Bishop Coll’s visit to Tullaherin, Bennettsbridge

Bishop Niall Coll was given a real warm welcome on his rst visit to to Tullaherin/Bennettsbridge on Sunday last. e day began with a con-celebrated mass with Canon Pat Dalton and Canon Pat Duggan. Fr. Dalton welcomed Bishop Niall to St Bennett’s Church, expressing the wish that it would be the rst of many visits. e lessons were read by Lorraine Hennessy. Music throughout was provided by the combined choirs from Tullaherin, Bennettsbridge and Folk Choir. Deirdre, Laura and Billy performed some beautiful pieces. Afterwards, Bishop Niall mingled with parishioners in the Community Hall where refreshments were served by a very e cient band of women.

LOTTO

Lotto Results 20th June Numbers drawn - 13, 15, 30.No Jackpot winner.

€30 each to Billy Carrigan, Peter Nolan, Keith Connolly, Eddie Langton, Liz Mullen Kent.

Thanks to all for your support

SUPPORTERS CLUB

Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club. For anyone wishing to join or pay their membership renewal please contact Martin Nolan of Clara at 086-2343254. Thanks for the support.

SENIORS PIPPED

Clara senior hurlers were pipped by a point at home to O’Loughlins on Saturday evening. They trailed 1-12 to 1-11 at the break with Dara Glynn grabbing the goal. The second half started with three Clara points on the bounce through Paul Cody (free), Liam Ryan and Martin O Connell. O’Loughlins responded with two points before Eoin Wall broke through for a goal for the winners. A splendid Shane Staunton point was replied to before Eoin O Shea cantered in to goal again, thus giving O Loughlins a six point lead and putting them in firm control. They stretched that lead out to nine but Clara never threw in the towel and finished with a flurry of scores to reduce the deficit to a single point. A late John Murphy goal was instrumental in this and the same player was unlucky shortly beforehand with another goal bound e ort. 3-21 to 2-23 was how it ended. Clara will rue the number of wides that they shot and the scores they conceded needlessly through short puckouts going astray.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Killian Fitzgerald, Peter Nolan, Harry Boyle. Conor Cody, Shane Staunton 0-1, Jim Kehoe. Rory O Kee e, Paul Cody 0-8, 0-4f. Liam Ryan 0-3, Martin O Connell 0-6, Dara Glynn 1-1. Sean Carrigan, Chris Bolger 0-2, Rory Glynn. Subs Lester Ryan, David Langton 0-1f, John Murphy 1-1. JUNIORS

The Clara Junior hurlers were well beaten at home to Windgap on Tuesday of last week. Windgap were unlucky to lose last year’s county final and showed here that they will be contenders again this year. Rory Glynn opened the scoring for Clara from a free but this was the only time they led all day. Windgap then reeled o five in a row before Glynn scored again from a free. Rory added two more frees in the first half and Rory O Kee e scored Clara’s only point from play but Windgap led 0-15 to 0-5 at the interval.

Clara’s scoring rate improved greatly in the second half and they added eight points from play but Windgap more than matched them and the last Windgap score was a goal to give them a 1-30 to 0-15 success. It was a steep learning curve for the Clara lads who had six of last years minors among their starting 15. But these lads will improve too with time on their side.

Team - Jason Barcoe, James Dowling, Peter Nolan 0-1, Killian Fitzgerald. Cian Kelly, Stephen Quinlan, Ben Murphy. Rory Glynn 0-8, 0-6f, Harry Boyle 0-1. Adam Harding, Rory O Kee e 0-2, Luke Whelan 0-1. Alex McDonald, Joe Connolly 0-2, Sean Carrigan. Subs Noelie O Brien, Conor (Curly) Phelan.

ATHLETICS

Pia Langton of Clara and KCH achieved a notable milestone in Tullamore recently at the Leinster Juvenile Track and Field Championships. By winning gold in the U17 800m race, Pia eclipsed a 26 year old record time set by former two time Olympian Sinead Delahunty, also of Kilkenny. A couple of weeks prior to that Pia had claimed gold for the Loreto at the same distance in the Irish Schools Championships in a similar time of 2 minutes 13 seconds.

