remained normal among men and women, but for those who didn’t drink a lot of water, their cortisol levels spiked and stayed significantly elevated for 30 minutes after the test.

“Both groups felt equally anxious and experienced similar increases in heart rate during the stress test,” said Daniel Kashi, a researcher at LJMU.

“However, only the ‘low fluid’ group showed a significant increase in saliva cortisol in response to the stress test.”

Participants who drank less water had 55% – or 1.55 times – more cortisol in their saliva

Fighting old age with mushrooms on your stir-fry

source of the odour is a compound called 2-nonenal, a byproduct of fat oxidation on the skin. “It comes from lipid peroxida-

tion on top of the skin,” she explained. “It’s basically sebum that has rusted.”

As we age, our skin produces fewer antioxidants

and turns over cells more slowly — so that rusty scent sticks around.

Kenny believes there is a solution, and it starts with

to those with lighter urine. These results suggest that if you’re habitually not getting enough water each day, your stress system may be primed to overreact in daily life. Over time, chronic cortisol spikes can contribute to the development of abdominal obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.

Similarly, low water intake is also linked to a higher risk of developing these conditions.

So how much water should you be drinking to keep your stress hormones in check?

For adults it is recommended 3.7 L (about 15.5 cups) day for men, and 2.7 L (11.5 cups) for women.

Naturally, factors such as climate, age, physical activity level and other health conditions will affect these figures, but they serve as a general guide.

While the research shows, for the first time, the realworld impact of water intake on stress hormones, the team also pointed out that getting enough H2O each day could make you better equipped to deal with life’s daily challenges, too.

“Being hydrated may help your body manage stress more effectively,” said Kashi.

than those who consumed a lot of H2O. In the low-intake group, cortisol rose by an average of 6.2 nanomoles a litre, compared with 4.0 nmol/L in the high-intake group. Statistically, this effect was large, meaning the gap was not just scientifically significant but biologically meaningful. Even more compelling, cortisol reactivity was tightly correlated with hydration measures: People with the most concentrated urine had the biggest cortisol surges.

Participants with a morning urine colour of four or higher, on the standard eight-point chart that measures hydration, had roughly double the cortisol increase compared

what’s on your plate. More specifically, mushrooms. Mushrooms are packed with ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps stop lipid peroxidation in its tracks.

They’re also rich in spermidine, a natural compound that kicks off autophagy — your body’s internal cleanup crew, which clears out damaged cells and encourages new ones to grow.

Together, ergothioneine and spermidine work to slow ageing and protect against disease.

“Mushrooms are the perfect food to combat this smell,” Kenny said. “While all varieties have benefits, shiitake and oyster mushrooms are especially high in the right nutrients.”

The perks go beyond scent, too. Studies suggest

“If you know, for example, that you have a stressful schedule, maybe a looming deadline or a speech to make, keeping a water bottle close could be a good habit with potential benefits for your long-term health.”

It’s worth noting that the study didn’t directly test whether increasing water intake would calm stress hormones.

Further research, such as randomized trials, will help us better understand this water-hormone connection and whether changing hydration habits can reduce chronic cortisol reactivity. So drink up... and stay healthy!

------------------------------=

* The study was originally published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

mushrooms may lower your risk of cognitive decline, improve insulin resistance, strengthen bones, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

In Japan and China, mushroom extracts are even used alongside traditional cancer treatments due to their immune-supporting properties.

So, if you’re trying to smell less like a decomposing library and more like a fully- functioning human being, mushrooms might be your new best friend. Kenny recommends incorporating them early—especially during hormonal shifts like perimenopause. But it’s never too late.

For once, fighting old age might be as easy as ordering extra shiitake on your stir-fry.

By Nat

The 7 Wonders of the World aren’t just names on a list, they’re the places people dream about seeing at least once in their lives.

Some are instantly recognisable, others might surprise you, but all of them have a wow-factor that makes them worth the hype.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through each one, why it’s on the list, and what makes it so unforgettable. The real question is, how many have you seen so far?

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was discovered by accident when Spanish explorers were looking for the legendary Inca capital, Cuzco. They found themselves lost in the Andes Mountains and decided to follow a river down into what would become Peru.

As they descended deeper into the mountains, they came across a small settlement with a large citadel at the top of a hill.

The citadel had been built by the Incas, who ruled the area before the Spanish.

The Spaniards named the site Machu Picchu, meaning ‘Old Peak in Quechua, the language spoken by the locals.

Petra in Jordan Petra [pictured right] is an ancient city located in Jordan. It is one of the most visited places in Jordan. Only half of the city is built, and the other half is carved into the rock. All over the city are passages and gorges, and it is surrounded by mountains.

Petra is also known as ‘The Rose City’ because of its beautiful pink sandstone buildings.

Another name for Petra is ‘Lost City’ because it was uninhabited for five centuries until a Swiss explorer rediscovered it in 1812.

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China [main picture], with its 21,196 km length, is the longest in the world. It started being built 300 years BC and is the oldest of all 7 wonders.

It was built by Chinese emperors to protect their territory. When visiting the Great Wall of China, you can walk on the unreconstructed wall, and it should take about three hours.

Colosseum

Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is the most famous amphitheater in the world. It can be found in Rome, Italy.

It used to be served for many events, mostly for bloody Gladiator games during the times of the Roman Empire. It could hold 500,000 people to watch different events there. Today is the most visited sight in Rome. Every year, about six million people come to see it. This is the only one of the new 7 wonders of the world that I visited.

It is a huge and spectacular

What A Wonderful World

architecture. You don’t see it only from the outside, but you can also go inside and walk around to see it as the audience did in the past.

There are usually long queues to go inside, but it doesn’t take that long. However, if you are in a hurry, you can get the fast-track tickets and skip the lines.

Christ de Redeemer

Christ de Redeemer is an enormous statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is standing on the top of Mount Corcovado, from which you will be gifted with an extraordinary view over the city.

The statue was completed in 1931, and it is 30 metres tall, and its outstretched arms are 28 metres long. It is the fourth largest statue of Christ in the world and has become a cultural icon in Brazil. It is accessible by train or by car.

Taj Mahal

Located in India, the Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1653 as a tomb for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 20,000 workers to build it in 22 years, together with a large garden and reflecting pool.

The Taj Mahal is made of white marble and semiprecious stones. The central dome is surrounded by four smaller domes.

The Taj Mahal is not only a symbol of love and wealth but also a symbol of India, and it attracts eight million tourists every year.

Chichén Itzá

Last, but not least, is the Chichen Itza, a ruined ancient Maya city located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The most dominant archaeological building here is the Temple of Kukulcan. The ancient pyramid is characterised by 365 steps, which represent a day in a year. There are four sides, and each side of the pyramid has

91 steps. Together with the platform on top, there are 365 steps.

What is strange about this pyramid is that twice a year, in spring and autumn, a shadow falls on the pyramid in the shape of a snake. Down at the base, you can find the stone head of a snake.

The honorary applicant, The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza didn’t make it to the final of the 7 wonders of the world, but at least it was added as an honorary applicant.

I’m a bit upset and surprised it didn’t make it, as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is an extraordinary wonder with a long history.

7 Natural Wonders Of The World

So, those are the 7 Wonders of the World, However, there are also 7 Natural Wonders of the World that are worth mentioning.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a 334,000 square kilometres

underwater marine national park in Queensland, Australia. It consists of almost 3,000individual reefs and 900 islands. The Great Barrier Reef is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls was discovered by David Livingstone, who named it in honour of Queen Victoria. You can see it from both sides, Zambia and Zimbabwe. However, from the Zimbabwe side, the view is much better.

There is a walking path to go along, and during the rainy season, when the water is high, you can get completely wet from the strong power of water.

It is fascinating to see the power of nature.

If you go to the Zambian side, during the dry season, you can go on a guided tour from Livingstone Island to the Devil’s Pool, which is the base from where the water falls.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest in the Himalayas is probably the most well-known mountain in the world. Located on the border between Tibet and Nepal. It is 8,849 metres tall and is considered the tallest point on Earth.

It is also known as the most difficult and deadliest mountain. However, you can visit only the base camp without climbing up.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona, US. It is 1.8 km deep, 446 km long, and millions of years old. The Grand Canyon is visited by about five million tourists a year.

Harbour of Rio de Janeiro

The Harbour of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is considered the largest harbour in the world due to the volume of water. What makes it so unique

is the formation of granite mountains that surround the bay. Depending on the view, the South Atlantic can remind you of a series of lakes.

Northern Lights

Another natural wonder of the world is the Northern Lights, called Aurora Borealis. They are natural lights on the Earth’s sky and can be seen usually during winter months in the northern countries like Canada, Iceland, Alaska, Scandinavian countries, Greenland, and Russia.

Paricutin Volcano

The last one is Paricutin Volcano, which can be found in Michoacan, Mexico. After a cleavage opened in the cornfield of one farmer, the volcano started to erupt consistently for several years. The ash and molten lava destroyed over 200 kilometers around, and people had to be evacuated.

Similar to the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, there are also 7 New Wonders of Nature. They are:

• Table Mountain in South Africa

• Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

• Komodo Island in Indonesia

• Amazon Rainforest

• Iguazu Falls, between Brazil and Argentina

• Jeju Island in South Korea

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines.

• * Nat is the founder and author of Nat’s Travel. She shares her personal travel experiences from the stunning beaches and sights of Dubai, Egypt, Seychelles, and Zanzibar, to the natural wonders of Victoria Falls, and Kenya. Through her travels, Nat brings you closer to the places she loves, offering tips and insights to inspire your next adventure.

Opinion

Oh boy, for sure... ‘boys will be boys’ Furthermore Gerry Moran

We all love a good story and here’s a great one. It came to me from Mike Kelly (see below) the founder of the marvellous Young Irish Film Makers.

In 1985 two boys from Darndale in Dublin, Keith Byrne (10) and Noel Murray (13), made headlines around the world when they hopped on a Dart and ended up in New York, escaping authorities in three countries.

Keith Byrne said he and his friend went to the US because he wanted to see his favourite television star, BA Baracus, of the famous A-Team TV show. Their adventure started when they went out to play before dinner time, Keith said in an RTE radio documentary: “My mum said, ‘Don’t go far, your dinner’s nearly ready’. I said, “I won’t.’ But they did. They took the Dart to Dun Laoghaire and snuck on to a

ferry for Holyhead. Emboldened by their success they avoided the ticket checkers and got on a train to London. Eventually they wound up in Heathrow with nothing but a few coins in their pockets that they’d nicked from a charity fountain. They asked a passenger where his plane was going and he told them New York. They told the ticket checker and security that their

parents were behind them and boarded an Air India plane.

“The plane was only half full so no one came near us,” Keith said. The ease at slipping past authorities was very surprising considering that two months earlier an Air India jet had blown up off the southwest of Ireland, killing 329 people. Keith Byrne recalled being unable to eat a very hot curry and

watching the Bond film A View To A Kill. Their journey ended when they left JFK airport and asked a policeman for the way into town. They were taken to a police station and immediately became the centre of attention. Later they were put up in a hotel suite with security guards and fed like lords. Their exploits made the front page of the New York newspapers.

Keith Byrne and Noel Murray [pictured with Keith left] are now in their 40s and live in Darndale, Dublin.

Mike Kelly

There are so many strings to Mike Kelly’s bow that I, who has known him pretty much all my life, was not aware of.

Apart from founding Young Irish Film Makers (during which time he encouraged the art of Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart and Ross Murray

leading to the founding of the acclaimed Cartoon Saloon) he also started Kilkenny Youth Theatre.

Around 1966 Mike, along with the late Con Downey, helped start schoolboy soccer in Kilkenny and within a year became an International Selector with the Under 15s.

Mike left school, St Kieran’s College, at 14 because he was, according to himself, a bit lazy, a bit of a dreamer and a rebel. Thanks to the late Fr Gerry Joyce he learned to work with young people and got his first job as a cinema projectionist in Stallard’s (now Zunis).

Six years after leaving school Mike got a job with a boys club in Brunswick in London, where he got his degree in theatre and helped the boys make a small movie which won a competition worth £1500 with the BBC.

After Brunswick, Mike’s great friend, Stephen Murphy, now manager of the Fr McGrath Centre, invited him out to Bondi Beach to work with the street children of Sydney. After two years Mike returned to Kilkenny and started Young Irish Film Makers. Several of the young people involved with Young Irish Film Makers went on to be nominated for Oscars, performed on Broadway and the West End, wrote scripts for Pixar, the BBC, RTE and French TV. And all of this originated on the site of the former orphanage on the Waterford Road.

I believe that in this, Mike Kelly’s 80th year (and looking a youthful 65) the Freedom of the City would be a fitting way to honour this modest man who has done such unspoken, wonderful work for the young people of Kilkenny.

The legend of “The Three Friars”

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

If you pass through Nicholastown in South Kilkenny, you will notice three stone pillars rising out of the earth. They present to the eye a stark and haunting three-fold image, recalling ancient times and dark deeds. Dating to the Bronze Age, the standing stones were painted white in honour of three friars who were executed by Cromwell’s men close to the spot. They are almost dazzlingly prominent against the flatness of the countryside that surrounds them like a carpet of green. The Dollard family of Smithstown has kept the tradition alive by giving the stones a fresh coat of paint every year.

Though of ancient origin, folklore has woven its own inimitable spin on the significance of the pillar stones. Legend speaks of a dedicated friar, Brother Dominic, who sought refuge in the home of a local farmer to elude the Roundhead troops and their bloodhounds. Every monk had a price on his head.

Cromwell had just reduced Jerpoint Abbey to ruins and slaughtered the monks found within its walls. Brother Dominic decided to lie low for a while until the invaders had left the area. He was concerned about two other friars who had been visiting a nearby convent and had not yet returned. They arrived at the farmstead later that evening, numbed by the horror of atrocities they had witnessed as they scurried across fields to avoid the rampaging Roundheads. They had seen hovels blazing, summary executions; men having their tongues ripped out, and the sad, hollow-eyed corpses with ropes fas-

tened tightly around their necks.

These once lively, hard-working and good-humoured men and women of the parish now swayed grotesquely from trees that now reeked of death.

It was not a good time to be a

monk, or an outspoken critic of the Right Honourable Mr. Cromwell. But Dominic and his fellow friars refused to go about in disguise or abandon the Faith that had sustained them through their lives of poverty and obedience.

In the farmer’s house, they knelt and prayed for Cromwell’s menmuch to the farmer’s bafflement and annoyance- imploring God to forgive them their trespasses. The farmer outlined, in language that might not be considered apt in the company of monks, what HE would like to do with Cromwell on a dark night in Slieverue.

But as dawn broke the following day, a caller to the house breathlessly informed all within that Roundhead cavalry was approaching and would soon be on their doorstep. The monks set off again through the fields.

As darkness gathered, they lay down to rest in the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, thinking, perhaps, that lightning would not strike twice in the same place. But as they had a bite to eat, a Roundhead officer spotted them from the top of a hill. The sight of three Catholic clergymen dining happily in the church ruin, which was still smouldering, was too much for the Cromwellians. They charged down the hill to capture their enemies. The friars made no attempt to escape or offer

resistance. They blessed themselves and gave up without a struggle. The troops tortured them for hours, pulling out all their fingernails, inflicting cuts designed to cause pain without killing, before “half-hanging” them from trees. Death came as a welcome relief. By morning, Heaven had three new martyrs.

