Issuu

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 29 April 2022

Ringing True Why the Angelus still chimes for us  Page 8

Tel: 056 777 1463 E: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie W: kilkennyobserver.ie

Young Voices Our youth want a political say-so  Page 14

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

10,000 COPIES PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED ACROSS CITY AND COUNTY EVERY WEEK

Observer

kilkennyobserver.ie

‘Ease mortgage rules’ Over-stretched mortgage borrowers should be allowed to write off debts more easily and force losses on the banks, a Central Bank conference on mortgage lending restrictions has heard. Atif Mian, Professor of Economics at Princeton University, said that Ireland’s “harsh, creditor-friendly laws” meant that households were bearing too much of the burden After starting as a small sunflower seed fundraiser for Ukraine from a kitchen table in Tullow, Co. Carlow, the Sow Now initiative has now gone national. The Sow Now Sunflower Seed initiative was created by a Ukrainian woman Tetiana Pankiv and her host Jacqui McNabb with the aim to raise €300,000 for the Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Crisis Appeal while also offering Irish people the opportunity to visually show their solidarity by planting sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, across the country this summer. With incredible support from many entrepreneurs and volunteers, Tetiana Pankiv and other Ukrainian women have sourced and packed 100,000 packets of sunflower seeds. The sunflower seeds are on sale now at €5 a packet and will be available in your local SuperValu and Centra stores as well as independent retailers across the country. By placing an order for thousands of sunflower seeds to be distributed across 600 stores nationwide, SuperValu and Centra helped to make this small campaign go national. Meanwhile, as refugees continue to come to Kilkenny and settle into their new accommodation, their needs are being considered and one solution to transport is being addressed by a community collaboration. Donated bicycles are being serviced in order to provide a pool of communal bicycles to allow our new residents EVERY FRIDAY

of strict mortgage rules and that it would be better for the economy if people could get out from under their debts more easily. “If the purpose [of mortgage lending limits] is to smooth the cyclical economy, it should be about risk sharing and not a narrow focus on protecting bank balance sheets,” he told the recent virtual conference.

“There should be escape valves for borrowers such as debt forgiveness. Risk sharing really matters to the real economy, but as soon as you do that you are putting costs on creditors and that creates a tension about who we care about more,” he said. His comments come as the Central Bank is reviewing its controversial seven-year-old mortgage measures, which

put tight caps how much people can borrow to buy homes. Critics have said the rules, which limit most borrowers to a mortgage of 3.5 times their income, are pricing thousands of people out of the housing market. However, the Central Bank’s Deputy Governor, Sharon Donnery, said the measures had been successful in their stated aims of preventing

another speculative credithouse prices spiral, such as the one that caused the banking crisis in 2008. Ms Donnery said increases in house prices putting property ownership out of reach for many were due to a slow supply by developers and builders and not the responsibility of the Central Bank. See also Rents, Page 6

That’s life, that’s what it is... A study may have finally discovered where life on Earth originated, tracing our existence back to a meteorite that landed here billions of years ago. One theory was that the core materials that make up DNA were transported to Earth from space via a meteorite around 3.5 billion years ago.

Cartoon Saloon movie for Netflix Kilkenny’s Oscar-nominated Cartoon Saloon has attracted top Hollywood stars for a new animated film, My Father’s Dragon, going into production, with the studio production set to join original movies made for Netflix. Full story, Page 6

Glanbia’s €3bn Glanbia’s performance nutrition business, GPN, could be worth up to €3bn based on multiples achieved by its peers, according to market sources.

Sowing the seeds to help refugees to explore their new neighbourhoods. Anne Marie Shortall, Senior Executive Officer with the Environment Section, told The Kilkenny Observer: “The council’s Waste Preven-

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

tion Team identified how it could assist with providing transport to our new residents and with our linkages with Kilkenny Leader Partnership and the Kilkenny City Mens Shed we put a

Full story, Page 10

Beef burghers! Flower power: from left, Jacqui McNabb, Tetiana Pankiv, wearing a traditional Ukrainian Vyshyvanka blouse hand embroidered by her mother, with Louise McSharry at the launch of the Sow Now Sunflower Seed nationwide initiative in aid of the Irish Red Cross. PHOTO: Connor Healy/Picture It Photography

scheme together to start getting old bicycles back into circulation. “This ties in with the City’s Mobility Strategy and as we have partnered with our Cycling Officer, Catriona Corr,

on other projects this year, this community collaboration is a welcome addition to our Waste Prevention Programme.” Analysis, Page 15

Plans to create a special EU designation for Irish grass-fed beef are being opposed by the British Government. Full story, Page 22

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins ....................... P8 Marianne Heron...............P12 John Ellis ...........................P16 Health & Science..............P18 Travel & Leisure ...............P19 Picture Special .......... P28 - 29 Gerry Cody......P24, 36, 42-43 Food & Drink.....................P38 TV & Streaming ...............P39 Sport............................. P46 - 49

EDITOR E: editor@kilkennyobserver.ie

SALES E: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie T: 087 382 0109 or 087 342 1958

FEATURES E: features@kilkennyobserver.ie T: 056 777 1463

SPORTS E: sportseditor@kilkennyobserver.ie

ACCOUNTS E: accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie T: 056 777 1463

DESIGN E: design@kilkennyobserver.ie T: 087 348 0279

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

News It’s the Tea Day we’ve all been waiting for. After two long years, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) is inviting everyone to come together again for a cup of tea, a chat and maybe a treat or two on Thursday, May 5 to help raise funds for vital dementia supports and services. There are an estimated 1,413 people living with dementia in Kilkenny and each year more than 11,000 people develop the disease across the country – that’s at least 30 people every day. However, there is one thing you can do to help – you can put the kettle on and host your very own Tea Day! The ASI is asking the people of Kilkenny to get involved with local Tea Day events in their homes, gardens, workplaces, schools, local community centres or somewhere special. The traditional Alzheimer’s Tea Day was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid19, and the event had to be moved online. But now, Alzheimer’s Tea Day, ASI’s biggest and most important fundraiser, is back. For the first time in three years, after so much time in isolation, with many feeling lonely and alone, The ASI wants people to host their very own Tea Day and help make a successful comeback! The ASI aims to raise vital funds to provide supports and services to help families living with dementia nationwide.

Tea time: Dáithí Ó Sé and Sinead Kennedy invite Kilkenny to the Great Tea Day Comeback on May 5

Cup of tea? Ah, go on, go on, go on...

Why tourist coaches won’t come to Kilkenny Coach spaces being used illegally by motorists are preventing tourists from visiting the city, the Gardaí have said. According to one source an ‘avoid Kilkenny’ message had been circulated in a coach drivers’ WhatsApp group due to shortage of parking. The source understood that eight buses had removed Kilkenny from their itinerary one recent weekend for the same reason. That was more 400 tourists that couldn’t visit here, the Gardaí said. They said ‘bus only’ parking was vital for drivers of coaches as it allows them bring tourists to the city. “You can’t fit a coach in a car parking spot so this is the only place they can use,” a spokesperson said. Gardaí said that most of the offenders were locally registered and would receive fixed charge notices in the post.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

News

Up to 2,000 jobs in major €200m. Rosslare plan Plan to create a national centre for offshore wind development in Rosslare have been announced today and it is believed the new centre could provide up to 2,000 new jobs. A €200m investment is to be made in facilities at Rosslare Port, including a new quay and berth and a 50-acre stor-

age and pre-construction site for the huge wind turbine parts. A new deep channel is to be dredged to accommodate the large ships carrying the parts and a dedicated management control centre will be built. The aim is to make Rosslare the base for a national offshore renewable energy

(ORE) hub that would serve multiple wind farms due for development around the east, south-east and south coasts. Rosslare Europort is owned by Iarnród Éireann and the rail company’s Chief Executive, Jim Meade, said the port was well-placed to support the country’s transition to renewable energy.

It is located within 60 nautical miles of most of the planned developments in the Irish and Celtic seas, has excellent shipping, rail and road links and has the support of local and national government. Glenn Carr, Rosslare Europort General Manager, said extensive engagement had already taken place to under-

Hollywood lines up for Cartoon Saloon film Kilkenny’s Oscar-nominated Cartoon Saloon has attracted top Hollywood stars for a new animated film going into production, with the studio production set to join original movies made for Netflix. Directed by Nora Twomey, the voice cast includes Jacob Tremblay (Room), Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things), Golshifteh Farahani, Dianne Wiest, Rita Moreno, Chris O’Dowd, Judy Greer, Alan Cumming, Yara Shahidi, Jackie Earle Haley, Mary Kay Place, Leighton Meester, Spence Moore II, Adam Brody, Charlyne Yi, Maggie Lincoln, Jack Smith with Whoopi Goldberg and Ian McShane. My Father’s Dragon will be produced by Mockingbird Pictures and Cartoon Saloon, and released by Netflix. From five-time Academy Award-nominated animation studio Cartoon Saloon (The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers) and Academy Award-nominated director Nora Twomey (The Breadwinner), comes an exquisite film

inspired by the Newbery-honoured children’s book from author Ruth Stiles Gannett. Struggling to cope after a move to the city with his mother, Elmer runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. Elmer’s adventures introduce him to ferocious beasts, a mysterious island and the friendship of a lifetime. Director Nora Twomey said: “Our actors, animators and artists at Cartoon Saloon have worked together to craft this film, inspired by Ruth Stiles Gannett’s amazing book. We were drawn together by a desire to tell a very special tale of friendship, adventure, and true bravery. “I fell in love with storytelling as a child and Netflix excels at celebrating all kinds of stories, through different styles and distinct voices. This has given me the opportunity to look through a beautiful lens and I am excited to share what I see with our audience around the world,” she said.

Rent crisis: ‘ people just don’t have the money’ Threshold, the national housing charity believes that the average yearly rental increase of 9% in new tenancies – as reported by the Rental Tenancies Board (RTB) – hides some of the incredibly worrying increases on a county and city level, particularly those subject to Rent Pressure Zones and a 2% cap on rent increases. Threshold chief executive John-Mark McCafferty said: “This is money that many people do not have to spare, given the spike in inflation and huge increases in the cost of energy and fuel. In our Q1 2022 Impact Report released last week, we identified that private renters have become more accepting of invalid rent increases, as they have no other housing options

available to them. In fact, 60% of rent review notices brought to Threshold in the first quarter of 2022 were invalid,” he said. An increasing number of Threshold’s clients are seeking support with rent arrears, as private renters simply cannot afford their rent., accrding to Mr McCafferty, Their advisors are speaking to more and more stressed and anxious people seeking financial assistance to make payments, or who are cutting back on essential items to stay in their homes. Threshold encourages renters to get in touch if they have received a rent increase notice or believe the rent they are paying is unfair, whether they are living in a Rent Pressure Zone or not.

stand the needs of the ORE industry. “In terms of economic potential, the south-east can be to offshore renewables what Dublin’s silicon docks are to the tech sector.” Under the Climate Action Plan, there is a target of supplying five gigawatts of electricity from offshore wind by

2030 - which matches almost all the electricity currently used in the country. Seven offshore wind projects, all but one in the Irish and Celtic seas, have priority status for admission to planning and consent procedures and some are expected to formally apply for planning permission by the end of this year.

Success adds up for our Sinéad

A Slieverue woman has enhanced her career by obtaining one of the top marks in her professional accounting technician exams. Sinéad Bergin (25) was placed joint first on the island of Ireland in Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Diploma exams. After settling on a career in accounting following a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Linguistics, Ms Bergin (pictured) was able to sit her exams online.

Ms Bergin works as an accounts assistant for restaurant chain Five Guys, and is now studying to become a fully qualified accountant using exemptions gained from her ATI Diploma. The highly regarded professional diploma can be obtained in as little as two years. Study can be full-time, part-time, and online. The Accounting Technicians Ireland Diploma is recognised as the fastest pathway to a fulfilling and

CAO late application deadline There is still time for anyone who has not registered on the CAO to be part of history and be in with a chance of being among the first South East Technological University (SETU) first year students. SETU will come into existence on 1 May 2022 and will welcome freshers this autumn on more than 100 full-time undergraduate courses at levels 6, 7 and 8 in a number of locations across the south east.

The deadline for CAO late applications is 5:00pm on Sunday, May 1. The CAO codes remain the same for 2022 entry to SETU as Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and Institute of Technology Carlow (IT Carlow) i.e. a WD code for Waterford or a CW code for Carlow or Wexford. IT Carlow says that there are many different types of people who should be keeping an eye on the late application deadline.

rewarding professional accounting career. Enrolment for the next academic year, starting in September, is now open and the programme is available online, and locally at Waterford College of Further Education and Dungarvan College “I enjoyed my degree, but it did not present me with an obvious career path,” said Sinéad. “I developed an interest in finance while later working in customer service and administration,

and knew I wanted to become a fully qualified accountant. But I wanted practical experience first, so I took a role in an accounts department before pursuing a qualification. “Now, I work as an accounts assistant for Five Guys Ireland. I finished my ATI Diploma exams last June and was offered the role in July. “The Diploma really prepared me. I was able to hit the ground running because I had studied all the elements,” she said.

Legal bid against stockpiling

Fresh plans to legally challenge the use of Bord na Móna’s remaining peat stockpiles will result in some food shortages, horticulture peat producers have warned. The warning comes as environmental activist group, Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), in a letter to BNM, claims that 950,000t of the semi-State company’s lingering peat reserves were “extracted without the required planning permission, and

without EIA or appropriate assessment”. FIE solicitors wrote: “Bord na Móna now seeks to profit from this unauthorised development by using the material unlawfully extracted. “The excavation and removal of peat stockpiles amounts to ‘works’ within the Planning and Development Act 2000 that itself require planning permission and may also require EIA and/or appropriate assessment.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertorial

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Why the Angelus still chimes for most of us Right, let us pause for the Angelus, my father would say, the fork-full of beans on toast suspended midway to my mouth, my younger brother kicking me under the table. And so we paused. Froze. Perfectly still, like the painted picture on the old black-andwhite telly in the diningroom corner, the image of Madonna and Child accompanying the peal of the bells as the Angelus rang out the length and breadth of Holy Catholic Ireland, courtesy of the then fledgling Radio Telefis Eireann. I bet God doesn’t stop eating his tea just ‘cos the Angelus is ringing, I thought, as my brother made another swipe at my shin, and I inwardly asked forgiveness for my blasphemy. Meantime, that lifetime ago, in the seem-

ingly comforting cocoon of a dominant Catholic and predominantly rural Ireland of the 1950s and 60s, the nation virtually came to a standstill for one whole minute twice a day, noon and evening, for the ringing of the Angelus. I am reminded of this still from my life, as an RTE/ Red C exit poll a little while back shows that two out of three people interviewed want to keep the Angelus. Asked, “Should RTÉ stop or should it keep broadcasting the Angelus?”, 68% said it should be kept, 21% said it should go, and 11% declined to answer. It’s a debate that religiously comes up annually: Should the Angelus be scrapped? The one-minute reflection on RTÉ One has been aired daily at 6pm since

the inception of national television in 1962, while the famous bells are also broadcast on RTÉ radio at noon and 6pm. Since 2015 the Angelus has been accompanied by more secular imagery which famously led Senator David Norris to remark in the Seanad that this was “hogwash”, stating: “It is and should remain Christian.” Atheist Ireland once annually calls for the national broadcaster to discontinue ‘ringing’ the Angelus because it is an affront to an increasing secular and/or multi-religious society. An anachronism, they argue – a throwback to more homogeneously and observantly Christian times. At the very least, Atheist Ireland – a loose consortium of like-minded nonbelievers founded in 2006

and a member of Atheist Alliance International – believes RTE should change the name of the Angelus. Changing the title “would be an important first step to creating a genuinely inclusive and religiously neutral moment of reflection,” it argues. The head of religious programmes at RTE had previously said the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland had ruled it is totally defensible to retain the 18 peals of the Angelus bell during the “moment of reflection, as well as continuing to call it the Angelus”. Its origins as a daily devotion of sorts by the national broadcaster go back to 1948 and Leon O Broin, the then secretary of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, who oversaw broadcasting. He discussed the idea of a

daily spoken Angelus with the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, the infamous John Charles McQuaid.

‘God doesn’t stop eating his tea ‘cos Angelus is ringing...

”

The idea was rejected, but an alternative of experimenting with the sound of a bell was considered. Once the principle of the broadcast was agreed, how it was to be done was purely an engineering matter. For centuries, an integral part of the mythos and vernacular of Roman Catholicism, the relevance today of the Angelus, despite the aforementioned poll’s result, can best be described as an anachronism. And a harmless one at that. A simple, quiet minute or so in a day that allows time to reflect and take stock. To, as someone in the Bible wrote, “be still and know that I am God”. Of all of the things offensive about Ireland’s unhealthy relationship with Catholicism, the Angelus is the least of them.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

News

Glanbia's nutri-biz 'worth €3bn' Glanbia's performance nutrition business, GPN, could be worth up to €3bn based on multiples achieved by its peers, market sources have told the Sunday Independent. The valuation of the Irish food and nutrition company is likely to attract increased scrutiny after it emerged last

week that activist shareholder Frankfurt-based Clearway Capital had taken a position in the company. The fund, founded by Gianluca Ferrari, has not yet declared its stake, suggesting the holding is below the 3pc threshold where investors have to publicly reveal a holding to the stock market.

Glanbia PLC's market capitalisation is around €3bn at the moment, but some sources believe that the GPN business alone could be worth close to this. Glanbia has some of the strongest brands in the whey protein space but has disappointed some investors in terms of innovation and expansion outside of

the US. The other division, Glanbia Nutritionals - which houses its American cheese business - in addition to joint ventures, could be worth around €1.7bn, based on industry ratings. This suggests there could be a valuation for the group of €4.6bn and a premium

of 30% to 40% on Thursday, April 21share price, the day Bloomberg first reported the holding. As previously reported in the Sunday Independent, a break-up of the business could unlock this value. A trade sale of GPN is one option, while a share distribution, facilitated by a separate

listing of GPN, is among the ways in which the protein division could realise a higher valuation. Clearway has not commented on its investment but typically such funds will make contact with other shareholders to rally support, in addition to seeking change from management.

