Kilkenny Observer 30th September 2022

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Friday 30 September 2022

Budget 2023 In detail: what it all means for you Pages 3 , 6 & 16

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Housing Crisis Raising the roof on growing statistics Special report, Page 14

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Budget shortfalls Among the main components of Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe’s €11bn Budget 2023 is a package worth €1,100 for pensioners, an increase in the higher rate tax band to €40,000 and a reduction in childcare costs of about €170 a month.

The Budget also sees a €600 energy credit paid out to households in three instalments to help stave off skyrocketing energy costs.

However, a quirk of the Bud-

COMMENT: THE EDITOR get is that the many billions of euro announced will be spent before the end of the year, with the Government moving to either put money in your pocket or stop it from coming out.

The €600 energy credit is costly at €1.2bn, but the coalition had little option as utility bills soar.

For businesses, there will be a temporary Business Energy Support Scheme that will entitle those eligible to €10,000 a month off their energy bills.

Not everyone is happy. One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating – has said

it is deeply concerned that Budget 2023 will leave many one-parent families even poorer in the future. The Budget contains several welcome measures such as free primary school books and a reduction in childcare fees, but these are not enough to help families struggling to keep their heads above water.

The national housing charity Threshold has stated that the tax reliefs for tenants are “dis-

heartening” and that the measures set to alleviate pressures presents a bleak reality for many households this winter.

Tax relief in the form of a €500 tax credit this year and next year was among the measures announced for tenants, alongside the introduction of a Vacant Property Tax and the extension of the Help to Buy Scheme to 2024. However, Threshold has stated that the €500 tax credit will only

• Government announce €11bn Budget package • New rental tax credit of €500 • Energy credit of €600 in three instalments – first before Christmas • Cigarettes will cost an extra 50c from tonight, but there will be no increase in price of alcohol • Elderly, carers, disabled to receive extra lump sums as social welfare rates go up €12 • Third-level fees cut by €1,000 this year with once-off double student grant • The double child benefit payment will be paid to all qualifying parents on November 1 • Major expansion in GP visit card scheme bringing in 430,000 extra patients, although the actual implementation of this has still not been iron out

Kilkenny County Council is delighted to announce that Paralympian and Grand Marshall of the 2022 Kilkenny City St Patrick’s Day Parade, Mary Fitzgerald, will accompany Adam King in the unveiling of the Virtual Hug structure on Kilkenny Day, Sunday October 9. The sculpture was inspired by Adam’s artwork which he revealed to the country on The Late Late Toy show in 2020, to help people stay connected during the pandemic.

CDS Metalwork in North Kilkenny have created this truly unique piece, that will stand as a reminder of how we stayed together as a community during those difficult years. The structure will stand tall on the Band Stand on Canal Walk, with benches for all to relax, contemplate and enjoy.

Mary, Adam and his local dance group will lead the crowd down the Canal Walk on October 9 at 2.45pm for the unveiling at 3.00 p.m.

Ale and hearty: little old beer drinkers us!

EVERY FRIDAY

showing one Dublin quarry allowed its workers more than a dozen pints a day.

A pint was considered a vital source of calories and nutrition for workers, according to the study of the early modern Irish diet.

Just one scoop could have had as many as 500 calories

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

Full breakdown, Page 6 Comment, John Ellis, Page 16

And here’s what you get ... at a glance

Mary and a Virtual Hug

It was three square meals of beer a day for people in 16th century Ireland with as many as eight pints a day being the norm, according to recently release records from Dublin Castle.

Beer was considered to be just as important as bread as a dietary staple with records

amount to just 2.89% of the yearly average rent nationally.

However, The Arts Council has welcomed the announcement of €130M funding as part of Budget 2023. This funding ensures that the Arts Council can provide meaningful support to the sector in the coming year.

and packed a punch at up to 10% alcohol.

In January 1565 stone masons working at a quarry in Clontarf were given an allowance of 14 pints of ale a day by the proctor of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.

Records from Dublin Castle

also show that staff consumed 264,000 pints of beer in 1590, that’s an average of eight pints each a day.

The discovery was made by Dr Susan Flavin from Anglia Ruskin University in East Anglia, from household accounts, soldiers’ rations and port books.

“People mistakenly think that household beer in this period was a weak drink,” she said.

“However, most beer at this time would have had an alcohol strength of between seven and 10% if they used similar quantities of yeast as they do today.”

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins....................P8 Marianne Heron............P12 John Ellis ........................P16 Health & Science...........P18 Travel & Leisure............P19 Gerry Moran ..................P20 Positive Ageing Week.P27-33 Food & Drink .................P38 TV & Streaming............P39 Sport..........................P42–43

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

News Many people “question the ability of normal politics to deliver solutions to society’s challenges,” That is the stated opinion of Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl.

Launching a new Oireachtas Essay Competition, Aiste an Oireachtais, the Ceann Comhairle said that “populism and polarisation” were threatening “to overwhelm societies and endanger people’s wellbeing”.

Mr Ó Fearghaíl said: “Democracy itself looks fragile in the places where we thought it was most deeply rooted.”

“In wars and conflicts we see the failure of politics to secure peaceful solutions to conflicts. In the disparaging comments you hear about politicians and political parties there is, sometimes, an indefensible cynicism.

But – sometimes – it is the voice of people who feel genuinely let down, the voice of disappointed hope, that we hear.”

The Ceann Comhairle said it was vital to secure “the interest and engagement of young people” in order to have “healthy, functioning democracies”.

‘Parliamentary Politics Matters’ is the theme of the new Essay Competition, devised by Independent NUI Senator Rónán Mullen with the support of the Oireachtas Education Unit. Students north and south (Senior Cycle and AS/A Level stu-

Help our young engage with democracy PHOTO: Josh Barwick

dents) will be invited to submit essays in Irish or English and to compete for a prize fund of €4,000.

The competition will be run on a special website which will issue a numerical code to competing students

to ensure anonymity in the judging process. Students will be asked to register by November 15 with the final

date for submitting entries being December 8.

Easons is the principal sponsor of the competition

with educational publishing companies CJ Fallon and Folens giving associate sponsorship.

The Ceann Comhairle paid tribute to journalist and broadcaster Sean O’Rourke who was guest speaker at the launch. “In his career as a Journalist and Broadcaster to date, he has done so much to make politics relevant, vital and interesting to our citizens.”

The launch was also addressed by Ms Geraldine Delaney, Community School Principal and a member of the judging panel.

“This competition is a very valuable tool in opening up debate, increasing interest and awareness in our national parliament,” Ms Delaney said. “It is surprising that it is only now being introduced in 2022.”

“Democracy needs the wisdom of the old but it also requires the idealism and enthusiasm of the young,” she said. “When you empower the youth and future of our world you give them the tools to bring about change and to break cycles that have caused problems in the past.”

“Many people wonder about the quality of our politics and the future of democracy itself,” said Senator Mullen. “We hope this Competition will stimulate interest in the political process and help each student to find their role in our democratic system.”

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Budget 2023 Special

The Budget in detail

Pensions • Pensioners are in line for one-off payments of up to €1,100 before the end of the year under a series of last minute social welfare spending measures agreed by the Coalition.

• A double payment of the €253 per week state pension will be paid twice in the coming months – once soon after the Budget and then again in December.

• Pensioners in receipt of the Living Alone allowance will receive a separate €200 payment while those claiming the Fuel Allowance are in line for once-off €400 lump sum on top of their usual rate.

• The Fuel Allowance scheme extended to up to 80,000 people who currently do not qualify for the payment.

• This will mean around 450,000 people will be able to claim the welfare payment over the coming months.

• Social Protection Minister Ms Humphreys also secured a €12-per-week increase in all social welfare rates in the new year, along with a special once-off €500 payment for carers and people with disabilities this year.

Housing • New rent tax credit introduced valued at €500 a year and will apply for 2023 and subsequent years. It will also be backdated for 2022.

• The Help-to-buy scheme has been extended until 2024.

• Landlords will not see the tax they pay on rental income reduced but will be able to claim more from pre-letting expenses.

• A vacant homes tax is being introduced which will apply to residential properties which are occupied for less than 30

days a year. This is expected to affect thousands of holiday home owners in Ireland. Exemptions will apply where the property is vacant for “genuine reasons” according to Mr Donohoe, and the tax will be self-assessed.

• The pre-letting expenses regime for landlord is being changed, doubling the amount that can be claimed to €10,000 and reducing the amount of time the premises must be vacant from 12 months to six months Cost-of-living package • Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath will separately detail the new cost-of-living package which will feature a series of one-off spending measures to help people struggling to pay bills due to record levels of inflation.

• It will see the introduction of a €600 electricity credit taken off energy bills in three instalments of €200 over the coming months. First payment before Christmas • Lump sum of €400 before Christmas for those eligible for fuel allowance.

• Parents are also set to benefit from a double payment of the monthly Child Benefit which will be worth €840 to a family with three children.

• There will also be a two double payments of welfare rates between now and the end of the year.

• The overall cost-of-living package will be €4.1bn, including €1.4bn allocated to the new Business Energy Support Scheme (BESS).

• Under BESS, businesses will be able to avail of grants of up to €10,000 per month per premises to help with their energy costs, subject to meeting certain criteria.

• The Government will put €2bn of the exchequer surplus into a new reserve fund and €4 billion is earmarked for the fund next year.

• The double child benefit payment will be paid to all qualifying parents on November 1.

Taxation • Top rate of tax at 40pc will only apply to income above €40,000 when changes to tax bands come into effect in the new year, as part of an income tax package worth €1.1bn.

• The personal tax credit will rise from €1,700 to €1,775, while the employee tax credit and the earned income tax credit will both increase by the same amount.

• The tax changes are set to save single people around €800 a year and couples €1,600.

• The current €5,000 limit on the amount of tax relief landlords can claim on preletting expenses will double to €10,000 • The second USC band is set to be increased from €20,687 to 22,920 due to the increase in the minimum wage.

• The annual limit on vouchers that employers can give their staff is rising from €500 to €1,000. In addition, two vouchers can be given under the exemption in this tax year if an employer wishes to do so.

• Personal tax credits for carers will also increase by €100 to €1,700.

Students • A reduction in third-level fees of €1,000 as a once-off cost-ofliving measure, students will also benefit from a once-off double grant payment.

• Student fees to be reduced by €500 permanently to €2,500.

• Student grants will also increase in January between 10pc and 14pc depending on how much their family earns.

Families on lower incomes stand to receive an extra €856 next year. The total package for students will come to €148m.

• Around 10,250 students from the poorest households will see their Susi grant increase by €856 per year.

• A total of 15,716 students will benefit from a €450 increase in the rate paid to those based more than 30km from their college.

• The permanent reduction of €500 in the student contribution fee will apply to households earning between €62,000 and €100,000 per year.

• For households earning between €55,240 and €62,000 per year, their student contribution fee will capped at €1,500.

Businesses • Meanwhile, businesses will get up to €10,000 a month paid in their electricity or gas bills as part of a €1bn scheme.

• Small to medium enterprises will have 40pc of their increases in electricity or gas bills paid up to a maximum of €10,000 per month.

Transport • Government extending the current excise reduction of 21c per litre for petrol, 16c cent per litre for diesel and 5.4c per litre for Marked Gas Oil (MGO).

Health • The extension of free GP care to 430,000 more people will see around 70,000 children aged six and sevem become eligible for free doctor visits by the end of the year under a measure that was already announced in last year’s Budget.

• In addition, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly intends to have some 360,000 adults and children in low-income homes become eligible for a free GP visit card by 1 April next year. Qualifying for the scheme will depend on household income and the number of dependants.

• There is also €10m being allocated for publicly funded IVF in 2023. including money to subsidise private IVF and the development of public clinics Irish colleges • An extra €2.5m to support the Irish summer colleges sector.

• This includes a 10pc increase in the subsidy per child for Mná Tí, who provide meals and accommodation for Irish students.

• Trebling of the grant for households who decide to accommodate students for the first time, from €2,000 to €6,000, and increased funding for Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge.

Newspapers • In a last-minute move, newspapers will be zero-rated for Vat in today’s speech from January 1.

• The abolishment of Vat on newspapers will also apply to digital editions and subscriptions.

Hospitality • Minister Donohoe confirms that special VAT rate for hospitality of 9pc will expire at the end of February 2023.

Defence forces • Defence budget is set to be more than €1.1bn next year as Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney seeks to address shortfalls in funding

in the Defence Forces.

• This will includes €176m on building projects at barracks, new vessels for the navy, new aircraft for the Air Corps and more armoured vehicles for the Army.

Alcohol and cigarettes • Cigarettes will cost an extra 50c from tonight, rising to €15.50 for a packet of 20.

• There will be no increase in the price of alcohol Agriculture • A new suckler scheme with a similar level of funding to the €28m Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme for sucklers. This new scheme will sit alongside the new €150-percow Suckler Carbon Efficiency Scheme in the new Common Agricultural Policy (Cap).

• Funding for a new Fodder Support Scheme which will pay farmers up to €1,000 to save hay and fodder in 2023.

• Funding has been secured for 30,000 places in an Agriclimate Rural Environmental Scheme for 2023, and there will also be extra funding for farm modernisation supports through the TAMS programme, forestry and organics as well as the new and enhanced suckler and sheep supports.

• Specific capital funding to support the development of anaerobic digestion in 2023,an enhanced Multi Species Sward / Red Clover scheme plus the introduction of a new €8m grant-aid scheme to support the spreading of lime.

• New €10m Tillage Incentive Scheme. Farmers will also be part of the energy price support scheme promised to support businesses, with payments likely to be based on their energy usage.

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Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Bank on it! My money’s on a cashless society When I left school, I wanted to go to college which I did.

Initially though, to appease my father, I went for job interviews with Aer Lingus, the Civil Service, and the banks.

On the day of interview with Bank Of Ireland, at least three score of us were left in a school hall, freezing our socks off. I was the last called for interview.

The interviewee was not much older than myself, full of his own importance, and reeked of Old Spice.

“Tell me, young man, why do you want to join our bank?”

“I don’t,” I said, my socks utterly frozen. “My father wants me to.”

Needless to say, I didn’t get that job.

I mention this only because, despite the backlash to the recent attempts at branch closures and the withdraw of cash services by AIB, the majority of people

believe it’s only a matter of time before local services, including cash, are significantly curtailed.

(AIB chief executive Colin Hunt has since said the bank moved “way too far and way too fast” in its proposal to remove cash services from 70 branches. That, given the backlash, the proposal should never have been made.)

A new survey, commissioned by Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) shows 60% of people anticipate cash services will be removed in time, with just 6% believing banks will retain these services.

-It’s likely inevitable that branches and those ATMs will go the way of that once held-esteemed member of the community, your local Bank Manager.

There are no longer bank managers in outlying branches, have not been for

a decade or two. Those ‘in charge’ of what remain of branches have no clout nor say-so regarding overdrafts and such, but are rather a sort of customer liaison officer where every two-bit standing order has to get the green light at HQ from someone who really doesn’t understand your circumstance, nor indeed has any desire to know you from Adam. You’re just a balance sheet.

The banks do not want to see your ugly mug inside their premises. Please use the ATM outside or internet banking or anything but direct contact, and so there are fewer employees and they keep getting shunted around the remaining branches, for fear, God forbid, you just might get to know them and develop a rapport.

So much for we taxpayers bailing out the banks by bil-

lions and they in return being asked to once again consider the circumstances of the ordinary guy in the street in these straitened times.

The doing away with ATMs kind of makes sense. We are increasingly becoming a cashless society. I don’t recall the last time I had cash in my pocket. My debit card is king.

And, now, even taxis must, by law, accept card payments. The only downside for me has seen me circumventing the young woman who daily sits begging outside my local supermarket as I no longer carry the odd fiver that I would regularly place in her hand, if only for her beautiful smile in return.

Meanwhile, residents in some rural areas have taken matters into their own hands, after BOI shut their branch, by persuading an ATM operator to provide a replacement machine. Furthermore, one community (in Co.

Westmeath) has been instrumental in the move by a local businessman to buy the old branch and turn it into a community digital hub.

Finally, I am reminded of an old friend of mine back in those recessionary Eighties who went one night with his father for a pint in Skerries.

It was a Monday, so only about a dozen were in the

‘Nor has any desire to know you from Adam...

bar when my friend’s bank manager popped in, spotted my friend, and said to all and sundry: “Jaysus, I am surprised to see you in here of a Monday, given the state of your overdraft.”

He could have sued, of course, for slander but next day my friend went to his bank, and in front of said manager tore up his cheque book and told him in no uncertain terms what he could do with his bank. Thereafter, like our fathers before us, he kept his money in small tin boxes at the back of the kitchen cabinet — one for the bills, one for the mortgage and one for the rainy day. I am strongly considering the same.

At least that way you only have yourself to argue with — should you need to allow for the upcoming economic emergency — and not some ineffectual, trumped-up bank clerk.

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News

Our columnist's new book spanning two decades The Kilkenny Observer columnist and opinion writer Paul Hopkins has just published a collection of his writings, culled from some three million words printed in numerous newspapers the past 20 years. Entitled Affairs

of the Heart ( And Other Writings), it is published by Monument Media and is available in selected bookstores and outlets and can also be ordered online at www.monumentmediapress.com

at €14.99 plus postage.

From family life to far-flung travel, this treasure trove of stories and musings capture to story of a life well lived.

Laughter, tears, hope and sadness — and love — all feature in this beautiful book of selected writings, that has something for everyone ... bringing together the very

essence of what it means to be human.

Hopkins is an Irish journalist of nearly 50 years standing, in a career working for many national titles including The Irish Press, The Irish Independent, the Sunday Tribune and the Belfast Telegraph.