A second legend has it that the three friars had escaped from the Augustinian Abbey in Callan. According to a third legend- which seems a bit too off-the -wall to be based on fact- the troops, after executing the friars, then rode into Garranda, the present-day village of Mullinavat, for a drinking session in a tavern called The Rising Moon. To celebrate the previous night’s work, they drank and feasted into the early hours. But the officer in charge of the group suddenly turned pale, and began frothing at the mouth.

Pointing to a spot in front of him, he starting raving about three ghostly figures that that had appeared in the tavern. As his men tried to calm him, the officer became hysterical, shaking from head to foot and roaring about three monks who were standing there, pointing accusing fingers at him. It was like a scene from Macbeth.

“Save me, God forgive me! He shouted, “They’re choking the life out of me.” He fell dead on the floor, knocking over a table as he went down and striking terror into the hearts of his men. Because of the negative associations created by this incident, the Rising Moon had its name changed to the Rising Sun. So the legend goes. The local people interred the bodies of the slain monks in holy ground. In reverence to their memory, a practice began of painting the three ancient standing stones at Nicholastown.

Ever since they’ve been called “The Three Friars.”

Cromwell after one of his victories

The Three Friars

The Three Friars

Mick Creagh … “huge” in Rathdowney

Mick Creagh will be bringing his one man show C’mere ‘til I Tell You a Good One to the Concert Hall Thomastown. But what do we know about Mick Creagh? He hails from the parish of Rathdowney/ Errill in the southwest corner of County Laois. He’s “huge” in Rathdowney! For more years than he cares to remember he has written, directed and acted in Rathdowney Panto’. A drum-

mer who has played all over Ireland with various bands. As a writer, he has published 2 books of poetry and written 4 pageants based on the Famine. In recent years he has worked as an extra in a number of films shot in the Midlands. It’s from there that he draws most of the inspiration for his songs, poems and “good ones”. Mick is an old style storyteller with one eye

on the past and one on the present. He enjoys getting his audience involved, so clear your throats and be ready. His show is 80 minutes long with no interval. Adults only. Now sit back, relax and let Mick tell ye a few ‘good ones’. Mick’s show will be staged at Thomastown Concert hall on Sunday 7th September at 7pm.

Close to 2,000 children in this HSE region left behind

BY NATASHA NEWSOME DRENNAN TD

Sinn Féin TD Natasha Newsome Drennan has condemned the government for failing children on Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) waiting lists. She highlighted that almost 2,600 children in this HSE region were still waiting for CDNT support at the end of June, with nearly 2,000 of them left waiting more than a year just for an initial contact. Nationally, the figures are even more alarming, with 10,961 children on CDNT waiting lists, over 7,000 of whom have been waiting over twelve months.

Deputy Newsome Drennan said this situation is a disgrace, leaving children without essential services and families feeling abandoned. She criticised the CDNT model, which was intended to provide family-centred care but has instead become synonymous with delays and neglect. She warned that the government cannot continue underfunding vital disability

services while simultaneously claiming to uphold equality and inclusion.

Deputy Newsome Drennan said:

“It is an absolute disgrace that nearly 2600 children are currently on waiting lists for assessment and support from CDNTs.

“Across the state, 11,000 children are on waiting lists, with over 7000 of these children waiting over a year for an initial CDNT contact.

“This is a systemic failure, and it will only continue to get worse if it is not addressed head on.

“The CDNT model, which was intended to provide family-centred care, has now become synonymous with delays and abandonment.”

“It is a system in complete disarray.

“Children are routinely waiting years for assessments. Posts remain unfilled. Teams are stretched to breaking point. Families are being told there is no one available to see their child.

“How is a child supposed to reach their full potential without these crucial supports?

“Development in childhood happens fast and it does not

wait for staffing issues to be solved.

“Without fully staffed teams, speech may not emerge, motor skills may regress, behavioural challenges may escalate, and families will become exhausted and isolated. It is not fair that the children and their families are the ones who are suffering just because government can’t get their act together.

“Government cannot continue to under-resource services for these children while claiming to uphold equality and inclusion.

“Children deserve timely assessment and intervention to give them the best chance at success. Early and ongoing assessment and intervention is key.

“Sinn Féin would develop a comprehensive workforce plan to fully staff CDNTs. We would streamline the recruitment process, double the number of undergraduate training places, and provide a job guarantee to health and social care graduates.

“It is essential that, under whichever model, services are properly staffed and that there are workforce plans in place to deliver safe services.”

TRISH MAHER - U13 CAMOGIE CU

On Saturday, the 23rd of August, the Tullaroan

This special event was held in memory of Trish Maher, and it brought together clubs, families, and supporters for what turned out to be a fantastic day of sport, friendship, and community spirit. Catherine, Tom, and the entire Maher family wish to extend their sincere gratitude to everyone who took part in the day, especially the players, mentors, and families who travelled to Tullaroan to make the tournament so memorable.

The competition attracted six teams, each made up of 17 girls, who all lined out full of energy and determination at the Tullaroan GAA grounds. Representing their clubs with pride were:

• Tullaroan

• Muckalee

• Castlecomer

• Danesfort

• Dicksboro

• Lisdowney

Every match was hotly contested, with the young players displaying not only their growing skills but also great teamwork, heart, and spirit. The standard of camogie on show was a real credit to the clubs, mentors, and families behind these girls. From the very first throwin to the final whistle of the last match, each team gave it everything they had, battling right to the bitter end.

A huge congratulations goes to Tullaroan, who emerged victorious in the Shield Final. The girls played some outstanding camogie throughout the tournament, and in the final they showed real grit and determination to eventually overcome a strong Lisdowney side. Their victory was well deserved, and the home supporters were thrilled to see their efforts rewarded.

Congratulations also go to Danesfort, winners of the Cup

Camogie Club proudly

Final. They faced a tough Castlecomer side and, after a close and hard-fought match, managed to secure the win. This match was full of excitement and tension right up to the final whistle, with the Danesfort girls edging out their rivals in an excellent game of camogie. Events like this would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors and volunteers.

The Maher family and Tullaroan Camogie Club would like to acknowledge the kindness of:

• Billy Brennan Ice Cream, kindly sponsored by Richie Walsh and family

• Goodies for the day, sponsored by John and Joan Connolly

• Delaney’s Bar, Tullaroan, for their donation to the U13 Camogie Club

• Damian Cleere, who provided

sliotars for the matches

• Mary Wong, for her generous club donation

A special thank you must also go to the referees and umpires, who carried out their duties so fairly and efficiently, ensuring the games ran smoothly. The Ladies Committee deserve great praise too for their tireless work on the day, from organising refreshments to keeping everything running behind the scenes. Thanks also to the Tullaroan Hurling Club for the use of the pitch, which was in excellent condition.

The atmosphere was wonderful, with families, friends, and supporters coming together to enjoy a full day of sport and community. It truly was a day to remember and a fitting tribute to Trish Maher. None

& SHIELD MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

The hidden costs of school

Written by Michael Doyle

As the return to schools, families across the country are preparing for their children starting and returning to school. For some families, this is a smooth and positive process for families with returning and new students, but for other families, this is marred with the ever-increasing school costs, particularly so with the rising cost of living.

For some families, it can be

a struggle to meet these costs, trying their best to do so. As one can imagine, all families wish to provide their children with sufficient tools and resources to give them the best possible chance in school. In this article, we take a look at what are the hidden costs, how this impacts students and their families, and what schools and parents can do to mitigate the financial stress families face.

The student costs:

1. Uniforms – On top of the cost of uniforms, some schools can have a strict uniform policy, making it difficult to seek alternatives. Also, uniforms are susceptible to the rare instances of change, which can increase costs and hinder recycling.

2. School Tours – While school tours are a great learning experience, they can also be expensive, with the specific cost varying by the destination, activities, and discretionary costs like food

and raise public awareness. However, some families may feel pressured to contribute and may not have the change to give in support of the fundraiser.

5. End-of-term gifts for teachers – While this is an optional expense, some families may want to show teachers their thanks and appreciation for the role teachers had in their child’s journey. Alternatively, some families may feel pressured to provide a gift for their teacher.

Impact on families and students:

The impact of the struggles to meet school costs can have a negative effect on families and students. Unfortunately, some families are holding off on paying house bills such as electricity and heating to afford school costs.

or mementos.

3. Books and Technology fees – Fortunately, since September 2023, children in primary and special schools receive free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks. However, even with these supports, parents can struggle to meet the school’s requirement of a laptop or tablet, with some informed of the requirement at a late notice.

4. Fundraisers – Fundraisers are a great way for causes to generate financial support

As for students, not having funds to partake in these aspects of school can cause the student to feel left out or isolated. This financial pressure could cause the student to not go to school on certain days e.g. missing school before the end of term to avoid the potential pressure of endof-term gifts.

So, what can be done?: Fortunately, there is some Government help available with the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA). This allowance is a payment to help families with the cost of

school uniforms and shoes. The current Allowance for children aged between 4-11 on 30 September is €160, while the Allowance for children aged between 12 and over on 30 September is €285. Parents can still apply for this Allowance up to the 30th of September.

As for schools, they can inform families about the amount and use of voluntary contributions, that the contribution is optional and provide supports for those who do wish to pay, but cannot pay it all at once. In addition, schools can allow for more generic items to be listed on their uniform policy where possible. This can allow for more clothing options and can help decrease the costs. Meanwhile, parents can research the cost of uniforms, voluntary contributions, and school stationery, allowing them to find the best prices and plan a budget for backto-school expenses. Parents can also keep a look out for second-hand uniform and book sales and organize or participate in uniform and book exchange programs. Importantly, parents should try to avoid taking on debt if possible to pay for school costs. If struggling to make ends meet, they can talk to the school, explore options like the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), or contact the local Community Welfare Officer.

Loreto Kilkenny celebrates fantastic Leaving Certificate results!

Huge congratulations to our Leaving Certificate Class of 2025 who received their results last Friday! We are so proud of all our students - a huge number of 15 achieved over 600 points, 58 students scored over 500 points, 113 achieved over 400 points while many of our LCA students earned distinctions. A very special shoutout to the 8 students, who achieved an incredible 7 H1s / 625 points. Angela Carroll, Aoife Fitzgerald, Aine White, Ayrin Tresa Sony, Eimear Gladney,

Lelia Mahon, Pia Buckenham and Saoire Teehan.

Principal Ms Moran praised the achievements of the entire year group, thanking parents, teachers, SNAs and the whole school community for their dedication and support.

Ms Moran said “This is a full Loreto Community celebration and it is absolutely wonderful to see smiles and tears of joy and pride in our school today!”

Ms Moran acknowledged the hard work of the teaching and support staff of the school,

thanking them for their high expectations and perseverance.

Ms Moran also extended thanks to our 6th Year parents, carers and wider family circle for all the encouragement and support they have provided both to the school and to their children. The valued support of all partners of the school, including the Board of Management and primary schools is also very much appreciated.

Well done Class of 2025 — the future is bright!

Written by Michael Doyle

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

A student’s stress factors can be varied, be it academic, social, or personal reasons, or a mixture of these. These stresses and challenges can have a negative impact on student’s mental health if they don’t look after themselves, or don’t recognise the signs. Students need adequate well-being supports in place to help them in times of need. In this article, we take a look at the pressures students face, what schools are doing to help, and how students can manage their mental health.

The pressure points: The following is a breakdown of each potential stress factor: Academic – Students may face the fear of failure and the pressure to succeed, particularly to achieve the desired Leaving Cert points for a third-level education opportunity.

Mental health in education

Peers – Students have to manage friendships and may encounter situations of bullying or peer pressure. Social – Students have to manage relationships with teachers, staff, and roles within the school community and local area. Personal – Students also have to manage personal relationships, opportunities, commitments, and wishes. For secondary school, students will experience physical, psychological, and

emotional changes through puberty. In addition, changes in family structure or a lack of family support can cause stress at home.

It is important to note that while these pressures do exist, the causes and effect of these pressures can vary depending on the student and their situation.

How are schools helping?: Schools are recognising the potential varied stress factors students may face. In attempt

to relieve stress for students, schools provide accessible mental health support from guidance counsellors, facilitate well-being classes, provide education and awareness on the signs of mental health struggles and demonstrate how students can self-alleviate themselves through mindfulness and breathing techniques. However, even with these supports, there is a growing need to improve the quality and accessibility of these

supports across all schools.

Advice for students: Students can find their time at school to be stressful at times, be it internally or externally. When feeling stressed, it is important for students to prioritize their overall health, through eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise and sleep, and taking regular breaks. If something is troubling them, students can talk to someone they trust for sup-

port, and if they notice another student feeling stressed or unwell, they could ask how they’re feeling, listen to them and offer support where appropriate. Mental health is an important aspect of our lives. It affects how we think and interact with others and our surroundings. Having the competence to realise, develop and maintain a good mental health is important to nurture a persons personal and academic development.

Loreto Kilkenny welcomes Ms Marian Moran as Principal

Loreto Kilkenny is delighted with the appointment of Ms Marian Moran as Principal.

Ms Moran, a native of Kildare, began her teaching career in Presentation College Athenry, where she taught for one year before joining the staff of Loreto Kilkenny as an excellent teacher of History and Geography in 2007.

She was appointed Deputy Principal in St. Brigid's College, Callan in 2013, before returning to Loreto in 2017. As Deputy Principal she has fulfilled the role with great energy, dedication and care over the past years.

Ms Moran is deeply committed to all aspects of school life and is especially passion-

ate about the holistic development of every student. She values the school's strong ties with the local community and is enthusiastic about continuing to strengthen these connections. Ms. Moran and her Senior Leadership Team made up of Ms. Niamh Fitzpatrick, Ms Chloe Bhreathnach and Ms Niamh Maye are excited to build on the strengths and successes of Loreto Kilkenny as a centre of educational excellence and a place where each student's unique talents and abilities are cherished.

We wish Ms Moran every success as she begins her leadership journey as Principal of the school.

Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny launch new Autumn Training and Events Programme 2025

A new Autumn Training and Events Programme aimed to empower small businesses in Kilkenny has been announced by the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh officially launch the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny Autumn Training and Events Programme 2025 alongside trainers and Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny staff.

The Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny has launched their online and in-person training and events programme for Autumn 2025. This programme schedule provides potential new entrepreneurs and small business currently operating in the County, the opportunity to develop new skills and adapt to the everchanging economic environment.

The courses on offer range from Start Your Own Business Programmes, Management Development Series, Facebook for Business and some mentoring clinics in areas such as Social Media, Financial, Business Advisory, Digital Marketing and many more. Additionally, educational networking events such as Going Green Conference 2025 and National Women’s Enterprise Day which will take place in the coming months.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh expressed excitement about the Autumn Training and Events Programme, stating, "The training sessions offered by the Local Enterprise Office are designed to empower entrepreneurs with practical skills and knowledge, enabling them to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their business goals. Investing in the growth and development of our small businesses is crucial for the success of our local economy."