Irish spirits are vying for US Bord Bia has officially launched its new Spirit of Ireland drinks campaign in the US as part of the Government’s trade mission to North America and Mexico. It is the single largest investment Bord Bia has made to date in the promotion of Irish spirits. Spirit of Ireland is an educational programme aimed at US customer-facing staff selling Irish spirits in off-licenses and bars. The €750,000 trade communications campaign comprises virtual reality tours of 20 of

Ireland’s distilleries, featuring interviews with master distillers and barrel coopers so staff can learn first-hand from brand owners in Ireland what makes their product unique and distinctive. The campaign offers a unique sensory experience using “scratch and sniff” cards to smell and experience barley fields and barrel houses, all aimed at creating an in-depth understanding of Irish spirits. The campaign will be rolled out with 17 liquor control boards in the US.

Inflation... going forward Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has published its latest Economic Outlook report, forecasting economic growth of approximately 4.3% in the year ahead, a decrease from the 6.1% that was predicted for 2022 in Q4 2021. The revised forecasts come largely as a result of the economic impact from rising costs and supply chain challenges across the global economy, accelerated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at the launch of the report, Ibec Chief Economist and Head of National Policy Gerard

Brady said: “Despite the downward revision in our forecasts, it is important to acknowledge that our underlying business model remains strong and can deliver growth. "However, the global environment will drag on growth this year and next, with rising energy costs, record commodity and transport costs and global supply chain challenges resulting in a slowing of business investment and lower than previously expected consumer spending," he said. “Even if inflation growth slows, the level of energy, transport and

commodity prices will now remain much higher for longer. The net impact of this in economic terms is both a relative price shock for consumers – reducing spending elsewhere – and the postponement and re-evaluation of investments in businesses and construction. “Ibec is calling on Government to intensify work through the Labour Employer Economic Forum to ensure better coordination and targeting of tax, social welfare and other labour market policies that can address inflationary pressures," Mr Brady said.

MII welcomes move on lamb access to US Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has welcomed the progress made on access to the US market for Irish lamb but has warned that action is needed to address quota barriers to beef exports. The lamb import market in the US is over 160,000 tonnes and is currently dominated by imports from Australia and New Zealand. Last year, Ireland’s beef exports to the US were valued at €36m, but unless the import quota roadblock is resolved this will not be repeated in 2022. Irish lamb should now be on shelves in the coming

months once the final stages of completing access requirements are completed. Irish lamb processors are currently working with the authorities to have facilities approved, following Sunday’s announcement by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD of an agreement on a sheepmeat export health certificate for the US. A key concern MII is raising on the trip relates to the disruption of Irish beef exports to the US due to the import market being swamped by Brazilian beef. Due to the return of Brazilian beef in the

US market, the import quota that importers of Irish beef use, which would normally fill up towards the end of each year was completely filled by early April this year. This now presents a major difficulty for Irish beef to enter the US market competitively. Outside of the quota, Irish beef faces an import duty of 26.4% which effectively blocks trade into a beef import market of over 1m tonnes. MII will meet Minister McConalogue on this issue ahead of his meetings with US authorities.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

Opinion AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

Imagine you are at a rugby match where one side starts beating up spectators. They inflict brutal damage on supporters of the other team while their own supporters cheer them on. The other spectators watch with reactions running the gamut of disbelief, outrage and horror. But they carry on watching avidly, without intervening. And that is what is happening now as Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine enters a new phase. War is a spectator sport on our own doorstep. Viewers in spectator nations can see the bloodsoaked room where a Ukrainian woman was raped by Russian soldiers before her throat was cut. They can hear how civilians in Bucha were found shot with their hands tied behind their backs or how elderly people trapped in Mariupol without water, food or heat are eating their family pets. And then watch some more. No matter how much evidence of atrocities is shown on our screens: systematic brutality, killings, torture and rape of civilians and wholesale destruction of cities, bystander nations haven’t found an effective way to stop Putin’s war. We may have breathed a collec-

Ukraine: a global approach to give peace a chance?

Reading keeps you (your brain, anyway) young! ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

YOUR mind, like your body, needs exercise. Working it helps it stay fit and healthy. Reading is one activity which stimulates mental activity, keeping your brain young. Don’t want to take my word for it? Health studies have demonstrated how a primary benefit of reading is preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Books activate our brains, helping them remain powerful whilst warding off a range of illnesses. Reading can even help people who are suffering with those conditions. Sometimes Alzheimer’s and dementia rob people of their shortterm memory, but their long-term capacities stay in better shape. Unfortunately, books aren’t going to cure them, but they may assist in stimulating happy memories of past times. Those moments can be golden! The great thing about books is there are as many different types as there are topics in the world. Whatever your in-

terest, you can find a treasure trove of material in your local bookshop or library. Books are also great stress busters! Doing nothing is a surefire way to increase tension in your daily life. All of us need quiet moments to rest, but this doesn’t mean we should fill them with nothing. Reading something you’re interested in means getting physical rest whilst diverting your attention from what’s stressing you out. Of course, we also need downtime for our minds too and meditation is a great way of doing that... a subject on which there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of books! If we explore the selfimprovement genre further, we’ll discover those numbers run into millions. Sometimes choosing to pick up a book, rather than simply fixating on a problem, can offer solutions. Instead of doing nothing, you’re actively exploring your options when you choose to read! Reading helps develop your analytical thinking skills too. Novels often encourage you to work out plots in advance of the ending. This ability is easily transferable into other

areas of life. When reading non-fiction, we explore ideas from new angles. This broadens the mind and makes our understanding more profound. Again, this strengthens our ability to think analytically. Books have superpowers... they frighten ‘baddies’! If you doubt this, consider a moment, the sheer volume of works burnt by the Nazis in the 1930s. And this is only the most infamous example of censorship. Think about it, if the Nazis hadn’t been terrified of the written word. Or who read it. Why would they have felt the need to torch to it? Rather than a stuffy activity for swots, as reading is sometimes portrayed, it can be truly rebellious! Reading also frees you from the world. When absorbed in a book, you often don’t notice time going by. All that matters is you and what you are holding between your hands. Bliss! The key thing is to read! It doesn’t matter whether it’s an easy-to-digest novel or a heavy going academic tomb. It is the action of reading itself which brings you great benefits!

tive sigh of relief the Russian offensive against Kyiv has failed. But worse is to come as Putin’s forces reboot their campaign to concentrate on the Eastern region under new commander General Aleksandr Dvorinkov, dubbed The Butcher of Aleppo for his brutality in Russia’s Syrian campaign. The response from some countries has been to send some arms and train some Ukrainians, more likely to assuage Western guilt than end the conflict. Sanctions haven’t halted the slaughter, are more likely to bolster Putin’s narrative about the hostile West. They won’t work unless Europe refuses to buy Russian ‘blood’ oil and gas and the economic effect would cripple western economies. Joe Biden telling Putin he will pay for war crimes is as effective a deterrent as a snowflake at dousing a raging fire and the UN fading into irrelevance is one way to describe the organisation. What seems to missing from the international dialogue is any facilitation to bring peace in the Ukraine, unless attempts are going on behind the scenes. Heaven knows there is enough experience in the world in brokering peace accords, something that we in Ireland have recently experienced at first hand. It’s only 28 years since the Troubles came to an end in the North when the 1994 Good Friday Agreement was signed, with a ceasefire

by paramilitaries, the withdrawal of the British army and the decommissioning of IRA arms. In South Africa the 1991 National Peace Accord started the process which led to the end of apartheid and the first democratic elections there in 1994. Yet, insightful debate about how resolution was brought about in those seemingly insoluble situations is absent. There are many ingredients which go into conflict resolution and bringing about consensus. Among them conviction that both sides have interests in common with more benefits to be gained from peace than ongoing violence, recognition of what the conflict involves and what will resolve it. Other groups outside the political and military bubble need to be involved in peacemaking: business interests, churches, aid agencies as well as seasoned facilitators. Sometimes simple things establish common ground, in South Africa members of the opposing Nationalist Party and the ANC were taken on a fishing trip together, hard to argue when you have a fish on the line. We can’t bring back peacemakers like the late Nelson Mandela or John Hume but there are surely enough experienced wise heads to put together an international peace commission to facilitate an end to the carnage and a conflict which is impacting the whole world.

Reduce joint pain and stiffness naturally CLAIR WHITTY

IS joint pain and stiffness holding you back from doing the things you love? Daily wear and tear can cause the breakdown of cartilage between the joints reducing the natural cushioning that occurs there. This can happen from natural ageing, being active like walking, running, or cycling. Sometimes doing the same movements too often, even if they seem innocuous like gardening, house work or spending a lot of time in front of a computer, can result in soreness and tenderness. While this discomfort can mainly be concentrated in the neck and shoulders, forearms and elbows, the wrists and hands, other parts of the body can be affected too. If you feel stiff and sore then Solgar 7 is a joint care supplement you could try. It’s described as the next generation after glucosamine. Glucosamine is one of our most popular supplements for joint care, many customers find it brilliant and use nothing else. However, glucosamine may take up to three months to work which is not ideal

if you are in pain and need relief now. This is why Solgar wanted to come up with a formula that would be faster acting. In studies Solgar 7 has been shown to improve mobility, stiffness, and to reduce discomfort, in as little as seven days. It is one of the more expensive supplements that we stock but in saying that the people who try it find it good. One person I know could hardly get out of their car they had so much discomfort. A short time after taking it they couldn’t believe how fit they felt. Solgar 7 is a unique formula which brings together 7 bio-active ingredients in one small, easy-to-swallow capsule. It contains clinically studied, patented ingredients

UC-II® Collagen and 5-Loxin Advanced™ (Boswellia extract), scientifically proven to provide fast acting support for joint discomfort. It also contains Ester-C, a highly absorbable Vitamin C, to support collagen formation, turmeric root, white willow bark, ginger root and a pepper spice complex with Bioperine.® Bioperine® is believed to improve the uptake of both turmeric and the absorption of vitamin C. The combination helps reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and reduces discomfort and pain. I would combine this or any joint supplement with some Omega 3 fish oils as they are important to maintain flexibility. You can choose a high-quality supplement or increase the quantity of oily fish that you consume. For more severe cases you can add in extra natural ant inflammatory Turmeric or Curcumin extract. No need to feel stiff anymore. Shop online at www. naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

News The Children’s Rights Alliance has just published Voice, Rights, Action! – a youth-led research report by Gabriela Martinez Sainz and Jessica Daminelli (UCD School of Education) and co-researchers Alex (12), Cameron (15), Emma (17), Erin (13), Matthew (16) and Orna (16). The report set out to better understand children’s knowledge of their own rights, identify gaps in their knowledge and skills, and to develop recommendations that will help to address those gaps in children’s rights education through policy and practice. The findings and recommendations in the report address the voice of children and young people, their rights and what action should be taken. Key findings include: VOICE • Children should be provided with information on their rights, how to better protect them and how these are exercised in different systems, for example the healthcare system, care system, justice system, and so on. RIGHTS • The Youth Panel identified specific rights that are particularly important for them as children, including the right to education, health, participation in decisionmaking and their right to access services and supports for disabilities. • Schools should provide mandatory and comprehensive education on children’s rights. This should go beyond the UN Convention on the rights of the Child and include information on remedies and supports available to children and their families. ACTION • Special protections should be put in place for vulnerable groups of children. This should include providing adequate spaces (for example gender neutral toilets and changing rooms, school facilities and infrastructure accessible for children with disabilities) along with policies for participation and school accountability. • Lower the voting age to 16.

SPECIAL REPORT

Our youth want voice in the political system Specific rights particularly important include the right to education, health, participation in decision-making and to access services and supports for disabilities Commenting on the research report, Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance said,: “This report speaks to the very ethos of our organisation as it highlights the importance of a shared understanding and education on children’s rights. It provides a fresh perspective on what we need to do as educators, as advocates and as policy makers to ensure that children and young people are given opportunities to have their voices heard on what they

feel is most important in their lives, and how we they can be supported to take action to exercise their rights. “The report’s youth researchers have put together a comprehensive view of children’s rights education in Ireland and put forward a strong set of recommendations that we urge policy and decision makers to consider,” she said. Ireland had made great strides to step out of the shadow of our past and create a

society where children and young people have a voice. However, rights on paper were

not enough and what was clear from this report, young people were ready to help shape the future they want to see for themselves and their peers. “When they are given the right information and opportunities to do so, as this report demonstrates, they bring valuable insights to the table. Now is the time to give children and young people a true voice in our political system and lower the voting age to 16,” said Ms Ward The launch event was

chaired by Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Sinéad Gibney, and included a presentation by the researchers and youth panel, followed by a response from Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance, Dr Karen McAuley, Ombudsman for Children’s Office, Lara Hynes, Acting Assistant Secretary General of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

American Airlines’ new services for Ireland BY EMER ROCHE

American Airlines have announced that effective from Friday May 6, 2022 they will add more routes from Ireland to the United States, with three seasonal routes from Dublin to Charlotte, Dallas/ Fort Worth and Chicago. These daily routes will complement their existing

year-round daily service from Philadelphia. The service between Dublin and Charlotte, North Carolina is returning for the first time since the pandemic. American Airline’s overall service to Ireland will exceed pre-pandemic levels this summer. The daily service to Dallas/ Fort Worth, Chicago and Charlotte will operate until October 29. Flights will operate with their Boeing 787-8 aircraft, except for service to Charlotte which will operate with a Boeing 777-200.

Both aircraft types feature a world class onboard experience complete with lie-flat Flagship Business suites and spacious Premium Economy seats. Meanwhile, the South Australian Tourism Commission is launching a significant Working Holiday Maker visa campaign today, offering €10 fares to Adelaide as part of a plan to promote the visa to young Irish citizens; encouraging them to start their Working Holiday adventure in Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Young people in Ireland are being offered the chance to book €10 return tickets to Adelaide, Australia, in a new scheme to plug gaps in the Australian market. Applicants must have a Working Holiday Visa and be aged between 1835. Registration can be made for the €10 return tickets before they go on sale in May. More information can be found at https://southaustralia.com/plan-a-trip/studywork-or-volunteer Travel & Leisure, Page 19

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

How Zelensky put Ukraine on a united footing against Russia In those tense first days of the Ukraine war, almost everyone — Putin, military analysts and Western officials — expected the Ukrainian leadership to fracture. Instead, President Zelensky decided to personally remain in the capital, taking selfies as he moved around Kyiv to reassure his people. And he ordered his senior aides, many cabinet members and much of his government to also stay put, despite the risks. Leading politicians put aside the sharp-elbowed infighting that had defined Ukrainian politics for decades and instead created a largely united front that continues today. No senior officials defected or fled, and the bureaucracy quickly went onto a war footing. “In the first days of the war, everybody was in shock, and everybody was thinking what to do — stay in Kyiv or evacuate,” said Serhiy Nikiforov, President Zelensky’s spokesman. “The president’s decision was no one goes anywhere. We stay in Kyiv, and we fight. That cemented it.” “We will not lay down any weapons,” President Zelensky said in a video posted to Facebook on the second day of the Russian invasion. “We will defend our state.” Volodymyr Zelensky, via Facebook To much of the world, Mr. Zelensky is best known for appearing by video link with a daily message of courage and defiance, to rally his people and exhort allies to provide

weapons, money and moral support. President Zelensky’s success is also rooted in the government’s ability to operate smoothly and take measures to help people cope, such as sweeping deregulation to keep the economy afloat, and to provide essential goods and services. By loosening rules around transporting cargo, for instance, the government was able to address a dire risk of food shortages in Kyiv, the capital, in the early days of the war. And in March he dropped business taxes to 2% — and then only if the owner wanted to pay. “Pay if you can but if you cannot there are no questions asked,” he said at the time. More contentiously, he combined six television stations that previously competed against one another into one outlet for news. The merger, he said, was necessary for national security, but it frustrated political opponents and free speech advocates. President Zelensky outlawed another main opposition faction, a Russian- leaning political party. It has helped that his political party, Servant Of The People, won a majority of seats in Parliament in 2019, allowing him before the war to appoint a cabinet of loyalists. Past Ukrainian governments were divided between feuding presidents and oppositioncontrolled cabinets. “Not on paper, but in reality, it’s all one big team,” said Igor Novikov, a former foreign

Emergency powers to get homes for refugees

policy adviser. “It’s very close knit.” Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former minister of economy and now an economic adviser to the president’s office, likened Ukrainian politics to “loved ones fighting’’. “It’s a family fight,’’ he said. “But family comes first.’’ The inner circle is made up largely of media, movie and comedy industry veterans with backgrounds similar to President Zelensky’s. He has also forged a truce with his primary domestic political opponent, former President Petro O. Poroshenko, with whom he had been feuding right up until the start of the war.

A tremendous wartime effect of rallying around the flag undoubtedly eased President Zelensky’s job, said Volodymyr Yermolenko, editor in chief of Ukraine World, a magazine covering politics. “The peculiar thing about Ukrainian politics is the agency comes from society, not the political leaders,’’ he said. “Zelensky is who he is due to the Ukrainian people, who are behind him, showing courage.” A former comedy actor, the Ukrainian leader has surrounded himself with a group of loyalists from his days in television, relationships that prompted accusations of cronyism in

the past but that have served him well during the conflict by keeping his leadership team on the same page. And President Zelensky has structured his days in a way that works for him. Mr. Zelensky receives oneon-one phone briefings from Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the commander of the armed forces, multiple times a day and often first thing in the morning, aides and advisers said. The Ukrainian and Russian armies are still in pitched battles in the eastern plains, but in the information war Kyiv has clearly won. Delivered with passion by a former actor with a keen

sense of narrative and drama, President Zelensky’s speeches have rallied his countrymen and galvanised international support. Some are ad-libbed and others more scripted. A 38-year-old former journalist and political analyst, Dmytro Lytvyn, has reportedly served as President Zelensky’s speechwriter. Mr Nikiforov, the spokesman, confirmed the president is collaborating with a writer but declined to say with whom. Politically, President Zelensky made some early moves that allowed him to reduce any internal strife that might detract from the war effort. Among them was the uneasy rapprochement with Mr. Poroshenko, who had sharply criticised the president since losing to him in the 2019 election. Their squabbling continued even as Russia massed troops on the border, with President Zelensky’s prosecutor putting Mr Poroshenko under house arrest for various politically tinged cases. Other key advisers are Mykhailo Podolyak, a former journalist and editor who is a negotiator with the Russians; Serhiy Shefir, a former screenwriter, now a domestic political adviser; and Kirill Tymoshenko, a former videographer now overseeing humanitarian aid. The top military command is made up of officers, including General Zaluzhnyi, experienced in fighting Russia through the eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine. Perhaps the most controversial move President Zelensky made was to combine the six television newsrooms into one channel with a single report. Omitted from the group was the main opposition television station, Channel 5, affiliated with Mr Poroshenko. President Zelensky positioned the move as necessary for national security. Opponents viewed it as the government suppressing dissent.