He has variously worked as reporter, copy editor, senior

Two in three people now worry about their pension Two in three pension holders (67%) are worried they are not saving enough, while just a quarter (25%) are confident that their pension will provide them with a comfortable retirement – leading to huge uncertainty surrounding the amount they’ll receive when they finish working.

The new Bank of Ireland survey findings revealed that, while the current cost of living challenges are front and centre of people’s minds, with 73% of people prioritising everyday spending over saving for their financial futures, more than half of people (53%) would still advise their future selves to start saving as early as possible in order to prepare for a comfortable retirement.

Just 8% of people are still intent on living in the here and now and on spending the money they earn.

One of the clear challenges is the ability of people to understand what they need to do with pensions, with 82% of respondents claiming that their primary ask of their financial advisers is to make retirement planning easier for them to understand.

The RedC survey also uncovered that only 15% of those sampled are happy with the amount of money they are currently setting aside.

Bernard Walsh, Head of Pensions & Investments at Bank of Ireland, said: “Even

saving little and often now can make a big difference in the years to come, and the flexibility that pensions provide in allowing people design and adapt them to suit their own needs (coupled with tax benefits) always makes them a smart financial choice. We have over 100 pension advisors who can discuss people’s longer term needs over the phone or in our branches, helping them to create a plan that suits their financial wellbeing and lets them sleep at night.”

Only 37% of those surveyed know what income their current pension will give them upon retirement, with just 38% of those who do know what they’ll be getting actually happy with the projected amount. It all adds up to a worrying lack of clarity for many people who are clearly not happy with what their financial situations will be once they stop working.

However, the survey also revealed that just over onefifth of people (21%) have ever sought financial advice in relation to their pension.

To help people understand more about pensions and what they’ll need to do to achieve a comfortable retirement, Bank of Ireland’s Pension Pot free webinar series returns in September and October to bridge the knowledge gap about pensions and show how best to plan for the future.

Local man dies when hit by car Tributes are pouring in for a Kilkenny man who died recently on the M7 motorway during the weekend.

Brendan Fitzpatrick, from Thomastown in Co Kilkenny was killed after being struck by a car on the busy M7 motorway in Co Kildare.

The collision happened at around 4am on Saturday, Sepetember 24.

The 24-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

He will be deeply missed by his family, Fiona, Eamon, and his sister Eimear.

editor, and award-winning newspaper designer.

He has covered three conflict zones, namely the Rhodesia/Zimbabwe war of the 1970s, undercover to report on the IRA Three in Colombia in 2003, and the Kenyan civil war in 2008.

His award-winning travel writing has taken him

halfway around the world and he has also spent stints as music columnist and book critic. He is currently an opinion writer for a number of newspapers and a remote editor for a number of regional titles.

A father of three adult children, he lives in Skerries, north County Dublin.

Charged! TV host Mairead Ronan with schoolgirls Cara, nine, and Elsie Jones, eight, whose sister Molly avails of LauraLynn's services PHOTO: Conor McCabe Photography.

Kids, you are chargcd with recycling!

Kilkenny schools and students are being challenged to become battery recycling champions as part of a nationwide initiative which will also help children with life-limiting illnesses.

The WEEE Ireland Schools Battery Recycling Competition returns this year, offering schools the chance to win one of six €2,000 sports equipment vouchers.

Running from now to March 31, it is open to all primary and secondary schools which collect at least 10 full 5kg battery

boxes in WEEE Ireland Battery Recycling counties.

Across all of Kilkenny, people recycled the equivalent of 13 AA batteries per person in 2021, below the national average of 15.

TV host Mairead Ronan was on hand to urge schools to get plugged into the countrywide drive, which helps raise funds for children’s hospice LauraLynn.

“This helps raise funds and awareness for LauraLynn and all the wonderful children and families who rely on their services and

support,” said the Ireland’s Fittest Family host at the launch at the LauraLynn campus in Leopardstown, Dublin.

“It's heart-warming to see school children getting involved in projects like this and helping other children while doing so. Best of luck and well done to all the schools taking part across the country.”

The long running competition has a following of over 2,000 schools nationwide and encourages the involvement of teachers, families and wider communities to help students

collect as many end-of-life batteries as possible.

When the competition last ran, schools across the country collectively diverted from landfill the equivalent of almost 1 million AA batteries.

“Many still don’t realise that binning batteries leads to a loss of really valuable resources that are increasingly in short supply as well as causing harm to the environment,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland. *Interested schools can visit weeeireland.ie for more information

It's la dolce vita... down Kilkenny way!

Representatives of a major Italian tour operator, Francorosso, together with 20 of its topproducing travel agents from Milan and Rome, have been exploring Kilkenny. The group are here as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

The aim of the travel agents’ visit is to familiarise them with Ireland and our superb tourism offering, so that when

they return home, they will be better informed and more enthusiastic than ever about Ireland, when advising their clients about planning and booking their holidays here.

The group’s action-packed itinerary included Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Centre and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Marcella Ercolini, Tour-

ism Ireland’s Manager Italy, said: “We are delighted to invite this group of Italian travel agents to explore Kilkenny and elsewhere around Ireland this week. There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand. Our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents will be even

more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2023 and beyond.

“Italy is an important market for tourism to Ireland and fact-finding visits like this are a key element of the work that Tourism Ireland undertakes with the important travel trade in Italy.”

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Harnessing people power for carbon reduction For a while now I have been wondering about being more energy efficient and guiltily putting off finding out about it.

Retrofitting can seem daunting: what are you going to do, how much will it cost, what is the energy saving and can you even find a contractor to do it?

But I cannot ignore the horrifying evidence of climate change and the pinch of future winter electricity bills is another incentive to do something.

Synchronicity, though, is an amazing thing. Last week some of the answers landed almost on my doorstep where Enniskerry Village in Co Wicklow was holding a sustainable energy Community Energy Awareness Day. St Mary & Gerard’s school was swarming with punters anxious to find out how to save money by reducing their energy bills and carbon emissions and experts with information on everything from

sheep’s wool to electric cars to tell them how at the free event.

This community initiative is also to create an energy master plan for the village and was launched a year ago with the help of a the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) grant to hire an energy consultant, the Kilkennybased Three Counties Energy Agency (3cea), now rebranded as South East Energy. Assessments were drawn up of eight different types of houses in the area plus one for the school and school hall together with the steps involved in retrofitting the properties. Energy efficient measures from roof insulation to solar panels were mapped out in displays together with the energy and cost savings involved.

The advantages of initiating community energy action go further than getting the facts, resulting in plans to make Enniskerry and other communities around the country more

energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. It also moves energy activism from being told what to do to people doing it for themselves.

Ina Roche, one of the organisers behind the event, explained other advantages: “Quite a few people here are interested in solar panels for instance so suppose 10 or so get together, it makes it much more appealing to contractors and suppliers to take on. We are also looking at the possibility of generating our own electricity here in Enniskerry, maybe a solar farm. People need to take action to decarbonise now.”

Under the Community Energy Grant Scheme, 83 communities and homes around the country have benefitted so far from €57 million in grants with energy savings of €156 million making for a more efficient and cost-effective route to the low carbon pathway.

Retrofitting included insula-

tion, heat pump systems, replacement windows/doors, solar technology, energy-efficient lighting, energy monitors and other energy upgrades.

Energy engineer Johan Faulkner with South East Energy has been involved in co-ordinating master plans for communities in counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford , Waterford and Wicklow. A three step process is involved, creating awareness, drawing up a plan and followed longer term plans to complete projects. The community in Callan are just about to launch their master plan and have already pioneered two solar powered EV chargers in the Supervalu car park with Leader funding.

When it comes to energy efficiency,”small things can make a different and it doesn’t have to cost the earth,” says local residentJonah. For instance, 25% of heat is lost through the roof, attic insulation costs from €80 to €150

depending on the size of the property and the State grant should cover about 80% of this. Servicing a boiler and resealing windows (no grant available, alas) can also make a difference.

The audits carried out on different house types in Enniskerry did not include the actual cost of the different steps in retrofitting, something

‘Callan about to launch master plan...

I wanted to know about. Here again synchronicity came into play. Ciaran Grady and David Baker have a start-up company, Prima 19, offering a free service to consumers which would create an energy report based on data from their NPRI numbers and BER rating and then give consumers advice on different options and costings for retrofitting with consultation via phone, online or in person, the being met through partnerships with retrofitting contractors and suppliers.

It’s a service which would be useful for consumers who want to make their homes energy efficient step by step rather than use the one stop shop system for a deep retrofit to bring homes up to a B2 BER rating where the contractor looks after everything, grants are deducted upfront and there is a fully managed solution including paperwork and final report.

Top immune supporting remedies CLAIR WHITTY

Are you wondering if it’s too early to think about boosting your immune system? So that you could try prevent winter viruses, coughs, and colds and not miss days from work or school. I think this is the perfect time to give your immune system a boost. But what are the best supplements to take?

As you know there are many supplements to choose, it can be very confusing.

Vitamin D, Beta Glucans, Elderberry, vitamin C, and Zinc are just some of the supplements that you will have heard about that can help.

These supplements can help to fight off some of the bacteria and viruses that frequently attack your immune system.

Solgar ‘s Beta Glucans & Elderberry Immune Complex contains all of these in one unique blend. No need for several supplements. It contains Elderberry which is one of my favourite herbs. It has a long

history of traditional use for helping relieve colds, flus, and sinus infections. It also contains 2,000 IUs of Vitamin D. We now know from research that most of us are possibly deficient in vitamin D, so it would be no harm in topping it up. This complex also contains 400mg of Ester C, a patented and highly absorbable form of vitamin C which lasts in the body for a full 24 hours. It also contains the immune-supporting Zinc which is at a decent dose of 15mg. Beta Glucans prepare

the immune system for attack.

In simple terms, I think of them, almost like a bow and arrow that is poised and ready to fire at pathogens that enter the blood stream. There is a lot of research being done on Beta Glucans.

I think Solgar’s Beta Glucans& Elderberry Immune Complex is a nice blend to support your immune system.

One supplement instead of several. It was created to for when you need additional immune support, such as winter months or periods of increased exercise or stress.

A diet rich in antioxidants will help protect your immune system too. This can include berries, brightly coloured fruit, and vegetables, as well as garlic and ginger. Herbal teas are also great, Pukka Elderberry and Echinacea, or Yogi Echinacea Tea are good options.

It’s not too early to start supporting your immune system.

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

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News The lack of adequate supply of suitable and affordable housing for those who want to rent or buy has very negative economic and social consequences. These consequences include: • High and rising house prices take spending power out of the economy and force people to take on high and sometimes excessive levels of debt.

• High and rising rents take spending power out of the economy and render it very difficult for aspiring house buyers to build up a sufficient deposit.

• High and rising house prices and rents put upward pressure on wages and this undermines national competitiveness.

• The availability of an abundant supply of high-quality housing to rent or purchase at affordable prices is a key element of national competitiveness.

The Rental Market Pressure on the cost of private rentals continues to increase.

CSO data show that rents increased by 12.7% in the year to August. Between July 2012 and August 2022, average private rents increased by 94.9%. Data from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) show rents on new tenancies increased 9.2% in the year to the end of the first quarter.

The rental market is being pushed higher by inadequate supply and strong demand, not least from those who are unable to borrow enough to purchase a residential property and from a growing labour force and overall population.

The Mortgage Market It is clear that the growth in Irish house prices in recent years has been driven by strong fundamental demand and a lack of supply of new houses.

In the first half of 2022, mortgage lending totalled €5.6 billion, which was 29.2% ahead of the first half of 2021, when the economy was subject to significant Covid-related lending restrictions. Lending to first-time buyers accounted for 50.9% of total mortgage lending in the first half of 2022; mover-pur-

SPECIAL REPORT

The stats inside the housing crisis Housing is the most significant challenge facing Ireland right now, manifesting itself in high prices and rents; and an ongoing exodus of private landlords

chasers accounted for 25.3%; investors accounted for 1.2%; and re-mortgagers/switchers accounted for 20.6%.

Residential Unit Completions Between 2011 and the end of June 2022, there were 146,896 residential units completed.

Single houses accounted for 32.2%; scheme housing for 50.5%; and apartments for 17.3%.

The latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show there were 7,654 completions in Q2 2022, which brings the total number of completions to 13,316 units in the first half of the year. This is 48.7 per cent higher than total completions in the first half of 2021 and 46.8% higher than total completions in the same period in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

In the first half of 2022, single houses accounted for 18.4%

of total completions; scheme housing for 50.5%; and apartments for 31.1%.

It is likely that total completions in 2022 will exceed 25,000 units.

Residential Commencements Future indicators of housing supply are reasonably positive. 16,587 residential units were commenced in the first seven months of 2022 com-

pared with 18,861 units in the same period in 2021. However, 28,490 units were commenced in the 12 months to July 2022.

In the second quarter of 2022, 7,152 residential units were started, which is 43.5% lower that the second quarter of 2021. When compared with pre-Covid figures, housing starts in the first half of 2022 were 15.4% higher than in the same period of 2019 at 14,149.

Commencements in the four

Dublin local authorities, the counties Kildare and Meath and Cork County (excluding Cork City) accounted for 61.2% of the national total in the first seven months of 2022.

Planning Permissions In the first six months of 2022, there was a 32.2% increase recorded in the number of residential units compared with the first six months of 2021 to reach 19,837. Houses accounted for 46.5% of total planning permissions at 9,219; and apartments accounted for 53.5%.

Conclusions Economic fundamentals are supporting solid demand for mortgages and housing.

The economy is still growing strongly, with employment reaching a record level of almost 2.55 million in Q2 2022, and average weekly earnings have grown to around €872, some 21 per cent or €151 more than five years earlier. However, rising interest rates, the costof-living pressures and a more uncertain global economic outlook should remove some of the pressure in the market.

The Central Bank’s prudential mortgage rules have limited the exposure of buyers and with LTV and LTI ratios looking sound/sustainable in a historical context, the overall housing market looks fundamentally solid and sustainable. The FHS (First Home Scheme) and the Help to Buy Scheme (HTB) seem to be working well and this obviates the need for any change to the CBI’s prudential mortgage lending rules. The housing market looks sustainable, and there are clear indications that supply is steadily improving, which is very positive for the longer-term sustainability of the market. It is also good for the risk exposure of mortgage providers.

While the HTB and FHS are reasonably good schemes, it is too early to conclude that they are fully effective and some tweaking may be required.

Consideration should be given to extended to second hand properties and/or second time buyers. This would improve overall affordability and encourage greater mobility within the overall housing market.

So, just how vulnerable is the market?

Given that national average house prices have now surpassed the April 21007 peak, just before the market crashed, there are concerns being expressed and parallels drawn with the period leading up to the crash.

Based on all available data and anecdotal evidence, the market would appear to be in a much stronger position than in 2007. Key to this is the level of exposure of borrowers to mortgage lenders, and in turn the exposure of mortgage lenders to borrowers.

The Central Bank’s prudential mortgage lending rules have been instrumental in ensuring that borrowers have not been able to borrow too much and lenders are limited in their ability to lend excessively.

At the macro level a useful indicator of measuring mortgage credit growth is the New Mortgage Lending to Disposable Income (NMDI) ratio recently published by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). This compares mortgage lending developments with changes

in households’ disposable income. The Central Bank estimates that the ratio of new mortgage lending to disposable incomes was around 34% at its peak in early 2006. This ratio is estimated at just over 6 per cent in the middle of 2021.

The Central Bank analysis shows that this ratio had declined significantly even before the introduction of the prudential mortgage lending rules in 2015. This was a direct result of the pain suffered during the crash and a more cautious

approach from borrowers in a more uncertain economic environment.

The latest data from the Central Bank show that at the end of 2021, more than 45% of mortgage lending has been issued under the mortgage measures framework since 2015. In addition, the share of Private Dwelling Home (PDH) lending with an allowance, i.e., over the Loan to Income (LTI) or Loan to Value (LTV) limits, has declined from 21% in 2016 to 14% in 2021 in value terms.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Some reservations about generous Budget According to Minister Pascal O’Donohue this year’s Budget focused on helping families and businesses facing the cost-of-living crisis arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the continuing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said “As one of the most open economies in the world, we benefit when things are going well internationally, but when they reverse, we are also one of the most exposed.”

According to Aviva’s economist Jim Power, other areas of concern are a very tight labour market, a serious problem in the provision of childcare and the ongoing escalation in the cost of housing for both renters and owner-occupiers.

Budget 2023 contained two distinct elements – a package of once-off measures to alleviate the cost-of living pressures and the normal increase in the various elements of expenditure and taxation which carry

forward to future years.

Courtesy of Aviva here are some of the key elements.

A payment of €600 to offset rising electricity bills is set to be paid to every household.

It will be paid in instalments, with one before Christmas and the other two in the new year.

Double child benefit payment in November and a once-off double week “Cost of Living Support” payment to social welfare recipients in October - this includes pensioners, carers, people on disability payments and jobseekers. An additional €500 for those receiving the Working Family will be in November with an additional €500 for Carer’s Support Grant recipients to be paid in November.

Once-off payment before Christmas of €200 to recipients of the Living Alone Allowance with a once-off payment of €500 to those who qualify for Disability Allowance, In-

validity Pension and the Blind Pension being paid in November. The normal Christmas Bonus will be paid in early December for social welfare recipients with a €12 a week increase for every recipient of a social protection payment.

Working Family Payment thresholds rise by €40 a week with Qualified Child Increase for under 12s up to €42 a week and for over 12s to €50 a week.

Qualifying income threshold for the Fuel Allowance will increase (from January 1 next) from €120 to €200 above the relevant rate of the State Pension Contributory. For over 70s, the weekly Fuel Allowance means limit will be extended to €500 for single people, €1,000 for couples.

Domiciliary Care Allowance rate rises by €20.50 to €330 a month and will be available to parents of babies who have to remain in hospital for six months. Top-up payment to participants on the Commu-

nity Employment, TÚS and Rural Social Scheme rises by €5 to €25 a week.