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, said that “Small

business owners have a range of different priorities and needs. Kilkenny County Council is committed to providing supports to local businesses through the Local Enterprise Office and is conscious that for a business to succeed, it is essential to support them by enhancing their skills, competencies and knowledge”. She further added “The launch of the Autumn Training and Events schedule is designed to support small businesses owners and entrepreneurs based in County Kilkenny.” With hundreds of Kilkenny businesses availing of the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny mentoring and training supports this year to date, there is something for all small businesses no matter what stage of their business journey they are at. The Autumn Training and Events Programme 2025 schedule is now available at https://www.localenterprise.ie/ Kilkenny/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

Pictured (L-R) – John O Gorman, LEO Kilkenny – Denis Casey, Casey Business ConsultingCathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr.

Mary Hilda Cavanagh – John Mulcahy, LEO Kilkenny – Catherine Hennessy, LEO Kilkenny

A Journey of faith and

On 21st August, the Feast of the Apparition, a group of parishioners from St John’s parish embarked on a spiritual journey to the renowned Knock Shrine in County Mayo. Led by spiritual director Monsignor Dan Carroll, ably assisted by Fr Joseph Lubula, and Fr Dave Murphy, the pilgrimage, which has become an annual tradition, brought together like minded individuals, united in their faith and in their devotion to Our Lady of Knock.

A journey of reflection and prayer

The group of over 100 pilgrims travelled to Knock, a site of great spiritual significance in Ireland, where they participated in Mass, prayer vigils, rosaries and devotions. The shrine, which commemorates the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist in 1879, is a place of deep reverence and pilgrimage and is ranked as an International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine.

A deepening of faith

For many pilgrims, the journey to Knock Shrine was a deeply moving and enriching experience. The group's shared devotion and commitment to their Catholic faith were evident as they prayed, sang hymns, and reflected on their spiritual journeys.

A sense of community

The parish trip fostered a strong sense of community among the pilgrims, who bonded over their shared experiences and conversations. Refreshment breaks, for breakfast in Athlone, and dinner in Moate, helped strengthen the bonding experience. The group's camaraderie was most obvious as they navigated the shrine's tranquil grounds and participated in the con-celebrated Mass in the Basilica.

A lasting impact

Monsignor Dan Carroll, reflecting on the parish journey told this newspaper “the pilgrimage to Knock Shrine was a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, prayer, and community and it served as a shining example of faith in action, exemplifying tradition, heritage and spiritual commitment.” Monsignor Carroll insisted that “as the parishioners returned home, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and devotion, inspired by their experiences at the shrine.”

The Future

The parish group is already looking forward to next year's pilgrimage, eager to continue this meaningful tradition and deepen their connection with each other and with their faith.

devotion

Fun Family Day

Fun Family Day at Mill ResourceFamilyCentre

A new addition to the event this year was the Community Art Wall, where families contributed colourful handprints, drawings, and kind messages. This collaborative mural will be displayed inside the Centre to remind visitors of the day’s spirit of unity and celebration.

Jessica Moore, Program Coordinator at Mill Family Resource Centre, shared her appreciation:

“Fun Family Day is one of the highlights of our year. It’s a chance to bring people together in a safe, fun, and welcoming environment. We’re so grateful to our volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who helped make this event a success.”

Sue Cox stated that the afternoon was a great success and days like this are extremely beneficial to our Counselling and Play Therapy Services in so many ways. She highlighted the need to raise funds which are vital to the continued running of our Counselling and

Play Therapy Services. That days like these also gives people in the area an opportunity to visit and see what our centre offers and its fundamental role in their community. Ms. Cox thanked and welcomed the support of businesses, for their generosity in kindly donating and sponsoring the fundraiser.

The Mill Family Resource Centre remains committed to supporting families year-round and look forward to hosting even more engaging events in the future.

The Mill Family Resource Centre hosted its much-anticipated 2025 Fun Family Day on Saturday, August 23rd, welcoming families from across the region for a vibrant afternoon of laughter, learning, and community spirit. The annual event, held on the Centre’s outdoor grounds, and offered a full line up of family-friendly activities for all ages.

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” celebrated the power of community connection. The atmosphere was filled with joy and energy as children ran from one activity to another — from bouncing in the inflatable castles to visiting a hands-on petting zoo featuring rabbits, goats, and ponies. Face painting, arts and crafts, and oldfashioned carnival games kept little ones entertained throughout the day.

Live entertainment was a major highlight. Local musicians performed family-friendly sets, while dance groups and community performers wowed the audience. Children were especially thrilled by a surprise appearance from a costumed superhero, who posed for photos and joined in on a group dance.

Adults had the chance to connect with community service providers at the event’s resource fair. Booths

offered information on parenting supports, mental health services, childcare, and local programs, providing a valuable opportunity for families to learn about available resources in an approachable and informal setting. Free snacks and refreshments, including popcorn, fruit, and cold drinks, were provided to all attendees. A selection of food trucks was also on-site, offering tasty lunch options at family-friendly prices.

Fun in the sun

Free face painting

Tasty treats

Visiting dignitarys

Bric a brack for sale

Hand made crafts

Best friends forever

The recent morning FBI raid on Trump nemesis John Bolton’s home will only add to a laundry list of stunts designed to pull MAGA’s attention away from the Jeffrey Epstein files, according to Trump biographer Michael Wolff.

Hours before federal agents swarmed Bolton’s Washington, D. office and Maryland home, the former Trump national security adviser ripped the MAGA figurehead’s flop summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an interview with CNN’s The Source guest host Brianna Keilar, Bolton alleged that Putin had “rolled” Trump away from threats of sanctions as he continues to wage his war on Ukraine.

“Of course, the Russians want to slow-roll this [negotiation process],” said Bolton. “They‘re hoping the whole thing will go away as they successfully slow-rolled Trump‘s efforts during the first six months.”

Yet, on The Daily Beast podcast, Wolff alleged that any distraction away from the Epstein files is only temporary, as their contents could blow up in Trump’s face in two major ways.

“Epstein is a problem. It could in fact be a mortal problem,” Wolff said.

“Congress has insisted on seeing some aspects of these so-called Epstein files… There’s two questions: What are they going to get? And actually, a continuing question never answered is what is in these files?”

Wolff predicts there will be depositions from the “many, many women who have accused disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein of sexual abuse,” with most of that material already made public.

“Then there will be the FBI’s own investigation of those women,” Wolff said.

“And it’s not all of those women, it’s the women that they have chosen for whatever reason to investigate or vet, you might say.”

According to Wolff, the FBI investigations of these women and challenges to their credibility could spell trouble for Trump. “From the MAGA point of view, to complicate

Epstein: clock is ticking for Trump says biographer

the story in any way is a box that the administration does not want to open,” he said. Wolff said that, for him, what was even more curious was the Department of Justice’s 2019 decision to break its 2007 non-prosecution agreement with Epstein.

Wolff said: “This is a complicated deal, but a big deal,” because such agreements are very rarely broken. “If the justice departments breaks them, who would ever agree to them?”

Wolff surmised that what

could have caused them to break such a deal in Epstein’s case was Epstein beginning to spill on his associates, including

Trump. Wolff alleged that several people in the Southern District of New York had been investigating Trump at the time, and had been fired in Trump’s second administration for this reason.

“Did they break this nonprosecution agreement in the hope of leveraging Jeffrey Epstein to deliver evidence about Donald Trump?

“That’s just another aspect of what’s going to be in these files and quite likely a key area that the President Trump White House does not want exposed,” Wolff said.

The Department of Justice has released tapes of its two-day interview with Ghislaine Maxwell [pictured with Trump], who is serving a 20year sentence for sex trafficking.

Among a laundry list of secrets and lies, Maxwell, now 63, claimed that no Epstein “client list” exists. She said:

“There’s no list of people getting massages. I don’t have… I can barely recall all the people. I can barely recall. I struggle to recall actual people that I met.”

The Trump administration’s decision to close its investigation into Epstein has inadvertently drawn fresh attention to President Donald Trump’s past friendship with him.

Yet, Wolff asserted that there is still much more to uncover after the FBI raided Epstein’s house and took computers and other devices.

“Obviously, the emails are there. Those emails will likely implicate a vast number of other people who have not yet been connected to Jeffrey Epstein,” said Wolff, adding that those emails will also “expose who Jeffrey Epstein was talking to on a frequent daily basis in the second Trump administration.

“And of course, one of the things that he was talking to them about was Donald Trump.”

*News Agencies

Andrew under scrutiny again in new book by Virginia

Britain’s Prince Andrew will once again come under scrutiny and put back in the spotlight when the memoir of Virginia Giuffre [pictured] is published in October.

The book, titled Nobody’s Girl, is described on the Penguin Publishing House website as an “unforgettable memoir by the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the woman who dared to take on Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell”.

Ms Giuffre, who died by suicide in Australia in April, aged 41, was one of the most outspoken accusers of convicted sex offenders Epstein and his former girlfriend Maxwell.

American-born Ms Giuffre had lived in Australia for several years and became an advocate for sex-trafficking survivors after emerging as a central figure in the pro-

longed downfall of disgraced paedophile financier Epstein. She came forward publicly after the initial investigation ended in an 18-month Florida jail term for Epstein, who made a secret deal and was released in 2009.

Epstein was later found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sextrafficking charges.

In multiple civil lawsuits, Ms Giuffre said she was a spa attendant as a teenager at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s Palm Beach club, when she was approached in 2000 by Maxwell.

She was hired as a masseuse for Epstein and was flown

around the world for meetings with men at his behest while she was 17 and 18.

Andrew paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Ms Giuffre, whom he said he had never met.

She sued him for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein.

She alleged they trafficked her to the duke, a claim Andrew has denied.

The description of the book, which is released on October 21, states: “Here, Giuffre offers an unsparing and definitive account of her time with Epstein and Maxwell, who trafficked her and others to numerous prominent men.

“She also details the molestation she suffered as a child, as well as her daring escape from Epstein and Maxwell’s grasp at 19.

“Giuffre remade her life from scratch and summoned the courage to not only hold her abusers to account but also advocate for other victims.

“The pages of Nobody’s Girl preserve her voice — and her legacy — for ever.”

The duke strenuously denies any wrongdoing.

Andrew stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with the paedophile financier. Ms Giuffre is survived by her three children.

It comes as transcripts released by the US Justice Department on Friday show Maxwell insisting she did not introduce Andrew to Epstein and that the duke’s alleged sexual misdemeanour with Ms Giuffre in her house could not have happened. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison at the federal court in the southern district of New York in June 2022. The Trump administration issued hundreds of pages of transcripts of interviews conducted by deputy attorney general Todd Blanche last month amid a fierce backlash over a previous refusal to disclose records from the Epstein case.

Food & Drink

Thai chickengreen curry

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Serves: 6

Don’t call the local takeaway –impress friends and family by cooking this fragrant and creamy Thai green chicken curry. It’s easy and quick to make.

Ingredients

• 225g new potatoes, cut into chunks

• 100g green beans, trimmed and halved

• 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil

• 1 garlic clove, chopped

• 1 rounded tbsp or 4 tsp Thai green curry paste (you can’t fit the tablespoon into some of the jars)

• 400ml can coconut milk

• 2 tsp Thai fish sauce

• 1 tsp caster sugar

• 450g boneless skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces

• 2 lime leaves finely shredded, or 3 wide strips lime zest, plus extra to garnish

• good handful of basil leaves

• boiled rice, to serve

STEP 1

Put 225g new potatoes, cut into chunks, in a pan of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.

One-pan nachos with black beans Come Dine WithMe

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Serves: 4-6

Enjoy this colourful sharing dish with nachos, black beans, salsa, avocado and melted cheese. Everyone will enjoy digging into it straight from the pan.

Ingredients

• 175g yellow or blue tortilla chips

• 200g fresh tomato salsa

• 150g medium cheddar, grated

• 1 red pepper, quartered, cored and finely chopped

• 400g can black beans, drained

• 1 avocado, diced

STEP 2

Add 100g trimmed and halved green beans and cook for a further 3 minutes, by which time both should be just tender but not too soft. Drain and put to one side.

STEP 3

In a wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil until very hot, then drop in 1 chopped garlic clove and cook until golden, this should take only a few seconds. Don’t let it go very dark or it will spoil the taste.

STEP 4

Spoon in 1 rounded tbsp Thai green curry paste and stir it around for a few seconds to begin to cook the spices and release all the flavours.

STEP 5

Next, pour in a 400ml can of coconut milk and let it come to a bubble.

STEP 6

Stir in 2 tsp Thai fish sauce and 1 tsp caster sugar, then 450g bitesize chicken pieces. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked.

STEP 7

Tip in the potatoes and beans and let them warm through in the hot coconut milk, then add 2 finely shredded lime leaves (or 3 wide strips lime zest).

STEP 8

Add a good handful basil leaves, but only leave them briefly on the heat or they will quickly lose their brightness.

STEP 9

Scatter with lime to garnish and serve immediately with boiled rice.

• soured cream, to serve

Method

STEP 1

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Arrange the tortilla chips over twothirds of the tray, spoon most of the salsa on top and scatter over half of the cheese.

STEP 2 Mix the remaining salsa with the red pepper and beans, and tip onto the empty third of the tray. Scatter over the rest of the cheese. Bake for 10-15 mins or until the cheese has melted. Scatter the avocado over the beans and add dollops of the soured cream to serve.

Darker turn for the women behind bars

Netflix is not a stranger to prison shows. One of its most popular original series of all time, Orange Is The New Black, was a show that took place in prison, as well as other shows like Locked Up, Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, and more. Their latest release, In The Mud, is something similar, but with a darker turn.

The eight-episode Argentinian thriller series debuted on August. 14. It didn’t take long for it to draw the subscriber’s attention, as In The Mud has quickly climbed up to the top of the charts globally.

The new thriller series debuted in sixth place on its first day, and has already climbed another two positions until fourth place on its second day. On its first day, it reached the top of the charts in two countries, and three on its second day, including its home

country, Argentina. The series is a Netflix Original series and it’s a spinoff of Sebastián Ortega’s crime drama El Marginal, which aired for five seasons between 2016 and 2022.

The original series followed an ex-cop who infiltrated a prison and found himself surrounded by dangerous felons who must not discover his identity.

The new eight-episode thriller changes the narrative with women’s stories.

In The Mud follows Gladys, El Marginal’s Mario Borges’ wife, who ends up in prison after an attempted kidnapping. She is sent to a maximum security prison where she has to understand how the system works, and ends up striking an unlikely friendship with a group of women.

Sebastián Ortega also created In The Mud,

which stars Ana Garibaldi (Southern Storm), Valentina Zenere (Cable Girls), Rita Cortese (Wild Tales), Lorena Vega (The Dose), Marcelo Subiotto (Puan), Carolina Ramírez (The Queen of Flow), and Ana Rujas (Cardo).

The show’s writers included Ortega, Silvina Frejdkes, Alejandro Quesada, and Omar Quiroga.

In the Mud doesn’t have an official rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it has received three reviews on the review-aggregator website, and all three of them are positive.

Heaven Of Horror’s Karina Adelgaard wrote: “It’s very dark and cruel in many ways, but also character-driven with great (and some awful) characters.”

LatinaMedia’s Carolina Alvarado also recommended the show, writing,:

“I don’t think veteran viewers or newcomers will regret spending time with this raw Argentine drama. However, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the spin-off series could have had fewer episodes and been better for it. Fair warning: [In The Mud] offers little comfort to its characters or its audience, and can often be a brutal watch.”

