TV & Streaming

e 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 ings and the Upside Down.

And yet, for all the super cial 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 ings.

What makes Outer Range the antithesis of so many science ction 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: “ ere 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 indi erence of the natural world.

Everything you need to know about Outer Range can be found in this idea: e complex events of the series don’t revolve around any kind of ‘chosen ones’ or destinies for heroes. e 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 Stranger ings 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 di erence is that Outer Range doesn’t romanticise or go out of its way to explain the massive time-space hole.

In Stranger ings — and a lot of science ction TV — unraveling the mystery of a sci- 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 di erent from the endless discussions of the Upside Down in Stranger ings.

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. ere’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. is last detail is crucial. So often discussions about big TV shows become con ated with what audience culture wants the show to do. Because Outer Range doesn’t have nostalgia-evoking aspirations like Stranger ings, 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 ings without it having to slavishly become some sort of homage to everything. As a piece of new science ction, 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- stories before. But because the characters seem self-contained in their actual reality, the show isn’t overly self-conscious about its independence, either. e time portal in Outer Range doesn’t care about the audience, and neither do the characters. is makes the series not only frightening, but it’s also the reason we can’t look away.

New Outer Range gripping sci-

Why Net ix is not looking good

Ne ix is cancelling multiple shows and movies after its recent subscriber and nancial problems.

According to e Wrap, the streaming giant has pulled the plug on numerous in-development Net ix shows. e company’s animation department has been hit hardest by the issues currently plaguing Net ix, which has su ered 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. e 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 subscribers since the start of 2022.

Even so, Net ix’s recent subscriber drop-o 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. e 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 nancial expansion over the past 12 months.

According to Bloomberg, Net ix 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 in uences on its sta – 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 e 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 Net ix series that have been dispensed with. Net ix movies including Bright 2, a sequel to the Will Smithstarring fantasy lm, 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 Net ix and Sony had pulled back on in- development Will Smith projects in the wake of the incident.

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to watch right now on Amazon

Amazon’s rst original young adult o ering is an intriguing combination of Lost and the Breakfast Club -- and it works. Crucially, the cast of characters who nd themselves stranded on a deserted island are all teenage girls. To them, that makes life even more excruciating. Each has a very di erent background -- from spoiled rich girl to Native American -- but they have to put aside their di erences to survive, learning a thing or two about themselves on the way. ings get even more dark and thrilling when Rachel Gri ths’ 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. e 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). e series takes an interesting angle, exploring the in uence of the Nazis and the German market on Hollywood politics in a world on the brink of war. e Last Tycoon is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last book, un nished and posthumously published.

If you like your fashion and historical drama, e 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 re 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.

is unique series uses the Rotoscoping animation technique to tell the story of a young woman who, after su ering 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.

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 hal ime 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 Kee e 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, a er 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 o and the Village hit 13 unanswered points in a row to seal their victory. Clara never conceded a goal but still su ered 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 adri 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 Ra er. Tom joined the singers in the final rendering of “the Rose of Mooncoin”. Tom received many gi s 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 cra shop has also been updated and a wide selection of local cra s is available to purchase including knitted garments and toys, wood turning, paintings, soaps and local literature. All your gi s can be delivered in Freshford souvenir bags with an accompanying Freshford souvenir greeting card. You will find a gi to suit most occasions at the cra 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 le 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 a er 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 a er 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 Co ee morning as well as a” movie” night. The series consists of three talks, a Co ee 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 O icer, 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 O icer, 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 memorable events. (This is the only event that will have a charge of 5euro.) “Easter Social Co ee 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 ra le 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 o icers 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 O icer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie

HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life di icult 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.

Ireland over forty squash team

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 o 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 ra le €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 li s 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 – A ernoon 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 & Cra Stalls – Competitions – Ra les – 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 co ee 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

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/Co ee 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 o 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 o 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 le 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 o er, 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 a erwards 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, 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 o 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 o 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 A ernoon 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 Ti any and Stephanie Fitzgerald and Ciara O’Kee e 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.

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 di iculty 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 o ering a particular welcome to all of our senior citizens members, it’s been a di icult 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 co ee 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 a erwards in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykee e. 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 Ballykee e, 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 a erwards in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykee e. 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 a erwards in St. Mary’s cemetery in Ballykee e. 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 Ballykee e 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 Ra er (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.