On the income tax side an increase of €3,200 in the income tax standard rate cut-off point for all earners, from €36,800 to €40,000 for single individuals

‘A serious problem in the provision of childcare ...

and from €45,800 to €49,000 for married couples / civil partners with one earner. With an increase of €75 in the Personal Tax Credit from €1,700 to €1,775 and an increase of €75 in the Employee Tax Credit from €1,700 to €1,775.

An increase of €75 in the Earned Income Credit from €1,700 to €1,775. An increase of €100 in the Home Carer Tax Credit from €1,600 to €1,700.

Help-to-Buy scheme will continue, at current rates until the end of 2024. Taxpayers paying rent on their principal private residence will receive a new rent tax credit valued at €500 per year from 2023 and may also be claimed in respect of rent paid in 2022.

The amount landlords can claim in pre-letting expenses per premises is being doubled to €10,000 and reducing the period for which a premises must be vacant from twelve to six months.

A new Vacant Homes Tax is

being introduced for residential properties which are occupied for less than 30 days in a 12-month period. A 10% levy is being introduced on poured concrete and concrete blocks from April 2023 and is expected to raise €80m annually. It has been introduced to raise funds to address issues with mica.

Childcare funding will be provided to support a reduction of up to 25% in the weekly fee for those using the National Childcare Scheme this should result in up to €175 a month savings for parents in 2023.

Small businesses can avail of a temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, once eligibility criteria are met, 40% of an organisation’s energy increases will be covered, subject to a monthly cap of €10,000 a month per business. john@ellisfinancial 086 8362622

Rafter family in concert at Freshford The highpoint of Féile Lachtain 2022 occurs on Saturday, October 8, when the Rafter Family Concert takes place at St. Lachtain’s R.C. Church, Freshford at 8.00 p.m.

The Rafter Family has performed extensively throughout the past decade since their debut to critical acclaim at the National Concert Hall, Dublin. All the family have excelled in their own field.

Maura studied under some of Europe’s most notable musicians such as Mabel Swainson and Maurizio Carnelli. She is a highly respected piano teacher with students winning at national level. Paddy studied under some of the world’s most respected singers and conductors including Carlo Gaifa and Massimiliano Bullo of La Scala in Milan. As well as singing with the Three Tenors, Paddy sang in La Scala. He and Maura met through music when Paddy sang one Christmas in St. Mary’s Cathedral where Maura was the organist. Together they set up the Rafter Family group and toured Ireland. They established Kilkenny Academy of Music and taught a generation of young Kilkenny musicians and singers. Post-Covid, Maura started Threecastles School of Music and is now catering for all local students and students from further afield.

Maura and Paddy have four children who have all performed in the past with the

family: Sean, a successful barrister, played clarinet; Isabelle, a multi award winning cellist and singer; Alexander, a much loved singer, guitarist and piano player who is one of the stars of the St. Lachtain’s Intermediate hurling team; and Patrick who is celebrated as one of Ireland’s most gifted and exciting violinists.

To get to this point in his career, Patrick has had a starstudded journey including debuts with some of the finest orchestras, such as Prague Philharmonia, performances alongside leading conductors including Semyon Bychkov and Marin Alsop. He has shared the stage with some of the world’s most acclaimed musicians such as Maxim Vengerov and Shlomo Mintz. A personal invitation to study under Vengerov led to first prizes in international

competitions which have been a catalyst to an international career. He is a top graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London and the International Menuhin Music Academy in Switzerland.

It is extremely gratifying at parish level that the main event of Féile Lachtain 2022 has a local family involved. On this occasion, Paddy and Maura will be joined by Alexander and virtuoso violinist Patrick. The concert promises to be a wonderful celebration of popular and light classical pieces and songs. This project is funded by the Kilkenny Creative Ireland Programme 2022 through Kilkenny Co. Council.

Tickets cost €25 and are on sale at O’Shea’s Newsagent, Freshford and online at Eventbrite under “Rafter Family Concert”.

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Opinion

The white haired boy

BY NED EGAN

Part 3 The moon helped the bombers, and they had no fear of RAF fighters: well the Luftwaffe knew that these scarce machines were still being held rigidly in wait for planes trying to destroy airfields – which would be Hitler’s first step towards an invasion. The weather might be lousy, but that man was completely unpredictable.

They’d invade at any time - if the RAF could be wiped out.

So, the big German planes over Coventry had it reasonably easy.

It wasn’t a huge raid, more like some bombers having not much else to do, and the crews saying: “Ah, life’s a bore: might as well go bomb Coventry.”

The ‘digs’ group had gone down into the cellar, as

usual, with Steve telling ‘good ones’ to keep spirits up, and handing around a few tots of a vicious brew he’d brewed up with the aid of some potato and apple skins!

The odd whine and ‘crump’ and bang of a falling and exploding bomb went on for hours, with no apparent danger at all.

Then – smash! A ‘big one’ whammed through the roof and all the floors and buried itself below the very corner of the cellar! But it didn’t go off!!

That they were all quite shook up by this is no exaggeration! They were well pleased to hear the Warden shortly, banging the coal chute lid and calling down: “They’ve finished now, I think, but best stay there for the All Clear. By the way, have you a bloke down there named ‘The White Haired Boy?’ There’s a strange fellow up the street wants to see him, right now. Said it’s urgent, and to ‘bring his friends.’

I wouldn’t bother if I were you”

At this, Steve gave a gasp of complete surprise. He then asked the others if any of them had been so nicknamed, but they hadn’t.

So, he thought, it must be for me – remembering back to his childhood days. But it was impossible! The ‘Tan who had used those few words had died in front of him, back in Callan, all those years ago. And he’d never told anyone about it – a good story about a Black and Tan soldier just wouldn’t be believed. Same as a bad story about a priest --Now he got a sudden premonition, and started shouting “Out! Out! Out!” at his mates. They thought he was gone mad! “No” he shouted, “I’ve never been more sane! Just this one time, do what I say – we’ll take ‘Lizzie’ with us! Hurry, Hurry!!”

They all moved fast then, in a wild scramble, and in a few minutes were out on the road.

There, he told the rest of the cellar dwellers that he’d once been called such

a name – which, strictly speaking – was the truth.

The Warden was amazed at the sudden emptying of the cellar, and told them they were all ‘bloody daft Irish buggers.’ But he pointed down the street, and said that outside the shop on the corner, they’d find standing ‘a strange sorta cove.’ Steve immediately hustled his ‘flock’ along in that direction, carrying the protesting Lizzie with them.

A few minutes later, and they were outside the corner-shop. There was nobody there.

The street was completely deserted.

They looked all round.

No one at all.

“Well, Steve” go Lizzie, “I just don’t know what all that ruddy fuss was ab-- ” – and then the whole area shook like an earthquake had decided to join in the war!

Everyone, including Lizzy, was rocked and buffeted about for several seconds.

“What the bloody hell was that?” cried all at the same

time! But Steve knew - and he ran back towards the house, screaming, halfhysterical.

He knew exactly what had happened. The Warden – who’d thought them all daft - and who Steve had been panicking about - arrived back at Lizzy’s old address, at the same time.

An address. Only. Of a huge smoking hole in the ground.

It wasn’t his home any more. And it would never again be home to Lizzie..

“Delayed action bomb, big one” said the Warden.

Yes, the one that tore down through the corner of the cellar.

The Warden patted his shoulder. They could hear the emergency vehicles starting to growl around the streets, looking to save the odd person. They wouldn’t be bothering too much here. No point.

The Warden then said: “lucky that geezer told me to give you a shout – you’d be a goner only for him.

Who was he, anyway?

Where is he now?”

“We didn’t find him,Warden. A long story.

Will you tell me what he looked like – how was he dressed?”

“Oh, he looked battered, actually looked like he’d been ‘in the wars’ a bit himself, face in a mess; I’d say he’d been roughly handled, didn’t look the best at all.. wearing a strange sort of uniform, oldfashioned looking, never saw the likes before - it was all ripped, bloodstains on it, too. That give you any idea?

Do you think you might know him, recognise him from that?”

“Yes,” said Steve slowly, “I know who he was, alright.”

From a great distance – from another time – a debt had been repaid.

To The White Haired Boy. Ned E Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Kilkenny Observer.

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News & Wellbeing Science The latest research now indicates that time spent in bed and bedtime may impact dementia risk.

Those aged 60-74 were most affected.

Previous research also highlighted the role of sleep quality in memory and dementia.

Sleep can influence physical and mental health and is linked to conditions from heart disease and stroke to depression and obesity.

And a new study published in the Journal Of The Geriatrics Society has provided further insights into sleep’s role in dementia.

Researchers in China, Sweden, and the UK looked at sleep data of 1,982 Chinese individuals with an average age of 70 — none of whom presented with symptoms of dementia at the start of the study.

An average of 3.7 years later, 97 participants (5%) had been diagnosed with dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria.

Those primarily affected were aged between 60 and 74. Men were also at higher risk, which contradicts what many other dementia researchers have previously found.

“In most studies, women are known to have a twofold greater risk of dementia than men. It is unusual that this study found the opposite,” said Dr Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. The research revealed that timing is critical. The study found that longer time spent in bed (TIB) was associated with significantly increased dementia risk. Those in bed for more than 8 hours were far more likely to show a cognitive decline during a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) — a test used Lose weight In one study, overweight people who drank one or two ounces of vinegar (diluted with other liquid) lost weight at a slightly faster rate. And they lost belly fat. But there’s no evidence that lots of vinegar will help you drop lots of pounds, or do it quickly.

Lower blood sugar Vinegar can help someone with diabetes control the amount of glucose in their blood after a meal as well as their A1c, a measure of “average” blood sugar for the past few months. It won’t cure diabetes or take the place of prescribed medications.

But a couple of teaspoons in water or food at mealtime can help, as long as you don’t have kidney disease. High blood sugar over time can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and blindness.

Insulin control Vinegar can also help keep insulin levels lower after

Time spent in bed linked to dementia to measure cognitive impairment.

So why might older people need to spend more time in bed?

“As we get older, we see a fragmentation of the sleep states,” said Dr Michael Breus, a sleep specialist and clinical psychologist. This means “that we don’t seem to get the same type of physically restoring sleep (stages 3/4) as we did when we were

younger.”

As such, “it’s possible that people with poorer quality sleep may require more sleep time to compensate,” said Dr Dimitriu.

Other factors can play a role, too. Depression (for which older adults are at greater risk) can make sleeping difficult “But there are also many other medical conditions (such as heart disease or diabetes) and the

The health benefits of vinegar

medications taken for them that can increase tiredness and sleep requirements,” he said.

The time individuals went to bed was also highlighted by researchers as a critical contributing factor.

Early-mid evening hours were deemed riskiest. The research paper stated that “every one hour advance in bedtime [before 10 pm] was associated with a 25% in-

creased risk of dementia.”

The study authors hypothesised that earlier bedtimes could be driven by disrupted circadian rhythm.

“Parts of the brain responsible for managing sleep start to change as we age.

This impacts our circadian rhythm cycles,” said Dr. David Rabin, PhD, a neuroscientist, board-certified psychiatrist.

Age-related factors, such as

you eat. Your cells need this hormone to take glucose from your blood to use for energy. But too much insulin released too often can make your body less sensitive to it — a condition called insulin resistance that can lead to type 2 diabetes or make it worse.

due or product buildup, or that it makes your scalp more acidic (or why you’d even want that). Stick to products made to treat dandruff, and follow the instructions. If the problem doesn’t clear up, see a dermatologist.

Fighting germs Apple cider vinegar — any vinegar, really — will kill some germs because of the acetic acid in it. It works best in your food — to clean up bacteria lingering on your salad leaves, for example. It’s not very good at disinfecting a cut or wound. And because it’s an acid, there’s a chance it could chemically burn delicate skin.

Dandruff It’s long been suggested — for different reasons — as a rinse to tame a flaking scalp.

But there’s no evidence to confirm that vinegar kills yeast bacteria or fungus, or that it removes shampoo resi-

Whiten teeth Vinegar may brighten your teeth, but it also wears away their enamel — the thin, hard, outer layer of protection. In fact, wait for at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink diluted vinegar to brush your teeth. If your teeth are discoloured, look for whitening toothpaste or products approved by dentists or talk to your dentist.

Healthy gut That murky, thicker liquid that collects at the bottom of some vinegars, called the “mother,” is made up of the fermenting bacteria and their harmless waste. Most brands warm vinegar to kill the bacteria before packaging, but mother can develop once

having to use the bathroom more frequently during the night, also “impact us getting good quality and deep sleep,” continued Rabin.

Accumulative sleep deprivation “results in a change in brain structures that regulate circadian cycles”.

Other influences might also be at play, said Dr Dimitriu.

“It is possible that people with early stages of dementia experience earlier brain fatigue in the day, leading them to want to sleep earlier,” he said. “‘Sundowning’ is a well-known effect in older people prone to dementia, where they can become confused and disoriented in the evenings.”

One of the main drawbacks to the research is that time in bed doesn’t necessarily reflect the time spent asleep.

Sleep duration has been noted by scientists as a crucial factor in cognitive health and dementia risk.

Such time could indicates an underlying sleep-related issue, such as insomnia, which “could be affecting this situation and making it worse”.

A recent Canadian study also highlighted that those with insomnia were at higher risk of memory loss.

Furthermore, time in bed doesn’t consider the quality of a person’s sleep — also regarded as important in cognition and dementia. For instance, not getting enough deep sleep can greatly impact memory.

There’s one final consideration to bear in mind.

“This study, as well as many others like it, are association studies and, as such, do not show cause and effect,” explained Bazil.

“So it is never clear whether the observed association (in this case, short or long times in bed or sleep onset time) actually causes dementia, or is indirectly related to it,” he said. air hits the product. Some say the mother gives vinegar more health benefits because the live bacteria act as probiotics, but there’s no scientific evidence yet.

Protect your cells Polyphenols are chemical compounds in fruits, vegetables, wine, coffee, and chocolate. They’re antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage linked to cancer and other disease. There’s no reason to think the polyphenols in apple cider vinegar can’t be just as helpful, but we need more studies to be sure.

Curb your appetite When vinegar was served with white bread for breakfast, people said they were more satisfied afterward. But when vinegar was served with cream of wheat, made from a more complex grain that takes longer to digest, it made less of a difference, and the fuller feeling didn’t last very long. Stay tuned on this one.

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Travel & Leisure 1. Enjoy the Heineken Experience Heineken beer flag waving in the Netherlands.

Drinking beer while on the Heineken Experience is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night because you can sip Heineken in the place where it was first brewed.

The brewery was established in the heart of Amsterdam in 1867 and remained in operation until 1988.

It was reopened as a museum a few years later, in 2001, attracting beer lovers from the city and all over the world.

Take a guided tour of the historic brewery to learn more about the history of the well-known brand, the art of beer making, Heineken’s innovations, and the proper way to serve a world-famous drink.

For those over 18, there are also historic Heineken ads and tasting opportunities and the opportunity to learn about the four natural ingredients used to make this beer.

2. Stroll through Stedelijk Museum Visiting a museum is one of the things to do in Amsterdam, night or day.

The Stedelijk Museum, which first opened its doors in 1895, is the most important Dutch museum displaying contemporary art and design.

You can walk through the Stedelijk Museum’s gallery, which features furniture, ceramics, posters, jewellery and other items that depict the evolution of design from the turn of the 20th century to the present.

This museum houses over 90,000 artifacts and works by world-renowned artists such as Picasso, Cézanne, Chagall, Marlene Dumas, Kandinsky, Malevich and Matisse.

The works of well-known Dutch artists such as

1. Barcade: Play pinball with a pint Not all dates need to take place over a candle-lit dinner.

Head to Brooklyn for arcade games and an extensive roster of exclusive craft beers for an unexpected date night. The Williamsburg Barcade opened in 2004 as the original location of large-scale gaming, but there are now nine Barcades around the country. You’ll find dozens of video games and pinball machines from the 1980s to choose from, such as ‘Asteroids’, ‘Donkey Kong’, and ‘Mortal Kombat’.

First date? The activities may help avoid some of the awkward pauses on a night between strangers. The flowing taps of craft beer could also keep the conversation flowing.

Or skip the booze, because whether it’s date one or 2. Fig & Olive: Dinner and a walk on the High Line New York’s Meatpacking district is the ideal date night thanks to its trendy

7 ways to explore Amsterdam at night Mondrian, Gerrit Rietveld, and De Kooning are also included.

You can book tickets in advance to skip the line and gain access to permanent and temporary exhibits and learn about famous artists.

3. Go on an evenin canal cruise A boat tour in the evening is one of the best ways to appreciate the unique beauty of Amsterdam’s Canal District.

These canals, which date back to the 17th century, are breathtaking when viewed from the water.

Visitors can cruise the canals at night for about an hour, passing by historic merchant homes and picturesque bridges while admiring the breathtaking vistas of this historic area of the city.

Learn about the city’s

fascinating history and dynamic character, or relax and take in the sights as dusk falls over Amsterdam.

An evening canal cruise introduces you to Amsterdam’s distinct atmosphere and is something to try when visiting the city.

4. Chill out at an Amsterdam icebox Amsterdam Icebar is, in more ways than one, the coolest spot in town. The entire interior of the bar, including the walls, furniture, and even the drinking glasses, is made of natural ice.

You will be amazed when visiting this fantastic and distinctive location in Amsterdam.

After donning a warm jacket and gloves, you’ll enter the bar made of 35

5 venues for date nights in NYC

restaurants, galleries, high-end shopping, nightclubs, and the sprawling Chelsea Market.

You can plan an entire evening by heading to the FrenchMediterranean restaurant Fig & Olive, followed by a stroll on the High Line, a historic freight line turned elevated outdoor park featuring sculptures and unforgettable views.