Decider’s Joel Keller wrote: “Your enjoyment of In The Mud will depend on your tolerance for behaviour that makes what we saw in one of Netflix’s first original series hits look minor by comparison,” highlighting that “In The Mud is pretty dark, and it definitely may not be for everyone, but it has done a good job of setting up the main characters and how they’ll manage at one of the bleakest prisons we’ve seen on TV in a while.”

The Northman is ‘perfect, epic and a triumph’

The Northman, Robert Eggers’ epic revenge thriller, will land on Netflix in Ireland on next Thursday, August 28.

Boasting a stacked cast which includes Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe, the film is loosely based on the Scandinavian legend of Amleth, a Viking prince seeking justice.

A famous medieval figure, Amleth’s tragic tale served as the inspiration for Shake-

speare’s Hamlet , which would go on to inspire The Lion King and countless other adaptations.

In AD 895, a young Amleth witnesses the murder of his father, King Aurvandill WarRaven (Hawke), and the kidnapping of his mother, Queen Gudrún (Kidman), in a palace coup orchestrated by his uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang).

Years later, a now grownup Amleth (Skarsgård) remembers his oath of

vengeance and sets out to kill Fjölnir and reclaim his kingdom.

Originally released in 2022, The Northman has won widespread critical acclaim and currently holds a Certified Fresh score of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. In that review, it was hailed the movie as “perfect” and a “triumph from Robert Eggers”, noting that “the world created in The Northman is so totally absorbing”.

to sit back stream and just enjoy

The Northman is an extraordinary feat of cinema – but it’s also a bloody, mournful, violent tale of vengeance that is never simply academic, but visceral, sensual, emotional, and epic.

Total Film described the film as: “A truly distinctive epic, blending brutal violence, powerhouse performances and otherworldly imagery into its volcanic rampage of revenge. Unmissable.”

1. Alien: Earth

This prequel to the iconic 1979 film Alien pulls the xenomorphs from the depths of space straight into a near-future Earth. Set in 2120, the planet is dominated by five ruthless mega-corporations. Wendy (Sydney Chandler) is their latest breakthrough, the first human-synthetic hybrid. But when a research ship crashes into Prodigy City, it unleashes something far more dangerous than corporate secrets. Episodes 1 and 2 now streaming on Disney+ with the further six dropping Tuesdays

2. Butterfly

Daniel Dae Kim stars in this gripping new spy thriller as David Jung, a former US intelligence agent hiding out in South Korea — until a young assassin (Reina Hardesty) arrives with orders to kill him, only to reveal she’s the daughter he hasn’t seen in years. What unfolds is a tense, globe-spanning story tangled with family secrets, past betrayals, and dangerous choices. With Piper Perabo stepping in as a cunning power broker, this isn’t just another game of cat and mouse. On Amazon Prime Video.

3. Night Always Comes

Vanessa Kirby stars in this spinetingling thriller that reunites her with The Crown director Benjamin Caron. Lynette is a woman on the edge, racing through one perilous Portland night to raise $25,000 before her family loses their home. Each hour piles on new threats, old ghosts and dangerous choices that could destroy her — or finally set her free. Based on Willy Vlautin’s bestselling novel, Night Always Comes is a gritty, propulsive story about the price of safety and the lengths we’ll go to claim it. On Netflix.

4. Fixed

Visionary animator Genndy Tartakovsky (“Samurai Jack, Primal) unleashes his first feature-length adult animated movie Bull (voiced by Adam DeVine) is a good-natured mutt who gets hit with the worst news imaginable: By tomorrow morning, he’ll be neutered.

Determined to go out on a high note, he rallies his crew (Idris Elba, Kathryn Hahn and Fred Armisen) for one last wild night on the town. What follows is an adventure stuffed with bawdy jokes, ridiculous visual gags and just enough heart to keep it from going completely off the rails. Streaming now on Netflix

5. Love Is Blind: UK Back for a second season, bringing fresh British wit and blind dating drama straight from the pods. Hosted again by Emma and Matt Willis, the show gathers singles from all over the UK and Ireland, all seeking love not at first sight.

This season’s cast features a dating app creator, a DJ, a Mensa member, a devoted mama’s boy, and a handful of hopeless romantics stuck in the friend zone. Expect sparks to fly, tears to fall, proposals to surprise and maybe even wedding bells. On Netflix.

Floodlit Soccer in Kilkenny celebrating 25th season

Kilkenny Floodlit Soccer league begins its 25th season this year and the launch of this season was held recently in Kilkenny City.

The league began in 2001 when Eamon Cleere and Gerry O’Keefe who both had been involved in the Nightowls league, Eamon as a team manager and Gerry as a player felt that the time was right to form a Kilkenny league similar

to the Nightowls league.

The Nightowls had been run as a commercial venture from a Cork based Company with leagues being held all over Ireland and parts of UK. It subsequently went in to Liquidation.

The Kilkenny lads weren’t happy with the way Nightowls was going and decided to form a league that would be in Kilkenny by Kilkenny and for

Kilkenny.

In , meaning all games would be played in Kilkenny, by, meaning that it would be organised locally and for, meaning that the league would be non-profit and that all profits would be donated to a local Charity.

The Charity chosen to benefit from the new Soccer League was Enable Ireland at the O’Neill Centre and to

date over €300’000 has been donated to this Charity.

For the first 4 seasons games were played in Kilkenny College thanks to College Administrator Peter Dukelow. The league then moved to Scanlon Park and Loreto where games were played on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights from September to May.

Over the years teams have

come from all corners of Kilkenny City and County and also from Carlow and Tipperary to play floodlit winter soccer.

The league is thankful for the great sponsorship over the years. JD Computers, C & C Security and Morrissey Motors have all given generous sponsorship over the years.

Kevin Morrissey had his own team in the league for many seasons and was a great supporter.

Current sponsors Daltons Chancellors Mills have been sponsoring the league since 2018. John Dalton previously played in the league for many seasons with Threecastles side Rock Utd.

Many of Kilkenny’s greatest sports men have played in the Floodlit league over the years and league coordinator Eamon Cleere remembers a season when 12 of the Kilkenny senior hurling panel all played with different teams.

Team manager Brian Cody has presented the Trophies at the Annual Awards night.

Of course, some of Kilkenny Soccer legends have also lined out. The Walsh brothers Michael, Billy and Ollie, Dave Mulcahy and more have all lined out at different stages.

Eamon also remembers a season when 3 top Kilkenny hurlers lined out with their team in a Floodlit league game 5 days before playing in the Senior Hurling County final with their club. They went on to win the County

Final and repeated this 5 days before they won the All Ireland club Final with their club in March of that season. The club never knew about it he says and never will but the lads enjoyed playing Floodlit soccer so much that they just went with it.

Initially the Floodlit League mainly catered for players who had finished playing Sunday soccer but over the years many young players have come along to play as playing a competitive game midweek enables them to enjoy family time at weekends.

Preparations are underway for the new season which will start in early October with games being played on Monday and Wednesday evenings from then until April.

The Floodlit league primarily caters for players who do not play Sunday league Soccer and a transfer system for players who want to move from one league to the other is in operation.

Details for new teams wishing to enter this season are on the league website www. kffl.ie. Players looking to join a team can get contact details for this on website also.

The league management would like to thank all players, managers and officials who have been involved over the years as their contribution is very much acknowledged and appreciated.

Here’s looking forward to another successful season of Floodlit Soccer.

Eamon Cleere, Gerry O’Keefe League coordinators

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

CLARA CAMOGIE

Clara senior camogie girls continued their good start to the season on Sunday in picturesque Inistioge when they easily saw off the home side. They had the ball in the net after just 30 seconds but Aisling Curtis was unluckily called back for steps. However after Lucy Boyd had opened the scoring and Caoimhe Keher Murtagh had equalised Clara scored a perfect goal when Siobhán Curtis finished low off the ground past the Inistioge netminder. Her sister Aisling scored the next point and Clara were already four ahead against the breeze. Then the Rower had their best spell of the match and hit two in a row but that was to be all that they managed until a 45 was converted just before the halftime whistle. In between Clara hit nine points in a row and were on top in practically every position. They were very impressive during this spell and got to the break 1-11 to 0-4 ahead.

Things didn’t improve for Inistioge in the second half as they now faced the breeze. Clara hit five in a row before the Southerners got off the mark again. However this proved to be their only score of the second half although they never gave up the ghost. Clara tacked on another 13 points in this half and also got some valuable game time into some recently returned legs. By the time Eddie Crowley blew the full time whistle it was Clara 1-24 to 0-5 to the good. But much stiffer tasks are coming down the tracks starting with county champions Piltown next Sunday week.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Onagh Fitzgerald, Katie Ryan, Lucy Cody. Grace Barcoe, Rachel Whelan, Claire Nolan. Rebecca Nolan 0-1, Aisling Curtis 0-2. Niamh Ward, Mary O Connell 0-5, 0-1f, Lucy Boyd 0-4. Keara Ryan 0-5, Noelene Shanahan 0-3, Siobhán Curtis 1-2. Subs used Emma Shortall 0-1, Margaret O Connell, Gráinne Glynn, Aine McDonald, Peig Carrigan, Siobhan Treacy.

CLUB LOTTO

The results for 19th August Lotto were, numbers drawn - 11, 21, 30, there was no jackpot winner. The following received €30 each to Eileen Fitzpatrick, Donal McDonald, Jack O Keeffe, Martin Nolan and Marian Breen. Thank you for playing.

SENIOR HURLING

Despite hurling really well for long periods Clara again came away empty handed from Gowran when county champions Thomastown reeled them in and came out 3-23 to 2-23 in front. Clara began well and had three points on the board in as many minutes before Stephen Donnelly opened Thomastown’s account. Clara were poor on the Thomastown puck outs and coughed up a lot of easy scores in the first half. Diarmuid Galway is the best in the business at finding his man and Clara needed to be much tighter faster on the restarts. Nevertheless they were doing enough right to keep in touch and a purple patch before halftime saw them take a 1-14 to 0-12 lead to the dressing room. A 1-4 scoring burst did the damage and Chris Bolger got the goal with a bullet from close to the end line after catching a well struck Davy Barcoe line ball. One point each at the start of the second half was followed by the first Thomastown goal. A high speculative ball was dropped in on top of the smallest Thomastown forward Colm Treacy, who was being shadowed by two Clara backs. One left it to the other and Treacy was the beneficiary. He transferred it to Luke Connellan and the net shook. Rory Glynn edged Clara three back in front but the boys in blue hit 3 in a row to tie proceedings. In the midst of this Clara lost Matt Kenny, who had thundered into the game, to injury and his loss was crucial. The outstanding Conor Hoyne regained the lead for Clara and then a mishit shot by Dara Glynn was pulled on by his brother Rory. Diarmuid Galway made the save but Rory got to the rebound and steered it towards the goal. Conor O Shea raced in to make sure but it looked like it had already crossed the line.

Thomastown answered through John Donnelly and then Colm Treacy struck for his second goal after the groundwork was done by Daithi Barron. The game was tied and the next eight points were also shared in a rip roaring contest. Then Stephen Donnelly seemed to foul a ball near the sideline but he delivered a high ball into the danger zone. John Donnelly fielded and gave a perfect pass to Colm Treacy who found the net. This proved to be

the winning score as both teams added two points each in the remaining two minutes plus four minutes stoppage time. Disappointment for Clara but if they can keep building on this they’ll be a match for anyone in the first round in three weeks time.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Paddy Bolger, Matt Kenny, Harry Boyle. Martin O Connell, Shane Staunton, David Langton. Davy Barcoe, Jack Langton. Chris Bolger 1-2, Conor O Shea, Paul Cody 0-1. Dara Glynn 0-2, Rory Glynn 1-3, Conor Hoyne 0-12, 0-7f, 0-2 x 65s. Subs used Liam Ryan 0-2, Luke Lawlor, Joe Power, Conor Cody, Lester Ryan.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

RACE NIGHT SUCCESS

O’Loughlin Gaels annual fundraising Race Night in Kilkenny Greyhound track took place last Friday night. The very big attendance enjoyed a great night’s entertainment and the event proved a big success also as a fundraiser for the club. Chairman Nigel Leydon expressed thanks on behalf of the club to all those who worked so hard to ensure the success of the event and to all those who purchased tickets. He expressed the club’s gratitude, in particular to the Hurling and Camogie players who sold Race Night tickets and to all 45 Road Sellers and also to Luke Leydon, Danny Wall, Orla Skehan and Keith Kinchella who co-ordinated the players’ ticket sales.

The club is also grateful to Padraic Leydon who co-ordinated the sponsors support and to Stephen

and Caroline McCormack who organised the door raffle. Margaret Hanlon and team did a great job managing ticket sales in Johnswell and also manned the door with Eileen Cleere while Liz Fogarty organised the race prizes.

On the night George Chandler was a brilliant MC while John Sheridan and Donal Croghan fed the masses with hot dogs. Thanks also to Sean Hogan for just helping out in every way possible he can - a true Club legend. To all the people who continue to support O’Loughlin Gaels-thank you.

A special mention to Sean McNamara and Niamh Carroll who are unsung heroes in O’Loughlin Gaels and our Club is so much stronger because of the work behind the scenes these people do. Nigel concluded by saying he hoped he hadn’t forgotten

John Collins is presented with 1st prize which he won at O’Loughlin Gaels Race Night. In photo are Noel Buckley (Club Vice-Chairman), Joan Galwey (Club Secretary), Sean Casey (Club Treasurer), John Collins, Nigel L

O’Loughlin Gaels Under 13’s with the Shield won in Naas GAA’s club’s inaugural Morgan Lawlor Hurling Blitz.

Community & GAA Notes

anyone and apologised if he had.

Prize winners from the draw. 1st Prize €1500 John Collins. 2nd Prize €1000 Ben Leydon. 3rd Prize €300 John Cahill. 4th Prize €200 Namul c/o Namo High St. 5th Prize €100 Tom O Hanlon Paulstown.

SENIOR HURLING WIN

O’Loughlin’s senior hurlers continued their winning run with a fourth victory in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling League when they defeated Shamrocks Ballyhale by 2-23 to 0-22 in Thomastown on Saturday last in an excellent game of hurling. The win guarantees top spot in the group for the St. John’s parish team with a game to play. Well done lads.

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated August 19th. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 9, 23 and the bonus number was 22. Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com Promotors Draw: 1. Mary Gleeson. 2. Michelle O’ Connor c/o Ml Doran. 3. Mags Kelly. 4. Cloney Kids c/o Ml Nolan. 5. Rosín Burke. 6. Robbie Woods c/o P Greene. 7. Olivia Moriarty c/o D Tyrrell. 8. Eileen Cleere c/o Online. 9.Caroline Casey c/o Online. 10. Geraldine Morrissey c/o Online

NAAS BLITZ

A selection of O’Loughlin Gaels Under 12 and Under 13 boys combined forces on Saturday last for the inaugural Morgan Lalor Naas Under 13 Hurling Blitz (7-a-side). The club entered two squads, competing in both the Cup and Shield competitions, and faced strong opposition from St. Mary’s Athenry, Monaleen (Limerick), Naas GAA, St. Oliver Plunketts (Dublin), Templederry (Tipperary), and Naomh Olaf (Dublin).

Both teams hurled superbly throughout the day, earning places in their respective finals. The Cup side was narrowly edged out in a thrilling decider against the hosts Naas, while the Shield side, captained by Danny Holohan, battled bravely to claim victory and bring home the silverware.