THE plan to house Ukrainian refugees, of which there now more than 25,000 in the country. includes an expansion of the Voids Programme whereby vacant social homes will be brought back into use and an expanded acquisition programme where local authorities will have greater flexibilities to acquire certain homes. Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has emergency powers available to him under existing legislation whereby certain planning and procurement requirements can be exempted where required to speed up delivery in emergency situations. The department is working with all relevant stakeholders to ascertain where such powers are required to be used. Meanwhile, a Housing Taskforce has been

established to develop longer-term housing options specifically in response to the war in Ukraine. The taskforce is examining the medium-term conversion of vacant buildings, both State owned and private, to suitable accommodation specifically for those fleeing Ukraine and the longerterm activation of planning permissions which have not yet commenced. An audit has identified 529 properties that could be utilised. However, it is understood most of the properties will require refurbishment. Around 100 of these properties could be in use in a matter of weeks, while up to 80 more could be habitable within three to six months. The measures are in addition to those set out in Housing For All and are aimed at alleviating pressure on the wider housing system.

The Government is also preparing to restructure some departments in order to speed up housing allocations by private citizens after weeks of complaints that people were not being contacted and pledges were not being processed. Finally, the Department of Defence has agreed in principle that 85 derelict houses at the Curragh Camp in Co Kildare can be refurbished by the local authority for general housing needs. An emergency accommodation centre in Glantane, just outside Mallow in Co Cork, is expected to welcome Ukrainian refugees by the end of next week. Based in Kilshannig Community Centre, work is already underway to prepare the hall. It is believed the centre could accommodate 40 to 60 people.

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

Your Money BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

DID you know that you can receive a gift up to €3,000 from any person in any calendar year without having to pay Gift Tax? You may even receive a gift from several people in the same calendar year and the first €3,000 from each person is exempt from Gift Tax as they are not considered in calculating tax nor included for aggregation purposes. What is Gift Tax? Gift tax comes under the Capital Acquisitions Tax ‘umbrella’ and is a tax payable on certain gifts made during the lifetime of a donor. On receipt of the gift the thresholds for Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) apply. If the value of the gift comes under the threshold amount, no tax is payable until such time as the value of all accumulated gifts exceed the relevant threshold. These thresholds can be reached either by a single gift or by a series of gifts and inheritances over a number of years and the tax to be paid is determined by the relationship to the donor. Only prior gifts and inheritances to which the same group threshold applies are added together for the purposes of calculating tax. Over the last few years, there

The whys and wherefores of Gift Tax has been a lot of interest in gifting cash to children and grandchildren tax efficiently. Grandparents especially are using this method to pass some of their accrued wealth to their grandchildren in a tax efficient manner. The most tax efficient

manner is by using the annual Small Gifts Exemption. You can set up a savings plan with an insurance provider for the child into which you invest your gifts up to the €3,000 limit as a single person or €6,000 for a married couple annually.

But its more complicated that just setting the plan up. You must decide whether to set the plan up using a General Trust Form or as an ‘assignment model’ savings plan set up by an insurer for this type of saving. What is the most effective way? Depends!

By setting up a savings policy under a General Trust Form, you can determine who will benefit from the proceeds of policy. You retain control of the plan. You decide how it is invested. You keep it safe from creditors. You can change the beneficiaries if required.

Should you die there is no delay in the proceeds being paid out quickly to the beneficiary. By using ‘the assignment model’ you assign the plan to your child/grandchildren from outset. It then becomes their policy. By legally assigning the savings plan in this way, the contributions count as gifts to the child. All premiums are deemed to be paid to the child and are owned by the child. The child will be entitled to the proceeds of the policy because under the assignment they are the owners of the policy. You make full use of the small gift tax exemptions and provided you stay within the annual gift tax exemption the child will not incur any gift tax as the contributions are made or when the plan is encashed. There may be drawbacks going down either route so you need to be very careful from outset how the plan is set up and how the funds are invested. For example with one provider once the plan and the investment strategy is set in motion they cannot be changed as it is not possible to take instructions to a minor. This might not be an issue in the early years’, but it could become a problem later on especially in a declining market. As is always the case you should seek advice from your financial advisor before you set up the plan to ensure the policy meets your needs. John@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

Science & Wellbeing A team led by Jonathan Jiang, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has produced a new estimate for when humans might be able to produce the amount of energy that Earth naturally receives from the Sun, a feat that would officially distinguish us as a Type I civilisation,status: the year 2371, or thereafter. Over the course of thousands of years, humans have harnessed increasingly bigger energy yields, starting with ancient campfires and domesticated animals and progressing to modern sources, such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables such as wind, hydro, and solar. That said, we are still a long way from being ranked a Type I civilisation, according to the Kardashev scale, a metric that ranks the advancement of a civilisation based on its power-generating capabilities. The researchers reached their estimated date of 2371 by analysing “the consumption and energy supply of the three most important energy sources”—fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy—while factoring in our likelihood of wiping ourselves out with these power sources, a concept known as the Great Filter, according to a study published on the preprint server arXiv. Named after its inventor, the Russian astronomer Nikolai Kardashev, the Kardashev scale starts with the planetary level category, Type I, then imagines a Type II civilisation that could access all the energy of its star, before concluding with a Type III civilisation that could tap into the power of an entire galaxy. Jiang and his colleagues also invoke the “K formula,” developed by the American astronomer Carl Sagan, which expresses the Kardashev scale as gradient, rather than as three distinct

When we might have the proper fuels to survive stages. “In its early formulation, the Kardashev Type I civilisation was based on the overall consumption of energy of a given civilisation,” said Jiang in an email. “However, it should also encompass that civilisation’s stewardship of their home world. “Therefore in this study, when we analyse the consumption and energy supply of the three most important energy sources (fossil fuels, nuclear energy and renewable energy) based on Carl Sagan’s K formula, we are inspired to also consider environmental limitations suggested by Unite Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the International Energy Agency,” said. Humans are likely to be

thousands of years away from becoming Type II or Type III civilisations, assuming such enormous energy yields are even attainable at all. Though we are already an impressive 73% of the way toward cinching Type I status, that progress has come at an unsustainable price. Fossil fuels primarily power the world, but they are also causing rapid climate change, a trend that is amplifying deadly phenomena such as natural disasters and pollution, all of which threatens to leave us on the wrong end of the Great Filter. “Development is an eternal theme for human society. But in the process of development, we can’t just develop for the sake of development,” said Fuyang Feng, an astronomer at Beijing Normal Uni-

versity who co- authored the study, in an email. “More importantly, we can understand some truths in the process of development, so that we can reflect on past history, what shortcomings we have made, and it can give us more inspiration for our future development. Only in this way can we develop sustainably and have the ability and possibility to understand the nature of the world better.” Feng added that if humans fail to find the right balance between our major energy sources, then our “biggest problem is not how many years we will take in reaching Type I civilization, but whether we will survive until we reach Type I civilization and succeed in avoiding the Big Filter.”

For this reason, the new study assumes that humans must rapidly abandon our consumption of fossil fuels within the next three decades just to survive, let alone become a Type I civilisation. Beyond that horizon, alternate energy sources—such as nuclear, solar, hydro, and wind power—must swiftly increase their yields to meet, and ultimately exceed, the power demands of global society. That said, the study also isolates nuclear power as another form of energy that could place humanity at risk if its hazardous byproducts are not properly handled. “Another major and inevitable concern with the increasing development of nuclear energy are the dangers to all life on Earth posed by such a

powerful resource, while trying to successfully avoid the Great Filter,” the team said. “Thus, in concert with significantly increasing the growth rate of nuclear energy generation,” they added, we must adopt “improved technology for even more secure disposal radioactive wastes, all while transitioning to cleaner forms of energy.” Jiang and his colleagues cite another similar study that estimated when humans might reach Type I status, which came up with the year 2347 as a possible tipping point. But the new study is slightly more conservative in its estimation of the growth rate of clean technologies, as it factors in the role of policy changes involving energy use and other complex factors, resulting in a date a few decades later. Taken together, the research suggests that if humans are able to switch to renewables within the next few decades, we might expect to earn our Type I stripes sometime in the 24th century. Working toward this goal is not just some aspirational futurist goal, it may be essential to ensuring our species evades extinction, according to co-author Philip Rosen, a retired energy expert. “Stagnation, or worse, backsliding into decline are simply not options for the long-term survival of humanity,” Rosen said in an email. “While continued technological development, and the associated increasing energy demand, certainly poses risks, those genies cannot be stuffed back into their bottles.” While the researchers acknowledge the difficulties of making predictions about an outcome riddled with so many inherent uncertainties, they suggest that the exercise has value as a means to consider the awesome responsibility of humans to safeguard our planet and all its inhabitants.”

Yet, more breakthroughs on cancers Landmark findings offer researchers a whole trove of new resources to guide future studies on tailored cancer treatments. This breakthrough comes after an extensive study has analysed the genomes of cancer cells from more than 12,000 patients, identifying 58 new mutational signatures that offer clues to novel causes of cancer. Cancer cells can harbour thousands of different and unusual mutations but only a few are known to really drive the development of a tumour. A groundbreaking 2020 study was first to begin seriously cataloguing these mutational signatures but this new research dramatically expands on those prior findings, delivering the most complete picture of what mutations cause the majority of human cancers. “The reason it is impor-

tant to identify mutational signatures is because they, like fingerprints at a crime

scene, help to pinpoint cancer culprits,” said Serena Nik-Zainal, a co-author

on the new study. “Some mutational signatures have clinical or treatment implications – they can highlight abnormalities that may be targeted with specific drugs or may indicate a potential ‘Achilles heel’ in individual cancers.” Cataloguing these mutational ‘fingerprints’ allow researchers to home in on particular lifestyle or environmental factors that can cause cancers. For example, prior studies have found a distinct mutation in melanomas can be linked to exposure from ultraviolet (UV) light, so we know for sure that excessive exposure to UV is a powerful cause of skin cancer. The new study confirmed 51 mutational signatures chronicled in prior studies and found 58 entirely new mutational signatures. The causes behind the major-

ity of these new mutational signatures are unknown and the researchers suggest this indicates there are plenty of factors that can trigger cancer we haven’t discovered yet. Between this new study and the 2020 work, researchers are confident they have now discovered most of the mutational signatures that drive the development of common cancers. It is thought that what is still unknown accounts for rarer forms of cancer covering less than one percent of tumours. At this point, the research is more an academic achievement than a pragmatic one. However, building this body of knowledge moving forward could help inform profoundly valuable research discoveries such as new understandings into environmental exposures that cause cancer.

This library of mutational signatures also helps researchers understand the mechanisms that drive the development of particular tumours. Knowing how these cancers develop helps researchers test ways to therapeutically target those pathways, creating new and more personalised cancer treatments. “Mutational signatures are an example of using the full potential of WGS (wholegenome sequences),” said Matt Brown, from Genomics England. “We hope to use the mutational clues seen in this study and apply them back into our patient population, with the ultimate aim of improving diagnosis and management of cancer patients.” The new study was published in the journal Science. Other Source: University of Cambridge

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Travel & Leisure Zagreb in Croatia — home to around 800,000 people — is often treated as a stopover for visitors on their way to the sea. No matter. What lingering travellers quickly find is that this is a city that takes care of its own. Cafes spill across squares and streets, because Purgers (as folks from Zagreb call themselves) like to luxuriate over multi-hour, coffee-fuelled conversations. Museums and galleries display world-class collections to accommodate local tastes, and the capital’s stages showcase productions for discerning native theatregoers. This isn’t a city that goes out of its way to cater for tourists, and it’s all the more beguiling for it. The key is for travellers to lean into the rhythms of local life. Stretching north from the Sava River to the foothills of the Dinaric Alps, Zagreb’s neighbourhoods offer eclectic rows of architecture from secessionist and neo-Baroque to Gothic brutalist and beyond. But it’s the proliferation of parks, gardens and leafy hills that dominate Zagreb’s landscape, coming into spectacular bloom in spring but hosts for festivals year-round. With its easy, natural charm Zagreb isn’t a city that tries hard to win visitors over — so it’s almost quite likely, therefore, that it will. What to see and do Green Horseshoe: Take a sightseeing stroll from the 19th-century, neoclassical central train station, Glavni kolodvor, to the main square, Ban Jelačić Square. From there, follow the aptly named ‘Green Horseshoe’ of parks and sites that wrap around Donji Grad, or Lower Town. As trams rumble by, you’ll pass the art deco Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, built in 1925 to accommodate Orient Express passengers. Next door, the Zagreb Botanical Garden and its 10,000 plant species provide a peaceful oasis. The last stretch takes you through Zrinjevac Park, for regular live music sessions in the bandstand, surrounded by vibrant flowerbeds. Zagreb Cathedral: It’s full name being the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the city’s top photo op stands on the spot where Zagreb was founded — an 11th-century bishopric known as Kaptol. Today’s neo-gothic cathedral — dating from 1880 — is the latest of several constructed over the ensuing millennium. It’s famed for its two 354ft spires, its goosebumps-inducing organ, with nearly 6,100 pipes, and for being the final resting place of beatified Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac. Upper Town: Historically, Zagreb’s hilltop Upper Town, Gradec, was the merchant yin to Kaptol’s religious yang. Today, Gradec’s medieval spirit endures as you walk its tangle of cobbled streets, where gas lamps are still hand-lit every evening. After passing through the district’s Stone Gate — the last of four original, 13thcentury entrances — you’ll find the Croatian Parliament en route

The Good Guide to Zagreb

to the showstopper: St Mark’s Church. This architectural masterpiece — a mix of romanesque and gothic styles — contains exquisite sculptures and is topped by roof whose colourful tiles depict the coat of arms of Zagreb and the historic Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia. Lari & Penati restaurant, serving up a fusion of Croatian and European fare. Tkalčićeva Street: Or simply Tkalča, was once a creek dividing Kaptol and Gradec. These days, that waterway is a pedestrian-only promenade and the centre of Zagreb’s social scene. The row of two-storey, pastel-coloured buildings is an atmospheric place for a bite or a be — a backdrop for buskers, evening strollers, shoppers and lively social gatherings. Museums and galleries: The Museum of Contemporary Art, south of the river, is a celebration of multimedia installations, imagination and societal commentary via a 12,000-strong collection. Zagreb City Museum, set in the cavernous former 17th-century Convent of the Clares in the Upper Town, explores the city’s history

from prehistory onwards, while the nearby Museum of Broken Relationships displays painful, sweet and humorous items donated following failed romances. Medvednica: After getting to know the Croatian capital on foot, head up to 3,396ft Medvednica (‘bear mountain’) for clear-day views that stretch as far as Slovenia, Hungary and the Adriatic coast. One of Zagreb’s most seductive qualities is its proximity to open countryside, and this peak, in the north of the city, is one of the most accessible spots, its slopes (part of Medvednica Nature Park) offering scores of hikes for trekkers of all abilities.

measure, built during the Second World War, runs under the city centre and serves as an occasional art venue. Emerge from Art Park Entrance 1 (one of multiple access points), and you’ll come face to face with two city landmarks: the Zagreb Funicular, which connects Upper and Lower Towns, and the Lotrščak Tower, with its Grič cannon, which is fired daily at noon. Croatian National Theatre: Zagreb is a city of theatregoers, who pack out its performance venues every night. A highlight is the 19th-century, neoBaroque Croatian National Theatre; anchoring the western arm of the Green Horseshoe, it stages drama, ballet and opera.

Špica: It seems the whole of Zagreb wakes early on Saturdays, flexes its collective fashion muscle and lounges at cafes in the centre to see and be seen. This weekend strut is known as špica. Pull on your best threads, take your špica waltz down Ilica Street, then duck into Eli’s Caffe for the city’s best kava. Owner and roaster Nik Orosi has turned a cup of coffee into an art form. Gric Tunnel: This protective

Owner Dora Rubić creates bespoke women’s clothing, with a focus on coats and dresses. Using natural fabrics such as cashmere and alpaca wool, she only produces around 200 pieces a year. Outdoor Markets: To really shop local, visit Zagreb’s openair markets. Climb the steps behind Ban Jelačić Square to reach Dolac Market, whose expanse of red umbrellas covers vendors selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, nuts, honey and liqueurs — accompanied by a cornucopia of local knowledge. Head west along Ilica Street to British Square, where, on Sunday mornings, antique dealers hawk everything from jewellery to Yugoslav memorabilia.

Where to shop Croata: Purgers are fashionable. Shop the look with hyper-local adornments like the necktie, invented in Croatia centuries ago and seen in adventurous iterations at this world renown emporium, which also stocks scarfs in unique designs. Dora: This boutique is located in Gradec, between the Stone Gate and St Mark’s Church.

Where to eat Broom 44: Spilling onto Dolac Market, this classic brunch spot seamlessly blends alternative cool with oldschool hospitality, and, most importantly, its homemade vegan and vegetarian food — served on plates thrown by a local potter — is divine. Dolac 8, 10000. Lari & Penati: Lari & Penati

takes generous liberties with its fusion of Croatian and US fare, created using ingredients from nearby Dolac Market — accompanied by a sterling wine list. It’s impossible to go wrong with this menu, especially the marinated sea bass salad and the barbecue spare ribs. Dubravkin Put: A short walk away from the main square, this retreat of a restaurant in Tuškanac Forest Park offers exemplary Zagreb fine dining: rustic but refined and replete with Croatian produce including fine home-grown wines. Expect seafood and specialities such as tuna tartar and slow-cooked veal cheeks with a morel sauce, served on white linen-clad tables both inside and outside on the lovely, leafy terrace. Where to stay Hotel President Pantovcak: A true boutique hotel, each of the 10 rooms at the four-star President is uniquely decorated with art — both modern and antique — while the elegant lounge and garden terrace would be worth a visit in their own right. It’s in a great location, too: a five-minute walk from British Square.