Instagram The 13th Street Fig & Olive is headed by the award-winning

partner and culinary director, Chef Alain Allegretti. The seasonally-focused menu is inspired by flavours from the South of France and centreed around olive oils.

The restaurant is known for its American red snapper entrée and selection of crostinis. We also recommend the raw bar’s sea bass crudo with a fresh cucumber ginger broth and the unbelievable flavour of the lamb crusted with Moroccan

tons of ice kept at a constant sub-zero temperature of -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).

Marvel at a watering hole made almost entirely of ice and relax in the frozen bar while sampling a variety of delectable cocktails.

To experience Amsterdam’s coolest venue and enjoy complimentary cocktails at the Amsterdam Icebar, book your ticket here.

5. Discover secrets at the Red Light Secrets Museum The Red Light Secrets Museum focuses on the lives of sex workers in the Netherlands and it’s the only museum in the world completely focused on prostitution.

It’s housed in a former brothel in Amsterdam’s renowned Red Light District.

ras el hanout spice mix. After a glass of rosé or an espresso martini, you and your date can walk o$ the decadent meal with the entrance to the High Line just a block away.

3. Dirt Candy: Dine on a plant-base tasting menu At Dirt Candy, award-winning chef Amanda Cohen has been perfecting a luxurious and seasonal plant-based tasting menu in the Bowery since 2009 (via The New Yorker). It’s sure to impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. When we went, Dirt Candy’s signature dish, the portobello mousse, came with the mousse shaped into tiny woodland elements sitting alone in the bowl before disappearing under broth poured at the table — now that’s pageantry.

Wine Enthusiast named Dirt Candy one of the best wine restaurants for its program featuring only women-run wineries.

New York Magazine named it as the neighbourhood’s

Learn about the history of the world’s oldest profession, prostitution, tour the rooms where they work, sit behind the famous windows and listen to stories from the sex workers themselves.

A visit to this unusual museum allows you to learn about their point of view, which they explore in a fun and open way to eliminate the taboos surrounding sex work.

Some of the confessions are humorous, some are enlightening, but all are revealing; you can experience all of these with an entry ticket to the museum.

6. Amaze immersive audiovisual experience During the Aamaze experience, you can escape reality and explore interactive areas that elicit a range of

best place, full stop, to eat a meal right now.” According to the restaurant’s website, the tasting menu is $95 a person, and it has a no-tipping policy.

4. Tokyo Record Bar: Izakaya with a side of vinyl If you can get a reservation at Tokyo Record Bar, you’ll thank us later for all the bonus points you’ll get for being in the know. A vinyl jukebox enhances the tasting menu experience in this underground space that hosts just two or three seatings per night. The seven-course omakase-style menu is paired with a curated vinyl set and a drink menu featuring filtered and unfiltered sake and cocktails.

Mad Hatters NYC says the Tokyo Record Bar feels like a speakeasy. Much of that is due to its inconspicuous entrance through the MacDougal St. Air’s Champagne Parlour (guests can reserve a table there to enjoy a glass of Champagne)

emotions, from relaxing to intense.

The facility is divided into seven rooms, each containing various interactive exhibits with fantastic light, laser, sound and other effects that evoke a wide range of emotions.

Immerse yourself in a captivating world of images, sounds and technology.

The abundance of sensors and cameras allows for easy interaction with the environment, making the experience even more immersive.

Following the experience, guests can relax in the Amaze lounge and enjoy the unique setting, friendly service, and vibrant ambience.

7. Stroll through the Red Light district Explore the Red Light district in Amsterdam at night.

The Red Light District (De Wallen, as it is known locally), is Amsterdam’s most wellknown tourist destination.

You can explore the famous area’s winding alleyways and red-lit windows at night while learning about its long history.

This area is home to a few notable museums, including the Red Light Secrets Museum and the Erotic Museum, in addition to street-side brothels.

The Amsterdam Red Light District also has brightly lit canals, bustling restaurants, and several bars and Dutch coffee shops where visitors can unwind.

Only adults are allowed on the several tours of the district, which share the history of Amsterdam’s oldest neighbourhood and the ladies who work behind the famous red-lit windows.

A walk through this neighbourhood gives you a peek behind the curtains into Amsterdam’s rich history and relaxed atmosphere.

before descending into the dining room with seating for 12 people. You then get to select from a menu of songs you’d prefer for the night while enjoying sashimi, crab legs, and caviar sandwiches.

5. Loulou: A Chelsea speakeasy to transport your date night The popularity of speakeasies in NYC is hardly a secret.

Loulou is easy to spot thanks to the decadent floral decorations on the corner cafe. To find the bistro’s speakeasy entrance, you and your date will walk through a vintage Coca-Cola machine for a quirky start to your night to remember. You’ll be greeted by a chandelier setting the mood before heading into the French bistro-style bar offering specialty cocktails and a full menu.

Secret NYC notes Loulou is named after the owner’s dog and calls the basement one of the “coolest” secret spots in the city.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Big yellow taxi took me away, old scam I was half-scammed the other night. Half scammed, Gerry? Yes, half-scammed.

Are you a half-eejit or what to be half-scammed at this time of your life and you a clever enough chap?

No, I am not a half-eejit although right now I feel like a complete eejit for not copping the scam.

Scams we are all familiar with usually on our PCs or mobile phones: the An Post, Amazon, PayPal, Netflix scams and that insidious scam whereby you receive a text purportedly from one your children whose phone has been stolen, hence ringing you on a strange number, and who urgently need money to replace the phone and resume communication with the world. The big bad world in this case.

These I am used to but damn it – a scam in my

own backyard! The backyard in this instance being my local pub. Here’s what happened: it’s closing time and I ring my taxi. “Be there in a few, Gerry. Give you a bell.”

Five minutes on and because the pub is noisy I pop out the door to see if he has arrived. There’s a taxi outside with the window down.

“You called a taxi?” he asks. “I did but I didn’t call you.” (I’ve never seen this guy before who is not Irish, and not Asian). “Who’d you call?” I tell him the name. “He’s busy, he sent me.”

My friend and I get in.

Having delivered my friend we are now half way to my home when my phone rings: It’s my taxi man: “Gerry, I’m outside, you ready?” ‘ “I’m inside,” I tell him.

“Inside the taxi that you sent for me.”

“I didn’t,” he says.

And therein lies the scam.

Half scam in this case as I directed my man to my ‘real’ taxi-driver who took me the other half home.

But I did pay my scammer a fiver which I shouldn’t have as he got me into his taxi under false pretences.

So, folks, watch out for this scam. On our door steps, our pub steps, make sure the taxi you hop into at closing time is the taxi you called and that you’re not, like foolish me, being scammed.

A scam that I am enjoying, if that’s possible, at the moment is the one when someone wants to befriend me on Facebook – sometimes it’s a name I know (who has been hacked, though I didn’t know that first time round). I tick

Photo by Jack Moore

‘confirm’ and sometime later receive a chirpy reply like: “Hi, Gerry, great to hear from you hope you and all the family are keeping well.”

To which I reply: “All well thanks, and you?”

Soon after comes the following: “I’m really great and wondering if you have heard of the Ford Foundation; it gives out funds to help all people young, old, poor, retired, disabled, unemployed, all citizens of the state to help them maintain a standard of living. Have you heard from them?”

Needless to say I hadn’t.

Bottom line is – the Ford Foundation funds need never be repaid ie. money for nothing! All is needed are your bank details to lodge the money. I keep entertaining this scam (though I shouldn’t) to

compare and contrast the various styles, and creativity, of the scammer.

Instead of the Ford Foundation one refers to a Publisher Clearing House giving away money!

It occurs to me that perhaps I too have been hacked and my name is being used to perpetuate this scam. So, if anyone out there has received a request from yours truly to be friends on Facebook – delete immediately.

Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa I was ‘collared’ by a drinking colleague recently about collars! Sorry, let me get this right as this paragraph is all about NOT getting things right.

I was ‘collared’ recently about collars, religious collars, namely Colliers – one a former Bishop of Ossory, the other a former Diocesan Examiner. I men-

tioned both in a recent column and assumed they were one and the same person. Oh dear! They weren’t.

A grievous, error, you’ll agree, tantamount to Mortal Sin (remember Mortal Sins, the ones with the black dots in the Catechism, and Venial Sins, the ones with the red dots, and I sincerely hope I’ve got that right, if not I may prepare for another ‘collaring’).

And so, to the thousands of readers out there who spotted my mistake, in the language of the church: Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa.

Indeed I am even considering standing outside St Mary’s Cathedral in sack cloth and ashes for a month of Sundays to atone for my colossal, catastrophic, clerical gaffe!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

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Feature

Inspirational new mural at St. Brigid’s Church in Coon a delight says Fr Wallace Nestled in a valley on the Carscenic view at the span of the low/Kilkenny border is the River Dinin. The remainder little village of Coon or Coan. of the short journey is best According to Owen described as freewheeling.

O’Kelly’s book Place names Should Mr. or Mrs. Google be of County Kilkenny, Coon activated, the message, “You (Cuan) derives its name from destinahave reached your destina A River Winding. tion” would emit To visit the area from from the Kilkenny city, one has vehiseveral options as cle’s to which route to select. The extra mileage versions would take the traveller eastwards through Paulstown, or for those wishing a more northerly vista,

the environs ­ ­ of Castlecomer

could be of preference. Another option of course, are the rural narrow roads through Higginstown and Kilderry, leaving Johnswell to the left and Castlewarren to the right. If seeking directions at the cross at Kane’s Bridge (Larkin’s of Cainsbridge), the advice would be to venture straight on and follow the road to the next decent turn curling to the left. Soon the mode of transport would pass Jim Bolger’s famous racehorse stables at Coolcullen. A number of twists and turns must be negotiated prior to a

audio device. In no time at all, the unique and quaint little place called Coon, would appear in wondrous view. And why, you might ask, the sudden interest and directions to Coon.

It is of course due to recent happenings in the village. It concerns the creation and painting of a mural at St. Brigid’s church grounds. Marley Irish and Eamonn Byrne were the artists commissioned to take on the important task. It is based on the scene of the

apparition at Knock Shrine, which was witnessed in 1879.

It was originally the spiritual idea of a local parishioner.

Let us return for a moment to the Owen O’Kelly book of place names.

The author includes the following under the Coon section. ‘The location of a well called Tobar Mhuire, (The Virgin’s well), is now unknown, but there is a field locally known as Coolnatobar, probably Cúil an Tobar which may refer to its location.

So, the choice of a mural including The Virgin Mary would seem apt.

Speaking with The Kilkenny Observer, parish priest Fr Larry Wallace expressed his delight at the mural and said he hoped it would prove an inspiration to all parishioners and to those who come to visit. “Our greatest wish is that when people see the wonderful mural it will motivate them to say a quiet prayer, especially to Mary.”

Serving Muckalee, Ballyfoyle and Coon, Fr Larry said that the completed job is a work of art and he was so thankful to all who helped make it happen.

The artist who completed the mural was Birr, County Offaly man Eamonn Byrne. “I spent many years as a painter decorator” Eamon told this paper, “and I’ve worked on a fair amount of walls of varying shapes and sizes, so I didn’t find the size or scale anyway challenging.

Eamon said he worked closely with the planning of the mural with Marley Irish, formerly from Coon.

Committee members

Pauline Haughney and Phil Purcell said the committee members couldn’t be happier with the outcome and that there has been a massive positive reaction to the work.

Pauline also explained that the idea came from a local parishioner and initially a statue of Our Lady was the plan. However, costs and availability of a particular Knock statue depicting Our Lady caused some problems and once the idea of a mural was mooted everyone was on board and fully backed the proposal.

Concluding the chat with The Observer, Fr Wallace said his thoughts were with his predecessor Fr Delaney who had served the parish. “I have no doubt that Fr Delaney is looking down smiling on his beloved church that he served so well for thirty two years”, Fr Wallace concluded.

Special thanks was paid to Ger Doyle who cleaned, coated and plastered the wall.

So, no matter what route you take, a trip to Coon church to view this beautiful mural is very worthwhile.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

Global Report Vladimir Putin is losing his war. If the Ukrainians continue to liberate areas of their country from his invading army, would he actually use nuclear weapons as he has threatened? If so, how? And what would the US and Europe’s response be?

The response can be summed up as: minimise the possibility of nuclear use, and prepare responses in advance.

That is what US military and intelligence leaders have been doing since the early days of the war back in February. They are studying all the possible use scenarios. Intelligence is closely watching for any sign that a nuclear weapon is being readied.

We should believe Putin that “this is not a bluff”. The first use of nuclear weapons in a conflict is an integral part of Russian military doctrine, as it is in US war plans. Unlike the United States, Russia regularly practices for the use of nuclear weapons and integrates them into its conventional military exercises, most recently just before Putin‘s invasion.

Russian military writings describe in detail how, if Russia is losing a conflict, it could use nuclear weapons to force its enemy to retreat.

This “escalate to de-escalate” or “escalate to win” strategy is somewhat controversial, but it is not dissimilar to various US plans for using nuclear weapons first.

One option is for Russia to fire a nuclear weapon over an uninhabited area — say, part of the Black Sea — as a demonstration of its seriousness in hopes that the West will back down. Some scientists involved in the Manhattan Project urged just such a demonstration shot as an alternative to bombing Japanese cities at the end of World War II. While no one would be killed and there would not be physical damage, the explosion would stop the world in its tracks. There has not been a nuclear weapon used in combat in 77 years. No one has even seen a nuclear explosion above ground since 1980.

‘The explosion would stop the world in its tracks...

If Putin were to push that button...

This explosion would not require a nuclear response by the US. To prevent further escalation, President Biden could call for Russia’s international isolation (China and India, for example, would quickly distance themselves), impose extraordinarily harsh new sanctions and issue warnings of grave consequences should Russia proceed with additional explosions.

As shocking as this would be, Russia would likely reject this option for the same reason US military leaders did in 1945: It is not shocking enough.

Russia could fire a ‘lowyield’ nuclear weapon on a Ukrainian military target. The explosion would kill hundreds or thousands and cause significant damage. Russia could use one of the 10- kiloton warheads it deploys on

some of its ground-launched cruise missiles, including the Iskander that has been used extensively in the war with conventional warheads.

Although this would be a massive explosion — equal to 10,000 tons of TNT — it would be small by nuclear standards. The bomb that destroyed Hiroshima was 15 kilotons; most US and Russian nuclear warheads range from 100 to 1,000 kilotons.

Some believe that Russia has even smaller-yield warheads, in the one-kiloton range.

This might be the most likely scenario.

Again, it would not require a “response in kind” by the US, though some would urge that.

The likely response, in addition to those in scenario one, would be massive increases in military aid to Ukraine and possibly concerted NATO or U.S. strikes on the Russian

units that launched the attack.

Finally, Putin could dial up the explosive force of the attack to the 50- or 100-kiloton range, or about three to six times the Hiroshima bomb.

Tens of thousands would die with massive damage and radiation plumes. If the target were Kyiv, it would decapitate Ukraine’s leadership.

This would almost certainly trigger a direct U.S. or NATO response, though not likely nuclear.

The US and NATO have sufficient precise, powerful conventional weapons that they could use to devastate Russian forces in Ukraine and command headquarters, including those units responsible for the attack. This would likely be accompanied by large-scale cyber operations.

A nuclear attack on NATO is the least likely scenario.

Russian first-use doctrine includes the option of striking NATO targets. The attack could be by long-range missiles or air-launched cruise missiles on Central European states. If the yield was similar to the previous scenario, it would inflict destruction on a NATO state not seen since World War II. This could trigger a nuclear response.

Some would argue a limited nuclear counterstrike was necessary to preserve nuclear deterrence. More likely is an all-out conventional assault to try to eliminate either Putin himself or the weapons he commands before he strikes again.

Shock and awe at rise of Giorgia Meloni The rise of Giorgia Meloni has sent shock waves through Europe and triggered fears that Italy might be the Achilles’ heel in Western resolve to resist Russia’s bloody campaign in Ukraine.

In fact, it would be a stretch to regard Ms. Meloni, who would be Italy’s first female premier, as a fascist. And, having dropped her former admiration for Vladimir Putin, she has been unstinting in backing NATO’s support for Ukraine — although the same cannot be said of her probable coalition partners in Italy’s legislature. She has also tempered her erstwhile

rhetoric suggesting she would splinter the European Union, possibly because Italy depends on enormous infu-

sions of EU pandemic relief funds.

Ms Meloni is the latest in a string of extremists who have performed well in European elections this year, including nationalists in France, Hungary and Sweden. Her apparent victory is more evidence that far-right leaders are ascendant in a continent buffeted by immigration, economic head winds and, on its eastern flank, the most destructive war in three-quarters of a century.

Political upheaval is the default in Italy, which has had 69 governments in the

77 years since World War II ended. Still, Ms Meloni’s premiership would be a watershed event. Amid a drumbeat of anti-immigrant rhetoric — she warns darkly that ethnic Italians are in danger of “replacement” — she has advanced the farfetched idea of a naval blockade to stop unauthorised foreigners from reaching Italian shores. That’s unlikely to work. It’s also a toxic echo of the fierce antisemitism of Mussolini, the World War II dictator whom Mss Meloni once openly admired.

Her intolerance is also directed at LGBTQ people and

has vowed to block same-sex adoptions and surrogacy.

Perhaps, some of these fears are overblown, but no one should underestimate the populist leader’s desire for significant political and economic change.

Meloni co-founded the Brothers of Italy in 2012 as a breakaway from the country’s main centre-right party, People of Freedom.

The Brothers was nationalist from its inception, taking its name from a line in the Italian national anthem. It uses colours and symbols associated with the post-war Italian Social Movement, a

party founded by supporters of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. It has never advocated fascism, but its pedigree has nevertheless always raised concerns.