Then on Saturday Pia bettered that time again on her way to winning her heat at the Tailteann Games, which now qualifies her to wear an Irish singlet. Pia, who has also starred for Clara Camogie sides, looks a real star in the making. Her parents Eddie and Niamh are long time sponsors of Clara GAA teams under the Langton House Hotel umbrella. Keep making Clara proud Pia.

CAMOGIE

Clara seniors played out their final league game of the year on Sunday morning when they welcomed their neighbours, Gowran to Clara. With both teams out of contention for league honours the game took on somewhat of a challenge feel to it and was thoroughly enjoyable as a result. In the end Gowran prevailed 4-10 to 3-11 and both teams will regret lost scoring opportunities.

Clara got o to a flyer and when Róisín Kealy scored a fortunate goal from distance a er 12 minutes they led 1-5 to 0-1. Grace Barcoe (2), Katie Ryan from a free, Niamh Ward and Mags Kehoe had provided the points. However Gowran’s next score was a goal and this seemed to settle them. They added two points before Grace Barcoe closed out the first half scoring with two more points. 1-7 to 1-3 to Clara at the break. Gowran quickly tied the game at the start of the second half with an unanswered 1-1. Róisín Kealy edged Clara ahead again but Gowran came again with another 1-2. Katie Ryan reduced the deficit with two placed balls and a er Mags Kehoe from a free had exchanged points with a Gowran girl, Katie goaled with a speculative shot to put Clara a point up. A er Gowran equalised Emma Corr got in on the goaling from distance act to put Clara three up and just two minutes le on the clock. Gowran needed a goal and there was a strong suspicion of a square ball about it when it came. However they kicked on and scored the last two points of the match to close it out.

Some of the displays by Clara’s younger players here were very encouraging. Sarah Dunne, Rachel Brickell, Joanne Comerford and particularly Emma Corr were all very good and Clara were a little unlucky not to take something from the game. But the attitude and application were excellent and manager Peter “Chap” Cleere said as much a erwards.

Team - Aoife Glynn, AoifeTreacy, Tamsin English, Sarah Dunne. Emma Corr 1-0, Katie Ryan 1-3, 0-2f, 0-1 x 45, Rachel Brickell. Rebecca Nolan, Joanne Comerford. Niamh Ward 0-1, Grace Barcoe 0-4, Margaret Kehoe 0-2, 0-1f. Róisín Kealy 1-1, Aoife Ward, Maria Shortall.

BENE MERENTI MEDAL FOR FR. PAT

This evening in Gowran, Fr. Pat Dalton will receive the Bene Merenti Medal in recognition of his service to the diocese as

Diocesan Education Secretary (Primary) for 32 years(19892021). Singers and musicans from Dungarvan and Gowran churches will sing at the con-celebrated mass with Bishop Niall Coll, chief celebrant, with Fr Pat Duggan and Fr Pat Dalton. Bishop Niall will present the medal to Fr Pat. Refreshments will be served in Gowran Parish Hall a er the mass. All are welcome.

MASS TIMES WEEKDAYS

Wednesday morning, 10.30am. Friday morning,10.30am

GRAVEYARD MASSES 2023

Graveyard mass in Tullaherin for 2023 will be celebrated on Saturday, 29th July at 8pm. Bennettsbridge Cemetery Mass will take place on Sunday morning, 30th July at 10.30am.

THOMASTOWN GRAVEYARD MASS

Graveyard Mass for 2023 in St Mary’s graveyard, Thomastown, will be held on Friday, 4th August at 8pm.

CARD GAME Results 20th June. First Prize, Charlie Hill/Gerry Kelly (13 games), 2nd Tom Drennan/Robbie Carroll(11 games) Table Prize Siobhan Donovan/Joan O’Gorman.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

Thanks to all who supported the St Vincent De Paul collection.

ART GROUP

Weekly sessions continue under the direction of tutor, Julie Moorhouse. Members are looking forward to their annual exhibition during Kilkenny Arts Week which takes place 10th to 20th August this year.

GATHERING

The Gathering Group enjoyed a day trip to the Sensory Gardens in Carlow last week. The guided tour was very useful and the guide filled us in on background information about the garden. Lunch was enjoyed in the restaurant. Included in the day was a visit to the Arboretum Garden Centre.