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

Feature

Where are you, Walter Lally … BY NED EGAN

Part 1 Well, Peamount TB Sanatorium, back in the 1940’s. For those of us who were ‘inmates’, it was – as Dickens would say – ‘the best of times, the worst of times’. Two of my sisters had been swept away by the tide of consumption - as TB was so delicately termed. Whatever was consumed in our house, it was bought by the scrag ends of pennies the parasitic bookies hadn’t got their grasping coffin-filling claws on. I remember the first night I was in this Peamount ‘prison’ - for that was how most of us first regarded it. I’d known nothing of lavatories - the back field being our only ‘evacuation centre’ – the school one being a hole in a board over a dreadful swamp of maggot-ridden ordure. So, when nature called that first night in the ward – in polite-speak - a Number Two - I held on as long as I could, then ‘went’ at the far end of a

dim corridor. {Jaykers, sure I couldn’t find a field anywhere, in the dark. What a joint!} Next morning, in comes clattering the gimlet-eyed nurse - Gallagher by name – she’s long dead now, I’d say. Turned me on my face in the bed to inspect the guilty area of my skinny frame. Saw the evidence – I couldn’t find a bit of grass - and announced my guilt to the rest of the ward. Strangely enough, she didn’t get the cheap derisive gale of laughter she was seeking. The twenty or so boys who had been standing beside their beds looked away from my shaming - just looked at the ground - or the bare wall opposite. I will forever remember their kindness. My punishment, then, was to be taken down and stood outside the Admin office, in my shirt. Underpants didn’t even exist in the Ireland of those days. Well, in my Ireland, anyway. They were years away. A very few of the nurses had their little laughs at the small scrawny country mug. But again, an unexpected kindness: a Sister Boyle, from Roscommon {I’ll never forget her} found me, gave a rollocking to the Gallagher wretch, and brought me back to my ward - calling into the

pantry on the way to get me a few slices of bread and butter and a cup of milk: cripes! Epicurean Heaven! After a few days, I got the hang of the place. Near-hunger was a constant companion. Probably part of the treatment, for all I knew. But what grub we got was well cooked, if a bit sparse. After tea at five or six in the evening we would be herded into the wards, and expected to settle down for the night. But, weakened as we were, there was still plenty of “go” in us. Talk would go on amongst the older boys about the girls over in the “Old Wing”. Many of us formed fanciful ideas about imaginary ‘coorting’ with these completely unattainable angels - for such they seemed to be to us gawky lads. I had a childish love for a little girl called Maisie, whom I’d seen at Mass one day. Because I knew nobody at home by the name of Maisie, I misheard the word, and went around bragging and boasting about ‘my mot, Lazy Leonard.’ I used to get in a real tiny fury when the other lads laughed at the name I had given this queen of my childlike imaginings – thinking they were just jealous of my obvious attraction to the young lady!

Not too long afterwards, this little girl – whom I’d never even spoken to - went home. In a small white box. And it broke my heart, because she took with her the only thing any of us had – some kind of unreachable impossible dream. Some refuge from loneliness. And the strange sad unusual thing was that when we found out she had passed away, without any prompting, in the dark of our old ramshackle winter-wind and rain-lashed wooden verandah, we all knelt down and said a little prayer for her. One of the few prayers I’ve ever really meant. And the lads all told nice ‘moryah’ stories about poor little ‘Lazy,’ who hailed from the hills above Glenties, and who only saw ten summers. And I told the lads tales laced with the wildest imagery I could conjure up out of my child’s mind, about what larks and innocent trickings and hide-and-go-seekings Lazy and myself would get up to, on the way down to Collinstown to see Roy Rogers or Gene Autrey, in a cinema that probably never even existed. And whether they believed the stories or not, they were listened to in respectful dignified silence, and at the

end there’d be many a quiet “good lad” and “we knew you could do it.” I wasn’t alone – or even prominent – among the small seanchaís. There were many who could ‘tell the tale’ - as we termed it – far better than I. And in our loneliness, far away from home, with no radio, our own thoughts and imaginations were all we had to help us through the long nights and days. Most nights we would launch raids on the pantry, to get some bread and butter. Spies would be positioned: the warning whisper was always the word “Echo!” A sudden rush of scampering bare feet, and we would be back in our beds, slices hidden all over the place. Why the pantry wasn’t locked up, I never knew. I think the kind nurses {who were in a majority} turned a blind eye. And, there were endless plans to escape. From memory, the strategy was always the same: get down to the gate - and go home from there! No thought went into plans for transport, food - or direction of travel. Colditz escape merchants we were not. Get to the gate – and off with us. And that would be the end of all our homesick

misery. The desire to escape was imprinted deep on our consciousness. Horrendously poor and deprived though my background was, I yearned for the dark and the cold and the dirt of home, like a Sultan would for his Palace. I missed my mother terribly. I also missed my father, as I was too young to realise that it was his malign gambling addiction that was the dire and direct cause of all our horrors, including the death of three of my sisters. One winter day, in the middle of a snowstorm, I made a break for it. Away with me across the playground, past the ghostly white ‘Jungle Gym’ and down towards the gate. But I’d been spotted, and a ‘posse’ was sent after me. I was captured down by the elm trees, not too far from the magic exit, and brought back. Another sentence of standing half-naked outside the office door. And I could hardly believe my luck when, once again, along comes a certain Sister Boyle! And demanded my short trousers and shoes back, and that I be fed right there in the office. Ned E Part 2 in next week’s edition of The Kilkenny Observer

Diminish exam anxiety with

SOMEGA

EXAM season is approaching and with it comes the usual stress and anxiety of reaching your full potential as well as the need to be at the peak of your health for the weeks ahead. To help support students through this time, SOMEGA, Ireland’s purest brand of health supplements has launched a special “Exam Support” health bundle. The Exam Support Bundle contains two of SOMEGA’s hero products for supporting brain health, memory, concentration and learning as well as combating stress. SOMEGA’s Easy Omega-3 + Vitamin D3 with a natural peach/mango flavour and creamy texture makes it an easy addition to the daily diet while the Liposomal Vitamin B-Complex + C with natural berry flavour, provides a high-strength supplement with eight B-vitamins and Vitamin C. As well as supporting brain health, these supplements also provide extra energy that is needed to tackle the books and retain thousands of hours of knowledge, while also helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Both products also provide important support for the immune

system. Formulated by food scientists and nutritionists in West Cork, SOMEGA supplements are created using the purest ingredients which are sugar, gluten, alcohol, yeast and soya free. They are also non GMO and are sustainably packaged and produced. SOMEGA cofounder and nu-tritionist Dr. Paula Gaynor says, “This time of year can be stressful for both students and parents as exams approach and we’re often asked about supplementation. First off, a varied, balanced and healthy diet will come first as this is the foundation for a healthy life as well as getting enough sleep and exercise. Pairing high quality supplements with these core things will ensure that you are giving your body all that it needs to function and perform effectively. We underestimate the energy used by our brain and it’s obvious that this

increases during exam time, therefore our B-Complex plus C and our Easy Omega-3 + Vitamin D are the perfect duo for supporting cognitive function as well as providing a much needed energy boost and immune support. “ SOMEGA supplements can be enjoyed straight from the spoon or added to cold drinks, juices and smoothies and can be purchased in local health shops including Food for Life, The Good Earth, and McCauley Pharmacies or online at gosomega.com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

UK opposes EU Irish beef plan Plans to create a special EU designation for Irish grass-fed beef are being opposed by the British Government. In 2020, Ireland submitted an application to the EU to obtain PGI status for Irish grassfed beef and it was hoped the status could have significant benefits for all those in the beef supply chain — particu-

larly beef farmers who hope the change would lead to higher market returns for their cattle. PGI status aims to protect the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin as well as traditional know-how. That said, Agriculture Minis-

ter Charlie McConalogue has disclosed that in March, the EU Commission notified his department that the UK authorities had submitted a ‘Notice of Opposition’ to Ireland’s application. Further, a letter from the European Commission received by the department invited Ireland and the Commission to

engage on the issue. Why Britain is opposed is unclear. However, Ireland’s application had raised concerns among farmers in Northern Ireland. In November 2020, the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) confirmed to the weekly Farming Independent that it “will be

left with no option but to object the proposal” if Northern Ireland is not included in the application to register from the outset when it is submitted to the European Commission. Minister McConalogue said his department, along with Bord Bia, was examining the statement of opposition submitted by the UK.

“For some time now, my department and An Bord Bia have fully engaged with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to share information and provide advice on the technical aspects of a grass-fed standard and related matters associated with the possibility of having an all-island PGI for Irish grass-fed beef.

Bord Bia announces Interim CEO role

Vroom... Vroom...Vroom... TransferMate Kilkenny company TransferMate has teamed up with the Haas Formula One outfit. The multinational company, which is based at the IDA Business & Technology Park off the Ring Road, recently announced its world-wide partnership with the racing team. As part of the partnership, TransferMate will provide cross-border payments services through its global payments infrastructure.

The Kilkenny-headquartered company’s logo will also feature on Haas’ car and the clothing of drivers Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher throughout the 2022 season. The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. Announcing the deal, TransferMate chief executive Sinead Fitzmaurice told The Kilkenny Observer: “The partnership brings together two like-minded organisations, each with

a strong commitment to challenging norms through innovation. “We’re looking forward to seeing our partnership group throughout the 2022 Formula One season. It promises to be a very exciting year for both ourselves and the Haas team.” Haas’ team principal Günther Steiner added: “We’re delighted to welcome TransferMate and we look forward to a productive working partnership in 2022 and beyond.

“It’s clear that as a brand TransferMate prides itself on the delivery of the very best product. We share that ethos and, ultimately, we’re both in sectors where innovation is rewarded and actions need to be executed with confidence and precision. “Efficiency is key to everything we do in Formula One and working with TransferMate adds another deliverable to our operations.” The arrangement with

TransferMate is the first major sponsorship deal Haas have signed since cutting ties with former title sponsor Uralkali as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The team has been looking to fill the commercial void left by the Russian potash fertiliser producer, though matters have been complicated with Uralkali reportedly requesting a US$13 million refund and US$8.6 million in compensation.

Bord Bia, the Government agency responsible for the promotion of the food, drink, and horticulture industry globally, is pleased to announce that Michael Murphy, Organisation and Industry Talent Development Director, Bord Bia, will assume the role of Interim CEO in June. As previously announced, Tara McCarthy is stepping down as CEO in June 2022 and Mr Murphy will work alongside her until her departure. Mr Murphy has extensive experience in leading a number of Bord Bia departments in the last 20 years. He progressed from managing Bord Bia’s London Office to leading its European office network and was Markets Director for nine years. He has been involved in the development and execution of strategy as part of the senior leadership since 2007. He was responsible for the development of Bord Bia’s Talent Academy including five MSc programmes with two universities. Mr Murphy began his career as a policy analyst in the IFA and has worked in the Departments of Agriculture and Environment.

Major road works ahead: where to avoid Road works still need to be completed in Kilkenny between the junction of the N24 and Clairín Close/ Circle K, along the N24 to the junction of the N24 (O’Mahony Avenue) and the

R696 at O’Connors Bar. To facilitate major watermain works on O’Mahoney Avenue, there will be a local diversion in place for traffic travelling due west to Clonmel on the N24 until Mon-

day, May 9. Traffic will be directed to make a left onto the R676 along New Street, making a right onto Main Street re-joining the N24 via the R885. Irish Water’s customer care

helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water

website or set your location on our website www.water.ie Since 2018, Irish Water has invested over €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery

of the Leakage Reduction Programme. We are investing a further €600 million up to the end of 2024 - fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Feature thus contribute to averting climate change. They bring humanity closer to nature and thus closer to God. Through the creation of habitats and natural landscapes and the planting of trees, hedges, and shrubs substantial benefits accrue to people in the area of health and wellbeing. Exercising in areas rich in biodiversity and natural landscape promote positive mental health as people contemplate their surroundings and absorb the natural aesthetic.

Time for a balance to be struck, to counteract detrimental effect on our planet Kilkenny school teacher Sean Hickey looks at the message from Pope Francis and asks what we as individuals can do to assist in restoring the world around us

24 standard and semi mature native trees as well as over 300 native whips were planted in Ardnore Quarry park. The County Council, KKB and Local Residents were responsible for this tree planting initiative which will augment the existing Black Quarry Woodland habitat making it much more attractive to pollinators and wildlife and is part of the KKB 8000 tree biodiversity and climate change challenge

The Ordination tree planted at St Kieran’s College Kilkenny. A weeping Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica pendula),planted in December 2021 at St Kieran’s College. There was a weeping Ash in the same position and it had started to die as a result of ‘ash die back disease’. It was decided to replace it with a semi-mature tree that was similar to the one removed. The name ordination tree derives from the fact that photographs were taken in front of the tree on ordination days at the college over the years.( jbs photos)

he thirteenth day of March 2013 marked the beginning of a new Papacy, a new charism and a new journey for the Roman Catholic Church. The newly elected Pope Francis began his papacy in a spirit of simplicity and empathy. The choice of the name was a bold statement to the Church and the world that the life of the great Saint Francis was as relevant in contemporary times as it was eight hundred years before. The Pope and the Saint both chose a new way,- a way that meant casting off the shackles of tradition and expectation that would allow them to live simpler lives, focussing on things of greater importance. Francis the Saint lived a life that was in harmonious union with God through his appreciation of creation and his vision of all that exists as part of a harmonious whole. A DESIRE TO BE AT ONE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT As human beings, there is a deep desire within us to live in communion with one another and with the environment

within which we live. We must, therefore, make a deliberate choice to cast off the restraints that prevent us from entering fully into this communion. The gift of wonder and awe, as given to each of us by the Holy Spirit, is alive deep within our being and we must allow this gift to manifest itself in nurturing, caring for and restoring God’s creation. The question to be posed is what we as individuals can do to assist in caring for and restoring the world around us. Saint Francis is the patron saint of the environment and he demonstrated a unique appreciation for all living creatures as well as the inanimate elements, understanding all as being created by God and working in unison to enable the world to function. In his Canticle of the Creatures, Francis recites ‘praised be you my Lord, with all your creatures’ and he speaks of brother sun and sister moon. He personifies all that has been created as brother and sister and, in so doing, comes to a deeper understanding of the importance of a relationship built on respect and care for all that exists.

Sean Hickey at The Palm House at Kew Gardens, The Royal Botanical Gardens, London

It is appropriate indeed that Pope Francis entitled his 2015 Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ – praised be you. Both the Saint and the Pope understand the essentiality of praising God through sincere care for His creation. PROVIDING FOR HUMANITY IN THE FUTURE The question to be posed is what we as individuals can do to assist in caring for and restoring the world around us so that it continues to provide for humanity into the future. To begin, we must reflect upon and question our own individual existence, our way of life and the manner in which we contribute to the care of others and the care of the world around us. As Christians, we believe that all we possess is a free gift from God. We must respect and cherish these gifts and share them equitably; we must utilise them in a sustainable fashion so as not to undermine the delicate, co-existent balance of the environment around us. A balance must be struck between what we consume and what we give back in order

to counteract the detrimental effect our consumption has, as individuals, on our planet. We must once more become symbiotic creatures and not parasites that think of the now and leave the future to chance. The Pope’s encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ addresses a broad range of topics and regards the world and its complex systems as a shared common good. He delves into the problems we face as a result of pollution, the loss of biodiversity and accelerating climate change and the injurious effects these factors have on the quality of life for all human beings, not least those on the margins. Having outlined the problems confronting us, the Encyclical offers a solution with the words: ‘many things have to change course, but it is we as human beings above all who need to change’. Through reducing our consumption of unnecessary goods and reinvesting our energy into a lifestyle that is self-sufficient, or at least communally efficient, and by redirecting our energy into projects that contribute to the preservation and restoration of ‘mother earth’, we as individu-

als can change and improve the world’s prospects by doing our ‘small bit’ for the greater good. There are various methods and means by which a contribution can be made at local level which would have consequences on a global scale if each local community participated in projects that seek to ‘balance the books’ between over-consumption and replenishing the environment within which we live. KEEP KILKENNY BEAUTIFUL IS GOOD EXAMPLE The local Tidy Towns Committee, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, is a case in point and is currently undertaking a tree cover master plan for Kilkenny City. This project is no small feat and will result in an integrated plan for the city that will see all passive areas of land within the urban core and suburban hinterland planted with trees. Tree planting has many and varied benefits: through tree planting initiatives such as these, habitats are recreated or restored resulting in an increase in biodiversity and natural amenities. Trees sequester carbon and

FINDING SPIRITUAL BENEFITS IN NATURE There are also benefits of a spiritual nature in pursuing such initiatives. The projects themselves allow people to engage in community activism and volunteerism, thus creating a sense of purpose and belonging to a community of like-minded individuals. The resulting habitat creation appeals to each person’s attraction to beauty which is innate within the human person, combined with a renewed sense of wonder and awe for creation and the intrinsic relationship we as individuals have with our environment. At present, the Tidy Towns Committee is in the planning phase of this project and planting commenced in the early part of 2022. The Committee is currently engaged with various other stakeholders and voluntary groups in identifying suitable locations for the planting of saplings and standard trees. The Committee is part-funding the purchase of standard trees for community-owned land and voluntary groups including church land, residential areas, schools, sports fields, and other areas where land is under-utilised or is passive in nature. The breadth of this project creates potential for the individual to contribute positively to the fight against the degradation of the world around us through identifying potential areas to be planted, contributing toward financing the project, or the hands-on approach of the planting of the trees. This year brought an enlightened and positive development as St Kieran’s College planted ten standard trees to maintain the beauty of the College Park for future generations, whilst also playing its part in following in the footsteps of Francis the Pope, and Francis the Saint. ‘The gravity of the ecological crisis demands that we all look to the common good, embarking on a path of dialogue which demands patience, self-discipline and generosity, always keeping in mind that realities are greater than ideas’. It is now time to act in averting any further damage to our planet and to restore it to its natural state in so far as possible, for actions speak louder than words. (With thanks to Fr. Dermot Ryan from St Kieran’s college and to The Ossory Times magazine)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

Elaine and George Dunne directors of Water Babies South East and their team are delighted to be celebrating 10 years in business

ELAINE was first introduced to Water Babies by friend and Water Polo team mate Therese Mc Nally who along with her Sister Carol set up Water