But Italy is not Hungary.

It has a robustly free media and has been a Western democracy for nearly 80 years.

And, Meloni’s party has never embarked on a crusade against liberal democracy the way Mussolini or even Orban has. The Brothers party doesn’t want to end democracy; it wants to respect Italy’s national traditions and restore the country’s economic freedoms.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

News

One in two farmers prepared to reduce their herds If the Government paid them to do so, almost half (49%) of all farmers say they would reduce their livestock numbers, with that number dropping to 44% among beef farmers.

According to a survey conducted by the Farming Independent at the recent National Ploughing Championships, 51% of dairy farmers said they would consider the idea of

reducing their livestock numbers compared to 46% of beef farmers. It also found that 60% of all farmers said they would consider an early retirement scheme if there was one available, although only 47% of sheep farmers would consider an early retirement scheme.

When it comes to succession, 55% say they have some-

one lined up to take over the farm, while 33% of farmers over 65 don’t have someone to take over the farm.

The survey of 400 farmers found that just over one third (35%) have not taken a holiday this year and almost half (49%) of those aged 65 and over have not. Just over 6o% of farmers surveyed said the national mainstream media

does not cover agriculture fairly.

It also found that almost 39% of farmers would consider converting to organic (39%), while 13% say they don’t know enough about the scheme.

Half of all beef farmers say they would consider converting, while only 22% of dairy farmers say they would consider converting.

O’Neill claims A taste of Kilkenny world win on for Middle East a great day in Belgium A brilliant performance from Kilkenny’s Ger O’Neill on BP Goodfellas, bred by Kevin Babington and Greg Broderick’s Ballypatrick Stables, saw them crowned World Champions at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses at Lanaken in Belgium.

The result completed an incredible hat-trick of World Championship wins for Bennettsbridge native O’Neill, who won the sixyear-old World title with the Irish Sport Horse Killossery Kaiden in 2016, and was World Champion again in 2017 with the Irish Sport Horse Columbcille Gipsy.

Having come through two intense qualifying rounds earlier this week that attracted over 240 starters, the top 47 combinations took their place in the final to see who would be crowned World Champions. Eighteen horses and riders jumped clear in the first round to make it into the jump-off, with two of those for Ireland.

Third-last to go against the clock, Ger O’Neill and BP Goodfellas (ISH) stormed into the lead with a stunning clear round in 40.12 seconds – a time that would prove unbeatable.

Ciaran Moran also took eighth place for Ireland with Greenhall Mullord (ISH) bred by Derry Rothwell, jumping clear against the clock in 44.06.

The six-year-old final saw Ireland claim another memorable win, as Ethen Ahearne and ABC Saving Grace, owned and bred by Patrick Kehoe, took Ireland’s second World title of the day.

A massive 270 combinations entered the six-year-

old competition at the start of the week, with the top 40 making it through to the final. Fourteen combinations went forward to the jumpoff, with Ahearne and ABC Saving Grace the sole Irish representatives, taking victory with a brilliant clear in 36.74.

Three-time World Championship winner Ger O’Neill told The Kilkenny Observer: “A fantastic day, I was a winner here in 2016 with a 6-year-old and back again in 2017. It’s very nice to come back and win it again. It’s a great feeling at a World Championship, it’s unbelievable to win it.

“Huge thanks to Greg and Cheryl Broderick and to Kevin Babington who own and bred the horse, and everyone out here giving me a hand, it’s really a team effort from Ireland here which is huge, and to win on an Irish horse is also fantastic.”

Ireland’s Show Jumping Team Manager for the Championships in Lanaken, Jack Doyle: “It’s really great to get results like this in a World Final, Ger did a fantastic job as always in the five-yearold final and for Ethen to follow-up with another Irish win in the six-year-old final made it a day to remember.

Dr Sonja Egan, Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development at Horse Sport Ireland (HSI): “Huge congratulations to Ger O’Neill for piloting BP Goodfellas (ISH) to victory, taking expert control of a competitive jump-off.

And of course, to the breeders. Very well done to Kevin Babington, Greg Broderick and Cheryl Broderick and the wider team.”

Four luxury travel buyers from the Middle East have been exploring Co Kilkenny and Ireland – as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. The group’s action-packed itinerary included a visit to Mount Juliet Estate.

The travel professionals – all specialists in luxury travel – design unique, luxury travel itineraries for their high net-worth Emiratis and

Middle Eastern clients.

The aim of the visit is to familiarise them with Ireland and our superb luxury tourism offering, so that when they return home, they will be better informed and more enthusiastic than ever about Ireland when advising their clients about planning and booking their holidays here.

Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland’s Man-

ager Middle East & Asia, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of luxury travel buyers to visit Kilkenny and Ireland, to experience at first-hand some of our luxury tourism offering, including our boutique hotels and luxury resorts. Seeing is believing – and our aim is that when they return home, they will be even more enthusiastic about

the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for the island of Ireland in 2023 and beyond.” * Pictured above: Luxury travel buyers from the Middle East visiting Mount Juliet, with Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland (third left); Siobhan O’Sullivan (fourth left) and Mark Dunne (third right), both Mount Juliet.

Just got a call about free cinema tickets!

Vodafone Ireland has launched a free cinema ticket offer in partnership with Odeon as part of the Vodafone Fantastic Days reward programme. Radio and TV presenter Suzanne Kane announced the initiative with her children, Oisin (7) and Hannah (5).

Every Wednesday customers can use the MyVodafone app to download up to four

offer codes (one ticket per code) to any film being shown on the following Tuesday in any Odeon cinema nationwide. Offer codes are available while stocks last with no booking fee, and no cinema restriction – just hours of free enjoyment and entertainment in front of the big screen.

Customers can delight in the big screen experience, the best air filtration system in

every cinema and the comfiest of seats at no cost every Tuesday.

Vodafone Ireland wants to thank customers for using their services via the Vodafone Fantastic Days reward programme, named Utilities Loyalty Programme of the Year 2022 at the Irish Loyalty Awards. Whether you are a family wanting to see a film, friends looking to laugh (and

cry) at a romcom, or teammates wanting to see the newest blockbuster, make Tuesdays the days (and nights) for a trip to the cinema.

Anita Cara, Consumer Business Director at Vodafone Ireland, said: “We want to thank our customers for being with us, and we are excited to see them enjoying their Tuesday cinema trips provided by Vodafone.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

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Positive ageing – a new agenda for later life Positive ageing week 2022 is a time for all our local authorities and Older People’s council to organize events for our seniors.

Events that encourage interaction and activities to keep seniors active. But what is Positive ageing?

Positive ageing is for those who want to do ageing differently. The traditional approach tends to be passive, fatalistic and rather downbeat. The new positive approach is very different. It understands that the ‘mind’ can have a significant impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing and positive ageing therefore focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of ageing.

Research has shown that negative beliefs, thoughts, ideas and attitudes about ageing can have a detrimental impact on our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing as we age. This negativity about ageing is evident in the stereotypes about older people which are prevalent in society. These attitudes tend to become inter-

nalised as we age and can generate rather defeatist, de-motivating and self-limiting ideas about ourselves and our journey through later life. This can undermine our health and wellbeing as we get older.

To counter this, a positive ageing approach proposes three principal strategies to prevent these negative outcomes. We are encouraged to: • 1. Develop a more balanced understanding of the reality of ageing which recognises the positive aspects of ageing as well as the more challenging ones • 2. Apply techniques drawn from humanistic psychology to gain a degree of control over negative mental states • 3.Consciously build our emotional wellbeing and inner resilience so that we

are better able to negotiate the significant challenges in later life.

Positive ageing is more than a philosophy – it is a practical way of improving the chances of having better life as we age. A positive ageing approach is underpinned by the following presuppositions: • A. It is not what happens to us in later life, but how we respond, which will determine our wellbeing as we age.

• B. External conditions and life events are obviously influential, but the choices we make on how to interpret and react to events in our lives is what makes the difference to our experience.

• C. It is important to develop and maintain a positive and optimistic mindset which rejects

self-limiting beliefs based on what is considered ‘age appropriate’ or ‘normal’ for some of our age.

• D. Such age-related limitations should be challenged.

• E. Age denial, the attempt to resist or cover up our ageing process, is a form of rejection of our future selves and needs to be challenged.

• F. We should be proud of whatever age we are and not succumb to age denial through anti-ageing potions or flattery about ‘not

looking our age’. We are the age we are, and we look the age we look, at the age we are. #BeAgeProud • G. Acceptance of getting older, including our mortality, is key to our wellbeing and happiness.

Equanimity about this part of life’s journey is more beneficial than resistance and despair.

So, there we have it. For the past number of years, the South East had come together and put together programmes for our seniors. This year that group

unfortunately did sit or collaborate and coordinate events. The week or two week of positive ageing events gives us an opportunity to show society age is just a number on a piece of paper. Therefore, Lets get out there and enjoy this period of our life and avail of the services we have.

Join an active retirement group, Seniors Forum group, Residents groups and keep going till we can’t! And hopefully that is years or even decades away.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

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New supports for old supporters KILKENNY GAA has put in place a number of supports to assist pensioners in gaining access to club matches.

As always their support and inclusion is paramount to the spirit and success of the structure of the GAA as a community entity.

The following methods are in place to assist all pensioners to attend any match they wish and will be given all and any help or assistance by stewards or club members.

To help people access tickets using QR Codes. Attached are QR codes so people can access tickets directly on their phones.

But before we get to the stages of ticket entry requirements pensioners have free access to all club games up to and including Quarter-Final stage - Pensioners have free access to games on presentation of their Official Government Pensioner’s Card (including the photograph).

Clubs benefit entirely from income from these gates. In Kilkenny, income generated by gate receipts goes back to the participating clubs directly on the day of the games. All proceeds benefit grassroots GAA in clubs.

When we get to the concluding end of the various championships concessions

Saturday 1st October Kilkenny Honda Centre Minor “A” and “B” Finals 1.00pm - Minor “B” Final: Rower Inistioge v Thomastown 3.00pm - Minor “A” Final: Dicksboro v James Stephens General admission €10 - Can be bought ONLINE by scanning the below QR Code.

Pensioners free

(on production of Public Services Card)

Under 16’s free

Please note that only Ardan de Gras will be open for this fixture with access via stiles on Hebron Road.

Sunday 2nd October St Canice’s Credit Union Quarter and Semi-Finals

will be available to Pensioners for Semi-Finals and Final.

For our semi-finals and county finals pensioners can avail of discounted/concession prices.

Tickets for Senior SemiFinals and Final will be available to purchase in Supermarkets - as we have done for a number of years,

we will aim to have tickets for these games sold through Centra/Supervalu outlets.

These games are always the games with the biggest attendance throughout our games programme so we advise pensioners to obtain their tickets early. Also for their own safety, ease of access and enjoyment they should

arrive early at the venue to secure the most advantageous viewing point possible.

Above all we at Kilkenny GAA hope you take advantage of attending what we are sure will be entertaining and hard fought encounters.

Occasions we hope you enjoy and share with family and friends.

2.00pm – St Canice’s Credit Union Quarter Final: Clara v Shamrocks Ballyhale 3.45 pm – St Canice’s Credit Union Semi Final: James Stephens v Dicksboro.

General admission €15 – Can be bought online or in the Centra & Supervalu Supermarkets You can access the on-line booking portal by scanning the below QR Code.

Students & Pensioners €10 – Discounted Tickets can only be bought ONLINE in advance of this fixture.

U16’s free.

Tickets must be purchased in advance online or in Centra & Supervalu Supermarkets throughout the County.

Entry on both sides of the grounds for these two games.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The good news on being older & bolder

The American comedian Groucho Marx famously said ‘I wouldn’t want to belong to any club that would have me, they should have higher standards’. Many older people feel the same about their age, and who can blame them? They may not want to be categorised as older due to the negative attitudes that society can hold towards older people.

This is Positive Ageing Week, an annual seven days designed to shed a positive spotlight on being older. It is a Week to salute the achievements of older people and to broadcast the good news on being older and bolder.

There is a lot to celebrate.

We are living longer, twice as long as our ancestors did 200 years ago. Way back then, life was short and brutish, the concept of retirement was unknown, and people worked until they died.

While childhood and productive adulthood are still the first and second ages of life, we have a new third age.

This is post-retirement life when we may no longer need to toil, but are still healthy enough to reap the rewards of our labours with opportunities for new choices and adventures. As the years go on, we will all inevitably face the fourth and final age of dependency. But here is the good news, the more we help to keep people in the third age – healthy, active, engaged - the better for the government in exchequer savings, for families and, most of all,

for older people themselves.

So how can we maximise these bonus years? There are a few steps. One is to embrace retirement and to find new purpose and meaning to replace the world of work. While some people can’t wait to leave the nine to five daily slog, others can find retirement very difficult. Work gives more than a wage, it gives structure to our day, meaning, role, identity.

After a standard working life, retirement gives 2,200 hours a year extra to fill. It may take practice to see this as a gift and not a burden. These days can offer the leisure to walk and stay fit, to read and learn, to stay connected with family and friends, to see new places and try fresh experiences.

Professor Rose Anne Kenny, author of the recently published ‘Age Proof, The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life’ offers some simple steps on having our best life yet.

Take care of your friendships.

Good friends can add years to our lives. There is evidence linking strong social bonds with mental improvement, reduced stress levels and less heart disease.

Have a good laugh.

Laughter boosts endorphin levels and is good for circulation and digestion. As children, we laughed up to 400 times a day, now it may be an average of 15 times at most.

Let’s laugh more this Week.

De-stress once a day.

Stress is ageing, negatively affecting our hormone, nervous, immune and metabolic systems. De-stress suggestions include gardening, switching off and paying attention to our breathing.

Stand on one leg.

Falls are the main cause of fractures and accidental deaths as we age. Balance starts to decline after 40 and is one of the common reasons for falls. We could make like a stork and stand on one leg for short periods, building up the time with 30 seconds as a target.

Limit our screen time at night.

It’s not only the grandchildren that are glued to their screens. These days we are all exposed to blue light from TV screens, mobile phones and computers. Blue light suppresses serotonin, the body’s natural ‘sleeping tablet’.

Avoiding blue light an hour before bed will help confer a good night’s sleep, enabling us to wake up ready for each new tomorrow.

‘AgeProof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life’ by Prof Rose Anne Kenny is widely available (€13.99).

SeniorLine, Ireland’s national confidential helpline Freefone 1800 80 45 91, open 10am-10pm 365 days a year.

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Think Ahead simplifies and demystifies advance care planning in Ireland a version of Think Ahead through their GP, at events, or by ordering from IHF.

Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) expands and updates Think Ahead – its comprehensive advance care planning toolkit.

Think Ahead - what is it?

Think Ahead Planning Packs are easy to read guides for patients, their families, and caregivers to start putting their affairs in order for their end of life. With Think Ahead, people can make their care wishes known, appoint somebody to act as their healthcare advocate, keep track of important documents, and more.

In the 10 years since Think Ahead was initially launched, it has become a key advance care planning resource for people in Ireland. Planning ahead can reduce stress or anxiety people may feel when facing dying. Using Think Ahead can also reduce conflict between family members. Over 100,000 people have already received

What’s new in the revised and expanded Think Ahead pack?

My Personal Wishes and Care Plan booklet asks people completing the forms how they would like to be

cared for, in the face of illness or injury. They can record where they would prefer to be - at home, in hospital, or hospice; what is important to them - such as having visitors, spiritual or religious beliefs, favourite music; as well as how to care for them.

This document also allows patients to keep track of legal

and financial information, and for the courageous - what type of funeral and afterdeath care they would prefer.

their choices and they can appoint a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.

My Advance Healthcare Directive booklet guides patients in how to refuse or request treatment for a later date, if some illness or injury means they cannot express

Medical Summary Form on which patients can summarise what has been detailed in their Think Ahead documents once completed and ask their healthcare

team to make a copy for their medical file. This ensures that if the time comes, everybody who needs to know is already aware of a patient’s recorded choices.

All enclosed in a handy folder for safekeeping.

To learn more: This Autumn, IHF is taking Think Ahead on roadshows around Ireland where people can learn how to use Think Ahead packs and start conversations with their loved ones.

Valerie Smith, IHF’s Public Engagement Lead knows talking about dying can be hard, “but talking about it can make dying and death less fear-filled, and a better experience for everyone.”

For information on roadshows and packs: • Visit www.thinkahead.ie • Call IHF on (01) 679 3188 • Email thinkahead@hospicefoundation.ie For training for your community or workplace, contact Valerie Smith, at valerie.smith@hospicefoundation.ie or call (087) 330 9292.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

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Feature

Delight for Kilkenny playwright John Morton as ‘Denouement’ play is published

For those in the world of theatre, the announcement that a new play has been published always creates a bit of a theatrical stir. Actors, producers, directors and technical crew are thinking straight away of a potential job. Make no mistake, jobs in that field are not all that plentiful. So, potential dollar signs are flashing.

When the play is written by a Kilkenny man, the enthusiasm levels rises a notch or two.

Enter Stephen Street resident John Morton.

Readers of The Kilkenny Observer will be aware that last year we ran a story, when Morton, was announced as the winner of the Edgar Allan Poe award with his television series ‘Dead Still’ for best television programme.

Morton who is well known in Kilkenny as an actor and writer has recently had his play ‘Denouement’ published

by Concord Theatricals UK. This recent offering from John has had a long history.

It was first performed as a short play performed in The Watergate Theatre in September 2010, produced by ‘What’s On Tom’.

That version starred Des Manahan and Geraldine Plunkett and was directed by Jeffrey Gormly.

It was also produced as an audio piece at The Lyric Theatre in 2020.

The Traverse Theatre and Lyric Theatre Belfast were delighted to present a new

co-production, following their successful collaboration in 2019 with an audience favourite, Crocodile Fever.