The club’s Under 8 boys enjoyed a great day at the Inistioge hurling blitz on Saturday last when they lined out against Rower Inistioge, Graigue Ballycallan, James Stephens, St. Lachtain’s and Conahy Shamrocks – and played their hearts out! Huge thanks to Inistioge for the invite – an unforgettable day of hurling, smiles and teamwork!

CAMOGIE

Commiserations to the O’Loughlins senior camogie team who lost out to county champions Dicksboro in the Michael Lyng Motors Senior Camogie championship. Focus will now turn to the next game in the competition away against Tullaroan on Sunday 6th August.

The O’Loughlin Gaels Under 16 camogie girls contested the final of the Under 16B league against Erin’s Own in St. John’s Park. On the night the Castlecomer team proved too strong but credit must go to the O’Loughlin’s girls who showed commendable spirit in the way they fought to the end of the game and finished strongly. The team and scorers were: Ruby Hogan, Anna Ryan, Amber Hogan (Capt.), Erin Hanrahan, Muireann Greene, Julia Adamczyk, Lily Kinchella, Elizabeth Sida (0-2), Faye Brett, Sarah Johnson, Grace Roberts (1-3), Eve Kinchella, Lucy Hogan (1-0), Eabha Hanrahan, Lauren Daly (1-1). Subs: Ellen Gault, Stephanie Cooney, Clara Cooney, Sophie Wall, Beth Dowling-Holohan, Liadan Blanche, Chloe Collins, Emily Knox, Rachel

Kavanagh, Annie Rochford, Kaysie O’Neill Rodgers, Ali Dowling, Millie Hendra, Willow Carter, Sadie Kinchella, Millie Lennon, Leah Tyrrell, Aine Morgan, Chiara Di Florio, Ava McGuirk, Melissa Martins, Rachel Kavanagh, Kate Skehan, Pippa Gault, Sarah Ryan, Eve Brennan, Ruth O’Brien.

GOWRAN

GOWRAN ON THE MOVE

The weekly Split the Pot fundraiser is officially ONLINE! You can enter from anywhere for your chance to win and support our Community Playground and Hub at the same time. gowranonthemove. clubforce.com

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT

Congratulations to u16 players Jack McShane, Aidan O Connell, Eoghan Morrissey and Harry Concannon who played in the National U16 Strokeplay and Inter County in Bagenalstown at the weekend.

GOWRAN 4 MILE RUN RACE

The race takes place in Gowran Village on Friday, September 5th with a 7.00pm start time. Finishing at Connolly’s Pub Gowran. A shutting bus will be available to bring runners back to Gowran after the race. Entry is €15 online.

YOUNG IRELANDS GAA

A huge congratulations to Young Irelands GAA, who captured the JJ Kavanagh Junior E County Final against Dunnamaggin. A fantastic performance and a proud day for the team, club, and community!

GOWRAN LITTLE THEATRE

Tickets for the October 2025 production are now on sale. Mother Knows Best is going to be a super comedy. Visit www.gowranlittletheatre.com to find the link to book tickets on Gr8events.ie.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN

BARROW RANGERS

There was no jackpot winner of the lotto on 19th August. The Match 3 winners were: Marc Drennan, Dorothy Monaghan, Patricia and Ben Healy.

BRIDGE UNITED

In the Premier Division Bridge A beat Lions A (41). Bridge scores by Eoin Kavanagh (3) and Conor English (1).

Last week’s lotto winners were (€35) each: Teresa Barcoe, Killian Lyons and Lucky Dip. The club has opened a new shop at the clubhouse serving hot and cold refreshments, snacks and club gear.

CHURCH SERVICES

Weekend masses are held on Saturday in Goresbridge at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 10am in Goresbridge and at 11.30a in Paulstown. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as well as at 10am on Wednesday in Goresbridge. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place each Tuesday from the end of mass in Paulstown to 5.45pm.

A liturgy conference will take place on Saturday 20th September in Carlow College and Cathedral. All congregation members in the diocese are

welcome.

The Legion of Mary meets each Thursday at 3pm.

CLIMATE COURSE

A six-week course with Jacinta Barrins begins on Wednesday 17th September in Kilkenny for persons over 55 years of age. Information: agefriendly@ kilkennycoco.ie

CULTURE NIGHT

Step back in time and experience storytelling, music, dance and food on Saturday 30th August at 7.30pm in Killure Lodge, Goresbridge (R95KV18). Join Michael Fortune, a folklorist from county Wexford along with Éamonn Ó Catháin, TV personality and food enthusiast from Belfast, as they share insights into the era’s traditions and culinary practices. Comphaltas Ceoltóirí Craobh Ossraí will provide authentic Irish music and song. Discover how Irish words have become part of our enduring rich language and heritage.

All are welcome. Information 086 3543539.

TALKING THE TALK

Cupla focal (Irish language conversation circle) continues each Friday at 11am in the Goodly Barrow. DANCE

Dance classes for children resume in Paulstown from Tuesday 2nd September.

HORSE SALES (GORESBRIDGE)

The International Sport Horse Sale and Performance Connemara Sale take place between 2nd10th September.

PARA GAMES

Congratulations to Paulstown student Alex Donnellan at Bagenalstown Presentation and De La Salle school on her success at the Para Games in England representing Ireland. Alex brought home double gold in shot put and discus, proudly reclaiming her titles from last year.

SPLIT THE POT

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

Results of the draw of 24th August were: 1. Willie and Ann Lennon (€100), 2. Beth and Maryellen King (€20), 3. M. Mulrooney (€20).

DONATIONS

Tar Isteach is looking for good quality bric a brac, household items, it comes in and goes out twice as fast - also good quality men’s clothes, handbags etc. we have enough toys and books for the moment.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC CONCERT

Mick McAuley and John Doyle will perform in concert at Ionad Dara on Friday 5th September at 8.30pm. These artists have toured the World with USA based Supergroup Solas and also as a duo. They have performed with some of the biggest names in the music business. Support on the night will be provided by local Kilkenny musician and singer Gerry Walsh. This promises to be a fantastic night. Tickets €23 available from Gerry Kavanagh 086-0443152 or Eventbrite.ie.

BENNETTSBRIDGE

WEEKLY MASSES

Wednesday 9.30am, Thursday 10.30am **

CATHEDRAL FUND DRAW

The St Mary’s Cathedral Fund Draw has been running for a good number of years and will com-

mence its current year in September. Bishop Niall Coll has thanked all who supported the draw in the past and urges them to continue to do so. The draw takes place on the last Wednesday of each month and substantial cash prizes are on offer. Contact the promoter in your area if you want to join.

ART GROUP

Members of the Art Group are this week mourning the loss of one of their valued members, Marie Griffin. She had been part of the group for many years and was an extremely talented artist. Although she had been ill for a few months it was hoped that she would be able to return to the classes. The sympathy of the group is sent to her family at this sad time.

MARIE GRIFFIN RIP

Marie Griffin (nee Ruth) late of Ardilea, Kilkenny and formerly of Ennis, Co. Clare died on 23rd August 2025, surrounded by her loving family in the wonderful care of the Nore Ward at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was pre-deceased by her husband Vince and is survived by her sons, John and Des Foley, her granddaughters Clare, Helen, Sarah and Amelie, her great grandson Daithí, brother Richard, daughtersin-law Sandras and Geraldine, John’s partner Jo, sister-in-law Ursula, the Griffin family, her close friends Fran and Yvonne and her wide circle of friends.

Reposal was in Johnston’s Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. John’s Church, Kilkenny on Monday morning. Burial was in Drumcliff Cemetery, Ennis, Co. Clare. Rest in peace Marie!

FIELD DAY

Be part of the festivities at the Bennettsbridge GAA Family Fun Day on 31st August from 2pm -4.30pm. It promises to be a great family day with all the fun of the fair. Your support is greatly appreciated.

LOTTO

There was no winner of the Jackpot. Numbers, 4,14,22, 24. Consolation Prizes, Kyle and Amelia Dunne, Aidan Doyle, The Ring, Noel Skehan, Woodlawn, Angela Barrett, ℅ Crotty’s Pharmacy, Mary Simpson, Goresbridge.

CARDS

Results 5th August. First Prize Neddy Walsh/Michael Kenneally ( 12 games ). Second Prize Patsy Gibbons/John O’Brien ( 11 games ) Table Prize Marie/ Johno Reid

Results 12th August. First Prize Mickey Fitzpatrick/ Neddy Walsh ( 12 games ) Second Prize Mary Whelan/Pat Hanlon (11 games ) Table Prize Paddy Meaney/John Shortall

Results 19th August. First Prize Rose Hayes/Paul Gurrie. Second Prize Declan Twomey/John Drennan and Brian Blackmore/Annie Lehane ( 10 Games ) Table Prize Patsy Gibbons/John O’Brien.

CAMOGIE

Bennettsbridge U10’s played James Stephen’s last weekend in their final Go Games Blitz of the year. Well done girls and management. BORD NA NOG

Bennettsbridge U11s played 2 challenge games in Kilkenny at the weekend. Great skill and determination from the lads.

U8 GO GAMES

Fantastic day at the U8 Go Games blitz in Nowlan Park. A great experience for all these young player’s. It was a fantastic experience for all the boys, with tours, medals and a brilliant game against Cloneen.

Bennettsbridge U10s Camogie club played James Stephen’s in their final Go Games Blitz of the year

Tom Healy

Well done to all involved.

GAA

Well done to our senior hurlers who defeated Lisdowney by a single point after a hard battle in Castlecomer last Sunday. We now face O’Loughlin’s in the final game on Saturday September 6th. Best wishes to Jamie Walsh in action for the Kilkenny A Squad in the squad finals day next Saturday, best of luck also to Evan O’Dwyer, Ben Fitzgerald and Reuben Morrissey who are with the under 14 A Squad at the minute. Our under 8s, under 10s and 12s are continuing to play in go games and blitz’s at the moment, with the under 8s playing in Nowlan Park last week. Our older age groups continue to prepare for their upcoming championships. Bennettsbridge GAA club Pitch signage campaign is doing well. There are still places available and many thanks to all the business owners who have supported so far. If interested please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

FIELD DAY 2025

The 2025 Field Day will take place on August 31st in the club grounds. Anyone wishing to help out or display any craft or other items please contact Andrea Kelly on 087 1226882. All support greatly appreciated again this year with donations for our bric-a-brac stand, bottle stall and wheel of fortune all needed. No books or clothes please. Drop off times are Friday August 29th from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday August 30th from 9 to 11.30 am. Home

baking can be dropped off on the morning of the 31st. This is a main fundraiser for the day to day running of the club and we look forward to a successful event. Attractions this year include hurling and camogie blitz, wheel of fortune, go carts, a foam party, cake sale, BBQ and much more, hopefully the weather will be decent and a great crowd will attend again this year. Thanks again for the support.

NEW AWAY JERSEY AND BASEBALL HAT

Our new away jersey is now for sale online on the club’s O’Neill shop. A baseball hat has also now been added to the range. Go to the website and simply enter Bennettsbridge in the search box to see the New Jersey and all other ‘Bridge gear for sale.

SPLIT THE POT

Well done to Mary Cassin who won 101 euro, Sadie O’Flaherty who won 30 euro and to Carmel Ryan who won 20 euro. Thanks again for the support.

FRESHFORD

WEDDING BELLS

The wedding took place at St. Lachtain’s Church Freshford between Ayla Condon eldest daughter of David and Patricia Condon, Monabricka, Freshford and Shane Crowley from County Cork. The ceremony was performed by Fr. Mark Condon. The bride who was given in marriage by her father wore

a Princess style full length dress of organza and satin and carried a bouquet of pink and white. She was attended by her friends, Shannon Bambrick Rowe and Gemma Hoyne Casey and her sister Gwen. They wore full length dresses of forest green. Best man was Tony Nash and groomsmen were Terry Cantillon and Niall Field (friends of groom). Flower girl was Lauren Crowley and page boy was Adam Crowley. The gifts were brought to the altar by the mother of the bride and groom Patricia Condon and Joan Crowley. The music and singing in church was done by Alexlander Rafter. A reception was held in the Newpark Hotel Kilkenny and the honeymoon is being spent in Crete. The bride and groom will reside in Cork and are wished all the very best in their newly married life together.

NEW SAUNA

The long awaited sauna is now up and running at the Millennium Park and is creating big interest. The new facility opened at the beginning of August and you can book your 40mins session online. There are more evening sessions available also. Thanks goes to Freshford Council for all the help along the way .

FUNDING FOR THE LOOP

Cllr Michael McCarthy has a warm welcome for the 40k funding for the loop walk here in Freshford. The founding under the ORIS scheme will go towards upgrade and enhancement works for the facility which is used frequently by the young and not so young. Great credit is due to the Parks Depart-

ment of Kilkenny County Council for their interest, involvement and delivery of the funding according to Cllr McCarthy.

CAMOGIE

Congratulations to two local camogie girls Kate Dalton and Isabel Carroll who were part of the Kilkenny U15 Ambers team who won the shield competition at the National blitz in Limerick at the weekend.

GAA NEWS

St Lachtain’s Intermediate hurlers head into their break week following a defeat to Rower Inistioge on last Saturday in Clara. The game finished Rower Inistioge 1-28 St Lachtains 3-12.

Next up for St Lachtain’s is The Fenians in two week’s time in Urlingford. Team: D Brennan, Conor Donnelly, C Bergin, S Dawson, B Quinn, S Rafter, C Hickey, P Donnelly, Alan Rafter, C O’Leary, P Killeen, D Maher, L Hickey, S Donnelly, B Kennedy. Subs -: Cian Donnelly, M Donnelly, Alexander Rafter. St Lachtain’s U12’s won the Jim Fitzgerald Shield in Gowran on Saturday, defeating Barrow Rangers in the final.

RACE NIGHT

St Lachtain’s annual race night will take place in Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium on Friday September 12th. This race night is the clubs main annual fundraiser so all support is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available from any committee member. Please get in touch with any committee member to advertise or sponsor a race. The club are looking forward to a great night and are encouraging the whole community to come together on the night.

SOCCER

Freshford town AFC membership is now open for 2025/2026 season, football for all ages and levels. See all fees for boys and girls and junior players online. New members always welcome. Please register early to help form teams. Entry of teams will depend on numbers and coaches. Volunteers welcome for coaching, admin support – Safeguarding and coaching courses available.

RESOUNDING SUCCESS

The Heritage Week Event at [Old] Threecastles Graveyard on Wednesday Evening the 20th. of August was a resounding success. On the evening Threecastles Heritage Group welcomed the community and others wishing to celebrate this restored ancient Graveyard. The Event included words of welcome, music by local traditional musicians and some history of the Graveyard. Reflecting on the theme for Heritage Week ‘’Exploring Our Foundations’’. Attendees heard how we are connected to past historical events through our Ancestors. There was a solemn blessing of the Graves and a reading of the lovely Liam Mc Namara poem ‘’ Ancestors ‘’.The event concluded with refreshments and conversation. The Heritage Group would like to thank everybody who helped make this event a joyful and meaningful experience for all.

FUNDRAISER

A special-l Ed Sheeran/Elton John tribute night fundraiser night was held in Kavanagh’s Bar on Saturday night last with all proceeds in aid of Prague House. The Committee thank all those who attended and all who bought tickets for the raffle or donated in any way.