Babies in Dublin 13 years ago. “ From the minute I watched the Water Babies dvd I was hooked” says Elaine and “ I knew straight away that this is

what I wanted to do” Qualifying as a teacher and teaching classes for Therese and Carol in Dublin for two years before setting up her own classes in

the South East in May 2012. It was a huge decision for Elaine and George to move from Dublin to Wexford along with their four children and

set up a new business and home in Fethard On Sea. George followed Elaine in the teaching training programme and classes commenced in May 2012 with classes in Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny. Starting with just under 100 clients, business began to grow rapidly. With the recruitment of full time Client Services Manager Amanda O’Grady in January 2014, this enabled Elaine and George time to leave the office and expand set up and teach classes in Carlow, Gorey, Clonmel and Cashel. 10 years on Elaine and George, have six part time teachers, one full time Client Services Manager and one full time Client Services Administrator and four part time poolside assistants. “Babies love swimming! Says Elaine “It is entirely natural to them, because they’re free from restrictions of gravity and able to use muscles they’d never use until they start rolling, crawling,

walking, running, babies love the sense of freedom water gives them” Baby swimming is academically proven to have a number of physical, mental and emotional benefits. By the time they start school, children who have been to structured swimming classes in the early years were found to be ahead of their non-swimming peers by 11 months when it comes to oral expression. Despite looking gentle, swimming provides a complete physical workout. It strengthens the heart, lungs and respiratory system, which in turn aids the development of the brain. The lessons are often a strengthening bond between parent and child whilst there is also emphasis on water safety and awareness. To find a class that suits you, check out Waterbabies.ie or call Elaine and her lovely team on 051 561898 or email monkeymonkey@waterbabies.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Picture special

Pax Falsey and Mike Keane

Mr Moonshine

Garda Andy Neill PJ O’Neill

Adam Nolan

Ross Stewart

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Picture special Joey Shore and Gary Deevy

Sean Keane

Anthony Madden

About Out &

Gabrielle, Andrenia, Carolina and Geraldo from Brazil enjoying a beautiful day in Kilkenny

WITH

Danny Lahart

Fiona and Michael Toolan

Lilly O’Dwyer, Josh O’Dwyer, Sophie O’Brien and Mia O’Brien

Recruitment

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Digital

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

News

Fourth Wall Productions present The Field at Thomastown “We’ll give him just enough to teach him a lesson.” Thus says the Bull McCabe (Joe Murphy), evocative of recent horrific events in the Monaghan-Fermanagh border area, as an outsider William Dee (John Kavanagh) attempts to establish a

business by buying and concreting a field, owned by the poor widow Maggie Butler (Geraldine Moore). Bull and his son Tadhg (Paul Kenna) believe they are entitled to the field having rented and nurtured it for five years. The villagers of Carraigthomond

become complicit in events, with the go-between Bird O’Donnell (Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick) and auctioneer Mick Flanagan (Eamon Delaney) acting as major conspirators, and Bull’s relatives Dandy McCabe (Vincent Hogan) and Mrs McCabe (Catherine

On any given Saturday IN a world that is becoming more digital day by day it is important that our youth are kept up to speed with the new technologies that will be part of their everyday life. As we now see the efforts to get everyone to have a better work life balance by the time, they become members of the workforce we will be ‘working from home’ not just locally but across the world. The Irish Government have now introduced a law for remote working which will be the work life model in the years to come. Therefore, now is the time to get your education under way. Twilight Community Group are never shy when it comes to getting new initives started. They recently set up their STUDIO TEN, which allows for all communities to get their news out to their communities. This opened a new department and adventure to the Charity’s programme of ‘Communities Are Stronger Together’ AS we all know Covid 19 had a serious adverse effect on all sectors of society. Our youth are no different to any other age group. With this in mind the Twilight Youth Inclusion Group was formed. The group

is for all ages from 12 to 17 and this dovetails nicely with their Erasmus + programme for 18 to 30-year-old. Coincidently Twilight have 5 students heading to Lithuania to discuss the benefits of the Erasmus + for our young adults. This is all part of the services the Twilight Community Group offer our Young adults. The Twilight Youth Inclusion is for all nationalities to be part of this unique City Youth group. It has programmes for personal development in its schedule for 2022. The group have their own committee, and they are afforded a fund that they must now budget their proposed activities around. They had day trips to Waterford activity Centre, K Bowl and many more

are planned. As we said at the start IT is now the future. With this in mind it was decided that TYI members would get a master class in podcasting. That is how to operate a camera, how to edit, and get a youth podcast for broadcasting on the Twilight European Network (TEN) you tube channel Twilight Studio TEN. TYI is a group for inclusion. The Bank of Ireland will be holding budgeting classes for the Members. Twilight’s Professional Life coaches will talk to the members as part of the ‘Over coming Covid’ & ‘Overcoming isolation’ Part of this programme addresses the inherent dangers of social media. In conjunction with the youth members of the TYI the Twilight Seven steps of Social media were developed and will be presented as part of this Community foundation of Ireland funded Programme. TYI is growing weekly. If you would like to be part of this exciting programme please contact Twilight on info@twilight.ie or just call 0567813105 and we can arrange for you to come for to see the set up on any given Saturday.

Scully) providing alibis. The Bishop (Colman Young) threatens cessation of Mass and refusal of the last sacraments to the parishioners

over their silence. Maimie Flanagan (Jane Doheny) sympathises with the plight of Mr. Dee but won’t crack under the interrogation of Sergeant Leahy (Bernard O’Reilly) and Father Murphy (Michael Brennan). It is left to young Leah Flanagan (Shona McDonald), the conscience of the village, to break silence…….But will she? The Field is John B. Keane’s fierce and tender study of the love a man can have for land and the ruthless lengths he will go to in order to obtain the object of his desire. It is dominated

by Bull McCabe, one of the most famous characters in Irish writing today. An Oscarnominated adaptation of The Field proved highly successful and popular worldwide, and starred Richard Harris, Sean Bean, John Hurt, Brenda Fricker and Tom Berenger. Directed by David Corri, stage-managed by Noel Ryan, with a set designed and built by Keith Mason and Lar Scully and dressed by Catherine Scully, this production will keep you in your seats. Laois theatre company, Fourth Wall productions will present John B Kean’e The Field at Thomastown Community hall on Saturday May 7th at 8pm. Tickets available 087 7728170

designed space for clay and makers will be guided through the process of making using top of the range equipment.

Please join Aisling,Liselott and Niamh to celebrate their new space and meet the community of makers in Kilkenny.

Clay Rooms official opening CLAY ROOMS Kilkenny will be officially opened by Malcolm Noonan TD on Saturday April 30th at 2.00pm. Clay Rooms Kilkenny is a new ceramics teaching studio right in the heart of Kilkenny city in Colliers Lane Kilkenny. Aisling McElwain, Liselott Olofsson and Niamh Synnott opened the doors of Clay Rooms Kilkenny in January 2022. They want to share their passion of ceramics with the community of makers, from curious beginners to the more experienced practitioner by offering classes in both throwing on the potters wheel and hand building. At Clay Rooms Kilkenny day and evening classes are offered with opportunities to try out a wheel in our taster sessions or make a mug in a one off hand building workshop to longer more intense 6 week courses. Clay Rooms Kilkenny is a light filled specially

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Sausage pasta bake Prep: 30 mins Cook: 1 hr and 30 mins Serves: 4

An Italian-American classic, this freezable sausage pasta bake is an ideal make-ahead family dish for busy days.

Ingredients • 400g rigatoni or penne • 125g ball mozzarella, chopped into chunks

For the white sauce • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tbsp plain flour • 350ml milk • 50g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve

STEP 2 Meanwhile, make the white sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour to

Prep: 10 mins plus 4 weeks infusing, no cook Makes: 4 litres Use seasonal rhubarb to make this G&T-witha-difference, or top the finished gin with soda water for a refreshing and gloriously pink summertime drink. Ingredients • 1kg pink rhubarb stalks • 400g caster sugar (don’t use golden - it muddies the colour) • 800ml gin Method STEP 1 Wash the rhubarb, trim the stalks and discard the base and any leaves. Cut the stalks into 3cm lengths. Put in a large jar with the sugar. Shake everything around, put the lid on and leave overnight. The sugar will draw the juice out of the rhubarb.

For the ragu • 2 tbsp olive oil • 6 pork sausages • 4 garlic cloves, sliced • pinch of chilli flakes (optional) • 1 tbsp tomato purée • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

Method STEP 1 To make the ragu, heat the oil in a large shallow pan or flameproof casserole. Squeeze the sausagemeat from its skins in small balls straight into the pan. Sizzle for 10 mins until browned (don’t worry if the meat breaks up). Add the garlic and sizzle for another minute until starting to turn golden, then stir in the chilli flakes, if using, the tomato purée and vinegar. Tip in the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and bubble for 30 mins.

Rhubarb gin

make a loose paste. Sizzle for a minute, then gradually whisk in the milk. Simmer gently for 10 mins, whisking occasionally to ensure the sauce stays smooth. Season and whisk in the parmesan. Remove from the heat and set aside. STEP 3 Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water for 9 mins, or a minute less than pack instructions. Drain and return to the pan. Scrape most of the white sauce into the pasta and stir to coat. Tip in most of the ragu and most of the mozzarella and stir until just combined. Pour the pasta mixture

into a large baking dish and spoon over the remaining white sauce and ragu. Dot with the rest of the mozzarella and sprinkle with extra parmesan. Leave to cool completely, then wrap and chill for up to a day, or freeze for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge for 24 hrs before baking. STEP 4 Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Bake for 25-30 mins until the top is slightly crisp at the edges and the cheese is melted. Leave to rest for 5-10 mins, then take the baking dish straight to the table for people to scoop onto their plates.

Anzac biscuits Total time 35 mins Makes; 20 These iconic biscuits were originally made to send to the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) serving in Gallipoli. Ingredients • • • • • • •

85g porridge oat 85g desiccated coconut 100g plain flour 100g caster sugar 100g butter, plus extra butter for greasing 1 tbsp golden syrup 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Method STEP 1

STEP 2 After 24 hrs, add the gin, seal and shake everything around. Leave for about 4 weeks before drinking. You can strain the liquor off through a muslin-lined sieve and transfer to a bottle, but I often just leave the rhubarb and booze in the jar and ladle it into drinks that way. Over time the rhubarb and the gin go a much paler colour – this doesn’t look as dramatic. The upside is you that have to get through it fairly quickly!

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Put the oats, coconut, flour and sugar in a bowl. Melt the butter in a small pan and stir in the golden syrup. Add the bicarbonate of soda to 2 tbsp boiling water, then stir into the golden syrup and butter mixture. STEP 2 Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the butter and golden syrup mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the dry ingredients. STEP 3 Put dessertspoonfuls of the mixture on to buttered baking sheets, about 2.5cm/1in apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in batches for 8-10 mins until golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Passion fruit martini Prep: 5 mins Serves: 2 This easy passion fruit cocktail is bursting with zingy flavours and is perfect for celebrating with friends. Top with prosecco for a special drink. Ingredients • 2 ripe passion fruits (they should have a crinkly appearance), halved • 60ml vanilla vodka • 30ml passoa • 1 tbsp lime juice • 1 tbsp sugar syrup • prosecco , to serve Method STEP 1 Scoop the seeds from one of the passion fruits into the glass of a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, passoa, lime juice and sugar syrup. Add a handful of ice and shake well, strain into 2 martini glasses, top up with prosecco, then add half a passion fruit to each. Serve immediately.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement TV & Streaming The gaping maw at the centre of the new Amazon Prime series Outer Range is — understandably — a mystery that makes you want to know what it is, where it came from, and what it’s for. It’s tempting to compare the spacetime hole, and by extension all of Outer Range, to Stranger Things and the Upside Down. And yet, for all the superficial similarities these two shows share, the Upside Down is not like the hole on the Abbott ranch, and Outer Range is so much more than a western version of Stranger Things. What makes Outer Range the antithesis of so many science fiction narratives can be found in an opening monologue from Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin) in Episode 3. He waxes poetic about the formation of the Earth and the way human beings have changed and grown, concluding: “There was storms and seasons and fences and blood, wonder and vengeance and regret... and the land and the sky didn’t give two s*!@#.” If Outer Range were an older show from a bygone era, you could almost imagine this as the opening monologue that accompanies every single episode. It invites the audience to think profound thoughts about the nature of existence and the march of time, and then it mocks you for trying to draw a connection between your human philosophising and the crushing indifference of the natural world. Everything you need to know about Outer Range can be found in this idea: The complex events of the series don’t revolve around any kind of ‘chosen ones’ or destinies for heroes. The land, the sky, and the massive time portal don’t give two s*!@#., and the characters are just going to have to deal with that. In contrast, a series like

New Outer Range

gripping sci-fi Stranger Things makes it seem like nearly everything that happens to the kids could only happen to them. While there’s a certain kind of Steven Spielberg zest to both shows (and creator Brian Watkins cops to being inspired by Spielberg movies), the difference is that Outer Range doesn’t romanticise or go out of its way to explain the massive time-space hole. In Stranger Things — and a lot of science fiction TV — unraveling the mystery of a sci-fi MacGuXn becomes the only way the characters can move forward. In Outer Range, there aren’t any complex discussions about the nature of the hole, which makes it a lot different from the endless discussions of the Upside Down in Stranger Things. Yes, we see a few books

on quantum mechanics in Autumn’s (Imogen Poots) tent, but it’s not like she lectures Royal about the nature of time travel. There’s no “wibbly-wobbly, timey wimey” speech here, which is important. Sure, the audience is wondering what the hell is going on with the time portal, but nobody is breaking character to directly address the audience about those obscured machinations. Just like the land and the sky don’t care about the people, the characters in the show don’t care about the audience. This last detail is crucial. So often discussions about big TV shows become conflated with what audience culture wants the show to do. Because Outer Range doesn’t have nostalgia-evoking aspirations like Stranger Things, it avoids what you can think of

as a Ready Player One-style nostalgia trap. In other words, the gaping time portal in Outer Range can remind you of the Upside Down in Stranger Things without it having to slavishly become some sort of homage to everything. As a piece of new science fiction, this puts Outer Range ahead of many shows that may have similar subject matters. It’s not beholden to other tropes you’ve seen in time travel or sci-fi stories before. But because the characters seem self-contained in their actual reality, the show isn’t overly self-conscious about its independence, either. The time portal in Outer Range doesn’t care about the audience, and neither do the characters. This makes the series not only frightening, but it’s also the reason we can’t look away.

Why Netflix is not looking good Neflix is cancelling multiple shows and movies after its recent subscriber and financial problems. According to The Wrap, the streaming giant has pulled the plug on numerous in-development Netflix shows. The company’s animation department has been hit hardest by the issues currently plaguing Netflix, which has suffered downturns in its market value and subscriber base since the turn of the year. It has lost lost more than 200,000 subscribers since the beginning of 2022. The streaming company’s recent decision to pull out of Russia over the war in Ukraine cost it 700,000 viewers, although that loss was o!set by the acquisition of 500,000 new

to watch right now on Amazon

subscribers since the start of 2022. Even so, Netflix’s recent subscriber drop-off is its largest for a decade, and the streaming company estimates that it’ll lose another two million paying customers before June 2022 – news which led to the company’s market value plummeting by $50 billion. The company’s 9.8% year-on-year growth, according to its Q1 2022 shareholders’ letter, is Netflix’s slowest quarterly growth since Q1 2021, too. Although, it has noticed a gradual downturn in its financial expansion over the past 12 months. According to Bloomberg, Netflix is also in the midst of restructuring its engineering

department to create senior and junior roles for its employees. Given the internal upheaval, Bloomberg also claims that former and current employees believe that the streamer could lose some of the best creative influences on its staff – a talent drain that would surely impact development on its most popular shows and movies. Not only that, but the streaming giant also cancelled many in-house animated projects, including an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits. A highly-anticipated animated series based on Jet Smith’s beloved comic book series Bone, plus Lauren Faust’s Toil and Trouble, were other productions unceremoniously dumped

by the streamer. Since news of Bone’s cancellation broke, Smith has taken to Twitter to voice (and illustrate) his thoughts on the comic series’ latest adaptation setback. But it isn’t just keenly-awaited Netflix series that have been dispensed with. Netflix movies including Bright 2, a sequel to the Will Smithstarring fantasy film, have also been dropped by the streaming company. Bright 2’s cancellation is likely to have closer ties to 2022’s Oscars ‘slapgate’ incident, which saw Smith physically assault Chris Rock live on stage. We had previously reported that Netflix and Sony had pulled back on in- development Will Smith projects in the wake of the incident.

Amazon’s first original young adult offering is an intriguing combination of Lost and the Breakfast Club -- and it works. Crucially, the cast of characters who find themselves stranded on a deserted island are all teenage girls. To them, that makes life even more excruciating. Each has a very different background -- from spoiled rich girl to Native American -- but they have to put aside their differences to survive, learning a thing or two about themselves on the way. Things get even more dark and thrilling when Rachel Griffiths’ Gretchen Klein comes into the picture as the head of the secretive Dawn of Eve programme.

Con man Marius walks free from jail, only to be hunted by the gangster he once robbed. So, he assumes the identity of his cell mate Pete and walks back into the lives of Pete’s estranged family, who are none the wiser. Bryan Cranston brings all the gravitas to gangster Vince in this part-drama, partycomedy. The twists and dicey situations will carry you through the addictive episodes.

Matt Bomer, Lily Collins and Kelsey Grammer star in this 1930sset drama about a brilliant Hollywood executive. Self-made prodigy Monroe Stahr (Bomer) faces a constant struggle with studio head Pat Brady (Grammer). The series takes an interesting angle, exploring the influence of the Nazis and the German market on Hollywood politics in a world on the brink of war. The Last Tycoon is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last book, unfinished and posthumously published.

If you like your fashion and historical drama, The Collection aptly brings the two together. Set in a post World War II Paris, the eightpart series follows two entrepreneurial brothers who clash as they build their fashion empire. Rivalry, betrayal and Nazi occupation are the provocative elements that light a fire under this handsomely shot family drama. Note of warning, once you become hooked on the deftly layered intrigue, you’ll have to face the disappointment of no second season.