LOTTO Results 19th June. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 9, 13, 17, 20.

Consolation Prizes, De Bally Boys, Patrick O’Neill, Ballyreddin, Josie Drea, Blackwell, David Phelan, Hillview, Suzie, c/o Fr Duggan.

TIDY TOWNS

Yet another facility has been installed in the village thanks to Bennettsbridge Tidy Towns. A parking facility for bicycles is now available in the Cra ed and Credit Union o ices area.

CAMOGIE

Well done to Bennettsbridge Camogie Club who represented their Club and County in the Féile championship at the weekend. Having won all their matches the girls were unlucky to lose the cup final by a point. They did an amazing job all day and should be very proud it was an amazing achievement for the girls to get into the final! Well done to the team and management on a great day.

GAA

The senior team lost out to Dicksboro in the Byrne cup while the junior B team had a good win over Freshford to qualify for the league final. Please see the Kilkenny Gaa website for upcoming fixtures.

FEILE WEEKEND

Congratulations to our under 15 hurlers who won the Féile shield in Castlecomer last Saturday. The lads played Ballinamear Durrow in the final and played some great hurling to win well. Hard luck to the camogie team who lost out by a single point to Lusmagh in the cup final a er going through the whole tournament undefeated until the final. Well done to both teams.

UNDERAGE HURLING

Our under 13s lost out to Lisdowney in the last round of the league, this leaves them with 6 wins in the league, we await other results now to see if a league semi-final place was attained.

FIELD DAY 2023

This year’s field day will take place on August 20th in the GAA grounds.

BENNETTSBRIDGE GAA SCRAP METAL COLLECTION

Many thanks to all who contributed to Bennettsbridge GAA recent scrap metal collection which had a very good response. Please contact Leo 086-8861906 or Tim 086-3441652 if anyone has more scrap to donate and they will arrange collection.

SPLIT THE POT

The next draw takes place today at 6 pm in the clubhouse. Envelopes are available around the village. If you want to play online with club force please see the clubs Facebook page for details. Thanks again for the continued support.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy to the family of Fr. Frank Maher our well loved and respected parish priest of 31 years, who died peacefully, a er an illness, at the Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick. Predeceased by his parents David and Susan, brother Garry and sister Maura (Higgins), he will be greatly missed by his family Brendan, Bernadette and Fr. Noel, extended family, friends and the parishioners of Johnstown/Crosspatrick. Fr.Maher was laid to rest in the Church grounds a er Requiem Mass in St. Kieran’s Church. May he rest in peace.

Fenians H.C o er sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Fr. Maher RIP, who was their president at one time. He was a priest who devoted himself to the community. He marked each moment, especially at funerals where he captured the essence of the person, which made a sad occasion so meaningful for the families. He possessed a quick wit and had a great bond with the weekly morning Mass gang. A real community man who will be greatly missed.

JOHNSTOWN HERITAGE GROUP

Congratulations to the group who have erected a beautiful Hurling Sculpture in Johnstown remembering all the hurling and camogie players in the Johnstown/Crosspatrick area since hurling was first mentioned as being played at Ballyspellan Spa in 1742. The monument was unveiled by local man Myles McCabe, Roadmaster.

Following the very successful exhibition of St. Lachtains Arm in Freshford recently, on loan from the National Museum of Ireland, the Heritage group are hoping that they might be able to do the same with the famous Ballyspellan Brooch.

Cemetery Masses

Friday June 30th Graine, Tuesday July 4th Grangefertagh, Friday July 7th Galmoy, Sunday July 9th Crosspatrick, Tuesday

Community & GAA Notes

July 11th Johnstown. All masses at 7.30 except Crosspatrick 9am. The Rosary will be said in Donoughmore old cemetery on Tuesday July 18th at 7,30pm.

KNOCK

There is a bus organised for the parish pilgrimage to Knock, provided there is enough interest. Information and booking contact Margaret at 0568831217.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations.to Noel Nolan and Ned McCarthy, part of the Lumper Lane syndicate whose horse “Killeenmore Lad” won the Northumberland Novice Hurdle in Hexham recently.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO...