IONAD LACHTAIN

St Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.00pm.

BRIDGE

Freshford Bridge club will host Open Summer Bridge in Threecastles Hall each Monday at 7.30pm all bridge players welcome.

PARISH NEWS

Mass times have been rescheduled for Freshford Tullaroan and Ballycallan. Saturday evening- Killaloe -6pm Tullaroan 7.30pm. Sunday – Ballycallan 9.30am Freshford 11am. Killaloe, Tulla and Kilmanagh will share the 6pm Mass on a 1,2,3 basis. There will be no weekday masses for the summer months and it will return in September.

Fr. Liam Taylor PP Ballycallan who has been looking after the parish said his last mass in Freshford on Sunday last and will take up his new post in Glenmore next weekend. Fr.Mark Condon takes over as PP of Freshford parish next weekend in addition to being PP for Ballycallan and Tullaroan and is wished a warm welcome and every success in his new appointment here.

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

CHOIR

Bennettsbridge U11s played 2 challenge games at the weekend.

Fantastic day for ‘Bridge at the U8 Go Games blitz in Nowlan Park.

Community & GAA Notes

The parish choir are on a well-deserved break for the summer months and will resume in September.

TIDY TOWNS

The Committee have been busy cleaning up and painting and have asked all local residents and visitors to the village to support their application by doing your part where you live or visit. They also stated that would welcome all painting, cleaning , litter picks, planting for pollinators and all activities that enhance our beautiful village.

Tidy town’s volunteers meet each Wednesday evening in the village so please come along for a chat and to lend a hand to your community if you can spare an hour.

LOOP CAFE

The Loop Community Café in the village is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. They are always looking for people on both sides of the counter. So why not support your own local café. You could meet a friend for a chat and a cuppa or some lovely homemade food. The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities. The Loop is looking for volunteers as well as customers. Use your skills and develop new ones. Find the Loop on Facebook to keep up with events, or stop by any time. If you’d like to volunteer, please call the café at 056.883.2650 and speak with Rhiannon.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB

LEAVING RESULTS

Congratulations to the club’s young hurlers and camogie players and indeed all the St. Patrick’s parish students, both male and female who received their long- awaited Leaving Certificate results on Friday last. We wish them every success as they transition to the next phase of life’s long journey whether it is to study further in university, take on apprenticeships or go directly into employment to upskill on the job. Meanwhile, live in the moment and enjoy the celebrations -- safely.

INTERMEDIATE HURLING LEAGUE

The intermediate hurlers cruised into the championship quarter-final with an emphatic 3-29 to 2-15 victory over Dunamaggin in their 4th round league fixture on a well-presented John Locke’s Park. Leading by 0-05 to 0-03 after 12 minutes thanks to unerring accuracy of Tadhg O’Dwyer (4pts) and a fine long- range delivery by Cian Kenny an uncharacteristic slip up by Sean Manogue allowed Dunamaggin poach an unlikely goal to take the lead briefly at 1-03 to 0-05. James Stephens fired back immediately with points by Niall Mullins (17min), Ed Lauhoff (19min) and two frees from Tadhg O’Dwyer to regain the lead by 0-09 to 1-04. With The Village conceding some unnecessary fouls Dunamaggin were able to keep in touch with points by their free-taker Denis Walsh, but, when Tadhg O’Dwyer delivered a pass to Ed Lauhoff to strike for goal in the 27th minute the initiative swung back once again in favour of James Stephens at 1-09 to 1-05. Dunamaggin responded with three points but a hard-won Luke Scanlon point in the 30th minute ended the half giving The Village a 1-11 to 1-08 lead. A lively start to the 2nd half saw James Stephens marginally increase their lead at 1-15 to 1-10 with points by Ed Lauhoff, (2mins) Sean Bergin (3mins)

and a five-man passing movement out of defence for Luke Scanlon to finish for an exceptional score. A brace of goals in the 9th and 11th minutes, the first by Tadhg O’Dwyer courtesy of hard graft by Niall Mullins followed by a bullet like shot to the net by Luke Scanlon put James Stephens firmly in the driving seat at 3-15 to 1-11. This afforded the selectors the opportunity to rest some tiring limbs and to give panellists Eoin Guilfoyle (0-04), Willie Spencer, Stephen Manogue (0-01), Noah Minogue and Sam McEvoy valuable game time to display their abundant talents. Dunamaggin doggedly battled on but the rampant Village forwards, backed by an excellent defence, continued to add to the scoreboard finishing at 3-29 to 2-15 to preserve their unbeaten run in the league campaign to date. Their final league fixture is against Mooncoin on Sunday 6th September at 1.30pm in Mullinavat. It was nice to see former club stars of the 1955 Kilkenny Junior championship winning team Philip “Fess” Brennan and Jim “Florrie” McCarthy in the attendance alongside former All-Ireland medal winner and club star of the 1970’s Tom McCormack supporting the present team in their quest to regain senior county status.

TEAM OF WEEK

On the back of outstanding performances in the Intermediate League programme to date clubman, Cian Kenny has been selected at right half back on the MLM Intermediate Team of the week. A nice acknowledgement for Cian as the knock-out phase of the championships hots up over the next few weeks.

SENIOR CAMOGIE LEAGUE

At the end of a physical and hugely entertaining 2nd round senior camogie league fixture in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan the James Stephens team just failed to hold out for victory instead they had to settle for a 1-12 to 2-9 draw against a strong Young Irelands team. With the James Stephens girls defiantly holding a two-point lead over the final five minutes the determined Young Irelands launched a series of attacks which eventually earned them a share of the league points with two late points in the dying minutes of the game. Starting positively the Village girls, with the aid of a mild breeze, were worth their 0-03 to 0-01 lead at the 11th minute but were grateful for a brave double save by goalkeeper Tara Murphy in the 13th minute to stay in front. With Tara McGuire and Sophie O’Dwyer (0-02) in fine form at midfield and full forward Caoimhe Moran (0-04), accurate from play and free-taking, James Stephens reached the halftime break holding a 0-08 to 0-03 lead. From the early minutes of the 2nd half the Gowran girls exerted strong pressure on the Village defence putting over two points before Caoimhe Moran responded with a point and followed up with a push over goal thanks to a neat back pass by Mia Dunne to send the home side into a 1-09 to 0-05 lead at the 7th minute. Almost immediately driven by their influential county stars, the Fitzgerald sisters, Young Irelands responded forcefully hitting two three pointers inside two minutes to reduce their arrears to a single score at 2-05 to 1-09. The Gowran girls levelled the game in the 12th

brary.ie.

Separately but also related to cancer issues on Thursday 4th September the Marie Keating Foundation will have their mobile unit at the library from 10.30am to 13.30pm. For anyone interested in having a confidential chat with one of their specialist nurses they are more than welcome to come along on the day. The aim of the Marie Keating Foundation is to bring life-saving messages on cancer prevention and early detection to as many people as possible. This is a free service, no booking required, just drop in.

LOTTO

This week’s numbers were 5, 15, 22, 25. There was no winner. Next week’s jackpot will be €10,000. The €40 consolation winners Jimmy O’Brien, Nicola O’Sullivan, Fran Cantwell, Alan Thompson and M.O’ Connor.

ST MARY’S PARISH

GOODBYE JAMES’S ST – HELLO DUNNINGSTOWN.

Last week saw the teachers and staff say goodbye to James Street CBS after 165 years. The new school has been rebranded as Christian Brothers College Kilkenny. Pupils and their parents are asked to note and respect the new traffic plan for the area. We wish our former neighbours a sad farewell from St Mary’s Parish and extend sincere best wishes to the Principal Tom Clarke his staff and pupils at their new abode.

minute and pressed ahead at 2-07 to 1-10 but a Sophie O’Dwyer point in the 16th minute balanced the scores once again. With the intense exchanges continuing the James Stephens defence superbly led by Michelle Teehan with solid support from her teammates Anna Doheny, Kerri Hennessy, Niamh Leahy, Emily Smith and Aoife Doheny were put to the pin of their collars to hold out against a barrage of Young Irelands attacks. Late points from placed balls by Caoimhe Moran (21 & 25 mins) pressed the home team into the lead but a continuous bombardment of forward play by the Gowran team over the tense closing minutes eventually paid off with points in the 27th and 30th minutes to level the match at 1-12 to 2-09 and deprive the Village girls of a much-needed victory. Their next fixture will be against St. Martins on Sunday 7th September at 11am at a venue to be arranged.

U-14

“A” CAMOGIE

The U-14 camogie team scored a comprehensive 5-11 to 1-01 victory over Dicksboro in their 2nd round league/championship fixture in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan. After James Stephens kicked off with quality goals from Brooke Quirke and Grace Manuel and points from Molly Dunne and Katie Murphy they remained in control across every line on the field. Further green flags were raised by Emma Larkin and Ria Quinn to bring the half time score to 4-05 to 1-01, the ‘Boro scores coming from Jenna Trait and Aoibhe Meegan. The second half continued in the same vein with The Village girls dominating throughout the field, holding their opponents scoreless, unable to pierce a solid James Stephens defence. Molly Dunne added a fifth goal while Brooke Quirke tapped over three points to bring the home team’s final tally to 5-10 and preserve their unbeaten run in the league campaign to date. Their final league fixture will be against Erin’s Own scheduled to take place on Tuesday evening.

FAMILY FUN DAY

With the summer season drawing to a close and schools about to reopen its time for the annual Family Fun Day, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 6th September in Larchfield starting at 5pm.The annual event also takes place just as the county championship knock-out season begins, across all grades affording family members, supporters, players and friends of the club the opportunity to assess the prospects of the various club teams in their 2025 campaigns. The entry fee is €7 per adult which includes a tasty burger and a beer and €5 for the burger and a soft drink for U-18’s. Coordinator AnnMarie White also confirms that a mini disco is planned for the younger family members and lots of sporting challenges for all ages. Why not come along and enjoy the craic and banter at the popular family social event.

LIBRARY NEWS

On Wednesday morning 3rd September from 11am to 12noon the Loughboy library will host a Cancer Awareness & Symptoms Prevention Session presented by Ann Bray from the Health Promotion Department, HSE South. For anyone interested in attending contact the library at 056 7794176 to book a place, or email at loughboy@kilkennyli-

‘THE MAN BORN TO BE KING’ Lake Productions will present ‘The man born to be King’ on 9th, 10th and 11th September 2025, in The Black Abbey, Kilkenny. The religious play will be presented in conjunction with the Black Abbey in celebrating their 800th anniversary.

MEN’S JUBILEE CAMINO

The Men’s Hike on Saturday Sept 13th over 20kms, on greenway, from Dominican abbey (ruin) in Carlingford to Newry (St Catherine’s) via Newry Cathedral (Jubilee Indulgence). Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Confessions and Fraternity. Registration and details on www.dominicans.ie/events/ €70 (Lunch, dinner and bus), over 18s male event. Enquiries to op.evangelisation@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Can you spare approx. 1 hour per week? The “Meals on Wheels” service need new volunteers to deliver meals around Kilkenny city. Must be a car driver. If you would like to join our team please ring the Kilkenny Social Services at this number: 056 7721685

ST PATRICK’S PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY, MAYNOOTH

Applications are still open at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth for programmes in Theology and Pastoral Liturgy (Higher Diploma/Diploma options). Visit their website for more details at www. sppu.ie/courses.

NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE ACN Pilgrimage to Knock Papal charity Aid to the Church in Need Ireland invites people to join their national pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Saturday August 30 to highlight the plight of Christians who suffer persecution for their faith in many parts of the world. Mass is in the basilica at 3pm, all welcome. ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL, CHAPTER HOUSE BOOKSHOP

Monday and Tuesday 9.30am - 1.00pm and Wednesday - Friday 9.30am - 5.00pm. Readers Next Weekend 11.00am – M. Finnegan, 5.30pm – M. Ryan

Eucharistic Ministers 11.00am – M. Tallent, E. Tallent, J. Campion 5.30pm – T. Lawlor, K. Lawlor. PARISH SAFEGUARDING REPS

Sr Betty Cagney, Martina Lawlor. Contact: safeguardingstmarys@ossory.ie Towards Healing Helpline: 1800 313416 www.towardshealing.ie

Invite your family members to support the Cathedral FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL at www. stmaryscathedal.ie/friends

DICKSBORO

LOTTO

Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 21st August 2025 Nos: 7 8 14 32. There was no Winner. Draw Prizes – €50 Karl Osborne c/o Online. €25 each Kavanagh Family c/o Shane Kavanagh. €25 each Sarah Egan c/o Online. €25 each Jo Quinlan c/o Paddy Maher. Hurlers Co Op Katrina Fitzpatrick c/o B Fitzpatrick. Promotors prize Jimmy Murphy. We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up & play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so

DENIS PHILPOTT MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT

Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club hosted another successful Tournament at the Club Grounds in

St Lachtain’s U12’s .

Palmerstown on Saturday last under the expert guidance of Barry and Emer Henderson and their band of helpers and officials. Ballincollig (Cork), Blackwater (Wexford), De la Salle ( Waterford), Naas (Kildare), St Finbars (Cork) and Dicksboro took part in the fun filled blitz played out over the morning and early afternoon in glorious weather conditions. Well done to all involved who made the event such a success.

BORO U10’S IN UPMC NOWLAN PARK

The Boro u10’s played in the Go Game Finals last Monday night. Matches were played against Piltown and Freshford. Great performances all over the pitch with super defending and some great scores. Thanks to Kilkenny GAA for their hospitality in Nowlan Park and to all the Coaches for their great work.

U6 CAMOGIE GIRLS.

Our u6’s took part in a blitz in O’Loughlins. The

girls had a great morning showing off all their skills.

Thanks to all their mentors for their continuous hard work and to O’Loughlins for their warm welcome and hospitality

DICKSBORO V O’LOUGHLINS

Tensions were high as town rivals Dicksboro and O’Loughlins came head to head in this senior camogie championship. Both teams were in it from the start battling it out for every ball. O’Loughlins were the first to score with a free won and put over by Aoife Dillon. Dicksboro were quick to respond with a goal from Jenny Clifford set up by a long ball across the pitch accurately placed by Dicksboro’s Rachel Dowling. O’Loughlin’s efforts to keep in the game resulted with a free won and put over by Laura Greene. Dicksboro’s Rachel Dowling added 2 more points to the score board fueling Dicksboro’s momentum, keeping them ahead. The lead

was extended with Orla Hanricks first point after battling out a tough rook that gathered infront of O’Loughlin’s goal. Dicksboro’s backs held a solid defence keeping O’Loughlin’s scores to a minimum with a combination of hooks from Aobha O’Gorman and solid clearances from Tara Clifford, Sarah O’ Gorman and Caoimhe Dowling. O’Loughlins Ruth Crowley attempted to break Dicksboro’s momentum winning a low ball passed into the forwards and shooting it over the bar. Dicksboro headed into half time with a lead of 0-04 to 1-07.