Denouement by John Morton, commissioned by the Lyric Theatre, was presented in a work-in-progress audio recording and featured performances from acclaimed actors of stage and screen – and real life couple – Ian McElhinney (the inimitable Grandad Joe in Derry Girls, Game of Thrones) and Marie Jones (In the Name of the Father) in the lead roles of Liam and Edel.

End of the world is nigh Set in an apocalyptic Ireland in 2048, Denouement follows a couple in their 60s who are facing the literal end of the world.

They’ve been up all night trying to get their chaotic af-

fairs into some kind of order, surrounded by dozens of empties from last night’s raging party.

They feel rough, they’re on edge, and they’re blasting music to drown out the cataclysmic noise outside as cities start to disappear and the world’s animals go haywire.

Liam is hammering furiously at his typewriter, finishing the memoirs that no-one will ever read.

Edel is wrangling with her laptop, desperately trying to say a final goodbye to their beloved kids.

And they’re both reflecting on past regrets - and trying to put them right in sometimes bloody, messy, outrageous ways.

As tempers fray, family secrets are outed and their behaviour becomes ever more questionable, Liam and Edel

try to work out what really matters as they career towards a bickering end - while the world literally falls apart around them.

Directed by the Traverse’s Co-Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls, Denouement also featured performances from Patrick McBrearty, Nicky Harley and Leah McGregor.

Sound design and composition is by MJ McCarthy.

Nominated for new writing award The play has already been shortlisted for the 2020 Popcorn Award for new writing, along with seven other plays (shortlisted from 133 eligible plays) that were due to premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe festival.

This new award recognises the best writing which seeks to question and address current affairs, societal trends and contributes positively to public debate.

Good track record John is an actor, writer and filmmaker. He has written and directed a number of short films as well as the television series Dead Still on RTÉ. For the stage he has written the plays Taboo, War of Attrition, Scratcher, Smitten and Heart Shaped Vinyl and co-wrote the historical plays The Hellfire Squad and The Roaring Banshees with Peter McGann. He also wrote the adaptation of Thomas Kilroy’s novel The Big

Chapel for Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2019. He is a founding member of Devious Theatre in Kilkenny.

On a home visit On a recent visit home to his native Kilkenny, John took time out to chat with the Kilkenny Observer.

“Yes, I have to be honest, it is a bit of a thrill. It’s not every day you have one of your plays published, so the experience is a very enjoyable one”.

John went on to say that quite a lot of people have been involved on the journey since the idea of the play was first mooted, and a fair bit of team work is essential.

“The process from pen to stage is a slow one”, explained John, “but that’s just the way it is. The secret I guess is to enjoy it as best you can. This is the first script I have had published, so I suppose you could say that it is pretty cool”, said John.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

Community

Charter of Friendship Agreement between Twilight & Saint Germain Lès Corbeil Three members of the Twilight Community Group, Murty Brennan, Frank Cody and Stephen Mungovan, travelled to France recently to the wonderful town of St Germain-lesCorbeil just 45 minutes North of Paris.

The purpose of this trip was for Twilight to sign a Charter of Friendship agreement between the group and the municipality’ of this French ‘Bourg’. The purpose of a Charter of Friendship agreement is for both parties to agree to co-operate on agreed objectives that will benefit their members, citizens, students and commerce.

The aims of this agreement are to enhance cooperation between youth groups, young Adults, students and seniors through the European Erasmus+ programme that Twilight have promoted since its establishment in 2014.

The official signing of the Agreement took place in the Town Hall where the Yann Pétel, Maire de Saint

Germain Lès Corbeil and Sylvain Séjourné Président de l’association Les Amis du Jumelage de Saint Germain Lès Corbeil and Murty Brennan

CEO and Stephen Mungovan Operations Manager signed their names to the Charter and it received the support of the Embassy of Ireland

in France as Mrs Eimear Ryan-Charleton Consul was the witness signature on this historic agreement.

Bernadette Lalanne was

instrumental in putting this agreement between friends together. Bernadette and Sylvain Séjourné travelled to Ireland for Twilight’s

renowned International Conference on the Stigmatisation of Migrants and the foundations were put in place for the two groups to unite, as they enjoyed the St Patrick’s Days festival in Kilkenny The group now has a very unique and positive relationship in France as they have a second agreement with Margny Les Compiegne which is 45 minutes south of Paris. This summer saw the Twilight Youth Inclusion TYI Group travel to France for a week and like wise the students of Margny Les Compiegne travelled to Kilkenny as part of Erasmus + exchange programmes. This is the latest in a number cooperation’s based on their ‘Charter of Friendship Agreement.

The Twilight Community Group Members and the two Municipal districts of Margny Les Compiegne and Saint Germain Lès Corbeil will now plan for the coming years and the partnership looks forward to very fruitful and rewarding relationship based around their Charter of Friendship Agreement signed September 13th 2022.

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Feature

Sighile Hennessy to perform debut dance show in Johannesburg

By Ger Cody This October, Equinox Theatre’s Sighile Hennessy will be presenting her debut solo dance show ‘Out There’ at the Sibikwa Arts Centre Body Moves International Dance Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sighile has been developing this work over the last two years with mentorship from Stephen Batts (Echo Echo Dance Company) and Cindy Cummings (Aos Dána).

From 10 - 16 October 2022, Sibikwa Arts Centre presents the Inaugural BODY MOVES International Inclusive Dance Festival for able-bodied and disabled dancers. The Festival includes dancers and dance companies from Ireland, Flanders, Italy and Netherlands, supported by their Embassies, as well as from South Africa and Uganda, supported by the British Council.

Providing disabled dancers the same opportunities to perform as abled dancers, the Festival intends to challenge perceptions and expand understandings of dance and disability, while promoting cultural exchange, collaboration and cooperation between African and European countries.

With “Out There”, Sighile invites you to join her as she dances through time and space in an exploration of memory and imagination.

A number of shows Sighile has quite a lot of experience under her belt.

Her performance with Equinox Theatre Company in ‘The M House’ was outstanding and the cast received great praise when it was staged.

The production toured to different venues in Ireland and the company was invited to perform The M House at the Axis Theatre as part of The

From my first days of working with Equinox at KCAT Arts Centre, I saw Sighile equally as a dancer as well as an actor. She has such a clear and joyful connection to her dancing and these past two years of developing her solo has been an exciting process.

I’m so delighted that she can take her work internationally and be a guest artist (supported by the Irish Embassy of South Africa) at the Sibikwa Dance Festival.

Dublin Theatre Festival.

Reviewer Ciaran Leinster, described the Medb Lambert directed play as being full of perception, moving and extremely insightful.

Mr Leinster paid special tribute to Sighile for ‘an amazing comedic set piece’.

Sighile performed in other shows including ‘The Big Chapel’ with Asylum Production performed in Callan as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival.

(2019) Coreographer cindy full of praise One of the driving forces behind the production is cho-

reographer Cindy Cummings from Aosdána .

Born in Washington, USA, Cindy studied dance and theatre at the university of Oregon.

This week, Cindy spoke to The Kilkenny Observer “Working with Sighile has been a really rewarding experience and a wonderful opportunity to deepen our connection as performing artists. Sighile is a highly skilled and intuitive performer who draws on her long experience of creating work nationally and internationally with Equinox Theatre Company.

Echo echo dance Speaking to Steve Batts from Echo Echo Dance Company , the artistic director spoke highly of Sighile Hennessy are her powerful drive to fulfil her artistic dreams.

“It has been such a pleasure

to work with

Sighile Hennessy making the solo she performs the piece, ‘Out There’. show she does it a It’s really been one of bit differently but the most straightforevery time it ward, pleasurable makes such creative processclear sense es that I’ve been because involved in for she a long time. always Sighile is does such an easy things person to work with with. She’s dedireason cated and imagiand feelfeel

native, confident ing. That is

and prepared to take a wonderful risks, and, just as imporquality for a solo tantly she’s a lovely, sensitive, performance as the responsible person with a show is always fresh and very good hearted approach interesting. I am really lookto everything, including the ing forward to going to South creative process.

Africa with Sighile and Cindy She’s also funny and really Cummings, who also worked good craic. One of the most with us and supported the special things about Sighile, creative process. I’ve never as an artist, is her remarkbeen south of the equator able ability as an improviser and I’m excited to see the in performance. Every time southern skies at night. I’m

­

excited to share the experience with these two great women.”

Fears are left side stage Prior to her departure, Sighile took time out from rehearsals to speak with The Kilkenny Observer.

Sighile spoke of her excitement at the prospect of performing in South Africa.

“I suppose I’m excited and nervous all in one” she said.

However she was adamant that because of the work she has done with Steve and Cindy she is confident that she will be fine and that she is really looking forward to the festival and in particular meeting with other participants from different countries. “Throughout the rehearsal you learn how to become relaxed and to leave all negative thoughts and fears side stage”, said Sighile.

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Dine Me

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

Food & Drink

Come

With

Apple & hazelnut galette Prep: 30 mins Cook:55 mins plus at least 30 mins chilling

Tailor our apple galette to your taste – add blackberries, swap the hazelnuts for almonds or pecans, or use pears or peaches instead of apple, if you like.

Ingredients • 50g light brown soft sugar, plus extra for sprinkling • ½ lemon, zested and juiced • 1 tbsp cornflour • 1 tbsp maple syrup • 3 Bramley apples, peeled, cored, halved and thinly sliced • 20g hazelnuts, roughly chopped • double cream, to serve For the pastry • 80g hazelnuts • 2 tbsp icing sugar • 125g spelt flour • 175g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 150g cold butter, cubed • 1 egg, beaten Method STEP 1 First, make the pastry. Blitz the hazelnuts and sugar in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the spelt and plain flours, butter and a good pinch of salt, and blitz again until all of the butter has been incorporated and the mixture is sandy.

With the motor running, drizzle in 1-2 tbsp cold water until the dough starts to form in clumps. Squeeze a little between your fingers – if it feels like it will come together, tip the mixture onto your work surface and knead briefly into a ball.

Shape into a disc, wrap and chill for 30 mins or overnight.

STEP 2 If the pastry has been chilled for longer than 30 mins, let it come to room temperature for 20 mins before rolling.

Mix the brown sugar, lemon zest, cornflour and maple syrup together in a large bowl. Add the apples and toss well.

Set aside while you roll out the pastry.

STEP 3 Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

Dust a sheet of baking parchment large enough to line a large baking tray with flour, then roll the pastry out to a roughly 30cm circle on top of the parchment. The pastry will crack and crumble a little as you roll it, but just keep pushing the edges back together – don’t worry if it looks

Spaghetti puttanesca

rustic. Slide the pastry on its parchment onto the baking tray. Pile the apple slices into the centre of the pastry circle using your hands, letting any excess syrup drip back into the bowl as you do (save the syrup for later). Be sure to leave a clear 2cm border around the edge. Use the baking parchment to help you lift the edges of the pastry over the apples, leaving the most of the apples exposed.

Pinch together any cracks around the edge to make a rustic pastry border.

STEP 4 Brush the pastry edge with some beaten egg, sprinkle with a little extra brown sugar and scatter over the hazelnuts.

Bake for 50-55 mins until golden brown.

Meanwhile, pour any leftover syrup from the apples into a small saucepan and bubble for a few minutes until syrupy.

When the galette is cooked and still hot, brush the syrup over the top. Leave to cool for at least 30 mins, then serve warm with cold cream. Will keep in the fridge for up to two days, or freeze in well-wrapped slices for up to two months.

• • • •

120g pitted black olives 2 tbsp capers, drained 300g dried spaghetti ½ small bunch of parsley, finely chopped

Method STEP 1 Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over a medium-low heat. Add the onion along with a generous pinch of salt and fry for 10 mins, or until soft. Add the garlic and chilli, if using, and cook for a further minute.

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 20 mins Serves: 4 Cook up this classic sauce in one pan, then toss with spaghetti for a simple midweek meal. It’s budget-friendly too, making it a great meal for the family.

Ingredients • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 large garlic cloves, crushed • ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional) • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 5 anchovy fillets, finely chopped

STEP 2 Stir the tomatoes, anchovies, olives and capers into the onion, bring to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 mins.

Season to taste.

STEP 3 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Cook the spaghetti following pack instructions, then drain and toss with the sauce and parsley.

The health benefits of drinking wine While excessive and binge drinking should be avoided, moderate drinking (no more than five units per week) may have some benefits for heart health, at least for certain individuals. However, sorting fact from fiction isn’t easy.

There’s long been discussion about the risks and rewards that drinking wine has on your health. So, what’s true and what’s not?

It does appear that wine – particularly red – provides plant compounds that have antioxidant properties. These include quercetin and resveratrol, which some believe may play a part in helping prevent heart disease. However, there are many other health-promoting foods and drinks that are better choices.

Some research suggests that ‘moderate’ drinking (no more than five units per week) may offer some protection against heart disease, but primarily for men aged over 40 and post-menopausal women (and only when consumption is limited to five units a week – that’s just two standard glasses of wine). There is little evidence that drinking wine or other alcohol will improve the health of younger people who are less at risk of heart disease. Taking this into account, a large global study published in the Lancet in 2018 confirmed the findings of previous research that states there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

The science currently recommends that if you do choose to drink alcohol and you drink most weeks, you should limit your consumption to no more than 14 units a week. If this is a normal amount for you, spread your drinking over three days or more while enjoying some alcohol-free days during the week.

Binge drinking refers to the consumption of a lot of alcohol over a short period of time. It’s classed as eight units of alcohol in a single session for men or six units for women.

What are the risks of binge drinking?

Binge drinking is especially harmful and may damage your brain. For men and women in their 20s, drinking heavily may also contribute to osteoporosis later in life.

Alcohol consumption is thought to be responsible for about 3% of all cancer cases – people who drink three or more alcoholic drinks (equivalent to six units) a day are more likely to develop cancer of the mouth, larynx or oesophagus.

High levels of alcohol consumption may also impact your nutritional status by inhibiting the absorption of certain nutrients, including the B group of vitamins (most notably, folate and B12).

This can make you more vulnerable to heart disorders, including high blood pressure and stroke, regardless of whether you are in a high-risk group.

Alcohol disrupts sleep, clouds judgement and potentially interacts with prescribed medication, so keeping to low-risk guidelines is without doubt the most sensible approach. Or better still, avoid it altogether – this should be the case if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, have a pre-existing health condition or take medication that may be affected by alcohol.

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What’s worth watching on Amazon

Advertisement TV & Streaming

to stream right now on Netflix 1. The Haunting Of Hill House

Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House (2018), loosely based on Shirley Jackson’s novel of the same name, weaves its horror into a deeply affecting story about a broken family. Fractured after growing up in a haunted house, the Crains can’t ignore their past and must do what you never want to do: Go back down those dark corridors. The impressive set-pieces will please horror fans, but it’s the sad story of the Crains that will, yes, haunt you for days.

2. Archive 81

Jeff Bezos‘ multi- billion dollar entertainment juggernaut Amazon Prime Video has dropped another delicious binge-worthy buffet of movies, series, documentaries and a few fan favourites.

From the awkwardly written by beautifully shot Lord of the Rings prequel The Rings of Power to Jared Leto just ‘morbing’ all over the place, the streaming service isn’t afraid to through a few darts at the map and neither should you.

The world’s most expensive television series is continuing to drop us all back in Middle Earth, dropping episode after episode. While the costuming is breathtaking, the scenery absolutely sublime, the writing for The Rings of Power leaves a lot to be desired.

Let’s face it – when you’re trying to pull from the Tolkien archives for a fresh and bold new take on a beloved classic, you’re always going to run into some hurdles.

Chloe Grace Moretz is back and this time, she’s in VR. In this new Amazon Prime

series, Moretz plays Flynne Fisher, a Southern girl who works at a 3D printing shop while simultaneously earning money playing VR games for rich people (!). During her metaverse escapades one night, she dons the headset and finds herself in futuristic London, however, all is not as it seems.

Despite looking and feeling like the other VR worlds she has been in, Flynne quickly realises that this setting is very different and very much real.

The streaming service has gone back to basics, delivering The Devil’s Hour, which looks to be a seriously entertaining original horror series. The new show follows Lucy, a young mother who is haunted by a chilling vision every night at exactly 3:33, The Devil’s Hour.

Over many weeks, things in Lucy’s life start to get weirder, with her son withdrawn and emotionless, her mother speaking to empty chairs and a series of brutal murders taking her once- quaint little town in a chokehold of fear.

Insert a manhunt and a blue hue over the entire screen.

Nice one.

Remember Tegan and Sara, the indie-pop due that had a stranglehold on this writer’s some angsty teenage music fans? Well, the two are back and more ’90s than ever, courtesy of High School. The new series is based on their best-selling memoir and details the universal struggle to forge your own identity during the most formative of years. There are plaid t-shirts galore, grunge and rave culture and even an appearance from How I Met Your Mother Cobie Smulders.

While the quality of Amazon Prime Video films is a bit up and down, this month, the streamer has thrown its weight behind a few major releases. Liam Neeson is back kicking the living daylights out of everyone in Memory and the Robert Eggers masterpieces The Northman makes its way to the small screen for the first time. Here are the best new movies on Amazon Prime this month.

You already know what this one is going to be about.

Liam Neeson [pictured above] stars in a new film that feels like an exact carbon copy of Taken, albeit with a slightly different name and MO. Sure, it’s a tired trope that we’ve seen a million times by now, but who cares?

Watching the big dog run around destroying hordes of people like his arthritis isn’t flaring up is just entertainment gold, no matter how you slice it.