Winning numbers 3,7,8,11. Eight match threes Eileen Ryan, Willie and Ciara, Sharon Delaney, Mary McCabe, Michael Quinlan, Marie Tobin, Paschal Ryan and Jim Quinlan.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 11am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 11am to 1pm

CEMETERY MASSES

Following discussions with the priests in the combination group of parishes, it was decided that the cemetery masses for 2023 will take place in the churches at the weekend masses over the summer. 15th July at 6pm in Glengoole for Glengoole and Ballinalacken cemetery, 30th July at 10.30am in Gortnahoe for Fennor cemetery, 6th August at 10.30am in Gortnahoe for Good Shepherd cemetery and 13th August at 10.30am in Gortnahoe for Boulick cemetery.

CHURCH COLLECTION

The Priest collection will be taken up this weekend. The envelope is included in the box of envelopes. The Parish council would like to thank parishioners for their weekly envelope collection for the support of each church.

VOCATIONS

2023 is the year for vocations to the priesthood. Leaflets are le in the church and anyone interested in having a chat or would like to find out more information, please contact Fr. Joe Walsh of the Thurles parish.

OPEN GARDEN

Will take place at Clough Farmhouse, Clonoura, Glengoole

E41 K765 this Sunday 2nd July at 2pm in support of MoChara Animal Rescue and Thurles and District Flower and Garden Club.

COFFEE MORNING

Thurles Lions Club are holding a Co ee Morning and Open Day at Two Mile Borris Vintage Museum this Sunday 2nd July between 10.30am and 3pm. Monies raised will benefit local charities and everyone is welcome.

GLENGOOLE COMMUNITY GROUP

Check out and follow ‘Glengoole’ on Facebook and Instagram.

GORTNAHOE MAST

The committee would like to thank everyone who supported their co ee morning.

TUESDAY BRIDGE

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

GORTNAHOE BINGO

Bingo continues this Saturday night at 7.00pm with doors opening from 6.00pm and will continue each Saturday night at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on o er including a special €500 game. We look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their family, it will be a great nights entertainment for all.

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to last weekend’s winner, Seamus Doheny from Freshford, who won €257 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of June will be in support of the Camogie Club. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated

BREDA CARROLL RIP

The death has occurred of Breda Carroll (née Lennon), (Artane, Dublin and formerly of Gortnahoe, Co.Tipperary) on the 21st June 2023. Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. Beloved wife of Fintan and adored mother of Fiona, Lorraine, Denise and Eimear. Sadly missed by her husband and daughters, sons-inlaw JP, Micheál, Owen and Aaron, grandchildren Chloe, Kian, Ross, Emma, Alannah, Sarah, Sam and Maeve, great-grandson Callum, brothers Tom and Sean and sisters Peggy and Josie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours. Predeceased by her loving granddaughter Lauryn. Breda reposed at Jennings Funeral Home, Oscar Traynor Rd., Coolock last Thursday followed by removal on Friday morning to the church of The Nativity of Our Lord, Montrose Park, for Funeral Mass followed by cremation in Glasnevin Crematorium. May Breda rest in peace.

ST. PATRICKS GAA

The Junior A side were defeated by Mullinavat on a scoreline of 2-15 to 1-13.

Upcoming fixtures. Monday July 3rd the minors will play Dunnamaggin at home.

LOTTO

Lotto is €20,000 and €2 to play. Thanks to all for their continued support.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION

Naomh Brid Camogie presented a cheque from their fundraising lap the loop to the O’Gorman Home. Well done to all.

SYMPATHY

Sincere sympathy to the Doran and Dollard family on the passing of Ben. To his mother Regina, brother Nathan, sister Ella, father Gary, brother Sean sister Megan grandparents Geraldine and Sean, Angela and Eugene and to Regina’s partner Martin and Gary’s partner Debbie. May Ben rest in peace.

To the Hurley family in Hillside View, Castlecomer on the passing of Martin a native of Byrnesgrove, to his wife Kate sons Tom, Martin and Eamon and daughter Mary, to his siblings, grandchildren and extended family. May Martin rest in peace.

THE CYMS HALL

The ladies have been busy knitting these cute teddies. 10 euro per Teddy if you would like to purchase one. Contact via

Facebook.