Dicksboro started the second half on top with Ciara Phelan winning the throw in. Dicksboro’s Asha Mchardy scored the first point of the second half as a result of winning a breaking ball batted down by the O’Loughlin’s defence. This was followed by points from Dicksboros Aoife Prendergast and Rachel Dowling . A strong solo run by Tara Mgrath

from the half back line to Dicksboro’s full forward line was awarded with a free that was put over by Aoife Prendergast. O’Loughlins attempted to make a comeback but were faced with 2 back to back wides. Fresh legs for Dicksboro were sent in with Ali Greany & Caoimhe Carroll. Dicksboro’s lead was increased with a top class goal from Orla Hanrick, buried in the top left corner. This was followed by another dicksboro goal from Asha Mchardy as she ran past the O’Loughlins defence with pace and precision. To finish it off Dicksboros Amy Clifford went for a long range point which dropped early, lobbing the goalies head into the goal leaving them with a high scoring result of 4-19 to 0-07.

PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE

Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is opened every Thursday from 8.30pm. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a

Denis Philpott Tournament Team

Denis Philpott Tournament Participants

u6 Camogie girls

Community & GAA Notes

chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table. We would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee also available so come along and enjoy.

MULLINAVAT

MULLINAVAT

V TULLAROAN

Mullinavat defeated Tullaroan 3-17 to 0-18 in Round 4 of the Senior League at Hugginstown on Sunday. Two first half goals from Brian Phelan and from John Walsh laid the foundation for this victory. By half-time Mullinavat had established a seven-point lead, 2-9 to 0-8. This lead was reduced to four points at the start of the second-half with three pointed frees for Tullaroan but following an exchange of scores a second goal from Brian Phelan and points from John Walsh pushed the score out to 3-13 to 0-12. Though Tullaroan shaded the scoring in the last few minutes they were not able to close the gap and Mullinavat ended up with the eight-point victory, 3-17 to 0-18 victory. Mullinavat: Seán Fitzpatrick, Eoin Dempsey, Tom Aylward (1), Robin Davis, George O’Connor, Pádraig Dempsey, Paidí Gahan (1), Joe Gahan (1), Mick Malone (0-4), John Walsh (1-6), Liam Fennelly, Conor Walsh (0-2), Adam Mansfield (1), Brian Phelan (2-0), Ger Malone (1) Substitutes: Mikey Walsh (for Eoin Dempsey), Conor Duggan (for Adam Mansfield), CJ Fitzpatrick (for John Walsh) Jim Culleton David Maher, Peter McDonald, Conor Power, Donnchadh Walsh, Simon Aylward, Fiachra Knox, Jamie Davis, Patrick Walshe, Ian Mansfield, Jack Walsh, Darragh Davis, James O’Keefe, Bill Dempsey, Ian Duggan, Oisín Knox

Tullaroan: Niall Holland, Joe Coughlan, Padraig Walsh, Eamon Holland, Martin Walsh, Gearoid Dunne, Bill Gaffney, Jack Keoghan, Bill Walton, John Walton, Martin Keoghan (c), Tomas Dunne, Peter Walsh, Dylan Simpson, Charlie Cleere. Substitutes: Shane Walsh, Jim Moore, Ciaran Brennan, Joey Walsh, Charlie Cleere, Mark Simpson, Richard Cash, Josh Moore, Tommy Walton, Paul Mulligan, Cathal Russell, Bill Cuddihy, Shane Cuddihy, Diarmuid Doheny, David Fitzgerald, Aaron Russell, James Walton, Matthew Mulligan, Padraig

O’Mahoney, Brendan Walsh, Tommy Holmes, Johnny Leahy, Liam Teehan, Billy Coogan, Tommy Walsh.

Referee: Ray Byrne (Glenmore).

MULLINAVAT MATTERS

The next general meeting of Mullinavat Matters will be held in the Community Centre (Library) at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 16th September. All welcome to attend.

HERITAGE FUNDING

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is now open for applications. It provides support of between €2,500 and €50,000 to assist with the repair and conservation of historic buildings and structures. Also open is the Built Heritage Historic Thatched Buildings Grant Scheme. The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 26th September 2025. Please see the Kilkenny County Council website for further information and application forms or telephone Francis Coady, Conservation Officer at 056 7794376.

LINE DANCING

A beginner’s line dancing class will start in Ross Abbey, Ferrybank from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Friday, 5th September. The fee is €10 per class.

KILMACOW

AFFORDABLE HOMES IN KILMACOW

Kilkenny County Council will be launching an Affordable Housing Scheme for 13 houses in Church View, Dangan, Kilmacow from 10th September. The houses will generally be available for first-time buyers only (with a small number of exceptions). It is strongly recommended that applicants have Mortgage Approval in Principle prior to making an application as applicants will be required to demonstrate their capacity to purchase. The eligibility criteria, the Scheme of Priority, link to the online application portal, guide to making an application and the documentation required to accompany the application is available at: https://kilkennycoco.ie/ affordable-homes. Please ring DNG, selling agents, at 051 852233 or Kilkenny County Council at 056 7794280 for further information.

ECUMENICAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

What a special night was had on Friday to mark St. Senan’s Day with Fr. Martin Tobin, Fr. Aaron Tanko

and Reverend George Cliffe who concelebrated an Ecumenical Service of Remembrance in the graveyard in the Lower Street, Kilmacow. All three prayed for all who had been interred in the graveyard and asked that people would always remember them and respect this holy place of burial. Lorraine Kennedy assisted with the Payers of the Faithful and after the service Fr. Tanko and Reverend Cliffe blessed the graves.

Tomás Breathnach outlined the development of settlement in Kilmacow and referred to the influence of the River Blackwater, especially on the location of the eleven mills between Dangan and the Pill. He spoke on the history of the St. Mochua’s Church and graveyard and on the celebration of St. Senan’s Day in Kilmacow.

A number of the families who were interred in the graves were the subject to a talk by Emma Bates, Secretary of the Graveyards Committee. These included the Greene Family, the Brown family and the Brown Jephson’s, Reverend Bourke, Reverend John Congreve, William Dix and his daughters, Reverend Manning and his sons, Reverend Dray, Reverend Cuffe, Father Fitzpatrick, Reverend Shortall, the Donovan Family Vault along with some information on various families who lived in Greenville House, including Major Arthur Fleming, the Bartolucci Family and the de la Poers.

Heritage Officer, Regina Fitzpatrick, thanked the group for this special event, which was in keeping with the theme for Heritage Week this year, Exploring Our Foundations. She saluted the work of all the groups around the county who participated in Heritage Week and expressed the hope that they would engage with the Draft Heritage Strategy due for the next phase of public consultation in the coming weeks.

More than one hundred people attended and it was lovely to see so many who stayed to talk afterwards and to share memories they had of the old graveyard and of the Lower Street. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this happen including the Community Centre for the tables, chairs, cups etc, John Dunphy, for the sound, Kevin and Rose Ryan for the electrics, Mairead Phelan for parking and Kathleen Kennedy for sharing her wonderful painting of Lower Kilmacow.

KILMACOW LOTTO

The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 2, 7, 12 and 18. There were three Match 3 winners.

LINE DANCING

Line dancing returns to the Parish Hall, Mooncoin tonight (Wednesday, 27th August) at 7.30pm.

BALLYRAGGETT

A SAD FAREWELL

Farewell to Fr. O’Gorman. On behalf of the people of the parishes of Ballyragget, Lisdowney, and the surrounding areas, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Fr Eamon O’Gorman for your dedicated and compassionate ministry among us. Your presence has been a true blessing to our community, in your words, your kindness, and especially in your many quiet deeds that touched the lives of so many. You have walked with us in faith, celebrated with us in joy, and comforted us in sorrow. Your steady presence and unwavering pastoral care will be deeply missed. Though your time here has come to an end, the legacy of your ministry will live on in our hearts and in the spirit of the parish. You will always have a special place in our prayers, and your kindness will never be forgotten. With sincere thanks and every blessing for your journey ahead.

A ROSE LIKE NO OTHER

Well done to local lady Katelyn Cummins who became the 65th Rose of Tralee last week.

LUCKY PICK

St. Patrick’s GAA, had a stroke of luck when Marie Gannons entry into the Farmers Journal for a Husqavarna Lawnmower was picked out at this year’s Tullamore Show.

JOHNSTOWN PRESENTATION

A presentation was made on Saturday after Mass in St. Kieran’s Church to Angela O’Brien. Angela has been sacristan at the Church for the past 25 years and retired earlier this year. She gave excellent service to the Church and all its services for which she was greatly appreciated. She is wished all the best in her retirement.

A presentation was also given from the Parishioners to Fr. Ollie Maher, who has been our P.P. for

Denis Philpott Tournament Supporters

Well done to local lady Katelyn Cummins who became the 65th Rose of Tralee last week.

Fr. Martin Tobin, Rev. George Cliffe and Fr. Aaron Tanko at the Ecumenical Service of Remembrance in the Lower Street, Kilmacow on Friday, 22nd August ‘25

Attendance at Ecumenical Service of Remembrance in the Lower Street, Kilmacow on Friday, 22nd August ‘25

St. Patrick’s GAA, had a stroke of luck when Marie Gannons entry into the Farmers Journal for a Husqavarna Lawnmower was picked out at this years Tullamore Show.

the past six years and is now being transferred to Ballyragget. He will be greatly missed and is wished well in his new placement. Fr. Ollie expressed his heartfelt thanks to all for the kindness, support and generosity shown to him by all and he acknowledged the community spirit and the faith that has been shared during many happy and indeed sad times. He was very grateful to have shared it all and is sad to leave.

ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL DRAW

Bishop Coll wanted to express a special word of thanks to all who supported the Cathedral Draw. As its current term ends at the end of August and the new one begins in September, the Bishop offers a most sincere word of gratitude to all from the parish who supported the draw. Over the past ten years the draw has raised over € 800,000, a figure which testifies to the generosity and commitment of so many people around the Diocese.

URLINGFORD LIBRARY

A coffee morning is being held in the Library on Tuesday September 2nd from 11am to 12.30pm where they will be showing all their on line services.

ST. ANNE’S CAMOGIE CLUB

A golf classic on Saturday. August 30th at Rathdowney G.C is being held. Teams of four € 120. Your support would be very welcome.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO

The numbers drawn were 10,23,25,27. There was one match three Tina Quinlan.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

Local Training Programme L.T.I.

Free L.T.I. Course, which includes Driving Theory/ Driving lessons starting soon, anyone interested in applying call or drop in to the Centre.

SOME OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE

Senior Alert Alarms. Clothes Donations. Youth Club. Counselling and Play Therapy. Allotments. Cois Nore Advice Clinic. For more information, contact us on 056-8838466.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

THE ROSARY

The Rosary will be recited at Our Lady’s Grotto, Glengoole on weekday evenings at 6pm, Saturday before 6pm Mass and Sunday 12 noon.

LEGION OF MARY

Visiting legionaries will be outside both churches this weekend 30th and 31st August to meet people after mass.

COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS (CFRS)

These are trained local volunteers who arrive before an ambulance, giving lifesaving help when it’s needed most. Volunteers are urgently needed in Gortnahoe area. Details available at a community meeting in Gortnahoe Hall this Wednesday evening 27th at 7.30pm.

FR OLLIE MAHER

The parish of Urlingford, Johnstown and Galmoy bid farewell to Fr Ollie who is to take up a new appointment as parish priest in Ballyragget/Conahy and Lisdowney. He was given a standing ovation last Saturday evening in Urlingford. Fr Ollie has

been parish priest of Urlingford for over 14 years and he was so involved in community and school life in the three parishes he served. He also had many friends in the parish of Gortnahoe Glengoole. We wish Fr Ollie the best in his new parish and now look forward to the new parish priest appointed Fr Eamonn O’Gorman and we wish him success in that role.

GORTNAHOE-GLENGOOLE YOUTH CLUB

Registration night this Friday, August 29th in Gortnahoe Community Hall at 7pm. Places are allocated on first come first served basis. Annual Membership - €30 for 1 child or €50 per family. MEN ON THE MOVE EXERCISE CLASSES

With Biddy O’Dwyer returning on Monday 1st Sept. in MFRC, Glengoole, 11:15am – 12:15pm. Enjoy some light exercise followed by a cup of tea and a chat. Further information contact Alice Teehan 083-1014313.

WAY DOWN UNDERGROUND, A MINER’S LIFE Way Down Underground, A Miner’s Life through Song and Story this Friday, 29th August in Derrynaflan Theatre, Horse and Jockey Hotel at 8.30pm. Doors open 8pm. Tickets €15 at https:// buytickets.at/waydownunderground or TEXT 086 1960157 to reserve.

GORTNAHOE BINGO

Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the bingo last weekend. Your continued support is always appreciated by the Committee.

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Lawrence Foley who is a regular bingo player and who won €228 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for August is in aid of Ballysloe Tidy Towns. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

MONSTER METAL SCRAP COLLECTION FUNDRAISER

In aid of Cathedral Reroofing Project at Thurles Mart, this Friday and Saturday, August 29th and 30th. All types of Scrap Metal accepted. Collection Service available, please contact Phil on 087 2420074.

MICHAEL NOLAN RIP

The death has occurred of Michael Nolan, Ballinastick, Coalbrook, Thurles, on 16th August. Peacefully in the kind care of the staff of Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel. Predeceased by his loving wife Nuala (nee O’Mahoney), sisters Mary, Julianne, brother Tom. Sadly missed by his brother Willie, sister in law Teresa, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, relatives, and friends. Michael reposed at O’Connell’s Funeral Home Killenaule. Requiem Mass took place in St’s Patrick and Oliver Church, Glengoole followed by burial in adjoining Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

KILMANAGH

ALTAR SERVERS

We are now recruiting altar servers to join our already established teams in the parish. Applications are open to children who have received their first

holy communion and upwards. Application forms are available in the church sacristies. Those interested are asked to fill these out and return them to the parish. Altar servers are supervised by parents and supported by parish safeguarding reps.

MASS TIMES

August 30th /31st: Saturday Tulla at 6pm and Tullaroan at 7.30pm. Sunday: Ballycallan at 9.30am and Freshford at 11am.

LOTTO

Results for 18th August. There was no winner. Numbers drawn were 2; 7; 10; 19. Lucky Dip winners were Margaret Butler, Grace Keogh and Davy Delaney. Sellers’ prizes went to Bill Ryan and Sean O’Dwyer. Next week’s jackpot will be €19,000.

GOLF CLASSIC

Mount Carmel Supported Care Home Annual Golf Classic on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th August 2025. Team Entry Fee €100. For Tee Times contact John Healy on 086 166 4256 or Margaret Maher on 087 960 6440. We are appealing to your generosity for this very worthy fundraiser, which you have so kindly supported in the past. Your Sponsorship can be given in any of the following ways; 1. Monetary Donation; 2. Donation of prizes for the Golf Classic; Bank Account Details: IBAN: IE53AIBK 933090 14719192 ; BIC: AIBKIE2D

McALISKEY SCHOOL OF DANCING

Come and join our dancing school. Now enrolling for September for Children aged 4 and above. Classes available on Tuesdays in both Callan and Kilmanagh. Contact Seána on 083 863 8436 for further details.

CEMETERY MASSES

St. Michael’s Pattern will take place on Sunday 28th September.

KILMANAGH NOTES

Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

CONAHY

HURLING

The junior hurlers were made to battle all the way to secure a hard fought win over Slieverue in their latest game in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior League in Danesfort on Saturday afternoon last. Conahy led by 1-10 to 1-6 at half-time but Slieverue managed to level the scores early in the second half with a second goal from a penalty. It took Conahy all they could muster to retake and hold on to their lead, and victory was only assured very late in the game when Rob Ring flicked the ball to the Slieverue net, ensuring Conahy eventually won out by 2-20 to 2-15.