This time around, Neeson is an assassin-for-hire, capable of overcoming literally anything, however, he’s battling a new foe that seems to be winning the fight – memory loss! While on an FBI sting operation led by agent Vincent Serra (Guy Pearce), Alex uncovers a child prostitution ring south of the border. As Alex guides the FBI in the right direction, his inability to remember the details begins putting him in serious danger. If you’ve ever wondered what James Bond with dementia would look like, you’ve found it with Memory.

Bridgerton spin-off is on its way Netflix’s forthcoming Bridgerton spin-off series has released a first-look photo, along with the official title.

In May, it was announced that a prequel following a young Queen Charlotte, Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury had been given the go-ahead, with India Amarteifio starring as the titular queen.

Speaking in the teaser

video, Bridgerton’s Golda Roshuvel and Adjoa Andoh, who played the older versions of Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury, were joined by Amarteifio to pass ‘the baton’ on.

“We have this wonderful tag team, where we high-five each other and the baton is passed on, which I think is a real beautiful metaphor for the older and the younger, do

you know what I mean?”

Roshuvel said. “It’s really cool, I love it.”

Anode said: “Can I say, as a compliment to you both, there is something so particular and fabulous about your whiplash, heartfelt, witty, sharp Queen Charlotte,” Andoh praised.

“India has absolutely grabbed all of that and made it her own and run with it. When I look at

India, I see Golda. I see young Charlotte become older Charlotte and it’s a beautiful thing.”

Following the release of Bridgerton season two in March, the period romance series was renewed for a third and fourth season, with the third expected to be released in early 2023.

Bridgerton is available to stream on Netflix.

Enjoy sci-fi series that play with two timelines? Have a special spot for cults and mysteries? Meet Archive 81 (2022). The multiple genrestraddling show stars Mamoudou Athie as Dan Turner, an archivist who takes a gig restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from the ‘90s. He gets far more than he bargained for. A supernatural thriller with horror, mystery, noir and sci- fi seeped into its creepy atmosphere, Archive 81 has it all.

3. Dark

Germany’s answer to Stranger Things deliberately takes its time before stepping into completely compelling and original places.

A sci-fi noir, Dark (2017-2020) folds time travel, conspiracies and estranged families into a generation-spanning story kicked of by a child’s disappearance. If those kinds of meticulously-crafted layers are what you’re after in your storytelling, settle in.

4. Stranger Things

It wouldn’t be a best list without Stranger Things (2016—). If somehow you’ve missed the Defer Brothers’ ode to ‘80s horror and Steven Spielberg, things are about to get tubular. We follow El, a nearmute girl who was the subject of scientific experiments. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to fend of monsters who invade from a frightening alternative dimension. The world of Indiana, Hawkins, is lovingly detailed for anyone in need of an ‘80s nostalgia hit and the misfit characters, played by a stellar young cast, are part of everything that makes this show a tour de force.

5. Travellers

Full disclosure: Netflix sadly canceled Travellers (2016-2018) after its third season, but this tightly plotted sci-fi out of Canada does manage to end with an ambitious bang.

We start with Marcy, a disabled woman who’s beaten up after helping a friend escape thugs. She dies, then comes back to life. This strong character-driven sci-fi reveals its secrets in clever ways, following operatives from the future tasked with preventing the collapse of society but also navigating the tricky territory of living a double life.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

News Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA LOTTO Numbers drawn. -7, 18, 30. No jackpot winner. Next week’s jackpot - €5,300.

Winners of €30. Maria Shortall. Liam Moylan. Kieran Tobin.

Diarmuid Healy. Brian Kennedy Thanks for supporting the local lotto.

TIE POSTPONED Clara’s scheduled quarter final clash with five in a row chasing Ballyhale Shamrocks at Nowlan Park on Sunday was postponed by a week because of the death of Patrick Holden, father of Joey. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

The winners of that contest will then go on to face League champions Tullaroan in the semi final.

CAMOGIE Good luck to the Clara senior team as they face Thomastown in Tullaroan next Saturday at 2pm. in the championship semi final, as they bid to reach a final for the first time ever.

U9s Go Games Final - winners. Games vs Erin’s Own, John Lockes and Mooncoin. Brilliant performances by all our young Gaels. Lovely hurling

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of Lotto Draw Sept 20th. Numbers drawn are 7, 13, 21, 22 Bonus 14 Next week’s Jackpot will be €12, 400 (Sept 27th). Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Mick Galwey. 2. Barrie Hogan c/o E Maher.

3. James Monagle c/o Michael Monagle. 4. Mary Cody c/o Moxie Doran. 5. Mary Kearns c/o Damien O’Connell 6. Johnny Walsh c/o Neil Loy. 7. Patty Power c/o Noel Tyrrell. 8.

Dermot (DJ) Delaney c/o Online. 9. Derek McKenna c/o Online.

10. Luke Roche c/o Online Thank you for your continued support U14S SHIELD WINNERS U14s O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club are Roinn B Shield Final winners after a pulsating performance against city rivals James Stephens at St. John’s Park on Sunday afternoon. Only a goal separating them after a very entertaining game in front of a large crowd. Well done to all involved. Super performance U11S TAKE HOME THE SILVERWARE Well done to our U11s who won the Martin Ferncombe shield final in Holycross on Sunday. Thanks to everyone at Holycross Ballycahill GAA for a great day. Hon the Loughs !

CHAMPIONSHIP MATTERS The best of luck to our U13 boys who compete in the the Roinn A Championship Semi Final this Friday at 7pm in MW Hire Dunmore against James Stephens . Hon the Loughs On Sunday at 11am the Minor Camogie Roinn D semifinal takes place in Lisdowney v Lisdowney . We wish all the girls involved the very best of luck.

The best of luck also to Our U12s camogie girls who play their shield final shortly. Date, time and venue to be confirmed.

HANDBALL NEWS O’Loughlin Gael’s John Morrissey and Kilfane Handball Club’s Willy Murphy, representing Kilkenny GAA Handball, won the silver Masters doubles All-Ireland Final on Tuesday night in Offaly against Galway opposition. Fantastic job. Well done.

U11s take home the Silverware URLINGFORD EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and one sheet €10; Double books and two sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO September 19th prize fund was: €9,600. Jackpot: €7,600.

Numbers drawn: 6, 8, 9, 28, bonus no 14. No winner and no match 3 winner.Five lucky dips of €20 each: P. Tynan, Mgt Peters, Pauline Nolan, Mary McCabe, Noelle Fitzgerald.

Promoters prize: G. Burke.

Next draw takes place on Monday, September 19 in the

U14Roinn B Camogie Shield Winners Clubrooms. Results next week.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Save the date: Knitting and Crochet Christmas Fair and Coffee Morning on Friday, December 2 in the Centre, Main Street, Urlingford from 11am-1pm. Hope to see you there.

LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level 4: LTI is recruiting for the new programme in the Centre. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact us for an expression of interest form. More details can be found on our website www.millfrcurlingford.com Defibrillator: Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes one-to-one, family & teens, aged 12+.

General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression.

Other counselling services available: Drug, substance and gambling addictions.

Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

SUPERVISED STUDY In Graine Hall, depending on numbers of participants, supervised study will recommence on Saturdays beginning in October. If interested please contact Siobhan 087 2601490.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This weeks winner of Split the Pot was Adrienne O’Brien who won €350. Congrats Adrienne! Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town with proceeds this week going to Urlingford Arms Darts Club, thanks to everyone for their support.

CARDS Progressive 25 will recommence in Graine Hall on Wednesday, October 5 at 8.30pm. All 25 card players are welcome.

URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com.

If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

FRESHFORD FEILE LACHTAIN 2022 The showpiece event of Féile Lachtain takes place on Saturday, October 8th, when the Rafter Family perform in concert at St. Lachtain’s R.C. Church at 8.00 p.m. Tickets (unreserved seats) cost €25 and are on sale at O’Shea’s Newsagent and online at Eventbrite at “Rafter Family Concert” Please support.

OPEN DAY Prague House Retirement Home held an Open day on Sunday last in the afternoon from 2-5pm. People were invited to go along to visit, take a look around and have a cup of tea and a

chat. Prague House is a retirement and care home for elderly people BIRTHDAY BOYS Special birthday wishes go out to Tony Costigan from Cooleshall who celebrated a very special birthday last weekend.

Tony reached the big 70 and celebrated the occasion at a party in Kavanaghs on Saturday night last with his family and friends. Music was provided by Tony Coy and members of the Kitchen session of which Tony is a great follower. Tony’s son Fintan travelled from Australia to join in the celebrations as did his great friend Patrick Campion and his wife who travelled from the UK. Also birthday wishes go out to another well known local man Joe Dermody, Lodgepark, Freshford, who celebrated his 50th birthday last weekend also. Joe is a keen GAA supporter having played in goal for St.Lachtains and Kilkenny on a few occasions over the years and is also a keen golfer.

DAY CARE CENTRE Freshford day care centre recommenced recently and continues each Wednesday in the GAA Centre at 2pm. New members are most welcome BACK TO AUSSIE Eoin Guinan and his wife and daughter returned to Perth, Australia last week after spending a five week holiday back home. Eoin is son of John and Kathleen Guinan, Inch Freshford and it was their first trip home since before the start of the pandemic and John and Kathleen’s first time to meet their granddaughter in person.

GAA St Lachtain intermediates hurlers face into a relegation final next weekend as they take on The Fenians in this game in Ballyragget on Saturday next at 4.30pm. This is a massive game for the club and they ask every supporter to come out and support your team on the day.

Meanwhile St Lachtains minors had a great win over Dicksboro on Sunday last in the championship semi final in Tom Ryall Park, Kilmanagh. Having led throughout the game the local young team kept the lead in their grasp till the end winning on a final score of 2.15 to 3.03. Time and date for final to be confirmed DEATH The death took place last week of Mrs. Kitty Bowden late of Knockmannon, Lisdowney. The deceased had been unwell for a long time but nevertheless her passing caused widespread sorrow and regret. Both her and her husband and family are widely known and respected in the locality.

Her remains were removed from Kennedy’s funeral home on Thursday morning last for funeral mass in Lisdowney church followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. She is mourned by her husband Haulie, son Pat, daughters Marie and Julie A SOCCER The soccer season began recently and also the schoolboys section. Freshford Town Junior side were away to St.John’s recently in an away game and came with a 3-3 draw.

The annual Colin McGree Tournament took place recently at Woodview with a large number of kids taking part on the day.

SPLIT THE POT The weekly lucky winner of last weeks split the pot draw

was Levi Dermody winning €94. The draw takes place each Wednesday. 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. Big thanks for all your support.

PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy.

You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie.

LOOP CAFÉ Big Work is continuing on the Community Cafe at Buncrussia Street and it is hoped to be open next month. Huge credit is due to the volunteers who have worked so hard to get all the work done. The Committee thank all those who supported their fund raiser and all who have donated in any way over the past months. They are looking for certain equipment such as fridges etc. at present and would be obliged if people had some they could donate.

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 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

DUNNAMAGGIN LOCAL LOTTO Winning Numbers for September 19th: 2 ,10 ,26 . No Winner.

Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. Bernie McCormack ( Jimmy McCormack ) J & P ( Pat Butler ),John Fitz ( Dunphy’s ), Yvonne O Neill ( Aidan Farrell ),Kitty Kehoe 9(Jimmy Kehoe ).

Draw on Monday ,Venue Dunphy’s Kilmoganny at 9pm. All Welcome WHATS HAPPENING IN DUNNAMAGGIN A massive thank you to everyone that came along to our Harvest festival last Sunday 25th September. It was a great success. A very big bualadh bos to Saint Leonard’s for their BBQ and games. It was so lovely to see so many happy kids.

Thank you to all our store holders and apple press holders for coming along. Well done to the volunteers for the cafe and raffle, the winners of the Apple Pie competition were 1st place Ester Taylor 2nd Place Emer Wallace Children Winners Isabelle Woods /Joseph Woods The winners of our second annual Scarecrow Competition were 1st place Morgan Cliffe 2nd place Alex and Edee Murphy 3rd place Daniel Moloney Well done to Adam Connery for winning guess the sweets and Morgan Cliffe and Cathal Hickey for winning guess the weight of the pumpkin . Winners of the main raffle were Emeline Byrne, Carmel O’Sullivan, Ben O’Farrell, Mia Byrne, Gwen Walsh, Ray Cody, Misty Doherty and Mary Cody. Well done everyone who entered and especially those who won. We look forward to seeing you all again at our next market on October 30th. In the meantime make sure you get yourselves booked in at Hughes Farm, Kells, Co. Kilkenny R95K882 for some pumpkin picking fun.

The fourth Community Spirit Award will be awarded in November. This year, as last, we have a nomination process in place for people to nominate someone they feel should be acknowledged for their voluntary work and contribution to the parish of Dunnamaggin which encompasses the three villages of Kells, Dunnamaggin and Kilmoganny. Nominations can be sent via private message to our facebook page (Dunnamaggin Community News) saying why your nominee should receive the award. Nomination forms will also be available in local shops soon.

WHATS APP GROUP A new Whats App Group has been set up Parish News and Events to inform the whole community of forthcoming events across the three villages of Kells, KIlmoganny and Dunnamaggin. If you wish to be added please text 087 9665020 or 087

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

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kilkennyobserver.ie

News Community & GAA Notes

Dunnamaggin GAA hosted their first under 7 football blitz Email : info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or Call 0892584946 .

DROICHEAD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE CALLAN Knit/ Crochet and Natter, every Friday in Droichead Family Resource Centre from 10-11.30am starting on the 16 th September. Open to all beginners/ improvers/advanced, a tutor will be on hand to show new skills and all materials are provided. €2 per class to cover the cost of teas and coffees. To book your place contact Carmel on (083) 2098069 or familysupport@droicheadfrc.ie.

GOWRAN

Dunnamaggin Development Group volunteers with the latest member of the group D’cora’a at the Harvest Market last Sunday!

7565376 to be added to the group. It is an information only group so admins are the only ones that can post but there are admins from the three villages so if you have some event to highlight or news to impart you contact one of the admins and they will post for you.

DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Dunnamaggin Development Group are looking for more volunteers to join. We hold two meetings a month to organise our markets. We have our markets at Easter - June - August - September Harvest Market - October Halloween and Christmas and you don’t have to be involved in every one. We work as a team but we all understand that family and work comes first. If you are interested in lending a hand a couple of hours a month please let Cyndi know It’s also a lovely way to make friends and keep up to date with everything going on in the community and also helping to make our community a better place .

NO CONTRACT ! NO COMMITMENT ! JUST FUN ! Contact Cyndi on 0899473002 DUNNAMAGGIN GAA NEWS Dunnamaggin GAA had their first u7 football blitz. Thanks to all the teams for travelling. We had Cushinstown 3 teams, Danesfort 3 teams, Railyard 2 teams, Mullinahone 1 team and Dunnamaggin 3 teams. A big thanks to all involved as it was a very well organised event and enjoyed by all the players, coaches and parents. Well done to all the players who put in a great effort in all the games. There was some fantastic skill on show. Also a special thanks to Paul Murphy who gave up his time to come out to present the medals to all the players.

THE VOLUNTEER CENTRE KILKENNY Some new volunteer roles at The Volunteer Centre in Kilkenny.

Barnstorm Youth Theatre - would love to hear from anyone interested in supporting their Youth Theatre Programme. Full supervision and support is given. It is a great opportunity to gain some experience with young people and the theatre.

Lets Team Up to Clean Up - Kilkenny Volunteer Centre are supporting this County Council Initiative on Sunday 9th of October.

Any groups or individuals who would like to get involved can get in touch with us here to Keep Kilkenny looking its best!

A Dogs Life are looking for Volunteer Dog Foster Carers who are in a position to take a dog into their home to support the agency in the rehoming process.

L’Arche Community in Kilkenny are looking for a number of volunteers to help support the organisation with a Culinary Life Project, Gardening Support and General Volunteer for their Day Services. It is a great opportunity for anyone who has a passion for not just food and gardening but also arts and crafts and supporting adults with an intellectual disability.

Community Radio would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining their board. Particularly anyone who might have a background in governance, general administration etc.

If you are interested in finding out more please get in touch .

ELITE CAMOGIE TRAINING DAY A Special Day will take place in Young Irelands GAA Grounds on Saturday 15th October from 10am - 1.30pm as four of the successful All-Ireland Senior Camogie winning Squad will host an Elite Camogie Training Day ran by the Kilkenny Camogie Champions in Aid of The Kilkenny Camogie Holiday Fund.

It’s open to Camogie Players aged 8-14 and it will be hosted by the Young Irelands Trio of Tiffanie and Steffi Fitzgerald and Ciara O’Keeffe along with Claire Phelan(Lisdowney).

The O’Duffy Cup will be in attendance and prices are €10 for 1 child, €15 for 2 children (Family) and €25 for 3 children (Family).

Young Players from all Clubs are welcome and for any further details check out The Young Irelands Camogie Club Page on Facebook.

JUNIORS LOSE TO SUPERIOR ST. BRIGIDS IN EIGHT GOAL FINAL Young Irelands Junior Camogie Girls lost out 4-13 to 4-6 against a superior St. Brigid’s outfit in Dicksboro GAA Grounds last Sunday Afternoon.

In a low scoring First Quarter, a Kate Drennan goal gave them a 1-1 to 0-2 lead, but a 20th minute goal from Laureena Murphy gave St. Brigid’s the lead(1-3 to 1-1) and they took control afterwards.

A Second goal from the St. Brigid’s girls followed and at halftime, they built up an 8 point lead. 2-6 to 1-1. A Second goal from Kate Drennan in the 37th minute(2-8 to 2-1) narrowed the gap, but St. Brigid’s remained dominant and in control and further goals in the 52nd and 54th minutes confirmed there superior dominance as they now led 4-9 to 2-2.

The Gowran Girls kept battling away and they were rewarded with two late goals including one from Marie O’Keeffe, but there was no doubting that St. Brigid’s were emphatic and clear cut winners on the day.