TIDY TOWNS

The continuing work around the town sees the place looking exceptional from the flower baskets on the bridge to the painting work on the Kilkenny road every little bit helps so please continue to help and keep your own property neat and tidy.

CEMETERY MASS

Cemetery mass in Ballyouskill on July 8th 6.30pm. Many thanks to all for their help at the mass in St Finan’s Cemetery.

BALLYRAGGET NOTES

For inclusion in the notes please send your notes to the email on Sunday evening.

HURLING

The under-15 hurlers had a very busy day last Saturday as they took part in the John West Féile na nGael competition in Erin’s Own, Castlecomer. Following their three games in the group section of the St. Brendan’s (Kerry), Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow) and Ballinteer St. John’s (Dublin) respectively, the locals qualified for the Cup semi-final against Oulart-The Ballagh (Wexford). However, the visitors from Wexford proved too strong for Conahy and were deserving winners. Huge credit must go to all the players who took part, particularly as they were short a number of players due to injury and holidays. Well done also to the coaching team of Sean Brennan, Eoin Carroll and Ciaran Muldowney for their work with the team, and to all the parents who helped with fundraising in advance of the competition.

TEAM: Neil Webster, Rory Dunne, Tadhg Hennessy, Rory Rhatigan, Ceirin Murphy, Darragh Horgan, Billy Rowe, Joe Boland, Jack Rhatigan, Adam Morrissey, Michael Lawler, Brian Phelan, David Connery, Camryn Kenehan, M.J. Buggy, Jack Buggy, Jack Gamble. The intermediate hurlers were also in action on Sunday last in Jenkinstown when they hosted Glenmore in the Michael Lyng Motors Senior/Intermediate League. The sides were level at the half way mark at 0-13 apiece but a scoring burst of 1-3 without reply in the final quarter from the Southerners saw them eventually win out on a 1-25 to 0-23 score line.

GAA SUMMER CAMP Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Bórd na nÓg will once again host a ‘Future Stars’ Summer Camp this year. It will take place in the Polo Grounds, Jenkinstown from Tuesday 1st August to Thursday 3rd August (inclusive). The Camps is open to Boys and Girls between the ages of five and twelve and will take place on each of the three days from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. (with a lunch break from 12.00 p.m. until 12.45 p.m. Detailed and quality coaching will be given to all participants and Kilkenny Inter-County Players will contribute to the coaching, subject to their availability. Registration can be done online via the GAA club website – www.conahyshamrocks.gaa.ie .

CLUB LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto were 26, 29 and 38. There was no jackpot winner so the consolation prize winners were Geraldine Tierney, Toddy Lacey, Vanessa Dempsey, Davy Gunner and Jim and Caitriona Tierney. The promoters’ prize winners were Kay Phelan, Margaret Buggy and Mona Dooley.

RUGBY

Congratulations to Garry Dunne who was recently chosen as Club captain for Kilkenny RFC for 2023-2024. Well done to Garry on receiving this well-deserved honour.

CLUB LOTTO

Results 22nd June. Nos. 11 13 29 30. Jackpot: €10,250 Not

Won

Draw Prizes. €50: John Power c/o Jimmy McGarry. €25 each Brian Galvin c/o online €25 each Noreen Hayes, c/o Phil Hogan. €25 each John Hackett c/o Tommy Hackett

Hurlers Co Op Draw Kaitlin Phelan c/o Joe Phelan. Promotors prize Jimmy Murphy

Thank you for your continued support.

BORO GIRLS ARE SHIELD DIVISION 1WINNERS AT FEILE

23

A er 5 really tough and exciting games in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence on Saturday the Boro girls made their long journey home to Kilkenny as Div 1 Shield Winners First up Saturday morning was Newmarket from Clare who defeated the Boro Girls on a scoreline of 1-1 to 6pts. Meabhdh Doherty getting the Boro Goal. Next up another tough battle with eventual Champions Turloughmore who defeated the girls 1-5 to 1-3 in a close game throughout. Our final group game against Newcastle West saw the Boro again defeated by a 2 point margin in a tight encounter.

Onto a shield semi final where Lucan Sarsfields of Dublin were our opponents. A er, a slow start the Boro girls kicked into gear to win with Boro corner forward Sophie O’Riordan scoring 1-2 from play to send the Boro into the Shield Final.