The locals are back in action on Sunday week, September 7th, at 5.00 p.m. when they take on Windgap in Kilmanagh in their final round game. A win would guarantee Conahy a place in the league final.

Congratulations also go to the under-14 hurlers who won the Clara Under-14 Tournament Final last Sunday morning with a single point victory over Carrickshock, winning 0-16 to 2-9. Well done to everyone involved.

CAMOGIE

The intermediate camogie girls scored their second win in two games in their Abbott Intermediate league/championship campaign on Sunday morning last with an excellent win over Glenmore in Jenkinstown. Conahy led by 1-8 to 0-4 at half-time, with the goal coming from Katie Brennan after a strong run. The teams were evenly matched during the second half, but Conahy were able to maintain their lead all the way through, eventually winning by 1-14 to 0-10.

Conahy will play their third league game against fellow table toppers Barrow Rangers on Sunday week, September 7th at 11.00 a.m. in Jenkinstown.

CLUB LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 3, 25 and 33. There was no winnerof the jackpot so the consolation prizes were Garrett Rowe, Seamus Nolan, Amy and Eva Lawless, Eoin Cahill and Eamon and Ellen Phelan. The promoter prize winners were Seamus Óg Brennan, Peter Mulhall and Larry Bergin. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

CASTLECOMER LIBRARY EVENTS

Online Resources Coffee Morning - On Thursday August 28th from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., join us for a cup of tea or coffee and a treat as we showcase our suite of fantastic online resources. All are welcome to attend. No Booking Required.

My Open Library - Do you know about My Open Library service available at Castlecomer Library?

This service allows people to access the library 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This might suit families who wish to use the Library outside of staffed hours. If you are looking for a quiet place to study in the evenings or wish to bring the kids to the library at the weekend, you can register for a My Open Library card. Anyone who wishes to use this service is required to complete an induction session with a staff member. To book your induction session, phone (056) 4440561 or email castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD

NEW ADMINISTRATION WILL TAKE AFFECT FROM SATURDAY 30TH. AUGUST 2025

“All Saints Pastoral Area” Aghaviller, Ballyhale and Mullinavat Parishes. Priest in the Pastoral Area. Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) - Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area. Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie. Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH

Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m.; Sunday 31st. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday at 6.30p.m. Friday 29th. Feast of The Passion of St. John the Baptist. PRAY FOR

Anna Dunphy, Monroe, Hugginstown Joe and Philip Murphy, Lawcus: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 30th. August at 6.30p.m. Mick and Peggy Raggett, Newmarket: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 30th. August at 8.00p.m. Jerry Foran, Monroe: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 31st. August at 10.00a.m.

ROTA (TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR) Reader, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Tommy Murphy: Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Foran. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Bernie Grace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00pm. Margaret Kenneally; Sunday 10.00am. Ruth Foran

STONEYFORD TEXT ALERT AGM:

On Wednesday the 3rd of September, Stoneyford Text Alert will hold their AGM at 7.30pm. in the Community Centre and everyone is invited to attend. Existing committee is stepping down and a new one will be elected.

BLACK ABBEY Lake Productions will present “The Man Born to be King” on the 9th. 10th. and 11th. September at 7.30p.m. each evening in The Black Abbey, Kilkenny. This religious play will be presented in conjunction with the Black Abbey in celebrating of their 800th. Anniversary.

ST PATRICK’S PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY, MAYNOOTH: Applications are still open at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth for programmes in Theology and Pastoral Liturgy (Higher Diploma/Diploma options). Visit their website for more details at www. sppu.ie/courses.

LOTTO

Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday18th. August 2025, Numbers: 05: 01; 28; 14. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners: Maura Rohan, Carricketna; Michael Irish, Hugginstown. Roísín Murphy, Lismatigue; Brian Raggett, Aghaviller; Tammy Williams c/o James Irish. m3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Eilis Rohan; Trisha Power; Caitlin Roche.

SAFEGUARDING IN THE DIOCESE OF OSSORY Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

“POOR CLARES”

Poor Clares, Galway - Monastic Experience Day for women 18 to 35 Years. An opportunity to explore and experience Poor Clare life and spirituality. The event will take place from 10.00a.m. to 5.00p.m. on Saturday the 6th of September 2025. Contact: events@poorclares.ie to register. For more information: poorclares.ie/monastic-experience-days

CAMINO

Men’s Hike – On Saturday September 13th. Distance 20kms. Walking on Greenway from Dominican Abbey (ruin) in Carlingford to Newry (St Catherine’s) via Newry Cathedral (Jubilee Indulgence). Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Confessions and Fraternity. Registration and details on www.dominicans. ie/events/: over 18’s male event. Enquiries to op.evangelisation@gmail.com.

Mullinavat clearance against Tullaroan in Hugginstown on Sunday, 24th August

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League

As we enter the ‘free’ weekend for our senior clubs, it is very much a case of ‘as you were’. The two teams blazing a trail remain O’Loughlin Gaels and Thomastown. Last season’s league and championship winners have served notice that they appear to be the sides that will take most beating as this year’s club season really begins to take shape. While city side O’Loughlin’s look to be channeling the hurt from surrendering the Tom Walsh Cup to the Town in 2024 by sweeping aside all before them, Noel Doherty’s Thomastown have been testing their powers of recovery, by coming from behind to claim maximum points in some exciting contests during this campaign.

Last weekend saw the eagerly anticipated clash of The Loughs and Shamrocks Ballyhale in Thomastown; and this game lived up to its billing. In the buildup to this encounter, news of a terrible injury to David Fogarty was the topic of conversation. The talented young O’Loughlin’s wing back has suffered a dreaded ACL injury and will be absent for the next number of months. We wish David well. A decent crowd was in attendance for this round 4 game and they saw Eoin Cody open the scoring via a long range placed ball inside two minutes. One of Noreside’s most consistent netminders, Stephen Murphy then denied Shamrocks a certain major when he saved brilliantly from the in-form Brian Cody. TJ dispatched the resulting ‘65 to double his sides lead. Brian Hogan’s men then went on the attack and the powerful Fionan Mackessy forced Dean Mason into action, and the young keeper did well to deflect the Kerry man’s effort over the crossbar for O’Loughlin’s first score of the afternoon. The impressive Killian Corcoran then advanced from his corner back position to fire over a lovely score which Henry Shefflin’s charges built on thanks to a brace of placed balls from TJ Reid.

Owen Wall, a late inclusion to the Loughs line-up then set up Conor Heary for a tidy point for their second of the day. Shamrocks Evan Shefflin then showed his scoring threat from distance when he struck over a trademark score. With Brian Cody and Ronan Corcoran on top in the engine room, the latter sent over a cracking point, sandwiched

Thy Kingdom come!

Mackessy shines as O’Loughlin’s

lay markerdown

half. Another late inclusion in Brian Hogan’s team, Eoin O’Shea then saw his pass intercepted and Richie Reid punished the turnover with a sweet score. The more defensive of the brothers Reid then doubled his tally, having combined nicely with Eoin Cody from a short free to extend the lead to 5 points. Then came a major score, in more ways than one. The hard-working Kevin Murphy got his hands on Richie Reid’s attempted pass and popped the ball to Luke Hogan who did what Luke does best and rifled to the net.

Ronan Corcoran - back with Ballyhale

Hurling matters - Review

Shamrocks reacted to this major blow by striking the game’s next two scores. The first of these from TJ, was a real beauty. It looked like Conor Heary had been fouled by Eoin Cody, but the Eoin who mattered the most, referee Maher waved play on. The ball was picked up by Evan Shefflin who gave a hand pass to TJ who gave an incredible ‘dummy’ to Ronan Buckley before splitting the posts from about ‘65 out. Eoin Cody made it a 4-point game shortly after, again coming out the pitch to get involved.

O’Loughlin’s main man on the day, Fionan Mackessy then sent over a quick-fire brace, the first a free, the second after combining nicely with Conor Heary. One of the travelling returners to Shamrocks side, Ronan Corcoran then struck over two beautiful points on the bounce to highlight what a miss he has been to his club in recent seasons. Eoin O’Shea then set Conor Heary up for a lovely point, but the final score of a highly entertaining first half came from a long range placed ball, courtesy of TJ Reid which saw Henry’s men take a 4-ponit lead into the interval.

It appeared that there was plenty to be said in the O’Loughlin’s changing room during the break, as Brian Hogan’s charges kept the Shamrocks waiting for their return to the Thomastown pitch. Whatever who said, clearly had the desired effect on the Hebron Road side, as they returned with a real

spring in their step. Trailing by four points, they set about reducing the oppositions lead. Conor Kelly converted a free and a ‘65, before Paddy Deegan added to his tally when himself and Fionan Mackessy combined from a well-worked short free. Ardfert man Mackessy then rifled over to level matters in the 36th minute. Jack Nolan who had been sprung from the bench then gave his side the lead for the first time in the game, but only after a little delay. The umpire said wide, but most could see that the ball had split the posts. Mullinavat ref Eoin Maher, consulted with one of his linesmen before awarding the score. Shamrocks responded with two points of their own, thanks to efforts from Eoin Cody and Stephen Barron which edged them back into the lead. Conor Kelly struck two more placed ball efforts with another Richie Reid point in between. A second point for

Jack Nolan followed, which again demonstrated the energy the sub was bringing to his side. Another player having a decent game, was Eoin O’Shea and he sent over a fine point to give The Loughs a twopoint advantage. The next three scores came from clan Reid, two placed balls from TJ and an even longer free from Richie, Shamrocks one ahead with about 7 minutes remaining in Thomastown. I don’t think Henry would have expected that to be the last score his side would register, but their 22nd point was it. Paddy Deegan and Owen Wall tagged on scores for Brian Hogans side before the games deciding score came. Paddy Deegan, who was immense in the second half, went on a great run and then fed Robbie Buckley who applied the finish beyond Dean Mason. O’Loughlin’s built on this second major by striking three further points from the hurls of Fionn Hogan and Kelly’s Conor and Greg to finish seven clear of Shamrocks at the long whistle.

ROUND-UP

Thomastown again made life difficult for themselves, this time coming back from a half time 5-point deficit to claim victory by three points in Gowran and remain unbeaten in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League. Ballyragget was the venue for the meeting of Graigue Ballycallan and Erins Own. This proved to be another tense encounter with the spoils shared, which meant a second draw of the campaign for the Tom Ryall Park side. Lisdowney are a team with an unwanted 100% record. The newly promoted side have lost all four fixtures but have been competitive in most of the games. This time it was Bennettsbridge that came away with the narrowest of wins in Canon Kearns Park. Mullinavat recorded their second win of Group B with an impressive win over Tullaroan in Hugginstown to move one point ahead of The Sash in the table. Seamy Dollard’s Glenmore side emerged 1-point winners over Dicksboro in Mooncoin to cement their second place in Group A with 6 points after four rounds of action.

Focal point - Liam Blanchfield

Fionan Mackessy was on top form in recent win

Top of the Town! Zac Bay Hammond

Darragh Vereker & Shane Murphy have been good fro Glenmore

Planning notices

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning notices

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning notices

We, Gerry Grace and Donna North, are applying for outline permission for the erection of a dwelling house, installation of a treatment system and percolation area, construction of a shared entrance and all associated site works at Kilcross, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

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 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 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: Byrne & McCabe Design Ltd, Architecture and Engineering Services (059 9725684).

I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intends to apply to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of my client Barry’s family farm ltd. Permission to construct (i) Slatted cubicle shed (ii) two Soiled water tank (iii) Loose shed with effluent tank and all associated site works. Permission for retention of (i) Canteen with storage, office, toilet and septic tank and percolation area (ii) Walled collecting yard (iii) Silage slab is also required at Meallaghmore, Windgap, Co. Kilkenny.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

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, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Fanning Electrical and Solar Ltd, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for (1) a new single storey entrance lobby extension (2) internal modifications/alterations (3) modifications to the external facades of the building including the insertion of additional windows (4) demolition of the existing splayed entrance walls to facilitate widening of the existing site entrance and installation of a sliding gate (5) new perimeter site boundary security railing and block piers to the front of the site (6) wall mounted external signage and totem signage and (7) all associated site works at Fanning Electrical and Solar Ltd, Unit 5, Loughboy Industrial Estate, Loughboy, Ring Road, Kilkenny, R95 V63A. 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: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

I, Susan Tynan, wish to apply for planning permission for an extension to an existing dwelling house, namely kitchen / dining area, bedrooms, bathroom and utility, including all necessary site works, at Ballyda, Danesfort, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

SIGNIFICANT FURTHER INFORMATION

Planning permission is sought by SOS Kilkenny Housing Association under planning application ref. 2460459 for change of use of premises from former convent to administration and training centre, including alterations to existing car park layout, provision of additional carparking spaces and ancillary related works at Reviewfields, Kells Road, Kilkenny. Significant Further Information, including application for retention planning permission for the change of use, has been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Planning Permission for retention as built is being sought by Garreth Cahill for: 1. Single-story log cabin for residential purposes. 2. One steel container for storage of animal feed and general domestic storage 3. Planning Permission for New Sewage treatment system and associated percolation area all associated screen landscape planting and associated site development works at Ballyhendricken, Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny. Tel No: 056-7753933. Web: www.gmarch.net.

Architects: BLUETT & O’DONOGHUE www.boda.ie

Planning permission is sought by Grace Hennessy and Christopher Phelan for the change of house type. The development will consist of: 1. An increase in the overall floor area from 214m² to 253m², 2. Internal modifications to the first floor layout, 3. An increase in the lower ridge height, 4. Window modifications, 5. The addition of an entrance canopy, and 6. All associated site development works, all to be carried out in connection with a previously granted dwelling under Planning Ref. No. 2460628, at Castlekelly, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

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

I, Emmett Gladney, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for (1) a proposed single storey dwelling extension and internal and external alterations to an existing dwelling house currently under construction which was previously granted planning permission under Pl. Ref: 18561 (2) upgrading of the proposed domestic wastewater treatment system as previously permitted under Pl. Ref: 18561 (3) relocating the existing single storey domestic garage as previously permitted under Pl. Ref: 18561 and (4) all associated site works at Ballyhendricken, Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Seamus and Deirdre Byrne for full planning permission to construct a 2 storey dwelling, garage, entrance + avenue, wastewater treatment system, borehole, soakpits & all other associated site works at Mantingstown, Windgap, Co. Kilkenny.

We, Telenostic Ltd, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for the construction of a new single storey extension to the side and rear of the existing building and minor internal alterations at Telenostic Ltd, Unit 71/72, Hebron Industrial Estate, Leggetsrath West, Kilkenny R95 WN20.

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.

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: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Clare Leech intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing lean-to timber shed to the side of existing dwelling house and all associated site development works at 107 Dunan, Cloghabrody, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny R95 E682.

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.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 22nd

The

The

Miracle Prayer

Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

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.

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.

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.

Must promise publication of prayer. E.M.

The

Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

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.

dear heart 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 favour be Never been known to fail.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.C.

Must promise publication of prayer. J.M.

The

Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

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.

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.

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.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.K.

The Miracle

The

Miracle Prayer

Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

it

your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.C.

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

The Miracle Prayer of asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

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 not

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. to fail.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.S.

The

Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

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.

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never to

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.C.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.