This unique series uses the Rotoscoping animation technique to tell the story of a young woman who, after suffering a near-fatal car accident, discovers she can manipulate time. Bob Odenkirk plays Alma’s dead father, who enlists her help in investigating his murder. Bending both time and space, Undone is surreal and beautifully existential deep material.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

SENIOR HURLING Clara beat Cloughbawn of Wexford in a Leinster League quarter final in Clara on Saturday. The final score was 5-19 to 0-16. 5-18 of the winner’s total came from play. Clara only led by 1-8 to 0-9 at halftime but when they opened the second half scoring with a goal the visitor’s challenge petered out quickly. Clara outscored them 4-11 to 0-9 in the second half and moved on easily to the semi final. Team - Kevin Nolan, Paddy Ryan, Jack Langton 0-1, Tom Ryan. James Casey, Lester Ryan, Shane Staunton 0-1. Liam Ryan 0-3, Conor Cody 0-1. Chris Bolger 0-2, Martin O Connell 0-3, Jason Byrne 1-1, 0-1f. Dara Glynn 3-2, Rory O Keeffe 0-2, James Nolan 0-1. Subs used Evan Whearty, Stephen Quinlan 1-0, Ciarán Prendergast 0-1, Alan Coleman 0-1. MINOR HURLING The Clara minors were beaten for the first time on Monday of last week when they made the short journey to Larchfield to take on championship favourites James Stephens. As luck would have it the Village men welcomed back five of their six county minors for this fixture so Clara were always going to be up against it.Nonetheless the Clara boys were very competitive in the first half, after which they trailed 0-9 to 0-4. They had missed a penalty and Village goalie Daniel Power had made a brilliant smothering save from Joe Power, so with a little luck Clara could have been much closer. Clara closed the gap when they hit two of the first three points of the second half through Sean Carrigan and Conor Hoyne. Then the wheels fell off and the Village hit 13 unanswered points in a row to seal their victory. Clara never conceded a goal but still suffered a heavy 0-25 to 0-8 defeat. Next up for them is Dunnamaggin at home. Team - Luke Lawlor, Alex McDonald, Ben Crow, James Cody. Philip Carrigan, Zach Lawlor, Ben Murphy. Conor Hoyne 0-5, 0-2f, Hugh Kelly. Ned Langton 0-2, Sean Carrigan, Harry Boyle. Tommy Delaney, David Barcoe, Joe Power 0-1. Subs used Alex Firbank, Eoin Corr. Daniel Ryan, Bill Kealy, Tom Boyle, Sean Byrne, Tom Murphy, Conor Galvin, Orí Phelan, John Bergin. U15 Clara played their first Roinn A league match at home to St. Patrick’s Ballyraggett last Wednesday evening. They were the better team from the start but some wayward shooting in the first half enabled Ballyraggett to stay just three points adrift at the break. However that all changed in the second half as Clara found their scoring touch and powered home to a 5-18 to 0-9 win. Orí Phelan was very assured in goals. The all first cousin full back line of Tom Murphy, James Cody and Daniel Murphy gave him great protection and kept Ballyraggett goal chances to the minimum. Conor Galvin and Daniel Ryan were solid wing backs while Hugh Kelly thundered forward at every opportunity. Luke Lawlor and Eoin Corr laid the platform for their forwards to avail of numerous scoring chances. While David Barcoe and Joe Power took most of the scoring honours up front everybody got on the scoresheet. Sean Byrne worked extremely hard at right half forward. Young Padraic Meany on the other wing looks like a real hurler in the making. His vision and unselfishness really stood out. Bill Kealy was very busy and John Bergin took his goal really well. Overall it was a fine display from a very well balanced outfit. Team - Orí Phelan, Daniel Murphy, James Cody, Tom Murphy. Conor Galvin, Hugh Kelly, Daniel Ryan. Luke Lawlor, Eoin Corr. Sean Byrne, David Barcoe, Padraic Meany. Bill Kealy, Joe Power, John Bergin. Subs used Tom Boyle, Darragh Kenny, Peter Firbank, Lucas Healy. CAMOGIE Well done to Emma Corr who came on in the first half for Kilkenny Minor B team as they defeated Laois in the Leinster B final in Nowlan Park at the weekend. Also congrats to Laoise Nolan, Rachel Whelan and Emma Shortall who all played for Kilkenny Minor A team as they trounced Dublin in the Leinster final at Palmerstown on Sunday Emma scored 2-1 on the day. Hard luck to Clara senior team who lost their opening league encounter 6-10 to 1-11 on Sunday away to Windgap. This was a tough opening game under new manager Peter “Chap” Cleere and they were short a number of regulars so hopefully results will improve as the year goes on. SQUASH The Home Internationals took place in Galway Lawn Tennis/Squash Club last week. Local lad Pat Morrissey represented Ireland in the over 40s. Friday night they played Scotland and Ireland won 5-0. On Saturday morning they played Wales and won 5-0, then unfortunately lost the final round to England on a 4-1 score. Ireland had a great strong team of Keith Moran from Sligo no 1, Kevin Knox from Waterford No 2, Pat Morrissey, Freshford No3, Ronan Peyton from Dublin, No 4. Neil Pollack from Belfast No5, Brian Butler from Dublin No 5. They enjoyed a Great Weekend getting back into big competitions and Pat and the team would like to thank Damien Lennon THM for the Team sponsorship. In The Munster Junior Invitational at Thurles at the weekend, young local boy Nathan Walsh from Freshford finished 3rd Overall in a great competition. Well done Nathan. TOM HONOURED A special tribute was paid to well known local character Tom Hayes Ard Lalchtain in the Community Hall on Wednesday evening of last week. There was a big attendance and some well known characters and visitors attended. The event reflected on Tom’s involvement in the community over the years. Tom was elected Lord Mayor of Freshford a few years ago as a fund raiser. MC for the evening was John Maher and he read details of Toms life and involvement and family photos were shared and some special guests were there to speak about Tom and pay their tributes including school friends, classmates, his employers, referees and umpires whom he worked with over many years, Chairperson of Irish Coursing Club and GAA Circles with former GAA President Nicky Brennan also in attendance. Messages were also sent from the Sisters of Prague House where Tom spent many years selling tickets and helping to raise funds for

same. Also special message via web cam were sent from his friends in Dungiven GAA club. Donal Heaphy and Paddy Butler gave a rendering of Tullaroan Victory Ball and also songs from John Guinan and Michael Rafter. Tom joined the singers in the final rendering of “the Rose of Mooncoin”. Tom received many gifts and tokens on the evening and thanked everyone for the lovely evening and finished by saying “he really didn’t know anything about it “, this time around. He is wished many years of happy retirement and good health. FLEADH CEOIL Kilkenny County Fleadh Ceoil took place in Freshford last weekend from Friday 22nd April to Sunday 24th. It started on Friday evening with Ceili with Rise the Dust in the Community Hall followed by a brillant Kitchen Session in Kavanagh’s with musicians from all over and singers all participating and some locals also, including well known harpist Mary Kelly. On Saturday there were free workshops in Dance and Music in the Community Centre and later on Irish Entertainment show with Ceoiltoiri Kilkenny and Guests at St.Lachtains Church of Ireland followed by session in Farrells . On Sunday there was live entertainment on the green from 12 noon with lovely music from the Ballycallan Fife and Drum band followed by music provided by Rathdowney man Johnny Keegan and later on members of the Abbeyfolk group. There was also music, dance, song and storytelling in Freshford Community Centre and St.Lachtains Church of Ireland. The weather was very favourable and people enjoyed a great weekend of entertainment. IONAD LACHTAIN ARTS AND CRAFT The committee announced recently that the centre will be open at weekends from March 25th onwards. Opening times are 11.30am to 4.30pm every Saturday and Sunday. While visiting, take time to view the Prendergast (nursing) and Barnaville (print) Collections in the museum. The displays include a famine pot and a unique Freshford Cavalry medal dating from 1796. The craft shop has also been updated and a wide selection of local crafts is available to purchase including knitted garments and toys, wood turning, paintings, soaps and local literature. All your gifts can be delivered in Freshford souvenir bags with an accompanying Freshford souvenir greeting card. You will find a gift to suit most occasions at the craft shop. DEATH The death occurred last weekend at Archersrath Nursing home of Tim Fogarty late of Blackwood, Freshford and Prague House. The deceased who was in his 90s was well known and respected in the area. He was predeceased by his brother Ned and sister Nora Mackey. Funeral mass took place in Clontubrid Church on Monday morning last followed by burial in Rathbeagh Cemetery. He is mourned by his nephews, nieces, and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended. SPLIT THE POT The weekly split the pot draw took place on Wednesday last week and the winner was Mary Burke who won €117. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. The draw is held each Wednesday and boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanaghs Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls & Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. This month’s proceeds are going to Freshford Community Café. The Committee would ask you to Please support this fund raiser. CAFE Work is continuing presently on Freshford’s new Community Café at Buncrussia Street Freshford and the volunteers are making great progress and the subcommittee are most grateful for all the very generous donations of building materials from local families and businesses and greatly appreciate all the materials, time, labour, advice that has been given They say that they are well on their way to having a fabulous community café by the community and for the community. If anyone would like to donate items or give their time or expertise they would be most welcome SOCCER Freshford Town had no games last weekend. The Junior side were defeated by table toppers St.Canices in their last outing and have just one more game left in the league now. There were no games in the schoolboys section last weekend either. Best of luck is wished to Freshford U10 boys and their management on Saturday morning next when they play Freebooters in the semi final of the cup The training sessions for U8s are recommencing on this Saturday after the Easter break and will continue each Saturday morning (weather permitting). Coaches are on their Easter break at present and will resume when the kids return to school each Saturday from 12noon to 1pm at the Sportsfield at Woodview. All boys from 5-8 are most welcome to come along and join in BACK TO NORWAY Returning back to Norway last week after a holiday in Freshford were the Dunne family of Buncrussia Street. Bjorg and her family are regular visitors to Freshford. SPRING SERIES OF TALKS Threecastles Community Hall Committee are at present holding their Spring Series of informative talks and Coffee morning as well as a” movie” night. The series consists of three talks, a Coffee morning and one “movie” night. The Committee are hoping that local people as well as the public from Kilkenny City and County will come along to our Community Hall, Tulla Road, to hear very interesting information as well as being able to catch up with friends and neighbours and be entertained at the “Movie” night. The first talk titled – “Fire Safety in the Home” took place on Wednesday 30th March This talk was given by Jason Bowden, Station Officer, and other members of the Freshford Fire Brigade and was very informative for all of us to stay safe at home. “Waste and Recycling at Home” is the second talk and will be given by Bernadette Moloney, Environment Awareness Officer, Kilkenny County Council. We are all probably recycling but we can always learn how to manage our waste and recycle better. “Magical Memories at the Movies” is next. This will be a night to remember as the renowned videographer Tommy Butler, from Freshford, will show hours of footage from events, hurling matches, shows, school pantos and lots more which he has recorded over years and years. You will enjoy recognizing familiar faces and reliving

Ireland over forty squash team memorable events. (This is the only event that will have a charge of 5euro.) “Easter Social Coffee Morning” is next in the serioes. This is a chance for everyone to enjoy a chat and a cuppa in our Community Hall. We will also have a raffle so you might even go home with a prize!! “Discovering the Archaeology of Threecastles” is the third talk and this will be given by widely acclaimed archaeologist Coilin O Drisceoill, on Wednesday 11th May at 8pm. Coilin has vast experience in successful “digs” both locally and nationally. Everyone is welcome to come along to one or all of these events. Refreshments will be provided at each of the talks and “movie” night. We would love to see you there and be sure to let other people know about our Spring Series. For further information contact Brenda Cooper Phone 0871369253 COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford /Threecastles Community Alert group held their AGM recently .This was their first AGM since Covid restrictions were enforced and the attendance was small due to numbers still been quite high. The following officers were elected for the forthcoming year; Chairman – John Bergin, Secretary – Jacinta Power, Treasurer – Mick Cormack PRO – Anna Morrissey Anyone wishing to join the text alert scheme or have a personal alarm installed should contact any of the above Committee. It is 10 euro per phone number. New members are always very welcome. The group wish to thank everyone who has joined for their continued support. Please contact any of the committee members to discuss, John Bergin 0862592535, Jacinta Power 0877658672, Mick Cormack 0863535293 or Anna Morrissey 0858277965. GAA St.Lachtains Junior F team continued their winning start to the campaign with a win on Sunday evening last over Blacks and Whites in Freshford. James Maher and Darren Brennan were part of the successful Kilkenny team on Saturday when they defeated Laois in the 2nd round of the championship. St.Lachtains Minor hurlers take on Dicksboro on Thursday evening at 7.00 in Freshford. The Intermediate side are out against Thomastown on Saturday at 6.30pm in Thomastown The U1 s face Tullogher on Wednesday next 4th May in Freshford. PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be held from 9th to 13th May 2022. Staying at 4 star Hotel Astrid the trip costd €645 pps – single room supplement payable. Accompanied by spiritual director. Includes return direct flights from Dublin to Tarbes, coach transfers breakfast lunch and dinner each day, full religious programme, services of a Marian pilgrimage guide, mass daily and spiritual activities, all taxes and travel insurance. For more details contact C.Flynn on 089 4638769. MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808 . SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8p m) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

DUNNAMAGGIN GAA Feile Finalists. Well done to the Dunnamaggin U15 Hurlers who reached the Division 1 Feile final recently. The group stages were held in Piltown and a very good game saw Dunnamaggin overcome the hosts in the later stages of these 15min aside games. Next up it was neighbours Carrickshock and in a very close game it ended all square. These results put Dunnamaggin through to the semifinals in Dunmore where Clara were the opposition. In a very tough game Dunnamaggin came out winners to put them up against city side James Stephens in the Final. James Stephens got off to a strong start and maintained that lead for the remainder of the game to be crowned Champions. A super achievement from our lads to reach the Division 1 Final and they showed some super hurling throughout the 4 games they played. Well done to all involved. EASTER HAMPER WINNERS Congratulations to Maggie Harrison of Burgees Court who won Bobs Easter Hamper. Thanks to all who supported the raffle €200 was raised for the Dunnamaggin GAA Ukrainian appeal. HELP NEEDED Our Ukrainian family are now settling into the Parochial House in Dunnamaggin. We are looking for volunteers who would be in a position to give lifts every now and then to support the family. The family are very grateful for the support and kindness already shown to them. If you are in a position to assist in any way, please contact Anne on 087 2766427 ASAP KILMOGANNY BRIDGE CLUB Results for 20/04/2022: 1st: Mary Delany and Margaret Dunne. 2nd: Mary Lonergan and Kathleen O’Shea. Bridge is every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny. All welcome. LOCAL LOTTO Results for April 18th 2022 - Winning Numbers : 19,24,28. No Winner.Winners for the Draw for 5 x € 30. Peter Moran ( Pete’s),Ciara McCormack ( Pete’s ), Mgt Cummins ( Jimmy McCormack ), May Cuddihy ( Breda Smyth ), Lorraine Walsh ( Marie Kelly ) Jackpot next week € 1,600 (April 25th) Draw in Delaney’s Kells at 9pm all welcome. DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES FC Starting this Tuesday there’s 10 weeks to SUMMER HOLS so let’s get FIT for summer together and have lots of FUN along the way! Join us Tuesdays at 8pm. NO EXPERIENCE required at all…we get new players every season with no previous football or any team sport experience. The only requirement is that you are aged 25 years up, we have ladies in their twenties, thirties and forties playing and all fitness and ability levels are well catered for. Any queries contact Eléna on 0877691174 MARKETS AT MADGE’S GARDEN Dates for your diary, the last Sunday of every month from May until October inclusive and then our fourth annual Christmas Market on December 4th. May 29th – Flower Theme: June 26th– Mid Summer Theme: July 31st– Fairy Village Theme (celebrating 1 year of Slí na nAingeal): August 28th – Vintage Theme (Best Dressed Competition – Afternoon Tea Tent): Sept 25th – Harvest Theme (Scarecrow Competition – Apple Pressing): Oct 30th – Halloween Theme (Get your scare on!): Dec 4th-4th Annual Christmas Market with Santa. At Every Market Pop Up Café – Eamo’s BBQ – Food & Craft Stalls – Competitions – Raffles – FUN for all the FAMILY DROICHEAD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Droichead Family Resource Centre on West Street in Callan has a Fully Funded Part Time Course starting in September 2022 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-12.30pm. If you are interested in Healthcare and would like a QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Qualification, contact Back to Education Initiative on (056) 7701020 or email btei@ kkadulted.ie for more information. Droichead Family Resource Centre will hold a coffee morning on Friday 29th April from 10am-12pm for Go Purple Day. Go Purple Day is a joint initiative between an Garda Siochana and domestic abuse services nationwide, to raise awareness about domestic abuse and support local services. Wear purple to show support and raise awareness for domestic abuse and join us for a cuppa. All monies raised will go to Amber Women’s Refuge in Kilkenny. Would you like to volunteer? Fáilte Isteach is a national project providing free conversational English classes for migrants. We are currently recruiting for volunteer language tutors in Droichead Family

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes before the Conahy Men restored parity with a point. 0-15 to 1-12. Substitutes Padraig Naddy and Ciaran Byrne with superb points from play - both from long distance - regained the lead (0-17 to 1-12), while defensively they had to be strong over the final 10 minutes as Conahy Shamrocks came forward in their droves. However, they stood strong as they defended with vigorous tenacity, particularly Charlie Brennan who was excellent throughout. The result rounded off a most perfect weekend for Young Irelands with all 6 teams in action winning. UNDERAGE WRAP- UP As part of a most perfect weekend for Young Irelands, all 4 Juvenile Teams in action were also successful. The U-13s got their year off to a winning start easing to a 5-6 to 0-4 win against Rower-Inistioge, On Saturday Evening, the U-13 13-A-Side Team won 4-5 to 1-3 away to Mooncoin, while on Sunday Afternoon the U-15 13-A-Side Team won 4-4 to 2-8 against Erins Own Castlecomer. On Monday Evening, the Young Irelands Minor travelled to Tullogher to play last year’s County finalists Tullogher-Rosbercon at 7pm looking to make it 4 wins on the trot, while (Wednesday) also at 7pm, the U-15 Hurlers get their League campaign underway at home to Carrickshock. CAREY IMPRESSES Carey impresses as cats make it two from two. His Dad DJ was no stranger to goals, and in TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar, Mikey Carey grabbed his first Inter-County goal as Kilkenny eventually eased to a 5-23 to 1-19 away over a gallant Westmeath outfit. Kilkenny surprisingly struggled early on, and they trailed 0-10 to 0-6 at the end of the opening quarter, before a Mikey Carey goal led the revival as Kilkenny led 1-12 to 0-12 at the interval. Kilkenny dominated the Second Half with four further goals - Three goals coming inside the final quarter - as they strolled to a 16-point victory. He played another 70 minutes as Kilkenny eased to a 2-34 to 1-14 win against Laois in Round 2 of the Round Robin stage of the Leinster Championship. Attention now turns to the big clash in Salthill this weekend. CAMOGIE WRAP-UP On Easter Saturday Night, The Kilkenny Senior Camogie Squad received their Medals at the Springhill Hotel for winning the 2020 All Ireland Final and 2021 League Final with Young Irelands Players Tiffany and Stephanie Fitzgerald and Ciara O’Keeffe part of the victorious panels. Meanwhile, the Young Irelands Intermediate Panel played the Tipperary Intermediates in a Challenge game on Good Friday night in Gowran that was well contested between both Teams. Finally, there was disappointment for the Young Irelands Senior Team last Friday Night as they lost 4-13 to 0-4 away to Dicksboro.