U-12S LOSE COUNTY FINAL Commiserations to the Young Irelands U-12 Camogie Team who lost out to Erins Own of Castlecomer in the County Final in Clara last Saturday Morning.

MINORS LOSE SHIELD FINAL The Young Irelands Minor B Team lost 1-15 to 1-8 against Carrickshock in the Minor Roinn C Championship Shield Final in the MW Hire Centre, Dunmore last Friday night.

It was a game where Carrickshock were in control on the scoreboard from the outset and they had built up a 0-6 to 0-0 lead after 11 minutes, before a 23rd minute goal stretched their advantage further. 1-8 to 0-3.

The Gowran Boys replied with a goal late in the first-half as they trailed 1-8 to 1-3 at half-time, but unfortunately they couldn’t build on that momentum throughout the Second-Half. Carrickshock responded and by the 42nd minute they led 1-12 to 1-4 to maintain their healthy advantage for the remainder of the game as Young Irelands had a penalty saved late on.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOOTBALL The Gowran Primary Schools Football Team got their Country Cup campaign off to a winning start as they defeated Carrickshock 3-4 to 0-4.

They were back in action on Wednesday at 3.30pm in the Cumann Na Mbunscol Mick Crotty Roinn A competition at home to Scoil McCaulcy Rice.

KILKENNY GAA Kilkenny GAA/Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club in association with Gowran Park Racecourse are offering all Kilkenny supporters the chance to join with them for ‘Christmas Party At The Races’ on Saturday Nov 26th.

The annual Kilkenny Hurlers Race Day will take place on that

day and it offers a limited number of guests the opportunity to enjoy corporate hospitality. A table of 10 is €650 or €65 per person and this includes entry on the day, Race card, Mulled Wine Reception, Two course meal and Tipsters and much more. Check out the Kilkenny GAA Website for further details.

INTERMEDIATE HURLING Young Irelands GAA Grounds will host The Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate Championship Quarter-Final clash between Thomastown and St. Martins on Saturday Evening with a 5pm throw-in.

RETURN OF JUMPS TO GOWRAN PARK This weekend sees the return of the Jumps to Gowran Park with an attractive Two Day Meeting on Friday and Saturday as the National Hunt Season swings into gear.

On Friday, The two featured races are The Pat Walsh Mares Hurdle - Named in honour of a long serving stalwart and Foreman in Gowran Park - and The Mares Bumper, while on Saturday the featured race is The Grade 2 PWC Champion Steeplechase.

The Champion Chase was first run in 1998 won by Doran’s Pride with Richard Dunwoody onboard and over the years horses that have emerged victorious include The Tony Mullins trained Barrow Drive (2002), 2005 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King (2004), while the most successful horse to win was Twice Cheltenham Festival winner Sizing Europe who won the race four years in succession from 2011-2014.

Last years winner was Royal Rendezvous ridden by Danny Mullins for his Uncle Willie.

There will be just two more meetings in Gowran Park in 2022 after next weekend, A Flat meeting on Tuesday 18th October Where the Battle for The Championship between Colin Keane and Billy Lee is likely to continue - and that will be followed by the Final meeting of the year, Kilkenny GAA Raceday on Saturday 26th November.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 22nd September. Nos: 1 2 18 21 Jackpot: €4550 Not Won. Draw Prizes – €50: Michael Murphy c/o P & J Cody €25 each Brian Murphy c/o online. €25 each Barry Henderson c/o online €25 each Ann Cody c/o P & J Cody. Co op draw ticket Marie Keane c/o Jim Murphy Promotors prize Tommy Hackett. New weeks draw €4700.

Thank you for your continued support SENIORS After a dominant first half on Sunday in UPMC Nowlan Park against Mullinavat Dicksboro have now advanced to the St Canice’s Credit Union Championship Semi Final against our neighbours James Stephens. Huge Congratulations to Andy Gaffney who received a well deserved Man of the Match. Well done Andy.

JUNIORS Our Junior B Team had a very strong win against Ballyhale last Tuesday evening in Dunmore and we now look forward to the County Final this Sunday Morning 2nd October in St John’s Park against James Stephens. Best of luck to the players and Mentors. We’d love to see a big Boro Support at it.

MINORS Congratulations to our Roinn A Team who after a gritty performance on Saturday against Ballycallan now advance to the County Final against James Stephens. This game will take place in UPMC Nowlan Park Saturday 1st October at 3pm.

Please come and support these great bunch of players who have worked hard all year. Best of luck to all involved.

Our Roinn C team bowed of the championship Sunday morning against an excellent St Lachtains Team. Well done to this group of lads who had a good run this year.

CAMOGIE Well done to Boro u16 girls who defeated a very strong Windgap team in Palmerstown in a high standard match. Great stuff girls and who now await a County Final.

U8 BLITZ Fantastic days hurling was had in UCD Saturday for the Kilmacud Crokes u8 Hurling Blitz. All 30 players got to show off all their Hurling skills on the day. Thanks to our fantastic coaches for organising and to Kilmacud Crokes for their hospitality.

PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is opened every Thursday from 8.30pm. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table. We would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee also available so come along and enjoy.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD Mass Times in Aghaviller Parish: Hugginstown Church: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.

Vigil, Saturday 1st. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 2nd. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford Church: Vigil - Saturday 1st. at 6.30p.m.

Friday 30th. Feast of St. Jerome. Saturday 1st. Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.

PRAY FOR Anniversary Mass next weekend: Anastasia and James Hurley, Ennisnag; Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 1st. October at 6.30p.m.

Months Mind Mass: The Months Mind Mass for Bishop Seamus Freeman will take place on Sunday, 16th. October at 5.30p.m. in St Mary’s Cathedral.

U8 Blitz in UCD Rota for next week-end: 1st. and 2nd. October 2022 (TwentySeventh Sunday in Ordinary Time).

Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Margaret Ryan. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Valerie Farrell. Sunday 10.00a.m.

Mary Carroll.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Bernie Grace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick.

Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr.

LOTTO Lotto: Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 19th. September 2022 Numbers: 12; 29; 20; 32. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00 Winners: Bridget Walsh, Keatingstown; Michael Walsh, Rathduff; Breda Sheehan, Stonecarthy; Mai Brennan, Keatingstown; Gerry Comerford, Mullinbeg.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Deirdre Rohan; Willie Walshe; Teresa Fitzgerald.

Next Draw on Monday 3rd. October 2022. Please submit returns by 8.30p.m. Draw at 9.00p.m. Next week: Match 3: €500.00; (First 3 Numbers Drawn) Jackpot: €5,400.00. (4 Numbers in any order) CARRICKSHOCK GAA The Club would like to thank everyone who purchased tickets recently for the Piltown Draw. Your support is always very much appreciated.

WESTPORT HOLIDAY 5 days/4 nights. From 31st. October to 4th. November 2022.

Coach from Stoneyford; Outings every day. A great hotel. €395.00 p.p. sharing; €475.00 single room. More details on www.stoneyford.ie or 087 641 4038 SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Kathleen Sherry Tel: 087 100 0232 or email: dlp@ossory.ie. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Teresa Broderick and Carmel O’Toole COASTAL ROSARY FOR FAITH AND LIFE IN IRELAND On Sunday October 9th. the Annual Coastal Rosary will take place at 2.30pm. Join thousands of people from around Ireland to pray the Rosary for Life and Faith at our Coasts, Grottos, Rivers, Churches, and other suitable places. Simply sign up a Rosary location at www. coastalrosaryireland.ie or text your location to 087 278 6552.

PILGRIMAGE TO ROME The Adult Faith Development Group are holding a pilgrimage to Rome this coming March (9th. to 14th.) 2023. Rome has a remarkable array of religious art - frescos, paintings, sculptures, mosaics and stuccos. Over the centuries these treasures have inspired, educated and uplifted countless people. This pilgrimage will explore the religious and catechetical meaning of some of these masterpieces. For further information or for booking please contact Kieran or Laura Troy at info@myriam. ie or by calling 057 935 5050.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final Review Three quarter-final ties took place last weekend as the battle for the Tom Walsh Cup begins to heat up. There were victories for Dicksboro, James Stephens and Tullaroan, while the postponed clash between Clara and Shamrocks Ballyhale game will be played on Sunday as part of a double header in UPMC Nowlan Park this Sunday.

The semi-final draw is as follows: Clara/Shamrocks Ballyhale V Tullaroan James Stephens V Dicksboro Championship Review James Stephens 1-20 Bennettsbridge 1-15 Having navigated their way past a tricky relegation semi-final, The Village advanced to the last four of this year’s championship after a 5-point win over Bennettsbridge at UPMC Nowlan Park last weekend.

This game was expected to be a close and it took a strong finish from James Stephens to get them over the line against Will Maher’s charges. The Bridge started brightly, with scores from Nicky Cleere, Kevin Blanchfield and Hugh O’Neill and it would be placed ball expert Nicky Cleere that would keep the scoreboard ticking over for his side during the opening period.

You could sense the tension and the fact that a place in the last four was the prize on offer as both sides battled for supremacy.

While Nicky Cleere was the chief protagonist for score getting for The Bridge, Niall Brassil was his nemesis on The Village side. Indeed, Brassil struck over five placed balls himself as Seamus Dwyer’s outfit kept in touch with their opponents. The city side also registered points from play via Luke Scanlon, the lively Matthew Ruth and one from Brassil himself as only the bear minimum separated the sides at the short whistle, The Bridge just edging the opening half.

The second half began with the dead-ball specialists registering further scores for both sides as the game struggled to ignite. Hugh O’Neill, Ciaran Brennan and the ever-reliable Nicky Cleere registered further points for Maher’s men while Niall Brassil and the well-marshalled Eoin Guilfoyle struck for The Village as both sides seemed keen to send the game to extratime!

As the game approached its final ten minutes, The Village edged ahead thanks to a nice point from Andy Parsons, but things were about to get a whole lot better for the city side. Tadhg O’Dwyer took a nice pass before finishing well beyond The Bridge’s netminder, Enda Cleere. That major from The Village appeared to shock Wille Maher’s men into life and they responded with a 3-pointer of their own through Nicky Cleere to level matters again.

James Stephens goal scorer O’Dwyer notched a lovely point while Niall Brassil added to his tally, before late scores from Andy Parsons and Eoin Guilfoyle secured safe passage for Seamus Dwyer’s charges to the last four. A special mention for Cian Kenny who was thoroughly impressive in his sides victory.

Tullaroan 0-18 Erin’s Own 0-15 The first game of the day at headquarters saw Tullaroan take on Castlecomer outfit Erin’s Own. The placed ball specialists on both teams kept the umpires busy throughout proceedings with Jack Buggy and Shane Walsh demonstrating their accuracy in a cagey affair.

Clara takes on Shamrocks challenge as city bragging rights are on the line!

Diarmuid Cody holds on to the ball after a heavy tackle from Liam Blanchfield

Alan Phelan hard tackled

by Ger Malone

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Hurling matters Hugh O’Neill looking for support as he gets past Cian Kenny

Along with his free-taking exploits, Shane Walsh was equally as impressive from play notching 3-points in an eyecatching 7-point display in the opening period, to leave his team 3-up at the short whistle.

Niall Rigney’s charges plugged away and did level matters after scores from Kevin Holland, Jack Buggy, county man Conor Fogarty and Eoin Brennan, but The Sash refused to be beaten and pulled away in the final stages to restore their 3-point halftime lead at the long whistle.

A quite stunning performance from Shane Walsh as Ken Coogan’s outfit made it back-to-back championship semi-final appearances.

ST CANICE’S CREDIT UNION SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Clara v Shamrocks UPMC Nowlan Park (Sunday @ 2pm) Dicksboro v James Stephens UPMC Nowlan Park (Sunday @ 3:45pm)

Senior Relegation Final Graigue-Ballycallan v Lisdowney Pairc Lachtain (Saturday @ 12:30)

Martin Walsh on the run as he gets away from Conor Fogarty

Mullinavat 1-11 Dicksboro 3-1 Having surprised many neutrals with their victory over O’Loughlin Gaels, The Vegas Boys came back to earth with a bump when they faced-off against a determined looking ‘Boro side.

The Palmerstown outfit signaled their intent in the opening minutes when some lovely approach play from Mark Nolan was rewarded with an equally good finish to the net by U20 All-Ireland winner, Timmy Clifford.

Mullinavat almost had a major of their own shortly after when Ger Malone’s goal-bound effort was somehow stopped

by Dicksboro keeper Daragh Holohan.

Man-of-the-match Andy Gaffney notched the first point of the game and this started a sequence which saw the No.14 notch several fine scores, before John Walsh struck over a free to get The Vat up and running on the score board.

Gaffney had his fifth score of the day before Mullinavat hit two on the bounce to reduce the deficit to five. Timmy Clifford and Liam Moore added further scores in the second quarter, but it was Andy Gaffney that was proving a real thorn in the side of The Vegas Boys. Indeed, any hope of Adrian Burke’s charges mounting a comeback were firmly extinguished when Liam Moore raised the second green flag of the day for Dicksboro.

Before the half-time whistle sounded, Andy Gaffney had his 9th point of the day.

The game was as good as over, Dicksboro twelve up at the interval.

Adrian Burke had clearly given his charges the ‘hair-dryer’ treatment in the changing rooms, as they emerged with a little more fire in their bellies after the break. Mullinavat game their supporters something to cheer when John Walsh hit the net in the early stages of the second period.

Burke’s outfit were much more competitive in the reminder of the game, restricting Dicksboro to fewer opportunities in the second half, but even against the wind, Andy Gaffney was dangerous.

The maroon’s scoring dried up in the middle part of the second half, but the introduction of Harry Shine saw Dicksboro notch further scores as they glided to a very comfortable victory, capped off by a goal from the very impressive Gaffney. James Stephens beware.

>> What’s up next Clara vs Shamrocks Ballyhale

Ollie Walsh gets himself in the way of John Walshs Shot on Goal

Dicksboro end ‘Vegas Boys’ run with dominant victory

The last remaining tie in this year’s St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship quarter-finals will take place on Sunday in UPMC Nowlan Park, when Clara will look to cause an upset when they meet five-in-a-row chasing Shamrocks Ballyhale. (throw-in 2pm) Originally scheduled for last Sunday, the game was postponed following the sad passing of former chairman and current vice president of Ballyhale; Patrick Holden.

This could well prove to be a tricky tie for Pat Hoban’s men as they seek to secure the final last four berth.

The sides met in the opening round of this season’s league, and it was Clara that took the victory that day with a stunning comeback in front of a large crowd in Thomastown. An inspired performance from wing-forward Liam Ryan helped Clara claw back a seven-point deficit and get over the line by the smallest of margins.

Clara went on to claim the shield with an impressive victory over Dicksboro, again coming from behind to snatch the honours. That day it was Chris Bolger that stepped forward and did the business.

Ballyhale will know that the Clara attacking unit has the potential to cause problems, and the Shamrocks defence will need to be on their toes and ready to battle against the likes of Bolger, Liam Ryan, John Murphy and Jason Byrne.

Goalkeeper Kevin Nolan has a steady defence in front of him, with Bill Carrigan and a spine of Langton’s out to spoil the forwards plans.

Last time out against Glenmore, Shamrocks advanced to the quarter-finals with ease and had some eye-catching performances from county men TJ Reid, Eoin Cody, Adrian Mullen, along with captain Ronan Corcoran.

Tullaroan await the winners of this one, and you’d imagine Shamrocks Ballyhale would love another crack at The Sash in their bid to claim another Tom Walsh Cup which would leave them tied with Tullaroan on 20 County titles.

This game should whet the appetite nicely for the city derby semi-final between Dicksboro and James Stephens that follows at 3:45pm.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 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

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JOEPARSONSGARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE • Hedge cutting • • Grass cutting • • Power washing • • Dry rubbish removal • • Tree pruning •

CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

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Classifieds Motors

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL:

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL:

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL:

We-Mark and Claire O Sullivan, hereby apply to the above Planning authority for Full Planning Permission to erect a flat roof open canopy to the front of our existing house located at Restharrow, Gowran Road, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Michael Condon MRIAI, Architect, MRC Design Ltd – 1 City Wall, James Street, Kilkenny Ph. 087 2032869

I, John Staunton intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain 1. Extension to the rear of existing dwelling house and alterations to existing dwelling house (previously granted Planning Permission 01/59) 2. Domestic garage and home office 3. Amendments to site boundaries and all associated site development works at Ballyoscail, Attanagh, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

We, Nigel and Aideen Skeehan intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build a two storey dwelling house, garage, new entrance, private bore well, wastewater effluent treatment system and a raised bed polishing filter and all associated site development works at Church Hill, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL:

I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intends to apply to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of my client Liam Murphy. Permission to construct Overground slurry tower and all associated site works at Kilmacar, 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.

- 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, Amber Petroleum Limited, intend to apply for planning permission for retention of development and permission for development at Rathpatrick, Slieverue Junction, Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny X91 E6CY. The development will consist of the retention of existing covered storage area and permission for the change of use of existing convenience shop to include part off-licence use, gross floor area for off-licence use 12 sq.m, and associated works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

APS Consulting Engineers, Lackagh, Turloughmore, Co. Galway. www.apsconsulting.ie 091 737 458

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

TOMMY FANNING 45th Anniversary In loving memory of Tommy, late of 104 Newpark Close who died on October 2nd 1977.

We are sending a dove to heaven With a parcel on its wings Careful when you open it It’s full of beautiful things

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

Always loved and remembered by your wife Marian and your son Tommy.

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.BL.

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.BL.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

Inside are a million kisses Wrapped up in a million hugs To say how much I miss you And to send you all my love I hold you close within my heart And there you will remain To walk with me throughout my life Until we meet again

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.D.

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

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

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

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

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. L.S.

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. A.S.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 30 September 2022