Maggie Harrison Easter Hamper winner from Bob’s shop Resource Centre, no experience necessary as full training and all materials provided. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Carmel on (083) 2098069 or email familysupport@ droicheadfrc.ie Want to know what is happening at Droichead Family Resource Centre? Text “what’s on “to (085) 8564950 or (083) 2098069 to be added to our What’s On at Droichead FRC WhatsApp Group. You can also follow Droichead FRC on Facebook or Instagram or give us a call on (056) 7755660 to keep up to date with all the services, supports and community groups available at Droichead. KILKENNY AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY GATHERINGS Kilkenny Age Friendly Older Peoples Council would like to hear from you. It is important that we hear the voice of all older people throughout the county and to ensure that we are doing so we are holding a number of Age Friendly Community Gatherings where we invite older people to come along and let us know what they see as the issues that are relevant and important to them. These Community Gatherings will be run at the following locations and dates: Urlingford FRC 6th May 2022. Ferrybank Community Centre. 20th May 2022 Castlecomer Community Hall. 15th June 2022. Mullinavat Community Centre. 30th June 2022. Graiguenamanagh Hub. July 2022 tbc Please come along and bring some friends. It will start with Registration Tea/Coffee at 9.15 and finishing at 12.30/1pm. If you would like further information please email agefriendlycounty@gmail.com or text 0876210589. GOWRAN PARK Racing takes place on Wednesday, 4th May. Tickets now available online, www.gowranpark.ie GOWRAN ATHLETIC CLUB A huge congratulations to Michelle Ryan who received a club recognition award from the Kilkenny Athletics County Board. Michelle has done so much work on many aspects for the Gowran Athletic Club from PRO, Spond, Website, Coaching, Organising teams, Event management, Gear, Committee work and more. THE KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED The festival is taking place on Sunday, 21st August. Tickets available online, www.gowranpark.ie

DOG FUNDRAISER Gowran GAA will hold a fundraiser on Sunday, 29th May at Kilkenny Greyhound Track. SPORTS ROUND- UP MICHAEL O’LEARY JUNIORS Juniors impressively get league campaign off to winning start. Young Irelands 2-14 O’Loughlin Gaels 0-12 A magnificent Performance saw the Young Irelands Junior A Hurling Team get their League campaign off to a winning start, as they accomplished the challenge of O’Loughlin Gaels in Gowran on Friday night. The outstanding Chris Nolan and the trojan working Padraig Naddy were both superb in the half-forward line, while last year’s Jimmy Lennon and Tommy Phelan excelled greatly in Midfield. The Gowran Men totally dominated throughout the third quarter as they scored 1-7 without reply. The goal scored in the 42nd minute was a superb team move.Great work down the left flank in the 42nd minute involving Sean Kehoe saw the ball recycled. as Jimmy Lennon raced forward towards goal. With the easy option of a point on offer, Jimmy opted to gamble and put himself in a position to shoot for goal.The gamble paid dividends as he struck a superb shot that proved unstoppable. That goal put Young Irelands 2-11 to 0-9 ahead, and they maintained control afterwards having 8 points to spare at Full-Time. JUNIOR F Storming fightback as juniors win to complete perfect weekend for club Junior F League Round 2. Young Irelands Gowran 0-19. Conahy Shamrocks 1-13 Player-Manager Thomas Drennan was the catalyst for the Young Irelands Junior F Teams storming fightback on Sunday Evening in Gowran, as they overturned a 9-point deficit into victory to complete the most perfect weekend as all Six Teams representing the Club were victorious - 2 Junior and 2 U-13 Teams along with U-15 13-A-Side and Minor B Teams Playing with a strong wind advantage during the first-half on a sunny but strongly windswept evening, Conahy Shamrocks led 1-10 to 0-4 at half-time, but the Gowran Men were hurling well enough in the first-half to suggest a comeback might be possible and that’s exactly what transpired. They added 0-5 without reply in the first 5 minutes of the Second-Half, with the Young Irelands Player-Manager pointing on four occasions. 1-10 to 0-9. Conahy Shamrocks steadied the ship with a point from play in the 37th minute, before Young Irelands took control once again with 6 points in 7 minutes between the 38th and 45th minutes to take the outright lead. 0-15 to 1-11 David Holland was becoming an increasing prominent figure throughout the Second Half and he pointed from both play and frees,

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results April 25th. Nos: 28,32,6,7Jackpot: €9,250– not won Draw Prizes – €50: Dinny and Mags c/o Deirdre O’ Reilly . €25 each Gabrielle Power c/o Online. €25 each Mary Kelly c/o P and J Cody. €25 each Bridget Tynan c/o Online. Co op draw ticket Pat Noonan c/o Rita Long. Promotors prize Paddy Maher. New weeks draw €9,400 29th of April JUNIOR A Our Junior A hurlers had a great win Sunday morning in Ballyragget against St Patricks. 3-14 to 2-13. MINOR HURLING Dicksboro Minor team had a great win on Monday evening in the league against Danesfort. U15 HURLING Dicksboro B U15 team had a great battle on Sunday morning versus Burren Rangers losing by the narrowest of margins. U13 HURLING Dicksboro U13 team had a great win on Friday evening against city neighbours O Loughlin Gaels in James Park. CLUB REGISTERATION Many thanks to all those who have registered to date. The closing date for registration this year of March 31st has passed, all members must be registered now to take to the field. Registration is available through the membership option on ClubZap and a phased payment option is available. Any members who are having difficulty paying online can contact a member from the executive to arrange a cash payment facility. Many thanks. PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE REOPENS Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is reopened Thursday from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners cards table. We are offering a particular welcome to all of our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat.We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee and all the usuals. SEAN TREACY A valued and loyal member of our parish community in the person of Sean Treacy has entered eternal life. His profession in life was banking and, on his retirement,,both he and his late wife Ruth settled in a new house in Corstown, Ballycallan. Sean was instrumental in forming a branch of Active Retirement Ireland in Ballycallan. Many elderly people were happy to be part of this organisation and always looked forward to the meetings. Sean was active in the spiritual life of the parish. He took part in the various celebrations which took place from time to time in St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycallan. His requiem mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. Our sympathy is expressed to his children, relatives and many friends. Ár dheis Dé go raibh a Anam Dílis. PADDY PURCELL The late Paddy Purcell was an active and popular member of our parish community. He lived all his life in Ballykeeffe, Kilmanagh. Farming was Paddy’s profession in life, which undoubtedly with hard work, skill and dedication brought him success in all that he accomplished. He was a staunch member of the committee of Avonmore

Creamery, Kilmanagh (now Glanbia). Addy was always there to speak for the needs of his fellow farmers. He was a loyal member of St. Molua’s Church, Killaloe and attended many of the celebrations which took place there. The attendance on both occasions of his obsequies bore testimony to the esteem with which he was held by al who knew him. His requiem mass was celebrated in St. Molua’s Church, Killaloe by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. and burial afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. He is predeceased by his wife Maureen, sister Mai, brothers Nicholas and Philip, sister in law Daisy. Sympathy is expressed to his daughters Cathriona and Mary sons Philip and Pat, grandchildren, son in law Michael, sister in law Phil, relatives and friends. JOHN MAHER A well known member of our community, John Maher, has recently entered eternal life. John was born in Ballough, Kilmanagh and moved to Brittas following his marriage. He worked most of his life as a farm labourer on the late Jackie Baker’s farm near the bridge in Kilmanagh (where Corrigan’s farm is now located). In his younger years, he loved his card games in both hostelries in the parish. His other hobbies included hunting, fishing and gardening. He could grow anything in the garden and was well known for sharing his plants and produce with many neighbours and friends in our parish community. His requiem mass was celebrated in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Kilmanagh by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. and burial took place afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery in Ballykeeffe. John is predeceased by his wife Nellie, grandson David and son in law Ultan. Sympathy is expressed to his daughters Esther, Ann and Eileen, sons Michael, Willie and Francis, sister Brigid, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Ár dheis Dé go raibh a Anam Dílis. MOUNT CARMEL DRAW RESULTS FOR MARCH €200 Orlaith Moore, Minauns; €100 Michael Murphy, Kells; €30 each to Ray Hackett, Bridge Street; Imelda Moore, Dunnamaggin; Stephen Brennan c/o M.C.; Nigel Borrington, Clonkil; Philip Walsh, Modeshill; M.J. Denny, Skeaugh; Paul Robinson, Ballycloven; Fay Ryan, Ballymack; Donal O’Grady, Westcourt and Helen Clarke, Ashbrooke. Promoters’ prizes went to Eddie Kennedy, Margaret Ryan and Frank McKenna. WEEKLY MASS TIMES Monday 7pm Killaloe; Tuesday 10am Kilmanagh; No Mass on Wednesdays; Thursday 7pm Ballycallan; Friday 10am Kilmanagh; Saturday 6.30pm Kilmanagh and Online; Sunday 9am Killaloe and 10.15am Ballycallan. ST. BRIGID’S COLLEGE, CALLAN To mark the closing of the college this summer, you are invited to mark the occasion on May 1st from 2pm to 5pm, commencing with mass in the school gym at 2pm followed by other activities. All are welcome to attend. CEMETERY MASS It is proposed to hold the cemetery mass in Ballykeeffe cemetery on Sunday 29th May at 7pm. BEGINNERS YOGA Beginners Yoga with Body Scan Meditation at Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh on Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:00pm starting on April 28th or Fridays from 9:30am to 11:00am starting on 29th April. Places are filling up fast. If interested text your name and class choice (Thursday or Friday) to 083 207 4358. Total cost for 6 weeks is €30. 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. CALLAN GOLF CLUB As the good weather returned over the weekend the course is really starting to show perfect conditions leading into the summer. The good weather also saw the return of our Juniors back in competition. Their progress and results will be posted as the summer months go forward. Our Senior Cup team were the first team out to represent the club this year against Kilkenny Golf Club who found themselves victorious, well done all involved and best of luck to Kilkenny in the next round. The club bar and restaurant will have music on Sunday the 30th of April from 12 noon and Monday the 1st of May from 9pm, all are welcome. MEN’S RESULTS Overall Winner - Luke Fitzpatrick (17) 46 points. Overall Runner-up Liam Rafter (09) 39 points (countback). Best Gross - Ross Holden (01) 37 points. Overall 3rd - Tommy Kilbane (19) 39 points. LADIES RESULTS Tue 19th April 18 Hole S/F. 1st Bridget Holohan (29) 35pts. 2nd Marian Butler (26) 35 pts c/b. 9 Hole, Mary O’Hanlon (15) 18pts. Geraldine O’Sullivan (14) 17pts Senior Ladies Thurs 21st 12 Hole S/F. 1. Mary Manning 28pts. 2. Patsy Murphy 27pts. 3. Ena Kennedy 26pts. 4. Maura Holden 25pts. 5. Ailish Carey 23pts Captain John Ryan’s Prize to the Ladies will be held on May 2nd Book online. PLAY IN PINK On Friday May 20th Callan Ladies will hold their P.I.P. day which has proved a very popular event these past two years.The event is in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. Format: 4 Ball Better Ball.Ladies and Gents - any combination. Dress Code: Pink ( at least a pop of pink). Entry Fee 10 euro. Booking online www.callangolfclub.net or call 056-7725136 Lots of good prizes to be won. Special prize for Best Dressed GET INTO GOLF Twenty ladies gathered in the clubhouse on Monday last for the introduction of the G.I.G. programme. The programme is under the management of Vice Captain Claire Henriques . There was a very enthusiastic atmosphere at the 19th hole, where the ladies voiced that they can’t wait now to hit the fairways on Tuesday evenings.

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

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

Feature A touch of the masters hand’... James Kelly puts the finishing touches to the Mac Carthy Cup

ecently, Community Radio Kilkenny City, premiered a specially specially commissioned piece by Barrie Henriques, delving into the story of the Liam Mac Carthy cup. Broadcast in thirtyminute segments, over four consecutive nights, the author followed a unique path and told the story through the eyes of the cup itself. To deliver this inventive concept, CRKC utilised the in-house talent to direct produce and broadcast the programme. The major acting roles were entrusted to Lake Productions duo, Derek Dooley as the intrepid reporter, and Ger Cody as Liam Mac Carthy. Prior to broadcast, hurling aficionados, well versed in GAA lore, wondered if this

play could deliver any new insights to the Liam Mac Carthy story. Presumptions received a rude awakening. Enthusiasts were amazed by the detailed discovery of previously unexplored information. From its beginning in the depths of The Andes mountains to its presentation a few months ago , the Liam Mac Carthy Cup has enjoyed a hectic Grand Prix lifestyle. The author has traversed every step of that exciting road to reveal the complexities and facts that surround the iconic trophy. It was a delight to listen to James Mary Kelly, the Kilkenny silversmith who crafted the cup. He spoke enthusiastically about the contract negotiations and regaled us with stories of the many visitors who came to his

The Liam Mac Carthy cup holds a revered place in the heart of Ireland’s sporting culture (Photo Pat Shortall)

Community Radio and Lake

The Liam Mac Father and son team: James Kelly of JMK studio at the Design Centre passes on some words of wisdom to his son Niall. (jbs photos)

Danesfort man Derek Dooley who interviewed James Kelly for the Community radio Documentary on The making of the Mac Carthy cup. Also in the photo, Mick Cummins, sound technician with Community radio.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Feature

The ‘Docu-drama’ on The Liam Mac Carthy cup was compiled and produced by Community Radio Kilkenny city in conjunction with Lake Productions. Photo: from left: Pat Treacy (sports department CRKC), Declan Gibbons, Community radio manager, Mick Cummins, sound engineer, Barry Henriques, author , Ger Cody , Lake Productions and Derek Dooley Lake productions. Photo: Pat Shortall

Production join forces to produce

Carthy story

works in the Castle Yard. For many, handling the Mac Carthy Cup was an emotional experience that brought tears of joy. James recounted the role of former GAA president Nickey Brennan , who was integral to the contract deliberations. With commendable foresight , Nickey ordered two Mac Carthy Cups, one specifically for ceremonial purposes. The silversmith revealed another interesting fact : Des Byrne, who crafted the Sam Maguire Cup, was also based in the Castle Yard, Kilkenny. And so, the Liam Mac Carthy story evolved, taking on a life of its own Beginning with Liam Fennelly from Ballyhale Shamrocks , the only man to receive the old and the new Mac Carthy Cups, right up to Declan Hannon who received the cup in 2021 on behalf of the Treaty County. In the interim, its annual presentation and homeward journey crisscrossed the country telling tales of sporting excellence and encompassing a plethora of raw emotional speeches, local songs and colourful anecdotes. The Liam Mac Carthy Cup holds a revered place in the heart of Ireland’s sporting culture and Barrie Henriques distinctive touch

add further lustre to the accumulated glory. This co-production between Community Radio Kilkenny City and Lake Productions resonated with the audience and and proved an unqualified success. Afterwards, CRKC was inundated with complimentary phone calls and texts. Station manager Declan Gibbons, in lauding the drama, insisted the professionalism of the programme filled him with pride and that the production embellished the station’s community ethos. Programme Editor Mick Cummins was equally effusive as he acknowledged the encyclopaedic sporting knowledge of author Barrie Henriques . Thanking Ger Cody and Derek Dooley of Lake Productions, he maintained that their nuanced understanding brought the project to life. Finally, he had a special word of praise for Pat Treacy and his CRKC colleagues for their commitment and enthusiasm. On behalf of Lake Productions , Emily Kelly said they were “thrilled to be involved in such an innovative endeavour that brought so much enjoyment”

1904 Kilkenny CHAMPIONS Back: Dick Brennan, Dick ‘Droog’ Walsh, Eddie Doyle, Paddy ‘Icy’ Lanigan, John James Brennan, Martin Lalor, Jack Hoyne. Seated: Jim Dunne, Sim Walton, Pat Fielding, Dan Stapleton, Jer Doheny (captain), Jim Lalor, Jack Rochford, Pat ‘Fox’ Maher. Front: Dick Doyle, Pat Saunders. ( photo from ‘The Stripy men’ book by Joe Cody

1933 CHAMPIONS Back: Seán McCarthy (GAA President), Jimmy Walsh, Podge Byrne, John O’Farrell, Jimmy O’Connell, Lory Meagher, Fr Willie Brennan. Middle: Dick O’Sullivan, Eddie Byrne, Martin Power, Jim Dermody, Peter O’Reilly, Paddy Phelan, Tommy Leahy, Seán Gibbons (County Board Chairman), Mick Dalton (Trainer). Front: John Fitzpatrick, Jack Duggan, Paddy Larkin, Eddie Doyle (captain), Martin White, Tommy Grace, Mattie Power, Johnny Dunne ( photo from ‘The Stripy men’ book BY Joe Cody

kilkennyobserver.ie

Full membership for students and young people at The Watershed a social outlet and it’s an excellent source of information, advice and education regarding exercise and fitness which encourages good habits for overall health and wellbeing

What does it cost? Over 16s – Full Membership • 3 Months €115 • 6 Months €180 • 12 Months €275 Special Offer until June 30th 4 Months Membership for €145 Age 13, 14 and 15 years – Junior Membership 3 Months €99 – available until June 30th only • Proof of age and student status is required What does Student Full Membership include? • Access to Pool Complex • Access to Fitness Gym • Unlimited attendance at Watershed Fitness Classes • Full free Health and Fitness Assessment • Customised exercise programming, monitoring and reprogramming as often as necessary What does Junior Membership include? • Access to Pool Complex • Supervised gym access during Teen Gym Hours • Teen Gym classes once/ twice weekly Why attending regular sport and leisure activity at The Watershed is par-

ticularly beneficial for Students? Fitness benefits are not just physical, it can also give a boost to the self-esteem, help you feel better about yourself, give you more energy and help create a better study/social life balance. Benefits can also include a reduction in stress and improvement in sleep quality. It is also important for good heart health and fitness and aids muscle growth and bone density. It’s

Why The Watershed? • Pool complex - three swimming pools - a 25m Fina Standard 6 Lane Swimming Pool, a 5m Learner/Recovery Pool and a Toddler Fun Pool • 3,200 square foot bright, spacious, climate-controlled Gym environment with cardiovascular and strength training equipment plus a separate personal training area • Extensive class timetable of ‘live’ and ‘virtual’ classes taking place seven days a week including the world-famous Les Mills Body Pump • Other features include full disability access throughout centre, easy access with free parking, a coffee shop with a wide range of sports nutritional products, swimwear, swim accessories and sportswear available for purchase • Customer Service ethic which is second to none and one of the key reasons memberships are retained year on year - personal care and attention are given to each person who comes through the door

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Improve speed on the pitch EOIN EVERARD

THIS article is for our runners and hurlers who think just doing a lot of sprinting will make you fast. WRONG. Becoming quick is much more complex than that. We are training students to have degrees in strength and conditioning because there is so much science behind what you have to do to get quick, strong, powerful AND STAY HEALTHY. First step in getting you quicker, understand that speed does not come down to one thing. What stage of running are you struggling with? What do I mean? Well is it the first 10 metres that your man gets away from you, is it from 10 to 20 metres that other players are catching up or is it that your all out speed is not up to scratch? Maybe it’s all three!! I will answer how to work on all these questions (even if it is all 3). The first thing to recognise is that these 3 categories require different training to improve. Slow off the mark (0-10 metres): This requires that you work on acceleration. Off the mark speed is all about

FORCE. How much force can you push into the ground. How much force can your muscles generate. This requires that you get strong. Split squats, heavy squats and single leg deadlifts are good exercises to use here. The goal is to get your muscles to produce more force. Think about it like a car. This first stage is all about how much horse power you have. If you don’t have much horse power then it will be difficult to get your car to go fast. Maximum speed (10-20 metres): In a 100m sprint this is phase is longer but for a match example this is generally seen running 10 to 20 metres. This portion is not about strength, you should have good strength from the last phase. This phase is about power, which is the ability to use your strength quickly. Your foot is only on the ground for split seconds and so you need to be able to generate force quickly. Think about our car, we might have a lot of horse

power in the engine but if that horse power does not spin the wheels quickly then the car will not be that fast. To improve your power I recommend weighted squat jumps. Get into a squat position holding 2 10kg dumbbells, try jump as high as you can. Another great thing to do here is push a car (or sled at 12.5% your bodyweight if you have proper equipment) for 10 seconds. Both of these get you using the strength you have quickly. This will really improve your maximum speed capacity. Finally maintaining speed: This is about putting it all together. In this phase it is about being specific. You should not really use weights in this phase. Instead do lighter sled runs, try to bound across a pitch or do 10 single leg hops each side and then into a sprint. You need to teach your body how to use the new strength you have given it. In conclusion to improve your speed first you have to improve the capacity of the engine (maximum amount of strength you can generate). Then you have to improve the engine power output so that all the cylinders fire at once (generally through jumps with weight). Finally you need to make sure all the power from the engine converts to speed on the road. For more tips and training visit everardpilates.com

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Sherry Says Preview......

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship

Go West! Cody seeks third win at expense of Henry’s tribe

Pearse Stadium, Galway, Sunday 1st May Galway vs Kilkenny

HENRY has been expecting us. Yes, it is true – Kilkenny legend and son of Ballyhale, Henry Shefflin IS Galway manager. In this year’s Leinster championship, Galway have a win and a draw to their name. They started their campaign with an entertaining draw away to the Yellowbellies. In truth, they probably should have claimed maximum points in Chadwick’s Wexford Park, but Darragh Eagan’s charges made a comeback to claim a point. In last week’s outing they racked up a big total against The Lake County, a massive 3-36, with 13 tribesmen contributing to the total. Galway had an impressive 2-25 on the score board by half-time, and were never troubled. More pleasing for Shefflin will have been the spread of scorers in the rout of Westmeath. By minute 16, all six starting forwards had raised flags, along with their midfield pairing of David Burke and Cathal Mannion. Throw-in wing-back scorers Fintan Burke and Padraic Mannion, and you can see the sort of dilemma that faces Brian Cody and his backroom team ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend clash. Kilkenny probably won’t register 2-34 against the westerners, and Galway certainly won’t notch 3-36 on Sunday, but both these sides are capable of running up decent totals. The forward scoring power of the Cooney’s, Conor and Joe could again prove vital in Galway’s quest for victory along with that of Cianan Fahy and Brian Concannon. There’s no doubt that Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler and the rest of the Kilkenny defensive unit will be thoroughly tested at Pearse Stadium. This is exactly the sort of test that the Noresiders need at this point of the season. All the pundits are adamant that the winners of Liam McCarthy will come from Munster. It is down to the likes of Kilkenny & Sunday’s opponent’s Galway to throw down the

Adrian Mullen will be out to spoil Henry’s day

Eoin Murphy will look to stand firm

James Maher will be hoping to keep his place in the team

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters All pix: Danny Lahart

Eoin Cody will look to keep on scoring

Dynamic duo! Walter Walsh & Mikey Butler - ready to battle

Henry knows all about the damage TJ can do

Padraig Walsh will look to dominate

gauntlet to the ‘Invincibles’ of Limerick and the other pretenders, Waterford and Cork. One would imagine that this year’s captain Richie Reid will be itching to for a starting role and be hoping to inspire his team to victory over his former Ballyhale Shamrocks club mate and manager, Shefflin. So where do you play Richie Reid? Should we slot him in at midfield, or wingback? I think the undoubted class that Richie possesses will be a crucial tool as Kilkenny seek to go deeper into the championship season. Both James Maher and John Donnelly put in performances that warranted their starting roles last time out, and both will be hoping to get the nod in the west on Sunday. Both men got on the score sheet against Laois, but it was their all-round contribution that will have pleased their manager. Adrian Mullen will look to take his Nowlan Park performance into the battle with Galway, and his 6-point haul against the O’Moore County was a timely reminder of the Ballyhale players undoubted ability. Mullen’s battling qualities will certainly be required in Pearse Stadium, and as I have alluded to previously, Adrian’s ability to ‘mix it’ is something I’d want with me as you head into the trenches. The championship minutes that the manager has managed to get into TJ Reid against Laois, will stand him in good stead going forward. The understanding that TJ, Adrian Mullen and Eoin Cody have built up at club level is a serious asset for the county side. Eoin Cody registered 1-5 last week and is beginning to get his sharpness back in the black & amber. The half-forward line appears to be a tale of two Walsh’s. Both Padraig and Walter have been putting in solid performances throughout the season so far. The transformation from 6 to 11 has been seamless for the Tullaroan man, and his shooting has been exceptional. Walter has been getting through mountains of work and his strong running has caused many problems for opposition defences. His ability to break lines and power forward has opened up both scoring chances for himself and his team mates around him. Graigue-Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan was the only forward not to score in the opening period at Nowlan Park against Laois, and didn’t appear for the second half. Ryan has been in great form in county colours and will have better days ahead in the stripes of Kilkenny. Training will be interesting this week – the competition for places on this Kilkenny team is really hotting up. When you can look to the bench and spring the likes of Alan Murphy, Mossy Keoghan, and young Tom Phelan, everyone within the squad knows that nothing less than 100% is needed at every session. Let’s hope Codys’ Cats make it a hat-trick of wins in Leinster, in Connacht.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship UPMC Nowlan Park Kilkenny 2-34 Laois 1-14

IT’S two from two as Kilkenny prepare to head west next weekend for a catch-up with Henry. Brian Cody made four changes from the first-round win over the Lake County, with David Blanchfield, Cian Kenny, Alan Murphy and Mossy Keoghan making way for Conor Browne, James Maher, John Donnelly and TJ Reid all getting the nod for the home tie with Laois. Unlike proceedings in TEG Cusack Park, Kilkenny hit the ground running and found their groove as they set about dismantling Cheddar’s men. The O’Moore County side where somewhat unlucky in their opening round tie with Dublin, coming up just short, and no doubt their fans arrived at UPMC Nowlan Park expecting a hard, competitive game against the Cats. Points from Eoin Cody and one each from Walsh’s Padraig and Walter signaled the home sides intent. TJ’s first start of the season in the black and amber saw him get what was to be the first of ten points for the Shamrocks legend. Baile na Coille man Cha Dwyer got the visitors first two scores, but you could sense it was going to be a long afternoon for the Laois men, who were missing 5 or 6 key players on the day. Kilkenny’s latest attacking star, Padraig Walsh continued his impressive form and pointed to put his side three points ahead. James Keyes responded with a fine point as mid-landers looked to stay in touch, but another of the Ballyhale contingent, Adrian Mullen registered his first score of the day, after his club mate Eoin Cody blasted to the side netting, when a goal seemed inevitable. St Lachtains James Maher sent over a lovely point and this was followed by scores from the lively John Donnelly and a placed ball from TJ to extend the Cats lead to six. Shamrocks Eoin Cody then had his sides second goal chance of the day, but saw his effort thwarted by Laois net minder Enda Rowland. The pressure was building, those in attendance could sense a potential mauling. Laois centre-forward, Paddy Purcell then fired over a much-needed point for Cheddar’s men, but

TJ slotted over another free to restore his sides 6-point lead with 20 minutes on the clock. The Ballyhale men then went on a burst of scoring, Adrian Mullen and TJ Reid with a brace each and twice crowned Young Hurler of the Year, Eoin Cody pointing to leave the score 0-15 to 0-4 after just 26 minutes. The O’Moore County’s response was a pair of points from PJ Scully and midfielder Aidan Corby. The Cats now led by 9 points, but that soon become 13. Walter popped over a nice point. Then a lovely long delivery from O’Loughlin’s Paddy Deegan was collected by Eoin Cody who then beat a couple of Laois defenders, before blasting an unstoppable shot past Rowland in the visitor’s goal. The home crowd were enjoying the fare being served up by Cody’s Cats. TullogherRosbercon’s Walter Walsh struck over another good score and the powerhouse was having a good half, in term of both scoring and strong-running, creating space for others. Three further Kilkenny points arrived before the short whistle. TJ was first up, and shortly after both Thomastown’s John Donnelly and last year’s captain Adrian Mullen pointed to leave the half-time score line, Kilkenny 1-20, Laois 0-6. Kilkenny had been rampant in that opening half, but also managed to rack-up 12 wide’s in that period. Other than that stat, it was a pleasing first 35 minutes with only Billy Ryan the only forward who failed to score. Indeed, when Kilkenny emerged from the Nowlan Park changing rooms, GraigueBallycallan’s Ryan had been replaced by Tullaroan’s Shane Walsh. Laois would strike first in the second period, through PJ Scully, but Padraig Walsh pointed straight away to restore the 17-point lead. TJ, clearly reveling in the start, notched another point before Scully sent over a placed ball for the visitors. Eoin Cody fired over another point, as he put in his best performance for the county this year. While Laois were enjoying a little more possession in the 3rd quarter, a combination of strong Kilkenny defending and poor shooting ensured that the gap between the sides never reduced significantly. Such was the home sides dominance in the opening 50 minutes, Brian Cody was able to make some changes as the

Cats Un Laois-ed! Cheddar’s men mauled in Nowlan Park rout

Nice & kneesy Shane Walsh

Sharp Shooter! Eoin Cody hit 1-5 in the win

My Ball!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters All pix: Danny Lahart

Many hands Cody and Reid battle on

Rowland in the Laois goal. Four more points would follow for the Noresiders, two for TJ Reid, and one a piece from Padraig Walsh, his fourth of the game and a second of the day from James Maher. Laois managed to tag on a few more points, as the final score line read, Kilkenny 2-34, Laois 1-14.

Eyes wide shut! Walter get the block in

Paddy Deegan set up Eoin Cody’s goal

game progressed. Tom Phelan and captain Richie Reid were introduced for John Donnelly and Paddy Deegan respectively, as the manager tried to get some championship minutes into the squad. A brace from Eoin Cody and another point from Walter Walsh canceled out any response that Laois mustered. Conor Delaney was then sprung from the bench to give O’Loughlin’s Huw Lawlor a rest as Brian Cody sought to protect some of his players with tougher challenges ahead. Cheddar’s men give their travelling support something to cheer about, when on 57 minutes Paddy Purcell went on a weaving run before firing a shot past Eoin Murphy in the Kilkenny goal, to reduce the deficit to 17 points. Conahy Shamrocks

Tom Phelan then struck over a lovely point, before two from Adrian Mullen and another from TJ Reid added to the ever-increasing Cats scoring total. Darragh Corcoran then replaced Tommy Walsh just after the hour marker. Tom Phelan then got on the end of a lovely flowing team move, involving the influential Adrian Mullen and finished nicely beyond Enda

SCORERS - Kilkenny: TJ Reid 0-10 (7f ) E Cody 1-5 A Mullen 0-6 W. Walsh 0-4 T Phelan 1-1 P Walsh 0-4 J Donnelly 0-2 J Maher 0-2 SCORERS -Laois: P Purcell 1-2 (1f ) PJ Scully 0-4 (4f ) C Dwyer 0-3 J Keyes 0-1 A Corby 0-1 C McEvoy 0-1 R Mullaney 0-1 C Byrne 0-1 KILKENNY: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh; M Carey, P Deegan, C Browne; J Maher, A Mullen; W Walsh, P Walsh, J Donnelly; B Ryan, TJ Reid, E Cody. Subs: S Walsh for Ryan ht R. Reid for Deegan 49mins C Delaney for Lawlor 56mins D Corcoran for T Walsh 63mins Laois: E Rowland; D Hartnett, S Downey, F Fennell; R Mullaney, L O’Connell, C McEvoy; A Corby, J Kelly; C Dwyer, P Purcell, J Keyes; M Dowling, J Walsh, PJ Scully. Subs: C. Byrne for Walsh 43mins E Killeen for Corby 51mins B McGinley for Dowling 57mins P. Dunne for O’Connell and R. Murphy for Scully 70mins Referee: L Gordon (Galway)

>> SHERRY SAYS... 2 down, 3 to go. Westmeath and now Laois taken care off, both with relative ease. Following Laois’s decent performance against the Dubs, Cheddar was probably hoping for more of the same, but he would have been left very disappointed following this mauling at the hands of the Cats. Yes, Laois were missing a number of first team regulars, but as we know, the inter-county game is about more than 15 players. So, what of Brian Cody’s squad after this scoring fest? Well TJ is back. With a total of 0-10, he will have been happy with his scoring return against the O’Moore County. His Ballyhale comrades, Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen also kept the scoreboard operator busy, notching 1-5 and 0-6 respectively. Last year’s captain, Mullen will have been pleased with his allround performance. Adrian was getting on plenty of ball and proving very influential across all areas of the pitch. His club mate Eoin Cody was lively throughout, and on another day, could have had a hat-trick of goals. John Donnelly and James Maher will have given their manager plenty to think about as they plan for a little May Bank holiday trip to Galway. Both players scored a brace, and their overall contribution to Kilkenny’s victory won’t have gone unnoticed by their management team. The fact they we don’t have much to say about Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler and their defensive colleagues just shows how dominant the home side were throughout. Attention now turns to what could be the match of the season so far. Shefflin vs Cody. When the draw was made, this is the fixture that all Gaels looked for. Let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint – and that Cody’s Cats secure win number 3.

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

Motors Classifieds

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

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 087 2587745 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

JOE PARSONS GARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE • Hedge cutting • • Grass cutting • • Power washing • • Dry rubbish removal • • Tree pruning •

CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Classifieds Motors

FOR SALE

CONTACT THE KILKENNY OBSERVER OFFICE 056 7771463

BOOKS FOR SALE IN AID OF UKRAINE “CARRIGANS” THE HISTORY & ANTIGUITIES OF THE

DIOCESE OF OSSORY VOL 1 TO 4 Kilkenny through the centuries & some other books of Kilkenny interest. All donations to Ukraine. Phone: 051 - 832673

PUPS FOR SALE FOX TERRIER PUPS FOR SALE!

Advertise your Legal Notices/Licence Applications with us at The Kilkenny Observer.

Purebred 5 star pups fully registered with the Irish Kennel Club. Fully vaccinated, wormed Call: 056 7771463 / and microchipped. All 086 2395370 or email: certification available for sales@kilkennyobserver.ie for extremely competitive inspection. rates. Contact 087 - 6217114

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements.

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

News

Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Derek & Elayne McDonnell, intend to apply for permission for development at: Ballynamorahan & Ballincurragh, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny, X91 AD62. The development will consist of; a. Demolition of existing conservatory and rear two-storey projection of existing dwelling, b. Construction of new twostorey rear extension, c. Minor alterations to external appearance of existing dwelling, d. all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought for rear extension comprising split level lower ground floor and ground floor levels with external terracing, rear sunroom extension also to include elevation alterations comprising revised bay window extension to the front elevation, roof finish, widened road entrance and new pedestrian gate, internal alterations, boundary treatment, landscaping including all ancillary and associated works also Retention Permission sought for the demolition of the garage and rear extension at 33 Greenshill, 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. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Applicant: Martin and Irene Coughlan

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Eugene Doheny intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain as follows: 1. Existing storage sheds and gas cylinder cage 2. Existing storage containers 3. Existing open storage yard and all associated site works at Loughboy Industrial Estate, Loughboy, 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 We, Stephen Staunton & Kathleen Dowling, intend to apply for permission for a new storey-and-a-half dwelling, detached garage, vehicular entrance onto public road, wastewater treatment system, private well and all associated site works at Ballymartin, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 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) 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.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

Motoring

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

KATHLEEN SHORTT 8TH ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of my dear friend Kathleen, late of Ballybough Street who died on April 25th 2014. RIP We never knew that evening What the angels had in store They took from earth to heaven The friend that we adored God called your name so softly That only you could hear And no one heard the footsteps Of angels drawing near It broke our hearts to lose you But you did not go alone For part of us went with you The night God called you home Sadly missed & remembered always by your friend Marian.

The Miracle Prayer

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

The Miracle Prayer

St. Anthony Prayer,

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.R

The Miracle Prayer

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29 April 2022